Riverside County
Delivering the Heart of Homeschooling
Week of May 6th, 2019
Hello Riverside County!
The countdown is on! Hang on tight for the next few weeks. Summer will be here before you know it! I tend to start to dwindle off in all of my homeschool efforts at this point, but I am determined to finish strong! I encourage you to do the same. Get out on some field trips to spice things up for the end of this year. Out of instructional funds? Look into free field trips in the Inland Empire and Orange County.
In this week's newsletter, we spotlight Inspire's
Online Subscription Package option - MobyMax!
Our 'Vendor Spotlight' features Tinker The Robot!
Make sure to read about both in this edition.
Also, be sure to check out Inspiration Station.
It is filled with many fantastic field trips designed by our HSTs and Liaisons just for you!
Scroll through often and see all that is offered throughout Southern California!
Please reach out anytime and get to know us!
We are so happy to answer all of your questions and guide you through
learning about homeschool philosophy, curriculum, and the homeschool lifestyle!
Don't let yourself drown in worry or fear over homeschooling.
If you find yourself there, reach out!
We are hoping to connect with you soon!
Audrey & Candice
The Adventure of Learning with Inspire Charter School!
Enrollment for the 2019/20 school year has opened!
Head HERE to enroll!
Your Inspire Riverside County Team!
Your Riverside County Homeschool Teachers and Family Liaisons are always here for you! Reach out to your HST or Family Liaison for support, advice, and connections with the homeschool community around you!
Look how we've grown since August!
Test Prep!
Test Prep Day in Temecula!
Can I just toot the horn for our Inspire Teachers?!? The Temecula team hosted a Test Prep Day this week for all students. I brought my two, a fifth grader and a third grader, and they LOVED it! They’re anxious testers and our awesome HSTs helped them understand the test and ways to prep themselves with fun games and helpful crafts with wonderful little reminders ❤️
As an Inspire parent, thank you, Teachers, for caring ❤️
Melissa Webb's FREE Test Prep for Writing Success Webinar!
You're in luck! It was recorded! Here is the information below...
Tonight I hosted my LAST live, online event for the Test Prep for Writing Success 2019 parent webinar. And, what a special and wonderful group we had. THANK YOU to all who gave of their time and energy.
If you missed it, no worries! We remembered to record it. And, as promised, before my head hits the pillow, here is all you requested.
TEST PREP for WRITING SUCCESS WEBINAR - VIDEO RECORDING (90 Minutes)
If you want the handout that goes along with it, note that I've attached it to this email. OH! And, yes, I did include the webinar slides here, too. So many goodies! 👏
Also, when you are done watching the video, no doubt you'll be ready to dive into the FREE sets of lessons I have created for you. To access those:
==> Go to writeonwebb.teachable.com
==> Choose the Test Prep for Writing Success Course toward the bottom of the page
==> Click on "Enroll in Course for $39"
==> On the Order Summary page, enter TP2019where you see "Add Coupon"
==> Complete the registration
==> Access the three courses. Feel free to start with any of the three bundled options. My recommendation is to start with your child's "weakest link."
Finally, some of you shared an interest in having me save you a spot for my ONLINE WRITING PROGRAM for the FALL of 2019. I would LOVE to have you and your kiddo join our community. Sign up if you are interested.
Fall 2019 Writing Course Registration Form
Did you want to join our PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP? It may offer a little extra support and we'd love to have you connect with us. Homeschooling is a journey to share with like-minded, positive, family-first kind of friends. That's us!
And, of course, if you have any questions, please let me know. I'm here to support you.
Have a lovely weekend.
Melissa
Write on!
SAVE THE DATE: Riverside County Graduation 2019
Please save the date for our 2019 promotion and graduation ceremony!
We will have many more details coming soon!
Thursday, June 6, 2019
2 pm
Sandals Church Hunter Park
150 Palmyrita Avenue
Riverside
2019-2020 Online Subscription Package (OSP)!
The 2019-2020 Online Subscription Package (OSP) options have been finalized and we’re excited to announce our new package options!
