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Meredith

Remember These Dates in April

March 31, 2016 by Meredith

Welcome to the month where some say “April showers bring May flowers.” Whether or not that statement about the weather is true where you live, we can celebrate the literary emphasis that April brings.

For starters, it’s National Poetry Month. A poem presents us with a different way of thinking about a topic. The writer’s (or narrator’s) meaning is not always apparent on the first reading, and this can be frustrating to young readers. That was the case for me. But poetry is a valuable and symbolic way of communicating to others. During my homeschool years, Mom introduced me to this literary genre using Favorite Poems Old and New, a collection of poems for children. My favorite was “Puppy and I” by A. A. Milne. Take time this month to read poetry out loud with your kids and introduce them to the forms and types of poetry.

April 10–16 celebrates National Library Week, and the 2016 theme is “Libraries Transform.” Take time to visit your local library and check out a book for free. The local library opened up a world of learning for me as a child not only because of the books I was able to read but also because of the workers who dedicated their time. Involve your family in doing a random act of kindness for a librarian.

April 1

The origin of April Fool’s Day is uncertain, but we all know that now this date is associated with fun, lighthearted practical jokes. Plan a comedy night family fun night with ideas from Kim at Not Consumed. Watch out, or else the joke might be on you!

Booker T. Washington

April 5

Booker T. Washington was born this day in 1856. As a young man, he had the opportunity to attend a school where he learned to read and write as well as how to contribute to the value of society as a whole through industrial means. Later on Washington used the principles he learned to develop the Tuskegee Institute, a training place for teachers. Learn more of his life and work in this fast facts video.

April 14

Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language was registered with the copyright office on this day in 1828. This book helped standardize the spelling of “American” words and supported many definitions with examples of the word’s use in the Bible. Webster learned twenty-six languages to complete this dictionary. As a child, I had the opportunity to visit Noah Webster’s childhood home in West Hartford, Connecticut. Their website includes a kid’s corner with activities to do with your children.

Hubble Space Telescope

April 24

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space in 1990. It has allowed scientists to observe objects in space without interference from conditions in earth’s atmosphere. As this telescope orbits the earth, it provides clear, colorful images that add to our understanding of the Milky Way Galaxy. Interpreting what these images show us depends on our worldview of how everything came to be. Show your family these images of space taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Filed Under: Successful Learning Tagged With: April, Booker T. Washington, dictionary, family, homeschool, Hubble Space Telescope, language arts, library, Noah Webster, poetry, Tuskegee Institute

6 Homeschool Moms Review BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum

March 10, 2016 by Meredith

Are you excited about the homeschool convention season? I am! It’s a great time to reconnect with homeschool families and curriculum vendors that come every year. Sometimes there’s just as much picture sharing going on as there is curriculum shopping.

Haven’t decided if you’re going? Read my friend Megan’s post about 5 reasons why you should attend a homeschool convention.

If you’re thinking about making a curriculum switch for this next year or are just starting out homeschooling, stop by our convention booth! There will be veteran homeschool moms who are willing to offer practical tips and share insights about BJU Press homeschool curriculum.

If you’d like to get a head start on reviewing BJU Press curriculum, see what these homeschool moms have to say about our materials. These reviews are the real deal.

BJU Press Curriculum Review by 6 homeschool moms

Distance Learning

This year, MaryEllen from Imperfect Homemaker is using the Bible Truths 3 Distance Learning Online individual subject kit and offers “7 Reasons We’re Using a Video Class for Homeschool Bible.”

English Language Arts

Jamie from The Unlikely Homeschool gives a short answer as well as the long-story-short version of why her family switches from A Beka Language to BJU Press English in grade 3.

Katie from Paradise Praises gives her curriculum picks for 2015–16 and shares what she likes about BJU Press Phonics & English 1. Her family is also using our spelling curriculum.

Kim from Not Consumed explains what makes BJU Press Reading one of her top picks for beginning readers. She also shares why her curriculum choices have included BJU Press English, Reading, and Handwriting.

Science

Marci from The Homeschool Scientist shares an overview and benefits of BJU Press Chemistry.

Know someone who’s used BJU Press and written about their experience? Share the link in a comment.

Filed Under: Simplified Homeschool Tagged With: blogger reviews, curriculum, homeschool conventions

How to Make Sense of Math

March 3, 2016 by Meredith

Growing up, I didn’t like math. The subject became slightly more enjoyable for me when I got to “play” with the math manipulatives. Shapes were for making art mosaics. Paper money facilitated a pretend shopping spree to the bookstore. And Unifix cubes were (and still are!) just plain awesome for making patterns or sculptures.

You see, I was the homeschooled child who was unwilling to memorize number facts or equations unless I knew the reason why. Using manipulatives gave me a better understanding of the concepts being introduced in BJU Press Math. Instead of trying to calculate abstract numbers in my head, I was able to associate the equation with a concrete object.

A good math curriculum links concepts with tangible elements that visually demonstrate the problem.

BJU Press Math manipulative place value mat

Place Value Mat

Take, for instance, the concept of renaming in subtraction. How can a child understand that adding ten to the next place value (such as the tens or ones place) allows her to accurately find the answer? Using a place value kit with ones, tens, and hundreds reinforces the mental calculation of an equation using the senses of sight, touch, and sound (if she counts aloud).

Watch the first five minutes of this Math 2 Distance Learning sample lesson video with Mrs. Walker to see how a place value mat aids learning.

