One of my all time favorite things to do here is give things away, and since I don’t do it all that often, I savor it.
Thank you to those of you who entered, but unfortunately only one can win.
Since we had 6 entrants I figured I would let a roll of the die choose the winner. And, the new winner is . . .
Number 3. Debra who said, “I follow via Google Friend Connect.”
Thanks, again, to everyone that entered!
ETA: Stay tuned, the email I have for #1 is not working so they have until Saturday evening to respond. If I don’t hear from her I will do a redraw at that time. Redrew Sun am — #3
For Ages 8-10 and For Ages 11-14 CSI Crime Scene Investigator: You'll be able to say "Book 'em"
once you are done with this Summer Camp! Today's police work is part leg work, part hunch and a lot
of Science! Spend the week learning how to find and analyze clues, examine evidence and draw
conclusions. See what it means to get "booked" when you tour the Aurora Police Station. Oh yeah,
we'll see how ya look...with your own mug shot!
Twoother great camps are available 8/1-8/5 each one with slots open for eager Science Campers:
Ages 11-14 Kitchen Chemistry: Crystals can be fascinating-and delicious, yes you can eat them!
What else? Make your own S-L-I-M-E! (You will get to keep the recipe!)
Amaze your friends with "Kitchen Science" magic tricks!
Ages 8-10: Totally Ballistic: Launch Rockets! Cannons! Tennis ball Mortars!Sling a catapult
from SciTech's own back yard. Design your own Rocket and prepare for blast off!
These week long Summer Science Camps are Outrageously Fun! Camps are open from 9 am through 3 pm.
Lunches available for $4, just call the number below to arrange lunch for your hungry camper.
Register now at www.scitechmuseum.org or call 630-859-3434 ext. 218
We look forward to seeing you at one of SciTech Museum's Summer Camps!
Best Regards,
the SciTech Museum Team
SciTech Hands On Museum
18 West Benton St
Aurora, IL 60506
This time of year finds lots of stores hosting teacher appreciation events, and of course homeschool teachers will want to enjoy these as well.
My favorite of those I have attended in previous years — Office Depot. Here’s the scoop from their site:
Office Depot’s Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast events are held at Office Depot retail stores across North America and are designed to provide a venue for teachers to network and prepare for the upcoming school year.
More than 100,000 teachers are expected to attend.
Office Depot is celebrating our Star Teachers with a spectacular day of savings and special treatment! As our guest, you will enjoy breakfast, 10% off purchases (exceptions provided if asked), and a tote bag filled with gifts.
Take advantage of this exciting event to stock up on all the classroom materials you’ll need in the fall. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to make sure you find the best supplies you need to succeed.
The Office Depot Star Teacher Program is open to Pre-K through 12th Grade classroom teachers.
Staples
Staples says thank you to teachers with :
FREE thank you gift bag*
Great coupon savings
Get a sneak peek at must-have new items for your classroom
*FREE gift bag available for first 100 teachers. While supplies last. Information on location — Click here
Office Max
Office Max will be thanking teachers starting this coming weekend on July 31 and August 1. MaxPerks members receive free reuseable bag with a 20% discount for everything you can fit in it. More giveaways and gifts as well while they last. More information on their site, just click here.
Big Lots
Saturday, August 13, 2011is Big Lots’ Teacher Appreciation Day. They want to thank America’s teachers and educators for their hard work and devotion.That’s why they have designated August 13, 2011 as Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day. Check out special discounts just for educators on that day.
Don’t forget to call ahead to confirm dates and offers at your local store. And, don’t forget your homeschool ID card to verify your status as a homeschooler.
Don’t know where I’ve been, but when I was given an opportunity to review a brand new CD from Robert Pierre, I thought, “Who?”
No, he’s not homeschooled, but I am always looking for great music to listen to while I read my great books, so . . .
Then I started looking at his bio. Oh, he’s only 18. That’s why I haven’t heard of him. Just some brand new, trying-to-make-it kid, right? Heh. Well, I looked a little further.
His first album was released almost 5 years ago. No newcomer here. He leads worship at the church his parents helped start in Florida. He knows how to lead a crowd, knows how to perform, but most importantly he knows how to worship on a grand scale.
When most young people are just trying focusing on narrowing down college choices he is penning lyrics that show the depth of his faith, that he’s all in.
While I think the songs will appeal to young people, I personally enjoyed just about every single one of them. I would love to hear these added to our Sunday morning line up.
These are great songs to have in the background as you surf the net, in the car while you are running errands, or crank them up when you or your kids need a dance break (what? you don’t take those now and then?) All of my kids enjoyed these tunes. So, I guess they are suitable from 1 year old on up.
Take a little look for yourself (9 minute video about the album and Robert Pierre himself):
The CD is just now coming out. July 26th. You can pick it up online or at your local Christian book store.
