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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query studying. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query studying. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query studying. Sort by date Show all posts

Preparing Teens for Life after High School

How Your Teen Can Prepare for Post-High School



Your teen has spent the majority of their childhood getting an education. Deciding what they're going to do post-high school is often a challenge. However, to ensure that the senior year is less daunting than they expect and that they're ready for whatever the world throws at them, here are some of basic ways to prepare teens for things to come.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

preparing for future life roles after high school teens career choices


Look at College Options
Around 67% of high school graduates enrolled in college in 2017, and so it's extremely likely that your teen is looking at college as a viable future option. While this is an important stepping stone toward their careers, it's vital that they spend time considering the right college options. 


To do this, you should consider looking at Cornell University GPA requirements on CampusReel, among others, as this will help your teen find a college where their application is likely to be accepted. You should also take them to open days and apply for brochures that can help your teen find out what each college can offer them.

Take AP or Honors Classes
If your teen wants to stretch themselves academically and be in a good position for the level and type of learning that college offers, consider enrolling them in AP and Honors classes. Not only will these types of classes assimilate the types of projects that they'll commit to at college, but they can also help boost their qualifications and grades so that they can apply for higher ranking colleges and job positions in the future.

Visit Their School’s Career Team
One of the benefits of establishing your teen’s plan for the future while they're still at high school is they will have access to their school’s career team, who can help them plot their goals and long-term dreams. Not only can the team discuss a number of careers with your teen, but they'll also be able to give high school students advice for their college applications and help them find future work experience within the job sector holds their interest. Our local college career center offers things like: building trades, welding, nursing, childcare, broadcasting, and graphic design.

Study online to get a certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Get a Part-Time Job
Is your teen lacking in real-world experience? If you're concerned about how your teen will cope with their sudden entry into the real world, you should consider encouraging them to take on a part-time job. Not only will this force them to improve their time management skills by having to balance this job with their studies, but it will also allow them to boost many of the necessary skills for adulthood, such as independence and communication. It also allows them to experience working for and learning to follow the rules of other adults. So, it can change their attitude toward following your intstructions too.

Study for Exams

However, the most important thing your teen should do before they leave high school is study for exams, which gets them in a good position for their future, whether they want to go to college or go straight into the world of work. To help teenagers achieve their full potential, there are many resources online that can help teens study and excel at their end of high school tests. CLEP tests are great tests for college.


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Indianapolis Firefighter Museum: Things to do in Indy

Firefighters Museum Downtown Indianapolis

As homeschoolers, we're always looking for fun, educational things to do for field trips. Downtown Indianapolis is full of great things to do on a field trip or family vacation. If you're ever on Mass Ave, stop and explore the Firefighters Museum. It's free! Live in Indiana? You can take a staycation to downtown Indy and spend the day or the entire weekend exploring.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.


Indianapolis Firefighter Museum: Things to do in Indy


The Fire Fighters Museum is located in downtown Indianapolis at  748 Massachusetts Ave. This museum is newly renovated. In fact, they're still adding exhibits. If you're studying Indiana history, this is an ideal way to immerse yourself. The museum is free and includes a guided tour with open hours from 9 to 5.


Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers Indiana

If you choose to walk through the space without a guide, you're welcome to do so. Our guide was a retired fireman who knew all about the history of Indianapolis Firefighters - such a great opportunity to learn! On a side note, this museum is very small. You could walk through on your own in 15 minutes. We spent about 20 minutes touring the exhibit and another 15 playing checkers. So, you'll want to pair this with another Mass Ave activity. We suggest the Sub Zero Ice Cream parlor (they serve lunch too.)


Firefighters Museum Downtown Indianapolis




Upstairs in the museum, check out this cool display of knots while you try on some fireman's gear. Then, you can peek down the fire pole - it's blocked so you can't slide down it. Bummer.

Plus: Clean Restrooms!

We enjoyed our homeschool field trip to the Indianapolis Firefighter Museum in downtown Indy. It was a nice side trip for our day on Mass Ave. What's your favorite Indianapolis field trip? Tell us about it in the comments.


