Everybody knows YouTube.com, the free video media site. It seems like everyone these days is using YouTube’s services to make themselves a star, market their products and services and generally make sure that every bit of anything important is captured on video by someone somewhere. But how many of you ever considered using YouTube for your homeschooling?

How in the world, you ask, could someone use user-uploaded videos for teaching purposes? Easy, if you do a bit of looking around beforehand. You’ll probably spend more time sifting through available footage for just the “right” stuff, but with a little perseverance and patience, and perhaps a little bit of luck too, you’ll find plenty of material to add to your learning experiences.

YouTube for Social Studies: Much of the 20th century’s greatest moments and it seems as though all of the 21st century’s, as well, have been captured by video cameras. Don’t simply read about an event – witness it firsthand. Search for the event itself – 1968 Olympics – or for a key figure – Neil Armstrong. You may not have been born when the moon landings occurred, but you can still watch them with all the awe and wonder of those who were there. For events previous to the days before moving pictures, there are a wide choice of videos including entire movies (The Crossing, for example,) documentaries (National Geographic’s Ancient Egypt) and home movies of costumed reenactments. And then there are the travel documentaries, giving you a real world view of cultures and places you can’t truly experience with a book.

YouTube for Science: Everything from nature documentaries to home-made science experiments have been posted to YouTube. You can even see a frog dissection, a fine example of Bernoulli’s Principle in action or a volcanic eruption caught on film.

YouTube for Maths: Having trouble with algebra? Or calculus? Or are you stuck on long division? There’s a video tutorial for all of it. You’ll probably find what you’re looking for quickly and easily by add “Basics” to your keyword search – Algebra basics, basic long division, etc.

YouTube for Language: From phonics videos with catchy tunes and animation for the little ones to a college professor giving a tutorial on effective essay writing, to scenes from Shakespearean productions to both the famous and the not-so-famous reading or reciting poetry, YouTube has a plethora of videos to add some spark to your language lessons. You can even see a vid on how to do the dreaded sentence diagramming. Not that you’d want to, but you can…..

YouTube for Foreign Language: YouTube has at least one channel devoted to teaching foreign language basics – foreignlanguagehouse. However you can also find music videos, newscasts, even soap operas and movies, in a wide variety of foreign languages.

YouTube for the Arts: Want to watch a biography of Leonardo da Vinci from the History Channel? Or how about a video series on watercolor technique? Or have a front row seat at a performance of Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz by the Vienna Philharmonic? You can have that all in one afternoon thanks to YouTube’s more culturally literate side. Talk about a music video!

You may not have thought of YouTube as an educational aid, but as you can see, it has a great deal to offer your homeschool. And it’s all for free, which makes it even better!

Suzanne Stewart is a professional freelance writer and marketer, and the author of Homeschooling on the Cheap. She has been homeschooling her children since 2002, using mostly Charlotte Mason’s methods and philosophies. She has studied Charlotte’s writings, as well as others’ works on Charlotte and her ways. She is currently the Charlotte Mason “expert” for the Christian Homeschoolers Taking a Stand blog. She lives just the other side of nowhere in rural WV with her 2 children, 2 dogs, 4 cats, a fish and a hamster. When not writing or homeschooling, she enjoys reading, playing flute and bowed psaltery, tramping across the hills and hollows of home, and practicing the arts and sciences of homemaking and motherhood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suz_Stewart

Thinking about homeschooling? Want to avoid the homeschooling mistakes most people make? Below you’ll find what we’ve discovered from homeschooling our 5 children from birth to college.

In 1987 homeschooling was just as newborn as our first child. We looked at homeschooling for a number of reasons which were mostly related to our academic goals. And yet, our first child’s Cerebral Palsy tipped the scales. The simple nature of having a young and impressionable soul around active and undiscerning ‘friends’ made it clear that we should homeschool.. We really didn’t want our son settling into confusion about what he was capable of doing. So, we decided to give it a try until he was old enough to physically function well around others who were his age, but weren’t his friends. We thought it would be through third grade—it lasted until he went to the University of Texas in Austin.

Now, these 23 plus years later, we know seven things that we make sure all of our homeschool coaching students start to understand–inside and out. If you want a successful homeschool embrace these seven (or violate any of these at your own risk)!

