How to Use the Internet to Find the Right Curriculum for Your Child

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 8, 2023 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

220: How to Use the Internet to Find the Right Curriculum for Your Child

Whether you are new to homeschooling or need to change things up, you can use the internet to find the right curriculum for your child.

Here’s what is covered in this episode:

1. Don’t start to look for curriculum until you have asked yourself a few questions:

* what kind of a homeschooler do I want to be – see the blog post on Homeschooling Styles
* what is my child’s learning style
* what is my goal in homeschooling
* what can I afford

2. Time to ask other people questions and get suggestions

2.1 FaceBook groups

specialist ones – for example Homeeschooling Middle School, Homeschooling Collegebound Teens, ones for athletes, secular homeschoolers, Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, Special Needs homeschoolers.
general homeschooling ones
local ones

2.1. Forums for example, Welltrained Mind

3. Ask ChatGPT or other AI
AI can help summarize what is available

4. Read reviews
Look for reviews on the actually product listing, and also on blogs, Youtube, TikTok etc

5. View Samples or Demos of the curriculum
For example, FundaFunda’s demo classroom and Youtube videos demonstrating products

—————————————————————————————————————-
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: curriculum, homeschooling, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, Technology

State Reimbursement for 7Sisters Curriculum

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 15, 2022 by Vicki Tillman Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: State Reimbursement for 7Sisters Curriculum.

State Reimbursement for 7Sisters Curriculum

This week Sabrina explains how 7SistersHomeschool curriculum will work for state reimbursement. Now, do not get too excited! Not all states offer any reimbursement programs for curriculum!

However, some states DO offer at least partial reimbursement for curriculum purchases. Every state’s laws are different. Often states that offer reimbursement programs have very specific rules on how to go about being reimbursed. SO, if you are not sure what your state’s rules are, check your local homeschool organization or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

If you DO live in a state that gives your a tax credit or reimbursement, then this episode is for you!

Is the curriculum from 7SistersHomeschool acceptable for reimbursement programs?

Until recently, we would have said, “maybe not”. That is because, each of us 7Sisters are of the Christian faith. We are each from different denominations but our overall worldview is shaped by our faith. Thus, it is often explicitly mentioned in our textbooks. (However, we are never pushy, judgmental or preachy with our messaging…just to be clear.)

In recent years, we have had consistent and increasing numbers of homeschooling parents who live in states that reimburse. They want to be good stewards of the family finances, which means it makes sense to avail themselves of the reimbursement programs. However, most states that give tax credits or have reimbursement programs require that curriculum NOT be used for “religious instruction”.

Often the term, “religious instruction” means that in the textbook there is mention of religion or is intended as religious instruction (or could be construed as such).

So HOW did 7Sisters handle this dilemma?

We want to help our 7th Sisters and their families. (BTW- there are six of us 7Sisters: Sabrina, Marilyn, Kym, Vicki, Allison and Sara. SO, who is the 7th Sister? YOU are!)

How could we help our homeschooling friends in states that reimburse use 7Sisters texts and still qualify for reimbursement? First, we thought and prayed and came up with a unique solution. Then we evaluated each:

Textbook
Literature Study Guide
Cinema Study Guide
Writing Guide

First, we searched through each text and guide and found the curricula that we could create a state-approvable version that does not damage the integrity of the material. Then we removed material in these curricula that was gave the appearance that we were giving (or attempting to give) religious instruction, teach the Bible or Christian ways of living or model preachiness of any kind.

However, if you download a piece of curriculum that you do not feel will not meet your state’s guidelines, pay attention to your gut! It was our intention to present curriculum that did not include any semblance of religious instruction. When we evaluated the adapted texts and guides, we feel we did well with this. But if your gut says you do not think it will work in your state, contact us and ask for a refund. As you probably know, 7SistersHomeschool is proud of our:

10-Day No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Guarantee on all 7Sisters EBook curriculum!

SO you do not have any risk when you purchase our curriculum! Just scroll down in the 7Sisters bookstore to the category: Curriculum Acceptable for State Reimbursement. There you will find the titles that have been adjusted to be free from religious instruction.

