If you live in the Dartmouth area, a local artist is offering Homeschool Art Classes for 5-12 year olds on Fridays starting in September. For more information see her website: Homeschool Art Classes Information
The Annual Not Going Back to School Camping Trip is coming at the end of the summer! Meet with other homeschooling families at beautiful Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia for a week (or more) of biking, canoeing, swimming and other activities. The weather is (usually) warm and sunny; there are no biting insects, the lake water is perfect for swimming. We have a few organized activities and lots of time for spontaneity and hanging around.
The Ultimate Toolbar for Homeschool Moms...The Homeschool Toolbar!
I'm using this now and it's so handy!
It's free of spyware or viruses, does not open pop-ups or hijack your searches,allows you to control your privacy features such as cookies and cache from the toolbar and no personal information is required. It has a Google powered search box, includes an email notifier where you can add all of your emails accounts in one convenient place such as Yahoo, Google, personal or business. Plus, it will notify you when one of your accounts receives mail!
The Homeschool Toolbar features include:
Homeschool Resources
The Latest homeschool & Parenting News
Web search using Google
Integrated RSS feeds
Homeschool blogs
Category browsing
Search highlighter
Other quick shortcuts
Weather forecast
Organizing tools such as a To do list, notepad, calculator, conversion charts, maps and more
Radio connected to "Positive & Encouraging K-LOVE" , NPR or your favorite local radio station (this feature is optional and can be added or removed as can all toolbar features.)
Lastly, it will NOT slow your computer down!
Click here for your free download: Homeschoolbar
The Schoolhouse Planner has so many wonderful features. You told us what you wanted in a planner, and we have delivered!
Some of the main features include:
Calendars in various forms - yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily
Planners for your homeschool - in various styles to meet your individual needs
Household planning forms
12 "homeschool must-know" items, one for each month of the year
12 essays from some of our favorite authors in the homeschool community - you absolutely won't want to miss these!
24 easy main-dish recipes from some top homeschoolers around the nation
and so much more!
PLUS, the Schoolhouse Planner is interactive! You can type right into the pdf! If you have Adobe Acrobat, you'll be able to save the changes you make. (Note: If you only have Adobe Reader, you can type in your planner information, print it, but will not be able to save these changes.)
Don't forget, monthly planner add-ons are available for purchase every month. We already have some great holiday related information ready for July's planner supplement!
We're there with you each month to make your home and school planning as easy and fun as possible throughout the year!
Have a friend who likes an organized home and school? Let them know about the Schoolhouse Planner.
The Old Schoolhouse is running its Summer Reading Splash! Keep a log of your books read to hand in at the end of the program. Download some freebies, and each child can enter every week to win a free book! TOS Summer Reading Splash
Your Local Library is also running the Laugh Out Loud: Summer Reading Program!
Cape Breton's program has already kicked off: CBR Library LOL
Halifax area libraries are kicking off their programs next week: Halifax Libraries LOL
This summer, Atlantic Filmmakers Co-operative is planning workshops for children and young teens, called Filmmaking for Absolute Beginners (or FAB). They are trying to contact groups that might be interested in participating. They plan to hold workshops during the months of July and August (NOT Sept. as stated on the webpage, it's incorrect). For detailed info on what these workshops consist of, please read over this page: Atlantic Filmmakers Co-operative They do travel outside of HRM as well to conduct workshops at your location. If interested, please contact AFCOOP through their website, or send an email to Mary at outreach@afcoop.ca
If you want to belong to the Halifax/Dartmouth homeschool group, join them on Facebook: "The Comedy of Errors" group.
Upcoming Thursday Events - All events begin at 1:00 pm. Open to all ages. June 12: Salt Marsh Trail, Bisset Road, Dartmouth -- meet at Trail head and walk or bike the trail, perhaps all the way to Lawrencetown Beach (rain alternative TBA) June 19: Dingle Park, off Purcell's Cove Road - has a playground, walking trails on the waterfront and in the woods, snack bar and the Dingle Tower (rain alternative Spryfield Bowlarama and/or Frenchy's and/or Captain William Spry Library) June 26: Birch Cove Beach, Lake Banook, Dartmouth
The Highland Village in Iona has some wonderful, educational experiences now and during the summer. Many of the events are for children, and some are FREE. Plan ahead, as some require advance registration. For more information, see their website Highland Village
June 17 /Tuesday - Am Breacan Bòidheach Fasanta ("Mary's Bonny Plaid") Natural Dye Workshop - Using natural dyes to add colour to the cloth and yarns that pioneer women made was an important aspect of 19th century life. If you have ever wondered what materials were used to produce such a wide range of hues, please join us for an afternoon of wool dyeing. Participants will learn about various dyeing techniques and will be able to dip a few small skeins of their own. Cost: $10 per person (2 - 3:30 pm).
