Hi,
I am a homeschol graduate and a 2007 graduate of Belhaven College. I now direct Alethea Academy, a program that offers online classes in writing and Latin for home-educated students.
http://www.aletheaacademy.com
Emily Adams
emilyadams829@hotmail.com
admin@aletheaacademy.com
http://www.aletheaacademy.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Free Online Math Forum
New York, NY (Jan. 27, 2009) - Have you ever needed help with math problems but had no accessible resource to receive this help? InteractiveMathTutor.com has just created a math forum for students to receive free help with their problems.Members of the forum can post math problems in any subject from elementary math to calculus and statistics and receive help from an InteractiveMathTutor.com tutor, as well as look at each other's problems and work together."A lot of students have trouble with mathematics because it's a conceptual subject which you cannot just memorize," said Howard Heller, president of InteractiveMathTutor.com. "The Math Forum at InteractiveMathTutor.com gives students access to a free resource where they receive help with their math problems."InteractiveMathTutor.com has been a leading provider of personalized online math tutoring services for students throughout the United States since 1999. This American company, based out of New York City, provides tutoring in all levels of mathematics, including elementary math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics and business based subjects including finance, economics, and accounting. The Math Forum also provides a social community for individuals interested in education to discuss topics with other members. The forum offers educational categories to discuss such as The Teachers Corner, Parents Speak Out, Students Speak Up, and Homeschooling.To join The Math Forum at InteractiveMathTutor.com for free, visit www.interactivemathtutor.com/forum
High School Guidance Counseling for Home Educated Students
It’s One-on-One High School Counseling at R.O.C.K. Solid! The next dates available are Feb. 5th and 6th. and appointments are now being taken for this very VALUEABLE service. Read below for all the wonderful details, reservations, payment, and contact information:
Not sure what classes to take to graduate?
Need help preparing a transcript?
What about qualifying for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship?
A team of private school administrators are now offering counseling services to home schooling families not under a non-traditional private school, and can advise you in the following areas:
High school planning
Course and curriculum guidance
Information on the three current graduation tracks in the state of Florida, as well as the new requirements for the Class of 2011 and beyond
Dual enrollment
Advanced Placement courses and test preparation
Florida Virtual School
Transcript preparation*
SAT/ACT college placement tests
College choices
Scholarship assistance – including the Florida Bright Futures
Financial aid
Info on class rings, celebrations and diplomas
Counselors are:
Tracey Cavender is the mother of two boys, Casey age 21 and Shaun age 26. She home schooled them for 11 years. Tracey’s passion for families with older home schooled children led her to found Oasis Home School Co-op in 1998 and Oasis Christian Academy in 2000. She has had the honor of helping numerous families home school their children successfully through high school and on to whatever God has called them to do.
Pamela Knopf is a seasoned home school mom and is currently the principal of Global Impact Ministries Academy, a private school that provides cooperative classes through the 12th grade. She has earned her bachelors degree in Christian Education and is currently working on her Masters and PhD. Pamela is also a Certified Temperament Therapist as well as a former FPEA District Director.
Joanne Mastronicola has home schooled for 18 years. She currently has two daughters attending college – both of whom earned scholarships. Her son graduated in 2008 and attends FCCJ. She has worked with Eunice Christian School students for many years and has authored the book Piecing Together the High School Puzzle.
Make an appointment for one-on-one counseling today! R.O.C.K. Solid, 376 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville Both the student and parent should be present
Fee - $30 per hour, due at time of service. (Appointments scheduled for one hour unless otherwise requested.) Contact Joanne Mastronicola for an information packet and to schedule your appointment.
*We will prepare and provide you with an electronic copy of your student’s transcript. As the homeschooling parent, you are still responsible for validating your student’s credits and signing the transcript attesting to them. We are happy to advise you in this area.
Visit Our Website:
rocksolidinc.com
Not sure what classes to take to graduate?
Need help preparing a transcript?
What about qualifying for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship?
