You may have noticed I've migrated our personal blog into this, the regional homeschool activity blog - it's easier to maintain one blog than two, so hopefully I'll post more often and be better able to keep up with the calendar updates!
Merging the blogs also allows me to write more about homeschooling - the benefits, challenges and things we do to keep our focus and have fun along the way. There are so many options in Missouri, places to go, things to do, programs to consider, that all enhance what we do as homeschoolers. I'll continue to bring things to the calendar and posts to highlight what's coming up in and around Missouri this coming school year.
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Next Road-Trip is...
...to Washington, DC and New York!
With the summer heat-wave still persisting, we decided to skip the four corners region in September and head instead to the east coast for our next road trip.
The decision came partly because of this year's history and social studies focus - American History & Government. While we homeschool using a classical model, we're going to focus on American history this year rather than pre-modern times worldwide. Next year we'll combine Story of the World 3 & 4 into one year, so that in fifth grade we'll return to the next cycle in Ancient History. The east coast is also home to many friends and family, so we'll have an opportunity to visit with them too!
Planning is underway, with our route there going through Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia to stop and explore historic sites. We'll spend a week in Washington, DC then head up to New York, returning after a stay there through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
What should we see? Please leave comments!
With the summer heat-wave still persisting, we decided to skip the four corners region in September and head instead to the east coast for our next road trip.
The decision came partly because of this year's history and social studies focus - American History & Government. While we homeschool using a classical model, we're going to focus on American history this year rather than pre-modern times worldwide. Next year we'll combine Story of the World 3 & 4 into one year, so that in fifth grade we'll return to the next cycle in Ancient History. The east coast is also home to many friends and family, so we'll have an opportunity to visit with them too!
Planning is underway, with our route there going through Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia to stop and explore historic sites. We'll spend a week in Washington, DC then head up to New York, returning after a stay there through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
What should we see? Please leave comments!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
More Hours!
As previously posted, we need to fulfill 1000-hours of instruction each year we homeschool in Missouri.
Those 1000-hours include:
Those 1000-hours include:
- 600 hours in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies (Core)
- 400 hours in Core or Electives
Of the 600 hours minimum dedicated to Core subjects, 400 of those hours must be in the homeschool location, the remaining hours may be anywhere! Woot-woot for field trips!
The last 400 hours, for additional core or electives may also be done anywhere. So really, just 400 hours a year needs to be spent within your homeschool "base" - home. This leaves lots of options for field trips, programs in the community, and activities outside the home.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Are You an Appschooler?
Appschooler [ap-skoo-ler] noun (via The Wired Homeschool)
1. a person who teaches with apps, especially a homeschooler.
2. a child who is homeschooled with apps
There are, however, thousands of apps touted as "educational", so choosing wisely isn't an easy task! There are some websites to help, that review different apps that are used for education:
Apps for Homeschooling is a great resource, where you can read reviews and search by grade, age and subject to find potential apps for your homeschool.
But, as Kristen Chase noted, at Pioneer Woman Homeschooling, A Good App is Hard to Find. What I look for in apps is similar to those she listed - along with progressive levels of difficulty, how it fits in with our lesson plan and what features lend it well to including in our homeschool day.
I still do not use apps as the lesson, but rather as reinforcement of lessons. For example, as we go though US Geography, Stack the States helps Boo by reinforcing the shapes of the states, the capitols and neighboring states. It can't teach him geography, but it can and does help with remembering what he's learned. Times Tables Songs helped him practice his times tables (which is still ongoing) and Brain Pop offers something new each day, without me needing to schedule it in, it just happens.
Where I do use the iPad as the lesson is through the Netflix app, where documentaries are readily available and easy to schedule in as part of the weekly lesson plan. In addition, if we're traveling, I can also rent movies through the iTunes store, downloading onto the iPad so I don't need WiFi, nor do I need to use up our data plan for movies!
1. a person who teaches with apps, especially a homeschooler.
2. a child who is homeschooled with apps
I admit, since the iPad arrived in our home, under the Christmas tree in 2010, our use of apps in homeschooling is now part of our weekly repertoire, and is especially useful when we're traveling.
Using apps for schooling gives parents tons of flexibility. You can homeschool in the car (or minivan), away from home while on vacation, or even at the park. As the use of apps becomes more popular, homeschoolers will start relying on this method much more.
There are, however, thousands of apps touted as "educational", so choosing wisely isn't an easy task! There are some websites to help, that review different apps that are used for education:
Apps for Homeschooling is a great resource, where you can read reviews and search by grade, age and subject to find potential apps for your homeschool.
