Two conferences that are coming up in Ontario

It seems to me that there are fewer and fewer conferences or perhaps I am just out of the loop right now, If anyone knows of conferences that are planned for 2009 I would appreciate an email with the details.

homeschoolresources@hotmail.com

TEACH New & Used Curriculum Fair
Conference Sponsor	To Educate A Child's Heart (TEACH)
Date	Friday, June 12, 2009
Time	6:00 p.m. sharp with the evening wrapping up at 9:30 p.m.
Location	Mohawk College
	411 Elgin Street
	Brantford, ON
Email	7harts@sentex.net

Are you interested in hosting an Usborne Books event at one of your homeschool group meetings or in your home for other homeschoolers?

Toronto Usborne independent consultant Charlene is looking for host families in the Homeschool community

In return you will receive FREE books for your group or your family.

All you need to do is invite a group of people on the day of the event.

If you are interested call Charlene at: 416-249-9121

Email: charlene@jump2reading.com

Website: www.jumpin2reading.com

 A Little History of Usborne Books:

Usborne Books at Home is the Canadian direct sales division of Usborne Publishing. Founded by Peter Usborne over 30 years ago, the company revolutionized children's publishing in the UK with information books that combined very high educational and editorial standards – and made finding out fun. Usborne has grown into one of the world’s leading children’s book publishers, with translations in almost ninety languages and masses of awards.  The remarkable success of Usborne derives from the simple idea that it is possible, without any sacrifice of quality, to produce books as interesting and entertaining as television, magazines and comics -- media which children instinctively prefer. 

Usborne books are ideal supplementary reading for children learning to read. Trusted by teachers and librarians everywhere for impeccable quality, Usborne has something for children at every stage of their literacy development, from first word books to fiction. The non-fiction list through which Usborne made its name continues to educate children of all ages, while always making finding out fun. Highly interactive, with bright, colourful illustrations, Usborne non-fiction ranges from Romans to dragons, jigsaw books to award-winning activity books, many with Internet links for extra study value.

TEENS FOR PLANET EARTH  www.teens4planetearth.com

A great site where teens all over the world who care about nature and the environment will find:-

-Facts about the natural world

-The latest I conservation news

-Information on how to get involved in preserving our planet and make a difference in your own community.

Also on this site you will find neat resources and links plus a list of related books.

They also offer:-

The Teens for Planet Earth Service Awards that recognize teens around the world for service-learning projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. (Deadline: April 15) www.teens4planetearth.com/serviceawards

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY IS OFFERING

Operaworks

Location: The Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E. Toronto

Is your 11- to 14-year-old interested in the performing arts? Enrol him or her in Operaworks, where they'll work closely with professional artists to explore writing and music, make new friends and see their stories come to life on stage! The cost is $50 for seven sessions. Classes begin April 16.

In this seven-session program, participants create their own opera from the basic story idea to the final performance, by exploring writing, storytelling and music.

Ages: 11 to 14
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays, April 16 – May 28, 2009
Cost: $50 (some bursaries available)

 For more information call 416-306-2377, or send us an e-mail.

www.coc.ca/explore/operaworks.html

I came accross these sites for scouts guides that are specific to homeschoolers.

Not sure if there is a Canadian equivalent but perhaps that is something someone could start up here in Ontario.~~~~~~~

Boy and Girl Scout and Homeschooling

Check out these yahoo groups to find out more about homeschooling a scouting/guiding
http://homeschooler .8m.com/girlscou ts/index. html

http://homeschooler .8m.com/cubscout s/index.html

The Kindness of Strangers

I have been touched in the last six months by the kindness of people I have never met people who live miles away and have never heard of me before.

Last year my mother who is in her 80’s asked if I would knit or crochet a bed-jacket for her.  or those who don’t know a bed-jacket was a loose fitting knitted cardigan or shawl that women would wear to keep themselves warm, often when they were bedridden or over a nightgown in the winter before the times of central heating in our homes.

I had not knitted for over 20 years but still had some patterns, I checked but none were for a bed-jacket, in fact I don’t remember seeing a pattern for a bed-jacket so I placed a request in a request section of a senior magazine that my mother sends me from the UK.  I was at the least expecting that I may receive a reply and had stated that I was willing to pay the cost of post and packing.  

