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Handwriting Without Tears

My school has recently adopted a handwriting program, Handwriting Without Tears. This program focuses strictly on penmanship. The goal of Handwriting Without Tears is to provide all students the ability to write clearly and correctly. The program uses a variety of sensory techniques. It is designed to meet the needs of all types of learners. Teachers and parents are given ideas and activities to improve a child’s posture, handgrip, self-confidence, body awareness, and more. The program has its own workbook, paper, pencil, and supplement materials. The instruction is easy to follow and requires little preparation. The program uses three levels … Continue reading →

Little Girl on the Edge – Childhood Bipolar Disorder

Motherhood, for me, has been a journey with unexpected turns and frightening pitfalls. Little did I know when Cassidy first appeared on my doorstep the great challenges I would face being her stepmother. On that day, she looked up at me with a cherubic face, pink cheeks, and a welcoming smile. “Hello, my name is Cassidy,” she said brightly. “It’s very nice to meet you.” I didn’t know what childhood bipolar disorder looked like, but if I could have imagined it, this gorgeous little girl would not be its personification. Cassidy moved into my home at the age of six, … Continue reading →

What You Can Tell from How a Child Draws a Person

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In two of my previous articles I discussed the early childhood activity of coloring. I also talked about what can be gained about a child’s ability from the way that he or she colors a picture. During the first days of kindergarten, most children will be asked to color a picture. In addition to asking children to color a picture, they are also usually asked to draw a picture. In fact our test that we use at the beginning of kindergarten, the Kindergarten Diagnostic Instrument (KDI), asks children to draw a picture of a person. Again it is amazing what … Continue reading →

More about Coloring

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Previously I discussed how I believe that one can tell much about a child from the way that he or she colors. I discussed that kindergarten children first entering school have very different levels of coloring. Some of the children are expert colorers and others have had very little experience. In this article I will continue the discussion about what one can tell from the way that a child colors a picture. The way that a child colors comes in stages. In the beginning stage a child typically uses one color and moves his or her arms back and forth … Continue reading →

What Can You Tell from How a Child Colors?

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In kindergarten we have staggered enrollment. We see a different group of children each day of the week. Therefore the children only come to school once a week for the first two weeks. During this staggered enrollment we carry out various activities and tests to help us get to know the children better. At some point during the day, one of the activities usually involves coloring a picture. To me, I think that you can tell a lot about the way that a child colors. In a group of five year old children who have very different background experiences (some … Continue reading →

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary Index

After spending the better portion of two months making a homeschool curriculum glossary, I thought an index page was in order. Click on the curriculum you are interested in and you will be taken to the page that contains the description for it. 10 Days of Multiplication A Basic History of the United States A Beka A Child’s History of the World A Child’s Story of America A Reason for Handwriting A Reason for Science A Reason for Spelling About Three Preschool Workbooks Accelerated Achievement Accelerated Christian Education Activity Math Add em Up Alpha Omega Lifepacs AmblesideOnline American Girl Books … Continue reading →

5 More Tricks I Use to Make it Work!

If you haven’t read the first part of this blog, you may want to check it out before continuing to read this one. I think that it is crucial to having the right mindset in order to understand how it’s possible to homeschool. Like all good teachers though, I have some tricks up my sleeve that I use to make sure that I get my children’s instructional time in. Note: Under New York State law, I am required to do 900 hours per year, which translates into approximately 5 hours per day. . .if you use a Monday through Friday … Continue reading →

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary (Hakim-Henle)

Hakim’s History of the US (written by Joy Hakim) is as set of 11 instructional books by Oxford University Press that teaches the history of the United States of America. PBS has made accompanying DVD’s and Webisodes. The Series I includes The First Americans, Making 13 Colonies, The New Nation, From Colonies to Country, and more. Teachers guides for Elementary and upper grades have been written to accompany the series. Hands on Homeschooling is a full curriculum program for children in the toddler and preschool years (age 2-5). The set includes a 3-ring binder with preparation and planning materials, lesson … Continue reading →

Education Week in Review: Feb. 17 – Feb. 24

This week I have chosen a variety of topics to discuss. While Valentine’s Day brought some controversy to my school, fine motor skills and handwriting were also on my mind. If you happened to miss some of this week’s articles, read below for descriptions of each one written. Saturday, February 17 Sending Gifts to School On Valentine’s Day, my school was covered in balloons, stuffed animals, and flowers. Many students were excited about the delivery of their gifts. However, what about the students that received nothing? Is it right to send your child a gift to school to be received … Continue reading →

Strengthening Fine Motor Skills

This year, the kindergarten classes at my school have many students with weak fine motor skills. It seems as though each year the number of children who lack the ability to control a pencil is increasing. We now have occupational therapists working with several children. Many children with fine motor deficiencies are reluctant to practice. Fine motor activities are hard for them and their muscles are weak. Because practice is exactly what these children need, teachers and parents must create activities that are both fun and beneficial. Below, I have listed some activities that my children enjoy. Strengthen hand and … Continue reading →