Please note: Some 7Sisters curriculum could not be adapted to be free from religious instruction!

Some of our textbooks and guides simply could not be adapted to be reimbursable. Take for instance:

Financial Literacy from a Christian Perspective
- This teachings of this text rely deeply on Biblical ideals and principles. This text could not be adapted.
Great Christian Writers
- Well, this one is obvious. No explanation even needed.
CS Lewis Study Guides
- One of the main purposes of Lewis’ writings is instruction in religion!

However, some textbooks and guides could be adapted to be free from religious instruction while maintaining the integrity of the material

If there is a character in a study guide who is a person of faith (such as the priest in Les Miserables), we ask questions that work on literature analysis. Thus, we do not ask religiously-oriented questions.

Some titles that have been adapted to be acceptable for state reimbursement for 7Sisters curriculum include:

PLUS, many:

Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Guides
Literature Study Guides
Shakespeare Study Guides
Writing Guides (Short Stories, Essays, Poetry, Creative Chronicling, College Essays)

Not only that but ALL four Complete Bundles (Literature, Writing, Vocabulary, etc) have been adapted to be acceptable for state reimbursement, such as:

One Year of High School English/Language Arts (a good fit for 9th grade)

Look for the RED STICKER on the cover of textbooks and guides OR simply scroll through the bookstore to the category: Curriculum Acceptable for State Reimbursement.

Join Sabrina for encouragement for choosing reimbursable curriculum AND if you need more information on choosing curriculum, check out this Homeschool Highschool Podcast episode.

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Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: curriculum, state reimbursement, The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

Hope for the Mom of a Wayward Child

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 3, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

Hope for the Mom of a Wayward Child

In “Hope for the Mom of a Wayward Child,” Episode, #135, Meredith Curtis brings encouragement for moms who are desperately praying for their child to come back to Christ. She shares stories from church history and Scripture of mothers who have been in that situation and how they played a role in their child’s return to God. Pointing us to the One who loves our children more than we do, Meredith shows how God’s grace leaves the 99 to seek and save those who wander away, as well as the role that strategic prayer plays.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The shocking conversation after my talk at a homeschool support group meeting.

A Mother’s Heart & Plans

Train a child in the way they should go….These words have I hidden in my heart….the fear and instruction of the Lord….Good News!

Organic baby food…family devotions….ministry at church….prayer & fasting….loving God together….Bible stories….Sunday school

Hijacked!

Questions or Sin or Heartache or Rebellion or Addition or Depression leading to turning their back on Jesus and His Word.

A generation gone astray.

Is faith gone? Will they get out of the pit they have fallen into? Will they stop believing lies?

Monica

Algeria 300s. Unfaithful husband with violent temper.

Her daughter was a devoted Christian, but Augustine. Wayward, drunken, false religion (Persian & later Plato philosophy), sexual immorality, living with a woman for 15 years.

“The child of these tears shall never perish.”

Ambrose in Milan

17 years of prayer & fasting while wholeheartedly serving God

Jochobed

Tribe of Levi. “Glory of God”

3 Children: Moses leader of Israel, Aaron first high priest, Mariam worship leader/songwriter

Multiply. Slavery. Midwives. Throw baby boys into the Nile.

Exodus 2:2-4: “And the woman conceived and gave birth to a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and covered it with tar and pitch. Then she put the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. And his sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.”

Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Wisdom. Courage. Trust.

Instead of throwing him into the Nile to his death, she placed him in the Nile within a protective basket.

Think of all the ways her plan can go wrong.

Jochebed is paid by the princess to nurse her baby. When he is weaned, she brings him to the princess.

Murderer. Fugitive. Pharoah wants to kill him. Escapes to Midian.

80 years/probably after her death

Annie

6 children. Slowly over decades 4 come to Christ.

Unwavering faith/prayer while wholeheartedly serving God until death.

Prayer & Fasting in Faith

Always pray and never give up! Stand in faith that the God who called you to the task of raising children for Him will pour out grace and mercy to rescue your child even if you do not live to see Him do it.

