Educat at Home

Teachable Suggestions!Free Online Biscuit Catcher Game!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:52:00 +0000

McVities Free Online Biscuit Catcher Game With Teachable Suggestions!

McVities free online Biscuit Catcher Game offers a fun way to improve eye-hand co-ordination,and also has some other possible teachable extensions. Kids playing McVities free online Biscuit Catcher Game need to move two stocks of wheat 'Wheaties' to catch Wheat crackers before they fall into the wheat field. Players are encouraged to anticipate where the biscuits will fall by observing the shadows that appear on the playing field.:

Teaching Sugestions

This free online game could be used in a wide variety of teaching units including

Health- Examining what is made from wheat
Science - Study of Shadows - earth rotation, birds
Math - Percentages -making score comparisons
Social Studies - Groundhog Day
Media Studies -Assessing how useful the game is as a marketing tool

What connections do you see possible using this free online game? Please leave a comment below and add your ideas into the mix.
About McVities- McVities crackers are sold around the world in major grocery chains. You can find this game at http://www.mcvities.com/fun-games/biscuit-catcher-game

Want to talk about another free teaching resource? Search my blog, or Tweet me!

@HomeEducat

Free Stats Canada Educational Kit

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:58:00 +0000

For teachers

Canada’s next census will be held in May 2011. Educators play an important role in its success by ensuring that students understand what a census is and what they and their families need to do to complete the census form.

2011 Census Teacher’s Kit

Statistics Canada’s 2011 Census Teacher’s Kit is designed for grades K-12. Each kit contains eight cross curricular activities that are classroom-ready and have been tested to meet provincial curriculum standards.

Subject areas covered include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, geography, history, visual arts, and English as a second language (ESL), allowing students to understand how the information collected in a census can be used.

A fun census colouring book and challenging game activity sheet are also included in the kit.

2011 Census Adult Education Kit

The Adult Education Kit was developed for recent immigrants to Canada, adult literacy learners and beginner to intermediate English as a second language/French as a second language ESL/FSL learners. The kit explains what a census is and why it is important, how Canada’s census works, the questions that are asked with special attention to safeguarding respondent confidentiality, and how the information is processed.

The instructor’s guide provides information for those working with adults, particularly English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL).

How to obtain a kit

The Teacher’s Kit and Adult Education Kit are available free to Educators.

2011 Census Teacher’s Kit (PDF)
2011 Census Adult Education Kit (PDF)
2011 Census Teacher’s Kit online order form (to order a paper version)
2011 Census Teacher’s Kit order form (PDF version for mail or fax)

Anishanabe - The First People

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Anishanabe Resources : First Nations Studies

When we use resources developed by a nation about themselves, we come closer to better understanding and learning about that culture. Please help add to the list of resources and links as you discover them, or create them. Be sure to designate, where possible if these resources are created by an "insider", someone who is part of the cultural heritage, or an "outsider", like myself.

Recess/la Recreation- An online game for children age 4-6
, in English and French which could be enjoyed by older children as well. There are four activities: Colouring (modern life in a woodland setting with animation- printable), Mazes (seasons,animals, insects,clothes,vowels), Puzzles (of traditional lifestyle pictures), and Domino Fishing game (numbers).

I wish this resource came with a teachers' guide to explain the significance of the medicine wheel used throughout the game, and perhaps references to the insects, animals and traditional music in the background. Older students could be encouraged to research the two different styles of homes shown in the traditional picture puzzles. A good integration for the colouring would be to write a story to go with the pictures students create. This game could be used in French or English to help foster a learning of thise languages. I wish the game had included First Nations Languages as well.

Here is the link to the game:http://www.cepn-fnec.com/p_kid/game/

Mi'gmaq Culture - Celebration Days This link is to an article published on the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School web site Published in French, if Google Chrome is used as a browser with Google Translate enabled, English readers can use it as well.I would recommend having juniors and up doing a comparison study of the historical events mentioned in the article surrounding the founding of Halifax, for instance, and examine the events from what actually happened, and what people state the reasons behind the events may be. Then have students write a historical recount of the events from the view point of someone living at that time period, taking into account at least two different viewpoints.

First Nations Education Council - Studies and Publications These studies and publications examine the importance of First Nations Education Curriculum and Funding

What are some great resources you have found?

Secondary Teacher's Resources

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Secondary Resouces from the Government of Ontario Teachers site (links under construction)

Ask a Teacher

Point your secondary students to the Independent Learning Centre's “Ask a Teacher” website for additional exercises, study aids, essay help, EQAO prep and more.

Bringing the Olympics Into the Classroom

The 2010 Winter Olympics took place in Vancouver from February 12-28, 2010 and The Paralympic Winter Games followed from March 12-21.

Career Matters

All about high school requirements and options. Covers Ontario English high school course descriptions, codes, and their pre-requisites; information on alternatives like co-op, summer school, and apprenticeships, plus a Student Planner tool.

Civilization.ca

Centralized website for the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Children's Museum, the Canadian Museum, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. Feature-rich site also offers special areas for Student and Educator Resources.

The Curriculum Foundation

The Curriculum Foundation of Curriculum Services Canada funds the development of classroom learning resources through its Grants for Teachers Program.

Junior Achievement of Canada

International not-for-profit organization educates young people about business and economics. Program offerings include Business Basics (elementary), The Economics of Staying in School (middle school) and The Company Program (secondary).

Learning Centre for Teachers

Find all educational resources on the Library and Archives Canada website.

The Learning Partnership

A not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing together business, education, government, labour, policy makers and the community to develop partnerships that strengthen public education in Canada. Offer a range of programs.

Live Safe! Work Smart!

Ontario secondary school teachers now have access to a variety of health and safety resources for use in the classroom. If you teach a subject with learning expectations related to health and safety, you'll be interested in the curriculum-based resources that will directly support your lessons. In addition there are a number of other resources available that can be used to prepare students to work safely.

Math Central

Resources, forum, answers to questions, monthly math problems and more.

Media Awareness Network

Resources to help educators, parents and others promote media literacy among young people.

nature.ca

In the "Teacher Zone" of the Canadian Museum of Nature, you'll find almost 100 workshops, lesson plans, activities and games for exploring the natural world with your students. Whether planning a visit to the museum or preparing for a lesson in your classroom, our curriculum-based resources can be useful tools.

Ontario's Greenbelt: A Resource for Teachers

Ontario's Greenbelt: A Resource for Teachers contains learning experiences through which students develop and apply critical thinking skills as they learn about the role of Ontario's Greenbelt and its impact today and in the future.

Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA)

Non-profit organization that promotes healthy, active living. Site features teacher resources and activity ideas.

Ontario Science Centre

Since its opening September 26, 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has been a pioneer in creating interactive experiences that make science accessible. It has attracted over 40 million visitors from around the world and is one of Canada's most visited attractions.

Reach for the Top

The national quiz game for high school students.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Information on child protection from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Resources from the Ontario Curriculum Unit Planner website

This link takes you to resources that were previously posted on the Ontario Curriculum Unit Planner (OCUP) website (e.g., grade by grade elementary expectations, Teacher Companion files etc.)

SchoolNet News Network (SNN)

A cyber-school for writers and aspiring journalists, a multimedia publishing and broadcasting forum for their stories and a resource centre for teachers. SNN is open to all K-12 students in Canada in both official languages.

Special Needs Opportunity Windows (SNOW)

Online resources and professional development opportunities for educators of students with special needs.

Statistics Canada Learning Resources for Teachers

Lesson plans, articles, brochures, teachers' kits, student projects and more.

Teacher-Developed Resources

Download free resources designed to support the curriculum, mentored and recommended through the Curriculum Services Canada evaluation process.

Virtual Museum of Canada

See also the Teachers Centre

An extensive and complete online museum of the stories and treasures that have come to define Canada over the centuries. See the Teachers' Centre for specific guidance on bringing the museum into your classroom.

Writers in Electronic Residence (WIER)

Connects Canada's writers with schools to exchange original writing and commentary. This website offers program information, writer biographies and resources for educators.

See all the links here

Teaching Tools Links

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:26:00 +0000

These resources are avalable as links from the Ontario Government Education site:
(Elementary Resources) http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/section1.html
Here are the resources you'll find there:

Bringing the Olympics Into the Classroom

The 2010 Winter Olympics took place in Vancouver from February 12-28, 2010 and The Paralympic Winter Games followed from March 12-21.

Campsite 24 for Teachers

Bring Ontario's parks and protected areas into your classroom with these lesson plans based on the Ontario Curriculum Guidelines for Grades 2 to 6.

Civilization.ca

Centralized website for the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Children's Museum, the Canadian Museum, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. Feature-rich site also offers special areas for Student and Educator Resources.

Computers for Schools Program

Government-industry program to refurbish and donate computers for use in Canadian classrooms.

Educational Resources

Teacher's site providing resources and strategies for teaching children how Canada became a nation.

The Curriculum Foundation

The Curriculum Foundation of Curriculum Services Canada funds the development of classroom learning resources through its Grants for Teachers Program.

EcoKids

Download and printables, learning resources, classroom visitors, forum and more, covering environmental matters.

eWorkshop

eWorkshop was created by the Ministry of Education and TVOntario to support Ontario's Education Foundations program. This site is for teachers who wish to perfect their skills or acquire new skills and knowledge in order to help their students reach high levels of achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics comprehension.

Free Educational Resources for Educators (Environment Canada)

Environmental resources is an interactive educational program for elementary and secondary schools, designed specifically to support the science curriculum. Students learn about the environment with different activities.

First Among Equals (teachers' page)

Comprehensive teaching strategies for teaching about the Prime Ministers of Canada.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Classroom resources, downloads and more to help you teach about the history, customs and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. From Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Junior Achievement of Canada

International not-for-profit organization educates young people about business and economics. Program offerings include Business Basics (elementary), The Economics of Staying in School (middle school) and The Company Program (secondary).

Learning Centre for Teachers

Find all educational resources on the Library and Archives Canada website.

Math Central

Resources, forum, answers to questions, monthly math problems and more.

Media Awareness Network

Resources to help educators, parents and others promote media literacy among young people.

MPTV

An educational resource designed to introduce students in Grades 4 to 6 (Cycles 2 and 3 in Quebec) to the House of Commons and the role of its elected members.

nature.ca

In the "Teacher Zone" of the Canadian Museum of Nature, you'll find almost 100 workshops, lesson plans, activities and games for exploring the natural world with your students. Whether planning a visit to the museum or preparing for a lesson in your classroom, our curriculum-based resources can be useful tools.

Nature Challenge for Kids: Teachers/Parents pages

Information and resources for David Suzuki's “Nature Challenge” program as tailored for youngsters.

Ontario's Greenbelt: A Resource for Teachers

Ontario's Greenbelt: A Resource for Teachers contains learning experiences through which students develop and apply critical thinking skills as they learn about the role of Ontario's Greenbelt and its impact today and in the future.

Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA)

Non-profit organization that promotes healthy, active living. Site features teacher resources and activity ideas.

Ontario Science Centre

Since its opening September 26, 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has been a pioneer in creating interactive experiences that make science accessible. It has attracted over 40 million visitors from around the world and is one of Canada's most visited attractions.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Information on child protection from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Resources from the Ontario Curriculum Unit Planner website

This link takes you to resources that were previously posted on the Ontario Curriculum Unit Planner (OCUP) website (e.g., grade by grade elementary expectations, Teacher Companion files etc.)

SchoolNet News Network (SNN)

A cyber-school for writers and aspiring journalists, a multimedia publishing and broadcasting forum for their stories and a resource centre for teachers. SNN is open to all K-12 students in Canada in both official languages.

Special Needs Opportunity Windows (SNOW)

Online resources and professional development opportunities for educators of students with special needs.

Spelling Bee of Canada

Organizes annual spelling bees aimed at youth 6-15 years of age.

Statistics Canada Learning Resources for Teachers

Lesson plans, articles, brochures, teachers' kits, student projects and more.

Teacher-Developed Resources

Download free resources designed to support the curriculum, mentored and recommended through the Curriculum Services Canada evaluation process.

TVO Newsletter: TVO 4 Teachers

Click on the link to subscribe and receive monthly updates containing TVO's classroom resources for educational programming as well as advanced notice of upcoming shows.

Virtual Museum of Canada

See also the Teachers Centre

An extensive and complete online museum of the stories and treasures that have come to define Canada over the centuries. See the Teachers' Centre for specific guidance on bringing the museum into your classroom.

Writers in Electronic Residence (WIER)

Connects Canada's writers with schools to exchange original writing and commentary. This website offers program information, writer biographies and resources for educators.

Unfortunately the links didn't copy. See the links at:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/section1.html

Bed Mass?

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:15:00 +0000

BDMAS is not a special mass for the frail, or ill. BDMAS, is a simple mnemonic device for helping people remember the order of operations, when faced with a multi-step math question, such as:

(25 x 5) + 75 – (20 ÷ 4) =

If the operations are done in the wrong order, your answer will be waaayyy off!

BDMAS stands for:

Brackets
Division
Multiplication
Addition
Subtraction

Therefore the above question must be completed in this order:

(25 x 5) + 75 – (20 ÷ 4)

=(125) + 75 – (5) =

=(125) + 75 – (5)

= 200-5

= 195

Note: When it comes down to deciding between (multiplication and division) or (addition and subtraction). You can choose whichever you prefer to do first.

For example:

25 x 10 ÷ 2

= 250 ÷ 2

=125

25 x 10 ÷ 2

= 25 x 5

=125

So choose whichever calculation is faster and easier for you!

Here are some links to free algebra Math practice pages, so you can try this out yourself!

Math Strategies: Simplify

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:33:00 +0000

Confusing Math Problems? Simplify!

Multi-part math problems can be quite daunting, breaking down the problem into separate sections may help understand them better.

For example,the following problem:

“The product of two consecutive negative even integers is 24. Find the numbers.”

May seem daunting at first. Breaking each section down yields the following:

The product of two (two numbers multiplied together)
consecutive (the numbers are right after each other in a given sequence ie- 1,2 in the sequence 12,3,4 or 20,30 in 10,20,30)
negative ( the numbers must be from the scale below zero ie “-3” is a negative number- which happens to be the temperature here today)
even integers (the numbers are multiples of 2 ie from this sequence .(..-8,-6,-4,-2,0,2,4,6,8....)
is 24. (equals 24)
Find the numbers.

So, which two even, negative numbers can be multiplied together to equal 24? See the answer Here.

Researching Roots

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:26:00 +0000

Help your child connect with the past by researching your family tree. Researching your roots can be a fascinating past-time that brings past events alive and makes them more than dates in a dusty text book.

Here are some tips from the “Kids Korner” of Cobblestone Legacies:

Getting started

Start with yourself and your family. Using a form called an Individual Summary Sheet to record your findings. Record basic information about each person and their family - when and where they were born, names of their parents, names of their children, and details about their life.
Then use the Family Tree Chart. This chart shows all your ancestors, you and you brothers and sisters, your parents and grandparents.

You can find the following resources as well as some great writing tips for writing your family history at Cobblestone Legacey’s Kids Korner:

Family Interviews – a list of questions to ask when talking with your grandparents or great grandparents, your aunts and uncles, or anyone else you want to find out about. (a PDF file)

Family Tree Charts – a variety of special charts to show your family tree.

Individual Summary Sheet - an easy to use form to record a variety of information about an individual. (a PDF file)

Family Group Sheet – a handy form to record all the information about one family. If there are more than three children in the family, use the Family Group Sheet continuation form for other children. Print as many as you need for your own use. (PDF files)

Happy Researching!

Educat

Museums Online

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:18:00 +0000

Many Museums have a wealth of online activities, so even it you live at a distance you can enjoy the wealth of knowledge contained within their walls.The Royal Ontario Museum lists the following online activities:

World Culture Activities

Ancient Egypt
Take an extensive look at the people, traditions and architecture of Ancient Egypt. This section includes activities, articles, and further resources.
Learn more

Homes of the Past: The Archaeology of an Iroquoian Longhouse
A brief introduction to Iroquoian architecture based on archaeological evidence.
Learn more

Archaeological Analysis: Pieces of the Past
Historic Archaeology is the study of people who lived during the past 200 years or so by looking at the artefacts they left behind. An artefact is anything made or used by people.
Learn more

Natural History Activities

Dino Activities and Games
Download these fun dino-themed colouring sheets, puzzles and word games!
Learn more

Trees For Toronto: The Trees of Queen’s Park
Learn how to identify some of the most popular tree growing in Queen’s Park throughout the seasons.
Learn more

Bird Song Quiz
Test your knowledge of Ontario bird songs from the ROM sound collection.
Take the Quiz

Comparative Anatomy of Bird Skulls
Discover what similarities a bird’s anatomy shares with other vertebrates and well as what makes bird anatomy unique.
Learn More

Fossils at the ROM
Learn how fossils are formed, how they are studied, collected and identified, and what makes the ROM’s collection important.
Learn more

From Bats to Rats
Follow Burton Lim, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy, through Guyana as he explores different regions on his search for new small mammals.
Learn more

Vietnam Discovery Adventure
Join us on a virtual field expedition to Vietnam to find the mossy frog and bring her back to the Discovery Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Learn more

More Online Activities

Fact? or Fiction?
Can you guess identify these objects? Review 20 items and guess which answer reveals the truth.
Play the game

The famous Terra Cotta Warriors are on exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum , Toronto until Jan 2nd. Get discount tickets the last week of its showing.

See details HERE.

How do you teach the spirit of giving?

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Diwali, or you don’t partake in celebrations at all, we all want our children to grow-up with an attitude of sharing and caring for others. How do you instil this in your children?

