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Geocaching 101: Fun for Homeschool Families

September 25, 2018 Leave a Comment

Did you know that right now at this very moment there many hidden treasures surrounding you? They’re waiting to be discovered, but can only be found by those who know where to look. Those people are called geocachers and you can become one. If you’ve never gone geocaching, you and your family are missing out on many fun and educational opportunities!

What is geocaching?

Geocaching is the fun and recreational activity of hunting for and finding a hidden object using GPS coordinates posted on a website.

What does the cache look like?

This is where things really become interesting because you’re never quite sure what you’re looking for. This just makes the hunt event more fun. Caches usually come in the following sizes:

  • Nano: Tiny and usually magnetic
  • Micro: Usually fits inside the hand, like a decorated pill bottle
  • Small: Container such as a plastic peanut butter jar
  • Regular: Tupperware container size
  • Large: A large bucket (such as a 5-gallon bucket)

Cache containers are not made of paper because these materials do not fare well outside for long periods of time and in varying elements of weather. Look for plastic, usually clear, containers and sturdy metal containers. For detailed information about cache containers, check out this post, Cache Containers Explained.

How do you hunt for a cache?

Begin by downloading the official geocaching app and creating a free account. Log in and you’ll be able to see icons for all the caches hidden around you. (Make sure your GPS/location service is running; you’ll need it for directions.) Next, take a look at the map and tap the icon for the cache you want to find.

You’ll then see the name of the cache and how far it is from you. You’ll also see ratings for difficulty, terrain, and size. Tap the Hint button to see if the cache creator has offered any hunting hints. If you wish to message the person who created the cache, tap the Message button. You can also check out the following info:

  • Description: You’ll usually find information about who created the cache and why. (We recently found a hidden cache in the parking lot of hospital. A mom stashed it there as a way to remember here son’s birth there.) You may also be given additional information about finding the cache and its log book.
  • Activity: Here is where you can find information about when the cache was last discovered. Once a person finds a cache and logs it as found, they are required to leave a comment about the find. Most people leave a comment such as TFTC (Thanks for the cache!), but sometimes finders leave interesting clues about the cache. We’ve found these to be particularly helpful when trying to locate a hard to find cache.
  • Attributes: You’ll want to read this because it gives pertinent information about each cache. This tells about parking options, whether the cache is kid and/or pet friendly and what the ground conditions may be like (poison ivy, thorns, etc).

Once you’ve read up on the cache, tap the start button and begin your search by following the GPS instructions.

What do you do once you find the cache?

You’ll be excited once you make a find, but you’ll need to be discreet when retrieving the cache. You don’t want to draw excess attention to the hiding spot because after you leave, a muggle, someone who is not a geocacher, may tamper with the find or throw it away. For a list of additional geocaching jargon, check out this link.

Once you have the cache in hand, if possible open it up and take out the log page. Sign and date the log and place it back inside the container. Some logs may already be full or they may be in poor condition due to outdoor conditions such as rain. When that happens, let others know by sending a message to the creator or by leaving a comment when you list the cache as found.

After you’ve found the cache, go back to the app and click the green button labeled Log Geocache. This will record your find by changing the green icon to a yellow smiley face.

What do you need to geocache?

You’ll need the geocache app to know where to look. In addition, I also keep some things stashed in our van.

  • Gloves: Cache containers can be dirty, so you’ll want to use gloves when handling them.
  • Insect repellent: Your hunt will be outdoors, so repellent can help keep pesky bugs away.
  • Hand wipes/sanitizer: Allows you to clean your hands in between hunts.
  • Long sleeve shirt and pants: Sometimes your hunt takes you into grassy or woods areas. Protect yourself from ticks, thorns, branches.
  • Proper footwear: Sneakers are good because they’ll allow you to cover various types of terrain and protect your feet.
  • First aid kit: Sometimes we’ve been scraped by thorns or branches. Ointment, antiseptic wipes, and bandages are helpful for addressing little cuts or abrasions.
  • Tweezers: Log rolls come in various sizes. Tweezers can be used to pull out small logs.
  • Pen: You’ll use it to sign the log page.

