Dangerous Journey Video online

For those who have read the book, or who don’t have the book and would like to see the pictures, here is a video series available online for free.

Special Needs Resources

Today I had the opportunity to speak at length to one of the special ed coordinators at HSLDA about one of my struggling learners.  She recommended several websites that I thought looked interesting that I’d like to share with you.  If you have a struggling learner, there are resources out there available for you.  If you are interested, I will pass along some of the names of psycho-educational evaluators once I get them.

 

In the meantime, here is a website called Woodbine House that was recommended.  She had suggested looking at a math program that is meant for children with Down Syndrome or Hands-on Learners.

 

The AVCS Bookstore has curriculum recommendations that they have used with special needs children.  Their website says: “The textbooks and resources we provide have proved successful in the home school setting. Although not specifically intended for home school families, we have used them to instruct our own special needs children, and families in our consulting service have used them as well. Most of the products are designed for students with special needs.”

 

Another organization that is well-known for special needs resources is Nathhan - National Challenged Homeschooling Special Needs Children.  They have speech therapy at home curriculum as well as a number of other helps that are specifically designated for homeschooling a challenged child.  You can sign up for membership which will give you, among other privileges, the use of their lending library.

 

A local WV agency who could diagnose your child is www.thelearningstationwv.com.  They are located near Huntington, WV in Barboursville.

Very Cool Science Website

How people find the time to make these amazing resources and then offer them for FREE baffles me!

Here is another science website that has free curriculum – a parent guide and a student workbook – called E=mc2.  The Classic Science looks very interesting as they deal with Life Science, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physical Science.  You can download the entire curriculum or just unit by unit to check it out before using up all your ink!

Take advantage of all the freebies I have collected over the years that I’ve put on the sidebar.  I have many more but haven’t had time to update! This one was too good to keep to myself though! Enjoy!

 

WINNERS! Tina O. and Wendy F!

My kids chose random numbers and you are the winners!!  I need you to email me your home addresses!!

Praying that this story will draw your family closer to each other and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Congratulations!

 

Jotham’s Journey Giveaway

Since I’m stuck at home sick with the swine flu and pretty miserable…. I thought to add a bit of cheer by doing a giveaway!!

I heard that Jotham’s Journey is a wonderful book and haven’t read it yet with my kids, but I bought a few copies when they were on sale to spread some happiness!

Here is a description of it:

Kidnappers, Wise Men, Shepherds…
Jotham’s Journey is the story of a ten-year-old shepherd boy who, in a fit of anger, runs away from his father’s tent. His nomadic family assumes he is dead and travels on. Remorseful Jotham tries to reconnect with his loved ones. As he proceeds through Palestine, he encounters a tangle of kidnappers, wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers, then finally the Savior who was born in Bethlehem.

Captivating Family Devotional
Written as an advent resource for parents, Jotham’s Journey will focus the attention of the whole family on the true meaning of Christmas. Every night, as your family reads another intriguing episode, children and adults alike will be captivated by Jotham’s remarkable adventure. Far more accurate than the nativity fluff families see on TV, Jotham’s Journey will open your eyes to what life was really like for Israelites living in an occupied nation. Each installment of the story is followed by a short devotional designed to challenge your family during a season that is commercially bent on self-indulgence.

Start This Book on November 29th!

Just post here if you’d like a copy and I’ll have one of the kids to randomly choose a winner on November 4th at noon!

Tell me:
What is a special Christmas tradition your family had when you were a child?

And YES! you can enter even if you didn’t have any traditions as a child and you’re looking to create some for your own treasures!

Masterpieces on Google Map

This. is. incredible.  You HAVE to check out the incredible details in these famous paintings at the Prado Museum in Spain.  Even if you’re not an art aficionado, it’s worth a close look!

(As usual, the Masterpiece Cards website has the best links! I really enjoy reading their excellent art appreciation blog.)

Freebies: Spelling and Phonics

Here are some fun sites for phonics and spelling:

Word Duck – Tons of interesting hangman and crossword games!

Everyday Spelling – Has spelling lists for grades up to the 8th grade

FunBrain – Have fun while learning!

Story Place – Online Preschool and Elementary Books and Activities

Disclaimer: Parents are responsible to check out each site to make sure it is appropriate for your family.  I haven’t extensively explored every link on this blog and advise that parents are involved with screening.

Free Ancient History Maps

From Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest Maps

They’re ready to launch a new resource called Map Trek.  They’ve generously made 8 maps of the Ancient World available. I’ve just downloaded them and they are so nice! Works perfectly with Cycle 1 of Classical Conversations as well as Veritas Press’ Greece and Rome.  My younger ones and I are also working through Story of the World: The Ancients.  Great timing!

Standardized Testing

Every year, parents ask about standardized testing and how one can prepare their child for it?

I would like to compile some resources on this page that would be helpful starting with a neat website called Internet4Classrooms.

Haven’t looked thoroughly but here is a website that has state math standards per grade. IXL Math

Bob Jones offers these books that help their own students prepare to take the tests that BJU offers. Many of us here in the valley (WV) are taking the IOWA test. I’m considering using Better Test Scores Kit to prepare my 3rd and 5th graders.

Here are links to some Spectrum Test Prep books that are popular:

Spectrum Test Prep Remember to buy the latest edition.  I’m not sure if this is, but I can’t find anything more recent.

Spectrum Science These cover material that meets national standards.

I will continue to add to this as I come across good resources. Check back!

Home School Day at the Clay Center

The Clay Center in Charleston will be hosting a Home School Day on Wednesday, September 23rd. Their theme will be “Ancient Wonders” which, if you’re involved in Classical Conversations, will coincide nicely with our Cycle 1 Ancient History. Their current exhibit is “Lost Kingdoms of the Nile” which features Nubian treasures from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  The workshop that day is “Nubia in a Nutshell” and the planetarium theme is “Stars of the Nile.”  And who can resist a film entitled “Sea Monsters?”  Fees vary according to which activities your family chooses.  Details are available at:

1.  theclaycenter.org
2.  Home School Day:
www.theclaycenter.org/ticketinformation/homeschooldays.aspx

This page contains the form to sign up for the event.  According to Michael Cross, there is not a specific deadline, but the Clay would appreciate a response\reservation by Monday.  His contact information is mcross@theclaycenter.org.