Learning Styles & Online Education

Learning Styles are as much a part of the Homeschooling Parents’ vocabulary as Ticonderoga Pencils and the jokes about denim jumpers. We love them and embrace them for a good reason. They help us understand our kids better and make homeschooling much more enjoyable.

The best way to use learning styles is to be aware of who tends towards which style and then offer up a variety of ways to learn, assess and review the lesson.

There are 4 Major Learning Styles

1. Reading & Writing
2. Visual
3. Auditory
4. Kinesthetic

Online Education

2020 brought to the fore online learning. It seems that the entire world went from a vague understanding of what online learning could be to jumping in with both feet- whether they liked it or not.

In the midst of this, seasoned online academies, like True North Homeschool Academy, continued to offer dynamic and interactive small-group classes that inspired students to learn, grow and develop. What was the difference between the awful virtual schools and online academies like True North Homeschool Academy?

Years of online teaching and learning experience, intentionality, and the SAMR Model.

The SAMR Model

The SAMR Hierarchy of Online Education was developed by a Harvard-trained Biologist, which makes sense, as Scientists are great at classifying information. And this Model is super helpful in understanding the various “types’ ‘ of online education. There are four aspects of this model. The first two are enhancement, and the last two are transformative.

The SAMR Model Explained

1. Substitution  – Technology acts as a direct substitute with no functional change.
2. Augmentation – Technology acts as a direct substitute for functional improvement.
3. Modification  – Technology allows for direct task redesign, particularly when it comes to group projects.
4. Reimagination – Technology allows for the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable.

Understanding the SAMR Model when purchasing online classes and investing in an online program is an important step in knowing if you are getting the programs that will engage and encourage active learning or is designed to be a passive experience.

Where do Learning Styles and the SAMR Model Meet?

Knowing our kids’ preferred learning method can help us make the best choices when it comes to online educational options, allowing us to evaluate options systematically and allocate resources strategically.

What to look for in online learning based on Learning Style

Read/ Write Students

These students learn best by reading and writing and can do well with many different kinds of online learning programs, pre-recorded and live.

What to Avoid: Be aware of online programs or teachers who talk really fast or don’t have time for the student to ask questions and clarify information for their notes.

Visual Learners

These students learn by watching so online classes that are visually well organized are going to really appeal to this type of learning.

What to Avoid: Online classes where the teacher simply lectures, with no visual graphics or virtual classroom with extension activities.

 Auditory Learners

The auditory learner does great when there is a high level of auditory engagement in the online learning environment.

What to avoid: Online classes with a lot of music or noise but do not include content, the majority of the class contains visuals, and the students do not have a chance to ask questions or interact verbally with the teacher and fellow students.

Kinesthetic Learners

These types of learners prefer engaging, hands-on, project-based learning.

What to avoid: Online classes where students sit and passively listen or watch/

Once again, Learning Styles are a handy tool for homeschooling parents as we evaluate new tech and its uses in our homeschool. The SAMR Model, too, is a useful tool for evaluation as we consider the many online opportunities with the explosion of online learning materials! Understanding both models allows us to be savvy and discriminating consumers and strategize the best homeschooling program for our family!

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Homeschooling Through Tragedy

On this episode, Lisa Nehring talks with one of her adult kids, Kendra Vittioe, about a life-threatening accident Kendra lived through.

When Kendra was 14, she, her siblings, and a friend were in an accident where the minivan they were riding in was t-boned by a truck. Kendra survived a frontal lob head injury that could have killed her. A piece of her skull was removed, and the neurosurgeons literally had to vacuum pieces of glass from her brain.

This was a “near miss” tragedy, as Kendra and everyone else involved walked away from the accident with physical injuries that healed.

Have 13:5 & 6: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Jer 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Our animals- a horse and a dog at the time- helped Kendra regain her confidence.

Having “green therapy- the ability to just go outside and take long walks.

Parents being aware of the anxiety- or trauma response- to certain stimuli and remind their kids to breathe and that it will be alright.

Being aware of what the kids can and not do- keeping in touch with them so that parents aren’t going “too easy” or “too hard” on them.

Kendra and her husband Tony are homeschooling their own children. You can find Kendra blogging at Life’s a Journey and on Pinterest.

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The Time has come for Conservatives to Become Politically Active!

True North Homeschool Academy Director Lisa Nehring is joined by one Adam Pruzan. Adam has worked at high levels of public policy and has read every Senate brief since the 80’s. He currently works as a consultant and investment manager and teachers at True North Homeschool Academy

Today, we take a brief look at history and how it informs the political situation of today, and what a reasoned response might look like.

In the Roman Republic the strong middle class gave way to a ruling empire. The strong middle class is what made Rome strong and kept it a Republic. Once the middle class dissipated, Roman became an Empire.

In the 1850’s the south went to war to protect its feudal aristocracy.

The mid 1950’s was the zenith of the middle class in America. But the 1970’s- 1990’s America found two sources of cheap labor.

