Kid Whispers

Plan for High School in Our Home

2010-08-06T20:42:00.004-06:00

My question: how do we school at home, freely and unobstructed, and still come away with legitimate "credits" that are acceptable at any college? My Kid wants to go to film school as soon as he can, so we need good solid proof of learning and credit that will get him in.

I read somewhere that if one "unschools" then giving your child credits is "opening a whole can of worms" that needs to stay closed. Thing is, I want to do what I can -- tracking his progress and learning and skills -- in the best manner for him. So he can go to film school or do whatever he wants to accomplish in life.

Plans to take in "high school" years (plans, but may not necessarily take them all):

Math:
-brush-up on essentials
-consumer/everyday
-geometry
-pre-algebra
-algebra 1

Science:
-Animal Husbandry
-Earth Science
-Space/Astronomy
-Physical (chemistry, etc)
-Biology
-Ecology
-Botany with Therapeutic Herbalism

Social Studies:
-Geography
-World History
-U.S./American History
-U.S. Government / Constitution / Civics

Language:
-create his own language (HELP!)
-Spanish
-Sign Language
-French
-Greek and Latin

Language Arts:
-basics
-usage
-writing (to include a fiction series, movie script, etc)
-analysis of literature

Art:
-drawing
-photography
-music
-write a movie script
-movie making/file producing

Life Skills/Electives:
-home ec (cooking, nutrition, sewing, etc.)
-managing money
-handling criticism, problem solving, etc
-leadership
-auto repair
-computer building
-computer programming

So...

(1) how do I track his learning and progress and skills so that it translates into a transcript and credits for him?

(2) how do I make his high school years full of learning but make it a whole lot more fun than the last few years have been?

Thank you!

Advice Needed on Textbooks

2010-06-28T09:39:00.002-06:00

I'm planning the Kid's high school curriculum because he starts 9th grade in August. Looking for textbooks (or good "for dummies" books) for the 9th grade courses below. I want only one or two or maximum three books per course. If you have suggestions, please comment asap!

= = = =

Successful Living: Description: Training in relating to authority, making right choices, handling criticism, self-control, self-reliance, good health/hygiene and appearance, reproduction, sex, STDs, smoking, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, manners, etiquette, special emphasis on experiences that bond the family together such as developing traditions, fostering family time with conversation, balancing work/family, and celebration of holidays. Final grade: written test including planning a month of Friday Night Family Fun Times.

Consumer/Everyday Math: Description: How to effectively use math in daily life: manage bank accounts, fill out state/federal tax returns, personal finance, purchasing (small items AND big items like house and car), comparing prices, insurance, gas mileage, inesting, budgeting, money management, frugal living, planning for retirement, financial freedom, and how to complete a loan application. Day to day personal finances. Final grade: written test AND setting up a bank account AND working out a personal budget.

Earth Science: Description: Earth's structure, rocks and minerals and Earth's resources, forces that change the earth including lessons on plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes and erosion, and earth's history of change through the fossil record. Oceanography (sources of water, currents and climage, and structure of ocean environment) and atmospheric science (weather/climate). Final grade: written test AND 10 page report OR 3D demonstration of a volcano erupting!

Home Economics: Description: Cooking, food preparation, menu planning, food purchasing, intro to nutrition, yogurt-making, cheese-making, canning/preserving, laundry, cleaning, sewing. Will plan and prepare/cook one dish each week during the course. Final grade: 1 meal, 1 sewn item, and a written test.

= = = =

We have lots of cookbooks, and some basic math/science books. For the home ec... did I miss anything?

If I can't find what I want, I guess I could write them but would like to at least SEE what's available! So... any suggestions?

Possible Change to Blog

2009-11-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with these blogs is very time consuming ... not that I mind, usually! We're getting ready to embark on an intensive homesteading adventure, and may not be able to work on blogs daily.

So... I'm thinking about combining our blogs (cooking, gardening, homesteading, survival, storage, homeschooling, etc.) into one. I would eventually move posts to the new and combined blog.

We have a lot of readers, and I value your opinion. Thoughts?

Geometry

2009-10-06T12:01:00.002-06:00

What kind of a mind can't do simple addition and subtraction, and thus multiplication and division, but instantly understands geometry?

I'm confused.

My kid has struggled with basic math. Still uses his fingers to add and subtract. Two weeks ago he started on decimals and fractions with common denominators, and got it right away. This week he started on geometry (using the "basic skills series - math topics - grade 5 workbook) and again, got it right away. He insisted on using an algebra equation to figure out the missing angle of a parallelagram!

I hope this isn't temporary!

Settling In

2009-10-03T07:24:00.002-06:00

We've finally moved, and will be here for about 5 months. Meanwhile, last week was our first school-week here in our new home. We couldnt' find the encyclopedias until Friday, and are missing 2 of our schoolbooks. So... not all of the assigned schoolwork was completed.

Hopefully, we'll find the books this weekend as we do a little rearranging and unpacking.

On a good note, he's suddenly great with adding and subtracting fractions! Believe me, that is beyond thrilling!

Still not focusing. Still upheaval.

2009-09-14T07:08:00.004-06:00

We're still in the upheaval of selling a house and moving, so because we thought we were closing last Thursday and moving Friday, we took 2 days off from schoolwork. We didn't close (long story). We spent Thurs thru Sun playing and watching TV. Big mistake. He's even more messed up.

Now we might close today so that means our school schedule is completely messed up because I'd planned on being in our new place by now, schoolwork unpacked and ready to settle back in.

Soon. Hoping.... soon.

Upheaval = no school work

2009-09-10T06:02:00.002-06:00

I've noticed with all of this preparing to sell the house and move... that our 12 year old can't concentrate on anything... not schoolwork, chores, packing, or anything. I guess because I never moved as a 12 year old that I didn't think about it.

Not that I like all of this chaos at my advanced age, but still.

Time to make the final push to close on this house, move to our next home, unpack, and start a life of normalcy again.

Focus Problems

2009-08-12T13:12:00.003-06:00

We seem to be having a little problem focusing now. Could it be the move? Could it be the political climate? His diet? (Just discovered he can't soy, cashews, peanuts or gluten because they all make him weird.)

Thoughts?

7th Grade Started

2009-08-06T09:54:00.003-06:00

We decided to change up some things so our kid started "7th grade" the first of July, and will continue through the end of December. From then, our school year will be a calendar year, taking several weeks off when appropriate for family vacations and so forth.

So... we're 5 weeks into the 7th Grade. Already read Diary of Anne Frank and are working on Journey to the Center of the Earth. Working on getting better at division, and did great with the intro to geometry. Studying American History... so far, the First World War, the time right after with the Jazz Age and Prohibition, and beginning Second World War and Depression next week. Science includes studying cells and atoms - loves it!

We don't have the time right now to do the regular speaking videos and posting them on YouTube. Maybe when 8th grade starts in January.

That's just a quick note about what we're doing!

High School Language Arts - Curriculum Planning

2009-06-18T18:44:00.002-06:00

I'm working on planning my Teen's high school curriculum (I like to do this a year or two or three in advance in case something comes up).

Our state requires 4 years of language arts / English. Year 1 is usage and practice, Year 2 is writing, Year 3 is poetry and Year 4 is analysis of literature. I found some great books for Years 1 and 2, but am having trouble for the poetry and literature analysis.

I'd love recommendations! Anyone?

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - Answers

2009-06-04T15:02:00.004-06:00

This is the answers to our quiz on the book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (but not the movie).

How many heads does Fluffy the dog have? Three

What feathers were used to make Voldemort's wand? Phoenix

In Harry's first Quidditch game, who tried to knock him off his broom? Professor Quirrel

How does Harry catch the Snitch in his first Quidditch match? Mouth

How did Hagrid transport infant Harry to the Dursley household? Flying Motorcycle

True or False: Professor Dumbledore's watch has twelve hands and no numbers. True

What Quidditch position does Harry play? _X_ Seeker, __Bludger, __Snitch

Who of the following is NOT one of Malfoy's friends? __Goyle, _X_Granger, __Crabbe

Which is not a Hogwarts House? __Gryffindor, _X_Dragonbreath, __Hufflepuff

True or False: Harry was raised by Muggles. True

What are three things that are different from the book compared to the movie? Answers will vary.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - Quiz

2009-06-04T14:34:00.006-06:00

This is a quiz on the book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (but not the movie). The answers will follow in a separate posting.

