This article "Nudging Schools to Help Students With Learning Disabilities " from New York Times gives a brief overview of what parents can to do navigate the process of getting help from the public school system.
This is particularly useful for parents of children with "unrecognized" disabilities, like sensory processing disorder, which alone doesn't usually qualify for an IEP, or ADHD which might not seem as important to address as a more overtly physical disability.
With strapped budgets, it is not surprising that our struggling public school systems try hard to triage students, using limited funds to serve those with the most pressing needs.
So this article can help parents fight for those limited resources for their kids. Unfortunately, this doesn't solve the bigger problem of too many children being systematically denied services that would brighten their future.
Citizen Scientist Projects for Grades K-12
There are some fabulous opportunities to teach math and science through hands-on projects at The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education.
Students observe and collect data and contribute it to an international database. There is no cost to participate. Classes occur at various times throughout the year and are geared for different age groups.
Students observe and collect data and contribute it to an international database. There is no cost to participate. Classes occur at various times throughout the year and are geared for different age groups.
Help for kids who hate writing
I know I am not alone in having a son who HATES to write.
I've heard occupational therapists complain about how lots of kids (especially boys) are forced to write in school before they are really physically ready to do so. Boys fine motor skills often develop later than girls.
And I know there are LOTS of homeschooling families and homeschool curricula that introduce actual handwriting until later than is introduced in public school, again, especially for boys.
So we follow tips provided by educators, occupational therapists, and seasoned home educators.
60 different multi-sensory strategies for spelling, some of which involve writing and use tools like these:
iwritewords - $1.99 application for ipod touch that makes sure your kids trace and form numbers and letters correctly and in a fun way, also teaches spelling, winner of several awards and highly rated by parents
Mr. Pencil's Learn to Draw and Write by Leapfrog - $25 application that works on all leapster systems, teaches correct formation of letters and numbers, has several more games and drawing applications to learn about color theory, drawing lessons, freestyle drawing and coloring, highly rated by parents
I've heard occupational therapists complain about how lots of kids (especially boys) are forced to write in school before they are really physically ready to do so. Boys fine motor skills often develop later than girls.
And I know there are LOTS of homeschooling families and homeschool curricula that introduce actual handwriting until later than is introduced in public school, again, especially for boys.
So we follow tips provided by educators, occupational therapists, and seasoned home educators.
- aproach handwriting as it's own separate subject (when the student is ready)
- take handwriting out of other assignments so it is not a barrier to learning
- use oral reports, tiles, and other manipulatives as a substitute for writing lessons and answers
- write using computers or other keyboard-type devices
- make writing enjoyable and motivating when you teach it
So here are some resources for making writing more enjoyable!
60 different multi-sensory strategies for spelling, some of which involve writing and use tools like these:
Handwriting without tears - popular curriculum for home and school use, multisensory strategies, therapeutic use
Student response boards - a HUGE selection of dry erase boards for different subjects including writing, just a sampling below
2nd Grade Spelling Lists
East Lansing Public Schools Sitton Spelling Lists - 2nd Grade
Sacred Spiral Kids - 2nd Grade spelling list, (and 2nd grade math workbook)
Super Teacher Worksheets - 2nd Grade
Geneva Schools Spelling Lists - 2nd Grade
Homespelling words - 2nd Grade
All About Spelling - Free Spelling Lists Grades 1 to 7
Sacred Spiral Kids - 2nd Grade spelling list, (and 2nd grade math workbook)
Super Teacher Worksheets - 2nd Grade
Geneva Schools Spelling Lists - 2nd Grade
Homespelling words - 2nd Grade
All About Spelling - Free Spelling Lists Grades 1 to 7
Chinese New Year - Lesson Plan
Scholastic has a nice set of lesson plans for studying China and incorporating that into a celebration of Chinese New Year
Chinese Unit overview
Activities: The lesson plan calls for making a compass as an example of one invention. Another option would be to make an abacus out of beads and popsicle sticks or cardboard. Though I think I might prefer the more modern version that is base 10 to the authentic version which is more like base 15 in some ways.