Recommended:

Things to do in Indiana

Fireman Costume and Accessories



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Indianapolis Firefighter Museum: Things to do in Indy





United States Capitals and Symbols: Free Homeschooling Online

Lesson Ideas for United States Capitals and Symbols

United States Capitals and Symbols: These activities will help you learn how the United States came to be united. Study the state capitals and symbols with fun online games and free printables. Each of our free online homeschooling lessons includes language arts, social studies, science, and art components. Whenever possible, we also include math and PE. Scroll down for online games and activities. Enjoy!


United States Capitals and Symbols:  Free Online Homeschooling Lessons.




Elementary and Middle School Social Studies: Grades 3-8

Teacher Resources:
Free Common Core Lesson Ideas for grades 3 - 12 from Brainpop.com


Student Lesson:


Do this:  While you are studying the state capitals, make an index card for each state. On the front write the state’s name in the CENTER of the card in big, bold letters. 

On the back, write the name of the state’s capital. As you learn facts about each state, draw pictures on the card to represent them. For example, for Indiana decorate your card with the Cardinal (state bird) and Corn (state resource).


Watch this video about how it all began:

Schoolhouse Rock The United States Preamble to the Constitution



Geography


Cartoon: Sing the 50 state capitals with Wakko of Animaniacs.






Now, you're ready to practice what you've learned with this cool Capital Catch Game from kidsgeo.com. Match Capitals with States Online Game.


Learn State Capitals Game Quiz.
State capital matching game and quiz from kidsgeo.com.
Click the link above to play game.


History


When did Indiana become a State? ______________________
(Write out the question, and answer it in your daily journal.)
Find out here: Statehood Dates


Fun Videos that teach how we became the United States of America:

Video on Boston Tea Party by Schoolhouse Rock: No More Kings




Schoolhouse Rock: The Shot Heard Round the World




Why do we have fireworks on the Fourth of July?
Answer this in your daily journal.


Schoolhouse Rocks: Fireworks




Read How did the American Revolution happen?  If you subscribe to Brainpop, watch the video here.


Grab a piece of paper (or use a Google Doc) and tell how the American revolution happened? Why did it happen?  


Start with this Printable Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer


Because of all of that, America became a melting pot.



How are you doing? Test your knowledge with a State Capitals Quiz.


More about the U.S. Constitution from Brainpop.com (subscribers only).



Art Component
Let’s get messy! Make your own 3D map of the United States activity. You will need tempera paint, flour, salt, water, and some cardboard. Remember: Baking and Making is science too!

See how to do it at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.



How to make a 3D United States map with salt dough.
How to make a 3D United States map with salt dough.
Visit Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.


Language Arts Component


Grammar Monster explains the difference between capital and capitol.  Be sure to scroll past the quick answer to learn more about capital vs. capitol.



Science Component


What is the state bird for __________________? (fill in your state and bird). Optional: Research why your state bird was chosen.




Become a bird watcher in your state and Research Birds of the United States. Follow the link to learn about typical and rare birds found in each state. Find out how you can help report rare bird sightings.


Print this: Printable Worksheets for State Birds from Education.com


Did you know the state bird for Delaware is a Rooster, okay a chicken but still… :)



State Bird Coloring Sheets for Children from Education.com
State Bird Coloring Sheets for Children from Education.com


Early Elementary Component Pre-K - 3, but suitable for older kids too!


Free Online Quiz and Video on U.S. symbols from Brainpopjr.com
Free online matching game: Match the United States symbols.


Name 3 United States symbols. On a separate sheet of paper, draw the symbols with crayons or markers.


1.___________________________________________________


2.___________________________________________________


3.___________________________________________________

Social Studies Just for Fun Online Games


Play this fun game from Funbrain.com: Where is that?


From Cool-Mathgames.com: State Snap match the states shape game.

Fun Activity: Collect United States State Quarters. Each quarter has special information about the state it represents.

The U.S. Mint has lots of online games and videos. We've got an online lesson on how to make money - okay, it is really about how they make money at the mint, but how to make money sounds more exciting!

Recommended Reading:

United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories


Learn about Presidents of the United States

Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols

The Story of America's Birthday

Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle

A Picnic in October - A story about the Statue of Liberty.




Black History Homeschool Homework Ideas

Homeschooler Homework Ideas for Black History Month


What time is it? It's time to learn about black history! These black history homeschool homework ideas will prepare your homeschooler for an oral report on their favorite person in black history. We've organized the famous black Americans by school subject so that you can choose one that fits your interest. With so many famous African American achievers, there's no sense in studying a subject you find boring!



