African-American Homeschool Moms: A resource for black homeschoolers

This website provides information for black homeschoolers.

Student Activity: Book vs Movie

2 Comments

Is your local library closed? If so, now is the perfect time to take advantage of online book offerings, especially those that include free trials. Give your child time to read the book. Then, grab some snacks and sit down together to watch the movie version of the book. As a final review, have your child compare the book to the movie. Continue reading to get a copy of the homemade resource I use with my middle school and high school daughters. 

Where To Find Books Online

Start with your library’s website. Many libraries use the Libby app, or something similar, to allow cardholders to borrow e-books and digital downloads. Next, try Audible. Kids can listen to books through Audible by using the site’s free 30 day trial subscription. Finally, check out Scribd’s vast digital library. They also have a free 30 day trial and you can sign up without using a credit card.  

Book First, Then Movie

Once kids have listened to or read the book, you can stream the movie for them to watch. Here’s a great list of book titles that have become movies: 

For Younger Students:
  • Charlotte’s Web 
  • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
  • The Lorax
  • Mr. Popper’s Penguins
  • Jumanji
  • Stuart Little
  • The Polar Express
For Fans of Roald Dahl:
  • Matilda
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • The BFG
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 
For Middle School Students:
  • Bridge to Teribithia
  • A Wrinkle in Time
  • The Outsiders
  • The Maze Runner
  • Holes
  • Because of Winn Dixie
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events
  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  • Inkheart
  • Ella Enchanted
  • Watership Down
  • Lord of the Rings
  • The Hobbit
  • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
For High School Students
  • The Help
  • The Color Purple
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Lord of the Flies
  • A Separate Peace
  • Jurassic Park
  • The Hunger Games
  • The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
  • Ender’s Game
  • The Queen of Katwe
  • Divergent
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • Twelve Years a Slave

Book vs Movie Extension Activity

After the movie ends, provide your child the opportunity to do some critical thinking by completing a printable Book vs Movie activity page. This easy to use set of worksheets can be used with any book and movie. Click the red button to download your free copy.

 

Did I miss your favorite book and movie? If so, leave your recommendation in the comments.

8 Great Apps for Homeschool Moms

Leave a Comment

My phone’s home screen is full of apps. I’ve got the usual ones like Instagram, Dropbox, Amazon, and WeatherBug. However, some of my favorite and most frequently used apps are the ones that help me in my homeschool journey. Check out this current list of my favorite apps.

Pocket Grade: Calculate grades quickly by using this quick and easy grade generator. Simply set the number of questions and you’ll be shown grade percentages. This app has helped me calculate my kids’ grades and the grades of students in my co-op classes. (Here’s the Apple version, but there’s no Android version. Here are a few similar grading apps for  Android users.)

Calculator Infinity: You may not need to purchase a high-end calculator for a student taking Algebra. This powerful app includes functions for matrix vectors, statistics, and complex equations equations as well. (Apple version and Android version)

Google Keep: Homeschool moms always have several to-do lists. Create your lists and check items off in Google Keep. This simple but powerful app allows me to create shopping lists for all stores I frequent each week. (Apple version and Android version)

Google Calendar: Keep your appointments, meal plans, and reminders all in one place. Enjoy the organizational ease that comes from this app. (Apple version and Android version)

Nature Melody: Sometimes you just need a break from the sounds of a busy life. Nature Melody can soothe with the sounds of ocean waves, rainfall, crackling campfires, babbling brooks, and chirping birds. (There is an Apple version, but no Android version. Here are a few similar nature sound apps Android users).  

USA Rest Stop: Field trips are part of every homeschool family’s life. Whether you need to make an impromptu stop or you’ve planned to stop in advance, USA Rest Stop shows rest stops on highways all across the USA. This app helps you find a clean and safe place to stop no matter where you are. (Apple version and Android version)

Waze: Homeschool moms and their kids are real road warriors. Because we’re off to so many different places throughout the week, a navigational app is a must have. Don’t less road issues slow your roll. Get accurate directions and real time traffic updates with Waze. (Apple version and Android version)

Trello: If you’re looking for the ultimate organizing app, look no further than Trello. Use Trello’s cards and boards to visually organize homeschool information such as lesson plans, curriculum, and reading lists. If you’re new to Trello, check out their introductory video here. (Apple version and Android version)

Do you have a favorite app for homeschooling? Don’t keep it a secret! Let me know!

