Online Schools

This is an exciting year for education as parents have more options when it comes to choosing K-12 education avenues for their children. Knowing families are faced with identifying the best educational route to take, OnlineSchools.org has created a guide for K-12 online education options. Much has been written about online college education, but online elementary, middle and high school courses are growing in popularity and practicality, especially given the tech-based society we live in. The K-12 resources listed below walk families through the how, the why and where, and answer common questions.

You can see the entire guide along with some of its features here:

• http://www.onlineschools.org/elementary-school/
• http://www.onlineschools.org/middle-school/
• http://www.onlineschools.org/high-school/

ITBS Testing Registration Deadline THIS Friday April 1

According to the GDOE : "Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained."

To aid home school parents in the administration of this test South Cobb Homeschoolers in conjunction with The Study Hall Education Consulting Company will be administering the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  April 25-27, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  for students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at 4181 Atlanta St, Powder Springs, GA 30127.

The cost for materials (including a practice), results AND administration of the test is listed below. South Cobb Homeschool members receive a 25% discount on all testing.

• K5–3rd grade students- $100 for the first child, $50 for each subsequent child.
• Grades 4–12 students- $80 for the first child, $40 for each subsequent child.

The cost for the practice materials is included in the cost for the exam. However, if you would like to purchase a practice test without committing to the test administration you may purchase one for $10 for each child. For the answer key for the practice test there is an additional $15 fee.

To register please complete this form https://www.dropbox.com/s/b13v6rmanaxxxyz/TSH%20Standardized%20Testing%20Application%20Form.pdf?dl=0 and email it to Andrea Hall at ahall@thestudyhalledu.com or fax it to 770-693-8650. You many also call four zero four-644-eight391 for additional information. Registration must be received by April 1, 2016.

Standardized Testing Administration Registration Deadline April 1

According to the GDOE : "Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained."

To aid home school parents in the administration of this test South Cobb Homeschoolers in conjunction with The Study Hall Education Consulting Company will be administering the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  April 25-27, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  for students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at 4181 Atlanta St, Powder Springs, GA 30127.

The cost for materials (including a practice), results AND administration of the test is listed below. South Cobb Homeschool members receive a 25% discount on all testing.

• K5–3rd grade students- $100 for the first child, $50 for each subsequent child.
• Grades 4–12 students- $80 for the first child, $40 for each subsequent child.

The cost for the practice materials is included in the cost for the exam. However, if you would like to purchase a practice test without committing to the test administration you may purchase one for $10 for each child. For the answer key for the practice test there is an additional $15 fee.

To register please complete this form https://www.dropbox.com/s/b13v6rmanaxxxyz/TSH%20Standardized%20Testing%20Application%20Form.pdf?dl=0 and email it to Andrea Hall at ahall@thestudyhalledu.com or fax it to 770-693-8650. You many also call four zero four-644-eight391 for additional information. Registration must be received by April 1, 2016.

ITBS Testing Administration April 25-27, 2016

According to the GDOE : "Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained."

To aid home school parents in the administration of this test South Cobb Homeschoolers in conjunction with The Study Hall Education Consulting Company will be administering the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  April 25-27, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  for students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at 4181 Atlanta St, Powder Springs, GA 30127.

The cost for materials (including a practice), results AND administration of the test is listed below. South Cobb Homeschool members receive a 25% discount on all testing.

• K5–3rd grade students- $100 for the first child, $50 for each subsequent child.
• Grades 4–12 students- $80 for the first child, $40 for each subsequent child.

The cost for the practice materials is included in the cost for the exam. However, if you would like to purchase a practice test without committing to the test administration you may purchase one for $10 for each child. For the answer key for the practice test there is an additional $15 fee.

To register please complete this form https://www.dropbox.com/s/b13v6rmanaxxxyz/TSH%20Standardized%20Testing%20Application%20Form.pdf?dl=0 and email it to Andrea Hall at ahall@thestudyhalledu.com or fax it to 770-693-8650. You many also call four zero four-644-eight391 for additional information. Registration must be received by April 1, 2016.

2016 February Field Trips

Home School 101 Session

If you missed the South Cobb Homeschool Resource Fair last week, you missed a treat.  We had several great sessions.  One such session was the Home School 101.

In this session Andrea Hall, M.Ed, a home school education and mathematics consultant shared 10 Steps to Homeschooling.  She is now taking readers day by day through these 10 steps.  You can follow her at No Mommy Left Behind .

If you would like to know more about how to start homeschooling, follow her at  www.nomommyleftbehind.com.

Register for the FREE Fair - January 26, 2016

Register for the FREE South Cobb Homeschool Resource Fair at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-cobb-homeschool-resource-fair-tickets-20260992173?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

We will have exhibitors from the following organizations, door prizes and workshops:

1 South Cobb Regional Library
2 South Cobb Homeschoolers
3 The Study Hall Education Consulting Company
4 Georgia Home Education Association
5 Kennesaw Mountain Homeschoolers
6 Julienne Levy Marks
7 Beyond the Front Porch
8 Georgia Connections Academy
9 O'Donnell Music Studio
10 Inspire Homeschool Academy
11 Identity and Destiny for Amazing Kids
12 Engineering For Kids of Metro Atlanta
13 Mable House Arts Center
14 Cobb County P.A.R.K.S.
15 Beyond Expectations Inc.
16 Private Tutor
17 GAC High School
18 ThomEd Tutoring

Are You Homeschooling with the End in Mind?

