Link-o-palooza!

The Chicago Tribune had a list of useful links for students and teachers which I thought I’d pass on to you. I copied these addresses and desciptions from the story and have tried to correct incomplete addresses, but if you come across something which doesn’t work, leave a message and I’ll try to fix it: ACADEMIC ALL STARS http://www.ipl.org — Tough to say enough good … Continue reading Link-o-palooza!

Speaking of preparing for a new school year

In our house we take a pretty relaxed approach to schooling. Not quite strict unschooling, but much closer to that than to “school at home”. However, it has always been my plan that we would gradually ramp up to a more formalized approach as the kids got older so that they would be sure to cover math through calculus, world and American history, learn a … Continue reading Speaking of preparing for a new school year

What if they learn without doing the worksheets?

Over at the new blog “Robin’s Blue Skies”, there is a wonderful post about how kids learn in the real world vs. workbook learning. I know people who are “school at home types” and I know that some of them think the idea of not having the kids sit down to do their school work for several hours every day seems crazy. However, if my … Continue reading What if they learn without doing the worksheets?

My 6 year old’s math problem

The other day, I realized that I had a problem with my 6 year old’s math. You see, a year ago, when I ordered a pre-algebra workbook for his brother, he asked for his own workbook. So I got him the first Miquon Math book on the recommendation of a reasonably like minded friend. Collin loves his math workbook because he can flip through and … Continue reading My 6 year old’s math problem

My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

This is our third year homeschooling and perhaps I’m a little slow on the uptake, but half the time I feel like I’m just starting to figure out what we’re doing. I do think I’m ready to make a confession, however: my kitchen table is sorely under-used. (Actually, I think it gets way too much use from greedy munchkins who expect to be fed 3 … Continue reading My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

"Mostly I just get to play a lot"

Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading "Mostly I just get to play a lot"

“Mostly I just get to play a lot”

Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading “Mostly I just get to play a lot”