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Every month,
Homeschooling Horizons Magazine reviewers Nancy Matychuk
and Angelina Jeanne-Rose will share their
favourite educational websites. If you have a
website that you think our reviewers should share
with our readers, drop them a line at
hh-reviews@homeschoolinghorizons.com
Nancy's and
Angelina's favourite
websites of 2006 include:
---JANUARY 2006---
http://atlas.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/index.html
Most of us
already have an atlas on our book shelves, but
sometimes we need printable maps to reinforce
learning or to stimulate exploration. If you'd
rather not have your kids marking up the atlas or if
your tired of running to the copy store, The Atlas
of Canada, a service of Natural Resources Canada, is
an excellent tool. The link above is for the
Learning Resource page which includes various
educational links (ie. under Thematic Modules you'll
find historical maps, as far back as Confederation,
with written explanations) but, from my perspective,
the most practical and exciting link is to tons of
printable reference maps of all areas of the
country. For my province, I can print a JPEG or PDF
map in colour fully labeled, in black ink
unlabelled, or a colour relief map and all the
printable versions are sized to fill a standard size
page. You can find all those options for the whole
country or for just your province or territory.
Just think - your child has the ability to create
his own personalized atlas of Canada with the simple
click of the printer icon.
http://www.nt.net/~torino/novels3.html
I'm a firm believer that too much analysis can
really kill a love of reading, but these Novel Study
links could be a wonderful tool to use occasionally.
The page lists more than 40 novels, many of them
classics (ie. Anne of Green Gables, The
Hobbit, Stuart Little). Click on a book title
to view a chapter outline of the book. Each chapter
contains comprehension and discussion questions,
vocabulary, and (my favourite) enrichment projects
or discussion starters. Also included on many pages
are links to helpful websites that provide more
historical, geographical, scientific,
biographical and cultural background information.
This outline could be easily modified to apply to
all ages, making it particularly applicable for a
family read aloud. It could also be simplified and
used very loosely to generate discussion or
narration. Used sparingly, it might be an
interesting asset to your language arts program.
---FEBRUARY 2006---
http://www.studyworksonline.com/
"StudyWorks! Online is a free learning site
delivering innovative learning tools to help
students develop an understanding of math and
science concepts." This looks like an excellent
resource for your teenager/very keen
older-elementary child. Click on "Explorations" and
you'll find a list of activities to improve
understanding in a long list of science/math areas
such as astronomy, calculus, navigation, etc. The
activities are interesting and engaging and, if your
student gets hung up, he can post his question on
the StudyWorks Collaboratory and interact with
teachers and other students as he explores his way
to the solution and to fuller understanding.
http://highland.hitcho.com.au/Forms.htm
I don't know what we'd do without the internet!
Because we got lots of excited responses to
DonnaYoung.org, I knew you'd love this resource of
printable forms. Highland Heritage Forms are
created by a homeschool mom and available, for free,
to print in pdf format. According to the home page,
she has "823 forms and counting!" She has them
broken down into categories like teacher planning
and organization sheets, language arts forms, field
trip forms, portfolio forms, and many more. She
also includes some neat links within some of these
categories. These forms are attractive and print up
very nicely as long as you have Adobe Acrobat Reader
5. There is something here for everyone!
---MARCH 2006---
http://www.amblesideonline.org/index.shtml
Regardless of your homeschool philosophy or style,
Ambleside Online is a rich resource. Developed by a
group of homeschooling mothers committed to the
Charlotte Mason philosophy of education, they have
organized a full course of study for all levels. If
you are new to homeschooling and confused about
where to begin, Ambleside provides a year long
schedule and resource list. If you are just
learning about Charlotte Mason, you'll learn a lot
more here, not only resources, but also philosophy.
If you've lost count of how many years you've been
homeschooling but are always on the look-out for
good reading in a variety of subjects, Ambleside
lists lots of books, many available online or at
your library. And last, but most definitely not
least, all FREE!
http://www.rootsandshoots.org/pdfs/spring-mailing-jan-04.pdf
Where I live, we've had a pretty mild winter but we
are still confined indoors most of the time. As the
days get warmer and we think of ending our
hibernation, we can begin to plan a nature journal.
Roots and Shoots is
Jane Goodall's website devoted to inspiring "youth
of all ages to make a difference by becoming
involved in their communities." The link is for a
nature journal (in pdf format) which can be printed
and made into a booklet form. The graphics are
simple and quaint and the variety of observations
keeps it interesting. This one link has four
journals, one for each season. For more
activities/projects, go to rootsandshoots.org and
click on "In Schools" and then "Lesson Plans."
---APRIL 2006---
http://www.flylady.com
Flylady has been around for a long
time but we
are
talking about organization here and it is the
premier site for getting your home in order. It is
appropriate for everyone from the basically tidy
sort who just needs some helpful reminders to tackle
the forgotten areas (Kelly's Missions) to the
confirmed messy who is having trouble climbing over
the piles of laundry to get to the computer (FLYing
Lessons.) Just start poking around and have a look.