Geocaching Photos

Here’s a photo of a recent magnetic nano size find. It’s pretty tiny. The log needed to be removed with tweezers.

This is a photo of a micro size find. This log was tucked away inside the decorated pill bottle.

Here’s what a log looks like. After it’s signed, the log is placed back inside the bottle.

Whether you’re heading out for a full afternoon of geocaching or making a quick “dash and cache” on your way to a particular destination, you’ll still have fun. There’s something rewarding about finding something the average person walks by without noticing.

Have you gone geocaching? If so, let us know by leaving a comment. We’d love to hear about what you’ve found. Are you inspired to head off on your first hunt? Let us know that too. We hope you’ll have as much fun as we have. Happy hunting!

Filed Under: Activities & Projects

8 Educational Websites We Love

September 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

Homeschool moms love technology and we’re constantly finding new ways to integrate this technology into our teaching. The internet is full of resources homeschool moms can use to enhance teaching and encourage learning.

Our homeschool is no exception, so today I’m sharing eight educational websites we love! I hope you’ll visit and bookmark these wonderful websites.

Start With a Book: When I’m planning a unit study or if I need a book on a particular topic, this is the first place I stop. Start with a Book allows parents to select a topic, such as cooking, sports, inventors, or money. Once selected, recommended book titles, fiction and nonfiction, are provided according to age group. If you’re looking for supplemental activities, Start With a Book even offers writing prompts and hands on activities.

A Maths Dictionary For Kids: Math resources are always in demand, so A Maths Dictionary is a great resource for homeschool families. Math topics up to beginning algebra are covered through a variety of printable posters. We use these printables as reference pages inside the girls’ interactive math notebooks.

Sheppard Software: This is one of the girls’ favorite websites. This colorful and engaging website features hundreds of entertaining and educational games spanning a variety subject areas. Preschoolers will enjoy animal games and paint activities, while older students can work on placing items in the Periodic Table, playing math mahjong (my personal favorite!), or studying vocabulary flashcards for SAT/GRE prep.

Udemy: This website features hundreds of self-paced classes for children and adults. Begin your class search by selecting a category (Business, Academics, Test Prep, etc) and continue by clicking through course offerings. Courses fall within a variety of price ranges, but Udemy often has sales and you can often snag a course for $10.99 or so. This year, my girls are taking a few art classes and Spanish classes.

Quizlet: Back in the day, my flashcards were all made by hand. That may be considered an ancient practice now that Quizlet is here. Users can either make their own flashcards or search for flashcards created and shared by other learners.  My daughter use her Quizlet account to study for science and geography classes.

Khan Academy: I’d be remiss if I failed to mention this amazing website. Sal’s video tutorials on math and science have helped many students. Now Khan Academy offers courses in history, computing, test prep, and humanities as well. Students can complete assessments online and even earn productivity badges for watching and taking quizzes.

Trello: If you need a powerful, clean, and user friendly organizational tool, Trello is for you. Use its system of portable boards and cards to keep track of homeschool projects and even create lesson plans. One of the best things about Trello is its ability to make collaborative efforts a breeze.

TEDx: These inspirational and educational videos have proven to be a homeschool hit with everyone, adults and children alike. There are many hundreds of talks to choose among and they address a variety of subjects. For TED Talks featuring African Americans, check out this page, Black TED Talks.

Have you used any of these websites? What educational websites do you use in your homeschool? You’re welcome to share info by leaving a comment.

Filed Under: Helpful Resources

VIDEO: Homeschooling in a Small Space

September 18, 2018 Leave a Comment

Not everyone has a large space for homeschooling. Some homeschool moms wonder if it’s really possible to homeschool effectively in a small space. Here’s some good news. It can be done! Click on the video below to learn how.

7 Tips for Homeschooling in a Small Space:

  1. Be realistic.
  2. Purge.
  3. Use portable storage.
  4. Spread out.
  5. Think double duty.
  6. Clean up daily.
  7. Use online resources.

Now that you’ve watched the video, check out these storage photos from our household.

