Tips on The College Planning Process for Homeschoolers #JourneytoCollege

Homeschooling through high school and then onto college can be challenging if you do not plan ahead.  No one told us what steps to take and when to take them for preparing for college. For our daughters first  2 years of homeschool high school they took classes for their age and interest. During that time and after the fact we did learn some helpful tips to plan for college. Do you have any college planning tips? I'd love for you to share them in the below comments! This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Kaplan Test Prep. I received compensation to write this post, and any opinions expressed are my own, and reflect my actual experience.

Tips on the College Planning Process for High School Homeschoolers

1. Freshman year

• Involve your student in all of the college planning. Don't just do it for them but show them and let them know why and how! Get your free 2014 KapMap College Planner and stay ahead of the curve.
• Include college test prep books or online classes in your homeschool curriculum. This will give the student a chance to get familiar with the test and build their test taking skills. We loved using online classes. Right now Kaplan has a special offer for you. Save $100 when you enroll in their SAT and ACT course through 8/28 and use the promocode: SHESPEAKS100.
• Talk to other homeschool families who have kids in high school or have started college for their advice.
• Keep a detailed transcript of classes, activities, volunteer hours, etc. Search online for homeschool transcripts for examples.
• Check out state guidelines as to what is expected of high school graduates.

2. Sophomore year

• At this point the student needs to be the one to narrow down college choices and find out if the school requires SAT, ACT or both. They should be taking the initiative to do everything else from here on out with you being there guiding when needed. 
• Schedule the required test and take it this year. 
• Enroll in a local Community College to take dual high school and college credit class for the Jr and Sr years of high school. Use the school and guidance counselor to answer questions on transferring to a 4 year.
• Check out the four year colleges of intent and find out which is better for your student, go in as a 2 year transfer student or as a freshman. Let this guide your student on how many classes to take at the local community college. This includes checking out which classes would transfer, if ACT or SAT are required, tuition and scholarship opportunities for both.

3. Junior year

• In the summer before junior year, visit and apply for 4 year colleges during college visit days. The student should be the one finding out all of this and checking dates with you on when the visits will be. Most of the time the application fee is waived during these visits. Come prepared to fill out college application, including the essay. Check online prior to going to know what will be expected on the application. 

4. Senior year

• The student should make final school choice on best fit which can also include the one that gives the best scholarship package. Send all required documents to the school 

Some of these tips seem very basic but for us, we didn't know when to get things going. We didn't check to see if the ACT and/or SAT was required at the school of choice. For our homeschool girls they are taking the last two years of high school as dual credit at our local community college. This has been a blessing and has saved us a lot of money. During these 2 years they can complete all the basic classes for college and even graduate with an Associates degree. One of our daughters just transferred to her 4 year school as a junior with an awesome transfer student scholarship.

I just downloaded KapMap and I wish that I would have had that for our first 2 college girls. The test information and admission tips are very handy and we will use the scholarship information for the next two girls who will eventually transfer to their 4 year school. 

Over all the best thing we have learned in this college planning process is to involve our student in it 100% of the time and pass over the responsibility on to them to take charge of. This way they learn how to deal with the system and feel 100% involved in their own future. 

Top Ten Money Saving Back to School Tips

Did you know that the average money spent per child on Back to School shopping is $600.That is insane! I don't think that I can recall spending $600 total for all 3 of my girls and that included the required uniforms for school.  

TOP TEN
1) Make a shopping list based on what is required for school supplies.
2)Shop year round for school clothes. Don't wait the week before and expect to get the best deals.
3) Shop the sale ads before you hit the stores.
4) Do an inventory at home and see what you have before you shop!
5) Shop online! Price compare online vs. local stores.
6) Going clothes and shoe shopping? Before you leave check out the stores online. You might be able to snag discount printable coupons!
7) Check kids magazines for sale adds and coupons! Someone told me that Seventeen had a Payless discount phone code!
8) Shop your State or a neighboring State when they are offering tax-free school supplies!
9) Get a job at your child's favorite store so you can get discounts on their clothes.
10) HOMESCHOOL! Yep you heard that right! This has been the BIGGEST money saver for our family! (YES we still pay taxes to our school district.) Our kids all share a boxes of crayons and markers that we've had around the house for years! We don't buy new scissors ever year! We don't buy everyone new clothes a week before school starts! We buy as we want! That saves a lot of cash!