Lesson 2: Story of silk
Chinese Unit overview
Lesson 1: So many inventions!
Book: Uses Ms. Frizzles Adventures in Imperial China by Joanna Cole.
Supplements: You can supplement this lesson with these websites describing Chinese inventions:
Chinese inventions from MiKids
Ancient Chinese Inventions
Chinese inventions from about.comActivities: The lesson plan calls for making a compass as an example of one invention. Another option would be to make an abacus out of beads and popsicle sticks or cardboard. Though I think I might prefer the more modern version that is base 10 to the authentic version which is more like base 15 in some ways.
Lesson 2: Story of silk
Book: Uses The Empress and the Silkworm by Lily Toy Hong
Activities: Sequencing cards for silk harvesting and pulling your own silk from a cocoon. You can purchase pre-dyed silk cocoons available for $5.95/10 in a variety of colors for the activity. These particular ones are cut so perhaps they are the "humane" type of silk harvest. You can also purchase the kinds where the pupa have been killed before they are able to emerge out of the cocoon and thereby making a hole and shortening the length of silk threads.
Lesson 3: Chinese New Year Celebration
Activities listed: Recipes, Banners, Signs, Puppets, Make lucky money envelopes, Learn to use Chopsticks, etc. One suggestion is to create good luck sign (The link on the scholastic page is not useful so you can try this link). To print more Chinese Characters click on this earlier post on Chinese Calligraphy books and resources. The link for making a dragon puppet is missing on the scholastic site so use this one.
More suggestions: Make an awesome paper machie dragon puppet from "That Artist Woman" blog. Visit activity village for a large array of Chinese New Year printables!
Family Fun Calendar of Events - Greater Lansing Area
While I'm trying to rebuild the "Family Fun Calendar" I thought I would post the links to the many calendar of events that I search. (There are also many events that come through various homeschool networks that might not be found in an online calendar. So thank you to everyone who forwards the information!)
These calendars include events for both free and paid activities.
Delta Township Library - Calendar of all events
Capital Area District Libary - Calendar of events for "all ages children's" activities
Kresge Art Museum - Calendar of all events
Lansing Capital Area Homeschool - Yahoogroup calendar of events (viewing restricted to members)
Pure Michigan Events - Calendar of events for statewide activities
Go Outdoors Michigan - Calendar of events for statewide activities sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Historical Center & Library Events - Calendar of events for activities at the Library located in Lansing as well as events at other historical sites around the state.
Spartan Youth Programs at MSU - Database of skill-building activities at Michigan State University for pre-K through high school age students.
Impression 5 Science Museum - Activities and events for drop-in as well as homeschool classes. Fee and/or membership required.
Phenomenal Flips Gymanstics - Offers regular classes in gymnastics and cheerleading and daytime homeschool classes in Lansing. Call for fees and schedule.
Red Cedar Gymnastics - Offers regular classes in gymnastics and cheerleading and "open gym" times. Call for fees and schedule.
Lansing Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Delta Township Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
East Lansing Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Meridian Township Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Fenner Nature Center - View current list of activities
Woldumar Nature Center - View current list of activities
Lansing Area Homeschool Athletic Association - View list of activities and opportunities
YMCA of Greater Lansing - view activities for all area locations
CHESS homeschool organization - Requires membership approval including fees, volunteer requirements, and ability to sign a form stating adherance to religious tenants. Note that these tenants EXCLUDE the views of non-Christian faiths (Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) and many Catholic and Protestant believers.
Lansing Symphony Orchestra - Youth and Teen outreach and education program offers free and low cost events.
