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Showing posts with label Home school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home school. Show all posts

Friday, February 26, 2010

2nd Grade Word List, O-Z

This is part 2 of the 2nd grade word list. You can find part 1 here.

off
only
own
please
people
pick
play
present
pretty
pull
ran
right
run
saw
say
school
seem
seven
shall
should
show
sing
sit
six
small
soon
stand
start
such
sure
tell
ten
than
these
thing
those
today
together
too
tree
try
under
until
upon
use
want
warm
wash
way
where
while
why
write
year

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2nd Grade Word List, A-N

A few months ago, I gave you all a list of 1st grade high frequency words. I have managed to acquire a list of 2nd grade words as well, so I'm passing the list on to you. These lists are long, so I will divide this up into two separate posts.

also
always
am
another
around
away
back
ball
because
best
better
big
book
both
box
bring
call
came
carry
clean
color
could
cut
dear
does
done
draw
drink
each
eat
eight
end
fall
far
find
four
friend
fill
gave
girl
goes
got
grow
hand
high
hold
home
hot
house
hurt
into
its
keep
kind
last
leave
left
light
look
men
more
morning
most
mother
must
myself
name
near
never
next
night

Stay tuned for Part 2.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Find Kid Sites with KidRex


Don't waste hours looking through websites trying to find the ones that are kid-friendly. Today I came across a search engine just for kids called KidRex. While no filter is 100% accurate, this is a great place to start.

I typed in "alligators" and up came several sites to help kids learn about alligators. There were pictures, facts, videos, information, lessons, and so much more.

Of course, this site is great for teachers and homeschoolers. If you're looking for a site on a particular topic, just type it in, and you won't have to surf through all the other junk.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

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Saturday, November 1, 2008

Free Rocks and Minerals Curriculum


Get a free curriculum ebook on rocks and minerals from CurrClick. Enjoy!

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Friday, July 25, 2008

A Homeschool Family

We've seen comedian Tim Hawkins in concert a few times. Tonight I searched for him on YouTube because I wanted a laugh. I found this video and thought it was appropriate for you all. Enjoy! :)



Click here if you'd like to see the better quality video from his site.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Kindergarten Report

A few days ago I gave you a progress report for 3 and 4 year olds. Today I found a kindergarten report. My basement is full of all kinds of treasures. :)

Check plus = Commendable - The student has exceeded the expectations for him or her individually or for the group.
Check = Performing Successfully - The student has attained the performance level for his or her group or for the child individually.
Check minus = Experiencing Difficulty - The student has not reached the performance level for his or her group or for the child individually.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
_____ Has positive attitude toward self
_____ Considers the feelings of others
_____ Interacts well with peers
_____ Monitors and controls own behavior
_____ Exhibits appropriate listening skills
_____ Attempts to solve own problems
_____ Accepts responsibility for personal possessions

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
_____ Speaks so that he/she is understood
_____ Uses age appropriate vocabulary
_____ Listens and responds appropriately to language
_____ Verbalizes own thoughts and ideas in a group

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
_____ Controls pencil well
_____ Manages scissors and pasting comfortably

READING READINESS
_____ Enjoys books, stories, records, listening tapes
_____ Knows letters covered to date
_____ Name
_____ Formation
_____ Sound
_____ Can retell a story
_____ Understands story content
_____ Can predict outcomes
_____ Blends sounds comfortably
_____ Attacks new words independently

NUMBER DEVELOPMENT
_____ Associates a number symbol with number name
_____ Recognizes and continues patterns
_____ Applies knowledge of numbers to daily activities
_____ Forms numerals correctly
_____ Responds to oral math activities
_____ Understands basic coin values
_____ Can join sets
_____ Can separate sets
_____ Compares objects as to length, size, shape, quantity
_____ Understands counting order
_____ Understands basic shapes

WORK HABITS
_____ Exhibits interest in learning
_____ Values own work
_____ Exhibits age appropriate attention span
_____ Listens to and follows individual directions
_____ Listens to and follows group directions
_____ Works independently
_____ Thinks independently
_____ Uses time wisely
_____ Seeks help when needed

_____ French _____ Music _____ Physical Education

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Preschool Progress Report: 4 and 5 Year Olds

As I am packing to move, I continue to come across things that I think you all would like to see. This week I found a preschool progress report for four and five year olds. Please remember that this is a guide and that your child does not need to master all of these goals. These are things to look for and strive towards.