Date:__________________ Name:_______________________

How many heads does Fluffy the dog have?

What feathers were used to make Voldemort's wand?

In Harry's first Quidditch game, who tried to knock him off his broom?

How does Harry catch the Snitch in his first Quidditch match?

How did Hagrid transport infant Harry to the Dursley household?

True or False: Professor Dumbledore's watch has twelve hands and no numbers.

What Quidditch position does Harry play? __ Seeker, __Bludger, __Snitch

Who of the following is NOT one of Malfoy's friends? __Goyle, __Granger, __Crabbe

Which is not a Hogwarts House? __Gryffindor, __Dragonbreath, __Hufflepuff

True or False: Harry was raised by Muggles.

What are three things that are different from the book compared to the movie?

"The Hobbit" - Answers to the Quiz

2009-05-26T09:19:00.004-06:00

"The Hobbit" was written by J.R.R.Tolkien, and has become quite the cult classic. This is a quiz presented to my Tween after he finished reading the book. The answers are in red.

1. How many dwarves accompanied Bilbo Baggins on the journey? 13

2. What is the name of the wizard who helps the dwarves in their quest? Gandalf

3. How do the dwarves know which hobbit hole Bilbo lives in when they start their journey? Gandalf carved a marking on Bilbo's door.

4. What does Gandalf tell the dwarves that Bilbo is, and that Bilbo will be critical to their mission in this role? Burglar

5. How does Bilbo try to get away from Gollum? They have a contest of answering riddles.

6. Bilbo finds a ring. What magic does the ring do? Provides invisibility to whoever wears it.

7. Who or what is Smaug? He is the dragon that took up residence in the dwarves mountain.

8. What is the name of the archer who kills Smaug? Bard

9. An arrow strikes Smaug and kills him. Where does that arrow strike? In the chest where there was a missing "plate".

10. What did you like best about the book? Answers will vary.

Thank you!

The Hobbit - Quiz

2009-05-26T09:00:00.005-06:00

"The Hobbit" was written by J.R.R.Tolkien, and has become quite the cult classic. This is a quiz presented to my Tween after he finished reading the book. Feel free to give it to your own students:

Date:____________________

Name:__________________________________

1. How many dwarves accompanied Bilbo Baggins on the journey?

2. What is the name of the wizard who helps the dwarves in their quest?

3. How do the dwarves know which hobbit hole Bilbo lives in when they start their journey?

4. What does Gandalf tell the dwarves that Bilbo is, and that Bilbo will be critical to their mission in this role?

5. How does Bilbo try to get away from Gollum?

6. Bilbo finds a ring. What magic does the ring do?

7. Who or what is Smaug?

8. What is the name of the archer who kills Smaug?

9. An arrow strikes Smaug and kills him. Where does that arrow strike?

10. What did you like best about the book?

Answers to follow.

Speaking Video: Fruit

2009-05-19T08:01:00.009-06:00

2nd Try...

Here's his latest to help fulfill his Speaking Requirement, and to help him overcome stuttering and nervous tics. The subject is one of his favorite things to eat: fruit!

Unfortunately, I'm STILL having huge problems uploading the video to this blog posting. I'm giving up!

Please check it out through YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgAlI9m__Fg

Be sure to leave a comment there for him! Thanks!

Speaking Video: Fruit

2009-05-14T08:27:00.004-06:00

Here's the schoolwork speaking video we recorded on May 13 2009: Fruit. He loves fruit, and is prominant in his mind since we're eating even more than usual of it lately. Notice his tics and stuttering are lessening!

hold on ... troubles downloading video... need to reboot and try again after we run out and pick up some strawberry plants... come back in a couple of hours!

Speaking Video: Games

2009-05-14T07:28:00.004-06:00

Here's the video we shot on April 29 2009 for his practice to eliminate stuttering and tics, and for speaking (schoolwork) requirement: Games to Play

Feel free to also watch it on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ6mU8mMNOs

New Videos Coming

2009-05-07T09:27:00.002-06:00

We're a little behind - Son's made a couple of videos for his speaking practice, but I haven't had a chance to download and edit. Hope to catch up tomorrow (Friday).

Meanwhile, I have a cough and aches and am going to the doctor this afternoon (but I **know** it's not the swine flu so don't worry!).

"Bridge to Terabithia" Oral Quiz and Answers

2009-04-29T10:29:00.004-06:00

These are the questions that I asked my Tween when he finished reading "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson. The answers are in red, and can vary slightly.

Why did Jesse get up early every Summer morning? To practice running to be the fastest kid.

What was the most favorite thing that Jesse loved doing? Drawing

Why did Jesse like Fridays? Miss Edmunds, the music teacher, was wonderful.

Why did the boys stop running during recess? Because Leslie won all of the races she ran, and girls weren't even supposed to participate.

Who was Janice? A mean, big bully

What was Terabithia? A make-believe play-place where Leslie and Jesse went to play. It was in the woods.

What did Jesse get Leslie for Christmas? A free puppy named Prince Terrien. What did Leslie get Jesse? A box of watercolors with 24 tubes of color, 3 brushes and a pad of heavy art paper - paint or art supplies.

How did Leslie die? She tried to swing over the swollen river to get to Terabithia by herself, and the rope snapped, fell, and hit her head on a rock.

Why do you think it was so important for Jesse and Leslie to create Terabithia? Tween said" Because they wanted a place of their own. To get away from their nonsense." More details: Jesse had problems at home, where he wasn't listened to, ignored, and felt he had too much responsibility compared to his sisters. Leslie was new in town, away from her friends and what she was familiar with. Creating an imaginery land was a wonderful exercise for their imaginations and bodies, building it and so on.

What was your favorite part of the book? Tween answered: the creating of Terabithia.... it was cool to use their imagination.

Tween answered all but question number 3 correctly.

Education Catch-Up

2009-04-28T20:17:00.003-06:00

We're working hard to get Tween caught up. He has struggled understanding the most basic of math questions until suddenly, last week, he did a math problem in his head. It even had a "carry" number in this double-digit addition problem. Didn't use his fingers to count! I was properly enthusiastic (are you kidding? I practically jumped up!). Now I have to carefully mosey on down the path of math. I need to make sure he keeps this surge of enthusiasm and understanding.

Meanwhile, we're a little behind with the videos to help with his self-confidence and stuttering. Friday was a hectic day, and yesterday (Monday) was my birthday so we played hooky as soon as his regular schoolwork was done. He finished the book "Bridge to Terabithia", did a unit in spelling, read his history assignment aloud, and did a unit in math.

Today he started reading "The Hobbit", read his science assignment aloud, did another unit in spelling and a timed unit in math which he wizzed through!

We'll do another video tomorrow, along with a quiz about Terabithia, history, math and spelling. I'm thinking he'll also help me plant some lettuce and orange carrots (his favorite) in our raised-bed garden!

Speaking Video: Earth Day

2009-04-22T21:23:00.003-06:00

Here's another video shot to fulfill our State's "speaking" requirement, AND to help Tween get over his stuttering and nervous habits. Enjoy!

If you get a chance, click here to view this video on youtube - leave a comment there and/or here! Thanks!

New Video for Schoolwork: Blue Moon

2009-04-20T16:44:00.003-06:00

Here's the link to Tween's newest video, for state's homeschool speaking requirement. Please check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0MQBuZSbtA and leave a comment!

I just wish he's practiced a little more, and had more to say about the Blue Moon, and what it actually is.

Thanks for visiting!

Videos to Overcome Stuttering

2009-04-17T13:40:00.009-06:00

Tween can be a little shy, has nervous habits like twitching and stuttering, and has OCD to a small extent (brought on, I believe, by ADHD drugs similar to Ritalin). We came up with a little school project to help these. The videos can also fulfill the state's requirement for "speaking" on the curriculum. So, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, we make a short video, on any topic he wants to talk about.

