Homeschool Expo 2011

I joined a friend for another awesome visit to the Homeschool & Educational Expo at London Road Church, Linbro Park, arranged by Sally Victor last weekend.

We spent hours wandering around the stalls and I’ve seen quite a few materials that I might be be able to use for my boys to make their home education journey a little more interesting & fun. I’m hoping some of these will assist me in restoring their love for learning.

I have taken the time to list some of the suppliers websites & contact details below for those who were not able to attend and trust you too will find some useful recourses to help you add some fun to your home education journey.

Educational Toys

Educational Playtime offers a variety of educational toys. These are manufactured to high standards to withstand the robust play of lively youngsters. The finishes is durable, washable and “lead free.” I purchased the “World Safari” game for my boys and already they’ve had hours of fun learning about Continents, Oceans, Countries, of the World with the help of 3 category cards – Country, General & Visual Clues. Email Estelle Jurgens or contact +27 (12) 661-1083 or  (84) 593-1632

offers books & craft kits to teach kids about marine life. Email Abby

offers educational toys aimed at helping kids understand technology. All construction sets can be ideally combined with one another. The high acceptance by parents, teachers and engineers has made fischertechnik one of the most successful educational aids in schools and universities. Contact Ilona Greeff on +27 (82) 376-0394

offers a revolutionary construction sets to fuel creativity & brain development. Contact Sandy Tucker on +27 (82) 483-7925

provides top quality technology resources to primary and high schools. The technology sets have been designed to cover concepts like electricity, gears systems and magnetism through the designing and building of fun models. An exicting new range has been added this year that focuses on green energy, like solar panels, wind and water power and hydro pneuno systems. Contact Jaque Lombard on +27 (82) 928-5953.

offers educational games as well as courses in study skills for children from Grade four to high school with a focus on extracting key words and ideas, mind-mapping, memory skills and improving reading comprehension. Email or contact +27 (83) 414-0508.

Text- & Workbooks

presents the Singapore approach to Maths, Science, English & IT. Email or contact +27 (11) 264 2425

is the leading K-12 educational publisher in Singapore and has more than 40 years of experience in educational publishing.

offers a complete classroom solution with their CAPS curriculum compliant courses for Grades 1-3 and Grade 10. Email customerservices@mml.co.za or contact +27 (21) 532 6000 or check their website for a branch near you.

offers brand-new range of Grade 4 to 6 workbooks that are packed with all the colourful activities you’ve come to expect from Smart-Kids, but they’re older…cooler and smarter! I have so had it with the boring black & white  “worksheet wasteland” type workbooks and have purchased some of these books as they are way more appealing and I hope these will help me reduces my struggling learner’s mental-block towards worksheets & workbooks. Email or contact +27 (21) 532-6009.

offers a range of manuals that cover a range of learning areas: English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Natural Science, History, Technology, Geography, Art & Culture & Economic Management Science. Email or contact +27 (11) 958 0707

offers a variety of home learning materials to assist learners in gaining a clear understanding of their subjects so that they can master essential skills and excel in their tests and examinations. Range include Boost Maths, Find Out About, Kumon, Smart-Kids, Train Your Brain & X-Kit Study Guides. Email Veronica Napier or contact +27 (11) 347-0809 or +27 (82) 936-2622

for step-by-step full curriculum Maths Workbooks. Email or contact +27 (73) 380 6096

 

Bible

curriculum is a ‘way,’ a journey, a guide to discover your child’s full potential. An easy, fun, step by step journey toward your child’s destiny. It consists of a Presenters Handbook that guides parents and teachers all the way from lesson 1 to 40. And a Children’s Handbook in colour that is full of fun and interactive activities. Email Naomi / Louis or contact +27 (82) 920 1438

Reading

offers a fun, interactive computer based reading and language programme in South Africa. Contact +27 (86) 110-1608 for a FREE reading assessment and demonstration at your convenience.