Do you have Back To School Money Saving tips? I'd love to hear them! Better yet, if you blog you can make your own Top 10. If you do come back and leave your link so that I can read it!!

More Back To School Resources

Back to School Security Issues for Kids
Free Common Core Standards eBooks
Get Back To School Organized
10 Teen Budget Saving Tips
Tips for Teen Back To Shopping Deals
Top 10 Ways to Save $ for Back to School
Wake Up Shake up the Morning Routine

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Young Adult Fiction- how to know what to read?

I'm all for Young Adult Fiction. As a 40 something adult, I do enjoy a lot of YA work. As a parent of 3 teens I find it my responsibility to know and even read what they are reading. They can read any book they want just as long as I know what it is. If I'm not familiar with the book then I will either read it or google search the book. This is our parenting policy and it applies to their music, friends on facebook, texting, hanging out,etc. Am I a controlling freak of a mom? Absolutely, NOT! LOL What I am though, is a concerned parent who wants to protect her children and help guide them through these teen years just as I did when they were in the newborn stage, toddler stage, etc.

http://www.teensreadandwrite.com/

Have you heard about the Teens Read and Write website? So who is behind Teens Read and Write?? It is a site where teens review books, movies, sports, and stuff they love! So go check them out for more teen resources.


What are your teens reading? Do you check up on what your kids are reading? Do you ever tell them, "No." to a book they want to read because everyone is reading it? 

5 Solutions to De-stress a Hectic After School Schedule

In a recent KidsHealth survey, almost 90 percent of students said they felt stress day in and day out. And when kids are stressed, their parents are as well. Some of the stress is from school, classes, etc, but just as much pressure can be felt after school. If your after-school schedule feels more hurried, stressful, and complicated than you would prefer, try the following the solutions to make life a little simpler for you and your child.


· Reassess the After-School Schedule
I'm sure we can all agree that each child is different - some thrive on hectic schedules, whereas others crave downtime. Listening to our kids is the only way we'll know how they feel. Take time to ask your child if his load is too stressful, or just right. The flip side of this equation is your personal situation. Perhaps more than children, parents feel overextended and exhausted. Managing kids, a job, transportation to sports, and of course, homework, is enough to put even the most organized and efficient parent through the wringer. If this feels too familiar, consider reexamining your children's schedules. Can one activity go by the wayside? Is there a sport or lesson that your child doesn't truly enjoy, but you insisted upon so that he doesn't miss out on an opportunity? These are the activities you might want to reconsider.

· Create a Predictable Schedule
Although each child in your household is likely to have a different schedule, it helps to create a family policy that homework must at least be started before leaving for an after-school activity. Getting a jump start on homework significantly reduces procrastination and stress later in the evening.

· Use a White Board
It's easy to keep track of assignments with a white board. Hang a large white board near an area that will be used for homework. When your children return from school each day, insist that they write their assignments on the white board. By using this tool, you or any other adult in the home will know of the assignments each child has for the day, what has been completed, and what is still left to do. When the homework assignment list is visible, unfinished work is less likely to slip through the cracks. This is a great solution for busy households.

· Conduct an Audit
Busy parents know that it's difficult to check every assignment each child has night after night. The Internal Revenue Service keeps taxpayers in line with random audits. You can do the same in your home by auditing homework a few times per week. Let's say that you have a family policy that all homework must be done by 9 p.m. otherwise privileges are taken away the following day. At that time, ask to see your child's homework. Praise him or her if the work is done. If it's not done, rescind privileges such as leaving the house after school the following day to see friends or watching television.

· Take a One-Hour Time Out
A one-hour time out is meant to be time away from anything that flashes, beeps, or has a screen. Choose 60 minutes every weekday (the hour immediately following dinner works well) and make that a mandatory quiet time. In our fast paced world, we're bombarded by loud noises which can cause over-stimulation, agitation, and anxiety. During this time, there should be no iPods, televisions, video games, computers, or phones. Instead, consider activities such as reading independently or together, doing a puzzle or playing cards. You may find that simply leaving craft supplies out encourages creativity. A one-hour time out also forces kids who would usually be glued to electronics to go outside to play or get together with neighborhood friends.

