The levels from K through 6 Science have been newly revised and updated. I love the changes they've made!
There are new, optional "Do-Together" activities that reinforce the concepts being studied. In the Sonlight Science 2, for example:
Do you constantly fight with your children about washing their hands? Reinforce what they learned today about germs with this simple activity that will help teach them the importance of washing their hands with warm water and soap. Put a small amount of hand lotion on their hands and ask them to rub it in. When they’re done, sprinkle some glitter onto their hands (a bucket will come in very handy to prevent a mess!). Explain that the glitter represents germs that get on their hands all throughout the day. When their hands are sufficiently “germy,” give them a dry paper towel to use to clean their hands. Not very effective, is it? Next, let them run cold water over their hands. Still germy? You bet! Now have them wash their hands with warm water and soap (over the bucket!) until all the “germs” are gone. Do they understand why it’s so important to wash their hands regularly with warm water and soap?
This activity particularly hit home for me as a retired RN (the operating room was my favorite specialty area). I have stressed the value of handwashing for my children, but this is a much better, visually dynamic demonstration than anything I did!
The Student Activity Sheets contain questions for your student to answer on the topics covered during the week, and full answer keys for you.
Like many Montanans, we live a distance from town. I love having a note each week on not only the Science supplies I might need for this week, like an apple, but also next week, say, a box of gelatin. I can put those on my list, and not find myself setting up for the experiment only to have to call it off until after our next trip to town.
Check out the Science Instructor's Guide samples on the website!
Instructor's Guide samples
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Be the hero...
It can be easy to get into a routine. I used to call it, "Wash the kids, wash the clothes, wash the dishes... wash the kids, wash the clothes..." Feels like it goes on forever, doesn't it?
Those routines are useful, helpful, but can be uninspired too. Our kids need more from us than clean clothes and dishes, they need our time and attention. They need to know they are a highlight in our lives.
Years ago, when my husband was in college, I was working full-time and our older kids were in school or daycare, I was in that routine. Focused on doing what I had to do. I was really tired one Saturday, my husband was studying at the campus, and my son wanted to fly his kite.
I told him I was really tired and going to lay down, but he could go out and play with it in the backyard. Minutes later I was laying in bed, but I looked out the large window and there he was. Throwing the kite in the air with all the effort his 8 year old arms could muster, then trying to dash forward and pull the kite into the air. Of course it wasn't working. Again and again the kite thrashed wildly and plunged to the ground.
Grief tore at me, and that small voice we sometimes hear whispered, "What would it cost you to go out there and play with him? Come on, be the hero."
We had a great time. Although we never did get the kite to fly, we had a time of laughter, growing closer, and he got a message that he was valued.
What would it cost you to play dolls, color a picture, or run in the sprinkler with your kids? Decide to be the hero.
Those routines are useful, helpful, but can be uninspired too. Our kids need more from us than clean clothes and dishes, they need our time and attention. They need to know they are a highlight in our lives.
Years ago, when my husband was in college, I was working full-time and our older kids were in school or daycare, I was in that routine. Focused on doing what I had to do. I was really tired one Saturday, my husband was studying at the campus, and my son wanted to fly his kite.
I told him I was really tired and going to lay down, but he could go out and play with it in the backyard. Minutes later I was laying in bed, but I looked out the large window and there he was. Throwing the kite in the air with all the effort his 8 year old arms could muster, then trying to dash forward and pull the kite into the air. Of course it wasn't working. Again and again the kite thrashed wildly and plunged to the ground.
Grief tore at me, and that small voice we sometimes hear whispered, "What would it cost you to go out there and play with him? Come on, be the hero."
We had a great time. Although we never did get the kite to fly, we had a time of laughter, growing closer, and he got a message that he was valued.
What would it cost you to play dolls, color a picture, or run in the sprinkler with your kids? Decide to be the hero.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Have you ever had one of those days?
You know the ones... It seems like everything goes wrong, everyone is in a bad mood, and the washer overflows (or maybe the dog does, we've had both!)
We all have them. As Job says, "Man is born for trouble as sparks fly upward." Those are good days to do some extra praying, keep your "To do" list short, and have an extra cup of tea (or coffee, and maybe chocolate too!).
Realize that your children will have them too. Be gentle when your child is struggling, trying but not quite able to grasp that math concept or new letter sound. Granted that you will have to distinguish between disobedience or rebellion and genuine struggle. But in the case of genuine difficulty, an extra hug, smile, and encouraging word will pay off in your relationship long after that math concept or letter sound is mastered and the struggle forgotten.
It's easy to forget that we have been forgiven and given grace by our Parent in heaven, not only for the times of genuine struggle, but even for the days our hearts are rebellious. Remembering that can help us see our own children with an eternal perspective.
