By Heather Sanders

It has been two years since our homeschool cooperative began its Preteen and Teen luncheons on the first Friday of every month. While I cannot claim the idea as my own (it actually came about following a reader’s comment here on The Pioneer Woman), I can attest to its monumental success. Not only do the students look forward to getting together with their friends, they are also learning and practicing valuable life skills in the process.

The luncheons are a time for parents to drop-off their Preteen (Ages 10-12) or Teen (Ages 13 and up) for the purpose of hanging out with friends and eating a lunch together. The luncheons always take place between the hours of 11:00 and 12:30, and students are expected to bring their own money, and if applicable to the restaurant, a tip.

While parents are always welcome to stay and eat, a chaperone is available for both age groups, and most of the kids openly express that they like the independent time alone with their friends.

Having served as a chaperone one of the two years, I see 3 very strong reasons for planning Preteen and Teen Homeschool Luncheons, and those reasons can be wrapped up in a simple alliteration: peers, propriety, and payment.

Peers

Of all the questions I get asked about homeschooling, socialization is always in the top three. Many parents feel homeschooled children lack opportunities to create meaningful bonds while socially interacting with their peers on a daily basis.

The Preteen and Teen homeschool luncheons hosted by our Co-op are designed to give students an opportunity to meet with their peers outside of their Monday academic Co-op classes. While the students who attend are primarily members of our Co-op, the luncheons are open to any of the families in the community who may be interested in learning more about homeschooling, or just want an opportunity for their child to spend time with other homeschool students.

The schedule is set at the start of the year and posted on the website, and throughout the year email reminders are sent out to our Co-op membership. The Preteens and Teens meet in separate restaurants, so there are always a minimum of two chaperones.

When we first began the luncheons, we knew the older kids (Teens) would enjoy time away from their younger siblings, as well as the younger Preteens who they are grouped with for field trips and other Co-op activities. Both age groups thoroughly enjoy the time as is evident by the continued attendance and growth.

Propriety

Getting together for lunch in a restaurant requires students to align with accepted standards of behavior. While this is not as much an issue with Teenagers, Preteens often need specific reminders of what is deemed appropriate dining behavior; most specifically, NOT to pour salt, hot sauce, pepper, or ketchup (seriously, name your condiment) into another’s drink when they sky off to the restroom.

Obviously, these proprieties are typically taught by parents, but when Preteens are out with their parents they are usually the only Preteen at the table, and so, there is no temptation to act foolishly. When the Co-op first implemented these luncheons the chaperones had to sit directly at the table with the Preteens. Now, they are able to give the Preteens a bit of autonomy, sitting in the same area of the restaurant, but not at the same table. The Preteens have learned they get more independence when they are respectful, and behave accordingly.

In addition, they are also responsible to read the menu (some of the Preteens look at the menus online with their parents before coming), determine what they want to eat, consider the price (and whether they have enough money to cover it with tip and tax), and convey their order clearly to the waitress or waiter. Again, this is easy enough for Teens, but great practice for Preteens.

Payment

The luncheons are planned at various restaurants, so the kids get to navigate different methods by which the establishment expects payment to be handled. For instance, they learn that chains like Schlotzsky’s and Subway take payment when the food is ordered. When they go to Denny’s, the check is brought to the table, but the students must go up to the register to pay. And of course, the various sit-down restaurants (like Chili’s) take payment at the table. While this may seem clear to adults, kids don’t always know the routine because there is usually an adult present to handle the details for them. These luncheons allow them to walk through the steps of eating out on their own.

Those students who get online to figure out what they will eat, may come with meal, tax and tip already sorted, while others figure it out at the table. Teaching kids the importance of honoring another’s work by tipping sufficiently is an important life skill. It is also a quick division or multiplication Math lesson, of which they are not always very thankful to have the chaperones implement.

If you are part of a local homeschool cooperative and/or you have considered starting up a social activity of some sort for homeschoolers in your community, luncheons are a great place to start. They are like mini field trips, and take significantly less planning and manpower to implement.

Can you share any quick and easy activities for homeschooling families to participate in or plan?

Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.

Community Question is a category inspired by you. Here and there readers write in with questions that are better served by the varied, experiential knowledge of those who read and contribute in the comments. Please respond to this post in the comments, but if you have a question for the community email it to Heather.

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The following question is from Susan D.

“My five-year-old son is enrolled to start kindergarten this fall. Currently, he attends a private, half-day pre-school five days per week. Because of several different factors, including special needs and severe anxiety on his part over beginning school, we are considering home schooling him in the fall.

So my question is, where do we start? What, exactly, is he supposed to learn and know by the end of his kindergarten year? And how do I teach him these things – as in, what are the different teaching methods? Are we deciding too late to homeschool or do we still have time to get a game plan? We are truly novices at this and have no clue where to begin, only the desire to help our son love learning and reach his full potential. We don’t know anyone who homeschools so you all are my only resource – please help!”

Susan does not know any homeschooling families, so she needs your recommendations. Where would you advise her to start?

Your Suggested Books and Additional Resources

Just like last year, thank you for all the effort and time you put into contributing to the American History Readers Part 2 of 2 (1850s and on) Middle School Readers list I began compiling in my last post.

It took a couple of days, but I read each comment, and carefully considered all the books mentioned. Using the majority of your recommendations, I compiled a list of 116 readers to share with everyone. As I mentioned before, the primary focus was on Middle School (5th & 6th grade) readers, but in some cases I included books geared toward students beginning age 8 and up, and there are even a couple of instances where “Children’s Books” were added for light and humorous reads.

Any high school level book recommendations were tucked away to post in another few years when we can work together to build a solid high school level American History Reader list.

I am excited about the specific books I chose for Kenny this upcoming year (I’ve provided that list below if you’re interested.). In addition, I listed some of the other age-appropriate suggestions and resources made in the comments.

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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the full compilation of recommendations for American History Part 2 of 2 Middle School Books.
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Thank you for contributing to this collective resource. If you are working through American History Part 1 (Native Americans to the 1850s), a separate download is posted here.

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OUR FINAL 2013-2014 AMERICAN HISTORY PART 2 of 2 MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK SELECTIONS

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The following books are what we purchased (and borrowed) for Kenny’s 6th Grade Year of American History Part 2 of 2 (1850s and on):

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman – Dorothy Sterling

Jip: His Story (Puffin Modern Classics) – Katherine Paterson

William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter – Bingham Derick

Across Five Aprils – Irene Hunt

An Acquaintance with Darkness – Ann Rinaldi

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Lincoln, A Photobiography – Russell Freedman

The River Between Us – Richard Peck

By the Great Horn Spoon! – Sid Fleischman

Letters from Rifka – Karen Hesse

Lyddie – Katherine Paterson

Uprising – Margaret Peterson Haddix

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group – Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Witnesses to Freedom: Young People Who Fought for Civil Rights – Belinda Rochelle

A Long Way From Chicago – Richard Peck

Esperanza Rising – Pam Munoz Ryan

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – Mildred D. Taylor

Years of Dust: The Story of the Dust Bowl – Albert Marrin

A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor – Harry Mazer

Bat 6 – Virginia Euwer Wolff

Dead End in Norvelt – Jack Gantos

Hiroshima: The Story of the First Atom Bomb – Clive A. Lawton

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas – John Boyne

The Devil’s Arithmetic – Jane Yolen

We are Witnesses: Five Diaries of Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust – Jacob Boas

The following are a few other valuable resources suggested by readers:

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VIDEOS/DOCUMENTARIES:
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Amazing Grace – Amazing Grace is a movie based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire.

History.com’s Civil War Videos – Short video clips on the Civil War are available for free at History.com, including the Civil War’s Greatest Myth, technology, Abraham Lincoln, Confederate vs. Union Soldiers, and so on. There are also extensive photo galleries (Google Images is good for this as well) to show everything from soldier’s uniforms to Lincoln’s profile (heh heh).

Newsies – This musical is based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899. When young newspaper sellers are exploited beyond reason by their bosses they set out to enact change and are met by the ruthlessness of big business.

