Category: Homeschooling

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The Secret to Successful Vocabulary Instruction Starts at Home

When it comes to helping our children learn and grow, parents play the most essential role. And while there are many ways to support our children’s education, one of the most effective is through vocabulary instruction at home. Many parents in today’s world feel as though they are not qualified to teach their children and this is far from the truth. God entrusted you, the parent, with your children. Instruction starts at home no matter how you choose to school your child. Let’s explore the secret to successful vocabulary instruction and how parents play an active role in their child’s language development right from the comfort of their own home.

From a young age, children rely on their parents for language exposure and practice. Research shows that the amount and quality of vocabulary exposure at home significantly impacts a child’s vocabulary growth. Parents can actively engage their children in vocabulary instruction through various strategies. One effective method is through word games and activities. By incorporating fun and interactive games, such as word puzzles, charades, or scavenger hunts, parents can make vocabulary learning enjoyable for their children. These games not only reinforce new words but also foster a positive learning environment.

Additionally, parents can provide ample vocabulary exposure through reading. Reading books together, discussing the stories, and exploring new words can greatly enhance a child’s vocabulary. By incorporating a diverse range of books and genres, parents can expose their children to different words and concepts.

Consistency is key in vocabulary development. Parents should make vocabulary practice a regular part of their child’s routine. This can include discussing new words during mealtimes, engaging in word challenges during car rides, or simply having word-of-the-day conversations. By consistently reinforcing vocabulary, parents ensure better retention and integration of new words into their children’s language skills.

Parents can create a word-rich environment at home. Labeling objects around the house, such as furniture or household items, helps children make connections between words and their meanings. This visual reinforcement aids in vocabulary retention. Additionally, encouraging children to describe their surroundings using specific words helps expand their vocabulary and enhances their descriptive skills.

Another effective strategy is using technology as a learning tool. There are numerous educational apps and websites that offer interactive vocabulary games and activities. Parents can utilize these resources to make learning vocabulary more engaging and enjoyable for their children.

Furthermore, incorporating vocabulary practice into everyday activities is a practical and effective approach. During cooking, for example, parents can involve their children by discussing various ingredients and their properties. Similarly, while grocery shopping, parents can encourage their children to read labels and identify different products. By turning everyday activities into vocabulary learning opportunities, parents create a continuous learning experience for their children.

Overall, the key to effective at-home vocabulary instruction is creating a word-rich environment, utilizing technology, and integrating vocabulary practice into daily activities. By implementing these strategies, parents can support their children’s language development and ensure long-term retention of new words.

Consistency is key when it comes to vocabulary reinforcement and ensuring better retention of new words. When children are exposed to new vocabulary on a regular basis, they have more opportunities to practice and reinforce their understanding. By consistently reinforcing vocabulary, parents create a strong foundation for their children’s language skills. Consistency in vocabulary reinforcement is crucial for better retention and integration of new words. By making vocabulary practice a regular part of your child’s routine, incorporating repetition, and providing positive reinforcement, you create an environment that fosters continuous growth and improvement in their language skills.

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From Uh-huh to Eloquent: Why Primary Vocabulary Matters

As children begin their journey of literacy, they are introduced to the building blocks of language – letters, sounds, and words. While these are crucial in learning to read and write, there is one aspect that often goes overlooked, vocabulary. This refers to the words that children use and understand in their daily lives. Vocabulary playa a vital role in their overall language development. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap in vocabulary among children today, leading to struggles with reading comprehension and academic success. Let’s delve into the importance of primary vocabulary and how addressing this gap can help children become more eloquent and proficient readers.

Vocabulary words are the building blocks of language and have a significant impact on a child’s overall language development.

Why is vocabulary so important in literacy development? The answer lies in its connection to reading comprehension. Vocabulary is essential for understanding and interpreting texts. When children have a vigorous vocabulary, they are able to grasp the meanings of words and make connections between words and concepts. On the other hand, a weak vocabulary can greatly affect comprehension, leading to difficulties in understanding what is being read.

Unfortunately, many children today are facing a significant vocabulary gap. They are lacking exposure to a wide range of words and are not receiving adequate vocabulary instruction. This gap has a direct impact on their reading comprehension and academic success. To address this issue, it is crucial to implement strategies that enhance vocabulary learning in children. By focusing on vocabulary instruction and providing ample opportunities for children to engage with words, we can help them become more eloquent and proficient readers.

