In this post, we’ll explore a range of options to unlock the joy of reading for every child.

1. Comic Books:

Comic books are a fantastic gateway to reading for children who may find traditional books intimidating. The visual appeal and concise text make comics an exciting medium.

Look for comic books that feature characters you loved when you were their age, or characters they’re already familiar with. Comics like “Garfield” by Jim Davis or “Calvin and Hobbes” by Bill Watterson are excellent choices to kickstart their reading journey.

2. Audiobooks:

For the auditory learners in your homeschool, audiobooks offer an immersive reading experience. Encourage your child to listen to audiobooks of their favorite stories or explore captivating narrations of new and exciting tales. Platforms like Audible provide a vast selection of children’s books, with many narrated by skilled performers who bring the stories to life.

3. Choose Your Own Adventure Books:

These interactive books empower readers by allowing them to make decisions that influence the story’s outcome. For kids who crave engagement and adventure, these books provide a unique reading experience. Titles like “Choose Your Own Adventure” series by R.A. Montgomery or “You Choose” series from a variety of authors are sure to captivate their imagination.

4. Graphic Novels:

Graphic novels are a blend of visual and textual storytelling, making them an excellent choice for reluctant readers. With captivating illustrations and compelling narratives, graphic novels can make the reading experience more accessible and enjoyable. Explore titles such as “Zita the Spacegirl” by Ben Hatke or “El Deafo” by Cece Bell to introduce your child to this engaging format.

5. Books on Topics Students are Obsessed with:

One of the most effective ways to encourage reading is to tap into your child’s existing interests. Whether it’s dinosaurs, space, or superheroes for younger students – or football, Taylor Swift and video games for older students, find books that align with their passions. Series like “National Geographic Kids” or “Magic School Bus” offer educational content in a format that feels more like an exploration than traditional learning.

Search for topics for older children and look for books that are short and have plenty of photos included so they won’t feel intimidated by the book, but excited to read it.

In the diverse world of literature, there’s a match for every child, even those who initially resist reading. By exploring alternative formats you can turn reluctant readers into eager bookworms.

Remember, the goal is to make reading a joyful experience, so be patient, supportive, and most importantly, have fun discovering the wonders of literature together.

Happy reading!

The post Unlocking the Joy of Reading: A Homeschool Family’s Guide to Books for Reluctant Readers appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

Tip #1: Be Curious

The whole reason that people take a class is to learn something they didn’t already know. Sometimes, though, a student’s biggest takeaway isn’t what they originally set out to learn. When taking an online class, students learn about much more than just their topic of study. They will learn how to interact with others in a digital environment, how to use a myriad of websites and online tools, and how to navigate a digital classroom. These skills will benefit them for the rest of their lives, but they will only learn them if they are able to keep an open mind.

One of the most useful online classes I have ever taken was FundaFunda Academy’s Computer Applications class. Sure, I learned how to use a lot of online programs, but mostly I learned not to be afraid to try new things. There were so many assignments and so many programs to learn that I didn’t have time to be afraid. Now I am confident with computer programs and websites, even new ones that weren’t covered in the class. This has been a huge help to me in the years since I took that class and I still learn new programs every year.

So encourage your student to ask questions and be curious about how to do things, and then help them learn to do those things well. Their future self will thank you for it!

Tip #2: Be Communicative

In online classes, as with in-person classes, it is easy to get stuck on an assignment. The difference with an online class is that there is no teacher standing in the room with your student, ready to help them figure things out. Just because they can’t see a teacher, though, doesn’t mean they’re not there. 

Even in online classes, there are ways for your student to contact their teachers, either through a messaging system in the learning platform, by email, or by phone. Don’t forget that their teachers want them to succee and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to have them reach out and get help!

Tip #3: Be Willing to Make Mistakes

This is probably the hardest part, but as with anything new, your student needs to realize that they won’t get everything right. Sometimes they will make mistakes.

I remember taking my first online class. It was FundaFunda Academy’s Scratch Programming class. I’m the type of person who always has things turned in early, but I accidentally turned in a week’s worth of assignments late. Something just didn’t quite work out right when I was planning my school schedule and I accidentally took two weeks off as a break instead of one. Naturally, I wasn’t too happy with myself, but I pulled it together and managed to submit two weeks’ worth of assignments in one week and got myself back on track.

We are all human, and we all make mistakes. It’s important to learn from those mistakes and not beat ourselves up about them. Acknowledge the mistake and then move on. Don’t let your student allow mistakes to destroy their experience in an online class. One small failure does not mean students can’t still succeed in their online classes.