Mary Poppins – It was suggested it might be interesting to watch Mary Poppins and talk about the underlying messages, for example, why the wife promoted women’s suffrage when seemingly unhappy in her marriage, but as soon as her husband was “nice” she didn’t feel the need to vote anymore. Couldn’t she both be happy in her marriage and promote a woman’s right to vote?

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GAMES
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Professor Noggin’s Civil War – Professor Noggin’s educational game encourages kids to learn interesting facts about the Civil War! Each of the thirty game cards combines trivia, true or false, and multiple choice questions. You can see a list of card topics here. A special three-numbered die is included which creates interaction and promotes communication between players. Easy and hard levels keep kids interested and challenged – while of course having fun!

Black Heritage Underground Railroad Game -In this game players will “relive” the African American struggle for freedom and the courage it took for the slaves to trek their way all over the United States. Pieces are moved along the game board map of the Underground Railroad.

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WEBSITE RESOURCES
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Accelerated Reader (AR) BookFinder US – Use this site to search for books at your child’s reading and interest level. Each book is assigned AR points that give parents an idea of the length or difficulty levels of the books.

BrainPop.com – BrainPop is a subscription based online program with many different animated areas of study available, including history (social studies). To get a feel for what they have to offer, check out their FREE Civil War animated video.

DBQ Project – DBQ stands for Document-Based Question and was started in 2000 to help teachers help students read with understanding, think straight, and write clearly. Utilized as a document based writing program, it can be used to stir up discussions, debates, as well as walk your student through research based essay writing in MLA format. A US History Mini DBQ is available here. These short units of study help students progress while encountering more complex tasks and challenges along the way.

The Best American History Books for Kids – This website offers book lists for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Site visitors select a time period from the provided lists and can review book descriptions for “Interest Level (Grade Level)” and “Difficulty Level”.

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DISCOUNTED BOOKSELLERS
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Half.com – Enter your search term, browse through results, add it to cart and pay up to half the original price on new and used books. Great place to start searching for your textbooks and/or readers at at least 1/2 the cost.

Library and Educational Services – This is a wholesale book distributor who allows homeschool educators to register and purchase at wholesale prices (30 to 70% off) as long as the following requirements are met

Paperbackswap.com – Here you can save money by swapping used books you no longer need or want for used books you do need and want.

Rainbow Resource Center Catalog – Receive the current Rainbow Resource catalog in the mail or delivered electronically. In business since 1989 this was one of my first homeschool resources and it continues to provide the best educational products to homeschoolers, parents, and educators at the low prices. With over 40,000 quality educational products in all subjects area, Rainbow Resource is invaluable!

OnceUponATimeBooks.com – This shop is a locally owned brick & mortar used bookstore in Northwest Arkansas that also sells online. Site visitors can browse through over 250,000 titles.

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Don’t gorget to CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the full compilation of recommendations for American History Part 2 of 2 Middle School Books. Thanks again for all your help!
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Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.

Last year Kenny took an American History (up to the 1850s) course offered in our local homeschool cooperative. Over the course of the year he learned about Colonial America, the Constitution, the American Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark, and ended with the Westward Movement.

In addition, each Monday his Co-op teacher introduced two new states, so that by the end of the year, the students knew all the states, capitals, and specifics about each state. If you are interested in teaching a similar course, this post details the primary materials, as well as the methodology his teacher, Ms. Michelle, used to organize and teach the class.

You guys were beyond awesome when I asked for help finding American History Readers for 5th Grade and Up, and as a result, together we compiled an American History Middle School Book & Resources list that I made available as a PDF you can download here.

Now I am looking for MORE American History Readers within the following parameters:

GENRE: Historical Fiction

AGE: 10+

GRADE LEVEL: 6th Grade and up

As I stated last time, in your recommendations, please do not feel the book must be kept at a 6th grade level, unless the content is inappropriate.