Fasting.

How to pray.

Continue to serve Jesus wholeheartedly.

Luke 18:1

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Resources

Jesus Fill My Heart and Home by Meredith Curtis

God's Girls 104: Motherhood by Meredith Curtis

How-to-Homeschool Books if you want to learn more about homeschooling or plan to homeschool 😊

Joyful and Successful Homeschooling by Meredith Curtis

Unlocking the Mystery of Homeschooling High School by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette

Quick & EZ Unit Study Fun by Meredith Curtis

Seven R's of Homeschooling by Meredith Curtis

These are just a few of our many resources that work well for all ages together!

Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis

Travel God's World Cookbook by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Podcast #049 The Legend of Atlantis and Bull Leaping

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, child, Christian, Christianity, church, curriculum, Education, encouragement, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, mom, Parent, salvation, support, teen, Wayward

6 Ingredients of Great Curriculum

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 19, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

6 Ingredients of Great Curriculum

In “6 Ingredients of a Great Curriculum,” Episode, #134, Meredith Curtis can help you if you feel overwhelmed by curriculum choices. There is so much out there! Meredith shares how she chooses curriculum for her family by using a simple checklist of 6 things. She gives practical wisdom on what to look for in homeschool resources including worldview, flexibility, content, usability, cost value, and the fun factor.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The thrill of a used book sale each May.

Worldview

Curriculum should match worldviews.

As a Christian, I have a biblically based worldview. I believe the Bible is true and applies to all areas of life. I want to show my children how God’s Word relates to every subject we study.

For more information on worldview, listen to my podcast: What is Your Worldview? that explains 6 different worldviews popular in our world today.

When Worldviews Collide is another podcast that helps parents and teens recognize worldviews that contrast with Christianity.

Content

Learn with depth. (Table of Contents for breadth; Read a chapter for depth)

I get excited when a history textbook goes deeper.

Examples:

History
Math
Science
Foreign Language

Make lists of what looking for.

If I can’t find everything in one curriculum, I will often combine two separate ones.

Wholesomeness. Purity. Accuracy.

Usability

Different for every person. Some like detailed lesson plans.

Is it clear enough for you how to use it for maximum potential?

Does it seem workable or does the preparation overwhelm you?

Flexibility

Can it be used for the whole family or just one person?

Can it be used at home or in a homeschool co-op?

Can you rearrange the schedule? Stretch it out? Shorten it?

Is it adaptable?

Cost Value

Doesn’t mean that I get the cheapest thing out there. That can end up costing me more in the long run.

Cost value to me means that it is worth the price I will pay for it. That is personal and different for each person.

Am I getting what I pay for?
If this is core curricula, is it worth the price?
If this is supplemental (like timeline, cookbook, literature, map), do I really need it? And is it worth the price?

I love to go to homeschool conventions where I can actually hold and look through curriculum and living books.

The Fun Factor

The fun factor matters to our family.

If our chosen curriculum doesn’t have it, we add those things in ourselves—I usually add ideas next to the Table of Contents or lesson plans.

In our home, things that we consider “Fun Factor” are:

Cooking/Baking
Timelines
Movies/TV Shows
Games
Hands-On Activities
Creating Skits, Radio Dramas, Commercials
Mapping
Living Books
Historical Fiction
Geographical Fiction
Writing Poems
Music
Art
Crafts
Dioramas
Posters/Brochures/Booklets
Lapbooking
Blogging about It
Dressing Up
Travel
Field Trips
Writing a Story
Games
Sports
History Parties

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Resources

How-to-Homeschool Books if you want to learn more about homeschooling or plan to homeschool 😊

The following books give detailed instructions so you can have your own History Parties.

Let's Have Our Own Archaeological Dig by Meredith Curtis

Let's Have Our Own Luau by Meredith Curtis

Let's Have Our Own Medieval Banquet by Meredith Curtis

These are just a few of our many resources that work well for all ages together!

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #070, What Is Your Worldview?