Tip #4: Be Flexible

Not every week will have the same amount of work, which can sometimes be frustrating. In FundaFunda Academy’s American History class, the Civil Rights module is much longer than the other modules. When I took the class, I did what I could to get ahead and prepare for that module, but it was still a lot of work. This is where the advantage of homeschooling comes in. As a homeschooler, your student’s schedule is a whole lot more flexible than that of someone in public school. As a result, they can shift their other subjects around to make room in the weeks when an online course takes up more of their time. Flexibility with time and school subjects will be a huge help to your student in an online class.

I hope these four tips help you feel more prepared to walk your students through their first online class, and that the tips help them succeed in online classes. While they aren’t always easy, they are definitely worthwhile. By being curious your student will ensure that they learn as much as possible during the class. Being communicative will keep your student from getting stuck for too long. A willingness to make mistakes will make your student’s experience much more pleasant, and flexibility will keep your student on track to finish strong. Good luck with your online class. Happy studies!

The post Four Tips for Homeschoolers to Succeed in Online Classes appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

We had moved mid-year from South Africa and had decided to “tread water” for the spring semester as our children had already completed their school year (South Africa operates on a calendar year for school). During that spring semester while we were really just dabbling with homeschooling while waiting for the fall – we actually fell in love with homeschooling and decided to stick with it.

I was fortunate that my son was on a baseball team with a homeschooling family. The mom invited me over and showed me her curriculum. And then I attended a local homeschool fair. At this point, I still didn’t understand all the homeschool styles, but I was starting to figure  out what got me excited and what I thought would work for us.

We opted for Sonlight as our main curriculum (which falls into a blend of traditional, Charlotte Mason and classical homeschooling (see below)) and we added a lot more – some hands on, some following our children’s interests, some online etc. So ultimately I would describe my style as eclectic as it incorporated many of the styles listed below. 

**Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. You won’t pay any extra if you choose to purchase, but we might receive a small commission**

If you are reading this, you are probably either new to homeschooling and want to know what styles are out there or have been homeschooling for years but are in need of something new.  There are several different styles of homeschooling, each with its own unique approach to teaching and learning and I am providing you a list of 9 of the most popular ones to help you figure out the direction you will take.  

1. Traditional Homeschooling

This is the most common type of homeschooling, and it is based on a traditional school curriculum. Children in traditional homeschooling programs typically follow a structured schedule, complete daily assignments, and take regular tests and quizzes.

Examples:
Parents who use traditional homeschooling may choose to use a packaged curriculum, such as the Calvert curriculum, or create their own curriculum based on state standards.

2. Classical Homeschooling

Classical homeschooling is based on the classical education model, which emphasizes the teaching of core subjects, such as math, science, history, and literature. Students in classical homeschooling programs often study a particular subject in depth for a period of time, known as the “spiral” or “trivium” method.

Examples:
Classical homeschoolers often use curricula such as The Well-Trained Mind or the Classical Conversations program, which emphasize the study of classical literature, history, languages, and mathematics.

3. Unschooling

Unschooling is a philosophy of education that emphasizes self-directed learning and the importance of real-life experiences. Children in unschooling programs are not required to follow a structured curriculum, and they are free to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

Examples:
Unschooling families may not follow a set curriculum, but instead allow their children to learn through real-life experiences, such as cooking, gardening, volunteering, playing an instrument, or exploring their community. Parents may also provide their children with resources and materials based on their interests. A good music curriculum for homeschoolers is Music in Our Homeschool, which makes a great addition to unschooling for any family with a child interested in music.

4. Eclectic Homeschooling

Eclectic homeschooling is a blend of different styles and approaches to education. Parents who use an eclectic approach may choose to incorporate elements of traditional, classical, and unschooling methods, as well as other educational philosophies, into their homeschooling program.

Examples:
Eclectic homeschooling families may use a variety of resources and curricula to meet the needs and interests of their children. For example, they might use traditional textbooks for some subjects, but also incorporate real-life experiences and online resources for others. Seven Sisters Homeschool is an example of a curriculum an eclectic homeschooling family might use. FundaFunda Academy’s games and digital breakouts, which can be found on their teaching resources page are used by many eclectic homeschooling families.

5. Charlotte Mason Homeschooling

Charlotte Mason homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, who emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education that includes both academic subjects and “living books” (books written by authors who are passionate about their subjects). Children in Charlotte Mason homeschooling programs often keep a “commonplace book” to record their thoughts and reflections on what they are learning.

Examples:
Charlotte Mason homeschoolers often use resources such as Ambleside Online or Simply Charlotte Mason, which emphasize the use of “living books” and the development of good habits, as well as nature study and handicrafts.

