Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Weblink Education Launch
My good friend Valerie has launched a NEW homeschool resource website.
No more guessing if a site is for teachers only,
No more wondering what a particular website offers,
No more guessing if the material you're viewing is free or not,
And no more jumping around from site to site to find something you need...
It's All Done For YOU
All Weblinks are Mom tested and Mom approved!
No more wondering what a particular website offers,
No more guessing if the material you're viewing is free or not,
And no more jumping around from site to site to find something you need...
It's All Done For YOU
All Weblinks are Mom tested and Mom approved!
- Educational Links
- Parent/Teacher Resource Lists
- Unit Study Help
- Homeschooling State Law Information
- Family Support
- Top Homeschooling Curriculum Choice Information
- Homeschooling Help Through High School
- Homeschooling with Special Needs
- ...and Much More!
Take some time and check out the new site. It is sure to be one resource you will want to utilize again and again. Either click on the image or follow this link: Weblink Education.
Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Weblink Wednesday
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Weblink Wednesday - Special Needs
This week Miss Valerie asked for some special needs resources so that is what I have listed. I hope they are useful to you. Check out more of the links at Weblink Wednesday.Christian Families Homeschooling Special Needs Children
What is ADHD . . . of the Christian Kind?
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education - ideal for dyslexia.
AVKO Educational Resource....ideal for learning disabilities.
Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Weblink Wednesday
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Saturday, March 8, 2008
Where Am I Today???
Today I am posting on two other sites. Stop by and check them out. Leave me a comment so I know you were there; it is always great when others add to the discussion!
The Heart of the Matter Homeschool Magazine March issue is up and running. There are a lot of wonderful homeschooling articles. This month in my column Ducks in a Row, I write about five ways to make school run more smoothly.
Come on by and see how we organize our homeschool....HERE...
Over at The Well Drained Mind I write about struggling with the "perfect homeschooler syndrome" and how the Lord gives us little glimpses to encourage us as we teach our children.
Head on over and read about my Boggle Blessing.
The Heart of the Matter Homeschool Magazine March issue is up and running. There are a lot of wonderful homeschooling articles. This month in my column Ducks in a Row, I write about five ways to make school run more smoothly.Come on by and see how we organize our homeschool....HERE...
Over at The Well Drained Mind I write about struggling with the "perfect homeschooler syndrome" and how the Lord gives us little glimpses to encourage us as we teach our children.Head on over and read about my Boggle Blessing.
Labels: Blogging, Encouragement, Heart of the Matter, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Well Drained Mind
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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Kinderart
KinderArt ® is the largest collection of free art lessons on the Internet. It is an enormous collection of resources featuring thousands of tried & tested free lesson plans, ideas & resources which have been contributed by people from around the world. In addition to the thousands of free art lesson plans, they offer printable activity pages, the art kitchen, educational links & articles, early childhood education resources & much more. There is a wonderful variety of lesson plans & educational tips complete with an online children's art gallery. Take a moment and browse through KINDERART.Weblink Wednesday Sponsored by: Valerie @ Just4homeschoolfamilies
Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Weblink Wednesday
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Homeschooling Children With Special Needs
NATHHAN National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network is a website for Christian parents who are homeschooling special needs children. This site offers many things, including discussion boards, articles, book reviews, support groups, and many other things. One thing of great interest here is that they have their own speech therapy program, Straight Talk, for homeschoolers to purchase at a reasonable price for those who cannot afford therapy or need additional therapy. We have serious considered purchasing this ourselves if and when our insurance no longer provides the therapy our children need.Their goal and purpose, as per their website is as follows:
To encourage homeschooling families with special needs children, in ways that glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and equip parents to confidently raise their children with special needs or disabilities.
Weblink Wednesday Sponsored by: Valerie @ Just4homeschoolfamilies
Labels: Curriculum, Encouragement, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Weblink Wednesday
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
ADHD....of the Christian Kind
What is ADHD . . . of the Christian Kind?It is an acknowledgement that Christians -- adults and children alike -- may have ADHD and related disorders including depression, anxiety, sensory issues, Tourette's Syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and that these challenges truly do exist.
