Search Results for: critical thinking skills

Why Learn a Foreign Language?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
September 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today I’m joined by my youngest daughter and recent homeschool graduate, Hannah Nehring. Hannah focused on Foreign Languages during high school and began learning German this fall, her 5th foreign language, following Latin, Hebrew, Spanish and Chinese.Why Learn a Foreign Language?

Today I’m joined by my youngest daughter and recent homeschool graduate, Hannah Nehring. Hannah focused on Foreign Languages during high school and began learning German this fall, her 5th foreign language, following Latin, Hebrew, Spanish and Chinese. She is currently conversant in both Hebrew and Spanish, with the goal of fluency in multiple languages. She set this goal for herself after a project she completed in True North Homeschool Academy’s Orienteering Course (Career Exploration).


In addition to studying each language, Hannah has become a student of how to learn and study a Foreign Language, which is a fascinating study, in and of itself! 

 

  1. Language is not a code. A Code is a pattern. Language is living as it has to do with how people interact. 
  2. The principles of decoding, however, have to do with pattern recognition. 
  3. The Psychology of language- when you learn a new language, you have a little “Person” in your head that speaks that language. You brain begins to do a lot of comparing and contrasting and you develop different modes of thinking. 
  4. Learning a second language teaches you to fail well and to be resilient, because you make so many mistakes as you learn a new language. 
  5. Learning a second language develops your creativity. 
  6. Learning a second language develops your Critical THinking Skills as you make connections, compare and contrast and learn by context. 
  7. Learning a second language teaches you manners as you begin to understand various cultures and develop cultural awareness. 

Interested in learning a second language? True North Homeshcool Academy offers Latin, Hebrew, Chinese, Spanish, German and French for students from 1st grade through adult! Check out our Foreign Language Exploration “sampler” class, being offered this coming spring! 

Recommended Resources:

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We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to ensure your academic and future success at True North Homeschool Academy! We offer Academic Advising, amazing k-12th grade Classes, Clubs and Mom’s Membership, regular Podcasts and Blog posts and more! Let us know how we can come alongside of you!

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A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor:  Courageous Movie

 

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

Check out the trailer here!

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Filed Under: Soft Skills 101

How To Learn To Communicate Well In a Changing World: Interview with Ron Brumbarger

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

How to learn to communicate well in a changing world - get some great tips from our guest, Ron BrumbargerThis week on Soft Skills 101 Podcast, we interview Ron Brumbarger!  We discuss how to learn to communicate well in a changing world.

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men

Quote: “Failure is not bad, it’s just failure. Keep taking risks, keep trying.” Ron Brumbarger

 Details of Show:

To learn to communicate well in a changing world:

  1. Know how to Write- all kinds of writing
  2. Develop your Critical thinking skills and problem solving
  3. Speech and Debate is excellent training for writing and critical thinking
  4. Interface with people of all ages and abilities
  5. You don’t need to “get it all right” – fail forward-
  6. Apprenticeship- job skills training.
  7. Develop and work with cohorts in conjunction with professional academics
  8. It’s a big, competitive world- grab a tent and travel

Best way to teach kids communication skills?

See the World: Travel – experience different cultures, languages

Is College Necessary? Employees care about 3 things:

  1. Can you do the work?
  2. Do I like you?
  3. Can I afford you?

Resources- Books/Movies/Articles/You-Tubes/Podcasts

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Future Succes by John Maxwell

Apprentice University

You are Always Being Interviewed by Ron Brumbarger

 

True North Classes

Creative Writing Club

Fundamental Grammar with Claritas

Literature & Composition

Speech

Debate

 

True North Blog posts

Is your Homeschooler Prepared for  High School? 

Creative Writing for Awesome People

Teaching effective on-line communications

The Lost Art of letter Writing

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Filed Under: Soft Skills 101

HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool Highschool

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January 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

This week on HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool Highschool.

HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes. Movies can be an inspirational part of your homeschool high school Language Arts program.

HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool Highschool

Need some fun in your homeschool high school? Think: movies!

Movies and reading can both count for Language Arts assignments?

Movies can’t count as books, but they can be used to learn themes, plots, characters and other tools of literary analysis. Studying a movie can add some sparkle to a year that is getting bogged down in heavy literature books. However, you want to have good tools (like 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides).

Join Sabrina and Vicki for an enlightening discussion of movies for educational process. Let’s start with another of Sabrina’s famous quotes:

Stories are stories.

