tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84009851805546795322024-03-08T04:48:15.033-08:00Home Schoolingadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-64188532184640800262012-08-22T05:48:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:48:55.702-07:00Homeschool: Teaching Older Children About Business<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />One of the mental challenges of homeschooling is the process of taking complete and total ownership of your child's education. It can be quite a burden to break out of the molds that society would label "education". The beauty of homeschooling is that you as the parent/educator is that you can weave your child's passions, interests, and abilities into the subjects you bring to the table.<br /><br /> Why wouldn't I take the time to teach my children something they want to learn, something they see value in, and sneak in a few "educational lessons" along the way.<br /><br />I currently am teaching 3 of my children how to build an online business. I have their complete and total attention because they are very motivated by the fact that they believe they have something to offer people online. The bonus is that because they believe they can make a few dollars, I have their undivided attention.<br /><br /> The same way that we might puree carrots and squash to add to a sauce and sneak in nutrition, I sneak my core goals into everything I teach my kids as we research and pursue their passions.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />As I teach the process of brainstorming and running toward an online business, I am able to teach many "academic" subjects, masquerading in the interests of my kids.<br /><br /> Math is easy to sneak in. For business, they need to know and practice statistics, math, and accounting.<br /> Language is covered in every part of these projects in the form of content, marketing, and research.<br /><br />I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about how to better prepare my young men for this new and crazy world. My oldest son is a sophomore in college and we are constantly discussing his future, his career choices and the fact that what he does today profoundly impacts his tomorrow. He is well on his way to earning his degree and reaching his lifelong dream of being a history professor, but he has dreams or being a business owner.<br /><br />So why build an online business with him?<br /><br /> Because I can.<br /> Because I am learning the processes myself and am very excited about my own progress.<br /> My enthusiasm is contagious.<br /><br />I believe this is the perfect time in history to teach our children more than their ABC's and 1,2,3's. Technology was basically birthed into these young sponges. They are bored with traditional educational processes, because everything they need to know is at the tips of their fingers or on their smart devices.<br /><br />Find what your children are passionate about and wrap their education like a learning burrito.<br /><br />Ask your kids if they are interested in learning something like building an online business. If you do not know how, learn the process together.<br /><br />Sharing tried and true homeschooling resources, templates, tips, advice, and encouragement is our passion. Visit http://abetterwaytohomeschool.com/ today!<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bekki_Sayler<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-45251721451846266402012-08-20T05:45:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:46:03.886-07:00The Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling High School<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />All parents have some reservations about homeschooling high school when the concept first crosses their mind. The high school years are important to your child's future, and no parent wants to risk messing up their child's ability to go to college, start a career, or chase other dreams. Teenagers are also more rebellious and challenging than younger children, and if they have special learning needs homeschooling could be a full-time job.<br /><br />Homeschooling high school is not for everyone, but virtually all parents who do a bit of research realize that it is not as difficult as they thought it was going to be in the beginning. If your child is struggling in public or private school and you believe they would learn better or would be safer at home, this guide to homeschooling will help you decide if this can work for you.<br /><br />Homeschooling is like anything else in life: you will get out of it what you put into it. Your child will benefit more if you are active in their studies.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />High School Curriculum<br /><br />The benefit to homeschooling high school is the ability to design a custom curriculum that suits your teenager's learning style while preparing them for the future they want to live. Do not underestimate your ability to provide college prep curriculum and to develop coursework and projects that allow your child to explore areas of interest on a deeper level.<br /><br />Check state requirements and allow your child to explore college programs they may be interested in attending. If they have some idea of what they may want to do after high school, you can look at the requirements for college admission or entry level jobs and tailor your curriculum to prepare your child for those requirements. State requirements are the minimum of what your child must learn. You want to push beyond the minimum.<br /><br />You could sign your child up for an online curriculum that let's your child off easy and allows you to check out of the learning process, but that is only cheating your child of the future they deserve. Forget about just passing required classes to get the diploma. You want your child to excel in high school so they can excel in the future. Make sure they are progressing in math each year, no matter what level they are at upon graduation. Include the basics, such as English, social studies, and science.