Take what you like and leave the rest. Those "baby
steps" she talks about really do add up to a home
that looks good and functions better. For me, that
leads to more motivation and productivity in other
aspects of family life.
http://pumas.jpl.nasa.gov/
Quoting the homepage "PUMAS (poo'·mas) -- is a
collection of one-page examples of how math and
science topics taught in K-12 classes can be used in
interesting settings, including everyday life." If
you or your kids love these subjects, you'll feel
like you're opening a treasure chest on this NASA
supported site. There are currently over 50
examples with information and activities that could
enthrall for quite some time. If, on the other hand,
you belong to The Club of the Scientifically
Intimidated (CSI, of which I am the president),
start with the lower grades and go slow - just pull
out the projects that would fit for you. You'll be
glad you did. Click on 'PUMAS examples' to get
started. (Thank-you to Cathy Wilson for recommending
this site.)
---May
2006---
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/coloring/list.shtml
In this part of the planet, we tend to favour the
warmer months for outdoor experiences. As your
elementary-aged children interact with nature this
summer, they might enjoy creating their own book of
animals they've seen or find interesting. This
website has an amazing variety of creatures with
labeled pictures to colour and a few paragraphs of
information. There are also links within the text
that your child can click on for definitions or to
dig deeper. The pages can be printed directly from
the web page though I prefer to cut-and-paste to a
Word document to edit out headers and footers. After
you've explored the animals, you can check out the
home page for more fun projects. One of my
favourites is the monthly activity calendar with
little daily projects - a tiny bit of structure to
those lazy days of summer. (Note: some activities on
this site, not including those described above, are
available to paying members only.)
http://www.darlington.rome.ga.us/Handbooks/home.asp?page=summerreading/intro.asp
We have, in our home, what is fondly referred to as
"the library basket" which is a large, rectangular
wicker basket in a prominent position next to the
couch. You might have something similar. During our
school year, the basket is filled with books
primarily about the historical time period we're
studying (as well as the usual array of hockey books
and Tintin comics). When we are making up our weekly
schedules, I send the kids to the basket to decide
on their reading for the week. But what should I put
in there in the summer when they have endless hours
to lay around reading? I need a list. This site is a
great summer reading list for grades 4 through 12.
The choices tend to be contemporary which might be
just right for the relaxing summer months. Many of
them would be great for read-aloud as well, which is
often easier in the summer when we are less likely
to be running off to activities. If you are looking
for even more ideas, I suggest checking your library
website which will likely have similar lists (or
check my library - www.epl.ca.) And while the kids
are busy reading, I look forward to putting up my
feet and doing the same.
---June
2006---
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/testing/achievement/tests/previous_ach.asp
I'm feeling curious about how my kids would do on an
achievement test. The
content does not interest me quite as much as the
format of working alone
and following directions, without interaction or
guidance - something that
is not inherent in our educational environment. Of
course, I'm not curious
enough to actually pay for a test! So I've been
looking through cyberspace
for achievement test that are Canadian and ended up
at the Alberta Learning
website. In the schools of my province, achievement
tests are administered
in Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 9 and this sight has
tests from years past.
Grade 3 has math and language arts tests only, but
Grade 6 and 9 also
include social studies and science tests. Some of
the tests are
self-scoring; the remainder are tests only, without
answer keys. They are in
PDF format and printable. If your province or
territory has something
similar available online, I'd love to hear from you.
http://www.wordcentral.com/
I don't teach vocabulary as a separate entity, but
we are a family of
word-lovers. We like to talk about words and
brainstorm creative ways to
use our language. One fun way of doing this comes
from Merriam-Webster.
For kids they have the "Daily Buzzword" which
introduces a new word every
day, its definition, how it is used and a little
quiz. You can visit the
website daily or, for more convenience, subscribe
and have it come into your
inbox. For the older student, just go to the main
page
(http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/mwwod.pl)
for more challenging vocabulary.
Sometimes I print these out and bring them to the
supper table which seems
to be a good time to involve everyone in a little
vocabulary development -
provided they chew with their mouths closed.
---Summer
2006---
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com
I think this site’s own warning to the website says
it best: ‘’ WARNING: Before entering this homeschool
site, be sure small children are safely occupied,
you have gone to the bathroom, and have plenty of
snacks on hand. This is a large education site with
lots to read and do!’’
Besides having great content, Ann has a very easy to
use link library alphabetical site index from a to z
(thus the name). She has also organised
homeschooling resources and sites of interest by
topic for convenience.
You can also search her site. With over eight years
of feature articles’ archives, you sure to find some
useful information on this site.
No one method of homeschooling is promoted there is
a good balance of links and resources; even the
sponsored ads are in keeping with the resource
emphasis of her site. Don’t miss her homeschooling
jokes page. How many homeschoolers does it take to
screw in a light bulb?
