Free comic strip generator, with idea for a comic diary

Here is the text of an email I received today from Heddi, over at the Discovery Learning Center:

Heddi writes, Here is an idea from Make Beliefs Comix about using their free comic
making site.  I thought it might be interesting to homeschooling families!

If you're looking for an exciting new literacy activity for the new school year why not start a daily 20-minute comic strip segment during which your students create a comic diary about something they learned or read or experienced that day? Creating such daily comix diaries provides a way for students to digest and integrate key material that they are taught as well as to reflect on their lives and experiences. And what better way for all students, including English Language Learners, to improve writing, reading and storytelling skills!

 To help educators, MakeBeliefsComix.com, the free online comic strip generator, has launched a Daily Comix Diary Page offering many ideas at http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Daily-Comix-Diary/
 Students can also draw their own comics with pencil or crayons and use stick figures or pictures cut from magazines. By making their own comic strips, students will realize that they can create stories and make art. They will learn that they, too, are capable of generating their own learning materials, their own memoirs, and that their `'take'' on the world is so very special – everyone sees things differently.

What to draw and write about?
For starters, why not have students create autobiographical comic strips about themselves and their families or summarizing the most important things about their lives? Let each student select a cartoon character as a surrogate to represent him or her. They might also summarize what their individual interests are or some key moments in their lives.
Maybe students create a comic strip with a new ending for a book that they've read, or an extension of the story, or a deeper exploration of a character in the book.
Maybe theirs is a comic strip using new vocabulary learned that day.
Maybe their comic is about a concept they learned in science or in social studies.
Maybe their comic captures an interesting conversation they overheard.
Maybe their comic is about something sad or bad that happened to them, such as someone bullying them. Or about something special, such as a birthday wish.
Maybe their comic is about something fun or wonderful that they or a friend experienced – perhaps an adventure they had. Or, about a great or important memory they will never forget.
Maybe their daily comic contains a joke they heard or something funny a parent said to them recently.
Maybe they're exploring a problem at home that's bothering them, such as a sibling who's driving them crazy.
Maybe their comic strip is a fantasy story that came to their imagination.
Or, how about creating a political comic strip commenting on some new development in government or a news event?

Now, imagine the student's comic-filled sketch book or folder containing daily diary entries created over the course of a year that will trace each child's thoughts and learning, that will reflect what was important to her or him. They'll have composed a comic book diary that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Most important, the 20-minute-a-day daily comix diary challenge offers students the chance to become creators as they find their voice, rather than just passive learners. What better gift can you give them?

Sincerely,
Bill Zimmerman,
Creator, MakeBeliefsComix.com
wmz@aol.com

Articles debating the value of homework

Ok, ladies, prepare for the onslaught.  I have been coming across so many interesting articles on education in general, on project ideas, on local events you might want to know about, etc. that I will be posting a lot this week.  You have been warned.

First, two articles on homework that came my way this week.  I wonder if there is a movement beginning in the intellectual/theorhetical realm of educational that would eventually trickle down to better practices involving homework in the nation-wide educational system. . . here's hoping!

#1: Rethinking Homework by Alfie Kohn.

#2: The Trouble With Homework by Annie Murphy Paul. Enjoy! If you like reading about educational movements, that is.

Eye-dropper art

I just saw this really cool demonstration over on etsy for making portraits with eye-droppers and ink--this idea would translate so well to a homeschool art project!  (With  washable ink, for those that need it!)

Ruth Korch is now an OG vendor!

Hey Moms, Ruth is a lovely woman and very skilled artist, who sometimes writes and speaks for SoulKitchen Bible studies and women's retreats!  I wish I could take a class with her myself!  But if any of you are looking for an art teacher, she would be wonderful, and you would be supporting someone related to the Vintage community. : )

lisa c.
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RUTH KORCH, Artist & Teacher
WATERCOLOR
Learning to paint with watercolors is a skill your children can enjoy the rest of their lives. Because it's fast and easily transportable they can paint quick scenes out in nature or on vacations. It's equally suited to detailed or loose expression. It's one of the purest mediums we can use, but it also can be one of the most challenging. In this 6 week course your child will be introduced to secrets that make watercolors "sing". They will learn basic techniques, followed by projects that offer opportunities to use them in a fun way.
Cooper, our shaggy white dog, is my mascot and loves to welcome children to our home where they will learn in a safe and happy setting. This class for ages 9 & up will meet Wednesday afternoons, 3:00-4:30 for 6 weeks. Class size is 3-8 students and runs September 7, 14, 21 & October 5, 12, 19.
RATES:
Private Lessons (1-2 students) $45/1.5 hours
Group Lessons (3-8 students) $30/1.5 hours ($180/ 6 wk introductory course)
Materials Fee: $25 (once children have some of the basic supplies, materials fee will go down in future classes)
PET PORTRAITS
Children love animals and this 3 week class offers an opportunity for them to create a 16 x 20 acrylic painting of their favorite animal. The course teaches drawing, canvas preparation and painting skills.
Wednesdays: 3:00 - 4:30, Nov 2, 9 & 16
Cost: $90 and $25 materials fee (total - $115)
I have a degree in Fine Art and currently teach art classes at Live Oak Academy, a home school co-op in San Jose. I am a working artist doing commissions and exhibiting in Santa Cruz Open Studios. I also teach calligraphy classes at Palace Arts in Capitola. You can see my work at http://www.ruthkorch.com%3chttp//www.Ruthkorch.com>. I welcome your thoughts and questions: mailto:ruthkorch@gmail.com%3Cmailto:ruthkorch@gmail.com>. For enrollment, please contact both me and your ES.
Ruth Korch. 130 Eastridge Court. Santa Cruz. 95060

