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TOS Crew Review — Web design for Kids

A quiet weekday afternoon in the summer — too cold to swim, too wet to play in the yard, light school work and chores already done.

Now what? The DVD cover caught my 12 year old’s eye and he popped it in. As I finished dinner prep in the kitchen I looked over and saw him absorbed. Then he was gone. Back again, gone again, back again. It would be helpful if we had a laptop I suppose. 🙂

What had he discovered? A wonderfully straight-forward, simple enough for a child to understand, intro to web design and HTML.

He didn’t need any encouragement from me to watch the video completely through, and he didn’t need any help from me to accomplish the tasks that the instructor, Brian Richardson (creator of Web Design for Kids), so thoroughly explained for his audience.

We loved:

Easy to follow. Clear screen shots to follow along with, basic instructions, and step-by-step teaching
Can be started with or without internet access
Opens up a door to learning and creativity. With the foundational information that this video presents you can take some solid steps toward basic web page creation, or just have a lot of fun trying out different codes, graphics, and color combinations.
A 12 year old could easily follow this independently.
Now I know how to spot faulty codes, change text color, make words move, and a few other useful html skills.

We tweaked:

Don’t know if it qualifies for tweaking, but we found it much easier to watch right on our computer since we don’t have a laptop. This worked well with half the screen showing the video, and the other half showing the notepad that we typed on.

Challenges:

For slow typers it can be difficult to keep up, but the pause button is just a click away. We found it helpful to work in pairs on this project so we could enjoy each other’s progress and help pause and type as needed.

On the website you can watch a quick one minute clip of the video and view samples of web pages other students have created using this class. The DVD runs approximately 1 1/2 hours broken into 7 sections plus bonus material.

He is currently offering this basic HTML introduction for $19.99 plus shipping with a money back guarantee. If you are interested in getting a grip on the basics of HTML, need something to keep a technologically enraptured child productively engaged, or maybe you are looking for material for a little computer unit in your homeschooling, this video can satisfy any of those needs.

For more reviews check out the TOS Crew’s blog

Fall happenings — Chicago Ridge Homeschool opportunities

Many co-ops and support groups have exciting opportunities dotting their fall calendar. Check out individual websites (see tabs above for contact information for many groups across the Chicago area) for more details information about meetings and events open to homeschoolers in your neck of the woods.

The following came from a group in Chicago Ridge:

Here is a brief summary: (all are at 1 p.m.)

Sept. 11–participate in a Readers’ Theatre presentation of The Buffalo Storm

Oct. 9–Bicycle safety program

Nov. 13—Fine Arts Fest

Dec. 11—Stampin’ Up Christmas edition

All Homeschoolers are welcome to join us! Please call to reserve your spot! 708.423.7753

The more, the merrier!

Constance VanSwol

youthdesk@chicagoridge.lib.il.us

Head of Youth Services

Chicago Ridge Public Library

10400 S. Oxford Avenue

Chicago Ridge IL 60415

Six Flags homeschool day

If you have not received a flyer in the mail, be on the lookout!

Many people have been searching for more details about the upcoming homeschool day at Six Flags Great America.

I received my flyer today, and they have now posted the registration form on the website. If you did not get a flyer mailed to you, you can print this registration form for yourself.

Here are the details:

2009 Home School Day Thursday, September 10
FREE PARKING!!!
Park hours — 10 AM to 5 PM
Hurricane Harbour is not open on that day
Picnic Grove buffet from 11:30-1:00 for $10.25
$10 processing fee to mail order tickets
Get a free ticket for every 20 you purchase — get a group together and you can go free!

Tickets:

$27.50 per person if purchased before August 24, 2009
$33 per person if ordered 8/25 through 9/4
Online ticket promo code: HOMESCHOOL
$37.75 for ticket and all-you-can-eat buffet if ordered by 8/24/2009

Early bird specials give you less than three weeks from now to get your orders in, so get your group together and get your order in soon. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to enjoy Great America with other area homeschoolers.

Christopher Columbus’ boats spotted!

The Niña

This taken from an article in a local paper:

Replicas of two of Christopher Columbus’ ships are scheduled to spend nearly a week at Waukegan Harbor beginning July 29.

The “Pinta” and the “Nina” will be docked next to the Waukegan Yacht Club until their departure early Aug. 3. They will be open for viewing for a charge.

