Weblink Education

Evaluate Your School Year

socalval1 — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:18:02 +0000

Evaluate Your School Year

At the end of each school year, use this checklist (or make your own) to see what went well and what you would like to improve for the next year. Remember, we all have different styles in teaching and this may not apply to some families – however, this is a great way to get an over all view of how you think you did and how your students feel they did. This is best to do at the end of the year while things are fresh in your mind. You might want to discuss these items as a family and/or do a private interview with each member to get a complete picture.
Be sure to include your husband and each child for their individual perspectives. You will need to adapt the questions for each one (e.g., Dad: Do you know what our children learned this year? What would you have liked them to learn that they did not learn?). Please do not let this evaluation discourage you! Rejoice and thank the Lord for what went well and learn from weak areas so that you do even better next year.

——————— Evaluation Checklist ———————

General

[_] What did you like best about our home school this year?

[_] What did you like least about our home school this year?

[_] What did you learn?

[_] What did you not learn that you would have liked to?

Academics

[_] Were basic foundational skills of reading, language, and math improved, mastered, reviewed, and practiced enough?

[_] Were specific facts connected to the big picture of overall knowledge through the use of a globe, maps, timelines, charts, and related information?

[_] Did we use a variety of teaching methods and materials, (e.g., textbooks, workbooks, unit studies, hands-on activities, library or Internet research, reports)?

[_] Were thinking skills taught and encouraged by the types of discussions we had (e.g., comprehension, knowledge, analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation)?

[_] Was there enough good supplemental reading done as a family or independently?

[_] Was there time, resources, and encouragement available to pursue individual interests

Spiritual

[_] Did your family read God’s Word and pray together daily?

[_] Was Bible knowledge and Bible study skills increased?

[_] Were Bible reading and memorization given at least as much importance as academic studies?

[_] Were subjects taught from a Christian worldview?

Character Development

[_] Was character development an important part of our school (e.g., honor and obedience to mother as the teacher and parent; kindness to siblings; diligence; truthfulness; and attention to details in studies)?

[_] Was child discipline maintained in a simple, straightforward, and kind manner?

Were the rules and consequences clear and consistently carried out?

[_] Were there enough positive motivations and negative consequences?

Life Skills

[_] Were life skills included in your training and related to academic subjects (budgeting, cooking, shopping, driving, cleaning, organizing, scheduling, repairing, maintaining a house, yard, and car, voting, supervised Internet use)?

Logistics

[_] Was the schedule realistic and easy to keep? Too strict or too lax? Was doing schoolwork a regular, daily habit (along with chores and personal grooming)?

[_] Did we have a good balance between group and independent study?

[_] Were the classes we did as a group interesting, and did they allow each student to learn?

[_] Was mother available for help when needed? Was there a need for alternative activities or procedures when she was unavailable?

[_] Did we care for our toddlers and babies in the best way for them and for our studies?

[_] Were the settings for our studies appropriate and conducive to learning (e.g., dining room table, couch, individual desks)?

[_] Did we have enough, not enough, or too much independent study? Was there enough time, space, supervision, and help available for these studies?

[_] What got bogged down that could have gone more quickly?

[_] Was there enough organization and planning for space, materials, schedule, and chores?

[_] Were there enough varied experiences or too many outside activities? Were our supplemental and outside activities worth the time and effort?

[_] Was the atmosphere of our home warm, loving, and supportive?

Bottom Line

[_] What do you want to do the same or differently next year?

***Save this evaluation and use it for next year and the year after. It will help build your confidence by showing you how far you have come in your homeschooling journey.***

Learning Library Curriculum Exchange

socalval1 — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:26:13 +0000

What IS the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange? The vision for the Learning Library is to bring unity in the midst of homeschooling diversity by creating and implementing a learning library of curriculum available to families in need. Our goal is to inspire families around the nation to donate their new/used educational material to the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange program. Within our office, we will counsel new homeschooling families to determine their educational need, then piece together subject(s) according to their course of study plan FREE of cost.

