Information on schooling, curriculum, classes online and thoughts from the heart. Feel free to post a comment! Winners will be selected monthly to receive a free Media Angels book of their choice, beginning in August 2009 and ending November 30, 2009.
Conferences are fun times not only for the participants but for the vendors as well. I was able to enjoy meeting up with old friends (we're not OLD we still think we are in our twenties!).
In case you do not recognize these amazing women...they are in order from left-to-right... Valerie Bendt, Debbie Strayer, and me! (I'm normal they are amazing.) We attended the Tampa conference this past weekend and I reminded both women how they were my mentors.
For example, I attended a packed room to watch Valerie tell us how easy it was to create unit studies for our families. That instead of giving each child a different book and workbook we could enjoy family life (and not over stress grading so many different levels) and teach them together with a "theme" or "topic" uniting us. Wow! I had never heard of the concept and bought every single book she had at her table! I was hooked, so much so that a few years later, about four, I was writing my own Unit Studies based upon Science, and joined the ranks of published author. I did tease Valerie that her daughters, dressed in period costumes depicting historical times, were a bit of an intimidation for me! (I hot glue, my mother sewed!). No matter, she was an inspiration to me then and continues to be today.
As for Debbie, what can I say. I learned by sitting at her feet … literally. Another convention, another packed-sold out room…and there I was on the floor by the front with my notebook not wanting to miss a word. This lady was telling me all about teaching Language Arts and the ways to do it using real books. Really? I didn’t need a text book and workbook with a teacher’s guide? Wow! (Of course I purchased all of her books as well.) As she spoke a man entered the room to set up a projector and screen (pre-power-point and computer days, people!). The screen almost toppled on her head and while all this was going on, Debbie kept right on talking and making us laugh. She quipped something about reminding her about teaching the kids at home while juggling household duties. My friend sitting next to me on the floor leaned over and said, “Felice, she sounds like you!”
Who me? There was no way I was getting up in front of a gazillion people and teaching on any educational topic. After all, I had left the hallowed halls of academia behind and I had joined the ranks of homeschool mom, wearing it proudly on my shoulder. The only time I brought out the “I was a teacher” line was when someone questioned my ability to teach my children at home. When you shared the teacher-bit with other home-educators the awe was definitely missing. It was a you versus them mentality for some.
So, where are we now? Ah, the new ages of homeschooling where vendor halls such as the one I attended this week end are sparsely populated by moms and dads. Why? Because, in my humble opinion the internet is the new information highway where parents can jump on, connect, learn and can buy books at a click of a button. Just let me say this, there is no substitution for talking to the author and gleaning the knowledge, they have to impart. These authors love teaching, know their stuff and want to share this knowledge with you. I hold both of these women in the highest regard. I learned from them, and while a late-bloomer compared to their accomplishments they inspired me to share my knowledge as well.
Check them out! Valerie Bendt: http://valeriebendt.com/ Debbie Strayer: http://debbiestrayer.com/products/default.asp
If you hear of a convention in your town, take a few hours and head over to say, “Hi.” You will be so pleasantly surprised that you did. Many of us think, “Oh, I’ve been doing this so long I don’t need to go.” I loved going just to meet up with these and other friends attending, as well. We all need inspiration and these ladies inspired me, once again. This time by their friendship, their dedication to the business of education, and continuing on by attending conferences such as this one, because they care about you!
What is your favorite conference experience? Please share it with me.
Today was a teacher duty day and the school kids were home, and will be home for two days. In case you were wondering, my children were in school at home. Think about it. We don't need mid-term exams to determine how our children are progressing.
I know their strengths and their weaknesses from working with them each day. I realize the more time we spend together the better I know not only their interests but also the topics they'd rather avoid. The other day I listed every subject on the board and asked the kids to rank them. There were two categories...one labeled favorite and the other most important. They ranked religion/faith as the most important and favorites ranged from math, history and art! (At least lunch or recess was not an option.)
Having a handle on our children's progress is important but obtaining that informaiton via artificial means really doesn't help anyone. I wonder how many parents are really surprised by the results of their children's test scores. I can tell you that learning the information by cramming and then proceeding to forget really does not help a student in the long run. That is why shows such as "Are you as Smart as a Fifth Grader" are so popular. The answer is, "Yes, I am." I should be. I have completed 5th grade many times...as a student, an educator and a home educator...I'm finishing my 7th season!
Look at progress as stepping stones. Take one at a time, don't look down, stay your course, and remember the big picture. The rainbow IS at the end of the path. It reaches upward, where our treasures are being stored.
Note: for those of you following my posts of Ten Ways to Jazz Your Science ... the rest are coming soon. Thanks for your kind emails and patience as you wait for me to prioritize this blog!
I had a great impact on my life and this lady was not "really" my teacher in the true sense of the word. Her name was Mrs. Hughes and she was my 7th grade homeroom teacher. She and Mr. Hughes (a college professor) never had any children. Their children were those who entered their classroom doors.
Mrs. Hughes wore sunglasses when she worked the overhead projector, wore her graying hair in a classic bun, and was very nice to me...always. She and Mr. Hughes were frequent vistors at my parent's Italian restaurant, "Tony's" in Winter Haven, Florida. Over meals they would visit with my mother and my siblings and I as time permitted. They were always excited to see me and interested in my schooling in highschool and college. When I married, I received a card from the Hughes and as a newlywed, sent a thank-you note and subsequent once-a-year, Christmas greetings. In fact over the years we never missed sending each other cards. The Hughes' learned of the births of each of my five children and would send birthday wishes on the appropriate days with cards containing one or two dollars. My children never met the Hughes as we lived miles apart. It was through the mail that I learned of the death of Mrs. Hughes many years ago, and the education fund Mr. Hughes set up for students in her name.
He wrote a long letter detailing thier wish to help other students at her alma mater. I wrote Mr. Hughes back thanking him for sharing his private thoughts, and he sent me another letter back. This was before the days of email and the internet, or I am sure Mr. Hughes would have been on board.