A team of private school administrators are now offering counseling services to home schooling families not under a non-traditional private school, and can advise you in the following areas:
High school planning
Course and curriculum guidance
Information on the three current graduation tracks in the state of Florida, as well as the new requirements for the Class of 2011 and beyond
Dual enrollment
Advanced Placement courses and test preparation
Florida Virtual School
Transcript preparation*
SAT/ACT college placement tests
College choices
Scholarship assistance – including the Florida Bright Futures
Financial aid
Info on class rings, celebrations and diplomas
Counselors are:
Tracey Cavender is the mother of two boys, Casey age 21 and Shaun age 26. She home schooled them for 11 years. Tracey’s passion for families with older home schooled children led her to found Oasis Home School Co-op in 1998 and Oasis Christian Academy in 2000. She has had the honor of helping numerous families home school their children successfully through high school and on to whatever God has called them to do.
Pamela Knopf is a seasoned home school mom and is currently the principal of Global Impact Ministries Academy, a private school that provides cooperative classes through the 12th grade. She has earned her bachelors degree in Christian Education and is currently working on her Masters and PhD. Pamela is also a Certified Temperament Therapist as well as a former FPEA District Director.
Joanne Mastronicola has home schooled for 18 years. She currently has two daughters attending college – both of whom earned scholarships. Her son graduated in 2008 and attends FCCJ. She has worked with Eunice Christian School students for many years and has authored the book Piecing Together the High School Puzzle.
Make an appointment for one-on-one counseling today! R.O.C.K. Solid, 376 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville Both the student and parent should be present
Fee - $30 per hour, due at time of service. (Appointments scheduled for one hour unless otherwise requested.) Contact Joanne Mastronicola for an information packet and to schedule your appointment.
*We will prepare and provide you with an electronic copy of your student’s transcript. As the homeschooling parent, you are still responsible for validating your student’s credits and signing the transcript attesting to them. We are happy to advise you in this area.
Visit Our Website:
rocksolidinc.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Fun Learning Game for Preschoolers
Homeschool parents know that keeping a preschooler challenged and busy are high on the priority list, regardless of how many children are in the home. I devised a fun game one day for my preschool-age son which combines his love of toy vehicles with my desire to teach him math. It's called "The Car Auction Game", and it's very easy to set up and even easier to play.
Begin by having your child(ren) gather up eleven toy vehicles. Matchbox size is best, but anything will work. While he's doing that, you can cut eleven squares of paper about 2 or 3 inches wide each, and number them "2" through "12". The only other item you'll need for this game is a pair of ordinary dice. I usually rob these from one of our board games.
Have your child(ren) line up the cars in the order they wish, and then place a number beside or in front of each vehicle. Each participant takes turns rolling the dice. The vehicle corresponding to the number on the dice is "won" by the roller, and the game progresses until no more cars remain in the lineup. If a number is rolled that corresponds to an empty slot (meaning that car has already been won), the roller loses his turn and the next player rolls the dice. When no more vehicles are left to be won, each player counts up his winnings. The one with the most cars in his possession wins the game.
To increase my son's counting skills, I have him count up the dice on his roll and on mine. He also learns number recognition by comparing the count of the dice to the label on each vehicle. This game also provides an excellent tool for teaching a child how to deal with losing. Sometimes he wins a vehicle; and sometimes he loses his turn. The moments of sadness over losing a turn are quickly replaced by the joys over winning on another turn. It's a wonderful way to show our children that you can't have it all, but what you do get is pretty good!
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Begin by having your child(ren) gather up eleven toy vehicles. Matchbox size is best, but anything will work. While he's doing that, you can cut eleven squares of paper about 2 or 3 inches wide each, and number them "2" through "12". The only other item you'll need for this game is a pair of ordinary dice. I usually rob these from one of our board games.
Have your child(ren) line up the cars in the order they wish, and then place a number beside or in front of each vehicle. Each participant takes turns rolling the dice. The vehicle corresponding to the number on the dice is "won" by the roller, and the game progresses until no more cars remain in the lineup. If a number is rolled that corresponds to an empty slot (meaning that car has already been won), the roller loses his turn and the next player rolls the dice. When no more vehicles are left to be won, each player counts up his winnings. The one with the most cars in his possession wins the game.
To increase my son's counting skills, I have him count up the dice on his roll and on mine. He also learns number recognition by comparing the count of the dice to the label on each vehicle. This game also provides an excellent tool for teaching a child how to deal with losing. Sometimes he wins a vehicle; and sometimes he loses his turn. The moments of sadness over losing a turn are quickly replaced by the joys over winning on another turn. It's a wonderful way to show our children that you can't have it all, but what you do get is pretty good!