But that’s not all. One reader will get a free copy of the CD to enjoy in their home, car, backyard, etc. Yep, giveaway time! Here’s what you have to do:
– Leave a comment to enter yourself in the drawing.
More entries? I’d be happy to . . . You can get additional entries for each of the following:
– Share about this giveaway somewhere else (email, twitter, facebook, etc.) and leave another comment here saying you did so.
– Follow this site on our facebook fan page or google friend connect (both in the right sidebar) or RSS/email and leave another comment.
The contest is only open to US residents and will close on Thursday at 5:00 central time and I will choose a random winner at that time from the comments on this post. Can’t wait to get this CD into your hands!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Six Flags hosts the 16th annual Home School Day event on August 18. Enjoy a fun filled day at the park with your family and friends. A special all-you-can-eat Home School Day picnic is also available in our private picnic grove. Contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for additional information.
CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY — August 14th
Six Flags Great America is excited to announce Catholic Family Day on Sunday, August 14th. Enjoy a fun filled day with your family and friends at Six Great America and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. In the evening join us for Mass in our Southwest Amphitheatre sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry Office – Archdiocese of Chicago. Please contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for more information.
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY — July 30th
Six Flags Great America and the Autism Society of Illinois are proud to announce the Second Annual Autism Awareness Day.
Including the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. Join us in our Wilderness Theater for interactive, multi-sensory
performances courtesy of the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. There will also be a designated Quiet Area near the Wilderness
Theater that will provide sensory exercises for guests throughout the day from 10:00AM–5:00PM
More details on this event and special discounted tickets on the AutismIllinois site.
And, for more educational benefit from Six Flags:
Make Six Flags Great America your outdoor learning lab
Six Flags Great America is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also a unique outdoor learning lab. We have designed specific learning materials for both students and teachers that gives experiential learning a new meaning. Let Six Flags be your outdoor learning lab and use the free materials below to plan lessons and make learning fun. Whether it’s calculating (or experiencing) the velocity of the America Eagle or learning how an entertainment giant like Six Flags markets themselves.
Dual credit—earning college credit in high school—is
the hottest trend going in homeschooling.
Some estimates show that 42,000 homeschoolers will earn dual credit during the 2011-2012 school year.
So to help you plan the best options for your homeschooler, which may include dual credit, you’re invited to get a free copy of this new dual credit eBook:
The dual credit eBook is written by Kelly Negvesky, a homeschool mom and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on homeschool curriculum and dual credit.
As a reader of The Home Educating Family Magazine, you can get a free copy of the eBook here.
In this eBook you will learn:
How Dual Credit Works
How Homeschool Students Benefit From Earning Dual Credit
3 Ways Your Homeschooler Can Earn Dual Credit
How Dual Credit Impacts Your Student’s High School Transcript
Beyond Dual Credit: The 4 Skills Demanded By Colleges & Employers
Vertical Endeavors offers Homeschool Days to homeschool students and families! Indoor rock climbing is a great way to introduce your students to a unique experience in a controlled, professional environment. Vertical Endeavors offers a variety of experiential education opportunities where students can broaden their horizons, try a new activity, and step out of their comfort zones. The benefits of indoor rock climbing include promoting mental and physical health, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, encouraging teamwork and leadership, and developing problem-solving and goal-setting skills.
2011 Homeschool Schedule
July 13
August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 21
Rates/Times
$10/person
1-3 p.m.
Includes harness
NOTE: Registration is on a first come first service basis. Sessions often fill fast, so sign up early. 100 maximum participants. Ages 4 and up. Contact us to sign up: 630-836-0122.
Both students and parents are encouraged to sign up for a Basic Safety Lesson but it is not required to participate in Homeschool Days. This introductory lesson covers knot tying, belaying, rope management skills, the use of technical equipment, and climbing commands. An emphasis is placed on the skills needed to climb and belay in a controlled environment. Although belay skills can be learned by any individual who is ready to learn them, please keep in mind that you must be 14 or older to test out to belay at Vertical Endeavors.
Every participant, including climbers, chaperones, and spectators must complete a Vertical Endeavors Liability Waiver. Please double check each waiver to make sure it is complete. Anyone without a fully completed waiver will not be allowed to participate.
Location: 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL Telephone 630.836.0122 Fax 630.836.0132
Institute for Excellence in Writing Presents
Two Days of Writing Seminars with Andrew Pudewa
Chicago, IL area – August 3-4, 2011
Please forward this message to friends and colleagues!
Location:
Judson University
1151 North State Street
Elgin, IL 60123
Wednesday, August 3 – Student Workshops
Thursday, August 4 – High School Essay Intensive
Friday-Saturday, August 5-6 – Chicago Homeschool Expo (CHE), Andrew Pudewa, Featured Speaker (Descriptions Follow)
Cost: $20.00 per student per workshop. Teachers & Parents may observe at no cost.
