Nov
30
2008
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Homeschool Video Blog - Show 4, Part 1

cbtoolkit asked:


All episodes are posted at HomeschoolVideoBlog.com. Discussions on why this family chooses to homeschool plus…

Charlene

Written by Dr. John in: Homeschool | Tags: , ,
Nov
30
2008
0

Homeschooling Socialization: The Greatest Conflict of Homeschooling

homeschool
Remy Jirek asked:


Homeschooling socialization is by far the most major conflict in relation to homeschooling. The problem is that, by removing your children from the public school environment, you are depriving them of the social development offered by public schools. After all, it would be difficult for a child to develop social skills when they are not given the opportunity to interact with other children. As such, this remains as a huge homeschooling disadvantage.

Is This Best For My Child?

As a parent, a great concern should be placed on your child’s social development. Whether they are in the job market or the super market, being socially adjusted will help anybody excel in life. While research shows that there is a homeschooling advantage (in many different ways), losing the ability to learn how to be social is always a disadvantage to any homeschooling curriculum.

This problem, unfortunately, goes beyond losing the opportunity to develop social skills, as children will also lose the opportunity to develop close, interpersonal relationships with other children. However, as strong as these problems are, they can be avoided by extending your homeschooling program to allow for your child to interact with other children. You simply need to expose them to a social environment, such as a public park or a sports league. After all, with all of the advantages homeschooling offers, taking the time to ensure social behavior of your child is a small price to pay in making sure your child develops as a well-rounded individual.

How Can I Start?

If you are interested in homeschooling your child, find a homeschooling resource to create your own homeschooling program. If you want religious teachings to be a part of your child’s daily education, find a Christian homeschooling guide, as many are available on the Web if you take the time to do a little research. Additionally, you can choose to use homeschooling software to educate your child by finding a program that offers homeschooling online.

For parents that feel as though they need to speak with someone directly to answer all of their questions, seek out homeschool counseling, as these counselors will give you the resources you need to establish your own homeschool. Finally, be patient, as creating a curriculum is not an easy task.

Remember, while homeschools do not offer the same social environment offered by public schools, the advantages are clear. Because of the amount of time you will have to spend with your child, you will bond with him or her in a way that most parents do not get to bond with their children: education. Additionally, because you set the curriculum, you get to decide what information your child should learn and what information they should not learn.

Finally, you will have the benefit of knowing exactly what your child is being taught, meaning that a public school instructor will not have the opportunity to teach things to your child that you do not agree with. Homeschooling is not right for everyone, but if you feel it is right for your child, then it would definitely be worth your time to look into homeschooling as an option.



Amber
Nov
30
2008
0

Home School Myths: No Socialization" Myth of Homeschooling

homeschool
Mimi Rothschild asked:


One of the greatest myths that exist about the homeschooling phenomenon is that children who learn at home will not develop the necessary social skills needed for later in life. This belief is due to a narrow view of the process of socialization and a misunderstanding of homeschooling in general.

Socialization can occur in many forms. Sitting in a public school classroom with 20 other children is one limited form. In fact, homeschoolers have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of social situations that a typical school setting would not allow. Homeschoolers who have siblings have a built in social environment in the family unit. They are able to learn communication skills and problem solving skills through daily interaction with their brothers or sisters. Attending church and/or a weekly Sunday school class also gives homeschoolers interaction with other children their age, in addition to adults. Children who attend homeschooling groups have interaction with other students of various ages, teaching them how to socialize with older and younger children.

The very nature of the homeschool curriculum gives homeschooling families a flexible schedule. Students are free to join groups such as the 4-H club, the Girl Scouts or the Boy Scouts, or clubs offered by the local YMCA. In fact, local homeschoolers can get together and can start their own clubs! What a great opportunity to learn about responsibility and leadership.

Parents of homeschoolers can take an active role in the socialization of their children. There are many options to pursue. The first step is to find other homeschoolers in the area. There will be a ready bond between homeschool students because of their shared educational experiences. Another step is to find out which clubs are available for their children to join. There were several previously mentioned, but organized sports can also offer a great outlet for social interaction. Many skills can be learned from playing on a local soccer or baseball team, such as maintaining a positive attitude, working well with other people, and being a responsible member of a larger group.

Taking homeschoolers to the local park where other children in the community play is an easy way to give them social interaction with peers. There are also many opportunities for volunteer activities for homeschoolers to participate in. Places like nursing homes, soup kitchens, and state parks are always looking for eager helpers. Being a volunteer teaches homeschool students that they are a part of a larger community and each community member has the responsibility to serve where they are willing and able.

