In front of me on my desk propped up against my window are the letters PEACE. They remind me to keep work in perspective when things can get crazy and overwhelming. Jesus came to give peace and where there is not peace, there is no Jesus. I am not talking about a physical quiet and calm peace, but the deep down spirit of peace no matter what is whirling around us.
There have been many challenges in my life that I thought would have put me over the edge, things that I did not think I could handle. It is during those times that I was forced to search for that Peace which surpasses all understanding. I didn’t understand how I could possible find peace in my situation. Until I realized that is exactly where God wanted me. The peace cannot be found in that situation but with Jesus himself. Peace comes with trusting that someone will catch you when you are falling; that someone will pull you out of the fire; that someone will save you from the wreck. PEACE. I pray you all can find that peace this year as we remember that Jesus came to save us from all of our situations and that one day, he will bring us to His perfect Home. PEACE.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Real Life Learning
What the government considers an outcome, many of us consider real-life parenting and we do them in response to the scriptures and God’s calling rather than to the PLOs. That is one of my favourite things about homeschooling; we get to spend precious meaningful time doing what we would do anyway and not be forced to learn it from a textbook while sitting in cold seats.
With the holidays just around the corner, there are often many opportunities for real-life application of learning. So, don’t forget to write about this real-life during the holidays – often there is giving to the underprivileged, performing for others, hospitality, all of which will fall under “course work”. Share not only what they did but how they responded to them. Were they able to relate scripture to why they are doing this? Did they have a good attitude? Did they initiate or respond to a call for help? Remember, to look for “growth” in all areas and at all times – not just in their “curriculum” or assignments. My guess is that there is much evidence of growth in a child’s real-life application of what they have learned whether it came from a text or a bed-time conversation. J
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I Needed This Right Now!
Encouraging Kids Along the Path to Learning
By Virginia Vagt
The words path to learning offer us a great word picture. Word pictures (metaphors) can help us visualize and grab hold of a big concept and a deep meaning.
The word "education" is not a word picture. While the word "education" has plenty of meaning, it's hard to picture. And the word itself may not offer us inspiration as we teach our children. But when we hear the words "path to learning" in our mind's eye we can visualize an actual path. What do we see? I see a gently winding lane where many others have walked before. Such a path looks and sounds inviting. A path offers a way and a destination, or the path wouldn't exist. Paths also promise worthwhile things to see, hear and enjoy along the way to the destination. Similarly, a "path to learning" is a path. Like the walking-path it summons up for us the knowledge that the path will be walked, not raced. A learning path also offers us the idea that we'll find as much value on the way as at the destination.
As parents who teach our children it can help to picture daily life as a "learning path" and that we're on it with our kids. Sometimes our kids are running ahead on the path. Sometimes they're tired and want to stop for that drink we've brought along. Sometimes we're the tired ones. Sometimes we find a great place to stop for a rest. Even when we stop, that doesn't mean the learning stops. "There's a bird!" "Here's a new pine tree only four inches high!"
Paths, truly, are meant for walking. Learning is like that too. Most of the time the pace of learning is not very fast. Yet it's enjoyable, even in bits. Learning to read one word is just as exciting as learning to read a chapter. That's what's so great about walking-a-path versus racing down a highway. On the path there's time to encourage and celebrate our children as they learn bits, letters and words. In the process we get a kick out of it ourselves, and learn more about each of them and how they learn.
Sometimes we wonder if we've wandered off the path and if we're now lost. That "are we lost?" feeling can happen while we're walking a path. Paths are not four-lane. Paths don't have large green signs above them announcing each destination. Paths can dwindle down from a well-trodden space and can seem to all but disappear. When that happens, we look for marks such as splotches of red paint that others, who've walked the path before us, have left on stones. These marks let us know that the path is veering or turning, and that it's still there. Those who've gone before us, who've been teaching their own children for a long time, are here to offer those markers. When learning doesn't seem to be happening, consider looking closer. Maybe learning is happening, but at a slower pace than we want. Sometimes, when we're pointing to a bird high up in a tree, our kids are exploring the four-inch high pine tree. The path to learning is like that. And aren't we glad!
------
Virginia Vagt is a writer, speaker, editor and 13-year veteran homeschooling mom. Click here to read selections from Vagt's Be Encouraged column or, for additional resources, visit HomeFieldAdvantage.org
By Virginia Vagt
The words path to learning offer us a great word picture. Word pictures (metaphors) can help us visualize and grab hold of a big concept and a deep meaning.
The word "education" is not a word picture. While the word "education" has plenty of meaning, it's hard to picture. And the word itself may not offer us inspiration as we teach our children. But when we hear the words "path to learning" in our mind's eye we can visualize an actual path. What do we see? I see a gently winding lane where many others have walked before. Such a path looks and sounds inviting. A path offers a way and a destination, or the path wouldn't exist. Paths also promise worthwhile things to see, hear and enjoy along the way to the destination. Similarly, a "path to learning" is a path. Like the walking-path it summons up for us the knowledge that the path will be walked, not raced. A learning path also offers us the idea that we'll find as much value on the way as at the destination.
As parents who teach our children it can help to picture daily life as a "learning path" and that we're on it with our kids. Sometimes our kids are running ahead on the path. Sometimes they're tired and want to stop for that drink we've brought along. Sometimes we're the tired ones. Sometimes we find a great place to stop for a rest. Even when we stop, that doesn't mean the learning stops. "There's a bird!" "Here's a new pine tree only four inches high!"
Paths, truly, are meant for walking. Learning is like that too. Most of the time the pace of learning is not very fast. Yet it's enjoyable, even in bits. Learning to read one word is just as exciting as learning to read a chapter. That's what's so great about walking-a-path versus racing down a highway. On the path there's time to encourage and celebrate our children as they learn bits, letters and words. In the process we get a kick out of it ourselves, and learn more about each of them and how they learn.
