Happy New Year!

 May your family have a joyful and bless3d New Year!

Add a bit of History to your travels!

 We’re visiting Okinawa.  We had to see Kakazu and Hacksaw Ridge.  It’s so important to add a bit of History to your curriculum.  Add a bit to your travels.  It’s the easiest way to learn more!  If you watched the movie Hacksaw Ridge, seeing the site brings home the courage the men had assaulting the ridge.  It made me want to know more about Desmond Doss.  Sometimes, kids are more interested in a topic after they see a site.  Although you may want to research and read before you visit.  By all means add a bit of History.

AI Answers

 I scour the internet frequently for new ideas.  Usually I ignore AI generated answers.  But, I decided to try to use AI intentionally to evaluate the response.  The results are interesting. Will I use AI preferentially?  Probably not.  However, I will glance at the results more often when I want to check for a new lab.  When I asked about homeschool history textbooks, I got top web results.

Next, I asked about the  Open Court program.  Here is the answer.  It didn’t include the history of  the Open Court curriculum; however, the description is accurate.

Finally, I teach science, too.  I’m always looking for new labs.  I asked about colorful chemical experiments, which the kids love.  

I had to refine my request to include experiments to do safely at home.

Go to the zoo!

 We love the zoo! Our family has visited zoos all over the world.  Yesterday we went to the zoo in Okinawa.  Every zoo is different.  The signs at the zoo here are hilarious!  Take a look!

Why should you teach Latin?

 Latin!  Why should anyone teach Latin?  Yes, many Catholic families incorporate Latin into their curriculum.  Even if you aren’t Catholic, you should consider teaching Latin.  Why?  The reason is vocabulary and grammar.  I took two years of Latin in high school.  Just the root words helped enormously in Biology classes in college.   Latin helps on the SAT, too.  Often strange words can be decoded based on Latin roots.  I like Henle Latin.  I’ve been using Henle to tutor a student the past three years.  You need the whole set; used copies abound.  We plow through the exercises together at our own pace because this is an elective.  If you have taken foreign languages, the one aspect of Latin which can be confusing is Declension.  Nouns are declined.  Eventually, Henle gets into verb conjugation.  Unlike French or Spanish, nouns are declined before verbs are conjugated.  Yes, I use the internet when there is some source of confusion.  I like Cactus 2000 when I need to check a declension or conjugation; this site has the accents.

A few of my favorite resources!

We are visiting our son, a priest chaplain, in Kadena AFB in Japan.  We’ve met several families, one who is considering home-schooling their family of seven children.  I made a list of my favorite resources.  Let me share them with you.  Here are some of my favorite home-school materials.  The family asked me to make a list for a seventh grade boy.  So the list skews a bit younger.  

For teens I would add Stobaugh Literature, Apologia High School Science,  Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Henley Latin,  and Dave Ramsay’s High School Homeschool. 

Military STEM Resources

 I had a ‘duh’ moment.  I’m visiting the AFB in Kadena, Japan; our son is a priest chaplain for the Air Force.  There is all kinds of education.  Duh!  I bet there are STEM resources. In fact there are!  Many resources are specific to individual bases.   The first one I found online is WPAFB Educational Outreach Office.  Look at Design Thinking (elementary ages).  The Wizards of Wright Lesson uses Pepsi’s Plastic Bottle School Project in the Philippines.  Yes, they include a map of the Philippines and videos for each lesson.  I looked at Straw Rockets, Reaction Chemistry, and Newton’s Third Law.  Not bad!  These lessons use simple materials and include videos.  

USAFA STEM Chemistry from the Air Force Academy has some demos: Can Crush, Whoosh Bottle, and Oscillating Reactions.  If you live near the Air Force Academy in Colorado, look at their Outreach page. The Civil Air Patrol has Aerospace/STEM Resources for Remote Education.  Contact your local Civil Air Patrol to see about ordering the free STEM kit and free books.  