The next time someone tells you that they do not think homeschooling allows for the proper socialization of children, you can just smile and explain how they are mistaken!



Jacqueline
Nov
29
2008
0

Home School Program Information

Home schooling allows the parent and child to pick from three different approaches to teaching. Most home schooling programs are exposed to all three approaches at some point. In a public or private school, teachers always plan the curriculum with textbooks. They usually follow the textbook chapter by chapter, sometimes skipping around. Home school students are taught three ways: textbook driven instruction, theme driven instruction, and interest driven instruction.

Textbook driven instruction follows each subject chapter by chapter. It is very structured and organized, which makes this approach the easiest for parents new to home schooling. With families of several children in different grades, this type of teaching is more difficult because it is more time consuming. There is not much flexibility in learning topics or variety; it is more like traditional teaching. This type of teaching focuses on drills and rote memory, instead of understanding. If your child enjoys following a workbook and memorizing details and facts or is task oriented and has a long attention span, this is the approach for him/her.

On the other hand, if your child has an inquisitive nature about the world around him/her and asks a lot of “why” questions with plenty of imagination and creativity maybe an interest driven approach will suit him/her better. This approach is for those students that despise structure and routine and prefer variety and spontaneity. Although this approach requires little to no academic planning, it is difficult to document. The child learns naturally and immediately and chooses what they want to learn in a curious way. The child literally becomes an expert in the topics they prefer by incorporating their entire environment as a learning experience.

The theme home schooling programs driven approach focuses on topics and how subjects affect people and life. Planning a curriculum can take more time and requires creativity. This approach is the easiest with a group of children of varying ages. Subjects are integrated in a real life way. For instance, if you are learning about China, the older students can learn the language and history of the country while the younger students can learn the culture, music, and geography.

All three approaches to home schooling are often incorporated when home schooling. A child’s individuality and curiosity for learning often takes over and parents can adjust their curriculum. The main concern that a parent should have is not whether or not the child is on task with other children his/her age, but if the child is learning and understanding new subjects everyday.

Written by Dr. John in: Education |
Nov
29
2008
0

Learn German Fast - Learning German Language Tips

German has long been one of the most popular languages in the world and in the western world, was also part of some school curriculum choices. But to learn German quickly, some important steps need to be followed which we’ll highlight in this article.

Although it’s a difficult language to master, the fact Germany itself is one of the main European economies makes it a language learning choice for many regarding either career advancement or travel.

Are we suggesting learning it and mastering it completely? Not at all only that you need to decide to what extent you need to learn German. Difficult courses are a major problem because not only do they tend to drag on, they can become excessively boring and from this point, people tend to opt out at some stage during the course.

If you are looking to learn German fast then a course such as Rocket German would be your ideal vehicle. Apart from the fact it’s inexpensive, it’s one of the few learning platforms which combines both fun quick learning capabilities meaning you actually look forward to each module.

Quick German Learning Tips

There are a few tips that one must have to be able to learn the German language quickly. Firstly, one must have the interest to learn the language. As mentioned earlier, learning a new language is not always easy and thus interest and determination is required. For beginners, it is always wise to start with the preliminary stages.

This could involve translating simple texts. In addition other information like your name, the name of the place you live and such like basic information is a perfect starting point to learn German or any other language.

Research carried out by scholars indicates that having small sessions of learning German, and indeed in any other language, is more preferable as opposed to having long sessions of learning. Frequent small sessions make it easier to learn German, and to learn it quickly.

If possible, it is always wise to interact with people who already speak the German language. This facilitates a great deal the speed at which one learns the language so that one is able to learn it quickly.

While learning German, reading a lot of German material speeds up the rate at which you are able to learn the language so that eventually you are able to learn German fast. Although unconfirmed, people have always said that when learning any language, listening to music that is in that language makes learning easier. It perhaps would be wise to listen to a bit of German music as this can help you to grasp concepts of the language.

Written by Dr. John in: Education |
Nov
29
2008
0

Online Degree Programs Offer You Many Choices

There are many different online degree programs to choose from. The only thing holding us back is choosing the one that best meets our needs. You want to ensure that, whichever school you choose to get your degree from are accredited.

If you are planning on participating in Online Degree Programs you should consider asking the school if it is possible to get financial aid if you meet the qualifications. You will find that in most cases this helps pay for a majority of your classes.

One of the biggest incentives of participating in online degree programs is that you can choose courses that work around your daily schedule; this is something that you can’t do at your local college. You will find that you have a lot more freedom with this type of schooling as long as you are finishing your required work on time.

Some people may tell you that online degree programs have disadvantages, because you don’t have the face to face interaction with the teacher. However most online schools offer you interaction with your teachers as well as tutors if needed. They want you to succeed and meet your goals.

