History Curriculum Question

Sent in by D. Collazo

I've been using BJU history and reading this year for the first time. I was excited about learning subjects with a strong Biblical influence and world view, but both
myself and my kids were bored stiff. Have chosen to be creative and do
something else to supplement and use Library books for the next
semester, however, does anyone have any suggestions of exciting, yet
Biblical World View oriented curricula that can preferably be done at
an individual study bases since I teach multiple levels/grades? Thank
you. Any help would be appreciated.

PA Cyberschooling Options

Sent in by S. Stoudt


This may be a question biased toward the Pennsylvania residents on our list... I'm thinking about doing PA cyberschooling for homeschool, perhaps even as early as January. I know there are many options under that umbrella -- what ones have you all tried? What have you found to be the strengths/weaknesses of the program you've used? What have been the overall pros/cons of doing cyberschool as opposed to doing your own thing?

Fun and Easy Science Videos and Experiments in your In Box!

Submitted by S. Duggan

Ok, I know science can be one of those hard things, and everyone is looking for something different. But I absolutely love Robert Krampf and his site. We use his stuff in addition to what ever science book we are working on. It is a fast, easy fun, way to do a little experimenting and dabbling in real world science!

You can subscribe for his free written science experiments that come to your in box and you just gather materials and follow what he says.

or

You can pay for his video experiments and other online content like Science Photos of the day. You can access some of this content for free but in my opinion it is well worth it to have easy access to the whole thing. Especially since right now he is having a sale. He has also just set up special pricing for co-op, school districts etc.

Check him out at http://www.thehappyscientist.com/ and to quote him,"Have a wonder filled week!"

Upcoming Curriculum Sale

Sent in by K. A. Moyer

Thu Dec 3, 2009 4:12 pm (PST)

Save the Date

Living Waters Used Curriculum Sale

Saturday, April 17th 2010

9 am -1 pm

at Marlton Assembly of God Church

625 East Main Street
Marlton, NJ 08053

The cost of a table will be $10

Where Do You Get Your Curriculum

sent in by S. Duggan and M. Strong

When looking for curriculum at a reasonable price it can be easy to become overwhelmed by places to look and the mind can start to swirl while switching between sites trying to compare prices, shipping costs and which book edition you are looking at. So in an attempt to help people narrow the options they are surfing between I ask the following questions:

1) Where do you shop for new curriculum at a good price?

2) Where do you shop for used curriculum in reasonable condition at a good price?


Just give us your three or four favorites.
Please post your answers in the comments section, if we get alot of responses and there is interest I can later compile them and post the top 10 in each cagegory in a post.

Various Field Trip Possibilities, both near and far

Submitted by K. Moyer

Colonial Williamsburg and Homeschooler opportunities:
http://www.history.org/homeschoolers/

(It looks like this years programing may be past but you can get an idea of what they offer and check back for future programs. note by S.D.)


Valley Forge Program opportunities:
This program is designed for home school students who would like to
visit Valley Forge and get a unique
educational experience. Park rangers and costumed interpreters will
bring the past to life with special
programs and hands-on activities.

Program is offered on Thursday October 22, 2009 and Thursday May 13,
2010 from 10 AM-2PM and meets at the Visitors Center. Please reserve in
advance- no fee.
http://www.nps.gov/vafo/forteachers/edprograms.htm



Field Trips in the State of Virginia:
Here's the link for VA field trips, if you ever want to visit.
http://www.heav.org/resources/fieldtrips/index.html

Apologia Homeschool Conference

Submitted by S. Tom


There will be an Apologia LIVE Conference next year, March 12-13, 2010 in Baltimore. The registration fee is $95, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. I went last year in preparation for homeschool. I was encouraged with the speakers. I didn't prefer the contemporary music too much. Otherwise, it was a worthwhile trip and time away! Thought I would pass the information along to the rest of the homeschool group. Below is the link for the Apologia LIVE conference website for information and registration.


