Category: Homeschooling tips

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Educational Toy: Learning Through Computer: Part 2

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Today we notice everywhere around us someone has a computer. Computers are in homes, offices and even in cars. With so much technology, it is logical that our children someday must learn how to operate a computer.

Nowadays children start out as soon as they begin to push bottoms. They make computers for the youngest child. They make computers for 18 months and older so your child can start learning at the youngest age. As your child grows so do the computers. Therefore, your child will be able to learn from the skills of a computer for many of years, since educational toys provide them a learning tool. The computers today designed for young children is technology advanced that your child would think that he is actually operating a real computer.

Click here to see Educational Game Software For Kids

What kinds of computers are available for my child?

There are all kinds of computer for your child to learn on. For the little ones that have their favorite characters, they may enjoy the Dora PC that allows them to Explore. Sponge Bob and his square pants, along with superman and many more may inspire your child to learn about technology.

Technology discovered that children attract to their favorite characters, so they designed the latest computers, including the laptops and desktops.

Dell Latitude D600 14.1-Inch Laptop – 512MB RAM, 30GB Hard Drive

Dell D620 Laptop Duo Core with Windows XP

How do these computers teach our children?

These are computers designed for preschoolers, helping them to learn from 18 months and up. Now one might think that an 18 month would have no interest in computers, yet technology has made it possible inspire nearly any young one this age.

Benefits of Computer:

The computers will encourage cause and effect while your child enjoys exploration, shapes, numbers, and more. Your child will enjoy touching animals or instrument, to hear the related sounds.

Some of the activities that challenge kids, include the rewarding lights and sound effects, as well as the buttons on the mouse that light up, this computer has a memory matching game as well as a game to help to learn numbers and shapes.

For those long trips to Aunt Maggie’s house, a handy dandy carrying case with handle makes it easy for your child to learn on the move.

If you do not think your child will like that one, maybe your child will enjoy the Geosafair laptop. The laptop that uses cards like flash cards will help your child learn. With this laptop, it comes with 63 different cards with learning tools on both sides. This will make 126 sides, which are lessons. The cards are lessons that teach your child about wildlife, animals, science, language, math, maps, history, and trivia games and more. Each learning tool will inspire your child to continue learning new skills.

For the children that are still small and learning but are already in school there is a computer, which is the children’s laptop. This computer has much to offer, since your child will learn math games, word puzzle, telling time, memory skills, keyboard skill, music composition, English and Spanish translation is available also, which teaches your child new languages. The laptop comes with a realistic mouse with five different buttons to use.

How do I find these computers?

Some computers that teach your child learning skills are in all the big stores like at your local Wal-Mart or even Target stores have this computer. Some times your smaller computers are found in Rite Aide or Walgreen’s. They are using these computers in school as well as home. If you cannot find what you are looking for in your local stores you can go to the Internet and find them on there as well on amazon like below;

Computer For Kids

Computer PC For Home

 

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Educational Toys homeschool-Children Homeschooling tips K12 Homeschooling

Chromashift Dinosaur: Educational Toy From Discovery Channel

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Image Source: Robot Dino Toy
 

Chromashift Dinosaur:

Unleashing your child’s inhibitions is easy today even if the child has a learning disability. Today educational toys teach your children about history, math, and teaches them how to read. You can find educational toys that teach your child how to speak foreign languages. The toys are designed to develop your child’s abilities and skills, teaching them to grow healthy. Once your child reaches college, he or she will have more knowledge that helps him or her get ahead of education. In fact, the educational toys will help your child throughout elementary, central and high school. The children will have advantages since educational toys build comprehension and reading skills, which is the prime targets that help them to relate to any subject taught in schools.

Some of the common toys today include my favorite, Chromashift. This historical educational toy brings in a realistic depiction of reptiles. Its bio-mechanic ability to move makes this toy interesting enough to inspire your child to learn more about historical creations. The toy changes colors, which the purpose is to inspire your child to take interest in Chromashift.

Discovery Channel Toy:

Discovery Exclusive Chrome Shift Roboreptile Robotic Reptile Green Chrome By WowWee

This reptile has inspired many because it is a Discovery Channel replica and was seen on television. In fact, the Ellen Show introduced this fun reptile to millions of people nationally helping them to see how it benefits the child and helps them through development.

How the Chromashift works:
Chromashift has a motion sensor or bio-morphic which its advanced features uses organic elements to move around. This toy is robotic and has dual aggressive emotion-like features that help him to walk at his choice of speed. The colorful shift in his structure changes while it lights up giving your child the ability to watch Chromashift at angles view his surroundings. If you are familiar with the history of dinosaurs you will notice traits that help your child learn too what you know about this history. This robotic creature hunts his prey on all fours and stands to run using both his legs.