Black History Homeschool Homework Ideas


This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I get a small commission.


12 Black History Homeschool Homework Ideas



Art





Sports



History





Classroom Skits 



Science



Language Arts

Write a bio after researching one of the Black History People in this list.




Recommended:


Black History Month Homeschool Ideas from Kids Creative Chaos.






Elementary Homeschooling Science and Health Resources Online: From Netflix to Khan Academy

Online Elementary Science and Health Resources for Homeschoolers

I scour the Netflix episodes to find a title that coordinates with our daily Science or Health lesson. Below, I've highlighted some Health Resources for Homeschoolers with episodes we used to study the Human Body and Human Growth and Development which can be a touchy teaching subject. Enjoy!


Elementary Homeschooling Science and Health Resources Online: From Netflix to Khan Academy
Online Science and Health Resources for Homeschoolers.

Those old Saturday edutainment programs are an excellent resource for companion videos. Reward children who don't like to read with a video upon completion of their reading assignment. The video will reinforce what they've read. 

Don't do the video first, or they will say things like, "I know this already."  "I don't need to read it; I just watched it!"  "This is boring me!" The video can help them remember key points of information. They may even have to refer back to what they've read to make sure the two media forms agree. My kids are always looking for mistakes in school books!

Beakman touches on many things to do with the body like flatulence (super fun for kids), lungs, allergies, the skeletal system, and much more. When studying about health, especially for fourth-grade, with those all important hygiene lessons (remember those cheesy movies about getting your period and raging hormones?) and the birds and the bees, Beakman's world is a good place to start.

Free Online Homeschooling Options
We signed up for Time4Learning and love it!

Previously, I had searched for a companion video to teach about the senses. There were plenty of videos out there, but all of them targeted preschoolers. Beakman's World had many great videos on Science and Health. (We started with Season 4 to learn about Human Growth).

Is an awesome resource that public school teachers often use as their go to video to fill in some curriculum time. In the past, it was available only on DVD through Netflix, but now it comes in the streaming version too.  Inside Ralphie and Goes Cellular are two episodes that focus on the body. We paired Flexes its Muscles (Season 2 Episode 2) with Beakman's World on Human Growth.

Khan Academy is an online school of sorts. It is every bit as good as some of the popular academies for online learning (We previously attended Connections Academy), but it isn't an official school.  Kids can learn at their own pace. It is TOTALLY FREE! Lessons are set up for grade levels. Children can watch videos, do practice problems, and take quizzes until they've mastered the subject.

Exploring, can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is an AMAZING educational resource. Kids earn badges in each subject matter. Lessons are targeted on core learning principles. Some of the video are a snore, but they are consistently getting better. They even offer an online scratch pad, hints, and more to insure your child doesn't get frustrated by taking the tests. A lot of it is for older children, but they have been adding new material for early elementary age students. Our favorite lessons are Computer Coding, but there are some videos on health and the senses too.

Speaking of Coding, you might also enjoy Minecraft Summer School Camps. These is an online learning experience, you  won't learn about the human body, but you will learn about Wonder of the Natural World!

Recommended Reading:










ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


Free Printable Minecraft CrossWord Search: Test your Minecraft Knowledge

Our FREE printable Minecraft Crossword Puzzle will Test your Knowledge of Minecraft

Do you know any Minecraft addicts? Are you looking for a Minecraft Birthday Party Activity? Maybe, you've run out of things to do in your after-school program, and the kids are restless? This printable worksheet is a fun way to test your knowledge of Minecraft. How cool is your Mom? Can she pass the test? Enjoy!

Free Printable Minecraft Activity: Word Search Quiz.

Click this link to get the Free PDF on our host, Mediafire.
Free Printable Minecraft Word Search: Test your Knowledge


Printable Minecraft Crossword Puzzle.
What your score says about you:

30 = Minecraft Addict. Nailed it. Enough said. Congrats on a perfect score, maybe a little less Minecrafting and a little more studying for tests? Just sayin'. I'm surprised even you knew that one answer, you know which one I mean. It was a toughy!

28-29 = Minecraft Artisan. You spend more time crafting than interacting. You need to get outside and play! No fair taking your phone outside and playing Minecraft Pocket Edition. Pat yourself on the back though, you are a Minecraft Pro.