Lesson Plan: Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

2 Comments

Memorial Day is almost here. As you know, this is the day on which we remember those who died in active military service. Some of those who sacrificed their lives were brave Tuskegee Airmen.

Tuskegee Airman Captain Lawrence E. Dickson was just twenty-four years old when his plane went down in Austria during World War II. Last year, the Pentagon released this article announcing that remains found at an Austrian crash site are those of Captain Dickson.

In honor of Captain Lawrence E. Dickson and the courageous Tuskegee Airmen, I’ve compiled a list of resources you can use to teach your children about this elite group of talented pilots. 

Photographs of The Tuskegee Airmen:

Books About The Tuskegee Airmen:

Lesson Plans and Readings:

Online Videos:

Movies:

  • The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) – free on Amazon Prime as of post date
  • Red Tails (2012)

Coloring Pages:

The Tuskegee Airmen are an important part of American history and we should teach children about their contributions to our nation. You can help by sharing this post via social media and email. 

Using Instagram In Your Homeschool

1 Comment

Instagram is my favorite social media platform. I love to check out home decor, natural hairstyles, and outfits of the day. However, I also like to use Instagram to make my homeschooling more interesting.

The homeschool community is well represented on Instagram, so you may want to take time to explore it. Here are some of the ways I use Instagram to enhance my homeschooling.

Follow favorite authors. If there’s an author your kids love, follow that author on Instagram.  Author pages often feature updates, giveaways, and book tour dates. An author’s Instagram account is a great way to get amazing behind the scenes info about books and characters.

Follow a few foodies. Like many homeschool moms I know, I spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen each day. I’ve got to get food on the table several times a day. So if I need meal inspiration, I’ll check out Instagram’s gorgeous pics of mouthwatering meals, as well as links to accompanying recipes.

Find fun projects. Homeschoolers all across the country are completing amazing projects. Find inspiring homeschool “how to” by searching homeschool related hashtags. It won’t take long for you to find some great projects your kids will want to try.

Create your own homeschool portfolio. Instagram is a fun way to keep track of what you do during the school year. Snap and post pics of fun field trips, awesome activities, and of course, those enjoyable every day moments. Consider posting at least one picture each day. What a fun way to document all you’re doing this school year!

Make connections with fellow homeschoolers. As you like, comment, and follow others, you may find yourself making connections with other homeschool families. Perhaps the homeschool mom you follow uses the same homeschool approach as you or maybe she’s using the same math curriculum. Jump into the community by asking questions and sharing what you know.

Social media has changed the way homeschoolers interact and Instagram is no exception. Now, with just a few keystrokes homeschool moms can connect with others and discover new ways to enhance their homeschools. Are you on Instagram yet?

How To Succeed in an Online Class

Leave a Comment

A few years ago, I stopped teaching science to my oldest daughter. She was ready for a change of pace, so we began to explore online science options. After sifting through many possibilities, we finally found an excellent science instructor. My daughter has done well and her love of science continues to grow. Both of us are pleased with online science classes.

Online classes can be a great way for homeschoolers to learn. However, our children need to know how to make the most of the online experience. Here’s what I’ve done to help my daughter achieve success in online classrooms.

Understand the class requirements. Sit down together to read and discuss the course description and class syllabus. By doing so, you’ll better understand class content, class expectations, and grading processes.

Understand the technical requirements. Learn how to use the educational platform the class will be using. Possible platforms include Go To Meeting, Google Hangouts, and Skype. You’ll need to know how to use additional laptop features such as the webcam and microphone.

Get the instructor’s contact information. Have your child add the teacher’s contact info to his or her personal contact list. If your child has a question or concern outside of class time, she  knows how to reach the teacher quickly.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remind your child that even though the classroom is virtual, it’s still okay to ask for help. A good instructor will answer questions during class and also answer questions outside of the class.

FInd a quiet and distraction free place during class. Help your child focus on the class by steering them away from noise and activity. If you don’t have a quiet place, have your child listen to class with earbuds or headphones.

Create a schedule. Many online classes only meet one a week, so students are responsible for completing additional work alone. Sit down with your child and create a weekly schedule. This gives your child something to do each day and limits the frustration associated with late assignments and looming deadlines.

Online courses are a great way to enhance the homeschool. Are any of your children taking online courses? If so, feel free to share how you’ve helped them find success. Leave a comment or suggestion. We’d love to hear from you!