Interactive Learning Toy:
Dino-robot or Chromashift rather will whip that tail around as his head moves, snapping as he moves along, using his rear legs, Chromashift runs and jumps. Do not let your child try sneaking up behind Chromashift because he can sense the movement and will instantly make a run for it.

Robotic toys, such as Chromashift teaches your child to express emotions while showing him how dinosaurs demonstrated their emotional responses. The toy has a couple of moods that show his satisfaction, hunger, aggressiveness and submissive side.

Your child learns how to work this toy by using modes that function from remote control. He has an independent guard and using the switch, Chromashift will even fall asleep. Stereo sensors, which infrared sensors control his vision, produce the sounds and a laser picks up through sensor motion making Chromashift become aware of the surroundings in his environment.

Discovery Exclusive Chrome Shift Roboreptile Robotic Reptile Green Chrome By WowWee

What does my child get with Chromashift?
Your child gets the benefits of learning how historic creatures roamed the earth. Your child will also receive a hood with Chromashift as well as accessories. The hood fits comfortably over Chromashift face. The concept is to demonstrate Chromashift’s ability to subdue his moods and relax.

In summary, the benefit your child receives from this educational toy is that he or she will learn that it is ok to show emotions. Your child will develop behavior patterns that help him or her take control. At what time your child sees that Chromashift becomes aggressive when he is hungry that when he eats he feels content. Finally, your child can program these dinosaurs to train him to show any emotion your child wants the Chromashift to display.

Click here to see all Robot Dinosaurs Toys to Play and Learn from.

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Homeschool Curriculum Homeschool-Family Homeschooling Resource Homeschooling tips

Homeschooling And Reading

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If you ask any homeschooling parent and they will tell you that Home Schooling Books are the Best Educational Tools of learning and teaching. Nowadays, home schooling is fast becoming the new trend in education. Although homeschooling has been around since the early 20th century, it is not until now that it has increased in popularity, with more and more families choosing to have their children undergo homeschooling.

In the United States, it has been estimated that around 3 million children are enrolled in homeschooling programs.

There are many reasons why parents choose to have their children educated at home. A lot of parents are concerned with their children’s safety, especially because of the rapid increase of crime in the school environment.

Concerns about religious values, morality, and dissatisfaction with the school system, are also some of the factors that are involved in making this decision.

Students who are homeschooled are expected to learn a variety of subjects. Students who are studying at home are provided with the materials that they need for their education.

There are a lot of text books that are especially designed to meet the needs of homeschoolers. Those students who are participating in unit studies are given unit study books or guides. This is a method of learning that is centralized on one theme at a time. This will cover all the information that they will need while they are studying a particular subject or theme.

Another way of learning is to make use of prepackaged curriculum. This basically covers the curriculum that is used in public schools. Text books of this kind usually provide instructions that are step by step, so students will not have any problems following the lessons.

A lot of children who are homeschooled also borrow their text books from libraries. This is a very inexpensive way of getting all the information that they’ll need.

Students who don’t have access to libraries can also use the internet to get their text books. There are a lot of websites on the net that buy and sell new and used books. This is a quick and easy way of getting the books that their curriculum requires.

All they have to do is search through the database and find the books that they are looking for. The best thing about this is that they’ll deliver your purchased books straight to your homes.

There are also homeschooling lending libraries that specialize on the types of books homeschooling students need. Typically, these type of libraries require a fee for membership.

Books are a vital part of a student’s education. For those students who are being taught at home, homeschooling books become an essential tool that aids them in their quest of learning.

You can find all bargain fictional, non-fiction, educational and for fun books here.

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Fun Activities For Homeschool

hsbook

 Image source: Homeschool Resource Books

Did you know Home Schooling is Loaded with Fun Activities? It does not have to be dull or boring, worksheet all day long. There are many reasons why parents choose homeschooling for their children. A lot of times this choice is made by parents who are dissatisfied with the way formal education is being run. Also by those who are concerned about safety issues.

In addition, there are those parents who wish to freely instill some religious values in their children, while some feel that having  their kids taught at home helps tighten their family bond.

Nowadays, there has been an uprise in the numbers of students who are getting their education at home. In the United States, approximately around 3 million children participate in homeschooling programs.

There are various ways homeschooling can be achieved. One of the most popular methods is to avail of prepackaged curriculums. A lot of book publishers specifically produce materials designed for children who participate in homeschooling.

These prepackaged curriculums basically introduce subjects that follow the curriculum of formal education.