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #071, When Worldviews Collide

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #069, The Kitchen Explosion

1001 Homeschool Days at the Beach | Yes you can actually spend 1001 Homeschool Days at the Beach and learn so much more than in a book! Join us to find out more. | #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #beach

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, church, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, living books, Meredith Curtis, Parent, support, teen

How to Use Who-Dun-It Curriculum in a Homeschool Co-op

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

February 1, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

How to Use Who-Dun-It Curriculum in a Homeschool Co-op

In “How to Use Who-Dun-It Curriculum in a Homeschool Co-op,” Episode, #129, Meredith Curtis explains how to use her most popular English course, Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing, in a homeschool co-op setting. It’s easier than you think to teach, homeschool Mom or Dad! Teens love sharing their stories together and discussing classic cozy mysteries in book club. Plus what other course requires you to watch a detective show once a month? The student benefits—logic, creativity, literature understanding deepens, and FUN—enrich high schoolers educational experience and create happy lifetime memories!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Welcome to our cozy mystery peer review time. We are mesmorized by the story, trying to figure out the clues.

This is much too fun for a high school English class! Or is it?

When It’s Your Turn to Teach at Co-op

It’s your turn to teach the high school English course and you are stumped.

I have a fun solution!

Mystery lovers unite!

Spend a year reading and writing a cozy mystery

Benefits of Writing a Who-Dun-It

Opportunity (or challenge) of creating a story that others will enjoy

Writing your own literature teaches you so much about literature

The role of logic

Craftsmanship

Reading aloud to edit/craft

An Overview of The Year

First half:

Reading/watching/analyzing
Creating characters/settings/scenes
Write short story

Second half:

Novels/short stories
Work on novel
Peer review & crafting as you go

The Planning Is Already Done

How the course is laid out

Work at home

Work in co-op

Creating Characters & Using Dialogue & Description

How do golden age authors do it?

Well-rounded characters

Quotation marks

Close your eyes and listen—can you see it?

Classic Literature & Substitutes

Christie, Sayers, Chesterton, Doyle

Children’s classics: Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Mandie, Sugar Creek Gang

Golden Age Classic Mysteries—excellent literature!

Why Book Clubs Help So Much

Talking helps brain connect information

Differing opinions lead to lively discussions

Start with “Did you like this book—why or why not?”

Each book club focus: characterization, setting, dialogue, tone/mood, plot

Why TV Shows Help So Much

Scenes

Storyboard

Perry Mason, Murder She Wrote, Monk, Garage Sale Murders, Matlock

Writing for Peers vs. Writing for No One

When you are reading stories aloud, you have a purpose, an incentive

How writers have grown with this

Responding with affirmation and helpful advice, not critical

Unleashing Creativity

Creating characters, settings, plots, scenes, dialogue, surprise endings—hard work but fun!

Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing changes students

The Logic of a Who-Dun-It

Have to make sure everything lines up, is logical, makes sense

Did the reader get enough clues to solve mystery? “How did I miss that!”

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Resources

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

Economics, Finances, and Business Answer Key

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #120, Why I Wrote My Own Government Course, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #114, Easy DIY 5-Year Homeschool High School Flexible Plan, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Homeschooling Podcast, Podcast #108, 7 Ways to Make Jesus Lord of Your Homeschooling with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #106, 7 Reasons I Teach Newspaper Reporting In Middle School with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, book, Christian, Christianity, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, Mystery, Parent, teen, writing

Raise Teens Who Love America

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 18, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

Raise Teens Who Love America

In “Raise Teens Who Love America,” Episode, #128, Meredith Curtis urges you to be proactive in raising freedom-loving young people. It’s so easy to take freedom for granted until you lose it. America has been a beacon of freedom and hope to the entire world for centuries, but do our children and teenagers appreciate their heritage? You can raise children and teens who are enthusiastic, yet realistic about the United States of America

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Diego “I Love America”

Venezuela

Cubans risking their lives to get here

Time in Germany (“We are all watching”)

Our Christian Heritage

Puritans, Pilgrims, and the Great Awakening

The influence of Jesus and the Word of God

Learn to look at history in light of national and world culture (e.g. cursing, sexual immorality, slavery, taxes, role of women)