Define Homeschool Success for Yourself
Use a Curriculum that Matches Your Definition
Don’t Compete with Public or Private Schools
Find a Support Group(s) or Network
Learn to Use Systems for Success
Make Discipline a Nice Word
Find a Coach

Here’s a quick summary to get you started:

Define Homeschool Success for Yourself

Definitions determine everything. If your definition of “learning math” is to ‘get through the book’—then things will turn out very different from the family whose definition is to “learn how to do math.” The definition for homeschooling success that we use is our basic understanding of education. Education is learning how to learn. We want our students to develop skills for learning so they are prepared for anything. How sad when people think knowing information means education…especially when information changes and your are obsolete because you didn’t keep learning.

Use a Curriculum that Matches Your Definition

There are as many curricula as there are people (so it seems). Every curriculum is build on some set of assumptions or educational philosophy. Some writing curricula believe (falsely) that we learn to write by studying grammar, while others show the students the power of learning to write by actively writing (for example see http://www.advanced-writing-resources.com). Whatever the curriculum for whatever subject-make sure it matches your own definition so you aren’t caught wanting one result while using a process that takes you in the opposite direction.

Don’t Compete with Public or Private Schools

One of the great mistakes is to compete with schools. A homeschool does not have large buildings, massive funding, and a variety of specialized teachers. So, trying to produce the results they aim for will simply exhaust you. Homeschool can actually produce greater skill and knowledge, but trying to match all the subjects a school offers is chasing the wind. By the way, the students aren’t always leaving a school system as educated as you think!

Find a Support Group(s) or Network

It is the height of arrogance and the height of inefficiency to go it alone. Why not benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of others? Why not let others benefit from the insights you’ve gained along the way? There are groups online, groups in your part of the world, or groups just waiting to be started by you and a few like-minded families. You’ll never be like the people you don’t hang around…so get busy and connect for your own good.

Learn to Use Systems for Success

One of the great insights in life is how things operate by cause-and-effect. Good cooks can reproduce the same quality meal over-and-over because they follow some type of system (recipe). The practical results you see in life are largely the result of the systems we use. Homeschooling itself is a ‘different system’ of education which is aimed at a bit different result (included the character, sense of family, etc., it often affords). If you don’t have an overall sequence of steps you are moving toward following, then you can rest assured your results will be as shoddy as your system.

Make Discipline a Nice Word

One of my favorite mentors, Robert Fritz, offers a helpful definition of discipline: “Discipline is when you itch, but don’t scratch.” The truth is that some amount of discipline is necessary for learning. Very few children naturally gravitate to wanting to learn in all the areas important to education. It turns out then, that we must help them do what they don’t “feel” like doing, so they can ultimately benefit. External discipline tends to lead to life-long internal discipline. We all need help doing what needs to be done. Homeschool (or any school) simply won’t work without making discipline a nice word which is practiced often.

Find a Coach / Mentor

In many ways it is the ultimate hypocrisy to ‘tutor’ our own children without having a ‘tutor’ for ourselves. There is something powerful when we discuss, interact with, and learn from someone who is ahead of us in any field. Sports training knows the value of coaches because the competition and economics involved are so great. Without a coach you can’t compete. If you find a voice or two you trust, a person or two whose results you want to see in your life— find them, pay them, beg them to coach you. Nothing will save you more time and heartache than to learn from someone with wisdom.

Dr. Lybrand is an author and educator who is responsible for changing the lives of students all over the world through his innovative approach to applying systems thinking to practical learning. Go to http://www.homeandschoolsuccess.com for a free learning gift.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Lybrand

You can find a Christian homeschool curriculum very easily now for your family or homeschool group. However, that was not always the case. I have been told that not too long ago, curriculum publishers were unwilling to sell their material to families. They feared that the resources would not be used properly and that individuals were incapable of using the materials designed for traditional school use.

Fortunately, those days are gone and most publishers are happy to serve the needs of the rapidly growing homeschool population. They eagerly supply the Christ-centered books, computer software, and even online courses that homeschoolers are looking for.

Benefits

There are several benefits to using a Christian homeschool curriculum when teaching your children, such as:

Bible-based content throughout the resource
Traditional views and values will be emphasized such as respect for the family
Support of your decision to educate your child at home
Careful treatment of delicate issues such as “occult practices” or “alternative lifestyles” that may be discussed in higher grade levels
Additional opportunity to dialogue with your child about Godly principles mentioned in the curriculum

A few of the well-known curriculum publishers include: A Beka, Alpha Omega Publications, Bob Jones University Press, Christian Liberty Press, School of Tomorrow, and Rod & Staff. There are others but most people are familiar with these popular names which are often seen at curriculum fairs and events.

