Search Results for: blog my first school field trip

Time Again for the Homeschool Portfolio

  What is a Homeschool Portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required. The Basic Supplies 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick} dividers page protectors Sharpies computer paper to print out basic forms samples of your child’s work photos {optional} Forms to Provide Attendance Form: List of Curriculum and … Continue reading →

The Ultimate Social Studies Field Trip: Talk With Your Elected Officials!

Recently, my daughter and I embarked upon the ultimate social studies field trip. It wasn’t supposed to be one. In fact, since she’s often bored at meetings, I try to limit her exposure to them somewhat. After all, I am involved in many community organizations and go to a lot of meetings! We’re in Canada, where we have city, provincial, and federal elected officials. That morning, I was on my way to talk with our provincial official about several health and environmental issues. This particular person is quite approachable, and I’ve spoken with her several times. It was funny, though. … Continue reading →

Summer Reading Series: Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote

The economy, job growth, health care, contraception, and foreign policy don’t mean much to first and second graders. However, give them the chance to vote on whether or not they can run in school hallways, eat ice cream sandwiches for lunch or take a field trip to the circus, and all of a sudden, learning about elections, voting, and democracy is cool, yo. Score another win for Amelia Bedelia. The pint-sized politico channels her inner activist in Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote. If you are looking for a light summer story that’s heavy on humor and will surely help prevent seasonal … Continue reading →

Exploring “My Weirder School”

For someone who didn’t care much for pencils, books and teachers’ dirty looks growing up, I’m not exactly sure how I birthed a school-loving bookworm. Not only does my second grader enjoy attending school, she also loves reading books about kids and their adventures in the halls of higher learning. That said, I suppose I shouldn’t be the least bit surprised that my 7-year-old is addicted to Dan Gutman’s silly series, My Weirder School. The collection of creative craziness features characters that will crack you up and leave you wanting more. In this case, you’re in luck because Gutman shows … Continue reading →

Preschool Jitters

Summer is almost over and it’s time to begin a new school year. For many this will be the start of a brand new world. Some children who never entered a classroom will walk into preschool for the first time. It will be the first time some children are away from their parents for any length of time. The first time a child may be expected to sit and listen. The first time a child will be introduced to lessons and classmates on a regular basis. It is a very exciting world yet it can be overwhelming and intimidating for … Continue reading →

A Trip around the World

I was brought up with homeschool, and I have very fond memories of taking trips around the world. Not in real life, but on paper. First, we chose where we wanted to go. It could be anywhere—the sky was the limit. My favorite trip was to England. Then we would get a book about that place and decide what we wanted to see while we were there. Now, with the advent of the Internet, you don’t even need to go to the library—all the information is on your home computer. After we decided where we were going, we’d think about … Continue reading →

Interviews with Homeschoolers: Karen Loutzenhizer, Part One

Today I’m talking with Karen Loutzenhiser, a homeschooling mom from Utah who took time out to chat with me about her homeschooling journey. Karen, how did you know that homeschooling was the right choice for you? I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl, and the only thing that could top that career in my heart and mind was being a mommy. By the time I got my degree in education, I already had two kids in tow. I knew that they were my absolute joy and my #1 priority. Why would I drop my … Continue reading →

Why Field Trips?

September is rapidly flowing away from me, and with it the potential to do September-ish things like field trips to the apple farm. We had visitors most of September and a death in the family, so we spent most of September otherwise engaged. When I look at my calendar for the fall, I see great field trip ideas. I’m hoping to do some of them this week, when our world starts to get into its new normal routine. Why go on a field trip? First, it gets you out of your house and out of your normal routine. Now that … Continue reading →

Maintaining a Tight Ship in Homeschool Waters

Any endeavor that requires organization and a scheduling on a regular basis can be fragile if left to the device of a flawed human. Homeschooling is one such endeavor which can turn from calm sunny skies to a thunderstorm with little warning. It happens in every homeschool family at one time or another. A state of chaos should be the exception and not the rule. If you are living in a chaotic homeschool situation it will frustrate everyone involved and that is does not make for a proper educational atmosphere. Homeschooling is busy, crazy, fun, exhausting, amazing, and full of … Continue reading →

Home Schooling Is Cheaper Than Public School

Being able to home school my girls was a choice I was glad I made. Not only could I see over their education and spend quality time with them, but it was far cheaper than public school. Back when I was a kid public school was free. Each child got their books, pencils, paper, art supplies, and many other school supplies for free. We’d even go on several field trips throughout the year, all for free as well. About the only thing my parents had to pay for was my lunch. Times have definitely changed, especially over the last decade. … Continue reading →