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 7 years ago and have placed over 900 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.

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This schedule is a 6 week “on” with a 2 week “off” dated school year – stretched among the 12 months calendar year.  As you will discover, most textbook curriculum (ABeka, Alpha Omega, Bob Jones, etc) covers concept building for 6 weeks straight before moving onto a new concept. As a parent/teacher, I have learned that it is good to allow the student to digest information before moving onto the next.  It is important to allow the new things being learned to settle in the brain for easy recall when necesssary.  Therefore, a 6 week “on” with a 2 week “off” (break) really helps the textbook homeschool student.

Simply follow the start date listed below to get started.  Remember, different states have different requirements as far as the number of teaching days necessary.  However, this schedule is based on the Colorado 172 day requirement.  I have arranged this schedule to accomidate 2 days off for Thanksgiving and 2 weeks off for Christmas and New Year’s.  Of course, you can tailor-make your schedule to accommodate any other holiday you wish to celebrate.  I included 8 extra days in the 172 school schedule that will allow you, as parent/teacher, to use as floating holidays (MLK Day, President’s Day, Easter, etc).   Field trips should be counted as a regular school day and not used as a floating holiday.

Start Date:  July 9, 2012   – Total Teaching Days:  180 days within a 365 twelve month period 

School “on”:  July 9, 2012 – August 17, 2012  (30 days)

School “off” : August 20 – 31st

School “on” : September 3, 2012 – October 12, 2012  (30 days)

School “off” : October 15 – 26th

School “on” :October 29, 2012 – November 21, 2012 (18 days)

School “off” :November 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th (Thanksgiving)

School “on” : November 26, 2012 – December 14, 2012 (15 days)

School “off” : December 17 – January 2, 2013

School “on” :January 3, 2013 – February 8, 2013 (27 days)

School “off” : February 11 – 22

School “on” : February 25, 2013 – April 5, 2013 (30 days)

School “off” :April 8 – 19th

School “on” : April 22, 2013 – May 31, 2013 (30 days)

End School Date:  May 31, 2013

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.***

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.

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

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 -Saint Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Riddles and Jokes
St. Patrick’s Day on Funschool – Coloring pages, etc.
What’s Different? – Seek and Find
St. Patrick’s Day Puzzles
St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages
ABC Teach – St. Patrick’s DayApples 4 the Teacher Billy Bear’s Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrate Holidays: St. Patrick’s DayFamily Fun – St. Patrick’s Day
Happy St. Patrick’s Day at HolidaySpot.com
History of St. Patrick’s Day
How St. Patrick’s Day Works
Ireland: Erin Go Bragh
Irish RecipesIrish Trivia Quiz
Marvelicious St. Patrick’s Day Page
Sammy McSnake
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day 1
St. Patrick’s Day at Primary Games
St. Patrick’s Day Clip Art
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids
St. Patrick’s Day Fun at Kids Domain
St. Patrick’s Day GamesSt. Patrick’s Day Games 1St. Patrick’s Day Games 2St. Patrick’s Day Games 3St. Patrick’s Games

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

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