So, a story in a movie is still a story.

Stories are Stories. Literature analysis through movies. HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes.

Learning story analysis skills by watching movies is good for all teens. Homeschool high schoolers with learning difficulties will find analysis skills more accessible when they watch and discuss movies.

So where do you start? Choose one or two aspects of the story to discuss and analyze, even if the movie has lots of outstanding features that could be explored. That way teens can actually learn and hold onto their learning. We suggest 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides for this.

When teens learn some concepts from a film story, they can then find those concepts when they read books. Making these connections is a necessary facet of education (and an important life skill).

Watching movies as an educational tool, helps teens begin to think that any time they watch a movie, they can use their brains and think about what they are consuming. In other words, when given tools for analysis in a gentle way, most teens will have more critical thinking skills for watching movies any time.

All 7Sisters curriculum is level-able (adaptable for Average- through Honors-level studies.) Homeschool high schoolers who are college-bound Honors level cinema studies will find interesting and meaningful leveling-up activities in 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides.

The way the Cinema Studies guides work:

  • Students watch the movie.
  • They take notes as they watch the movie on anything that is interesting to them.
  • They watch the movie again several days later.
  • Then they complete the study guide (questions and a writing assignment).

As an aside, Vicki and Sabrina rabbit trailed onto the topic of audiobooks for books and poetry. They noted that Benedict Cumberbach is one of their favorite readers. Vicki has several pins on her Pinterest Poetry board with him reading a poem.

Join Sabrina and Vicki for a *moving* talk about movies!

For more creative Language Arts ideas, check out this episode!

HSHSP Ep 89: A NOVEL Approach with Highschool Literature!

 

HSHSP Ep 145: Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool Highschool

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Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: , , ,

PSAT Test Myths – Episode 12

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
July 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment

psat testing mythsTest Taking Myths – Episode 12

PSAT Test Myths:

PSAT The Life Changing Test

Taking the PSAT is optional right? Not if you want free college! I know, you don’t think you are smart, or maybe you’ve been told that YOU as a parent didn’t receive the National Merit Scholarship – so don’t waste your time, either will your child. That is a PSAT Test Myth! Learn why the PSAT is a very valuable test and is more than just a practice test for taking the SAT. Don’t miss important deadlines, be proactive and learn, with Jean’s help some great test taking strategy and where to get a copy of the new version of the PSAT.

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Show Notes:

1. The PSAT can be a life changing test. It can turn the question of “How can we afford to pay for college?” into… “Which college should we go to?”

2. The PSAT is not prep for taking the SAT test – these tests are different.

3. Getting a high score on the PSAT can possibly qualify your child as a National Merit Scholar.

4. Success is not about your IQ score.

4. The Benefits of the PSAT

5. What is on the PSAT and  how can you beat the test?

6. Critical Thinking Skills are necessary for taking standardized tests like the PSAT and the SAT

7. Understanding math terminology.

8. Using logic in answering test questions.

9. Test questions are answered in less than one minute, typically.

10. No point deduction for guessing – but the suggestion is not to guess at the answer as there is a 75% chance at failure. Jean has a better way.

11. The PSAT is in a new format – visit the CollegeBoard.org website to download a copy.

12. The PSAT is not about content – it is about tricking the student into selecting the incorrect answer.

 

college prep genius

PSAT Test Myths Debunked

1. My kid is not smart enough.

2. I didn’t receive the Nation Merit Scholarship

3. Your child has to be in 11th grade to take the test (you can take the test as young as 8th-9th grade – depending on your state)

4. The PSAT is not necessary to take.

5. The PSAT does not count.

 

Filed Under: College Prep Genius

Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
September 26, 2023 by Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose.

Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose

Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose

Spanish is one of those subjects moms often don’t know where to begin when they’re homeschooling their high school teen. But do they really need to study Spanish? We got to chat with Suzanne Gose, the founder of Flip Flop Spanish and Spanish Geniuses, and Suzanne shares her homeschool journey and how she created a unique and engaging Spanish curriculum for homeschoolers. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Flip Flop Spanish!

About Suzanne Gose

Suzanne, a former public school teacher, found herself searching for something more fulfilling after becoming a stay-at-home mom. Intrigued by the concept of homeschooling, she decided to offer Spanish tutoring and classes to homeschoolers. 