Lansing Concert Band - View concert schedule
Meridian Community Band - View concert schedule
Wharton Center - Educational programs available at no or low cost
MSU Abrams Planetarium - View current schedule of regular and homeschool programs
National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at MSU - Outreach and education programs available
Center for Sensor Materials at MSU - Outreach and education programs available
Packaged programs and tours at MSU - Various programs available. Can sign up for email notifications.
These calendars include events for both free and paid activities.
Delta Township Library - Calendar of all events
Capital Area District Libary - Calendar of events for "all ages children's" activities
Kresge Art Museum - Calendar of all events
Lansing Capital Area Homeschool - Yahoogroup calendar of events (viewing restricted to members)
Pure Michigan Events - Calendar of events for statewide activities
Go Outdoors Michigan - Calendar of events for statewide activities sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Historical Center & Library Events - Calendar of events for activities at the Library located in Lansing as well as events at other historical sites around the state.
Spartan Youth Programs at MSU - Database of skill-building activities at Michigan State University for pre-K through high school age students.
Impression 5 Science Museum - Activities and events for drop-in as well as homeschool classes. Fee and/or membership required.
Phenomenal Flips Gymanstics - Offers regular classes in gymnastics and cheerleading and daytime homeschool classes in Lansing. Call for fees and schedule.
Red Cedar Gymnastics - Offers regular classes in gymnastics and cheerleading and "open gym" times. Call for fees and schedule.
Lansing Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Delta Township Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
East Lansing Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Meridian Township Parks and Recreation - View current list of activities
Fenner Nature Center - View current list of activities
Woldumar Nature Center - View current list of activities
Lansing Area Homeschool Athletic Association - View list of activities and opportunities
YMCA of Greater Lansing - view activities for all area locations
CHESS homeschool organization - Requires membership approval including fees, volunteer requirements, and ability to sign a form stating adherance to religious tenants. Note that these tenants EXCLUDE the views of non-Christian faiths (Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) and many Catholic and Protestant believers.
Lansing Symphony Orchestra - Youth and Teen outreach and education program offers free and low cost events.
Lansing Concert Band - View concert schedule
Meridian Community Band - View concert schedule
Wharton Center - Educational programs available at no or low cost
MSU Abrams Planetarium - View current schedule of regular and homeschool programs
National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at MSU - Outreach and education programs available
Center for Sensor Materials at MSU - Outreach and education programs available
Packaged programs and tours at MSU - Various programs available. Can sign up for email notifications.
Free Foreign Language Courses Online
Do you want to incorporate foreign language lessons into your homeschool curriculum for free?
Check out these great resources!
Open Culture - lists free online and mp3 courses for 37 different languages
New York Times - (Jan 2010) lists free and paid online language courses
New York Times - (Feb 2010) lists free and paid online language courses
Free phonics and spelling lessons
Phonics Primer -- from National Right to Read Foundation
What are all the different sounds in the English language? In what order should the sounds be taught?
Decoding sounds for spelling and reading -- from The Phonics Page
What are the different ways to spell the same sounds? What is the likelihood that a certain sound (e.g. long a) is spelled a certain way (e.g. a, ay, eigh, ai) in the English language?
Free complete phonics lessons online -- from The Phonics Page
Uses quicktime player tutorials to teach sounds, rules, etc. and provide self-tests. While the actual lessons are non-sectarian, Biblical texts are read after each lesson, with newly learned syllables or words highlighted.
Comprehensive list of spelling rules -- from "Reading from Scratch" at Dyslexia.org
P.S. Check out another homeschooling journey with spelling and phonics and learning styles....
Free online resources for learning math in alternative methods
Photo: by Paul Bourke, Swinburne University AU featured on website "An Introduction to the fascinating patterns of Visual Math"
Free online games, ideas, tools for learning and teaching math
Learning math through visual patterns at Right Brain Math -- Great help with learning mutiplication and times tables.
Find lots of ideas and exercises at Visual Math Learning and Visual Fractions -- Google "visual math" for many more resources!
Watch youtube math tutorials (and other subjects elementary through college+) at Khan Academy -- Yes, it sounds sketchy but this site is a winner of a 2009 Tech Award in Education.
