Cindy Downes

Jul. 18, 2009 - Science Kits by Mail

I just discovered a science resource called The Young Scientist Club. It was designed by a team of students at Harvard University to increase a child's interest in science.

Each month (or bi-monthly depending on the subscription you choose), your child receives a science kit and instructions. The kits cover all sorts of topics from batteries to bacteria to bones and muscles. You can see a complete list here. Not only do the kits introduce your child to science, but they also reinforce thinking and writing skills.

I definitely recommend this as a good investment in your child's science education!

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Feb. 12, 2009 - Lincoln VS. Darwin

I just finished reading TOS's Wee-Book, Lincoln vs. Darwin and found it very interesting! This is the perfect resource to use as a discussion starter or as an introduction to a unit on Lincoln, Darwin, or evolution. It's short so it doesn't take a lot of time. It includes discussion questions to get you started. And it's full of very interesting facts about Lincoln and Darwin. Best of all, right now it's FREE!

Lincoln vs. Darwin is just one of several Wee-Books now available on their Web site. What a novel idea!

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Jan. 18, 2009 - Martin Luther King Day

Tomorrow is Martin Luther King day. Why not take the day and learn more about Martin Luther King? To help you, I've included some resources on my blog: How Do I Teach . . . ? Enjoy!

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Jan. 16, 2009 - New Poll!

I've started a new poll on my blog, How do I Teach . . . ? . I'm trying to see what history topics homeschool parents teach the most. The poll ends February 15th.

The results of the previous poll will be posted in my next OKHS Newsletter.

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Jan. 4, 2009 - January 2009

I just posted my January 2009 newsletter. Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!

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Dec. 16, 2008 - OKHS December Newsletter Up

I just finished my December 2009 issue of the OKHS Newsletter. This month's issue has a list of resources to Recession-proof your homeschool, a review of Taking Back Astronomy and Nature Portfolio, some tips for new homeschoolers or for those who are changing their teaching style (including a free step-by-step guide), and a variety of Internet resources to make your homeschool a little bit more fun! I hope you enjoy!

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Dec. 16, 2008 - New Homeschool Facebook Group

I just started a Facebook Group called: 1 Super Bunch of Homeschoolers. I'd love to have you all join. It is a closed group to keep the bad guys out, so ask to join and I will add you to the group. It's a fun way to meet and inspire other homeschoolers. You will need to already be on Facebook or join Facebook first.

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Dec. 6, 2008 - Free 3D Animation Tutorial

Free tutorial on 3D Animation by Dragonfly Animation. You might also be interested to know that Kevin, one of the owners of Dragonfly Animation is the homeschooled, quadriplegic son of Pamela Thorson, author of Song in the Night. I recommend reading her book and learn how Kevin overcame impossible odds to start this business.

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Nov. 21, 2008 - Fitness Police?

All of you living in Oklahoma need to read this article. They are trying to pass a law to allow child welfare officials to come into your home if you're child is overweight! It's time to call your legislators!

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Aug. 1, 2008 - Developing Future Authors

Do you have a potential author in your homeschool? Do you find that your children can fill in all the English textbook pages but still can’t write an acceptable report? Whether your child is a budding author or just needs to learn practical writing skills, here are some ideas that will help make a difference in your writing program.

A good place to start is your local bookstore (or library). Pick up books that are written for professional writers. What better way to learn to write than to study what the masters are using! (You will need to be careful to watch the content.) Two of my favorite resources for writers are Elements of Style by Strunk and White and 100 Ways To Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost. Each of these resources will not only help you to teach your children how to be a great writer, but writing mechanics and grammar, as well.

If you'd like to read the rest of this article, check out my August 2008 newsletter. You'll also find some book reviews and two free forms to help you homeschool. Enjoy!

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Jul. 4, 2008 - 1776 Special!

Did you get your email about the 1776 special? For one day only - July 4th - you pay $17.76 and you get a one-year subscription to the print magazine, 5 issues of the digital magazine, an e-book of the Star-Spangled State Book, The Citizens Rules e-book, and an e-book of The Independence Day Lapbook!

New Subscribers Here
Renewals Here

I got mine already! What a deal!

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Jun. 26, 2008 - The Schoolhouse Planner

I just looked over the Schoolhouse Planner from the sample pages and all I can say is, WOW! Why wasn't this around when I was homeschooling! (I keep saying that, don't I!)

This looks like the ideal resource for keeping track of your school, your home, and your personal life - all wrapped up in one! Good Job, TOS!

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Jun. 5, 2008 - Want to Save Money!

If you have high school or college-age kids, or you are going back to college yourself, you need to look into the option of CLEP testing. Your high school students can earn college credit, your college student can test out of classes, and you can SAVE BIG MONEY! To find out more, check my Empty Nest Mom Goes to College blog.

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May. 28, 2008 - Learning About the Microscope

Here are some resources to help your kids learn about the microscope:

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR MICROSCOPE LAB

Simple Microscope. Here is historical information about the microscope plus information on how to make one!

Virtual Microscope. Look at "specimens" under the microscope and then try to identify them.

Interactive Microscope. Look at onion root mitosis and moon rock!

Great Scopes. Lots of microscope activity ideas from GreatScopes. Also includes excellent information on how to buy a microscope. This company is operated by homeschoolers.

MicroScape. A virtual microscope lab. Awesome! You are shown a microscopic view of something then the Quicktime movie zooms out so you can see what it is.

Label the parts of a microscope worksheet.

For more, check out my April Newsletter.

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