Summer Lessons

It's summer and time to have fun, but that doesn't mean we should let our minds get mushy. Have your child read at least one chapter a day from a book. And at least one day a week work on a school subject area that was difficult during the past school year. After all, practice makes perfect whether it's piano lessons, football practice or fraction exercises. That way, when school starts in August or September, that will be one less challenge your child will have to face.

Thinking Creatively

If your child simply struggles with using his/her imagination for writing, try this. Make up a story and let your child fill in the blanks. This can be done orally or on paper or Notepad, etc. My son enjoys doing this. Before long, he'll be writing creatively by himself. You simply ad-lib to the child's responses. Encourage the use of detailed and vivid verbs, adverbs and adjectives. You may have to ask for those particulars in the beginning. Before you know it, you have created a fun story with your child.

Teaching Schedule

I have discovered that it's easier for my child and myself if I don't try to cover every subject every day. Spelling and Math are every day classes for us. I'll combine those with Language Arts, Writing, and Science for 2 days and switch to Reading and Social Studies for 2 other days. Fridays are for testing and in-depth coverage of any difficult subject matter we meet with during the course of the week. Art can be worked into Science and Social Studies by making mobiles, clay formations, drawings, etc. Music and dance can be dealt with in Social Studies during the discussion of cultures. Health is part of Science. Exercise can be accomplished for 5 to10 minutes between classes.

I hope this helps as far as making learning easier (and fun) for your child and establising time management for yourself.

Careers and Job Opportunities after Graduating from Homeschool

Below is a link to an article about one young lady who is a homeschool graduate and is using her talents in theater. Homeschooled individuals have opportunities while growing up that those who are educated in the public school system do not have - a better chance to be an individual. While being schooled at home, peer pressure doesn't intervene with one's individuality. This young lady's talents may have gone unrecognized had she gone to public schools. What a difference she is making in her community today.

http://artsmagazine.info/articles.php?view=detail&id=2008042723425464987

Links to Craft Sites

Below is a directory link to find many different craft sites to help with your homeschool art classes. Also if you have begun or are are thinking about beginning an online business, it can also be a valuable directory to list your website on. Be sure to read the articles from the site for helpful arts & crafts and business tips, as well.

http://www.craftingformoney.com/links.asp

Creative Times May/June 2008 Issue

Our articles are fun, fresh and informative. You will meet talented artists and designers, learn a new hobby or get tips about hobbies you may already enjoy, and get business tips if you're considering a small business venture. Most importantly for our stay-at-home, home schooling moms, you'll really enjoy our Getting Organized and Children's Corner columns.

Just click on the picture below to go to the website and download your free copy. Enjoy!