Multisensory lessons for Math Education and learning Fact Families
Fact families are numbers that are related. For example: 3, 5, and 8 form a fact family because they are related through addition and subtraction. There are four sentences or "facts" that go with these related numbers: 3+5=8; 5+3=8; 8-3=5; 8-5=3
Here are some ideas for learning addition fact families with games and manipulatives.
- Use giggle facts learning manipulatives (pictured)
- Play online game for practicing a range of fact families
- Make hexagon cards for practicing a range of fact families
- Build fact family houses (or ones with windows) for practicing a range of fact families
- Use dominoes to practice fact families
- Use stuffed animals to arrange fact families
- Use gym equipment and relay race to collect objects equalling designated sum
Specific fact family "partners". I like to work with all the fact families of one sum at one time. ( E.g. all the fact families with 3 as a sum are these: 0+3=3, 1+2=3, 2+1=3, 3+0=3, 3-0=3, 3-1=2, 3-2=1)
Here are games that focus on the pairs of numbers that equal one constant sum:
- 0 through 12 fact families - Domino parking lot
- 10 fact families - block ten solitaire or tens solitaire (or solitaire pyramid modified where cards equal ten instead of thirteen. All face cards equal ten.)
- 12 fact families - Dividing two different types of objects in different ways into the spaces in a dozen-sized egg carton, e.g. 2 candy corn + 10 jelly beans = full carton (12)
- 13 fact families - solitaire pyramid
- 14 fact families - re-arranging balls (can be used for fact families of any sum)
- 5 to 18 fact families - uses "partner pair" tubs
Integrating Art into Nature -- trees and leaves as art sculpture
The Crafty Crow is a delicious resource for finding hands-on food, art, craft, etc. ideas to do yourself or with the kids. The site aggregates findings across the web and indexes them here.
I was particularly enthralled with the entries under "Art History" including this tree sculpture from One Golden Apple that I'm looking forward to trying next fall in our neighborhood park woods.
Free diagnostic test for Dyslexia
Dorothy van den Honert has some amazing resources over at "Reading from Scratch" for helping dyslexic learners.
One thing she has on her website is a free diagnostic test to help you know whether your child might be dyslexic.
She also provides a fascinating history about how we finally learned about what is going on in the brain of folks with dyslexia. Hint: dyslexics DON'T reverse their letters and dyslexics are intelligent!
She asserts that phonics is one key part of helping dyslexic learners, along with with other brain retraining steps. Here are some spelling rules that are part of that phonics instruction and can be useful to all types of learners.
One thing she has on her website is a free diagnostic test to help you know whether your child might be dyslexic.
She also provides a fascinating history about how we finally learned about what is going on in the brain of folks with dyslexia. Hint: dyslexics DON'T reverse their letters and dyslexics are intelligent!
She asserts that phonics is one key part of helping dyslexic learners, along with with other brain retraining steps. Here are some spelling rules that are part of that phonics instruction and can be useful to all types of learners.
Mammoth Math Curriculum
After reading so many frustrating reviews with many of the more expensive math homeschool curricula, I decided that Mammoth Math would be worth a try, especially since it was so inexpensive by comparison and appeared to have a very clear comprehensive approach.
But considering our own teaching/learning styles and the learning styles of our kids, it seems wise to investigate a number of options and check the reviews for whatever materials you are considering.
Mammoth Math Reviews
http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/reviews/curriculum/reviews.aspx?id=561
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/curriculum_reviews/math_mammoth.php
But considering our own teaching/learning styles and the learning styles of our kids, it seems wise to investigate a number of options and check the reviews for whatever materials you are considering.
Mammoth Math Reviews
http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/reviews/curriculum/reviews.aspx?id=561
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/curriculum_reviews/math_mammoth.php
Crayons = Chaos
Given the name of the blog I thought this NPR story on "Crayons And Choice: A Headache In 120 Colors" was very fitting to link here!
