Are your homeschooling parents and students struggling with essay writing?
The solution is available online. The Write Great Essays Workbook gives parents and students easy-to-follow lessons, complete with all the explanations, examples, and exercises they need to learn how to write great essays.
This proven workbook is ideal for students of all levels, from beginners to those who have struggled for years without achieving an “A”. Working through the Write Great Essays Workbook will benefit your students immediately and throughout their studies.
For more information, workbook sample and personal copy, see www.WriteGreatEssays.com or contact teacher@writegreatessays.com
Read what others have to say about the Write Great Essays Workbook:
“My marks went up a whole letter grade this semester after I worked through the Write Great Essays Workbook. I’m so relieved and proud.” Grace, Sacramento, CA
“There is something for every student in this workbook: from planning to writing to editing. Thanks for making it so easy to follow.” Mrs. Weston, Homeschooling Parent, Madison, WI
“I am so impressed with the improvements in my daughter's essay writing. She received top marks in her high school requirements this year. The lessons and steps in this Write Great Essays Workbook helped her master essay writing! Thank you very much." Mrs. Lee, San Francisco, CA
For 25 years, educator Liz Kind has specialized in essay writing, teaching students of all ages how to excel. Now, she has compiled these proven step-by-step lessons into student workbooks complete with easy-to-follow instructions and practical exercises to help students master essay writing.
www.WriteGreatEssays.com
Give your students the tools they need to excel at essay writing.
Showing posts with label home schooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home schooling. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Pizza Hut BOOK IT Program Open to Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers in grades k-6 for the '09-'10 school year may register for the Pizza Hut Book It! reading incentive program. Set individual reading goals for the months of Oct-May and receive a free Personal Pan Pizza for each month the goal is met.
For more information:
http://www.bookitpr ogram.com/ enrollment/ homeschool. asp
For more information:
http://www.bookitpr ogram.com/ enrollment/ homeschool. asp
Science Kits Available for Homeschoolers
This is a great way for home education programs to provide state of the art science classes for students.
Science Take-Out is proud to introduce 2 new kits and a new Variety Pack:
pH Testing - Students create their own pH color scales and test the pH of several common liquids.
Pollution Investigation - Students investigate the cause of runoff water pollution and learn about the environmental health effects of pollutants.
Science Take-Out Variety Pack - Get 11 different Science Take-Out kits and save $12!
Here is what students are saying about Science Take-Out kits!
You have everything you need right in front of you and it gave you step by step things to do.
It made me feel like a real scientist, and it also made me think I had a job to do.
I like it because we had all the materials.
It was easy to understand by the step-by-step process.
I like how it's hands on and I like hands on activities.
The lab had everything you need in the bag.
It's a very good learning experiment. I think it helps me learn.
It makes me feel like a scientist. The directions were easy to follow.
We get experience in labs and keeping organized.
It's fun to act like a scientist.
It was very helpful because you didn't have to worry about not having enough of something.
It is easy for me to find everything.
It makes me feel smart.
I like the lab because it came with all the materials with labels. I wasn't confused on what stuff was.
It is fun. You get to do all the work and be smart.
I liked not having to hear orders barked at me.
Science Take-Out at NSTA:
Our collaborators from the University of Rochester's Life Sciences Learning Center will be presenting two workshops at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) convention in New Orleans:
Science Take-Out: Kidney Function (Friday, March 20, 11:00-12:00 noon, JW Marriot New Orleans) - Experience two Science Take-Out kits, Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Function. Take home a sample kit and information on other Science Take-Out kits.
Molecular Evolution of Cholera (Saturday, March 21, 9:30-10:30 AM, JW Marriot New Orleans) - Experience a brand new Science Take-Out kit being created in collaboration with the University of Rochester. This real-life medical mystery explores the emergence of a new epidemic-causing strain of Vibrio cholerae.
Visit Science Take-Out online at www.sciencetakeout.com to see our entire selection of kits.
For more information about Science Take-Out kits, contact us any time at contact@sciencetakeout.com or call us at (585)764-5400
Science Take-Out is proud to introduce 2 new kits and a new Variety Pack:
pH Testing - Students create their own pH color scales and test the pH of several common liquids.
