Just in case you missed my last post take a look here for info about the TV as teacher.
Now on to today and tomorrow's broadcasting schedule in the Mighty Masters Academy.
At 2pm (EST) we will be watching a documentary about Martin Luther King in honor of black history month. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the importance of King's faith to his mission which is something that is often overlooked. If you would like to take it further you could also look up bible verses that talk about freedom and discuss what true freedom looks like.
Tomorrow we will be watching or recording Cities of the Underworld Washington, D.C.: Seat of Power at either 12pm or 6pm (EST) and Custer's Last Stand at 11am (EST). On a side note if you do not have a DVR I highly suggest getting one. It has made a considerable difference in the type and amount of t.v. we watch.
Now be warned to make "TV as teacher" work you must watch with your kids so that you can discuss what their learning and to get ideas for further study.Personally I keep a notebook handy. Another added benefit is family togetherness and becoming more knowledgeable yourself. See who said TV is a bad thing?
I would love to learn what shows you watch that have added to your homeschool classroom. So take a moment and comment below
Feb 24, 2011
Feb 18, 2011
The tv as teacher...
One of the most valuable tools (other than bible) I have found in our homeschooling is the one thing I try to minimize in our house. The television. It has helped me teach all of subjects and it has helped me inspire creativity and curiosity.
What once acted as babysitter has now become teacher of both myself and the kids. On days when learning is slow, the t.v. expands on what we have been learning. It also challenges us to go deeper because as anyone knows, just because its on t.v. doesn't make us true. It has also served as a spring board for further learning and gives me a glimpse into what interest my kids. Surprisingly my 13yr old is just as likely to watch the history or military channel instead of cartoons.
So in the months ahead I plan on sharing some of our favorite shows and the channels that have programming that teaches. As always you need to make sure that the shows fit your values, but I also ask that you don't cross a show off your list that seems not to. As a family we have had some great conversations about our values while watching shows that had an opposing view to our families believes. I will do my best to let you know some details that might help you determine if this show is for your family. Please feel free to share with me shows that have helped your family.
What once acted as babysitter has now become teacher of both myself and the kids. On days when learning is slow, the t.v. expands on what we have been learning. It also challenges us to go deeper because as anyone knows, just because its on t.v. doesn't make us true. It has also served as a spring board for further learning and gives me a glimpse into what interest my kids. Surprisingly my 13yr old is just as likely to watch the history or military channel instead of cartoons.
So in the months ahead I plan on sharing some of our favorite shows and the channels that have programming that teaches. As always you need to make sure that the shows fit your values, but I also ask that you don't cross a show off your list that seems not to. As a family we have had some great conversations about our values while watching shows that had an opposing view to our families believes. I will do my best to let you know some details that might help you determine if this show is for your family. Please feel free to share with me shows that have helped your family.
- National geographic channel
- The History Channel
- Stan Lee's Superhumans This show is a great show for families with older kids. However be aware that sometimes it talks about things from an evolutionist view point. (science)
- Modern Marvels Great for older kids and some younger kids. (science, history)
- America Pickers Great fun, family show for more mature kids. Very little language. (history, americana)
- The Military Channel Great channel for boys and men. (history, science, technology)
- Animal Planet
- Animal Cops Great show for families to watch although it can be very sad. However it makes for some great discussions about right and wrong. (animal care, some science)
Dec 15, 2010
Busyness and books...
Life in the Masters house has been hectic. In fact so much so that school has taken a backseat for a couple of weeks, but homeschooling is unique in that it never really stops. We might have stopped a lot of the book work for a bit, but we have increased our bible study and other activities. I guess its all part of the ebb and flow of the learning lifestyle.
Another part of that lifestyle is books. They form the foundation of all we do which is easy for me because I love reading. Especially books that teach me something which is why I adore "The New Reading Teacher's Book of Lists". To be honest its not that new. It was first published in 1985 and I found it in the used curriculum section of Cedar Springs. This book is filled with the basics of learning and offers the type A personality with one of their favorite things... list.
The authors are Donna Fountoukidis, Jacqueline Kress Polk and the very popular Edward Fry who is responsible for the high frequency words which are so common in public schools.
The only negative to this book is I did not find it sooner, because if I had it would have saved me tons of money. For instance all of the high frequency words are listed and the greek and latin roots as well. It truly is a complete collection of all things language arts.
Just take a look for yourself and see what I mean...
Another part of that lifestyle is books. They form the foundation of all we do which is easy for me because I love reading. Especially books that teach me something which is why I adore "The New Reading Teacher's Book of Lists". To be honest its not that new. It was first published in 1985 and I found it in the used curriculum section of Cedar Springs. This book is filled with the basics of learning and offers the type A personality with one of their favorite things... list.
The authors are Donna Fountoukidis, Jacqueline Kress Polk and the very popular Edward Fry who is responsible for the high frequency words which are so common in public schools.
The only negative to this book is I did not find it sooner, because if I had it would have saved me tons of money. For instance all of the high frequency words are listed and the greek and latin roots as well. It truly is a complete collection of all things language arts.
Just take a look for yourself and see what I mean...
Dec 7, 2010
Freebies and e-vents...
This might come as a suprise, but some of my greatest ideas do not come from me. Ok let the shock wear off for awhile. Now on to sharing one of the many helpful blogs that help me homeschool. Honestly without the large amount of moms that have went before me I would be at a lost and here is just one of those moms.
Thanks to Hannah at Frugally Farming Family who is raising and homeschooling seven kids I have got some great freebies and learned about some great e-vents online. I have also got my fair share of money saving ideas which as any homeschooling family knows is very important. So enjoy what she freely shares and give her a little commenting love because us bloggers need it.
Thanks to Hannah at Frugally Farming Family who is raising and homeschooling seven kids I have got some great freebies and learned about some great e-vents online. I have also got my fair share of money saving ideas which as any homeschooling family knows is very important. So enjoy what she freely shares and give her a little commenting love because us bloggers need it.
Nov 30, 2010
What's up....
Quick update....
In language arts we are reading "A Christmas Carol" and adding to our vocabulary...
Chapter 1 words- official , properly, witnesses, clergymen, undertaker, executor, estate, decreed, will, mourner, beneficiary, wrenching, solitary, shriveled, wiry and grating.
Of course we are still doing our Lifepacs and Daily grams.
Killian and Lotus are reviewing combining sentences. Here are 2 examples...
Lotus is continuing to work on coordinating conjunctions. Plus she will be learning about the difference between parables and fables. She is also using the book and bible verses for copywork, narration and memory work.
I found this awesome tongue twister for Lotus which will help her with her "R"s....
Running reindeer romp round red wreaths.
I also found these sites to help us add a little Christmas to our math....
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1672407749
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1672407749
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1672407749
http://math.about.com/library/xmas7.pdf
In geography/ social studies this month we are learning different ways to say Merry Christmas and learning about the country while were doing it. This is also doubling as online research.
If you would like to learn the different ways to say Merry Christmas go to http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm and then take it further by learning about the country of origin.
To top it off we are doing a study of the different symbols of Christmas which is giving us our fair share of bible study, art and history.
Chapter 1 words- official , properly, witnesses, clergymen, undertaker, executor, estate, decreed, will, mourner, beneficiary, wrenching, solitary, shriveled, wiry and grating.
- The Lord is good. / His love endures forever.
- I love Christmas cookies / I hate Christmas fruitcake.
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1672407749
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1672407749
http://math.about.com/library/xmas7.pdf
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