Homeschool Resources: Freebies

Yes! Who doesn't like free resources.  I typically share what I come across or what another homeschooling family shares with me via my homeschooling community's Facebook page.  Today, I thought I'd share some of the resources that I've found to be helpful.  Please note: I have not been asked to share these in particular nor am I getting anything in return for this post.  I simply wanted to make you aware of some of the resources that have been helpful for my family.

Geography:

For those with children who enjoy drawing, why not learn world geography, too.  This is a complete world geography unit for immediate download.  I've just found this so we haven't yet begun using it, but I have plans to as we enjoy drawing over here. (http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/HSE/?c18993Le)

Nature Study:

We are beginning a unit with our homeschooling community on birds (which I'm facilitating).  I've found a lot of good resources: http://hsedufreemarket.blogspot.com/search/label/Bird%20Study and they are all free.

Online Classes:

If you happen to be in the Atlanta-metro area and possess an Atlanta-Fulton Library card you can utilize the online classes on UniversalClass.com for free.  Otherwise, they're still a great price. ($180 for a year.)  Classes range from specific subjects to hobbies and personal development.  All classes are self-paced, overseen by a teacher and offer a certificate and/or grade at completion.  You can take up to 6 classes at once. (You must log-in to the library's site first, then go through eCampus to UniversalClass.com.)

Science:

We are starting to become familiar and learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.  A friend shared this site with me recently.  It offers an interactive table that then correlates to video lessons on each element.  Talk about an awesome resource.  You can find it here: http://ed.ted.com/periodic-videos

Music:

All three of my children are taking piano lessons.  I have started all of them but have allowed the younger two to take some instruction online via this site: https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/ I like the simple lessons that are offered and all of them are free.  You have the option to purchase additional lesson resources through the site. I haven't found that we've needed them thus far.  I view the lesson, make anything that may be needed for it and them allow them to do the lesson.  So far it's just what we've needed.  It also gives me a little break from having to teach them everything. (I am looking for a firm, yet gentle, piano teacher to teach them as they continue.  Should you have a recommendation for us, please share.)

U.S. History:

Perhaps you're looking for history resources.  I always am.  In creating my own curriculum, I am in continual search of primary sources to read and study. The Zinn Educational Project is a great starting place for this.  They offer resources and also give links to other primary resources.  I strongly suggest you take a look at what they have to offer.  Most of the resources are free of charge.

Have you come across free resources that you're using with your family?  Share yours in the comment section so others can benefit too.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're able to make use of one or two.

Happy Learning.


All images were found via a Google Image Search.

To The Symphony We Go

I have been wanting to take the kids to the symphony for some time now.  You know how life goes, though.  Unless you're intentional about making things happen, life will keep throwing things at you. Well, I finally made some calls, invited some friends and booked a date.

We have been learning, off and on, about instruments and composers and so my three were excited about being able to hear some of the music 'live and in person.'

When we arrived and began the wait on those joining us and the start of the performance, I spoke with one of the security guards in the building.  He was making note of the fact that so many young people who live in the city rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to visit and participate in the local cultural and arts events happenings around the metro area.  We reminised about how our parents would just tell us this is something you must know about.  There were many things that, whether we initially saw the benefit of, they made sure we were exposed to.

I have often found it interesting that so many parents nowadays will opt out of the exposure to something new simply because their children express opposition to it.  It's as if they've forgotten (or, never learned) that children learn the value of things from the parents/adults in their lives.  It is our job to do the exposing; to push them into new experiences; to share in their learning; to require things of them that they may not enjoy or like.  This is not to be mean or cruel, it's just that there are some things we know and understand better then they can.

I am definitely thankful for all the required attendances I had to make; the required reading and learning.  I didn't find everything useful then, but honestly, what child does?  It's in the looking back and remembering as one gets older; seeing how that trip to the museum or concert or play put the desire in me to do x, y, z...

It was definitely worth our time today.  I enjoyed it and my children said they did to.  But whether or not they had, I think that this exposure was helpful.  We may go again, or not, but they have had the experience of listening and viewing an award willing symphony orchestra playing a vareity of music live and in person.

They can now imagine themselves in those roles.  Whether or not it turns into anything is inconsequenial.  There are things that I now understand as a parent that I must now do with my children as my parents did with me.  There is value in it---one day they may be able to share similar things with their children.