She was amazed by the level of engagement and interest from the teenagers she taught. They were attentive, caring, and genuinely interested in their own education. It was a revelation for her, and she knew she wanted her own children to have that kind of experience. So, she became a homeschooler herself! Little did she know that this decision would change her life and lead her to create Flip Flop Spanish. 

As Suzanne began creating her own curriculum for homeschoolers, she noticed a gap in the market for a flexible and interactive Spanish program. She started printing packets for parents who couldn’t attend her classes, and her husband encouraged her to get published. This led to the development of the Flip Flop Spanish workbook, which became the foundation of her curriculum.

Why Flip Flop Spanish?

The name Flip Flop Spanish perfectly captures the essence of Suzanne’s curriculum. The workbook was designed with pages that could be flipped upside down, allowing students to review what they had already learned. This unique approach not only made learning Spanish fun but also encouraged students to think in Spanish rather than translate word-for-word.

She later added flashcards, which became their flagship product. They were especially helpful for her second child, who had a visual processing disorder. The flashcards allowed him to learn Spanish without the need for reading, which was a game-changer for him.

Flip Flop Spanish is an incredible curriculum that caters to different learning styles and challenges.

Motivating Teenagers To Learn Spanish

Motivating teenagers to learn a second language can be a challenge. Suzanne believes that making language learning enjoyable and relevant is key to capturing their interest. Like Flip Flop Spanish, which incorporates game-like activities, speed rounds, charades, and even friendly competitions to make learning Spanish exciting for teens.  

There are a few ways to motivate teens when it comes to learning Spanish. Making it fun and game-like often does this well. Using flashcards for speed rounds, charades, or even competing against parents can make learning enjoyable. 

The Power of Being Bilingual

Learning Spanish goes beyond simply adding a language to a transcript. Suzanne emphasizes the practical benefits of being bilingual, particularly in the job market. Speaking Spanish can increase earning potential by $10,000 or more per year. It also enhances job security and opens doors to a wider range of career opportunities. 

Suzanne’s curriculum aims to equip teens with the language skills they need to thrive in a bilingual world. Learning Spanish not only enriches your life but also opens doors to new friendships and experiences.

Another remarkable benefit of learning a second language, according to Suzanne, is the positive impact it has on brain health. Learning Spanish exercises various areas of the brain, improving memory, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills. Bilingual individuals often experience better cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline later in life. 

Learning Spanish goes beyond just fulfilling a transcript requirement. It’s about making a positive impact on the world and embracing the opportunities that come with being bilingual.

Being bilingual in Spanish is like having a superpower. It sets you apart and allows you to connect with people in a unique way. – Suzanne Gose

Being bilingual in Spanish is like having a superpower. It sets you apart and allows you to connect with people in a unique way. - Suzanne Gose

Exploring the Flip Flop Spanish Curriculum

Flip Flop Spanish offers a comprehensive curriculum for the whole family, starting as young as three years old. The curriculum incorporates flashcards, games, and engaging activities to create an immersive learning experience. 

For high school students, Suzanne has developed a video course called Spanish Geniuses, which combines a textbook approach with interactive video lessons.

Getting Started with Flip Flop Spanish

If you’re new to Flip Flop Spanish, Suzanne recommends starting with the flashcards and the See It and Say It curriculum. This approach allows students to think in Spanish from the beginning, building a solid foundation for further learning. 

Because when you start with their flashcards, it uses pictures and simple sentences to train the brain to think in Spanish rather than relying on translation. This method is effective for young children as well as older teens. 

For high schoolers, the Spanish Geniuses video course provides a structured and engaging way to progress in their language studies. It includes a textbook and covers more advanced concepts while still maintaining a motivating and interactive approach. 

Flip Flop Spanish and Spanish Geniuses is designed to build a strong foundation in Spanish while keeping the learning process fun and manageable.

So if you have a teen who feels overwhelmed by traditional grammar-heavy textbooks, Suzanne’s approach of starting with flashcards and gradually introducing more complex concepts is a great way to build confidence and fluency.

Suzanne wants to make learning Spanish a positive and empowering experience for teens, setting them up for success in both their academic and personal lives.

Why Study Spanish with Suzanne Gose

Learning a second language is not only a valuable skill but also a gateway to new opportunities and personal growth. Flip Flop Spanish offers a refreshing and engaging approach to language learning, making it accessible and enjoyable for homeschoolers of all ages. 