Vintage Homeschool Moms Back to School Party!

Hello all!

So, it is that time again.  Can you believe it? I thought it would be fun again to have a party/open house to celebrate the start of the new school year.  Since most of us can no longer make Mondays, I was thinking we would have it there at church on Friday August 26th instead, at our normal time of noon-2:30. 

I am checking with the church to make sure we can use the building at that time.  But even if the church classroom is not available, let's keep the time and date on our calendars and we will make it a park date instead, ok?  Check here for any changes, but if you don't see an UPDATE to this post, that means the original plan to meet at church is a go. : )

So, either place we meet, bring a lunch for your family and a food item to share with the group! 

Also, talk to your kids about your goals for this Fall, and have each kid come up with one learning goal they have that they can share with the group (or one thing they are going to be learning about that they are excited about, like dinosaurs or handwriting or something). 

And please spread the word and invite your friends!

lisa c.

Addicted to Distraction

Came up on an interesting little article today:

http://www.homeschoolmarketplace.com/e-zines/ejournalaug1611.html

Makes me feel a little better about our family not having iAnything. : )

lisa c.

2011 Aquarium Homeschool Days

From my wonderful ES, Terry:

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the day to sign up for a FREE homeschool day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Every family must sign up individually on their website.  All the information is below.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 Home School Days

DEAR HOME EDUCATOR,
Thank you for your continued support for our Home School Day program.  We are writing to provide important information regarding Home School Days 2011.     

 The Home School Days dates for 2011 are:
Monday, October 17th
Monday, October 24th
Monday, October 31st
Monday, November 7th
Monday, November 14th
As with other education groups, home school families are eligible to participate in only one free visit each school year.

 ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE ONLINE
Online reservations for Home School Days 2011 will open on Tuesday, August 9th at 9:00 a.m.  Each Home School date will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.Home School Day information and the online reservation link will be found on this School Programs page on August 9th at 9:00 a.m.  Home school families are welcome to make individual reservation for up to 10 participants (youth and adults combined).  Home school youth are students between the ages of 3-17 years, and home school adults are 18 years and older.  Children under 3 years are admitted free of charge and should not be included in your reservation.

WE NO LONGER ACCEPT GROUP RESERVATIONS
Due to frequent discrepancies in group numbers and arrival times, we are no longer accepting group reservations for Home School Days.We encourage group leaders to communicate the new reservation process to their home school family members.Group leaders may encourage their member families to make reservations on the same date and, if desired, may plan a meeting location for the group inside the Aquarium after families have arrived.  Group leaders should communicate this information directly to their member families.

 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
The theme for Home School Days 2011 is "Open Seas".Home school families will be able to enjoy the newly-renovated Open Sea exhibit (previously the Outer Bay) which will showcase sharks, tuna, turtles, puffins and plankton!

Our Discovery Lab classroom will be open for drop-in home school family activities from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.   Here you and your children will be able to interact with live ocean animals, examine Aquarium articfacts and resources, and get crafty all while learning more about your family's personal connection to ocean conservation.

AQUARIUM ADVENTURES
There are a variety of Aquarium Adventures programs in which you and your family can participate during your visit.  You will find more information about available program on our website at this Aquarium Adventures page.  Note that the programs have age requirements and additional costs that are not included in your complimentary admission to Home School Days.  We strongly recommend that you pre-register for all events as space is limited.

Thank you for your cooperation with our Home School Day process.  We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Aquarium this fall! 

Education Programs Staff
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Email: schoolprograms@mbayaq.org
Phone:  831-644-7538
Web:  http://www.mbayaq.org/

Annual Learn Nothing Day

Have any of you heard about this before?

http://sandradodd.com/learnnothingday/

Brilliant!  But we missed the official day.  Well, I guess it is never too late to "not learn." ; )

Actually, on a more serious note, reading what parents were saying on this page about their families' "failures" in celebrating Learn Nothing Day made me step back and see anew my own schooling approaches as of late.  I think I have been too much separating "school" from "non school" and I wonder if that is hindering this overall family value we have of "life-long learning" or "learning as a lifestyle."   As a family value, this just makes sense for us.  And yet, have I been actually sending the opposite message through how I break down the day into "school" vs "non school" time. . .