This site is an acknowledgement that those who face these challenges are not unspiritual, backslidden or living in sin, although they might be depending on the condition of their relationship with the Lord just like anyone else. There is great hope in the Lord for the grace to deal effectively with these challenges, that He can bring peace, as only the Lord can to a situation, and that He can guide us to the answers we need for our children, our families, and ourselves. This site is designed to give you hope and support right now!
(summary copied from ADHD of the Christian Kind)
Having a child with ADHD and related issues and a child with a learning disability, I am glad that I stumbled across this website. There are free resources and plenty of articles to browse through. I pray that it is beneficial for you.
ADHD....of the Christian Kind
Weblink Wednesday Sponsored by: Valerie @ Just4homeschoolfamilies
Labels: Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Weblink Wednesday
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Homeschool Weblink Wednesday
Homeschool Weblink Wednesday
Here is another great homeschooling link. I am currently using this as a fun supplement for my kindergartner and my preschooler. They have such a great time playing and learning at the same time! Take some time and play around on the StarFall website.
Weblink Wednesday Sponsored by: Valerie @ Just4homeschoolfamilies
Labels: Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Preschoolers, Weblink Wednesday
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Tuesday, September 4, 2007
School Days at The Anderson Academy
Here is our list of subjects covered this year:
Each day starts with prayer, Proverb for the day, and catechism.
Children have their personal Bible reading and Awana study while assignments are given out in turn.
Jacob 11th Grade: Working with Covenant Home Auditing Program
Calvin's Institutes Of Christian Religion
Apologia Biology
World History
Language Arts (English Workshop, Literature, Vocabulary from Classical Roots)
Latin (Rosetta Stone)
Algebra II
Hannah 9th Grade:
Apologia Biology
Acts to Revelation
1815 to Present
Language Arts (Shurley English, Spelling, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Literature)
Algebra I
Latin
Logic (The Fallacy Detective)
Piano
Rachel 8th Grade:
Apologia Physical Science
Acts to Revelation
1815 to Present
Language Arts (Shurley English, Spelling, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Literature)
Algebra 1/2
Latin
Logic (The Fallacy Detective)
Piano
Courtship Study
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
Micah 5th Grade:
New Testament,Greece,Rome (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Judges through Kings (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Saxon 65
Shurley English
Spelling
Classically Cursive
Lyrical Science
Piano
Reading
Orton-Gillingham's Language Tune Up
Possibly adding Latin later this year.
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
God's Design for Sex book 1-3
Sarah 4th Grade:
New Testament,Greece,Rome (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Judges thru Kings (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Saxon 54
Shurley English
Spelling
Reason for Writing
Lyrical Science
Piano
Reading
Possibly adding Latin later this year.
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
God's Design for Sex books 1-2
Abigail Kindergarten:
Saxon Phonics 1
Saxon Math K
Big Bible Timeline
Beginning Piano lessons from Rachel(our aspiring piano teacher)
Speech Therapy
God's Design for Sex book 1
Sophia....
Big Bible Timeline
Playing with math manipulatives
God's Design for Sex book 1
Speech Therapy
Moriah....Hey, she's a baby, she gets catered to by whoever is around.
I think that is all, I may have left some things out and we may decide to add some more! We may even break into the Visual Manna Art curriculum if we can find some spare time. This will at least give you an idea of what we are working on this year. Please let me know if you have any questions on any of the items we are using.
Each day starts with prayer, Proverb for the day, and catechism.
Children have their personal Bible reading and Awana study while assignments are given out in turn.