It was with sadness that several years ago, Mr. Hughes informed me that he would no longer be sending a Christmas card as he was entering a nursing home. I prayed for him and the changes that adavanced age was having on his life. This past Christmas I received a card and I could swear it was his (Mr. Hughes) writing on the front of the envelope, yet the return address was someone else's. It was a typed letter informing me that Mr. Hughes had died.
We were one of the families he had asked his friends to notify at the time of his death. The letter bluntly stated that he would have no funeral as he had no family and no children to survive him. Yet, he wanted us to know of his passing! He died on Christmas eve, 2009. What a wonderful and blessed time for him to retun to his heavenly Father and family in heaven!
What wonderful memories I am reminded of when I think of these two dear elderly people. They may not have had true children in the sense of the word, but they had a world of children whose lives they impacted through their generosity and kindness. As parents we can impact our child's lives in such a positive (or negative) way. We are to be reminded that life has many choices and we should strive to pray daily for the strength and guidance that only the Lord can bring.
I urge you to instill in your children a love of learning exploring and digging deeper into the facts. Lately, my children have been full of life, laughter and mischief and I have been rather harsh at times trying to get them back-to-the-books... I need to remind myself that true learning comes from experiences and interest in the topic at hand. Not all of learning can be fun, but with the right encouragement and direction, my children and yours, can be the light to others!
We are well into the holiday season; it is the second week of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas day. In this busy time, it is nice to take a break, and savor the festivities. Often in our harried lives, this is impossible, unless... you get the flu.
The Gerwitz clan has been struck with the flu. Perhaps with the dreaded H1N1. I don't know as we didn't seek medical help not feeling we were deathly ill ... well, there was one day... :)
I researched the symptoms online, talked to my friend's husband, an MD and decided we are all doing much better now, to worry about the specific type of flu. Dr. Bob said 90% of the people currently with the flu have H1N1.
What does it matter...we are on the mend (thank-you, Lord) and it takes me back to my original point, I've been able to enjoy the holiday season. I've been too tired for my normal high energy trips. I've sipped many cups of hot tea with my feet up. I've read (when my throat didn't hurt) aloud to the children, and eaten Vitamin C drops. We’ve watched Christmas movies, baked cookies and prepared the home by decorating a little at a time instead of the Saturday marathon in years past.
Everyone was affected in our family, except my elderly father who lives with us. He looked startled when I mentioned we might have the “dreaded” flu. The vaccine wasn't available to us and even if it had been, I'm not sure I would have wanted it. We now have very good antibodies in our system. Was it fun? No, not at all. It seemed to drag on forever. Our lives are built on these moments and our choices in regard to dealing with the issues that arise.
My children know about teachable moments. Our entire homeschool foundation is built upon them. This was another time to explain how blessed we are to reside in a state that has temperate climate. Today we were able to go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine while many states were hard hit with storms.
No matter what life brings we should always look at the bright moments. If not we will spend our time with would-of, should-of and feel discontent. For our family the results of the flu is a much slower life style and time to reflect and enjoy each other.
How wonderful to have this season to reflect on our dear Lord whose sacrifice makes all of ours seem weak by comparison. In this holiday season, I pray you find the true joy in knowing Christ and find that silver lining daily. This will be another Christmas memory to add to the pages of our lives. What are your favorite memories or traditions?
There are times when life gets in the way of schooling. Has this happened to you? Perhaps someone is ill, there is a new baby in the family, or it is the holiday season. There are times that video, computer and internet resources can be a wonderful supplement to your curriculum.
When we studied astronomy we downloaded free software that made looking at the night sky so much easier. We were able to maneuver around the night sky, look at planets close up and figure out what the night sky would look like when we went out in the evening to view the stars on a clear night. What a wonderful supplement to our curriculum (For software links look at our past newsletters in 2009)
Last year we studied world history and the children and I watched the series "Planet Earth". It was a spectacular cinematographic feat. I enjoyed it more than the children. We took notes, mapped the geographic locations of the varied DVD’s and kept track of the animals listed with drawings and additional research. This can be a stand-alone assignment for older children, with you keeping a watchful “ear” as you view the show, nearby.
Of course, since your children are grounded in the evolution vs. creation debate, hint, hint, wink ;) they can view these programs with an ear out for anti-creation thought. If not, you may want to look at our curriculum.
Television Programs: the most common are on the Discovery station and PBS Science. Noted shows include, "Bill Neye the Science Guy, Newton's Apple, Weird Science.
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Have you been to a hands-on nature center or visited a Planetarium lately? My children always enjoy a visit to our local center. There are so many great exhibits and this is one time when the children are encouraged to touch the displays! If your children are young, you may want to set some parameters, or limit your first trip. Our nature center changes exhibits from time to time and it is wise to ask the director or docent for information about upcoming themes. If there is a membership or newsletter you will want to join or subscribe.
Nature centers often include designated walks, museum, guides, gift shop, and group discounts. If you do not have a Nature Center in your town, perhaps you could find the closest one to you and plan a visit. Our children attended many of the science workshops they offered during winter, spring and summer breaks.
We are blessed that our nature center includes a planetarium. If you want a guide to teach your family the fine art of star gazing, then a Planetarium is for you. Most have shows (some that are pre-taped) and are very enjoyable and informative. (Well, if you can side-step the part that starts with, “Billions of years ago…”)
Most centers feature high-powered telescopes and many of the nature guides we have met have been very enthusiastic, some offering to stay as long as we wanted! I took an Astronomy class in college (I wanted an "easy" science credit (wrong!). Still, the experience opened up an entirely new world to me and to this day I enjoy the topic as do my children.
