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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Definition for the Day (Vocabulary)

Apocrypha:

The biblical books included in the Vulgate and accepted in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox canon but considered noncanonical by Protestants

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Definition for the Day (Vocabulary)

pontificate (Intransitive verb):
to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way

Monday, January 28, 2008

Learning a New Thing

Today I decided to start learning Japanese. How far I will take it time will tell but I think it is always a great thing for our children to not see studying/learning as something that stops at a certain age. The world is vast and if you truly view education as an important thing then why stop educating yourself.

I will let you all know how it turns out. I am taking it in small steps but I feel good about it. I am sure there are some days I will not want to study but I can still be a role model during those periods too.

Today I learned the one stroke hiragana for
he = へ
ku = く
shi =  し


I am also going to take mini online quizzes at this link.

So, what are you learning?

-OldSchool

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Definition of the day (Vocabulary)

narthex: the portico of an ancient church

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Definition of the Day (Vocabulary)

apparition (noun)
-A ghostly figure, a specter
-A sudden or unusual sight

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Definition of the day (Vocabulary)

capricious

1. governed or characterized by whim as a) lacking a rational basis b) likely to change suddenly

Board Games: Monopoly-Tropical Tycoon DVD Game

We have played this game twice. It was a holiday purchase. In addition to having fun it is also a good way to practice those math skills. The DVD adds a nice touch as you have to go to it when you stop on Community Chest or Chance. You also use it for News Broadcasts where you have certain decisions to make. I see us playing this game again - sooner rather than later. It is suggested for 3+ players with an age recommendation of 8+. Again, you know your children so do what suits your family.

We have played it with two people and just had a "third" imaginary person that we took turns playing.

-OldSchooling

Monday, January 21, 2008

The Top Ten Online Universites for 2007

This is per Global Academy Online

(1) The University of London
(2) The University of South Africa
(3) The University of Phoenix
(4) The University of Texas
(5) The University of South Australia
(6) The University of Southern Queensland
(7) The University of Maryland University College
(8) Golden Gate University
(9) Ellis College of NYIT
(10) Stanford University

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Celebrate MLK Day w/ Service

Definition of the Day

caper (1):

- a frivolous escapade or prank
- a playful leap or hop

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Definition of the day - Vocabulary

respect

1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem

2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend



There are so many learning tie ins with this Holiday. One thing I would suggest is if you have a younger child read about Martin Luther King's childhood, his courtship with Coretta. Actually it is also a nice thing to do with older children also. In other words don't make this man or this holiday one-dimensional. You can even study how this holiday came to be. Do you know some of his favorite dishes? History is one of the most exciting subjects.

-OldSchooling

Friday, January 18, 2008

Definition of the Day - Vocabulary

vocation:

noun.
1) A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Homeschooling in the News: Educating at Home: Home-School Families find ways to network

The complete article can be found here.

I think it is a great read for those who homeschool and others who are just interested in it. There are often so many misconceptions that information always helps.



Educating at home: Home-school families find ways to network

It's not what you think.

That's a key piece of advice Lorri Wiegand offers to any parents considering home instruction for their child.

"When you talk to a lot of people it seems they think you're holed up at home and your day goes completely as planned," Wiegand said. "And you might think with home-schooling you'd be at home a lot, but we're out and about a lot."

Wiegand -- whose children are currently in third grade, first grade and preschool -- started home-schooling years ago because she was impressed by family members who were doing it.

Her children are some of the estimated 2 million homeschooled across the United States, according to figures from the National Home Education Research Institute. And families of those students are finding ways to network and share resources more than ever.

Tippecanoe County and the surrounding area have many such groups.

Mari Doerr and her husband, Kevin Doerr, are the regional representatives for the Indiana Association of Home Educators and they help disseminate information to the eight-county region.


==========



Definition for the day

perpetual:

adjective - occurring so frequently as to seem ceaseless or uninterrupted

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Card Games: Zigity

Actually after much thought, I could have listed Racko as a card game since it is played with cards.

Today seems to be game day in our household. We just finished playing Zigity a game that is sold by Cranium. I like it. It is easy to learn. It is also a game that is recommended for 2 or more players over the age of 8. Each player starts with 7 cards and the object is get rid of all of your cars by making sets. There are 4 ways to make a set 1) Spell a word, 2) Add to 11 3) Finish a puzzle or 4) Match the instrument.

So far I've really enjoyed the Cranium games I've played.

-OldSchooling

Board Games: Racko

Games are a definite favorite in our house. They are also a great addition to any homeschooling family's inventory. It is something you can do as a family while learning and reinforcing lessons.