But, as Kristen Chase noted, at Pioneer Woman Homeschooling, A Good App is Hard to Find. What I look for in apps is similar to those she listed - along with progressive levels of difficulty, how it fits in with our lesson plan and what features lend it well to including in our homeschool day.
I still do not use apps as the lesson, but rather as reinforcement of lessons. For example, as we go though US Geography, Stack the States helps Boo by reinforcing the shapes of the states, the capitols and neighboring states. It can't teach him geography, but it can and does help with remembering what he's learned. Times Tables Songs helped him practice his times tables (which is still ongoing) and Brain Pop offers something new each day, without me needing to schedule it in, it just happens.
Where I do use the iPad as the lesson is through the Netflix app, where documentaries are readily available and easy to schedule in as part of the weekly lesson plan. In addition, if we're traveling, I can also rent movies through the iTunes store, downloading onto the iPad so I don't need WiFi, nor do I need to use up our data plan for movies!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Understanding Missouri Homeschool Regulations
From the HSDL website:
Compulsory Attendance Ages: Between the ages of 7 and 17 years, or, at the parent’s option, until the student completes 16 “statutory credits” (explained below) toward high school graduation. Missouri Annotated Statutes § 167.031. A student who has reached his 16th birthday is exempt from certain requirements (see below). § 167.031.2(3). If a five- or six-year-old is enrolled in public school, he becomes subject to compulsory attendance immediately until the parents request in writing that he be dropped from the school’s rolls. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 167.031.1(3).
Required Days of Instruction: 1,000 hours of instruction. At least 600 of these hours must be in the five core subjects below. At least 400 of the 600 must occur at “the regular home school location.” Mo. Ann. Stat. § 167.031.2(2)(b). These requirements must be met within the school term (12 months or less) the parents establish. Not required for a student who has reached his sixteenth birthday.
Required Subjects: Reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. Mo. Ann. Stat.
§ 167.031.2(2)(b). These subject areas (including academic courses related to them) are not individually required, but must collectively constitute at least 600 hours of the child’s instruction. Not required for a student who has reached his sixteenth birthday.
The homeschool regulations in Missouri are straight-forward and fairly easy to understand and stay compliant with; the record-keeping is the area some homeschoolers find confusing, so let's take a look at those:
Home schools must maintain (but do not need to submit) the following records:
a. A plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and activities engaged in (an appropriate daily log could satisfy this requirement);
b. And “a portfolio of samples of child’s academic work” or “other written credible evidence, etc.”;
c. And “a record of evaluations of the child’s academic progress”;
d. Or “other written, credible evidence equivalent to subparagraphs a) b) and c)” Mo. Ann. Stat.
§ 167.031.2(2)(a).
Parents have the option to follow: a, b, and c, or they can choose to follow only d) which permits more flexibility.
I think the confusion comes from the either-or, either A, B and C, or D; in choosing D, what defines "written, credible evidence" that is "equivalent" to A, B snd C? Truth be told, there isn't a definition to work with, leaving it subject to interpretation if you find yourself under scrutiny at some point while homeschooling your children.
It's the lack of definition in D that led me to follow A, B and C for my record keeping. While there is still room for interpretation in those three, I think it's easier to be compliant with the regulations when you're following the first options, rather than the last.
So, how do I do it?
I'm a planner by nature, so each spring I spend time laying out our educational goals for the coming school year, the curriculum we'll use and a rough outline of what we should be able to accomplish each month within each subject. That's the "big picture" part of the plan, the details come next.
Within each subject I then go chapter by chapter, outlining the flow of the year - I do this without dates, it's a "next-step" plan, where when we complete something, we move to the next thing. I have a separate document for each subject since I do not know in advance how quickly or slowly we'll progress through the work.
Neither of these are part of my formal record keeping. They are my guide to what needs to be done, but do not meet the regulations for record-keeping per the statutes.
My record-keeping is simple:
1. A weekly calendar book - two page a week layout; in which I record what we do each day and the time spent; this fulfills my A while also providing a place to keep track of hours throughout the year in one place.
2. A 3" three-ring binder, divided by subject; in which I place work completed that can be hole-punched, or pictures of things done that can't; this fulfills my B.
3. Within each section of the binder, I'll also place quizzes, tests or other things we do that highlight progress throughout the year; this fulfills my C. Each month I also write out my evaluation of how things are going, where improvement was seen and where improvement is needed. At the end of the year, though not required, I do an end of the year standardized test also.