It takes a concerted effort to manage stress. Choose one or two of these strategies that might work for you and implement them for at least 21 days to see change. Remember, research shows that it truly takes 21 days to modify a habit.

Guest article provided by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed. who is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a comprehensive provider of educational services in Fairfax, VA and Bethesda, MD. In her award-winning book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Learn more at anndolin.com or ectutoring.com.

Sylvan Learning Fit 4 Algebra Screener

Last week my 8th grade (12 year old) homeschooled daughter took the Sylvan Learning Fit 4 Algebra screener. This screener asseses readiness for algebra. Math is the one area EJ is always unsure about. I was thrilled to get the chance to review this screener so that I could really assess her readiness for algebra. She has been doing PreAlgebra since school started in August. 

The test was done online and took about 20 minutes for her to take. Once the test was over, I received immediate results on which areas she needed more help in to prepare her for algebra. EJ and I were both REALLY surprised at how prepared she was for algebra. As a homeschool parent I was given the opportunity to assess her to see where she was in math and as a student she was pumped up to see that she has learned a lot so far this year. 

Like I said earlier, EJ has only been doing pre algebra since August. I was really surprised to find out that she already has Moderate Strength in her Algebra Readiness Level. This was a huge boost for her. She even said "I can't believe I scored so high." The test gave us three areas where she needed practice to give her the skills to take on Algebra! Very cool. Not only did the test give us the areas to work on it also gave us helpful video links to for her to practice.


This Sylvan Learning Fit 4 Algebra screener is a wonderful resource for homeschoolers. This program is great for any 7th/8th grader to assess their readiness and provide help where they need help. Apparently students are failing algebra at alarming rates and Sylvan is working to help the situation. 

Do you have a kid taking Algebra or about to take algebra? Are you concerned about their readiness? Are they already struggling with algebra? Did you know that 41% children admit that their algebra work makes them more nervous than the intimidating task of asking someone out on a date! Check out Sylvan Learning Fit 4 Algebra screener for your free 21-question Algebra Readiness Check-up to help you determine if your child is ready for the rigors of algebra or what areas help is needed.


 I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Sylvan Learning and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide vs. For Dummies Books

(FYI: At the end of this review there is a coupon code to receive 50% off your order of The Complete Idiot’s Guide books through 10.31.11)

Have you ever wondered the difference between The Complete Idiot’s Guide books vs the For Dummies books? I have often wondered that and was given a chance to do a side-by-side review of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition vs. Music Theory For Dummies. I was happy to get the subject of Music Theory because one of my daughter's is taking a college class on Music Theory this semester.

Here are the chapters and information on The complete IDIOT'S Guide to Music Theory:

• Part 1- Tones
• Part 2- Rhythms
• Part 3-Tunes
• Part 4- Accompanying
• Part 5- Embellishing
• Part 6- Arranging

I loved the feel and layout of this book. It was written for music students and for those non-music students who just want to learn more about music. The book covered all the important concepts of music that was very clear and had actual music staff to show the notes, scales,etc. This book contains an Audio CD that  goes along with the book. It is an Ear Training Course that is used to train the ear along with the reading of the book. Each Part of the book contains exercises to test your reading.

Over all I thought that this would be an excellent book to teach music theory to jr and senior high students. This would make an excellent book for homeschool students, too. I only wish I had this book a few years ago for my homeschool daughter. She is now a Jr in high school and is taking her first Music Theory college class. This would have been great prep for the class.

Here are the chapters and information on Music Theory for DUMMIES: 

• Part 1- Rhythm: Keeping The Beat
• Part 2-Melody: The Part You Hum
• Part 3-Harmon: Fleshing It Out
• Part 4-Form: How It's Shaped
• Part 5-The Part of 10's, FAQs, Resources, 9 Music Theorist

This book was clearly written for those who didn't know anything about music and wanted to learn more as well as all other levels of music interest. The book covered the important concepts of music. I especially enjoyed the Rhythm chapter. This book came with a Audio CD that demonstrated musical concepts as well as many examples of how to mix sounds and tempos.