If there isn't a planetarium nearby, don't miss this great time of the year to explore the stars. I recommend that anyone can attempt star gazing at home or in a dimly lit area. It’s exciting to take a car ride in the evening to view stars. Get acclimated to the dark first. Put out a big blanket or get out the lawn chairs use a glow in the dark star finder and a good pair of binoculars and enjoy. (If you want more information on astronomy, I have an e-course of a recorded class I taught on mp3 with handouts here: http://www.talk-a-latte.com/astronomy.html)
One of my favorite books is Classical Astronomy. The author also has a newsletter with great tips and updates about celestial events. http://www.classicalastronomy.com/
What are your experiences with nature centers or star gazing?
Johnsonhomeschool... please email me your contact information at felice at mediaangels.com
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If you are teaching by reading science textbooks or having your child read the information in a workbook and skipping the experiments then your child may find science very boring.
This year my son requested a textbook for his 9th grade Biology class. This is a child who is a hands-on, roll up your sleeves and let’s gets into it kind of person. We have always used a hands-on method for science, keeping a lab notebook that was illustrated and scientific method sheets rounded off our curriculum. Use your imagination and you will understand what I’m up against this year.
The reason I didn’t like science as a child was the lack of activity in our science classes. I don’t recall doing any experiments until I reached high school. I felt a lot like my son, vocabulary that was extensive and concepts over my head. The amazing thing? When I read his text book I understand the lessons, the illustrations are beautiful and well explained and the questions are not extremely difficult. But, to him it is torture. We are a part of a co-op and so, the activities and the hands-on activities are demonstrated there. Yet, looking in a microscope is definitely not his idea of interesting.
I am supplementing his curriculum with television documentaries, old videos left over from my older children’s homeschool days, and online websites. Still, I don’t think Biology class will be listed among his favorites.
With hands on experiment or activity come a better understanding and a greater chance for the retention of knowledge. Just observing has its limitations, just experimentation has its limits and the scientific method in and of itself has its limits. Yet, I usually use a scientific method sheet when conducting experiments. These are easy to use and the child at least has an idea of the concept learned. (Click on the homeschool link on this website and find the downloadable scientific method sheets.)
Not everything is observable but with a mixture of reading about the topic and doing an activity or experiment, you will have a wonderful combination. There are too many great experiment books to mention. I have many reviews in my book, Teaching Science and Having Fun!
Have you had a year when nothing seems to go right? Or a method that does not work for you? Please share your comments with me!
There is something so refreshing about the thought of being outdoors. I know it all depends on the weather, time of the year, and a few other important facts, like did you a get a good nights sleep. Each of my children loves being outdoors. When they were infants, taking them outdoors was one of the ways to quiet down a fussing infant.
Here a few things to consider when planning a walk or hike:
Senses: Use your eyes, ears and nose to capture the sights, sounds, and scents ... and don't forget touch!
Obedience: With a few instructions, such as: staying on the path; not touching leaves of three (might be poison ivy or oak); beware of poisonous critters, your adventure should be fun. (Don't scare the children, just make them aware they are going into an animal's habitat and this is not ours!)
Possible supplies: A magnifying glass, binoculars, sunscreen/ bug screen, camera, pad and paper, flashlight, zipper baggie, tweezers, wet wipes, bug catcher container (for catch and release), backpack to carry supplies. Proper clothing, light colors in the summer and a hat, warm clothes in the winter!
Try to take walks in different ecosystems during the course of your school years. One year we hit several, took a break for a year and then went on many hikes the next. Begin simply in your own neighborhood then branch out. If you have never camped maybe this is a time to get started. If the thought of buying everything you need to “rough” it puts you off you may want to consider going to a “retreat” campground. Look around and see what is available nearby or take a trip! Another idea is to rent a neighbor's equipment or look on Craig's list or similiar types of local listings for good deals.
Mountainous area: Look at rock formations. In Florida, there is an abundance of porous rock called limestone. Many times the kids can use a sharp object and scrape away at it and find fossil formations. I have the children look at the rock formations and categorize them. You can have them collect rocks from different locations they visit or enlist family and friends to bring rocks back for them. One year my mother returned from Italy with lava rock. We still have it! Remember use your resources
Beach area: Study or collect shells, coquinas are great fun to watch (Take a clear cup and fill bottom with sand some water and these tiny creatures. Then watch them bury down into the sand. It’s neat. Make a shell collection/ organize and classify your finds at the beach. Rules: don't take any living critter that is in a shell. Empty shells are fine. We can no longer take sand dollars or starfish if they are living.
Swamp area: There is an abundance of swamps in the Southern area of Florida. I have first hand knowledge of this because we happen to live in the middle of an area known as the 6-mile cypress slough. Some of our land is underwater for a good part of the summer. While it may not make me very happy at times, it supplies an abundance of wildlife for the children to observe and learn about. Just this week we observed: white ibis, blue heron, marsh hawks, egrets and more.
Did I leave anything out? I am sure I did. Please share memories of nature hikes taken with your children.
With fall, fast approaching a garden may be out of the questions, but for those of us who live in the south now is the best time. The benefits of growing a garden are innumerable such as teaching children the art of: giving, responsibility, nurturing, productivity, and accomplishment. I am always astonished when I see the prices on the curriculum that "teaches" these things in a workbook format. Home education lends itself beautifully to incorporating all types of character formation, naturally in the form of life skills.
From a scientific point of view, the children could learn several specifics such as: soil analysis, seed germination, weather, seasons, calendar, insect control with and without pesticides, composting and fertilizers and best of all fruits of labor! You could study the body: eating, digestion, health, and nutrition.
My children have enjoyed planting gardens, especially my son, Nicholas. He is not one to sit still long enough to have his picture taken, but when his third garden was successful, he was excited to pose happily next to plates and baskets full of freshly picked produce.
Even if you can't physically plant a garden you can visit one. Even city dwellers are often found using window sill planters to grow herbs. There is nothing like fresh basil in tomato sauce, something we are able to successfuly grow!