HIGHLIGHTS: Over 20 subscriptions to choose from with 7 curriculum options and 14 educational apps and resources -- including a 24/7, live online tutoring subscription for all subjects!
16 options for grades TK-3 .. 17-20 options for grades 3-8 .. 12-13 options for grades 9-12
Shmoop and Rosetta Stone® Foundations (Spanish, French, and German) are A-G approved curriculum options for high school
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: ABC Mouse, Discovery Education Streaming Plus with Science Techbook, and Vocabulary Spelling City
NEW: Beast Academy Online, Rosetta Stone Foundations, Dreambox Learning, myON Reader & myON News w/Accelerated Reader, Typing Agent, and TutorMe
This year’s OSP options are valued at more than $2,400 *
* value based on the retail value for the 5 most expensive subscriptions
Here is the linked 19-20 OSP Flyer - The flyer is hyperlinked to allow you to click on each of the subscriptions listed and go to the vendor’s website.
Inspiring Talks!
Brave Writer’s Julie Bogart followed up her in person Inspiring Talks with part one of a three-part webinar series The Writer's Jungle: A Survivor's Guide to Writing with Kids.
http://bit.ly/BraveWriterSurviorGuideWritingWithKids_RecordingLink
Copy and paste the link into your web browser or click on the link above to access the recording.
Want to Join a Brave Learner Book Club?
Many of you were inspired by Julie Bogart's online, or in person Inspiring Talks and asked about forming a The Brave Learner Book Club. We want to help facilitate bringing Brave Writer fans together. If you're interested, please take a minute to let us know what works best for you by clicking on the link below.
https://tinyurl.com/BraveLearnerBookClub-Interest
Coming soon! Part two of our three-part Brave Writer webinar series: Writing Across the Curriculum on Wednesday, May 1st at 1 p.m.
High School!
Session recordings include:
- The College Application Process
- UC/CSU Application Process
- Common Application Info Session
Make sure you head over to Inspire High School Resource Site for all things High School.
Website: https://sites.google.com/inspireschools.org/highschool/home?authuser=0
Inspire Special Education Department Monthly Newsletter!
Dear Inspire Parents,
Inspire Special Education Department is excited to share a new project with you – our Monthly Special Education Website and Newsletters. We hope that you find the information presented in our newsletter meaningful and applicable to your needs. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions on topics to cover.
Inspire Special Education Department Parent and Teacher Newsletter April 2019
You can also access our Inspire Cares website to support you in your homeschooling journey and view all of our newsletters!
Sincerely,
Anna Lindahl
Statewide Parent Outreach Coordinator
Inspire Charter Schools
Ph: (619) 627-9623
Enrichment item returns!
Dear Inspire Families,
We are continuing to stock the Corona Lending Library and need your help! If you have any enrichment items, including curriculum, please let your teacher know as soon as possible.
Thank you for all of your help!
Inspiration Station Booking REMINDERS!
Happy Planning!
Utilizing Enrichment Certificates for Service Orders
Inspire Preferred Vendor Programs Weekly Info Sessions!
Learn more about Inspire's unique enrichment opportunities!
Next info session is Thursday, May 9th at 10 am
Join by computer:
Great News for Readers!
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that helps parents manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child selects a book rather than having one assigned to them and reads it at their own pace. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them. They may also read articles of interest right on the screen. When finished, your child will take a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) In addition, when an LP meeting comes up, you can easily print up the list of books that your child read and share it with your HST.
If you are interested in signing up for Accelerated Reader, please let your HST know. They will be happy to assist you.
Every Kid in a Park!
To help engage and create our next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates, Federal Land Management agencies, launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative. The immediate goal is to provide an opportunity for each and every 4th-grade student across the country to experience their federal public lands and waters in person throughout the school year.
Every year, beginning September 1, all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid in a Park pass at www.everykidinapark.gov. This pass provides free access to national parks across the country.
The Every Kid in a Park pass is good for the 4th grade school year, until August 31, 2019. Information on obtaining the pass is available by visiting www.everykidinapark.gov.