There is more than one type of Online Engineering Degrees to choose from depending on what you want to do with your degree. You have the ability to acquire an associate’s degree, bachelors, or even just a writing certificate from a writing school. As with any degree you shouldn’t limit yourself. You should find the one that will work best for you and still give you the ability to have a well rounded work environment.

There are a wide range of studies to choose from when choosing an online doctorate programs; there is no limit to your learning. You have the ability to get a psychology degree, a public health degree, or even a business degree and many more. Your boundaries are set by you only.

You will find that depending on which online degree program you choose to go with the cost will vary from school to school. It may be wise to do your research as it could save you quite a bit of money. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, if you can transfer any credits you may already have? This will help you move quicker through the course without having to retake any classes.

Written by Dr. John in: Education |
Nov
29
2008
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Home Schooling Advantages Vs. Disadvantages

home school
Kris Koonar asked:


Home schooling is an option that is becoming more attractive to parents as time goes on. Schools have become increasingly unstable over the past couple of decades. Children roam the hallways unchecked, textbooks are outdated, violence is prevalent, children are bullied mercilessly, and the quality of education on the whole has greatly diminished.

What options do parents have to combat this downward spiral? Initially, private school was thought to be the answer. As enrollment in private schools soared many parents failed to see a difference between public and private schools. The problems were still the same.

The option of home schooling has been around for a long time; however, until recently it had not been so popular. The idea of home schooling seems like a cure-all to many parents due to the advantages this type of education provides over traditional schools. Children who are home schooled can avoid many of the problems schools have become known for. For one, the environment is less threatening. Children can learn without fearing other students, aggressive or nasty teachers, and be under the constant supervision of parents. In addition, home schooling allows parents to dictate the academic course of their children. Home schooling also allows students to proceed at their own speed. If a child is weak at multiplication and division, a parent can focus lessons on those skills in favor of another skill that the child might grasp rather easily.

Home schooling is also advantageous because it keeps children away from other students that may be corruptive forces. There are many students in school who do not value learning. This is not any fault of the schools; however, it is still a painful reality. These students can lead to the destruction of a stable learning environment. Home schooling keeps children focused on learning and not on avoiding social pressures.

It may sound like the perfect option, but there are many disadvantages of home schooling. First of all, home schooled children are usually less socialized. While schools can sometimes be the breeding ground for poor social behaviors, school is also a place where students learn to interact with others and build social skills. It seems a bit like a catch 22.

In addition, another drawback to home schooling could be implementation of an educational plan. Many parents are not qualified as teachers and may not understand what is necessary to ensure a child has access to the proper curriculum.

Finally, another disadvantage to home schooling is the necessity for parents to take full responsibility for their child’s education. If you choose to home school your child there is no one for you to blame if your child does poorly. The responsibility falls completely on the parent.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to home schooling. Before you begin a home schooling plan make sure you have evaluated your ability to properly instruct your child and provide a quality learning experience. If you do not think you can handle it, you might as well send your child to school but become more involved with his or her education.



Tamara
Nov
29
2008
0

Important Hints Regarding The Top Christmas Toys

There’s no doubt that the top Christmas toys are going to bring smiles to children’s faces this year. When money’s tight and electronics get more and more advanced each day, you never know if your gift will keep a smile on your child’s face after putting it there on December 25th. How can you know which toys to get and which to pass over? We all agree that these toys are the Christmas toys 2008 that no kid will turn down.

The Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is an extremely durable camera. The sturdy casing is designed to withstand even trouble-kid damages. There’s no doubt that the camera’s $85 price tag is part of its appeal. So simple that a preschooler could use it with ease, the camera is not complicated at all. Let your kid be creative with enough memory to hold over 60 photos on a built-in 8MB memory card – then download them on to your computer to take more! There’s even a large LCD screen built in to let you see what you’ve taken before you take another picture. The camera has great accoutrements, like the included USB cable. Make Christmas great with the Kid Tough Digital Camera a toy camera that is really something.

Bring science and excitement of the ancient times with Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur. The dinosaur is actually quite big. Kota is a super-cute toy. Kota’s sounds seem so realistic! This is like bringing Jurassic Park to life! He can move his eyes, his head, his tail, and even his horn, as he responds to your child’s touch. Kota also has cool music that it plays. Let your child have fun with Kota, a toy that ranks among the top Christmas toys.

