Search Results for: tag Just Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word of the Day: Body Clock

Body Clock means an internal mechanism of the body that is thought to regulate physical and mental functions in rhythm with normal daily activities. (American Heritage Stedman’s Medical Dictionary) To a homeschooler, body clock means sleeping when you need to sleep and leaning when you are most alert. “A survey of sleep-deprived teens (presented at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference, on Sunday, May 20) finds they think that a later start time for school and tests given later in the school day would result in better grades.” The survey said what parents already know. Students are sleep deprived … Continue reading →

Vocabulary Word of the Day: Inspiration

While watching Fantasia Barrino tonight on American Idol, the word inspiration came to me. Inspiration is described as an agency, such as a person or work of art that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention. (American Heritage Dictionary) I make it a point to regularly discuss inspiration to my kids. I want to know what fuels their passions. I want them to know what fuels my passions. I want them to be inspired. They can be inspired to do their best academically, spiritually, or physically. It really doesn’t matter, though as a mother I would prefer … Continue reading →

Vocabulary word of the day: Resilient (Re-zil-yent)

The American Heritage Dictionary describes resilient as “Marked by the ability to recover readily, as from misfortune”. An example of a resilient person would be someone who functioned well in the midst of tragedy. Homeschoolers have to be resilient. When homeschooling is a part of one’s life, it is hard to ignore that fact that sometimes life gets in the way. Kids have to be taught that learning is a part of everyday life so that every opportunity to learn something is seized. Learning continues both in the midst of tragedy and in the midst of unadulterated fun. Today we … Continue reading →

Vocabulary Word of the day: Presumptuous (pre-zump-chu-us)

The American Heritage Dictionary describes presumptuous as “going beyond the limits of courtesy or appropriateness”. An example of a presumptuous act would be for me to attempt to teach a reading adult to read. Homeschooling is a lot like being pregnant. It seems like everyone has an opinion about homeschooling your children and wants to share it with you. Whether they agree or disagree, many people are so presumptuous as to believe their input is not only valuable but also valued in their homeschool experience. They want to examine your program. They want to quiz your children. Your once isolated … Continue reading →

Vocabulary Word of the Day: Exacerbate (egg-za-sir-bate)

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, exacerbate means “to make worse or more severe”. Because many problems in public education have been exacerbated through time and by societal changes, many people have chosen to educate their kids at home. This movement toward home education introduces a completely new set of potential problems. ‘After all, homeschoolers are just everyday parents, how can they possibly teach their own kids,’ asks the education experts. ‘If they say there is a problem in education, they will only exacerbate it.’ The arguments rather make sense. We were educated, (or mis-educated) by the education experts. How … Continue reading →

Fresh Ideas For Outdoor Play

Even the most outdoorsy kids sometimes need suggestions for new ways to enjoy being outside. The next time boredom strikes when you are playing outside with your toddler, suggest one of these fun activities. You may just discover a new favorite outdoor activity. Sometimes, the best way to mix things up outside is to do things outdoors that you would normally do indoors. If it is lunch time, why not spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Reading is another great indoor activity that can easily be enjoyed outdoors. If your child enjoys having tea parties … Continue reading →

I Love You Anyways

On a recent trip to the library, one of the books that Dylan picked out is “Olivia”, by Ian Falconer. He has asked me to read that book to him so many times that I have lost track. You know what, though? Even if I have read it to him fifty times I could read it to him fifty more. I just love that book. Why do I love “Olivia” so? I probably have as many reasons as the book has pages. One reason that I love it is that the main character, Olivia the piglet, reminds me so much … Continue reading →

Top 10 Tips for a Home Business

Whether you are thinking of just starting a home business or you are already running one, these top 10 home business tips can help. Tip number 1 is to put the word “no” into your vocabulary. This word can easily be eliminated when you are starting up a home business because you want to take advantage of every opportunity you can. When I first started my writing career, I jumped at everything that came my way. But even after I established myself as a writer, I still kept taking on additional things. Giving of some of those things was one … Continue reading →

Give Boys Super Reading Powers

In many ways my 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old nephew are like two peas in a pod. They both enjoy racing Hot Wheels, collecting rocks and pretending they are wolves in the wild. However, when it comes to books, the path splits and while one willingly devours tales of whimsy, the other heads for the hills in hopes that a stray title doesn’t accidently fall in his lap. It is a well-known myth that girls excel at reading while boys, due in large part to their superior spatial awareness, kill at math. And so it goes with my two cuties. My … Continue reading →

Storybook Treasures: Sign Language DVDs

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Scholastic Storybook Treasures: A Sign Language DVD. If you have not heard of this before then please pay special attention. These DVDs are a wonderful way to introduce your child to sign language through those special stories they already know and love. The DVD points out on the cover that sign language is linked to improved fine motor skills, increased vocabulary and higher IQ scores. Since you cannot believe everything you read I looked this up and it is all true. Let’s discuss format a bit. The DVD is about 36 minutes … Continue reading →