Options

Just because you elect to use Christian materials does not mean that you will be required to “settle.” The popular publishers mentioned above offer complete curriculum packages and plenty of supplemental resources.

There are publishers who provide Christian unit study options, such as Five in a Row or The Weaver Curriculum. Some others focus on a single subject such as art or science as seen in the popular resources How Great Thou Art and Apologia Science for example.

A Final Thought

There are many publishers who offer Christian homeschool curriculum so your job will be to sift through the choices and determine which one is best for your family. Look at their descriptions in catalogs or online carefully to make an informed decision. Ask for samples or download a sample chapter, if available.

Also, check your Christian bookstores to see if they have the curriculum you may be interested in using with your child. Include him or her in the decision-making process if appropriate.

Choose wisely and remember, that no decision is “set in stone.” If your selection does not work for you or your child, sell it, give it away, and move on to something else. Do not become burdened with any curriculum that does not fulfill your needs.

For more information on Christian homeschool curriculum,visit http://www.AllAboutHomeschoolCurriculum.com/christian-home-school-curriculum.html. Claudette Upshur is a retired public school teacher and former administrator for Straight Arrow Private School, a homeschooling program in Oceanside, CA. She has completely home educated four of her ten children from preschool through high school and is currently teaching the others in grades one through ten. Learn more about this mom who enjoys teaching at http://www.AllAboutHomeschoolCurriculum.com, her helpful website designed with you in mind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claudette_Upshur

Problem solving is a learned skill and can be enhanced in your home schooled learners. To develop this skill your home schooled learners have to see you as a role model who has effective problem solving skills. Life allows us to have a large array of choices. Some decisions are simple but others require more effort. Problem solving is a normal reaction for us. It becomes second nature when making decisions. There is a process we work through to solve problems. Some problems need more effort than others to find solutions.

A method for developing problem solving skills is to make your home schooled learners aware that there are five steps to solving a problem and reinforce them so they have the skills to work through any problems with their studies. This builds a strong foundation for problem solving throughout life.

What is the Problem – The first step for your home schooled learner is to recognise that a problem exists and that solving it is necessary. The problem belongs to the learner so don’t down grade the importance as each problem will be unique.

Defining the Problem – Your home schooled learner will decide how important the problem is and how much attention it deserves. They will decide why it is a problem for them and whether it is a part of an ongoing problem. They may need to talk this through with you to make things clearer.

Working a Solutions – Has this problem arisen before and what solution did they use to solve it. Is there more than one option to solving the problem and what is their plan to tackle the problem.

Making a Decision – Assist you learner to make a decision as to which problem solving option they will use and examine what they feel the solution will be.

Solve The Problem – Put in motion the solution and give it time to succeed. Implement changes needed to be made. Evaluate how the problem was solved or why you need to rethink.

Helping your home schooled learner solve problems is part of your job description as their teacher. It is very important to teach them the essential life skill of effective problem solving as this leads to fostering independence.

Irene Reardon provides an easy to follow program for Educators of children in the K-7 years in the homschooling learning area. This program has helped many homeschool parents reduce their stress, improve their skills, promote active learning and improve their children’s outcomes. All this from the comfort of their own home. Find out more at http://www.howtoforhomeschooling.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irene_Reardon

Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8 says this: “The Word of God is eternal. It stands firm in the Heavens.” “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever.” Life is full of change. That’s one thing we can all count on. There’s another thing we can count on and it’s this – God’s Word never changes. Our Bible verse says that it stands firm and will do so forever. Life is filled with cycles of coming and going. The grass withers and flower fall, but God’s Word remains constant. I don’t know about you, but this truth fills my heart with great joy and peace. Here is a fun Sunday School lesson from the Bible that will help your kids also appreciate this truth while investigating some data about different books of the Bible. It’s called “Bible Book Info Relay.”

Here’s what you do:

Divide your class into 2 teams. Assemble 2 rows of chairs, one per child, facing perpendicular to a chalkboard or other kind of writing board. Each child will need the same version of a Bible except for the first chairs in each row. Divide the chalkboard into 2 sections – one for each team to write in. In each section, write the following, leaving room for the kids to be able to write their answers:

Name of Book:

Book Before:

Book After:

2 Story Titles:

1.

2.