If you have never tried srouting a bean you can do this easily with little ones. Take a dry bean (fava or something similar), wet a cotton ball with water and place both in a zippered sandwich bag. Keep the cotton ball moist but not wet, and watch your bean sprout! You can plant this or discard after your children draw or take pictures of it to record in their nature journals.
Do you have any garden memories? Please share them with me.
Congratulations to all of you who have posted a comment to my blog for the month of August! I appreciate your insight.
The winner for August 2009 is Heather.
Thanks Heather, for posting a comment to my blog...please contact me at felice at mediaangels.com for instructions on how to redeem your prize.
And...what is her prize?
Free books and free shipping. Heather you may select up to twenty dollars worth of Media Angels product from the catalog here: http://store.mediaangels.com
Email me your choices and your snail mail address.
Readers....would you like a chance to win? All you need to do is comment to a blog post in the month of September and you may be the winner that is blessed this month!
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It doesn't matter if you are using a textbook, workbook, unit studies or winging it, here are some ways to make your year really fun and learn in the progress Don’t limit yourself to these ideas. My prayer is this blog post will spur you on to think of many more ideas, and please, share yours with us!
Go Outdoors #1 Way to Jazz Up Your Science!
A. Dig a hole, your child will be amazed at what they will find. If you have manicured lawns try digging in an obscure section of a flower or shrub box. Make sure the ground is damp. If it isn’t you may want to water an area of ground where you plan to dig for several days in a row. This will attract larger insects you can observe with the naked eye. Bring a cardboard box out a shoe box or larger so you can sift through the dirt. You can make a sifting screen box to put your dirt in and gently shake it back and forth.
B. Bring a magnifying glass or better yet a lighted microscope and look at the grains of sand under it. If you can, use the same hole and continue to dig deeper each time.
C. Study the trees, shrubs or plants in your own yard or in the neighborhood, take a nature walk
D. Observe butterflies and categorize them
E. Observe birds and identify (one year we had chimney swifts nesting in our fireplace. We didn’t know what type of birds they were at first, but with some research we found out. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord provides?!)
F. Observe types of airplanes and helicopters that fly by and research
G. Take pictures of these things and put them in a nature album, with a brief description, which can be a single word for a preschooler or a paragraph for an older child
H. Draw pictures and keeps a nature album of all of the above.
I. Blindfold your child and have them identify sounds they hear. Let them blindfold you and you can do this as well
J. Study and observe weather or make various instruments to gauge weather
Do you realize all of the areas of academics that were covered just by the suggestions mentioned above?
Language Arts: writing, spelling, grammar, reading
Many of you have taken advantage of my offer for a free book mailed to your door. If not...please click the newsletter link to the left and find out the details. This is exclusively for newsletter subscribers where the details are contained.
I'm not the only one with freebies. My friend, and fellow Christian author, Penny Raine is offering a favorite freebie on her website here. Every Friday she posts information about her giveaways.
On a side note I subscribe to Penny's helpful newsletter. My daughter Christina loves it as well, especially for their money saving tips and good recipes. Give it a try and if nothing else pick up your freebie today.
By the way, I have extended my free offer of a Creation Science Study Guide until the end of August. I have not been able to keep up with all the emails with questions and therefore felt it was only fair. To date we have given away hundreds of books and I am Praising God! We are slowly combating evolutionary thinking in young children...ONE child at a time.
Here are some goals I have made in my science program through the years. The first is:
1. Exploring and Discovering: Many of my children's favorite school memories begin here. Giving them a box of science related equipment and an experiement book...or allowing them to take the science kit outdoors has resulted in great experiences. You may be surprised to discover that science can begin at a very young age. Give your children opportunities. I gave my then 3-year-old son bubbles when he took a bath. He soon learned that bubbles only form when he blew gently. Then, he found the bubbles could be blown again without dipping the wand into the jar by catching another bubble and gently blowing. He learned that bubbles stuck to some surfaces and popped when they encountered another. He did not understand the physics of a bubble, but this was the beginning of learning science! Slowly you can add some structure to your child's experiences, as they begin to explore and discover. The key here is to expose them to many opportunities. [Teaching Science and Having Fun, by Felice Gerwitz has information about science supplies found around the home and on a shoe-string budget!]
2. Learning Concepts: Beginning with the Scientific Method which is: observation, collecting and classifying, prediction and finding answers, proving a conclusion, evaluating and interpreting findings and discussing results. The scientific method is an organized way to approach science studies.
3. Applying Knowledge: The goal is to be able to apply what they have learned in new situations. This can be as simple as using the principles of heat to boil water, or as complicated as using the study in carbon dioxide production in yeast to make bread.
I pray that I’ve convinced you that science is important, and with scheduling you can find time to include it in your curriculum. Now, how are you going to keep a record of all the exciting things you are going to do? You may consider having your children make a record what they observe or discover. We have used nature guide books we created ourselves, or science diaries made up of good quality art paper in a ringed binder that they can bring outdoors (a smaller one for a back pack and a larger one for home notes and study.) In the downloads section on this website you will find handy forms you can print out and add to your child's school portfolio.
What do your use for science? Text books, work books, books with science topics? Post your responses here!
Next my top ways to J*A*Z*Z* up your science program.
Science you have got to be kidding. It is break time...isn't that school work?
Learn to schedule and become organized. This is not a blog on organization, but I have learned that with organization you will lower the frustration level of every member of your family! How do you get organized? It has literally taken me years of homeschooling to learn how to schedule: my homeschool/ specific topics/business/ household chores/, and my husband’s business and I‘m not done yet! Organizing under construction... Life has gone on much smoother with planning. (There is a link on this website under homeschool that deals with organization under homeschooling if you want to read more!)
