Today until opening ceremonies, CurrClick will be offering freebies and a discount store with olympic themes. Don't miss out!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
2012 Olympics WebQuest and Enrichment Pack with Learning Menus
2012 Olympics WebQuest and Enrichment Pack with Learning Menus: 2012 Olympics WebQuest and Enrichment Pack with Learning Menus
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Friday, May 25, 2012
World Expedition WebQuest: Bhutan
World Expedition WebQuest: Bhutan: World Expedition WebQuest: Bhutan
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Bangladesh
World Expedition WebQuest: Bangladesh: World Expedition WebQuest: Bangladesh
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Afghanistan
World Expedition WebQuest: Afghanistan: World Expedition WebQuest: Afghanistan
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Taiwan
World Expedition WebQuest: Taiwan: World Expedition WebQuest: Taiwan
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Mongolia
World Expedition WebQuest: Mongolia: World Expedition WebQuest: Mongolia
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: South Korea
World Expedition WebQuest: South Korea: World Expedition WebQuest: South Korea
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: North Korea
World Expedition WebQuest: North Korea: World Expedition WebQuest: North Korea
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Hong Kong
World Expedition WebQuest: Hong Kong: World Expedition WebQuest: Hong Kong
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
World Expedition WebQuest: United Arab Emirates
World Expedition WebQuest: United Arab Emirates: World Expedition WebQuest: United Arab Emirates
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Bahrain
World Expedition WebQuest: Bahrain: World Expedition WebQuest: Bahrain
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Saudi Arabia
World Expedition WebQuest: Saudi Arabia: World Expedition WebQuest: Saudi Arabia
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Kuwait
World Expedition WebQuest: Kuwait: World Expedition WebQuest: Kuwait
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
World Expedition WebQuest: Jordan
World Expedition WebQuest: Jordan: World Expedition WebQuest: Jordan
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Israel
World Expedition WebQuest: Israel: World Expedition WebQuest: Israel
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
World Expedition WebQuest: Lebanon
World Expedition WebQuest: Lebanon: World Expedition WebQuest: Lebanon
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
Now Available at CurrClick.com!
What to Say When...
This is the first in a series of posts dealing with that sticky issue of how to handle family members and others who question your choice to homeschool. We'll start with a common problem...what to say when someone asks when your children will go to a "real" school.
First, take a deep breath! Chances are the person you're dealing with doesn't realize that homeschool is real school. Then, use one of these approaches:
1. Answer with some information about your day-to-day schedule.
Ex. "Our homeschool is very much like traditional school, except we get more accomplished in less time."
2. Answer with some information about your plan for your children.
Ex. "I don't plan to send the children to a traditional school until they are ready for college."
3. Answer by explaining the subjects you cover with your children.
Ex. "We cover all the same subjects covered in traditional classrooms."
These are just a few suggestions. If you've run into this problem and want to share how you handled it, feel free to comment.
First, take a deep breath! Chances are the person you're dealing with doesn't realize that homeschool is real school. Then, use one of these approaches:
1. Answer with some information about your day-to-day schedule.
Ex. "Our homeschool is very much like traditional school, except we get more accomplished in less time."
2. Answer with some information about your plan for your children.
Ex. "I don't plan to send the children to a traditional school until they are ready for college."
3. Answer by explaining the subjects you cover with your children.
Ex. "We cover all the same subjects covered in traditional classrooms."
These are just a few suggestions. If you've run into this problem and want to share how you handled it, feel free to comment.
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Now available at CurrClick.com!
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for Make Way for Ducklings
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for Make Way for Ducklings: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for Make Way for Ducklings
Now for sale on CurrClick.com!
Now for sale on CurrClick.com!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
World Expedition WebQuest: Russian Federation
World Expedition WebQuest: Russian Federation: World Expedition WebQuest: Russian Federation
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Now for sale at CurrClick!
World Expedition WebQuest: Czech Republic
World Expedition WebQuest: Czech Republic: World Expedition WebQuest: Czech Republic
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for A House For Hermit Crab
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for A House For Hermit Crab: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for A House For Hermit Crab
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Did You Know...
