I recently found an online spelling resource that I want to share. This website is free and provides a variety of spelling services. If you have a list of spelling words, simply input those words. From there, the child can here the words read, hear the words used in a sentence, and spelled. There are also printable games.
Once ready, the child can take a spelling test. There the words can be read to them or played in a sentence. The child simply enters the appropriate letters. Once done, the test is graded and a certificate or report can be generated with the child's name.
Flutterby truly enjoyed this site and got 100% correct on her first try, This may be a fun way to encourage spelling in your home! Click here to visit SpellingcCity.com.
A May 14th article in the New York Times entitled "Plan B: Skip College," suggests that a college education is not the best choice for everyone. Perhaps rather than encouraging each child to pursue college after high school, each child's abilities should be assessed and alternative options provided. The number of drop-outs and college students taking an extended period of time to complete their degree is significant.
"Perhaps no more than half of those who began a four-year bachelor’s degree program in the fall of 2006 will get that degree within six years, according to the latest projections from the Department of Education."
Attempting and failing at completing college can have significant drawbacks. Beyond the time lost and reduced self-esteem issues, there is a very hefty financial cost to consider.
"For college students who ranked among the bottom quarter of their high school classes, the numbers are even more stark: 80 percent will probably never get a bachelor’s degree or even a two-year associate’s degree."
Some educators and economists are suggesting alternatives which completely avoid a college career, as degrees are not requires in many fields.
"Of the 30 jobs projected to grow at the fastest rate over the next decade in the United States, only seven typically require a bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the top 10 growing job categories, two require college degrees: accounting (a bachelor’s) and postsecondary teachers (a doctorate). But this growth is expected to be dwarfed by the need for registered nurses, home health aides, customer service representatives and store clerks. None of those jobs require a bachelor’s degree."
Interestingly in Germany, where college tuition is waived, 40% of potential college students opted to pursue apprenticeships instead of attending university. This course of study was ideal for those interested in careers not requiring a college degree.
So does this mean that less is expected of students and self-esteem therefore adversely affected if college is not encouraged? Will encouraging vocational training over a college degree set the stage for an increased risk of unemployment and lower lifetime wages? Certainly the risks are there. There are opportunity costs to be weighed. But perhaps exploring all options with students will yield greater successes in the long run.
Today the family had a lovely hike by the Chattahoochee River. Flutterby got to observe a myriad of wild life. It seemed that everything was out for us to observe.
As we started the hike, we were seeing butterflies galore. There were many large Tiger Swallowtails and even more smaller species, like Cabbage White and Spring Azure. There were also many dragonflies to observe, which Flutterby is eager to catch.
A we proceeded onto a smaller, less traveled trail, we immediately heard bullfrogs croaking. We saw three Blue-Tailed Skink lizards along the boardwalk we traveling. In the marsh area, we saw a family of Mallard ducks swimming among the reeds, a mommy, daddy, and baby. Along the path, Flutterby was able to observe and identify some of the plant life, including various fungus and tree leaves.
Once back on the main trail, we caught site of a very large rat snake. Flutterby approached it with her grandfather and got so close I thought she would touch it. It quickly slithered into the brush to cool off and be left alone. As we continued, we came to a bridge over a stream leading to the river.
From the bridge we saw a Great Blue Heron soaking up the son in the Chattahoochee and various ducks in the river. Looking down in the stream, there were many fish. Flutterby particularly enjoyed the Sun Fish. There were also Suckers and Bass. As we turned to look over the other side of the bridge facing the stream, we saw a small brown water snake attempting to climb over a hump to go upstream, or perhaps drink the water flowing over.
As we returned, we saw many butterflies and birds, including blue birds. Flutterby even spotted two lady bugs. She loved exploring and was able to see so many fascinating things first hand. It was a beautiful afternoon.
We’re taking Friday off and enjoying the day. It has been another good week of learning for Flutterby and me. We have learned new things and reviewed things from the past year with Classical Conversations.
Flutterby has done well with her lessons and has hit her stride. She is enjoying the re-introduction of RighStart B and is so much more ready now. She has also enjoyed working in the garden, going for bike rides on the Silver Comet trail, and going to the park.
Flutterby also reviewed her CC memorization. She has her classification of living things, part of her list of prepositions, some of her geography, all of her Latin noun endings (1st declension), and her skip counting by 3s and 4s down pat. This is a pleasant surprise as we didn't work hard on it at CC, so in review it is lovely to see her recalling it.
I have learned that time and pacing are key. Flexibility is also extremely important of course. Although I am very relaxed with Flutterby, I can be hard on myself. So I am continuing to work on going with the flow.
A for our studies, Flutterby completed lessons as follows…
We also did various art, science, and other fun through exploring outside and other hands-on activities. I have daily reports listed throughout the week which can be accessed in the archive.
A May 11th article on the HSLDA website shared of the March visit by 38 homeschool leaders to Washington, DC. There was a legislative briefing with the HSLDA, a tour of Patrick Henry College, and a luncheon with representatives of Congress speaking.
There were discussions of faith, policy, and warnings of possible legislative changes which could impact homeschool freedoms. Most notable is the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization, about which Representative Jean Schmidt from Ohio shared concerns. Rep. Schmidt believes there are possible impediments to homeschool freedom contained within that legislation.
Homeschoolers must be vigilant. Erosion of homeschool freedoms may be insidious, which must elicit awareness and action. Read the full article here
I want to share a good resource website I have found. NotebookingPages.com offers a variety of free resources from printables, chart, and schedules to specific resources by subject. Give it a browse and see if there is something useful for you.