Are you familiar with the National Air Guard or Army National Guard?  See if there is one near your home which sponsors STARBASE.   We live near Quantico, a Marine base.  The Navy and Marine bases often sponsor SeaPerch a competitive, robotics competition.  Some Army bases sponsor Junior Solar Sprint.   If you live near a military base, do a quick search.  For example, Martinsburg WV Air Guard STEM brought up their STARBASE program.    Many bases offer summer camps, too.  These are very popular.  The National Museum of the Marine Corps, near Quantico offers a summer camp. It is tough to get a slot in one of the camps, which are often free.  It’s definitely worth trying.   Hope you find even more resources!

Merry Christmas!

 Here’s hoping your family has a wonderful Christmas!

Buy books for Christmas—especially for reluctant readers!

Buy books for Christmas!  Chances are your children have loads and loads of stuff.  Our family gives used books as gifts all the time.  I scour used book sales and online book stores all the time for gifts.  Now, Dyslexia runs rampant in our family; consequently, reading is even more important for kids with learning differences.  What if they are reluctant readers?  Do you think my family is different from yours?  I’ve had that battle with teens who don’t want to read anymore for pleasure.  (Too often, they want to use Sparknotes instead of books for school work, too.)  I’m not a purist.  The key is to get your child to read a book, graphic novel, even a comic book.  I have purchased stacks of Calvin and Hobbes as gifts.

What is my secret?  I buy books to tantalizing to put on a shelf.  Figure out the kid’s main interest.  Paul is obsessed with shoes.  I’m buying him books about sneakers. Really!

Does your child like to bake?  Shop for cookbooks at the local library sale!  

Is your teen interested in building catapults or trebuchets?  Start here.  Take note!  These types of books often lead to an interest in learning more of the history of early warfare.  More reading!

Build on your kid’s interests: gift, soccer, horses, etc.  Give them a related book.  Introduce your child to the joy of reading!  Who knows where this Joy will lead?

Teach on a Budget: Smart Boards

  While I teach for the local homeschool Co-op, I taught at both private and public schools, in another life.  I’ve had some experience with Smart Boards.  The Catholic School at our church has Smart Boards in all of the classrooms.  I use one when I lead a Faith Camp in the summer. I find it handy to have a large screen for presentations.  I use my set-up for quick slide presentations, Classroom instructions, videos, and images.  For example, I can post a DNA graphic as I discuss how DNA transcribes and translates code into proteins.   I set up an old television and connected it to a laptop with an HDMI cable.  I use an adapter to connect the HDMI cable to an iPad.  

You can use Witeboard with a laptop, iPad, or touchscreen tablet.  It is hard to write with a mouse on a laptop or your finger on the iPad.  Use a stylus.

When I taught in a public, high school, I used Mimio Boards. These stick right on to any whiteboard.  However, you have to integrate Mimio with a computer with loads of hard drive space and an LCD projector.  You need to recalibrate them just about every time you use them.  Good Will and eBay both have listings

Since I have used both, I like the TV or iPad with an HDMI cable more than a Mimio.  Replacing an LCD bulb is expensive.  I found the least thing could make the Mimio connection stutter or freeze.  Chances are you already have a TV and an HDMI cable.  I bet you didn’t think about using it to teach—even for small groups, like your family.

Digital Story-Telling

 The Co-op Composition class has been experimenting with digital story-telling.  We are using Klecki, Google Slides, and Kapwing.  The teens did not have a lot of experience with Klecki or Slides.  A few have used Davinci Resolve.  My goal is help the kids write a story.  They were very enthusiastic about using the animation tools to add effects and sound.  Yes, this is writing!  They have to start with a basic story line.  My goal is to help the kids write, whether it takes the form of a presentation or animated video.

Make the most of your Christmas trip to the Zoo!