6. Montessori Homeschooling

Montessori homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and the development of the whole child. Children in Montessori homeschooling programs often have access to a wide range of materials and activities that allow them to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

Examples:
Montessori homeschoolers may use materials and resources from Montessori curriculum providers, such as NAMC or Montessori Services, or they may create their own Montessori-inspired materials and activities.

7. Waldorf Homeschooling

Waldorf homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, who emphasized the importance of imaginative and artistic expression in education. Children in Waldorf homeschooling programs often engage in creative activities, such as storytelling, singing, and drawing, as well as academic subjects.

Examples:
Waldorf homeschoolers may use curricula such as Oak Meadow or Christopherus Homeschool Resources, which incorporate artistic and imaginative activities, such as storytelling, puppetry, and handwork.

8. Unit Studies Homeschooling

Unit studies homeschooling is a method of education in which children study a particular topic or theme in depth, incorporating multiple subjects and learning styles. For example, a unit on Ancient Egypt might include lessons in history, geography, art, and literature.

Examples:
Unit studies homeschoolers may use resources such as Konos, which provides unit study plans based on topics such as inventions, world cultures, or animals. FundaFunda Academy offers a plethora of web-based unit studies for this type of homeschooling.  

9. Online Homeschooling

Online homeschooling is a type of homeschooling in which children learn at home, but they receive their instruction and materials through an online program or curriculum. Children in online homeschooling programs may have regular interactions with teachers and other students through video conferencing or online forums.

Examples:
There are three main types of online homeschooling: live online, asynchronous online, and self-paced.

• Live online usually involves interaction with a teacher via videoconference and work has due dates and is graded by the online teacher. True North Homeschool Academy is a great example of this type of homeschooling.
• Asynchronous online classes still have deadlines and are graded by an online teacher, but there is no live aspect. FundaFunda Academy works in this manner.
• Self-paced online homeschooling has work that is either automatically graded or parent graded. There are no external deadlines, only those which parents impose. FundaFunda Academy has a new line of products that are self-paced.
  
  

Anyone who has homeschooled for any amount of time knows that it is not a simple endeavor, but if you can find your general style, it can help narrow down your options. Each type has pros and cons, and there is no one right option. Often it takes a fair amount of trial and error, but once found, a homeschooling style can give you a framework with which to learn and grow.

I am glad I took the time upfront to investigate the different options as the result was homeschooling in a way that worked for my family. I hope this article is a starting point on your journey of discovery.

Your next step

I suggest you listen to the podcast episode I recorded on “How to Use the Internet to Find the Right Curriculum for Your Child“. It is episode 220 on the Homeschooling with Technology podcast which you can find anywhere you listen to podcasts. This episode will help you continue to narrow down what will work for your family.

Feel free to join either or both of the Facebook groups FundaFunda sponsors: Homeschooling Middle School and Homeschooling College-bound Teens. You arere very welcome to ask any questions in those groups and there are many veteran homeschoolers in them who would love to help you.

The post Homeschooling Styles: Find the Perfect Approach for Your Family appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

Literary Adventures for Kids is a website that offers literature- and poetry-related experiences for all ages. One of these is Poetry and a Movie, a high school-level course that examines the work of 10 prominent poets. I took this course during my junior year of high school and greatly enjoyed how it gave a complete picture of the poets’ works and how they have impacted the world. Here, I will give you my Poetry and a Movie review to help you evaluate if this course is right for your students. 

Poetry and a Movie Module Layout

Poetry and a Movie reviews a different poet’s life and work at the beginning of each module. This assignment usually includes a few videos and some readings. During this assignment, students write trivia questions about the poet for later reference. I appreciated the background information because it helped me gain a more complete understanding and appreciation for the context of the poems I studied. I specifically enjoyed the trivia aspect; creating the questions and having “trivia time” with my family was fun and helped me remember important facts about the poets.

Next, there is an assignment about a literary element (or elements). These start with basics, such as rhyme scheme, and get more advanced throughout the course. In this assignment, students analyze one of the module poet’s poems and look for examples of the device or devices. I felt this improved my knowledge of poetic form and structure. It helped me become a better poetry reader and writer.

Each module also contains a portion where the student tries their hand at writing poetry. The assignments are tailored to the poet students are studying and often employ the literary elements from the module. They include everything from fun nonsense poems to myths to villanelles. As someone who already enjoyed writing poetry, I loved this part of the modules. The challenging prompts helped me develop my writing ability and explore diverse styles. 

The modules offer an optional grammar lesson. I completed these and am glad I did. They provided a great review of basic grammar while also introducing more complex concepts.