Number of Chapters:

A Person’s Name Found in the Book:

First Word in the Book:

Last Word in the Book:

Is the book in the Old Testament or New Testament?

Just before playing, you, the teacher, will write the beginning letter of some book of the Bible, one for each team. For example, you might write “L” and “M”. On the word “GO”, the first person on each team will go to the board and pick a book that fits their letter. The children might end up picking Luke and Matthew. After he writes the book, he returns to the last seat in the row and the next child comes forward and answers the next question. Subsequently, the rest of the children move forward a seat. The children on a team are allowed to look in their Bibles to help the one at the board. However, they are not allowed out of their seat. Therefore they can yell out answers to the writer. After each question is answered, the writer always returns to the last seat and everyone shifts forward. If you have less than 10 kids on a team, it is OK if a child ends up going to the board more than once. The team who finishes first and correctly is the winner. Play as often as the children would like, giving different letters each time.

Before playing the game, you might want to introduce the lesson in the following way:

Who can tell me some changes that happen in life? (Wait for responses such as babies get older or people change jobs, etc.) Yes. Those are all great examples. Now, who can tell me something that never changes? (Wait for kids to respond.) It’s hard to think of something that never changes, but there is something. It’s the Word of God. Who would like to read Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8? (Wait for child to read.) No matter what happens in this world, God’s Word will always remain the same. I think this truth shows that the Bible deserves our utmost respect. The Bible is worth studying and knowing.

Let’s play a game called “Bible Book Info Relay” to help us learn some important points about some of the great books in God’s Word.

At this point explain the rules of the game and have fun!

Next, if you liked this Sunday School/Homeschooling idea, then sign up to today to receive Scripture Lady’s Free Email Kid Tips packed full with creative ideas and receive 6 FREE BIBLE REVIEW GAMES to help get the kids you minister to excited about the Bible!

Just click here: http://myfreebiblegames.com to receive your 6 FREE BIBLE REVIEW GAMES!

Kathy Vincent is the director of a performing ministry for children called The Scripture Lady and has been traveling around Southern California for the past 15 years ministering to preschoolers and elementary aged children with the Word of God through musical, thematic presentations.

She is also a regular seminar speaker, author/creator of over 30 products for the Christian children’s worker and a veteran homeschooling mom of two.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Vincent

You spent months agonizing over the curriculum you were going to use with your homeschooler. You negotiated room in your already full house to prepare a learning environment within your home. You steeled yourself against your family’s doubts over whether or not homeschooling was the best decision for your family, and hopefully you triumphed! You have done everything you can to get your child prepared for the road ahead completing their high school education, but why stop there?

Let’s face it, college is necessary these days. Whether your child wants to be an engineer, a minister, or a stay-at-home dad with something interesting to talk about, you need a college degree! It’s not news to you that homeschoolers are at a disadvantage in the college admissions process, in fact, if you’re like me, you’ve heard nothing but pessimistic views on a homeschooler’s ability to get into a university of their choice. Even trying to serve my country the army, my transcripts were looked at with the suspicious eye normally reserved for the shadiest of characters. I wish I knew then what I know now.

Unlike the above, this will be news to you: homeschoolers have a distinct advantage over traditional school children when it comes to preparing their transcripts. Unlike the average graduate entering college, the homeschooler’s transcripts can be customized to illustrate the value that their education and achievements will bring to the school of their choice! rather than just being one of a thousand printouts at the end of the year, you as a parent hold the keys to your child’s future at the tips of your fingertips. You will be the one crafting the transcripts for admissions departments to read.

I don’t expect that you know how to craft a transcript that will impress college admissions naturally, but with the right guidance and some serious effort on your part, you can be crafting amazing transcripts that show how much your child has to offer their community.

To find out more about how to make your student’s transcripts shine to readers, Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Roberts

As a homeschooling parent you undoubtedly put in all the time and energy you could to select the best tools available to educate your child. Researching the best curriculum in a sea of options, making sure you could properly instruct your child without the help of an educational institution. I personally remember when my parents decided that Accelerated Christian Education and Alpha Omega were going to be my high school education! When time for college rolls around, you know your child received the best education possible, but will the college admissions people know it too?

Chances are, when it comes time to enter college, your child will be met with the same skepticism I was. College admissions representatives are well-meaning, but somewhere along the line most of them get the idea that a homeschool diploma is somehow less valuable than a traditional school one. You know this isn’t true, but how do you convince them?

