ST Math

I stumbled upon this video a couple of months ago.  

I went over to the website and checked it out.  I tried the demo myself and then let the kids try it out.  I was so impressed with the program and how it teaches.  Not only does it teach concepts well, I love that it also encourages the kids to try.  "Failure" is not something to avoid or fear, it is simply a natural part of learning and growing.  Problem solving is inherent.  And best of all is the joy that comes when they succeed after struggling through a concept.  Learning to work is fabulous.

It is more expensive than I like but.  I found a discount over at homeschool buyer's co-op which made it doable.  With 2 kids that struggle with language, this is a blessing.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Flora

If Not Math, Than What?

I love it when someone smarter than me agrees with me.  Last year I wrote about how I don't think we should be requiring our high schoolers to study higher math.  Link Here.  I recently found this TED Talk by John Bennett making a much better argument than I did.

I love his solution.  I will definitely be incorporating this into our plan.  Bennett has published a book of brain games and has a website containing several game and puzzle resources.  http://www.iwannabigbrain.com/

Let the games begin.

Aspbergers and Autism

I found these guys about a year ago.  These young men, on the spectrum themselves, bring an insight that I desprately needed.  After their simple explainations I understood my son so much better.

Meet the Aspbergers Experts

 Ya know, the more I get to know people on the Autism Spectrum, the more I like them.  Of course I am biased with one of my own and a couple beloved brothers.  But...yeah.  They're Great!!

Homes Schooling High School

Many families are nervous about homeschooling through high school, but it can be done.  I wanted to share with you a great resource for building your confidence.

Lee Binz, TheHomeScholar.com, has a plethora of resources to walk you through the land of high school.  Transcripts, credits, records, scholarships, college admissions, and more.

This is a webinar that Lee Binz did several months ago.  She covers a lot of what you will need to traverse the land of high school.

Ken Robinson: How to Escape Education's Death Valley

I really like Sir Ken Robinson

Coding

I've been thinking about coding and computer programing for a while.  I am only fleetingly familiar with computer coding from messing around with my blogs.  But just that little bit has peaked my interest.  I wish I knew more.  And every once in a while I do come up with an idea and wish I knew how to make a program to do "that."

My brother alerted me to this video.  It didn't take much to convince me, not with it already in the back of my mind.  Basic computer coding/programing will be added to my family's class schedule and part of our graduation requirements.

The Tuition Bubble

Something of which to be aware.



What do you think?
Is a college education still important?
Should it be?
Is the debt worth it?
What other options are there?

The Logic of English

I have struggled with spelling my whole life; I'm a big reader and I have still struggled. In elementary school, I would have to practice every day to be able to pass my Friday spelling tests. I eventually got a tape recorder to record my test on so that I could give myself the tests. That way my mother was free to do something else (anything else, probably). Even with all that daily practice I would still miss at least some. My high school English teacher told me I would never survive adulthood without a word processor. (Thanks a lot! It's not like I wasn't trying.)

It wasn't until I started teaching my own children to read that I discovered that there were actually spelling/phonics rules that governed those "exceptions." I was thrilled. I called my mom immediately and shared my new discovery. "Mom, did you know that there is a rule that says that English words do not end in 'v'? That is why there is an e at the end of give, have, and love." Why didn't they tell me that?"

I have looked for these rules and have discovered that English is much more logical than I thought. I recently came across this video and wanted to share it. I learned a few more rules just watching it.

Enjoy

something fun

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

I had an epiphany: I need to trust my children; it is their education after all. My job is to facilitate, to guide, to mentor not to dictate what they should learn and when. I know all this, but it is so easy to forget. This is a little long, but well worth the time. After viewing, let me know what epiphanies you received.

Changing Education Paradigms

Some of the reasons I have chosen to home school: