OUR HIGH SCHOOL HOMESCHOOL BLOG

SYLLABUS: WRITING POETRY

2009-12-10T08:38:00.001-05:00

What is Poetry (Reading/Vocabulary lesson)

Writing a poem

Literature, level: Senior
by Roger Kalin (hrothgar@magiccarpet.com).
Goshen (NY) Central High School, Goshen, NY
Materials Required: Black board, pen and paper
Activity Time: One class period
Concepts Taught: Creative writing, peotry appreciation, literary techniques

1. Have the students imagine themselves someplace -- the beach, a mountain top, a city street -- anywhere.
2. Have them write two lines beginning with the words "I see", and then state what they see. (ex: I see traffic lights; I see taxis")
3. Then write two lines beginning with "I hear" (I hear sirens; I hear engines); then two lines beginning "I smell".
Cover each of the five senses this way.
4. The last line should begin "I feel ...", and state how the scene makes them feel. ("I feel lonely and afraid")
5. You now have an eleven line poem. Return to each line, delete the "I see"s, the "I hear"s, etc. Add adjectives and adverbs.
6. Return to each line. Add similes and metaphors.
7. Return to each line. Add personification.
8. Add rhyme and meter. Add alliteration and assonance.Do one on the board as a class. Then let the kids do their own as HW. Don't force them to do all of the steps above, but urge them to do as many as they can. The results are true poetry which will astonish you and the kids, and which should give the students an appreciation of the artistry of good poetry. Share the poems with the class. They can also include illustrations that reflect the content of the poems. By all means, post the poems on the wall and in the hallway.

UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY HOMESCHOOLING LIFE

2009-11-24T19:05:00.003-05:00

A reader recently left a comment on THIS post from a few years ago. I was pleased to see that this blog is still useful to homeschooling parents. I thought I would post the comment from Dinah and my response. I hope it helps a few more High School Homeschooling families on their path to success. :o)

COMMENT:

I love this blog - its very helpful in planning for our oldest to start homeschooling. I'm wondering however if there is any more up to date info! I don't see anything on here for 2009 - are you still homeschooling high school?
Dinah (MD)

MY RESPONSE:

Hi Dinah,

Our eldest son, Kazz, actually ended up graduating from our homeschool in 2008. I didn't keep up with "the plan" that I have written here because he began zooming through school, life got in the way and keeping this blog updated fell by the wayside.

He began attending our local community college at the age of fourteen. He turned 17 this past July and will graduate this December with an Associate Degree.

Here is the blog post I wrote about our "plan" back then and we ended up working it to the fullest and see the light at the end of the tunnel. :o)

I have 4 more children coming up behind him. Our 12 (almost 13) year old son, Brise, is focusing on Essay writing, Pre-Algebra and other subjects right now in order to get ready for easing into college at the age of 14 also.

Here is one of my up to date blogs.

We use many resources from it,however, for High School I cannot say enough wonderful things about THIS SITE. It's fabulous!

Please feel free to join the Facebook Page for the Free Homeschooling 101. If you have any further questions I'll try to help as much as I can.

Thanks for reading! :o)
Shelly M.

ENGLISH: 11TH GRADE SYLLABUS EXAMPLE

2009-10-13T12:20:00.000-04:00

English: 11th Grade

Class syllabus

Description
This course is designed to expose students to a broad cross-section of American literature. Students are also expected to increase their composition skills through a variety of writing experiences. Students will be expected to have a number of pieces ready by semester's end that can be included in senior portfolios.

Prerequisites
Credit for English I and II

Topics to be covered

Expect to:

•Read two or three novels by American authors on your own, and complete a full set of assignments related to your reading. At least one novel will be studied as part of a literary circle, where you will meet with 4-5 other students to discuss your novel. In addition, one novel will be studied in-depth by the entire class. Past novels have included Huck Finn, Fahrenheit 451, and The Fellowship of the Ring.

•Complete a research paper and class presentation on an original research idea. This is a major project that is designed as a college preparatory activity. Failure to complete this project can endanger your semester grade. Internet research is usually a major part of the project, so be sure you have internet permission.

•Memorize one famous literary passage of 1-2 minutes in length. This is usually the entire Gettysburg address, or six stanzas from Poe’s “The Raven,” although an appropriate substitute passage can be chosen with instructor approval.

•Complete a least four writing projects/papers that are portfolio-quality. Included among these will be a personal narrative or memoir, a short story and several poems.

• Work on grammar daily. We will begin each day with the Daily Oral Grammar series.

• Have weekly vocabulary tests. Vocabulary worksheets will be given out on Mondays or Tuesdays, and they will be graded two days later. Vocabulary tests will be on Fridays. These words are not easy, and most students find it takes study to pass Friday’s test.

• Read in class. During the latter half of class on Fridays, we will often have SSR—Sustained Silent Reading. You will be expected to have reading material with you.

• Spend quite a bit of time exploring U.S. history as we examine the literature selections.

• Read 15 or more short stories, sermons and non-fiction passages from the text.

• Have homework several times each week, especially early in the semester.

• Have spelling tests on a weekly basis--usually Thursdays.

• Watch films of books by American authors.

• Read a drama play out aloud in class – either “The Crucible” or “The Glass Menagerie.”

• Travel to see a play performed, if funds are available. I try to take each junior class on a field trip to view a live stage production of a play or short story collection. Eligibility for this trip can depend on class behavior.

Order of material to be covered
• Short story unit.
• Non-fiction unit
• Drama Unit
• Poetry Unit
• Drama Unit
• Research Paper Unit

Major papers and writing projects are interspersed throughout the semester.
Resources to be used
• Textbooks
• Videos that correlate with reading selections
• Media Center
• Internet
• Guest speakers
• Field trip to view play production

GEOLOGY CURRICULUM FREE (old earth/Christian slant)

2009-10-08T13:15:00.000-04:00

I found a comprehensive Geology Curriculum Website today. It holds an Old Earth slant with a Christian worldview. The curriculum comes complete with Tests and Quizzes. I hope you enjoy the freebie as much as we do.

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

SIGN LANGUAGE

2009-08-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE IS...

ASL University!

"ASL University is an online curriculum resource for American Sign Language students, instructors, interpreters, and parents of deaf children.

Feel free to use the various lessons and resources for self-study. There is no need to register or pay (unless you want documentation to fulfill high school, college, or continuing education course requirements).

"If you are a teacher I give you permission to use the LESSONS to teach your in-person classes. Enjoy! -- Dr. Bill Vicars"

It doesn't get much better than that!

MICHIGAN HOMESCHOOL PROM CRUISE!

2009-05-08T18:23:00.001-04:00

Last Friday the Inaugural Michigan Homeschool Prom took place on the Elegant Detroit Princess Riverboat.

Kazz is 16 years old, considered a Junior, but is about to graduate from college with an Associate of Business Degree; so the standard "Senior" prom isn't something that would fly in the Homeschooling world. That is why this prom is a Freshman - Senior Prom. Homeschool Alumni under 21 can also attend as well as friends of homeschoolers.

There were teens in attendance from all over Michigan and Northern Ohio. Kazz and his friends are pictured above at the Detroit Renaissance Center. Kazz and his girlfriend, Beka, are to the right on the deck of the ship. The rest of the crew are pictured below in our yard. What a gorgeous bunch of unsocialized homeschoolers! LOL

Brian and I found out a while back that it is becoming more and more common for homeschooling teens to attend a Statewide Homeschool Prom. We decided that it would be a fun thing to plan a Michigan Homeschool Prom too, so that is exactly what we did. It went so well that we are now officially the Michigan Homeschool Prom sponsors. If you build it, they will come...and they did! :o)

If you know of homeschooling teens who live in Michigan or Northern Ohio who would like to attend the 2010 Michigan Homeschool Prom Cruise on April 30th please feel free to let them know. They can join the Facebook site for updates.

The view from the boat was absolutely amazing. We passed under the Ambassador Bridge twice during the cruise portion of the evening. We began the cruise when it was daylight and it ended after the sun had set so we were all able to get a lot of opportunities for sunset photos. Brian and I took advantage of that.

Here are some highlights of the dancing that occurred that evening. All of this fun took place with clean modern music too...who would have thunk it? :o)

I can't get over how pretty the boat was and how smooth the ride was that evening. I had never been on a Paddle boat. I didn't really know what to expect, but it was a pleasant surprise to find out that I couldn't feel the boat moving at all while inside the ship.

When I looked outside I couldn't tell we were moving either. It wasn't until I walked outside that I could appreciate the movement as I enjoyed the evening, breeze. It was a night to remember, though it took me 2 days to recover. The toe right next to my left big toe was numb for those 2 days and I have vowed to wear comfortable shoes next year...and I'm going to stop chaperoning long enough to dance with my husband at least once also!

Hope you all can join us next year too! :o)

DO ANIMALS FEEL LOVE?

2009-04-12T14:35:00.001-04:00

There are many people who believe that animals are not capable of remembering caretakers, feeling love or building attachment. After only one year of care, a lion is set free into the wild. Did he form a bond of love with his caretakers?

If there were ever a doubt, I give you this.

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

2009-04-11T18:23:00.004-04:00

Alice Computer Programming Software

This website offers "Alice" - free educational software from Carnegie Mellon University that teaches students computer programming in a visual, 3-D environment. It makes it easy to create animation for interactive games and videos and much more. The description from the website best explains it:

"Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student's first
exposure to object-oriented programming. It allows students to learn
fundamental programming concepts in the context of creating animated movies
and simple video games. In Alice, 3-D objects (e.g., people, animals, and
vehicles) populate a virtual world and students create a program to animate
the objects."

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: ART LESSONS AT ARTYFACTORY

2009-04-11T15:35:00.002-04:00

Artyfactory has a wealth of information from color theory (both technical stuff
like the color wheel and the emotional impact of colors in painting) to a
thorough overview of African masks and Egyptian hieroglyphs, shading
techniques in pen and ink, etc.

This site can be used directly as reading or coursework for a high school student.

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: INTERACTIVE GEOMETRY and more...

2009-04-11T14:57:00.001-04:00

Learner.org Geometry 3D Shapes provides free multi-media activities about three-dimensional shapes. Students can learn about the mathematical properties of polyhedrons, cubes, prisms, cylinders and pyramids and how to calculate their surface area and volume. Because instruction is presented in 3-D format it makes it much easier to visualize and understand.

Just click on "Geometry 3-D Shapes" and a new page opens where the presentation begins.

This site has so much to offer for grades 6 - 12.

*Math In Daily Life
*Metric Conversions
*Statistics
*Science Interactives
*Language Interactives
*History Interactives
*Arts Interactives

This is an invaluable resource for homeschooling families.

HAPPY FREE SCHOOLING!

WE'RE NOT PERFECT. WE'RE PARENTS...

2009-04-09T15:19:00.005-04:00

Anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact that I love to pick baby names. Anyone who has seen the names of our children will surmise that, I suppose. The topic of pregnancy, babies and naming babies has always been at the top of my list for interesting conversation.

As you know, we have 5 sons in our family. What you may not know, however, is that our family recently decided that we would very much like to include a baby girl into our family mix. Yes, we are going to be a foster family again. With this decision comes the pleasure of picking out a name for our little gal should she become a permanent part of our family. As I was scrolling through all the names on the ParentsConnect website I couldn't help but notice all of the other information they have to offer. There are topics ranging from pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, to blog widgets to parenting! The reason the site caught my attention is because their slogan is so very true.

"We're Not Perfect. We're Parents..."

If you are planning to add a new life to your family, this is a one stop must-add to your favorites for your website links. Look for me in the community section. See you there!

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: The American Summer Guide

2009-04-09T11:50:00.004-04:00

This guide includes all kinds of information that vary according to topic or activity. The site is geared toward all age levels.

Learn the origin of the term "Dog Days of Summer," the history of Summer Vacations, and the science behind the Summer Solstice.

Did you know that "solstice" comes from the Latin for "sun stands still"?

Learn about the rise and fall of roller coasters, get a BBQ Primer, take an Ice Cream Quiz, watch kid-submitted videos of fireworks and more!

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: TEACHING MATH CONCEPTS

2009-03-30T14:54:00.002-04:00

THIS SITE provides suggestions and lesson plans that help educators incorporate technology (spreadsheets, graphing calculators, word processors, and presentation software such as Powerpoint) into math instruction. It also will help provides tips on using a math journal to integrate writing with your mathematics curriculum.

If you have a student with learning difficulties, this site is also geared to help them avoid endless drill work in order to make the subject more meaningful.

Read the "Site Overview" and then explore:

*Math Concepts - This section provides activities covering a range of math
strands commonly taught at the late elementary and middle school level. The
lessons incorporate the use of spreadsheets and/or calculators extending
conceptual understanding and allow students to apply their knowledge in
practical everyday contexts. These activities are designed to enhance
day-to-day curriculum, not replace it.

*Integrated Lessons - This section gives students a framework for
problem-solving. Students collect data and analyze it using a spreadsheet.
Then, they must develop a written report that summarizes the findings and
makes specific recommendations.

*Journals - Get a model for incorporating writing into math instruction.
Find out how students can use a math journal and get prompts that will
inspire students to write about their mathematical thinking.

