Canada's Homeschool - RSS Feed Canada's Homeschool - RSS Feed /custom/domain_3/content_files/img_logo_rss.gif Canada's Homeschool Alberta Distance Learning Turns 90 /article/alberta-distance-learning-turns-90.html Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADLC) celebrates 90 years of serving Alberta students in schools, at home, and around the globe. Founded in 1923 as Alberta’s correspondence school, ADLC serves students and partner schools across the province /article/alberta-distance-learning-turns-90.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1370.jpg 61 83 Calm the Chaos - Regular Family Meetings focus on Positive Communication /article/calm-the-chaos--regular-family-meetings-focus-on-positive-communication.html One issue that can be a serious concern for families is a lack of positive communication. /article/calm-the-chaos--regular-family-meetings-focus-on-positive-communication.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_534.jpg 99 83 Cats, Dogs and Us /article/cats-dogs-and-us.html The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Cats, Dogs, and Us free Animal Action education pack offers a number of lessons to help students learn about the relationship between cats, dogs, and humans around the world and the impact of that r /article/cats-dogs-and-us.html Nobel Prize for Literature - Augment Your Reading Program with International Content /article/nobel-prize-for-literature--augment-your-reading-program-with-international-content.html Reading the authors through the lens of the Nobel Prize can offer new perspectives on books and expand a student’s horizons. /article/nobel-prize-for-literature--augment-your-reading-program-with-international-content.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_438.jpg 99 83 Definition for Classical Education /article/definition-for-classical-education.html Those who incorporate the reading of ancient classical authors, and declare this to be of the very essence of any education which could be styled as Classical, are actually referring to what might better be called a Classical Humanist Education. /article/definition-for-classical-education.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/448_photo_642.png 92 83 Peanut Butter Patio /article/peanut-butter-patio.html My father who has lived with us for many years after my mother passed away was always very involved in helping me during my homeschool years. /article/peanut-butter-patio.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_71.jpg 99 83 A Mountie’s March West /article/a-mounties-march-west.html “I had a blanket taken from every officer and man last night, so that each horse was covered and protected from the cold rain and wind, which set in about 9 p.m. I begin to feel very much alarmed for the safety of the Force. If a few hours’ cold rain /article/a-mounties-march-west.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_69.jpg 99 83 Migration – It’s No Vacation! Discovering Nature /article/migration-its-no-vacation-discovering-nature.html Canada is home to over 400 species of birds and almost 90 per cent of these are migratory, travelling to warmer climes during the Canadian winters. /article/migration-its-no-vacation-discovering-nature.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 How Stress Affects Reading Ability /article/how-stress-affects-reading-ability.html There are many causes of reading difficulty which can hold a child back from achieving full literacy potential. One that is very common but often overlooked is stress. But everyone gets a little stressed now and then, right? /article/how-stress-affects-reading-ability.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/404_photo_716.png 100 41 Career Take - Off! /article/career-take--off.html Imagine combining your two greatest passions: helping people and flying. Imagine being able to soar through the sky to provide medical aid to those who would otherwise go without. Imagine being a flying doctor, who is not limited by ground travel but /article/career-take--off.html The Night Sky /article/the-night-sky.html There is a wonderful classroom right above our heads-the heavens. The stars and the patterns they form called constellations, present the opportunity to teach your child about science, world cultures, mythology, and more. /article/the-night-sky.html Backyard Volcano /article/backyard-volcano.html As homeschoolers, we have heard it, read it and we know it. Sometimes we need a little reminder of how lucky and privileged we are to have choices in the ways we can teach our children. /article/backyard-volcano.