With the Sound Combination Reading Method the learner is taught sound combinations that empowers them to construct words phonetically AND to read them AND to pronounce them correctly. Other methods erroneously teach a child to memorize words and sentences and prevent them from reading unknown words. On our reading method the child is taught to read sounds combined and not to read or sound them singularly, for example "ca-t" and NOT "c-a-t". Email Heidi Nel or contact  +27 (83) 415 4656.

offers a complete sight-reading program with a Christian theme. Includes 12 colourfully illustrated readers and flashcards, parent/teacher guide, bookmark and award certificate as well as read-along CD. Email Big Thot or contact +27 (83) 791-2804.

Phonics

is a teaching tool that has been designed by Early Years educators to provide children with a solid foundation in the understanding of phonics – the association of sounds with letters leading ultimately to writing and reading. The programme follows an ‘African’ theme in that each letter and letter sound is associated with an African animal character. It is a practical, easy to follow method of teaching children (from 3 to 8 years) to identify and recognise letters and letter sounds via a multi-sensory approach that uses concrete experiences in the form of visual clues, auditory signals, tactile experiences and large and small body movements to gain an abstract understanding of the shape and sound of each letter. The structure and design of the materials and the accompanying lesson plans ensure that the Afriphonics programme is aligned with the current principles of child development, brain-based learning and the requirements of the National Curriculum Statement for Grade R. The programme is currently available in English and Afrikaans. Email Susanne van Niekerk or contact +27 (82) 900-3192

Maths

is a creative Maths package for young children. It consists of a variety of manipulatives, a DVD with activities and an electronig parent guide Email Marise Oberholzer.

offers a series of maths games are a hybrid of text book content and computer technology intelligently packaged for endless use by all. Email African Intellect or contact +27 (82) 419-8828

offers extra maths help for grades 4 to 12. Classes are ‘lessons’ supported by highly trained tutors teaching mathematics. Maths tutoring throughout SA is also available in Afrikaans. Email or contact +27 (21) 851-5660

Earth Science

is a family orientated education support organization offering educational courses, outings and other educational services to parents and their children. Offering hands on practical work in: Earth Science, Astronomy, Model Making, Basic science, Outings + tours, Taylor made request, Atmospheric science, Working with maps, History, Photography & Family outings. Email Barry Bryant or contact +27 (11) 022-9791 or +27 (82) 331-8194

suppliers of various media relating to the creation of the world from a Biblical perspective. Contact +27 (21) 979-0107 for more info.

Foreign Language

offers a language system designed to teach you as naturally and easily as you learn to speak your own languages. A wide variety of International and African languages are available at affordable prices. Email Alan Devenish or contact +27 (11) 802-8610 or +27 (83) 601-7014

Information Technology (IT)

offers a Primary (grades 1-7) as well as High School Curriculum that will prepare a student for the ICDL. Email info@cs4a.co.za or contact +27 (34) 326-4624

is a premier accredited Information and Communication Technology Company for learners of all ages. At Computers 4 Kids provides a unique ECDL Foundation endorsed Integrated ICT and Digital Literacy Online Curriculum, as well as all the backup, support and in-service training to ensure your ICT centre works for you! Their integrated ICT curriculum works on Microsoft, Mac as well as Open Source platforms. Check their website for contact details.

(International Computer Driving Licence) certification programme covers the key concepts of computing and it’s practical applications. Computer Skills for Life. Email or contact +27 (0) 21 671 1070.

Economic Management Science

4 Schools Homeschooling kit can help you teach your children the fundamental principles of double-entry bookkeeping in a way that is easy to understand, memorable and fun way to learn. It is aligned to EMS curriculum for grade 8 & 9 learners. Email Henk or contact +27 (82) 725-2317

is a one-day learner intervention training in basic money matters. Email Henk or contact +27 (82) 725-2317

Educational Software

offers games are visually stunning, fully narrated, include teaching sections and are divided into levels of difficulty for 3 to 11-year olds. Email Malcolm or contact +27 11 234-5014 or +27 72 289-0098.

specialises in the licensing and production of interactive learning materials and training related to the effective usage of these materials in South Africa and several African countries.Teaching Aids. Eamail Susanna Ackerman or contact +27 (11) 719 4100.

offers programs for Science ~ Physics (ages 5 –18), Maths (ages 5-18), Reader (ages 5 –18), Perceptual (ages 4 – 10) & Literacy (ages 6 – 11). Email CAMI Education or contact +27 (11) 883-8885.

