Nov. 14, 2007 - Index Cards--Just one more new thing to try????
Have you ever really considered the value of using index cards in your homeschool? Now let me start by saying that a homeschool is really 2 things in one place--your home life and your school life. Now in a perfect world, the 2 would blend together. But, even in this imperfect world, index cards can be an integral part to both areas.
As a homeschool mom, I struggle with creating the perfect balance between home and school. However, index cards have always been a part of my life in home and in school. Homeschool With Index Cards was created out of a love for organizing these areas with index cards.
I am sure at one time or another, you have used index cards to write down and store recipes. It is really that easy to use index cards in your homeschool.
There are many benefits of using index cards in your home, whether it be for home or for your "school". I personally like index cards because they can be used in a variety of ways, all making my life more organized and simplified. I love our Kid Chore Organizer made with index cards, file folders, pockets, and some "o"rings. This is the perfect melding of school and home. It is an easy way to teach my kids responsibility. It also helps them with self-discipline, because most folks in my house would much rather spend time playing than doing chores. But we all know chores must come first. Actually, we start every morning with the Chore Organizer. The kiddos wake up and know to go directly to the front of the fridge since that is where the Organizer hangs.
I also love that we can have a quick and easy Weather Center with index cards. This is the perfect size to be stored on a wall, or on some magnetic hooks on the fridge. If you're not careful, your entire fridge may be overrun with index cards! Hey, but at least you will be organized. :O)
Seriously, though, index cards are easily stored in small file boxes, small index card binders, on "o" rings, or even in zipper bags. The best way I have found to keep track of all these little sets in our house is to designate a basket for the card binders and sets. It doesn't take up much room at all and really stays organized. You could even pick up an inexpensive plastic bin from Wal-Mart or the dollar store to house your cards.
I really love the idea of the Handbooks. They are such a great help in our daily studies. I just wish everyone knew how wonderful of a tool these are for your students/children. They are a fantastic resource that you can use over the years. Add to them each year all the new information you are learning in each subject area. Once you print out the basic cards, you want to personalize them with your examples or additional information to really keep the "hands on" feeling to the cards. When the kids need a quick reference, they will be able to grab their Handbook out of the basket and look up the topic they are covering. If it is something you have covered previously, they will be able to look at their examples, then the light will click on and the wheels will start turning--they will better remember that concept because they had a hand in creating the card. These are similar to notebooking concepts or topics, but the cards and binders take up a lot less space and can carry over from year to year. When the kiddos go off to college, they should have a nice, personalized Handbook to take with them on each subject.
The Handbook cards are also nice, as you can take out individual cards for studying purposes. Clip several of them together with an "o" ring and take them in the car while you run errands. The kids will be learning about fractions as you are shopping for more index card supplies! :O)
I hope I have been able to share with you some of the benefits of using index cards in your homeschool. If you are interested, Homeschool With Index Cards is currently running a week long Sale~A~Bration to celebrate its 1st Anniversary. You will be able to not only get your hands on all the products available from Homeschool With Index Cards, but also from companies like The Old Schoolhouse, Homeschool Radio Shows, NotebookingPages.com, and The Urban Homemaker. The package is fantastic and priced very affordably, even with the holidays around the corner. Actually, you can't afford to miss this fantastic sale. If it's not for you, maybe you have a homeschool friend or two who would benefit from the sale. Pass along the link! :O)
