Make a Smilebox slideshow

Copy Work:
Have your child copy the following information into his/her journal about a popular Christmas symbol and its Christian meaning.

The Christmas tree

An evergreen tree symbolizes God's everlasting love. The lights represent stars of the heavens, and a big star on top represents the one the wise men followed to see Baby Jesus.



Journal Starter:
Each year when my family puts up our Christmas tree we ...

Today's encouragement comes from homeschool-living.com

Homeschool inspiration and encouragement spring forth from many sources. However, the most important comes from our heavenly Father. Although He speaks to us in many ways, the Bible is a continual well of comfort and strength.

Consider:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

If we trust God, then each of us is like that lush tree that is firmly rooted by the water. We are safely and unyieldingly rooted in God's grace and mercy. No matter how hot and burning the sun, we remain green and lush. No matter how rushed, confused, harsh, disappointing, scary the situations that swirl around us, we can maintain calm. Because of our trust in the eternal God, we know that He is watching over us at all times and will see that our efforts bring forth fruit. No worries...Relax and enjoy time with the Lord.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Always keep in mind our reasons for homeschooling. Number One is for the sake of our child(ren).

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Although maybe not apparent now, do not be afraid, results will come in time. Be patient and resolved.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...Proverbs 24:16

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Homeschool inspiration and encouragement abound in the Bible. Take time to meditate on these life-giving words of God.

Visual Art Ideas for the Holidays

Below are some simple but effective holiday art projects. An original work of Art can be a great home made gift idea! These activities are appropriate for grades Kindergarten to Grade 3 (younger students may require more assistance).

Festive Mosaic Card
Holiday Stencils (a styrofoam plate is needed to complete project)

Poinsettia Ideas:
Pastel Poinsettia
Construction Paper 3-D Poinsettia


Here is the story of the Poinsettia: The Legend of the Poinsettia (Mexican)

Copy Work:
Please have your child copy the following scripture into his/her journal:

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon his shoulder.
And his name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
~ Isaiah 9:6


Journal Starter:
________________________ is my favourite Christmas carol because ...

The journal writing theme for the month of December is "Holiday Traditions". As each family has different traditions during this time of year, the journal writing entries for this month will be reflective of my own favorite holiday traditions. Please feel free to vary my ideas to fit more appropriately with your own family's traditions.

During December, the Journal Writing Wednesdays will continue to include both a copy work idea as well as a journal starter. Your child may like to do both types of journal entries or may choose to do only one. Please feel free to pick and choose what works best for you and your child.




Copy Work:
Please have your child copy the following poem into his/her journal:

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man
I would do my part;
Yet what can I give him -
Give my heart.
~ Christina Rossetti

Journal Starter:
If I was alive when Jesus was born, I would have brought him ...

Reading Fluency Tips

Following are some ideas and website links that may prove useful in helping to increase your child’s reading fluency:

Oral Reading and Fluency:
A. Instructor models fluency.

B. Student reads same passage four times as instructor offers guidance.

C. Engage in other activities.

1. Student may read aloud along with a taped book.
2. Student and instructor may read some passages in unison.

(Taken from notes from “The Good Reader: Teaching Reading From Birth On” ~ by Jessie Wise)


Activities for repeated oral reading practice to help increase fluency:
Student-adult reading--reading one-on-one with an adult, who provides a model of fluent reading, helps with word recognition, and provides feedback.

Choral reading--reading aloud simultaneously in a group.

Tape-assisted reading--reading aloud simultaneously or as an echo with an audio-taped model.

Partner reading--reading aloud with a more fluent partner (or with a partner of equal ability) who provides a model of fluent reading, helps with word recognition, and provides feedback.

Readers' theatre--the rehearsing and performing before an audience of a dialogue-rich script derived from a book.

(Taken from “Fluency Instruction”)


Some Sight Word Website Links:
For those students who need to sound out almost every word, getting them to learn their sight words is essential. These two sites have the Dolch sight word lists available. Have your child practice reading the words on list 1 until he/she masters it, and then move on to list 2 etc. There are 11 lists in total to master!
Dolch List
Jan Brett’s Dolch List


Some Reading Fluency Website Links:
Put Reading First
Fluency Activities
Educational Links: Fluency

Copy Work:
Please have your child copy the following quotation about Canada into his/her journal:

"I am Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind." ~ John Diefenbaker (Prime Minister of Canada 1957-1963)

Journal Starter:
If I was the Prime Minister of Canada, I would ...

As I plug away at report cards, my words of encouragement are many - I just don't have the time to type them! :)

But I may be able to scrounge up a moment or two for a short, sweet and sincere thought ...

As I have been sifting through the piles of portfolios, it has become more and more evident that as home schooling parents you possess an enormous amount of dedication, commitment and passion for the task laid before you. May you be blessed for your efforts and may your rewards be bountiful. Your children are blessed! Keep up the great work! (I mean it!)

Cinquain Poetry

This month many students took on the task of writing a cinquain poem. Great job to all of those who tackled this interesting 5 line poem.

Cora
naked, annoying
jumping, shouting, snuggling
she gets out of control at bedtime
the youngest
Beth ~ grade 1


Babe
cute, cuddle
funny, squeaky, little
sucks on your nose
Levi
Shekinah ~ grade 2


Remembrance
poppy, war
shooting, winning, fighting
soldiers who died for our freedom
Canada
Makayla ~ grade 1 (and mom :))


Brother
happy, fun
playing, smiling, coloring
cute and lovable
Josef

Baby
cute, alert
sleeping, looking, smiling
bundle of joy
Joel
Arienne ~ grade 3


Canada
big, beautiful
welcoming, inventing, loving
"our home and native land"
nation
Kara ~ grade 2


Canada
snow, big
hunting, living, tubing
blessed by God
country
Justice ~ grade 2


Guitars
are fun
rock and roll
good fun and cool fun
fun
Joshua ~ grade 3


Calvin
crazy, trouble
annoying, sneaking, playing
an unexpected child
brat

Canada
beautiful, big
welcoming, loving, hard working
it is special
my country
Jeffrey ~ grade 2


Horses
eats grass
fun to ride
horse trots and gallops
soft
Charles ~ grade 2


Apple
Crunchy, Juicy
They are yummier with
Peanut Butter and honey sauce.
That’s That!