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_73.jpg 99 83 Alberta’s Science Networks /article/albertas-science-networks--exploring-science-technology.html The Alberta Science Literacy Association operates Science Networks across the province of Alberta. These networks are uniquely placed to offer science curriculum support to all educators at any stage of the science curriculum. /article/albertas-science-networks--exploring-science-technology.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_17.jpg 100 76 Choosing a Music Teacher /article/choosing-a-music-teacher.html One particular question that is repeated among parents is: “What do I ask a music teacher who I am considering hiring for lessons?” Below are six questions that can help families successfully find a music teacher. /article/choosing-a-music-teacher.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_50.jpg 99 83 Feathered Friends /article/feathered-friends.html Were they short-distance migrants or year-round residents? You promise yourself that tomorrow you’ll be ready for them with a pair of binoculars and a birding book. /article/feathered-friends.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Education Planning for Special Needs /article/education-planning-for-special-needs.html You want the best for your child and that includes a post-secondary education. /article/education-planning-for-special-needs.html Finding a Tutor /article/finding-a-tutor--academic-support.html Have you heard: “I hate this”, “I’m bored”, or “I don’t get it”? Do you have certain subjects you dread teaching that generally end up in tears and yelling? It could be time to give yourself and your child a break and consider a tutor. /article/finding-a-tutor--academic-support.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_21.jpg 99 83 Animal-Assisted Therapy: A unique way of dealing with learning and behavior challenges /article/animal-assisted-therapy-a-unique-way-of-dealing-with-learning-and-behavior-challenges.html Animal-assisted therapy is new to our Canadian concept of counseling and it offers hope to the percentage of children and youth who do not fair well in mainstream therapeutic settings. /article/animal-assisted-therapy-a-unique-way-of-dealing-with-learning-and-behavior-challenges.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_44.jpg 99 83 There Is No “Sugar High”, The Health & Science Behind the Glycemic Index /article/there-is-no-sugar-high-the-health-science-behind-the-glycemic-index.html It seems everywhere you look there is a new “diet” book or article telling us what not to eat. Low carbohydrate diets claim to be the secret to weight loss. In fact, carbohydrates (starches and sugars) are our most important source of energy and Heal /article/there-is-no-sugar-high-the-health-science-behind-the-glycemic-index.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_654.png 86 83 Get Your Kids Hiking /article/get-your-kids-hiking.html Want your kids to enjoy hiking and the great outdoors? “Make it fun”, says Jeff Alt, an avid hiker. In addition to walking the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail, he aslo walked 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and trekked across a 50-mile path of I /article/get-your-kids-hiking.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1541.jpg 100 66 Journaling: How to /article/journaling.html Many people hear the term “journaling” and immediately remember the diary they tried (and failed) to maintain as a child. However, journaling can be so much more. /article/journaling.html Building a Firm Foundation for Classical Education /article/building-a-firm-foundation-for-classical-education.html Some classical educators focus on the classical method and others focus on the classical subjects. Those who focus on the subjects (Latin, logic, etc.) tend to want to get to the academics as early as possible. /article/building-a-firm-foundation-for-classical-education.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/448_photo_636.png 92 83 Ancient Heroes; Epic Poems /article/ancient-heroes-epic-poems.html Before Tony Stark’s impulsive capers and Professor Xavier’s cool and calculated strategy there was the god-like Achilles and the tactician Odysseus. They fought for honour, for love, for plunder, but always at the mercy of their gods. /article/ancient-heroes-epic-poems.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1922.png 84 83 Do Re Me /article/do-re-me.html Music is a wonderful learning tool that is motivational, fun and helps with memorization through rhythm, rhyming and repetition. /article/do-re-me.