The best way to convince a skeptic is to disarm them from the get-go. What’s the first thing admissions sees when reviewing your application? A high school transcript! And here’s a little secret, your child’s transcript is your secret weapon. They see hundreds of transcripts a day that all look the same. Boring old documents rattled off of an old dot-matrix printer that the public school hasn’t replaced since the Reagan years. Now what is this that’s coming across their desk? A well-formed transcript that shows off the student in a way that only a document created with loving hands can.

How can you create a transcript that jumps off the page and into the imagination of a college admissions office? By doing a few simple steps developed by a homeschool professional who knows what it takes to get their child into college. No one can fault you for not knowing how to prepare a perfect set of transcripts from scratch, but when you have the tools at your disposal to create flawless documents that will rocket your child to the front of the college admissions mind you can do wonders. Take the time to learn as much as you can as early in your child’s education as possible so that when the time comes you will be prepared to send them off with the confidence of knowing you did your best by them. Their smiling faces picking up that diploma will be all the reward you need!

I don’t expect that you know how to craft a transcript that will impress college admissions naturally, but with the right guidance and some serious effort on your part, you can be crafting amazing transcripts that show how much your child has to offer their community.

To find out more about how to make your student’s transcripts shine to readers, Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Roberts

As a homeschooling family, I am sure this question has entered your mind. The idea of putting together a homeschool high school transcript can be daunting.

Many more questions are circling around in your head as your child(ren) get closer to high school, or perhaps they are already in high school. Some questions you might have are:

* When should I begin putting a high school transcript together?
* What should I include in it?
* How should I format it?
* How long should it be?
* What about grades? I haven’t been keeping grades. (most homeschoolers don’t)

And the questions can go on and on. I am sure you have plenty more.

Fortunately for you, there is a ‘go to’ person who has done all the hard work. She has put her knowledge and experience together and can help you put together your homeschool transcript. All your questions can be finally answered.

There is no need for you to feel overwhelmed, weary or extremely frustrated. Creating your child(ren)’s school transcript can be simple and easy, like it should be.

Once you know how, you can relax and feel confident about your child(ren)’s college preparation. Colleges will love the transcript you deliver to them.

Another big concern you might have is accreditation. Does your transcript have to be accredited by some agency or school? The welcomed answer is, no, it does not. You can sigh a sigh of relief now. That in itself is a big weight lifted from your shoulders.

You can go on homeschooling as usual and the course will teach you how to neatly include everything in your transcript.

So head on over and discover the 4 simple steps to create a homeschool high school transcript. Stop fretting and continue to enjoy these wonderful homeschooling years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Albright

Everything needs checks and balances… accountability is a good thing…

I know in my own life I tend to do a better job, and put more effort into something if I know that I must be accountable for it. Though state testing requirements vary, many homeschooling students across the country are required to participate in standardized testing. States require this testing to ensure that students are learning and progress is being made.

1) Standardized tests are for the measurement of a child’s achievement. These tests do not measure students ability or aptitude, that is measured on a separate test (such as the Otis Lennon). Aptitude tests measure the school ability index or what used to be called IQ.

2) Most standardized tests assess only language arts and math. But, prior to having your child tested ask the administrator of the test what sub-tests are included and then make preparations for SAT study courses, or by purchasing prep books.

3) These tests are called standardized because the test was taken by a sample set of students who took the test at the same time of year. The test makers take this sample group’s average score and allow it to represent the 50th percentile.

4) Using the same test from year to year for your child’s assessment will ensure a more accurate comparison of norms.

5) The student’s typically do just fine with taking the test, it’s the parents we often worry about! So, take it easy, mom and dad. Remember, that this is just one test and is not the “big picture” of your child’s learning. An accurate picture of how your child is achieving will include what they are learning in school/homeschool, what they are learning at home, and how they do on SATs.

Jamie Gaddy, Ed.D. has been an educator for over 15 years educating both children and teachers. Currently an Educational Consultant and contributor to http://time4learning.net/blogs/homeschool_online/ and http://onlineeducationforkids.com/, she homeschools her six children and enjoys incorporating technology into their daily learning.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Gaddy

Should we be using a different measuring tool for intelligence? Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University, thought so. In 1983 he developed the theory of multiple intelligences, a measuring tool that allows for a multi-faceted look at the qualities and talents that comprise true intelligence. Your homeschool curriculum allows the flexibility of incorporating aspects of this theory into all of your lessons in all subjects.

