by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

In this lesson plan, students will learn to understand the difference between predator and prey. This can either be a follow-up lesson to my previous lesson plan on the food chain or it can be used on its own. Either way, this lesson will instruct the children on predators and their prey.

Read-Aloud Info

The italicized section should be read aloud to the student/s. Afterward, allow a question and answer period.

A predator is an animal that hunts other animals for its food. The prey is the animal that the predator eats. For example, hawks hunt and eat snakes, so hawks are the predators of snakes and the snakes are the prey. An animal food chain is made up of predators and prey. Here is a short story about predators and prey.

The quiet mouse munches on some crumbs a human has left in the grass, when a snake swiftly catches him with one lick of its powerful tongue. The snake slithers away to hide in the tall grass. A hawk swoops down from the sky overhead and easily captures the snake and flies off to the nearest high point, which happens to be a mountain top. A sly fox is napping nearby and when he awakes, he is hungry. He senses the hawk's presence and captures him in no time. However, a leopard, high in a tree, quickly discovers the fox and pounces down on him.

As you can see from the paragraph above, predators can also be prey, depending on the situation.

This is where you start the question and answer period. Once each student has had a chance to list a predator and prey, have the students complete the art project below.

Predator VS. Prey - Art Project

You will need one per student of each of the following: pencil, colored pencils, 12x7 sheet of white construction paper

Once each student has their materials, instruct them to draw a predator vs. prey food chain. The food chain should include at least 5 animals. The animals should be drawn in order and have connecting lines or be numbered. The children should write each animal's name below it, so that there is no mistake of what the animal drawings represent. The children should color their animals as well. Each animal should be labeled as predator or prey. Some animals should be labeled as both. Be sure to explain that to the students. Once the children are finished, their projects should be checked and graded for accuracy. Afterwards, the projects can go on display.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

The food chain of the animal kingdom is an important lesson that all elementary level students should learn about. Below is a two day lesson plan involving the food chain. The first day outlines for the students exactly what the food chain is, even naming typical animals that work together to form the chain. It will invoke thought in the students, causing them to think about which animals might be where in the food chain. This makes the lesson much more effective in staying in the children's minds. The second day involves an art lesson that collaborates with it.

Day One

For this lesson, read the below italicized paragraphs to the students.

The animal kingdom is made up of many different animals. In a way they all need to work together in order to survive. Each animal needs another animal or plant for survival. It starts from the smallest of animals and continues on, all the way up to the largest.

This togetherness is called the food chain. The smallest animals in the chain will be the ones that do not eat other animals, but eat plants and fruits , vegetables, and seeds that come from plants instead. These are called herbivores. The rest of the animals in the chain are called either carnivores or omnivores. Carnivores eat only meat, which, of course, is other animals. Omnivores eat from both food groups, so that means they eat what both carnivores and herbivores eat. Humans are omnivores.

A typical food chain starts from a small animal, such as a mouse or squirrel. That animal eats only things that grow. The next animal can be either an omnivore or carnivore. A snake is a carnivore. That snake will eat the herbivore, continuing the chain. Next, a hawk, who is a carnivore, could swoop down and eat that snake, making the chain continue. Then, if a fox, who is also a carnivore, eats that hawk, the chain has kept going. A clouded leopard could then eat the fox, which, again, continues the cycle. As you can see, the cycle will keep going. This is what makes it a food chain.

Once the above scenario has been read to the children, draw a diagram on an overhead or chalkboard to show the students what a food chain is. Instead of listing the actual animals, each circle should stay blank. The circles should connect in order. Next, show the children on the diagram how each animal needs the other, which creates a chain, by creating a chain of your own. Then, erase your animals from the circles. Ask them to suggest animals for each section of the food chain and discuss why or why not certain animals belong in certain parts of the chain you create together. Repeat making the chain a few times. Ask the children to think about the food chain once school is over and discuss it with a friend or family member. If you homeschool, ask the child to discuss the food chain with a friend or a family member who is not schooling with him or her.

Day Two

For the second day of instruction, students will need to create a food chain of their own. Each student will need one 12x7 sheet of construction paper, a glue stick, a pencil, and crayons or washable markers. They should use all of these materials, with the sheet of paper as a base. Students should label the animals as "herbivore", "carnivore", or "omnivore", with numbers and arrows symbolizing which ones come next. This art should be a combination of drawing, writing, and pictures cut and glued from magazines. Let the students create the scene as they please, so long as everything is labeled correctly.

This activity is not only fun for the children, but it further ensures that the lesson will stay in their brain and it also gives them a hands-on association to base the lesson from.

Once both days are completed, students should have a very good understanding of the concept of a food chain and how it works.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Preschoolers learn well by using hands-on lessons that are also fun. In the lesson below, parents or teachers will be able to apply hands-on learning and fun to introduce the world of worms to their preschoolers. From singing a song, to touching the worms and even doing a worm craft, preschool aged children will have a fun and educational time learning their worm facts.