The idea of the site is to move beyond rote learning, by using a more conceptual (and sophisticated) approach through technologies that will be standard for even minimum wage employment in the future. They have taken over the hand computations that for so many American students in the 20th century was the central goal of mathematics instruction.

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

THE STONEHENGE MYSTERY SOLVED

2009-03-02T10:49:00.003-05:00

A man from Flint Michigan may have solved the mystery of Stonehenge. He is building a replica in his backyard the same way ancient men may have created the original.

Weights, Counter-weighst, pulleys...you name it, they used it!

A DIABETIC DIET QUEST

2009-02-21T21:11:00.001-05:00

As you may know, we recently had a huge wake up call in our household. Our son, Brise, has been diagnosed with Insulin Resistance. I thought he just had a dirty neck. Who knew?!

This diagnosis is particularly scary to us because it is a precursor to diabetes. We are trying our hearts out to eat more healthy and get to the gym more often.

I have found that when I don't have a plan in place, our meals tend to switch right back to what is easy to grab. (ie: Pizza, Pasta..Carbs!) So, I did some research online and found some handy-dandy diabetic meal ideas. I'm placing them here for my ease of reference and for your viewing pleasure also.

I hope this helps someone out there. :o)

---------------------------------------

Diabetic Breakfasts

1) a cup of (plain) Cheerios, 3/4 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of skim milk most mornings ( frozen blueberries, defrosted)
2) A Thomas Light multi grain English muffin with "Simply Jiff" or another lower sugar, lo fat peanut butter and sugar free jam
3) scrambled egg beaters or an omelet - with mushroom or onions - and two slices of lo carb bread toasted with a little Smart Balance light
4) oatmeal with fruit

http://www.dlife.com
http://www.diabetic-talk-org

Diabetic Lunches

*Allergies to peanut butter? I.M. Healthy is a brand of peanut-free soynut butters that can be found in health food stores, some grocery stores and online.

MIX AND MATCH LUNCH BOX CHOICES
A	B	C
SANDWICHES	FRUITS/VEGGIES	TREATS
Peanut butter* and jelly	Apple	Homemade trail mix
Nutbutter (Nutella) and banana	Carrot sticks	Low fat yogurt
2% cheese and mustard	Celery sticks	1 or 2 homemade cookies
Low fat deli ham, lettuce and tomato	Clementine or tangerine	air-popped or low fat microwaved popcorn
Low fat deli turkey, lettuce and tomato	Plum or nectarine	Homemade whole grain muffin
Tuna fish with low fat mayo	Grapes	Homemade brownie
Egg salad with low fat mayo	Banana	Sugar-free pudding
Part-skim mozzarella and whole grain crackers	Orange slices	Low fat whole grain cereal bar

Diabetic Dinners

OTHER STUFF

FREE Food List (Low or no carbs/sugars)

Low Carb Bread/Pasta Recipes

.

EDUCATING IN THIS ERA

2009-02-08T23:43:00.000-05:00

The knowledge our children gain from using Computers, watching television, movies and clips online is more than most of us gained in all of our years of K-12 public schooling.

This is the new age. This video explains why homeschooling, with multi-media, hours and hours a day, works better than public/private schooling hours and hours a day. Our children can use the tools more often, for longer and with more leniency than any school in America is equipped to give their students.

THIS is why Homeschooling Works better than the failing American Schools. THIS is why teachers should be able to use their knowledge, love of teaching and energy to run their classrooms the way they see fit rather than adhering to bureaucratic standards that continue to squash the educational desire of modern day students.

Teachers Are Not Broken. The System is broken! Until our schools can teach full out with the technology of today, they're best foot forward is 10 steps behind their students.

THIS is why Homeschooling Works!

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA!

2009-02-03T16:39:00.003-05:00

Dallas Wind Symphony: John Phillip Sousa

This website is sponsored by the Dallas Wind Symphony, that features all of the works of John Phillips Sousa. He is most famous for his 136 marches, particularly, "Stars and Stripes Forever," the official march of the United States of America.

When you get to the site, you'll see a You Tube screen - and if you click on it, you can watch a video of President George W. Bush conducting the U.S. Marine Band playing "Stars and Stripes Forever" at a White House correspondents' dinner.

Sousa was a man of many talents. Scroll down the page (below the You Tube video) and you can download for free - two novels that Sousa wrote and an operetta. You can also read descendent-approved biographical information and primary source accounts of Sousa's life and work.

Below that, look for the "Complete Works of Sousa" and click on it to see a comprehensive listing of Sousa's work along with sound clips from many of his original recordings with his actual band.

The music alone is really worth the visit.