So, how do you schedule science? a. Once a week? b. Every day c. Every other day. The choice is yours...d. Never is not an option. One of the simplest ways to schedule is to take several calendars, first a yearly calendar. As I begin by mapping out the approximate number of days I plan to do formal school second I use a monthly calendar, which has holidays and other scheduled events as far in advance as possible. I then coordinate the two blocking out no school days.
Look at the number of days you plan to school. Look at the curriculum you are planning to use. If your book has lessons you may do one a day, so that’s easy to plan. If your curriculum has chapters try to approximate how long it will take you to complete. One week, or two? If you are doing a unit study the rule of thumb is 6-8 weeks.
Another important part of any schedule is to have a formal daily plan. You do many of the same things daily without thinking about it... yet formalizing it, in writing, may show you areas with blocks of time that is wasted. For example I found I was doing laundry everyday. With 5 children that may seem normal, but I found if we all pitch in and work hard we can narrow it down to once a week. This leaves free time for other things. If you learn to schedule the entire day, (ahead of time) your weeks, months, and years will go so much better. It is amazing how much you will get done and with that comes a sense of accomplishment and that “YES!” This is the way it should be.
Why don’t we set goals and follow through? Because it takes work, time we don’t have and it seems on the surface insurmountable. I believe that some people are naturally organized. The Lord has blessed me with many things but he skipped the organizational gene. I had to learn the hard way: Or the way many of you have learned. First, I read some books to glean some information: translated (with children) that means a book that should take several days to read take weeks. Then, you put the book aside, procrastinate for a few months and when things come to a boiling point you decide to do something about it.
I believe science is the study of the wonderful world God has created. You can learn so much with so little. When the children are young, you don’t need expensive lab equipment to begin with. Teaching Science is important for many reasons. It utilizes all of the senses; it encompasses reading, comprehension, writing, spelling, mathematics, history, and critical thinking. Science is not cut and dry, it requires research and hands on activities. Often times we spend money on expensive critical thinking programs and workbooks. Science naturally causes curiosity in children.
There is a natural over lapping of subjects as well, if you are doing hands on science, especially in the younger grades. I found I was covering most of what was “required” for the year just by doing some of the suggestions I will be giving you. In fact we covered two years of science in one without realizing this...and remarkably this phenomenon easily happens, especially if you are teaching via unit studies. In my experience we would delve into a topic in detail much further than we would by reading a textbook, alone.
If you have considered unit studies yet are concerned about missing something academically for the year, you may want to invest in a scope and sequence, which gives information about what a child should be covering in each grade level. (My book contains a science scope and sequence.) As a life time home educator, I can share that my children did extremely well in higher education.
No matter what your approach to teaching science, I feel most children will love science if given half a chance. I believe half of the battle in homeschooling is attitude. If you love it they’ll love it... if you don’t well they won’t either. Something to remember, even if you don’t love science it is a required subject. They have to learn it sometime. I would hate to think that many children would be introduced to it at the high school level without enjoying all the exploration, experimentation, and fascination that can come when they are younger.
Make a promise to teach science this year on a regular basis. I know it’s easier said than done. If needed make a sign and hang it up reminding yourself that you made a promise to teach science. ;) Many public school systems are using science and technology schools to lure students into less desirable neighborhoods. Yet, most public schools spend less than 1 hour per week on science in K-3 and around 3 hours per week in grades 4-6. In surveying a group of my personal friends I found that most left science out of their elementary curriculum more interested in learning the 3-R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Many left science for the end, if they had extra time. Translated? This means they are not teaching science at all. Who, as a homeschooler has an abundance of time?
Did you know that one of the main reasons parents put their children back into high school is because they don’t feel qualified to teach highschool science. Well how many parents are "qualified" to teach reading, or spelling, or any of the 3-R’s? We know that qualification can not be confused with ability. Whether or not you have a degree hanging on your wall that "makes" you qualified, if you have the ability to find the resources for your child, you have all of the qualifications that you need. Many of my friends have shared that they learned along with their children. Why should teaching science be any different?
I never took High School chemistry or physics in school, and didn’t learn how to teach high school level science as an educator, yet I was able to teach these topics to my high school aged children. I also arranged labs with a brave group of my children's friends! I have found the resources to help us and that is how it should be for you, as well. One of the best tools you can give you child is the ability to research questions. A high school teacher with all the answers isn’t going to follow your child around for life and answer their most pressing questions. And yes, I have one homeschool-high school graduate that was accepted to a university and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 3 years. Believe me when I tell you it can be done.
What is your science story? Are there ways you have conquered your fears over teaching a subject?
10 Great ways to Celebrate Summer without Forgetting Science!
Part 1
Are you interested in action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, and discovery? Well science contains all these elements and many more! I can just see you shaking your head in denial. Yes, I am using those adjectives in the same breath as the words science.
Summer doesn’t have to be a time to allow your kids to park their brains. Instead, here are some ways to make your science program so exciting that your children will be asking you to do science everyday! Without God’s grace I wouldn’t be writing this. I disliked science as a student, teacher and even homeschool parent!
I had purchased various books for our first year of homeschooling, yet my child was having difficulty with some of the books. He just wasn’t showing the same enthusiasm he did when we went to the library and checked out non-fiction books. I also noticed strange things, such as the fact that he couldn’t wait until a rain storm ended. You see, we live in Florida in an area once known as the Cypress Slough. Translation for those of you not from this area, it floods during the summer rainy season! My children loved to wear big rubber boots and carry their treasures in a red wagon, which they towed along. They asked so many questions such as, “Mom, what do frogs eat?” Or “Mom how can you tell if it's a poisonous snake? Is it red on black friend of Jack, or red on yellow, kill a fellow?” Yikes! It’s time to get out the books.
If they found new pets they spent more time researching and categorizing and learning than I could ever get them to do with my hand picked curriculum. As I began to pray the Lord opened my eyes to see that, gosh, they really like science and they are doing all this learning on their own with a little encouragement. I found I could really teach them so much more if only I gave them a few resources and basic provisions. As an aside here, by planning your curriculum ask the Lord to help you it is amazing how He will! So, slowly my curriculum began to look a bit different incorporating many hands on activities. (And eventually I wrote the book, "Teaching Science and Having Fun" that is in the 5th edition!)