Cats
So sweet!
Tickle my toes
Most of them are
Cute
Abby ~ grade 2

Copy Work: Please have your child copy the following information about Canada's motto into his/her journal. The motto can be found on Canada's Coat of Arms.

Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" means "From sea to sea". It is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth." – Psalm 72:8.

Journal Starter:
If I had to decide on a motto for Canada, it would be ...

Daily Physical Activity Requirements

The Daily Physical Activity requirements for students from Kindergarten to grade 3 have been updated on the BC Ministry of Education website. You can access more details here: Daily Physical Activity

Kindergarten students are required to have 15 minutes of daily physical activity.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 students are required to have 30 minutes of daily physical activity.

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of physical activities to increase their endurance, strength and flexibility. Some examples of activities that focus on these three categories include:

Endurance: brisk walking, dancing, swimming, biking, jogging, basketball, aerobics, fast dancing, fast swimming

Strength: rope or stair climbing, bat and racquet games, push-ups, weight training, rowing, skating

Flexibility: gentle reaching, bending, stretching of all muscle groups, dancing, gymnastics, swimming

Most students are already meeting the time requirements for their Daily Physical Activities. However during the remainder of the school year I encourage you and your child to focus on all of the categories of activities - endurance, strength and flexibility.

Be active and have fun!

Copy Work: In honour of those who sacrificed so much for our country, please have your child copy "In Flanders Field" or a portion of it into his/her journal.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


Journal Starter:
This year on Remembrance Day I ...

Do you have a circle time?

I had always thought that circle time belonged in the classroom until I came across this wonderful homeschooling blog called Preschoolers and Peace , and was inspired to incorporate my own circle time into our home schooling routine.

Circle Time includes everyone in the family including preschoolers and babies!

Read about how Kendra from Preschoolers and Peace directs her circle time here: Preschoolers and Peace

In my own home I have included the following activities with my daughters during our circle time:
~ worship music with actions and/or rhythm instruments

~ scripture memory

~ a Bible story

~ prayer

~ poetry or a song that we are learning for a particular purpose

~ music appreciation ~(We listen to a classical piece of music three times - the first time we move to the music, the second time we close our eyes and imagine pictures conveyed through the music, and the third time we draw the images conveyed through the music. - This is an all-time favourite activity with my children.)

~ a learning game that is related to what we are learning ~(My kids love it when I hide "items" around the living room for them to find and then sequence into the correct order. Recent hidden items have included magnet alphabet letters, the days of creation cards and the life cycle of a pumpkin cards.)

If you incorporate a circle time in your home schooling routine, please leave a comment about the activities that you choose to do during this time.

The theme for journal writing during the month of November is "Canada". During this month the journal writing assignments will continue to focus on copy work, but a journal starter will also be provided.

A journal starter is the beginning of a sentence that the student copies and then completes with his/her own thoughts and ideas. Your child may choose to do either the copy work, or the journal starter, or both.

Copy Work: - Please have your child copy the national anthem into his/her journal.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.


Journal Starter:
Canada is a beautiful country because ...

Have your child copy this poem into his/her journal. You can choose to have your child copy both or just one of the verses:

A Birthday Grace ~ Leah Gale

God made the sun
And God made the tree,
God made the mountains
And God made me.

I thank you, O God,
For the sun and the tree,
For making the mountains
And for making me.

End of Quarter Package and Portfolio Information

The end of the first quarter/term is just around the corner. If you haven't started already, then NOW is the time to start organizing the samples that you plan to include in your child's end of quarter package/portfolio.

I encourage you to use this time of the school year to sit down with your child and go through the work that has been completed over the past couple of months. Talk about what has been accomplished well, goals for the next quarter/term, favourite projects or activities, etc. Use this time as a learning experience for your child.

***(This next section is just for those families on the Individualized program [DLI]. Those families on the Standard program [DLS] should scroll down to "What to Include in an End of Quarter Package")

For those families on the DLI - Individualized program, the parent and child can work together in choosing what to include in his/her portfolio. Some ideas for presenting your portfolio include: using folders for various subject areas, using a binder divided into subject areas, using an electronic web album (like Picasa), or simply placing everything into a big envelope.


What to Include in an Individualized Portfolio:

4 Language Arts samples
*** Please include a VARIETY of samples some of which may include: a journal entry, a personal letter, poetry or story writing, tests or quizzes related to spelling or grammar, a reading log, a recording of reading aloud or of a recitation, a list, a chart or a diagram, etc.
*** Please note: Grade 2 and 3 students should not include their hard covered journal that was sent to them at the beginning of the school year. This journal will be requested at the end of the 3rd term.

4 Math samples
i.e. chapter or unit tests, speed drills, photos of hands-on math activities, a photocopy of the rules of a favourite math game, etc.

3-4 Science samples
i.e. chapter or units tests, an experiment log, an observation or nature journal, diagrams or charts, a photo of student doing an experiment or on a field trip, a list of books related to Science, etc.

3-4 Social Studies samples
i.e. chapter or unit tests, a field trip journal (may include photos), a list of fiction and/or non-fiction books related to Social Studies topics, map work, a mini report/presentation (written, pictorial, or oral), an audio or video recording presenting Social Studies information, etc.

PE - Please include the PE Log for the 1st Term. Also complete the PE Monthly Challenge Form on the backside of the PE Log.