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children With Their Reading Skills
1. Read books that contain print in the pictures.
2. Reread your child's favorite books.
3. Talk with your child as you read a book.
4. Read rhymes to your child and emphasize rhyming words.
5. Separate the sounds in a word, for example: D O G and then ask your child to put the sounds together to form a word.
Bstlearningdirect.com helps children with pre reading, language, and articulation skills.
Visit bstlearningdirect.com or contact them directly for more information about their program and a personal, guided tour of our technology.
2. Reread your child's favorite books.
3. Talk with your child as you read a book.
4. Read rhymes to your child and emphasize rhyming words.
5. Separate the sounds in a word, for example: D O G and then ask your child to put the sounds together to form a word.
Bstlearningdirect.com helps children with pre reading, language, and articulation skills.
Visit bstlearningdirect.com or contact them directly for more information about their program and a personal, guided tour of our technology.
Environmental Grant Available to High School Homeschoolers
Planet Connect Grant Program
Making a Difference Now!
Making a Difference Now!
Do you have an innovative solution to protect the environment?
Planet Connect can help make it happen!
Planet Connect is a new online network for High School students to learn about the environment plus green college and career options.
We’re looking for your creative ideas to fix an environmental problem at your school or in your community.
Planet Connect is offering grant winners $1,000 awards with $500 to support your idea and $500 for an environmental internship in your community.
Apply before February 1, 2009!
For help with the application:
download the application guide (pdf)
download the application guide (doc)
For more details, visit Planet Connect today.
Christian Homeschool Tutor
For anyone seeking a homeschool tutor, please consider George Gurgone. He is a dedicated teacher, father, grandfather and man of God. Read his resume below for more info:
Christian Homeschool Teacher Resume George J. Gurgone
What I bring to the table:
- strong academics. BA in English, MA in Communications. Academic scholarships to Jesuit high school and Jesuit university.
- former FCCJ adjunct instructor. Business management. Remedial English.
- excellent verbal skills. Able to explain difficult concepts in down-to-earth style.
- business ownership. Consultant and mortgage broker. Careers in broadcasting sales and Wall Street.
- internet savvy. I will enrich the learning experience.
- Christian leadership. Involved in men's ministry for many years. Small-group leader and presenter.
- Experience: life. No "tutor" certifications; they exist to give association jobs.
What drives me:
- a passion for learning. Intensely curious.
- a concern about the rewriting of history and value systems in our state schools.
- a special interest in educating young people. Translation: they will need all the tools to be the leaders of tomorrow.
- an ENTP personality. Look it up under Myers-Briggs. Short explanation: entrepreneur, big-picture person. WYSIWYG.
- a mature outlook. Have a son and daughter, and am intensely involved in my granddaughters' lives.
Shortcomings:
- no formal experience in test preparation. But I am a fast read.
What I require:
- parental buy-in to all of the above. I interview you, too. Parents and offspring.
Hourly rate: negotiable
Biblical worldview: non-negotiable.
Contact George via his email address: georgeg@fdn.com
Christian Homeschool Teacher Resume George J. Gurgone
What I bring to the table:
- strong academics. BA in English, MA in Communications. Academic scholarships to Jesuit high school and Jesuit university.
- former FCCJ adjunct instructor. Business management. Remedial English.
- excellent verbal skills. Able to explain difficult concepts in down-to-earth style.
- business ownership. Consultant and mortgage broker. Careers in broadcasting sales and Wall Street.
- internet savvy. I will enrich the learning experience.
- Christian leadership. Involved in men's ministry for many years. Small-group leader and presenter.
- Experience: life. No "tutor" certifications; they exist to give association jobs.
What drives me:
- a passion for learning. Intensely curious.
- a concern about the rewriting of history and value systems in our state schools.
- a special interest in educating young people. Translation: they will need all the tools to be the leaders of tomorrow.
- an ENTP personality. Look it up under Myers-Briggs. Short explanation: entrepreneur, big-picture person. WYSIWYG.
- a mature outlook. Have a son and daughter, and am intensely involved in my granddaughters' lives.
Shortcomings:
- no formal experience in test preparation. But I am a fast read.
What I require:
- parental buy-in to all of the above. I interview you, too. Parents and offspring.