We all have them. As Job says, "Man is born for trouble as sparks fly upward." Those are good days to do some extra praying, keep your "To do" list short, and have an extra cup of tea (or coffee, and maybe chocolate too!).
Realize that your children will have them too. Be gentle when your child is struggling, trying but not quite able to grasp that math concept or new letter sound. Granted that you will have to distinguish between disobedience or rebellion and genuine struggle. But in the case of genuine difficulty, an extra hug, smile, and encouraging word will pay off in your relationship long after that math concept or letter sound is mastered and the struggle forgotten.
It's easy to forget that we have been forgiven and given grace by our Parent in heaven, not only for the times of genuine struggle, but even for the days our hearts are rebellious. Remembering that can help us see our own children with an eternal perspective.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Would you like to WIN A YEAR OF CURRICULUM FREE?
You can enter by requesting your very first Sonlight catalog on the website!
Sponsor:
Sonlight Curriculum Ltd.
8042 S. Grant Way
Littleton, CO 81022
main@sonlight.com
303.730.6292
Official Rules:
*NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER.
*Must be 18 or older to enter.
*Limit of 1 entry per household.
*Contest for US residents only (AK and HI are included)
*Only new catalog requesters will be entered in the contest. Customers with any order history or individuals whom our records indicate have requested a catalog in the past are not eligible for the contest and will not be entered upon ordering a catalog during the applicable timeframe.
*Two random drawings will take place and a total of 2 winners will be selected.
*The first drawing will occur on June 20, 2009 for entries made from April 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009.
*The second drawing will occur on September 30, 2009 for entries made from June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009. You will be contacted within 15 days if you are selected as a winner.
*The estimated odds of winning are one in ten-thousand (1:10,000).
*Each winner will receive a Sonlight Newcomer Package or equivalent (for upper levels 6 and above) for 1 child with a retail value between $261.90 and $1028.94.
*Each winner will also receive all Club Benefits for one year so that they can truly experience being a Sonlighter. The Club Benefits include, but are not limited to, Free Membership on the Sonlighter Club Forums, Free Subscription to the "Beam of Sonlight" Newsletter, 10% Discount on all future orders for a year, and an Ancient Roman "Widow's Mite" Coin Pendant.
*Sonlight will not share a participant's personal information, including address and phone number, with any third party.
*Employees and outside contractors, along with their immediate families (parents, brothers, sisters and children), of the Sponsor, Sonlight Curriculum Ltd. are not eligible to win.
Pass this along to your friends!
Sponsor:
Sonlight Curriculum Ltd.
8042 S. Grant Way
Littleton, CO 81022
main@sonlight.com
303.730.6292
Official Rules:
*NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER.
*Must be 18 or older to enter.
*Limit of 1 entry per household.
*Contest for US residents only (AK and HI are included)
*Only new catalog requesters will be entered in the contest. Customers with any order history or individuals whom our records indicate have requested a catalog in the past are not eligible for the contest and will not be entered upon ordering a catalog during the applicable timeframe.
*Two random drawings will take place and a total of 2 winners will be selected.
*The first drawing will occur on June 20, 2009 for entries made from April 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009.
*The second drawing will occur on September 30, 2009 for entries made from June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009. You will be contacted within 15 days if you are selected as a winner.
*The estimated odds of winning are one in ten-thousand (1:10,000).
*Each winner will receive a Sonlight Newcomer Package or equivalent (for upper levels 6 and above) for 1 child with a retail value between $261.90 and $1028.94.
*Each winner will also receive all Club Benefits for one year so that they can truly experience being a Sonlighter. The Club Benefits include, but are not limited to, Free Membership on the Sonlighter Club Forums, Free Subscription to the "Beam of Sonlight" Newsletter, 10% Discount on all future orders for a year, and an Ancient Roman "Widow's Mite" Coin Pendant.
*Sonlight will not share a participant's personal information, including address and phone number, with any third party.
*Employees and outside contractors, along with their immediate families (parents, brothers, sisters and children), of the Sponsor, Sonlight Curriculum Ltd. are not eligible to win.
Pass this along to your friends!
Friday, April 10, 2009
End of the school year, bang or blah?
We are quickly approaching the end of the traditional school year. Are you feeling blah, in a hurry to get it over with? Or are you enjoying school right to the last page?
Our family has a tradition that we began way back the first year we homeschooled. We decided that we would celebrate as each school book or subject was finished.
Our little first grader had started her school year in public school, then in homeschool, finished her first grade Math book by early June. We wanted to celebrate this accomplishment and cast about for some interesting way to do it.
We settled on a "Math book party". Each child or year is different, but that first year was one of our favorites. We bought several cases of generic soda pop cans, took them into the back yard, every member of the family grabbed a can and shook it vigorously. You might know where I'm going with this!