Teaching Aids

is a supplier of Top Quality Educational Aids to various schools, bookstores, toy shops and stationers in South Africa since 2001. Email or contact +27 (51) 522-6344

produces a wide range of products for use in schools, homes and businesses. We manufacture a wide variety of Reward Stickers, Personalised Labels, Iron On Labels, Wall Decals, Educational Magnets, Photo Magnets, Fridge Magnets, Magnetic Invitations, Art & Photo Canvas, Advertising Banners, Car Magnets & Magnetic Business Cards. Jitterbugs also provides a fully Customised Service, so if you do not find exactly what you are looking for email Jessica du Plessis or contact +27 (84) 374-3925.

supplies innovative science packs in chemistry, physics & electronics, laboratory equipment, rocketry and science toys as well as technology packs and components for projects. They also offer services that include Science Birthday Parties, Assistance with school projects & Scout-group get togethers. Email or contact +27 (83) 269-1773

Curriculum Providers

Nukleus Onderwys offers Afrikaans distance learning curriculum. Email Nukleus or contact +27 (44) 873-0346.

 

offers a comprehensive range of Grades 7 – 12 courses that cover all the Learning Outcomes, Assessment Standards, knowledge, key concepts and skills as reflected in the National Curriculum Statement — everything you need to make a success of your world! Email or contact +27 (11) 639-0170

The Learning Channel programmes consist of three integrated components:

• Lessons to watch on DVD.
• A learner workbook that includes:
  • Learner-friendly style and text;
  • Real-life problems in different contexts;
  • Varied texts, for example, tables, graphs, charts; and
  • Regular assessment tools.

offer students distance quality education of the highest international standards. The Cambridge philosophy of education provides courses which are demanding, challenging and thoroughly prepare students for tertiary study and the demands of modern life. Qualifications through Cambridge University International Examinations in Foundation, IGCSE (O Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary Levels) are accepted in over 160 countries. Email or contact +27 11 706 7199

Books & Software

offers a wide range of books & software.

 

allows you to order textbooks online & have them delivered directly to you. They also offer educational toys. Second hand books can also be bought and sold through Galileo Books.

 

Miscellaneous

strives to bring the best of neuroscience research together with good learning practices. Their programmes develop the essential skills of language, reading and learning. Email Yvonne Munshi or contact +27 (82) 312-7981

is the only South African website that offers a comprehensive service dedicated to left-hand learners, their parents and educators!! Providers of left-hand products and workshops. Email Tracy or contact +27 (83) 417-3316

 

Homeschoolers Market Day

Please note that a Homeschoolers Market Day has been scheduled for 3rd March 2012 from 09h00-15h00 at the London Road Church. Entrance is free and stalls may be booked at R50 each. Please email Sally Victor for more information or bookings.

Homeschool & Educational Expo 2012

Next year’s expo has been scheduled for 3rd November 2012 from 09h00-15h00 at the London Road Church. Please email Sally Victor for more information or bookings.

Articles well worth reading:

• If We Don’t Let Our Children Play, Who Will Be the Next Steve Jobs?

Home Educating a Struggling Learner

We removed our very active, yet highly intelligent 7-year old from private school in August 2010 because he was struggling with reading & writing due to his gross & fine motor skills foundation not having been addressed properly at a Gr. R level, hence the learning problems. He is also a Right Brain Kinaesthetic as well as Visual Spatial learner & his learning styles are not catered for in most of our schools today.

“A mother’s first duty to her children is to secure for them a quiet and growing time, a full six years of passive receptive life, the waking part of it for the most part spent out in the fresh air.”

~ Charlotte Mason

And that’s where the “system” failed our little one quite miserably…

The school focused too early & too much on academics & neglected the motor skills as well as visual perception. Midline crossing & skipping, being very important skills for fluent reading were just 2 of many areas that were not addressed properly. Although he could memorise paragraphs, like a parrot, he struggled to read. He Aced his spelling tests but could not spell when writing sentences. These were just a few of the issues we’ve been working on together with his pre-school teacher to get him through Gr. 2. He was able to cope thus far due to his intelligence, but the struggling impacted his self-esteem very negatively & caused him to dislike school with a passion.