Before the 2015-2016 school year began, I attended a session at a homeschool convention entitled Homeschooling with the End in Mind by Jenni and Jody.  They posed an important question at the beginning of their seminar that we should all ask ourselves.  “Whose race is it?”

The answer is that it is our children in the race, not us.  Our job is to guide them through the race so that they can achieve the prize.
And what is that prize?  Well that is something that we must all ask ourselves.  Why did we choose to home school is just the tip of the iceberg.

For me, my mind goes to I Corinthians 9:24-27 to the incorruptible crown of eternal life.  However, my mind also goes to Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  What is the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”?  We must go to God and ask Him, "What is your calling for my child?"

In your process I suggest you check out Identity and Destiny for Amazing Kids by Dr. Libby Hodge.  Dr. Hodge holds her Doctorate of Pastoral Counseling from Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary. Dr Libby is a Licensed Facilitator for Identity and Destiny and is certified through the American Association of Christian Counselors for Pastoral Counseling. She serves as Children’s Ministry Director for Connection Church in Hinesville, GA.  What I like most about the Identity and Destiny for Amazing Kids books (they have a version for adults as well) is that they remind us that God created us uniquely and wants to tell us the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”.

Dr. Hodge will be one of the features of the very first South Cobb Homeschool Resource Fair.  South Cobb Homeschoolers have partnered with the South Cobb Regional Library's Children Department to coordinate this awesome event.  Mark your calendars for January 26, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the fair at the South Cobb Regional Library located at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126.

Sincerely,

Disclosure: This post does contain affiliate links.  When you purchase from these links you support this blog.

Unit Study for November- Earth Science - Sun, Moon and Stars

Sun, Moon and Stars

Taken from http://poznanie-bg.com/

Standards  S2E1. Students will understand that stars have different sizes, brightness, and patterns.
a. Describe the physical attributes of stars—size, brightness, and patterns.
S2E2. Students will investigate the position of sun and moon to show patterns throughout the year.
a. Investigate the position of the sun in relation to a fixed object on earth at various times of the day.
b. Determine how the shadows change through the day by making a shadow stick or using a sundial.
c. Relate the length of the day and night to the change in seasons (for example: Days are longer than the night in the summer.).
d. Use observations and charts to record the shape of the moon for a period of time.
S2E3. Students will observe and record changes in their surroundings and infer the causes of the changes.
a. Recognize effects that occur in a specific area caused by weather, plants, animals, and/or people.

Resources

• Stars https://www.dropbox.com/s/y6wbniqxmoyzkci/Stars%5B1%5D.ppt?dl=0 
• Light and Shadows Investigation: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/7_8/light_shadows.shtml 
• Kids Astronomy: http://www.kidsastronomy.com/stars.htm 
• Stars & Constellations: http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/15-educational/science/102-star-a-constellations.html
• NASA for Kids: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/index.html

Meeting Dates

• Sun, Moon and Stars Activity - Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Library located at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126 
• Show and Tell  & Sun, Moon and Stars Activity - Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Library located at 805 Clay Road, Mableton, GA 30126 
• Field Trip to the Tellus Science Museum - Monday, December 14, 2015 from 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon.  RSVP is required: http://goo.gl/forms/ZC01PoC0YT 

Additional Activity Idea

• Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Solar Sky Watch at the Tellus Museum
• Members: FREE, Non-Members: Regular Admission
• With the special filters on our solar telescope in the Observatory, you can safely view the Sun and look for sunspots and loops of hot hydrogen gas called prominences that extend off the disc of the Sun.
• Check their home page http://tellusmuseum.org/ on the day of the event for cancellations due to cloudy skies or inclement weather.

Fall Standardized Tests Registration Deadline October 16 before 3 p.m.

It's that time again! According to the GDOE : "Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained." The deadline to register to take the IOWA or Standford 10 with the South Cobb Homeschoolers for the FALL administration is October 15, however, it will be extended to October 16.  For more information go to http://schomeschoolers.blogspot.com/p/standardized-test-administration.html . To register you must contact Andrea Hall at info@southcobbhomeschoolers.org or call 404-644-8391 by October 15 (extended to October 16 before 3 p.m.) for the Fall Administration and April 10 (midnight) for the Spring Administration.

College Discovery Day Open to All Ages - October 6

Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. BPC is a small, Christian college located in Southeast Georgia.

We are extending invitations to home school groups across Georgia for our Discovery Day which is on October 6th.

Registration can be completed online at http://bpc.edu/admissions/discoverday/

Reading Eggs Offer Ends Oct. 9 2015

An exclusive Back-to-School offer for

Homeschool Encouragement & Copywork Members 

For a very limited time only, get a FREE 4 Week Trial to Reading Eggs.

OFFER ENDS October 9, 2015.

Homeschool Day at Washington Farms!

Atlanta Zoo for Science School?

