Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Black Friday Deals for Homeschoolers

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Are you looking forward to getting some good deals for your homeschool this weekend?  I know I am!

I am not really the "get up at dawn and fight the crowds" type of shopper, though.  What I love is snagging some of the same deals without even leaving my house!

I was excited to hear that each of my sponsors has a Black Friday (through Cyber Monday) deal, so I thought I would share them with you!

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Harmony Fine Arts




From now until midnight, Monday December 2, 2013, you can receive a special 40% discount on any Harmony Fine Arts ebook plans (grades 1-8).  You can even use the code more than once!

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A Journey Through Learning



With A Journey Through Learning's new $4.99 download prices, this makes a great deal even sweeter!  20% off all downloads (except GeoMatters) with code: DOWNLOADS20.  Nov. 28 - Dec. 2


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Classical Academic Press



Who doesn't love free shipping!?  You can get anything from Classical Academic Press shipped to your home for free, Black Friday through Cyber Monday!


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Great Homeschool Conventions



Homeschool Convention Discount Ticket Price Extended

Ok, so this really isn't a Black Friday deal, but prices do increase on December 1st, so get your Great Homeschool Convention tickets by Saturday!


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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #85

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Welcome to another week of Trivium Tuesdays!  For those of you who are new here today, this is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.





Don't forget to follow all my Pinterest boards that are a part of the All Things Classical List!

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Also, please remember to only link up posts that have to do with homeschooling using the classical model of education.  Thank you for understanding this link-up's theme.



Featured Posts from Last Week



As you may remember, I went through The Well Trained Mind back in the summer, and one thing that I remember reading about was teaching your dialectic stage student to write an outline.  Classically Homeschooling linked up a post last week that fleshes out that concept and I really enjoyed it!  Make sure to check it out, especially if you have a student who needs to learn outlining and thesis paper writing.

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Most Clicked on Post from Last Week


Joanna (from Crafty Homeschool Mama) wins the title this week with her post, What Busy, Barely-Surviving Moms Should be Reading to Their Kids.  I always look forward to reading what she links up, and this was no disappointment!



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This Week's Link-Up


Here are the rules:
  • Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
  • Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
  • Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
  • Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
  • It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
  • Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!


I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         

If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)



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Monday, November 25, 2013

Lessons from Aesop from Classical Copywork

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Are you studying Ancient Greece this year?  I have a new copywork pack available at Classical Copywork, that would be just perfect if you have beginning writers!

Lessons from Aesop is 193 pages of Beginner copywork, taken from the lessons in Aesop for Children. 

Check it out!



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Thursday, November 21, 2013

{FREE!} The First Thinksgiving from Michael Medved

I am happy to be bringing you this information from my sponsor, Great Homeschool Conventions. 

Free Thanksgiving History Download
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Great Homeschool Conventions has just announced Michael Medved as a speaker at all three conventions in 2014 and at the Texas convention in early 2015!  Michael is a homeschool advocate and has a popular radio show across the U.S. 

Michael is offering his popular Thanksgiving history audio download for free to anyone who subscribes!  About the program:

Who were the people of the Plymouth Colony and why did they hold a feast of celebration in 1621 which we now call the first Thanksgiving?  How did they manage that first winter in the wilderness?  Why are these few settlers in New England held in such high esteem today when they considered their accomplishments all to be failures?  And, what about those Puritans?  Do they deserve the grim image history has given them?  Learn the answers to these questions and more in this special Thanksgiving Day holiday history program.   (2hr. 46 min.)


Sign up to receive The First Thanksgiving - Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of America.



Early bird registration for the South Carolina and Ohio conventions has been extended through Nov. 30, 2013!   Registration prices will begin to increase on Dec. 1, 2013.



If you haven't bought your tickets yet, now is the time!  Just click the picture below to go to the Great Homeschool Conventions website to register!



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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #84

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Welcome to another week of Trivium Tuesdays!  For those of you who are new here today, this is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.





Don't forget to follow all my Pinterest boards that are a part of the All Things Classical List!

 photo AllThingsClassical-titlepic_zps4a3485e7.png


Also, please remember to only link up posts that have to do with homeschooling using the classical model of education.  Thank you for understanding this link-up's theme.



Featured Posts from Last Week



 Sprouting Tadpoles shared a great set of Ancient Lands Map Printables.
Janeen also got the most-clicked spot for her Ancient History Memory Work Cards.

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I just love what Kristen (from Teaching Stars) did with her CC timeline cards.  I've dreamed about displaying our Veritas Press timeline cards on the wall, but haven't gotten around to deciding how to do it yet.  I think these clothes pins are so cute!