Both ships will be touring together as a new and enhanced “sailing museum” for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ships used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

While in port, the public is invited to visit the ships for walk-aboard self-guided tours. The prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children. Children 4 and under are free. The ships will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or groups wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call the ship directly at (787) 672-2152. Minimum of 15 and the cost is $3 per person. Visit the Web site at www.thenina.com for additional information.

Sounds like a great educational activity! To prepare for your trip here are some links on Christopher Columbus:

Wikipedia entry on Christopher Columbus
A few relevant chapters from This Country of Ours
Enchanted Learning has some great printables and a summary of Columbus info
And, one more, a brief biography with an online matching game at the end

Happy Exploring!

CHAMPs orientation meeting

As we race toward the start of school, don’t forget to consider how co-ops may play a part in your homeschooling. The Chicago area offers an abundance of classes and support group for you to plug into. Check out the tabs at the top of this site for many options. Many of these host get-acquainted opportunities this time of year. As we become aware of them, we will post them here.

CHAMPs homeschool co-op is having a parent and teacher orientation night

When: Monday, Aug 3 from 7-9

Where: Mount Prospect Bible Church, 505 W Golf Rd, Mt Prospect (just west of Rt 83, south side of street)

You can view the CHAMP’s website for information on classes and schedules. If you would like to meet the teachers and ask about classes or the co-op program, please come join them on August 3.
-Cheryl Seda

Crusaders Homeschool Sports

Now is the time for fall sports to start picking up speed.

Based in Big Rock, Crusaders have a number of sports available to homeschoolers including basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and a PE class.

See their website (Crossroads Youth Center) for additional information or to register your child(ren) for some fall activities.

Homeschool Showcase

Another great edition of Homeschool Showcase is up over at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. As we gear up for another school year, check out some of the great posts for ideas to get your school year off with a bang.

One post that I noted includes 100 links to sites where you can buy, sell, trade, and even write books. So, if you are looking to expand (or clear out) your book inventory, you’ll want to check that out.

There’s lots more to enjoy so be sure to meander through the links.

Curriculum plans

Looking for some curriculum ideas for the upcoming school year?

Need some inspiration to get started (or finished) on your planning?

Kris over at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers hosted a great weekly wrap up that included a number of people sharing their curriculum plans for the year ahead. Many of the posts include links to helpful websites and lots of fleshed out plans for a variety of ages and homeschooling styles.

Feel free to check it out, and be prepared to spend some serious time following the links, so much great stuff there!

And, if you are interested, here are some of our plans for the upcoming school year, over at my blog Delighting in His Richness.

Website and offers from the Home Scholar

The following came from the Home Scholar (a website with lots of great helps for the homeschooler, especially those looking at homeschooling high school):

New Products and Free Resources!

July 2009

Improved Website and New Free E-book!

We have just completed a MAJOR upgrade to our website and we’d like you to help us celebrate! We have some free gifts and prizes to give away as well as some improved products and services to announce! I hope you will check them out!

Free Special Report E-book
“7 Secrets to Homeschooling Through a Financial Storm”
Free tickets to Heart of the Matter Online Conference
Every purchase this week gets a chance to win!
New edition of “Preparing to Homeschool High School”
Just in time for back-to-school, more info at a lower price!
New HomeScholar Website Design
Easy navigation with a search function for fast help!

“7 Secrets to Homeschooling Through a Financial Storm”
Free Special Report E-book

The First Secret will beckon you back to the olden days of homeschooling, before all the expensive and unnecessary add-ons.
The Second Secret will help you streeeetch your homeschooling dollar!
The Third Secret will point you toward homeschool treasure: abundant resources all available for FREE!
The Fourth Secret will help you bridge the financial deficit by adding some income.
The Fifth Secret was the one we used extensively, and we soon had colleges THROWING money at us!
The Sixth Secret will help you cover the college-prep basics, without breaking your budget!
The Seventh Secret may be the most important one of all. It will take away the guilt associated with investing in your homeschool.

Our Price: FREE!
Click here to receive “7 Secrets to Homeschooling Though a Financial Storm”

My mission is to help parents homeschool high school
and many of my services are free!