1. Illegal immigrants – mostly from Mexico
2. China

Both of whom worked for below market value. This has gutted the middle class and empowered the wealthy. The Globalists have become a class of Lords and knights.

Aristotle points out that the middle class is the most stable and a good regime because of its moral virtue.

We should look to Brazil- the presidential election was won by a leftist candidate, a convicted felon, while the popular, loved President has been ousted.

What will stem the tide of liberal globalism? We have 3 choices.

1. Simply surrender.
2. Political activism**
3. Become Slaves

** such as exhibited during the Civil Rights movement under Dr. MLK.

Under the democrats, the intellect is dead.

Resources:
Turning Point USA
The Federalist

American Greatness

Victor David Hanson

Adam will be teaching Politics Philosophy & Economics, which is a 3 credit, Honors level class, limited to 8 Students. Why study philosophy while studying politics and economics? The skills needed to understand philosophy will develop your student’s analytical, critical and logical rigor. This will enable students to apply these skills to questions concerning how we acquire knowledge or make ethical judgments. The study of will provide your student with a thorough understanding of the impact of the U.S. Political institutions on modern societies both at home and abroad.

He will also be teaching World History- Strategy: War and Peace a 1 credit Honors level class, limited to 12 students. Students will learn why countries go to war, stay at peace and how to think critically and sort through propaganda and politics.

Teaching Critical Thinking Skills through Literature podcast with Adam Pruzan.

True North Homeschool Academy offers 4th-12th grade live online classes, Academic Advising, Testing and Self Paced Classes. We are your trusted academic partner!

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We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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Tis the season to take stock of the year before, dream about the year ahead and realize maybe you’re a bit off track in some areas. It’s a time when we realize some seasons are over and new ones are about to begin.

It’s no different in homeschooling. It’s seasonal. And what may have worked last year, last month or even last week, just might not work for now or for what’s ahead.

Join True North Homeschool Academy Director, Lisa Nehring as she talks about when it might be a good time to pivot, how to pivot and gives you some pro-tips on pivoting, based on her 30 years of homeschooling experience.

So, we learned to do the homeschool Pivot. Pivoting means to shift to a new strategy.

Pivoting can mean big, overarching changes, or small micro changes. It can apply to one kid, or one subject or everybody.

Goldilocks Principle

your mission

You can switch up science and keep math, or move to a dynamic online writing

Adding in a fun, mid-year class, like Entrepreneurship can supercharge your entire semester- and who knows, it might literally change your students life!

Make time for life skills, if you haven’t already and spend time cleaning, doing laundry, shopping, budgeting or gardening together.

Bring in an expert for additional learning and support. Having your kids learn from a Ph.D in Science or a native, fluent Spanish teacher can change things from ho-hum to shazam!

True North’s Academic Advising and Performance Series test can help you know where you’re starting from and give you a clear, actionable and affordable plan moving forward.

It’s a New Year and that’s always exciting. And as we begin it, I want to give you permission- if you feel like you need it- to pivot!

Resources and Printables from True North Homeschool Academy!

• Don’t Panic! Plan it! Homeschooling High School Bootcamp
• Online Learning: A Homeschool Primer
• Getting Started Homeschooling with Free Printables

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In a recent article, titled, “The College Essay is Dead,” the writer questions whether writing instruction will weather the onslaught of AI. AI is “writing” many things these days, from ads to news articles, so it’s not surprising that the time-honored essay will soon be under fire.

True North Homeschool Academy director, Lisa Nehring is joined by one of True North’s world class Lit and Comp Teachers, Anna Knaub to talk about AI and Essay Writing!

Both Anna and Lisa Agree that the Essay will always be a skill that wise parents will choose to teach their kids for the following reasons:

1. Good writing is good thinking and learning how to write well teaches kids how to think well, organize their thoughts, make a linear argument, understand thesis, counter thesis, and antithesis and present from a point of strong personal conviction.

2. Language substantiates intelligent design and as people of faith, we want to best utilize the gifts we are given in response to being created Imago Dei.

3. Using AI to write begs the question of plagiarism and its cousin academic citation. There is a fundamental difference between using writing tools and using tools to create content that a person takes ownership of. Learning to write and write well disciplines students to sit with their thoughts and to do hard things.

While AI is making advances in so many industries, we both firmly believe that teaching your students to write an essay well develops so many skills in your students, that go well beyond the essay, that it’s vitally important that we continue to teach it!

Anna Knaub will be teaching Summer Classes 23 : 1984 & Hamlet

Fall 23- 24 Classes:  Shakespeare, Dystopian Lit and Comp, Austen & Bronte.

Check out all of the classes atTrue North Homeschool Academy The more you buy, the more you save!

More Podcasts with Anna:

Event Planning with Anna Knaub

Anna’s Mom shares about how grandparents can support HomeschoolingHow Can Grandparents support their Homeschooling Kids!

True North Homeschool Academy is your trusted academic partner. We provide live online classes, Academic Advising, Testing and self paced classes! Choose ala carte or complete full year package! We are honored to come alongside of your family as you homeschool!