Answer :
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/124.htm
A to Z Home’s Cool web site is one you’ll want to
bookmark and use regularly. Enjoy!
http://www.teachinghome.com
Although this is home to the Christian magazine by
the same name, any homeschooler can enjoy this web
site’s wonderful free features.
Firstly there is a very informative getting
started section for new homeschoolers and those
considering homeschooling. You will find a free
downloadable question and answer file as well as
getting started checklist.
Secondly you have free access to over 150 quality
articles in their archives section. There are a good
variety of articles discussing learning styles,
creativy to geography etc.
The third free resource of interest is completely
searchable homeschooling resource directory
featuring an easy to use layout and well-categorized
listing of curriculum and the like.
Lastly they offer a wonderful directory of
homeschooling organizations. It is a user-friendly
clickable map whose listings are organised by state
and country. Tip: don’t limit yourself to searching
your area exclusively. Browse around, many
homeschooling organizations offers different
resources, links and information of use to all
homeschoolers.
Happy browsing!
---September
2006---
http://www.learner.org/index.html
The Annenberg Channel is a free satellite
channel for schools, colleges, libraries, public
broadcasting stations etc. it is on 24/7 via
satellite but now internet users can also view it
free via their live broadband simulcast.
There are wonderful quality instructional
courses online. These e-courses range from French,
Art in the Western World to Chemistry and
Mathematics.
You can search for programs by discipline and even
by grade. One history course has over 1500 images
relating to the history of the world. This is
definitely a wonderful resource for older
independent learners in your family. I think teens
will especially enjoy this website as they can view
video and learn at the same time!
Another feature on this site is free teachers’
professional development courses. These are very
informative and helpful, for ex. last year when one
of my children was repeatedly having some blockages
in reading, I tuned into one of the courses on
Literacy Development and got great tips and ideas
that really worked.
These courses have free printable guides etc. and
the videos are VOD (video
on demand), free to view but require you to register;
registration
is free and easy you need only enter your name and
email address. You register once and then just log
in in the next time you want to view the free videos.
http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/workshop_list.html
This site is definitely a gold mine for
homeschoolers. They also have their videos
available for purchase, but the sheer quantity and
ready availability of tons of free resources is
astounding.
Warning, you may have to brew extra coffee because
this site will definitely keep you up late!
---October
2006---
http://freebies.about.com/od/teacherfreebies/
One of the wonderful things about the internet is
access to free resources and information. As
homeschoolers we all love the word ''free'', there
is just something about that word that will get our
attention in an instant.
So, this month I am reviewing two wonderful websites
that feature very useful free resources.
Teacher freebies on the about.com network of sites
is a must see website. I have personally ordered
dozens of free items from various featured websites
offering freebies to teachers. Most of the time all
you need to do is fill out a web form with your
name, mailing address, school name and grade level.
This is one of the best reasons for deciding on an
official name for your homeschool.
We've received full size color posters, computer
programs, election kits, games etc. Free is good.
http://www.gutenberg.org/
Homeschoolers know that our book budgets go through
the roof really quickly, so a website like the
Gutenburg project is the perfect answer for those of
us who do not have a great library selection.
Beyond the obvious classics, you will find great
source documents. The books available are in text
or html format, and readily downloadable. I
recommend renaming the files to the book title if
you are downloading several, as the abbreviations
supplied are hard to figure out.
Many famous authors' work are now in the public
domain. This is were the importance of the Gutenburg
project is most noticeable. They archive thousands
of works and make them available to all.
The service is free but they welcome donations as
well.
We hope you enjoy these website and have many happy
finds.
---Holiday
2006---
http://www.ed.gov/free/index.html
This is the free resource site of the department of
education of the United States.
I have chosen this site for the vast number of free
resources in a variety of subjects. Every link
leads to useful information and in many cases, free
downloadable documents. For example, under the
heading of health and safety I was able to download
a pdf of brain
imaging of drug users.
On their home page, one of the featured resource
websites is Curtis’ photographic collection of
American Indian tribes.
Once you choose your subject from the left hand
navigation menu, you can then choose the number of
resources to view on one page on the top right hand
of the new page.
You can view descriptions or titles only its’ up to
your discretion.
This is an example of a well thought out information
hub.
other example of an interesting study thread under
the heading of foreign languages is link number 19
on ‘’The Legacy of French Canadian Immigrants in
New England’’
The website is loaded with interesting resources
that will surely inspire you.
If you are looking for a specific topic, their
searches and subject page will provide you with all
the search capabilities you need.
I searched ‘’women’ and three pages of wonderfully
fascinating resources came up. One of which is link
number 2 to the American Women: A reference Guide
from the library of congress. It is a comprehensive
guide to the entirety of the library’s holdings on
women’s history.
http://www.americanjourneys.org/
Which feature searchable, readable eyewitness
accounts of North American settlers and explorers.
I searched for Canada and then Quebec and came up
fifteen results which I didn’t even realize were
available to read online. For instance, accounts
from Jacques Cartier.
You can also search for images using keywords this
is a wonderful site for any social studies program.
It might also get those reluctant readers interested
in history.
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