Whether you’re a parent looking for a comprehensive Spanish curriculum or a teenager seeking to boost your language skills, Flip Flop Spanish can guide you on your language learning journey. Embrace the fun and benefits of learning Spanish with Flip Flop Spanish!

Connect with Flip Flop Spanish

To learn more about Flip Flop Spanish and connect with Suzanne Gos, visit the Flip Flop Spanish website at flipflopspanish.com. You can also find Flip Flop Spanish on Facebook and Instagram, where Suzanne shares updates, tips, and resources for language learners.

For more on world language learning, check out these posts and Homeschool Highschool Podcast episodes:

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post!

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Learning From Your Special Needs Child

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
August 31, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Learning From Your Special Needs Child | I learned many lessons from homeschooling my special needs son. Some were easy, and others took a strong will to be open to God’s leading and my son’s! My Elementary Education diploma sported a degree and two certifications | #HomeForLearning.com #blog #homeschooling #TipsHomeschooling #BacktoSchoolChecklistforSpecialNeedsHomeschooling #SpecialNeedsHomeschooling #ChecklistforSpecialNeedsHomeschooling #LearningFromYourSpecialNeedsChild #LearningSpecialNeedsChild

In the realm of homeschooling, the most unexpected journeys often lead to the most profound lessons. Join me as I share a personal odyssey of discovery and growth while homeschooling my special needs son. From an initial reluctance toward science to a deep immersion in the natural world, our educational path took a captivating twist. Amidst the floodwaters of our Florida home’s backyard, a unique classroom emerged, fostering hands-on learning and life-changing insights. In this blog post, I unveil the transformative lessons I learned from my son, Neal, as we embarked on a science-filled adventure together, unearthing a newfound appreciation for learning and an unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Learning From Your Special Needs Child

I learned many lessons from homeschooling my special needs son. Some were easy, and others took a strong will to be open to God’s leading and my son’s! My Elementary Education diploma sported a degree and two certifications. However, even that could not make me like science. Part of my coursework was on teaching elementary science. I received an “A” in the course but proceeded to sell that book at the end of the semester as if it were tainted with gang-green. Nope! I was not going to teach science in any way, shape, or form. I preferred literature and writing to anything that required analytical thinking, was not straightforward, and made a mess.

Along Came a Transition

Then along came Neal, followed by our decision to homeschool. Our new home was nestled in 2.5 acres in the Florida six-mile cypress slough. (Translation: During the rainy season, this land tends to flood.) And during the rainy season, it was challenging to keep my kids indoors. Neal was six at the time, and his little sister, Christina four. They loved to head outdoors after a rainfall, which often lasted a scant hour but dumped so much water on our yard that it didn’t take many days for the lands to become soaked.

So, what does it mean to live in a flood zone? It means your yard is teaming with wildlife and is a virtual natural sciences lab. The day’s supplies consisted of knee-high boots, a red wagon, a bucket, and nets for scooping up critters. This was soon followed by not one, but two microscopes, one for inside and one that was in the garage. In that way, the children could get up close and personal with their living treasures. It was definitely caught and released. However, the lessons learned were invaluable.

The lessons were two-fold and identified in two separate compartments. One set of lessons was for me, and the other for the children.

Here is a list as follows:

Mom’s Lessons Learned

  1. The well-planned elementary curriculum consisting of textbooks was shelved
  2. Hands-on learning teaches skills that are foundational and memorable
  3. Character qualities were formed through experience, such as patience, fortitude, charity, and understanding
  4. Messes are okay if they instill a love of learning
  5. Safety is important, and learning that “red-on-yellow can kill a fellow” is mandatory in understanding which snakes to avoid
  6. An arsenal of pond life, bird life, and nature books is a must
  7. Many subjects could easily be tied into science
  8. Scientific discovery caused the children to delve deeper into complex thought processes.
  9. What if questions and the word “hypothesis” became part of their basic vocabulary
  10. Reading and comprehension skills soared because of the research required to identify much-needed information.

Kids Lessons Learned

  1. We can keep any animal for the day if we can prove that we won’t kill it
  2. If we keep our messes contained to the deck and garage, anything goes
  3. Mom will buy us anything that has to do with science
  4. Mom doesn’t know everything, so looking it up in a book was easier than asking her
  5. We love looking at the eyes of frogs, lizards, and insects if they hold still enough under a microscope
  6. If we do our seat work quickly, Mom lets us do science
  7. Leaving mom’s suitable measuring cups outside will result in punishment
  8. “Red on black” is not a friend of Jack! However, red-on-yellow won’t kill a fellow but should still be avoided.
  9. Baking soda and vinegar can be used as short-burst rocket fuel, but ask Mom first.
  10. Science is fun!