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_58.jpg 99 83 Our Homeschooling Journey - From ABC to our first Award /article/our-homeschooling-journey--from-abc.html Our homeschooling journey began when our son, Connal, was bullied at school. He'd been slow in developing his speech and communication skills, and was struggling with his learning /article/our-homeschooling-journey--from-abc.html Tips for Homeschool Educators /article/tips-for-homeschool-educators.html One in a series of tips for Home School educators. The focus of these tips is teaching technique. /article/tips-for-homeschool-educators.html Many Methods of Mountain Biking /article/many-methods-of-mountain-biking.html So, you already enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling and want to spend more time riding the dirt. Walking into a bike shop to see what’s available may be bewildering. “What kind of riding do you want to do?” is often the first question. While there u /article/many-methods-of-mountain-biking.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1621.jpg 83 83 Don’t Let Your Candle Blow Out! /article/dont-let-your-candle-blow-out.html I all too clearly remember the morning my candle blew out. As a teacher, I thought I could take my little light and change the world. I prepped, planned, created, coached, trained, and cajoled each and every day. /article/dont-let-your-candle-blow-out.html No Dusty Hallways Here! /article/no-dusty-hallways-here.html virtual museums provide an exciting array of exhibitions, images, audio, video, online and downloadable activities. Virtual museums are an affordable and convenient option for families. /article/no-dusty-hallways-here.html Suggested Course of Study /article/suggested-course-of-study.html Before age ten, the child is mostly dependent upon his concrete sensory experiences for learning. He is really in an Early Knowledge Level. /article/suggested-course-of-study.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/448_photo_640.png 92 83 Learn to Shop, Shop to Learn! Exploring Mathematics /article/learn-to-shop-shop-to-learn-exploring-mathematics.html For mathematics, you don’t have to look far to find someplace where you can apply concepts to real life. /article/learn-to-shop-shop-to-learn-exploring-mathematics.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_516.jpg 99 83 Sensory Processing Disorder: ‘New’ Disorder Gives Struggling Parents Hope /article/sensory-processing-disorder--a-new-disorder-gives-struggling-parents-hope.html Is your child especially sensitive to the tags on his clothing? Does your son have poor motor skills, including poor handwriting? Do bright lights irritate your daughter to the point that she cannot focus on anything else? /article/sensory-processing-disorder--a-new-disorder-gives-struggling-parents-hope.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Fun in the Sun /article/fun-in-the-sun.html One of the incentives that motivates my kids to work diligently at finishing up their last assignments for the school year is the outdoor home school swim lessons offered at Bowview Pool. /article/fun-in-the-sun.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Finding a Happy Balance - Tackling the daily challenge of too many activity options /article/finding-a-happy-balance--tackling-the-daily-challenge-of-too-many-activity-options.html how do we help our children make smart choices that keep them active and keep us all sane? /article/finding-a-happy-balance--tackling-the-daily-challenge-of-too-many-activity-options.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Purple Sea Stars /article/purple-sea-stars.html Purple sea stars, jet black Dall’s porpoises and blood red cnidarians …cnidarians?!?!?!? Yes, also known as jellyfish… /article/purple-sea-stars.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_62.jpg 99 83 Mirror Neurons and Furry Friendships /article/mirror-neurons-and-furry-friendships-connecting-students-with-animals-builds-character-compassion.html “Be polite, don’t interrupt and put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” I like to call these kindergarten tactics. These are simple ideas that are presented and engrained into our memory as children to build character and compassion. /article/mirror-neurons-and-furry-friendships-connecting-students-with-animals-builds-character-compassion.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Turning the Tables /article/turning-the-tables.html Children are great. They are typically honest about what they want and often take action to get it. They enjoy simple, straightforward explanations about how the world works. And they ask deep, meaningful questions at the most unexpected times. This /article/turning-the-tables.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1376.jpg 98 83 Noise, Toys, Girls and Boys!: How Turning Down the Volume can make a Difference /article/noise-toys-girls-and-boys-how-turning-down-the-volume-can-make-a-difference.html “Beep! Beep! Beep!” sounds the alarm in the all too early hours of the morning. We start our day with a jolt of sound to wake us up and get us going. /article/noise-toys-girls-and-boys-how-turning-down-the-volume-can-make-a-difference.