Monday, September 6, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Stuff That's Working
This is an ongoing post of ideas worth sharing:
STUDENT BLOG
Don't have an audience of friends or family when its time for him to give a speech in English class? Make a video recording. The fact that someone may watch it later on, especially if you set up a blog for family members and friends to view, causes him to take care in his presentation. It also gives the student a chance to view himself speaking to learn how to improve.
Another good reason to have a blog is to show off student compositions, art work and photos.
CLIPBOARD TIP
Storing notes in a 3 ring notebook gets messy and writing in one can be difficult, so a clipboard makes sense. Student can fill up a page of notes for the day in each subject then file it in a folder marked with that subject. If there are other worksheets, etc. they also go with the notes, stapled together to represent a lesson. The lesson heading and subject is clearly marked at the top of the page. When a unit is completed, all the lessons are stapled together to represent one unit. This gets kept in the notebook but the units are then separate and easy to review when the semester exam hits. Ditto unit exams.
NOTE TAKING
Sketching and sometimes coloring illustrations given in a lesson and taking notes in the subject classes- sastra, science, history, etc.- are very good learning methods as children grow older. Copying an illustration extends drawing ability and helps student pay closer attention to what is being presented rather than just looking at it passively. Note taking also increases attention and retention, but more importantly is its effect on spelling. Word pictures are imprinted correctly in the brain as notes are copied over time.
Often a lot of material and illustrations are covered in a lesson, especially as students get older. What to do? Stick to the objectives, what will be on the assessment afterwards. Look at what they are before the lesson. And there's no worries that they will miss anything because everything gets repeated and built upon year after year anyway. Look, therefore, at the objectives listed in the beginning of the lesson or in the teachers manual. Outline on a page what you want the student to look for and take notes on that. Also include what to draw. For example, copying the illustration on the parts of a flower. Help them with the note taking as they gain proficiency. Let them do as much as they can and then add anything important, such as dictating the remainder to them.
Drawing and note taking really make a difference. Students may balk at it. Gently encourage them to continue. At the same time, keep in mind that children learn differently. Not all of us are inclined to read and write prolifically. Therefore, adjust the length of notes and drawing assignments accordingly. A parental example of enthusiasm for the subject also makes a big difference!
STUDENT BLOG
Don't have an audience of friends or family when its time for him to give a speech in English class? Make a video recording. The fact that someone may watch it later on, especially if you set up a blog for family members and friends to view, causes him to take care in his presentation. It also gives the student a chance to view himself speaking to learn how to improve.
Another good reason to have a blog is to show off student compositions, art work and photos.
CLIPBOARD TIP
Storing notes in a 3 ring notebook gets messy and writing in one can be difficult, so a clipboard makes sense. Student can fill up a page of notes for the day in each subject then file it in a folder marked with that subject. If there are other worksheets, etc. they also go with the notes, stapled together to represent a lesson. The lesson heading and subject is clearly marked at the top of the page. When a unit is completed, all the lessons are stapled together to represent one unit. This gets kept in the notebook but the units are then separate and easy to review when the semester exam hits. Ditto unit exams.
NOTE TAKING
Sketching and sometimes coloring illustrations given in a lesson and taking notes in the subject classes- sastra, science, history, etc.- are very good learning methods as children grow older. Copying an illustration extends drawing ability and helps student pay closer attention to what is being presented rather than just looking at it passively. Note taking also increases attention and retention, but more importantly is its effect on spelling. Word pictures are imprinted correctly in the brain as notes are copied over time.
Drawing and note taking really make a difference. Students may balk at it. Gently encourage them to continue. At the same time, keep in mind that children learn differently. Not all of us are inclined to read and write prolifically. Therefore, adjust the length of notes and drawing assignments accordingly. A parental example of enthusiasm for the subject also makes a big difference!
Working With the K12 Program
Whenever I get some spare time I'll post here how working with the K12 program is going for us. Our temple GBC has also been asking me about it, so I want to write down stuff that I may forget over time.
First off, the best thing is the PRESSURE to get stuff done. During all my other years of homeschooling, we didn't have that, and so other things always seemed to take precedence over our schooling at home. I was often surprised how much my kids learned despite the constant interruptions of temple life. They are an amazing bunch.
Secondly, I am learning more about teaching itself. You don't HAVE to do all the stuff in the preplanned lessons as long as the student gets the objectives down. I knew this before, but its nice to have it verified and being drilled in my head not to feel guilty skipping stuff; it is very helpful. Also I am reminded about flexibility, about just how those objectives may be accomplished. In other words, if you don't want to dissect a chicken wing, there are ways around it (I just go to You Tube).
I'll add more thoughts to this post as they come up.
First off, the best thing is the PRESSURE to get stuff done. During all my other years of homeschooling, we didn't have that, and so other things always seemed to take precedence over our schooling at home. I was often surprised how much my kids learned despite the constant interruptions of temple life. They are an amazing bunch.
Secondly, I am learning more about teaching itself. You don't HAVE to do all the stuff in the preplanned lessons as long as the student gets the objectives down. I knew this before, but its nice to have it verified and being drilled in my head not to feel guilty skipping stuff; it is very helpful. Also I am reminded about flexibility, about just how those objectives may be accomplished. In other words, if you don't want to dissect a chicken wing, there are ways around it (I just go to You Tube).
I'll add more thoughts to this post as they come up.
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