I  teach at a Co-op with kids from large families.  Every trip is a big deal.  Make the most of your trip to the Zoo!  Our plans include a trip to a zoo over the Christmas break.  Plan to create a family album and educational lapbook: Zoo Lapbook,  Zoo Unit Study, and Zoo Animals.  Include sketches.  Take loads and loads of pictures.  Let the kiddos complete worksheets: At the Zoo I Saw, My Day at the Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, or Zoo Tampa’s packet with loads of activities.  Download a zoo scavenger hunt: Zoo Tampa, National Zoo, and this generic Zoo Scavenger Hunt. The San Diego Zoo’s Curriculum has loads and loads of follow-up ideas: habitats, books to read, animals and their offspring, etc.  Zoos cost a fortune.  Make the most of this fun trip!  If grandparents are hosting your family, ask Nana and Pop-pop to work with the kids on their lapbook project.  Tell your kiddos to show their grandparents how much they learned.

Secret Code Christmas Gift Kit

  I had another idea.  Is it strictly science?  Not exactly.  But, any activity which gets kids to think dovetails well with STEM.  First, put in colorful Twizzlers for Learn Binary Code.  Use LEGOS for LEGO Secret Coding (Morse Code).  Here are Spy Codes to explore.  Add pony beads to make Morse Code Bracelets or Binary Bracelet.  (Instructables uses wire and fancy beads if you want a special kit.) Add a used book and you’ll have another outstanding gift kit.

Great Courses

 Did you know that Good Will online has The Great Courses?  Yes, loads! Before you bid or shop, see if your library has copies of The Great Courses.  If your library offers Hoopla, it has The Great Courses, too.  Try a few episodes before you subject your teen to these courses.   Below is one example.  There are more at Good Will. 

There are usually several listings of DVD set at Good Will. eBay, Bonanza, and Mercari sell DVD sets, too.  The Teaching Company has a sale, now, too.  I have tried the Chemistry Great Course.  I found it to be thorough, but dry. The Great Courses has high school versions for several subjects.

Do a family project: Create a Toy Library

 I ran across the idea to create a Toy Lending Library.  Our local library has a puzzle corner, which is a swap.  The library participates in the Library of Things and has a bunch of Outdoor games to borrow.

Any toys could be part of a lending library: LEGOS, board games, baby toys, such as block sets, etc.  Families may want to combine forces.  Clean out your toys.  Scour thrift stores for puzzles and board games.  Ask friends for donations and suggestions.  Here are some tips.  Does the idea of a lending library sound too complicated?  What about organizing a toy corner at the library?  Kids love to have a bin of LEGOs, sturdy Fisher Price buildings ands accessories, and a box of blocks.  Consider collecting puzzles to swap out.  Bring one and take one.  BTW this is a service project.  Sometimes we feel that service means sorting food or picking up trash.  Projects which get your family excited are service projects, too.

Make your own gift kits!

Update: I just thought of one more easy idea for a Christmas kit.  Collect supplies for a PVC Bubble Wand.  Add a small bottle of Dawn and a bottle of corn syrup to make Super Bubbles.   Add colorful straws and pipe cleaners.  Send this Bubble link to mom.  Super Bubbles are always a hit. 

 I’ve been writing about homemade Christmas science kits here, here, and here.  How about a few more ideas?  Put together a fidget gadget kit.  Here and here are loads of suggestions from DIY stress balls to penny spinners.  Collect colorful paper, balloons, pennies, Orbeez, etc, all the materials with instructions.  You might just send the parent the links with instructions, too.  Great gifts don’t need to break the bank.

Good Will offers loose LEGOs by the pound. (Always check the shipping before you bid!) Add a LEGO book and wait for the compliments.

What about making a Marshmallow Blow Gun Christmas kit?  Collect the PVC parts at Lowe’s and add a bag of marshmallows.   What about a bird box?  Here are plans if you have scrap wood.  You may want a Lowe’s kit.  Add a book to your gift box.  I buy and give used books as presents all the time.  I try to find nicer copies.  You’re going to have the best Christmas!