Children, like many adults have a natural sense of self preservation, so the “What’s in it for me?” attitude comes quite naturally to them. It is not until they experience the uplift that sharing can give them that selflessness can take root. Some times it takes a little excitement to help it along the way. Taking part in a gift wrapping party for a local shelter, or carolling with a group for shut ins can be a lot of fun. Make the giving an event and soon you will find your kids seeking out ways to give to others while having fun.

I will be doing an story telling performance this Sunday at the Kids Free Christmas Party in support of the Country 105 Toy Drive. I wonder which stories I should tell?

Have a favourite? Let me know!

http://wildwingn.blogspot.com.

Looking for more Freebies? Check Out

http://Freebies4Canada.blogspot.com

Looking for Free Educational Software?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:03:00 +0000

I found a posting on K to 12 Geek dedicated to free online software for use in K to 12 Schools. I haven’t had a chance to check out all these programs myself, but am reposting them here for our convenience. :

(Page from K to 12 Geek)Everything on this page is FREE for use in K to12 public schools:

The Virtual Microscope – This program was developed for middle school students in an effort to provide a fun and educational reinforcement on how to use a microscope. It was made with Macromedia Director MX and is cross-platform. It is freeware and as long as all parts are kept together, it may be run on as many school or home computers as you wish. It may not be broken apart, sold, or used to make a profit in any way without the express, written consent of David Solon, © 2003.

Pythagorean Theorum Tutorial by Darren Kiehl of Carlisle Area School District

Blender 3D Modeling Software — it’s FREE!! (works on almost every platform)

Free ‘Office’ Suites:
Open Office – for Windows, Linux and Mac (This one I have used and so have many of my friends)
Neo Office – for Macs

2 Responses to “FREE K12 Software Tools”

Tim says: July 28, 2010 at 2:16 am
Free cheat sheets and reference cards on DevCheatSheet.com
Includes cheat sheets for Open Office, Blender, and hundreds more.
Crangle says:September 30, 2010 at 12:53 am
Hi, I think a test software should also be add into your list of K-12 software. I mean the FREE Google Docs and ProProfs, as well as the shareware QuizCreator. http://www.sameshow.com/quiz-creator.html

Also found in comments on K to 12 Geek:

TenMarks a math practice and learning environment for grades 3-High School– FREE for teachers to use – in class or for their students to use at home. Just launched for teachers (as of Nov.3 2010)– You can check it out at http://www.tenmarks.com/teachers

See my review HERE.

Math Practice- Repetitive? Frustrating? TenMarks to the Rescue!

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:45:00 +0000

A new free online math learning environment just launched! (Found in the comments on K to 12 Geek) posted by Andrew Joseph, Co-Founder & President of TenMarks Education, Inc. As with most free programs, TenMarks also has premium programs available-( parents and teachers can take the premium program for a free spin for one month, then $10 per month or schools can get a bulk rate.) Note: I have not received any compensation for posting this article. (If the company happens to see this post, I would love to be able to have my daughter gain free access to the premium program )Here’s a video from TenMarks about their program:

Summary
TenMarks is a U.S. curriculum-based math practice and learning environment for grades 3-High School– FREE for teachers to use – in class or for their students to use at home. Just launched for teachers (as of Nov.3 2010)– Now if they would only hire a teacher to co-ordinate their program with the Canadian curriculum, it could be just about perfect! (Strong hint. LOL) You can check it out at http://www.tenmarks.com/teachers
Details
TenMarks aims to overcome the challenges of math practice:
It’s repetitive and frustrating for most; and when students are stuck or can’t recall something, they usually guess, since no-one available to help them “get it” right then and there.
The award winning TenMarks approach gives students a variety of problems on each topic, with hints if they need a little nudge, and immediate video lessons for them to refresh and learn the topic – on the spot. End result ?–Students refresh what they know and learn what they don’t.
With the free product, Teachers choose their own curriculum (mapped to state standards), assign work to students, have it automatically graded immediately, review individual and class performance, and most importantly, take immediate action. TenMarks is super effective and real easy to use – it was designed with the help of math teachers across the country. What’s more – it’s FREE for the entire class!
With the premium product,you get tests,Individual Curriculum
for Each Child, and Integration to Formative Assessment all of which would be very handy for US educators, but I question the relevance for our curriculum here north of the border. Once this system is integrated with the Canadian school system, I can see the premium program taking off like wildfire here, where tutors are more difficult to reach.

Win a date with Robert Munsch!