Did you know that Eric Carle creates his illustrations using painted tissue paper? You can read all about it here.
Don't forget to visit CurrClick to get your Eric Carle Lit Picks. They're full of fun stuff to keep the learning going even after the books are read!
Don't forget to visit CurrClick to get your Eric Carle Lit Picks. They're full of fun stuff to keep the learning going even after the books are read!
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Grouchy Ladybug
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Grouchy Ladybug: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Grouchy Ladybug
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Now for sale at CurrClick!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Mixed-Up Chameleon: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Now available on CurrClick!
Now available on CurrClick!
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Snowy Day
Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Snowy Day: Lit Pick: Literature Extender for The Snowy Day
New product added today!
New product added today!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
CurrClick Discounts
Starting this week, I will feature a discount link for one of my products on CurrClick. There will be one every week, so be sure to come back and visit so you can take advantage! Here's this week's link:
http://www.currclick.com/product/71841/Lit-Pick%3A-Literature-Extender-for-Where-the-Wild-Things-Are?manufacturers_id=592&discount=33590
http://www.currclick.com/product/71841/Lit-Pick%3A-Literature-Extender-for-Where-the-Wild-Things-Are?manufacturers_id=592&discount=33590
Picture Books Everyone Should Read
I've been creating teaching units for various books for some time now, and have been selling them at CurrClick (http://www.currclick.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=592). That got me thinking...what are the best books for young children? I can name a few off the top of my head...Harold and the Purple Crayon, Why do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears...and others, but I wondered what other books should be on my "must read" list. So, I went looking and found some links to share with you:
New York Public Libraries List of 100 Recommended Picture Books
Scholastic's Top 25 Picture Books
Children's Books Guide's Top 100
That should get you started! Remember, reading with your children is an important step in their literacy development. Plus, it's a lot of fun, too!
New York Public Libraries List of 100 Recommended Picture Books
Scholastic's Top 25 Picture Books
Children's Books Guide's Top 100
That should get you started! Remember, reading with your children is an important step in their literacy development. Plus, it's a lot of fun, too!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
New York Times Reposts an Old Story
From time to time I take a look at various online editions of mainstream newspapers and magazines to see what they're saying about homeschooling. I was infuriated when I saw today's New York Times edition where they reposted a story from 2008. Front and center was the booking photo of a woman charged with murder by neglect of her children who she was homeschooling. What followed was a discussion of the number of states with little to no supervisory laws for parents who choose to homeschool. One expert was quoted as saying the following:
"Clive R. Belfield, a professor of economics at Queens College and formerly a researcher at the National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education at Columbia Teachers College, said that “limited compliance and follow-up” gave abusive families “an excuse to get out of being observed.”You can read the entire article here and feel free to post your comments.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Summer Book Club
With summer just around the corner, now is the time to start planning for a summer reading program for your child. I will be offering a virtual book club for various age groups, and the cost will be $5.00 per child. The age groups will be as follows:
Girls Ages 8-10 - The Ramona Series (Ramona the Pest; Ramona the Brave; Ramona Quimby, Age 8)
Boys Ages 8-10 - Ralph the Mouse Series (Ralph S. Mouse; Runaway Ralph; The Mouse and the Motorcycle)
Boys Ages 11-13 - Henry Huggins Series (Henry Huggins; Henry and the Clubhouse; Henry and Ribsy)
Girls Ages 11-13 - Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great; Blubber; Starring Sally J. Freeman as Herself
Boys and Girls Ages 14-16 - The Hunger Games Trilogy
Each age group will have 3 books to read and discuss at our online meetings. If you are interested in enrolling your child(ren), please leave a comment here and I will contact you promptly.
Girls Ages 8-10 - The Ramona Series (Ramona the Pest; Ramona the Brave; Ramona Quimby, Age 8)
Boys Ages 8-10 - Ralph the Mouse Series (Ralph S. Mouse; Runaway Ralph; The Mouse and the Motorcycle)
Boys Ages 11-13 - Henry Huggins Series (Henry Huggins; Henry and the Clubhouse; Henry and Ribsy)
Girls Ages 11-13 - Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great; Blubber; Starring Sally J. Freeman as Herself
Boys and Girls Ages 14-16 - The Hunger Games Trilogy
Each age group will have 3 books to read and discuss at our online meetings. If you are interested in enrolling your child(ren), please leave a comment here and I will contact you promptly.