Continuing in the journey....

My Little Drummer Boy

The freedom to put together one's own 'drum set' and bang it out!

I enjoyed the noise!

Sound of Music?

It's really one of my all time favorite movies. My daughter has begged me to let your watch if for the past few weeks. It's a once a year kind of movie. We finally watched it over the past two evenings. I was reminded of all the songs and what I loved best about the movie as a child: the longing to find my "special someone" in the sea of faces; having a large family in which there wasn't a lot of fussing; living next to water or a large mountain to run around on...

Today has been filled with "cuckooing," "do-re-mi-fa-so-la-te-do-ing," singing at the top of all the staircases and dancing all around the house. As cute as it started out to be, this morning...I'm about at me wits end this evening!!! If I hear one more "cuckoo!" I think I'm going to scream!!!

Yeah, I'm finding today a bit of a challenge--physically and definitely emotionally. This time of year is tough anyway, with the sunsetting earlier. My 'day' is over at 4:45 and I still have a few hours before I can officially send the kids to bed (without having to pay in the morning). We've been taking advantage of all this "night time" by filling the time with reading. Since starting the challenge (100 Books-a-Month Challenge, that is) reading is something we've made time in our days for nightly. But it seems that the kids just know when I'm wearing thin and push things to the extreme. Know what I mean?

I'm finding that listening to music for me is helping my spirit, along with a nice warm mug of something. There are many things I do enjoy about this time of year...but I'm missing the sun right now. Perhaps I'm missing more...

How are you coping with the time change, less day-light and feeling overwhelmed? What music lifts your spirits?

...and for those who want to reminisce a bit click here. ;-)

Piano Lessons for Jaya

So Jaya wants to learn to play the piano. It's in my "plans" to teach all of them to play the piano--or at least get them lessons. I've spent the last 30 minutes going through my stack of piano books which I've saved from when I was young. I remember my mother teaching me--and I thought I had that original book (the one she was taught from as well) but can't seem to find it.

I am going to read through the theory books so that I can give her a good foundation. Then, we'll get started. I haven't done much checking into the school system here but in talking with another homeschooling mom she shared that this system allows homeschoolers to take advantage of ALL the activities and resources provided to children in attendance of the public schools. She has used their music and sports program since they were old enough to participate--all for free. So perhaps I'll look into something more 'formal' in the way of piano lessons for the fall.

It's exciting and scary--for me! But I think we'll figure it out! She's definitely ready and it will add to her confidence and self assurance.

I'll keep you updated on our progress!



(two hours later)
...and so we did our first 20 minute lesson. She still wants to learn and I haven't lost my sanity!!! (two good judging points! lol!)

I have to say that she did excellent, once I got her to focus. I explained that she first has to learn the rules for playing the piano before she could just "start playing." Once she understood this, things went very well. I used the penny balance thing that my mother used with me to teach me how to hold my hands over the keys. We learned about the main staff, the treble cleft and the bass cleft, how our fingers are numbered for playing and located middle c on the keyboard. We ended with her practicing playing middle c following the notes on the main staff, alternating hands (as written). She was very proud of herself and I must say that I'm proud of her as well.

We've made a plan for her to practice what she's learned while I'm fixing breakfast and we'll do a 20 minute lesson daily after our devotional time. I'll see what kind of pacing I need to do with her as she becomes bored long before she understands a new concept. The good thing about keeping all my beginner books is that I can use all of them which will give her variety but reinforce the skills as necessary.

8 Things: Songs for the Soul

To get a full explanation for this week's 8 Things check out Rachalle atMagpie Girl.

8 Things: Songs for the Soul
Just a few of the songs that speak to my soul...

1. Every Season by Nichole Nordeman from This Mystery

2. Mercies New by Nichole Nordeman from Wide Eyed

3. Be Myself Again by Eric Benet from Hurricane

4. Take the Time Out by Stevie Wonder from Conversation Peace

5. I Choose by India.Arie from Testimony Vol. 1:Life & Relationship

6. Say by John Mayer from the Bucket List

7. River God by Nichole Nordeman

8. He Heals Me by India.Arie from Testimony Vol 2: Love & Politics