Crayola's Law, states "The number of Crayola colors doubles every 28 years"
Who knew that the increasing complexity of crayon choices mirrors the information overload that brings chaos to our lives?
When is the next orbiting object flying over your house?
Check it out here: http://spaceweather.com/flybys/flybys.php
This one is coming my way in 10 minutes!
As the homeschooling author of http://www.sizzlebop.com/ suggests "Wave hello to the astronauts!" Of course not all these satellites are staffed, but you can search for the ones that are.
Yet another way to encourage hands on science activities and learning what amazing real time data is available to us all.
Music to the ears of this homeschooling mother
I was really thrilled to have this validation from a very successful teacher! We've always felt like delving into our books is central to our homeschooling!!
From 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Powell: (emphasis mine)
I encourage you to read the book, “Reading Strategies” by Regie Routman. It will revolutionize the way you structure your reading time and will leave you feeling energized and read to simplify all of your instruction. Ms. Routman believes that students should spend the majority of their time in school reading, not doing activities about reading.
While you’re teaching small groups, she suggests having students:
-Do independent reading (each student chooses a book on his/her reading level)
-Finish reading or re-read the book(s) you began during reading groups or explore a related/ extension text alone or with a partner
-Work on meaningful projects (generally related to shared reading experiences)
From 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Powell: (emphasis mine)
I encourage you to read the book, “Reading Strategies” by Regie Routman. It will revolutionize the way you structure your reading time and will leave you feeling energized and read to simplify all of your instruction. Ms. Routman believes that students should spend the majority of their time in school reading, not doing activities about reading.
While you’re teaching small groups, she suggests having students:
-Do independent reading (each student chooses a book on his/her reading level)
-Finish reading or re-read the book(s) you began during reading groups or explore a related/ extension text alone or with a partner
-Work on meaningful projects (generally related to shared reading experiences)
Mrs. Powell's classroom ideas I want to use!
3rd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Powell, has a website full of great ideas for using materials that I want to steal as a home educator!
Her ideas seem to fit well with a Montessori approach.
These ideas include using centers, pair-work, providing instruction and guidance about the subject and materials and then facilitating self-guided exploration and reinforcement.
I tend to prefer that for my home learners and I think they prefer it too, especially my son who wants to be in constant motion.
So our house kind of looks like these rooms full of tubs, shelves, and stuff on display too!
Her tips acknowledge an awareness of students with different learning styles and abilities, including ADHD, though it could certainly be expanded and updated in the "behavior management" section.
She has great photos, tips, and even a book with her ideas. I'm happy to have stumbled upon it.
It's given me some more ideas to add to our already large selection of "activity tubs."
Her tips span the range of subjects relevant to elementary education students.
Check out these gems:
Her ideas seem to fit well with a Montessori approach.
These ideas include using centers, pair-work, providing instruction and guidance about the subject and materials and then facilitating self-guided exploration and reinforcement.
So our house kind of looks like these rooms full of tubs, shelves, and stuff on display too!
Her tips acknowledge an awareness of students with different learning styles and abilities, including ADHD, though it could certainly be expanded and updated in the "behavior management" section.
She has great photos, tips, and even a book with her ideas. I'm happy to have stumbled upon it.
It's given me some more ideas to add to our already large selection of "activity tubs."
Her tips span the range of subjects relevant to elementary education students.
Check out these gems:
- Basics and best practices for setting up subject center ideas
- Fabulous creative Literacy center ideas
- Creating math tubs for partner games
Recipe for something like Wikki Stix
Call them Wikki Stix, Wax Works, or Bendaroos -- they are all the same wonderful pliable waxy strings that kids (and teachers!) love for so many reasons.
They are so tactile. They aren't messy. You can make and un-make anything your mind can imagine. They are good for a variety of learning styles and abilities.