Wednesday was our first video, which he talked about his favorite breakfast: vanilla goat yogurt. We filmed it in the dining room, with an old green sheet covering some things. He did kinda ok, was really nervous and the twitching and nervous habits are obvious. Here it is below:

We shot his second video today - about his favorite drink: Blue Machine by Naked Juice. We filmed it in the living room; in the background were the stairs going up to the bedroom level. I'm surprised the dog didn't enter the screen! He didn't stutter nearly as much, and the nervous habits seem to be a little less but that could be a coincidence! He did ramble on a bit. Here's the link on youtube for this second vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8GXuvZTqa4 - be sure to watch it, leave a comment, and mark it as a favorite. Pass along the link, too. I feel sure that will help boost his self-esteem.

Thank you for your support in our project!

Updated April 28 2009: Welcome to the Carnival of Homeschooling!

Is HomeSchooling Tax Deductible?

2009-04-13T20:32:00.004-06:00

Homeschooling must not count for much in the gool ole USA. At least, not by the IRS.

I was told, over the years, that expenses to educate my child at home can be taken off on taxes. We had help this year, and were adamantly told NO! That unless I'm a qualified teacher, then there's no way education is a legitimate expense. But the state I live in says a parent is considered a teacher and holding a school if they homeschool.

I'll look into this and will see what I can find out. Meanwhile... comments?

Planning a School Curriculum

2009-04-07T15:04:00.004-06:00

I thought people visiting this site would benefit from seeing how I plan our kid's schoolwork for the year:

I mentioned in a previous posting, I use "Home Learning Year by Year" as my bible for planning the kid's curriculum. Working with that book, I start out by looking to see where we are, and where we need to be by the end of the school year.
Looking at the calendar, I mark out all of the holidays as "no school" days, and also mark out where I think we'll take a vacation, or where it would be a good "semester" break. I figure out how many days of school we have left, and how many our state requires. This calendar becomes our assignment book. In the assignment book, I write:

Monday: History, Reading, Language Arts Basics (LAB), and Math.
Tuesday: Science, Reading, LAB, and Math.
Wednesday: History, Reading, LAB, and Math.
Thursday: Science, Reading, LAB, and Math
Friday: either "Test", or "Art, Music, Foreign Language", or "Write a Report/Poem/Story"

Our state requires 172 minimum days at 4 hours of contact per day. Required basic education includes communication skills (reading, writing, speaking), mathematics, history, civics/government, literature, and science.
Then I start gathering materials. My kid loves workbooks and reading, so I find a good school supply store and start browsing. Once home, I take all of the books (including literature and reference material, workbooks, etc.) and separate according to subject.
I start with the easiest first: literature. I write the list of fiction he needs to read. This year was: Mystery of the Cupboard, James and the Giant Peach, Red Badge of Courage... all the way to Little House on the Prairie, Prince and the Pauper, Bridge to Terabithia, The Hobbit and Harry Potter's Sorceror's Stone. I start with the easiest, figuring a few chapters a day, and write the book and chapter numbers in the assignment book. Each day I note which chapters until it's done. The next day I write "test" and make sure I have one ready. I might give him a couple of days before he starts the next book. And so on.
When he reads a book that's been made into a movie, I assign watching that movie a few days after he finishes reading the book, and require a report comparing the book to the movie, and asking him to note any differences.
Workbooks for various topics: I assign a couple of pages a day, noting which workbook he needs to work in. When he finished one workbook, the next day might be a free day on the subject, then he'll start the next workbook.

Note:

I write his assignments in pencil. You never know what might happen! However, he has, at one point, erased what I wrote because he didn't like the number of pages I assigned. Keep a close eye on your assignment book!
When he's sick, he makes up all missed work on the next school day/days. We need that attendance in case we're ever audited.
Math is usually several workbook pages. Every once in a while I'll print out a sheet (or 4!) of math equations from one of the many websites. My favorite is: http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/ - grades up thru fifth, from addition to division, fractions, telling time, Roman numerals, and much more.
Language Arts Basics (LAB) is often several different kinds of workbooks: from spelling to writing, handwriting, grammar and more.
When it comes to the reading requirement, he reads aloud his history and science assignments, as well as any biographical and reference information. But more importantly, I make a list of classic fiction books he needs to get through by the end of the school year. This takes care of both the "reading" requirement, and the "literature".
When it comes to fulfilling the speaking requirement, once a month or so I have him give a report to write and present orally to me or Hubby.
History often includes world and U.S. history, geography and civics/government. We especially use local (and national) elections to help discuss civics.
There are days when I assign him to listen to his math cd's, or the cd for spanish or french. I might also assign him to paint a picture or draw an anniversary or birthday card for his art assignment.
Music might be listening to a classical music station and hum some of a piece, or make up a song to sing to us before dinner.
I keep a separate red binder for assignments like reports or poems he writes. I keep them in order by section (writing, math, history, etc.) and then chronological.
There's still another binder with reference material broken down by subject: roman numerals, math calculations, etc.
I take advantage of school supply sales in August, stocking up on lots of pencils, erasers, lined paper, rulers, glue sticks and more.
His days of attendance are tracked in the assignment book/calendar. I note on each day how much time it took for him to complete his work (including his fidgeting time) and at the end of the week, I bring down his total from last week and add this week's. I also track the days. We are usually quite a bit more than required, because we don't do school for just 9 months.... we do it year round because his brain goes to sleep when he has more than a couple of weeks off at a time!

I hope this makes schooling-at-home more clear.

L.A. Quick Quiz #2 - Answers

2009-04-04T06:05:00.002-06:00

The following definitions are from www.thefreedictionary.com ... answers will vary for limerick and haiku poem.

1. Define "limerick". 1. A light humorous, nonsensical, or bawdy verse of five anapestic lines usually with the rhyme scheme aabba. 2. a form of comic verse consisting of five lines [allegedly from will you come up to Limerick? a refrain sung between nonsense verses at a party]

2. Write a limerick about a spider, apple tree, or blanket. Answers will vary.

3. Define "haiku". 1. A Japanese lyric verse form having three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, traditionally invoking an aspect of nature or the seasons.
2. A poem written in this form.

4. Write a haiku poem about anything. You choose. Answers will vary.

Good work!

L.A. Quick Quiz #2

2009-04-04T06:00:00.002-06:00

Name:__________________

Date:___________________

Answer the following. Definitions will be noted in the next post.

1. Define "limerick".

2. Write a limerick about a spider, apple tree, or blanket.

3. Define "haiku".

4. Write a haiku about anything. You choose.

Good work!

Posting Are Behind

2009-04-03T14:36:00.002-06:00

We're a little behind in posting Double EE's assignments, quizes and worksheets to this blog so please be patient while we go through a little transition in this family. (Hubby's out of town 5 days a week - hard since we're still somewhat newlyweds).

What school-type assignments would you like to see on this blog?

L.A. Quick Quiz #1 - Answers

2009-04-01T06:05:00.002-06:00

Grade 4. Here are the answers to the Quick Quiz #1 for Language Arts. Any of the following definitions (from www.thefreedictionary.com) or something similar should be fine:

1. Define "simile". Definition: a form of expression using `like' or `as', in which one thing is compared to another which it only resembles in one or a small number of ways... 'Her hair was like silk' is a simile.

2. Write a sentence showing a "simile". Answers will vary.

3. Define "metaphor". Definition: a form of expression (not using `like' or `as') in which a quality or characteristic is given to a person or thing by using a name, image, adjective etc normally used of something else which has similar qualities etc 'He's a tiger when he's angry' is an example of (a) metaphor.

4. Write a sentence showing a "metaphor". Answers will vary.

5. Define "onomatopoeia". Definition: The formation or use of words such as buzz or murmur that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.

6. Write a sentence showing an "onomatopoeia". Answers will vary.

7. Define "hyperbole". Definitions:
1. an obvious and intentional exaggeration.
2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “She’s as big as a house.”