Inspire Info Session in RIVERSIDE
Inspire Info Session at My Learning Studio!
Tuesday, May 7th at 2 pm
Our credentialed teachers will be on site to share all the Inspire has to offer!
17086 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, CA. 92504
Questions? Contact Heather Anderson at (951) 208-3915
or heathera@inspireschools.org
Inspire Info Session in La Quinta!
Meet up with other Inspire families to play at the park and splash around in the splash pad! Invite your friends and family who are interested in learning more about Inspire Charter Schools!
Bring: sunscreen, swimsuits, snacks, and water!
Thursday, May 9th from 9 - 11 am (Water is turned on at 10am)
La Quinta Park
(corner of Blackhawk Way and Adams)
Questions? Contact:
Meredith Bristow at mbristow@inspireschools.org
A Night Out to Inspire with Candice and Audrey
It all happens on Thursday, May 9th from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Panera Bread
12510 Day Street, Suite A-1
Moreno Valley, CA.
***We kindly ask for children to be left at home for this event***
Questions? Please feel free to contact Audrey at (951) 541-4809 or Candice at (714) 797-1209
or email:
audreye@inspireschools.org
candicez@inspireschools.org
Inspire Info Session EASTVALE!
Please come and join a group of our credentialed teachers to learn more about what our program has to offer!
Monday, May 13th at 5 pm
Starbucks
14268 Schleisman Rd. #440
Eastvale
Questions? Contact Debbie Holm at (949) 278-2486 or at deborahh@inspireschools.org
Temecula Info Session!
Inspire Charter Schools Info Session
Come find out everything Inspire has to offer!
Everyone is welcome, bring your friends!
Tuesday, May 15th @ 6pm
Ryan Bros. Coffee
40573 Margarita Rd., Temecula
Questions? Contact: Mary Collier at (760) 468-6202
Menifee Info Session!
Thursday, May 16th
5 pm - 7 pm
Panera
30318 Haun Rd., Menifee
Questions? Contact Lisa Mesa at (951) 642-3795 or at lisam@inspireschools.org
Inspire Charter School's Barnes & Noble Book Fair!
This is a one-day event. We will have an Enrichment Specialist onsite so you can shop and take home items the same day using instructional funds at Barnes & Noble Riverside on May 18th from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. (Please note that if you are using instructional funds, you must shop in person during these hours only while our Enrichment Specialist is onsite.)
You can also shop all day online using personal funds. Tell your friends and family to shop online on May 18th using code: 12529079. All proceeds will be used to benefit our Lending Library.
Saturday, May 18th from 10 am to 1 pm
~ 11 am Storytime
~ Puppets
~ Science Activity
~ Scavenger Hunt
~ Dress up as your favorite book character!
~ Arts & Crafts
Questions? Contact Zena Fisher at (951) 990-1415 or at zena@inspireschools.org
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, CYT Riverside Spring 2019
Tickets are $5 each for children and adults!
All attendees ages 2 and older need a ticket (including adults).
Sunday, May 19th at 1pm
Bob Burton Theatre
2400 S Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Use educational funds or purchase out of pocket HERE:
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/307a492b-48a1-4ce4-8c26-d26a2f2cfbf2
Questions? Contact:
Mary Collier
Contact No:
760-468-6202
Email:
maryc@inspireschools.org
Engineering for Kids UPLAND Open House!
Come and see a Drones demo and what Engineering For Kids is all about!
Where: 800 W. Arrow, Upland, CA. 91786
When: Tuesday, May 21st from 10 am - 12 pm
For more information contact:
Marcia Paulson
marcia@inspireschools.org
(626) 506-8271
Inspire's Father's Day Craft Event!
Tuesday, May 21st
11 am to 1 pm
Mountain Pottery
54716 N. Circle Drive
Idyllwild, CA.
A great opportunity to bring a friend or if you have a friend interested in homeschooling with Inspire Charter Schools.