Compulsory Attendance Ages: Between the ages of 7 and 17 years, or, at the parent’s option, until the student completes 16 “statutory credits” (explained below) toward high school graduation. Missouri Annotated Statutes § 167.031. A student who has reached his 16th birthday is exempt from certain requirements (see below). § 167.031.2(3). If a five- or six-year-old is enrolled in public school, he becomes subject to compulsory attendance immediately until the parents request in writing that he be dropped from the school’s rolls. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 167.031.1(3).
Required Days of Instruction: 1,000 hours of instruction. At least 600 of these hours must be in the five core subjects below. At least 400 of the 600 must occur at “the regular home school location.” Mo. Ann. Stat. § 167.031.2(2)(b). These requirements must be met within the school term (12 months or less) the parents establish. Not required for a student who has reached his sixteenth birthday.
Required Subjects: Reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. Mo. Ann. Stat.
§ 167.031.2(2)(b). These subject areas (including academic courses related to them) are not individually required, but must collectively constitute at least 600 hours of the child’s instruction. Not required for a student who has reached his sixteenth birthday.
The homeschool regulations in Missouri are straight-forward and fairly easy to understand and stay compliant with; the record-keeping is the area some homeschoolers find confusing, so let's take a look at those:
Home schools must maintain (but do not need to submit) the following records:
a. A plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and activities engaged in (an appropriate daily log could satisfy this requirement);
b. And “a portfolio of samples of child’s academic work” or “other written credible evidence, etc.”;
c. And “a record of evaluations of the child’s academic progress”;
d. Or “other written, credible evidence equivalent to subparagraphs a) b) and c)” Mo. Ann. Stat.
§ 167.031.2(2)(a).
Parents have the option to follow: a, b, and c, or they can choose to follow only d) which permits more flexibility.
I think the confusion comes from the either-or, either A, B and C, or D; in choosing D, what defines "written, credible evidence" that is "equivalent" to A, B snd C? Truth be told, there isn't a definition to work with, leaving it subject to interpretation if you find yourself under scrutiny at some point while homeschooling your children.
It's the lack of definition in D that led me to follow A, B and C for my record keeping. While there is still room for interpretation in those three, I think it's easier to be compliant with the regulations when you're following the first options, rather than the last.
So, how do I do it?
I'm a planner by nature, so each spring I spend time laying out our educational goals for the coming school year, the curriculum we'll use and a rough outline of what we should be able to accomplish each month within each subject. That's the "big picture" part of the plan, the details come next.
Within each subject I then go chapter by chapter, outlining the flow of the year - I do this without dates, it's a "next-step" plan, where when we complete something, we move to the next thing. I have a separate document for each subject since I do not know in advance how quickly or slowly we'll progress through the work.
Neither of these are part of my formal record keeping. They are my guide to what needs to be done, but do not meet the regulations for record-keeping per the statutes.
My record-keeping is simple:
1. A weekly calendar book - two page a week layout; in which I record what we do each day and the time spent; this fulfills my A while also providing a place to keep track of hours throughout the year in one place.
2. A 3" three-ring binder, divided by subject; in which I place work completed that can be hole-punched, or pictures of things done that can't; this fulfills my B.
3. Within each section of the binder, I'll also place quizzes, tests or other things we do that highlight progress throughout the year; this fulfills my C. Each month I also write out my evaluation of how things are going, where improvement was seen and where improvement is needed. At the end of the year, though not required, I do an end of the year standardized test also.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
What's in a Portfolio?
Take a look, over at Heart of the Matter!
Among things to include, "What about dioramas, full-sized body outlines, and salt-dough maps? What about all the learning games we play instead of doing boring worksheets? How are those activities documented in a two-dimensional portfolio? Take pictures! For a while, these projects occupy a place of honor on the dining room table or on the window seat. Then they graduate to living under the guest room bed. When the next project is ready to reside under the guest room bed, the first one moves to the circular file. But first, I take a picture of it. We set the little people up again and the kids pose as I flash the pictures I forgot to take when they originally made the project. You can make professional scrapbook pages to go in your portfolios, or you can slap the pictures onto cardstock, write up a few labels, and call it good."
Among things to include, "What about dioramas, full-sized body outlines, and salt-dough maps? What about all the learning games we play instead of doing boring worksheets? How are those activities documented in a two-dimensional portfolio? Take pictures! For a while, these projects occupy a place of honor on the dining room table or on the window seat. Then they graduate to living under the guest room bed. When the next project is ready to reside under the guest room bed, the first one moves to the circular file. But first, I take a picture of it. We set the little people up again and the kids pose as I flash the pictures I forgot to take when they originally made the project. You can make professional scrapbook pages to go in your portfolios, or you can slap the pictures onto cardstock, write up a few labels, and call it good."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Why Homeschool?