Jacob 11th Grade: Working with Covenant Home Auditing Program
Calvin's Institutes Of Christian Religion
Apologia Biology
World History
Language Arts (English Workshop, Literature, Vocabulary from Classical Roots)
Latin (Rosetta Stone)
Algebra II
Hannah 9th Grade:
Apologia Biology
Acts to Revelation
1815 to Present
Language Arts (Shurley English, Spelling, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Literature)
Algebra I
Latin
Logic (The Fallacy Detective)
Piano
Rachel 8th Grade:
Apologia Physical Science
Acts to Revelation
1815 to Present
Language Arts (Shurley English, Spelling, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Literature)
Algebra 1/2
Latin
Logic (The Fallacy Detective)
Piano
Courtship Study
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
Micah 5th Grade:
New Testament,Greece,Rome (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Judges through Kings (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Saxon 65
Shurley English
Spelling
Classically Cursive
Lyrical Science
Piano
Reading
Orton-Gillingham's Language Tune Up
Possibly adding Latin later this year.
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
God's Design for Sex book 1-3
Sarah 4th Grade:
New Testament,Greece,Rome (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Judges thru Kings (will finish 1/2 way through the year & pick up next level)
Saxon 54
Shurley English
Spelling
Reason for Writing
Lyrical Science
Piano
Reading
Possibly adding Latin later this year.
Possibly adding in extra older child phonics to brush up.
God's Design for Sex books 1-2
Abigail Kindergarten:
Saxon Phonics 1
Saxon Math K
Big Bible Timeline
Beginning Piano lessons from Rachel(our aspiring piano teacher)
Speech Therapy
God's Design for Sex book 1
Sophia....
Big Bible Timeline
Playing with math manipulatives
God's Design for Sex book 1
Speech Therapy
Moriah....Hey, she's a baby, she gets catered to by whoever is around.
I think that is all, I may have left some things out and we may decide to add some more! We may even break into the Visual Manna Art curriculum if we can find some spare time. This will at least give you an idea of what we are working on this year. Please let me know if you have any questions on any of the items we are using.
Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, journal, Learning Disabilities
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Friday, August 24, 2007
Calendars Fill Up Much Too Quickly
I am sure most people feel this same overwhelming feeling I am experiencing right now; that their calendars fill up way too quickly. As I was running through all of my errands today, God gave me opportunity to work on my patience. Thank you Lord, even though it was not what I wanted at the time. Spending 2 hours waiting in line (with impatient people cutting in) at the driver's license office for my son to get his permit is not my idea of fun. My patience was stretched and grown and that is a always a good thing even if not enjoyable. Now I sit here waiting for the UPS man to bring a shipment of curriculum. Once it arrives I can begin to look at how to schedule our lessons. My calendar is already filling up and lessons have to fit in there as well. We have AWANA once a week, speech therapy for 2 children twice a week, piano for 4 children, driver's education classes 4 evenings a week, oh yes, and the driving times yet to be scheduled. School has not even started yet. I know that as I seek to prioritize and pray through this, all that truly needs to be accomplished will be. The key is to seek the Lord and His desires for us and to not let the urgent take priority over the essential. I pray that as the school year begins that it will be a time of joy and growth for each of us and that our focus is always heavenward.
Labels: Homeschooling, journal, Learning Disabilities
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Sunday, June 10, 2007
A Homeschool Moms Biggest Blessing!
I think often homeschool moms have moments of wondering if they are really making a difference or accomplishing what they should be. It seems to me that there is a perfection syndrome out there, i have suffered from this often. Our families are often looked at more closely than others and sometimes we get to feeling like we have to have the picture perfect family. We all know this to be an impossibility!
I have often felt a failure but God gently reminds me that He is faithful to accomplish the work in our lives if we are only obedient to Him.
I have struggled and struggled over the years to teach my dyslexic child and often wonder if we are even making any progress. I know it is even more difficult for him than for me to deal with this. Well, this morning God showed me once again how faithful He is!
Earlier today I caught a glimpse of an amazing site and was extremely blessed!
My dyslexic son was sitting at the table with a Boggle game and his younger 5 year old sister. What were they doing? He was teaching her the letters of the alphabet and how to put them together to make and spell words!!!! My son does not read on grade level yet and has many problems with writing and spelling, but he was using what he did know to teach his younger sister!! He doesn't like reading but he doesn't hate reading either and he loves his sister enough to take the time and teach her!
Thank you Lord for showing me I am making a difference!
I have often felt a failure but God gently reminds me that He is faithful to accomplish the work in our lives if we are only obedient to Him.