Although the school tried to address the problem with remedial (at additional cost to us as parents) & extra lessons, these showed very little success, but instead placed extra workload & repetition rather than addressing the foundation of the problem… hence we’ve took him back to Hettie Hen Playgroup after school twice a week since August 2009 so she could do physical activities & brain gym with him in order to get the brain development going. This showed shown huge improvement, but his backlog was so big that he still got very fidgety in class when he didn’t understand the tasks at hand. The other problem was that he was constantly stressed & tired, thus making the progress slow.

The following are pages where I found some very useful information to help my struggling learner:

• Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner by Dianne Craft Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Special Needs Coordinator

• Smart Kids who Hate to Write by Dianne Craft

• Child Diagnostics by Dianne Craft ~ Solutions for Dislexia, Disgraphia & Struggling Learners

• Learning Differently by Kathy Kuhl, author of Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner

• Anna’s House ~ Educational Remediation from the Brain StemUp.

• Heads Up Now! ~ Heads Up! is a company designed to provide expert information and products for special needs children.

We have applied many of the tips contained in these pages & together with the stress release, this has resulted in a huge improvement both in his abilities as well as his confidence.  ~ If you have a struggling learner, be sure to visit these pages & get some help to avoid yourself & your child some stress & frustration.

“ADD seems like a matter of convenience to many adults who are in charge of “round kids” who don’t fit into the “square holes” of home and school. The label helps a teacher get a troublesome child out of a regular class and into a special education room, helps a parent get a drug prescription to set the problem right (instead of first considering other more fundamental changes, and even helps many students get more time to take tests and complete assignments in class. Unfortunately, though it’s the child who gets saddled with the disability label and has to go through school looked upon as less normal than the other kids. Nowhere in this litany of deficit, disability, and disedase is there the recognition that these children may learn very well IN THEIR OWN WAY.” from In Their Own Way: Discovering and Encouraging Your Child’s Multiple Intelligences by Dr. Thomas Armstrong

We have one of those “round kids” that doesn’t fit into the “square holes”, but refused the ADD label and instead, removed him from the “square hole” environment & today, just over a year later he’s flourishing & growing to become a confident student once again.

I’m currently reading this book & am slowly starting to understand why our youngest had such a struggle at school. It seems he’s a right brain kinaesthetic learner. Keeping him interested in schoolwork is quite a challenge & I’m constantly having to change my strategies because he gets bored very easily. Thus far we have used the All-In-One Programme, Switched on Schoolhouse as well as Teaching Textbooksall of which were effective only for a while. I have recently had to change strategy againand now we’re using Time4Learning and loads of interactive educational PC games. Of course I’ve also added an Art tutor, because he enjoyed the few sessions for his art project last term so much.

I have decided to take next few years one day at a time. We’ll continue with Time4Learning for as long as it works for him. In the interim I still have loads of links and books to work through in my quest to find ways & means to help him through.

I trust that in the near future we will be able to conquer this hatred for schoolwork & be able to restore his love for learning.

Educating a Reluctant Learner

School in general is quite a mission in our home for both our boys. Although our eldest managed to cope quite well in school, his love for learning has been destroyed by school pressure.

Next year he will be doing 4 subjects with Alpha Omega Academy. As for the rest of the “normal” grade 9 curriculum I’m planning to do “Story of the World” with them and let him continue his technology lessons with his current tutor. I also want to try our some Woodworking lessons for them. Since they both love the Junior Engineering (JEFA) classes so much, I will let them continue those as well.

Here are some books I’ve found for teaching the child who hates school…

• Teaching a Reluctant Learner by Tony @ Simple Homeschool.
• Teaching the Reluctant Learner By Terry Spray @ NATHHAN National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network

The Shut-Down Learner

Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child

Richard Selznick

I Hate School

How to Help Your Child Love Learning

Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

Unfortunately I’ve been so busy helping my struggling learner that I still need to find the time to read through all these books. I’m thus not yet sure whether they contain any tips that will help with my boys.

I know however, during the next few years my greatest challenge will be restoring their love for learning. Yet, I still have no idea exactly how I’m going to achieve that.

Please visit this page frequently as I will be posting regular updates as I find more resources.