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_79.jpg 99 83 Once Upon a Pose /article/once-upon-a-pose-students-with-special-needs-benefit-from-yoga.html Everywhere those looking for a healthy lifestyle and physical workout are discovering yoga’s many benefits. Over the past few years, yoga has become increasingly popular in communities across the nation. /article/once-upon-a-pose-students-with-special-needs-benefit-from-yoga.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_52.jpg 99 83 Classical Education /article/classical-education.html When my oldest child was born a homeschooling family member handed me a book on classical home education. /article/classical-education.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_630.png 99 83 Atlases & Almanacs /article/atlases-almanacs.html Are you passing on the “wonder of the world?” Here are ways to use geography tools to spice up your studies and grab those teachable moments. /article/atlases-almanacs.html Let It Go: Managing Curriculum and other School Clutter /article/let-it-go-managing-curriculum-and-other-school-clutter.html We all, as functioning family units, have the same basic stressors: bills need to be paid, house needs to be cleaned, meals need to be prepared, kids activities and some parents are even working from home. /article/let-it-go-managing-curriculum-and-other-school-clutter.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_56.jpg 99 83 The Power of Music /article/the-power-of-music-canadian-entertainers-connect-with-students.html Every teacher hopes to find interesting and innovative ways to teach and reinforce specific educational goals they have for their students. Music is one of those ways! /article/the-power-of-music-canadian-entertainers-connect-with-students.html Penguin Paradise /article/penguin-paradise--discovering-nature.html I land and am surrounded by penguins on the move. Chattering penguins traveling solo or in cliques, some running with wings outstretched like happy five-year-olds, others walking more sedately or tobogganing on their white stomachs. /article/penguin-paradise--discovering-nature.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_561.jpg 99 83 Texas U.S.A. /article/texas-usa.html I believe there is no better time to learn than when you are on holiday. /article/texas-usa.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_77.jpg 99 83 Kitchen Lab: Edible Experiments and Other Mad Scientist Recipes /article/kitchen-lab-edible-experiments-and-other-mad-scientist-recipes.html Conducting science in your kitchen lab is an excellent vehicle for tying in cross-curricular skills such as measurement, nutrition, responsibility, and following directions, as well as kitchen safety and the scientific process. /article/kitchen-lab-edible-experiments-and-other-mad-scientist-recipes.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1372.jpg 55 83 Jerry Potts (c.1840-1896) /article/jerry-potts-c1840-1896.html Warrior. Sharp Shooter. Interpreter. Scout. Guide. Whiskey Drinker. Murderer. Hero. Father. Diplomat. Peacemaker. Legend. /article/jerry-potts-c1840-1896.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_60.jpg 99 83 Truly Great Friends /article/truly-great-friends--the-story-behind-the-photo.html One of our favourite things about homeschooling is the flexibility it provides us in our daily choices. What tops that list is to get together with friends! /article/truly-great-friends--the-story-behind-the-photo.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_13.jpg 99 83 Hidden Disability: Auditory Processing Disorder /article/hidden-disability-auditory-processing-disorder.html What is Auditory Processing Disorder? How can it affect learning and what can be done about it? /article/hidden-disability-auditory-processing-disorder.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1098.jpg 100 66 Leaping Lemurs and Soaring Sifakas /article/leaping-lemurs-and-soaring-sifakas.html On the northwest coast of Madagascar, north of Mahajamba Bay, deep in the territory of the Menabe Sakalava people, two distinctly different lemurs share the forests of Anjajavy with a host of other animals. The brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus) and the Co /article/leaping-lemurs-and-soaring-sifakas.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1150.jpg 100 66 Banff National Park /article/banff-national-park.html Banff National Park has a rich history. Earliest evidence of human occupation is recorded between 11,000-11,500 BC on the shores of the Vermilion Lakes and the man-made lake, Lake Minnewanka. /article/banff-national-park.