Traveling Bricks: LEGOs for the win!

 LEGOs can enhance any museum or garden tour.  As a parent you probably want to expose your family to museums, art exhibits, and botanical gardens.  Kiddos might be more receptive if there are LEGOs, especially if they can take a break to build.  For example, the National Building Museum  in Washington, D.C. has Brick City  through February.  Brick City might induce your family to try an unusual museum in addition to the Natural History Museum or the Zoo.  Right now the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is hosting Traveling Bricks.  This type of exhibit usually has a building or area where kids can build with LEGOs, allowing a break at the museum during the visit.   Nature Connects is a traveling LEGO exhibit.  We visited one of the botanical gardens hosting Nature Connects and let Paul borrow a digital camera to take pix.  He could build a framed LEGO image to post on the wall.  Another LEGO joint exhibit is Animal Superpowers.  Another upcoming exhibit is at the Jacksonville Area Museum.  See what local museums or gardens are offering.  Then if you are planning a trip to visit family, see if there is a LEGO exhibit nearby.  Many Children's Museums offer LEGO activities, such as Paint with LEGO or through the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network.  Let’s get your family excited about going to a museum or botanical garden!

Reluctant Readers

 What do you do with reluctant readers? Like you, I want them exposed to the classics.  This year, the Composition class has five reluctant readers.  Every. single. teen.  Dyslexia is rampant in my family.  Often, learning differences are the source of the problem—but, not always.  I am focused on solutions.  A friend just asked me about graphic novels.  I don’t care if the kid is reading the back of the cereal box as long as he is reading.  Let your teen read graphic novels.  The Great Illustrated Classics and Illustrated Classics are examples.  They are classified as adaptations.  These books have the story, but are easier to read.  Another simplified series are the Longman Classics series.  Could you use Cliffnotes or Sparknotes?  You could.  I think it’s better to read the story—even abridged.  Let your teen listen to the audiobook.  Often the child comes away with a better understanding of the novel.  I’m dealing with teens who also have trouble remaining on task.  They’ll listen to shorter novels; Little Women has been a slog.  Three of the boys have started to listen to the novel, but are having trouble persisting.  On to abridged copies!  I pulled out Longman!  In addition to classics, such as Treasure Island, many modern classics, such as The Diary of Anne Frank, The Giver, The Chosen, and A Wrinkle in Time, are available as graphic novels.  These are still books!  Another tip is to let your teen watch the movie first.  Sometimes, it helps to understand the plot.  Guess what?  Usually, the kid will learn that the book is better!  If I come up with any more solutions, I’ll let you know.

Family Field trips: National Museum of the Marine Corps

If you visit the D.C. area two favorite museums outside the city are Air and Space Museum near Dulles airport and the Marine Corps Museum.  (It is much less expensive to stay in a hotel just outside Washington D.C.  Select a hotel near one of these sites.) Look at the Marine Corps Museum’s up-coming Calendar.  Our family likes to tour the galleries.  However, there are many family-friendly events on Saturdays.  There are fun exhibits for kids in the museum.  Outside is a playground and picnic area.  Plan to spend the morning.  

Family Field trips: Go Fossil Hunting!

  I love to hunt for fossils—okay, mainly shark teeth.  It’s a bit nippy down by Calvert Cliffs (or neighboring beaches) to hunt for fossils.  However, this time of year you won’t fight crowds!  Rob and I stopped by Calvert Cliffs last Christmas.  We bundled up and headed for the beach!  Here are places to hunt for fossils.  I have found shark teeth on beaches in Florida, along the Gulf coast, too.  Here are parks or quarries where you can pay to dig for fossils.  Use your finds to make Fossil Casts.  (Good Will has fossil lots frequently, too.). Use online guides to identify common fossils.  Warning!  This is a very addictive hobby.