The question is so often asked, that I thought I'd start our blog by answering it first.
Before Boo (what I'll call our son here on the blog) was even born, my husband and I toyed with the idea of homeschooling him. We hadn't made any real decision about it though until the summer he turned 5 and missed the cut-off to start kindergarten by two weeks. With no waivers, testing in or other options to start "formal" schooling, I started doing more at home with him, and the rest is history. At this point, we feel homeschooling will continue to be in his best interest, at least for the next few years.
We live in one of the easiest states to homeschool - Missouri. The state laws are reasonable, with a straight-forward guideline that allows the flexibility necessary to continuously "meet your child" where they are in their learning. For us that means a variety of curriculum across different grade levels, from second to fourth at this point. As Boo advances, so too does the material we use - we're not tied to a grade specific curriculum, but rather continue along where Boo is - one thing I love about homeschooling!
I'm hoping to be able to blog about our homeschool experience in Missouri, and our travels around the country this coming summer. I hope doing so leads others to understand what we do when we homeschool and why it's a great option to educate our children. It certainly isn't for everyone, but for us, it works - and works well!
Before Boo (what I'll call our son here on the blog) was even born, my husband and I toyed with the idea of homeschooling him. We hadn't made any real decision about it though until the summer he turned 5 and missed the cut-off to start kindergarten by two weeks. With no waivers, testing in or other options to start "formal" schooling, I started doing more at home with him, and the rest is history. At this point, we feel homeschooling will continue to be in his best interest, at least for the next few years.
We live in one of the easiest states to homeschool - Missouri. The state laws are reasonable, with a straight-forward guideline that allows the flexibility necessary to continuously "meet your child" where they are in their learning. For us that means a variety of curriculum across different grade levels, from second to fourth at this point. As Boo advances, so too does the material we use - we're not tied to a grade specific curriculum, but rather continue along where Boo is - one thing I love about homeschooling!
I'm hoping to be able to blog about our homeschool experience in Missouri, and our travels around the country this coming summer. I hope doing so leads others to understand what we do when we homeschool and why it's a great option to educate our children. It certainly isn't for everyone, but for us, it works - and works well!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Dollar Days at Scholastic - eBooks
Scholastic's Teacher Express is running a $1 sale on a large number of eBooks, now through September 20, 2011!
Better still, when you use the coupon code (10THANKS), you'll get $10 off your ebook download order. You get to choose the titles! Pick out the ebooks you'd like, then use the coupon code to get $10 off your order. Since they are having a Dollar Days Sale, you could get ten free ebooks! No shipping costs and no payment information requested.
Better still, when you use the coupon code (10THANKS), you'll get $10 off your ebook download order. You get to choose the titles! Pick out the ebooks you'd like, then use the coupon code to get $10 off your order. Since they are having a Dollar Days Sale, you could get ten free ebooks! No shipping costs and no payment information requested.
How to Get this Freebie: Visit Scholastic Teacher Express. Use coupon code 10THANKS in the shopping cart to get $10 off your order (If you copy/paste the code, make sure you're not also copy/pasting spaces. If you type it, be sure to use capital letters).
Expires September 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Art-i-Fact Crawl
Enjoy an evening of art, culture and fun with food and prizes at the annual MU Campus Gallery & Museum Crawl on Thursday, September 15, 2011. The crawl starts at 4:00 PM at any of the venues that are participating and runs until 7:00 PM (except Laws Observatory which will remain open until 9:00 PM).
This is a fantastic way to see many of the educational exhibits and offerings on the MU Campus that homeschoolers can utilize in their curriculum!
The nine venues that comprise Art-i-Fact Crawl include the:
- George Caleb Bingham Gallery
- the Museum of Art & Archeology
- the Museum of Anthropology
- the State Historical Society of Missouri
- the Craft Studio Gallery
- the Missouri Historic Costume & Textile Collection
- Laws Observatory
- the Enns Entomology Museum, and
- The Residence on the Francis Quadrangle
Door prizes are given out at each location during the evening.
Participants who get their Crawl postcard map stamped at all nine locations will be eligible to enter a grand prize drawing for a $100 gift certificate to the University Bookstore.
The map is HERE.
Watch for the orange deposit box at each location.
The Laws Observatory will be open until approx 9 pm so participants can view the stars and they will accept Crawl postcards until 7:30 pm that evening.