Evaluation Key: This progress report is designed for four and five year old preschool children.

G = Good Progress
W = Working on Skill
NA = Not Applicable

Self-Reliance Skills
I go to the bathroom alone.
I am learning to dress myself.
I can brush my teeth.

Practical Skills
I can say my first and last names.
I know how old I am.
I know some colors.
I can recognize/point to body parts.

Social/Emotional Skills
I accept and respond to my teacher's authority.
I respect and show concern for people and things around me.
I play and share cooperatively with other children.
I have a good self-image.
I have appropriate control over my feelings.

I follow routines independently.
I can follow direction.
I can work well in small groups.
I am learning not to disturb classmates while they work.
I seek only my share of teacher's attention.

Listening Skills
I listen quietly; my attention span is lengthening.
I respond to a story by answering questions.

Speaking Skills
I speak clearly.
I communicate in sentences.
I can answer some questions.
I am expanding my vocabulary.
I wait my turn when speaking in a group.

Fine Motor Skills
I use my small muscles in:
Holding, using my crayons
Holding, using my pencils
Holding, using my scissors
Easel/watercolor painting
Pasting/gluing
Simple puzzle assembly
Playdough/clay
Stringing beads
Manipulating small pieces
Manipulating zippers
Manipulating buttons
Manipulating snaps
Tying my shoes

Gross Motor Skills
Walk up/down stairs (alternating my feet)
Walk (forward, backward)
Run
Jump in place (two feet together)
Balance (left foot, right foot)
Hop (one foot, two feet)
Throw a large ball forward
Kick a large ball forward
Catch a large ball
Bounce a large ball
Do a forward somersault
Gallop
Skip
Take part in games

Reading Readiness
I can say the alphabet (rote memory).
Lower case alphabet: Identify some letter names
Produce some letter sounds
Upper case alphabet: Identify some letter names
Produce some letter sounds
I can print my first name.
I can recognize eight colors.
I can identify human feelings (sad, happy).
I can identify likenesses/differences.
I know some opposite words (hot/cold).
I know some position orientation words (top/bottom).

Math Readiness
I can rote count to ________.
Recognize some numbers
Name some numbers
Recognize some shapes
I can find shapes in my environment.
I can identiy size difference (big, little).
I can sequence different sizes (small, smaller, smallest).
I can categorize objects (shape, color, size, texture).

Music-Art-Science-Social Studies Readiness Skills
I participate in music activities.
I participate in art activities.
I participate in science activities.
I participate in social studies activities.

Weight:
Start of year
End of year
Height:
Start of year
End of year

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

A Look at the Pros and Cons of Homschooling

I already told you why I plan to homeschool my girls. Today, I ran across a great article detailing both the pros and cons of homeschooling. In it, Isabel Shaw examines the issue from both sides, going into a depth of detail that, she said, comes from experienced homeschoolers. Her exact words:

"Almost ten years ago, when I was making the decision to homeschool, I wrote up a list of pros and cons. The pros won me over, but since then, I've discovered there were many more pros and cons that I couldn't possibly have anticipated!

To help other parents who are considering homeschooling, here is a new list of pros and cons. This list is based on both my experience and the experiences of dozens of families who've shared with me the ups and downs of their day-to-day homeschooling."

Some of the pros:

  • Increased freedom of various kinds
  • Strengthened family relationships
  • Elimination of busywork
Some of the cons:
  • Time restraints
  • No break for Mom
  • Living outside the norm
If you are in the process of making a decision regarding homeschooling your child, I strongly encourage you to go read the entire article to obtain a balanced view of both sides of the homeschooling coin.

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Monday, February 26, 2007

Why homeschool?

I'm getting to my homeschooling curriculum posts; I'm just really slow at doing the necessary research. I thought this would be a good time to discuss why one should even consider homeschooling. Here is why I intend to home school my children (not necessarily in order of importance to me):