Lesson 1: The Worm Song

Sing this fun song to the preschool children. Have them repeat it after you a few times. Then, sing it together. This should be sung to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin"? Use of this simple song will prepare the children for later, when they will see and feel the worms.

I like worms. I like worms
They're so fun. They're so fun
Have you seen a worm yet?
Have you seen a worm yet?
You will soon. You will soon

Lesson 2: Let's Learn About Worms!

Here is a fun paragraph you can read aloud to your preschoolers. This will teach them a few facts about the worm. Make it fun by acting out the words with motions and movements.

Worms are amazing creatures. Did you know that worms can help people? It's true. They help our plants and gardens grow nice and strong. Worms live in the dirt outside. When it rains, you will see worms all over. If you see a worm laying on the sidewalk, it's nice to put the worm back in dirt because worms can't get too dry. They need to stay wet from the dirt. They also like it when it's dark. That's why they stay underneath the dirt most of the time.

Lesson 3: Wiggly, Squiggly

Stand in front of the children with a few worms. Show them all the wiggling, squiggling, and squirming the worm does on your hands. Let them know how fun it is to watch and feel the worms crawling around your fingers and hand.

Next, pass the worms around so that each student has a chance to touch and feel the worms.

You might also want to try painting with worms. Don’t worry, no real worms will be harmed in the process. The children will be using spaghetti noodles instead of real worms.

Lesson 4: Yummy Gummy

After all that wormy talk and play, your little preschoolers might be feeling a bit hungry. At the end of the day, pass out small bathroom-sized cups of crushed up chocolate cookies (dirt) with a couple gummy worms inside, hanging out over the edge.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

One homeschool myth is the concept that families who choose to school at home are rich. Some people tend to think that families who run a home school are overcompensated financially. While some very well may be, not all homeschooling families would fall into this category, nor is it necessary in order for a homeschool to be successful.

While to some, it may seem that homeschooling is expensive, it doesn't always have to be that way. It is true that some materials and curriculum programs are on the high end of pricing, but not all of them are. There are many different methods and materials that can used in a home school. It is often a very versatile way to educate children.

The most cost-effective method of homeschooling, in my opinion, is through a virtual school that is part of the public education system. Many states offer these virtual or online schools for free in the public school district. Most of these include the materials and a student computer for each student to use for free as well. While this is not my preferred method of homeschooling, nor is it supported by the HSLDA, I have heard success stories with this type of program.

One affordable way to gather homeschool resources and materials is by using free research websites and free printable lessons and worksheets compiled online. There are a great number of websites that would fall into this category and there are many homeschoolers who successfully use this method of compiling all their materials. The information and resources are aplenty on the internet. All one has to do is run a simple internet search for the topic of interest.

In addition to the methods above, there are also ways to save money on textbooks and other materials. Wal-Mart has a back-to-school sale every year that has featured notebooks and folders for 10 cents each and crayons and glue for 20 cents, among other fantastic deals. Wal-Mart also sells many educational materials and textbooks. The textbooks can only be purchased online. However, workbooks, maps, manipulatives, and other resources can be purchased at many Wal-Mart locations for a fraction of the price some teacher stores will charge.

Another way to save money on home school supplies is by purchasing gently used curriculum and/or textbooks and teacher's guides and materials.Ebay, Amazon, as well as the HSLDA Curriculum Market are great resources for doing this, as are garage sales, book sales, and second-hand or thrift stores. Some cities even hold homeschool conventions for this purpose.

If buying materials on eBay, keep in mind that teacher editions are not allowed to be sold there, so don't purchase from a buyer offering those. However, at the HSLDA and other online homeschool trading/auction sites, teacher guides and editions are allowed.

Libraries often have many reading and research materials, as well as textbooks. If you don't have your own computer, the library computers can be used to look up and print research and worksheets. They can also be utilized for educational computer games. Libraries also offer many free educational and activity classes free of charge that would be a useful supplement to the homeschool curriculum plan.

As you can see from the above examples, money does not need to get in the way of a person's desire to homeschool, nor is a large amount of money necessary to provide a quality education. For anyone considering the option of homeschooling, I highly recommend starting at the HSLDA website for information, resources, and state laws. HSLDA is the Home School Legal Defense Association.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When educating your kids yourself, is it possible to teach academics without bias? Should you do so? How can you go about that and why might it be a good idea? As a seasoned homeschool teacher and parent, I can say with experience that's it's definitely possible.

Isn't the Point of Homeschool to Teach the Kids Your Beliefs?