Musicians from the MU Department of Music will be playing at various locations throughout the Crawl for your enjoyment.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Taking a Day Trip for History
One of the great things about homeschooling is that we're able to integrate lots of local attractions and programs into our lesson plans. Visits to museums, nature centers and other places provides a rounding to our curriculum and allows our children to experience more than a textbook presentation of information. While mid-Missouri has many, many great options, sometimes going to a great program requires a trip in the car!
The Missouri History Museum (MHM), in St. Louis, has an incredible history program for homeschoolers and they recently released their calendar for the upcoming school year. If you haven't had a chance to review the program, check their website.
Each month the MHM hosts a Homeschool Days program. The line-up this year includes:
The programs are designed for homeschoolers and multiple age children. The above days are on our calendar above, but be sure to REGISTER if you plan to attend as registration is required!
The Missouri History Museum (MHM), in St. Louis, has an incredible history program for homeschoolers and they recently released their calendar for the upcoming school year. If you haven't had a chance to review the program, check their website.
Each month the MHM hosts a Homeschool Days program. The line-up this year includes:
- Homeschool Days - America I Am (Registration Required)
Monday, September 19 2011 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Numbers and Notes (Registration Required)
Wednesday, October 26 2011 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - The Civil War in Missouri (Registration Required)
Monday, November 21 2011 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Winter Wonderland (Registration Required)
Monday, December 12 2011 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Bon Voyage, Lindbergh! (Registration Required)
Monday, January 30 2012 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Mammoths & Mastodons (Registration Required)
Monday, February 20 2012 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Community and Conflict (Registration Required)
Wednesday, March 7 2012 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Movement in Black and White (Registration Required)
Monday, April 16 2012 at 10:00 am - Homeschool Days - Celebrating Missouri (Registration Required)
Monday, May 7 2012 at 10:00 am
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Million Minute Challenge
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
Families and groups join the Million Minute Family challenge because it is an easy, yet effective way to re-energize and give incentive to spending time with family or friends. Board games and card games offer true face-to-face interaction that is disappearing in our daily lives. Playing a game creates a relaxed environment to converse, laugh and really get to know one another, and all of this can be accomplished in as little as 20 minutes.
Joining the Million Minute Family Challenge is easy:
Register your family or group and receive a free organizer kit by mail.
Gather your friends or family and play your favorite game. You can play one time or play as much as every day. Do what fits your schedule!
Keep track of how long your group plays and return to this website to log your minutes. Every minute you log helps us reach our nationwide goal of one million.
If you'd like to play, register at the website!
Joining the Million Minute Family Challenge is easy:
If you'd like to play, register at the website!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Conner's Cave Tours
This is on the calendar above, but I wanted to also post it since it's a great activity this summer! Best of all, this one is free!
Every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00 through the end of August, you can take a guided cave tour of Connor's cave at Rockbridge.
Groups leave every 20 minutes or so, and you can just hang out on the platform above the stairs to the cave until the next one goes.
A park ranger will give you and your child a flashlight and a hard hat and then escort you into the cave. Conner's Cave has water at its entrance, so you'll want to wear footwear that can get wet, and they discourage crocs as they tend to be slippery. Aquasocks, pool shoes, old sneakers or rain boots are good options!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Big Muddy Speaker Series: Stocking Up On Sturgeon
US Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Tracy Hill joins us for a peek into the multi-state breeding and restocking effort to strengthen Missouri River populations of the endangered pallid sturgeon.7:00 p.m. - Tues. June 12, 2011
Lower level of Les Bourgeois Vineyards Bistro, Rocheport, MO
Presentation is FREE!
The pallid sturgeon has become a living symbol of the old, natural Missouri River struggling to survive in the new river we've created. This odd looking, prehistoric fish only lives in the Missouri River and the Mississippi River below St. Louis. It's uniquely adapted to the intense environment of this turbid, sandy and free-flowing river.
Channelization, loss of sediment and damming of the Missouri River have all impacted the spawning ability of the sturgeon and the survival of its young. As biologists study the habitat needs of this fish and engineers attempt to recreate this habitat on our channelized river, emergency measures have been taken to restock hatchery raised sturgeon throughout the Missouri River basin.
USFWS biologist Tracy Hill will join us for a peek into the extremely difficult process of tracking and catching breeding age sturgeon, spawning them in the hatchery and reintroducing the young fish to the wild Missouri River. It takes the cooperation of several state and federal agencies and a trial and error learning curve that continues to improve.
Additional details: Big Muddy Speaker Series
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
If you have a child interested in the Paleolithic-era, the Ragtime Cinema has a movie for you! Cave of Forgotten Dreams opens on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Ragtime and is about the Chauvet Cave in southern France. The film premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and consists of footage filmed inside the cave as well as interviews with various scientists and historians. The film also includes footage of the nearby Pont d'Arc natural bridge.