The request was posted in the July edition of the ‘Yours Magazine’, a few days later I started receiving patterns, they have since been trickling in, the last one came just yesterday with a letter of apology for being so late in responding the sender explaining that she did not buy the magazine but belonged to a group that exchanged magazines as a way of recycling, she also mentioned that the last destination was the local hospital.  I would like to say her that if anyone in Toronto would like to join in with me and start such a club please contact me – not sure how it would work but If there are enough people I think it would be quite interesting.

The part I wanted to share here is that my heart has been touched over the last 6 months by the response from all these strangers.  I have to date received patter s from over 100 people, most of them sent several patterns some sent pattern books and three of the women actually went to their local wool shops and bought psatterns.

The joy this (simple, hopeful) request gave me was unexpected, included in all but a few of the packages was an enclosed personal letter, letters of encouragement for my knitting/crochet project (though my request had been simple with no details whatsoever about who I was knitting for).  These responses shared stories of knitting/crochet joys past; tips on how they worked with the enclosed patterns and which was a favourite or who they had knitted for; some told why they had decided to sent the pattern, including the man that had looked through his deceased wifes pattern files and was happy that someone would get use of something his wife found such joy in said “I am happy to know that someone can use the pattern book that my wife of 55  years used and kept, hope you enjoy”  The more patterns I received the more my heart leapt with the feeling of joy at the kindness of others, especially as all but a few specifically stated that they did not want me to send the postage.  I did however send them all a thank you letter, which has  brought in another bunch of mailings to say thank you for your thank you letter this time most of them have added info about thier home towns with pictures or postcards included, my heart continues to swell.

From this short and simple request I now have two pen friends and two internet friends which is another connection to my home country that makes it seem closer and is helping to break the homesickness I often feel.

Have you started the bed-jacket?  Only this last week due to health issues ( my mother and myself), I don’t feel rushed, though I think I will be doing bed-jackets as a project for a while as there are so many lovely patterns and one of the women sent me a brand new bed-jacket that she had never worn and it fits my Mum perfectly.

Anyone in Toronto want to help start a pattern swap group or how about going all out and starting a seniors magazine that has a request/swop/penpal section.

How about a homeshcooling swop group either for homeschooling magazines (old and new as there are so few) or curriculum and book swop group, if there is enough interest I would be willing to oversee this.

Lynn, ~  Who is signing off to pick up her knitting needles

Where has the time gone???

I have had a busy crazy time the last half of this year and I appologise for not posting or updating the info here.  I can't promise anything for the next few weeks but I will get back on track after the holidays if not sooner.

I would like to share this Video with you.  It is inspiring to all those who struggle with learning. 

The story is of Willard who produces art pieces within the eye of a needle www.guzer.com/videos/needle-art.php  You can also check out his website at www.willard-wigan.com

Hope you are all using this as it is meant to be - with families and friends not with hussle and bussle.

Lynn

Homeschool connections online

A great way for new homeschoolers to connect with others is to start online, you will find what is happening in your locality and get an idea of what other homeschoolers are doing, where they are going and how active homeschoolers are in that area. 

Online groups are growing and in Ontario we have quite a large choice there are some that are focused in my Toronto neighbourhood all meet different homeschooers needs.  Some are designed to support homeschooling younger children others meet a families religious beliefs.

There is a new group just started in the Toronto area that is basically welcoming all homeschoolers in the Greater Toronto Area.  Their aim is to keep the focus on sharing with and supporting each other in thier homeschool journey.  The moderator is hoping for respectful discussions on curriculum use, methodology, field trips, homeschool ideas, books, support etc.

You can find the new site here:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAhomeschooling

If you are looking for a group specific to your local or needs you might find one on www.yahoogroups.com

These Ontario events have been arranged by Homeschooler Carol-Anne

Please contact her if you would like to reserve a spot(s) at thebirthden@ yahoo.ca

 Open water certification for 12’s and over

I have arranged with the Dive Shop in Newmarket to offer the adult open water certification which is appropriate for children 12 and older, plus adults! This is a bit more intensive a program. Please be sure to reserve spots through me and do not contact the Dive Shop directly (their request). Here are the details...

Dates:
At Aquacentre 1215 Stellar Dr., Newmarket
Tuesday July 29th. Class:9am - 1pm, Break 1pm-2pm, Pool:2pm - 6pm
& Wednesday July 30th. Class:9am - 1pm, Break 1pm-2pm, Pool:2pm - 6pm
The instructor to student ratio for this phase of the program is up to 1:6.