Fine Arts - 3 Visual Art activities (optional for students who are taking music or dance lessons)

1-2 Health and Career samples
i.e. Fire Safety activities (for those students using my mini-unit), devotional material, goal setting chart or sheet, list of activities completed relating to health and career topics (i.e. nutrition, healthy living, friendships, responsibilities in the home)

Work Habits Form - This form is a parent assessment of your child's work habits. As well, there are areas for scripture memory information and the contact information for your child's music or dance instructor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What to Include in an End of Quarter Package for Grades 1-3: (for Standard DLS families only)

* All completed pace tests

* All completed supplement assignments - The Quarter 1 supplement assignments include:
All About Me
Reading Response
Math Supplement Activities
Science Supplement Activities
Social Studies Supplement Activities
Fire Safety Activity

* Reading Log

* PE Log - Please complete the PE Monthly Challenge Form on the backside of the PE Log.

* Work Habits Form - This form is a parent assessment of your child's work habits. As well there are areas to include scripture memory information and the contact information for your child's music or dance instructor.

* 3 Visual Art samples (for those using Visual Arts as their Fine Arts focus)

***Please note: Grade 2 and 3 students should not include their hard covered journal that was sent to them at the beginning of the year. This journal will be requested at the end of the 4th quarter.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What to Include in an End of Quarter Package for Kindergarten: (for Standard DLS families only)

* The last completed pace in all subject areas (Word Building, English, Math, Science and Social Studies)

* All completed supplement assignments - The Quarter 1 supplement assignments include:
All About Me
Student Assessment for Quarter 1
Printing Practice worksheets (optional)
Fire Safety Activity

* PE Log - Please complete the PE Monthly Challenge Form on the backside of the PE Log.

* Work Habits Form - This form is a parent assessment of your child's work habits. As well there are areas to include scripture memory information and the contact information for your child's music or dance instructor.

Have your child copy the following scripture into his/her journal:

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. ~ Psalm 100:4

Acrostic Poems on "Thankfulness"

Turkey
Ham
Amen
Nice
Kindness
Sharing
God
Image
Vines
Ice cream
Noise
Good meal
Stevie ~ grade 2


Turkey
Having
Aliyah
Nanny
Kindness
Smiles
Makayla ~ grade 1


God
Isaac
Vegetables
Erik

Tenting
Health
Apples
Neighbours
Kitchen
Soccer
Justice ~ grade 2


Together
Happy
Apples
Neighbour
Kindness
Faith
Understanding
Life
Love
Everlasting
Sun
Saviour
Faith ~ grade 2


Being thankful is fun
Eating icecream
In my bedroom
Night and day
Going to Sleep

Then in the morning
Helping with Breakfast
Another day of thankfulness
Napping, dreaming
Kite flying
Funny jokes
Under the bed
Laughing
Shekinah ~ grade 2


Berries
Everything
Ice
Nuts
Going places

Taffy
Heat
Apples
Numbers
Knots
Fun
Universe
Living
Jeffrey ~ grade 2

Truth
House
Animals
Nature
Kindness
Sun
God
Islands
Vision
Intelligence
Novel books
Grace
Ashley ~ Grade 2


Thanksgiving Day

Great meal
I love it!
Very yummy dessert
Everyone was full

Time to play
Happiness is here
And we had fun
Now I hear them call
Kara it's time to go
See you later
Kara ~ grade 2

This journal entry is easily adaptable. You can choose how much, or how little you would like your child to copy of this song. Your child may also be interested in adding an original verse to the song by following the same pattern as Raffi.


Thanks A Lot ~ by Raffi

Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the sun in the sky.
Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the clouds so high.

Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the whispering wind.
Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the birds in the spring.

Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the moonlit night.
Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the stars so bright.

Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the wonder in me.
Thanks a lot,
Thanks for the way that I feel.

Thanks for the animals,
Thanks for the land,
Thanks for the people everywhere.

Thanks a lot,
Thanks for all I’ve got.

Visual Art Ideas for Fall

Click on the links below to get step-by-step instructions!

Pastel Fall Leaves (grades 2/3)
Still Life of Pears in Pastel (grades 2/3)
Nature's Sketchbook - Printmaking (grades 2/3)
Leaf Print Triptych (grades K-3)
Water Colour Batik Leaf Cards (grades K-3)

The Thirteen Days of Homeschooling
(Sing to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas)


On the first day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"Can you home school legally?"

On the second day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the third day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the fourth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the fifth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the sixth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the seventh day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"Look at what they're missing!
How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the eighth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"Why do you do this?
Look at what they're missing!
How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the ninth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"What about graduation?
Why do you do this?
Look at what they're missing!
How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the tenth day of home school my neighbor said to me,
"I could never do that!
What about graduation?
Why do you do this?
Look at what they're missing!
How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me,
"Can they go to college?
I could never do that!
What about graduation?
Why do you do this?
Look at what they're missing!
How long will you home school?
YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E.?
Do you give them tests?
Are they socialized?
Can you home school legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied:
"They Can go to college!
Yes, you could do this!
They can have graduation!
We do it cuz we love it!
They are missing nothing!
We'll homeschool forever!
WE ARE NOT STRANGE!
We give them P.E.!
We give them tests!
They are socialized!
AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me,
"How can I get Started?
Why didn't you tell me?
Where do I buy curriculum?
When is the next conference?
WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE?
I think we can do this ...
if you will help us, can we join P.E.
and we'll home school legally!"


~~Author Unknown~~

Have you child copy the following traditional poem into his/her journal:

The Lord is good to me,
and so I thank the Lord.
For giving me the things I need:
the sun, the rain, and the apple seed!
The Lord is good to me.

150 Years - BC Photo Contest

As part of the celebration of British Columbia's 150th birthday, Anchor Academy is offering 3 contests to all its students. Complete contest details are included in the October Anchor Log. Below is a outline of 2 of the contests that work perfectly with Grade 3 Social Studies learning outcomes.