WORKBOOKS FOR THE YOUNGER GRADES

2009-01-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

There are times in our homeschooling journey when I feel the need to switch up our routine and give our boys a little boost in a certain area of their study. It is in those times that I try to find inexpensive educational materials that will be both a positive and fun addition to our curriculum.

Recently I found out that Sylvan Learning is launching some Brand New supplemental workbooks that peeked my interest. I found out that they are consumable workbooks that focus on a specific subject. We needed a Reading/Spelling/Vocabulary supplement and they had just what I was looking for, for our 3rd grader, Vinze.

I got the workbook today and was pleasantly shocked to see that IT IS SO THICK! The pages are sturdy and thick also. This is not a flimsy curriculum. There are over 300 full pages in this book. Honestly, This is billed as a supplemental curriculum, but I've paid much more money for a lot less from some suppliers. I believe it could be used as a full curriculum. If Vinze does 2 pages a day that's 150+ days of schooling plus his reading assignments and book reports!

Each lesson is fun, lively and straight to the point. They look like they will be funny, easy to use and allow Vinze to learn using step by step processes while also reviewing learning gaps that have fallen through the cracks.

The third grade "Super Reading Success" workbook that we got today is actually 3 Books In one. It covers Spelling, Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. The workbooks are based on Sylvan's proven techniques for success. They focus on reading and language arts, and features grade-appropriate activities, stories, and exercises to help students gain confidence and boost their grades.

The neat thing is that it can also be used to prepare for a Skill's Assessment at a Sylvan Learning Center if you want to have a record of your child's progress as the years go by. There is a coupon for $10 off a skills assessment test that can be used at any Sylvan Learning center.

I am going to watch as more and more Sylvan products become available. For $18.99, I do believe these workbooks are the best deal to come along since sliced bread! I'll keep you posted as we use the material.

HEALTH: DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A DIRTY NECK OR DIABETES?

2009-01-14T07:49:00.001-05:00

As most of you know by now, I'm not blogging as much as I used to. Our family is getting our home ready to receive foster children this year. There is much to be done.

In the process of becoming foster parents it is required that everyone in our household have a physical examination. I've been busy taking all of our children to the doctor. The twins needed their 5 year shots, Kazz needed a booster and Vinnie was pretty well up to date with all of his requirements. All were healthy and there was nothing to make me think that Brise would be any different.

Last Monday I took Brise in to see our pediatrician. I expected to be in and out of there in a little over an hour just like we were with the rest of the boys. Little did I know that we would have a life changing experience that day. Please know that it could have been MUCH worse but that day did change our lifestyle, for the better.

We went in and Brise hopped up on the counter. The nurse took him out to weigh him and log his height. Brise is tall for his age. He's 5'6" tall, 11 years old and wears a size 13 shoe. When they came back into the room she took his blood pressure.

"hmm...let me do that again" She took it again.
"hmmm...this cuff isn't working correctly." She took the cuff off, left the room and came back with another cuff. She installed it and took his blood pressure again.

"His blood pressure is high." She said, and promptly left the room.

I had a hard time processing that. I was wondering how an 11 year old could have high blood pressure. She walked out the door before I could ask how high.

We go to a teaching pediatrician so the first doctor to walk in the door was just on his second day of rounds. He was nervous so we chatted a bit and I tried to answer all of his OVERLY thorough questions. We were questioned to ad nauseum...or so I thought. Little did I know that he had spotted something right away that caused him to ask so many questions.

He walked out the door and immediately came back in with a third year doctor. She began talking as if I knew what the heck she was talking about. She began talking about diabetes and how we need to change our eating.

"I see here that you drink soft drinks in your home. Those need to be stricken from your diet Brisan. Do you understand that?"

My head was swimming. What is she talking about?!

She then began explaining what foods we need to eat and how much. She talked and talked. She handed Brise literature. She talked some more. She handed me literature.

What is going on here? They haven't even looked in his ears yet!! I am very seldom at a loss for words. This day, I was lost.

They left the room. I could see that my son was on the verge of tears. I WAS on the verge of tears. Neither one of us could understand "Why" They were, all of the sudden, ranting about food and sugar levels and diabetes. I explained to Brise that if there is a problem with his blood sugar that we can certainly change our eating habits. I told him that he would NOT do this alone and our entire family would be on board with any diet changes.

The next doctor to walk in, THANK GOD, was our pediatrician. She's so gentle, sweet and knows just what to say to help her patients stay calm and understand what is going on.

"Hello agian. Aren't you tired of seeing me yet? Is this the last son?"