I believe science is the study of the wonderful world God has given us. You can learn so much with so little. You don’t need expensive lab equipment to begin with, or even at all. Teaching Science is important for many reasons. It utilizes all of the senses; it encompasses reading, comprehension, writing, spelling, mathematics, history, and critical thinking. Science is not cut and dry, it requires research and hands on activities. Often times we spend money on expensive critical thinking programs and workbooks. Science naturally causes curiosity in children.
My house overflows with books. I am a collector and I have enjoyed the years of home schooling as an "excuse" for feeding my passion! Now, I know times are tough and the home-library mentality is slowly being eroded by the e-book craze, used book sales and trips to the library. While all those things are good to an extent, there is still nothing like the experience of a child starting his very own book library.
My children have a shared collection of books. These include those passed down from their older siblings, inherited books and even books passed down from mom and dad. The children also have their own personal collection of book. My youngest, an avid reader, currently houses the collection of my youth, which is proudly displayed in his room at the very top shelf of his book library. Do you remember The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Trixie Beldon? Well, I had most of those books. The Hardy Boys were left over from my New York cousins visits to Florida, when tight space demanded they leave their books behind. I couldn't imagine how they could leave their prized possessons so easily, but at the time attributed it to their being "boys". It didn't matter to me. I easily read and digested those books as well, and any book for that matter that came close to within my reading radar.
My book collection began late, in the third grade. My cousin a college professor, who was married but childless, felt it was her mission to introduce me to the world of reading. She later went on to adopt two children, but in the time that she waited for her own to mentor, she practiced on me. The trip is as vivid now as those years past. Instead of our normal shopping and ice cream we began at the book store, where she promptly selected and reminisced about each title.
It began over ice-cream the week before when she asked me if I liked reading. When I answered in the negative I thought she was going to drop her rocky-road as she looked at me in horror. When I assured her I could read but disliked it as a pastime, she quickly masked her shocked expression and turned the conversation to what was a passion at the time, drawing and artistic pursuits. That all changed with that first trip to the bookstore.
The sheer volume of books purchased, eight titles was mind boggling to me at the time. Little Women, My Friend Flicka, Bobssey Twins, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms and the like topped my pile of books. I couldn't bear to hurt her feelings and say I didn't want any of these books. When I arrived home my mother was so excited to see them as she was an avid reader, but a working mom. She and I sat down together to examine each book and my father promptly built me a wooden book shelf to house my collection.
I still have every one of those books that have survived all these years. They have been read and enjoyed by my own children and hopefully by my grandchildren some day. I think the idea of keepsake books was at the back of my mind when I penned the Truth Seekers Mystery Series with my daughter Christina. The number of children who have read the series is astounding, many borrow the books from a friend but then urge thier parents to obtain their own copy. They don't just read the books once, but many times.
Recently was introduced to a lady, Jennifer McBride, by way of a publisher's group I belong to that is a homeschool graduate herself, and now stay-at-home mommy and blogger. She shares book reviews, current sales on educational products and other free and inexpensive homeschool resources. Check out her information at http://www.booksonabudget.blogspot.com and follow her blog to receive timely information in your email inbox each time she posts.
I think each child's book collection holds special meaning, and it is by far one of the best, and long-reaching investment on their education that you can make. Author (Secret Code Time), Paula Stevenson, is a librarian, and she discusses the ways she was able to talk to her daughter, Sky, about life-truths, through the pages of a book. Begin your children's book collection today. You won't regret it!
Leave me a comment below on your first memory of your favorite books for a chance to win the entire Truth Seeker's Mystery Series and back pack! Email me after you post at felice (at) mediaangels.com
One winner will be selected. Contest ends August 15th. If you already have the series, remember this makes a great gift set!
July is known for the 4th in the USA...but in our household the festivities begin early. On July 2nd we celebrate the birthday of my youngest son, Michael born in the year 2000, the next day is the birthday of my husband, Jeff and then of course the 4th, Independence Day. On the 5th, we remember my brother-in-law's birthday (Happy Birthday George), and then, two of my sister-in-law's celebrate birthdays later this month (Happy Birthday Janice and Jodie!).
Celebrations come in many forms, shapes and sizes. My son, Michael opted to stay home on his day, and picked his favorite food for dinner and movie of his choice. But we more than made up for that laid back day, when I invited friends (20+) to enjoy the 4th of July with us. We had a fabulous time eating, talking, sharing and playing! Kids ranged in age from one month to 28 ... and we even had parents and grandparents in attendance. The night was capped with a full spectrum of fireworks the like of which I've never seen before (in a private home setting, thanks, Lou!).
All of these celebrations came at the prefect time. The children have completed their year end evaluations, and I completed several deadlines. One author I have worked with is newly published (congratulations, Mark), and one I hope will be soon. I have been on a grueling schedule between work, home and additional family obligations. I took time off that was unexpected (not in the schedule) and I feel much better for it. My husband reminds me that we could work every day of the week and still not accomplish all we need to, yet the to-do list looms larger than life at times.
As you celebrate the joys of summer join me as I kick back a bit, put up my feet to read some great books, and enjoy family and friends. The impromptu 4th of July party at my home reminded me of the need to reconnect with friends, enjoy and share our love of Christ, and each other. How wonderful for these opportunities that present themselves in our lives. I am going to make a big effort not to let them pass.
Some people have a gift to light up the lives of others and Aunt Janet was one of those people. Last Saturday, at her memorial service held in the church where her son had been the pastor (he is retired now), we listened to the family pay tribute to this amazing lady and the legacy she left.