It is our focus to use the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange as a ministry tool. Whether the economy rises or falls in this nation, there will always be families in need. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a family must bring home an income of approximately $8k per family member (per year) to be considered above the economic poverty level. With that in mind, we have found that most homeschool families are surviving on one income (unlike their counterparts who have two working parents in the home). Meaning homeschool families are most likely to be at risk for falling beneath the national poverty level, especially if unemployment hits suddenly. As we all know, homeschool families make incredible sacrifices in order to stay at home with their children. Therefore, financial limitations may restrict the freedom to choose the right curriculum for their children. This can cause great despair within families who feel the call to homeschool. Fortunately, some community libraries carry textbooks on a limited rental period, but the selections are quite often limited and don’t necessarily fit the family needs.

Therefore, it is our mission to close the gap between the wants and needs without a price tag or short term obligation. Through the donation of others nationwide, and a community united to stand together, we will be able to serve an area in need and accomplish our goal.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Why such an Interest? Before moving back to Colorado, we lived in California for 6 years. It took a while to finally get our feet planted in a new state, but it was well worth every drop of energy. At first, we seemed to juggle different opportunities in hopes to keep a parent at home with the kids full time. It didn’t seem possible, but we were determined to keep this option open. With that in mind, we quickly learned how to separate our needs from our wants. Soon, we experienced that it was possible for our family to have a stay-at-home mom in the home 24/7.

When it came time for our oldest to begin kindergarten, our financial status hadn’t changed that much. However, that didn’t seem to stop the tug we felt to homeschool. Although I had absolutely no idea how to begin the process of homeschooling, I began to seek out different options. The biggest surprise was the price of curriculum and support group memberships. It scared me. To be honest, it seemed to be quite costly to educate your children at home and being new to the quest, the material intimidated me. Knowing that there was no way we could possibly afford what I desired, I began to make my requests known through prayer. To my surprise, our first year of curriculum was provided by another church family, free of charge. Yes, it was used; however, with a little tape and glue, I was able to use it the entire year with great results. Without that help, I am not sure we would have been able to provide the any educational material to get started. The best part of that first year was being able to pass that same used curriculum down to another ‘newbie’ family that was in need. That experience never left me and fuels this ministry.

Being that 95% of homeschooling families survive off one income, the need for affordable school material remains. Outside of a few organized group events, there doesn’t seem to be much available to help families provide good curricula at 100% no cost. Yes, some cities have discount book stores where you can sell your used material with the option to purchase other used material at a low cost. But the need still remains. What about the ‘newbie’ who can’t afford to spend a few hundred dollars on curriculum just to see if it fits their needs? All veteran homeschooling families know the struggles of the first year and how expensive it can be.

There is no doubt in my mind, that if homeschooling families around the nation join together and donate their used curriculum to this learning library, the vision we have established will be accomplished. My hope is that the homeschool community (near or far) would be united without prejudice; serving one another in love.

Baby Steps: The first step in getting this homeschool ministry off the ground is to fill the learning library with donations. We need a substantial amount of donated curriculum (new or used) from veteran homeschool families nationwide.

If you are interested in donating your old curriculum, we would deeply appreciate it. We just ask that you please use discretion in sending used material. If the book is damaged or written in, please consider taping the damaged parts in hopes to make it look newer (as well as erasing all written-in areas). If the book can not be restored to acceptable means, please consider not sending them. The following are desired (and most requested) material:

Easy Grammar (all grade levels) + Easy Grammar Teacher Edition
Shurley Grammar (all grade levels and teacher editions)
A Beka (all grade levels and teacher edition)
Teaching Textbooks – CD ROM, workbooks, correction CD (all grade levels)
Tapestry of Grace
Apologia Science (all grade levels)
Alpha Omega LifePAC, Switched on Schoolhouse (all grade levels)
Horizon (all grade levels)
Math U See (all grade levels)
Bob Jones (all grade levels)
Mixed and matched other curriculum for ALL grades and levels

The process for donating material to the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange is relatively easy. LCE provide a worksheet that the donating partner will complete. Each donated educational book needs to be listed by name, grade, and approximate price value on this worksheet prior to sending. Once the donated items are received by LCE, the donation form will be signed off by the ministry coordinator, copied and mailed back to the sender as a receipt for future tax deduction.

Since we are still in the first steps of creating and implementing the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange ministry, all postage will be required by the sender at this time. It is our recommendation to check with your local post office for special book rates when sending material from out of state. If you areColoradoresident, drop off locations will be provided upon request.