Using the multiple intelligence theory with your homeschool math curriculum is especially effective because math is often the most challenging subject to teach and learn. There are eight intelligences according to Dr. Gardner’s theory. You’ll find them listed below, with suggestions for how each one might fit your child(ren)’s learning needs and how to best integrate them into your math curriculum. Most children will often exhibit more than one of these!

Linguistic-Auditory Intelligence (“word smart”)
Your child loves to read, write, recite, and talk! S/he feels most comfortable curled up with a book or listening to or telling a story. Incorporate stories like “The Seven Swans” or “The Twelve Months” into first grade number recognition lessons. Clapping game rhymes like “Miss Mary Mack” could be a lead in to times tables practice in second or third grade math lessons. And word problems are an essential ingredient at all levels.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)
Your child loves math! S/he is also good at problem-solving, recognizing patterns, and likes to conduct scientific experiments. Focus on the relationship between patterns and numbers, i.e., geometric forms and numbers, like the triangle and the number 3, the square and the number 4, etc. Use number “tricks” to encourage and enliven math practice, and point out patterns in the times tables, factors, etc. Relate math concepts to some of those science experiments!

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“body smart”)
Your child is physically active and has excellent eye-hand coordination and dexterity. S/he loves hands-on activities, tends to remember by doing rather than hearing or seeing, and is very good at dance and/or sports. Liven up your math lessons with lots of physical movement like stepping and counting, first the numbers and then the times tables. Adapt vigorous games like leap frog or tag for effective math skills practice, and include lots of hands on activities like making “real” numbers with clay and other materials and using manipulatives to learn math concepts.

Musical Intelligence (“music smart”)
Your child enjoys singing and playing musical instruments, recognizes musical patterns and tones, and remembers songs and melodies well enough to sing or play “by ear.” She’s good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds. Relate music theory to math concepts, (i.e., scales’ and notes’ relationship to fractions). Have your musical student compose songs that are helpful learning aids for challenging math concepts such as learning the steps in long division.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence (“picture smart”)
Your child loves to draw, paint, put puzzles together, and interpret graphs, charts, and maps. She’s good at visualizing things and following or giving directions. Include art as an integral part of your math curriculum with colorful and imaginative illustrations of concepts and lessons. Use visual patterns like magic squares to teach factors and other number patterns. Teach with manipulatives as much as possible, i.e. color-coded columns for place value, coin rubbings to teach decimals and fractions using money amounts, and incremental, color-coded fraction pieces.
Interpersonal Intelligence (“people smart”)

Your child understands and interacts well with others, and is skilled at assessing their emotions, motivations, and intentions. She’s good at verbal and non-verbal communication, seeing things from different perspectives, resolving conflicts, and creating positive relationships. Your math curriculum should include lots of group activities like math-adapted games, cooperative problem solving, and group projects that use math skills like building, cooking, gardening, and crafts.

Intrapersonal Intelligence (“self smart”)
Your child is self-reflective and aware, good at assessing strengths and weaknesses, understands the basis for motivations and feelings. She’s a creative day-dreamer who also enjoys analyzing theories and ideas. Include lots of “back story” in your math curriculum: history and biography, like the origins of the modern measurement system (the king’s foot, the original word for mile, mille: a thousand paces), the history of number systems, and mathematicians’ life stories.

Naturalistic Intelligence (“nature smart”)
Your child loves exploring the great outdoors, and has a lively interest in all things in nature, like botany, biology, and zoology. She’s good at cataloging or categorizing information, and likes camping, gardening, and hiking. Imbue your math curriculum with multiple examples of how math appears in the natural world, such as the spiral in the sunflower and snail shell, the hexagon in the snowflake and honeycomb, and even the octagon in street stop signs! Combine your math lessons with gardening, a wonderful mix.

Integrating all these aspects into your homeschool math curriculum will not only insure that your child(ren) will be more engaged and interested in their math lessons, but that their interest will result in better retention, higher test scores, and a lifelong love of learning. Math, more so than any other subject, needs to be taught and learned with high-interest, versatile, and creative materials and methods!

Marin holds a Masters Degree in Waldorf Education, and a California teaching credential in art. She’s had years of experience as a Waldorf class teacher in the early grades, has taught hands-on science and math to homeschoolers in grades 1-6.

Learn More about Homeschooling visit our website. Homeschool Math Curriculum
Sacramento Homeschool

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marin_Lipowitz