The Erskine Family's"LIVINGBOOKS FOR THE EARS" is offering a free audio book for download for a limited time. http://www.homeschoolradioshows.com/
It is nice to find resources for living books and I have signed up for their free newsletter and am looking forward to finding great resources for homeschooling on their site.
To download the free audio story of the Arithmetic Fairy by E. Nesbit, click here
Today went rather smooth with lessons and bike riding. Flutterby is taking well to the math curriculum. I am so glad I decided to shelve it at the beginning of last year after we had some serious events in life. We are both so much more prepared and just ready to begin this curriculum now.
Also, I am so pleased with how the phonics and writing are coming along as well. Flutterby seems to have hit her stride and just whizzes through these things with great enjoyment. I believe that adjusting when we do these lessons has been useful.
I previously attempted to do lessons in the morning, as though it were the “appropriate” time. However, playing in the morning, lunching, and then doing some lessons works so much better for us. Then we go on to do more fun after lessons.
Homeschooling is a learning process for all involved. I know I learn something every day, including how to do a better job.
If you are a homeschooler who frequents Borders bookstore, then you need a Classroom Discount Card!
All teachers, including homeschool teachers, are eligible for a discount card which provides a 25% on all educational and child related products anytime you shop at Borders. In addition to the daily discount on educational items, Borders hosts appreciation days twice a year allowing teachers to use their cards and their dicounts on ANY iotem in Borders!
To take advantage of this, you must have a discount card. The card must be obtained at Borders, as it is not available online. As a homeschooler, you must complete the standard application and bring a copy of your "Letter of Intent." This qualifies you for the discount card.
Please see their site for more details and make certain you sign up for this discount! As homeschoolers, we need any deal or discount we can find!
Today we are reviewing more Classical Conversations (CC) work from last year. For the past couple of weeks, we have been reviewing math, Latin, history, English, science, etc. Our struggle last year was geography. I think it can be a challenge to bring geography to life for a 4-5 year old. Even with map coloring, puzzles, Atlas books, and globes, I found this to be my weakest subject. Thankfully, I don't think it imperative that Flutterby memorize or learn this topic indepth at such a young age. Simple and relaxed exposure is enough right now.
Now I was not pushing for complete memorization during the CC program. Actually I viewed CC as a way to get our feet wet letting Flutterby practice sitting a bit and interacting with other children, while I was getting in a groove for lessons and having some accountability for work. Any memorization of facts was simply gravy.
However, I view this break from CC as a chance to move slowly and review. It complements the work we are doing at home nicely. Because I will be tutoring next year, it also gives me prep time for my lessons at CC next year. I am trying to improve my instruction so I will be successful next year in CC and at home with Flutterby.
Anyway, this is some of the work we did today along with some fun outside bike riding on a local bike trail…
Borders has started their Summer reading program! Children 12 and under are welcome to participate. All that is required is to read 10 books (any books), complete the coupon listing the books read, and return the coupon to receive one of the program books FREE! The free book selections range from Flat Stanley to Johnny Tremain.
You can download and print the coupon here or go to any Borders location and pick up a coupon. Get started today reading selections and earning a free book!!!
Today was our typical busy Tuesday. Flutterby went to vision therapy and to the occupational therapist. She did well at both and is making great improvements. She is actually to a point where her differences are hardly noticeable, if at all. The vision challenges have the furthest to go, but will be defeated in the next seven months, so that is a great comfort.
After the therapies and a break to watch a movie, we did some lessons. Flutterby has been showing interest in math again, so I decided to try RightStart again, starting at the beginning. Here is what we accomplished today.
Flutterby has truly been enjoying growing as a reader. Beyond her phonics lessons, she wants to practice putting new-found skills to the test. She wants to read independently rather than being read to all the time. The challenge is finding books that meet her skill level or challenge her just enough without frustrating her.
Lets face it, new readers face a challenge at the bookstore. The selection beyond BOB books is pretty slim. Certainly, I look for quality classics to meet her needs. But don't we all enjoy a bit of diversion? Don't we like the occasional magazine or fun book?
Well Phonics Comics are just the fun diversion we have been looking for! Flutterby was drawn to the colorful, clean, modern graphics. The level 1 stories are truly level 1 and so on. You child can read these "comics" aloud to you with little to no assistance.
There are a variety of stories and characters, which may appeal more to one gender than another. There are comics to meet the needs of every level of young reader as well as gender and interests. We will be adding to Flutterby's collection of Phonics Comics as her skills progress. It will be a nice reward for all of her hard work in phonics studies
Here are links to several titles at various levels...
Border's has the Olivia: The Essential Latin Edition (hardcover) on clearance in-store only! This book is usually $17.99, but can be found at Border's for only $2.99!!! I got the last copy at my location, so you may want to be quick! This offer is not on their website, which only shows the softcover at the standard price.
So if you are teaching your child Latin, like I am, and they enjoy Olivia, I would consider purchasing this one!
I am a homeschooling, stay at home mother who is learning along with her child. My child, I will call her Flutterby, has Sensory Processing Disorder and Convergence Insufficiency. So as we learn and play, I must keep these things in mind. Flutterby is my "wise little owl" and for whom this blog is named.
For the most part, I would say we are an Eclectic Homeschool family. I use a combination of Classical and Charlotte-Mason and a pinch of Montessori. We are also a part of Classical Conversations classical homeschooling group. My child is very young, so we have a very loose atmosphere for educating, with the strongest emphasis being upon playing and exploring.
I am really new to blogging, so bear with me as I grow. I will try initially to blog a daily report for what we do and throw in extra thoughts as they come.
, lessons 36-39
Lessons 1-3
pages 32-37
.
pages 17,18, 19
by Ian Falconer Translated by Amy High 