We also accept gifts. Although cash will not be accepted as a gift, purchased material via Internet/catalog will be accepted with thankful hearts. Once ordered material is received, a confirmation receipt will be signed off by the ministry coordinator and sent to the gift giver for future tax deduction.

If interested in donating your used curriculum, please complete/submit the following form and we will contact you with all the information you need to successfully send your material.

[contact-form]

Spring Weblinks

socalval1 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:45:11 +0000

Enjoy the beginning of Spring! Here are some great weblinks to help celebrate the season.

Spring Crafts
Paper Plate Basket
Butterflies
Baby Food Jar Garden
Bird Biscuit
http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/seasons/spring/index.html

Everything spring (lesson plans, activities, etc)
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/spring/index.htm
Fresh Spring Recipes
http://food.yahoo.com/search?tp=recipe&p=spring
Lapbook Studies
**Spring Notebooking and Coloring
**Spring Lapbook with Study Guide
Mini Book – Free
Spring Labpbooks and Notebooking Pages
http://albright-news.com/blog/

Mom’s Top Spring Tips
Hygiene Guide
Laundry Control
Get Organized! Cutting Down on Kid Clutter
Understanding Cold and Flu
The Toy Organization Bible

Sight Word Lessons

socalval1 — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:28:30 +0000

Entering Kindergarten and first grade, learning sight words are most important. Below are some weblinks to help form a lesson plan using FREE worksheets.

Definition: What is a “Sight Word”? – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_word

Dolch-Sight Word List ~ http://www.createdbyteachers.com/dolchlist.html

Write and Learn Sight Words Worksheets – http://www.education.com/worksheets/sight-words/

24 Sight Word Worsheets – two words per worksheet ~ http://www.kidslearningstation.com/phonics/sight-words/teaching-sight-words.asp

Spelling Dolch-Sight Words List ~ http://www.spellingcity.com/dolch-words.html

Sight-Word Activities, Worksheets, Flashcards ~ http://www.learningbooks.net/xLPDolch.html

Dolch-Word Games ~ http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/sightword/dolchgames.htm

Sight Word Stories – Video http://www.mrcpl.org/literacy/lessons/sight/index.html

Sight Word Tile Word Cards – http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/CCBBSightWordLetterTiles.htm

March Weblinks

socalval1 — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:57:50 +0000

Enjoy the beginning of Spring! Here are some great weblinks to help celebrate the season.

Mom’s Top Spring Tips
Hygiene Guide
Laundry Control
Get Organized! Cutting Down on Kid Clutter
Understanding Cold and Flu
The Toy Organization Bible

Earth Day
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=7962&it=1&affiliate_id=27271
Activities and Ideas
http://www.earthskids.com/earthday.htm
History of Earth Day With Activities
http://holidays.mrdonn.org/earthday.html
Lapbook
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/318312/
Theme Units
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/earth_day_for_kids.htm
Earth Day Crafts
http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/earth-day/earth_day_crafts.htmlMarch -Fun With Spring
Rainbow Magic Spring – Games, Activities, and Music
Online Games -Fun Science, Bird Watcher, Rainy Day Fun
Word Puzzles – Fun For Kids of All Ages
Reading – A List Of Books For All Ages About Spring
Earth Day
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=7962&it=1&affiliate_id=27271
Activities and Ideas
http://www.earthskids.com/earthday.htm
History of Earth Day With Activities
http://holidays.mrdonn.org/earthday.html
Lapbook
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/318312/
Theme Units
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/earth_day_for_kids.htm
Earth Day Crafts
http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/earth-day/earth_day_crafts.html

Lapbooking – A New Idea To Make Learning Fun

socalval1 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:03:07 +0000

I’ve been so excited to dive right in with lapbooking now that I have a kindergartener once again. I used to use lapbooks for different holidays (President Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc) when my older children were young. It’s been a few years, but I’ve started again!!! This week, we put together a lapbook based on my daughters favorite book, “Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion. I listed our lesson plans and a link to gather your own template for different learning activities. I put together this short video of the lapbook we finished, if you need a visual. Follow this link if you can not view video on this website.

http://w877.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw877.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fab337%2Fgvwatne%2F09892648.pbw

Our Lesson Plan:

Language Arts – We had the story read to my daughter by Betty White (http://www.storylineonline.net/harry/fullscreen_xl.html). This is a fun site where celebrities read stories to kids. After the video of the oral reading, we sat and re-read the story together. Pointing at each word and looking at the pictures, we were able to talk about the different words used to describe certain actions:

Dashed
Soundly
Furiously
Chute

We practiced writing our words that we learned and used our memories to recall details to the story (How did Harry get so dirty?) We used two different cut out activities and included them in our lapbook.