8. Write a sentence showing a "hyperbole". Answers will vary.

9. Define "personification". Definitions:
1. The act of personifying.
2. A person or thing typifying a certain quality or idea; an embodiment or exemplification: "He's invisible, a walking personification of the Negative" Ralph Ellison.
3. A figure of speech in which inanimate objects or abstractions are endowed with human qualities or are represented as possessing human form, as in Hunger sat shivering on the road or Flowers danced about the lawn. Also called prosopopeia.
4. Artistic representation of an abstract quality or idea as a person.

10. Write a sentence showing "personification". Answers will vary.

L.A. Quick Quiz #1

2009-04-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Name:____________________

Date:_____________________

This is a Quick Quiz for Language Arts, Grade 4. The answers will be in a separate post.

1. Define "simile".

2. Write a sentence showing a "simile".

3. Define "metaphor".

4. Write a sentence showing a "metaphor".

5. Define "onomatopoeia".

6. Write a sentence showing an "onomatopoeia".

7. Define "hyperbole".

8. Write a sentence showing a "hyperbole".

9. Define "personification".

10. Write a sentence showing "personification".

Recommended Book: Home Learning Year by Year

2009-03-31T10:53:00.003-06:00

This is what I call my bible for working with my now Tween. "Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School" by Rebecca Rupp.

My copy of this book is quite dog-eared. I bought it when my Tween was kicked out of kindergarten. They said he was too hyper and he wouldn't stop calling out the answers to the questions put to the class. Then when they confronted me about this and told me to either put him on medication or take him out... I took him out. I found a home daycare where he stayed while I worked (fulltime) and in the evenings, we worked on what we needed to. This book helped me see where we were and were we needed to be. I still have "w.o." written in margins (working on).

I got ambitious one week 3 or 4 years ago and planned out his entire curriculum through high school. This book was invaluable to that process. And it saved me time. I haven't had to do many revisions since that one time.

The book goes through preschool to 12th grade, and discusses, at appropriate age level, language arts (literature, writing, listening and speaking skills, study skills), math, history (american and world), geography, science (physical, life, earth/space), foreign language, art, music and health/physical education. It even gives books to read at the different levels, and some great resources.

We aren't at the right level for all subjects: some we're behind and some we're ahead. But I highly recommend this book for anyone who even supplements their child's education by doing work at home. Even better, get it so you'll know how close your child is at being at the appropriate level. Check it out!

Snow Day in Denver, Colorado

2009-03-26T06:37:00.002-06:00

It's snowing here in the Denver, CO area. Finally. After a Winter of almost no snow and certainly barely any precipitation... we're supposed to get anywhere from 8 inches to possibly 2 feet. So certain schools in this area have already closed in anticipation of the snow that is supposed to fall today.

It just started snowing... about an hour ago!

Anyway... although many kids in this area have the day off from schoolwork (which I'm sure they'll make up later), our Tween (Double-EE) doesn't. He has math, spelling, science and 2 more chapters of Prince and the Pauper to read.

Fun fun.

Math Worksheet #1 (+, -, *, /)

2009-03-16T10:32:00.006-06:00

This short worksheet has a little of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Time to practice your math! No answer sheet provided (up to the adult to check the work). Print out.

Date:_________________

Name:_________________________

(1)

Eight children are at a party. They formed couples (sets of 2) to dance. How many couples were there? [___]

After a while, half of the children sat down while the rest sat down. How many children sat down? [___]

How many children kept on dancing? [___]

How many couples kept on dancing? [___]

(2)

You have a brand new ten dollar bill to go to the store. You buy a gallon of milk for $2.00. You buy a loaf of bread for $.89. You buy a package of carrots for $1.85. You buy a candy bar for $1.00. How much did you spend? [___]

How much money did you get back? [___]

(3)

Bob bought 9 pizzas for his party. Each pizza is cut into eight pieces. How many pieces are there altogether? [___]

Bob has exactly enough pizza to serve himself and each of his guests three pieces of pizza. Including Bob, how many people are at the party? [___]

Bob had figured that each person at the party would drink two cans of soda pop. How many cans of soda pop did Bob buy? [___]

Bob bought three ice cream cakes. How many pieces must he cut from each cake for everyone to have a piece? [___]

One of the ice cream cakes was made with vanilla ice cream and the other two were chocolate. How many pieces of chocolate ice cream cake did Bob serve? [___]

Bob received a gift from each of his friends at the party. How many gifts did Bob get? [___]

(4)

Jane has 30 cents in her pocket. She has three coins. What coins does Jane have? [___]

John has 16 cents in his pocket. What coins does he have? [___]

Lisa has more than 3 nickels but less than 2 dimes. How much money does she have? [___]

Tim has less than 4 nickels but more than 8 pennies. How much money does he have? [___]

(5)

- 5270 − 300 = _____

- 1224 − 900 = _____

- 6185 − 600 = _____

- 8909 − 500 = _____

- 4080 − 1000 = _____

- 9798 − 600 = _____

- 4214 − 300 = _____

- 9111 − 800 = _____

- 6038 − 800 = _____

- 9742 − 400 = _____

Answers for Quiz for "Farmer Boy"

2009-03-13T10:02:00.002-06:00

The following are the answers (in red) to today's quiz for the book "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder:

1. Why was the cobbler late getting to the Wilder's House? He was making shoes for a wedding and it took him three weeks. Page 288.

2. Who offered Almanzo an apprenticeship? Mr. Paddock. Page 363.

3. Who covered up the stain with wallpaper? Eliza Jane, his sister. Page 226-227.
.....Why? She didn't want Almanzo to get in trouble. Page 226-227.

4. In which room did Almanzo throw the blacking brush? The parlor. Page 220.
.....Why did he throw it? Eliza Jane had been bossing Almanzo about polishing the stove, which frustrated him. Page 219-220.

5. Which of Almanzo's sisters helped to load potatoes into the basket to go into the wagon? Alice. Page 116

6. What plant did Almanzo raise on milk? Pumpkin. (It grew very large, Almanzo entered into a contest at the county fair and he won.) Page 191-192, and Page 271.

7. What did Almanzo get from the tin peddler? A tin horn painted red (whistle). Page 139.

8. Who dared Almanzo to ask his dad for a nickel? Frank. Page 181.
....What did Almanzo's father say and/or do? Almanzo's father reminded him how much work it took to earn that nickel, then he gave him a half dollar to see if Almanzo would do the right thing. Pages 181-185.

Quiz for Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

2009-03-13T10:00:00.001-06:00

Date:_______________

The following is a short quiz for the book "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder:

1. Why was the cobbler late getting to the Wilder's House?

2. Who offered Almanzo an apprenticeship?

3. Who covered up the stain with wallpaper?

.....Why?

4. In which room did Almanzo throw the blacking brush?

.....Why did he throw it?

5. Which of Almanzo's sisters helped to load potatoes into the basket to go into the wagon?

6. What plant did Almanzo raise on milk?

7. What did Almanzo get from the tin peddler?

8. Who dared Almanzo to ask his dad for a nickel?

....What did Almanzo's father say and/or do?

The answers are in a separate posting!

Posting to this blog again!

2009-03-13T09:17:00.003-06:00

Thought I'd start posting some of the quizzes and so forth that we're giving Double-EE for schoolwork done at home.

Note: When we post a quiz (feel free to use!), we'll show the answers in a separate posting. Helps a little! If these new postings, especially the quizzes, are helpful to you at all, please let us know.

We'll work to post to this blog at least once a week, mostly concentrating on schoolwork since our days are filled to the brim these days!

THIS BLOG IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD

2009-01-10T18:35:00.002-07:00

We're having troubles keeping this blog up to date so we're temporarily stopping the postings until we can catch up with our other blogs. Thank you for your patience.

Indigo Children

2009-01-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Just re-found this website: http://www.metagifted.org/topics/metagifted/indigo/

It's got some good information about "indigo children" if you're still validating that term. If you'll recall from an earlier post, we believe that ALL children are special, and have a wonderful beautiful existence, whether they misbehave, read minds, or just sit on the floor, banging their heads.

What do you think?

School Lunches

2009-01-02T15:53:00.004-07:00

We recently found this link:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/lunch.html

It really doesn't affect our little family but it does most other families we know. Unhealthy menu choices and soda machines and fast-food-franchises in cafeterias equals temptations too strong for kids to make healthy choices.