You can use integrate them into so many subjects, including reading, spelling, math, geography, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Here is a recipe to let you make your own and save lots of money while also unleashing your creativity.
There is another very detailed and helpful recipe with loads of ideas for using the finished product from the folks at Early Words.
They are so tactile. They aren't messy. You can make and un-make anything your mind can imagine. They are good for a variety of learning styles and abilities.
You can use integrate them into so many subjects, including reading, spelling, math, geography, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Here is a recipe to let you make your own and save lots of money while also unleashing your creativity.
Aren't the colors just scrumptious? It's so much better than the standard colors from the store!
This recipe uses 1 toilet sealant wax ring, 1/2 cup of paraffin wax, and a ball of colorful yarn.
If you like fun, crafty projects for yourselves or your kids you need to check out Bethany's fabulous photos and ideas!!!!
While our blogs don't have the same political views, I really appreciate her art and her wonderful ideas as a homeschooling mom sharing her ideas online!
There is another very detailed and helpful recipe with loads of ideas for using the finished product from the folks at Early Words.
There are a few other recipes online with the same basic ingredients, only the proportions vary somewhat. Some folks also suggest coloring the wax mixture with food coloring or crayon shavings.
Other examples:
- Teachers offer recipe and ideas for using wikki stix
- Another recipe from a group working with visually impaired students
- 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Powell uses wikki stix and other wonderful items to create centers for her students -- She's got TONS of resources that parents and parents can use. Check it out!!
Tracking real-time earthquakes -- science tax dollars in action
Map of Earthquake in Haiti from U.S. Geological Survey
USGS: As an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, we are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us. 
Remember when the politician Bobby Jindal decried the "wasteful" spending to monitor volcanoes in Hawaii only to learn the importance of such tracking when it averted disaster by keeping a plane from flying into the ash a short time later?
Sure, we've got some pork programs out there. But it's disheartening to see how little we use, value, and understand our scientific knowledge as a country...especially compared to China where scientists are the equivalent to rock stars!
We in the U.S. scientific community must also do a better job communicating the use and importance of the research we do.
Futurity is an amazing website that provides daily soundbites of cutting edge research findings with direct implications to our daily lives.
And take a look at some pictures of what your tax dollars are funding in government research:
Teaching kids about earthquakes and tsunamis
We are all so saddened by the recent earthquake tragedy in Haiti. -- And it must be heartwrenching for those waiting to hear from loved ones.
From Red Cross: There has been an outpouring of support from the public. To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
As a human community we will surely reflect on what we can do to help Haitians, including an awareness of their longstanding conditions of poverty.
Could such conditions left their physical infrastructure vulnerable? I've heard Haitian supporters talk about how Haiti was not built to within this kind of disaster.
Hopefully we will be thinking long and hard about the human and social aspects of this disaster, how to prevent this, and how to support Haitians.
In the face of tragedy we seek information to try to help make sense of things. While we might not be able to ever understand why such tragedies occur, we can try to learn and understand more about the physical aspects of hurricanes and tsunamis.
Here are some K-12 sites that use real-time data to learn about the natural disasters, locate them on maps, discover their causes and impacts and how to predict them.
A Study of Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
A Study of the Large Unusual Waves
The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
As a human community we will surely reflect on what we can do to help Haitians, including an awareness of their longstanding conditions of poverty.
Could such conditions left their physical infrastructure vulnerable? I've heard Haitian supporters talk about how Haiti was not built to within this kind of disaster.
Hopefully we will be thinking long and hard about the human and social aspects of this disaster, how to prevent this, and how to support Haitians.
In the face of tragedy we seek information to try to help make sense of things. While we might not be able to ever understand why such tragedies occur, we can try to learn and understand more about the physical aspects of hurricanes and tsunamis.
Here are some K-12 sites that use real-time data to learn about the natural disasters, locate them on maps, discover their causes and impacts and how to predict them.
A Study of Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
A Study of the Large Unusual Waves
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