Under Construction

Hello,

I have been having some trouble with my blog and I am in the process of updating and changing it.  Just wanted to let you know.  Luckily I have a junior high son or there would be little hope of me being able to fix this.

So watch for a new exciting look on the blog.  (OK, maybe just a new look, but that sounds so much better. )  Hope everyone is getting in the groove for the new school year.

Becky Boerner

NUMATS

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-9th. Students in grades 3-6th can take the EXPLORE test. It is a test typically given to 8th graders. Students in grades 6-9 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

Math About the House. . . Math Fact Mastery

I have shared before that I do not like doing math facts with kids.   But, I know  they are really important for a child to master to be able to move quickly through more advanced math.  I wanted to share a few ways we conquer this at my house.

We  love the Flashmaster.  The Flashmaster is a hand held computer that drills your student in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.  My son loves it.  If you have a child who has trouble getting the facts to stick, this is a great option for daily review.  The Flashmaster has several settings to review your math facts.  If you would like more information the web site does a nice job explaining how it works.  The advantage of the Flashmaster is you can take it with you, and  would be a great item to have in a waiting room.   It is pricey, but I think it is worth the money.  I am guessing  you could probably resell when you are finished.

Flash Master

Another program we used was called Quarter Mile Math.  It is also available at the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op.    We enjoyed this program as well.  They have a free down loadable demo.

Artner's Reader's Guide to American History. . a find.

I love to go to thrift stores, church sales, and yard sales.  I was at a boy scout sale and found the book  War Chief of the Seminoles .
I did not have any apps on my very old flip phone to determine if this book was of "value."  I just had a feeling it might be helpful in our history studies.  Plus,  it was only $1.
I got home and showed the book to my husband.  He loves history books and keeps up with the ones we have and would like.  He looked at me with sheer amazement and excitement.  "That's a Landmark book. . let's see if it is in the Artner's History guide. "  Sure enough it was.  It was even an out of print book.  Kind of fun.  The Artner's guide is a great resource for teaching American history for grades 3-8. Many of the titles can be found in the library.  I know we have enjoyed using it with our kids.  It might be helpful for you this year. 

 ~Becky