Sometimes we wonder if we've wandered off the path and if we're now lost. That "are we lost?" feeling can happen while we're walking a path. Paths are not four-lane. Paths don't have large green signs above them announcing each destination. Paths can dwindle down from a well-trodden space and can seem to all but disappear. When that happens, we look for marks such as splotches of red paint that others, who've walked the path before us, have left on stones. These marks let us know that the path is veering or turning, and that it's still there. Those who've gone before us, who've been teaching their own children for a long time, are here to offer those markers. When learning doesn't seem to be happening, consider looking closer. Maybe learning is happening, but at a slower pace than we want. Sometimes, when we're pointing to a bird high up in a tree, our kids are exploring the four-inch high pine tree. The path to learning is like that. And aren't we glad!
------
Virginia Vagt is a writer, speaker, editor and 13-year veteran homeschooling mom. Click here to read selections from Vagt's Be Encouraged column or, for additional resources, visit HomeFieldAdvantage.org
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fall: Letting Go, Allowing for Change, Falling Back
Letting go: As the leaves let go of the trees, may we let go of our preconceived ideas and plans that aren’t working.
Allowing for change: As the leaves change color and the weather changes, may we allow our ideas and plans to change according to God’s will.
Falling back: As the clocks fall back, may we enjoy falling back into God’s loving arms as He guides and leads us.
Fall is my favourite season. I remember deciding that Fall was my favourite season when I was in first year of University on the East Coast. I joined a group of students who went for an annual foliage hike up a small mountain simply to view the beautiful foliage and worship the Almighty Creator through singing, and the reading of God’s Word. (If you have ever been on the East Coast, you will appreciate how amazing the colors are with such a variety of deciduous trees.) Standing at the top of the mountain, gazing upon this amazing palette of greens, oranges, yellows and reds and taking the time to be still and really appreciate the portrait is a memory that God has given me to remind me that God is in charge of everything – that He alone can change those trees, that He alone decides when it will get cold so the plants can get rest, and that while this time of rest comes about, He will be there to guide and preserve me even if things appear to be shutting down or even dying. He also reminded me that He once died but will come back again in full glory, just like those crimson trees with the shedding of leaves – they will bloom again even bigger and fuller than they were now.
My prayer for you is that you will take the time to let God speak to you during the changing seasons and that you will hear Him give you words of promise and hope.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
First Day Disaster
Schedules, early mornings, routine, reading together on the couch, writing in their journals, completing workbook pages, creating models, completing experiments. This was my vision of what our days would be like once school began again.
Well, I was hit with another reminder (I obviously need yet another) that indeed God is in control - NOT ME! My first day of schooling turned out to be a complete disaster - so bad that I had to surrender and laugh; or else I would cry. By the end of the week, I was just going with the flow and felt very thankful that I have a faithful God that proves to me that life does not fall apart without me :). What happened? I will tell you if you will keep in mind that I am making myself vulnerable by sharing my "inside voice". It sounds yucky and I am not proud of it but to God be the glory for continually making me new!
Well, first day started out just as I planned; the kids were up bright and early ready for our morning walk. After all the kids need to have a walk to bring oxygen to their brain to be ready for school. How smart of me to know this. We were on our way and I was VERY proud of myself for getting the kids out the door on time on the first day. Nice day, nice conversation, well behaved kids - good job I was doing. As we passed by the local public school yard, I prided myself on my decision to homeschool my kids. I was basking in the fact that I was going to be providing my children with an amazing day filled with laughter and learning when without warning, the feeling came on... Nausea. It came from my gut to my mouth. (If you are queasy, please bear with me, I will be quick.) And within seconds, it was coming out all over the ground right in front of the playground where all the children were playing and where parents dropped off their kids. My poor kids were asking me to please stop because people were looking. WHAT! STOP! I can't just stop! Then up came another mess.
When things subsided, I got up, held my head high, wiped my mouth on my nice shirt I wore that morning (because I also wanted to be the best-dressed homeschool mom out there) and told the kids to turn around and quickly and quietly walk back home.
I made it home without incident and was determined to continue on with my plans. As you probably guessed, my plans did not come to stand. Within minutes of sitting down to read the Bible together (because THAT is what a proper homeschool mom should do), it came again. Off to the washroom I ran.
At that point, I told the kids to try their Math on their own while I lied down for just a few minutes (because I was determined to complete my plans for the day). I was so proud when my kids could complete their first lesson without me - what a great teacher I must have been last year!
Then it was time to make that clay model of the earth's structure. That was a great idea I had and the kids were going to love it. As I called out the instructions from the couch, they listened so intently and began their masterpieces. While they were working away, I fell asleep and they continued to make and sculpt other things. That was all nice until one decided to smash the other’s and then there was revenge and then... tears and then... I woke up to the tears and torment and realized that my plans were officially destroyed.
Looking back, I wonder whether God was trying to "purge" my pride on the side of that playground by the school before the day even began. But I was too stubborn to listen. I was sick for 2 days and the rest of the week continued in the same pattern of me trying tirelessly to complete what I had written in my planner as God interjected little events and circumstances into my life that required me to be pulled from my plans. I was left overwhelmed and frustrated with God and the people around me for interfering with my plans.
It all started on Monday. It is now Thursday and I have surrendered to Jesus my pride in homeschooling. I have admitted that I left absolutely no room for God to work. (During a Bible reading one morning, I even told my kids to stop asking questions and making comments because we needed to get to the next project) I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt and no make-up. I am handing the day to God and letting him lead the conversations then allowing for changes in my plans when things go differently than I had imagined. My advice - mark your plans in pencil! The plans in my planner at this moment look nothing like they did on Monday and I am glad. That is evidence of God doing His thing despite me!
I have heard from a few of the families that I work with that you have had a hard time getting started this year; whether it’s because of the short summer, travelling, or getting used to online work, it seems to be a tough year. I would love to hear your stories! Would you be willing to be vulnerable at the sake of giving glory to God for the lessons you have learned in your trials of starting this year?