We did a countdown to 3, and opened the cans, shrieking, running, and spraying each other. (I had made sure the water hose was ready to rinse us off and had towels ready inside the back door, LOL.) We had a wonderful time, all the kids still remember it and laugh about it.
This custom has continued, it may be water balloons, an ice cream cone, the "book finisher" gets to pick what is for dinner or dessert, a walk and a picnic lunch, there are lots of options. (Just a little tip though, don't spray orange soda pop! Stains!)
I would encourage you, with your children, to plan some kind of event or special activity to celebrate, not necessarily that school is out, but the sense of accomplishment that comes in finishing a book for the year.
Email me for an invitation to join my free, private Sonlight forum. I would love to hear how you have or will celebrate!
Our family has a tradition that we began way back the first year we homeschooled. We decided that we would celebrate as each school book or subject was finished.
Our little first grader had started her school year in public school, then in homeschool, finished her first grade Math book by early June. We wanted to celebrate this accomplishment and cast about for some interesting way to do it.
We settled on a "Math book party". Each child or year is different, but that first year was one of our favorites. We bought several cases of generic soda pop cans, took them into the back yard, every member of the family grabbed a can and shook it vigorously. You might know where I'm going with this!
We did a countdown to 3, and opened the cans, shrieking, running, and spraying each other. (I had made sure the water hose was ready to rinse us off and had towels ready inside the back door, LOL.) We had a wonderful time, all the kids still remember it and laugh about it.
This custom has continued, it may be water balloons, an ice cream cone, the "book finisher" gets to pick what is for dinner or dessert, a walk and a picnic lunch, there are lots of options. (Just a little tip though, don't spray orange soda pop! Stains!)
I would encourage you, with your children, to plan some kind of event or special activity to celebrate, not necessarily that school is out, but the sense of accomplishment that comes in finishing a book for the year.
Email me for an invitation to join my free, private Sonlight forum. I would love to hear how you have or will celebrate!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The upcoming convention...
Do you plan to attend the convention in Kalispell this year? I'll be there and I'd love to answer any questions for you. There will be a drawing for a gift tote like this one, don't forget to sign up!
Conventions can be overwhelming. So many things to see and so much to choose from. Many vendors have special sales or bonuses for buying at the convention. With all the hype and excitement, it can be tempting to buy materials that might turn out to be items you didn't really want and won't really meet your needs.
Sonlight doesn't actually sell anything at the conventions. The books you will see at my booth are my own. You have an opportunity to look things over, ask questions, but you will face no pressure to "BUY NOW!". Sonlight has several ways to receive discounts and benefits with your purchases all year, not just this one weekend. It's ok, you have time to think about it.
Check out Sonlight's free Convention survivor's guide with lots of tips for getting the most out of your convention attendance.
Be sure to stop by the Sonlight booth and say hi!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Spring is here!
And with it come catalogs, turning the garden soil, and prayer (ticks too, but we won't go there!). I love getting my Sonlight catalog, every homeschool catalog really. I flip through all of them and am reminded why we chose Sonlight, all those great books!
Spring is a great opportunity to pray specifically for each child and his or her particular needs. This has really helped me to see the areas we should concentrate on in the upcoming year and ideas I can use to encourage that child.
We all have strengths and weaknesses, that will be true throughout our lives. I think part of my educational "job" is to help strengthen the weaker areas and continue to encourage the strong areas. Work with your child, at his level, whatever it is. It's easy to see that if a child is very strong in writing for example, you wouldn't say, "Wow, that's great, you don't need to write anything for 3 years." Of course not! By the same token, don't expect a child that is struggling in a subject to jump up to where he "should" be.
As you plan for next year, remember what it's like to work in the garden. You turn the soil, fertilize it as needed, weed it, water it. You provide conditions and care that will maximize the God-given ability to grow. You invest your time and energy to enjoy a future benefit, much as you are doing with your children!
Spring is a great opportunity to pray specifically for each child and his or her particular needs. This has really helped me to see the areas we should concentrate on in the upcoming year and ideas I can use to encourage that child.
We all have strengths and weaknesses, that will be true throughout our lives. I think part of my educational "job" is to help strengthen the weaker areas and continue to encourage the strong areas. Work with your child, at his level, whatever it is. It's easy to see that if a child is very strong in writing for example, you wouldn't say, "Wow, that's great, you don't need to write anything for 3 years." Of course not! By the same token, don't expect a child that is struggling in a subject to jump up to where he "should" be.
As you plan for next year, remember what it's like to work in the garden. You turn the soil, fertilize it as needed, weed it, water it. You provide conditions and care that will maximize the God-given ability to grow. You invest your time and energy to enjoy a future benefit, much as you are doing with your children!
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