Math Success in High School

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 15, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Math Success in High School

In “Math Success in High School,” Episode, #186, Meredith Curtis talks about that subject that many homeschool moms dread – MATH! High school success is easier than you think. You need confidence, a game plan, good study habits, and sometimes help from outside the home. You will be encouraged from this podcast and have a workable plan to move forward.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

If you don’t like Math, don’t tune me out.

4 Reasons Students Do Poorly in Math

They think they can’t do it
They have poor study habits when it comes to Math
They do it in spurts rather than consistently
Moms are afraid of Math and pass on the fear

What’s Great about Math?

Concrete – right or wrong
Incremental
Teaches Problem-Solving
Exercise for the Brain
Exercise for our Logic Muscle

Why Kids Can Be Confident in Math

Each child is fearfully and wonderfully made
Each child can do ALL THINGS through Christ who gives us strength
Negative Voices in the Head can be Silenced
Study Habits & Game Plan are Key in Conqueroring Math

Game Plan & Study Habits

Do Math first thing (or as soon as you are awake) 4-5 times a week
Lead from Success to Success to Success
Learn each concept well before moving on (fractions, decimals, borrowing, order of operation, making 10)
Memorize Multiplication Tables
Memorize Basic Formulas

My Experience with Math

Early years to High school
Challenges & What I Did
Getting Help

Get Help!

Tutoring
Online Classes
Tutoring & Online Classes both Available at True North Homeschool Academy
Leanne – Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra II

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Online Math Classes

Check out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!

$8th Grade Math and PreAlgebra with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy$

Algebra I with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy

Algebra 2 with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: algebra, arithmetic, calculus, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, geometry, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Math, mathematics, Meredith Curtis, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent, trigonometry

Travel to Learn US Geography

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 1, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Travel to Learn US Geography

In “Travel to Learn US Geography,” Episode, #185, Meredith Curtis shares ways to teach US geography as if you were on a road trip through each US state and territory highlighting natural wonders, historic landmarks, and interesting people and places. Learn to use mapping, road mapping, sightseeing, drone videos, cooking, baking, and research to discover our beautiful country. Grab your road map, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your camera—we’ll see lots of beautiful places! Traveling, even from your family room, is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Hi! I love to travel. If only I could pack up the minivan and travel from state to state for a year or two.

Country Overview

How USA grew
Regions: Landforms, Climate
Farming

Road Trip & Packing

If we were going.
Why it’s their favorite class.

Regional Overview

Maps – colorful and fun
Mapping
Food, culture, music, landmarks, natural wonders, rivers, lakes

Take a Tour

State Description
Places to See
Food, crops, resources, fun things to do

Research

Statehood, flower, bird, fun facts
Copy flag – make it beautiful

Road Mapping

Lost skill with GPS
Where roads go and how they meander
g. Interstate highways (S to N even) (W to E odd)

Cooking & Baking

I dish or meal from each region
Kids LOVE this!

In Class Online

US Geography course at True North Homeschool Academy

Use God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories

God Bless the USA State Capitals & Abbreviations

Travel God's World God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

Videos (esp Drone, travel, adventure)
Games
Questions: “What do you notice about this state flag (seal, capitol, coin, stamp)
Photo of Map Shape: “Give me the capital and abbreviation)

US Geography Online Class

Jr High US Geography

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US Geography Resources

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Check out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!


	$8th Grade Math and PreAlgebra with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy$

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, computer science, computers, Education, family, Finish Well, hands on, hands-on activities, hands-on learning, homeschool, homeschooling, Internet, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, office applications, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent, programming

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 17, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

In “Computer Science Online ,” Episode, #184, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Laura’s Introduction to Computer Science course online at True North Homeschooling Academy and the essential computer skills for teens. Laura, a 30+ year veteran and continuing student of the IT world, offers some insight into why students need a computer science class and what they can learn in this one. Meredith and Laura talk about the computer related challenges they have helped homeschool students overcome as they learn online.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

What Students Need to Know About Computer Science

Basic history of computers
What computers do
How they work
How they think
What’s in a computer
What works with a computer
What is computer programming or game design
The internet – How it works how it was built
Internet safety
How can you use the internet to make money?
Office application
How to make apps work
How to find work on your computer
How to organize your computer
How to customize or personalize your computer

Teaching Computer Science Online

Learn What They Need Now
Learn What They Will Need in the Future
Start with the Basics
Using the internet to learn
Using the internet to share or submit documents
Compare & Learn To Use Different Systems
Microsoft Office 365 – including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Google Chromebook – including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
MacBook or iMac – inclkluding Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

Teacher Experience

Been around computers since childhood
Worked as a IT professional for over 30 years
Involved in the beginnings of the internet
Siblings are all IT professionals
Taking more classes still

Always keep learning

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More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Check out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!