"Yes," I said. "What's going on? Do we need to be worried here? Does he have diabetes? How do you know that without a test?"

Those who know me in person, KNOW that those questions came tumbling out of my mouth before she could get a word in edgewise. I needed answers, NOW!

"Do you see these marks here on his neck?"

"Yes, I keep telling him to wash it but even when I try to wash his neck it won't go away."

"That's Acanthosis Nigricans. That is a marker for diabetes. If he does not have it, he's on his way to getting it. In adults the marks begin on the armpits or groin."

My jaw fell. I nearly cried right there but I held it together. I saw slight marks like that on Kazz's arms. Not dark, just light. Now, She had my attention.

Long story short, Brise had a LOT of blood drawn the next day. (9 viles) He does NOT have diabetes yet, but was diagnosed with insulin resistance. His Insulin level is quite high. You can bet, dear reader, that our eating habits have changed. We are on a schedule and we've bought more fruits and veggies than this house has ever seen. I am on a search for a diabetic brownie. If you have any great diabetic dessert recipes, we're all ears in this household!

They are going to monitor his blood pressure. We'll be heading back to the doc in a few weeks. I thank God that we caught this before it turned into diabetes. I hope this post will help another mother do the same for her family.

If you recognize these markings on any of your family members, or a lighter version of them that fade and come back, you'll want to read this information.

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Acanthosis Nigricans is a disorder that may begin at any age. It causes velvety, light-brown-to-black, markings usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, can cause insulin resistance. This will result in elevated insulin levels. Most patients with Acanthosis Nigricans have a higher insulin level than those of the same weight without Acanthosis Nigricans. Elevated levels of insulin in most cases probably cause Acanthosis Nigricans. The elevated insulin levels in the body activates insulin receptors in the skin, forcing it to grow abnormally. Reducing the circulating insulin by dieting or medication can lead to improvement of the skin problem.

TEACHING HISTORY THROUGH CLOCKS

2009-01-10T13:04:00.003-05:00

Studying The History of Clocks can lead a unit study from age to age in an interesting and fun way. I've found that teens really get into the time periods that clocks have played a role in. Whether it be the impact clocks have had on the Scientific method or the Chronology, Time and Narrative they have played in history, there is no denying that clocks have made a huge impact on our world and the way we live today.

Through our homeschooling journey there have been a few classes that touched on woodworking, time keeping and the making of clocks. One such topic that is a favorite of mine is grandfather clocks. The woodworking and precision timing are absolute works of art. Whether they be old or new they are timeless in design and are bound to provoke interest.

The one I find most intriguing is the Howard Miller Chateau Grandfather Clock. This clock is a timeless, majestic, masterpiece. All of the Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks are astonishing and make an elegant statement in most any home decor.

As I've become a little older, I've gotten the longing to own a piece of history. I would very much like a Grandfather Clock from the day that I live in right now. I would like to receive a new clock every Christmas and/or birthday from here on out. They will be heirlooms to hand to my children and grand-children. They will tell the next generations of my family, about the day that I lived, the hours that we kept and the home where they came from. Clocks are more than a topic for education. They are history, past and present. And to those who leave them to the future generations, they are time itself.

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: MATH DRILLS

2009-01-05T00:50:00.000-05:00

TODAYS HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE IS...

MATH-DRILLS.COM

Math-Drills.Com includes over 6000 free math worksheets with answer keys.
Classroom teachers use the free math worksheets on this website to assess students' mastery of basic math facts, to give students extra practice, to teach new math strategies, and to save precious planning time.
Parents use the free math worksheets on this website to give their child extra practice with essential math skills.
Using the math worksheets over the summer and other breaks allows students to stay sharp for the upcoming school term.

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!

FUN AND FRUGAL HOMEMADE GIFTS

2008-12-19T01:23:00.000-05:00

WATER ROCKET LAUNCHER

Materials:

Valve
3 each ¾” PVC Cap
One ¾” PVC Tee joint
One ¾” x ½” threaded Tee joint
5’ of ¾” PVC schedule 40 pipe
One ½” x 8” threaded riser pipe
One ¾” 90 degree ell (“L) joint
1’ electrical tape
One tire inner tube valve
PVC pipe cement or epoxy

(important: use protective gloves and goggles when gluing!!!)