The Ragtime website says:
In 1994, the archaeologist Jean-Marie Chauvet discovered the earliest known visions of mankind: a stunning collection of over 300 Paleolithic-era works of cave art hidden in Southern France. Many writers and photographers have since attempted to gain access to the famous Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc cave, but because of fear that overexposure — even contact with human breath — would damage the incredible discovery, none were let in. That is, until legendary auteur Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Fitzcarraldo, Encounters at the End of the World, et al.) asked. Naturally. Using lights that emitted no heat, Herzog created The Cave of Forgotten Dreams, a fascinating, as well as breathtaking, experience that has earned raves from many critics. "A typically quixotic documentary in which great unknown artists from 35,000 years ago collaborate with one in 2011. Profound, mysterious and utterly absorbing." (Adam Smith, Empire)
For more information and showtimes: Ragtime Cinema
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Discounts for Homeschoolers
There are a number of ways to save money on your homeschool purchases - some online, some local.
Barnes & Noble has an educator discount card that gives 20% off purchases. All you need to do is ask for the application in-store and fill it out as a homeschooler. You can also download the application online and fill it out before heading to the store.
Jo-Ann stores offers a teacher rewards program that homeschoolers can also use; again, it's simply asking for the application when you're in-store and filling it out. The discount offered is 15% each day and you'll get a coupon for 20% off your first total purchase once you sign-up.
FedEx Kinkos offers a 15% discount to teachers and it includes home educators! This is a great discount for those of us who cut the spines off workbooks, need to do a lot of copying and/or are doing some color printing throughout the year. For this one you can apply online too!
A new entry to teacher discounts on a daily basis is Michael's. Each day if you're a teacher, you'll get 15% off your total purchase. Michael's does not have a card though, so you'll have to ask for the discount at the register and may encounter some difficulty since the policy of the headquarters, in Texas, is to require proof you homeschool (ie. a letter from the state, district, etc.). I've gotten the discount after explaining to the store manager that Missouri does not have any such proof I can offer.
Both Staples and Office Depot have educator rewards programs. Neither are discounts per se. Office Depot's Star Teacher Program gives 10% back in rewards on ink, toner, & paper; 1% back on almost everything else; 15% off copy & print orders. Staples' Teacher Rewards Program: 10% back in rewards on most purchases. These rwards can add up, so do the math to see if it's worth shopping there for supplies or elsewhere!
Barnes & Noble has an educator discount card that gives 20% off purchases. All you need to do is ask for the application in-store and fill it out as a homeschooler. You can also download the application online and fill it out before heading to the store.
Jo-Ann stores offers a teacher rewards program that homeschoolers can also use; again, it's simply asking for the application when you're in-store and filling it out. The discount offered is 15% each day and you'll get a coupon for 20% off your first total purchase once you sign-up.
FedEx Kinkos offers a 15% discount to teachers and it includes home educators! This is a great discount for those of us who cut the spines off workbooks, need to do a lot of copying and/or are doing some color printing throughout the year. For this one you can apply online too!
A new entry to teacher discounts on a daily basis is Michael's. Each day if you're a teacher, you'll get 15% off your total purchase. Michael's does not have a card though, so you'll have to ask for the discount at the register and may encounter some difficulty since the policy of the headquarters, in Texas, is to require proof you homeschool (ie. a letter from the state, district, etc.). I've gotten the discount after explaining to the store manager that Missouri does not have any such proof I can offer.