July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 /Wednesdays - Làithean Sona/"Happy Days" Children's Program
Take part in this special living-history program for children and get a sense of what life was like for Gaels in those special days. The program features special hands-on activities including chores, crafts, games, language, and song. Costumes are provided. For ages 8-12 only. Cost: $30 per child. Prepaid reservations are required. No refunds or discounts. (10 am – 4 pm).
July 3 /Thursday - Highland Village at the Baddeck 100 Celebrations - Highland Village will help the Village of Baddeck mark their 100th birthday with a day of cultural activities. The morning will feature Spòrs (Gaelic Games) for the children (10 am to 12 pm) and the afternoon crafts and cultural demonstrations including a spinning bee, céilidh, textile display and more (1 to 4 pm). All activities will take place in Baddeck. Free admission.
July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 /Thursdays - Cuairt nan Coinnlean/Candlelight Tour Come join us for an intimate evening featuring a storytelling tour of this living history site and Cape Breton sunset. Cost: $12/adult, $28/family, $5/students. Prepaid reservations required. No refunds or discounts. (7-9 pm)
July 4, 11, 18 & 25 /Fridays - Spòrs: Gaelic Games for Kids Join us for a morning of interactive games that focus on language, song, dance and other aspects of Scottish heritage. Gaelic games such as Tunag Tunag Gèadh, “Duck Duck Goose” center on basic Gaelic vocabulary and phrases which are incorporated into fun and engaging games for children. Spòrs is for children aged 5-10. Free admission. (10am-12pm)
July 8 /Wednesday - Ag Éirigh air Òran - Gaelic Song Session - Seumas Watson, Manager of Interpretation at Highland Village, will teach traditional Gaelic songs of Cape Breton, and be joined by friends. Samples of field work collected from traditional Gaelic singers of years gone by will also be featured during the presentation. Free admission. (2 to 4 pm).
July 10 & 24 /Thursday - Na Deugairean/Living History for Youth
Partake in this special living-history program for teens and get a sense of the responsibilities and the lifestyles of young Gaels in days past. The program features special hands-on activities including chores, crafts, language and song. Costumes are provided. For ages 13-17 only. Cost: $30 per youth. Prepaid reservations are required. No refunds or discounts (10am - 4pm)
July 16 /Wednesday - Hallaig/Gaelic Film Series - Join us in the Highland Village Theatre for a viewing of Hallaig, the film that explores visually Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean’s classic poem “Hallaig. Originally composed in Gaelic it’s words describe images of loss and memories of the Gaelic community on the Island of Raasay. Free admission. (2 pm)
July 19 /Saturday - Feasgar an Truisg/Codfish Supper
Come satisfy your taste buds with a feed of salt cod, potatoes and all the trimmings of a traditional Cape Breton salt cod supper. If you don’t cotton to cod, hot dogs are available upon request. Dinner fee includes admission to museum. Cost: $15 adult plate, $8 child plate, $2 hot dog. (Backstage, 3-6 pm)
July 27 /Sunday - Anniversary Church Service - Malagawatch Church
The River & Lakeside Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada hosts their annual Annivesary Church Service in the Malagawatch Church. Free admission to service. (3 pm)
July 29 /Tuesday - Musique Royal Concert with David Greenburg and the Chris Norman Duo
Musique Royale returns to the historic Malagwatch Church with a concert featuring David Greenburg (Cape Breton fiddle & baroque violin) and Chris Norman (flute, small pipes & vocals). Tickets $15 for adult/seniors, $5 for students (7 pm).
30 July to 1 August - Gaelic Folk Life Festival - Stòras - Three days of presentations, interactive activities and crafts reflecting Nova Scotia’s Gaelic tradition and cultural expression. Presenters will include Dr. John Shaw, School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, Mary Jane Lamond, Susan Cameron, Special Collections, St. Francis Xavier University, Eòsag Nic an t-Saoir, Jim Watson and the interpretive staff of Highland Village. Regular museum admission fees apply. Times of activities vary.
Good day to you!
We recently went to the Prince Caspian movie as a family and it was just terrific! I highly recommend going to see it. The whole family enjoyed it - our 4 year old, our 9 year old, and their parents Our homeschool had just finished reading Prince Caspian, and is now onto Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Are you reading the Chronicles of Narnia at home too? Go to this website The Narnia Academy for a FREE online course of 20-lessons for each of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe AND Prince Caspian. Whether you want to finish your year with it, do it over the summer, or save it for the fall, what a wonderful resource!