Ultimately, I learned using nature science was the key to unlocking my child’s critical thinking skills, and I took his learning to new heights. My well-planned curriculum went into the “circular file,” I joined my children as we headed out the door and into the world of nature studies and more! In fact, it was because of this wonderful experience that I wrote the first book I self-published: Teaching Science and Having Fun. I could relate my fears and dislike of anything scientific to those who mirrored my concerns and show that it is never too late for any mom to learn new things.

Meet Felice Gerwitz: A Devoted Homeschool Mom, Author, Publisher, and Podcast Host

A heartfelt enthusiast for both education and faith, Felice Gerwitz has embarked on an incredible journey as a homeschooling mom, guided by her unyielding devotion to the Lord. Alongside her incredible husband and five wonderful children, Felice’s life is a testament to the beauty of balancing family, faith, and personal aspirations.

In 1986, Felice embarked on her homeschooling adventure, a path that has been colored with both triumphs and challenges. Through the years, she has amassed a wealth of experience and wisdom that she eagerly shares with the world. As the founder of Media Angels, Inc., Felice has not only embraced her role as an educator but also stepped into the shoes of an author and publisher. Her creative ventures have not only enriched her own family’s learning journey but have also inspired countless others seeking alternative educational paths.

You can continue reading her story in her very personal story, One More Child, from Media Angels, Inc.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,

What to Include in your Middle and High School Language Arts Study

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
August 22, 2023 by Leave a Comment

LCP Ep 5: What to Include in Your Middle and High School Language Arts Study

Join Katie with Literary Cafe Podcast to learn about what to include in your Language Arts study in your homeschool. #homeschool #homeschooling #languagearts #english #middleschool #highschool

What do you need to include during the middle school years in Language Arts to make sure your learner is ready to tackle high school work? What kind of Language Arts and English program would colleges be looking for and what can count as credit for the high school transcript?

Visit Katie’s website for more fun ideas and tips to use in your homeschool at Katie’s Homeschool Cottage  or her Facebook Group.

Join Katie Glennon as she discusses what skills and concepts you should include in your Language Arts study during the middle and high school years. Katie shares an outline with some specific areas to make sure you include them in your Language Arts study during these critical years. She will suggest and discuss curriculum resources she found useful in her homeschool when her sons were in middle and high school that work efficiently and effectively to meet English requirements and make sure your learner is prepared for the next step – moving from middle into high school or high school into college.

The Areas of Language Arts you should include in the Middle and High School Years

What-to-Include-in-your-Middle and High School Homeschool-Language-Arts-Study pdf (Printable for you to download)

Show Notes

The Areas of Language Arts you should include in the Middle and High School Years
Reading/Literature

For literature during these years, I recommend a mix of short stories, poetry, essays (non-fiction), drama, and novels. These can be found either separately or in the form of a literary anthology and additional novels to read alongside the anthology.

Along with the novels, you will want to use some kind of novel study guides (that will also assist you with suggested vocabulary words and various questions).

Suggested Homeschool Literary Resources to Assist you in your Literature Study –

Total Language Plus (novel study guide)
Progeny Press (novel study guide)
Mosdos Press Literature Anthologies

Skills and Concepts for Literature Study

There are a number of skills and concepts you will want to include in your literary study.

These skills include –

• Vocabulary – I recommend using words from your reading for your vocabulary words because it saves you time and money from using a separate vocabulary program or curriculum. Most of all, in my experience it is more effective. The words are in context of what your learner is reading and will be understood and remembered more effectively because it is part of a story they will remember. It also gives your learner the practice in figuring out what words mean using their context within a sentence.

• Comprehension and Higher Order Thinking Skill Practice

Recalling details
Comprehending and understanding what they read (being able to identify the “main idea” or “theme” of the story)
Application skills – using what they have learned from the reading to problem solve
Analysis – drawing conclusions, comparing this written work to another from the same author or another author, or comparing what they have read to a personal experience.
Evaluation – critiquing the writing, selecting an issue from the writing and debating it.
Synthesis – taking a point, idea, theme, character from your reading and creating something new from that piece.
Elements of a story – plot, conflict, setting, characters, point of view, mood, tone
Literary devices and writing techniques such as similes, metaphors, imagery, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, alliteration.