At Lake Simcoe (Barrie)
Tuesday August 5th. 2 open water dives=3 hours total per person. Depending on number of participants the dives will be at 9am OR 12pm OR 3pm.
& Wednesday August 6th. 2 more open water dives=3 hours total per person. Depending on the number of participants the dives will be at 9am OR 12pm OR 3pm. The instructor to student ratio for open water dives is generally 1:4.

Cost: (tax not included)
$199 includes everything for the course except gear. You can bring your own gear or rent it for $50. If you decide afterwards to purchase your very own student starter kit ($249.00) then your $50 gear rental fee will go towards your purchase of the brand new equipment. There is no wetsuit provided for the pool component but they are available to rent for $10 if you decide you need one. Payment will be due at time of reserving your spot(s).

Minimum: 4 participants (already have 2)
Maximum: 12 participants

__________________

Science Centre visit on June 2^nd

  This article is part of 'The Heart of the Matter' Homeschool Meme

Homeschooling was a BIG  eye-opener to me, I learned so much just from having the opportunity to homeschool my daughter, I just wish many more parents offered themselves that honour.   Here are some of the things I learned.

•  Though I was the authority, as a parent their was so much more she could teach me now that I had the time to listen.  I finally got the message that my way was not always the right way.
• Children are more honest with themselves than we are to ourselves.
• Its OK to fill your home with collected items from nature e.g. stones, shells, acorns and tree bark.
• Homeschooling allows for the flexibility tof the individual each child as an individual needs.
• More time is avaiable for learning because it is adapted to each child = more time to have fun with your child and more importantly more time for your child to have fun and be happy.              
• It is OK to show that adults can sometimes fail too therefore letting a child know failure is part of lifeipart of life; part of learning
• When it comes to covering a subject you don’t feel confident in there are numerous ways to cover it, from involving another family member; hiring a tutor; arranging a group class; or if it is important enough you could take the upgrade yourself so you can cover the topic.
• That many of us would be lost if not for books and public libraries; and nature within our reach.
• Learning can happen just as much when standing in the woods among the flowers, trees deer and butterflies as you can at the kitchen table with all your encyclopedias and cuuculum material.
• I was homeshcooling myself as i was homeschooling my daughter
• I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING

Enter the Family Fun Story Contest to Win an Autographed Copy of                                                            "Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled"    ~ By Carolyn Currey and Rachel Starr Thomson.  (Homeschoolers from Ontario)

"We love family stories—that's why we wrote this book! We'd love to hear your stories as well. If you are between the ages of 8 and 18 and you have a funny, dramatic, or touching true story you'd like to share, write it up and send it in!

 We'll be picking one winner in each of four age groups to receive an autographed copy of "Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled." The deadline for our contest is May 1, so get your entries in soon!"

 Entry Guidelines:
 Stories should be between 700 and 2000 words. All entries must be based on real-life events. Put "Family Fun Story" in the subject line and paste the story into the body of the email—no attachments, please. In the top left corner, include your name, age, and email address. Email your entry to publisher@littledozen.com.
For more information, visit www.littledozen.com/thh.html

INFO ON "TALES OF THE HEARTILY HOMESCHOOLED"

 What do you get when you throw twenty children, four parents, several cross-country trips, and a sense of humour between the covers of one book?
Lots and lots of big family fun that will tickle the funny bones and warm the hearts of your entire clan.
Rachel Starr Thomson is the oldest of twelve children. Carolyn Currey, her second cousin, is the oldest of eight. Not only are their families huge, they also homeschool! Drawing on some of their favourite memories, Rachel and Carolyn have written a book of essays that will make you laugh, think, and thank God for family.
For more information, including sneak peeks, original cover art, and author bios, visit www.littledozen.com/thh.html

I was sent this link and a couple of earth events to share with you all.  I checked out the main link for earth day and was quite disapointed, each link had a counter for the amount of people who have registered and the numbers here in Ontario do seem extremely low, just for curiosity I checked out  London UK, and Perth Australia and the numbers are not much better.  Have I registered? no not yet, but I do usually do my part in my own neighbourhood.  I do encourage all those who are able to join in with an earth day event, start and register your own or at least spend a couple of hours with your own family to recognise our earth.

