Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
what about pre-school?
Be careful with formal learning if he is too young. You need to do things with your child that he enjoys. Why do we think we all need to do the same things at the same time as in a group setting?
Every person, even young children, need to go at their own pace and as your son develops, you will find he has wonderful gifts, which might not match everyone else on the planet and I say, "GOOD for Him!
Our society rewards adults that are "different" but in children, we think we have to make everyone the "same." Think of the salaries and fame of unique dancers, sports figures, etc who have a different skill set. Give your son lots of time to explore the world and let him grow up. How do you do this?
go places, walk outside, let him be part of your "work", help in the kitchen, use a mini-broom, do things that you are doing. talk about what you are doing, let him try what you are doing. play with a wash cloth while you are folding laundry, etc. Lot of good things at the local library for free.
And, when he is ready, a little group play such as Joy School, for ages 3,4, & 5!
This is a "do-it yourself" program with other moms using the curriculum
meeting twice a week in homes. After that, it was easy to go into homeschool though some of the Joy School moms went on to send their kids to K and first grade.
here are some links for more research.
http://www.joyschools.com/
Unique Preschool teaching children the fundamental "joys" of life.
Joy Schools are well-established (over 100,000 parents have been teaching) and truly unique preschools. The central belief of Joy School is simply that children, while in their most impressionable years, should be taught life's most important thing, various capacities for joy. A related belief is that children suffer not from being started in academic learning too late, but in starting too soon, before they have a basis of social and emotional self-esteem.
The Joy School preschool lesson plans are written for three, four and five year olds. An age variety in a Joy School group is no problem. In fact, it is often an asset as older ones teach and "tutor" younger ones. There are two different sets of lesson plans, so children can participate in Joy School for two years in a row.
When I did it we only had one year and it was the first set of Joys. Nice way to start out slow!
enjoy them while they are young!
Every person, even young children, need to go at their own pace and as your son develops, you will find he has wonderful gifts, which might not match everyone else on the planet and I say, "GOOD for Him!
Our society rewards adults that are "different" but in children, we think we have to make everyone the "same." Think of the salaries and fame of unique dancers, sports figures, etc who have a different skill set. Give your son lots of time to explore the world and let him grow up. How do you do this?
go places, walk outside, let him be part of your "work", help in the kitchen, use a mini-broom, do things that you are doing. talk about what you are doing, let him try what you are doing. play with a wash cloth while you are folding laundry, etc. Lot of good things at the local library for free.
And, when he is ready, a little group play such as Joy School, for ages 3,4, & 5!
This is a "do-it yourself" program with other moms using the curriculum
meeting twice a week in homes. After that, it was easy to go into homeschool though some of the Joy School moms went on to send their kids to K and first grade.
here are some links for more research.
http://www.joyschools.com/
Unique Preschool teaching children the fundamental "joys" of life.
Joy Schools are well-established (over 100,000 parents have been teaching) and truly unique preschools. The central belief of Joy School is simply that children, while in their most impressionable years, should be taught life's most important thing, various capacities for joy. A related belief is that children suffer not from being started in academic learning too late, but in starting too soon, before they have a basis of social and emotional self-esteem.
The Joy School preschool lesson plans are written for three, four and five year olds. An age variety in a Joy School group is no problem. In fact, it is often an asset as older ones teach and "tutor" younger ones. There are two different sets of lesson plans, so children can participate in Joy School for two years in a row.
When I did it we only had one year and it was the first set of Joys. Nice way to start out slow!
enjoy them while they are young!
Monday, September 21, 2009
what changes did the PDE make to testing requirements
CHANGEs-WRAT not accepted for the 09-10 school year.
The WRAT is a wonderful test that is only an hour and done mostly orally one-on-one, but it is no longer on the accepted list of tests for grades 3, 5, & 8.
I have spent a lot of time trying to plead my case, but as of now, no WRAT's can count for the law. I can still give them and some parents have asked for them, but it is a double cost, since you still need to do one that complies with the law. So, here is the list. I recommend you just do it with YHSA (www.yhsa.org) unless I find another test that I am willing to administer.
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=54281
is the link for the info below.
The Department has approved the following nationally normed standardized tests for use by home education programs if they choose not to take the statewide test:
1. California Achievement Test
2. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV)
3. Iowa Test of Basic Skills
4. Metropolitan Achievement Test
5. Peabody Achievement Individual Test – Revised Version
6. Stanford Achievement Test
7. Terra Nova
8. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement III
The following additional tests will be accepted until June 30, 2009:
1. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPII)
2. Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
3. Peabody Individual Test
4. Wide Range Achievement Test
5. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement
The WRAT is a wonderful test that is only an hour and done mostly orally one-on-one, but it is no longer on the accepted list of tests for grades 3, 5, & 8.