<br /><br />If your child wants to attend college, make sure they are fluent in at least one foreign language by graduation, and it helps to add in some form of fine art as well. This can be painting, photography, novel writing, or some form of dance. Preparation for college entrance exams is necessary as well.<br /><br />Homeschooling high school also means including electives. You can teach typing, computer programs, and driver's education. Other electives should cater to your child's individual interests and future career goals.<br /><br />Making Decisions<br /><br />Allow your teenager to help make decisions about their curriculum and chosen teaching methods. Take them to homeschooling conventions and fairs so you can look at different resources and make decisions together. Your child will be more interested in learning if they have a say in what they are learning.<br /><br />If your concern is that you do not have the knowledge to teach some subjects at the high school level, look for tutoring centers, private tutors, and college courses open to high school students in your local area. There are also online tutorials that will go in-depth to explain geometry and other difficult subjects.<br /><br />The worst thing you can do while homeschooling high school is isolate yourself or your child. Join a homeschooling association or a local group. Learn from others, and eventually you will be the one offering the help and insider secrets.<br /><br />Carolann Henderson, homeschooling mom, website editor and researcher. You'll lots more general homeschooling information, free resources, tips and encouragement on my website. I also have a free gift for you that you will find instrumental in getting and staying organized in homeschooling and all areas of your life along with a free ebook to help you homeschool holidays. You can claim your free gift by visiting my website http://www.homeschooling-road-map.com. and signing up for our free newsletter "Homeschool Helping Hands".<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_A_Henderson<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-74188264423904825072012-08-17T05:37:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:37:42.230-07:00Homeschooling and Socialization<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Homeschooling, in spite of its growing popularity and acceptance, is still facing some issues. Some of those issues are quite valid, while some are not, and there are also others that are quite debatable. One of those lingering issues is about the supposedly negative effects that homeschooling has on the social skills of children who are educated through this system.<br /><br />The issue of socialization is a very serious one, considering the importance of proper development of social skills in any individual's life. And when a whole educational system is being questioned about its alleged or supposed negative effects about socializing, it has to be considered very seriously. It is also important to note that this belief has been made and supported by professional educators. However, if it is analyzed any further, it would be proven to be something that's entirely untrue.<br /><br />What has served as the basis of the belief that homeschooling affects the development of social skills is that those who say so feel that school is the sole place where kids have any chance of learning and developing social skills. To a certain extent, school does help in the much needed development of social skills, but kids who are home-schooled also have opportunities that are not really available to kids who go to a regular school.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Since their time is, shall we way a little more "flexible", home-schooled kids have more opportunities to travel and visit places such as museums, parks, beaches, and even shows. And they are able to do this when it is not too crowded, with just the right chance to socialize and learn about the place and the other people visiting it as well. It has also been shown that home-schooled kids are also active in different sports, are seriously taking up art, acting, music, dance, and many other kinds of classes.<br /><br />For the parents who are really concerned about socializing but would like their kids to go through a homeschooling program, there are some things that can be done. Some of these things that they or their home-schooled children could do are the following:<br /><br /> It would help to seek out others who are also into homeschooling and make friends with them. With the kind of technology we have today, this is pretty easy. Or, you could opt to go the old route and try to meet them in public places such as libraries.<br /><br /> There are also groups that you can join, groups such as 4 - H. It is a youth development organization that kids can join and then make choices about the clubs within the organization that specifically cater to his or her interests.<br /><br /> Joining and participating in local sports programs and tournaments in your community is an excellent way of being exposed to other people and also developing one's social skills. And of course, there are several other activities that allow kids to meet others who are like them - with their likes and interests - than sports.<br /><br />Lighthouse Home School Resources provides a complete line of curriculum, including homeschool books and homeschool supplies. For homeschool resources, visit Lighthouse today.