http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday

Organization: Etobicoke School of the Arts SEEDS
 An Evening Of Green: Building an Environmental Community
Etobicoke School of the Arts
675 Royal York Road, Toronto, Ontario
Contact Person: enid wray    Phone Number: (416) 394-6910   Email: esaseeds@mac.com

Event Description: An Evening of Green: Building an Environmental Community is for everyone who is interested in the environment, development and sustainability. Featured elements of the evening include: a Community Screening of Everything’s Cool (a climate change documentary); a Coffee House featuring Fair Trade coffees, teas and comestibles as well as live music; a Fair Trade Marketplace; an Environmental Forum and Marketplace; Recycling Opportunities; Student Activism; and a Community Food Drive. We have great plans and hopes for the event. If all goes well we look forward to making this an annual event. Visit http://web.mac.com/seedsesa for details.

========================================

Earth Day Canada, Downsview Park and Toronto and Region Conservation invite you to our annual spring Earth Day festival. Leave your legacy for future generations this Earth Day at Downsview Park by planting 1 000 trees in the Canada Forest and helping create a sustainable community.

Earth Day at Downsview Park features environmentally-friendly exhibits, activities and entertainment–-rain or shine-–for the whole family!

- The Green Pavilion offers food, crafts and products by eco-friendly vendors and exhibitors.
- The Recycle Yard lets you safely dispose of hazardous household waste, pick up a blue box, load up on compost for your garden, and donate your used clothes, books, and household items.
- Interactive exhibits showcase new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, how to build birdhouses and fun ways to learn about nature and the environment.
- The Kids Area features arts and crafts, buskers, face painting and more.
- Our Main Stage salutes the best in up and coming enviro-focused entertainment.

Team Green Challenge
Help promote positive environmental action by organizing a group of friends, family members or coworkers to participate in our Team Green Challenge. Tree planting teams can compete to be the “largest group of planters” or the “most spirited group of planters”.

For more information about Earth Day at Downsview Park or to register a team for the Team Green Challenge, contact Downsview Park at 416-952-2222 or info@pdp.ca. www.downsviewpark.ca.

==============================================

Sunday, 2008 April 20

FREE

The Toronto Climate Campaign and Streets are for People are putting together another great event this Earth Day weekend.

Reclaim Earth Day: Kyoto Now

12 noon rally at Dundas Square    1 pm parade    2-4 pm street fair on John Street

This is a kid-friendly event. The organizers are encouraging participants to have engaging, interactive displays and lots of street theatre.

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE TME TO ADD HERE (ESPECIALLY IF IT IS GEARED TOWARD HOMESCHOOLERS) PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH DETAILS AT: homeschoolresources@hotmail.com

Lynn

Earth Day Canada is on 22^nd April (2008)

EcoKids is a Canadian site that has a free curriculum-based environment education program that educates and inspires young Canadians from ages 7-12 with topical environmental information, interactive games, and hands-on activities.

www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm

They also have a section for you to check out events in your community or register events that you are planning.  (note some events will happen before that date)

Here’s the link for Ontario

http://www.earthday.ca/pub/events/search/shell_summary_public.php?prov=Ontario&accessibility=public

A Few Environment  Book Suggestions for Earth Day

             Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage    

~Ann Love & Jane Drake. (Tundra Books)

~David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden (Douglas & McIntyre / Greystone Books)

             One Well: The Story of Water on Earth.

~Rochelle Strauss (Kids Can Press)

             Who Likes the Sun?

~Etta Kaner (Kids Can Press)

By same author:   Who Likes the Rain?    Who Likes the Snow?

Who Likes Wind?

             Fire! A Renewal of a Forest

Written and illustrated by Celia Godkin (Fitzhenry & Whiteside)

             Bear Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife

~Keltie Thomas (Firefly Books)   Readers will meet people around the world who are trying to ensure a future for these vulnerable animals. Photographs, anecdotes and fast facts supplement the text.

             Climate Change

~Shelley Tanaka (Groundwood Books)    What is the basic science behind climate change? What can we do about it? A concise overview of the issues surrounding this important challenge. Grades 7-9

             Endangered Frogs

~Molly Aloian and Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Publishing)       Frogs require two healthy habitats – in water and on land. This book explains how sensitive they are to environment changes, and why people should watch over them. Ages 7-10 

             I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life and Death

~Jan Thornhill (Maple Tree Press)     Ages 9-12 What does it mean to be “alive”? How do living things die? A bird’s death is the jumping-off point in this intelligent, sensitive, and wide-ranging title about the cycle of life.

