Virtual Field Trip to Norman Rockwell Museum!

February 3rd, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Friday, February 3, 2012 and time for a Virtual Field Trip at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Norman Rockwell Museum

Age Range: 9 and up (with parental supervision)

February 3rd is Norman Rockwell’s Birthday!  The American illustrator, who was known for Saturday Evening Post covers depicting average Americans at work and play, was born in 1894. At this website, a companion to the Norman Rockwell Museum, you can virtually browse the collections and exhibits to see Rockwells’ amazing art and learn more about his life
and work. Plus, you can download a free “Family Guide.” (See details below.)

When you get to the site you’ll see some current highlights. Use the horizontal menu at the top of the page that includes:

*Rockwell – Read the artist’s bio and explore an interactive timeline of his life and work.

*Exhibitions – Learn about the museums’ exhibitions through descriptive text that includes links to further resources. Includes sample photos of artwork on display.

*Collections – Watch a slideshow of the Rockwell collection and then virtually browse the collection that includes descriptive text and fun trivia.

BONUS!  When you’re through exploring, print out this free “Family Guide“ from the Normal Rockwell Museum with fun activities you can do at home to further learning about art. (pdf)

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Ground Hog’s Day Fun for K-12!

February 2nd, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi! It’s Thursday, February 2, 2012 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Groundhog.org

Age Range:  All (with parental supervision)

Today, February 2nd, is Groundhog’s Day! In North America the groundhog is said to wake from winter hibernation and crawl out of its burrow. If the groundhog sees his shadow, he gets frightened and returns to his den for another six weeks, prolonging winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he emerges from his home and spring begins. The “official” groundhog is named Punxsutawney Phil. He lives at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

At this official (and ad-supported) website you can watch a podcast of the Ground Hog’s Day proceedings at Gobbler’s Knob and get lesson plans and fun educational activities designed for grades K-12. 

NOTE: This site gets so much activity on February 2nd, that you may get an error message.  Don’t let it deter you.  Keep trying or wait until tomorrow and try again. The lesson plans and educational activities (including weather science) can be done anytime. So, bookmark this site to access them when there’s less traffic. 

You’ll also find “Groundhog’s Day Fun” free activities and coloring pages to print out that young children will enjoy at my UniversalPreschool.com website.  

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Wacky Ways to Learn Parts of Speech!

February 1st, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Wednesday, August 22, 2007 and time for Language Arts at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Wacky Tales

Age Range:  7-12 (and fun for all!)

Houghton Mifflin (the education textbook publisher) sponsors this website that helps kids learn parts of speech – nouns, adverbs, adjectives, verbs, etc.  Using interactive stories called “Wacky Web Tales” they offer an online version of the classic car game, Mad Libs.

When you get to the site you’ll see a menu of Wacky Web Tales titles. Click on any one and a new page opens that reveals the story title and a form. The form requires you to type in parts of speech (such as a singular noun, adjective, or present tense verb). The words you enter will be used to create a Wacky Web Tale — simply click on the “See Your Wacky Web Tale” button at the bottom of the form.

If you are unsure what an adverb (or any other part of speech called for on the form) is – just click on the “Parts of Speech Help” button for some quick definitions.

Because you don’t know how the parts of speech you filled in on the form will be used in the story – the resulting Wacky Web Tale can be pretty funny. :)

This is a painless way to learn, reinforce, or remediate parts of speech.

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Kids Do Ecology!

January 31st, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Tuesday, January 31, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Kids Do Ecology

Age Range: 8-12 (approximately with parental supervision)

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara, California offers this multi-media website for kids to teach them the science of ecology.

When you get to the site, you’ll see a menu of choices that includes:

*Learn About Ecology – Get an introduction to the study of ecology, learn about endangered species, find out about careers in ecology, and enjoy interviews with ecologists.

*Data Science – Discover the scientific method! Learn to analyze data and present results. Design your own ecology experiment.

*World Biomes – Learn about the 5 major biomes including aquatic, desert, forest, grassland, and tundra. Discover the flora and fauna that thrive in each.

*Marine Mammals – Meet Blue, Grey, and Humpback whales, a variety of dolphins, and sea otters!

Each section contains clickable links to information, videos, sound, and fun facts.  You can also check out some classroom science projects and an assortment of links to other science websites.

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Free Math Drill Worksheets!

January 30th, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Monday, January 30, 2012 and time for Math at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Math-Drills.com

Age Range: 5-18 (grades K-12, with parental supervision)

This ad-supported website offers thousands of free, printable math worksheets with answer keys to help students learn, practice, and master math.