“Preparing to Homeschool High School” 2nd Edition DVD

Learn to Homeschool High School with Excellence! Turn Your Humble Homeschool into a Supercharged, High Octane,
College Prep, Homeschool Academy – with LESS STRESS. After much research, my husband discovered how to include MUCH more material on a single DVD! Since there is one disc, we were able to lower the price by 20%!! This completely updated DVD is 90 minutes longer than the first edition. That’s nearly 4 HOURS of instructional material, with much more information on every topic. It even includes information for parents who have never before homeschooled, so it’s perfect for every family facing high school.
More information, lower price! Buy Now

Our Price: $60.00
Introductory Price: $45.00

Heart of the Matter Online Home Education Conference

Join us online for the second annual Heart of the Matter Online Parenting and Home Education conference. In addition to participating in sessions with fabulous speakers and having a chance to ask them questions directly you will also receive hundreds of dollars worth of free downloads, a chance to win wonderful prizes, MP3s of the sessions (after the event), and lots of fun and fellowship with other parents like yourself. I will be speaking on “Finding a College” and “How to Afford Christian College.”

Regular Price: $12.95
Our Price: Free if you win!

Every single item purchased this week give you one chance to win free admission to the Heart of the Matter Online Parenting and Home Education Conference. Purchase more, and you have more chances to win! Winners will be drawn at random. I have three tickets to give away!

New and Improved Website!

After a lot of hard work (mostly by my beloved husband) we are finally able to unveil our new and improved website! Besides looking clean and new, there are benefits that go beyond the colors. There is a search function that will allow you to quickly and easily find answers to the problems you are facing. It has clearly labeled sections for easy navigation, including a great box filled with my free resources. There is also a dedicated member’s area to make it easier for our members to access the Gold Care Club and bonuses that came with their purchase!

Have I mentioned that my mission is to help parents homeschool high school, and that many of my services are free? The new website highlights our recent articles and blog posts, so that you stay in-the-know. There is a new welcome video, and I have made it easy for you to connect with me on social networking sites like Facebook. And my favorite part is the testimonials section, with photos of families I have worked with. I love seeing their smiling faces!

I can’t tell you how excited I am about these changes! My vision is that all families feel empowered and equipped about homeschooling high school. I believe the products and support available on our website can make a real difference for you and your family. Please check out my new website TheHomeScholar.com! I hope it will bless you in your job as a homeschool parent.

Blessings,

Lee Binz
The HomeScholar

If you want to win tickets to Heart of the Matter Online Conference, here is how it works. I’ll put each item you purchase on my list with your name. On July 25th, I’ll select three winners using a random number. My selections are final, and I will contact winners by email.

Sonlight upcoming 20th anniversary

The following came in an email from Sonlight:

Sonlight’s 20th Anniversary Celebration …

Sonlight Curriculum is turning 20 in 2010! We plan to make our 20th anniversary a special year for our company staff, vendors, friends and our beloved customers. Twenty years of offering the best of the best curriculum while getting to know and serve you–that’s worth a lot! You are invited to celebrate with us.

You’re Invited …
I’d be honored if you would join us for a 20th Anniversary Virtual Meetup Celebration in June of 2010, with John and Sarita Holzmann, Sonlight’s founders, hosting you. Expect lots of fun surprises with this webinar event to commemorate Sonlight’s beginnings, celebrate its customers and look forward to the future.

Stay Up-to-Date
Look for special events throughout the year–from money-saving special offers and charitable opportunities to customer contests and featured alumni. If you haven’t already, sign up for updates regarding the 20th anniversary celebration and events at www.sonlight.com/meetup2010. That’s how I plan to communicate further news about this celebration.

We originally planned a 20th Anniversary Meetup on site here in Colorado and shared that expectation in last year’s catalog and on our website. As we actually began to plan for that, we realized too many Sonlighters could be left out of a celebration like this. So, we began looking at ways to engage as many friends of Sonlight in more electronic ways.

Tour of Sonlight
Still, if you plan on being in Colorado in 2010, we would be delighted to open Sonlight for tours each Thursday in June from 1-3pm. I’ll let you know how to RSVP so we can ensure our tours will accommodate you.

No matter where you are, I hope you’ll take advantage of our main event: Sonlight’s 20th Anniversary Virtual Meetup Celebration. Hey, it’s one of the few Sonlight Meetups where you can actually wear your pajamas the whole time! (New haircut not required–but if you need a good excuse for one, you have my permission.)

Don’t forget to sign up for updates so you stay in the know about what’s happening regarding Sonlight’s big anniversary year!

Sincerely,
Tim Heil
Chairman, 2010 Anniversary Celebration

www.sonlight.com
Empowering parents to raise life-long learners who
fervently pursue whatever God calls them to do.

P.S. As you look forward to the year ahead, have you already chosen your Core curriculum for the school year? If you’d like help with your choices or want to talk through your homeschool goals, please contact a Sonlight Advisor–potentially even chat live while you’re browsing Sonlight’s website!

Become a fan of Sonlight on .