Contest #1 ~ Old Structure Photo Contest: Submit a photograph of one of the oldest structures in your community. The entries will be judged by the year of the student’s birth. Some of the winning photos will be published in the Anchor Log throughout the duration of the school year. Pictures will be initially judged for composition, lighting affects, and framing. Please try to identify the age of the structure. Structures include houses, roads, farm buildings, churches, community halls, bridges, etc.

Contest #2 ~ Pioneer Newspaper Article: With a photo of an old structure, submit a newspaper article describing the history of the structure. Include dates, names, and any other historical information. Try to write the article as if you were in the time period when the structure was made.

General Guidelines:
Your name, address, and Anchor Academy program (DLS or DLI) must be included with your entry. You may submit your entries to anchor@ark.net or mail them to the office at Anchor Academy, Box 3015, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4R8

The prizes are:
Contest #1: $10 book credit
Contest #2: $15 book credit

***Contest submissions must be dated by email or postage by November 15, 2008.

For clarification or consultation contact Mr. Fromme at serve@shaw.ca or phone 1 866 380 3577.


Some interesting sites to explore BC’s 150 years:
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Living Landscapes
Free Spirit
BC Archives

CBC BC
CBC ~ BC’s main webpage with links
CBC ~ BC’s interactive website

Fire Prevention Week - Oct 5-11

All Standard students received Fire Prevention Week activities in their supplement binders. Individualized students who requested the mini Health and Career unit will also have these activities. Several Fire Safety websites are recommended along with the activities to help with your child's learning. These websites are listed below. Simply click on the website title to access the information.


Kindergarten:
Fire Safety Videos
Sparky the Fire Dog - Games and Activities

Grade 1:
Fire Safety for Kids
Sparky the Fire Dog - Games and Activities
Make Time for Safety

Grades 2 and 3:
Be Fire Smart - Video
Fire Safety for Kids
Sparky the Fire Dog - Games and Activities
Make Time for Safety

Welcome to the first Journal Writing Wednesday of the school year! The purpose of Journal Writing Wednesday is to provide journal writing ideas for grades 2 and 3 students. Starting in the beginning of March, journal writing ideas will be provided for Grade 1 students as well.

Each Wednesday a journal writing prompt will be posted. For the months of October and November the journal writing prompts will be strictly copy work. The benefit of copy work is that your child gets to practice writing quality language using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation!

For the month of October, the copy work will focus on the theme of "Thankfulness". For the first journal writing assignment have your child copy the following scripture into his/her journal:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Although I will be providing journal writing prompts throughout the year, you are welcome to direct your child's journal writing however you see fit. Following are a couple of ideas that parents have been/are using with their children in grades 1-3.



This is an example of a grade 1 student at the end of grade one. This journal entry was started by a parent and then completed by the student. The added drawing enhances the written text and allows the student to represent thoughts and ideas in a different way.



This is an example from a grade 3 student. Again, the parent started the journal entry and the student completed it.

Recently I received the following email from a mom describing how her grade 2 daughter is focusing on journal writing:

"[S]he is doing quite a bit of writing and has decided to use your journal as a Dear God Diary/ Prayer to start her day off everyday. We read the devotional that came with the Agenda and then she writes her Dear God…. Then we dedicate our home school day to Him. It's been quite an encouraging start to the year."

I hope that you too will be able to incorporate journal writing into your home schooling routine. Not only will it encourage your child to practice good writing skills, but it may end up being a treasured keepsake in the years to come.

Blessings!

Some Quotations to Think On . . .

We're not trying to do School at Home. We're trying to do home school. These are two entirely different propositions. We're not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we're trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime 7 days each week. The formal portion of each teaching day is just the tip of the ice burg. ~ Steve and Jane Lambert

----------------------------------------------


We prefer that they [the children] should never say they have learned botany or conchology, geology or astronomy. The question is not, - how much does the youth know when he has finished his education - but how much does he care and about how many orders of things does he care? ~ Charlotte Mason
----------------------------------------------

I believe it would be much better for everyone if children were given their start in education at home. No one understands a child as well as his mother, and children are so different that they need individual training and study. A teacher with a room full of pupils cannot do this. At home, too, they are in their mother’s care. She can keep them from learning immoral things from other children. ~Laura Ingalls
Wilder
----------------------------------------------

Educating a child is a natural process. Home schooling is nothing more than an extension of parenting. ~ Sue Maakestad
----------------------------------------------

Home is the focus of the work of home schooling parents. Perhaps like no other challenge in life, homeschooling forces us to consider our identity and our roles as mothers and fathers, and it allows us to shape every aspect of our home — its tone, the way it’s decorated, the media we allow to enter it, what we eat and how we eat, how we celebrate, how we laugh, how we rest, and how we prepare for the unexpected. ~Renee Ellison

Let's Pray Together

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6,7

This post will be updated regularly as prayer requests are made known to me throughout the school year. If you have a prayer request that you would like added, please let me know through email or by phone. You can access this post when desired by clicking on "Let's Pray Together" at the top of the right hand column. (I will not use actual names in the prayer requests for privacy reasons).

Please pray for:

~ Family who has recently lost a daughter and a sister. Pray for comfort and wisdom as custody matters are being taken care of.

~ Relationships between children and parents. Pray for a cooperative spirit within the children and for wisdom for the parents.

~ Patience for parents as they work with their children.

Homeschooling Convictions

Here is a post from my personal home schooling blog about the reasons why I have chosen to home school my daughter this year. I encourage you to take time to write out your own personal home schooling convictions and place them somewhere where you will see them often.

As a homeschooling mom it is essential that I know why I have chosen to home school. It is not a good enough reason to say "because it is the more 'noble' way". I know that in the days ahead there will be moments when the public school down the street looks very inviting and the whole idea of homeschooling will seem utterly ridiculous. It is on days like these when I will need to go back to that little piece of paper stuck on the inside of my cupboard door and read it aloud. I will need to remind myself about my original convictions of why homeschooling is the best choice for our family at this time. I will need to read something more realistic than "because I want to be a good mom".