Both Staples and Office Depot have educator rewards programs. Neither are discounts per se. Office Depot's Star Teacher Program gives 10% back in rewards on ink, toner, & paper; 1% back on almost everything else; 15% off copy & print orders. Staples' Teacher Rewards Program: 10% back in rewards on most purchases. These rwards can add up, so do the math to see if it's worth shopping there for supplies or elsewhere!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Field Trip Plans 2011-2012
Thoughout the school year I try to plan a variety of activities and field trips that are fun and educational. Planning takes some time, but is worth it when I can tie what we'll be working on with a day-trip or local activity. Right now, our plans include:
July
MU Museum of Art & Archeology
Butterfly House
Science Camps
Art Camp
Boone County Fair
Arrow Rock
August
MU Museum of Art & Archeology
Rock Bridge State Park
State Fair in Sedalia
Katy Depot and Railroad Heritage Museum
Powell Botanical Gardens
St. Louis Science Center
September
Magic House
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis Science Center
October
Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
Walt Disney World, FL
Cahokia Mounds
November
Capitol and Governor's Mansion, Jefferson City
St. Louis Science Center
Gateway Arch, St. Louis
Laws Observatory, Columbia
Big Muddy Speaker Series, Rocheport
December
Missouri History Museum
St. Louis Science Center
Concert Series Show
January
MU Museum of Anthropology
AutoWorld Museum, Fulton
Empire Roller Rink
February
Denver, CO
Vail, CO
March
Concert Series Shows
Federal Reserve Bank Visitors Center, Kansas City
Union Station, Kansas City
April
Runge Conservation Nature Center, Jefferson City
St. Louis Science Center
Boone Junction Village
May
Concert Series Show
Katy Trail Cycling
St. Louis Science Center
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
June
Discovery Center, Springfield
Entomology Museum, Columbia
July
MU Museum of Art & Archeology
Butterfly House
Science Camps
Art Camp
Boone County Fair
Arrow Rock
August
MU Museum of Art & Archeology
Rock Bridge State Park
State Fair in Sedalia
Katy Depot and Railroad Heritage Museum
Powell Botanical Gardens
St. Louis Science Center
September
Magic House
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis Science Center
October
Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
Walt Disney World, FL
Cahokia Mounds
November
Capitol and Governor's Mansion, Jefferson City
St. Louis Science Center
Gateway Arch, St. Louis
Laws Observatory, Columbia
Big Muddy Speaker Series, Rocheport
December
Missouri History Museum
St. Louis Science Center
Concert Series Show
January
MU Museum of Anthropology
AutoWorld Museum, Fulton
Empire Roller Rink
February
Denver, CO
Vail, CO
March
Concert Series Shows
Federal Reserve Bank Visitors Center, Kansas City
Union Station, Kansas City
April
Runge Conservation Nature Center, Jefferson City
St. Louis Science Center
Boone Junction Village
May
Concert Series Show
Katy Trail Cycling
St. Louis Science Center
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
June
Discovery Center, Springfield
Entomology Museum, Columbia
Science Supplies 10% Off
I'm always on the lookout for deals on supplies we need for homeschooling and one site I like for our science supplies is Home Science Tools. I just found out that they have a discount code for 10% off orders through July 13th!
If you place an order, use the code JULYPP11 and you'll save 10%.
I'm not sure if they stack, but free shipping is also offered when you spend $125 or more with the discount code SHIPW711.
If you place an order, use the code JULYPP11 and you'll save 10%.
I'm not sure if they stack, but free shipping is also offered when you spend $125 or more with the discount code SHIPW711.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Plants & Biomes
The Missouri Botanical Garden maintains two websites with some great basic information for anyone doing unit studies on Biomes or Plants!
The first, about Biomes, is MBGNet - What's It Like Where You Live?
The second, about Plants, is MGBNet - Biology of Plants
The first, about Biomes, is MBGNet - What's It Like Where You Live?
The second, about Plants, is MGBNet - Biology of Plants
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Doing a Day-Trip soon?
The Missouri Division of Tourism has teamed up with McDonald's to create a summer of savings across Missouri with teh Road Trip Rewards program.
I'm not a fan of fast food, but running through the drive-thru at McDonald's may be justified with the discount you can get with the receipt!
To view the discounts available all over Missouri, go to RoadTripRewards.com and navigate through the different cities.
Some examples of discounts I found include:
Museum of Anthropology
Columbia
Free Personalized Tour: Free personalized 15 minute tour with museum staff. Get a free gift after your tour.
University Concert Series
Columbia
Concert Series 2011-12 Ticket Discounts: For the upcoming University Concert Series season, $5 ticket discounts for the following shows are available: "A Christmas Carol," Dec. 10, 2011; "Elvis Lives," Feb. 1, 2012; and "The Pink Floyd Experience," March 15, 2012.
Receive $10 off tickets to "The Nutcracker," Dec. 2, 2011, and the Golden Dragon Acrobats, March 22, 2012.
Limit of one discount per ticket, offers cannot be combined.
Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis
Buy One Adult Garden Admission, Receive A Children's Garden Admission Free!
Purchase one general adult admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and receive one free same-day admission for one child (ages 3-12) to the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden: A Missouri Adventure (a $5 value). Not valid for special events, exhibits or with any other promotion, coupon, or discount. Not valid May 21-22; Sept. 3-5; and Oct. 1-2, 2011. Limit one per person.
Saint Louis Science Center
St. Louis
$2 Off Admission to BODY WORLDS and The Brain!
Present your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon at any Saint Louis Science Center ticket station to receive $2 off any full-price, general public admission to Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS & The Brain. Limit four. May not be redeemed for cash, duplicated or combined with any other offer. Offer expires Sept. 16, 2011
The Magic House
St. Louis
Free Child's Admission!