The Introductory Student Workshops are enjoyable, informative and motivating for the children who attend, but they are also meant to serve as demonstration classes. Parents are encouraged to remain in the room, observing and participating with their child. Please make arrangements for the care of non-enrolled siblings. Please register early as theseworkshops fill fast. Sorry, no enrollment accepted at the door for Student Workshops.
8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Get immediate experience and inside tips on how to do your best on the SAT or ACT essay. Also includes strategies for composing the college application personal essay.
It’s on the schedule, but sometimes turns into unplanned active time rather than a formal teaching time. We do calisthenics, practice basketball skills, or run around the walking trails at the park by our house. So, while we don’t generally miss PE (it is required), we don’t always have a good plan for it either.
Until now. I got a new follower on Twitter one day and had to check out this Family Time Fitness company. They offer a PE curriculum geared toward homeschoolers. It comes complete with warm ups, cool downs, and fun activities to go in the middle. Each class took us about a half hour to complete, but your family might take slightly longer or shorter than that depending on the age and focus of your kids. It was just right for our school day.
Details: A complete PE curriculum especially for kids in K-8. This one year program will give you activities for 5 days a week for 52 weeks.
Price: $77 (not much more than you would pay for one child’s PE class for the year at many co-ops!)
What I loved . . .
Beyond a PE class. More than just filling a class requirement, this program is about being healthy and active. That’s why it doesn’t fit in a neat 180 day school year. Fitness is for life and this program helps you toward that end.
Builds on basics. Arm circles, leg lifts, calf raises. Fitness isn’t really complicated, but coming up with a plan can be time consuming. They have done that for you. Took lots of familiar activities and exercises and added in some fresh ideas to make it sparkle, and packaged it up in an easy to use format for everyone to follow along with. PE planning with this product takes a few seconds of clicking each day rather than a half hour or more to plan the week.
Made for in house. While you could definitely enjoy these activities with another family they are designed to be done in house. We have our own little one room school house, but even if you homeschool one child, most of these activities could be done together without a larger group.
Video demos. We all hear those instructors saying to make sure you do it the right way so you don’t strain anything. With short and to the point videos that you access online, you can all see what it should look like. The demonstrations have an adult and children performing the various actions.
Great for an age mix. We used this with a kindergartener, an 8th grader and a few sprinkled in between. They all were able to participate at their levels and really enjoyed the activities. In watching it I was thinking it was geared a little young for my 8th grader, but he did not complain one bit and especially appreciated that we actually had a more planned PE everyday rather than getting pushed off or made more informal because it was unplanned.
Can be reused, or stretched over a couple years. In the summer we tend to be more active, so our formal PE tapers off a bit. If that is the case in your house you could easily stretch this over two years. And, many of the lessons could be repeated without boredom for even longer. You have permanent access to the videos so this is a great one time purchase that can establish your PE plans until high school!
Excellent exercise. I love these classes. I work up a light sweat while doing the activities along with my kids. Again, nothing complicated, but just some simple activities that require me to get up out of the “teacher’s chair” and get moving with them. It is definitely helping me get and stay in shape in this season where homeschooling consumes my days.
Some considerations . . .
Do need some room. We run out of room in our school room for these, so it is really better to head outside if the weather is tolerable. Allow yourself plenty of room to swing those arms without smacking file cabinets or children. You can watch the videos inside and then head outside to actually perform them.
Might want to supplement with team sports or other group activities. What this program does not do is teach your kids basketball skills or soccer drills. I think this is also an important part of the PE program, so we try to balance our time and make room for team sports here and there throughout the year. And, they say they have something in the works to do that type of thing at home as well. Definitely keep your eye out for more products from this homeschool friendly company.
We definitely needed this product right here, right now. My PE was getting a bit dull and needed more direction. I was so thankful for the videos and planning that were packed in there to keep all of us moving. I definitely believe that a good PE class helps the rest of the day go better as well. In our house anyway, they’ve got to move before they sit.
Disclaimer: This product was provided to me free of charge through Family Time Fitness For the purpose of reviewing it. I received no additional compensation and the opinions expressed here come from my personal experiences and sincere thoughts.
This free event is the perfect opportunity for current homeschoolers to get re-energized, and for those thinking about homeschooling to ask questions and get real answers.
10:00 am to Noon: Used Curriculum Flea Market
A limited number of tables and half-tables are available by advance reservation only. Those who do not register in advance may bring a blanket and use the lawn to sell.
1:00 to 4:00 pm: Open Forum Panel Discussion and Q&A
Learn about the different homeschooling styles, curriculum choices, legal information, where to find resources, and much more. (Guest speakers to be announced.)
To reserve a free space to sell at the flea market or for further information, please call our Homeschool Parent Advisor at 847-497-4407.