The above site had some good ideas, but try to take it further. Petition your school board to eliminate all fast food, soda machines, sugary drinks, and non-nutritive food choices. Request a salad bar, fresh fruit, baked/not fried foods, juice/water/milk.

Also, the place to begin change is at home. Discuss nutrition and health at the dinner table. Calories versus quickness. So much to talk about - pick a topic for every meal. Perhaps if you help them plan healthy dinner menus and grocery trips, you can help them better choose healthy options at school.

Give it a try.

Kids: tell your parents to read this! There's nothing more important in your life than YOU !!!

Resolutions

2008-12-31T12:18:00.002-07:00

What are your resolutions for the new year? Aren't you tired of being asked that question? Want to lose weight? Quit smoking? Stop binging/purging? Stop arguing with family?

How about, instead of making resolutions (which are basically being set up for failure), how about just tell yourself every day to do a little better and a little better.

KW Tip of the Day: Winter Vacation

2008-12-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Winter Vacation

Most kids (at least in the USA) have had the last week or so off from school. How did you spend your time? Family? Party? Sledding or skating? Reading? Playing Games? Sulking? Being yelled at?

Give us details...

KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Room

2008-12-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Your Favorite Room

What your favorite room in the house? Your bedroom? The kitchen? Family room or exercise room?

What's your fav room and why?

KW Tip of the Day: Ritalin

2008-12-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Ritalin

Ritalin is a drug most known for being prescribed to people/children with ADD/ADHD. It hasn't been around very long, but... "About six million children, roughly one in eight children, will take Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta or other ADHD medications." (Source: www.add-adhd-help-center.com/adhd_medication_information.htm )

We're wondering ... (1) do you take Ritalin; (2) if you do, do you feel it helps you?

KW Tip of the Day: Poem

2008-12-26T09:16:00.003-07:00

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Write (or read) a poem

Most kids have to read poetry as part of schoolwork, but when was the last time you read a poem ... just because?

Read or write one today. If you'd like to share, add it as a comment here.

KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

2008-12-25T02:00:00.001-07:00

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Most people at least put on the show ... the decorated house... the special cards and family newsletters ... the parties ... the family gatherings... it goes on and on.

Some people remember the real reason behind Christmas.

But those who celebrate just to celebrate, it's ok. It's a special time of year when people tend to love each other more, and smile a little more. Enjoy yourself. Don't allow depression or being away from your school friends to get to you. Wonderful tasty treats. Unbelievably powerful smells. Scenery and special lights.

Enjoy your moment. Enjoy your holiday.... whatever it may be.

And Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.

KW Tip of the Day: Food

2008-12-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Food

This is the time of year where people are expected to eat everywhere they go ... parties, school lunchrooms, family gatherings, etc.

What is your favorite food?
Why is your favorite food?

KW Tip of the Day: Bullies

2008-12-23T11:13:00.002-07:00

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Bullies

A bully is someone who makes other people (especially kids) feel scared, sick, embarrassed, lonely and hurt. They might push or use other physical force, or even just call names to threaten, teas or just say mean things. They might take something of yours, intimidate a friend, and, in general, make people sad. Now we have cyber-bullies who use the internet, facebook, myspace and other methods to do horrible things to other people.

The problem of bullying affects a lot of kids, but also some adults. Most people have been bullied. And the stress of dealing with bullies can make us feel sick.

Most bullies do what they do because they are looking for attention. They think it might make them popular, or help them get anything they want. Or make them more important. Bullying makes someone feel powerful. Falsely powerful. They might think that being mean and shouting is the best way to relate to others. Maybe they have someone bullying them.

What can you do?
Don't give a bully the chance. Ignore him; pretend you don't hear him and just walk away to a place of safety. Take a different route to avoid him. If you can't avoid him, be brave and stand up to him. Sometimes that's enough to stop him. Stand up and say "No! "Stop It!" in a loud voice. But don't be fake about being brave - look confident, and you'll soon BE confident. Feel good about yourself. Get a buddy and walk together. Helps with confidence. Stick up for a buddy, or anyone who's being bullied.

If someone messes with you online, don't be afraid to be a tattletale: tell an adult you trust! Don't believe a word people say about you. Ignore them. Maybe take a break from the computer for a while so that a trusted adult can work on the problem.

But ... don't bully or physically-fight back. A physical altercation is just what the bully may be looking for, and it can be dangerous.

Plan ahead. Talk with your buddy(s) about what you will do, and how.

Remember to tell a trusted adult. He/She might have a good idea to help you. Or you can talk here, to us. We'll listen.

Family Fun Time Stopped Cold

2008-12-17T05:02:00.003-07:00

Son had finished his lighter-than-usual schoolwork just fine yesterday so we were determined to do another Family Fun Time after dinner. Unfortunately, his Mama nearly choked to death. Literally.

Did you know that choking causes a huge headache, and pain in the neck, collarbones and other assorted areas? And, did you know that not everyone remembers to do the international sign for choking when they ARE choking?

Maybe we'll have fun tonight.

Family Fun Time: Uno

2008-12-16T05:00:00.004-07:00

We had so much fun last night. Son has a light week this week: math and doing his Christmas project for relatives, so he was well ready for Hubby to come home from work and errands. I fixed shrimp and sashimi and rice, and after we ate, game time began!

Well, kinda. While we played Uno (the card game), I folded laundry. Well, a woman's work...

We played six games of Uno, and we each won two! Funny how that worked out. We had so much fun laughing and playing, that Son almost peed his pants from his huge cracked-voice guffaws.

Family Fun Time was a good idea. Have you started your own yet? You really should!

KW Tip of the Day: Pizza

2008-12-15T04:00:00.002-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Pizza

We like rice crust pizza, then some with soy cheese (for one lactose-intolerant) and some with pepperoni, and some with bacon and onion. One will eat anything on it. And, occasionally, we like Pizza Hut.

What's your favorite pizza?

KW Tip of the Day: Planet

2008-12-14T04:00:00.002-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Planet

This planet is very messed up. Global warming. Pollution. Drought. Floods. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Sinkholes.

Become a "planet protector".... as a kid, what can YOU do to help protect and/or heal our planet?

KW Tip of the Day: Health

2008-12-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Health

How healthy are you? Did you get this flu or virus that's going around? Do you eat right, exercise, and stay away from things that pollute your body?

We can't replace our bodies in this life time. Do your best for your body, and it will do it's best for you.

What health issues concern you?

Hi to Rob Robb

2008-12-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

Kids, you may have heard of Rob Robb, or maybe know of him. He's a lot like you. He's warm and friendly. Loving. And very much himself. He never puts on a show, and prefers to hold true to himself in all things.

Rob: We haven't spoken for a while, and your assistant, Emily, too. My thoughts are with you.

Family Fun Time: Battleship

2008-12-12T10:14:00.005-07:00

We continued our Family Fun Time last night. Son got his schoolwork done within the new time frame, so he chose Christmas Karoake and after that, the game Battleship that we just bought.

It gave us a chance to be together and have fun. Had a few arguments, but hey, can't change the world overnight!

KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Game

2008-12-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Favorite Game

What game do you like to play: Scrabble? Clue? Twister? Baseball? Super Mario Brothers? What game do you play whenever you get the chance?

KW Tip of the Day: Pet

2008-12-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Pet

We recently got a pet at a local shelter, a little Chihuahua named Spirit. That was her name when we got her, and since it so appropriately fit her, we kept it. She has brought a lot of laughs to our house, and a lot of responsibility. Remembering to walk 3-4 times a day (good exercise), picking up after her, feeding, watering, playing with her, teaching her, clipping her nails, giving her baths, vet check-ups, etc. There's a lot of thinking involved here. But in return, she loves us, despite our foibles.

Tell us about your pet. If you don't have one, what would you dream pet be?

Family Fun Time Begins

2008-12-10T19:06:00.004-07:00

Remember the problem we'd been having with Son, who didn't want to do schoolwork, and would procrastinate an unbelievable amount? Turns out Son has been having a hard time because he was lonely. He wanted to spend more time with us Parents, rather, more quality time. Even though we would hug and kiss and play, he wanted more time specifically devoted to having Family Time.