Well, I was hit with another reminder (I obviously need yet another) that indeed God is in control - NOT ME! My first day of schooling turned out to be a complete disaster - so bad that I had to surrender and laugh; or else I would cry. By the end of the week, I was just going with the flow and felt very thankful that I have a faithful God that proves to me that life does not fall apart without me :). What happened? I will tell you if you will keep in mind that I am making myself vulnerable by sharing my "inside voice". It sounds yucky and I am not proud of it but to God be the glory for continually making me new!
Well, first day started out just as I planned; the kids were up bright and early ready for our morning walk. After all the kids need to have a walk to bring oxygen to their brain to be ready for school. How smart of me to know this. We were on our way and I was VERY proud of myself for getting the kids out the door on time on the first day. Nice day, nice conversation, well behaved kids - good job I was doing. As we passed by the local public school yard, I prided myself on my decision to homeschool my kids. I was basking in the fact that I was going to be providing my children with an amazing day filled with laughter and learning when without warning, the feeling came on... Nausea. It came from my gut to my mouth. (If you are queasy, please bear with me, I will be quick.) And within seconds, it was coming out all over the ground right in front of the playground where all the children were playing and where parents dropped off their kids. My poor kids were asking me to please stop because people were looking. WHAT! STOP! I can't just stop! Then up came another mess.
When things subsided, I got up, held my head high, wiped my mouth on my nice shirt I wore that morning (because I also wanted to be the best-dressed homeschool mom out there) and told the kids to turn around and quickly and quietly walk back home.
I made it home without incident and was determined to continue on with my plans. As you probably guessed, my plans did not come to stand. Within minutes of sitting down to read the Bible together (because THAT is what a proper homeschool mom should do), it came again. Off to the washroom I ran.
At that point, I told the kids to try their Math on their own while I lied down for just a few minutes (because I was determined to complete my plans for the day). I was so proud when my kids could complete their first lesson without me - what a great teacher I must have been last year!
Then it was time to make that clay model of the earth's structure. That was a great idea I had and the kids were going to love it. As I called out the instructions from the couch, they listened so intently and began their masterpieces. While they were working away, I fell asleep and they continued to make and sculpt other things. That was all nice until one decided to smash the other’s and then there was revenge and then... tears and then... I woke up to the tears and torment and realized that my plans were officially destroyed.
Looking back, I wonder whether God was trying to "purge" my pride on the side of that playground by the school before the day even began. But I was too stubborn to listen. I was sick for 2 days and the rest of the week continued in the same pattern of me trying tirelessly to complete what I had written in my planner as God interjected little events and circumstances into my life that required me to be pulled from my plans. I was left overwhelmed and frustrated with God and the people around me for interfering with my plans.
It all started on Monday. It is now Thursday and I have surrendered to Jesus my pride in homeschooling. I have admitted that I left absolutely no room for God to work. (During a Bible reading one morning, I even told my kids to stop asking questions and making comments because we needed to get to the next project) I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt and no make-up. I am handing the day to God and letting him lead the conversations then allowing for changes in my plans when things go differently than I had imagined. My advice - mark your plans in pencil! The plans in my planner at this moment look nothing like they did on Monday and I am glad. That is evidence of God doing His thing despite me!
I have heard from a few of the families that I work with that you have had a hard time getting started this year; whether it’s because of the short summer, travelling, or getting used to online work, it seems to be a tough year. I would love to hear your stories! Would you be willing to be vulnerable at the sake of giving glory to God for the lessons you have learned in your trials of starting this year?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Welcome to HCOS 2011-2012!
I would like to warmly welcome you all to the 2011-2012 year at HCOS! I am delighted to be serving you all this year; some for another year and some of you for the first time. I truly do look forward to connecting with each of you on a personal basis over the next few weeks to explore plans for this coming year. I know that God has His plans and I pray that we will be able to work together under His guidance to hear His direction and goals for your family.
If you are working with me for the first time, please take a few seconds to read my profile in the HCOS staffroom found on the website. Here is a direct link for you but you will need to scroll down to find me J. HCOS Staff Room I am sure we will continue to get to know each other more as we share goals, plans and ideas.
There are some really exciting things happening within HCOS this year and I will be sending out various e-mails over the next few weeks and throughout the year providing information on it all but it will be important for you to keep visiting the HCOS website frequently for updates and important communication directly from HCOS office. HCOS On this end, there are brand new subscriptions along with some of your old favourites, amazing Learning Camp opportunities and fabulous tools for technology that we are using here at HCOS! I will send out more info as the weeks progress. Our Learning Commons (HCOS library) is also one of our most valuable resources for finding learning materials for your school year. You can explore that now if you want, but I will be sending out more info on how to access and utilize this fabulous resource. HCOS Library
For now, I just wanted to take the time to welcome you to a new year. Please reply directly to this e-mail as soon as possible so that I can confirm that the e-mail addresses are accurate and working. E-mail will be my main form of communication and I would like to ensure that line is open J.
Lastly I would like to ask that you be patient with me in responding to e-mails and requests this week to come (Aug. 29-Sept. 2). I returned from our Staff Orientation in Kelowna on Friday night only to find out that I need to turn around, pack my bags and fly out to PEI to attend my grandmother’s funeral. I will return on Friday and hope to begin work again on the following Monday. It is then that I hope to arrange for visits or skype meetings to discuss the goals and plans for the year. I will be trying to attend to e-mails and what I can from there, but if there is anything pressing please feel free to contact Claire Pollok and I know she will be able to help you. cpollok@onlineschool.ca
In the meantime, enjoy the great weather! Speaking of weather - could I solicit your prays for travelling to the East Coast while Hurricane Irene rages there. I will be passing right through it and expect delays and possible cancelations. Thank you and Bless you J.
Angela Paine
HCOS teacher
e-mail: apaine@onlineschool.ca
phone/fax: 250-586-4475
skype: angela.d.paine
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight" Proverbs 3:5-6
Saturday, May 28, 2011
It's May WHAT?!
