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Apr. 10, 2008
Homeschooling Tool You Can't Live Without?
Is there something you use in your homeschool that you couldn't live without? (or would be greatly inconvenienced if you tried?) If so, I want to hear about it!
There are several things I could list as far as our homeschooling must-haves: my computer (along with Homeschool Tracker), the 3 hole paper puncher, electric pencil sharpener, etc. But the one I want to talk about is our unique dictionary.
We have been plagued with a dictionary problem. We have all kinds of dictionaries around here. We have Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary. I love that dictionary, however, it was an expensive book and it takes up a LOT of space. We don't keep it with the school books (no room on the shelves) so that one sits on a bookcase upstairs, rarely used. I can see this one getting more use when the children are older to compare how word meanings have changed over the years. They'll be more gentle with books by then too (I hope.)
Then there are children's dictionaries. We have somehow built up quite a collection of children's dictionaries. We have found these to be pretty much useless. Alek is usually the one who needs to look a word up in a dictionary, and without fail, the word he has to look up is NOT included in a children's dictionary. It got to be extremely annoying.
And then we have the well worn Merriam-Webster pocket dictionary. This has served a purpose in a pinch but because of its size, it seemed to be lacking something- not as many definitions per word and the definitions seemed abbreviated. Plus it's falling apart.
And then we found Franklin Electronics Merriam Webster's Speaking Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus. Shew. Long name. But bascially, it's not much bigger than a checkbook, it contains over 200,000 words and it will even SAY the word for you.
Now the "speaking" part may not be a big deal to many of you. However, a lot of what we're learning in history is new to me & I have a hard time pronouncing a lot of these ancient names and cities- and I *hate* to mispronounce words. All you have to do is type in the word & press the speaker icon and it will say the word for you. LOVE that feature. It's also nice when the children (mainly Alek) have to look up a word- they can also hear how it is pronounced.
A few weeks ago, when Kenton was reading to the children, he mispronounced Ashurbanipal. He rarely ever mispronounces words (he's a smartie). I had had to check this one in my little dictionary a day or two before, so I actually knew how to pronounce it correctly. I got out the little dictionary & played the word for him... and Mr. Funny Guy went on to pronounce all of the remaining "Ashurbanipal's" in the story in the computer-like voice of the talking dictionary.
We have not ONCE had the problem of a word not being in this little dictionary. It takes up hardly any space. There are a lot more features to it that we don't even use- games, SAT spelling bee, grammar guide, etc. And you can also purchase extra cartridges to expand your dictionary, like a Spanish-English dictionary. Cool, huh?
Anyway, this is NOT one of those "paid to post" posts (in fact, NONE of my posts are) nor do I get any sort of commission if you click on the Amazon link I posted above. I just love this little dictionary so much that I wanted to share about it in case someone else has had a dictionary problem too.
Also, if you DO follow the Amazon link, my model is actually the 1870A. The link is for model number 1870. I think mine has been discontinued. I did not pay over $100 for my dictionary- it seems like I paid $79 and I believe I bought it on Amazon. I'd have a hard time paying the price they have listed for this thing.... so shop around if you want a better price! And if you do get one, let me know how YOU like it!
All in all, this has been one of those "I'm glad we splurged a little" purchases. It has been quite a useful tool around here. |
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About Me
Hi and welcome to my crazy busy world! I'm Alyssa, pronounced A-lee-sa. Hubby & I have been married for 15 years and we have 5 wonderful children and one on the way! Their ages are 11, 8, 7, 5 & 3, with the latest model due early July! Spend any amount of time here and I'm sure you'll quickly learn that I love photography! You'll find quite a mix of posts here- lots of photo blogging, some photography tips and tutorials, posts about home schooling and posts that will give you a glimpse to the goings-on in our lives. I hope you enjoy your visit! Thanks for stopping by!
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Apr. 10, 2008 - My homeschool favorites
I would say my computer is at this moment by far my favorite tool. Because on it I create their lesson plans for the week, it's where they play educational games and type papers. It's where they look up information on the internet.
Before we moved I loved our magnetic dry erase board. We used it constantly!
I also love Excel, because that's where their lesson plans are and where I've created their progress reports and report cards.
Right now we are building a home and living wiht someone else so our homeschool supplies are very simple!