We made a deal. He agreed to do his schoolwork and chores by 3:00 p.m. each day, and if he did, we (Parents) would spend 2-3 hours that night having Family Fun Time. Board games. Karoake. Walks with the Dog. Tug-a-Rope with Dog. Puzzles. Go out and do something fun but cheap.

We counted our board games, puzzles, cards, karoke music disks, etc. We have enough to do a "new" thing each night for 2 months without repeats.

Today was our first day of this Agreement. He was finished with his schoolwork by 12:30, so we left the house by 12:45 to get some more karoke music, looked at books, etc. Came home, took a walk, ate dinner, and sang Elvis tunes with the karoke machine. Yes, we had fun.

Day 1: Successful.

KW Tip of the Day: Inventions

2008-12-10T04:00:00.002-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Inventions

The last two centuries have seen an explosion of wonderful time-saving inventions. What do you think was the very first invention? How about ... what do you think is the best invention ever, and why?

KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Book

2008-12-09T14:17:00.003-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Favorite Book

Do you like to read? If so, what's your favorite book and why?

If you don't, why not? Maybe you like the funny pages in the newspaper, or comic books, or sports articles or fix-it magazines. If you like to read anything, what is it?

KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

2008-12-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Holidays

No matter what country you live in, there are at least a couple of holidays, religious or otherwise. Each has it's own celebration and customs. Some holidays mean pigging out on special foods, and others mean you fast (not eat). There's going to your place of worship, dying eggs, giving gifts, begging for candy, singing, dancing, parades and more.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

KW Tip of the Day: Homework

2008-12-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Homework

Yuck. Who really likes the piles of homework you get every day? Reading to do. Math equations to solve. Calculations and assumptions to come up with.

Homework isn't just a torture that adults came up with. It's to help you learn and remember what you've learned. If you learn about "World War II", then the details will stick in your mind when you have to write a little essay about how it began or weapons used or countries involved. Later on in life, you may assign yourself homework, although you won't call it that.

What is your favorite homework? And your least favorite?

KW Tip of the Day: Intuition

2008-12-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Intuition

Everyone has it. Intuition, I mean. Gut feelings. It's something in you that seemingly points the way. Kinda like your conscience, but more on your deepest inner level.

YOU have it. Listen to it. You ARE intuitive, and don't let anyone ever tell you different.

KW Tip of the Day: Politics

2008-12-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Politics

Eeek. Haven't we heard enough politics recently to last a lifetime? Well, no, not really. It's part of every day life. Not just on a government level, but also in business and in families.

Here's a link to Wikipedia's definition of politics: ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics ). Basically, it's the behavior of groups that make decisions. Whenever two or more people are in a group, there's politics. Wanted or not. And things can go smoothly or along a rough road.

What do you feel about politics? Your family's? Your school's? Your country's government? If you were in charge of any of them, what would you do?

KW Tip of the Day: Doctors

2008-12-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Doctors

This is the time of the year when we almost always need to see the doctor: Cold and flu. Check-ups. Innoculations. Injuries. Overeating. Undereating. Obesity. Anxiety. Stress.

Doctors don't know everything, but they do know a lot. They went to school, studied textbooks, talked with knowledgeable people, and practiced working on people and dummies. While they aren't right a lot, they do more than lay-people. So, when you really have to see a doctor, please take a listen. Does it seem right to you? Do you feel like he/she knows enough to help your situation? If not, ask to see someone else. Trust your gut. Trust your family to help you find answers to your medical problems.

KW Tip of the Day: Peer Pressure

2008-12-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Peer Pressure

What exactly is "peer pressure"? According to this website: ( http://www.reachout.com.au/default.asp?ti=274 ), it's being "encouraged" to do something, whether good or bad, and whether or not you want to do it. You may do it to be accepted by people your age, or to avoid getting in trouble, or beat up. And a peer isn't just someone your age. It could be someone in your community, or on the TV, or a music icon.

Do you experience peer pressure? Do people, especially kids your age, attempt to convince you to do something you don't particularly want to do? How do you handle it? Could you handle it differently? Do you ever talk about this with other kids?

What was the last thing you felt pressured to do? What did you do?

KW Tip of the Day: Music

2008-12-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Music

What music do you like the best? Rock? Oldies? HipHop? Jazz? Classical? What is your favorite music, and why?

KW Tip of the Day: Labels

2008-11-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Stop the labels!

Giving kids labels is in vogue these days. "My kid is an Indigo Child." "My kid is Autistic." "My Kid is Honor Roll ... again."

"Starseed" .. "Crystal" .. "Retarded" .. "ADD/ADHD" ... and on and on and on.

Stop the labels. Tell people you are NOT a label. Let you be who you are ... no matter if you have special traits, gifts or abilities, you're still a human and should be treated as such. Everyone is special in their own way. Which means no one is not special.

KW Tip of the Day: Sports

2008-11-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Sports

Do you like to play sports? Or watch them in person or on TV? Yes? Fine - enjoy. Get that exercise, keep track of players and teams. Enjoy yourself.

No? That's ok. Lots of people think sports are overrated, boring, ridiculous and the players are way overpaid. So get interested in something else. Root for debate teams. Science teams. Whatever is going on near you.

Don't play sports? No problems - but get some exercise. Even if you don't want to leave your room, walk in place for 20 minutes while watching your fav TV show or reading that assignment. Or play with your dog. Or walk around the block after dinner. Find something to do to get your muscles enjoying being alive.

KW Tip of the Day: Earth

2008-11-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Mother Earth

2008 provided lots of weird weather, tornadoes, drought, blizzards, floods, earthquakes, diseases trees felling entire forests. Mother Earth is mad. Think about one think you can do to help the Earth feel better.

KW Tip of the Day: Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Give thanks.

Go to your family's required Thanksgiving celebration whether you want to or not. Or, if you're in a country where today is not Thanksgiving, gather up a few friends, or make a special meal for your family.

Think for a moment. Is there anything you can be thankful for about the people you're with? Friendship? Unconditional love from family members? A sibling to be there in 30 years? Memories of our Past?

Give a silent "thanks" for what is in your life.

KW Tip of the Day: Education

2008-11-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Get an education.

Stop. I'm not saying go to college - we're not that kind of people. If you want to go, then go. Don't let anything stop you.

But if you don't... do what you an to get a basic education: reading, writing, practical math (budgeting, managing your checking and savings accounts, calculating taxes & tips, etc.). Then get a job while you learn something else. Something that interests you. THAT's an education.

KW Tip of the Day: Friendship

2008-11-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Be a friend. Help a neighbor carry in groceries. Listen to someone rant about the schoolwork. Give a hug to a classmate who everyone else ignores.

KW Tip of the Day: Thanks

2008-11-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Tell someone "thank you". A friend loans you a pencil, look in their eyes and say with feeling, "thanks". Your mom fixes an extra-special dinner for you - "thanks". The dog licks you on your hand - "thanks". What did you say thank you for?

KW Tip of the Day: Letter

2008-11-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Write a letter. Not an e-mail. An old-fashioned pen-to-paper, stamp-an-envelope letter. To your kid at college. To a school-pal across the street. To your grandparent or least-favorite aunt. Then mail it. So... who did you write your letter to?

Schoolwork: Trees

2008-11-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Trees are woody plants that have one main trunk and have many branches. They usually grow quite tall, and are part of our living world and natural environment and everyday life. There are many kinds of trees, like maple and oak. A tree's leaves are as light as feathers. If you cut down a tree, it would become a stump. Not only that, but you would also see something called tree rings. They are the layer of wood made by trees during a single year. It's their annual ring and it's also possible to figure out the age of a tree that has fallen or has been cut down by counting their rings. We need to save all trees from being cut down.

If you want more paper, try tearing up a newspaper, put it in a blender, add a little water, turn it on. When it's done, take it off, put the goop into a bowl, add two spoonfuls of glue, stir it up, then spread it on a screen and let it dry. Then peel it off.