             The Life Cycle of a Polar Bear

~Rebecca Sjonger and Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Publishing)     Eye-catching photographs and clear wording guide us through each stage of a polar bear’s life. Children also learn how global warming is affecting them. Ages 6-10

             The Life Cycle of a Shark

~John Crossingham and Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Publishing)     Readers gain insight into the growth of these fascinating, prehistoric fish – how they grow, locate food, and are important to the oceans. Ages 6-10  

             The Life Cycle of an Ant

~Hadley Dyer and Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Publishing)     Fascinating text and enlarged photographs reveal ant anatomy, colonies, larvae, development,  communication and more. Ages 6-10  

             Plants in Different Habitats

Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca Sjonger (Crabtree Publishing) In this beautiful book, readers learn about plants in tropical rainforests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, wetlands and more. Stunning photos highlight a range of habitats.  Ages 6-9  

             Rainforest Bird Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife

~Linda Kenyon (Firefly Books)     Over 700 species of rainforest birds face extinction. Readers will meet dedicated people from around the world who are fighting to ensure a future for these beautiful birds. Ages 10-14  

             Wonderful Whales

~Bobbie Kalman (Crabtree Publishing)     Vivid photos and captivating text help kids understand how whales hunt, move through water, eat – and the important role they play in oceans around the world. Ages 8-12  

Spring is upon us or so I am told, it was hard to believe until yesterday when I chanced upon a ladybug among the snow,  O.K., it was dead and likely fallen from the tree above with the snow flakes but it reminded me of spring and got me into the mood and thinking about this lovely season.  Spring is not my favourite season but it is for me a time of inspiration a time of renewal and inspiration, the quirks of nature catch my eye daily around this time which for me right now are producing ideas for my craft projects.

Here in my part of Toronto the first signs of spring are the native trilium in my local woodlot which is also the Official Provincial flower for Ontario and now i'm waiting for them as they come and go so quickly you could miss them.  I really know it is spring when I can hang my laundry outside to dry, I usually have the company of a robin who sits and watches as I do this.  I swear it is the same robin every year and yes I expect raised eyebrows as I write this but I now feel comfortably mentioning this as I have family and friends who have witnessed my little friends visits.

Are you ready for spring?

This is a great time for homeschoolers to join and learn more about nature, perhaps you could get together with others and take your learning outdoors.

You might start by :

1.  Looking for plants and flowers native to your region (and maybe in your search you may come across a ladybug)

2. Taking this time to learn about photography and development of your pictures

3. Checking in with your local bird-watch organisation

4. Many communities have clean up days a nice get together with others in your community to clean up after the spring thaw (for those who get snow) In my neighbourhood clean-up-day will be all day on April 19th and includes a picnic and meeting place plus drop off to clean up locations for those who need it.  If there is not one in your area why not start one up or better still have a homeschoolers clean up day and have someone log the volunteer hours for the children.

5. I dare you to wait for the next rainy day, wrap up warm with some waterproof boots (shoes ok if your close to home and go 'puddle jumpin' I loved doing this with my kids when they were younger and just a couple of years ago my grown daughter dared me to do this- and yes, we did but waited until after dark.

6. What better time to take a visit to the Toronto Islands (snake hunting anyone?) or the Toronto zoo, not half as busy as summer and you and the kids are less likely to have meltdowns from the extreme weather.

Let me know if you have other welcome spring ideas and I will add them here.

Also if you want to promote an Ontario event here for your neighbourhood clean-up please email me and I will post.

Useful sites for spring lessons:

Information on the trilium     http://www.naturepark.com/trilinfo.htm

Make a Teepee [plans]     http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/native/skills/teepee.htm

Workshop  for 10-14 yr olds "Environmental Focus: Camers Workshops for Youth" www.torontoartsonline.org/content/view/full/18459

Nature Books For Children [CANADIAN:]

Animal Life Cycles: Growing and Changing ~by Bobbie Kalman [Crabtree Publishing, 2006]   Ages 7-10  RL: Grades 2 and up     -----Diagrams and photographs help explain the life cycles of many different animals including mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, fish, frogs, insects, spiders and worms.