Are you the Leader of a Homeschool Group in Nova Scotia?
If you are the Leader of a Homeschool Group in Nova Scotia, we want to hear from you! Help us keep our fellow Nova Scotia Homeschoolers informed. Click hereto submit your local support group information for inclusion on the The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Canada Page
Introduction: Fresh from the Homeschool Curriculum Fair!
Good day to you!
First to introduce myself as the new Nova Scotia coordinator. My name is Kimberly, and I am a stay-at-home mom to my two children. We have been homeschooling for 3 years now and enjoying almost every minute of it We live on our homestead in Cape Breton, where we spend many hours crafting and enjoying the wildlife in our backyard. We have also decided to raise some chickens, who are at this time 6 days old, fluffy, and adorable.
I just arrived back home with my son, Connor, from our weekend in Dartmouth to attend the Homeschool Curriculum Fair put on by NSHEA. We had a wonderful time, but the 5 hour drive was a bit exhausting for me. Although my son was bored during the workshop we attended on Right Brain learning, I very much enjoyed it, and got many ideas on how to approach homeschooling when we start up again in the fall. A special hello to everyone that I met and chatted with at the Fair - it is so wonderful to be surrounded by homeschooling families. Connor was delighted at all the books and resources available in the exhibit hall, and I had a hard time saying no to all the items he wanted as I was delighted at his interest. The exhibitors were phenomenal and I was able to purchase everything I need/want for next year, save a couple of books I'll be ordering on the internet. The tangrams/shape blocks I purchased are a huge hit, with my children fighting over certain shapes to make their elabourate pictures, much to my chagrin - perhaps I should have picked up a set for each of them...
It seems the Curriculum Fair was a huge success, as NSHEA ran out of packages to hand out to incoming people, as the number far exceeded their expected 75 attendees. For those who like to plan ahead, next year's Curriculum Fair is already scheduled for the last Saturday in May, the 30th, in 2009.
Some other important dates that may be of interest:
March 3rd is Read Across America Day -- This site is offering a free eBook download of 'Horton Hears A Who!' that is animated. Downloading starts February 25th!http://www.nea.org/readacross/index.html
March 5th is World Math Day http://worldmathday.com/ Must register to play! Register using a home school name, if you have one (if not, make one up ;) )
>CKDU YOUTH RADIO PROGRAMS
>
>Community/campus radio station CKDU 88.1FM has two brand new programs
>for youth ages 15-18.
>1. CKDU Youth Radio Mentorship (Starts Feb 21)
>2. Journalism & Alternative Media March Break Camp (March 10-14)
>
>Please see below for descriptions.
>Attached are posters for both of these programs.
>Please spread the word. If you would like an application for the March
>Break camp or more information, please contact me.
>CKDU is also offering presentations & workshops for schools and
>community groups. Please get in touch if you are interested.
>
>Thanks!
>Capp Larsen
>CKDU Youth Radio Coordinator
>494-6479
>6136 University Ave. 4th Floor
>Halifax, NS B3H 4J2
>-----------------
>
>1. CKDU Youth Radio Mentorship Program (starts Feb 21)
>
>This exciting new program offers youth ages 15-18 an opportunity to
>get paired with an experienced radio mentor in order to get technical
>training, CKDU certification, and guidance to host and produce a radio
>show (music, journalism, spoken word, etc.)
>No previous experience necessary.
>
>IMPORTANT DATES:
>Feb 21. 6-8pm: Group meeting to get paired with a mentor & CKDU tour
>(& pizza!)
>Feb 25: 6-8:30pm: CKDU radio training (snacks provided)
>SCHEDULED TIMES WITH YOUR MENTOR:
>(dates & times are flexible and scheduled with your mentor)
>1 day btwn Feb 26 - Mar 2: Do a demo & get your CKDU member card
>1 day btwn Mar 3 - 9: Help do a fill-in show with your mentor
>1 day after Mar 10: Host your own radio show with your mentor
>Afterwards: Continue doing a radio show on your own
>
>Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Space is limited -
>Sign up now! Bus tickets provided.
>Contact Capp Larsen: capp@ckdu.ca or 494-6479
>
>----
>
>2. Journalism & Alternative Media March Break Camp (March 10-14)
>
>5 days of hands-on activities at the CKDU radio studio to produce your
>own radio pieces for broadcast. For ages 15-18. The camp includes
>technical trainings, interviewing & recording skills, digital editing,
>CKDU certification, production of radio pieces, guest speakers, and a
>chance to host your own radio show.We will focus on creating
>alternatives to mainstream media.The radio pieces produced at this
>camp will be presented at a "CKDU Youth Radio Showcase" in late March.