The American History “1850 and Beyond” class syllabus will cover the following:

The Underground Railroad (Beginnings, Important Leaders, “Passengers”, and the End)

The Civil War (Causes, Leaders, Battles, A Soldier’s Life, Reconstruction)

The Industrial Revolution (Beginning, Impact on Transportation and Communication, Gilded Age, Enduring Effects)

The Great Depression (Causes, Effects, The Dust Bowl, Education During the Depression, The New Deal)

The 20th Century Wars (WWI, WWII, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Cold War, Other 20th Century Conflicts)

The American History Readers “1850 and Beyond” list I’ve compiled so far…

Many of the Middle School book listings I’ve found include books that are supposed to be for Age 8, Grade 3. I’m not sure exactly why these books are included since many of them seem too simple (large fonts, lots of spacing, fewer pages, and not as challenging vocabulary) for kids in 6th grade and up. However, I am curious to hear your thoughts, so I’ve included some of these books in my list below.

I organized the list under the syllabus headings for America History “1850 and Beyond” to ensure I get a good blend of books across the year. I am obviously lacking in some areas. This list has pulled from several different sources: Amazon, homeschool sites, teacher blogs, public school suggested readings, and grade-level book lists. As I have not read all of these, I would REALLY love any and all feedback.

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

» A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave girl, Belmont Plantation, Virginia 1859, Patricia C. McKissack | Age Level: 9+ | Grade Level: 4th-6th

» Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman, Dorothy Sterling | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter (Trailblazer), Bingham Derick | Age Level: 9+ | Grade Level: 4th+

CIVIL WAR

» Across Five Aprils, Irene Hunt | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 4th-8th

» Lincoln, A Photobiography, Russell Freedman | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» Shades of Gray, Carolyn Reeder | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker, Cynthia DeFelice | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-7th

» The Perilous Road, William O. Steele | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 4th-8th

» Turn Homeward, Hannalee, Patricia Beatty | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

» Brooklyn Bridge, Chris Sheban | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» Letters from Rifka, Karen Hesse | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-8th

» The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Jacqueline Kelly | Age Level: 11+ | Grade Level: 5th-8th

» The Great Wheel, Robert Lawson | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-8th

» The Wright Brothers (Landmark Books), Quentin Reynolds | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

» A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt, C. Coco De Young | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» Esperanza Rising, Pam Munoz Ryan | Age Level: 11+ | Grade Level: 6-9th

» Leaving Gee’s Bend, Irene Latham | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» Nowhere to Call Home, Cynthia DeFelice | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-6th

20TH CENTURY WARS

» A Day of Pleasure: Stories of a Boy Growing Up in Warsaw, Isaac Bashevis Singer | Age Level: 9+ | Grade Level 4th-6th

» All-of-a-Kind Family, Sydney Taylor | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd-6th

» An Elephant in the Garden, Michael Morpurgo | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: Grade Level: 5th+

» Breaking Stalin’s Nose, Eugene Yelchin | Age Level: 9+ | Grade Level: 4th+

» Breathing Room, Marsha Hayles | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» Dead End in Norvelt, Jack Gantos | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th+

» Is it Night or Day?, Fern Schumer Chapman | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th-9th

» Lily’s Crossing, Patricia Reilly Giff | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» Miracles on Maple Hill, Virginia Sorensen, Joe & Beth Krush | Age Level: 8+ | Grade Level: 3rd+

» Navigating Early, Clare Vanderpool | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» Soldier Dog, Sam Angus | Age Level: 9+ | Grade Level: 4th+

» Summer of My German Soldier, Bette Greene | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-6th

» Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, Ibtisam Barakat | Age Level: 11+ | Grade Level: 7th+

» The Winged Watchman, Hilda Van Stockum | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» We are Witnesses: Five Diaries of Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust, Jacob Boas | Age Level: 11+ | Grade Level: 5th+

» Weedflower, Cynthia Kadohata | Age Level: 10+ | Grade Level: 4th-6th

Now it’s your turn to contribute!

If you have a child (5th grade and up) who has already read any of the books I listed above, please let me know their ages, and whether or not they enjoyed the book. Also, if you have new historical fiction recommendations, please let me know what time period the book best fits in, as well as the age of your child.