Newest CurrClick Offerings
Check out this new series from CurrClick as well as my other products.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Teaching Research Skills Through WebQuests and Literature Units
The topic of research can be somewhat daunting for both parents and students alike,
but it doesn’t have to be. There are some practical ways to introduce these techniques
by using WebQuests, literature, or both. Students as young as 8 can begin to learn
basic research skills. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Gather research tools. Index cards are essential, and having different colors on
hand is helpful. Information gathered and placed on the index cards is easier to
sort by sub-topic if colored cards are used. Small, colored dot stickers can also be
used to classify information.
2. Teach children to use encyclopedias either online, in text form, or both. Learning
these foundational research tools will provide a basis for expanding into other research
texts and skills.
3. Teach the research process. This process involves the following steps:
constitute one paragraph of details to explain something related to the topic.
And there you have it! Dive into a WebQuest or literature study and explore the world
of research with your children. You never know what they….or you….might learn!
but it doesn’t have to be. There are some practical ways to introduce these techniques
by using WebQuests, literature, or both. Students as young as 8 can begin to learn
basic research skills. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Gather research tools. Index cards are essential, and having different colors on
hand is helpful. Information gathered and placed on the index cards is easier to
sort by sub-topic if colored cards are used. Small, colored dot stickers can also be
used to classify information.
2. Teach children to use encyclopedias either online, in text form, or both. Learning
these foundational research tools will provide a basis for expanding into other research
texts and skills.
3. Teach the research process. This process involves the following steps:
- Choose a topic. If a WebQuest or piece of literature is used, the topic may already be determined.
- Gather facts and information. WebQuests and literature related studies provide structured guidance for this portion of the process. For example, a WebQuest about the animal kingdom will have specific questions that need answering. These answers will then become the details that make up a research report.
- Organize facts and information. Using the aforementioned color coding process, sort the information gathered by sub-topic.
- Turn index card information into sentences and paragraphs.
- WebQuests and literature studies lend themselves nicely to this type of writing. Each color group should
constitute one paragraph of details to explain something related to the topic.
And there you have it! Dive into a WebQuest or literature study and explore the world
of research with your children. You never know what they….or you….might learn!
New Products Available at Currclick.com
After much work, I have completed a series of WebQuests for each state, in the order in which they joined the union. Additionally, I am working on literature units geared toward teaching basic research skills. Two are available now, both based on Magic Tree House books, but look for Magic School Bus projects as well.
Further literature enrichment units will be available soon, focusing on the Junie B. Jones series, The Bailey School Kids series, and a number of Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume classics.
As always, if you have a request for a particular unit or project-based materials, simply let me know.
Further literature enrichment units will be available soon, focusing on the Junie B. Jones series, The Bailey School Kids series, and a number of Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume classics.
Homeschooling Stereotypes
I'm sure many of you have encountered people who instantly take a negative attitude toward your homeschooling family. I know I have, and the reasons for the negativity seem to vary quite a bit. So, let's see if we can get a conversation going here about the different stereotypes or other misconceptions you may have encountered. I've listed a few that I have come across, but please add your comments. Later, I'll start another post where we can discuss ways to dispel these misconceptions.
1. Homeschooled children lack social skills.
2. Parents are not qualified to teach their children.
3. All homeschool families isolate their children and teach only from the Bible.
4. Homeschooled kids will never be able to get into college.
These are just a few...please tell us about your experiences.
1. Homeschooled children lack social skills.
2. Parents are not qualified to teach their children.
3. All homeschool families isolate their children and teach only from the Bible.
4. Homeschooled kids will never be able to get into college.
These are just a few...please tell us about your experiences.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Government Regulation of Homeschooling
It never ceases to amaze me how even in the 21st century, there are those who would propose to strip away parental rights regarding the education of their children. On a more positive note, proponents of homeschooling rights have stepped up to the ridiculous challenge of justifying their personal choices. Just for fun, let's look at a couple of interesting articles.