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Fluency In Foreign Language

True North Homeschool Academy Director Lisa Nehring is joined by one of True North’s Spanish Instructors, Cat Garcia, as we talk about what it takes to gain fluency in a 2nd language in high school.

1. Immersion. By far, the fastest and most effective way to gain fluency in a 2nd language is to go where the language is spoken and then determine to only interact in that language.
   1. Small local communities
   2. Books on tapes
   3. Kids movies
   4. Commercials
   5. Listening to the Bible on audio
2. Making goals and sticking to them-
   1. Finding a solid curriculum
   2. Being intentional about the pronunciation
   3. Fluent teachers -online or in person-  cannot emphasize this enough!
   4. Spending time engaging with the material
   5. Spending time memorizing the vocabulary and forms
   6. Doubling up on a class and a club, as we offer at True North Homeschool Academy

It IS possible to become fluent in a foreign language while in High School, but it takes time, intention and the right tools.

Cat Garcia will be teaching:

• 23 Summer Classes
• 6 week Hispanic Cooking
• 6 week Elementary Spanish for Beginners!
• 10 week Spanish CLEP Prep
• 6 week Spanish Culture Class with Monica Quintanar

Full-year classes

• Spanish A
• Spanish B
• Spanish 1a (Spanish 1b will be offered in coming years, so Jr High students can earn a full credit of Spanish in Jr.High)
• Spanish 1
• Spanish 1 Honors
• Spanish Homeroom
• We also offer Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and Spanish 4

Check out our

Foreign Language Exploration spring class, featuring all 7 Foreign Language classes taught at True North Homeschool Academy

Self-Paced Spanish- begin any time- you have access to this award-winning app for 12 months!

Podcasts:

• The Importance of Foreign Language as a Life Skill
• Why Learn a Foreign Language
• The Wonder of Foreign Language

Other Foreign Language Resources: Blog Posts & More!

• 5 Reasons to Study Spanish
• Why Your Homeschooler Should Study Critical Languages
• Why Study Spanish
• Why Study German
• FREE German Recipe E-book
• Celebrate Chinese New Year!
• Why Learn a Foreign Language Podcast
• YES! Your Student Can Learn a Foreign Language
• Let’s Talk with Sra Harkey! FB Interview with Emily Harkey
• Foreign Language Exploration for 6th Graders and Up! FB Interview with Dana Hanley

True North Homeschool Academy offers 4th-12th grade live online classes, Academic Advising, Testing, and Self Paced classes. We are your trusted academic partner!

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We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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Please, no matter how we advance technologically, please don’t abandon the book. There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the book.” ― Patti Smith

Tech is here to stay, and it is such a useful tool! But it can also be difficult to balance tech usage with other academic options. Listen in as True North Homeschool Academy Teacher, Angie Ferrell chats with TNHA Director, Lisa Nehring about finding balance between amazing technology and solid academic pedagogy and tools!

We talk about the SAMR Hierarchy of online learning (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Reimaging) and how important the usage of this hierarchy is when evaluating online classes and learning. Not all e-learning is created equal, as the world discovered in 2020!

It’s also important to understand Tech Stacking and giving our kids actual technological tools to use. For example, Angie always has her class watch “Death by Powerpoint” before any presentations are due How to avoid death By PowerPoint | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholmSalon – YouTube

Angie’s recommendations for Tech Balance in your homeschool is

1. Make sure your kids are learning the correct tech skills. Most kids know a certain gaming system, but few understand word docs or excel spreadsheets, powerpoint or a graphic design program, like Canva.

2. Create whitespace for your kids – unplanned time during every day that often includes “Green Therapy ” (getting outside/ being in nature).

3. Put the phone away nightly, or weekly- include Tech Detox’s as a regular part of your routine and habits. Constant dopamine hits stress the brain and interfere with sleep.

Resources

Blog Posts :

Teach Your Kids Online Etiquette!

How to Homeschool Jr High and Jr High Brain

Why Use Homeschool Academic Advising?

Podcasts

Getting Started with Online Learning!

More from Angie Ferrell!

Psychology

Writing with Confidence

American History with Film

Literature & Composition

More Podcasts with Angie

Truth, Beauty & Goodness

Edventure Together: Books, Travel & Discovery!

Why Freedom Matters

What you are Leaving Behind

Disruption and Resilience

True North Homeschool Academy is your trusted academic partner. Disc

over True North Homeschool Academy today! https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/t…

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Entrepreneurship as a Life Style with Your Kids

Life Lessons Learned through Building a Successful Business Join us this week as we hear from Gina Noble, who started a successful 6- figure business with her four kids, while homeschooling. Creating a business with her kids, allowed Gina to teach them not only academic, but life skills. Entrepreneurship as a Life Style gave their family the time they needed to develop  interpersonal skills such as manners and communication skills as well as important academic skills like money management and cost/ benefit analysis and how they both contribue to the success of your current business and are transferable skills that your kids will use throughout their lifetime!

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