<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_McCormick<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-75612815097928541762012-08-16T05:43:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:44:02.415-07:00Important Preparations for Homeschooling High School<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />If you plan to homeschool high school soon, it's time to pay attention to your student's college preparations, and get them ready for college level work by the time they graduate. There's a lot of planning at this stage, including selecting courses, keeping good records, and paying attention to important testing dates.<br /><br />One of the most important courses to pay attention to in high school is foreign language. Colleges like to see two or three years of a single language, so if your student doesn't start in their Freshman year, they'll need to start in their Sophomore year. Don't wait until Junior year to begin!<br /><br />It's also very important to plan some rigorous classes. That doesn't mean that in Freshman year your student must do calculus. It means that you try to keep your child challenged. Make sure to give them classes that aren't easy. That doesn't mean they should be overwhelming, just not all easy. Keep it rigorous and keep them challenged. Plan your courses, so you'll know exactly what courses you'll cover over the four years of high school</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Early high school is the time to think about taking the PSAT for practice. Sophomore year is a good time to take the PSAT just for fun. It doesn't count for National Merit Scholarship (that's Junior year), it's just for practice. The PSAT is only offered during October, so register for the test by September. It's easy to register, just call your local public or private high school, and tell them you'd like to know if you can register your child to take the PSAT at their school.<br /><br />If, for some reason, the school says no, call the next closest high school. Most of them are very welcoming. The College Board is the company that oversees the PSAT, and they encourage public schools to provide the tests to homeschooled children.<br /><br />Make sure as you begin high school that you're keeping good records. Keep a good reading list and make sure that you get your transcript done each year. Sometimes you might be asked to provide a transcript when you least expect it. For instance, when your child starts driving, and you want to get the Good Student Discount, the insurance company will probably ask for a transcript. This can save you hundreds of dollars, so make sure you have it ready.<br /><br />Course descriptions are important to begin writing early. Don't be intimidated, they're just a paragraph about what the class was like. You're perfectly capable of writing them, but if you put it off until later, like until the first day of senior year, it will be really hard to come up with four years of course descriptions all at once. Work on them one year at a time so that you'll only have a few each year.<br /><br />Course descriptions and homeschool records are so important! If you'd like more help, watch my FREE webinar, Homeschool Records that Open Doors, where you'll learn the secrets of creating admission and scholarship winning homeschool records.<br /><br />For even more help, my Total Transcript Solution will show you how to create an AMAZING homeschool transcripts that will impress the colleges! For more information, click here.<br /><br />Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university. Learn how she did it on her website and look for The HomeScholar on Facebook!<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-75560819625604476332012-08-15T05:41:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:42:04.713-07:003 Reasons to Choose Home Schooling Over Traditional Schooling<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Reasons to choose home schooling over traditional schooling may vary from family to family. The three reasons presented in this article concern: (1) design of instruction, (2) small class size, and (3) utilization of resources.<br /><br />Design of Instruction<br /><br />"Curricula became as creative as parents chose to be, with choices ranging from printed materials to computer-generated programs, libraries/museums, field trips, resource facilities, networking opportunities, and public school resources (Hanna, 1996). Those who choose homeschooling today have many more choices available" (Hanna, 2012, 613). Parents administering a home school education are free to design the instruction of their students based on their preset objectives and budgets. The limitations of each home school project can be limited only by the time the planner spends on researching the state, its guidelines, its resources and other available resources in material and personnel.<br /><br />Class size<br /><br />Homeschooling class sizes can be limited to the students in one family or the class size can involve students from many families. In the latter case, the educational experiences that involve other families and larger sizes can be supplemented by individualized instruction from the educator inside the home. When researching material and instruction providers, also check on options for lesson credits to be recorded, transferred, and managed. Does the provider offer the option to purchase materials without the company's record keeping, instruction online or distant learning packages?</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Utilization of family resources<br /><br />Parents may choose homeschooling for their students to utilize the talents of a parent with educator skills that prefers to telecommute even as a volunteer teacher or learning coach. One income families may find that schooling for their students can be done more economically in the home. Parents with research and planning skills may also find becoming home educators to use of that resource. The lack of available funds for the homeschooling project does not have to be a reason to abandon the idea. The most important of the family's resources is its students. Each student should be considered individually to determine is homeschooling will be more beneficial than a traditional schooling experience.