Showing posts with label Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Projects. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Choosing Simple Science Projects to Supplement Online Homeschool Curriculum

There are several simple science projects that may be used to supplement online homeschool curriculum for children of all ages. It has been established by child development specialists and educators that children of all ages have a natural need to explore and learn about the world that they are part of. Whether children are learning in a traditional brick and mortar classroom or receiving their education through an online homeschool curriculum learning environment, simple science projects that assist in engaging them in exploring their world and allow them to make predictions, observations and inquire through questions assist them in their intellectual growth and understanding. By homeschooling your child, you play a vital role in nurturing their growth. By taking the time to choose science projects, you will be playing an intricate role in assisting in that growth.

When shopping for science kits that allow a student to engage in a project, it is important to consider their prior knowledge and their basic skill set. Regardless of the lesson plans that you are covering in the online homeschool curriculum, there are many unique levels that the child may engage in so that they understand the material that is being covered. It is crucial to consider the age, level of knowledge and general expertise of your child so that you are able to select simple science projects that will challenge them and motivate them to act and learn without the complications of frustration and boredom from being experienced. For a young child, a science project such as piecing together a model dinosaur may be appropriate. For older children learning in an online homeschool curriculum, a project that allows them to construct a wind vane to focus on the direction of the wind or build a barometer to learn about the pressure in the air may be more appropriate.

When shopping for simple science projects, it will be necessary for you to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of your child. It is essential that you consider the basic skills that your child has, as well as their level in developing their fine motor skills and gross motor skills. This may be highly challenging, but it is a step that must be taken so that you are able to decide which simple science projects are most beneficial for the child learning in the online homeschool curriculum learning environment. For example, a child that must develop their fine motor skills may be best suited for a project that requires them to work with small pieces and use the muscles in their hands. A child that has developed fine and gross motor skills may be best suited for science kits that deal with subjects on a conceptual level.

When choosing simple science projects for the homeschool classroom, it is crucial that you consider the language development of the child. You should understand that children that are encouraged to participate in science projects are also participating in meaningful interactions that encourage the use of words and phrases to describe the activities that are taking place. The language skills of the child will help you to determine if supplement material should be included such as songs, books, and even poems. A child's vocabulary will grow when they are exposed to various types of knowledge and experiences. Simple science projects for the online homeschool curriculum learning environment are a productive means to advancing your child on many different levels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, it will be easy to select the most appropriate science kits for your student.

This author has an interest in providing parents who use online homeschool curriculum to teach their children simple science projects, toys, puzzles, games, and more that enhance the child's emotional, intellectual, and psychological growth. To discover wonderful teaching toys for homeschooled children visit: http://www.mytoysmart.com/


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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Bored With Homeschooling? Fun Projects That Can Be Added to Any Homeschooling Agenda

A bored brain is a brain that is not learning. If you have read or studied anything while you were bored, you know from experience that a bored brain has trouble creating short-term memories. With a bored brain, maybe you have read a chapter or two in a textbook but later had no idea what you have actually read.

For some homeschooling families, boredom can be a dark cloud that hangs over your good intentions. It is possible that this boredom is not just limited to the children but also to the parent(s) who are coordinating the homeschool efforts. While one might think that boredom sets in only for those who are using a very rigid homeschool method such as "school at home," it takes only a quick internet search to see that even the most unrestricted "unschooling" family can have moments of boredom.

One of the unique advantages of homeschooling is the ability to get up and change course. When you can feel boredom coming on, try one of these refreshers.

Take a Trip

Homeschooling does not mean you have to be always at home. Regular trips to the local library should already be on your weekly schedule. Why not go to the zoo, see a movie, drive to another state? Where can you go that will create new memories and stretch you outside of your comfort zone?

If you have contacts in other locations, why not arrange a day or overnight trip to see how and what others are learning? Let the children in the new home be the "presenters" to show off how they experience homeschooling. Later, you and your children could be the host to the family that first hosted you.

Create Things.

"Creating" takes planning, reading and math skills. This is not a break from homeschooling. Rather, it is the very essence of homeschooling.

Bake something that you have never baked before. Create a giant-sized mural on a roll of paper. Build a sculpture from recycled trash. Take some family time to plan a new color scheme for a room in your house and then paint the room. Create a garden in a container if space is limited or go plant a big garden in your backyard. Help your children turn a chapter of a good book into a piece of theater that they perform.

Go Volunteer

Volunteering for any charity or non-profit is a great way for you and your children to experience a wider view of the world. In most organizations, you can easily arrange to volunteer as a family group. Businesses do this all the time- sending groups of 8-10 people to one location for volunteer work. Take some time and have your children research various charities in your area then make a family choice as to which group gets your weekly volunteer hours.

Fighting boredom can be very easy when you are homeschooling. Yes, it takes time and energy. None of us began homeschooling because we thought it would be easy. Get moving and creative!

Explore New Curriculum
For those days when you are more academically inclined, find some good ideas for homeschool lesson plans at http://www.homeschooltheater.com/

Bust some homeschool boredom today!

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Sean Buvala, father of four homeschooled children aged teen-adult, writes frequently about educational and parenting topics. Come learn more about his book for dads at http://www.daddyteller.com/.


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