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:11:00 +0000

This family story writing contest by one of my favourite authors, my be just the bbost to help your reluctant writer. At least one adult and one child 12 or under must write the story to be entered.

This just came in my mailbox from yummymummy :In celebration of Family Literacy Day, ABC Life Literacy Canada is having The Munsch at Home Contest! All you have to do to enter is write a fun story with your family about playing games and submit it online. The grand prize winner will receive:
A personal visit from Robert Munsch
A public story-telling event with Robert Munsch
PLUS, your story will be published
10 runner-up stories will also receive a special Family Literacy Day prize pack, and their story will be published on the ABC Life Literacy Canada website.

Click to enter...

Which stories should I tell this week at the Munch a Bunch of Munsch fest at the Omemee Library? Come out and learn to clone an author!

Win a mini Munsch book pack

What is your favourite Robert Munsch Story? Why? Are you like me and can’t get through “Love you Forever”? Do you relate to the calamity of “Moira’s Birthday”? Are you uplifted by “Angela’s Airplane?”

Draw will be held when there are 25 entrants. One entry per household.

Follow this blog and leave your confidential contact information in a comment and you could win a mini Munsch book pack from me! Give away:open to adult residents of Canada

Additional entries for this giveaway-

Rt #Win a Robert #Munsch mini book pack. One entry per day.
Follow me on Twitter
Blog my giveaway 5 entries
Post my giveaway somewhere else 2 entries per placed posted
Come to the Omemee Library performance, then post about it somewhere online 10 entries

Science Fun at Home

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:33:00 +0000

The Ontario Science Centre is a great place to explore hands on Science, but what if you live at a distance? The Ontario Science Centre SciZone is a fantastic online site with new interactive science games being constantly added .

In addition to interactive online activities, The Home Lab section has a list of experiment to try at home. Check it Out!

Cook up some Learning in the Kitchen

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:06:00 +0000

Cooking can incorporate many subject areas.
Language-learning to read and write directions
Math-counting, measurement, fractions,division, and multiplication
Science-chemistry reaction when ingredients are combined and various processes are used
History-examining the historical differences of cooking processes
Geography- looking at how geographical areas determine recipe methods and ingredients
Then of course there is home economics-examining nutrient and budgetary values of ingredients and recipes.
The most important ingredient is a sense of humour and discovery to encourage enjoyment of learning.
Here are some handy lesson links:
Avoid the mess: PBSVirtual Kitchen Chemisrtry
History Lesson links
Math Lesson- Making Cookies
Reading lesson Gr.4-6 Japanese cooking -Internet
Writing Gr.3-5 Procedural Writing Lesson
Home economics module using Canada's food guide
Here’s a great recipe that even the youngest cook can help with from Today's Parent
Simple Homemade Granola recipe for teaching math skills! http://ow.ly/2Efxv

Don’t Taxes Fund Public Schools?

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:37:00 +0000

Public schools are supposedly paid for by our taxes, yet our local school still needs additional funds to be submitted by parents. So far this year our grade 8 parents have been asked for:

a $15 student fee – no note has arrived home about this, just a note in the agenda,
a $20 sketch pad-no a dollar store sketch pad is not allowed
watercolour pencils or watercolour crayons – not a watercolour pallet

What add-ons is your school requiring?

Live vs Recorded Music- Different Educational Values?

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:02:00 +0000

Growing up, live music was a part of our everyday lives. Someone was always making a joyful noise (whether it was appreciated or not). It wasn’t until I was much older and attending a concert by Murray McLaughlin at the Victoria Hall in Cobourg, that I gained a real appreciation of the difference between a live performance and recorded music.

Some performers really interact with their audiences in a unique way that adds to the entire experience. Murray gave a few personal glimpses into how he arrived at some of his compositions, and showed his incredible multi-faceted talent by performing on a multitude of instruments. Unlike the fun and excitement of tossing beach balls around as part of an audience event, and other such gimmicks, to me it is when the personal glimpses inside the private composing or performing world, which create the ultimate connection between process and product. Such experiences are priceless and can inspire even the most tone-deaf to a greater appreciation of the music.

Why is music important? There are a great many studies showing the importance of music to education including:

subliminal effects and benefits to listening to certain types of music during various activities,
using music to incorporate an additional sense into the the learning process of a topic
the math/music connection –ie transition of learning fractions from semi-concrete to abstract

There are many venues for enjoying live music in your own neighbourhood: schools, churches, some art galleries for example. I recently learned that the world destination for live music is however, Austin Texas.