Assembly Instructions:

With a hack saw, cut the 5’ PVC pipe into two 6”, two 12” and one 18” length.
Drill a ½” hole in the middle of one ¾” Cap.
Push the valve stem into this hole and trim the rubber so that it will have a tight seal.
Glue this cap to one 6” pipe, being careful to have the pipe end push the rubber to be tightly sealed against the cap.
Assemble the launcher as shown, glue the joints.
Wrap the threaded riser pipe where it joins the threaded Tee, so that there is a tapered, water-tight connection when a 2 liter bottle, with a few cups of water in it, is pushed onto it.

MARSHMALLOW SHOOTER!
I found this over at TennZen. You'll love it there...go see!

The picture above is painted to suit the owner. Ours are white and boring but they work so have fun whichever way you decide to go. Painted, unpainted...they all shoot the same! :o)

What you'll need:

2 feet of 1/2 inch internal diameter PVC pipe (found in the hardware store's plumbing section)

2 PVC elbow joints to fit the aforementioned pipe

2 PVC end caps

2 PVC "T" joints

Tools needed:

Ruler or tape measure

Pencil

Hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter

1. Cut the PVC pipe into the following pieces:

5 3-inch pieces
1 7-inch piece
1 1-inch piece

2. Assemble pieces and connectors according to these directions from Instructables.com. Or, you can put all the pieces and connectors, unassembled, into a ziploc bag and include a printed copy of the assembly directions.

3. Get a supply of ammo - mini-marshmallows - and include with the shooter.

4. Load. Ready, Aim, FIRE!

FIRING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Insert a mini-marshmallow into the mouthpiece.

2. Raise the mouthpiece to your mouth.

3. Point the barrel at the intended target.

4. Take a deep breath.

5. Blow a hard puff of air into the mouthpiece to launch the marshmallow.

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

2008-12-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

The Michigan Merit Curriculum
High School
Graduation Requirements Effective Beginning with Students Entering 8th Grade in 2006

NOTE TO SELF: While these are the High School requirements for Michigan High Schools they are NOT required for homeschoolers. HOWEVER, when thinking about getting accepted into a 4 year college take into consideration that they will be looking for the State requirements. So teach the requirements accordingly...
ALSO...take advantage of the fact that our boys can go to the local community college at the age of 14. Allow them to earn an associate degree by the time they would have graduated High School. That should take care of any questions from a University.

ENGLISH - 4 Credits
English Language Arts 9, English Language Arts 10, English Language Arts 11, English Language

MATH - 4 Credits
Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, one math or math-related course in final year of high school

SCIENCE - 3 Credits
Biology, Chemistry or Physics, one additional science credit

SOCIAL STUDIES - 3 Credits
World History & Geography,
U.S. History & Geography, .5 credits in both Civics and Economics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH - 1 Credit

VISUAL, PERFORMING and APPLIED ARTS - 1 Credit

ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Effective Beginning with students entering 3rd grade in 2006
LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH - 2 Credits
In grades 9-12; OR an equivalent learning experience in grades K-12

How democratic was colonial America?

2008-12-10T00:15:00.000-05:00

In time it became evident that there existed a different spirit than the one that existed in England. The colonists were a different breed of man. They were tough hewn adventurers, not the spoiled patricians that existed in the mother country. The colonists had come for many reasons, not the least of which was to get away from England. Whether their goal was economic opportunity or religious freedom it was goal that required a certain amount of independence from the King. While no colonist would acknowledge this it was true. They were some 3,000 miles away and for all intents and purposes expected to be left alone as long as they remained loyal to the crown. They were willing to owe allegiance to the King and they were willing to pay their fair share of taxes but the never expected the King to meddle in everyday affairs. The result of this was a spirit of Democracy that did not exist in England. Where the colonies democratic, far from it but they were on the way.

Democratic and Undemocratic Characteristics of Life in the Colonies

Democratic Characteristics

Freedom of the Press

- The trial and acquittal of John Peter Zenger on charges of libel set the stage for the first use of freedom of the press. This became a precedent in colonial trials and newspapers began to report news differently in the colonies than they did in England.

Freedom of religion

-Roger Williams, William Penn and others that founded colonies dedicated to promoting religious freedom.

Elected legislatures existed in almost all colonies.

Town Hall meetings took place where citizens consulted on all manners of law.

Mayflower Compact was an early sign of Democracy. It showed that government came from the will of the people and it set a precedent in the colonies.

Rugged nature of the colonists was one that did not take well to be told what to do by a King (or anyone for that matter.).

Distance from England - They were 3000 miles away and grew accustomed to making decisions for themselves.

Undemocratic

Slavery - was clearly undemocratic, except that most did not consider the slaves to be really human.

Indentured Servitude was another relatively undemocratic fact of life, after all how can one sell himself as property.