So here I sit on the brink of officially homeschooling my oldest daughter. Conviction writing time is here. My convictions are several, with some being stronger than others, but nevertheless each one is important and will be essential in the days ahead. So here they go . . .

Conviction #1 - Living Without Regrets. I have the opportunity to home school and a large support group is already in place. I don't want to look back on this time and wish that I had, when I hadn't.

Conviction #2 - Age 5 is Toooooo Young. Someone, somewhere decided that age 5 was the appropriate age for a child to leave the influence of his home and start being influenced by 20 other 5 year olds and an adult stranger. I personally feel that 5 is too young to leave home. Just my own personal conviction.

Conviction #3 - Faith and Character. No matter what I do, my kids are going to learn their ABC's and how to count simply by being alive. But will they learn how to love God with all their heart, soul and strength? Will they grasp an understanding of God's love, faithfulness and forgiveness? Will they learn that God cares about the big things but also the teensy, tiny things? As for character, we are presently talking a lot about the Fruit of the Spirit and trust me, we have a looooong way to go!

So there you have it. I may come back and revamp occassionally, but for now these are the convictions that stand. Now I just need to tape them to the inside of my cupboard door.

Outdoor Nature Study

If you like to take your learning outside, check this out:

Creating a Math Center

What is a Math Center?
A specific area where your child can independently practice Math skills.

How do I fit a Math Center into my child's routine?
The Math center can be a place where your child "warms-up" for his Math lesson/workbook. Or it can be used as an option for when other siblings are finishing up their work.

What does a Math Center look like?
Every Math center will look different. The essentials include a small table, a chair, and some sort of shelving or drawers to provide easy access to the Math materials and activities.

How can I stock my Math Center without spending a lot of money?
Use materials from around the house:
For counters ~ dried kidney beans, buttons
For sorting ~ egg carton
For patterns ~ bingo dabbers, felt pens, stamps, stickers
For measurement ~ sewing tape, string, measuring cups, ruler
For money ~ a little baggie of piggy bank coins
For 3-D shapes ~ a bin of blocks or lego
Other items ~ picture books with counting or shapes concepts, puzzles, flashcards, dice

Free printables and ideas:
A Math Toolbox
Hand Made Manipulatives
Pattern Block
Printables
Math Game Boards - Printables

How do I organize the Math Materials?
~ Use Ziploc bags to keep small materials or specific activities organized. Store the Ziploc bags in a large bin or drawer near to the Math Center.
~ Use bins from the Dollar Store to organize and store larger items like worksheets, Math games and puzzles. Store the bins on shelves or on top of the table if there is room.

As the school year gets closer, keep your eyes open for items around your home that could be used in your Math Center. When you feel like you have a nice collection of materials and activities, set up your Math center one evening after your kids have gone to bed. In the morning they will be soooo excited about doing Math!

Bob Books

I have been reading The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. This book is on my summer reading list and I am learning a lot. I mention that just so I can mention this:

One of the resource recommendations included in this book for beginning readers is Bob Books.


Bob Books comes in several sets with the first set of books using only phonectically sounding words. Oftentimes beginning reading books will include words that are not phonetically spelled like "could" and "are" which can cause some frustration in the beginning reading stages. Bob Books consists of several sets of books which progressively become more difficult for the young reader. You can view samples by clicking on the image above.

If you are experienced with using Bob Books, please leave a comment to let us know what your thoughts are regarding this series. I am thinking about ordering the first set for my oldest daughter who is still learning her letter sounds but will be ready to start reading simple books soon.

Just Write

Just Write is a great writing resource to use as a supplement to your Language Arts program. I came across this resource during this past year as one of our fellow homeschooling families was using it as part of their curriculum. Click on the image below to view more details about Just Write!



For your convenience you can order this resource from Cornerstone Learning Resources.

End of the Year Salute

There's a time in each year that we always hold dear,
Good old summertime!
With the birds and the trees and sweet scented breezes,
Good old summertime!

When your day's work is over, then you are in clover,
And life is one beautiful rhyme,
No trouble annoying, each one is enjoying,
The good old summertime!

~from "The Good Old Summertime"
composed by George Evans, lyrics by Ren Shields


The "good old summertime" is here and the school year is wrapping up. This past year has been filled with hardships for some and sweet delights for others. Some families have dealt with incredible challenges and have discovered the true meaning of perseverance and dedication. Sometimes I would sense a spirit of discouragement in some families, but as June approached discouragement was replaced with a spirit of victory as families relied on God's grace to see them through. Again I am reminded of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

As the year draws to an end, I want to express a sincere thank you to each and every family. You are all amazing and have been an incredible encouragement and blessing to me throughout this past year. I pray that God will guide you in wisdom as you prepare for the upcoming school year. Bless you!

For those students who are moving on to grade 4, may God continue to guide you and give you wisdom and knowledge through your learning. May you learn to seek Him first and to rest in His promises. Thank you for the good times during our conference calls. May you continue to be a blessing to those who come across your path.


Finally, I can't close the year without sharing a neat idea called a "Travel Journal". I recently picked up a spiral bound notebook from Wal-Mart ($7) to use as my own family's travel journal during our little vacations and weekend get-aways. The journal is meant for the whole family to participate in creating. Entries can include records of mileage, stops along the way, each family member's favorite "event" of the day, a picture of your destination, or postcards that were collected along the way. A set of alphabet rubber stamps and some fun stickers can help embellish the pages. The journal is meant to be a relaxed record of your family's travels, so kid drawings and spelling mistakes authenticate it even more. Have fun this summer as you record some special memories.

Blessings!

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-26

Please note: During the summer I will continue to post activity and encouragement entries onto the Homeschooling from the Heart blog. You can link to the blog from my classroom page on the Anchor Academy website.

