Right now, MrBaby's favorite subject is science, and lots of it. We have another frog, who will be going into a larger terrarium soon (after we move), and he can't wait. I'm hoping that needing to learn to read will become less of a chore for him when he realizes there is so much knowledge in books. From the several sources I'm looking over, I really love the detail I see in the National Geographic-style books available online. Books like these have facts, diagrams, photos, maps, as well as text, and are entertaining and informative. There are books on animals, insects, ecology, weather, and many other topics.
The best science teachers know that to teach students well in any setting, be it a homeschool, or a more formal public school, requires getting the kids' attention and holding it. Without that, science is reduced to memorizing facts and figures, tables, charts, and graphs, and that's not something any student retains easily. If a student doesn't retain knowledge, a student can't manipulate that knowledge later on, or even easily build on it.
That is why my materials are so important to me, and I want books and manipulatives that I can use for years and build on. MrBaby will benefit from what I choose for years, so it's really important that I choose right. If you're an educator, it's important you choose good materials, too, and continually build your library.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Out in the Boonies!
Guest post, posted by Gaylord Campbell
I love being out in the country and my new home just proves it. It’s totally authentic log cabin style and we have a lot of really natural fixtures – our dining room chandelier is made out of deer antlers! I try to be as eco-concious as possible and not use too much water or AC…for example, I went to HTTP://www.shopelectricityratestexas to make sure we were getting the best rate and have my kids save their shower water for us to use on the garden. It’s nice being so outside the city and away from all the hustle and bustle and I feel like it’s been good for my family, too, so that’s an added bonus. I like Texas a lot but some of the big cities are just too darn big and I needed some space or I was going to go crazy. I wish I had thought to do this sooner but I guess it’s better late than never or whatever it is they all say! I’m here now and that’s what matters.
I love being out in the country and my new home just proves it. It’s totally authentic log cabin style and we have a lot of really natural fixtures – our dining room chandelier is made out of deer antlers! I try to be as eco-concious as possible and not use too much water or AC…for example, I went to HTTP://www.shopelectricityratestexas to make sure we were getting the best rate and have my kids save their shower water for us to use on the garden. It’s nice being so outside the city and away from all the hustle and bustle and I feel like it’s been good for my family, too, so that’s an added bonus. I like Texas a lot but some of the big cities are just too darn big and I needed some space or I was going to go crazy. I wish I had thought to do this sooner but I guess it’s better late than never or whatever it is they all say! I’m here now and that’s what matters.
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