Well, yes and no. Your family's belief system can and should be instilled. But it should not take the place of important educational facts and lessons. As with any other schooling method, the point of homeschooling is to teach the children. This means giving them honest facts and letting them have the freedom to form their own opinions. Sure, their opinions may closely resemble yours. But then again, they may not - and that's normal and perfectly fine.

How Can I Teach the Kids About Life Without Showing Bias?

When teaching the kids about events, politics, and science, it may be easy to inject your own opinions. That's OK. But, to teach without bias, you should present your thoughts, as well as ideas from an opposing viewpoint. Leave it up to the kids to decide what they think. Yes, we all want our children to live by our belief system. But, in order to do that with a whole heart, they need to be able to make that choice themselves. If they choose another path, it does not mean they don't respect you as a parent. Not everyone thinks in the same way.

Why Shouldn't I Teach the Kids Solely What I Believe?

There is no reason you shouldn't interject your beliefs into teachings. However, you should not teach the kids that your way is the only way. As mentioned above, you can and should teach your beliefs. But, if your children go in another direction, as a parent, it is your role to love and respect them regardless. It's just a fact of life that not all children will follow the same path as their parents. If they do, that's great. But if they don't, that's great as well.

If Not to Teach My Beliefs, What is My Role as a Parent?

As parents, it is definitely our duty to teach the children. But, the goal is not to create clones of ourselves. It is to raise healthy, happy, well-balanced human beings who can stand on their own two feet when the time is right. If we teach them with bias, it may cripple them by causing them to be followers, instead of taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions.


*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding everything involving homeschool.  One subject that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" syndrome. Some people tend to feel that those who homeschool are know-it-alls who think they know everything. For most homeschooling families, this couldn't be further from the truth. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in any group of people, but many homeschool parents are not this way. Watch us bust this common homeschool myth.

One reason people might feel that homeschoolers have a know-it-all attitude is because many of them never miss an educational opportunity. Most homeschool families understand that education never ends. There is always something to be learned from everything. Homeschoolers tend to delve deeper into learning about subjects simply because of the fact that they homeschool.

While from the outside, a parent of a homeschooled child that explains each situation to their child in great detail in every situation may seem to be showing off, this may not be the case. It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

I have encountered many instances of others assuming I felt I was smarter than them or knew more. To me, education has no true measure because different people are educated on different things. While one person might know more about Civil Rights, another person may know more about fixing cars. This does not make either smarter than the other.

There is one particular incident of a know-it-all accusation that sticks in my mind for some reason. When we first started homeschooling, I also would care for other children from time to time, either as a sitter or nanny. This care often included homework help, as many of the children I cared for attended public school.

One little girl I cared for was having trouble in math class. She happened to be a public school student. That fact doesn't matter to me, but it does help in describing the situation. Being that I was her caregiver at the time, and responsible for helping at homework time, I decided to go a step further with the help. She was frustrated every day during her math homework and I wanted to help change that.

Anyhow, I worked with her after school for 3 days straight, aside from the time on her assigned homework. There was only one area where she was struggling. After our last session, she was very excited and had worked very hard. She was so proud of herself. I let her make the announcement to her mother of her achievement.

When she announced to her mom that Math was now her favorite subject (she had despised it before) because of what I had done with her, her mom responded in a negative way, instead of cheering her on. She glared at me and said "You think you're smarter than me just because you homeschool. I could have taught her that, you know".

Perhaps she could have. However, for me, that was not an issue at hand. I was not trying to insult her intelligence or her parenting skills. I was not attempting to take over her role, nor did I presume myself to be smarter than anyone. I simply saw a struggling child who I also cared about and chose to give a little help. Also, as her care provider, her mom had entrusted the after school study slot to me.

I think perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear. Sometimes these misconceptions are based on people's insecurities. Other times they are based on rumors or misguidance.

The bottom line is that just because someone takes up an educational opportunity, it doesn't necessarily mean they feel like they are better than anyone. They may just see an opportunity to teach or learn and there is nothing wrong with that.

Takeaways:

• One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth.
  
  
• Perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear.
  
  
• Someone taking up an educational opportunity does not mean they feel they are smarter.
  
  
• It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Do you have a child struggling or failing in school? Have you tried the options available (extra help at school, tutors, etc) with little to no success? You're not alone. Parents and children struggle with this issue daily. Could home school be the answer for your family's situation? For some families, there will be many benefits of homeschooling a struggling child, either temporarily or permanently.

As a mother to a child who had some math problems that weren't resolved in public school, I chose to take on the responsibility of schooling my own children. Of course there were many other factors involved in our decision, including the fact that the children were also ahead in many areas. Seeing that the plan to school our children through the public education system was failing for us, we chose to school the children at home instead.