Build Understanding over Memory

Building number sense through this hands-on learning experience allows your child to understand how a problem is solved and not just memorize a formula to get an answer. Teaching what math feels and looks like by using manipulatives builds a true understanding of the subject. This fun math “playing” helped to develop my number sense without my even knowing it, and other children can benefit from this same experience.

The BJU Press Elementary Math curriculum introduces new concepts using manipulatives. Beginning with a tangible demonstration of math concepts builds your child’s understanding so that she can solve problems when those concepts are presented on paper. The goal is to develop her thinking skills so that she can be a lifelong problem solver because knowing how math applies to everyday life prepares your child for success in the role God has planned for her.

Today, math isn’t my favorite subject, but I do credit my ability to understand and solve real-life math equations in the kitchen, at the office, or at the store to my hands-on learning experiences as a child. Yes, math manipulatives are that foundational.

Which math manipulatives do your kids enjoy the most?

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Filed Under: Successful Learning Tagged With: curriculum, math, math manipulatives

We Have a YouTube Channel!

February 11, 2016 by Meredith

This week BJU Press launched a YouTube Channel! We’ll be sharing an inside look at how we prepare our materials, how we film Distance Learning lessons, and more just for friends like you.

In fact, why don’t I let this video explain what we’re up to?

Each Distance Learning sample video presents one full-length lesson from every course we offer. We thought showing an entire lesson would allow you to get a better look at the teaching style, lesson length, and additional elements that we incorporate into our courses to make learning fun.

Check out our BJU Press Homeschool YouTube Channel, or better yet, subscribe using your Gmail™ account so that you don’t miss any updates.

Filed Under: Simplified Homeschool Tagged With: distance learning, videos, YouTube

Remember These Dates in February

January 28, 2016 by Meredith

Can I let you in on a little secret? February is one of my favorite months. Historically, culturally, scientifically, and personally—it holds events that have shaped the world and my own life. Plus, it’s during this month that those of us in the South sometimes get to experience a winter (or more likely icy) wonderland.

black-history-month-collage-2016

A month-long celebration we shouldn’t overlook is Black History Month. It honors the achievements of men and women who have influenced American society. God gives each of us unique circumstances through which we can choose to serve Him and others. Highlight the inventions, literary works, brave actions, and fight for justice of notable African Americans.

AtoZ-dictionary-2016

February 1

The first installment of the Oxford English Dictionary was printed on this date in 1884. This project initially began with the intent of recording English words used as early as 1150 AD through the mid-1800s. It took forty years to publish the complete volume. However, the English language continues to develop with new words and different pronunciations or meanings. Today anyone can access this dictionary of the English language online. Just for fun check out OED’s definition of homeschool.

inventions-collage-2016

February 11

Celebrate National Inventors’ Day by having everyone put on an imaginary “thinking cap” and spend time exploring what life would be like with (or without) certain inventions. Make this activity like a science fair project where your child can test his hypothesis. Studying these inventors who were born in February might provide some inspiration: Thomas Edison, George Ferris Jr., and Levi Strauss. It amazes me what power one person’s idea can have to change the world (within the limits given by our sovereign God). Each invention is a fulfillment of God’s command for humans to take dominion over the earth.

image of a frog decorated mailbox

February 14

Don’t forget to make Valentine’s Day special! Last year, I had the opportunity to make homemade valentine crafts with some young friends and Val the Mailbox Gal was the perfect way to deliver our notes. Find directions for the craft and Scripture valentine printables in this blog post.

red and blue graphic that says Presidents DayFebruary 15

Honor the Chief Executive of the United States on President’s Day. The third Monday of February was selected for this holiday because it’s close to George Washington’s birthday. Any citizen born in our country could grow up to be president. But with leadership comes the responsibility to serve the people who have elected you. Gain insight into the beginnings of three presidents and see how their experiences prepared them for the biggest job in the world.

February 18

On this day in 1930, Pluto, which used to be considered the ninth planet in our solar system, was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory. Tombaugh found Pluto mostly by accident. Today, Pluto is considered a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union because it shares its orbit with another celestial object of similar size. (You can get the full explanation in the BJU Press Earth Science textbook.) And if you’re ever near Flagstaff, Arizona, stop by and visit the Lowell Observatory. It’s a great field trip for aspiring astronomers as well as those who might be less than thrilled with science. I enjoyed my family’s visit several years ago!

Iwo-Jima-flag-raising-woodcut-2016

February 23

This was the date in 1945 during World War II when a famous picture of the Battle of Iwo Jima was taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. US forces continued this battle for weeks after the flag raisings. In fact, of the six men shown in the photo, only three survived the battle. This image also served as the model for the monument that honors all the Marines who have died in service to our nation. Seeing this memorial in Washington, DC, is a privilege I don’t think I’ll ever forget, especially now that I know the history of the Marine Corps War Memorial. Share the bravery of these young men with your kids.boy-writing-letter-at-desk-2016

February 29

Leap Day is here! Wondering what to do? I’m pretty sure your kids will rejoice if you surprise them by making today a play day instead of a learning day. But if you decide to put something educational on the agenda, why not have them write letters to themselves to be opened on the next Leap Day? Be sure to seal the letters in envelopes so no one peeks before 2020!

Check back with us next month for more activities and events!

Filed Under: Successful Learning Tagged With: dictionary, flag raising, inventions, Iwo Jima, Lowell Observatory, OED, Pluto, presidents day, Valentine's Day

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