Scripture Memory Wrap Up

Just a reminder that the Scripture Memory Bonus (1st stanza of Amazing Grace) needs to be recited by Friday, June 13th. Once your child has completed the scripture memory bonus, please complete the form on page B-4 in your handbook and then fax or mail it to the Anchor Academy office.

Anchor Academy
Box 3015
Salmon Arm, BC
V1E 4R8

Fax:250.832.4379

For your convenience, the form is also included as an insert in the June Anchor Log.

End of the Year Assessment Packages

The end of the school year is quickly approaching which means that your child's end of the year assessment package is almost due. Please send your packages to my personal address before or on June 13th. Following are the items that I would like to see included in your package:

Standard Program Grades 1-3 - (Accelerated Christian Education curriculum)
All completed Pace tests
All corresponding supplement activities (Math, Science, Social Studies)
Writing activities that corresponded with the conference calls.
Visual Art samples (take pictures of 3-D art and send along with package)
PE Log (for quarter 4)
Work Habits Form (this form will be emailed to parents on Monday, June 2)


Standard Program -Kindergarten - (Accelerated Christian Education curriculum)
The last completed pace in each of the subject areas (Word Building, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
Visual Art samples (take pictures of 3-D art and send along with package)
PE Log (for quarter 4)
Work Habits Form (this form will be emailed to parents on Monday, June 2)


Individualized Program - (Individualized choices of curriculum)
4 Language Arts samples (i.e. test, quiz, workbook, journal, story, poetry writing, reading log, letter) *** please include some creative writing samples if possible.
4 Math samples
(i.e. test, quiz, math drill, worksheets)
4 Science samples
(i.e. test, quiz, experiment log, observation journal, workbook)
4 Social Studies samples
(i.e. test, quiz, project, report, journal)
Visual Art samples (take pictures of 3-D art and send along with portfolio)
PE Log (for term 3 )
Work Habits Form (this form will be emailed to parents on Monday, June 2)

Just for a Smile

To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here: Homeschooling Funny

M is for Maple

M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet was sent to many grade 2 students during the past year as a supplement resource. Typically, the supplement materials are yours to keep, however this particular resource has recently gone out of print. Since grade 2 students will be needing this resource next year, please return it to Mrs. Holder at the end of the year along with your end of year portfolio package. Your account will be reimbursed once it is received. Thanks so much for your cooperation.

Story Writing Jumpstarts

This month I am encouraging students to get creative by putting a pencil and paper together and writing a short story. Each student's story will look different depending on their grade and writing ability. During the April conference call, students were encouraged to complete a story plan and then use their story plan as a guideline for writing a story. However, the story plan concept may not work well for all students, especially those who are struggling in the area of writing. During the past week I have been on a quest to find other ways to prompt story writing and I feel that my quest has been successful. Following are some innovative ideas to get started with story writing. I hope that they will be an encouragement to both you and your child.

Writing Idea #1 - Round Robin Stories - Using a round robin strategy for story writing can help motivate the unmotivated writer. It also works well with children who are just learning to write. In a round robin strategy, the first writer starts the story and then passes it along to the next writer who continues it. The story continues to be passed between writers until it is completed. The amount of writing done during each turn is usually pre-determined before the story writing begins. For more round robin story writing ideas click here: Round Robin Writing

Writing Idea #2 - Picture Prompts - Story writing needs to start with an idea and sometimes that's the hardest part. Pictures from magazines, newspapers or a personal photograph collection can be used to jump start creative ideas. Pictures of people can encourage character ideas, pictures of places can encourage setting ideas, and pictures of action can encourage plot ideas. Here's a website that has some picture prompts available. You can check it out here: Picture Prompts

Writing Idea #3 - KidsCom Write Me a Story Contest - At the KidsCom website there is a neat story writing opportunity for children. Children are encouraged to write a story using the provided character, prop, and place prompts. Children can submit their stories online where they will be voted on by other children and then possibly published on the KidsCom website. Click here to see the writing prompts for this week: KidsCom Write Me a Story

Writing Idea #4 - Comic Strip Story - If your child loves to draw, then a comic strip story may be a hit. A comic strip still includes all of the story elements (characters, setting, problem, solution, etc.)but the pictures play a larger role in the telling of the story. A comic strip story needs to be planned out well. A good place to start is by folding a piece of paper in half (hot dog style) and then folding it in half twice more to create 8 boxes. In each box your child can plan a story by writing little notes about what will be happening in each box of the comic strip. Have fun with this one!

Writing Idea #5 - Model a Story - Have your child choose a favorite story to use as a guideline or model for his own story writing. For example, many stories include a journey of some sort. Encourage your child to think of a starting place, an ending place, and a problem that may occur along the way. Most stories end with some sort of resolution, and so should your child's. :)

Writing Idea #6 - Tell a Story - The mind of a child is bursting with ideas. However the task of putting the ideas on paper can often be laborious. Encourage your child to think about a story and practice telling it orally. Then have your child tell the story to a tape recorder. During short periods of writing, have your child write out the recorded story editing and revising as needed.

That's all the ideas I have for now. If you have any story writing ideas that have worked for you and your child, then please share in the comment area at the bottom of this post.

Have fun with your kids this month as a little bit of their imagination shows up on paper!

Math Delights

I would like to share with you a few Math websites that may help to reinforce, or present in a new way, Math concepts that your child is learning.

The first website is HUGE and is created by a fellow British Columbian. It is called Crazy 4 Math and is definitely worth your time to browse through. Below I have highlighted a few pages on the website that may be of particular interest to you:

If contests help to motivate your child, then check this one out:
Crazy 4 Math Contest

A seemingly endless list of resources and Math links can be found here:
Math Resources

To read about some neat Math ideas, peruse the following blog written by the founder of Crazy 4 Math:
Crazy 4 Math Blog


Following are two websites that focus on Multiplication.