Home schooling includes a lot of activities that make learning fun and exciting, especially for young children, while teaching a range of subjects such as: Mathematics, Language, Social Studies, Science, History, Electives and many more.

Children who are undergoing homeschooling are furnished with school supplies and other materials that they need for their education.

Software, educational audio cassettes and videos, and the internet are also part of the tools that are included in the education of the child.

Home schooling teachers may also teach children how to play various instruments as a part of the activities covered in music, and other various skills depending on the child’s interest.

Arts and crafts, indoor games, and story telling are some of the other activities homeschooled children can participate in. The best thing about this is family members will be able to support and be involved in the various activities of the child.

Students who are undergoing homeschooling may also choose to go on organized fieldtrips along with other children who are also being homeschooled.

Outside of homeschooling, children can also participate in a number of activities such as: community service, working part time, sports programs, church activities and field trips that are organized by support groups that endorse home schooling.

These are basically facilitated by families who also have children who participate in homeschooling.

This method of learning is gaining more and more popularity these days, and is becoming a more feasible option for a number of families that now it is fast becoming a new trend in the way children get their education. This gives parents more freedom to choose what they think would be the best option when it comes to their children’s education.

Click here to find more fun ways to teach kids ideas.

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How To Homeschool for Your Convenience

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Homeschooling is an alternative form of education that is fast growing. There are approximately two million people in the country today that undergo homeschooling. It completely fills up the role of institutional learning. In homeschooling, both parents and their children determine the extent of their learning.

Everybody can avail of homeschooling. All fifty states legally approve the practice of homeschooling. What differs from state to state are the laws governing the homeschooling program. Homeschooling can be very convenient for single parents who run a home business. They can have their kids to help them as well. Children of disabled parents can be tapped to take on a medical profession or one that involves social services.

Homeschooling should not be confused with home study or other forms of home-based education. In the latter, the parents and children do not have a say on the content of the curriculum. Examples of these are independent school programs. Home study is usually offered to those kids who for some valid reason could not attend school, say injury.

Homeschooling Curriculum

How to Start Homeschooling

There is not much requirement for one to administer homeschooling. Some states do not even require a highschool diploma from the parents. There is however, one state which requires some training program for homeschooling before allowing a person to conduct it at home.

Homeschooling is preferred over institutional learning for various reasons. Some find the school curriculum questionable. Some parents think that schools cannot provide enough training to optimize the skills and talents of their children. Some are simply concerned with the issues regarding the safety and security within their local schools. Some children just do not fit in school so parents resort to homeschooling for their kids.

Not much is needed to enable one to administer homeschooling. Even simple household stuff or even pets can be used to demonstrate scientific concepts. One can also borrow tools from friends and neighbors. Books at home can also be great learning materials. If they are not sufficient, the bookstore and the public library are the best sources of knowledge as well as the internet.

If still clueless about the concept, there are many organizations, websites and publications which can help enlighten about homeschooling and offer great help along the process. The library is also one of the best resources for wealth of knowledge as well as the local museums.

Homeschooling can be a very rewarding experience for the family. It provides for more precious time for bonding. It is not necessary for parents to be geniuses to become homeschooling teachers. All they need to have is resourcefulness to find ways to answer their children’s questions.

Now, this does not mean homschooling is easy and you as a parent do not have to do much. It is about setting up time when it is good for you, specially when child or you are sick, you can teach her in evening or weekend and still catch up with educational requirements.

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Cost of Homeschooling

Homeschooling Cost can be as little in early years to very expensive, depending on how you choose to homeschool. Most parents who are into homeschooling have discovered that they do not need much money in order to be effective and successful homeschoolers.

However, when families are considering to homeschool, they have to calculate the cost first since there are several expenditures that require attention; these are not merely financial costs, but physical and emotional as well.

Generally, parents identify the economic cost and concentrate on that primarily. Teaching and learning materials have to be bought. Most likely your local school will lend you textbooks; if not, your local library is a great place to start.  You can borrow books, have it photo copied and bring it home.

There also is an “emotional cost” that is involved in homeschooling as it is physically and emotionally challenging, at times stressful for the parents, as they spend a lot of time teaching their kids.

Obviously, this is the main reason why parents chose to home educate their children, however, it does not necessarily suggest that they are continuously educating and instructing their children.

To address the problem, parents must also arrange during the day a certain time allotted for their favorite past time, such as reading while the kids are out playing in the yard.

So how much does homeschooling really cost you ask? As much or as less as you want to.  Here are guidelines to help you spend your homeschooling money responsibly:

1.    Research and shop around.  Spend time to research available teaching and learning materials before purchasing. Explore your local stores, web sites, and your local library for resource supplies and books.