Baby Grizzly ~by Aubrey Lang [Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006]   Ages 4-8  RL: Grade 2     -----In Alaska, a mother grizzly cares for her three cubs. The writer/photographer team documents their first year of life through simple, informative text and photos.

Baby Porcupine ~ by Aubrey Lang [Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006]   Ages 4-8  RL: Grade 2     -----An introduction to the life of a baby porcupine – big, and already covered with quills. She has some growing to do before she is safe from predators. Features photos taken in the wild.

 Canada’s Woodland Animals ~by Chelsea Donaldson [Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2006]   Ages 6-8  RL: Grade 2      ----Discover Canada’s woodland animals such as wolves, bears, bats, snakes and woodpeckers through easy-to-understand language and amazing photos.

 A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays: The Wacky Way We Name Animals Groups ~by Diane Swanson [Annick Press, 2006]   Ages 7-11  RL: Grade 2    ----A pride of lions, a bed of clams… This book focuses on 11 animals and the curious collective nouns that describe them. Includes neat-to-know facts, playful illustrations and colour photos.

Creatures: Great and Small ~by Karen Patkau [Toronto: Tundra Books, 2006]   Ages 6-9  RL: Grade 2    ----Join award-winning Patkau as she embarks on this informative, beautifully illustrated voyage of discovery. The simple, fact-filled text is presented in the voices of the animals themselves.

 Endangered Butterflies ~by Bobbie Kalman and Robin Johnson [St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2006]  Ages 7-10  RL: Grades 2-3    ----Some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies are in danger. Striking images show these insects up-close, and may encourage readers to help save them from harm.

Everyday Insects  ~by Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca Sjonger [Crabtree Publishing, 2006]  Ages 6-8  RL: Grade 2          ----What are insects? Beetles, butterflies, crickets, cockroaches, earwigs, ants, flies, grasshoppers, lice, wasps and others are the focal point of this book.

Jurrassic Poop: What Dinosaurs (and Others) Left Behind ~by Jacob Berkowitz [Kids Can Press, 2006]  Ages 8-12  RL: Grades 4-6    ----How does poop get preserved? What can it tell us about dinosaurs, humans and other animals from long ago? Funny and informative, this book is flush with facts, stories and activities. 

Plants in Different Habitats ~by Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca Sjonger [Crabtree Publishing, 2006]  Ages 6-9  RL: Grades 2-3    ----In this beautiful book, readers learn about plants in tropical rainforests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, wetlands and more. Stunning photos highlight a range of habitats. 

Small Wonders: Baby Animals in the Wild ~by Marilyn Baillie [Maple Tree Press, 2006] Ages 4-6  RL: Grade 3                 ---Children are invited on an amazing journey across our land to visit baby animals in their natural homes. From mountains to prairies, they see animals play, feed and grow.

This is Daniel Cook at the Farm ~by Yvette Ghione [Kids Can Press, 2006]  Ages 3-6  RL: Grade 2    ----Mmmm. Daniel gets to drink milk fresh from a cow. He learns all about sheep, floppy-eared pigs, horses and other farm animals. Includes instructions for children to make a finger-puppet farm.

This is Daniel Cook on a Hike ~by Yvette Ghione [Kids Can Press, 2006]  Ages 3-6  RL: Grade 2    ----With his bug spray ready, Daniel’s off on a guided walk through the forest. Insects, animals and plants are some things to learn about on a nature hike. Includes a granola snack recipe.

The Water Cycle ~by Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca Sjonger [Crabtree Publishing, 2006]  Ages 7-10  RL: Grades 2-3     ----Kids will learn how evaporation, condensation, precipitation and run-off work together to move water from the ground to the air and then back down again.

***Well-Schooled Fish and Feathered Bandits: The Wondrous Ways Animals Learn from Animals ~by Peter Christie [Annick Press, 2006]    Ages 8-11  RL: Grade 3    ----These fascinating creatures have learned some of their best tricks – what to eat, what to avoid, how to make tools and communicate – by copying other animals of their kind.

Who Likes the Wind? ~by Etta Kaner [Kids Can Press, 2006]     Ages 4-7  RL: Grades 1-2    ----I wonder why the wind blows? What does a cloud feel like? Young readers open flaps to reveal the science of wind and other related topics.

We really need to stay aware of what is going on in the state of California as what happens their could affect us here in the future.