• Study different Genres – forms of writing and rhetoric – speeches, drama, essays, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and novels.

• Study different literary time periods and areas around the world.

American Literature – Native American, Pre-colonial/Puritanism, Colonial, Revolutionary (age of Enlightenment/Reason), Romanticism (includes American Gothic, Transcendentalism), Realism/Naturalism/Regionalism, Modernism, Contemporary

British – (some crossover from American) Old English/Anglo-Saxon, Middle English/Medieval, Renaissance, Puritanism, Enlightenment, Romantic (Regency), Victorian, Modern

World Literature – (Western, Eastern, Other) Can focus primarily on Ancient works from Greek Philosophers or Christian authors, or a broad cross-section of countries, authors, and time periods from around the world.

Semester Specialty Classes – Poetry, Shakespeare, Drama, Journalism, Creative Writing, Research and Composition, specific types of literature or specific authors or parts of the world.

• Worldview – Christian Worldview expressed by author and content or Secular/Humanist view.

• Author Biography and Time Period in which he/she lived or wrote about.
Literature can be a reflection of cultural, religious, societal, and historical views, beliefs, and events written from the author’s point of view or the content itself.

Literature can also be an influencer of cultural, religious, and societal beliefs from the time period and society in which it is written or the author’s point of view and intent. It can influence thinking and historical events.

Writing and Composition

I recommend using your literature study as the jumping off point for essay writing and composition. However, before you can begin with that practice, your middle schooler and early high school student has to have some basic foundation in writing skills.

Middle schoolers should master the proper format of a paragraph –

A Hook to capture the reader’s interest and a Topic Sentence
At least 3 detailed supporting sentences that gives more information directly related to the topic sentence.
A concluding sentence that brings that paragraph to a close.

By the time learners start their first year in high school, they should be working on mastering the proper 5 Paragraph Essay (in this case an informative essay).

I recommend having your learner pick a topic they could talk to you about off the top of his/her head for 15 minutes without really having to think much about it. This topic lends itself to writing this kind of essay and the learner can concentrate on the format of the paper instead of what to write.

Proper 5 Paragraph (Informative) Essay
A Hook and topic (thesis) sentence with an introductory paragraph that include mentioned the three subtopics (or details about the main topic) that you will be discussing in the paper.
3 Body – detailed, supporting paragraphs in the order in which they were mentioned in the introductory paragraph. – Include transition words and sentence variation.
Concluding paragraph which includes a rewording of the topic sentence with a mention of the 3 subtopics and a Clincher sentence (could be a big statement, last thought, question, or a call to action).

Then you are ready to use your literary pieces as a basis of other essays –
Persuasive essay
Analytical essay
Research (and/or MLA, APA, Chicago format) essay
Persuasive essay with citations
Compare and Contrast essay itself to college application essays)
Literary Criticism

 

Here is a bundle of notebooking pages that we used for our written narration that I mentioned in the podcast to develop our writing skills before we wrote formal essays of different forms. There is a set for different subject areas that we used to either make our own books or put into a 3-ring binder to put together a notebook of our writing and what we learned in that subject that year.

Make Your Own ABC Book Notebooking Pages Bundle Set

Grammar

Use your learner’s writing to assess what skills they need to review and practice each week.

Other review and practice for grammar skills can be found with these resources –

Rod and Staff – (books go up to 8th grade, but the concepts and skills are up through high school work.) These books use diagramming and are very well explained. If you have a learner that loves following and making lists of steps and learns best this way, you might want to try diagramming. However, if it is frustrating or challenging for you or your learner to understand the “diagramming process”, it may not be worth using that method to learn the grammatical concepts.

If you have a hands-on learner, you may want to check out Winston Grammar. This program uses a hands-on approach and labels parts of speech and how the words are used in a sentence.

Another program I recommend is the Easy Grammar series. The Easy Grammar books have the text and instruction to learn and practice new skills and the Daily Grams are workbooks that have a daily review with 5 different kinds of grammar concepts with one sample of each per day for a total of 5 quick review samples to practice. Loved this! As your child moves into high school, you may want to use the Ultimate Series which has the text and instruction and the practice in each. There are placement tests on the website to assist you.