>
>Bus tickets and lunch provided.
>$50 honourarium for participants at the end of the session.
>(Thanks to the Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group- NSPRIG).
>
>Participants will be selected by an application.
>DEADLINE TO APPLY- March 3, 2008
>Contact Capp Larsen to apply: capp@ckdu.ca or 494-6479
>---
>
>CKDU is located on the 4th floor of the Dalhousie Student Union
>Building- 6136 University Ave.
>
>Community/campus radio station CKDU 88.1FM has two brand new programs
>for youth ages 15-18.
>1. CKDU Youth Radio Mentorship (Starts Feb 21)
>2. Journalism & Alternative Media March Break Camp (March 10-14)
>
>Please see below for descriptions.
>Attached are posters for both of these programs.
>Please spread the word. If you would like an application for the March
>Break camp or more information, please contact me.
>CKDU is also offering presentations & workshops for schools and
>community groups. Please get in touch if you are interested.
>
>Thanks!
>Capp Larsen
>CKDU Youth Radio Coordinator
>494-6479
>6136 University Ave. 4th Floor
>Halifax, NS B3H 4J2
>-----------------
>
>1. CKDU Youth Radio Mentorship Program (starts Feb 21)
>
>This exciting new program offers youth ages 15-18 an opportunity to
>get paired with an experienced radio mentor in order to get technical
>training, CKDU certification, and guidance to host and produce a radio
>show (music, journalism, spoken word, etc.)
>No previous experience necessary.
>
>IMPORTANT DATES:
>Feb 21. 6-8pm: Group meeting to get paired with a mentor & CKDU tour
>(& pizza!)
>Feb 25: 6-8:30pm: CKDU radio training (snacks provided)
>SCHEDULED TIMES WITH YOUR MENTOR:
>(dates & times are flexible and scheduled with your mentor)
>1 day btwn Feb 26 - Mar 2: Do a demo & get your CKDU member card
>1 day btwn Mar 3 - 9: Help do a fill-in show with your mentor
>1 day after Mar 10: Host your own radio show with your mentor
>Afterwards: Continue doing a radio show on your own
>
>Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Space is limited -
>Sign up now! Bus tickets provided.
>Contact Capp Larsen: capp@ckdu.ca or 494-6479
>
>----
>
>2. Journalism & Alternative Media March Break Camp (March 10-14)
>
>5 days of hands-on activities at the CKDU radio studio to produce your
>own radio pieces for broadcast. For ages 15-18. The camp includes
>technical trainings, interviewing & recording skills, digital editing,
>CKDU certification, production of radio pieces, guest speakers, and a
>chance to host your own radio show.We will focus on creating
>alternatives to mainstream media.The radio pieces produced at this
>camp will be presented at a "CKDU Youth Radio Showcase" in late March.
>
>Bus tickets and lunch provided.
>$50 honourarium for participants at the end of the session.
>(Thanks to the Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group- NSPRIG).
>
>Participants will be selected by an application.
>DEADLINE TO APPLY- March 3, 2008
>Contact Capp Larsen to apply: capp@ckdu.ca or 494-6479
>---
>
>CKDU is located on the 4th floor of the Dalhousie Student Union
>Building- 6136 University Ave.
You spoke and we listened. After some of you pointed out that mailing to Canada was much less expensive than mailing elsewhere internationally, we decided to take another look at our pricing.
So today, we're happy to announce that we now have a new *much* lower price just for Canadian subscriptions!
Spread the word and let your Canadian friends and support groups know about our new lower Canadian subscription price. They can save over $15 and STILL get the 19 FREE international gifts valued at over $300!
No doubt about it, that's a great deal!
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding this offer. We can be reached at 1.888.718.HOME.
Sincerely,
Paul & Gena Suarez, Publishers
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
I was asked to blog this. I'm not sure if it's applicable to Canadians. I was told it's open to everyone, so we'll see :)
______________________________
HSLDA: 2008 Art Contest Deadline Approaching
Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:
There are about three weeks left for you to submit entries to the art
Contest, so get those paints and pencils flying! The deadline by which
Entries must be postmarked for the preliminary round is February 1.
