Registration now open for Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search 2011!

It is that time of year. Time to register for NUMATS. So what is that? NUMATS-Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search. So what is that?? The talent search is for students in grades 3rd-8th. Students in grades 3-6th can take the EXPLORE test. It is a test typically given to 8th graders. Students in grades 6-8 can take the ACT and/or the SAT.
So why would your student want to do that??? If your student typically scores in the top 10%, this is a great opportunity for them. An above grade level tests allows you to get a better academic picture of your student. The NUMATS web site has a great explanation about the program. The test is given all across the Midwest, and in other states as well.
The students who score in the top 1% are invited to Northwestern for an awards ceremony in June. Some states like Michigan and Wisconsin have their own awards ceremony. But whether or not your student scores high enough for an award, it is still a great opportunity for them. Some students are used to always scoring very highly on tests that are not that challenging to them. This is a chance for gifted students to be challenged. ( My son jumped out of bed the day of the test. He was so excited about the challenge.)
This might be your student as well.
Happy bubbling!!
Becky

Getting ready for next year's assessment or record-keeping.

This is a great time of year to think about a plan for your child's 2010-2011 assessment, or just keeping a good record of your child's work. That way when the weather begins warming up again, your records are in order.

I wanted to share what I do. I set aside a file folder with each child's name on it. I then choose a date. (maybe your child's birthday, a number in the middle of the month you pay bills on, or your anniversary date) I use the 17th as it is our anniversary. On the 17th of each month I put aside a dated work sample from each subject into the file folder for each child. I may add a picture of a project my kids are working on, or some art work. I also write some notes on the inside of the folder or on a sheet of paper noting any progress my child has made that month. At the end of the year, I have my work samples ready for an assessment. This method also helps me to celebrate the progress my children have made during year. It is easy to forgot those things in the grind of life. We have our new assessment forms up for the 2010-2011 school year. You may want to include those in the folder as well.

I would love to hear how others take care of record keeping. Write a comment and let us know.
Happy Filing!

Schedules

We have been cleaning here for the last week, and will continue this week.  Cleaning out homeschool drawers for the 6 and under crowd, shelves for the 10 and up crowd, and bookshelves filled with teacher helps.  Cleaning out the Montessori room, kitchen cupboards,  and thinking about what we still need for next year.

 We homeschool year round with breaks in between.  It seems easier for us to get back to school work after a 2 or 3 week break than a longer one.  I laughingly say that my kids are better people when they are doing math problems. We have taken breaks in December, April, July, and September  in the past, or when I have had it.   This year I am contemplating going 6 weeks on and 1 week off.  Taking a break for Christmas, Easter, and around the 4th of July.  It seems to help if we all can stop and do something fun, clean the house, and remember that school work is way more fun than cleaning kitchen cupboards.  My goal is always to make math facts look more fun that they did a few weeks ago.

Some pictures below of some of our shelves. Would LOVE to hear other people's schedules. How do you break up your year?  Year round or summers off?

The book shelves and school drawers.

 

N's school shelf