When you get to the site you’ll see a welcome message.  Look at the menu located at the top of the page below the logo to access worksheets on:

  • Addition
  • Algebra
  • Decimals & Percents
  • Division
  • Fractions
  • Geometry
  • Integers
  • Measurement
  • Money
  • Multiplication
  • Powers of Ten
  • Subtraction

Click on any topic and a new page opens with a menu of worksheet options. Click on a worksheet title and a new page opens where you can print out the worksheet to use offline.

You’ll also find flash cards, holiday-themed math worksheets, games, and more! 

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Incredible Art & Design Activities!

January 28th, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Saturday, January 28, 2012 and time for Art at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
National Gallery for America’s Young Artists

Age Range: 5-18 and beyond (Grade Range K-12)

This website features a variety of free interactive art activities to engage the budding Pollock, O’Keefe, Rodin, or Frank Lloyd Wright in your home.

When you get to the site you’ll see a menu featuring three main sections as follows:

I.  Free Art Sites: Experiential – Click on any one of 5 links to virtually draw, color, paint, build, and experiment with color and 3D design online. 

II. Interactive Activities About Art – This collection of fun activities provides multi-media lessons in art history as well as art media and technique. Learn about color symbolism, how to make prints, bronze casting, take a tour of the Vatican artwork, find out what’s in an artist’s toolkit, and learn all about cave art.

III.  Online Art Galleries – Explore other online art galleries by clicking on links to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, the National Museum of African Art, Native American Art, and a great online exhibit about myths and legends in art. All of these galleries use multi-media to enhance art education.

You could design an entire art curriculum around the information and activities archived here.  Be sure to bookmark it to return often.

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Virtual Field Trip to Kazoo Factory!

January 27th, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Friday, January 27, 2012 and time for a Virtual Field Trip at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Eden Kazoo Factory & Museum

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

Tomorrow, January 28th, is National Kazoo Day! At this website, you can read about the history of METAL kazoos, developed in 1840 in Macon, Georgia. Learn how the device was patented and manufactured by The Original American Kazoo Company, and how it is manufactured today. See an NBC video of the Eden Kazoo Factory including aspects of the manufacturing process.

Of course, this info is likely to lead to a strong desire to play the kazoo. It’s a fun musical instrument that even young children can learn to play. All you have to do is start humming, place the kazoo in your mouth, and the humming turns into kazoo music.

By the way, you can purchase inexpensive plastic kazoos at most toy stores, or get them at Kazoobie Kazoos. They offer info about kazoos on their website, including a video that shows aspects of the PLASTIC kazoo manufacturing process at the Beaufort Kazoo Factory.

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Free Virtual History Textbook & Games!

January 26th, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Thursday, January 26, 2012 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
KidsPast.com

Age Range: 8-12 (approximately, with parental supervision)

ClickScholar Renee reminded me of this website in the KidsKnowIt Network that we’ve featured previously. It offers an engaging online history textbook, history games, and interesting historical quotes.

When you get to the ad-supported site, use the menu and click on “World History” to access a sort of virtual, interactive textbook containing a variety of articles on topics including:

  • Prehistoric Humans
  • The Ancient Greeks & Romans
  • African, Indian, and Chinese Civilizations
  • The Byzantine Empire
  • Medieval Europe
  • The Renaissance
  • The Reformation
  • The American Revolution
  • The French Revolution
  • And Much More!

The articles are easy to read, interesting, and enhanced with pictures and illustrations. Note: It may take a minute or two to fully download each chapter – but your patience will pay off. :)

Once you’ve read the articles, use the menu to click on “History Games” and try playing the innovative arcade-style games that help kids retain the history facts and concepts in the articles.

You can also explore “Historical Quotes” from the menu that offers interesting comments from historical figures in every walk of life.

KidsKnowIt Network also provides fun history songs that kids may enjoy. Just click on the icon that says, “Play A Song for This Topic,” just below the menu on the left side of the screen.

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Homefires’ Chinese New Year Sale Ends TODAY!

January 26th, 2012 by admin No comments »


 

Just a reminder that the Homefires’ Chinese New Year Sale is ending tonight at midnight!

Below is my original email:

The Year of the Dragon is Upon Us!

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon–the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success, happiness, power, and intelligence. In honor of this mythical creature, and inspired by our love of learning, we’re proud to present the…

Homefires’ Chinese New Year Sale!

For FOUR DAYS ONLY
Get 20% Off Our Most Popular Product:

Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar and Resource Guide

Plus You Can Take $50 Off Homeschooling-California Style!