Pollution Investigation - Students investigate the cause of runoff water pollution and learn about the environmental health effects of pollutants.
Science Take-Out Variety Pack - Get 11 different Science Take-Out kits and save $12!
Here is what students are saying about Science Take-Out kits!
You have everything you need right in front of you and it gave you step by step things to do.
It made me feel like a real scientist, and it also made me think I had a job to do.
I like it because we had all the materials.
It was easy to understand by the step-by-step process.
I like how it's hands on and I like hands on activities.
The lab had everything you need in the bag.
It's a very good learning experiment. I think it helps me learn.
It makes me feel like a scientist. The directions were easy to follow.
We get experience in labs and keeping organized.
It's fun to act like a scientist.
It was very helpful because you didn't have to worry about not having enough of something.
It is easy for me to find everything.
It makes me feel smart.
I like the lab because it came with all the materials with labels. I wasn't confused on what stuff was.
It is fun. You get to do all the work and be smart.
I liked not having to hear orders barked at me.
Science Take-Out at NSTA:
Our collaborators from the University of Rochester's Life Sciences Learning Center will be presenting two workshops at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) convention in New Orleans:
Science Take-Out: Kidney Function (Friday, March 20, 11:00-12:00 noon, JW Marriot New Orleans) - Experience two Science Take-Out kits, Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Function. Take home a sample kit and information on other Science Take-Out kits.
Molecular Evolution of Cholera (Saturday, March 21, 9:30-10:30 AM, JW Marriot New Orleans) - Experience a brand new Science Take-Out kit being created in collaboration with the University of Rochester. This real-life medical mystery explores the emergence of a new epidemic-causing strain of Vibrio cholerae.
Visit Science Take-Out online at www.sciencetakeout.com to see our entire selection of kits.
For more information about Science Take-Out kits, contact us any time at contact@sciencetakeout.com or call us at (585)764-5400
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Home schoolers swarm to defend education
As seen on www.onenewsnow.com:
A home school defense attorney is warning New Hampshire home schoolers about a piece of legislation being debated in The Granite State.
Mike Donnelly of the Home School Legal Defense Association is warning New Hampshire homeschoolers of HB 367. If passed, the bill would require home schoolers to double the amount of reporting currently required and would allow a school superintendant or principal to determine if the home school program should continue or be terminated.
The legislation has angered many home schoolers who showed up in record numbers when the bill was being debated in Concord. "There were about a thousand home schoolers there. It was a record-breaking crowd, never been that many home schoolers," Donnelly notes. "In fact some of the people at the state house said that they've never seen such a large crowd inside ever."
Donnelly says he and about 100 home schoolers were able to give testimony. "Well if it passed, this would become one of the most restrictive [home school] laws in the country," he adds.
He states New Hampshire's situation is in stark contrast to the trend in other parts of the country where states are reducing the regulations placed on home schoolers. Donnelly says that the legislation will come up for a vote in early- to mid-March.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=431394
A home school defense attorney is warning New Hampshire home schoolers about a piece of legislation being debated in The Granite State.
Mike Donnelly of the Home School Legal Defense Association is warning New Hampshire homeschoolers of HB 367. If passed, the bill would require home schoolers to double the amount of reporting currently required and would allow a school superintendant or principal to determine if the home school program should continue or be terminated.
The legislation has angered many home schoolers who showed up in record numbers when the bill was being debated in Concord. "There were about a thousand home schoolers there. It was a record-breaking crowd, never been that many home schoolers," Donnelly notes. "In fact some of the people at the state house said that they've never seen such a large crowd inside ever."
Donnelly says he and about 100 home schoolers were able to give testimony. "Well if it passed, this would become one of the most restrictive [home school] laws in the country," he adds.
He states New Hampshire's situation is in stark contrast to the trend in other parts of the country where states are reducing the regulations placed on home schoolers. Donnelly says that the legislation will come up for a vote in early- to mid-March.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=431394
Monday, February 16, 2009
Considering Homeschooling Ministry
Considering Homeschooling Ministry™ is a national outreach helping Christian families discover the blessings of a biblical home education. Visit their web site at www.consideringhomeschooling.org
Two curriculum programs they recommend"
CLASS HOMESCHOOLS: Christian k-12 home education since 1967.