Read about Austin Texas HERE, and have your students send for a free guide. I wonder what makes Austin the World Capitol of live music?

Want to check out Austin for yourself? Here’s a last minute hotel deal I happened across that got me thinking about the whole thing:

Last Minute Deals

Encouraging Budding Authors

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Many authors published their first books before they could vote. Encourage your child to write, you may have a tow headed Jean Little tucked into those bedclothes upstairs!

4 Stumbling Blocks & Solutions

Long time- Little Reward It is very important to see the fruits of your labour. It’s very discouraging to only have a big hole in your paper after 15 minutes of trying to spell “Once”, In addition. getting your work in front of a real audience is all important.Read the following problems and solutions to bring the joy of writing into your household.

Problem: Painstakingly printing is a stumbling block for many young authors. The ideas flow faster than the pen and are lost before they make it to the page.
Solved-Use a recording device like professional authors tell rehearse their stories using a recording device, such as a tape recorder. Buy and sell shops carry used tape recorders that would be handy for this task. Another alternative is to use a speech recognition software application, such as Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Speech recognition software takes what your young author says into the microphone and converts it into typed words. Some programs need more training than others (like teaching a parrot to talk) We’ve found it both entertaining and frustrating listening to the read back of what the computer “thought it heard” (like talking with my father.) On the most part, I highly recommend it.
Problem: Being bogged down by mechanics Nothing like being excited about your work, then finding out “it’s all wrong”. ito destroy motivation. Grammar, spelling, punctuation etc. are very important. However, putting the cart before the horse can seriously impede a writer.
Solved: Think brainstorming and composing; not editing nor proofreading. Substitute a pen, marker or crayon for the pencil, and write on every third or fourth line. An advantage of not erasing booboos is having a record of all your ideas.Use others' writing, especially at first, to practice mechanics.. Do revisions using physical cut and paste. Speech recognition software also helps take the pain out of re-writes and prevents huge gaping holes in the paper, where that excellent idea once lay.
Problem: Great Idea-Gone! I’m sure there are many wonderful plotlines and poems rubbed out by erasers or lost to power failures out there
Solution: Become an Idea Hoarder Authors swear by keeping even a shoe box of clippings that are personally interesting.. Save all drafts. The hit song “The night the Lights Went out in Georgia” was headed for the garbage, when it was retrieved by the author’s Ex. Writing online? Save a copy of all your drafts (use “Save as” and change the title to include a,b,c etc.) I once had a 10 page paper disappear into thin air when using “Save” during a power glitch.
Problem: Lots of Pain No Gain Writing reams is good practice, but most people are more motivated by public recognition.
Solved: Provide Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Encourage your student to keep a chart of how many words, lines, or pages they wrote each day. Help your young author get published. Be their editor and proof reader, and let them be yours. My eight year-old once pointed out an essential part of a plotline was missing from one of my prize-winning stories. Get their work out into the wide world! There’s nothing like seeing your words in print, whether it’s a family newsletter, a blog comment, a letter to the editor, or contest entry.
Ready for the big time? How about submitting to a book publisher?
Helpful Blogs:
Writer Pressed (my new blog listing publishers & writing tips)
Writing Kids (my new blog just set up for kids submitted writing)

Budding Artists?

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0000

If you have a budding artist, encourage their reading, writing,and artistic abilities, by having them submit work to a real audience. Having a “real audience” makes a world of difference in the quality of work and pride in the accomplishment.
When I was in University, Scott Young, offered to read over an essay I was working on, when I had writer’s block. Simply knowing ,a “real” writer would be reading my work, spurred me on. Writer’s block vanished! I polished it up to the deadline.

There are several companies open to submissions of artwork. Mead stationary is one such company. Many of Mead’s products, especially decorative items, contain photography and artwork from various artists.

What other “real audiences “ have you found?
Here are the details from Mead’s site:

Before submitting images for consideration, please send non-returnable samples of your work to be reviewed by our marketing and design team. Non-returnable samples could include tear sheets, promotional pieces, prints and transparencies. Submit non-returnable samples, a brief summary of your experience along with web address for additional images to:
MWV Consumer & Office Products
Consumer Affairs
4751 Hempstead Station Road
Kettering, OH 45429
We receive and evaluate new artwork every month. Submissions will be evaluated and notified of next steps

Please share your experiences with us in the comments below:

Contesting-Coaxes Reluctant Readers

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Have a reluctant reader at home? Many students (even teens) enjoy contesting, when there is one to be found. Encourage them to read all the details and become familiar with the finer points of the rules. A natural mathematics extension with contesting is probability- examining the odds of winning the contests, and other probabilities in life.

