Tip #1: Ideas & Where to Get Them

Have you ever asked your student to write a paragraph (or sometimes even a sentence) and gotten a blank stare? If so, hopefully this tip will be of help to you!

Tip #1: Remember that kids don't have as much background knowledge (or as many life experiences) to draw on while writing.

It is NOT cheating to talk through ideas and concepts with your child before they begin to write. In fact, I encourage my writing students to share ideas and brainstorm with their parents. Don't feel bad about sharing necessary or interesting background information with them, either! 

After you've finished brainstorming with them, you may also wish to help them develop an outline for their paragraph. Though outlines seem like a lot of work, practicing the skill now will set up your student for success, both in writing their paragraph AND in their future studies.

Check back tomorrow for my second tip! :)

Coming Up: Three Tips for Raising Competent Communicators

This week, we'll be delving into the topic of Language Arts... Or, as I've chosen to title this mini-series:

"Raising Competent Communicators for Christ!"

I really wish that I could take credit for that awesome alliteration of a title, but I borrowed it from Andrew Pudewa of Institute for Excellence in Writing. This week, I'll be sharing three of the tips I've learned as I've taught this fantastic writing program. These tips will be quick and easy to integrate into your language arts lesson plan, even if you're not looking to purchase a new curriculum. (But, if you are, I totally recommend IEW.)

I'm looking forward to the first tip tomorrow, and I hope you are, too!

Have a great evening!

Weekend Link-Up: Homeschool 31 Dayers

Last week, I shared links to some of my friends who are participating in 31 Days. This week, I'm going to share a few links to other homeschoolers participating in 31 Days. Give their blogs a visit and see what you think! :)

31 Days of Nature Study for Young Naturalists

The Homeschool Marm

31 Days of Homeschool Printables

Royal Baloo

31 Days of Beginning Homeschooling 101

In God's Economy

Oops!

This is just a quick note to let you know that I haven't forgotten about posting today.

It has been one VERY busy day, but I'll be back tomorrow with TWO posts for you!

Have a great evening! :)

Resource Recommendation: God's World News

One of my favorite resources for teaching children about social studies, current events, and geography is God's World News. This monthly magazine is reminiscent of the Weekly Reader magazines that children used to receive in school, but it's written from a Christian perspective and Biblical worldview!

Each issue is filled with all sorts of interesting stories that will attract your students with colorful photographs and fascinating facts. Plus, God's World News has also recently released a new membership program with digital issues of the magazines, a kids' website, and a new iPad app.

God's World News is a great way to teach your children about the world around them - check out a sample issue and see if it is a good fit for your family! :)

3 Fun Ways to Teach the 50 States

Looking for some new activities to spice up your lessons on the 50 states? Try one of these!

1. Apps - Stack the States is my favorite - if you have an iPod, iPhone, or iPad, this activity is for you! This fun and addictive game requires students to answer questions about each state. If they answer correctly, they earn a state to add to their pile. When you stack enough states to cross the finish line - you win! This app costs $0.99, but there is a "lite" version available for free.

2. Food - We all know that yummy and unique snacks are memorable, so here's a list of 50 recipes - one for each state! Some of the recipes are a little "adventurous," but even if you're not brave enough to try them all, this list is a great place to start.

3. State Capital Songs - This one - Wakko's 50 State Capitols - is a popular choice for teaching, with a very catchy tune and a cute cartoon to go with it. However, there are many versions available with a simple internet or YouTube search.

Do you have any fun activities for teaching kids about the United States of America? Feel free to share them in the comments!

Free State Study Resources

First up this week - some fun links to free resources for state studies. You can use these resources for ANY (or if you're feeling brave - every) state!

This website (Homeschool Helper Online) has a great set of foldables for a state lapbook or interactive notebook. Activities include researching state symbols, plants and wildlife, a timeline of state history, and other "fun facts."

Mr. Donn's website contains links to all sorts of teacher resources, kid-safe websites, and educational resources. There's a whole page for each state! You're sure to find plenty of facts to fill your lapbook or notebook by following his recommended links. (P.S. Mr. Donn's image - found above - contains some of Phillip Martin's adorable clip art.)

Apples 4 the Teacher has a page devoted entirely to state studies, too! Their activities include coloring sheets, puzzles (word searches, scrambles, and jumbles) and trivia worksheets. These activities are sure to add some excitement to your state studies.

I hope that you enjoy these neat websites and can put these resources to good use while learning about your own state or preparing for a trip! If you know of any other great resources for state studies, please leave a comment and let us know! :)