Posts tagged freebies
How to Teach Homeschoolers about the Election Process
010 months ago
by Gena Maselli
in Empower
2012 is proving to be an exciting year for America! We’ve cheered for our Summer Olympians, and now, we’re gearing up for a Presidential Election season. What better time than now for those of us who homeschool to teach our kids—regardless of age—about their civic responsibility and privilege. Even if our kids are too young to grasp the concept of the Electoral College, we can still teach them about democracy, representative democracy, the responsibility of our elected offices and even how to vote.
While we may take it for granted that our kids will be active, involved citizens, the More >
Homeschool’s Newest Friend: the iPad
011 months ago
by Gena Maselli
in Empower
If you have thought about adding an iPad to your homeschool but wonder just where to start, you’ll be happy to see this article by Charlie Osborne. In the article, Osborne offers 50 Resources for iPad Use in the Classroom with links. And while the article focuses on traditional classrooms, many of the the apps are still good for home educators. Like you, I will enjoy looking through all the goodies.
There are apps for creating lesson plans, math games, phonics games, foreign language and more. The suggestions cover all grades – from elementary to high school, so there’s something for every More >
Creative Writing for Elementary Homeschool Students
011 months ago
It’s July. The summer has heated up, and all across the country home educators are waking up to the realization that the new school year is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you’re considering what to keep the same, what to change and what to add or delete in your homeschool in the coming school year.
One of the areas I’d like to add to our homeschool, is creative writing and journaling. My children are still young so I’m looking for a creative and fun way to introduce creative writing. I wanted to share some of the resources I’ve found.
First, I’ve heard lots of great reports More >
Free Summer Science Study on Plants
012 months ago
A few years ago, I was looking for easy activities to keep my kiddos entertained. All the endless hours of summer were driving us batty. So I put together this simple study on plants to keep us entertained and engaged. I used books that I already owned as well as my local library. Most of the supplies were things I already had in reserves. My kiddos had fun and learned something at the same time. So if you find yourself dreading all the free time that summer offers, enjoy this free plant study. Happy homeschooling!
Summer Science Plant Study
Books:
- How do Plants Grow? (HDPG) by Melissa More >
2012 Practical Homeschooling Reader Awards Ballot
01 year ago
Do you love your children’s curricula and want to reward their makers? Well, you can do it through Practical Homeschooling’s annual Reader Awards. Visit the Awards Ballot and cast your vote for the best and worst in homeschool curricula.
In addition to sharing your experience, you will be entered in a drawing to win over $50 in science books by Janice VanCleave.
Ballots must be cast by June 1, 2012. So get voting!
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Free: Growing Without Schooling, the Original Unschooling Magazine
01 year ago
Growing Without Schooling (GWS), the original unschooling magazine, created by John Holt, is now making all of its issues available online for free. If you are interested in learning more about unschooling, this would be an ideal place to find out more about it in its truest sense.
John Holt (1923-1985) was a professional educator who came to believe that education is an intensely personal journey. He advocated allowing children follow their own interests and was a forefather of the modern homeschooling movement. His book, Teach Your Own, is still a favorite.
Medford, MA, Sept. 14, 2011: Holt More >
Free Curriculum for Homeschoolers
12 years ago
by Gena Maselli
in Empower
If you’re a homeschooling parent who’s looking for fresh ideas to spice up your curriculum or free curriculum to round out your program, take a look at Homeschool Helper Online. The site is a collaborative effort, so you can share curriculum that you’ve created and enjoy the curriculum that other moms and dads have put together for their students. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Homeschool Helper Online offers unit studies, lapbooks, character studies, worksheets, holiday activities, phonics help and more–all free of charge. I was happy to print a unit study for Charlotte’s Web, a book that my More >
FREE Flashcards by Illustrator Jan Brett
03 years ago
by Gena Maselli
in Empower
Honey. Honey. Lion!, The Mitten, The Hat—these are just a few of the beautiful books by well-known illustrator Jan Brett. Her work is colorful, interesting and unlike anything else in children’s books. That’s why it’s such a joy to visit her website. She offers several FREE downloads—letter flashcards, addition flashcards, site word pages, coloring pages and more—all decorated with her remarkable illustrations. If you are looking for fun—and free—helps for your homeschool, be sure to take a look. And if you are unfamiliar with Brett’s work, make sure to check out her books. They truly are More >
Interview with Sonya Shafer of Simply Charlotte Mason
13 years ago
I recently sat down with Sonya Shafer of Simply Charlotte Mason during the 2010 Texas Home School Book Fair to talk about the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. Sonya is passionate about this method. Whether you are new to homeschooling, still considering taking the plunge or looking for techniques to fine tune your homeschool, you’ll enjoy hearing Sonya talk about this effective and “gentle” education method.
Sonya and Simply Charlotte Mason have meant a lot to me. I’ve learned so much from the Simply Charlotte Mason website, and I’m so thankful for all the free helps that Sonya and More >
Learning How to Lapbook
13 years ago
by Gena Maselli
in Empower
At the 2010 Texas Home School Book Fair, I came across a vendor that sold history lapbooks. This piqued my interest and I began researching how to make my own. That led me to a few web sites that have a lot to say on the subject.
Lapbooks are creative folders/notebooks that highlight what a student learns during a unit study. Think of them as a cross between scrapbooking and journaling. Lapbooks are filled with smaller sections, or “books,” and can be personalized to reflect each student’s age, giftings and interests.
If you are looking to learn more about lapbooking (what it is and how to More >