<br /><br />The three reasons presented in this article should be the beginning of the quest to determine if homeschooling is right for the students in any given family. If the opportunity to make decisions about the instruction, class size and utilization of resources is not enough reasons to use homeschooling for the benefit of the students in your care, add more reasons to your research. Consider this article your beginning, not your ending.<br /><br />References<br /><br />Hanna, L. G. (2012). Homeschooling Education: Longitudinal Study of Methods, Materials, and Curricula. Education and Urban Society, 44(5) 609-631<br /><br />Luchrista Cobb from Achieve Results LLC<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luchrista_Cobb<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-7415070290761167342012-08-10T05:39:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:39:59.196-07:00Checking Out the So-Called Disadvantages of Home Schooling<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Home schooling is more acceptable today than ever before. You can even go on to say that it is now in vogue and that more and more parents are willing to try it on their children. And this trend will probably not change anytime soon and will only continue until it becomes at par with the more traditional methods of educating children.<br /><br />There are several reasons for this increased acceptance of home schooling, not the least of which are the benefits that it brings. Evidence has shown that those who undergo it usually perform better when taking standardized tests than their counterparts who were not schooled at home. That alone is a very good reason to favor this right there, and yet there are also the other reasons such as a child getting the kind of education that fits his abilities and personality better, among others.<br /><br />Enough about the benefits of this, as there have already been plenty of discussion about that. What about its opposite, how about the so-called disadvantages of this? It is probably also worth looking at it, so that people can compare the pros and cons of this, which would allow them to make better decisions about whether to home school their kids or not.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Home Schooling Disadvantages<br /><br />Even as we have noted the positive things about it, it is also important that we check out its perceived disadvantages. The following are some examples of those:<br /><br />Perhaps the biggest disadvantage seen by critics of this is the limitations that are naturally set when it comes to the social exposure and interaction by the children who are under this educational system. And indeed this is a very valid point that needs to be looked at very seriously, since social exposure is one of the main benefits of going to school in the traditional manner, apart from the academic ones. While there might be some groups that help in addressing this by scheduling field trips and such, still that would hardly be enough to compensate for what is lost.<br /><br />There are also some concerns about the supposed narrowness of the academic focus of it's curriculums. Now there is also some truth to this since the parents could either select from existing home school programs or they could choose to use the curriculum that has been adopted by the local school district. The said narrowness of the curriculum becomes compounded by the fact that it is taught by just one parent, thereby limiting the views and ideas that are passed on to the child, as this situation is seen to likely affect the way the child learns.<br /><br />Opportunities that are always open to those who study in the usual way are also not open to those who are engaged in home schooling. This lack in the number of opportunities can be attributed to the limitations placed on the information that could reach a parent who is looking for advantages situations for his child - like financial assistance, scholarships, and the like.<br /><br />Lighthouse Home School Resources provides a complete line of curriculum, including home school books and home school supplies. For home school resources, visit Lighthouse today.<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_McCormick<br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-30345932900623021092012-08-04T23:39:00.000-07:002012-11-02T23:39:45.348-07:00Advantages of Education Games Used in a Home School Environment<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />The operations manual for the most important piece of equipment imaginable - the brain. There are resources and materials which can assist a child to access and apply their brains' immense powers. Parents can learn with their children.how to assemble and paint their own planetarium model, highlight it to create the glow effect and charge it with any light source. Can you navigate a ball through a mind-bending obstacle course as quickly as you can? LET A CHILD SHOW YOU HOW!<br /><br />*Teachers and Parents can easily access the Sentence Building and Farmyard Dominoes that teach spelling and counting. Cubes printed with numbers are an interactive and visual way to get to grips with mathematics. This hands-on manipulative kit can be used to teach a range of maths concepts to all ages. The Pizza Fraction Action Snap is a fantastic learning tool where teachers and parents can guide youngsters to experience learning with little formal teaching. These resources are invaluable as they are designed to encourage natural interaction, which gives the child a feeling of great satisfaction.