Questions: Contact Mary LaMont
mary.lamont@inspireschools.org
(602) 405-4688
Indian Hills Camp Gold Rush Days
Gold Rush Days is a living history program that immerses students into the realities of 19th century California. Your students will be transformed into 1850s prospectors. They will each receive a historical role, travel to California via an Overland Trail, stake a claim and try to strike it rich! The goal of this living history experience is to teach your students what life would have been like in the 1850s for the various residents of California, including Native Americans, immigrants, and fortune-seekers from across the country. Some will be guaranteed to make a fortune, while most will lose it all and learn, as most prospectors did, that the streets of California were not really paved with gold. The program is perfect for any 4th-grade class studying the California Gold Rush and covers CA State Standards 4.3 and 4.4.
Sample Schedule:
9:00: Arrival
10:00: Orientation
10:45: Overland Trail
11:30: Staking Claims
12:30: Mid-day Meal
1:30: Gold Mining
2:45: Archery
3:30: Free-time/Trading Post
5:30: Supper
6:00: Closing Ceremony
7:00: Departure
Wednesday, May 22nd from 9am - 7pm
Indian Hills Camp
15763 Lyons Valley, Jamul CA 91935
Use educational funds or pay out of pocket HERE:
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/4e092a21-59a8-43f2-82ca-0132afcf6706
Menifee Info Session!
Please come and join a group of our credentialed teachers to learn more about what our program has to offer.
Wednesday, May 22nd at 10 am
Starbucks
29121 Newport Rd.
Menifee, CA
Questions? Contact Katie Bock at (951) 733-2088 or kathryn@inspireschools.org
San Jacinto Info Session!
Our credentialed teachers will be at Starbucks to share what Inspire has to offer!
Wednesday, May 22nd
6 - 7:30 pm
San Jacinto Starbucks
1211 N. State Street, San Jacinto, CA.
Questions: Please contact Jamie Corcoran
jamiec@inspireschools.org or (951) 260-7803
Inspire's End of Year Luau Celebration! MURRIETA
Thursday, May 30th from 9 - 11 am
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park
~ Hula Dancing
~ Obstacle Course
~ Limbo
~ Hula Hoops
~ Best Luau wear contest
~ Freeze Pops
~ Watermelon
~ Kindergarten Promotion
Bring your picnic blankets or beach chairs and let's celebrate our school year success!
Wear your grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts and be there on time! Promotion starts promptly at 9:15 am.
Questions: Contact Cheryl Johnson at cherylj@inspireschools.org
Inspire's Summer Corona Beach Party!
Thursday, May 30th from 9:45 - 11:45 am
Citrus Park Splash Pad
1250 Santana Way, Corona
Don't forget your bathing suits, sunscreen, chairs, and towels!
Please be sure to RSVP with your HST (Homeschool Teacher).
Kona Ice will be there for you to purchase.
Questions? Contact Katie at katiec@inspireschools.org or Brooke at brooket@inspireschools.org
Berry Picking with Friends!
Monday, June 3rd, 10 - 11:30 am
Temecula Berry Co.
39700 Cantrell Rd., Temecula
You Pick & Pay (out of pocket - cash/check only)
Limited Parking - Carpool if you can!
Open to all!
No entrance fee
This is a U-pick & pay event. So bring your cash or check ONLY, pick your berries, then pay market prices per pound, and pay the cashier. We won't be collecting any money and the field trip won't sell out.
Temecula Berry Co. states their pricing is $6/pint (no educational funds may be used - OUT OF POCKET PAYMENT ONLY)
Book your FREE ticket HERE:
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/0f96d378-5a1b-4b15-817b-40bdd679ccea
Organizer:
Shayla McLaughlin
Contact No:
7607107535
Email:
shayla@inspireschools.org
Medieval Times
The show begins with a 30-minute presentation about the Middle Ages with educational vignettes focusing on good citizenship, the code of chivalry, and bullying. Then, six brave knights ride out on mighty Andalusian stallions to compete in exciting tournament games, authentic jousting matches, and real sword fights as you cheer them to victory. All this while you feast on a medieval lunch consisting of garlic bread, oven roasted chicken quarter, herb-roasted potato, sweet corn cobette, chocolate chip cookie, and bottled spring water.