Today we played Racko. The object of the game is to swap out the cards in your rack one by one. It is played in rounds. I found it a great way to work on the concept of sequential numbers as well as multiples of five. It can be played with 2 to 4 players and although the makers suggest being at least age 8 like anything else use your own discretion and knowledge of your child's abilities.

-OldSchooling

Everyday brings an opportunity to learn


Definition for the Day







caper


(2) a pickled flower bud of this plant, used as a pungent condiment in sauces, relishes, and other dishes

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Mark Your Calendars - CHN Family Expo

CHN Family Expo dates announced for 2008!
Save the date!
Expo 2008 will be August 1-3, 2008
at the Ontario Marriott Hotel

"Trust the Parents!"

How long have you been Homeschooling?

It is something I wonder from time to time about my readers. So please share



Library Systems: Corona Public Library

I've mentioned before (numerous times) that our family is a fan of Library systems. California has some wonderful libraries and I truly encourage homeschooling families to take full advantage of them.

Today I'm focusing on the CORONA PUBLIC LIBRARY. As with any library system you do not have to have a card to go and take advantage of many of their resources. To obtain an Adult Library card you must be 18. Their children's card policy is as follows:

A children’s card is issued to the parent or legal guardian of the child who will use that card. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for all materials borrowed and for any fines or fees owed on cards of children up to the age of 18.


Online you can also access their CHILDREN'S ROOM. http://www.coronapubliclibrary.org/teensat650/index.cfm, they also have a Teen Advisory Council, Poetry Bashes and an Anime/Manga Club. You can also find links for Homework Help as well as Colleges and Jobs.

Want to recycle your Electronic Equipment safely and responsibly? The Library is partnering with Dollar Self Storage to raise money to buy new computers. If you have an old computer, printer, or any other Electronic Equipment you don't use any more, take it to Dollar Self Storage at 1065 E Third Street in Corona. They will recycle the items and write a check to the Library Foundation. The goal is to use these funds to buy up to 20 new workstations for all of our patrons to use.


The Corona Public Library is located at 650 S. Main Street, Corona, California 92882 and the main number is (951) 736-2381.

-OldSchooling

Monday, January 14, 2008

Definition of the day

supplication:

1. to ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying

2. to make a humble entreaty to; beseech

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Homeschool Athletics

I am passing on this information because I realize that many people do not know about this resource.

Hello home schooling families,
Todd Nash with California Athletics for Home Schools will be teaching a
soccer class this winter starting next week for home schooled kids ages
4-18. The class will be offered in many sites in San Diego county,
Riverside County, LA County, Orange County, and Pomona starting the week of
January 14. Please go to the website below to see the details. It may not
work as a link, so you may have to copy and paste the website into your
browser or type the website name there. After going to the website, click
on SPORTS CLASSES, then SOCCER to read about the classes. The locations and
directions are also there. To register, go to the home page and click on
REGISTER. It will be a fun class of learning and casual, fun game playing
for your kids. Please email if you have questions after reading the
website, but email me at the address listed below as I check it more
frequently than this aol address. Please pass this on to your friends, and
group leaders, please pass this on to your groups - many of them are looking
for PE and group activities for their kids. Thanks, and I look forward to
seeing many of you next week!
Todd Nash
California Athletics for Home Schools
website: www.CaliforniaAthletics.com
email: CalAthletics@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 760-727-3604

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Here is a Calculator Widget I found

It can perform advanced math. Check it out

Schoolhouse Rock - Unexpected Learning Resources

I won't tell you how many years it has been for myself but I was so glad to find these when I became a mom. Schoolhouse Rock will always be one of my favorite 'stealth' learning tools. The key is that it can give you a point to pursue the topics further. When your child asks - What is ____? Never stop at "I DON'T KNOW" find out TOGETHER


Definition of the day: Vocabulary

impinge:

1) to collide or strike

2) to encroach, trespass

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Website of the Day - SAT Quiz - Math Sampler

In my web surfing I came across this site that has a Math Sampler for the SAT. A good starting point as you or your children prepare to take the SAT or assess your current knowledge

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Definition of the day (Vocabulary)

moral: (adj.)

1. of or concerned with the judgement of the goodness or badness of human action and character

2. conforming to standards of what is right or just in behavior







Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Definition for the Day (Vocabulary)

terrestrial: adj. operating or living or growing on land.

In our family when we come across a word we don't know or aren't sure about we try to keep a list to find out. There is no shame in not knowing the meaning of a word. BUT - we should make an effort to find out.