The Movie

Then comes the part everyone’s been waiting for: the movie. Note that this is not just an excuse to watch a movie and call it schoolwork; the movies are a crucial part of the module. The course provides preliminary information on the movies and their connections to the poetry discussed.

Each movie features the module poet’s work presented in a certain way. The role of poetry varies from influencing the story to being discussed in the movies and more. I enjoyed this because the film interpretations of the poetry gave me an idea of its cultural impact and some of the public perception of it. They also showed me many diverse ways art is adapted to inspire more art.

End-of-Course Project

Poetry and a Movie culminates in a final essay. Before the student starts this, the course provides useful information and advice about writing. I appreciated the info and found that it helped me greatly in my essay. Students choose (from a list) which type of essay they want to write. I chose to write a compare and contrast essay about William Wordsworth and Langston Hughes. I was surprised to find how much the two have in common, in addition to their obvious differences. Writing the paper allowed me to delve even deeper into both poets’ work and the context behind it. 

Final Thoughts

Poetry and a Movie provides a comprehensive image of a few poet’s life, inspiration, and work. It displays how their work has been interpreted, adapted, and understood in our culture. It also covers grammar and literary elements and gives students opportunities to develop their own poetry-writing skills. The movies are fun rewards at the end of each module, but they also expand upon the poetry discussions. This course was a fun, engaging, and educational addition to my high school coursework. I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of their level of poetry knowledge.

I hope this Poetry and a Movie review has been informative and that you and your students explore the course further. You can use the link here to read more about the course on their website. Also, be sure to look around the website and see if anything else interests you! 

The post Poetry and a Movie Review appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

As I looked over the top 10 Homeschooling with Technology episodes in 2020, I thought some of you might be interested in what they were.

If you have never listened to the podcast, these episodes are a good place to start! New episodes drop each Wednesday and you can find the podcast wherever you usually listen to podcasts or online at HomeschoolingWithTechnology,com. All the previous episodes are listed in chronological order here.

Many FundaFunda Academy teachers make guest appearances, so this is a good way to know who we all are – and I am the host. We also have other guests who know more than I do in different areas.

So, here’s the top 10 list, starting in 10th place and working our way up to 1st place!

10. Apps and websites to help students access reading materials and educational videos

Dr. Monica Burns shared with us her favorite websites for reading materials and educational videos for students.

9.  Online Classes and Costs

This episode explores why some classes cost more than others and what you need to consider when you compare classes that cost different amounts.

8. A Year-Round Virtual Curriculum Fair

Imagine being able to visit a curriculum fair whenever you want to – for free! Heather Bowen is my guest and she talks about what her new website offers.

7. Online Resources to Make Science Engaging

FundaFunda Academy’s science teachers, Dr. Dana Underwood (Biology), Dr. Kristin Moon (Chemistry), and Heather Fulghum (Earth Science and Ecology) share their favorite online resources to make the subjects they teach more engaging and understandable to students.

6. Online Income Opportunities for Homeschool Moms

Bekki Sayler shares how she makes money selling Printables, Abby Banks explains how she sells on Etsy, and Lea Bosse talks about tutoring.

5. How Your Teens Can Build Their Own Computer

College student, August Smith, explains how he built his own computer when he was a high schooler.

4. How to Make Virtual Field Trips Engaging

Virtual field trips are a great option when you can’t travel to all the places you want to visit – and in this episode guest Shannan Swindler, provides ideas on how your children can get the most from their virtual experiences.

3. Virtual Labs

FundaFunda’s Chemistry teacher, Dr. Kristin Moon, explains the benefits of using virtual labs, and where to find them (most are free or low cost!)

2. Podcasts for Kids of all Ages

Do you know how many amazing podcasts are available for kids and teens? Guest Sarah Snyder explains how she uses them with her own children and she shares some of her favorites with us.

1.  Creating Electives with Online Resources

Does your child want to take an elective and you can’t find a good resource for it? This episode will explain how I created resources for my own children and provide you with many ideas.

If you listen to all ten, leave us a link in the comments to tell us which your favorite is!

And be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player so that you don’t miss any episodes!

The post Top 10 Homeschooling with Technology Episodes in 2020 appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. While this season brings so much joy and happiness, it can also bring an overwhelming feeling of stress. I know I get stressed during the holidays, planning and preparing everything for Christmas. Over the years I’ve learned to lean on technology to help me stay organized and sane during this chaotic time.

Making Lists

One of my favorite apps I have on my phone is EverNote. EverNote is a great way to organize all kinds of lists: grocery, gifts, schedules, packing, etc. It makes it so easy to organize my lists and notes for the holidays. I especially enjoy all the features that the app provides including the ability to take photos for their notes, and record audio.