<br /><br />*Learning Physics with children can be quite exciting: The Sphere is an expanding and contracting ball. It cleverly combines mathematics and geometry to create a surprising motion that fascinates children and adults alike. Can you imagine how a toy such as this could lead to an interest in physics at University level?<br /><br />*The British Isles jigsaw will test the memory of parents and teachers and enhance the visual and physical skills of young learners. Geography has never been easier. This jigsaw is multifaceted. Youngsters in a short time learn to connect shapes which are linked to counties, towns, rivers and other physical aspects of the United Kingdom. This style of learning lays down strong cognitive schemas which enlarges children's memory processes.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />All the resources are easily accessible, very inexpensive and dispatched to reach the recipient within 24 hours. All the material is accessible for all children at all levels of learning from toddlers pre-school, through kindergarten, 3, 5 and 6 year olds, up to high school. Even parents will enjoy the vast array of educational toys and games that are available for their children.<br /><br />The equipment encompasses primary learning, active, outdoor and intelligent learning. Many teachers such as those involved with International Baccalaureate schools, independent primary schools and nurseries find these games to be invaluable. So whether children are being educated at home or school is immaterial, the resources are excellent.<br /><br />http://www.homeschoolsource.co.uk for Educational Toys and Games<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_A_Foster<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-8982629322310153652012-08-03T23:35:00.000-07:002012-11-02T23:36:04.293-07:00Emergency Course Descriptions for Anxious Homeschool Parents<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Some homeschool parents are really organized; they keep up with their high school course descriptions each year, so that when senior year arrives, they're ready to pop their student's comprehensive records into the mail with all those college applications, and sit back and wait for the scholarships to roll in. Then there's the typical homeschool parent, who just never seemed to get around to starting on those course descriptions...<br /><br />If you find yourself sliding into that second category, now is the time to get caught up! Set aside just one weekend and you can pull together a pretty good comprehensive record in time for college application deadlines. Although this marathon approach is not the recommended way, here are a few helpful tips when you find yourself in a pinch and need course descriptions right away.<br /><br />During this marathon weekend, take your transcript and expand it with as many details as you can from your memory, using any records you have, and adding as many details as you can. Even if you haven't kept records, you have kept some things. Perhaps you have receipts from your purchases which you can go through, and come up with as many details as possible of what you purchased.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />If you keep a high school planning guide, which reflects each class your child takes each year, that will be a big help. If you start with the current year, that's usually the easiest to remember, and will encourage you to keep at it, all the way back to your child's freshman year.<br /><br />There will be little things that you'll forget by doing it this way, because there is a lot to remember, but if you start with the current year, you'll remember that you did World History, which will probably prompt you to remember that you did American History last year, etc. List each curriculum or experience for each class on the planning guide, which is like a worksheet to help you fill out as many details as possible.<br /><br />If you are completely unprepared for course descriptions and have no records of previous coursework, start by putting together a list of the classes you remember your student took. After you have that list, modify it into sentences, and if you can, change your sentences into paragraphs.<br /><br />This is like having your child brainstorm ideas for an essay; take the list and just add some words in-between. Start with a writing prompt like "In this class, the student will utilize Saxon Algebra 1 practicing with 26 tests and 13 quizzes." Basically, just take what you've written in your list and write it into a whole sentence.<br /><br />Cutting and pasting descriptions that others have already written will be a big help too. If your child is in a classroom situation, such as a co-op or an online course, you can use the description of that course in your own write-up. Do a Google search of the curriculum used, and edit it to reflect your student's experience.<br /><br />Keeping records of your homeschool is very important if your children hope to go to college. Failing to do so is one of "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School. Learn how to avoid all 5 mistakes in Lee's free e-mail mini-course.<br /><br />Learn how to create comprehensive homeschool records that will open doors to admission and scholarships with Lee's Comprehensive Record Solution.<br /><br />Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is an expert in "helping parents homeschool high school." Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university. Learn how she did it on her website, TheHomeScholar.com, which includes a free monthly newsletter and daily blog.