I like that the DUMMIES has FREE eTips at dummies.com. I think that is a great resource. Overall, it is a good book that does a great job at explaining concepts in a very text book manner. I did love Part 5 of the book. It was the last section and it answered FAQs of music theory, other online and offline musical resources and some of the history of those who contributed to music theory. I found the information very helpful on the nine music theorists you should know about. This chapter is a great resource for those studying music.

OVER ALL IMPRESSION of the side-by-side review of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition vs. Music Theory For Dummies is that each book teaches basically the same thing. Music theory is music theory and from what I know the information seemed factual. I'm not a scholar on the subject so I just have to go with my gut feeling to say that the books seem to be presenting accurate information.

As for the over all comparison of the two books, I do have to say that I loved the approach of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition and would most recommend this book to my homeschool friends who are wanting to teach music to their children. On the other hand, the Music Theory For Dummies would work for grown ups just wanting to learn more about music on their own. I think that the Dummies book did a great job and covering the important music theorist.

As a thank you for reading this comparison you can get 50% off of one order of regularly priced books from www.idiotsguides.com. The discount is effective immediately and runs through October 31. The CODE that you must use is CIGBlog11.

Have you read books from either company? What is your impression? Do you have a favorite?

This is purely my own opinion. I was provided a copy of each book to read and review. My own honest thoughts and opinions are expressed here.

Giveaway: You Can Do A Graphic Novel Book *3* WINNERS

Imagine sitting down with pencil and paper to create a colorful, captivating graphic novel that might one day become a box-office hit, like Watchman or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Whether age six or 96, anyone can create a graphic novel and get a piece of the $395 + million graphic novel market with help from the new book You Can Do a Graphic Novel (ISBN: 9781592579556, Alpha Books, January 2010, $19.95).

Veteran graphic novelist and graphic novel instructor Barbara Slate guides readers through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics—a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes.


The book teaches readers how to:

• Uncover the components of a good graphic novel
• Find a drawing style regardless of artistic ability
• Navigate the creative process and create memorable characters
• Develop the plot and subplots and come up with compelling dialogues
• Understand the ins and outs of graphic-novel layout
• Traverse the graphic-novel business

Scraps of Life Book Club: What an awesome book. My 12 year old is a budding author so this is a book she enjoyed very much. She isn't much of an artist (in her opinion) so this book gave her tips and step-by-step guide on how to actually draw and match it up to your writing. The book did a great job going through the creative process to help create characters and develop a plot which is perfect for any budding novelist.

Here are the chapters in the book: Your Story; Draw, Draw, Draw; The Creative Process; The Creative Block; Creating Characters; The Plotline; Writing; Layout; Finishes; Some Student's Work; The Biz; Glossary

I loved the "pop quizes" throughout the book. This was done in a fun way to make sure the book wasn't "school work" and tested the reader on what they read. The author also offers online one-on-one workshops to teach you how to do a graphic novel.

I'd recommend this for any middle school/high school student who loves to draw and create stories. This would also make a great addition to any homeschool curriculum.

THREE WINNERS!!!!

Enter below to win a copy. Ends 8/26 and open to USA/Canada.

Freebies, Coupons & Deals for today

Here are a few coupons and freebies I found today. Most I found on Facebook. Do you have any to share? If so feel free to leave them in the comments and/or your blog link to other deals.

• Enter to win $1,000 until Aug. 15th. I'm one of the sponsors. ENTER HERE.

• Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon. PRINT HERE.

• Pilot or Flying J's free 44 oz drink coupon for August which requires you to LIKE their Facebook page. PRINT HERE. We always stop there as a half way point on our trip to Louisville. Yay!
•  

• Enroll your Homeschool Child into the Pizza Hut BOOK IT reading program. Deadline is Sept. 1st. GO HERE.

• Make sure your school is enrolled in the BOOK IT program. Find out if they are, HERE, and if not give the info to someone at your school. It is a FREE reading incentive program.