Tailored Curriculum: Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all curriculum
CLASS evaluates
results of achievement testing
transcripts and cumulative records
previous grade level courses and scores
parent comments and requests
CLASS then assigns
all necessary subjects appropriate to the student's level
lower or higher grade level
materials if more appropriate for the child materials to correct gaps in the student's educational experience
alternate courses, if requested by you
CLASS selects a best fit curriculum
When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. The uniqueness of each child must be considered when assembling a curriculum. Beginning at second grade, CLASS relies in part on achievement testing to ensure that appropriate materials are assigned to each student. For high school, CLASS also evaluates transcripts and cumulative records. When available, CLASS reviews previous grade level courses and scores. With CLASS you won't get a one-size-fits-all curriculum-you get the curriculum that best fits your child.
For more information on CLASS, go to http://www.homeschools.org/indexTailored.html
Abeka Academy: Excellence in Education from a Christian Perspective
500,000 enrollments since 1985
DVD: Supervise Your Child's Instruction at Home!...with either Program 1 or Program 2
You can supervise and be involved in your child's learning process at home. A manual with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions makes this possible. All textbooks, workbooks, tests, keys and DVDs needed for the course are provided. Students provide their own Authorized King James Version Bible for Bible classes. Pensacola Christian Academy master teachers provide daily instruction on DVD. DVD courses are designed for a 170-day school year. Courses are planned for school-aged children with minimal home supervision. The typical kindergarten day is 3 hours on DVD. Elementary students can expect to spend 3 hours a day on DVD plus independent work time. High school class time is based on 50 minutes of class time plus homework for each course. Students may enroll at any time during the year.
Traditional: Parents can teach without formal training or experience!
The A Beka Academy Traditional Parent-Directed program has courses available for five-year-old kindergarten and grades one through six. This parent-directed program provides you with all the necessary A Beka Book student and teacher materials needed to complete an entire grade. In the 2007-2008 school year, over 40,000 students were enrolled in A Beka Academy.
For more information, go to http://www.abekaacademy.org/
Two curriculum programs they recommend"
CLASS HOMESCHOOLS: Christian k-12 home education since 1967.
Tailored Curriculum: Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all curriculum
CLASS evaluates
results of achievement testing
transcripts and cumulative records
previous grade level courses and scores
parent comments and requests
CLASS then assigns
all necessary subjects appropriate to the student's level
lower or higher grade level
materials if more appropriate for the child materials to correct gaps in the student's educational experience
alternate courses, if requested by you
CLASS selects a best fit curriculum
When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. The uniqueness of each child must be considered when assembling a curriculum. Beginning at second grade, CLASS relies in part on achievement testing to ensure that appropriate materials are assigned to each student. For high school, CLASS also evaluates transcripts and cumulative records. When available, CLASS reviews previous grade level courses and scores. With CLASS you won't get a one-size-fits-all curriculum-you get the curriculum that best fits your child.
For more information on CLASS, go to http://www.homeschools.org/indexTailored.html
Abeka Academy: Excellence in Education from a Christian Perspective
500,000 enrollments since 1985
DVD: Supervise Your Child's Instruction at Home!...with either Program 1 or Program 2
You can supervise and be involved in your child's learning process at home. A manual with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions makes this possible. All textbooks, workbooks, tests, keys and DVDs needed for the course are provided. Students provide their own Authorized King James Version Bible for Bible classes. Pensacola Christian Academy master teachers provide daily instruction on DVD. DVD courses are designed for a 170-day school year. Courses are planned for school-aged children with minimal home supervision. The typical kindergarten day is 3 hours on DVD. Elementary students can expect to spend 3 hours a day on DVD plus independent work time. High school class time is based on 50 minutes of class time plus homework for each course. Students may enroll at any time during the year.
Traditional: Parents can teach without formal training or experience!
The A Beka Academy Traditional Parent-Directed program has courses available for five-year-old kindergarten and grades one through six. This parent-directed program provides you with all the necessary A Beka Book student and teacher materials needed to complete an entire grade. In the 2007-2008 school year, over 40,000 students were enrolled in A Beka Academy.
For more information, go to http://www.abekaacademy.org/
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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