<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-35434330971093122582012-08-03T23:32:00.000-07:002012-11-02T23:33:10.097-07:00Homeschoolers and College Dual Enrollment Dual enrollment (attending community college while still in high school) has become a very popular trend among many homeschool students. After all, the chance to reduce college costs is pretty attractive! There are some great benefits to this choice, but I've found that many parents are unaware of the potential pitfalls when their 16 or 17 year-old student participates in classes designed for older adults. Our sons attended community college when they were 16 and 17, and one of the most surprising things we experienced was the abundance of pornography. There was pornographic material for sale in the student bookstore right next to the engineering books (because presumably engineers are males). One parent told me that her daughter signed up for an English class, and one of the pieces required for reading was pornographic in nature. During one of our son's foreign language classes, they showed movies of unclothed people, in order to "experience the French culture". In their speech class, the class and the teacher were great, but another student in class gave a speech that was pornographic in nature. My children were trying hard to act cool, but as a parent, I was pretty mortified that I put them into that situation. At a college fair I went to, a representative from one community college took me aside and told me to give a message to homeschoolers, that their children are sitting next to adjudicated adults - people who have just been released from prison and registered sex offenders. Community college is an adult environment. There is no way that adjudicated adults can be refused admission. We were also astounded by the vulgar language. One of the calculus teachers would drop the F-bomb when he spoke all the time. I think he was trying to be cool and trying to fit in with the group. It's important to note that not all teachers do all of these things; we just found these to be true. Community college is similar to a public high school atmosphere without the moderation that comes from being with other children. At community college you will see people smoking without being concerned that they're smoking, people swearing, etc. They bring this content into the classroom because they're all primarily grown adults; it's not a children's environment. Students who are perfectionists tend to have more difficulty in community college. This is not an academic problem, because they can get an A with little effort. The problem comes when students transition from community college to a university. When they go on to university, all of the sudden much more effort is required to earn an A. When they realize they didn't get A's because they were a genius, depression can be the result. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before you enroll your student in this environment; the costs just may not be worth it. Navigating community college is just another one of those challenging things that homeschool parents experience. But armed with good information and advice, you can succeed! Take a look at my free mini course, "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School " to avoid other pitfalls common in homeschooling! If you would like some help putting together your child's transcripts from homeschooling and community college, my Total Transcript Solution will show you how to create an AMAZING homeschool transcript that will impress the colleges! Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university. Learn how she did it on TheHomeScholar.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Dual enrollment (attending community college while still in high school) has become a very popular trend among many homeschool students. After all, the chance to reduce college costs is pretty attractive! There are some great benefits to this choice, but I've found that many parents are unaware of the potential pitfalls when their 16 or 17 year-old student participates in classes designed for older adults.<br /><br />Our sons attended community college when they were 16 and 17, and one of the most surprising things we experienced was the abundance of pornography. There was pornographic material for sale in the student bookstore right next to the engineering books (because presumably engineers are males). One parent told me that her daughter signed up for an English class, and one of the pieces required for reading was pornographic in nature.<br /><br />During one of our son's foreign language classes, they showed movies of unclothed people, in order to "experience the French culture". In their speech class, the class and the teacher were great, but another student in class gave a speech that was pornographic in nature. My children were trying hard to act cool, but as a parent, I was pretty mortified that I put them into that situation.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />At a college fair I went to, a representative from one community college took me aside and told me to give a message to homeschoolers, that their children are sitting next to adjudicated adults - people who have just been released from prison and registered sex offenders. Community college is an adult environment. There is no way that adjudicated adults can be refused admission.<br /><br />We were also astounded by the vulgar language. One of the calculus teachers would drop the F-bomb when he spoke all the time. I think he was trying to be cool and trying to fit in with the group. It's important to note that not all teachers do all of these things; we just found these to be true.<br /><br />Community college is similar to a public high school atmosphere without the moderation that comes from being with other children. At community college you will see people smoking without being concerned that they're smoking, people swearing, etc. They bring this content into the classroom because they're all primarily grown adults; it's not a children's environment.