This link will take you to some fun multiplication practice using online interactive games:
Multiplication Online Games

This link will take you to a review on a multiplication resource called "Times Tales":
Times Tales
I have heard great murmurings about this curriculum but haven't directly seen it's results. If any of you are familiar with it, then please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

Enjoy and Blessings!

Visual Art Ideas

If Spring is budding some creative blossoms for you and your child, then here are some ideas for you! Simply click on the name of the artwork to link to the instructions.

Perspective for Kids - Street Scene
An simple collage that creates a great 3-D effect.

Wet Chalk Drawings
Use wet chalk dipped in paint to create an outlined image.

Q-tip Pointillism
"Color" an image using just dots. Could be a challenge!

Enjoy!

Postcards - Thanks!

My mailbox has been visited by many postcards over the past month. Thank you everyone for your hard work in sharing a little information about your community with me. Below are some photos of the students's hard work.

A Little Delayed

So sorry for my delayed reaction to many of your emails and third quarter progress reports. My computer went kaplooie last Monday evening and my dad had a heart attack on Wed. night. Both my computer and my dad are up and running so to speak so I will be returning emails and completing progress reports shortly. Thanks so much for your patience. Blessings!

Some Inspiration

I am now recovering after a wonderful weekend at the BC CHEC. The keynote speaker for the conference was Debra Bell. She was real, honest, and inspirational. Because of her excellent seminars, I decided to check out her website when I got home. I hope that you will join me in visiting her website too.

Here is the link to some audio excerpts from her seminars. Audio Excerpts

Here are the links to some of her written articles. Click on the article's title.
Laid-back Learning for Non-readers
Non-readers Part 2 and 3
Setting Up a Learning Environment

Here is the link to her book. Click on the image of the book.

Re-enrolment Forms 2008-09

If you are planning on re-enroling with Anchor Academy for the 2008-09 school year, you can access the forms by clicking here: Enrolment Forms. You will also be able to access the re-enrolment forms in the new 2008-09 school handbook. The handbook will be mailed out to all families during the next 2 weeks.

Please note: If your child will be in Kindergarten to Grade 3 next year and you would like to continue to have me as your contact teacher, please specify this on the top of the form. This will help the office staff keep track of which students go with which teachers.

Completed forms can either be faxed or mailed to Anchor Academy's office.
Fax: 250.832.4379
Mail: Box 3015, Salmon Arm BC V1E4R8

See you there . . .

The BC CHEC is happening this weekend. Anchor Academy will have a booth set up in the main foyer area. You will be able to both re-enrol and get your PO# at the booth. Use your PO# to go shopping for curriculum to use next year! I will be attending the convention and would love to meet with some of you. If I don't see you at the Anchor Academy booth, then look for me carrying a baby in a sling:).

Questions to Ask When Reading

Asking questions before, during, and after reading is a useful tool in guiding your child’s learning when reading a book together. The questions below come from the BC Ministry of Education website and can be found in the section entitled “Student Achievement – PLOs and Achievement Indicators”. I have reformatted these questions to be a little more parent friendly.

Kindergarten – Suggested Questions/Prompts to Scaffold Learning

Before Reading:
· Look at this book’s cover/ pictures/ illustrations. What do you think this story/ poem/ book might be about?
· Is there anything in the pictures that reminds you of other books? From looking at the pictures, who might be the main character? Tell me what you think this character might be like.
· What do you already know about . . . ?
· What do you think will happen?
· When we are reading this book what shall we look/ listen for?

During Reading:
· What does this picture tell us about the story/ topic?
· What do you think will happen next?
· What are you wondering about as I read this page?
· Ask the question, “Does that make sense?”
· Which letter/ word do you think would fit here?

After Reading:
· Help me put these pictures in the same order as they happened in the story.
· Tell me about the pictures on this page. How did they help you read? What did you learn from looking at the pictures?
· Can you find the part where . . . ?
· Let’s look at our early predictions. What did we find out during the story that changed our ideas?
· Make a picture of your favourite part of the book/ poem/ story in your head. Describe your picture to me.


Grade 1 – Suggested Questions/ Prompts to Scaffold Learning

Before Reading
· Look at this book’s cover/ picture. What clues do the pictures give you about the story?
· Have you read or heard any other books before by this author?
· Is there anything in the pictures that reminds you of other stories?
· From looking at the pictures, who might be the main character? Tell me what you think the main character might be like.
· What do you already know about this topic?
· What would you like to learn about this topic?
· What do we know about this author?

During Reading
· Does that make sense? Is that the way we say it?
· Does that sound right?
· Does that look right?
· Check your prediction. How close were you?
· What do you think will happen next?

After Reading
· What did you learn from looking at the pictures?
· Can you find the part where . . .?
· Read me the part where . . . .
· Was there a word on this page that was hard for you? What can (or did) you do to figure it out?
· What can you tell me about . . . ?


Grade 2 – Suggested Questions/ Prompts to Scaffold Learning

Before Reading
· What clues did the pictures give you about the story?
· What do the illustrations tell you about the characters?
· What do you already know?
· What do you think will happen?

During Reading
· Does that make sense?
· Does that sound right? Is that the way we say it?
· Does that look right?
· What do you think will happen next?
· What connections are you making as you read this part?

After Reading
· Read the part where . . .
· Point to the words that were hard for you. How did you figure them out?
· What were some questions you asked yourself while you were reading?
· What questions do you want to ask the author?
· Tell about one big idea or piece of information you learned from reading this book.


Grade 3 – Suggested Questions/ Prompts to Scaffold Learning

Before Reading
· Look at the cover and read the title. What do you think this book/ selection will be about? What makes you think that?
· Look through the book/ selection. Show me a feature (heading, diagram, table of contents, index) that helps us. How does it help us?
· What questions do you have about (topic)? Tell me about it. What do you already know about . . .?

During Reading
· What are you visualizing from your reading?
· Were there any parts so far that did not make sense to you at first? What did you do to help yourself figure them out?
· What do you think will happen next?