My favorite app I use for grocery lists is Anylist. Once you figure out your menu for Christmas, which by the way I like to gather inspiration from Pinterest for recipe ideas, Anylist will sort the food into sections to make it easier to find food items at the store. You can also add your family members so that they can easily add items they need too.

I always use Google Sheets to keep track of what I am buying, where what I bought is, and how much I’ve spent. It helps me budget Christmas a bit better. I also use Google Sheets to plan meals and assign chores during the holiday weeks. I sometimes use the app Trello to create my weekly and daily “to-do lists.” Not only does it keep me accountable, but you can use it to keep your children accountable too.

Scheduling

Doodle is another program I use to be able to see everyone’s availability in my family and friends. Of course, through this pandemic, I would hope that everyone is socially distancing, but who says you can’t meet up virtually on zoom! Doodle is a great way to organize that and find the best time to video chat with your loved ones over the holiday.

I have learned to use Google Calendar with my family, and have everyone input their schedules. Being able to visualize everyone’s schedules is so helpful when trying to figure out transportation with children. Whether they drive and need a car at a specific time, or even if they are younger and need to be picked up or dropped off, Google Calendar makes it easier to figure out those times and communicate about them.

When I am driving, I love to use Google Maps or Waze. Especially when I am going shopping so frequently, the roads can be very congested during holiday times. Google Maps and Waze show me the quickest route to my destination and help me avoid all the traffic.

Gift Giving

A super-easy way to shop for your loved ones is if you know exactly what to get them. I always have my family make wishlists on Pinterest, Amazon, Google Docs, Google Sheets, or even EverNote. These programs make it so easy to get an idea of what they need and want for Christmas.

It can be difficult finding gifts for everyone. I get my inspiration through Pinterest, Searching with specific keywords (example: Gifts for Music Lovers), and even blogs (example: we have a post on 25 Fun Educational Gifts under $25 for Teens and Tweens).

If you need gifts that can be delivered electronically, as last-minute gifts I use e-gift cards, video games from Steam, App games from iTunes, ebooks, subscriptions (magazines, Spotify, software, Kiwi crate, snack boxes, Birchbox, etc.).  Sometimes when you are traveling during the holidays, you cannot bring a large gift with you, so you can take a photo of the gift, or create a QR code and link the gift to the code to save space during your traveling.

Want a way to keep your children occupied – and help them to make gifts that are easy to send and cost nothing to make? Take a look at our Creating Digital Gifts unit study for 5th – 12th grade. These gifts are great because not only will students learn some techie skills, but they can personalize the games, etc they create to provide a meaningful gift especially to family members who they might not see at Christmas.

These are some of my tips with technology to stay sane during the holidays. Feel free to comment on other ways that you stay organized and sane!!

And if you homeschool and want more technology help, be sure to listen to my podcast, Homeschooling with Technology.

The post How to use tech to stay sane over the holidays appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

This guest post on the reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts is by homeschool mom and podcast fanatic, Sarah Miller-Snyder. If this post convinces you to try out podcasts, be sure to check out our podcast, “Homeschooling with Technology” (available at all the usual places you find podcasts) or online. Be sure to share your favorite podcasts in the comments!

1. You will get amazing, unique, and helpful information for free!

Podcasts are totally FREE!

I mean, do you really need to keep reading? Why not try them- just head to the podcast app on your smartphone it will take you less than 60 seconds to get started. Podcasts are free….absolutely free, as in no trial subscription, no sign-up for an email list, no obligation, nothing- just free. 

You literally have nothing to lose. If you aren’t sold (even though you didn’t have to buy anything), here are 9 more reasons to persuade you.

2. You will finally do something just for YOU!

Podcasts are for you, and only you (unless you choose to share them).

Yes, I said it- YOU. The person who takes care of everyone and everything- now here’s something for you. Just you (well, you can include your family if you wish!). No fighting over which channel to watch or getting kicked off Netflix because your family has met the maximum users- you can tailor your own podcast subscription list right on your own smartphone.

3. You will keep up with YOUR interests (and find new one(s))!

Interests? You are probably laughing to yourself-who has time for interests and hobbies?

Maybe you want to keep up with an old hobby OR discover a new interest. Instead of coming up with an excuse for why you don’t have time, you can turn to podcasts on that particular topic. It’s incredibly easy and convenient. Want to start running, organizing, gardening, decorating, traveling, budgeting in a new way? The sky’s the limit. Use www.listennotes.com to search podcasts by keyword and find a few to get your adventure started.

4. You will discover a sense of community.

Being a homeschooling mom can be lonely.