Students must submit a piece of artwork with a theme inspired by one
Of the following quotes from American authors:
Category 1 (students 7 to 11 years old): "What we have once enjoyed
We can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
--Helen Keller
Category 2 (students 12 to 15 years old): "Humility, like darkness,
Reveals the heavenly lights." --Henry David Thoreau
Category 3 (students 16 to 19 years old): "A moment's insight is
Sometimes worth a life's experience." -Oliver Wendell Holmes
Be sure to check our website for the entry form, rus/guidelines for
The contest, as well as instructions on how to send in your entry: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4631 .
I have missed many of the most enjoyable, but stressful, times of the year. I hope everyone's holidays were joyous and fun!
Our Christmas was fun, filled with little miracles. I am so grateful for all of my many blessings and wish the best for you and your family.
I may have already posted this before, but Homeschooling Freebies is full of amazing things , especially downloads, which may be of great benefit to you and your family.
Here is the metro list of events happening in January:
Jan 10, 1pm - Meet at Alderney Landing for a games day and Yu Gi Oh! tournament.
Jan 17, 1pm - Maritime Command Museum, 2725 Gottingen Street. We've been told this museum is "kid friendly" and there is no suggested age limit. The museum closes at 3:30 pm and there is no entrance fee. There is parking inside the museum compound (enter through the gates on Gottingen Street between North and Almon Streets.)
Jan 24, 1-2 pm - Swimming at Needham Pool, 3372 Devonshire Ave, Halifax. Costs for the swim and a possible room rental are being negotiated and will be posted at a later date. Please post to the wall if you're interested so that we can get a rough idea of our numbers and costs.
Jan 31, 11 am-1:30 pm - North Woodside Community Centre gym time (with outdoor playground)
Next Parents' Meeting Sunday, January 20, 3-4:30 pm at Keshen Goodman Library coffee shop. A volunteer is needed to chair the meeting. If you can help, please post to the wall for all to see.
___________________________________________________________
Homeschool Opportunities
Symphony Nova Scotia is pleased to offer educational opportunities for children who are homeschooled. For the 2007-08 season we are offering four exciting Open Dress Rehearsals at extremely low prices! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to take your kids to a live symphony.
For more information about the Open Dress Rehearsals, click here.
All homeschoolers must register for Open Dress Rehearsals and matinees through Liz Naylor.
I havent been up on much that's been going on to be honest. Nothing goes on that I know of in my neck of the woods :(
Here are a few metro events coming up and the ones for Dec. and January should be made known soon :):
November 22, 1-4 p.m. - Crystal Crescent Beach Park walking trail (Rain alternative: Bowling at Halifax Shopping Centre)
November 29, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - North Woodside Community Centre gym time and playground afterwards, weather permitting
_________________________________
I don't think I've posted this one yet but sorry if I have :). If you enjoy lapbooks, here is one from Hands of A Child for Art Appreciation: http://www.handsofachild.com/2/freebies/
Here is a link for a site with tons of goodies for kids of all ages and was highly praised on one of my groups: Woodlands Junior School Kent
____________________________________
I know things are getting crazy if your household is like mine and getting ready for Christmas. It's fun and I'm so glad I can have the kids with me to do special little things we probably wouldn't otherwise do. It may still be more than a month away but it's fun to stretch it out :D
I'm sure before long we'll be seeing snow. Yeah, I'm not looking forward to it either but I know the kids are and they have so much fun. Each season brings with it something special for everyone.
Who: All homeschooling families are welcome, new and old!
What: Homeschoolers' Reunion at Point Pleasant Park
When: Tuesday, October 16, noon - 3pm
Where: Meet at the lower parking lot of Point Pleasant Park (by the Shakespeare by the Sea office) at noon. If you arrive late, follow the main path along the water until you find us picnicing on the left between the water and the path.
Why: To meet new homeschooling friends and to get re-connected with the old ones.
Alternate location: We'll meet unless there are torrential rains, in which case we'll meet at Keshen Goodman Library
For more information, contact Kim at 422-1250 or kj_cahill@hotmail.com or Julie at 482-2181 or julie@ixo.ca
A reservation has been made for homeschoolers (in the name of FOLK,
Families of Learning Kids, but open for all who identify themselves as
homeschoolers) on Friday, October 12 (one of the listed 'school days') at the
Maritime Fall Fair at Exhibition Park in Halifax.
You can arrive any time after 9 a.m., tell the box office staff that
you are with the homeschooling group and they will let you pay the
admission price of $3 per child (chaperones are free).
The schedule for the day can be viewed at the fair website:
www.maritimefallfair.com
Our e-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox – and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
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Our homeschool had just finished reading Prince Caspian, and is now onto Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
