Support in the Journey:
If you have not already began the school year, I want to share some encouragement. Teaching can seem like a tough profession at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few reminders for the school year.
You are educating and shaping our future!
The kiddos sitting in front of you with a bright smiles on their faces may one day become the next president of the United States, invent the first flying car, builds homes on Mars, or accomplish something we cannot even imagine. They are the future! We have the privilege of encouraging them, pouring love into them, and giving them the tools they will need to be successful and make the world a better place.
Remember why you have been called to be a homeschool parent.
This is where the Bible says that “where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint (Proverbs 29:18). It is so important to remember the vision and purpose God has placed in your heart. What God has called you start, He is able to provide the strength and wisdom to complete it.
When you are weak, God is strong.
There may be tough mornings when no one is on schedule, the internet isn't working smoothly, and everyone is simply tired. This is the time to pray and allow time for everyone to simply just go outside. It never ceases to amaze me how, every time I step outside, God is able to teach me something. Let every moment be a new experience and opportunity to learn.
It is okay to seek support and advice from other veterans.
​Please remember that you do not have to figure everything out on your own. One of the greatest resources is the wisdom and expertise of those who have been on the homeschool journey before. Reach out to other homeschool families, join a local homeschool group such as the Colorado Eastern Plains Homeschool Group, attend a co-op such as Eastern Plains Co-Op on Facebook with Brandi Marie, and know that it is okay to ask questions.
Remember, your attitude is contagious.
When you are not excited about teaching, your students pick up on it. Consequently, you have to provide the learning environment that will encourage and motivate your learners.
READ ALOUDS:
LITERACY SUPPORTS:
Storyline Online is a free digital library with over 100 stories read aloud by actors. It gives students the opportunity to listen to fluent, expressive reading while following along with the story. Many stories also include free printable reading guides with activities and discussion questions to support oral comprehension and extend learning and engagement. Parents can use this time to encourage students to not only listen to the story but also follow along with the text. Then take time to ask questions such as reading the problem and solution, main idea, characters, setting, and events. Next move into completing the suggest reading activities.
LITERACY GUIDES:
STUDENT BOOK CLUBS:
On Lemons-Aid, book clubs begins with the Word of God, building a foundation of truth. From there, learners read a novels while Lemons-Aid teachers guide them in analyzing and evaluating the characters’ actions, the plot, the conflict, and the theme through a biblical lens.
This fall students can join the The Notables Book Club: High School Literature from a Biblical Worldview for $19 every two weeks. Students meet with their teacher and peers every other week for discussions. Each week, students are expected to complete the assigned reading and a quiz to help hold them accountable and ensure they are keeping up with the materials.
Some of the books students will read include Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, and many more.
LITERACY GAMES:
Good Book Mom’s Book Order Club is a Biblical Christian alternative to Scholastic Book Orders for churches or families.
What is a book order? It is a digital magazine that will come to your inbox throughout the school year where you can look through Good Book Mom-approved titles for your children. Then, you and your students can choose books and have them shipped directly to your house. There is no fee or membership dues. There are currently four editions per school year: Back to School, Christmas, Spring/Easter, and Summer Reading. Here is the current edition.
ReadTheory is a free online comprehension assessment tool for students grades 1st-12th. Although it is intended for all grades the program’s visuals and pace seem more appropriate for middle and high school students. When parents sign up children, students will begin by completing a pretest to assess what level students are currently reading in order to begin instructional practice. Parents are also able to assign activities such as the amount of reading passages to complete by an assigned date. Students will be able to read different genres from narrative, informative, or informational passages. Once they complete a passage they will answer comprehension questions. As students work ReadTheory will track progress and send reports to parents. The founder and editor of ReadTheory believes that students that learn to read and think critically will live fuller and richer lives. With this FREE resource it will not only help build students critical thinking and comprehension skills but it will build confidence as a strong reader.
Reading Egg is an online reading program designed to help children build strong literacy skills through interactive lessons, games, and activities. The program is designed for grades kindergarten through 6th grade.
Students can develop their reading skills by practicing phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, comprehension, and spelling. This program offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial, a subscription is required to continue using the program. One subscription can provide access for up to four children. Families can also access free materials by visiting the Reading Eggs Free Resource section, which has over 500 printable worksheets and activities. Children can access a digital library where they can read more than 4,000 e-books.
LITERACY SUPPORTS:
LITERACY CRAFTS:
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For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
New International Version