Most likely, you are spending most of your time with your family and any spare minutes you have are spent prepping the week’s schedule, cooking dinner, or grading homework. Truly, sometimes you just want to connect with people who have similar interests BUT you lack time for attending Mom’s Night Out or in-person events. The answer? You guessed it! Podcasts provide a conversational like form of entertainment and a place to connect with like-minded people. Often, podcast shows have Facebook groups associated with them that you can choose to join and further connect with others. Find compatible people today – a virtual friend is a real friend and true find!

5. You will evolve into a better you.

Homeschool moms are awesome moms- no doubt about that, but most love the opportunity to improve even that 1%.

As a busy parent, you probably have a stack of parenting books and self-help books on your nightstand. The problem is finding the time to read them and they start being dust-collectors instead of pick-me-uppers. Podcasts provide a simple and easy way to obtain self-help about any topic- whether it’s parenting teens or figuring out how to best communicate with your spouse- often in 10-15 minute short episodes. The personal development help and motivational stuff out there will seriously change your life. Don’t we all just need some extra inspiration to get us moving each morning? 

6. You will truly exemplify a life-long learning lifestyle

Most homeschool moms want their kids to have a love for learning. 

Podcasts are one way for you to keep learning, and thus provide a solid model for your kids. Reason number 5 requires no further explanation. 

7. You will gain valuable insight and ideas about homeschooling. 

As a homeschool mom, you are always trying to figure out the best way to educate your kids. 

Maybe you are looking for real-world opinions on curriculum or help with homeschooling a certain age. Maybe you could use some help with technology. Believe me, there’s a podcast for whatever you may need. Prepare to enrich your daily schedule and learn from other homeschool moms who have stood in your shoes- you will be surprised by how much your family will benefit from the content in podcasts.

8. You will find unique educational content from podcasts for your kids.

Yep, this one is about your kids- BUT, you are a homeschooling mom for a reason.

The rest of this list is really about why homeschooling moms should listen to podcasts- but the list wouldn’t be complete without including the educational component that podcasts for kids offer. That benefits you as a mom too. You won’t mind listening along as your children glean new insights into science, history, current events, and more- all from podcast episodes. The number of shows geared to kids continues to grow and is an ideal source of help for homeschooling moms.

9. You will break up the monotony of chores!

Podcasts are so easy to listen to!

You can play them anytime- while unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom, or folding laundry. It’s a simple and easy way to multitask and keep yourself from going crazy over scrubbing the kitchen yet again. No doubt- chores are part of motherhood, so make them a little more fun.

10. You will erase the boredom of driving.

Ever feel like Mama Uber?

If you are like most homeschooling moms, you also play the role of a taxi driver shuttling your kids around. Podcasts provide surprising entertainment for your time behind the wheel. All you have to do is hit play before you head out of the driveway and the time will pass much more quickly and enjoyably.

11. You will impress your kids.

Yep, saved the best for last! 

As you continually learn new things and play podcasts, you are going to blow your kids away with your tech-savvy self! Oh, what a role model you will be. Podcasts provide such an optimal way to use technology WITHOUT true screen time- something that is really hard to find nowadays.

If you aren’t convinced by these reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts, return to reason number 1. Remember, podcasts are completely free- no catch. Try an episode (or several) and I’m sure you will become yet another podcast-obsessed homeschooling mom!

Follow Sarah on Facebook and join her Facebook group. Also take a look at all our podcast episodes of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast here. Be sure to listen to my interview with Sarah where she shares her favorite podcasts for kids of all ages.

Got more reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts? Share in the comments, please!

The post 11 Compelling Reasons Homeschool Moms Should Listen to Podcasts appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

This is a guest post from Lisa Nehring. Find her at True North Homeschool Academy

It’s National Poetry Awareness month and there is no better time than now to introduce Poetry to your kids!

At its simplest, poetry is wordplay. The true master writer and speaker is one who can bounce and juggle, parry and foil with words and does so in a way that can lead their listener to tears, action or repentance.

Wordplay. Simple, right? Where do you even get started?

Getting started

Create a list for inspiration – a list of memories, feelings, hopes, dreams, goofy ideas, fantasies and fun ideas, high points and low points in your life. This can be your starting place of inspiration!

Understand Rhyme Scheme – the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhyme, lines designated with the same letter all with rhyme with each other. For instance:

Jack Sprat A
Could eat no fat, A
His wife could eat no lean. B
And so b’twixt the two of them, C
They licked the platter clean. B

Memorize short, simple, silly poems. My favorite source of inspiration for poetry memorization is IEW’s Language Acquisition through Poetry Memorization program. Based on Andrew Pudewa’s experience as a Suzuki trained violinist, the program breaks down poetry memory into do-able chunks.

