Thursday, January 17, 2008
Time 4 Learning
We have had so much going on in our lives--relocating from MA to KY, a long vacation in CA, new friends, new challenges, new adventures. I have more than a lot to blog about--so much so that I have blogged about nothing because I am overwhelmed by everything.
So I plan to restart bit by bit, item by item.
So today I'll comment on Time4Learning which my kids started using at the end of last year. It's one of those resources that my kids latched onto right away--they actually begged to get online and use it. My thinking for it was primarily the math when we signed up, but the language arts units are also good. Because of the the game format and the way the kids' progress is tracked it grows more challenging as they master new skills, unlike many of the free games I find on the internet. Also, after they are done I can go back to the notebook section and see exactly what topics they covered and how they tested. It's actually pretty cool.
If your kids like computer games (do any not??) and you want to reinforce basic skills, or if you'd like to do "workbook" style repetition in a fun format, then Time4Learning is worth checking out.
Homeschool Mami
So I plan to restart bit by bit, item by item.
So today I'll comment on Time4Learning which my kids started using at the end of last year. It's one of those resources that my kids latched onto right away--they actually begged to get online and use it. My thinking for it was primarily the math when we signed up, but the language arts units are also good. Because of the the game format and the way the kids' progress is tracked it grows more challenging as they master new skills, unlike many of the free games I find on the internet. Also, after they are done I can go back to the notebook section and see exactly what topics they covered and how they tested. It's actually pretty cool.
If your kids like computer games (do any not??) and you want to reinforce basic skills, or if you'd like to do "workbook" style repetition in a fun format, then Time4Learning is worth checking out.
Homeschool Mami
Labels: language arts, math, time4learning; resources
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Homeschool blogging
Some of the homeschoolers on my local Yahoo list here have just started blogging, and it's reminded me--oh, yes! I have a blog, too! Imagine that.
The thing about blogging for me is it's almost and all or nothing proposition. Either I'm obsessed or I'm negligent. I have another blog out in cyberspace, too, that I've had longer and is more random and personal than this one, and it, too, is sadly neglected.
The thing I enjoy about blogging is that it helps me to hear my own thoughts. I have so much swirling around my head most of the time, that to actually type in sentences and paragraphs to talk about my life, helps me to know what's going on. Blogs are, for the most part, really for the blogger, and not as much for the reader, although I confess to being a blog-reader, too.
Today is a good day for us--we have a knitting circle of other homeschoolers here in our house this afternoon. This is my new obsession, although I have yet to learn to cast on. Then my kids head off to AWANA at a local church--which they adore. The other thing to which I am looking forward is continuing reading our Paddington Treasury. I never read Paddington Bear growing up, but it is a funny and well-written series of stories that my kids adore. Yesterday I bought whole wheat English muffins and marmalade so we could have "elevenses" with hot chocolate just like Paddington. My kids are wondering if I'd like us to move to England. I could be persuaded, I think.
Homeschool Mami
The thing about blogging for me is it's almost and all or nothing proposition. Either I'm obsessed or I'm negligent. I have another blog out in cyberspace, too, that I've had longer and is more random and personal than this one, and it, too, is sadly neglected.
The thing I enjoy about blogging is that it helps me to hear my own thoughts. I have so much swirling around my head most of the time, that to actually type in sentences and paragraphs to talk about my life, helps me to know what's going on. Blogs are, for the most part, really for the blogger, and not as much for the reader, although I confess to being a blog-reader, too.
Today is a good day for us--we have a knitting circle of other homeschoolers here in our house this afternoon. This is my new obsession, although I have yet to learn to cast on. Then my kids head off to AWANA at a local church--which they adore. The other thing to which I am looking forward is continuing reading our Paddington Treasury. I never read Paddington Bear growing up, but it is a funny and well-written series of stories that my kids adore. Yesterday I bought whole wheat English muffins and marmalade so we could have "elevenses" with hot chocolate just like Paddington. My kids are wondering if I'd like us to move to England. I could be persuaded, I think.
Homeschool Mami
Friday, August 31, 2007
Math Curriculum
Working hard at homeschool with the kids. Looking for some new curriculum. I am investigating what kind of web-based things I might consider trying, especially for math. Right now I'm seriously looking at Time4Learning. My kids tried out the demos and it looks like a possibility for us...
The longer I homeschool, the more I realize how different my kids are and how I really need to individualize things for them. I think my seven year old son will especially enjoy the computerized approach to math. I will post once we make our decision.
Homeschool Mami
The longer I homeschool, the more I realize how different my kids are and how I really need to individualize things for them. I think my seven year old son will especially enjoy the computerized approach to math. I will post once we make our decision.
Homeschool Mami
Labels: curriculum, math
Thursday, March 08, 2007
My recent favorite websites for school
I didn't used to be much of a worksheet homeschool mami, but as the kids get older and I am teaching three at once, it's a great way to be sure that they are progressing in math and handwriting. In addition to this we read, read, read both Sonlight and the dozens of library books we take out each week.
Here are the most current websites that I use with the kids, almost daily:
Kid Zone's math section has an unlimited supply of math worksheets that I love. I print out one for my little one, two for my 1st grader, and up to three for my 2nd grader.
Learning Page requires that you sign up for a free account, but there are tons of worksheets there on a wide variety of topics that I use.
Donna Young's site is a new one that was recommended to me and it has lots of hidden treasures including some interesting handwriting sheets.
Homeschool Mami
Here are the most current websites that I use with the kids, almost daily:
Kid Zone's math section has an unlimited supply of math worksheets that I love. I print out one for my little one, two for my 1st grader, and up to three for my 2nd grader.
Learning Page requires that you sign up for a free account, but there are tons of worksheets there on a wide variety of topics that I use.
Donna Young's site is a new one that was recommended to me and it has lots of hidden treasures including some interesting handwriting sheets.
Homeschool Mami
Labels: websites, worksheets
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Break a world record...
We will be trying to break a world's record by participating in the largest simultaneous read aloud. One of our local libraries is going to sponsor this. Check out the link and see where you can participate or how to organize your own.
Homeschool Mami
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Who are you?
I just took this quiz and didn't know if Jane Eyre was one of the possible people that I could be, but I am not surprised that I got her. I read this book SO MANY TIMES as a teenager and I have always thought that Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester had the loveliest romance!
Which Classic Female Literary Character Are you?
You're Jane Eyre of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte!
Take this quiz!
Quizilla |
Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
Which Classic Female Literary Character Are you?
You're Jane Eyre of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte!
Take this quiz!
Quizilla |
Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Spanish only DVDs
New rule in the house:
From now on the only DVDs the kids are going to watch are in Spanish. We get them from the library and also play the Spanish tracks on our regular DVDs. We are working very hard to reinforce the language with the kids because outside of our house, they really don't hear the language or speak it with others. They don't watch much tv anyway, so when they are allowed to watch a DVD it's a big deal, and they are blissfully engaged for the duration. If they can do that and be working on their language acquisition simultaneously, it's what I call a win-win situation.
Homeschool Mami
From now on the only DVDs the kids are going to watch are in Spanish. We get them from the library and also play the Spanish tracks on our regular DVDs. We are working very hard to reinforce the language with the kids because outside of our house, they really don't hear the language or speak it with others. They don't watch much tv anyway, so when they are allowed to watch a DVD it's a big deal, and they are blissfully engaged for the duration. If they can do that and be working on their language acquisition simultaneously, it's what I call a win-win situation.
Homeschool Mami
