Tidbits and Websites

Here's some random helpful stuff I've discovered lately and some cool websites to look at.

* If you are looking for good math curriculum-Most (90%) people I have surveyed in the past few weeks agree that Saxon Math Publishers have a better program than Math-U-See. Math-U-See has more manipulatives and may be better as a supplemental type program, but Saxon is more aligned with the standards and has higher expectations. If you go on the Saxon website, (google Saxon Math and you'll find it), they also have online math activities that you can use to supplement any curriculum you are already doing or that your child's teacher may be doing. It could be good reinforcement of certain skills your child may be struggling with. Activities start at Kinder level and go up to Grade 12. Also these activities could help keep your child's brain from becoming mushy over summer break.

*If your child/children are into astronomy, here's a fun website to explore. www.COSMOS4KIDS.com. This website includes Star Maps, information about our solar system and activities for kids to do. And to the best of my knowledge, it's free. We like free.

*Best FREE website I've found so far for pre-K to about 2nd grade level is www.starfall.com. We play on this one almost everyday. Their ABC game is great for pre-readers to learn phonics, and then the have "books" to help teach reading skills. LOVE IT!! They also have published curriculum that you can purchase, but to play online is free. This website would also be great for English Second Language Learners.

*Magic School Bus-My 3 year old has started to really enjoy shows like Sid the Science Kid and Magic School Bus, even though most of it goes over her head. Our local library has Magic School Bus Videos and books, but get this--Magic School Bus makes (gasp!) Science Kits!! Who knew? I am intending to explore this further and I will keep you updated, but how fun is that? Fun, I tell you. I also recently heard about these books for older kids (meaning 3rd-5th graders) called the Magic Treehouse Series. These are chapters books that explore science and social studies concepts. I have talked to some people who have said their kids really enjoy these, although some books later in the series go into the "magic" concept a little too much for their tastes. However, they highly recommend the books that are early in the series.

Hope these Tidbits gave you something interesting to chew on.

Have a great day!

Lisa
"Not all who wander are lost." -J.R.R.Tolkien