While my primary search is for readers, I am also interested in any videos/documentaries, games, and informative online resources.

Once I create a book list from all your suggestions I will upload it, just like the American History Middle School Book & Resources list created last year.

Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.

Community Question is a category inspired by you. Here and there readers write in with questions that are better served by the varied, experiential knowledge of those who read and contribute in the comments. Please respond to this post in the comments, but if you have a question for the community email it to Heather.

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The following question is from Bridgett S.

“My husband and I both work full-time outside of the home. For personal reasons we had to pull my 8th grader out of public school and attempt to homeschool her. The 8th grade year did not go well at all. We tried the Lifepac curriculum and it was not suited for her. She is extremely intelligent and gets bored very easily. I need something that she can do well on her own, that isn’t expensive, and will keep her interested through the high school years. We also do not know of anyone else that homeschools in our area, and she is terrified of going places with other people. Any suggestions?”

Any high school curriculum ideas, or suggestions in general, to help Bridgett and her husband engage their daughter?

Before I begin with the answers/winners, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to remove the “Rhino” question, as it appears that there is a species of rhino that moves in herds (or “crashes.”) In addition, because the wording was awkward, I removed the Christopher Columbus question.

After that, here are the stats:

Total number of players: 5,902
Number of 100% scores: 404
Question missed by most players: #4 (Only 51% got it right.)
Question guessed correctly by most players: #9 (96% got it right.)

And here are the answers! Let me know if you have any issues with them and I’ll examine them.

 
Q.3
The Wright brothers carried out the first true powered flight on December 17, 1895.

True
***False (It was 1903.)

 
 
 
Q.4
On his fist voyage to the New World in 1492, Christopher Columbus was going to Japan when he landed in the Bahamas archipelago.

True QUESTION REMOVED FROM QUIZ.
False

 
 
 
Q.5
Rhinos most often live in herds.

True
False QUESTION REMOVED FROM QUIZ.

 
 
 
Q.6
Pollyanna loved to play something she called the Grateful Game.

True
***False (It was called “The Glad Game.”)

 
 
 
Q.7
Cereal is named for the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.8
Coconut milk is the liquid contained in the cavity of a coconut. Puncture, pour, and drink!

True
***False (That’s coconut water! You’ve got to milk the coconut to get its milk.)

 
 
 
Q.9
Steve Perry was a member of The Eagles.

True
***False (He was a member of Journey.)

 
 
 
Q.10
A baby cockroach is called a nymph.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.11
Vinegar can be used as a weed killer.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.12
All rivers run south.

True
***False

 
 
 
Q.13
Aloe Vera is a type of cactus.

True
***False (It is a type of succulent.)

 
 
 
Q.14
“Peruse” means “read carefully.”

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.15
The Grapes of Wrath takes place mostly in John Steinbeck’s hometown.

True
***False

 
 
 
Q.16
Eggplant is a fruit.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.17
Bart Simpson has always been 12 years old.

True
***False (He is and always has been 10.)

 
 
 
Q.18
Plateaux is the plural form of plateau.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.19
On the Periodic Table, C stands for Copper.

True
***False (C stands for Carbon. Cu stands for Copper.)

 
 
 
Q.20
The capital of Maryland is Annapolis.

***True
False

 
 
 
Q.21
The 18th President of the United States was Andrew Johnson.

True
***False (Andrew Johnson was the 17th president. Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th.)

 
 
 
Q.22
Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis to occur.

True
False

WINNERS

The first place winner is…Justin S.
The second place winner is…Lynn DeS.
The third place winner is…Ben C.

Congrats, winners! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your prizes.

I hurt my back again. No, wait, let me backtrack (oh, how I wish I could). I hurt my back about 4 years ago, then last year, when I fractured my patella, I irritated it again. And now, this past Sunday I re-injured my back basically doing nothing. Seriously, I was just getting the blow dryer from under the sink.

I sound so feeble and pathetic, and maybe I am, but let me assure you, I have used this time to research back strengthening exercises to implement just as soon as I can manage the basics on my own – like getting out of bed, getting dressed, and going to the restroom. I do not plan on having another back injury reunion in 2014.