First, an article written by Rob Reich (2005) suggests that there wasn't much in the way of empirical evidence to support claims of academic achievement, socialization, etc. made by homeschoolers. While this was partially true at the time of publication, no attempt has been made to draw attention to more recent research. In fact, Reich stated the following, dated January 5, 2011:
Then there is the arrogance and ignorance of University of Indiana's Rob Kunzman. In his article, Three Key Points About Homeschooling (2011), Kunzman states:
In short, as the volume of both quantitative and qualitative research regarding the academic achievement of homeschoolers increases, so should the discussion of said research become more prevalent. Critics of homeschooling should no longer be allowed to get away with sweeping generalizations.
First, an article written by Rob Reich (2005) suggests that there wasn't much in the way of empirical evidence to support claims of academic achievement, socialization, etc. made by homeschoolers. While this was partially true at the time of publication, no attempt has been made to draw attention to more recent research. In fact, Reich stated the following, dated January 5, 2011:
"Absent rigorous, social scientific data on the outcomes of home schooling, we are left in the realm of anecdote – the home schoolers who win the National Spelling Bees – and the occasional ethnographic study of small populations of home schoolers.[3] But neither can give us any picture of whether home schooling “works”. "Reich would do well to reacquaint herself with current, quantitative studies regarding the academic performance of homeschooled students. This particular study was published in a highly regarded, peer-reviewed academic journal. It steps out of "the realm of anecdote," and punches a huge hole in Reich's argument.
Then there is the arrogance and ignorance of University of Indiana's Rob Kunzman. In his article, Three Key Points About Homeschooling (2011), Kunzman states:
"Among a range of inconsistencies, the study drew only from homeschoolers who elected to take these tests through a Bob Jones University standardized testing program."Although the implication is that because Bob Jones University is a conservative, Christian school, the testing is somehow biased or otherwise slanted, a simple visit to the website proves that two mainstream testing options are available. The Iowa Test and the Stanford Achievement Test (ironically, Reich's university) are offered, independently proctored, and scored by the Bob Jones Testing Service, but are in no way altered by the university.
In short, as the volume of both quantitative and qualitative research regarding the academic achievement of homeschoolers increases, so should the discussion of said research become more prevalent. Critics of homeschooling should no longer be allowed to get away with sweeping generalizations.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Current Products Available on Currclick
I have a handful of products available for sale, but one is being offered for free this week only. My webquest entitled Element Detectives focuses on the first 36 elements on the periodic table. I have another webquest based on the Jamestown Native Americans available for sale, and I've begun a series based on exploring the solar system. Currently, Mars WebQuest: Case of the Missing NASA Files is available for sale.
Other projects are in the works, so take some time to visit currclick.com today.
Other projects are in the works, so take some time to visit currclick.com today.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Packaged Curricula vs. Custom Curricula...Which is Best?
The short answer is...it depends. The decision to go with a pre-packaged, commercial curricula or custom designed curricula depends, solely, on the needs of your child. In many cases, a combination of both is appropriate. For example, a student may use a commercial Math curriculum supplemented by custom designed enrichment or remediation content. Other students may need a completely different approach in Math, leading to the use of a much more custom designed content.
The question, then, becomes...how do you determine what your child needs. You have a few options. Absent any obvious learning difficulties, a trial and error approach may work. This can be expensive, however, especially if you are buying some of the more pricey packages. Another option is professional assessment and consultation. That's where places like Sylvan come in. They are also extremely expensive and tend to be based on the lowest two levels of Bloom's Taxonomy (see my post about standardized testing). Alternatively, you can use the services of a private, professional consultant.
As a consultant, my job is centered around your child. I begin with an assessment in core content areas (Reading, Math, and Writing), taking into consideration any results from previously completed tests, and piece together a total program that fits your child. The mistake many people make is trying to fit a child to a particular curriculum...that approach may make money, but it may not be the best thing for the child. Companies such as Sylvan or Huntington charge an insane amount of money for the same type of services I can provide.