Can you believe it?! The month of May is coming to a close!
As we reach for the home stretch, let me know how I can support you. Please let me know when and how you plan on handing in portfolios. I would like them all by June 11th if possible.
I have already arranged with many of you to come for a home visit or collect portfolios. Thank you for your diligence.
I look forward to celebrating your family's learning this year!
Blessings,
As we reach for the home stretch, let me know how I can support you. Please let me know when and how you plan on handing in portfolios. I would like them all by June 11th if possible.
I have already arranged with many of you to come for a home visit or collect portfolios. Thank you for your diligence.
I look forward to celebrating your family's learning this year!
Blessings,
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Waiting to Plant Those Seeds
As I write to you this week, I am sitting next to my fireplace under a blanket. I want to be out preparing and planting my garden, but it is just too cold. Too rainy. Too windy. Too early to plant. My husband is becoming very impatient waiting for just the right time to line up those seeds row by row. He brags that last year at this time, he was admiring his broccoli sprouts; this year it's only mounds of dirt with rocks identifying where the rows will one day be placed . But then he also remembers his peppers - they didn't look quite so good come mid-summer all spotted and curled up. He planted them too early. So, he chooses to be patient this year and wait for just the right conditions.
We can be so impatient can't we? Or maybe it's just me! I think about how often I have tried to teach my kids something that they just weren't ready for. I was impatient in that I did not listen to the Lord's leading on when my child was ready for that lesson - whether it be an academic lesson or a life or character lesson. Then I became discouraged when I observed a lack of growth.
I have to remind myself often that the PLOs are guidelines for teaching my kids. I can use then to track learning and growth, but how and when I introduce those topics needs to be carefully brought before the Lord for his wisdom and guidance. The longer I teach my kids at home, the more I understand them and the better I can discern when to plant certain seeds of learning. Just like the longer my husband gardens, the more he learns about when to plant certain plants and when to wait for just the right conditions. In my children's case, I recognize that it is often the condition of the heart that makes them ready to receive character or life training and it is a condition or stimulation of the mind that makes them ready for academic training.
Thinking about these things has influenced my plans for next year as well as my attitude on a day-to-day basis as I ask the Lord each day what my children are ready to learn and how I can prepare the condition of their hearts and minds.
Talking about conditioning! How about conditioning those bodies!
I want to remind you of the Track and Field Fun Day In Nanaimo on June 17th.
I look forward to receiving your weekly e-mails or skypes. Thank you to those who have made it a priority and habit of communicating weekly with me. It really helps me with supporting your family and reporting accurately.
Bless you!
We can be so impatient can't we? Or maybe it's just me! I think about how often I have tried to teach my kids something that they just weren't ready for. I was impatient in that I did not listen to the Lord's leading on when my child was ready for that lesson - whether it be an academic lesson or a life or character lesson. Then I became discouraged when I observed a lack of growth.
I have to remind myself often that the PLOs are guidelines for teaching my kids. I can use then to track learning and growth, but how and when I introduce those topics needs to be carefully brought before the Lord for his wisdom and guidance. The longer I teach my kids at home, the more I understand them and the better I can discern when to plant certain seeds of learning. Just like the longer my husband gardens, the more he learns about when to plant certain plants and when to wait for just the right conditions. In my children's case, I recognize that it is often the condition of the heart that makes them ready to receive character or life training and it is a condition or stimulation of the mind that makes them ready for academic training.
Thinking about these things has influenced my plans for next year as well as my attitude on a day-to-day basis as I ask the Lord each day what my children are ready to learn and how I can prepare the condition of their hearts and minds.
Talking about conditioning! How about conditioning those bodies!
I want to remind you of the Track and Field Fun Day In Nanaimo on June 17th.
Family Fun Day and Track Meet |
Friday June 17th, 2011
Rotary Bowl Nanaimo (behind Nanaimo Aquatic Centre)
9:00am – 3:00pm
For all home schooled children ages 5yrs – 18yrs whether enrolled or registered in the public or independent school system.
HCOS student cost: $10.00 per Child/ $5.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
$20.00 per Family$15.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
All other students: $15.00 per child/ $10.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
$30.00 per Family/ $20.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
Enthusiastic participants will be put in age appropriate groups and will rotate through track & field events and fun stations.
Track and field events for ages 5-8 will include: ball throw, shuttle run, standing long jump and running events (50m, 75m)
Track and field events for ages 9-18 will include: shot put or ball throw, long jump, triple jump, and running events (100m, 200m)
To Register, please click and fill out the online registration form entitled
HCOS Track Meet 2011 and mail payment to:
Nola Morgan
2245 Neil Dr
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 6T4
Events will proceed rain or shine. (except for a down pour)
REMEMBER!
EACH PARTICIPANT MUST have their OWN backpack containing:
2 labelled water bottles, a snack, and a sunhat.
EACH FAMILY will need sunscreen, and a picnic lunch.
Hope to see you all there,
Nola Morgan nmorgan@onlineschool.ca I look forward to receiving your weekly e-mails or skypes. Thank you to those who have made it a priority and habit of communicating weekly with me. It really helps me with supporting your family and reporting accurately.
Bless you!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Catching up!
Well, it has been a whole month since I last made a post. I have been forwarding e-mails as needed, but it has been a busy month finishing up reports and preparing for Convention in Kelowna. It feels good to re-connect on a more personal basis!
First, I want to share a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sam this month!
A few reminders and Bits of News:
Have a great weekend, everyone!!! God bless you in whatever you plan on doing!
First, I want to share a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sam this month!
A few reminders and Bits of News:
- Deadline for using your funds for the 2010/2011 school year is May 15. I can not authorize any purchases after that date.
- Reenrolment: Most of you have already done so, but if you have not yet reenrolled and plan on doing so, please do it as soon as possible; knowing numbers now helps us plan for next year :).