Receive one free child's admission with a paying adult. Limit one free child's admission per coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. You must present your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon to qualify. This coupon expires Sept. 15, 2011.
Pythian Castle
Springfield
20 Percent off History Tour at Pythian Castle!
Visit a true castle right here in the Midwest. The hour-long guided tours of this historic castle take place every hour and a half beginning at 9:30 a.m. Use your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon to take advantage of our special rates: Adults $6 (regularly $7.50), ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older, $4 (regularly $5), ages younger than 5 are admitted free.
Katy Depot and Railroad Heritage Museum
Sedalia
Free Admission, Complimentary Event Ticket, or Gift Shop Discount - Katy Depot
We have three offers.
Offer No. 1 is, use your receipt/coupon to receive one complimentary ticket to the Katy Depot "All Aboard" exhibit (normally costs $1).
Offer No. 2 is valid for one complimentary ticket per family, per visit, to any event at Katy Depot.
Offer No. 3 is a 10 percent discount for Katy Trail merchandise, AgriMissouri food product, or other local creations in the gift shop.
Head over to Road Trip Rewards to see where else you can save this summer!
I'm not a fan of fast food, but running through the drive-thru at McDonald's may be justified with the discount you can get with the receipt!
To view the discounts available all over Missouri, go to RoadTripRewards.com and navigate through the different cities.
Some examples of discounts I found include:
Museum of Anthropology
Columbia
Free Personalized Tour: Free personalized 15 minute tour with museum staff. Get a free gift after your tour.
University Concert Series
Columbia
Concert Series 2011-12 Ticket Discounts: For the upcoming University Concert Series season, $5 ticket discounts for the following shows are available: "A Christmas Carol," Dec. 10, 2011; "Elvis Lives," Feb. 1, 2012; and "The Pink Floyd Experience," March 15, 2012.
Receive $10 off tickets to "The Nutcracker," Dec. 2, 2011, and the Golden Dragon Acrobats, March 22, 2012.
Limit of one discount per ticket, offers cannot be combined.
Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis
Buy One Adult Garden Admission, Receive A Children's Garden Admission Free!
Purchase one general adult admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and receive one free same-day admission for one child (ages 3-12) to the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden: A Missouri Adventure (a $5 value). Not valid for special events, exhibits or with any other promotion, coupon, or discount. Not valid May 21-22; Sept. 3-5; and Oct. 1-2, 2011. Limit one per person.
Saint Louis Science Center
St. Louis
$2 Off Admission to BODY WORLDS and The Brain!
Present your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon at any Saint Louis Science Center ticket station to receive $2 off any full-price, general public admission to Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS & The Brain. Limit four. May not be redeemed for cash, duplicated or combined with any other offer. Offer expires Sept. 16, 2011
The Magic House
St. Louis
Free Child's Admission!
Receive one free child's admission with a paying adult. Limit one free child's admission per coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. You must present your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon to qualify. This coupon expires Sept. 15, 2011.
Pythian Castle
Springfield
20 Percent off History Tour at Pythian Castle!
Visit a true castle right here in the Midwest. The hour-long guided tours of this historic castle take place every hour and a half beginning at 9:30 a.m. Use your McDonald's Road Trip Rewards receipt/coupon to take advantage of our special rates: Adults $6 (regularly $7.50), ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older, $4 (regularly $5), ages younger than 5 are admitted free.
Katy Depot and Railroad Heritage Museum
Sedalia
Free Admission, Complimentary Event Ticket, or Gift Shop Discount - Katy Depot
We have three offers.
Offer No. 1 is, use your receipt/coupon to receive one complimentary ticket to the Katy Depot "All Aboard" exhibit (normally costs $1).
Offer No. 2 is valid for one complimentary ticket per family, per visit, to any event at Katy Depot.
Offer No. 3 is a 10 percent discount for Katy Trail merchandise, AgriMissouri food product, or other local creations in the gift shop.
Head over to Road Trip Rewards to see where else you can save this summer!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What to Include on the Calendar?
There really are a lot of things to do in and around Columbia and I'm torn as to just what to include on the calendar since many things aren't really specifically "educational," but are great family time activities.
Do I include these and provide a much broader listing of things to do, or do I keep the calendar more focused on things that tie into our educational goals?
I'd like to know what you, my readers, would prefer - comments welcome!
Do I include these and provide a much broader listing of things to do, or do I keep the calendar more focused on things that tie into our educational goals?
I'd like to know what you, my readers, would prefer - comments welcome!
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