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This Week's Link-Up


Here are the rules:
  • Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
  • Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
  • Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
  • Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
  • It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
  • Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!


I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         

If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Primary Language Lessons - Review

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Last year I started using Primary Language Lessons with my son.  Primary Language Lessons is a Charlotte Mason style English book.  It is truly a joy to use, true to Charlotte Mason style.  The lessons are short but effective, conversational in style, and thorough in content.


From the back cover:

Imaginative lessons and short, jargon free  instructions for teachers make it a pleasure for both student and teacher.


This book is one of many (what I call) "little old books" that I have on my homeschooling shelf.  I love its simplicity.  Each lesson is short, but gets the job done.

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 To read the rest of my review, please visit The Curriculum Choice!


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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #83

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Welcome to another week of Trivium Tuesdays!  For those of you who are new here today, this is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.





Don't forget to follow all my Pinterest boards that are a part of the All Things Classical List!

 photo AllThingsClassical-titlepic_zps4a3485e7.png


Also, please remember to only link up posts that have to do with homeschooling using the classical model of education.  Thank you for understanding this link-up's theme.



Featured Posts from Last Week



I know lots of you are Classical Conversations families.  Kristen, from Teaching Stars, just started CC with her girls this year and she shares some encouragement for moms who are just starting or thinking of joining.  Spoiler Alert!  You don't have to have it all together to join CC =)




Do you have your grammar stage children memorize poetry?  Joanna, from The Crafty Homeschool Mom, shares how she melds the classical and Charlotte Mason styles of homeschooling in regards to poetry.  I heartily agree with her and I think her this post is beautiful!


This Week's Link-Up


Here are the rules:
  • Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
  • Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
  • Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
  • Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
  • It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
  • Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!


I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         

If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

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Monday, November 11, 2013

Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in Michigan

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Whether you live in Michigan or ever plan to visit, Jen (from Forever, For Always, No Matter What) and I have compiled everything you need to know to make the most of your homeschooling experience here.  We want to share all these great homeschooling opportunities with you!

Today I am going to share with you about Michigan Homeschool Laws, Homeschool Conventions, Book Fairs, and Educational Stores.  Make sure to visit Forever, For Always, No Matter What to learn about Homeschool Co-Ops & Support Groups in Michigan, and also Extracurricular Opportunities.

We also want to offer you all of this information in an ebook so that you can conveniently access it whenever you want.  As a bonus, in the ebook we have included over 500 field trip ideas, broken down by city, so wherever you travel you will have something educational to do!

I am offering this 42 page Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in Michigan ebook free to anyone who subscribes to my new weekly newsletter.  Subscribe below and you will receive the link to download this ebook in your first newsletter.



Michigan Homeschool Laws



Michigan is a great place to homeschool!  In fact, it is one of the best places in the nation.  Homeschoolers have a lot of freedom in Michigan.  Even so, there are a few things you should know.

  • Michigan law requires parents (or legal guardians) to send their children to school from ages six to sixteen (eighteen if they turn 11 after December 1, 2009 or enter 6th grade after 2009), with the exception of parent who educate their child(ren) at home in an organized educational program.

  • All responsibility for education rests on the parents, including: assignments, tests, grading, and issuing a diploma if the child is educated at home through grade 12.

  •  There is not a compulsory number of days per year that you must 'do school' in Michigan.

  • Registering your homeschool in Michigan is voluntary (with the exception of special needs students who are requesting services from their local schools.)

  • Registering your homeschool in Michigan is suggested (by the state).  This would classify your homeschool as a "non-public school."  The state reserves the right to involve a truancy officer if the district has not been notified.

  •  If you register your homeschool, you must have a teaching certificate or bachelor's degree in order to teach.  This requirement is waived, thought, if they have an object to this based upon a religious belief.

  • If you register your homeschool, you must also provide records of enrollment, courses of study, and teaching qualifications upon request. 

  • What subjects must be taught?

    • Math (all grades)
    • English (all grades)
    • Science (all grades)
    • Social Studies (all grades)
    • U.S. Constitution (10, 11, or 12th grade)
    • Michigan Constitution (10, 11, or 12th grade)
    • The history and current form of civil government of the U.S., Michigan, and the political subdivisions and municipalities of Michigan (10, 11, or 12th grade)

  • Homeschool students are able to take elective classes in their local public school.

  • No standardized testing is required for homeschoolers in Michigan, though they may choose to take the Michigan Educational Assement Program (MEAP) and the Michigan Merit Examination (MME) at their local school.  There is no cost for these tests if you choose to have your child take them.

  • Including homeschoolers in public school athletics is determined locally, so contact your local school if you are interested in learning more about that. 