Constitution

Based on Bible

God as Law-Giver, Judge, and King

Federalists & Anti-Federalists

Read/Discuss Constitution

Read/Discuss Bill of Rights

Meet the Founding Fathers

Freedom from Slavery

Christians Against Slavery

Both sides of the ocean—Wilberforce, Beechers

Underground Railroad

Immigration

Melting Pot

Ellis Island to Interwoven in the fabric of life

Horatio Algiers and the Rags to Riches Tales

Freedom in Education

Freedom vs. Government Nannies

Giving opportunities to experience freedom, taxation, entrepreneurships

Read biographies of brave freedom-lovers

Raising Patriots

Biographies (Cotton Mather, William Bradford, John Winthrop, Jonathan Edwards, George Washington, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Quincy Adams, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Daniel Webster, Charles Finney, Jedidiah Smith, Davy Crockett, Marcus & Narcissa Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Lew Wallace, Booker T. Washington, Washington Carver, Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, John Wannamker, Ben Carson, Ronald Reagan)

Listen to people who love America (Prager U, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingrahm, Bill O’Reilly,

Patriotic Resources (A’Beka, Bob Jones, FACE, Powerline Productions, Notgrass, Liberty Press,

Patriotic Songs (God Bless America, Star Spangled Banner, My Country “tis of Thee, God Bless the USA)

Movies (Patriot, Harriet, Midway, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Blind Side, Remember the Titans, Dave’s Barton’s American Heritage series, Dave’s Stott’s Drive Thru American History)

Cartoons (Learn Our History, This is America, Charlie Brown, Adventures in Odyssey)

Conservative Authors (Cal Thomas, Rush Limbaugh, Thomas Sowell, William F. Buckley, Rand Paul, Pat Buchanan, Robert Bork, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, George Will)

Historical Fiction/Living Books/Biographies (The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson)

Conservative News Sources (Newsmax, One America News Network, CBN News, Town Hall, The American Conservative, Epic Times, Daily Caller)

Pointing out Inconsistencies

Compare/Contrast

Listen to viewpoints of those who oppose the USA and discuss (Iran, Socialists, Mainstream Media, Academia, Critical Race Theory)

Where are they right?

Do they take it too far?

Where are they wrong?

Read Communist Manifesto—see how many times you can hear the book being quoted or ideas from the book being encouraged or esteemed

Go through Understanding the Times together or in a group

Make sure your teens understand the idea of living in a fallen world and the sin nature of man. There are no perfect people, ideas, or nations. All is flawed, under the curse of sin.

Make sure your teens understand the redemption of Jesus. He saves, redeems, restores. The Word of God applies to all of life!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

Government: God's Blueprint/Man's Agenda by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

I'd Rather Be Texting with Meredith Curtis, Podcast #044, on Finish Well Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, freedom, government, history, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, patriotism, teen

New Semester New Hope

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 4, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

New Semester New Hope

In “New Semester New Hope,” Episode, #127, Meredith Curtis welcomes you to a new year and a new semester. You can change direction, do something fun, try out new curriculum! It’s time to hope for a brighter tomorrow! Things don’t have to stay the same or get worse—with Christ there is always a chance for a new beginning. Forget what is behind and press on toward the goal!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Last year started out with high hopes! The economy was booming! Our family was healthy and happy. Who knew that 4 months later one of my daughters would be fighting for her life, Covid-19 would keep us from attending our son’s wedding, and a dear friend would die. 2020 was not a great year for me.

So, am I full of doom and gloom about 2021? Well, honestly, I am a little nervous about some things, but I am still full of hope. No matter what happens, Jesus is still on the throne! I trust Him.

Why does hope matter?

Hope

Faith, hope, love last forever.

Hope does not disappoint

Hope motivates us to action

Hope brightens our mood

Hope brings joy to those around us

Hope is contagious.

Our teens need hope.

Where is Our Hope Fixed

Our hope is in a person, not fate, not luck, not our abilities, not karma,

Where is do we place our hope?