Everyone agrees that the Fisher-Price Portable DVD Player is one of the hot Christmas toys for preschoolers and it makes sense why. The DVD Player is absolutely built to resist being thrown around or dropped. It is extremely lightweight. The toy can be powered by any 9V outlet. This player is perfect for long car ridges. There is little that you can do to this player to destroy it. The player can even be plugged into the TV!The player has all kinds of great little features. The player is quite a bargain at a mere $150.

So, which top Christmas toys are you going to get? Kids are going nuts for all of them, so it’s tough to know which toys to pick. It’s amazing that there are so many fantastic toys for Christmas 2008. The toys of today are really something. Yet the interfaces of new toys are still quite easy to use. Technology has definitely not alienated kids from their toys.

Written by Dr. John in: Family |
Nov
29
2008
0

English & Language Arts: Writing a Homeschooling Blog

homeschool
Mimi Rothschild asked:


Would you like to have your own online journal to share information, experiences, thoughts, opinions, advice, and suggestions about homeschooling and your life as a homeschool parent? Then consider starting a homeschool blog. Blogging is a more recent and very popular phenomenon on the Internet.

A blog, or “web log,” is an online journal website where you can post entries as often and as long or short as you’d like. Blogs are usually subject-based and are geared toward a specific audience, and in this case, your main subject would be about homeschooling, attracting a readership of homeschool students and homeschool families or other individuals interested in homeschooling. Blogs also feature comments that allow your readers to provide feedback to a particular entry.

If you’re concerned about the fact that your writing abilities may not be “good enough,” take heart. The blogging world is fairly casual. You don’t have to be a stellar writer and your grammar and spelling need not be perfect. You do, however, need to have something to say. You need to find a voice, write in an interesting, engaging style, post often (or at least regularly), and interact with your readers through comments.

First of all, what can you write about homeschooling, the homeschool life, and your homeschooler? There are endless ideas here. You can write about the different benefits of homeschooling, the challenges of having a homeschool, how to switch from public school to homeschool, personal experiences, your children as homeschool students, opportunities for homeschool families, and curriculum issues and ideas.

Now that you have some ideas of what to write, you need to find your writing style. First, try to write the way you speak or think. Forget about being technical or trying to be a professional-be natural and relaxed, like you’re having a conversation. For example, don’t just regurgitate online research about Homeschooling, talk about your real homeschool experiences as well as thoughts and stories about your homeschooler. Also, keep your audience in mind as you write, and finally, check out other blogs about homeschool families or homeschooling to get a feel for it.

Furthermore, make sure you write in your blog regularly. You will lose your readership fast if you’re sporadic. It’s best to write as often as you can, even if you write short entries about your particular day as a homeschool parent. Posting daily or every other day is generally recommended, but if you can’t, try at least to post regularly and consistently so your readers will know when your blog will be updated.

Finally, interact with your readership. If someone comments on one of your posts about your thoughts of the homeschool life, reply with your own feedback so your readers know you are interested in their responses.



Randy
Nov
28
2008
0

Online Learning French Language Help You Lot

French is one the most used languages in the world and those wanting to learn a language should look at learning French. Learning the French language is fit for the serious ones. Why is this so? It’s simply because French people does not like English-speaking tourists using the French language in the wrong kind of way. There has been many situations where the French language is misused and the French people does not like to deal with it.

How would you feel if you hear somebody trying to use your language incorrectly? People who tries to learn a language other than their own is different from people who uses it just for the sake of speaking the language without actually thinking about the outcome it may generate from nearby locals.

French is one the most used languages in the world and those wanting to learn a language should look at learning French. What is the best way to go about it though? One on one lessons? College? Evening Classes? Or maybe just from a friend? The best way with out a doubt is learning french online!

But where to go? Wheres the best site for learning french online quickly and efficiently. There’s so much junk on the internet these days it’s easy to get lost. Yes you could try and find free lessons but is it really going to be half as good as paying for a tutor. Rocket French is a French learning program available for instant download online. It consists of 45 lessons that each take about 2 hours to complete. It is the most comprehensive guide out there and is designed to make learning French quick and easy. Think about being able to speak the language fluently in 8 weeks? Not possible? With Rocket French It is.

Learning French Online has never been for fun. In fact it’s addictive. Rocket French is definitely the best choice of online programs. Maybe your going to France for a holiday and you just want to brush up some skills or maybe you just want to learn a brand new language. Either way learning French online is cheap and efficient. You even get a risk-free money back guarantee.

You have many alternatives and one is to ask a friend if he/she knows somebody who speaks French. If not, you can at least take advantage of online resources. Programs that offer French lessons are abundant and you can choose which program you want to use without ruining your budget.

You can also check some of the interesting resources learning to speak french online and this site directory learn fench also help you a lot.

Written by Dr. John in: Education |

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