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_46.jpg 99 83 Insights into Reading Difficulties /article/insights-into-reading-difficulties.html Reading is an essential skill in today’s society, yet many children experience difficulties with it. /article/insights-into-reading-difficulties.html John A. Macdonald (c. 1815-1891) /article/john-a-macdonald-c-1815-1891--a-page-from-canadian-history.html Canada’s first Prime Minister was a man who truly rose to the challenge of forging and governing a vast nation. /article/john-a-macdonald-c-1815-1891--a-page-from-canadian-history.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_19.jpg 99 83 Finding Our Legislative Link /article/finding-our-legislative-link.html I recently set out to find proposed bills in provincial and federal governments in Canada, and within just a few minutes I was rewarded with an easy find online. /article/finding-our-legislative-link.html The Relationship Between Vision & Learning /article/the-relationship-between-visision-learning.html Have you ever used the phrase, “Do you see what I mean?” If you have, you may understand more than you realize about how vision affects learning. /article/the-relationship-between-visision-learning.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_83.jpg 99 83 Bison: A Way of Life /article/bison-a-way-of-life.html Imagine all the people that live in Calgary today. Imagine if all of those people turned into bison! That gives you an idea of how many bison lived in Calgary’s past! /article/bison-a-way-of-life.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_75.jpg 99 83 Impossible 2 Possible /article/impossible-2-possible.html As associate dean of science at Simon Fraser University (SFU), I’ve conducted thousands of experiments in my day. But nothing prepared me for my participation in the ultimate educational experiment: observing seven youth each run 180 km of Botswana’s /article/impossible-2-possible.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1543.jpg 100 69 Math: Imagination, Inspiration & Fun! /article/math-imagination-inspiration-fun.html I spend much of my time motivating and inspiring children to enjoy math and commit to building their “math force.” /article/math-imagination-inspiration-fun.html Thinking Outside the Box, Life Skills & Leadership /article/thinking-outside-the-box-life-skills-leadership.html We are lead to believe that if we follow steps one through 10, we will achieve our goals. Steps, plans and curriculum are researched methodology that assures the most reasonable path to a certain end. /article/thinking-outside-the-box-life-skills-leadership.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/441_photo_652.png 89 83 “AHA!” Moments /article/aha-moments.html We’ve all heard the story about the apple falling on Newton’s head and sparking an idea, and the one about Archimedes leaping naked from the bath shrieking “Eureka!” These tales describe exciting discoveries, or “Aha!” moments /article/aha-moments.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_81.jpg 99 83 Connecting Mind & Body: The Science of Occupational Therapy /article/connecting-mind-body-the-science-of-occupational-therapy.html Most people do not know about the occupational therapist’s role and how they can help. Simply, an occupational therapist makes sure a person is able to do what would normally occupy them. /article/connecting-mind-body-the-science-of-occupational-therapy.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_48.jpg 99 83 Homeschooling Moments /article/homeschooling-moments.html Susan Kilbride, author of "Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers," talks about some of her favorite homeschooling moments. /article/homeschooling-moments.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/photo_0.0 Speak up! Exploring Speech Arts & Drama /article/speak-up-exploring-speech-arts-drama.html Learning speech arts and drama is a great way to sharpen our skills as verbal communicators. /article/speak-up-exploring-speech-arts-drama.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_563.jpg 99 83 The Rule - Pythagorean’s Deck /article/the-rule--pythagoreans-deck.html It’s safe to say that I, nor anyone I know would consider me a carpenter, or even consider me a person with carpentry skills. Sure I can hammer in a nail, and have even screwed drywall to a 2” x 4”. However, the word “Carpenter” is, and should be ass /article/the-rule--pythagoreans-deck.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1950.png 100 72 A Passion for Education /article/a-passion-for-education.html I have always been a voyageur, a pioneer. I tend to like to do things my way, on my terms, and I am at my best when I follow my intuition. I rarely read books telling me how to be a parent, or how to teach my kids. Currently, I’m reading Richard Bran /article/a-passion-for-education.html /custom/domain_3/image_files/sitemgr_photo_1948.png 100 63