- I will be forwarding an e-mail asking you to help with a survey for the Online Subscriptions. Please take the time to share as your information helklps to provide resources that work for YOU!
- I am really excited to announce that HCOS is hosting a Track and Field and Fun Day in June. Please see the e-mail that I will forward you for more information.
- HCOS Island Tour: Yesterday was Victoria, today was Port Alberni, and Monday id Black Creek and Nanaimo. Please see previous flyer for details.
Summer is on the horizon, hooray!
Many of you are busy organizing for next year, so here are some reminders regarding reserving kits and books:
· To reserve items for next year, you must be re-enrolled. Send me a note once you are, and I will update your library card for 2012.
· The earliest date you can reserve an item for the next school year is August 29th. Ie. if you reserve a kit for August 15th, you will not receive it until sometime after the 19th.
· Maximum of 20 items out at one time (up from 15!)
· Maximum of 3 kits per family at one time and only one kite per grade/per subject (one gr. 1 socials and one Grade 1 Science, but not two grade 1 Socials kits)
· Maximum of 3 media items at one time (CDs, DVDs)
· Loan period for books and kits is 8 weeks
· Loan period for Media is 4 weeks
· We ship by Canpar to most areas. To keep costs down, choose one reserve date for a number of items so we can ship all of them at once, and be sure to choose the same return date for each item. We do not ship one single item on its own if it is small ie. a DVD, and the cost of mailing small items back is the patron’s responsibility.
· For those folks outside Canpar’s shipping zones, we will mail items by Canada Post. You would be responsible for paying for the return mailing costs by Canada Post. Include your receipt for the cost and it will be credited to your curriculum budget.
New Families: if you are enrolled for the 2011/2012 year, you may take out items over the summer. Send your name, address, & phone number to me and I’ll set up your account. You will also be able to place reserves for the school year.
Summer Loans
· June 10th is the last day to order books for the summer if you have re-enrolled
· Maximum of one kit per family over the summer
· June 10th is also the date that all materials are due back in the library. Items can be renewed for the summer if you are re-enrolled.
· Summer loans are due back in the library by August 12th. If you are going on vacation, have the items picked up early as overdue items will result in your account being suspended! We need the items returned on time in order to prepare them for the new school year.
· The library is closed during the month of July.
If you have any questions, please contact me!
Sincerely,
Shandra Wiebe
Head Librarian
250-862-2377 x.311
Monday 1-5, Tuesday 1-5, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday 2-6
907 Badke Road, Kelowna BC
V1X 5Z5
Have a great weekend, everyone!!! God bless you in whatever you plan on doing!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Are you Ready for a Challenge?
I guess many of you decided to work through the scheduled Spring Breaks in your school district areas and some of you took a well deserved break! I call what we did "relaxed schooling" for those two weeks. We did school until the kids got a phone call from friends or when a fun opportunity came up :). Oh, the joy of being flexible!
Now that we are back into full swing and well into term 3, please keep me updated each week on how things are going. I would like to be able to support you weekly not just at reporting time. I would love to be able to interact with the students as they share the excitement of their learning adventures or help guide them in an area they are struggling with. And please don't forget to share how the student completed the 30 minutes daily physical activity each week.
Happy April Birthday Katie, Kyla and Joseph. May your day be special - like you!
This link came across my e-mail and I am sending it to you because I care about you and your children. Please watch this video and share it with those who need to see it. Very important info!
Now that we are back into full swing and well into term 3, please keep me updated each week on how things are going. I would like to be able to support you weekly not just at reporting time. I would love to be able to interact with the students as they share the excitement of their learning adventures or help guide them in an area they are struggling with. And please don't forget to share how the student completed the 30 minutes daily physical activity each week.
Happy April Birthday Katie, Kyla and Joseph. May your day be special - like you!
This link came across my e-mail and I am sending it to you because I care about you and your children. Please watch this video and share it with those who need to see it. Very important info!
Check out this video on YouTube:
And now ... if any of you want to change things up and add a bit of challenge into your life, here are some great opportunities:
Noggin Hoggin Challenge
Now, if you're sitting there scratching your head and wondering what this Noggin Hoggin' business is all about, let's just say that you're in for a real treat!
The geeky minds behind ExamBank love having the opportunity to put to practical use the cache of interesting and unusual facts they have tucked away in the recesses of their cumulative quirky minds. So, twice a year, we go to town.
Essentially, the Noggin Hoggin' Challenge is a week-long online treasure hunt where kids get to put their research skills to the test in order to solve 6 puzzles. Those who submit the correct daily solution before the deadline get to move on to the next day's round, and if they manage to hang on to the bitter end, finalists go head to head in a timed race to solve the last question.
We've had classrooms, families, and individuals participate - teamwork is greatly encouraged. However, to qualify for one of our great prizes (iPods, movie tickets, and T-shirts!), participants must each register individually, be Canadian, and in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Bust-a-Myth and Win a MYTHBUSTERS Set Visit
Bust-a-Myth with your students this spring using Discovery Education content and tools. Pick a myth, develop a project plan, describe your science investigation, hypothesis, and analysis. Then, submit a 5-minute video showcasing your mythbusting results for the chance to win a MYTHBUSTERS set visit in San Francisco.
Follow These Simple Steps to Enroll Your Class
1. Choose One of the Following Myths to Bust
1. Choose One of the Following Myths to Bust
- Is a piece of buttered toast more likely to land buttered side up
or buttered side down? - Is it possible to fold a piece of paper more than seven times?
- Will cola clean a penny? Discolor a tooth? Dissolve a steak?
2. Develop a project plan for how your class will go about proving whether the selected myth is plausible or busted.
3. Describe your science investigation including its testable question, hypothesis based on prior knowledge, the design of the investigation, the data you gathered, and your analysis.
4. Finally, track your steps, progress, results, and develop up to a 5 minute video. Once ready, submit your video via the "Enter Today" button.When
April 04 - 29, 2011 Prizes
3. Describe your science investigation including its testable question, hypothesis based on prior knowledge, the design of the investigation, the data you gathered, and your analysis.