Ruled by a King - The fact was the the law was made by the King and the colonists had sworn their loyalty to him. The fact remains that up until the revolution most still considered themselves loyal to the King.

Colonial existence was by its very nature undemocratic.

FREE CURRICULUM PRESCHOOL THRU PRE-MED!

2008-12-08T21:22:00.001-05:00

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE IS...

FREE WORLD UNIVERSITY Kindergarten THRU Pre-Med Curriculum!

Here is their homepage explanation...

"Our mission is to provide free online education to everyone worldwide. Our primary goal is to develop a pre K-12 program. Our methods of accelerated learning will eventually expand to an online university that will include a wide range of practical subjects such as the computer sciences and trades.

Parents and their students should begin by clicking here to get answers to frequently asked questions, a movie walk through, a downloadable user guide, and a step-by-step tutorial on using the program.

We make learning absorbing and fun by breaking down complex concepts into simple fact units that are placed on electronic flash cards. Our software remembers exactly which units the student knows, and only shows information that has not yet been mastered.

Registration is open to everyone. Your personal information is confidential. You cannot appreciate the dynamic and personalized way that this learning system works without registering. Please click here for free registration."

We have used this for some of our homeschool classes. They are FlashCard oriented. If you like Straight to the point "Quick and Dirty" lessons this is the site for you. There are many subjects to choose from and the price is right! FREE! We have used this when the boys need to get a class under their belt in a quick, easy to understand way.

HAPPY FREE HOMESCHOOLING!!

OUR HIGH SCHOOL HOMESCHOOL BLOG

SYLLABUS: WRITING POETRY

What is Poetry (Reading/Vocabulary lesson)

Writing a poem

UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY HOMESCHOOLING LIFE

ENGLISH: 11TH GRADE SYLLABUS EXAMPLE

GEOLOGY CURRICULUM FREE (old earth/Christian slant)

SIGN LANGUAGE

MICHIGAN HOMESCHOOL PROM CRUISE!

DO ANIMALS FEEL LOVE?

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: ART LESSONS AT ARTYFACTORY

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: INTERACTIVE GEOMETRY and more...

WE'RE NOT PERFECT. WE'RE PARENTS...

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: The American Summer Guide

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: TEACHING MATH CONCEPTS

THE STONEHENGE MYSTERY SOLVED

A DIABETIC DIET QUEST

Creamy Spinach Lasagna

White Chili

Spaghetti Squash Marinara

Chicken with Artichokes

Pizza and Movie Night

Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lime

Sausage and Spinach Soup

Beef, Cheese, and Noodle Bake

Potato and Beef Moussaka

Beef Goulash

Black Bean and Corn Chili

.

EDUCATING IN THIS ERA

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA!

WORKBOOKS FOR THE YOUNGER GRADES

HEALTH: DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A DIRTY NECK OR DIABETES?

TEACHING HISTORY THROUGH CLOCKS

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: MATH DRILLS

FUN AND FRUGAL HOMEMADE GIFTS

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

How democratic was colonial America?

FREE CURRICULUM PRESCHOOL THRU PRE-MED!

OUR HIGH SCHOOL HOMESCHOOL BLOG

SYLLABUS: WRITING POETRY

What is Poetry (Reading/Vocabulary lesson)

Writing a poem

UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY HOMESCHOOLING LIFE

ENGLISH: 11TH GRADE SYLLABUS EXAMPLE

GEOLOGY CURRICULUM *FREE* (old earth/Christian slant)

SIGN LANGUAGE

MICHIGAN HOMESCHOOL PROM CRUISE!

DO ANIMALS FEEL LOVE?

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

HOMESCCHOOL FREEBIE: ART LESSONS AT ARTYFACTORY

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: INTERACTIVE GEOMETRY and more...

WE'RE NOT PERFECT. WE'RE PARENTS...

HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: The American Summer Guide

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: TEACHING MATH CONCEPTS

THE STONEHENGE MYSTERY SOLVED

A DIABETIC DIET QUEST

.

EDUCATING IN THIS ERA

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA!

WORKBOOKS FOR THE YOUNGER GRADES

HEALTH: DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A DIRTY NECK OR DIABETES?

TEACHING HISTORY THROUGH CLOCKS

TODAY'S HOMESCHOOL FREEBIE: MATH DRILLS

FUN AND FRUGAL HOMEMADE GIFTS

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

How democratic was colonial America?

FREE CURRICULUM PRESCHOOL THRU PRE-MED!

GEOLOGY CURRICULUM FREE (old earth/Christian slant)