Social Studies: We learned the difference between pets and wild animals. We learned how to take care of them and the needs of people and pets. We looked through the story at all the different animals and picked out which ones would make good pets and those that would probably not make good pets (why?) We used a cut out for human needs and animal needs for our lapbook.

We also talked about making smart choices. We used “Harry” as an example for making a bad choice, then a good one (running away and then returning). We talked about how bad choices have consequences and how important it is to follow rules for safety. We used a cut out to show how Harry got so dirty in our lapbook.

Math: We counted outloud all the animals shown in the book. Then, we cut out a bunch of copied “Harry’s” and added them up. Using a counting book, we pasted the dogs and wrote down the total number.

There are many more activities that you could choose for your own lapbook. It’s completely up to you as to how you want it to look. My daughter loves to color with markers, so for Art I had her color with all her favorite colors the inside cover of the lapbook.

Here is another link that you can use to find templates for the cut out activities to include in your lapbooks: http://lapbooklessons.com/LapbookTemplates.html

New Links Added Weekly!!!

socalval1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:44:55 +0000

Newly Updated!

Every Wednesday, we host Weblink Education.

Weblink Education is a group participating homeschool families around the world. Families post their favorite educational website on blogs, facebook sites, and/or through personal e-mail. From there, we post them HERE under the title “Weblink Education” at the top of this page. Be sure to check it out regularly. This is the way this website was created! People sharing.

This month, we transferred our “findings” and posted them under Spelling. You’ll want to check this page out because there are FULL spelling workbooks available at NO charge.

Enjoy!

Worldwide Snail-mail Penpal Club

socalval1 — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:04:37 +0000

Sign-Ups August 8th – 19th

Penpal Registration is now CLOSED ~ Penpal Registration is now CLOSED

All participants will be notified via e-mail with further information regarding their registration and penpal exchange.

Every year about this time, Weblink Education sponsors a snail-mail penpal club worldwide with other homeschool children. There are families from all over the USA and other countries who participate. We developed this snail-mail penpal club over 6 years ago and have placed over 800 children together. The Lord has blessed this club and it is always exciting to start the new session with new homeschool families. We hope you read the description below and decide to participate with us this year. Weblink Education looks forward to blessing your family with a new friend and a new way to motivate language arts in your family.

Now, due to the abundance of children wanting to participate, I ask that you read through this announcement and follow the directions precisely. It is in your best interest to do what is asked in the time given to secure a penpal for your child.

Veteran Club Members: As always, Weblink Education suggests that if you are currently enrolled in our penpal club with an assigned penpal, please talk with the parent of your child’s penpal and see if the kids are wanting to continue on in the club together. If you have not heard back from your penpal’s parent, please consider being reassigned a new penpal. I completely understand that sometimes the matches don’t work and/or families realize that keeping up on letters does not fit into their schedules. Of course, I would not want your child to be limited by someone elses priorities or for a lack of connection. I will gladly assign a new penpal and/or give a second one to you.

Current penpals that are happy with the way things are, will be under no obligation to contact Weblink Education. We will not be issuing new penpals to those who do NOT contact Weblink Education personally.

NEW CLUB MEMBERS: PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE COMMENT SECTION. All information will be handled directly by me, the moderator, with you. No personal information such as addresses, age, gender, or last names will ever be posted on the website or facebook. Weblink Education will be using a couple different Christian Homeschool groups for matching penpals across state/country lines. We have been involved with each of these groups for several years and can vouch for their Christian leadership. Each member who participates in this penpal exchange will be required to be a Weblink Education facebook member (if applicable) and provide a working e-mail address of the parent. Just so you do understand, your personal e-mail address will be exchanged with your child’s penpal parent for the easy access of communication between you two. I feel it is important that the two parents should be able to communicate in times of slow writing and/or difficulty. This will be required.

Kids ages 5 – 16 will be accepted for the penpal club. Kids under the age of 5 (kindergarten) will not be apart of the snail-mail penpal club at this time.