Monday, June 3rd at 10:30 am
Sign up on Inspiration Station!
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/d509b00d-60aa-4e87-aa1f-1a138660d91c
SAVE THE DATE: Riverside County Graduation 2019
Please save the date for our 2019 promotion and graduation ceremony!
5th & 8th Grade Promotion
12th Grade Graduation
We will have many more details coming soon!
Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 2 pm
Sandals Church Hunter Park
150 Palmyrita Avenue
Riverside
Graber Olive House Tour
Visitors may view the many activities which center around the long and careful tradition of grading, curing, and canning Graber Olives.
Browsing is encouraged in the shops which offer a variety of fancy foods, food accessories, and unique gifts.
Friday, June 7th at 10:30 am
Please sign up on Inspiration Station!
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/1dbe7754-8296-4864-b7f3-c3837b6ca3d3
Root Beer Float Party! HEMET
Join us for our end of the year park day in Hemet and the Kindergarten Graduation afterward!
9 - 11 am: Park Day Fun!
11 - 11:30 am: Kindergarten Graduation
Friday, June 7th
McSweeny Park, McSweeny Parkway, Hemet, CA. 92543
Questions? Contact:
Holly Blair at hblair@inspireschools.org
Angela Meger at angelam@inspireschools.org
Claudia Alvarez at claudiaa@inspireschools.org
Inspire's Hemet 2019 Kinder Graduation!
Friday, June 7th
11 - 11:30 am
McSweeney Park in Hemet
We will have a diploma, photo opportunities, a light snack, and lots of fun!
If you plan on attending, please fill out the Hemet Kindergarten Graduation Survey by May 20th. This allows us time to make the diplomas for your Kindergarten Graduate.
RSVP:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6Np-0x0AKUJvx8V02-9Wq6BMKQbUDfUKTW4u0X8smBHDwgw/viewform
Please contact Claudia Alvarez for more information claudiaa@inspireschools.org
RIVERSIDE COUNTY YEAR END CELEBRATION AT MULLIGAN'S
Monday, June 10th
10 am to 3 pm
$11.99 per person for unlimited use of:
~ Go-Karts (minimum 56" to drive)
~ Rookie Go-Karts (40" to drive)
~ Miniature Golf
~ Rock Wall
~ Extreme Air Jumper
~ Kiddie Rides (Train, Tea Cups, & Frog Hopper)
***Unlimited Water Slides may be purchased at the door - out of pocket for $3.99 - Instructional Funds may NOT be used***
Use educational funds or pay out of pocket here:
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/c2fe0f63-b111-44f8-bcb3-bfbe2f46053a
Questions? Contact:
Aaron Holbrook
Contact No: (951) 294-0220
Email: aaron@inspireschools.org
Open House at Eden Learning Academy!
Open House is Tuesday, May 21st!!
Mark your calendars and invite new homeschool families
4-6 pm at 412 Murrieta Church
41831 Mcalby Ct Suite B
Drinks and Snacks will be provided
Students are making your snacks as a part of their final student contest for May and the winner gets a brand new Chromebook, so come out, eat, and vote!!!
Please come at 4pm to view all of the displays and see what your kids have been doing all year and then hear our big plans for the next school year as we have over 50 courses available to students to choose from!
Inspire's End of Year Ice Cream Social in IDYLLWILD
Monday, June 10th from 1 - 3 pm
Atomic Cow Creamery
54245 N Circle Dr., Idyllwild, CA 92549
Come and meet local vendors, visit with families, enjoy discounted ice cream from Atomic Cow Creamery, return curriculum and non-consumables to Inspire Enrichment Specialists onsite and make a craft!
Questions? Contact: Mary LaMont at mary.lamont@inspireschools.org
Inspire's End of Year Party & Kinder Graduation in PALM DESERT!