Our hope is in the One that will never change.

God is faithful. He will complete what He has begun.

The Lord cares about your homeschooling.

New Year

Cultures all around the world celebrate a New Year. There is promise and an opportunity to make changes.

New Blessings

New Problems

New Solutions

New Opportunities

New Semester

Can you stop and evaluate and make changes? Yes!

Changing schedules

Changing furniture around

Organizing the homeschool room

Changing Curriculum

Couldn’t buy my textbook at a homeschool convention because of months in book.

Most important thing is the teacher and student, not curriculum. Here’s why.

Having said that, sometimes you do need a new curriculum.

Algebra II

Consider Living Books

Christmas conversation about Economics

Enjoying literature with book club.

Life skill courses are a blast.

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Resources

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

These Courses all include Book Club Discussion Questions

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #113, 7 Ways to Save Big on Homeschool Curriculum, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #080, 12 Happy Habits with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #041, Get In Shape Spiritually for the New Year with Meredith Curtis on The Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Bible, Christian, Christianity, curriculum, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, hope, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Mystery, Parent, Semester, teen

Fall Unit Studies

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

September 17, 2020 by Sharon Rice Leave a Comment

Fall Unit Studies – Episode 87

In this episode, we discuss Fall Unit Studies. Fall is the perfect time to take a look at Unit Studies. Fall provides so many opportunities to take advantage of Unit Studies.

Mentioned on the Show

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie
Johnny Appleseed

Things to Do:

Pumpkins

Pumpkin Patches
Baking and Cooking with Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds

Leaves

Nature studies
Drawing leaves
Cutting Leaves
Crafts with leaves
Science projects with Leaves

Hurricanes

Tracking
Study the Science behind
Home preparedness projects

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter

Please visit www.fpea.com to learn more about who we are!

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Filed Under: FPEA-Connects, Uncategorized Tagged With: Autumn, curriculum, fall, learning, Seasons, unit studies

A year-round virtual curriculum fair

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 29, 2020 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

93: A year-round virtual curriculum fair

Our guest in this episode is Heather Bowen from Mom for All Seasons and in this interview you can learn about the year-round virtual curriculum fair she has created.

This virtual curriculum fair allows you to find curricula based on age, subject, type of curriculum, and worldview. It is very easy to narrow down your search to find a number of options that fit the criteria you specify. Each week all the special offers from vendors are listed on the main page.

The website is Top Picks Homeschool Curriculum Fair and there is a companion Facebook group that hosts giveaways, Facebook parties, workshops etc. It is also a place you can ask questions and get answers from fellow homeschoolers and the vendors.

Both the website and the Facebook group are free for attendees.

Show sponsor FundaFunda Academy is one of the over 100 vendors you will find at this virtual curriculum fair. Other vendors include Apologia, Sonlight, Grammar Galaxy, Media Angels, and Math Mammoth. So you will find many old favorites AND find many new exciting vendors.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: curriculum, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, Technology

Creating Electives with Online Resources

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 1, 2020 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

89: Creating Electives with Online Resources

In this episode, I first explain why I believe homeschoolers should add electives for high school and then I dive into the topic – creating electives with online resources

Find content for electives in the following places:

Great Courses
Your public library’s online resources eg Lynda, documentaries
MOOCs
Youtube look for playlists on topics, How to videos if the elective is a hands-on
Google – Look for an outline of what should be covered in the syllabi of high school or colleges courses, videos, games, tutorials, and contests (these often include practice material)

** The Linguistics contest I mention is NACLO

Evaluation and assigning a grade

If you find a MOOC or other class that you can use as part of the elective, it may have tests and assignments you can use.

Otherwise, get your child to do one or more projects to show what they have learned. The project could be to create a video, slideshow, website, children’s book or a portfolio if they are doing something creative. (See many of our other episodes for ideas on these)

If you want ready-done for you electives, take a look at the ones offered by our sponsor FundaFunda Academy

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: curriculum, electives, homeschooling, technology. Meryl van der Merwe