Today we went to Zoo Atlanta to scout out possible learning experiences for the upcoming school year.  The question was asked, "Can you teach an entire science curriculum with a membership at the Atlanta Zoo?"

Stay tuned for the answer!

Athens-Clarke County Recycling Field Trip

Athens-Clarke County Recycling Field Trip

2015 Awards Ceremony Invitation

Who South Cobb Homeschoolers

What  Second Annual Awards Ceremony

When  TUESDAY, June 30 at 6:30 PM

Where

South Cobb Regional Library

805 Clay Road

Mableton, GA 30126

Message From Host

South Cobb Homeschoolers is proud to present our 2nd Annual Awards Ceremony. During this time our children will be promoted to the next grade level. 

All family and friends are invited to attend as we thank God for the gift of our children.

The event is FREE but RSVP is required.

Click here to RSVP today!

Light Refreshments will be served.

2015 Yearbooks Available for Purchase!!

Reading is Golden

A Platform Supporting Authors and Readers 

Reading is Golden was established to support the importance of literacy.

Through their persistent efforts, Reading Is Golden introduces new and experienced authors through weekly Author Spotlights.

These spotlights also include Q&A sessions where readers are encouraged to actively participate and give feedback. Literacy amongst young children has become the focal point of their business.

Reading Is Golden also hosts monthly book giveaways, along with encouraging children and their families to submit book reviews. There is a very promising future for Reading Is Golden.

Through the support of others, they can reach more authors and readers while continuing to spread the importance of literacy around the world.

~ Written by Deshawn Henderson

###

Alika Turner
Founder of Reading Is Golden
Our Mission is to spread the importance of literacy around the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reading-is-Golden/1570988786496582

Twitter: https://twitter.com/readingisgolden

Take Wings this Summer with FREE Ya Christian Mystery Series

An international mystery series like award-winning Christian author Jeanette Windle's juvenile Parker Twins Adventures is just one way for a family to take wings this summer. Young readers don't just live exciting adventures while learning biblical values, but explore new cultures and meet other children from very different backgrounds.  Inca ruins (Cave of the Inca Re), Amazon jungles (Jungle Hideout), rebel guerrillas (Captured in Colombia, Middle Eastern spies (Race for the Secret Code), and more.

Bill Myers, best-selling author of Wally McDoogle and Secret Agent Dingledorf series, calls the Parker Twins “Page turning, action-packed adventure. These books are cool!”

In participation with this summer’s Take Wings YA Christian Reading Program, ALL SIX PARKER TWIN TITLES will be available as free Amazon Kindle downloads at ONE WEEK INTERVALS.

·       Cave of the Inca Re (Parker Twins #1): 
Free Download: June 1-5, 2015
·       Jungle Hideout (Parker Twins #2): 
Free Download: June 8-12, 2015
·       Captured in Colombia (Parker Twins #3): 
Free Download: June 15-19, 2015
·       Mystery at Death Canyon (Parker Twins #4): 
Free Download: June 22-26, 2015
·       Secret of the Dragon Mark (Parker Twins #5): 
Free Download: June 29-July 3, 2015
·       Race for the Secret Code (Parker Twins #6): 
Free Download: July 6-10, 2015

Daughter of missionary parents, Jeanette Windle has lived in six countries and traveled in more than thirty. Those experiences have birthed 16 fiction titles, including award-winning Veiled Freedom (ECPA Christian Book Award/Christy Award finalist) and Freedom's Stand (ECPA Christian Book Award/Carol Award/Golden Scroll Novel of the Year finalist) as well as YA mystery series Parker Twins Adventures. Find out more at www.jeanettewindle.com or Jeanette’s Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jeanette-Windle/e/B001JRXN9I

Friends of Learning (Online Worksheets)

Mark homeschools his daughters, and soon after they began he developed an appreciation for worksheets as a tool both for teaching and for review. However, the cost of ink for the inkjet printer was getting too expensive , so he made some worksheets his daughters could do online. This had the added benefit of not having to find more space for the growing stacks of papers.


Many of these worksheets are available online for free at friendoflearning.com. Check it out!!

Unit Study for March- Life Science - Animals

Week 1 - Animal Classifications
Learn the definitions of:
1. Insects
2. Amphibians
3. Mammals
4. Fish
5. Reptiles
6 Birds
www.tlsbooks.com/classify6.html

Week 2 - Life Cycles
www.iheartcraftythings.com/2011/09/lifecycleofachicken-html
youtube - Life Cycle of a Frog


Week 3 - Food Chain
eisforexplore.blogspot.com/2012/10/food-chain-stackingcups.html

What is a: Herbavor? Carnivore? Omnivore?


Week 4 - Amazing Design
Learn about Camouflage
or
Animals with amazing abilities:
Bees, Humming birds, Dogs etc... Look for proof of a "Designer"

Supply List:

• Constructions paper
• glue
• tape
• scissors
• styrofoam cups

Hands On Day!

• Go to a pet store or animal shelter
• Adopt a pet rock for a week or two and let them practice making sure the rock has all 5 basic needs of living things.

Meeting Dates

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Library

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Library

Field Trip- TBA  -  Zoo