Here's hoping there's lots of play in the sunshine for your family today!
Feb 24, 2014
Now on Facebook!
The Northern Inland Community of Home Educators is now on Facebook! Feel free to look us up, and connect with us.
Here's hoping there's lots of play in the sunshine for your family today!
Here's hoping there's lots of play in the sunshine for your family today!
Dec 11, 2013
Contacts in Armidale?
Calling all homeschoolers / home educators in Armidale (NSW)! We have had a number of enquiries about a group in Armidale over the last few years, but are yet to hear of one actually being set up. So if you are in Armidale and educating your child/children at home please drop us a line! We would love to meet you and help you set up a support group.
If you leave a comment with your contact details I will contact you but not publish your details. Thanks!
- Kathy
Mar 9, 2013
The joy (or pain) of handwriting
For some children, the slightest hint of a story gets them busily writing. Suggest a silly sentence to begin a story (search for 'story starters' on the internet) and they're off! My eldest child thrives on this kind of creativity. For my son, however, this kind of open ended scenario creates an uncomfortable vastness of possibilities that he simply drowns in. Thankfully these days you can find just about anything on the internet! I have discovered a simple search for 'make handwriting worksheet' will find many sites that allow you to make your own. For my son, a few simple sentences from the battles of Alfred the Great (incorporating phrases such as 'fearsome battle-axes' and 'brandishing their swords') has him eager (yes, I said eager) to practice each day. For the moment, anyway! (Ask me again in 6 month's time...) Everyone has their own version of fun, don't they?
For another article on 'The Fun Theory' you can read Laura Grace Weldon's blog.
- Kathy
For another article on 'The Fun Theory' you can read Laura Grace Weldon's blog.
- Kathy
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Our recommended book of the week is The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.
This is the story of gifted children and undercover missions! The book is well written, with likable heroes and dastardly villains A great book to read aloud with the family, or just leave lying around for your children to sneak off with...
Kathy
This is the story of gifted children and undercover missions! The book is well written, with likable heroes and dastardly villains A great book to read aloud with the family, or just leave lying around for your children to sneak off with...
Kathy
Dec 14, 2012
Yes, we're still here!
Yes, our group is still here and still meeting! I'm just a little slow to update the blog...
I'll share with you some discoveries I have made during our year of schooling:
1. My son willingly does a small amount of handwriting when it has a battle theme, preferably with lots of blood and daring deeds.
2. Letting older children take control of their own timetables is much more relaxing for the mother (have some phrases prepared just in case: "Oh dear, that's sad to miss your computer turn because you haven't finished your work yet... Oh dear.")
3. Some children seem to want to learn to read, but when it comes down to it dancing and playing the piano are a much higher priority. And that's OK!
And here's our recommended book of the week (year?):
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.
Maryrose Wood obviously has a love of words, just like Ursula Dubosarsky (The Word Spy) and Lemony Snicket (Series of Unfortunate Events). Our family is really enjoying reading this series aloud in the evenings. Unfortunately she has only written the first three in the series so far, so we are waiting with baited breath for the next installment!
I'll share with you some discoveries I have made during our year of schooling:
1. My son willingly does a small amount of handwriting when it has a battle theme, preferably with lots of blood and daring deeds.
2. Letting older children take control of their own timetables is much more relaxing for the mother (have some phrases prepared just in case: "Oh dear, that's sad to miss your computer turn because you haven't finished your work yet... Oh dear.")
3. Some children seem to want to learn to read, but when it comes down to it dancing and playing the piano are a much higher priority. And that's OK!
And here's our recommended book of the week (year?):
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.
Maryrose Wood obviously has a love of words, just like Ursula Dubosarsky (The Word Spy) and Lemony Snicket (Series of Unfortunate Events). Our family is really enjoying reading this series aloud in the evenings. Unfortunately she has only written the first three in the series so far, so we are waiting with baited breath for the next installment!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Kathy
Jan 3, 2011
Book of the week: The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
I have always loved Joan Aiken books. I grew up reading her books, and if you want good quality, well written adventure books for children I would thoroughly recommend her books. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is the first book written in the Wolves Chronicles. It follows the adventure of Bonnie and Sylvia - two courageous young girls, who escape from their wicked governess, with the help of their friend Simon. Click on the links above to read more about the books and about Joan Aiken.
Joan also wrote a series of books for younger readers - the Arabel and Mortimer series, about a young girl and her pet raven, Mortimer, who have hilarious adventures together.
Kathy
Joan also wrote a series of books for younger readers - the Arabel and Mortimer series, about a young girl and her pet raven, Mortimer, who have hilarious adventures together.
Kathy
Oct 19, 2010
Homeschooling Information Seminar
Thinking of Homeschooling?
Come along to our Information Seminar and learn how to educate your children at home!
When: Sunday, 14 November 2010, 3-5pm
Why Homeschool?
When: Sunday, 14 November 2010, 3-5pm
Why Homeschool?
Families homeschool for different reasons. Some of these reasons include:
• the educational needs of their children (e.g. giftedness or a learning difficulties);
• time with their children, flexible work/school schedules;
• the freedom to pursue the child's own individual interests;
• a focus on developing their children’s characters in the home environment, whilst focusing on the family’s own values.
Some families reject homeschooling as a possible option because they lack confidence to ‘take it on’. Some parents are not even aware it is an option.
• the educational needs of their children (e.g. giftedness or a learning difficulties);
• time with their children, flexible work/school schedules;
• the freedom to pursue the child's own individual interests;
• a focus on developing their children’s characters in the home environment, whilst focusing on the family’s own values.
Some families reject homeschooling as a possible option because they lack confidence to ‘take it on’. Some parents are not even aware it is an option.
This Seminar is to help parents make an informed decision about this very important aspect of their children’s lives. So, bring along your questions and meet other homeschooling parents who will share their experiences with you.
Topics Include:
• What about socialisation?
• What curriculum do I use?
• Do I need to be a teacher?
• Homeschooling on a budget.
• Homeschooling older teens
• What about sports?
• Creative ways to meet outcomes
• Specific learning needs e.g. giftedness, dyslexia, ADD etc.
• Homeschooling styles and methods
Drop us a line to register or find out further details.
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