	$8th Grade Math and PreAlgebra with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy$

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Cozy Mystery English Online

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 3, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Cozy Mystery English Online

In “Cozy Mystery English Online,” Episode, #183, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Meredith’s Who Dun It high school English course online at True North Homeschooling Academy. Writing a novel in high school and creating Who Dun It high school English course has been a win-win for their teens. Who Dun It is fun in a co-op and online classes where students read and write cozy mysteries. This out-of-the-box high school English course is a blessing to many homeschool families who want to experience the adventure of clues, red herrings, plot twists, creating suspects, and leading their detective on a merry chase until the murderer is apprehended.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Our experience with novel writing in high school and eventually writing a who-dun-it.

Writing a Cozy Mystery

Cozy -no gore, clean, focus on solving a puzzle
Create detective, sidekick, friends, and suspects (characterization)
Create a scene-by-scene plot
Suspect’s Motives
Clues/Red Herrings
Setting/Tone/Mood/Christian Worldview
Plot Twists
Logic – Wrapping It Up

Who Dun It At Home

Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
Discuss Novels & Short Stories
Write a Short Story first semester
Write Novel second semester
Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce to Family
Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud to Family
Get Input from Family
Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss with Parents

Who Dun It in Homeschool Co-op

Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
Discuss Novels & Short Stories
Write a Short Story first semester
Write Novel second semester
Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class
Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud
Peer Review Writing Club Style
Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It Online

Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
Discuss Novels & Short Stories
Write a Short Story first semester
Write Novel second semester
Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class
Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud
Peer Review Writing Club Style
Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It at True North Homeschool Academy

Literature & Composition: Who Dun It

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Literature Resources

Our curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too! 😊

British Literature & Writing High School Class

Foundations of Western Literature by Meredith Curtis

Communications 101:Essays and Speeches High School Class

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: 20th Century, Christian, Christianity, Composition, cozy mystery, Education, family, Finish Well, hands on, hands-on activities, hands-on learning, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, murder mysteries, murder mystery, mysteries, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent, reading, writing

Online Classes and Neurodiversity: Building Independence and Social Skills at Home

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 29, 2023 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

223: Online Classes and Neurodiversity: Building Independence and Social Skills at Home

Guest Lindsay Leiviska talks to us about Online Classes and Neurodiversity. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”. Lindsay’s tips will be helpful to those homeschooling a child with autism, ADHD, or any issue that can make learning a little more challenging for a student.

Be sure to listen to the previous episodes 125 and 126 where Lindsay explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students

These are the topics Lindsay covers in this episode

1. The Why Behind Online or Digital Classes

Screen-based learning can give them the independence they need to learn more effectively
Support your child by “removing the audience” and giving them agency
Outsourcing classes can alleviate stress on the parent-child relationship

2. At What Age?

Completely dependent on the child
Consider anxiety level
Consider executive functioning level

3. Asynchronous vs Synchronous

Again, completely dependent on the child’s executive function and anxiety level

4. How much support from parents?

5. Social Time

Use online platforms like Outschool for social time

Bonus Tip: Allow Gaming as a way to createrelationships

You can find Lindsay at

A Heart for all Students

Facebook: @aheartforallstudents
Pinterest: @aheartforallstudents
Instagram: @aheartforallstudents

—————————————————————————————————————-
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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: homeschooling, Meryl van der Mewe, neurodiversity, online classes, podcast

20th Century World History Fun Online

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 20, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

20^th Century World History Fun Online

In “20^th Century World History Fun Online,” Episode, #181, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis talk about Meredith’s 20^th Century World History Class online at True North Homeschooling Academy. First, they talk about history co-oping and how they ended up leading a co-op and teaching online. They discuss history labs (design an amusement park, diaromas, acting out battles, radio shows, commercials) and how they add depth and fun to history studies.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Our experience history co-oping and teaching online

History Classes In Person – Co-op

All ages together for history lab
Separate classes for discussing history material
Archaeological Dig
“Olympic Games”
Quill Pens & Berry Ink
Tin Punching
Act Out Stagecoach Robbery
Underground Railroad Game (similar to capture the flag)

History Labs in the 20^th Century

Games through the Century
DIY Miniature Gold
Diaroma of Battlefield – Trench Warfare
War II Poster
Listen to Music from each Decade
Radio Show – Truthful Reporting from Vietnam
Create an Airplane Company & Make Commercial
Plan a Trip on Route 66
Design an Amusement Park
Mapping
Family Trees
Much more!