I have been processing a lot of ideas like this as I think about how I need to revamp our homeschooling approach/schedule for this upcoming year.  Whatever I end up writing about I will share with you all here!  : )

FYI: Monterey Bay Birding Festival

July 14, 2011                                                                        
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       
Contact:  Christina Glynn, 831.425.1234 ext.112
Photography available upon request

SEVENTH ANNUAL MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL
TO BE HELD
SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2011

On-line registration now available for events, presentations, outings

WATSONVILLE, CA – Are you ready to join the fastest-growing outdoor activity in the United States?  This fall, the Watsonville-based seventh Annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival will take place Thursday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 25, 2011.  

The festival offers expert-led field trips, specialized birding outings for beginners, “slough safaris” of the Elkhorn Slough via kayak and pontoon boat, a pelagic trip on the Monterey Bay to view sea birds, a trip to Pinnacles National Monument, vagrant chasing at the Carmel River mouth, pelagic trips of the Monterey Bay, excursions to the Ventana Wildlife Society’s Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park in scenic Big Sur and other activities.  A stellar line-up of expert birders leading day trips as well as evening presenters are sure to please even the most discriminating birders.  This year’s theme, The Evolution of Birding - From Field Guides to Hi-Tech will celebrate the bygone days of John James Audubon to the modern days of hi-tech innovations in birding.

On Thursday evening, a special presentation by birder and naturalist Steve Shunk will explore The Names, Namers, and Naming of North America Birds.  On Friday and Saturday evenings, the popular Owls of Robinson Canyon excursions will take birders on a search for Great Horned Owls, Spotted Owls, Western Screech-Owls, Northern Pygmy-Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls and other types of this mysterious and nocturnal bird.

The Santa Cruz County Visitors Council’s free Birding and Wildlife Watching guide will be available during the festival.  The 44-page guide is designed for use by visitors to communities adjacent to the many birding destinations throughout the county.  The guide includes information on a variety of habitats, from sandy beaches to lagoons, wetlands and river mouths, as well as descriptions and photographs of the some of the area’s most commonly seen birds, wildlife and the best times of the year to view them. It also provides maps of birding and wildlife hotspots, points of interest, and itineraries.  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 31 percent of Americans engage in wildlife watching as a hobby or recreational activity, an increase of 13 percent from a decade ago.

The free guide is also available at the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council’s main visitor center at 303 Water Street #100 in Santa Cruz, via mail by request throughwww.birding.travel, or by calling 800.833.3494.

Registration can be done on-line at http://www.montereybaybirding.org/ or via mail.  Registration is available for the entire festival, individual days or select evening activities.   The registration fee for the four-day festival is $40; one-day registration is also available and pricing for a variety of activities starts at $10.    

The Birding Festival Web site, http://www.montereybaybirding.org/ provides a registration and ticketing, full festival schedule, description of events, and other information. Visitors can log on towww.birding.travel to help plan their trip.   

FREE online learning styles workshop

For those of you who don't know, Heddi is one of the creators of the local Discovery Learning Center.  I have seen the paper version of this, and it is really good!--lisa c.

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Hi, everyone. As you may know, I often do homeschool workshops in the area or at conferences, but I know it often works out that not everyone can attend who wants to attend. I'm currently working on a project to put my workshops in an online format that homeschoolers can access any time! I had five great testers try it out (thank you, testers!) and now I'm ready to share it with all of you!

My first FREE workshop is ready on Learning Styles. It includes online lectures broken down in to manageable bits, interactive forums, links to online resources, and suggested activities.

If you'd like to check it out, go to Homeschool Workshop at:
http://homeschoolworkshop.com/

You will need to create a user account and password using the Login box on the left side of the page. After you login, click on the "What is Your Child's Learning Style?" workshop. You will be asked to enter a one-time key, which is "free" (without the quotations). Then you are ready to start the workshop following the directions provided.

I'm announcing this a little at a time and you all get to be the first!

Feel free to pass this message on to other homeschoolers. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to email me at heddicr@gmail.com.

Hope you find the workshop helpful!

Heddi

--

FYI: Reading program that gives free tickets to Six Flags

Hello all!

Just heard about this program:

http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/

Kids can earn a free ticket to Six Flags for 6 hours of pleasure reading. (Sheesh--we do that in one week!)

The program is closed for this year, but of course I would never remember to blog about it when it is starting, so if you are interested just check the website for details about when the next year's program starts up. : )