Aunt Janet was my husband's great aunt. She was only a few years older than my father-in-law and Aunt Janet's sister was Mart, his mother (clear as mud?!). My husband and I, as newly weds, lived in the house once owned by Aunt Janet and Uncle Eddie. I never knew Uncle Eddie, he died before I became a member of the family. Yet, Aunt Janet fondly remembered him and the great times they had in that little house every time she visited.
Memorial services can be very sad, and this one was no exception. She was a remarkable lady loved by her two children Tom and Dianne, her grandchildren, great grandchldren and their spouses. She wasn't a woman of means but she meant so much to so many people. She was a beautiful, classy lady. I remember her smile, her laugh, and her kindness. The way she would play with my children while sittng on the ground ("Well, how else do you build puzzles, Felice?" she'd ask. She didn't want the chair I tried to give her to sit upon.)
She would send me thank-you notes for my Christmas letters, and I found out at the service she photocopied it to send to family members. The most touching words came from Aunt Janet herself in a letter she had penned to daughter Dianne some years ago. It was a letter she had written to her "dear children" telling them not to morn her death when it came. They read this letter in which Aunt Janet once again shared how blessed she was to live a life, knowing Christ, being surrounded by loving family of whom she was very proud, listing them by name and sharing her happiness with the life she had lived.
Pastor Tom said of heaven, "It is a prepared place for prepared people." And, his mother, our beloved Aunt Janet was obviously very prepared. I am hopeful in the promises of Christ, and rejoice with heaven that a saint has gone home.
It is that time of year. Between preparing for online conference seminars via podcast and packing for a "real" live convention in Orlando, the flurry of activity in this household has picked up a notch. Amazingly, the children are doing well with their school work. I attribute this to the use of weekly check off lists. Our group activities have diminished a bit (other than the science day at the park, last week, where we met with other children and had a fun day of making a mess and learning science principles)! It appears that when they have a reason for getting their school work done ahead of time they step up to the plate and perform.
Times like these allow me to see the fruits of hard work and trial and error, which comes with parenting and homeschooling. I think many children need a plan, a goal to reach or a deadline. Long ago we implemented a daily checklist and the children obtain a sense of satisfaction when they are able to check off a subject or activity completed for the day. Not every activity or subject is covered each day, but the list gives them a framework, with blank lines to fill in a last minute to-do. I have used this method ever since Kindergarten. For those younger children pictures work well in place or in conjunction with the words.
Setting up this format of checks and balances, has allowed me the freedom to work from home in a business I enjoy; publishing, public speaking, and consulting with aspiring authors. I live by check lists and on days when I fail to create one or plan the night before I find myself floundering. Use what works for you and your family, but if you have not tried this method, I encourage you to give it a chance. All that can happen is the children will know what to do without asking your advice, constantly.
Not only did we have a great weekend, but we were able to meet with old and new friends. We stayed with the LoFranco's our Fort Myers friends who moved to GreenAcres, Florida. Saturday morning started out very early as we headed to a conference in Davie, Florida from my friend's home over an hour away. My husband pulled into a popular location to buy us coffee. He came out a few minutes later (I was looking through my notes for my upcoming seminar) and I knew his boyish grin held some misfortune. It turns out the lady did not speak very good English and while he ordered two coffees, one black and one with just cream, she smiled and told him, "I'll take care of this for you." Well, take care of it she did. Both cups were heavily creamed and with an abundance of sugar. The first sugary sip and the ones after kept me grinning all the way to Davie.
My husband is a sweetheart of a man, and if this lady said, "I'll take care of it for you," he just couldn't bring himself to correct her, much as he wanted to because he drinks his coffee black! This man, who I will celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary with in August is so many things to me. And all of them center on his compassion, care, and love for me and our family. Many people would argue that you should get what you pay for and in most cases I would agree. Our relationship is such that we could laugh about this during the day and he just smiled when I recounted the story to my good friend, Maria, who saw my coffee cup when she arrived at the conference hours later.
Relationships don't happen overnight. They take work, lots of work. There would have been a time when I would have not considered this funny...at all. What makes the story endearing to me was the fact that he couldn't hurt this ladies feelings. She was having a hard time and gave the gentleman ahead of my husband the cream and sugar (separate) when he asked for black coffee. My husband thought he'd be home free as he expected her to do the same and give little packets on the side. I still was able to drink my coffee and actually enjoyed it, he barely drank his!
This all goes to show that his care for this stranger was no less than his care for his family, in that when things aren't perfect around our home, and they rarely are, he isn't one to complain. There are no complaints if dinner isn't cooked to his specifications, on time, or at times forgotten! I've let the time escape and before I realized it, he was home. I'm great at fixing quick meals and he is more interested in my day, the children and just being home to care what is on his plate. As long as everyone is happy and healthy, he is happy.
I didn't mean to go on like this about my husband (who earlier in the day sent one of the children upstairs to my office to bring me a rose he had cut from a bush in our yard)...but he is a wonderful man. My mother prayed for a Godly husband for me and I pray for my children's spouse. I think we can all learn from Jeff. I'm sure I would have corrected the lady in the store and obtained just what I ordered. A little inconvience for me, because I know my husband's heart, is good for the soul!
[Note: By the way, at the conference Paula Stevenson and Sky McNeill gave a seminar to a packed crowd. The topic was Creating an Unbreakable Bond between Parent and Child. They will be sharing an online seminar sometime this month, and I will post it on the website, Twitter and Facebook.]
What a wonderful feeling to be done with a manuscript...well almost! I just read the next-to-the last draft of Secret Code Time: Creating a Unbreakable Bond Between Parent and Child. It is a wonderful book and one I hope you will look at seriously if you want to take your relationship with your child up a notch.