25-27 = Minecraft Specialist. Hooray, pretty good stuff. You haven't gone overboard on Minecraft... yet. Be strong. You probably enjoy other activities, maybe some Minecraft role playing?

20-24 = Minecraft Player. Play on! Enjoy! Balance real life with your gaming pleasure.

15-19  = Minecraft Newbie. Welp, if this were a test, you woulda failed it. Luckily, Minecraft isn't the real world. Keep gaming, keep playing. You obviously haven't failed the game of life, so congrats on that!

10-14 = Minecraft Pretender. You want to be in the cool, Minecraft crowd, but you just don't get it. You know just enough to drop some cool buzzwords. You often hear yourself saying, "Minecraft? Yeah, I've played that game."

1-9 = Mom. You must be a Minecraft Mom. You hear the words, "Steve", "Pig", and "Mods", but that is about all you know about Minecraft. What? You aren't a mom? Well... play on, my friend, play on! Your crafting table awaits.








ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)



Child Development Psychology: Sensory Play Aids in the Learning Process

Early Childhood Development: Learn with Sensory Play


The psychology behind a child's ability to focus academically or follow rules can be positively influenced by the environment. Parents and caregivers can help children with ADHD, sensory processing disorders or developmental issues ease into everyday activities with simple games and activities. 



Child Development Psychology: Sensory Play Aids in the Learning Process

(This post contains affiliate links.)

In the past, we co-hosted a play based learning linky party with Nikki at Spectrum Psychological. Sensory play is a sneaky tool to help your child learn important motor skills, early literacy skills, and cognitive thinking skills.


Child Development Psychology Building Block Towers: Play Based Learning
Play Based Learning: Building block play is beneficial to the brain.


If your child suffers from a child development disorder, you may want to consider alternative education options such as Montessori or Online Public School.  If one option doesn't work, keep trying until you find the right fit or your family.


Sensory Play Based Learning with Building Blocks for Motor Skills and Patience
Keeping a tower from toppling is a lesson in patience.

We have been fairly successful with Online Public School. I have two very different gifted children. One enjoys learning, the other one does not. As she approached second grade, she struggled with what was once only considered age appropriate hurdles. Her continued transposing of b's, d's, g's, 5's , and 3's was being considered as a form of Dyslexia. Compound words are transposed, numbers and letters reversed, and she read from right to left.

She has now been diagnosed with ADHD, Visual Processing Disorder, and within the Autism Spectrum. The public online school aided in the diagnoses with an evaluation with various specialist including a school psychologist, a speech pathologist, and special ed teachers. To my surprise, she was evaluated as gifted in several subjects and learning disabled in mathematics. We were given an IEP (Individualized Education Plan,) and she has special accommodations when testing.

In this case, we struggle with everyday writing tasks. As the learning coach, it is my responsibility to find ways to make school work fun. The easiest way is to avoid writing anything down on paper. Of course this isn't always realistic, so we supplement with less frightening activities. 


Using a dry erase board can make the daunting task of writing seem like a privilege. Alphabet magnets on a door turn the chore of spelling tests into a game. Just changing the media alleviates some of the stress making it easier to get started on school projects. 



Dyslexia Sensory Disorders Use Letters and Blocks to spell Writing Woes
Magnetic Alphabet Letters add a sensory element to writing lessons.

Gifted children face child developmental issues too. While one struggles with learning, the other faces many different challenges. The brain is busy soaking up knowledge, but gross and fine motor skills seem less important- think absent minded professor. His need for perfection not only stifles his creativity, it also frustrates him to the point of melt downs.


So, what is child development psychology? It is a combination of child development and development psychology meaning the study of physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout our life cycle or in this case throughout childhood. Piaget describes Early Childhood Development as children behaving as little scientists. 


Children focus all of their time and attention on learning, be it through play or studying and mimicking others. Sensory play is essential to child development. Children play to learn- Let them!


Aid your child's development by encouraging sensory play with homemade play dough, oversize blocks, a costume trunk and mirror, and educational sensory bins filled with colored sand or rice embedded with fabric or block letters. 


Teach them it's okay to get messy with edible finger paint or let them make mud pies. Turn your no into yes, and forget about the mess. Focus on can-do to build self-esteem and positive emotional development.




Recommended Reading:


Autism Awareness Programs

Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders

Early Childhood Development

Emotional Development