The next time you contemplate your child's homeschool curricula, consider whether you need some professional services. If what you've tried in the past hasn't been working, consider giving me a call.
The question, then, becomes...how do you determine what your child needs. You have a few options. Absent any obvious learning difficulties, a trial and error approach may work. This can be expensive, however, especially if you are buying some of the more pricey packages. Another option is professional assessment and consultation. That's where places like Sylvan come in. They are also extremely expensive and tend to be based on the lowest two levels of Bloom's Taxonomy (see my post about standardized testing). Alternatively, you can use the services of a private, professional consultant.
As a consultant, my job is centered around your child. I begin with an assessment in core content areas (Reading, Math, and Writing), taking into consideration any results from previously completed tests, and piece together a total program that fits your child. The mistake many people make is trying to fit a child to a particular curriculum...that approach may make money, but it may not be the best thing for the child. Companies such as Sylvan or Huntington charge an insane amount of money for the same type of services I can provide.
The next time you contemplate your child's homeschool curricula, consider whether you need some professional services. If what you've tried in the past hasn't been working, consider giving me a call.
Friday, January 27, 2012
What are WebQuests, and Why Use Them?
WebQuests offer parents a way to integrate technology into various subject areas, through carefully engineered Internet exploration (a Quest on the Web, so to speak). A well designed WebQuest follows a very particular pattern which encourages the use of critical thinking skills and processes.
The Introduction: All webquests frame a concept or group of related concepts in an introduction addressed to the learner or group of learners. For example, a quest designed to explore fractional parts of a whole might tell the learner that they will help a pizza parlor worker figure out how to slice a pizza so there are a certain number of slices.
The Task: This portion of the webquest explains what the final product of the quest will be. In some cases, a quest may require the learner to produce a slideshow presentation or a display board showcasing their newly acquired knowledge.
The Process: This section of the webquest gives very specific information to the learner. Websites are carefully selected for their content, and questions are asked of the learner based upon that content. For example, the learner may be asked to name 4 different ways to divide a circle into fractional parts. A link to a website giving information that will help them answer that question will be listed in this section. All the websites and questions in this section will build toward the final product .
Evaluation: This section is the most customizable. While most webquests will come with a way for parents to evaluate the final project (such as a rubric or grading chart), the evaluation method may be changed to fit specific learning needs. If your family does not use a strict grading system, grading charts may be used to simply provide feedback to the learner. In other words, comments may be given instead of grades so that the learner knows what was done well, and what might have needed more work.
In short, Webquests allow learners to safely use the Internet to independently gather information and apply it in some tangible form. Using them as a teaching method is advantageous in that it encourages learners to use their critical thinking skills and exercise their independent learning muscles. Enjoy this quest and others published by Brodie Education Consulting, and let us know if there are other topics you’d like to see as WebQuests.
Happy Exploring!!
Check out our products on CurrClick.com
Partnership With CurrClick
FOR RELEASE ON 1/27/2012
Brodie Education Consulting Signs on to CurrClick.com
Pasadena, TX — The era of digital delivery is here and Brodie Education Consulting is at the forefront. You can now easily download our education materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at CurrClick.com
We are happy to announce that we’ve teamed up with CurrClick.com and can now offer you, our customers, homeschool and educational products as secure eBooks on this exciting, new site. Check out our eBook educational products right now by visiting www.currclick.com.
CurrClick.com is the only eBook and audio book site specializing in Homeschool curriculum. This dynamic and user friendly site employs the latest Adobe server technology, allowing us to make our full line of products available to you easily, instantly, cheaply and completely free of shipping costs. Currclick.com takes extra books off your bookshelf and puts them on your computer or CD-Rom, saving you much needed space. No longer will you be plagued by broken or missing audio cassettes and CD’s, or drink-stained workbook pages! Your books will now be effortlessly stored, as small, easy-to-use files on computer or disc, to be viewed or printed at your convenience.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity: Brodie Education Consulting and Currclick.com will be offering Element Detectives for download absolutely free during the week of February 13. Be sure to download this and check out our other great products at CurrClick.com where you get Curriculum in a Click!
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