ENTRY:IN THE SUBJECT AREA OF YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE PUT AGE OF CHILD AND STATE ABBREVIATION.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent back to you once the information is received. Please hold on to that e-mail until you are notified of a penpal match (beginning of September)

Please copy/paste the information below for all children wanting to participate SEPARATELY and send it to the following e-mail address: weblinkeducation@gmail.com

Your child’s first name:

Age:

Gender:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Parent’s First Name:

Parent’s E-mail:

REMEMBER: PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE COMMENT SECTION

Thank You!

socalval1 — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:31:28 +0000

The Back to School event was a success! Thank you all for participating. It was fun to meet all of you and hear all the great things you had to say! It was an honor to encourage you and help equip you for the new school year. Weblink Education was so blessed to have had such great event sponsors (round of applause). There were so many wonderful gifts donated!!! Some were given away during our Thursday BIG Give-Away and others were given away by completing the Daily Challenge. Thank you for participating. Please tell your friends about this website and help it has been to you.

Congratulations to all our winners!!!

Prize: Parent Training ‘A la cart’ course –and/or- “Setting The Record Straight” by Lee Binz, the HomeSch0lar)

Tammy
Teach_me06

Prize: Wonder Maps –and/or- Literature or Bible Study Guide by Maggie Hogan, Bright Ideas Press

JaNell
Barb
Nellie
Deem417
Cnbn3
April
Ellen
Haily
Sara
Teresa
Heather
Kathleen

Prize: A ticket to the Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2011 – by Felice Gerwitz

Rebecca

Prize: Paperback book, “Encouragement Along The Way” – by Bobbie Howard

Karen
Hallie
Rebecca

Prize: A quick reference guide, “Top 10 Tips for a Successful Homeschooling Day.“ – by Sally Dinius and/or E-book, “Learning Curve” -or- “Homeschooling With Encouragement” - by Valerie Watne

Elizabeth
Patricia
Nikki
Sara
Hailey
Kim
Muley10
Ellen
Decedra
Katrina
Jamie
Michelle
Rebecca
Teresa
April
Stacy
Christina
Heather

Prize: One girl handcrafted crocheted Beanie and one boy handcrafted crocheted Beanie – by Greater Love Crochet

Nikki
Teresa

Back To School: Finding Rest

socalval1 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:09:21 +0000

Hooray! It’s Friday… a day to find rest and get ready for the weekend.

Today, I want to share a few special weblinks. In exchange I hope to have you submit your favorite weblinks added via comment section below. So, how about I share some fantastic homeschool blog weblinks that will help inspire you during your homeschool journey – and in return, you can share fantastic educational weblinks here in the comment section. I will later designated their proper resource page on this site. Weblink Education prides itself on “Mom Tested, Mom Approved” weblinks for the homeschool family – so, let’s get some more weblinks.

Homeschool Blogs:

Homeschool Blogger – A full blogging resource for the homeschool family.

Between the Worlds
living as a homeschooler in a charter-school community, a christian in an un-churched area, and looking towards my eternal home.

Bunny Trails
The meanderings of a homeschool mom of two boys who often finds herself on life’s bunny trails

Cricket’s Corner 2
A journey through life and homeschooling

Eclectic Education
A blog that follows our homeschool and daily happenings.

A Pajama Mama
This blog is a place where I chronicle our day to day happenings at home together, funny things the kids say and do, the journey our Father is taking us on and a little about my soaping hobby.

HomePlate Fun
Sharing our homeschooling days and sometimes more.

Homeschool Ducks
Our adventures homeschooling.

Encouraged By Faith
Our adventures homeschooling and how the Lord strengthens us.

Homeschool His Way
An ecclectic homeschool blog sharing some of our work, ideas, great sites, and homeschooling helps I find along the way.

MamaArcher’s Blog
Be encouraged as you journey through homeschooling with a heart for Jesus.

MomUnscripted
Ad Libbing through Life

Musings from a SAHM
My life as a SAHM with 2 kids, 2 dogs, & my hubby

My Father’s World
Psalm 9:1; my photo blog

Newgent Family
the thoughts of a homeschool mom

Our Piece Of Time Here
Family Blog

Peace Creek On The Prairie
A Christian farmwife’s homeschool journey.

Courtney Six Homeschool Blog
A family homeschool blog

The Homespun Life
Homeschool and other daily tid bits- Sisterlisa