4. Finally, track your steps, progress, results, and develop up to a 5 minute video. Once ready, submit your video via the "Enter Today" button.When
April 04 - 29, 2011 Prizes
- (40) backpacks & (1) MYTHBUSTERS DVD Prize Pack
- A trip for two people to San Francisco to attend a live taping of a MYTHBUSTERS episode
Friday, March 18, 2011
Happy Spring Break!
As many of you are taking Spring Breaks over the next week or two, this will be a brief post.
Info from the library:
Have a great weekend!
Info from the library:
Please pass on to parents.
Hello Folks,
As re-enrollments have begun, I’ve had requests from parents who want to place reserves for next year. Talk about being organized! Way to go!
So here is our library procedures for the summer and new school year:
1. To reserve items for next year, you send me a note stating you have reenrolled. I confirm with the office and change your library card expiration date so you can place reserves. I will email you to let you know your account is confirmed.
2. Summer loans:
· If you have not re-enrolled, ALL library items are due back in the library by June 10th, 2011.
· If you have re-enrolled, you have the option of taking out material over the summer:
· Last date for ordering items for the summer is June 10th
· All material will be due back in the library August 12th, no exceptions! We need to have all items in and ready to go for the new school year.
The library is closed for the month of July, and is on summer hours for August. I will arrange Canpar pick ups as needed.
Sincerely,
Shandra Wiebe
Head Librarian
250-862-2377 x.311
Monday 1-5, Tuesday 1-5, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday 2-6
907 Badke Road, Kelowna BC
V1X 5Z5
Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Observing Learning
First, please check the March HCOS newsletter for updated information on a variety of announcements, such as educational technology and Learning Camps (LC) in your area. link: HCOS NEWSLETTER One of the newest LC's is Joey Clarkson who is putting on one of her Musical Theatre Camps at various locations on the Island!
Second, I just want to say, "Thank you!".
You see, during portfolio time, I have an opportunity to provide feedback in regards to the learning that I observe. Now, obviously, I can't be in your home at each moment that learning occurs, but I can get a glimpse of it each week through your weekly updates as well as the samples you submit with portfolios each term. This is why I value both of these so much. I can get to know what inspires and ignites each child, what his passion and giftings are, and where he may need to be challenged to grow. When I get detailed weekly updates and thorough portfolios, I can mark off topics that have been covered as well as provide a mark that reflects your child's level of learning. So, thank you for taking the time each week to share the learning that has occurred and insight into what excited your child. Please know that communication and portfolios are so much more than just "government requirements"; they are useful tools that we can use to monitor and review the learning so that an accurate document can be produced that helps guide and direct your plans as well as honors the government and the support that we receive as a school.
So, help me "observe learning" through your eyes by providing me a detailed "snapshot" of that learning! Keep those updates coming and be sure to use the checklist for portfolios to ensure that you have a rich portfolio full of items that reflect your child!
Second, I just want to say, "Thank you!".
You see, during portfolio time, I have an opportunity to provide feedback in regards to the learning that I observe. Now, obviously, I can't be in your home at each moment that learning occurs, but I can get a glimpse of it each week through your weekly updates as well as the samples you submit with portfolios each term. This is why I value both of these so much. I can get to know what inspires and ignites each child, what his passion and giftings are, and where he may need to be challenged to grow. When I get detailed weekly updates and thorough portfolios, I can mark off topics that have been covered as well as provide a mark that reflects your child's level of learning. So, thank you for taking the time each week to share the learning that has occurred and insight into what excited your child. Please know that communication and portfolios are so much more than just "government requirements"; they are useful tools that we can use to monitor and review the learning so that an accurate document can be produced that helps guide and direct your plans as well as honors the government and the support that we receive as a school.
So, help me "observe learning" through your eyes by providing me a detailed "snapshot" of that learning! Keep those updates coming and be sure to use the checklist for portfolios to ensure that you have a rich portfolio full of items that reflect your child!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sharing
Some things to share...
Happy Birthday to...
A great one form Pippa for those younger students:
I look forward to hearing from each of you over the next few days updating me on your learning experiences.
Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday to...
- Robyn!
- Samara!
- Rebekah!
- Joshua!
- and last month - Brianna - welcome to HCOS Brianna!
- BookFest Celebrates 25th Anniversary - Saturday, May 7th, Downtown Nanaimo
BookFest is moving to Downtown Nanaimo for 2011.
Join us for a fun-filled magical book day! Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers entertain kids from five to 12 as they bring their creations alive. Adults will need a child to attend and those with preschool kids can join in a parent-child rhyme time session and puppet show.
This year's lineup includes:
Linda Bailey and Robert Heidbreder (ages 5+)Marie-Louise Gay (ages 6+)Eugenie Fernandes (ages 7+)Robin Muller (ages 8+)Andrea Spalding (ages 9+)Arthur Slade and John Wilson (ages 10+)Sheree Fitch (all ages)
Noon hour entertainment includes the music of The Kerplunks, face painting and bubbles!
It's $10 per child with a maximum of $25 for a family. Preschool events are free! Registration begins March 31st and forms will be available at branches of Vancouver Island Regional Libraries, and on the website. Register early to avoid disappointment.
New this year is an auction featuring original art by ten renowned children's illustrators.
Further information is available at http://www.bookfest.ca/
I look forward to hearing from each of you over the next few days updating me on your learning experiences.
Have a great weekend!
- Here is my new techie site of the week, Little Bird Tales.
I would love to hear if you or your parents use this application, as I am sure for the younger set this could be a winner:)
Have fun tweeting in a different way!!
Blessings to you
Pippa DaviesSupport Teacher and Online LibrarianHCOSskype: philippajanedaviesLibrary hours: Mon-Thurs 2-5pm
- I just thought I would send out this info. We have had to change the next Ski Trip date to Mt. Washington on March 18th.....and I will get back to everyone in the next few days as to what the new one is. This will most likely be the last one of the season. We have had a great year of snow and fun!!!