The benefit of being stuck on the couch is the abundance of time to consider the Co-op classes I signed-up to teach next year; “Creating Sentences”, “Sentence to Paragraph”, and “Paragraph Writing 2″, the second-half (Lessons 16-30) of the class I taught last year.

All three classes utilize the writing curriculum from The Write Foundation, though I should clarify that Rebecca Celsor is still in the process of writing Creating Sentences, so it has not yet been released for purchase. Still, I’m excited because that particular curriculum is designed to come before “Sentence to Paragraph”, and can be utilized with 3rd and 4th graders (at a slower pace), which is what I will be doing in our Co-op.

The Write Foundation curriculum is challenging, but manageable, which is just what I want in a writing program. There are many different viewpoints on how to teach kids to write effectively, but I settled on The Write Foundation because I see the fruit from the seeds we’ve sown, and it is good.

That said, I do not want students to be overwhelmed or stressed in my Co-op classes, but instead, to learn and retain as much as possible. So, keeping a highly interactive class is imperative, since studies indicate that we only retain 5% of what we hear in lectures. It also reminds me how important it is that I actively investigate and implement a variety of ways to engage and surprise my students throughout the learning process.

One way I am certain I can get and keep their attention is to make them laugh. Humor is a powerful trigger to activate a child’s brain, so finding more ways to integrate humor into all three of my classes next year is my personal goal.

Also, staying on the topic is important in a classroom setting, as opposed to home where anything goes – including Emelie getting her legs wedged above her head while in the truck. Obviously, I will have to resort to less dramatic measures to inject humor into my Co-op lessons.

When reading about how laughing leads to learning, something that jumped out at me was a 30-year study where researchers found that humor can be highly effective, but only when it is attuned to the audience’s knowledge. In other words, I need to meet my students where they are — not expect them to meet me where I am — if I want them to perform better and enjoy the process while they do it.

Taking advice from our local Sam Houston State University psychologist, Randy Garner, I plan to “ham it up” for my older students. For instance, I found a hysterical Grammar Errors Pinterest board to lead off some of our class time; sort of like Jay Leno’s “Headlines”, but more appropriate and complementary to the subject matter at hand.

Obviously, a different approach will be necessary for my 3rd and 4th graders; I anticipate we will be more physically active and hands-on.

The Summer is such an exciting time to think more deeply about the process of teaching writing, and more specifically, how I can help ingrain the skills in a way that sticks. I can’t make their Independent work easier necessarily, but I can introduce an environment that reduces stress, lifts emotions and contributes to an overall sense of well-being while they are in my classroom.

That’s the goal anyway.

Do you integrate humor into learning? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts/suggestions in the comments.

Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.

PRIZES

1. The first person to correctly answer all questions wins:

One (1) 32 GB iPad with a Smart Cover color of your choice.

2. One randomly selected player from the first fifty 100% scores wins…a $200 Amazon.com e-gift card.

3. One randomly selected player from the first 100 100% scores wins…a $100 Amazon.com e-gift card.

TO ENTER

To enter the quiz, answer the questions below.

***Select the best possible answer***

Answers and winners will be revealed Friday!

Ready…

Set…

Go!

(Feel free to shout out your score in the comments!)

(If quiz doesn’t load below, click on this link:

DETAILS:

Smartypants Quiz: Thursday, May 9 – 9:00 Eastern Time/6:00 pm Pacific Time. Topics may include geography, history, literature, pop culture, science, math, art appreciation, trivia…any topic at all is fair game. Breadth of knowledge will come in handy!

PRIZES

First prizes is this:

Yahoo yippety.

See you tomorrow night!

The Summer months offer kids the opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun, day in and day out. Whether they spend it building elaborate sandcastles on the beach, sinking their toes in the cool silt at the bottom of the lake at camp, accepting dares from friends for the most gruesome belly flops at the local pool, or running through sprinklers across the front lawn while blasting each other with water guns, the Summer is all about languishing in the great outdoors.