• Free coupon for a slice of Freschetta. Did you know you can buy just a frozen slice? Very crazy but worth trying for free. You have to LIKE their Facebook page and on August 4th they will be giving away tens of thousands of coupons for free FRESCHETTA® By the Slice Pizza! Get all the fabulous details and sign up for your reminder email at http://FreeFreschetta.com/ and their Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/FreschettaSimplyInspired

• Homemade Simple coupon book ($35 in P & G coupons) go HERE to get the book mailed to you.

Home-Ec 101 by Healther Solos book review

 My name is Susie and I am known as a Susie Homemaker.  I prefer being called that over being called "Lazy-Susan" which you all know is the turn-table-spinney-thing that gets placed in the center of tables.  I really do like being called Susie Homemaker because I love my family, my home and playing house.  I LOVED Home- Ec class in Jr. High.  I even wanted to take it in Sr. High but I couldn't squeeze it in my "college prep" studies, yeah right, whatever.

So where am I going with this? Well I had the opportunity to review the hot little dish of a book, Home-Ec 101:  Skills For Everyday Living by Heather Solos.  I knew by the cover (yes, sorry I do judge a book by its cover) that I had to read this book.  I love the 50s look of the cover and I have taken the era quiz and I am a 50s lady.  When I read the bio on the author, I really felt as though she was my long lost twin.  I've never bumped into her but after this review I'm going to start stalking her online (haha.)   Really, at least I'm honest, right?

This book is broken into Sections.  Here are the sections and a few of my favorite parts within each section:

Section 1:  Clean It- Here you will learn about what tools you need an the chemistry of cleaning, making a schedule (I'm accused at times that I'm Mz. Organized, but really I am not. I just don't let people see me sweat- most of the time.) floors, kitchen grease & grime, bathrooms, windows, bedrooms and dust mites which is creepy.

Section 2:  Wash It- Happy help on stains & odors and how rolling down a window is not always an option, garment repairs (beyond dental floss & staples) and the thankless chore of laundry (which btw my girls all do their own laundry...yes by 6th grade.)

Section 3:  Fix-It- The bare minimum handyman guide, good appliances & avoid minor meltdowns, plumbing (which I do not care to ever do but I will gladly clean the bathroom) throw rug & walls and repairs.

Section 4: Cook-it- Burned water, kitchen set up, recipe rundown & deciphering, pantry principles & the Zombie Apocalypse which I never knew went hand-in-hand, meal planning (so good to know I'm not a FREAK) and substitutions.


I loved the entire book.  I really thought that the book would be too basic but it wasn't.  Ms. Solos (my long lost twin) supplied a lot of basic information which, even Susie Homemaker appreciated.  I already told my girls, 12, 16 and 16 that this is this new school book as I am their Home-Ec teacher.  The book easily shows me what to teach them and how to go about doing it. 

I loved the "Make It Manageable: Flexible Scheduling" which is something that I tried one time and then gave it up.  I don't see me ever following it but it would be great for someone who needs discipline.  The Appendix includes Homemade Cleaning Solutions, Dangerous Chemical  Combination's,  Emergency Preparedness Checklist ( I needed this even though I have been in many hurricanes and storms) and Measurements Conversion Charts.  I find these type of charts very helpful.

I knew most everything in the Cook-It Section and read it several times just because I'm nerdy that way.  I really love how easy the book flows and I feel all "equipped" and ready to teach my daughters Home-Ec. This book would make a PERFECT present for a new mom, bridal shower, teenager, college student, nerdy housewives and even for a bachelor.  

I hope you will pick up this book and look through it.  It really is a wonderful.

Thanks to the author and One2One Network for providing a copy of this book for me to review.  My own tasty words & opinions are expressed here. 

Free Kaplan Text books and Study Guides! Ends tonight!

Thanks to Freebies for Mom for giving a heads up on this great find!  Anyone with middle school and up kids will probably find this HUGE FREE selection of Kaplan Text Books and Study Guides as a jackpot win!! I snagged a lot of these for my homeschool daughters! 