2.    Narrow down the field.  List everything that you need down and focus on the really important ones. Books that you need to buy, others you can borrow from the library.

3.    Set a budget.  How much will you be able to afford? Buying materials on a monthly basis and only when the need arises may be the best option for you, than buying everything in bulk, to find out that you don’t really need some of them.

4.    Stick to your list.  Never purchase any homeschool material that you have not listed, you don’t need them, so don’t get carried away.

Through calculating first the cost, as well as taking the time to talk with and get other homeschool parents concepts and analysis, and discussing possibilities before starting to homeschool, parents will be much prepared for the adventure of learning together as one family. Planning in advance will bring about peace and productivity.

You can find many cheap homeschooling curriculum ideas in homeschooling reference book: Homeschooling On a Shoestring

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Can you Be a Homeschool Teacher?

momschoolAs an adult I took up engineering degree, and not teaching degree, so I often thought how can I teach a child without teaching credentials? If you ever thought like I did, fret not. As a parent, we make a best teacher as we know our child the best. Think about when your child was infant till preschool age, where you might have taught her how to tell colors, shapes, recognize people and their emotions. Child has learned how to talk, walk and chew just watching you.

Check out resources on how to be homeschool teacher ideas and check out homeschooling articles and homescooling curriculum ideas to help you further in becoming a homeschooler teacher and parent you want.

The teacher is the key to the success of homeschooling. In most cases, the teacher is a parent or a close relative. In some cases,
parents may divide the subjects between them. Rarely, if both parents are busy, they may hire a homeschool teacher. Whatever the
case, children need time with their parents. Parents, as a rule, make very good teachers.

Teaching does not involve a clinical presentation of facts. Learning has to be integrated lovingly into daily life for it to
interest the child. That is where parents come in. Grandparents also make great teachers, especially since they have an abundance
of patience.

If you feel anxious about your skill or knowledge, relax. There are countless homeschooling resources that are aimed at helping
you. Professional curriculum packages, support groups, online help desks, virtual schools and library resources are all available.
When you start out, you may want to make use of the commercial curriculum packages. Readymade software also allows you to record
and log important achievements.

Local support groups are an excellent source of help, ideas and material. This is where you get to meet experienced homeschoolers,
who will be more than happy to offer their insight and advice. Once you settle into the homeschooling routine, you will find
yourself tailoring the curriculum to suit your own needs.

Check out:

Homeschooling Curriculum

Homeschooling Reference Books

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How You Can Get Started with Home Schooling Your Child

Many parents who think about homeschooling as an option, always ask or think about how to get started. The same question bothered me when I first started teaching my kids and since then I know thing or two about it which I want to share here.

Education is a very important aspect in a human being’s existence. He needs education to nurture his craft, hone his talents, and provide him with all the possible answers to all of the wonders in this world.

Parents know this fact, that’s why they would always want the best for their children. In this manner, when the concept of home schooling was introduced into the society, they have been astonished with the fact that there are still other ways in educating their children.

At first, opting for home schooling is such an overwhelming matter. Most parents thought that it is impossible to teach a child through home schooling method.

On its basic concept, home schooling refers to the alternative way of educating children. It differs from the usual type of schooling because the learning process is done at home and the teachers are usually the parents themselves. They only use a particular type of teaching method that can be obtained in different institutions that provide home schooling programs.

Home schooling had provided many advantages and benefits to both parents and children. That’s why many parents have opted for home schooling in providing their child the indispensable education that their children need.

However, some parents find home schooling a daunting task. So, for parents who find home schooling a bit of an overwhelming task, here is a list of some tips on how to get you started in home schooling your child:

1. Arrive at a decision

The problem that most parents encounter when opting for home schooling is the fact that they find it hard to finally decide whether to home school their child or not. This is because deciding on this kind of thing is relatively important especially because the future of the child is dependent on it.

However, the choice should be based on the capacity of the parents to conform to the requirements in home schooling their child. They should be able to wholly participate with whatever items that were entailed in the program in order to provide the best education for their children.

2. Keep in mind that home schooling is a process

Since home schooling is a process, parents who want to home school their children should take things one at a time. For instance, if they have a pre-school child, they should focus more on what pre-school students should learn. They should not delve more on how to teach higher levels of education that are fit for students in higher levels.

3. Know your state laws regarding home schooling

In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding home schooling. Hence, it is best to know what your state asserts about home schooling so that you can provide the best education for your children in conformity with the law.

