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Fun Book Report Alternatives

March 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

Back in the day, when I was in elementary and middle school, we read dozens of books each year. I loved that. But back in those same days, my teachers assigned book reports. I hated that. To this day, I still feel a twinge of angst whenever I recall the hours I spent staring at a blank page, trying to come up with pages of important things to say about the book I’d just read.

Let’s fast forward to the Thorpe family homeschool. All three of my children love to read and they also enjoy discussing and sharing information about the books they read. However, when it’s time for them to explore a book’s settings, themes, characters, symbols, and plot, I don’t want them to use the old school book report format I dreaded so much.  

Here in our homeschool, I prefer to use fun and engaging book projects that will give my girls the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge while exercising their creativity. Consequently, I step outside the book report box and offer my children creative, yet comprehensive post-reading activities. Check out these three fun and fabulous book report alternatives.

Create a board game. Have your kids show what they know by creating a card or board game about the book they’ve just read. Have your child give their game a catchy title based upon the book, design a unique board with detours and pit stops, and create game cards that require comprehension and recall.

Design a movie poster. Kids love movies! Grab a large piece of posterboard and have your child create a movie poster based upon the book they’ve read. Our posters included a starred rating, at least two quotations from the book, a tagline, and of course an illustrated a scene from the book. I added a writing component by having the girls describe who they would cast in their movie.

Make an Awards Board. Have your child select several notable book characters and have him create an award to present to each character. Awards should be based upon what happens in the book and may include awards such as Most Courageous, Most Creative, Best Leader, etc.

Next, have your child write a paragraph for each award winner. He should clearly explain why the character deserves such an honor. Add an artistic element to the project by asking your child to create character photos to mount on a large sheet of posterboard or on a tri-fold project board. Be sure to mount the paragraphs as well. For additional fun, host an awards reception with food and speeches.

When it comes to sharing knowledge about books, homeschool moms have the ability to choose exciting ways for their children to do so. Tap into your child’s creative side and take book reporting to a new level by using one of these artistic ideas.

Filed Under: General Information

Student Activity: Book vs Movie

March 20, 2020 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.

Filed Under: General Information

8 Great Apps for Homeschool Moms

March 2, 2020 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!

Filed Under: General Information

Lesson Plan: Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

May 20, 2019 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:

  • Getty Images of Tuskegee Airmen (click through multiple pages)
  • Restoration Photos of Tuskegee Airmen
  • Tuskegee University Photos
  • Tuskegee Airmen Photo (credit for the photo shown above)

Books About The Tuskegee Airmen:

  • Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
  • The Tuskegee Airmen: Freedom Flyers of World War II
  • The Tuskegee Airmen Story
  • Wind Flyers
  • When I Grow Up I Want to Be, Like the Brave Men of Tuskegee
  • You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen
  • The Red Tails: World War II’s Tuskegee Airmen

Lesson Plans and Readings:

  • Museum of Aviation Teacher’s Guide
  • Tuskegee Airmen Fighting to Fly (NASA)

Online Videos:

  • Tuskegee Airmen Tribute 
  • Tuskegee Airmen: Brain POP 

Movies:

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

Coloring Pages:

  • Keep Us Flying Coloring Page  (see the actual poster here)
  • Modern Tuskegee Coloring Page

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. 

Filed Under: General Information

Using Instagram In Your Homeschool

October 24, 2018 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?

Filed Under: Technology

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andrea.thorpe

Wife to 1, Homeschooling Mom of 3 Girls, Writer, Planner Addict, Lover of Jesus, sunshine, books, and hot chocolate ❤️

andrea.thorpe
I *thought* I’d be kind and help her make clay f I *thought* I’d be kind and help her make clay food for her Barbies. I *thought* she’d applaud my creative efforts. Not so. 😐 #homeschooling #homeschoollifestyle #blackhomeschool365 #kidscrafts #girlmom
Since we couldn’t get out and do much during the Since we couldn’t get out and do much during the pandemic, we picked up a few new skills while at home. Making chunky blankets was easy and fun, plus it was good my youngest: patterns, counting, and hand-eye coordination. Yes, I know it’s still summer, but winter IS coming. ❄️ #homeschooling #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolmom #blackhomeschooling #chunkyblanket #diyblanket #handknitted
It’s August. Yesterday, we quietly eased into th It’s August. Yesterday, we quietly eased into the new school year. The girls aren’t taking on all subjects this week, but math is always at the top of our list. #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoolsuccess #homeschoolmath #blackhomeschooling
Why is my precious girl so eager to finish practic Why is my precious girl so eager to finish practicing piano? It *may* have something to do with wanting to go out and get free First Day of Spring water ice at Rita’s. #homeschooling #homeschool #homeschooler #pianopractice #musicalkids #practicemakesperfect
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