More from my inbox:
Here's a nice resource from Handwriting Without Tears-- some letter
formation charts for both print and cursive. They show the letter in
various stages of being formed and use the vocabulary for describing the
strokes that HWT uses.
http://www.hwtears.com/files/Letter%20Formation%20Charts.pdf
Heddi (of the Discovery Learning Center)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
MONDAY AFTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE SERIES
The Mad Molecule Science Store
presents
presents
MONDAY AFTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE SERIES
The Mad Molecule Science Store is pleased to announce a new after-school science program. Every Monday young scientists will participate in exciting and instructive lab activities. On the second through fifth Mondays in October, we will explore the periodic table and a variety of chemical reactions including spectacular color-changing chemicals, huge eruptions, and many more amazing experiments. Ages from 5 to 14 are welcome. Older and younger students will be organized into separate groups.
Labs will be led by Steve "The Science Guy" Heuer.
Labs will be held at the Aptos Grange from 3:30 to 5:00 starting October 10 and continuing through October 31. One low tuition fee of $75 (plus $20 lab material fee) covers the four October sessions. The Aptos Grange is conveniently located near Cabrillo College at 2555 Mar Vista Dr., Aptos. Call The Mad Molecule Science Store at 688-ATOM (688-2866) to sign up.
The Mad Molecule Science Store
275 Center Ave., Aptos, CA 95003
688-ATOM 688-2866
FREE KITTIES
Just in case anyone out there has been wanting to add a cat to the family, here is something that came to my inbox today:
I am a volunteer at the SPCA and right now they are having a special promotion. All adult cats (ages 6 months & older) are FREE!!
The Monterey Co SPCA is in the process of building a new shelter facility, so they are trying to find FOREVER homes for as many of these animals as possible, before the big move in December.
All adoptable animals are vacinated, microchiped, spayed or neutered; they even come with a 10lb bag of Science Diet.
There are also feral cats available, so if you are interested in these animals be sure to ask.
The FREE cat promotion is ONLY til the end of September, btw.
Follow the Adopt link & then search adoptable animals: cats/kittens to see available cats. (The feral cats are not listed on the website, btw)
http://www.spcamc.org/index.html
Thank you all for your patience :o) Stephanie in Seaside
I am a volunteer at the SPCA and right now they are having a special promotion. All adult cats (ages 6 months & older) are FREE!!
The Monterey Co SPCA is in the process of building a new shelter facility, so they are trying to find FOREVER homes for as many of these animals as possible, before the big move in December.
All adoptable animals are vacinated, microchiped, spayed or neutered; they even come with a 10lb bag of Science Diet.
There are also feral cats available, so if you are interested in these animals be sure to ask.
The FREE cat promotion is ONLY til the end of September, btw.
Follow the Adopt link & then search adoptable animals: cats/kittens to see available cats. (The feral cats are not listed on the website, btw)
http://www.spcamc.org/index.html
Thank you all for your patience :o) Stephanie in Seaside
Monday, September 12, 2011
online chemistry resource
Another email that came to by inbox, from Suki (another local homeschool mover and shaker):
Hi all,
I'm doing middle school chemistry with my kids and happened upon an excellent, free resource. ChemMatters magazine, which is written at a MS/HS level, has many of their articles/issues archived online and downloadable for free! http://tinyurl.com/43qx4sa
was planning a bit of work with thermometers, and I searched and found a great article on thermometers, how they're used, the history of thermometers, etc. Totally cool.
Suki
Susana (Suki) Wessling
blog.SukiWessling.com
Hi all,
I'm doing middle school chemistry with my kids and happened upon an excellent, free resource. ChemMatters magazine, which is written at a MS/HS level, has many of their articles/issues archived online and downloadable for free! http://tinyurl.com/43qx4sa
was planning a bit of work with thermometers, and I searched and found a great article on thermometers, how they're used, the history of thermometers, etc. Totally cool.
Suki
Susana (Suki) Wessling
blog.SukiWessling.com
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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!)
Friday, August 19, 2011
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------
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
lisa c.
---------------------------------------------------------------
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
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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.
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.
http://www.homeschoolmarketplace.com/e-zines/ejournalaug1611.html
Makes me feel a little better about our family not having iAnything. : )
lisa c.
Monday, August 8, 2011
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/
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/
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