It is my hope that sharing lessons learned from our experience can help others decide if homeschooling is right for their child. Oftentimes, as in our case, a child simply needs a bit of one-on-one time to get steered back in the right direction. In a homeschool setting, a child can receive a great deal of student to teacher time.

The teacher may be a parent, relative, or even a private tutor, depending on the laws of the state the homeschooled child resides in, as well as the choice of the family. No matter who the teacher is, there is no question that a student who schools at home has a much better chance of receiving that individual one-on-one attention that will get the struggling child back on track. Children who are having a hard time educationally may also need a new strategy.

In the public school system, a new strategy plan isn't always possible. Some public and private schools offer programs to help children who are failing. However, not all schools will have a special program for children who are behind for their grade level. Even when the school offers program choices, there are still certain guidelines to adhere to. Those guidelines may not be right for every child.

Some children may need an approach that differs from the standards, such as a customized curriculum or a more relaxed setting, which, in many cases is not available in the public education system. In our case, this is exactly the plan we chose to follow. We found that customizing the plan to fit each child individually, rather than as a whole class, helped the child better understand and learn the lessons being taught.

The child in question was recommended to take her grade level over again, due to her poor math skills. However, in just a short time of homeschooling, she improved immensely and was able to complete the level she had failed in public school, as well as catch up to where she should be had she not failed. Now she is actually ahead in math. Ironically, it is now her favorite subject, whereas before, it was her most hated, feared, and dreaded.

Based on our experience with her, I would recommend homeschool as a valid option for parents. Common sense told us that the one-on-one time would be beneficial, but the actual results were much more than we could have hoped for. The results were absolutely amazing for us, as the child in question had always struggled with math, even crying over it many times. We had tried everything; everything except homeschool. If I had it do again, I would have chosen homeschool in the beginning, at the first sign of struggle, rather than waiting until the problem escalated.

If you, yourself are not good at the subject your child is struggling in, yet would like your child's curriculum program catered to him or her, there are still plenty of options that will allow you to homeschool. There are virtual schools (online schools), tutors, community college classes, home-school co-ops, and a whole host of other options. If your child has learning disabilities, don't fret. There are many homeschooling families who actually homeschool because of learning disabilities. I have heard many mention great benefits from doing so. Click Here to see the HSLDA's information on that. The HSLDA is the Home School Legal Defense Association.

If you are interested in doing this for your child, do your research and find out which options are available to you. Homeschooling is currently legal in all 50 US states. However, the laws for each state differ, as far as what is allowed and what rules, if any, should be followed. Texas is one of the most relaxed states, as far as rules and regulations for homeschool. Interested parents should start their research at the HSLDA, as well as look up home-school co-ops, homeschool groups, tutors, curriculum, virtual schools, and more to get an idea of what plan or program will work best for the child.

Takeaways:

• A student who schools at home has a much better chance of receiving individual one-on-one attention.
  
  
• Some children may need an approach that differs from the standards.
  
  
• The actual results were much more than we could have hoped for.                                                                                 

For some families, there will be many benefits of homeschooling a struggling child, either temporarily or permanently.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Last updated on 12/11/2020

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you have recently made the decision to homeschool, you may be pondering the best curriculum choices. There are so many options, such as pre-packaged curriculum, online curriculum, virtual school, co-ops, and more. You may even be thinking "Should I design my child's homeschool curriculum myself?" Our family has tried many, many options, including me writing out every single lesson by hand.

What is your lifestyle? This is the very first thing you need to ask yourself. Your family's lifestyle will have a great deal to do with which choices may be best. If you like to be on the go, certain curriculum choices will not work with that. For instance, if the materials are not very portable, you're going to have a big problem. If you choose an online curriculum, you need to have Internet access at all times, even when you leave the house. An active family might benefit from free schooling or unschooling. Designing the curriculum yourself can be beneficial with many lifestyles, as it's customizable. However, some people may not have the time needed to fully commit to this. Be sure to consider your family's lifestyle and habits when you make your decision.

Can you commit to this plan all year long? Unless you are an experienced writer, you probably cannot write your child's entire curriculum at the beginning of the year. You'll probably need to do it in segments year-round. Can you commit to this? Will you? You may be feeling ambitious at the moment. But if you have a habit of starting major projects that don't get finished, this may not be the best method for you. However, if you're known to plow ahead even through tough projects, writing your child's own curriculum might work for you.

Do you know the state standards? This is extremely important when writing your child's lessons yourself. You should know what the standards are for the area you live in. You can find those out by by checking with the Department of Education in your state and also by checking to see if your state has adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) does not support having a national system like this. However, since it has been adopted, it is wise to follow at least the core standards. Depending on your state, it could also be the law to follow them. The HSLDA has a handy list to help you figure out what the legalities of homeschooling are in your state.