Cheryl Landry schoolisfun@shaw.ca
Friday, February 25, 2011
DPA or PDA
If any of you attended a Christian school, college or university, you know what PDA means. For those of you who didn't, it stands for "Public Display of Affection" and on site there was to be none of it!
At our most recent RSM, we were given some new direction on PDA at our school. Yes, PDA! When there were a few laughs and jeers, we quickly realized that they meant DPA (Daily Physical Activity) which is very different! Or is it? Perhaps our DPA could involve some PDA as a family. I have read that doing physical activity together can develop close bonds between the participants. I think that is one reason homeschool families are described as being very close or connected - they have more time to do activities together.
The technical implications of this new direction is that we need to record how our families are completing the Daily Physical Activity components of their program. Many of you already use the DPA log that I sent in the Parent Pack or one similar; others provide the info in a weekly update. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to record how each family is doing it - we know they ARE doing it, but we may not know HOW. As such, we would like to be sure to provide accurate info on the reports as to how this is accomplished. You will notice a new "course" on your report card specific for DPA. On it, we will need to record HOW it is being done. For those of you who have found a way to share the details of how you are doing your 30mins each day, keep it up and I will record that info. If you have found it difficult, please let me know and I would love to work with you to find a way that works for you.
Here are a few ideas or resources that could help:
Perhaps it is a good idea to review the requirements of DPA:
a. The government requires that all students K to 9 be involved in daily physical
activities 30 minutes a day for five days a week. (15 minutes for K)
b. I believe all of you are already doing this and you do not need to do any extra
special weekly reporting.
c. In home schooling, the 5 days can come from any of the seven days of the week.
d. It does not have to be 30 continuous minutes, but each section must be at least
10 minutes long.
e. Activities can include cardio, flexibility or strength.
f. Activities do not have to be organized or directly supervised.
g. Some examples:
i. 10 minutes of running around the neighbourhood + a 15-minute family
walk + 10 minutes of morning exercises would count.
ii. Or a 1 hour ballet class.
iii. Or bike riding for 20 minutes + shooting hoops for 10 minutes.
iv. Or a soccer league game.
v. Or chopping wood for 15 minutes + walking to the store for 10 minutes +
10 minutes of morning stretches
So, keep up that PDA! I mean... DPA. and PDA!
And, please don't forget to e-mail with a weekly update or arrange to skype.
Blessings,
At our most recent RSM, we were given some new direction on PDA at our school. Yes, PDA! When there were a few laughs and jeers, we quickly realized that they meant DPA (Daily Physical Activity) which is very different! Or is it? Perhaps our DPA could involve some PDA as a family. I have read that doing physical activity together can develop close bonds between the participants. I think that is one reason homeschool families are described as being very close or connected - they have more time to do activities together.
The technical implications of this new direction is that we need to record how our families are completing the Daily Physical Activity components of their program. Many of you already use the DPA log that I sent in the Parent Pack or one similar; others provide the info in a weekly update. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to record how each family is doing it - we know they ARE doing it, but we may not know HOW. As such, we would like to be sure to provide accurate info on the reports as to how this is accomplished. You will notice a new "course" on your report card specific for DPA. On it, we will need to record HOW it is being done. For those of you who have found a way to share the details of how you are doing your 30mins each day, keep it up and I will record that info. If you have found it difficult, please let me know and I would love to work with you to find a way that works for you.
Here are a few ideas or resources that could help:
- LearnNowBC has an ONLINE DPA LOG that may make it fun for the kids to manage themselves.
- The Ministry of Education has THIS DOCUMENT that includes information and a tracking log
- Here is another version in a CALANDAR FORM.
Perhaps it is a good idea to review the requirements of DPA:
a. The government requires that all students K to 9 be involved in daily physical
activities 30 minutes a day for five days a week. (15 minutes for K)
b. I believe all of you are already doing this and you do not need to do any extra
special weekly reporting.
c. In home schooling, the 5 days can come from any of the seven days of the week.
d. It does not have to be 30 continuous minutes, but each section must be at least
10 minutes long.
e. Activities can include cardio, flexibility or strength.
f. Activities do not have to be organized or directly supervised.
g. Some examples:
i. 10 minutes of running around the neighbourhood + a 15-minute family
walk + 10 minutes of morning exercises would count.
ii. Or a 1 hour ballet class.
iii. Or bike riding for 20 minutes + shooting hoops for 10 minutes.
iv. Or a soccer league game.
v. Or chopping wood for 15 minutes + walking to the store for 10 minutes +
10 minutes of morning stretches
So, keep up that PDA! I mean... DPA. and PDA!
And, please don't forget to e-mail with a weekly update or arrange to skype.
Blessings,
Saturday, February 19, 2011
News and Notices
Term 3 is right around the corner here at HCOS! It is during this last term that, believe it or not, families are thinking about next year! Yep - next year! And so here are a few bits of news and notices to help you (you may want to use this as a check list of sort).
I hope you have a great weekend and let me know if I can help you get ready for term 3!
Blessings,
Angela
- Finish up term 2 by passing in term 2 portfolios by end of February - please let me know when and how you plan on submitting them.
- Re-enrol: The office is ready for re-enrolment. Please go into Encom and inform the office of your intentions for next year. As you may know, HCOS continues to grow each year and knowing who is returning will help our admin decide how many more teachers to hire.
- Register for CHEC, Christian Home Educator's Convention - April 29 & 30, in Kelowna, BC! Yes, registration is open! New this year is a "High School Fair"! Click on the link to the right of the main page of my blog. For the last couple of years, we have planned a field trip to somewhere in the lower mainland while we are all driving over anyway. If you have any ideas, please let me know. I will keep you posted as plans are arranged.
- Remember Deadline for Curriculum Funds purchasing. The deadline to use this year's PO# is May 15. You will no longer be able to use that number for purchases and any remaining funds can not be transferred to next year. PO# for next year will be ready by CHEC IF you have re-enrolled and submitted your residency form.