http://www.apologiaonline.com/live/2010/bwi/index.asp

Geography Program Opportunity

Sent in by V. Bird


Got this from another group I belong to.

http://www.geograph icalsociety. org/

Website is Geographical Society of Philadelphia, but Travelog films are shown at Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia, with the trip/documentary host being present. They offer discounted price for students. Films are usually a little over 1 1/2 hours, with a 15-minute break to talk to host and see exhibits and films for sale in lobby. Some upcoming countries:

10/14-India
11/18-South Africa
2/17 -Iran
3/10- Eastern Mediteranean
3/31-North Korea
4/28-Portugal- (by Clint Denn--he narrated live, not recorded)
5/19-Perilous Passages-Cuba, Sudan, regions of conflict

http://www.geographicalsociety.org/tickets.html

Spelling Suggestions

Posted by S. Duggan

I am wondering what people are using for early/mid grade school spelling? I have been using Spelling Power with V. for a 3 or so years now and like it. The approach makes sense to me and she has been doing well with it. In part it is based on the child being familiar with words because of the reading they are doing in all of life. That works fine for her as she is a good and fairly avid reader. My 8 year old son, A, is very different, a more audio learning, a reluctant and slow reader etc. He and I are both getting frustrated with spelling for him, he make mistakes that are logical based on how a word sounds, with so many funky different sound combos for the same sound in English this is becoming frustrating, fast. I am not a good speller myself, so I share his frustrations. Think I my need to switch systems to find something that works better for both us but when I look at sites I can't sort them out or know what might help. So thought I would start here for suggestions/advise.

Tools for Inventing and Creating

Sent in by Morna D.

My oldest son, H., has become enamored by this book of Leonardo DaVinici's inventions. He pours over it and tries to figure out how each thing is made and how it works. H. is now spending his extra time doing elaborate illustrations of his own inventions. I was wondering if anyone had some ideas on a list of odds and ends that I could give him to start making some of his ideas? I am thinking things we might have at hand or very cheap stuff from the hardware store.

Looking for Saxon 3 Workbooks

Tracy S is looking to purchase Saxon 3 workbooks if anyone has them available..Please let her know if you would be willing to sell, or give them to a good home.

Teaching about Money and Math Cirriculum Question

Sent in by Gwen P.

I want to start teaching my 4-yr-old about money but want some manipulatives (other than the real thing) to help guide the discussion. I know that both Crown Financial Ministries and Dave Ramsey have stuff I could purchase on teaching kids about money, but I'm looking for input/feedback on these two choices, and would welcome input on anything else you use.

Also, math programs: Singapore Math, Math U See, and Saxon Math......your thoughts?

Fire Safety Week

It's Fire Safety Week October 4-10, 2009!!

This site gives links and information about Fire Safety Week http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=1438&cookie%5Ftest=1

Teaching Fire Safety to our kids is not only a good idea it is also an annual requirement of the PA Home School Law. How you teach this to your kids doesn't have to be fancy or complex, just documenting that you taught the basics if fine. But it can be challenging to find a way to make it a bit fun or different over the years. So I thought I would suggest some of the resources I have come up with.

Philadelphia Fire Department (their schools link still seems to be under construction but there is some information available on services they offer, some of which would seem to be available to Home Schoolers). http://www.phila.gov/FIRE/safety/safety_whattoknow_schools_training.html


Sparky the Fire Dog:
http://www.sparky.org/ probably especially good for younger kids


U. S. Fire Administration for Kids
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids/flash.shtm includes information, games and activities and a printable "Jr. Fire Marshall" certificate suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.

Be Fire Smart by Liberty Mutual Insurance
http://www.befiresmart.com/children/ Video's, on line activities and printable coloring sheets

Survive Alive Fire Safety
http://www.survivealive.org/main.html variety of videos, links etc. by a group in the Mid-West. Better for older rather then younger kids, more text intensive.