Tickets are $25 each (for all ages)
Wednesday, June 12th at 9:30 am - 12 pm
Kindergarten Graduation 9:30 am to 10 am
Jumping Party Time! 10 am - 12 pm
Use educational funds or pay out of pocket HERE:
https://www.icsinspirationstation.net/#/fieldtrip/all/5a4ea846-372c-41e8-900d-cb26622c7fb5
Please make sure to complete the Get Air waiver before attending:
https://palmdesert.getairmanagement.com/Waiver2.html
Questions? Contact Kari Arnson at (760) 485-2134 or at kari@inspireschools.org
Info Session in Temecula!
Please come and join a group of our credentialed teachers to learn more about what our program has to offer.
Wednesday, June 12th at 6 pm
Ryan Bros. Coffee
40573 Margarita Rd.
Temecula, CA
Questions? Contact Katie Bock at (951) 733-2088 or kathryn@inspireschools.org
Lake Elsinore Splash Pad Info Session!
Please come and join a group of our credentialed teachers to learn more about what our program has to offer.
Wednesday, June 26th at 10 am
Canyon Hills Park Splash Pad
34360 Canyon Hills Rd.
Lake Elsinore, CA
Questions? Contact Katie Bock at (951) 733-2088 or kathryn@inspireschools.org
Lake Elsinore Annual STEM in Education Fair!
WHEN: Saturday, May 18th 10 am to 3 pm
WHERE:
Outlets at Lake Elsinore
17600 Collier Ave. G-168
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
FREE for everyone!
Come check out the FREE educational seminars, demonstrations, shows, and activities exhibiting the exciting opportunities available to children in Southern California. Inspire will be there! Make sure to come and say hello!
Riverside County Library System EVENTS!
Head over to http://rivlib.info/website/events
This Week's Vendor Spotlight: Tinker The Robot
This week we are spotlighting a vendor that services all of Southern California! It's Tinker The Robot and here is what Kay has to say:
Are you and your child always looking for fun and adventure? Does the idea of going on a time-traveling quest intrigue you? Is your eyebrow raised? ;)
Then come by and check out Tinker the Robot! Not totally convinced yet? Well, Tinker the Robot was created by two engineers who love tinkering, hacking and dreaming up crazy inventions. Yes, we've built a remote control cookie oven. And now we want to share that love with you and your kids! We’ve created an Adventure in a Box where you and your kids will join Tinker on a journey while building prototypes and learning science and engineering!
You'll be able to connect with the engineers on Facebook, Online Website, or by email!
Find Tinker The Robot on the Vendor List as "Tinker The Robot - Kay Yang"
Email: kay@tinkertherobot.com
Website: https://www.tinkertherobot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinkertherobot/
This Week's OSP (Online Subscription Package) Spotlight: MobyMax!
This week we look at MobyMax! This is geared towards TK through 8 and is an online curriculum used to find and fix learning gaps in students grades K through 8th. Subjects include math, reading/language, social studies, and science. It includes Moby Learning and Assessments which both work to catch students up to grade level.
You will receive access to the full Moby Suite for each student who opts-in for the 2019-2020 school year, along with a teacher account to view and customize your student's learning experience. To be clear - although the parent will receive a teacher account, the parent will not be able to add their own students, so only students who opt-in will receive a student account.
If you used MobyMax through the 2018-2019 OSP and choose it again for 2019-2020, your student's account information will roll over.
For more details on this OSP option and all the other OSP subscriptions, head over to the OSP Handbook.
Have a question regarding the Online Subscription Package? Email osp@inspireschools.org
Website: https://www.mobymax.com/moby-suite
Sharing The Homeschool Heart... How to homeschool multiple ages.
First of all, don't try three, four, or more separate curriculums. That is way too much to focus on and will leave everyone feeling burnt out. Spend your time getting creative for science and history and any electives you'd like to introduce.
To study one topic altogether think along the lines of a unit study system. Let's look at the example of volcanoes, specifically, Mount St. Helens.