In summary, you have two options:

  • You operate is a homeschool

    • You do not need to give notice that you are homeschooling
    • You do not need to keep records
    • You do not need to have any degree or teaching certificate
    • You do not have to have your children take standardized tests

  • You operate as a non-public school

    • You must submit notification to your public school that you are teaching your children at home
    • You must be able to provide records of enrollment, course of study, and teaching qualification upon request
    • You must have a bachelor degree or teaching certificate in order to teach your children
    • You do not have to have your children take standardized tests

For further information and more detail, take a look at these websites:

Michigan Book Fairs


Small book fairs pop up in many areas from time to time, so keep your eyes out for those.  Here are a few of the bigger, annual book fairs.



Educational Stores in Michigan


Find stores to help you homeschool in your area.  Here I am listing only the stores with websites (broken down by cities).  If you would like the entire list of stores, subscribe below to receive the complete ebook.

Berkley

 Dearborn

Detroit

Fenton

Frankenmuth
Grand Rapids
Jackson
Port Huron
Portage

Riverview
Royal Oak
Sterling Heights
Three Rivers

Warren

West Bloomfield




Make sure to visit Forever, For Always, No Matter What to learn about Homeschool Co-Ops & Support Groups in Michigan, and also Extracurricular Opportunities.



Remember!  I am offering this 42 page Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling in Michigan ebook free to anyone who subscribes to my new weekly newsletter.  Subscribe below and you will receive the link to download this ebook in your first newsletter.  As a bonus, in the ebook we have included over 500 field trip ideas, broken down by city, so wherever you travel you will have something educational to do!

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Ultimate Spelling - A Teacher and Student Friendly Software for Learning Spelling


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This post is sponsored by Ultimate Spelling.  If you are looking for an innovative way for your child to master spelling, this might be just what you are looking for!


Digital communication has the tendency to undermine the importance of learning spelling as interaction with friends, peers, and colleagues is done through emails, messages and chats that often have a spelling auto-correct option. In addition, relying on these tools can result in fundamental spelling and grammar errors that can have a considerable impact on a person's academic and and professional life. However, not all digital tools have a negative impact on language skills. Both children and adults can learn to spell with the help of spelling tutor software, and one of the best spelling software products available in the market is Ultimate Spelling (a product of eReflect).








Features of Ultimate Spelling


Ultimate Spelling is an ideal software tool for learning spelling as it offers a comprehensive database of more than 140,000 words. Users can create individualized word lists according to their needs, or import lists from the Internet. The words on the user's lists are automatically incorporated into word games and learning strategies offered by the software. Word lists, flash cards and exercises can be printed instantly; this feature makes Ultimate Spelling a perfect resource for teachers who wish to produce worksheets for their students.


Furthermore, the cutting-edge technology integrated within the software means that users are offered an easy to use interface. The video tutorials and explicit guidelines offered by the software allow users to personalize and use the software without requiring any form of additional help and support (although eReflect does have an excellent customer service department). This stand-alone self-improvement software can even the youngest students to learn at their own pace without the assistance of parents or instructors.





Ultimate Spelling software does not only allow students to learn the spelling for a specific word, but also provides a wealth of knowledge about the word, including the definition, rhymes, and related words. Finally, the monitoring technology incorporated into the software means that users can track their progress and identify their areas of weakness. The results are shown in terms of spelling success, spelling results, and words that have been mastered.


Ultimate Spelling is a compact package and ideal for a range of users including school age children, teenagers who are preparing for college entrance exams, or teachers who wish to create customized lessons for students at any grade level.
 

To learn more, visit Ultimate Spelling.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #82

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Welcome to another week of Trivium Tuesdays!  For those of you who are new here today, this is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.





Don't forget to follow all my Pinterest boards that are a part of the All Things Classical List!

 photo AllThingsClassical-titlepic_zps4a3485e7.png


Also, please remember to only link up posts that have to do with homeschooling using the classical model of education.  Thank you for understanding this link-up's theme.



Featured Post from Last Week



If you know me, you know that I have a soft spot in my heart for copywork. Weird, I know =)  So, of course I enjoyed reading How to Make Copywork More Enjoyable, from Homeschool with Love.  The post is funny and offers lots of great tips to help you with having your child do their copywork. 


Most Clicked on Post from Last Week


I don't think that this has ever happened, but the post that I submitted last week was the most clicked on.  If that happened regularly, I wouldn't feature myself, but since this is the first time I'll take the liberty to do so =)  If you missed it last week, I'd love for you to check out my post on How To Throw A Reformation Day Party.


This Week's Link-Up


Here are the rules:
  • Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
  • Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
  • Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
  • Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
  • It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
  • Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!


I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         

If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

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