Is there a better option? When choosing between writing your child's curriculum or other methods, be sure you are making the correct decision. In some cases, a curriculum customized and written by the parent may be the best choice. In other cases, the child may learn more effectively another way. Weigh all your options and make the choice based both on your child's needs, as well as your ability to effectively teach your child using that option. There are ways to customize your child's education (such as combining materials) without having to develop an entire curriculum yourself.

Does this actually work? As someone who has used this method before, I know firsthand that it can definitely work for the right family. However, be prepared to be fully committed and very busy. If weighing all the options doesn't scare you away and it sounds like something that will fit your family's lifestyle, then go for it. If it doesn't work out, you can always move on to the next method. While writing the curriculum myself was a great option, because I also write for a living, I found that in order to have more time with my kids, it wasn't the best option for us. I would be spending entirely too much time writing. While I still write lessons and design games for them on occasion, I no longer do it full time.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

After many restless nights (or not), you finally come to the decision that you are no longer going to be a homeschool teacher. Whether that decision came easy or not, there is likely something related you'll need to deal with. For me, the decision to start homeschooling was easy and natural. The decision to end that path and return two of the kids to traditional school, even though it was only for a while, was anything but.

Recognize your reasons for the choice. Perhaps, like I did, you have too many hats on your head and need to add another. I am a freelance journalist with several clients and am founder and co-owner of a media company. Because I cannot halt either of these related businesses (can't pay the bills without a career), the homeschooling was unfortunately the major task that would make room for me to have enough time to work to pay the bills. Once I got into a better routine, I was able to go back to teaching the kids. But at that time, I had to transition two of them back into traditional school.

Don't be too hard on yourself. I have had to repeat this advice to myself several times on this journey. No matter the reason for your decision to end your homeschooling journey (whether temporary or permanent), you made the choice for a reason. Sometimes things happen in life that are out of our power and not our fault.

Feeling guilty won't help you adjust. As long as the new schooling situation is a positive environment, there is no need to feel guilty for this choice. Again, I remind myself of this one. It's true that no one will care about your child's education more than you. However, that doesn't mean you are doing something wrong by sending them to traditional school. Remember that what you have taught them will follow them. Also, you can (and should) still help with some aspects of education, even when they are in traditional school.

Cry if you need to. The feelings can often get overwhelming. That's understandable. After all, these are your kids and their education means everything to you. Crying can help get out those built up emotions and sometimes you just have to. This is a natural coping mechanism and if sending the kids back to school invokes tears, let them roll. Just try not to do it in front of the kids to keep their experience as positive as possible.

Get some exercise. Yoga often helps reduce stress, as does running and many other types of exercise. If you need to relax, opt for stretching and yoga. But if you need to release pent up feelings in a more active way, go for running, bike riding, or even power yoga.

Get involved in the school. Maybe you don't have time to teach the kids all day anymore. But you can still volunteer to commit some time to school activities. Join the PTA, chaperone field trips, help with a bake sale, and more. Whatever you can assist with will likely help both you and your child cope with the fact that you will no longer be the teacher. This shows your child that you do still care and it also may help relieve some of the guilt associated with dropping the teacher role.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

In order for tweens to be ready to start their first job as teens, they need practice. Without actually being able to work, how can tweens get that practice? As a parent, there are a variety of ways I help cultivate career skills in tweens. From household responsibilities, to volunteering, playing games, and more, get proactive in developing your tween's career skills today. They will grow to love these methods and thank you in the future.

Get tweens involved in activities and clubs. 

This is a simple way to teach your tween the teamwork it takes to succeed in their future career. It also can teach organizational and leadership skills. Recreational sports, dance, drama, band, choir, science, and other educational clubs and activities are available in most areas. Check with your child's school or homeschool group first. If the programs don't exist there, private organizations and churches often offer many activities.

Volunteer programs can help encourage and enhance career skills.

From helping the elderly, to feeding the homeless, caring for animals, and more, tweens can get involved in many volunteer programs. Call around to various organizations in your area to see who needs help. Remember to ask about age requirements. Not all organizations or opportunities are available to minors. Some also may require that an adult volunteer along with the tween. This can actually be good, as it gives you and your child some rewarding time together. Teaching kids to volunteer not only gives them valuable career experience, but also helps encourage compassion.


Let them take charge of certain things at home.

Responsibility starts at home. Chores and other household tasks teach your child important career skills that can be used throughout life. I like to treat my kids as team members and let them help in certain household decisions. Although this is not a job, it does help kids prepare for making choices in life, which strongly applies to career-related skills. Deciphering choices that lead to certain outcomes is a much-desired trait in the workforce, as is the ability to be part of a collaborative team. Being a 'mommy's helper' and watching over younger siblings and even pets is one way tweens can take charge. Just be sure they know the rules and also have proper supervision.


Family field trips geared toward interest can help cultivate skills. 