I have spent a lot of time trying to plead my case, but as of now, no WRAT's can count for the law. I can still give them and some parents have asked for them, but it is a double cost, since you still need to do one that complies with the law. So, here is the list. I recommend you just do it with YHSA (www.yhsa.org) unless I find another test that I am willing to administer.
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=54281
is the link for the info below.
The Department has approved the following nationally normed standardized tests for use by home education programs if they choose not to take the statewide test:
1. California Achievement Test
2. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV)
3. Iowa Test of Basic Skills
4. Metropolitan Achievement Test
5. Peabody Achievement Individual Test – Revised Version
6. Stanford Achievement Test
7. Terra Nova
8. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement III
The following additional tests will be accepted until June 30, 2009:
1. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPII)
2. Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills
3. Peabody Individual Test
4. Wide Range Achievement Test
5. Woodcock Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement
Monday, August 10, 2009
Definition of a portfolio-three things as listed in the law
Home Education Reference Documents
24 PS 1-102 Definitions
(1) A portfolio of records and materials.
The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.
This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.
Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.
24 PS 1-102 Definitions
(1) A portfolio of records and materials.
The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.
This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.
Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
my friend has some great ideas for "back to home school"
My friend wrote this and I asked her if I could post it to my blog. She said yes, so here it is!
I was just reading the Sept 1st issue of Woman's Day and they had some very cute bakery ideas for the start of school.? My kids are older now but we still have our traditions.? We always take pictures on the 'official' first day, my kids give me an apple, and I give them a "Welcome Back-to-Home School" goody bags filled with school supplies (we can never have enough pencils!).? We also either go out for breakfast or choose one everyone likes.? We also love to make smoothies or coffee and sit on the front porch watching the kids getting on the school bus!? I know a little mean but still fun!? Instead of calling it back to school clothes shopping we do some of our fall/winter shopping too.
I have even made bagged lunches' for the kids at lunchtime and we usually try to make something school themed for snacks or dessert that day.? We also review our school's mission statement, goals for the year both individually and as a whole, and now in high school we write up a 'contract' where exactly what is expected from them is laid out in black and white.? I also make one explaining how I will be helping and what I am willing to do to make the school year a success.
Just thought I would pass along some ideas.
God's continued blessings,
Tracy B
I was just reading the Sept 1st issue of Woman's Day and they had some very cute bakery ideas for the start of school.? My kids are older now but we still have our traditions.? We always take pictures on the 'official' first day, my kids give me an apple, and I give them a "Welcome Back-to-Home School" goody bags filled with school supplies (we can never have enough pencils!).? We also either go out for breakfast or choose one everyone likes.? We also love to make smoothies or coffee and sit on the front porch watching the kids getting on the school bus!? I know a little mean but still fun!? Instead of calling it back to school clothes shopping we do some of our fall/winter shopping too.
I have even made bagged lunches' for the kids at lunchtime and we usually try to make something school themed for snacks or dessert that day.? We also review our school's mission statement, goals for the year both individually and as a whole, and now in high school we write up a 'contract' where exactly what is expected from them is laid out in black and white.? I also make one explaining how I will be helping and what I am willing to do to make the school year a success.
Just thought I would pass along some ideas.
God's continued blessings,
Tracy B
article on home schooling and the trends Aug 09
http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14177435
connect to this article.
connect to this article.
Monday, August 3, 2009
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
this is from Greg Landry so it is not my writing. I am posted this also to the high school info!
The Balcony Lady
This article may be published on web sites and in publications as long
as it's reproduced in its entirety, including the resource box at the
end of the article. Thanks!
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.
I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them
are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical
school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.
As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my
students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.
Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative
and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as
many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in
their education; early in college and in graduate education.
2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their
peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students
are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class,
initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask
good questions. Most of my students do
none of these.
3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in
their attitude, preparedness, and grades.
Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their
schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be
especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to
maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.
2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience,
particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high
level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.
3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have
to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman
year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.
My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the
sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the
high school years.
2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all
tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.
I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend
to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far
better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken
timed tests throughout the high school years.
In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete
the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is
for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps
students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.
3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years.
If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're
coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op,
or community college.
_______________________________
Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers
free 45 minute online seminars..
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
Website design by www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com
The Balcony Lady
This article may be published on web sites and in publications as long
as it's reproduced in its entirety, including the resource box at the
end of the article. Thanks!
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.
I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them
are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical
school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.
As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my
students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.
Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative
and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as
many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in
their education; early in college and in graduate education.
2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their
peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students
are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class,
initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask
good questions. Most of my students do
none of these.
3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in
their attitude, preparedness, and grades.
Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their
schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be
especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to
maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.
2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience,
particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high
level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.
3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have
to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman
year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.
My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the
sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the
high school years.
2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all
tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.
I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend
to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far
better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken
timed tests throughout the high school years.
In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete
the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is
for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps
students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.
3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years.
If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're
coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op,
or community college.
_______________________________
Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers
free 45 minute online seminars..
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
Website design by www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com
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