Hourly rate: negotiable
Biblical worldview: non-negotiable.
Contact George via his email address: georgeg@fdn.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Getting Started
Now that you have determined that homeschooling is right for you and your family, how do you begin? The first thing you need to research is the state legislation in your area. Links to your state's laws along with a comprehensive start up guide can be found at http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere. If you live in Florida, another vital guide to homeschooling can be found at http://www.fpea.com/. More specifically, in the Jacksonville, FL area, check out http://www.herijax.com/ for local resources and support groups.
No matter where you are located, there is likely a group of other homeschool families that meets regularly to offer one another support and fellowship. Large cities are going to have more to offer in this realm. Some groups are designed to lend academic support to students, with parents sharing the teaching skills. Other groups meet strictly for social reasons, and still others fall somewhere in between.
Another helpful resource in some communities can be found in curriculum and school supply stores. Many of these retailers offer classes for parents on "beginning homeschooling" and "homeschooling the high schooler". Even your local library may have similar opportunities. Don't be shy! It never hurts to ask.
Great Deals on School & Homeschool Curriculum
No matter where you are located, there is likely a group of other homeschool families that meets regularly to offer one another support and fellowship. Large cities are going to have more to offer in this realm. Some groups are designed to lend academic support to students, with parents sharing the teaching skills. Other groups meet strictly for social reasons, and still others fall somewhere in between.
Another helpful resource in some communities can be found in curriculum and school supply stores. Many of these retailers offer classes for parents on "beginning homeschooling" and "homeschooling the high schooler". Even your local library may have similar opportunities. Don't be shy! It never hurts to ask.
Great Deals on School & Homeschool Curriculum
Why Homeschooling?
There are as many reasons for homeschooling as there are families doing it. If you are reading this, chances are you are considering it yourself. You may be having trouble communicating your child's needs to the school he's currently enrolled in. Or maybe the headlines about violence in the schools is getting the best of you. You feel that your child isn't being challenged at school. Propaganda about same sex marriage, premarital sex and other moral issues are permeating your child's classroom walls. You have religious views that conflict with the teaching in your local school system. The list of reasons goes on and on.
But is home education really the right thing to do? Will you be sheltering your child too much? What about socialization? Can you handle teaching subjects on a high school level one day? These are the dark thoughts that strike fear in the hearts of prospective homeschool parents. And fear is the ultimate paralyzer. If you are to free your child from the chains of public education, you must first free yourself from these doubts.
Sheltering your child is actually your job as a parent. No child is born with the ability to navigate this cruel world on his own. He needs his parents to act as a buffer, creating a bubble in which to grow and enjoy the lavishes of being a child. Innocence is lost all too soon, and it can never be regained. Like a sapling tree that needs to be tied to a strong stake, children need to operate within a close circle around their parents and extended family to give them support and encouragement as they develop and grow. As the tree grows it's own sturdy root system and trunk, so the child gains self confidence and knowledge. The tie to the stake is loosened around the tree. So the parent opens up the circle around the child, allowing him to make more choices and explore farther from the home. Eventually the stake is removed from the tree, for no wind or strong rain can uproot it from it's foundation. The child also becomes rooted in the teachings of the parents, and is unshaken by the perils of the world. Homeschooling gives parents much more control over the growth and development of their children.
Lack of socialization is probably one of the biggest myths that overshadows the homeschool community. Most homeschool parents are actually overwhelmed with choices for social outlets for their children. Music lessons, church activities, support groups, cooperatives and community sports and clubs are just a few of the many ways homechool kids interact and flourish as "normal" children. Because homeschool children interact frequently with people of many ages, they can often converse with adults just as easily as with small children. Public school children spend most of their days grouped with children the same age. Therefore they are ones who often lack the social skills needed to hold an adult conversation or to relate to the needs of infants and toddlers.
Hopefully by now you are feeling more at ease about homeschooling. It really boils down to parent involvement and responsibility. But do you have what it takes to teach in your home? What happens when Chemistry or Algebra is on the agenda? The answer is simple. Even the best teacher or college professor is not without resources. If you run into a subject that intimidates you, seek help! You can study the subject yourself, staying ahead of your child in the curriculum. This keeps your brain sharp and allows for free continuing education for yourself. Or you can hire a tutor. Nothing says you cannot use outside sources to enhance your child's learning. Think of yourself as both teacher and school administrator, hiring additional instructors as they are needed. Many communities also offer homeschool cooperatives, hybrid homeschool-private schools that rely on parent volunteers for teachers. Even local community colleges are courting the homeschool student, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers wanting to earn college credits while they finish high school.