Sale Starts TODAY, Monday, January 23rd and

Sale Ends Thursday, January 26th at 11:59 PM (PST)

Just enter the coupon code “NEWYEAR” on the order form when you place your order and a whopping 20% will be automatically deducted from the price of our

Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar & Resource Guide

This rave-reviewed product explains you how your teen can bypass high school and standardized curriculum and still get into a competitive college and have a terrific career! Includes 5 informative audio presentations and a comprehensive Resource Guide. Choose from two versions:

Hard Copy Version (includes comprehensive manual and CDs) is $167.00 – Take 20% Off and Pay Just $133.60! Save $33.40!

Electronic “Green” Version (delivered in downloadable mp3 and pdf format) is $117.00. Take 20% Off and Pay Just $93.60! Save $23.40!

*****

In addition to this fantastic savings, we’re also offering our all-inclusive course manual and resource guide Homeschooling—California Style for only $127.00! Regularly priced at $177.00, you’ll get a savings of $50.00! No coupon code necessary. But you’ve got to act fast—there are ONLY 5 COPIES AVAILABLE!

Homeschooling – California Style!

This is a step-by-step audio program and resource guide to help you get started homeschooling in California and thrive doing it! Contains in-depth information and California-specific resources that you will refer to over and over again.

This is a Hard Copy Product that includes a comprehensive manual, 6 audio recordings on CD, plus a CD of linked resources mentioned in the manual to make access easy. There are only 5 remaining in inventory. Valued at $177.00, You Pay Just $127.00! Save $50.00!

Hurry! The Homefires’ Chinese New Year Sale takes place for

FOUR DAYS ONLY on January 23, 24, 25, & 26!

May the Year of the Dragon bring Good Luck and Great Savings to You!

 

 

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

 

Diane Flynn Keith began publishing “ClickSchooling” in the year 2000 while she and her husband, Cliff, homeschooled their sons. Now, Diane’s sons are grown, and she is an internationally recognized voice in education outside the traditional classroom walls.

Diane is the author of the rave-reviewed book, “Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time” with games like Windshield Entomology, Road-Cut Geology, 18-Wheeler Chemistry, and Drive-By History that are guaranteed to turn your kids into “Road Scholars”.

Stop by the Carschooling website for tons of resources and activities for you and your family to enjoy at www.Carschooling.com.

Ms. Keith is also a popular speaker at education conferences throughout the U.S. To learn more about booking Diane for a lively presentation at your next event email: editor@homefires.com

Diane is the editor of www.Homefires.com that provides information and resources along with free monthly teleconferences on homeschooling, unschooling, and educational alternatives.  She provides support for parents who want to help their preschool-age children learn at home at: www.UniversalPreschool.com.

Diane’s best-selling program is her new “Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar & Resource Guide.” It shows parents how to collaborate with their teens to bypass high school and standardized curriculum and still get into the college of their choice and/or have the career of their dreams. Learn more at www.UnschoolYourTeen.com.

Diane’s latest program, “Basic Building Blocks for Homeschool Success,” is a step-by-step guide to homeschooling filled with resources and information on how to begin homeschooling and thrive doing it! Learn more at www.Homefires.com/buildingblocks.

Today, Diane guides and mentors families through her websites, coaching programs, and live events. She is driven to liberate families from the constraints of conventional schooling so that they can live happy, fulfilled, extraordinary lives.

To contact Diane Flynn Keith
Email: Editor@Homefires.com

 

 

 

 

 
 
© 2012 Diane Flynn Keith


Homefires

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Millbrae, CA
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Shakespeare for Kids!

January 25th, 2012 by admin No comments »

Hi!  It’s Wednesday, January 24, 2012 and time for Language Arts at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:
Shakespeare for Kids

Age Range: 9 and up (with parental supervision)

The Folger Shakespeare Library offers this fun website that introduces kids to Shakespeare through fun games and activities.  When you get to the site you’ll see an icon menu that includes:

*Words, Words, Words – Unscramble letters to reveal words from Shakespeare’s plays, learn new vocabulary by discovering the meaning of “Weird Words” in Shakespeare’s works. Try creating Shakespearean insults or compliments. Learn some common idioms that originated in Shakespeare’s plays. Print out scripts for plays and perform scenes at home.

*Fun Facts – Learn trivia about Shakespeare’s life and times.

*Games & Coloring Puzzles – Enjoy playing interactive mazes, crosswords, and word searches based on Shakespeare’s plays.  You can color and do jigsaw puzzles too!

*Shakespeare Challenges – Answer trivia questions about Shakespeare’s plays, or read a quote and try to guess which character said it.

*Who Am I? – Use clues to identify characters from Shakespeare’s plays.

Want to have a little more in-depth fun?  For historical perspective, be sure to click on the links to “Discover Our Collection” and “Queen Elizabeth.”

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