Start writing fun and goofy poems on your own

• Haiku’s – composed of 3 lines- each a phrase. The first line is 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables, the third line, another 5 syllables. Often a seasonal reference is included.In the Woods they roam,
  The wildlife is creeping
  They are living life.
• Limmerick –a 5- line witty poem with a clear rhythm. The first, second and fifth lines are longer and rhyme. The third and fourth shorter lines rhyme (A-A-B-B-A).“There was an Old Man with a beard
  Who said, ‘It is just as I feared!
  Two Owls and a Hen,
  Four Larks and a Wren,
  Have all built their nests in my beard!'”
• Acrostic– is a poem where the one letter in each line spells out a word or phrase vertically that acts as the theme or message of the poem. It can be a name, a message or a theme.L is for laughter
  O is for original
  V is for value
  E is for eternal
• Free Verse does not follow any rules. This type of poem is completely in the hands of the author, rhyme, number of lines, punctuation, syllable count and number of stanzas. There is no right or wrong way to create a Free Verse poem.Fog by Carl Sandburg
  The fog comes
  on little cat feet.
  It sits looking
  over harbor and city
  on silent haunches
  and then moves on.

Continuing with Poetry Study

Memorize longer, more involved poems.
Analyze the poems you are memorizing. This can be simple at first- define the protagonist, antagonist, plot, setting, theme as well as the rhyme, meter and tropes involved.

Start learning and writing formal poetry. Formal poetry will include forms, meter, rhyme scheme and tropes.
Forms:

• Iambic meter (unstressed/stressed)
• Trochaic meter (stressed/unstressed)
• Anapestic meter (unstressed/unstressed/ stressed)
• Dactylic meter (stressed/unstressed/unstressed)
• Spondaic meter, (stressed/stressed)

Meter: is a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that defines the rhythm of some poetry. These stress patterns are defined in groupings, called feet, of two or three syllables. The most common meter is pentameter. In fact, Shakespeare often wrote in Iambic Pentameter.

Tropes (a.k.a. Figures of Speech):

• Alliteration
• Allegory
• Irony
• Hyperbole
• Metaphor
• Pun
• Personification
• Metonymy
• Similes
• Synecdoche

Now is a great time to take a poetry class- the ideal ages for this would suggest 5th -12th grade. Writing is best done in a group, in my opinion, and poetry especially, as it lends itself to great group projects and the writer has a ready audience to listen and creatively critique the students’ work.

For the Skilled Poet

Memorize longer poems, like The Charge of the Light Brigade. For those who want an excellent challenge, memorize, study and recite Horatius at the Bridge.

Enter Recitation events, like Poetry Out Loud or perform in Shakespeare productions.

Write formal poetry and participate/ enter events. Learn to write epic poems and sonnets.

Study poetry based on the historical or literary period that you are studying.

Poetry has been written since men began writing and it runs the gamut from free verse to highly stylized. Learning to read poetry will enrich a student’s understanding of the world and cultures around them. Learning to write poetry will enhance a student’s writing style in a way that little else does so effectively.

The post How to Introduce Poetry to Your Kids appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

How did the podcast come about?

A few years ago, my oldest daughter, Rachel, started talking about podcasts and how great they are. (A podcast is basically a radio show – on demand)

It took many months before I first tried one out as I am a visual, not an auditory learner, and I didn’t think I would enjoy them.

But I did! I discovered I LOVED podcasts and they have become my primary source of education because it is so easy to listen to them while I am driving, ironing, cooking and at the gym.

If I read a blog post or a book, there is not a lot I can do at the same time – but listening to podcasts is different. It makes a boring task fun – and I can be twice as productive.

Having fallen in love with listening to podcasts, I started considering hosting one related to homeschooling. Two things held me back: I was unsure of what topic to focus on and I was unsure exactly how to go about it.

This past summer, the online Homeschool Moms Conference, the mastermind of Heather Bowen, provided the answers to both those concerns.

I gave 3 talks at the conference – and by far the most popular one – which was also one a number of the attendees said was a conference favorite – was on Homeschooling and Technology. And that was my “aha” moment as to the topic of my podcast.

In addition, as a conference speaker, I had access to all the talks in both the homeschooling and blogging tracks and one of the talks I listened to was on “Tips for Podcasters” by Felice Gerwitz, the owner of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. I loved her talk and contacted her about potentially joining her network – and well, it all happened!!

What’s the podcast about?

Yesterday, the very first episode of Homeschooling with Technology went live. The first show is an intro to the podcast and to me and my background in technology.

The next few episodes will deal with Google Drive and its apps, techie ways your children can do projects, how to teach your kids to code and much more.