I hope you have a great weekend and let me know if I can help you get ready for term 3!
Blessings,
Angela
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love is in the Air!
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
I hope you are all able to take some time out of your day to celebrate those you love as well as the Love the Father has bestowed upon you!
I had a fabulous celebration of my marriage with a trip up the mountain for a "Snowshoe and Fondue" - a one hour snowshoe tour through Stathcona followed by a 3-course fondue meal. The weather was wonderful and the food was fabulous!
From romance to work... I would like to remind you that I would like term 2 portfolios in within the next couple of weeks. Thank you to those of you who have already handed them in. I look forward to reviewing them all over the next month.
There are so many items that I wanted to share piling up in my inbox. First I would like to share some "Resources of the Week":
Now for some "Teaching Tips from Rick and Bruce":
Have a LOVEly week!
I hope you are all able to take some time out of your day to celebrate those you love as well as the Love the Father has bestowed upon you!
I had a fabulous celebration of my marriage with a trip up the mountain for a "Snowshoe and Fondue" - a one hour snowshoe tour through Stathcona followed by a 3-course fondue meal. The weather was wonderful and the food was fabulous!
From romance to work... I would like to remind you that I would like term 2 portfolios in within the next couple of weeks. Thank you to those of you who have already handed them in. I look forward to reviewing them all over the next month.
There are so many items that I wanted to share piling up in my inbox. First I would like to share some "Resources of the Week":
- Parks Canada will be offering free Parks Passes to grade 8 students. Visit MY PARKS PASS for more info.
- Here is a really neat video passed on from Judy about a new "state of matter" that I have never heard of. Really Cool! FRAZIL ICE
- To keep up on new technologies that can be used for education, please visit Pippa's blog where she highlights a new technology each week! PIPPA'S LIBRARY BLOG
Now for some "Teaching Tips from Rick and Bruce":
Learning Through Role Play - Integrated in Health & Career and Bible
Teaching tip: Last time I reviewed the use of role playing as a method of teaching content in language arts, science or social studies. This week I want to expand that a little. In health and career you could use role play to set up and practice some safety scenarios, or for the older ones to enact a job interview. Trying to take the practice as seriously as possible helps everyone discover the strengths and weaknesses of their responses. In Bible one might role play a news interviewer interviewing a Bible character. Have fun with it. You might even go to some lengths to make costumes and video it to show dad when he comes home from work. Let your imagination fly and you could surprise yourself with what kind of fun you can have with role play.
DEVELOPING HIGHER LEVEL THINKING PROCESSES
Analysis
Analysis is the fourth key component as we look at developing higher level thinking processes. Developing the ability to read, or consider something and then analyze how it is put together is invaluable, particularly to those in leadership.
Verbs that describe “analysis” thought processing are: Analyze, Distinguish, Examine, Compare, Contrast, Investigate, Categorize, Identify, Explain, Separate, Advertise.
Sample question starters: Which events could have happened…? If ____ had happened what might the ending have been? What was the underlying theme? What do you see as some other possible outcomes? Why did … changes occur? When you compare “A” with “B” what do you see? What are some of the motives behind…? What was the problem with…?
Potential Activities: Design a questionnaire to give information. Write a commercial to sell a product. Conduct an investigation to produce information to support your view. Make a flow chart to show critical stages. Make a family tree showing relationships. Prepare a report about… Arrange a party. Make all the arrangements and record the steps needed.
Have a LOVEly week!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Keeping up with Technology
Being an online school, HCOS strives to keep up with advances and resources using technology for education. Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with it all. But once you figure out how to use it, there is a world filled with new creative juices and opportunities for expression!
Let's take research for reports. Now, I remember going to a library, finding the reference section, looking for the encyclopedia with the letter I want and skimming through to find the information I was looking for. Then you hope you got all the info you needed and that you didn't lose the papers before you had a chance to write the report. Well, in this techie age, there are ways you can get the same info and MORE from a wealth of resources right from your home computer! We have a subscription for a great online reference resource called EBSCO. It includes World Book and Gale/Cengage Learning. There is so much you can do with it, like create your own folders of notes. If you are like me and have logged on but feel overwhelmed at all the options, then these webinars are for you!
Let's take research for reports. Now, I remember going to a library, finding the reference section, looking for the encyclopedia with the letter I want and skimming through to find the information I was looking for. Then you hope you got all the info you needed and that you didn't lose the papers before you had a chance to write the report. Well, in this techie age, there are ways you can get the same info and MORE from a wealth of resources right from your home computer! We have a subscription for a great online reference resource called EBSCO. It includes World Book and Gale/Cengage Learning. There is so much you can do with it, like create your own folders of notes. If you are like me and have logged on but feel overwhelmed at all the options, then these webinars are for you!
We invite participation from teachers, parents and students, to join Lisa Dennis from Ebscohost in the following webinars .
Searchasaurus: February 16 and My Ebschost Folder: on March 9th. If you are interested in joining either of these webinars , please can you register for the events by clicking on the events by going to "click here" below.
SEARCHASAURUS
In this session participants in the age group grade 2-7 will learn how to search for academic articles using the child's version of Ebscohost. This session will be about half an hour long, and is ideal if you have a student who is working on submitting a project. *****
Wednesday, February 16, 2011* at 3pm Pacific time
Searchasaurus and Kids Search for Heritage Christian Online School
To register: Contact me.
My EBSCOhost Folder
My EBSCOhost Folder
In this session, participants will learn how to save important articles and organize notes using EBSCO’s personalized web accessible folders. See how easy it is to get journal table of contents and new articles on specific topics delivered right to the user’s email! Approximately 40 minutes long. This will appeal to all students who are doing projects from elementary to high school. *****
Wednesday, March 9, 2011* at 3pm Pacific time
My EBSCOhost Folder for Heritage Christian Online School
To register: Contact me.
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