Spelling in Language Arts Study

Spelling for middle school can still be in a phonics-based spelling book as recommended in my Language Arts for Elementary Ages podcast such as Building Spelling Skills by Christian Liberty Press .

You can also look at your learner’s writing and include words they misspell in your weekly spelling list.

If you have a learner who is ready to tackle more complex words, I recommend Spelling Power, an inclusive book that you will be able to use for years through high school and multiple learners. It supplies word lists and ways to study and learn the words each week.

Be sure to comment in the Comments box any ideas you’d like to share that your family has used in your Language Arts or any of these ideas from this podcast you found helpful! I would love to hear from you! Thanks for visiting! Come back and visit the Literary Cafe Podcast for August’s topic when we discuss how to study grammar in your homeschool!

Make sure you subscribe to the Literary Cafe Podcast at iTunes so you don’t miss an episode or by clicking on the Android or RSS feed buttons below the recording on this page!

Join Katie with Literary Cafe Podcast to learn about what to include in your Language Arts study in your homeschool. #homeschool #homeschooling #languagearts #english #middleschool #highschool

 

 

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Creating Your Own Unit Study: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Personalized Learning

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
July 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

creating unit study Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to tailor their child’s education to suit their individual needs and interests. One effective approach to achieve this is through unit studies. A unit study is an in-depth exploration of a particular topic, encompassing various subjects like history, science, literature, and art. By designing your own unit study, you can foster a love for learning, encourage critical thinking, and create a more engaging educational experience for your homeschooled child. In this blog post, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating your own unit study.

1. Identify Your Child’s Interests:

The key to a successful unit study is to select a topic that sparks your child’s curiosity and passion.

Take the time to discuss their interests and listen to what excites them. It could be dinosaurs, space exploration, ancient civilizations, or even a favorite book series. For teens, even an AI unit study theme!

By choosing a theme that captivates your child, you lay the foundation for an enthusiastic and motivated learner.

2. Define Learning Objectives:

Once you’ve settled on a topic, outline the learning objectives you want to achieve through the unit study. Consider the core subjects you wish to incorporate and set specific goals for each subject.

For instance, if your chosen theme is “Oceans,” your learning objectives might include understanding marine ecosystems, exploring famous ocean expeditions in history, studying ocean currents in science, and creating ocean-inspired art projects.

3. Gather Resources:

Now it’s time to gather resources to support your unit study. Utilize books, documentaries, websites, educational apps, and even field trips to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

Libraries, online databases, and educational platforms are excellent sources for finding relevant and age-appropriate materials. Don’t forget to involve your child in the research process to encourage their independence and curiosity.

4. Create a Study Plan:

Organize the unit study by creating a study plan. Break the theme into smaller subtopics or units, and allocate time for each one. Determine how much time you’ll dedicate to the unit study each day or week and create a flexible schedule that accommodates your child’s learning pace and interests.

5. Integrate Subjects:

The beauty of a unit study lies in its ability to incorporate multiple subjects seamlessly. Look for opportunities to connect different disciplines within the chosen theme. For example, if the unit study revolves around “Inventors and Inventions,” you can explore the history of inventions, the science behind them, the art of innovation, and even the societal impact.

6. Hands-On Activities:

Enhance the learning experience with hands-on activities that bring the subject to life. Conduct science experiments, embark on nature walks, cook traditional meals from different cultures, or engage in artistic projects related to the theme. These activities not only reinforce learning but also make the unit study more enjoyable and memorable.

7. Encourage Independent Research:

Encourage your child to pursue independent research on specific aspects of the unit study that interest them the most.

Provide guidance and resources, but let them take the lead in exploring their curiosity. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and nurtures critical thinking skills.

Creating Your Own Study

Creating your own unit study for your homeschooled child is a rewarding way to personalize their education while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

By identifying their interests, defining clear learning objectives, gathering resources, integrating subjects, and incorporating hands-on activities, you can create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Remember that flexibility is key, allowing your child to explore and delve deeper into areas that intrigue them the most. Embrace the journey of learning together, and watch as your child’s passion for knowledge blooms in the comfort of your homeschool environment. Happy homeschooling!

Check Out These Podcasts from Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice Gerwitz for more Unit Study inspiration …

And for a Done-For-You Unit Study, check out this resource from Media Angels!

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Embracing Math: Why Homeschoolers Shouldn’t Shy Away from Numbers

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
July 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Embracing Math | Homeschooling parents should embrace math

When it comes to homeschooling, parents have the unique opportunity to tailor their children’s education to their individual needs and interests, including the opportunity to embrace math.