New episodes will come out every Wednesday and each will be under 15 minutes in length. There will be show notes so that you don’t have to worry you won’t remember everything I mention.

Where can you find the podcast?

If you already listen to podcasts – you know what to do to find mine. Just search “Homeschooling with Technology”. Please subscribe and give me a rating and review once you listen. This is crucial to the success of any podcast!!

If you have never listened to a podcast before … they are AWESOME. Start with mine – and then add more! (Look at the other shows from the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network) and then find podcasts on other topics you are interested in.

You can listen to my podcast on a computer right from my show page – but it is more convenient to use a podcast app on a phone (and yes, your phone will have one on it already!) Here is an excellent article explaining how it all works. This article also talks about a few different podcasting apps in case you don’t want to use the one on your phone.

If you prefer watching a video – here is one for iPhones

and one for Android phones

If you have any topics you would like me to cover – leave a comment here.

Please share this with your homeschool friends!! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review

The post The Homeschooling with Technology Podcast appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

Selecting homeschool curriculum for the coming year is always exciting. Paying for it – well, not so much! So how do you save money on homeschool curriculum?

When I homeschooled, I decided what I wanted to use for each child without initially thinking about the cost. I wanted to use what would work best for each child, but I didn’t have a limitless source of money! Quite likely you are like me if you are reading this post and you are concerned about the cost of what you want to buy – especially if you have a number of children.

I know just how it feels to know what you want and realize it will cost more than you can afford. I homeschooled 4, and as we only began homeschooling when my oldest was 12, I had no “hand-me-downs” for the younger ones and had to buy for all of them at once. Sonlight was my main curriculum but I supplemented with many other cool things I found. And I learned to do it all on a budget!

Here are my best tips for you on how to afford the curriculum you want. AND be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win a Rainbow Resource gift card to help you even more.

1. Watch for deals

This means you need to sign up for the newsletters of your favorite curriculum providers. If you don’t, you will need to visit their websites regularly and you might miss out on a sale.

Tip: Be sure to sign up for FundaFunda’s newsletter  so that you never miss out on any of our sales!

2. Library

I have no idea what I would have done without the library! I bought Sonlight’s Instructor Guides and would have LOVED to be able to buy all the books, but I couldn’t afford it. So we became regulars at our local library.

We didn’t just use the library for books, but also for DVDs. Our local library system had a lot of great documentaries. And don’t forget the libraries also give you access to digital books and movies and online courses and test prep too!

3. Swap with friends

I had a friend who was also using Sonlight, but her children were different ages and we often managed to just trade items we had and that saved us a lot of money.

4. Rainbow Resource

I must admit I got a thrill every time their huge fat catalog arrived in the mail. Many of the items they sell are cheaper than you will find them anywhere else.

5. Buy Used

I did visit local used curriculum sales but often didn’t find much of what I needed. So my next resort would be to look online in my all my favorite places:

• Homeschoolclassifieds.com
• Welltrained Mind’s Classifieds
• Amazon
• Ebay
• Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace Facebook Group
• Your local homeschool FB groups. We have a great local curriculum buy and sell Facebook group and you probably do too. Just search in Facebook.

6. Homeschool Buyers Co-op

I love the idea behind this website – to get “bulk buy” prices for homeschoolers! For many of the products, the higher number of people that buy something, the cheaper the item becomes. My favorite purchases through them were Meet the Masters – an art program I used with my youngest that we both enjoyed (it is for multiple ages) and Thinkwell courses (Math, Economics, Government).

In addition, you can create a free Homeschool ID Card if you join Homeschool Buyers Co-op and this gives you discounts at many book stores etc. (For a small price they will print and laminate it for you if you want – but you can print it our free yourself)

7. Rent

You probably know that many college students are now choosing to rent their textbooks and there are numerous places they can do that now. You may not know that there is now a place where you can rent homeschool curriculum – Yellow Bookhouse Rental. They can rent you some of the more expensive, but popular curriculum. They carry Sonlight, Teaching Textbooks, Apologia, Usborne, Bright Ideas Press and more!

8. Buy curriculum you can re-use

If you have more than one child, you can make choices now that will help you in future years, Of course, you can re-use all curriculum that ocmes in book form, and making copies of workbooks will preserve those for future years. But digital curriculum doesn’t take up any storage space in your home AND can be re-used. Take a look at the games and other teaching resources we produce as well as our self-paced web-based unit studies that you have lifetime access to and can be re-used by everyone in your family.

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I hope this post has encouraged you that there are multiple ways to save on curriculum and you can homeschool on a budget! If you have any more ideas, let us know in the comments.

The post How to Save Money on Homeschool Curriculum appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.