I have struggled and struggled over the years to teach my dyslexic child and often wonder if we are even making any progress. I know it is even more difficult for him than for me to deal with this. Well, this morning God showed me once again how faithful He is!
Earlier today I caught a glimpse of an amazing site and was extremely blessed!
My dyslexic son was sitting at the table with a Boggle game and his younger 5 year old sister. What were they doing? He was teaching her the letters of the alphabet and how to put them together to make and spell words!!!! My son does not read on grade level yet and has many problems with writing and spelling, but he was using what he did know to teach his younger sister!! He doesn't like reading but he doesn't hate reading either and he loves his sister enough to take the time and teach her!
Thank you Lord for showing me I am making a difference!
Labels: Encouragement, Homeschooling, journal, Learning Disabilities, Well Drained Mind
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Friday, May 4, 2007
Learning Disability Resources
I am the parent of a child with dyslexia and dysgraphia and the wife of a dyslexic. Learning disabilities are things we deal with each and every day. There are resources out there, even for homeschoolers. Here is a list of some good resources you can use if you are working with a child with a learning disability.
Christian Families Homeschooling Special Needs Children
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Orton-Gillingham
AVKO
Christian Families Homeschooling Special Needs Children
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Orton-Gillingham
AVKO
Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities
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Monday, April 16, 2007
Dyslexia Questions Answered
Here are some questions that were left in my comments section and I will attempt to answer them.
2. he could not learn his alphabet
3. he could not rhyme
So I know lots of people think part of dyslexia has to do with reversing words and letters,etc. Is there any part of dyslexia that affects seeing and writing letters/words backwards? I also know that it is common for children learning to write to reverse some of the letters for a while.This is a common misconception. On one hand it is true but dyslexia is so much more than this. Flip flopping letters is very common for all children as they begin the reading and writing journey and usually dissolves itself as time goes on. This has often led to people downplaying or even denying dyslexia as a learning disability. Dyslexics do however have this problem but it is a result of a problem with sequential memory and it plays out in this way. Sometimes there are also eye tracking disorders that go along with and contribute to this. The flip flopping of letters alone is not a good test for dyslexia.
1. my husband is also a dyslexicWhat kinds of things in your child made you think that there was something
unusual?
2. he could not learn his alphabet
3. he could not rhyme
What kind of teaching style did Sylvan use that was detrimental for your son?
Sylvan used primarily a whole language approach with my son, even being informed that we knew he was most likely dyslexic (he had not been officially diagnosed yet) and knowing that we wanted a phonics based program. I was simply told over and over again to "stick with the program." He did learn his alphabet and was able to know from memory words like said, does, house, other words from memory but he still could not sound out dog or cat. For this service we paid $4000!
Labels: Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities
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Friday, April 13, 2007
Dyslexia & Dysgraphia
Dyslexia and Dysgraphia are two learning disabilities that are often misunderstood. My youngest son has both of these learning disabilities and has presented a real challenge to homeschool. He struggles greatly and there came a time when I was at the end of my rope and felt like a total failure! We even spent a lot of money and sent him to Sylvan learning center. I would NEVER recommend that to anyone!!! NEVER!! After the Sylvan incident we had our son diagonised and was told that Sylvan had actually set him back through their method of teaching.
Dyslexia is often misunderstood and minimized. Contrary to what many think, dyslexia is not about reversing letters. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Children will often have problems with sequential auditory memory as well which contributes to their difficulties in reading and spelling.
Dysgraphia - a neurological-based writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space.
On occasion I will discuss more on these learning disabilities. Please post any questions in the comment section and I will address them in later posts, so please check back.
Dyslexia is often misunderstood and minimized. Contrary to what many think, dyslexia is not about reversing letters. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Children will often have problems with sequential auditory memory as well which contributes to their difficulties in reading and spelling.
Dysgraphia - a neurological-based writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space.
On occasion I will discuss more on these learning disabilities. Please post any questions in the comment section and I will address them in later posts, so please check back.
Labels: Homeschooling, journal, Learning Disabilities
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