Why Teaching the 20^th Century Is Needed

So much of history is being rewritten
20^th Century impacts 21^st Century
Socialism/Communism needs to be understood
Wars/Terrorism/Civil Rights Movement/Eugenics/
Set them up for success in the more formal years

World History 20^th Century

Online classes at True North Homeschool Academy
2 Classes – Middle School & High School
Textbook & Workbook at Home
Powerpoint, Videos, Project Sharing, and Discussion online

Benefits of Online History Fun

Teen LIKE history
Teens learn with other teens
Just one hour a week for 15 weeks/semester
Pleasant, wholesome atmosphere

20^th Century World History at True North Homeschool Academy

World History of the 20^th Century for High Schoolers

Twentieth Century History Modern World for Jr. High Students

Sign up for our Newsletter

History Resources

Our curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too! 😊

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century: High School Workbook by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century Middle School Workbook

HIS Story of the 20th Century Cookbook by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: 20th Century, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, hands on, hands-on activities, hands-on learning, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent

Science Fun Online

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 6, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Science Fun Online

In “Science Fun Online,” Episode, #181, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis talk about Laura’s science class Science Exploration at True North Homeschooling Academy. First, they talk about homeschool co-oping and how they ended up leading a co-op and teaching online. What takes the intimidation out of learning science? Is hands-on science fun possible online? How do children respond and learn science online? Laura and Meredith answer these questions and more!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Our experience homeschooling, co-oping, and teaching online

Science Classes In Person

All ages together for labs, experiments, and projects
Trebuchet -physics
Potato gun – physics
Volcano – earth science
Games, crafts, more!

Goal of Teaching Science in Elementary

Children learn that science is fun!
Children learn that science is interesting!
Integrating all ages for labs, experiments, and projects.
Set them up for success in the more formal years

Science Exploration

Online classes at True North Homeschool Academy
2 Age Groups
Hands-on Science
Textbook this Year: From Seas to Shining Stars

Benefits of Online Science Fun

Children LIKE science rather than being intimidated by it
Children enjoy learning
Pleasant, wholesome atmosphere

Science Exploration at True North Homeschool Academy

Science Exploration A for K-3

Science Exploration B for 4-6

Sign up for our Newsletter

Science Resources

Our curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too! 😊

From Stars to Shining Seas by Laura Nolette and Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Little Lambs Exploring the Heavens Lapbook by Laura Nolette and Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

My Creation Week Lapbook by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette at Powerline Productions, inc.

Healthy Living for Christian Teens by Meredith Curtis

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent, science, science class

The role of parents in online classes

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 17, 2022 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

194: The role of parents in online classes

If you have a child in online classes, you have probably wondered what the role of parents in online classes is. As a teacher of online classes at FundaFunda Academy, here are suggestions we as teachers there, have for you as parents.

1. Don’t forget you are their homeschool parent.

2. Your role will change as they get older

3. Young children

participate with them
help with tech
provide snacks
be nearby

4. Upper elementary/middle school student

more hands-off
check they are doing their work
ask questions
ask for input on class selection

5. High School students

make sure they know when the class starts and what expectations are
still ask them about the class
check their grades / are they submitting work on time – can relax this one they prove to be reliable
help them develop schedules, overcome learning differences (Listen to ep 125 and 126 on Modifying online curriculum for special needs students)
be their cheerleader

DON’T

do their work for them
help them cheat
email the teacher for them (with some exceptions)

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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

Asynchronous vs Synchronous online classes

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 4, 2021 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

143: Asynchronous vs Synchronous Online Classes

In this episode, we take a look at asynchronous vs synchronous online classes and consider which might be a better fit for your family.