Fire Safety Lap Book templates and resources: http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/fire_safety.htm
This looks like a fun hands on way to do a fire safety unit, especially for the hands on learner or crafty family. You would not have to use all the templates here but could pick and choose some to teach various aspects of fire safety. If you are not familiar with lap books you can check here for more information http://www.squidoo.com/lapbooking


A page of fire safety links compiled by somebody I don't know that might hold other helpful information http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/firesafety.htm


Sent in by Sylvia S.

Bartram Garden Field Trip Opportunity

Just letting you know about a homeschooler opportunity.

At Bartram's Garden they are having homeschooler days monthly, there is more info on their website. http://www.bartramsgarden.org/

There is a cost, but we went last month, and it was very worth it for us. October 14 will be the next date.

Sent in by Rachel O.

Added info. From Sylvia D.

Jen C. and I took our kids to Bartrum's Garden last year and we all had a blast, even without a special program. It was like being in the country without leaving the city. It is located at 54th St. and Lindbergh Blvd. here in SW Philadelphia.

There is also a wonderful children's book about young William Bartram called "The Flower Hunter: William Bartram, America's First Naturaslist" by Deborah Kogan Ray http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Hunter-Americas-Naturalist-Outstanding/dp/0374345899/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254572978&sr=8-1

This book would be a perfect addition to a visit to the Garden. It may be available at the library, I also own a copy that I would be willing to lend.

Proper Pencil Grip

Has anyone had experience with a child with an incorrect pencil grip?
My 7 yo, almost 8yo son has been holding his pencil incorrectly ever since learning to write (he hyper-extends his thumb and forefinger instead of letting it curve naturally), and although I tend to lean on the side of letting it go because he forms his letters somewhat correctly, I am concerned that later on he might have some sort of muscle problem, or not be able to write neatly or quickly. I am also concerned because his letters are a little shaky, and he writes slowly to me.
Can anyone recommend strategies or even a remediation resource?


Sent in by Dana R.

CHAP (out of print) Resources....

This link was on my facebook this AM from CHAP. Have never tried it but it is free down loads of books etc. many seem to be out of print or old resources each for just a day, was thinking that for some folks who have tight budgets etc. this might be a help. Haven't tried it though. It seems to be free. Am assuming CHAP has veted it to some degree?

http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com

Sent in by Sylvia D.

Free Children's Performances

Begins THIS weekend!

Free @ the Kimmel is starting its Children's Concert Series this weekend.

Sat, Oct 3, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Chip & Annie

Sat, Nov 7, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Bill & Tammy's Children's World Music Express

Sat, Dec 5, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Two of a Kind and the Give 'Em a Hand Band

Fri, Jan 1, 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm | Commonwealth Plaza

New Year's Day Celebration

World Music with Daria, Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band, and more!

Sat, Feb 6, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble

In Celebration of Black History Month

Sat, March 6, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Ohayo (Good Morning) Japan

In Association with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia

Sat, April 10, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Louie

In Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month

Sat, May 1, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza

Spiral Q Puppet Theater

For a full list of free events, visit kimmelcenter.org/free

Sent in by Beth.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

You can still subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse® PRINT Magazine (US only) for $7.95 - this coupon code ends October 18th. Please use coupon code HSMOM795 when you check out, and enjoy a full year of TOS for only $7.95.

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschooling/Are-You-Trained.htm

Sent in by Kath M.

Museums on Us - 70 Cities Nationwide - First Full Weekend of Each Month

Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, 2009; the program applies only to the first full weekend (consecutive Saturday and Sunday) of every month.

Through Museums on Us (MOU), a customer benefit program available in some 70 cities, Bank of America customers can get free admission to 120 museums and cultural institutions in the United States. See the website for details and conditions. You may wish to confirm with the venue before going.

http://museums.bankofamerica.com

http://www.heav.org/update/2009/september-30/text-only.html

Sent in by Kathy M.

Pens or Pencils?

Original Question from Missy S:

I am restraining myself from calling this a dumb question...do you (or any of our esteemed homeschooling colleagues) know in which grade kids start consistently writing with pen? Just something I was thinking about & realized it was yet another area revealing my ignorance.