Here are a couple of Contests to get you started:

All Ages: Win an Original Signed Print

This one is from Annick Press -Great Natural Integration with Author/Illustrator Studies

Teens: Win a Leapster Explorer Pack posted HERE.

This giveaway is from divine.ca . Divinedotca can be found on\twitter as well . This site frequently runs contests open to teens, as well as adults.

Click Here to go to their Contest Page.

Here a Chick , There a Chick !

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:35:00 +0000

Small scale farming at home. We are starting a farming experiment after much persuasion on my daughter’s part.

We were at the Woodville auction barn on Saturday, where you could purchase a wide variety of animals. There were ducks, rabbits, dogs, calves, chickens, ducklings and … chicks. A new acquaintance in a neighbouring village has been keeping chickens in their home for some time. I was surprised to hear people may keep chickens at their home, due to a precedent setting court case in Toronto. So, with this in the back of my mind, and my daughter’s insistence that she could take care of them, pay for them etc ; we became parents to 3 baby chicks. Have you ever raised chickens? How did it work out for you? Watch for occasional updates on our progress.

Cyber No NET

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:34:00 +0000

Does you son or daugheer use the library computer? I was searching for “sleeping children around the world plastic mat directions” using “bing” and was shocked to find a porn site link pop up on the first search page.
Later to my great concern, a 9 year-old seated beside me proceeded to play a sexual torture “game”. I alerted the librarian and was told the library has no safe guards against pornography on its computers and informed “that’s why parents are required to sign a form allowing their children to use the computers.”
I was astounded. As a parent I signed such a form for my daughter to use the internet, thinking that the library would have at least somewhat of a filter on their system.
We really need to protect our kids from horrible things that twisted minds place on the internet. Before your child uses the local library computer, or any other computer without parental supervision, find out specifically what measures are in place to protect your child.
If you live in the City of Kawartha Lakes library area, please contact me. Let's work to help ensure our children are protected online!
Should you stumble across child abuse or pornography. Please report it at the link below!
https://www.cybertip.ca/app/en/report
The boy on the computer? I returned, sat beside him and asked,”Would your family want you on that site?” “No,” he quickly replied and closed it with an embarrassed duck of the head. I wonder who will ask the question next time?

Do you have a Pet Hero in Your Home?

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:31:00 +0000

Everyday pets perform amazing lifesaving acts.

Read about some real life pet heroes HERE.

Create a picture book showing the adventures of some pet heroes, or create a story board for the film script.

Have your family post it in a blog and link to this post.

Nominate your pet hero here

FREE Field Trip

Learn about all the pet and service dog Inductees at PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre located at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, and the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame™. Open year-round, general admission is free.

All the World’s A Stage

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:51:00 +0000

Did you know Stratford is for kids too?

Visit Neverland as Peter Pan leads the gang of Lost Boys and battles the pirates on stage at the Avon Theatre at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival with a great offer – Tuesdays thru Thursdays in June, July and August kids are free when you buy an adult ticket. Call 1.800.567.1600 and quote promotion code 33731.*

Click HERE to see all the great Stratford Activities for Kids

Why is Acting so Important?

Recent cuts to the education system have seen many arts programs slashed as non-essentials.Drama is an essential. Dramatic skills are essential for job interviews, presentations,, fostering creativity, empathy,and more. Drama can be integrated into all subject areas . Did you know there are some math problems best solved using the strategy “Act it Out”?

IF you can’t get to Stratford, check out a Little Theatre Production close to you!Take a leaf from many famous authors, and put on plays yourselves, even if the only audience is a line up of teddy bear.

Here are some links you may find useful :

http://www.childdrama.com/Menu.html Tons of FREE Lessons K-12

Drama Printables

L.M. Alcott comprehensive Biography

Math Work Sheet Act it Out

Venomous Animals- How they Help!

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Just when you think, we’ve discovered all the animals on the earth, some more pop up from hiding! We have much to learn from each of our fellow creatures.Reuters just posted a story about Antarctic Octopuses with venom that works in subzero temperatures.

Scientists have been able to use studies of venom in various animals to create extremely useful medicines, for example -

Hypertension drugs like ACE inhibitors are structured after snake venom, while certain diabetes drugs are derived from the saliva of the Gila monster, a slow-moving lizard found in the United States and northern Mexico. (Reporting by Tan Ee Lyn; Editing by Andrew Marshall) Quote from HERE

What other uses of venom can you find? How do you think this newly discovered venom could be used?

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