Monday 26 October 2009

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.

Friday 9 October 2009

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?

Tuesday 6 October 2009

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.

Saturday 3 October 2009

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.

Friday 2 October 2009

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.

Thursday 1 October 2009

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?

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.