The kicker is that these Free Kindle downloads end today, Monday, January 17th!  So get on over there and download! What? You don't own a Kindle?  No problem with Amazon!  You can dowload their FREE Kindle application for your computer (I have it and love it), smart phone (I have it on my Droid) and iPad! I don't know which ones but some titles are free for the Nook and Sony Reader!

 
They have books and guides for college level students, too. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!  Go snag some freebies!

FREE Dance Mat Typing by BBC- Get your kid's typing this summer!

A few years back I found an online typing program for my daughters.  They loved the quirky program and it was silly enough to keep their attention and learn to type.  We lost touch with the program until just today!  I went searching for it and was so excited to find it online!  This is a fun program to get your kids typing this summer!

This program is geared toward 7-11 year olds.  As you go through each stage, it recaps the previous lesson, introduces new letters typed with left and right hands, practice of previous letters and the quirky part is that the typist is rewarded with  a mini song and dance!

It is so important to learn touch typing.  Computers are a part of our every day life.  The program gives tips on using the correct fingers, rest wrist on desk and take a rest to let your hands and arms relax. Encourage your kids to NOT look at their hands when they are typing.  If they follow this program they will be typing faster than then write in no time!



The program also includes printable worksheets to practice when offline!


Now go check it out!  Dance Mat Typing

Homeschool FUN MckLinky Blog Hop

Post your favorite photo week for MckLinky Blog Hop! This one is a favorite because we homeschool and my dd was having science fun! She likes homeschooling because she always gets to participate in every activity! She is the perfect homeschooler!
Thanks for hopping in! PLEASE leave a comment and I'll hop back to you! Thanks!

Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story Review & Giveaway!

Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story is the first book in the Katie & Kimble Series. This series is geared toward a reading level 3 and ages 7-10. It is 106 pages of pure fictional fun! Don't let the Ghost Story title keep your young ones from reading the book. It isn't a scary book! Katie moves to a new town with her family and discovers a kindred spirit! She goes on a quest that is engaging and heartfelt!

My 10 year old homeschooled daughter, Emily, loved the book! She is an avid reader who devours 5 books at a time. She was excited to read the book and then explore The Katie and Kimble blog. Very few fictional books link you to a blog! What a great opportunity for the Author, Linda Thieman, to get her readers eager to explore and do more with Katie and Kimble. Emily loves the interaction with sound bites! How fun to go here the Kimble Kimble chant, Graceful Ghost and even see the Katie and Kimble video that uses graphics from the book!

As a homeschool mom I love the blog! There is a section for Teachers and Homeschoolers! In the section you have access to free materials and activity packets for each book! The author, Linda Thieman is a former English/Language teacher from Sioux City, Iowa. The material that she created corresponds to the first two books in the Series. They are guided by the standards set for third grade reading skills in Iowa school systems. The books are priced right too! They are $5.95 or $2.48 for instant download! So not only are the books affordable you are given full access to the blog with free activities, free chapter downloads, handouts, color sheets, etc. On top of that the site is kid friendly and kid safe!

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Time for a Giveaway! Our dear Author wants you to have an autographed copy of her book!

Enter To Win It:

One lucky readers will win autographed copies of Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story.

How to Enter:

Visit the Katie & Kimble Blog and have a look around. Then come back here and make a comment on something from her blog. Deadline is May 29th. US entries only. Winners will be selected by Random.org. If by chance you don't win don't worry I will give you another chance in a few weeks!!!

Want extra chances to win?

5 chances-Follow the RSS feed at KatieandKimbleblog.com

1 chance- Follow my blog

1 chance-Follow the Author on twitter as @LindaThieman

1 chance-Follow my other blog, Scraps of Life

1 chance-Follow me on Twitter . I'm @susieqtpie

1 chance- Stumble it - leave ID in comments

1 chance- Technorati it - leave ID in comments

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 Please make sure that you leave a comment for each chance in my comments to get credit!

Rosetta Stone Homeschool Latin Program

Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.

This is a $259 program (and believe me it’s worth every penny!)

This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post. And good luck!

Art Time with the Pottery Wheel

Wordless Wednesday Homeschool at its finest

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Homeschooling at its finest! Computers & Girl Scout Cookies!