No matter what your child is interested in doing as a career, there is always a related destination. Even if your child changes career thoughts often, it's still possible. For instance, if your tween wants to be a firefighter, visit the local firehouse. Some cities even have firefighter museums. If your child wants to work with animals, visit local shelters, zoos, and wildlife reserves. The main idea is to enrich your child's life with various activities and destinations that may enhance her career choice. Even if your tween changes her mind about career directions, the field trips will still add to overall experience.


Educational books and other media are useful. 

Surround your child with opportunities to read books related to his career and life interests. If books are easy to access, even kids who do not prefer to read will eventually start picking them up. Also offer a variety of educational computer games, movies, and TV shows to show from. While it's not a good idea for a child to watch TV or play on the computer all day long, in moderation, these things can be good. When a child enjoys doing something, it can be easier for the knowledge to sink in, which is always a good thing.

*I originally publised this via Yahoo Contributor Network

LAST UPDATED 7/31/2022

We all know books can help create smart children. But the first step is finding the right books. Use this experienced mom's tips for choosing children's books that create smart readers.

When choosing books for your child, there are many factors to consider and many reasons to purchase various books. Choosing children's books that create smart readers comes in several steps. At first it may seem complicated because there are so many books out there. But it's not all that difficult if you follow a few simple tips.

Take your child with you to shop for books Book shopping should not be done hurriedly. First, you must find the section of the store that is appropriate for your child's age and reading level. Once you have done this, allow your child to pick out several titles that look interesting. It's okay if your child picks more books than you are going to buy. You need to research the books first anyway. Don't be afraid to take a whole stack to a nearby table, counter, or chair so that you can sift through them.

Key points to look for:

Stimulation factor - If your child is not stimulated, she will not want to read the book. Have your child look over the book and maybe even read a few pages. If your child is interested, you are one step further. This will be easy for children who are interested in most books. Other children may take a while before finding something they like. That's okay. Each child is different. Do not give up hope if your child takes a while to decide. Your child should pick more than one stimulating book. Stimulating the mind can occur in many different ways. If your child is interested and engaged, chances are, his mind is being stimulated. Some children are stimulated by pictures. Others are stimulated by words, actions, or characters. How your child is stimulated does not matter. However, if your child does not get stimulated by any part of the book, it's time to choose a different book.

It's all in the details - Out of all the stimulating books your child has chosen, look for books that use details in describing characters and events. The books should use adjectives as often as possible. A book without many adjectives could be fairly boring. A book loaded with adjectives will invoke imagination and excitement. Your child should be able to picture what is going on, whether the book has illustrations or not. Also, in checking for details, you should ask yourself "Would I be able to ask my child questions from this book and expect to get detailed answers?" If you can answer yes, you have chosen a book with the correct details.

What levels do you need? - You should have a few books still left to move on to the next step with you. The last thing you should be looking for in a good book is the level. It should be slightly above your child's current level. Books will generally not be labeled at levels, unless they are readers. The best way to tell is to read a few paragraphs. If it is slightly harder than what your child normally reads, that's what you're looking for. The reason for this is to challenge the child. Do not go too high, though. Choosing too high of a level could instead discourage a child because it is simply too difficult to understand. If you can't tell by reading it yourself, have your child read aloud a small section. If your child gets most of it with ease, but struggles on a few words, this is the correct level to choose.

Be variant - Another important thing to remember is that books should be a variety of subjects and genres. Your child should have fiction as well as non-fiction. There should also poetry, short stories, and novels for children old enough to read novels. There should be classic and current books. Also, the child should not be limited to just stories on their favorite thing. The books should be about many different people, places, events, and things.

Tips for success:

The methods above can also be applied to library books. Do not feel obligated to always be purchasing books. The library is an excellent source to use. Children should be exposed to different books regularly, so if your budget doesn't support this, it's time to get a library card. There is no excuse for a child not being able to read when the library is free.

Never say your child hates to read. This is where many parents make a mistake and think that if their child cannot find an interesting book, their child must hate reading. Never speak the words reading and hate in a sentence together. This will further discourage a child who is struggling. Always encourage children. For a child who is taking longer than normal to choose, you might want to say something like "I know you like dinosaurs. Maybe we should look for a dinosaur book". Say this rather than "Hurry up. You always take too long to decide. We don't have time for this". Parents who choose the latter option in frustration will find that they will have problems with reading with their child.

Now you should have some good books that will help create smart readers. Encourage your child to read every day. While it's true that your child reads at school, your child should also be reading at home. Now that you know how to pick the correct books, your child should be well prepared and have a nice selection of books to choose from.

Happy reading!

High school is an important transition in a teen's life. Not only will there be many changes a teenager goes through in these years, but it's also when preparations for adult life should be started. As a home school teacher, I have researched many sources on this topic. So, why is school choice important in high school, and what does it have to do with transitions?

