Classroom Help – Page 19 – Education Alliance

3 ways to motivate reluctant learners

Sep 9, 2013MelissaBurn Out, Classroom Help, Informative

Written by Jenna
http://www.yarnsoftheheart.com/

I am a big fan of interest-led learning. We found that motivation was rarely a problem because our three kids (all now graduated) were always exploring what interested them.

You can do it too.

For example, if your child loves trains, let him spend time learning all there is to know about trains. As a result, there will be a lot of reading, history, social studies, science and math to conquer, but it won’t feel like school!

What about learning things that don’t connect to a child’s interests?

It’s tempting to say, “Sit down, be quiet, listen and learn,” but if you have a reluctant learner, you know thems fightin’ words!

Here are a few ways to move your child from resistant to motivated.

1. Control your temper.

Kids tend to mirror our emotions. Plus, you’re more likely to say things you don’t mean and damage your relationship.

2. Go on a field trip.

Getting out will be good for everyone.

Your child may have no interest in the Lincoln/Douglas Debates, but we have a great little hands-on museum here in my hometown. I’m sure you have similar things near you.

Check out your local home school group, chamber of commerce, or do an internet search for historic places and museums near you. (more…)

How to Use Binders (and Individualize Lesson Plans for BiblioPlan or Preprinted Plans)

Aug 14, 2013MelissaClasses, Classroom Help, Informative, Organization

Written by GFG on AUGUST 8, 2013
http://gratefulforgrace.com/2013/08/how-to-use-binders-and-individualize-lesson-plans-for-biblioplan-or-my-fathers-world/

A few years ago, I made the switch to binders for each kiddo and it has been a huge help to our homeschool. Let me show you how they work. Specifically, the lesson plan binders.

Each child has binders for different areas of our homeschool and they are color coded (this is another terrific time saver and organization tip I highly recommend).

The contents of the binders change every year or so, but they always have the lesson plans. Last year and this year, the binders are also for memorization work, Latin, science, grammar, and writing (the high schoolers don’t have the grammar and writing binders, but ones that match specific courses).

(more…)

Are Nursery Rhymes Still Important?

Aug 8, 2013MelissaClasses, Classroom Help, Informative, Preschoolers

Written by Kathleen Powers
www.comicphonics.com

Yes, they are, but sadly, more and more children come to school today with little knowledge of them.

There are many reasons—busy parents without time to read the rhymes, foreign-born parents unfamiliar with the rhymes, and competition from TV and electronics for children’s time. Yet, for many reasons, nursery rhymes should be part of a child’s education, and the earlier the better. (more…)