Thorpe Family Storage Solutions

This is a picture of my home’s foyer. The green chair is a great place for the kids to sit while putting on their shoes, but it’s also an excellent storage space. The seat cushion flips up and the school supplies can be tucked inside. Materials are hidden from view and do not take up valuable space.

Here’s a photo of the ottoman in our family room. It’s comfy and pretty, but it also contains a storage compartment. It’s another great place to keep things hidden.

Our storage bench serves a dual purpose. There’s seating at the top and roomy storage bins underneath. This is where we keep board games and math manipulatives. You can even see our large plastic storage bins next to the bench.

A few years ago, I purchased this table from the Goodwill Store. The open space under the tabletop is perfect for stacking notebooks and textbooks. On either side of the table, there are two doors that swing open for additional storage.

Unfortunately, Staples no longer sells the amazing swivel storage bin shown. The bin spin all the way around and has plenty of storage for school supplies of any size.

Additional Storage Ideas?

Do you have ideas for homeschooling in a small space? If so, please leave a comment. I would love to read your suggestions and I know other homeschool moms would too!

Filed Under: General Information

Finding Langston Study Guide

September 13, 2018 6 Comments

Our local library does a pretty good job of displaying African-American books in prominent places. The girls and I were browsing for books during a recent library visit and a book I’d never seen before caught my attention. I picked up, flipped through, and quickly checked out Finding Langston, a new work of fiction by Lesa Cline-Ramsome.

The book is only 107 pages long, but it is an interesting and inspirational read. The book is set in 1946 and gives readers a peek into the life of eleven year old Langston, a boy who has recently moved from Alabama to Chicago during the Great Migration. Langston and his father must adjust to life after the death of Teena, their beloved wife and mother. Langston’s life takes an interesting turn when he visits a library for the first time and discovers another Langson in the pages of a poetry book.

Though it is a short read, Finding Langston addresses age old issues such as bullying and self-esteem while exploring the complexities of loss, friendship, and family. Ransome brings Langston to life through lively, poignant conversation and genuine interactions with fellow characters.  Elementary through middle school age students will be intrigued by Langston’s story and find that his experiences open the door to in depth discussions about child/parent relationships, death, and friendship.

I’m planning to have my daughter read the book, so I created a literary study guide to accompany the book. I’m happy to share my creation with you today. The literary study includes prereading activities, comprehension/discussion questions, and extension activities. Click this link to download your copy: Finding Langston Study Guide.

Filed Under: Literature

Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners

September 11, 2018 Leave a Comment

I am an avid reader and my girls are too, so we spend quite a bit of time in the library. The library is one of our favorite places to be during the school year. (But not in the summer! You know how crazy the library gets then!)

Each year I create reading lists for my girls. Those lists include what I call Mom’s Must Reads as well as additional titles the girls will enjoy. Mom’s Must Reads always includes Newberry Award winning books, Caledecott winning books, and selections of African-American literature. Their personal reading choices are based upon interest.

This year’s Mom’s Must Reads includes books that have won the Coretta Scott King Award. The Coretta Scott King Awards are presented once a year to African American authors and illustrators who create outstanding books for children and young adults. Each winning book reflects the African American experience.

Coretta Scott King Awards

The Coretta King Awards are separated into multiple categories. A winner is declared within each category and additional titles are sometimes selected to receive honorable mentions. The categories are as follows:

  • Coretta Scott King Author Award is presented to an outstanding author.
  • Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award is presented to an outstanding illustrator.
  • Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award is presented to a new talent in order to highlight excellence in writing or illustration at the beginning of one’s career.
  • Coretta Scott King/Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an African American author, illustrator or author/illustrator for a body of his or her published books for children and/or young adults and who has made a significant and lasting literary contribution.

Previous Coretta Scott King Award winners include well known titles such as Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe, Slam! by Walter Dean Myers, and In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall by Folami Abiade.

I love how the Coretta Scott King Award winning books span a variety of time periods and highlight various walks of life. The girls and I are going to have a great time reading and discussing these highly acclaimed books.

For a complete list of Coretta Scott King Award winners, please check out this link from the African American Literature Book Club. What books by African American authors are on your child’s reading list this school year? Share your selections by leaving a comment below.

Filed Under: Literature

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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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