Get your "FACTS" in gear.

http://donnayoung.org/f13/math-f/chart/lgmulti.pdf

I had one of those moments recently with my third grader.  He does not appear to have his facts memorized.  Please note that he has completed daily lessons with Facts First.  This child should know his math facts.  We were all tired of having him ask us what they are. 

So this is my plan.  I am sharing it in case you are having one of those moments with your child.

1.  I explained to him that it was the end of the line.  We were no longer going to tell him the answers to math facts.  He was old enough to know them.  He was going to memorize them or he would be looking them up on this sheet of paper from then on.  I handed him a multiplication chart.

Please note: this speech is more for you than your child. I personally felt empowered. 

2. I told him he would be now be taking timed tests every few days.  I printed out several times tables ahead of time, and put them in a folder.  That way I would be able to present them on a moment's notice.  Here is another set, and an online multiplication speed test as well. 


I am copying the following from About.com for you.

The best way to learn the multiplication facts is by one fact family at a time. Always begin with the 2's, the 5's and the 10's, when these are mastered, move to the squares (sometimes referred to as the doubles) which are 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, 6x6. Then move to the remaining fact familes, 4,6,7, 8 and 9. Never start with random facts. Do not provide random fact sheets until there is a strong comfort level with the fact families. Practicing random facts rarely leads to permanent learning. Stick with the above strategy and students are more apt to learn the multiplication facts.


 3.  I printed out another multiplication chart that we would color in when we mastered each fact family.

I realize this is not rocket science and you probably already know this.  But, I just wanted to share my renewal plan with you.   I will keep you updated on how it goes.  So far just having the table printed out has made me much less aggravated,and has put the responsibility back on him.   I am hoping he will tire of looking them up on the chart and begin to memorize them. 

Enjoy your week,
~Becky

The Winners are . . .

Hello,
The winners for the Give-away have been randomly chosen. Congratulations to Michelle and Joe.  I have contacted them.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to enter and spread the word. I loved reading the comments!  Thank you for your kind words.  I am very grateful that I get to help homeschool families each year.  I love what I do. 

Again, I have posted my new forms for the 2012-2013 school.  This is a great time of year to collect and date some samples of your student's work, and begin to put it all together.  It will make it much easier come springtime.

Thanks so much!
~ Becky Boerner M.Ed.
Current Ohio Certified Teacher

PS. If you live in Cincinnati my friend Lisa McAfee is also having an assessment give-away.  Click here for details. 

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Reasons I home educate

When I started back this week I had one of those days  where I was wondering why I home educate.  Maybe it was as my 9 year old son crawled under the table and could not seem to locate his math book, or the looks of confusion when asked what are you suppose to be doing? The fact they we are cooped up indoors is not really helping my cause.

On Monday night I was thinking I better come up with a list, because I needed to review why I was doing this and not doing something else all day.   I have been home schooling for seven years, and for me it is a still a good idea to be reminded of why I choose to keep my kids home and educate them.  .  After making my list I was inspired and had a much better Tuesday.

So here goes. . .

1. I love having the best of my kids.  I love that they do not go to school and come home spent and grouchy.  I am privileged to spend the best times with them.

2. My kids  are becoming independent learners. . I love that they are problem solvers, and possibility people.  They love books and get excited about learning.

3.  I am so glad I am there for their "aha" moments.  It is wonderful to watch the light come on. 

4. I enjoy watching them become active learners.  They do not sit back and expect to be spoon fed information 

5. I love being in charge of my day and not having the school schedule dictate my time. It is wonderful to take a day off and enjoy the sunshine, play in the snow, or watch a rainstorm. 

6. I am glad my children can learn at their own pace.  Time is on our side. 

7.  I enjoy watching them pursue their own interests and hobbies.  I love that they have enough time to do this, and can go in depth on a topic. 

8.  I am glad my kids are developing life long friendships with their siblings.

9.  Knowing that I am an active part of the people they are becoming is a privilege.

10.  I like being a part of something bigger than myself.  I know I am shaping the future.

There you go.  These are the bigger picture pieces that I tend to forget in my day to day activities.  It was good to be reminded that when we home educate our children, we truly are a part of something noble.

Why do you home educate?

~Becky