After Reading
· Find the part that tells/ shows . . .
· What questions are still in your mind about this book/ selection?
· Look back at the questions you had before reading. Which of them can you answer now? What did you find out?
· What message do you think the author wants to send to the readers? What are some of the details in the book that helped you decide that?

Alphabet Sentences

In February, students in grade 2 and 3 were asked to communicate with Mrs. Holder by writing a sentence that used all (or at least most) of the letters of the alphabet. The students did a fabulous job! Here is what they came up with:

A buzzing bee climbs down the very big elephant's foot and with a quick jerk, expresses his feelings ~ Sarah (grade 2)

When I first saw our new house, I knew that it was almost done. ~ Jordyn (grade 2)

The quick figure skater performed awesomely at her competition placing third. ~ Jelisa (grade 3)

The big cat had little kittens with funny faces and pretty eyes. ~ Olivia (grade 2)

In May, the quick jerky zebra rescued a very nice fox that was left kicking around in a prickly bush. ~ Austin (grade 3)

The queen's name is Zecholoh and she is nice and agreeable because she likes dancing and juggling and she had a little duck and it was amazing and almost funny actually it was very funny because she liked to play her xylophone. ~ Daveena (grade 3)

Charmaine loves John's lazy pet goat's queen, Fox and Webber. The End. ~ Charmaine (grade 2)

Avi mixed some quail eggs and beef pate in a hot calzone wrap with wacky jam. ~ Matthew (grade 3)

Visual Art Ideas

To link to the activity's instructions, simply click on the title of the art activity.

Easy Pineapple Scratchboard:
An easy project using crayons and black oil pastel.

Bean Mosaic
A fun project that even the preschooler siblings will enjoy!

Fruit and Vegetable Prints
Use apples and potatoes to create a creative work of art.

Anchor Academy Yearbook 2007-08

An Anchor Academy teacher, Peter Willmer, has graciously taken on the task of organizing and creating an Anchor Academy Yearbook for the 2007-2008 school year. One of the features that Peter would like to include in the yearbook is a collection of learning photos of Anchor Academy students. If you have a great educational photo of your child and would like to see it in the yearbook, then please send it to either Mrs Holder @ jholderabc123@yahoo.ca or to Mr. Willmer @ peter_willmer@yahoo.de . Thanks so much for you assistance in this project! Blessings!

April 11 - End of 3rd Quarter -Standard (ACE) Students

April 11th marks the date for the end of the third quarter. The Ministry only requests that three formal progress reports be written on each student per school year. This allows for parents to choose to make this 3rd end of quarter package optional. Because the software that is being used for progress reports only allows for 3 reports to be written per student per year, this optional report will be formatted as an anecdotal comment report. Here is a reminder of the items that should be included in your child’s end of quarter package:

Grades 1-3
· All completed Pace tests
· All corresponding supplement activities (Math, Science, Social Studies)
· Visual Art samples (take pictures of 3-D art and send along with package)
· PE Log
· Please note: No work habits form is required for the 3rd quarter

Kindergarten
· The last completed pace in each of the subject areas (Word Building, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
· Visual Art samples (take pictures of 3-D art and send along with package)
· PE Log
· Please note: No work habits form is required for the 3rd quarter

Baby "Sprinkles" has arrived!

Although a planned c-section was scheduled for March 25th, baby Sprinkles decided to come early. A whole operating team was awoken on Good Friday morning at 1:00am and by 2:30am, Cassie Jessica Joy entered the world! 6 lbs, 14.7 ounces - 50.5cm. Our third little princess. Although she is only 5 days old, she has already brought so much joy and delight to our family. We are having a lot of fun with her! Here are some photos to show her off!

BC CHEC

Just a reminder that early bird registration ends this Friday, March 14th for the BC Christian Home Education Convention in Kelowna. For more registration details, click on the conference name in the left side column.

It's in the Mail!

The postcard communication assignment for the month of March is in the mail. Please have your child complete the assignment sometime during the month of March.

Adding a Sprinkle of "Fun" to Reading

For those kids who find reading a little . . . shall we say . . . monotonous, here are some simple ideas to help make their reading environment a little more . . . fun.

· Reading Glasses ~ Buy a pair of large or silly sunglasses from the Dollar Store and push out the lenses. Your child can wear these glasses when it’s time to read.

· Googly Eye Stick ~ Glue a pompom onto the tip of a popsicle stick or a chopstick. Then glue googly eyes onto the pompom. Have your child use this “reading buddy” to follow along under the words at reading time.

· Become a Character ~ Let your child dress up like a character in the story or have reading time with some stuffed animals that resemble the book’s characters.

· Read the Wall ~ When your child is just beginning to read, rewrite “early-to-read” books on strips of paper (one page of words per strip). Stick the strips of paper at eye level along the wall. Have your child read the wall book while using his/her reading glasses and googly eye stick.

· Reading Voices ~ Encourage your child to use different voices when reading. There’s no rule that says reading has to be done using a medium volume, monotone voice. How about reading one page with a whisper voice, the next page with a rumbling voice, and the next page with a squeaky voice?

· Find an Audience ~ Have your child practice reading a book in preparation to read over the phone to grandma as a bedtime story.

· Keep an Account ~ Have your child set a reading goal and use a sticker chart to record his/her progress. An appropriate reward can be given once the goal has been achieved.

· Tape Record a Book ~ Have your child choose a book to create an audio story. Your child will need to practice reading the book many times until he/she can read it fluently. Then have your child create sound effects for certain words in the book. Even early-to-read books can have sound effects. For example: “Run, Bill, run!” can have pitter patter hands making a “running” sound effect. Have your child practice reading the story with sound effects and then bring the tape recorder out!

· Create a Reading Spot ~ Find a space in your home that can be reserved for reading. Use blankets and pillows to make the spot comfortable. Have a basket of “able to read” books readily available. For the more adventurous, set up a blanket tent and bring out the flashlight.