  • Better education - I mean, really! Just look at the average national scores for standardized tests such as the EOG and CAT tests. The ACT and SAT tests keep getting "dumbed down," yet nothing seems to help. Public education has missed the boat somewhere!
  • Safety - I know there are still decent public schools as far as safety goes, but, overall, I simply don't feel that I could rest assured that my children are safe during the day.
  • Philosophy of life - I desire to raise my children according to certain standards and convictions, including the conviction that Jesus Christ is the only true God and that salvation is found only through accepting His blood that He shed for our sins. I believe in the creation of the world in six literal days. I want to be sure that what my children are learning in school is not undermining or contradicting what I am attempting to teach them at home.
  • Shelter - I want to shelter my children from unnecessary and evil influences. The time will come soon enough when they will have to face the world. There's no need to thrust them into a world in which they are not strong enough to stand on their own feet.
  • Flexibility - I like the idea of being able to teach my children according to my family's schedule and needs. Home school is by its very nature more family-oriented than traditional schooling avenues.
  • Smaller class size - need I elucidate further on this one?
These are a few of my reasons for choosing to home school. What are your reasons for choosing your schooling option - home school or otherwise? (Please make sure that anything said is civil and kind, even if you strongly disagree with my decision. I do moderate comment and reserve the right to reject any comment I deem wantonly harsh and combative.)

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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Input desired from homeschoolers

I am planning to write posts about the different homeschooling curriculum available. This would be for all grades, not just for children up to age 5. I am familiar with A Beka, Bob Jones, Tapestry of Grace, Sonlight, and Saxon Math. I hope to cover many more publishers. What do you use, and why do you like it?

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Homeschooling resources

My husband and I made the decision to homeschool before we ever had children. I know that soon I am going to have to choose a curriculum and purchase supplies so I am beginning my research now. In the near future, I intend to write individual posts about the various curriculum options available. Today, I would like to offer help for those who cannot afford to or do not want to purchase new materials.

As for any other product, Ebay is a great place to begin your search; however, they no longer allow the sale of Teacher Editions. They are still a good resource for Student Editions.

For a very thorough listing of relevant sites, visit the Homeschooling Used Curriculum Sites page. They offer links to dozens of sites and offer useful information pertaining to each link.


This Little Piggy Stays Home.com is an on-line auction house for curriculum. The site was created in response to Ebay's refusal to allow Teacher Edition sales. The site proclaims,

"Teacher editions welcome!! Buy and sell homeschool curriculum at our exciting new auction site! Find used homeschool books at an affordable price from A Beka, Bob Jones, Christian Liberty, Alpha Omega, Saxon, Shurley, Sonlight, Usborne, and much more!"
When I visited their home page in preparation for this post, there was a notice stating that until October 15 there is no setup fee for listing your items for sale, and there is no limit on how many items you can sell.

One of my favorites of all the sites I have found is The Book Samaritan. This is a wonderful ministry that provides free books and curriculum to homeschoolers. Here is what they have to say.

"Our ministry began with an admiration for those who homeschool and a recognition that far too many homeschooling families struggle to buy the curriculum and books they need.

The Book Samaritan is a not-for-profit Christian organization that provides free books and curriculum to homeschoolers with financial constraints. We offer a wide variety of well-known homeschooling materials and ship all items free-of-charge.

In return, we ask only that when the recipient is finished, they pass along the material to another homeschooling family for free
or return the items to The Book Samaritan for redistribution."

Homeschool Free Stuff offers a free weekly newsletter with free curriculum, resources, and more. According to the information posted, there is absolutely no charge associated with this site.

There are many sources for free or low-cost materials, but I know that they aren't always easy to find. I hope this has been a help to someone. God bless you as you endeavor to do your best in raising your child.

Ebay logo courtesy of Ebay.com
This Little Piggy logo courtesy of This Little Piggy Stays Home

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Letter Q crafts and activities

Before you start following all the links to resources and ideas I have found, take a moment to read this article explaining why learning the alphabet is so important for our children.


clip art of the letter Q courtesy of fotosearch.com

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Letter P crafts and activities


Here are links to activities, crafts, and work sheets to aid you as you teach the letter P.

Letter P clipart courtesy of fotosearch.com

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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Letter O crafts and activities


Thanks to my friend, Karen (of Thrifty Mommy fame), I will be posting links to crafts and activities for each letter of the alphabet. (I'm starting with O because that is the letter she will be doing next.) Use these ideas to help as you teach or reinforce the alphabet.

Letter O clipart courtesy of fotosearch.com

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Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Home school organization

Lindsey of Enjoy the Journey is a homeschooling mom. She recently published a post with photos and descriptions of the methods she uses to store and organize her home school materials. Her photos were an inspiration to me, and I think they offer creative solutions for the 'lack of storage' issues many home schoolers face. I will post more organizational ideas as I find them, and I would love to have you share how you keep your home (or other) school items from cluttering your house.

photo courtesy of CSN supply.com

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