When I first heard of the concept (of this book) I thought, hmm, I'm a busy mom and I have a great relationship with my kids. After all, homeschool moms don't just spend time with their kids, we *live* with our kids. We eat together, play together, fold and put laundry away together...how much more togetherness can one mom stand. (Or her kids for that matter!) But, what I found in this book was a reminder that each child likes a bit of mom-and-me time. So, to try this out I asked my kids, each out on a "date" with mom. So far two have taken me up on it and the other one is pending time in his schedule (baseball season, you know!). But, that's okay...we have snatched time here and there to just sit and talk. What a difference that has made.
They say there is nothing new under the sun, and maybe there is not. But, this book has been packaged in a very real and heartfelt way. The author, a mom and her daughter share their story and how they made it work. The key is communicating from the heart, in depth and without harshness or judgment. Yes, respect is a must, but it is tempered with a parent who is open to learning and loving and taking the time.
Time is something I don't have. Working in my own business leaves me little fun, free time. This book has opened a door to put aside my work (it will still be there) and spend time with each of my children individually. Once the book is released I hope to have a place where you can post your funny stories relating to this book. Mine are beginning to pile up. Like when my littlest son, the talking machine clammed up when alone with me on our "date." First, he told me he felt bad not inviting his siblings (one was across the street at basketball practice and the other one had a baseball game...not like they were being neglected!). But, it was so sweet of him to think of others. I told him if we all went out it would be a family outing, of which we have many. And, I told him, I rarely got to hear him over the din of the people in the restaurant and his other siblings. Once he understood the plan, he was ready to go!
I never thought I'd have to convince my 8-year old that it was okay to go out with just mom! We had done it many times before, on errands, shopping for special gifts or even clothes when everyone else had bailed out on us. But, this was different, this was special, this was time for just me and him. What a precious time. Yes, I knew about date-night with your kids, but frankly who has the time? Least of all me. But, I made the effort and plan to make many more. We had a blast!
This book is more about just a special time and I can’t wait until it is released!! A few more months and it should hit the stands. Until then, pray for us as we look for the errant typo (getting fewer between now, yea!). Pray for our graphic artist, and the proof-reader, and pray for families…the greatest treasure!
It has happened again. I recently had a friend share that her child, a college student, was seriously questioning her faith, and now has lost it. This child was raised and homeschooled K-12. "What happens?" my friend asked, "Do kids just lose brain cells when they get to college?" Upon further questioning, I learned that my friend's child began questioning her faith when she was presented with the "facts" of biological evolution in her freshman class.
What shocked me was my friend never formally taught her child the creation vs. evolution model side-by-side and explained what each teaches. Now, normally this wouldn't appear odd. You would consider this a matter of choice for any homeschool parent. But, this person knows me well, knows about my curriculum, (I often feel badly for my friends because I get so excited about recent findings in the ongoing creation and evolution debate and share with them all the time.) What I didn’t know was her child had no education pertaining to this debate and they used general high-school curriculum, lacking the specifics.
You see, many of my own friends don't use my curriculum. And you know what? That's okay. But whatever curriculum you are using...please make sure you teach both models. Yes, Christian kids know that God created the world. The problem for a Christian? Most lack the scientific basis that confirms the Genesis account. Yes, science really does confirm Genesis. A parent teaches their children that they must believe God created. But many fall short of stepping outside the Bible. So, it goes to reason that secular universities (and sadly, many Christian as well) teach science from a non-Biblical and scientific basis. So, what happens is our Christian kids who are taught that God created the world will lose (or seriously question) their faith when presented with overwhelming "evidence," against this “myth,” which is Genesis. No one cares that the scientific evidence is unsubstantiated. When you hear evoltuion spoken about in the media we hear words like this..."We know that Dinosaurs roamed the world over 65 million years ago." How do they "know"?
In the Astronomy class I am currently teaching we've covered some major points. The biggest is that astronomers, to be funded by our US Government dollars, must believe in the Big Bang as fact or they will not get telescope time or money to research. A scientist recently lost his telescope time for questioning the Big Bang and coming up with another theory (not Christian in the least, but against the Big Bang!) We also have learned that CDM (Cold Dark Matter) the "glue" if you will that holds the universe together is "out there" but we don't know "where" it is...."what" it is...or "how" it came to be...but we are taught it IS there because how else is the universe sustained? (No faith allowed in science? Think again.)
Sorry for the soap box. It hurts when another friend’s child has left her faith because of supposed evidences of evolution. (I have lost count of the number of parents who have shared variations of this story with me at conventions, via email or in person.) It further hurts that I could have been a help, directly or indirectly in this child's life through my curriculum. You know what? I don't care if you buy my books, attend my classes to learn the other side, or purchase from another Creation Scientist's organization. Please, just get some Creation books and study, please. For the sake of your child, and their faith, maybe not today but when they are adults.
Conferences are fun times not only for the participants but for the vendors as well. I was able to enjoy meeting up with old friends (we're not OLD we still think we are in our twenties!). 
And the winner is... Penny Douglas. If you would email me at felice (at) mediaangels.com I will send you the details. You won $20.00 of free product shipped to your door. Check out the website store, make your selection and email me your choics, and your address: http://store.mediaangels.com 
Have you been to a hands-on nature center or visited a Planetarium lately? My children always enjoy a visit to our local center. There are so many great exhibits and this is one time when the children are encouraged to touch the displays! If your children are young, you may want to set some parameters, or limit your first trip. Our nature center changes exhibits from time to time and it is wise to ask the director or docent for information about upcoming themes. If there is a membership or newsletter you will want to join or subscribe. 
It doesn't matter if you are using a textbook, workbook, unit studies or winging it, here are some ways to make your year really fun and learn in the progress Don’t limit yourself to these ideas. My prayer is this blog post will spur you on to think of many more ideas, and please, share yours with us! 
My house overflows with books. I am a collector and I have enjoyed the years of home schooling as an "excuse" for feeding my passion! Now, I know times are tough and the home-library mentality is slowly being eroded by the e-book craze, used book sales and trips to the library. While all those things are good to an extent, there is still nothing like the experience of a child starting his very own book library.