Double-EE
11/20/08

Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's a little behind. Here were his schoolwork assignments today .. .. .. Math: Multiplication and division worksheets. LA Basics: Punctuation worksheets. Geography: States/Capitals CD. Writing: Look up the word "simile" and use it in a paragraph about trees. Did you see his example? What grade would you give this writing assignment (Please use the comment section.)

Schoolwork: Earth

2008-11-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Mother Earth's name comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "land". But earth isn't all land. It's also water too. Many astronomers think Earth's water came from a giant storm of icy coments that hit the Earth when it was forming. Before this, Earth was very hot, then it cooled down, forming a lot more land then what we have now. Then the storm came, and Earth melted the ice, and formed - duh - water. After that, plants grew on the super continent called Pangea. It was ready to give birth to life. We people need to take care of our mother of life forever. This is how life should be. This is how our Planet is meant to be. LIVED BY TAKING CARE OF IT.

Double-EE
11/19/2008

p.s. This was his schoolwork for Wednesday; in addition to writing a paragraph about Earth, he had to memorize and present it to us, his parents. Did excellent - messed up a couple of words and fidgeted, but still, making progress. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Challenge

2008-11-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Challenge yourself. When was the last time you pushed yourself to do anything, or to do anything better? Do you usually walk around the block? Make it two blocks. Do you drink only soda during the day? Challenge yourself to drink a full glass of water. Do you ever do the extra-credit assignment for class? Do it today. So... what kind of challenge did you make of yourself today?

Schoolwork: Imagery

2008-11-19T18:30:00.001-07:00

Imagery is images that are created in the mind while reading a book or looking at art. When you are reading, you can see pictures in your head that tell the story. If it's a junior novelization, you can watch the movie before or after you read it. Tip: read the book first, then see the movie (if it is one). You'll see that some things that were in the book couldn't get into the movie. Sometimes people do the opposite. It may not be smart, but it makes the imagery more correct and stronger. Now, art is different. It can tell a story, or just sway in front of you. So everyone has their own imagery. From books to art, your imagery pics can be ... anything!

"Double-EE"
11/18/2008

p.s. We're changing our 12 year old boy's name from ******* to Double-EE per his request so we're going back and changing them all. Anyway, this was his writing assignment for yesterday. A bad bout of flu prevented us from typing it in yesterday. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Smile

2008-11-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Smile! Smile at everyone you see and everyone you talk to. Alone for the day? Go to the mirror and smile at yourself. You'll be surprised at how good it makes you feel - to smile at anyone spreads a little bit of sunshine.

KW Tip of the Day: Dictionary

2008-11-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Open up the dictionary to any page. Close your eyes and point. What word did you land on? Read the entire listing, including pronunciation and parts of speech. Did the definition match what you thought it should?

Schoolwork: Barack Obama

2008-11-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

The 1st President of the USA was elected in 1789. Now we're in the 21st century, and we have had 43 Presidents so far, and this 2008 election of choosing the 44th President is most of war than just original.

John McCain and Barack Obama were the people who were competing against each other. No wonder there were so many commercials on TV! Jeez!

Anyway, Obama won, and I feel great. Can you believe that in January 2009, Obama is going to be into the White House? I can! And it's going to be the best. BEST DAY EVER!!!!

"Double-EE"
11/17/2008

p.s. This was his writing assignment for today. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Sit

2008-11-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Sit for a moment. Go into a room and close the door. No TV or radio or music. Maybe light a candle. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Listen to your heartbeat. Think about nothing but listening and feeling your heartbeat. Just take a moment to BE.

KW Tip of the Day: Kiss

2008-11-16T09:52:00.001-07:00

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Kiss your child. Even if he's a teenager, or she's a hundred miles away at college: give a quick kiss and a hug in person or virtually. Text a few X's and O's. Make your child feel loved.

Schoolwork: Intuition

2008-11-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Intuition is the power to know or understand something without thinking it through in a logical way. It's like predicting something. I had intuition that my dog would be nice to me and I was right! You can use your intuition too!

"Double-EE"
11/14/2008

p.s. This was his Friday writing assignment. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: Imagination

2008-11-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Imagination is the act or power of the mind to form a thought, picture, or image of something or someone that is not present to the senses.

I use my imagination for so many things. I control it during the day but at nighttime, I let it run wild. Take charge of your imagination and don't let it take charge of you.

"Double-EE"
11/13/08

p.s. This was today's writing assignment. The first paragraph was the definition he found in his children's dictionary. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Posting Delayed

2008-11-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Vee-Mama usually plans what to post but she came down with a viral-something. Waiting for test results. She might not be able to post daily.

Meanwhile, please send her your thoughts and good wishes.

Schoolwork: A Poem

2008-11-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Double-EE" 's writing assignment today was:
1. Pick a color, an object, and a place
2. Describe the object using the color.
3.Write about the object with the color in your place.
4. Find rhyming words for your description.
5. Write a 4-line rhyming poem about your color, object and place.

Here's what he wrote:

Title: White Ball of Fluff

This little white ball of fluff
lives in California along with its stuff.
It's favorite, Mr. Carrot, has lots of fun
with it underneath the sun.

Ok ... who can guess what or who he wrote about?

p.s. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: Spirit the Dog

2008-11-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Spirit the dog is a really cute dog. She's a mix of a USA and Mexican chihuahua. She's 4 years old (28 in dog years). She chases her tail, protects us, and she's a bottomless hunger-pit girl.

Sometimes when she's in a towel, she looks like a towel with a head and tail. She's been with us for 40 days, comparedto Scooter's 1 week. Scooter was my other dog. Mom had given him 3 chances and he blew them up because he bit me 3 times! So, we took him back. It wasn't until Oct. 3 we went back to get another dog. Spirit was perfect. But they said she was Star and she was 2 years old (14 in dog years). Then they noticed their mistake and changed her name and age back to Spirit and 4 years old. Before this happened, Mom didn't want our friend, Starr, to think we named her by her name! Boy! No wonder the dog didn't come when we called her!

Double-EE, age 12

11/11/2008

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: What is Friendship?

2008-11-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Friendship is the state of being a friend. Your friend(s) can be anybody (except strangers): Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, etc. Here's a poem about fun. It's called "F.U.N.":

F is for friends who do stuff together
U is for you and me
N is anywhere and anyone you like
.... down here on Earth, you see.

I know what you're thinking: it's from "SpongeBob SquarePants". Well, it makes a good song in friendship. And besides, I changed the last part so it not only tells about friends in the sea, but on land as well.

Now that's friendship!

Double-EE
11/10/2008

p.s. This was written as part of his writing assignment. Copyright (c) 2008

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

A Growing Boy

2008-11-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

My baby's birthday celebration is finally over. We overdid his b-day this year - not with gifts but with time. Hubby took off from work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so we spent those three days doing fun family things. Saturday and today were filled with chores and watching movies.

But my regular Sunday phone call to a family friend helped me re-realize: my baby is almost a man. His voice has stopped squeaking and is quite deep. His chest is filling out and his feet are bigger than mine. He's also nearly as tall as I am.

We had a little talk this morning. Now that he's growing older, he needs to be able to better control the little sounds he makes and his pacing. He needs to help more with chores (although he is really helpful in the house, he needs to help more with yardwork and gardening), and concentrate more on schoolwork and learning. We have a lot to accomplish this year.

I think I'll have my boy resume writing a paragraph a day about anything (for the writing portion of his schoolwork), and will post his musings here. Need to go see if I can work it into his schedule.

Happy Birthday, Baby

2008-11-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

My baby has a birthday today.

I woke up this morning, and began to cry. Over a decade ago (has it been that long?), contractions started at one minute after midnight. It was his due-date but he was huge, and all amount of persuasion from doctors and drugs went ignored by him. The pains felt intense but I handled it as long as they were spread out. I labored in silence, alone. Feeling my baby move within me, spreading out for his journey. Kicking and punching. Hiccup. A brief rest.

My birth coach picked me up around 5 a.m., pre-arranged for another induction-attempt. By the time we got to the hospital, the contractions had closed together. But my baby suffered. The cord had wrapped around his neck.

The doctors rushed me into a C-Section. Needle in my spine. Tears on my face. Hand held tightly. Background surgery noise. Then laughter. As the medical team lifted my baby out of my belly, he had let go a stream of urine that a horse could be proud of. They "vaccuumed" me out and sewed me up.