<br /><br />Students who are perfectionists tend to have more difficulty in community college. This is not an academic problem, because they can get an A with little effort. The problem comes when students transition from community college to a university. When they go on to university, all of the sudden much more effort is required to earn an A. When they realize they didn't get A's because they were a genius, depression can be the result.<br /><br />Carefully weigh the pros and cons before you enroll your student in this environment; the costs just may not be worth it.<br /><br />Navigating community college is just another one of those challenging things that homeschool parents experience. But armed with good information and advice, you can succeed! Take a look at my free mini course, "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School " to avoid other pitfalls common in homeschooling!<br /><br />If you would like some help putting together your child's transcripts from homeschooling and community college, my Total Transcript Solution will show you how to create an AMAZING homeschool transcript that will impress the colleges!<br /><br />Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a homeschool high school expert. Both her two boys earned full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university. Learn how she did it on TheHomeScholar.com.<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Binz<br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400985180554679532.post-3114680000075963242012-08-02T05:33:00.000-07:002012-11-03T05:34:11.856-07:00How to Plan Successful Homeschool Field Trips<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Field trips allow children of all grade levels to get away from the classroom to learn in more exciting environments. Public and private schools plan a few trips throughout the year to supplement classroom lessons, but you have an advantage as a homeschooling family. You can plan more field trips throughout the year and tailor them to the interests and struggles of your child.<br /><br />If your child struggles to understand a lesson, a field trip may provide a fresh perspective that helps them understand certain concepts. If your child has a passion for a particular subject, regular field trips will help them explore that subject in new ways. These trips allow children to escape the daily routine and venture out into the world, but they also give you fresh ideas for lesson plans, experiments, and classroom projects.<br /><br />These trips are essential to the learning process, but they are also a lot of fun. It is one thing to read a book or do a project on a small scale at home. It is another thing entirely to see what those books are talking about in the real world and see those projects at work on a larger scale.<br /><br />Trip Selection and Planning<br /><br />Every trip you take should correlate to a lesson you are currently teaching. Research all cities within a reasonable distance from your home and make a list of all museums, state and national parks, aquariums, and galleries that may apply to your child's studies now or in the future. As you develop new lesson plans for your child, add to this list.<br /><br />Once you find a field trip idea that you want to pursue, the planning process begins:<br /><br />1. Plan lessons to be covered prior to the trip. This will introduce your child to basic information they need to fully comprehend what they see on the field trip.<br /><br />2. Plan an activity to be completed during the field trip or generate a list of questions for your child to answer during the trip. This keeps your child focused on what you want them to learn.<br /><br />3. Plan follow-up lessons to recap everything your child has learned in the classroom and on the trip.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Keep It Simple<br /><br />Field trips do not have to be elaborate outings. A hike through a national forest and a picnic is one simple idea that can coordinate with a variety of lessons for all age groups if properly planned.<br /><br />For instance, it may be important to select the most appropriate entrance into the national forest. There may be a reception center, museum, educational trail, or another feature only found at one area of the forest. It may also be important to visit at a particular time of year to coordinate with particular lessons.<br /><br />Avoid cramming too much activity into one outing. It is better for your child to fully explore one location than to briefly visit three or four locations. Create activities that make the trip more entertaining. For instance, your child may go on a scavenger hunt when you visit a museum. You may have to visit the museum ahead of time, but you can make a list of items to be found in the museum and allow your child to check off the list during the field trip. Your follow-up lesson may hit on the importance of each item on the list.<br /><br />Share Your Ideas... and Win!<br /><br />Share your most successful homeschool field trips for a chance to win an Amazon gift card. You receive one entry into the gift card contest just for sharing the details of a field trip you have planned for your child. Share up to four pictures of your field trip and you will earn one additional contest entry per picture.<br /><br />Carolann Henderson, homeschooling mom, website editor and researcher. You'll find general homeschooling information, free resources, tips and encouragement on our website. You will also be able to enter our Amazon gift card giveaway on the website. I also have a free gift for you that you will find instrumental in getting and staying organized in homeschooling and all areas of your life along with a free ebook to help you homeschool holidays. You can claim your free gifts by visiting my website http://www.homeschooling-road-map.com. and signing up for our free newsletter "Homeschool Helping Hands".<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_A_Henderson<br /><br /><br />adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08479562689831211918noreply@blogger.com0