4. Look for a “support group”

Home schooling should not be the sole responsibility of the parents. That is why it is important for the parents to find a local “support group” wherein they can mingle with other homeschoolers who can provide them with additional pointers regarding the process.

Each member in the “support group” can help each other regarding the best technique in teaching their children.

5. Do your homework

Nothing can get you started on the right track than doing your homework first. In this way, you will be able to know the important details you need to be familiar with in order to provide the best education for your children.

Knowing what you have to do will give you the best guidance in home schooling.

6. Identify your child’s learning manner

It is best to assess your child’s learning manner first before you choose on a particular home schooling method. Conforming to your child’s learning manner will provide the best way on how to home school your child.

There are many choices available when teaching your child through a home school program. Though it is still best to always pattern the program that you will choose on your child’s learning style.

7. Organize the things needed in home schooling

Just like a typical school, home schooling your children would also need different materials and a proper place where they can easily and comfortable learn new things each day.

Hence, it’s best to organize the place first by providing them with an adequate space for their learning. Most children would respond to the process easily if they were comfortable with the place where their classes are held.

8. Have a budget for home schooling

Some parents tend to over indulge with the materials needed in home schooling. It does not necessarily mean that because you have lowered your expenses because you have opted to home school, as compared to sending your children into a typical public or private school, you can spend more.

It is still a must that you have to set a budget for home schooling. There are many books and other materials that can be found on the Internet which are definitely priced cheaper.

Indeed, home schooling is not just a process but also a lifestyle. It’s something that parents should be best acquainted with in order to give their children with the best education they need.

Check out:

10 Things to Consider Before you Start Homeschooling

Homeschool Reference Books for Parents

Best early education homeschool curriculum

Best kindergarten curriculum I love! Sing, Spell, Read and Write

Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

Getting Started

Homeschooling poster: Cheap, fun and educational

Homeschooling via DVD Videos

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Staying Connected With You Child

I admit, being homeschooling mom, I often tend to wear “teacher” hat and forget that I am also mom too. I am thinking about each life moment can be a wonderful learning opportunity. Now, there is nothing wrong with learning but sometimes we just have to let go and stop being teacher and be a parent and just simply enjoy the time with your child and connect with her.

The world has become a jungle of knowledge. Wherever you turn, you
find a new fruit that just has to be passed on to your child. In
the middle of all the knowledge flying to and fro, we sometimes
forget to talk and relax with our children. A mom who doubles as a
teacher needs to leave the teacher behind and simply become mom
for a few hours everyday.

Listen to your child. Do not just hear the words, but notice the
emotion too. Many children find it difficult to express exactly
what they want. Talk to your child about general stuff and allow
him to be ‘just a kid’. When you talk to your child, as for his
opinions. Few things please him more. It also adds kilos to his
self-confidence.

Most parents interrupt when their children talk. We, as adults,
detest it when someone cuts across our lines. Kids keep mum
because they are forced to be silent when we shut them up. But
this is unhealthy and unfair. Allow your child to finish and then
express your views in a rational manner. The child should have the
confidence to confide in you.

Gentle parenting is the key to successful homeschooling. Be a
parent first, and then a teacher.

Check out:

10 Things to Consider Before you Start Homeschooling

Homeschool Reference Books for Parents

Best early education homeschool curriculum

Best kindergarten curriculum I love! Sing, Spell, Read and Write

Getting Started

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Homeschool FAQ Homeschool-Family Homeschooler Health Homeschooling tips

How to Homeschool with a disability

Many parent start to consider homeschooling when child has a disability of some type and public school system has failed to thrive the child no matter what they tried. It is very frustrating to see your child not learning much or being bullied at school. Many parents try or think about homeschooling option, and rightly so. It can be done.

If you feel that your child suffers from a disability that seriously hampers his ability to stick to a routine, then homeschooling is your best choice. The child will be constantly under your supervision. But he will be gaining a lot of quality education, in spite of his disability. This is rather surprising, considering how children with disabilities are stigmatized in public schools.

Goal setting is an important part of homeschooling a child with disability. Set the number of working hours per week for the child. A child with a disability may have his bad days. Structure the learning hours according to the needs and interests of the child. Use the computer. This way, he will have all the necessary information right at his fingertips while staying within the confines of his home.

Field trips and other educational activities are just as important. Get help from your support group. Visit places of interest and interact with other children in the group. Take your child out for some activities, so that he can socialize. Let him set his own pace with making friends. This will help in strengthening his self-esteem.

Above all, remember that homeschooling is just the same, even when your child suffers from a disability. You will just need to look for the right opportunities and the easiest alternatives to achieve the same goals.

Check out:

Disability Books

Disability and Homeschooling