-----------------

Responses

1. Sylvia D:
   My initial response is that it will vary from child to child (based in part on my sample size of 2). It will largely depend on desire to do so, how neat and accurate they can be in their work etc... Vicky could probably do that now but would still make mistakes and get frustrated at how it looked and at not being able to correct in an easy neat way. With Andrew it wouldn't be worth it writing in pencil can be enough of a mess!! I think it would also depend on what was being written, they both sign cards in pen, use pens for formal letter writing etc. For school work more in pencil to reduce stress and mess and increase legibility/neatness in work and correctablity.
   Don't know if that helps. Like I said I will throw it out and see what people say.
   
2. Ruth R:
   I believe that they don't touch pens till about 3rd grade. Still, pencils are used quite a bit in 3rd. By 4th and 5th grades, kids are using pens more regularly.
   
3. Terri T:
   Well, at my house we use a pen if the dog has eaten all the pencils . . . which happens. Truthfully, I never worried about it. My kids naturally started using them in high school for tests. The transition was painless.
   
4. Kami O:
   Will is now going to Delaware County Christian School. They were not allowed to use pen until the tail end of 4th grade, and then only for specific writing assignments. Now in 5th grade, pens were on the school supply list and most everything except for math is done in pen.
   
5. Cheryl B:
   I find myself agreeing with Terri on this one… (hope the dog didn't die of ink poisoning)
   Really, Hannah used a pencil for a long time and Sarah didn't like the way the scratching of the lead on the paper felt when using a pencil, so she moved to a pen earlier...but then I had to tell her she couldn't complain if there was a blot or something that had to be rewritten because of the inability to erase (we compromised as needed to get the work done.)
   Looks like everyone does it differently when homeschooling....hmmm, now THAT is a surprise!
   
6. Lori C:
   

   When my older kids were in public school, there never was any issue made of which the kids used, except for math (pencil only). The kids had pretty much made the transition by late grade school. It would be “uncool” to use pencil. In our homeschool, I still insist on pencil for most things except for final drafts. They can keep things much neater. But, where do those pencils go? Some days I swear the dog ate them, like Terri said!

Great Writing Resource!

I found this great online resource for encouraging writing. Vicky (age 10) seems to like it! Looks like it could be used with younger kids, as well.

Jenny Eather's Writing Fun "Using Text Organizers to assist students with the writing process."

(http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/writingfun/writingfun.html)

Here is the first example assignment on the "News" page. Vicky used this to make a report on W.O.W. (Wide Open World), printed it out, addressed an envelope, and sent it to her Grandfather all unsolicited by me.

Making Comments...

We are very happy to hear your thoughts on things posted. For those of you who do not know how, here is how you can make comments on posts.

Step 1: Click on the link "Comments" at the bottom of the post. It often may have a number before it, depending on how many people have made comments already.

Step 2: A box will appear below the post where you can type your comment. If you have a Google Account (the blog is hosted by Google) then you will be able to sign in. If not, click on the pull down box next to the "Comment As:" and select "Name/URL". You will then be able to type in your name (you can ignore the URL box) and then press the "Post Comment" button.

Why we're here...

You may be asking yourself, if you have made your way to this blog, "WHY a blog?" I mean, we have the emails to connect the Homeschoolers at Tenth Church to one another. We share prayer requests and helpful articles or resources.

This blog is not meant to replace the prayer request emails.

The purpose of this blog is to be the resource website.

Prayer requests will still be sent to Sylvia, but rather than having the helpful resources buried deep in your email inboxes with past prayer lists, they will be posted here so that they are more easily found and used. Send resource suggestions to Sylvia, Jen, or Cheryl.

The "Labels" at the end of each post will keep them in categories, so that you can search for all the posts concerning, say "Writing" simply by clicking on the link for "Writing" in the list of Topics to the right side of the page below the Helpful Links section. For instructions on making comments, click the "General Information" label.

We hope that this blog will prove helpful to you as you endeavor to teach your children.