While some subjects may come naturally and spark excitement, others can be met with resistance, and math often falls into the latter category for many homeschooling parents.

However, despite personal preferences or challenges, it is crucial for homeschoolers to embrace math and recognize its significance in their children’s educational journey.

In this blog post, we will explore why homeschoolers should not shy away from math, even if it isn’t their favorite subject.

1. Building Foundational Skills:

Mathematics provides a foundation for logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. These skills are not only essential for various academic disciplines but also for real-life situations. Embracing math from an early age enables homeschoolers to develop strong foundational skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, both academically and professionally.

2. Fostering Critical Thinking:

Mathematics is not merely about numbers and calculations; it is about developing critical thinking skills. Homeschoolers who engage with math learn to analyze problems, break them down into manageable steps, and think creatively to find solutions. These problem-solving skills are invaluable in every aspect of life, from managing finances to making informed decisions.

3. Enhancing Everyday Life:

Mathematics is deeply intertwined with our everyday lives, even if we don’t always notice it. From calculating expenses, understanding measurements, and interpreting statistics to making informed decisions about time management and resource allocation, math is a fundamental skill that helps us navigate the complexities of the modern world. By embracing math, homeschoolers will gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and be better equipped to make informed choices.

4. Preparing for Higher Education and Careers:

Math plays a significant role in numerous academic disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and even fields such as business and economics. By embracing math, homeschoolers set themselves up for success in higher education and future careers. Having a solid mathematical foundation opens doors to various fields of study and increases opportunities for homeschoolers in a rapidly evolving job market.

5. Overcoming Challenges:

It is not uncommon for parents to feel less confident in teaching math compared to other subjects. However, it is crucial to recognize that struggling with a subject does not mean homeschoolers should avoid it altogether. Embracing math presents an opportunity for growth, both for the student and the parent. It encourages homeschooling parents to step outside their comfort zones, seek help when needed, and adopt creative teaching strategies that cater to their child’s learning style.

Embrace Math, Homeschool Mama

As homeschoolers, it is vital to provide our children with a well-rounded education that includes all core subjects, even if some of them are not our personal favorites. Embracing math is crucial for the holistic development of homeschoolers, as it builds foundational skills, fosters critical thinking, enhances everyday life, and prepares them for higher education and future careers. By overcoming personal challenges and embracing math, homeschooling parents empower their children to thrive academically and succeed in the ever-changing world. So, let’s encourage our homeschoolers to embrace math and embark on an exciting journey of discovery and growth.

This blog post is thanks to our sponsor, CTC Math. Homeschoolers can save 1/2 off! Learn more by clicking the image below.

 

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The Future of Work | Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
May 30, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14The Future of Work

What about the future of work? Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14

Career Stages

  • High school
  • Launching as an Adult can include college
  • Early Career
  • Late Career
  • Mid-Career
  • Retirement

What Economies will Play a Role in the Future?

  • Big Tech Economy
  • Precision Economy
  • Exodus Economy
  • Empath Economy
  • Gig Economy

 

Future Workers will need Technical Skills as well as Soft Skills, particularly Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication Skills. The good news is that a solid high school course of study will lay a solid foundation for these type of skills. Additional, future workers will need the ability to upskill and re-skill, as well as have a zeal for life long learning.

What is the best way to navigate the future? As always, I recommend start with the end in mind and working backwards. What kind of lifestyle does your student want to have, where do they want to live, what work do they believe in and want to invest in doing?

Assess your student, your current resources and your location, as all of these offer various challenges and opportunities. And don’t forget that you are one of your student’s best resources. What are your areas of interests and trained vocation? Your kids have a jump start on whatever it is you share with them, because of what you already know.

Craft a clear plan that includes

True North Homeschool Academy classes that will set your student up for future success

Fall Class True North Homeschool Academy

 

  • Life Skills
  • 101 Personal Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Photography & Digital Tech
  • Video Editing
  • Photoshop
  • E-books
  • Survive Homeschooling High School
  • Young Professionals Series
  • Academic Advising & Testing
  • FB lives and Info Meetings

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to ensure your academic and future success at True North Homeschool Academy! Check out our regular Podcasts and Blog posts and more! Let us know how we can come alongside of you!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
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OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
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We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support as they head True North! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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