College Preparation

Not all high schools offer the same classes and programs. Making the wrong school choice could limit the potential for college preparation and for earning some college credits early. High school is meant to be a place where students prepare for transitioning into college and eventually into a career. Without the classes and programs geared toward your teen's college, life, and career aspirations, it will severely be lacking in that department. Whether you go with public school, private school, an online high school, a home school tutor, homeschooling yourself, local community college courses, or any other choices, you need to keep college prep in mind during high school.

Career Preparation

Not only should high school be a building block to college prep, but it also should be a great career prep resource. This is the time where students need to decide which career choices they are interested in. That is plural for the simple fact that not all career choices will work out or hold a person's interest. Students should take their high school classes geared toward all their possible career choices. The issue with doing this is that not all schools will have everything a student may need. This is where school choice comes into play.

Social Life

Consider whether your teen's friends go to the same school or one nearby when making a school choice. Having friends within easy access can be beneficial toward a teen's positive attitude about school. The same holds true whether your teenager will attend public, private or home school. Friends should not be too far away, if at all possible.

Transportation

School choice also involves transportation at times. You may need to avoid schools that would require a questionable transportation plan. If you cannot figure out how your teen will get to school each day, chances are the school is too difficult to maintain a regular schedule with all year. Pick the school most suited to your child's needs and one that allows for a reliable and readily-accessible transportation plan.

Learning Styles

Not everyone learns in the same way. In a perfect world, all schools would accommodate for these different styles and teach accordingly. However, that is not how things work. This is yet another reason why school choice is so important. If you know that a school or teacher uses certain teaching methods that your teenager would benefit from, that school should be on your list of candidates.

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Our family walks frequently, even during the summer months. It is essential that everyone stay energized, hydrated and cool during a walk. A walk should not be tiring to the kids, but refreshing. It should be a form of exercise, but also a form of enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. Bearing that in mind, there are things one can do to avoid common problems that may arise in children during a walk. Dehydration and fatigue is common in the summertime, and can be especially dangerous for children. Here is how to keep kids cool, calm, and energized on summer walks.

Dress For the Sunny Weather

Wearing appropriate clothing for the temperature will help keep the kids cool, as well as relaxed during a summer walk. Thin, all-natural fibers, such as cotton, are the best for hot weather. Sun protection clothing is also a good idea. Sunscreen should be worn on all unprotected skin areas. Sun hats should also be worn. An alternative to sun hats is applying sunscreen to the hair and scalp.

Wear Shoes Appropriate for Walking

Any kids or babies who will not be riding in a stroller need to have on comfortable shoes. Yes, kids are more lightweight than adults, but that doesn't mean their feet can't get tired from holding them up. Good kids walking shoes should be lightweight, durable, have shock absorption, and provide ample cushioning and support.

Bring Plenty of Water on Summer Walks

We happened to live in Texas for four years, where it is blazing hot during the summer. Now we're back in Denver, where it can be hot and dry. Even for those in less scorching climates, water is an essential part of a summertime walk with the kids. Water gives energy and keeps everyone cool and hydrated. There should be at least one thermal water bottle per person - more for longer walks.

Snack on Nuts & Fruits as Needed

Nuts and fruits are a great source of energy. Combined with the water, this type of snack will keep kids and parents walking with energy. You don't want everyone getting too tired to return home. Plus, many kids love nuts and fruits, so this is a win-win situation. Apples and grapes are great for this. If the walk is long, you may want to opt for dried fruits (such as banana chips) or trail mixes, rather than fresh fruits.

Cool Off With A Mister to Avoid Overheating

I like to bring along spray bottles equipped with a misting nozzle. Filling them with lukewarm water beforehand keeps everyone cool on the extremely hot days. We simply spray each other at certain intervals. It can also be made into a fun game. Do NOT fill the bottles with cold water. If someone is too hot or suffering from heat exhaustion, cold water is a bad idea. It can put a person into shock. Kids especially are vulnerable to this. There are also battery-operated handheld misting fans that are great for this, too.

Use Portable Neck or Pocket Fans for Hot Walks

Clip-on mini necklace fans and other portable neck or pocket fans also are a great idea for summer walks with the kids. Give each person their own. They can clip it onto the stroller, clothing, or another safe place. For babies inside the stroller, clip the fan out of reach of the baby at an angle where it will keep them cool.

Play Fun Games While Walking

Playing games with the kids such as "I Spy" can help keep the kids entertained and less focused on how long the walk is. Also try pointing out interesting things along the way (plants, animals, people, etc). Bring a camera and some pocket notebooks and pencils. Allow the kids to take pictures and write down things they observe. My kids like to do the above, as well as play trivia.