My swaddled baby in my arms. Strawberry red tufts of hair. Dimple in the chin. Beautiful eyes.

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy.

Mom

Positive Thoughts: Experiment

2008-11-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Attention Families:

I was looking this morning at a Montessori School's blog (http://riverstonemontessori.blogspot.com/) and learned one critical thing that would have helped me years ago with my son:

Say at least 9 POSITIVE comments for every negative.

How about:
- Great job taking out the trash.
- You combed your hair very nicely today.
- Thank you for such a sweet smile.

Have to remember that adding a "but" at the end of the positive actually negates the comment. Don't say "thanks for taking out the trash, but you dragged it." We've been "taught" that it's easier to say negatives things than to say positive, but let's all try it.

Experiment: for one day, or even one hour, say only positive comments. Nothing negative. Can you do it? Will you do it?

My boy is 12 years old this week. I hope it's not too late.

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Reading: A Favorite Pastime

2008-11-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Double-EE loves to read. He begs to stop at every yardsale we pass. He spend his extra money on books, spending money as fast as he saves it. He can barely contain himself when I say it's time to go to the thrift store.

Our local "ARC" thrift store holds many treasure, not least of these is books. Non-fiction about dogs, the solar system, or science. The children's section with chapter books and fun stuff. He loves it, and when he brings home a big bag of books for less than $20, he drags them up to his room and is quiet for hours.

He has almost a photographic memory, but only when it comes to something that interests him. Math puzzles him completely, but give him a book about the solar system or dinosaurs and he can spout off facts and figures non-stop.

I'm not worried about his schooling or career aspirations right now. I know that as long as he loves to read about a variety of topics, he'll be just fine. (However, we ARE still doing schoolwork!)

Is it because I allow him to read read read? And does he read because I didn't push him to learn, so when he felt like reading at 7 years old, he was reading books in one month? And does he love reading because I'm a book-hound myself?

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Labels like "indigo child", "starseed", "crystal child" and more.

2008-11-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

To the right: a picture of Double-EE when he was around 6 years old. Don't you just want to hug him?

Indigo child, as defined at http://www.indigochild.com/ is as follows:

= = = = = =

As a summary, here are the ten attributes that best describe this new kind of child, the Indigo Child:

They come into the world with a feeling of royalty (and often act like it)
They have a feeling of "deserving to be here," and are surprised when others don't share that.
Self-worth is not a big issue. They often tell the parents "who they are."
They have difficulty with absolute authority (authority without explanation or choice).
They simply will not do certain things; for example, waiting in line is difficult for them.
They get frustrated with systems that are ritually oriented and don't require creative thought.
They often see better ways of doing things, both at home and in school, which makes them seem like "system busters" (nonconforming to any system).
They seem antisocial unless they are with their own kind. If there are no others of like consciousness around them, they often turn inward, feeling like no other human understands them. School is often extremely difficult for them socially.
They will not respond to "guilt" discipline ("Wait till your father gets home and finds out what you did").
They are not shy in letting you know what they need.

= = = = = =
When my now 12-yr-old son was just an infant, I was told he was an indigo child. That his aura had a lot of indigo. That he needed more energy input than other kids. That he needed special parenting. That other families would be jealous.

I got sucked into believing that this special label of "indigo child" meant he was a "super child", with gifts and special abilities beyond adult human comprehension. Luckily, I wised up and realized he was "a kid"!

Lots of time has passed. We've been through major problems, ups and downs, and upheavels in every aspect of our lives. He is very loving and beautiful-spirited. As soon as he could walk, he would approach anyone and everyone with a big hug. Amazing that even the scariest meanest biker-dude would melt at the site of this little red-head offering his arms in innocent love.

But I've learned this: EVERY child and EVERY person is special. We could put a label on this child and that child, but in the end, every person is unique and divinely special in this world.

Many of the children today are labeled with "ADD", "ADHD", "Hyperactive", and "Spoiled" to name a few. Many are put on Ritalin, anti-depressants, stimulants and more. Stop it! We could choose to be better parents, and listen to what our kids need. Stop doing what's most convenient and do what best for them. Now don't get angry; some kids legitimately need outside assistance, but maybe we should be more discriminating and listen to our inner selves and our kids, as opposed to listening the media and mainstream Western-Medicine doctors.

And let's stop labeling our children. Each has a gift for this generation, and for this Earth. Let's learn from them all.

Vee-Mama

http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Halloween at our House

2008-10-31T20:47:00.000-06:00

To the right: Hubby making a silly face, Double-EE trying to be funny, and Spirit probably thinking "get this costume off of me!".

It's almost 9 p.m. on October 31 2008 - Halloween. This was our first in our very own home, and we were prepared. We had two big bags of various candies (bought at Sam's), a skeleton hanging on our green-bean trellis, and electric pumpkins in our window.

I dressed our dog in a pumpkin costume - that lasted all of 10 minutes, or her first "shake". Hubby dressed as a hippie with a tie-die t-shirt, fringe vest, headband and peace-symbol necklace. Double-EE dressed as Superman, but trick-or-treating didn't last long with his poor post-surgery foot. And I dressed all in black, added a witch's hat, a peace symbol necklace and cackled as a hippie-witch.

Our candy is almost gone, so I'm on my way upstairs to take care of Double-EE's foot.

Meanwhile - think about this.... what an odd tradition... one night a year, it's okay to go from door to door, asking for free candies and goodies. Did we forget the background of All Hallow's Eve?

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Never too young to VOTE!

2008-10-29T17:17:00.000-06:00

With less than one week till the big day, Hubby and I took almost-12-yr-old Double-EE down to vote early this afternoon.

We had studied the "2008 State Information Booklet" to analyze and decide which way we would vote on the Referendums and Amendments. No, we didn't agree 100% on every issue, but we made our notes. He gets off work at 2:30 so by 3:05 we'd left the house in search of our Early Voting place. There were about 6 people in front of us by the time we got there at 3:20, so this went quickly. Double-EE stayed with me as I voted on our electronic machine with the little voter credit-type-card. He said aloud who I chose for President but after I shushed him, we realized no one had heard (I later explained about the right of privacy).

All in all, it took about 15 minutes plus drive time. Not bad.

Double-EE had heard Hubby and I discuss the issues and the candidates for weeks now. He made up his mind about who he'd like to be President. If he had been old enough, he would have voted. Proudly. We live in a democracy where we choose the people to represent our needs and wants in a centralized government. We do NOT cater to peer pressure. So, as we explained, if we don't vote, we don't have the right to complain about how our government is run.

And if we don't like the way things are going, we do what we can change them.

Kids:

If you had the choice, who would you have voted for President/Vice President? And why?
What is one thing you would change about our government and country?

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Introduction to "Kid Whispers"

2008-10-28T05:47:00.000-06:00

The new kids of today feel misunderstood. They can't sit still. Can't articulate their feelings. Feel bored with rote learning and schoolwork. Need constant attention.

What do we do? We try to control them, and can't. Often, we fail miserably, and feel the need to resort to therapy or medication (i.e. Ritalin).

I know I did. While I was a single parent struggling to make a living and spend time with my child, there were often-times I just couldn't do it. My little boy sucked my energy. He couldn't stop from blurting out answers in kindergarten. He fixated on his interests, blocking out all else.

When the kindergarten called me for a special meeting with a psychiatrist, the teacher, administrator and another person, I felt overwhelmed. "Put him on Ritalin or leave," they told me.

We left.

He's almost 12 years old now. Life continues to be a struggle, finding a balance between helping him develop his own interests and making time for myself. It helped to find a good partner.

Now, we're starting this blog (and soon, a monthly e-newsletter) for other people involved with helping the new kids of today (sometimes called "indigo children", "starseed", "rainbow children" and so forth. We hope to also discuss special camps, peer pressure, friends, family time, education/alternate schools, career paths, and more, including special interests and gifts.

Kids: feel free to comment on our postings. And if anyone has a suggestion for an e-book or other information you'd like researched and provided, or if you have something to contribute, please e-mail us. Thanks!

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/