Synchronous Classes

* Live class – Zoom / Google Meet
* Interaction? Passive? Discussion?
* Homework outside of class?
* Specific day/time
* If you miss a class is it recorded?

Asynchronous Classes

* Not live – but could take different formats
* Self-paced or deadlines?
* Videos + quizzes or more?
* Graded or not?
* Interaction with teacher? other students?

Show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy– provides classes that are asynchronous with deadlines and graded.

You can find FundaFunda’s demo classroom here.

Synchronous classes – good for students who do better in a classroom situation and need the discipline of having to show up to class

Asynchronous classes – good for students needing a flexible schedule and for students who like to work at their own pace

Special offer for August 2021:

Share about this podcast on any of your social media accounts, or in online forums, Google groups etc OR leave a rating and review on the podcast player you use, then take a photo or screenshot and email it to meryl@fundafunda.com. Everyone who does that can select ANY $20 web-based unit study from sponsor FundaFunda Academy.

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

How to modify online curriculum for special needs students Part 2

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 7, 2021 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

126: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 2

Guest Lindsay Leiviska explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”.

Be sure to listen to part 1 first if you haven’t already. In that episode she discusses variables to consider when choosing online curriculum.

Tips for what you as a parent can do

Rather than leave kids to their own devices, use online curriculum as a teaching tool.
Sit with your student and watch videos together.
Pause videos at appropriate intervals in order to check for understanding.
Use one sheet of paper or small whiteboard for each problem, pause the video and work through each problem together.
Depending upon the learning and emotional needs of the child as well as the concepts at hand, I modify my level of involvement.
Always remove learning barriers
Scribe for your child (write math problems, have them spell orally, etc)
Support your child with verbal cues as she works through math problems,
Gradually have child tell me the steps involved and “tell me” what to do. This requires A LOT of effort as speaking orally requires greater processing and retention (teaching is highest form of learning)
Slowly hand over reigns step by step.
Depending upon needs, work through questions one by one together on one sheet of paper for each problem in large text.
When needed, support concepts with extra video-based tutorials (Removes mom’s need to choose the correct verbiage)
Always have hard copy texts and support tools (maps, reference charts, etc)
Resist the urge to stay on schedule
Don’t be afraid to pause and repeat lessons or concepts when needed.
Circle back to concepts as needed

Recommended Resources:

A Heart For All Students: Homeschooling A Child Struggling With Math- 12 Tips To Help
Ctcmath.com
https://mathantics.com
Quizlet
The Great Courses
Veritas Press Self-Paced History

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: Meryl van der Merwe, online classes, podcast, special needs, Technology

Math Success in High School

Show Notes

4 Reasons Students Do Poorly in Math

What’s Great about Math?

Why Kids Can Be Confident in Math

Game Plan & Study Habits

My Experience with Math

Get Help!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Online Math Classes

Travel to Learn US Geography

Show Notes

Country Overview

Road Trip & Packing

Regional Overview

Take a Tour

Research

Road Mapping

Cooking & Baking

In Class Online

US Geography Online Class

Sign up for our Newsletter

US Geography Resources

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

Show Notes

What Students Need to Know About Computer Science

Teaching Computer Science Online

Teacher Experience

Always keep learning

Sign up for our Newsletter

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Cozy Mystery English Online

Show Notes

Writing a Cozy Mystery

Who Dun It At Home

Who Dun It in Homeschool Co-op

Who Dun It at True North Homeschool Academy

Sign up for our Newsletter

Literature Resources

223: Online Classes and Neurodiversity: Building Independence and Social Skills at Home

20th Century World History Fun Online

Show Notes

History Classes In Person – Co-op

History Labs in the 20th Century

Why Teaching the 20th Century Is Needed

World History 20th Century

Benefits of Online History Fun

20th Century World History at True North Homeschool Academy

Sign up for our Newsletter

History Resources

Science Fun Online

Show Notes

Science Classes In Person

Goal of Teaching Science in Elementary

Science Exploration

Benefits of Online Science Fun

Science Exploration at True North Homeschool Academy

Sign up for our Newsletter

Science Resources

194: The role of parents in online classes

143: Asynchronous vs Synchronous Online Classes

Synchronous Classes

Asynchronous Classes

126: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 2

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20^th Century World History Fun Online

History Labs in the 20^th Century

Why Teaching the 20^th Century Is Needed

World History 20^th Century

20^th Century World History at True North Homeschool Academy