Please read the following and keep up with the developments in this case -WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED

What In the World Is Going On In California? By Karen Braun By now, most homeschoolers across the country have heard about the California appellate court ruling handed down on February 28 ordering the children of Phillip and Mary Long to attend public school or a legally qualified private school. The judge's ruling surprised everyone and sparked a firestorm of concern among homeschoolers nationwide, many wondering if homeschooling had become illegal in California. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine staff has been following the developments since World Net Daily first broke the story a week ago. In this Homeschool Minute, we would like to provide a brief summary of the events and offer links to various perspectives to help homeschoolers understand this ruling, how it impacts homeschoolers in California, and what homeschoolers across the nation can do to help. To gain a better understanding of this case, it is necessary to note that prior to this ruling, the Long family had been involved with the juvenile court system regarding the care of their children. Such proceedings are confidential, and in most cases, a court-appointed attorney is provided to represent the interests of the minor children. The attorney representing two of the children was not satisfied with a ruling made by Superior Court Judge Stephen Marpet, who found the children's education to be "meager" but determined that Phillip and Mary Long have a constitutional right to school their children in their own home. The attorney for the children brought an appeal before the Second Court of Appeals of California. The California Second Appellate Court in Los Angeles found that the Longs had not demonstrated that any of the exemptions to California's compulsory attendance applied to their children. The court reversed the finding of the Superior Court and ordered the children to attend public or a "legally qualified" private school. The court remanded the case back to the lower court for a hearing to determine if the family was in compliance with the law. The family plans on appealing this ruling decision to the California Supreme Court. Read the complete court opinion here. The ruling spurred reactions from attorneys representing various homeschool groups and interested parties across the country. The Homeschool Minute provides these links for informational purposes related to this case and does not necessarily endorse these sites. Sunland Christian School. The Long children were enrolled in this school. Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). These attorneys are representing Sunland Christian School and advising the family. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA presents several appeal options to reverse this ruling or diminish its impact upon California homeschoolers. There is a petition available for those interested in supporting the HSLDA's move to depublish the ruling. National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD). Attorney Deborah Stevenson offers a detailed and informative analysis of this case. Several homeschool groups in California issued statements concerning this ruling: Homeschool Association of California California Homeschool Network Christian Home Educators of California Private and Home Educators of California California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement in support of homeschooling: "Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will." By the end of a long news week, the court decision reached the broader Christian community through a radio broadcast by Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson discussed the California court case with several prominent guests.

From All of Us at TOS We hope this information has helped you gain a greater understanding of the facts surrounding this case and its impact on homeschooling in California. The Homeschool Minute encourages you to pray for the family and those involved in this situation. Several of the websites present ideas about what you can do to help. We encourage you to prayerfully consider those ideas, to do all that you can to help retain the freedom to homeschool in our country, and to pass this message along to others. We will be following this case and will provide further updates as information becomes available. Join us again on Wednesday with our normally scheduled topic. And now as much as ever, be sure to enjoy every minute!

Just to let everyone know - It will be quite on here for a few weeks. Due to family reasons I will be offline, in that time if you need help or information re this blog page you may contact 'The Homeschool Nations Manager' at pmills@homeschoolmagazine.com  She will be happy to help. 

Meanwhile you should check out this great offer from The Homeschool House Magazine

Lynn

Help!  I bought more books

I have been keeping away from the bookstores and also avoiding magazine stands where I know I can pick up craft mags, it seemed to be working for a while, since the beginning of the year in fact but on Friday while visiting with a friend we made a detour to one of the bigger libraries in town and somehow, I found my way to their old book sales section and wham it happened I purchased 5 books without even realizing what I had done. 

My new finds include a homeschooling book, 2 craft books a sewing book and a genealogy book (probably outdated but I have to start somewhere).  Well so much for my new year’s resolution, It’s a good thing I don’t live close to this library.

Now I am seeking ideas on how to catalogue the books that I have, that is the 600 plus that I also need to cut down at least in half, but think it will be easier if they are catalogued.  Has anyone out there tried this and are you willing to share, if it worked, how it worked and what system you used.  I think I remember reading you can purchase a system for cataloging books, videos and CD’s but I don’t want to get into paying for a program.  Perhaps when I figure this out I can work on organizing the families CD’s which will need to include identifying who owns what.

For Now,

Lynn