Homeschooling is rewarding in so many ways. Students can progress at their own pace and explore in depth subjects of great interest to them, in addition to the typical reading, writing and math. Resources are endless. The Internet, computer software, libraries, educational television programs and dvds, conventional curriculum and even tutors are fair game. Families can plan their own fieldtrips to give students more hands-on opportunities to learn.
But most of all, homeschooling keeps families close in their relationships with one another. Children grow up respecting parents as authority figures, teachers, mentors and companions. Parents stay connected to children through the trials of growing up, offering the love and support that fosters self confidence and responsible behavior. It's a win-win situation, but it takes hard work and dedication. Some parents view it as a sacrifice, but it is definitely the best investment anyone can make in the future.
But is home education really the right thing to do? Will you be sheltering your child too much? What about socialization? Can you handle teaching subjects on a high school level one day? These are the dark thoughts that strike fear in the hearts of prospective homeschool parents. And fear is the ultimate paralyzer. If you are to free your child from the chains of public education, you must first free yourself from these doubts.
Sheltering your child is actually your job as a parent. No child is born with the ability to navigate this cruel world on his own. He needs his parents to act as a buffer, creating a bubble in which to grow and enjoy the lavishes of being a child. Innocence is lost all too soon, and it can never be regained. Like a sapling tree that needs to be tied to a strong stake, children need to operate within a close circle around their parents and extended family to give them support and encouragement as they develop and grow. As the tree grows it's own sturdy root system and trunk, so the child gains self confidence and knowledge. The tie to the stake is loosened around the tree. So the parent opens up the circle around the child, allowing him to make more choices and explore farther from the home. Eventually the stake is removed from the tree, for no wind or strong rain can uproot it from it's foundation. The child also becomes rooted in the teachings of the parents, and is unshaken by the perils of the world. Homeschooling gives parents much more control over the growth and development of their children.
Lack of socialization is probably one of the biggest myths that overshadows the homeschool community. Most homeschool parents are actually overwhelmed with choices for social outlets for their children. Music lessons, church activities, support groups, cooperatives and community sports and clubs are just a few of the many ways homechool kids interact and flourish as "normal" children. Because homeschool children interact frequently with people of many ages, they can often converse with adults just as easily as with small children. Public school children spend most of their days grouped with children the same age. Therefore they are ones who often lack the social skills needed to hold an adult conversation or to relate to the needs of infants and toddlers.
Hopefully by now you are feeling more at ease about homeschooling. It really boils down to parent involvement and responsibility. But do you have what it takes to teach in your home? What happens when Chemistry or Algebra is on the agenda? The answer is simple. Even the best teacher or college professor is not without resources. If you run into a subject that intimidates you, seek help! You can study the subject yourself, staying ahead of your child in the curriculum. This keeps your brain sharp and allows for free continuing education for yourself. Or you can hire a tutor. Nothing says you cannot use outside sources to enhance your child's learning. Think of yourself as both teacher and school administrator, hiring additional instructors as they are needed. Many communities also offer homeschool cooperatives, hybrid homeschool-private schools that rely on parent volunteers for teachers. Even local community colleges are courting the homeschool student, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers wanting to earn college credits while they finish high school.
Homeschooling is rewarding in so many ways. Students can progress at their own pace and explore in depth subjects of great interest to them, in addition to the typical reading, writing and math. Resources are endless. The Internet, computer software, libraries, educational television programs and dvds, conventional curriculum and even tutors are fair game. Families can plan their own fieldtrips to give students more hands-on opportunities to learn.
But most of all, homeschooling keeps families close in their relationships with one another. Children grow up respecting parents as authority figures, teachers, mentors and companions. Parents stay connected to children through the trials of growing up, offering the love and support that fosters self confidence and responsible behavior. It's a win-win situation, but it takes hard work and dedication. Some parents view it as a sacrifice, but it is definitely the best investment anyone can make in the future.
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