Until the thunderstorms come, and the play turns indoors.

The following rainy day crafts provide a few artsy alternatives for parents to offer their kids. Pick your favorite (or maybe a few), and locate, purchase, and set aside the supplies now so you will be ready when that day comes.

1. DIY YARN FONT

DIY Yarn Font by giddy giddy

This blogger created a very simple, colorful craft from yarn and pipe cleaners. Easy enough for preschool aged kids, this craft was promoted as a “tactile approach to teaching alphabet letters to young children.”

2. SPRING ANIMAL ORNAMENT

Spring Animal Ornament by Rebecca’s DIY

This craft initially caught my eye because of Emelie’s love for the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, but also because they really pop hanging on the light driftwood.

The heads are made from paper clay and then painted with water colors. Bottle caps, cotton string and a bit of felt are the remaining supplies needed.

The level of detail makes it a craft that can easily engage preteens and teens, without excluding younger children who may need a bit of assistance.

3. CRAYON ART

Crayon Art by Whatever

We have melted crayons, but after seeing this blogger melt 64 crayons (sans the blacks and browns) with a blow dryer, I knew it was something I wanted to do.

Other than crayons and a canvas, hot glue and a blow dryer are all that’s needed.

If this catches your interest, you’ll want to check out Whatever’s Craft Thursdays.

4. GETTING CREATIVE WITH TOILET PAPER ROLLS

After scrolling down this nearly endless post of ideas, I went looking for additional things that can be done with cardboard and came across several toilet paper roll crafts.

Heart Stamps by Rust & Sunshine

With three kids, our recycle bin is FULL of empty toilet paper rolls. I love the idea of folding them into heart stencils, dipping them in paint, and stamping away at card stock to create love letters (or future Valentine’s Day cards).

This is obviously a craft that can stretch across multiple ages.

Small Cars by Croissant and Lavender

As a family who spent several years carving pine derby cars from wooden blocks, painting, and racing them, this basic craft was immediately appealing. Simple, yet colorful, these toilet paper roll cars make perfect get away for Legos or Playmobil figures.

Toilet Paper Roll Owls by Creative Jewish Mom

I know owls are all the rage, or maybe that was last year, and I’m behind the times, but these little guys cracked me up. Plus, I like that they are done in black ink, although Creative Jewish Mom stated that her inspiration came from this photo, which is entirely more colorful (for those who like a bit more splash).

Koinobori – Japanese Flying Carp DIY by Squirrelly Minds

Did you know that Japan celebrates Boy’s day on the same day Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo? I didn’t either. However, that was the inspiration behind Squirrelly Minds’ adorable take on the wind sock carps that fly high above peoples’ homes signifying, and in celebration of, each boy who resides in that family’s home.

While the traditional Koinobori colors are black, red, blue, green and sometimes purple or orange, this crafter opened her color palette wide, and the results are beautiful!

6. HOMEMADE WATER COLOR PAINTS

Homemade Water Color Paints by allParenting

Here, the craft begins before the craft begins! No need to worry about whether or not your child’s paints are non-toxic when you make them with safe ingredients right at home.

Follow allParenting’s simple recipe using basic household staples like baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch, and corn syrup. Let your kids experiment with food coloring; determining the color combinations they desire for the palette they want.

7. SUMMER LANTERNS

Summer Lanterns by Meet the Dubiens

A craft suitable for 3 and 5 year olds, these lanterns are made from colored tissue paper, glue, and a glass vase. A simple, but inexpensive craft, your kids will be delighted when their beautiful stain-glassed lanterns light up the dinner table.

AND MORE…

After combing through Google images in search of fun rainy day crafts, I stumbled upon Felicia Corcoran’s “Arts & Crafts for Kids” Board at Pinterest. I’ve not taken full advantage of Pinterest for Kids’ crafts, but wow, she has, so if you are one of the many crafters who adore Pinterest for all the eye candy and ideas it generates, definitely follow her.

Also? If you’d like, use the comments below to share your favorite Pinterest Arts & Crafts Boards, Craft Bloggers, or online craft ideas!

Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.