2009-Jun-27 - FREE Online Reading and Math Tutoring~State Standards and Testing (FREE)
Two things to share for your homeschool. I LOVE free~don't you??
First, there is the Yahoo Group, "Free Homeschool Tools_No Chat" that offers members for usually just postage what is requested and offered. It's a national network of sharing what you have and getting what you need just like a freecycle group just for homeschoolers~HOW cool is this?
Go HERE to sign up!
Reading and Math are two subjects every homeschooling family is working with~oh yeah! So when MindSprinting.com was introduced to me in the yahoo group, I went to see for myself just what this freebie site would offer. Wowsy WoW WOW~free testing and then a customized program to strengthen weaknesses or enrich areas!!!!!!
I could'nt be more excited! I personally took the tests and went through the upper level material before I plan to introduce it to my kiddos. This way I am certain that the content, which appears secular but without evolutionary bias, is as far as I can see very very good. The site recommends printing the materials and doing them by hand. This is good for me because I like the handwriting practice that worksheets entail. We use the computer for other things so much that a series of worksheets isn't harmful to our homeschooling. Generally we don't use them all that much, and I know for some kids, it's pure torture. I would take this into consideration and use the program by not making it harder and creating more resistance than is necessary for my child with modifications like allowing your child to read aloud and you mark the multiple choice questions or just discuss the story. The readings are pretty short, but this depends upon age group. I tried out the middle and high school materials.
MindSprinting.com even offers math according to grade level and age appropriateness. Now before I bring down on myself all the good people who will say that children are not learners in a vacuum of ages and grades, while I will agree, it is only to a point. Unfortunately, while we are not of this world as Christians and homeschoolers, we must be able to thrive in it. Do I want my children to learn material just because the public schools say it's appropriate or in their curriculum for a certain year? No, but I do want them prepared to face their peers and state testing if and when we are called upon to do so. With this said, I believe there is some solid evidence to keep children being educated with grades, structure and testing. If you hold a similar idea, or if you are in need of free curriculum for your children in math and reading, go check out MindSprinting.com as a uniuqe and FREE solution.
I hope that you find these Free resources useful in your homeschool!
blessings,
SisterTipster