Think about things the kids have recently learned and form questions surrounding that. Allow kids to come up with their own questions for each other as well. Just be creative and have fun. You can even sing silly songs. Basically, you want to make the walk fun, not a chore.

*Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a physician before starting or stopping any physical activity.

**I originally published a version of this on the Yahoo! Contributor Network

LAST UPDATED 7/28/2022

Having trouble teaching your kids vital skills? Try going on an adventure.

When homeschooling my kids, I use many methods for getting them inspired to learn. One very useful one is to turn learning into an adventure.

When kids are struggling in certain subjects -- or just learning new concepts -- their confidence can be low in those areas. Sometimes traditional forms of teaching those skills can be downright frustrating and defeating.

Build your child's confidence by finding things to do around your neighborhood that are related to the lesson at hand. Child struggling with counting? Go see a juggler and help him count the tossed items. No juggler in your area? Visit the local pond and count the ducks.

When two of my kids were having trouble counting money, I took them on several fun adventures where they could practice using it. There were normal locations, such as the grocery store. But I also threw in things like area festivals. I let the kids purchase souvenirs and treats. They considered this to be fun. Therefore, they were inspired to learn the lesson over and over.

Sometimes just getting out and doing things without a paper and pencil can help your child connect the dots. On top of that, it doesn't seem like work. In fact, you should be letting your child have fun during the adventure as well. Don't make it all about the lesson. Just fit it in during the right moments.

Once your child realizes that he is doing the lesson he thought wasn't possible, he will likely be inspired to do more and more.

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Does your child play with a pet regularly? If your answer is no, I can give you plenty of reasons to start that habit. If pets are not allowed in your place of residence, consider taking your child to visit shelter pets or those belonging to friends.

Research shows that having pets reduces anxiety, which is very good for a positive learning environment. That information can be found in many places. But did you know about these other educational benefits?

LAST UPDATED 8/31/2022

Welcome to Heart and Mind Homeschool, where you can find resources for every subject and grade level.

Today's kids are active and have busy schedules, which can take away from their studying time. But education needs to be a priority. With my own kids in mind, I've developed several methods for studying that are quick, enjoyable, and (more importantly) effective.

We have a variety of supplemental resources that can be used separately or in combination with any of our materials. The materials are offered separately because as long-time home educators, we know full well that each child has their own unique learning styles. Parents can piece together a unique learning experience for each child this way.

The best part about Heart and Mind Homeschool is that many resources and materials are completely free. To help keep that zero cost, we do serve ads on the site and we do require fees for some of our more in-depth materials, due to the cost of running the site, as well as the energy and time it takes to produce so many materials. We do our best to keep ads as family-friendly as possible and any costs as low as possible.

We look forward to being a learning resource in your home. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

LAST UPDATED 8/30/2022

In the early days of schooling, children would often pile into a one-room school house. These kids were not sorted into different classrooms based on age or grade level. Everyone learned together and kids excelled based on their individual abilities. But then, things changed for many schools and the most common model involved sorting classrooms into grade levels. Should all schools go back to mixing age groups?

What is mixed age grouping?

Mixed-age grouping (also called multi-age learning) is the act of placing children at different age and grade levels in the same classroom together. Think back to the days of the one-room schoolhouse. While kids were in various grade levels, they all were in the classroom with the same teacher or set of teachers. Anytime children of multiple skill levels are in the classroom together, it is referred to as mixed-age grouping.

Benefits to mixing age groups in school

Studies have shown that mixed-age grouping teaches kids independence as well as teamwork. When kids of varying levels are placed in the same space, many will naturally work harder to achieve the next level. They also learn to work together with all people, not just their peers. In our homeschool, the kids all learn together, even though each of them is at a different level. That experience combined with research has convinced me that all schools should go back to mixed-age grouping.

Who uses mixed-age methods?

Most schools use it on a smaller scale. But Montessori schools, open schools, private schools, homeschoolers, and many others implement multi-aged learning for the full school day. Some schools have older students read to younger students during a small portion of the day.

Other schools may have the children work together all day long, regardless of the difference in skill levels. In a homeschool, if there is more than one child, mixed-age grouping often comes naturally. Some homeschoolers teach the kids as a group, while others separate the learning.

Should all schools go back to multi-age learning?

Based on my family's experience, as well as extensive research I've done over the years, I would fully support implementation of multi-age learning in all schools. In my experience, there really haven't been disadvantages where the kids are concerned. It can sometimes be more challenging for the educator to teach kids of various levels.

But with practice and the correct planning, for me it eventually evened out with teaching kids who were on the same level. The main issue that would come with converting all schools to this method is the change in the way the curriculum is handled. That in itself may be a hurdle for some schools. But in my opinion, it would be well worth the change.

What do you think? Should all schools go back to mixed-age grouping?