For a unit study on volcanoes and Mount St. Helens, you would head to the library and gather as many books as you can find in all age ranges. All of the kids can devour each of the books. Don't worry if the middle schooler is checking out the picture books that the kindergartener is as well. All is valuable information and will help lock in facts and info as you go along. Use this study time to read to the kids, have them read to you, have them read to each other and watch videos and documentaries about Mount St. Helens. Head to YouTube and type in Mount St. Helens eruptions; you will see many videos to view the actual footage of the eruptions happening. Also, check out this volcano facts video. https://youtu.be/x-6bGUffwtA
After you have done all of your studying, practice fun and creative ways to showcase what you've learned, build salt dough maps, work on colorful worksheets, let the kids explode many volcanoes on their own out in the backyard. Create and build dioramas. You can even allow the kids to make their own videos based on your topic. Collectively, you will have learned and explored together, each at their own pace and age level — each equally gaining knowledge and growing together as an intellectual family unit.
Going about your day with little ones underfoot and homeschooling can be challenging at times. The best advice I have for young homeschool families is to keep the little ones with you and include them in any way possible. I like to grab a snack, a blanket, some water and head outside with young learners and the little siblings.
Making the environment safe and fun for babies and toddlers frees up more time for you to spend reading on a picnic blanket to your homeschooler, or going on a bug hunt. Use the time you have outside to explore the world around you and discuss it: collect sticks, rocks, and leaves. Count and sort them. You can work on grouping with things in nature. Sitting outside and merely discussing your observations of the plants, animals, and insects around you can lead to lengthy and fulfilling instruction time. Often, the babies and toddlers are entirely content to snuggle with and play with you all as you're enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes it's as simple as realizing that incredible amounts of school-like experiences happen all day long. Seeing them and taking the time to utilize your opportunities, can bring forth a very rich and vibrant education with very little work and with very unsuspecting kiddos. Head outside and give it a shot!
Additionally, when you have older kids that are nearing high school or in high school, most often the goal is to create an independent learner at this stage. Think of ways to help your older junior high student or high-schooler. Allow them to branch off on their own and take responsibility and ownership over their education. Maybe that's an online course, or perhaps that is a dual-enrolled college course. At this stage in life with a homeschooler who is older, my goal is to get them as independent as possible, so they are college and career-ready. I want them to have confidence and ability going into a more adult-like situation, practicing that now as a homeschooler gives them more freedom and opportunities to explore educating themselves and taking ownership. I also believe that allowing your high school student to take on a small portion of teaching younger ones can be very beneficial for the older and younger kids. Allowing the high school homeschoolers to create a class for the younger ones or teach a unit study builds confidence into your high schooler and requires them to practice more study skills in preparation for teaching younger kids. Allowing your younger kids to be taught by someone else opens up their homeschool experiences and makes for a very fun, out of the box homeschool day.
This entire experience is continuously a work in progress. Don't get down on yourself when things seem rough or you feel like you can't find your way. Get creative, get outside, surround yourself with other homeschool families who know what it's like to walk the road you do and who can encourage you along that path. It's a long and hard journey, but it is a journey worth taking.
~ Candice
Candice Zuniga
Email: Candicez@Inspireschools.org
Phone: 714-797-1209
Audrey Everson
Hi everyone! I am a mom of 3 awesome kids ranging in age from 10 to 6 years old. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 16 years. Having homeschooled our children over the last 6 years in 3 different states, I've found homeschooling here in California, especially with Inspire Charter, has been a great fit for our homeschool journey. I am grateful for our ability to homeschool so freely and I aspire to assist other families with their own homeschool adventures!
Email: audreye@inspireschools.org
Phone: 951-541-4809
We want to hear from you!
What do you want to hear more about? Drop us an email!
We'd love to answer all of your questions in regards to homeschooling with Inspire
and what the homeschool lifestyle looks like!
Inspire Charter Schools Contact Info
Website: https://www.inspireschools.org/
Location: 1740 East Huntington Drive #205, Duarte, CA, USA
Phone: (888) 215-3040