By explicitly teaching vocabulary, we empower children to expand their word bank and develop a robust vocabulary. When children have a wide range of words at their disposal, they can understand and express themselves more eloquently. They become better equipped to comprehend complex texts, make connections between words and concepts, and draw upon their knowledge to infer meaning.

The transformative power of focused vocabulary instruction lies in its ability to unlock a child’s potential as a reader and communicator. It gives them the confidence and skills they need to tackle challenging texts, participate in meaningful discussions, and express themselves effectively in both spoken and written forms. With a strong vocabulary foundation, children can navigate the world of language with ease and become proficient and confident readers.

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Unleashing Social Learning: The Lemons-Aid Way in Virtual Classrooms

Social Learning Online

God created us to be social beings, and we need connection with others like we need oxygen. Sadly, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, loneliness struck with a vengeance, and we realized that our mental and physical health, and even our ability to learn, are significantly impacted by our interactions with fellow human beings.

 

Social learning encompasses two aspects: learning with and from others. Think of it as joining a community where you not only soak up knowledge and learn skills but also observe the behavior of those around you and model it. It’s like watching a bunch of adorable puppies learning good manners and pack norms from their fellow furry friends. However, not every environment is a puppy paradise. Take off-leash dog parks, for instance. They might provide an emergency vet’s job security, but they’re not exactly the best place to socialize your puppy. Why, you ask? Well, there’s a risk of learning bad behaviors and even getting hurt.

 

Now, let’s tackle a persistent myth about homeschooling. People often assume that homeschooled kids aren’t “socialized.” They think public schools are the holy grail of social skills education and social connection. But hang on a second! Some public schools can be downright toxic cesspools of chaos, devoid of any godliness. In these places, kids feel unsafe, their values are ridiculed, and their identities are challenged or even despised. Despite being surrounded by peers, they can end up feeling lonely and disconnected. These schools are like those off-leash dog parks but for humans. Not the kind of place you’d want your kids to learn social skills, right?

 

In stark contrast, homeschooling parents are the champions of social opportunities for their children. They create a network of family life, church, sports, jobs, and neighborhoods where social skills are honed in a much more healthy way because they have better models.

  • Family life is like a crash course in sibling diplomacy, submitting to authority, pulling their own weight, playing, negotiating, loving, sacrificing, putting the needs of others ahead of their own, laughing, crying, and serving God with gusto.
  • Church is more like a hospital than a country club, filled with imperfect people whom kids learn to serve and love sacrificially. It’s where kids deepen their understanding of God and build healthy relationships with mentors.
  • Sports is the ultimate training ground for teamwork, collaboration, sacrifice, and the rollercoaster ride of victory and defeat. Failures and successes are shared with others, creating bonds and memories that last a lifetime. Parents are right there with them helping them understand the fallen nature of man, how to deal with conflict, and how to please God even in a community of people with different values.
  • Jobs—when kids reach the age to work, it’s time to dive into the world of jobs. They learn the art of treating customers with respect and kindness, even in the face of mistreatment. They discover the importance of hard work, effective communication, submission to authority, money management, and so much more. My own kids even mastered the fine art of smiling, making eye contact, and engaging in delightful conversations with strangers at our local Chick-Fil-A. It was “their pleasure!” 😉
  • Neighborhoods become the place for adventurous kids on bikes. They explore fields, play street hockey, engage in the occasional argument, and learn the art of conflict resolution. It’s a playground where they discover the magic of solving problems together.

But what about education? Skilled homeschool moms and dads know how to create social learning opportunities for their kids as their children learn with and from siblings, extended family, and in online classes, co-ops, micro-schools, local pods, and other exciting new ways.

 

Welcome to Lemons-Aid Learning, where students have a positive community in virtual classrooms! We’ve mastered the art of social learning, ensuring that our students not only acquire knowledge but also thrive in a supportive community. Whether students are discussing grades with teachers, cheering on fellow students during presentations, praying together, or meeting deadlines with finesse, our platform provides a healthy environment for social growth. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable educational adventure where learning and camaraderie go hand in hand. It’s the Lemons-Aid Way.

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Boosting Learning through Accountability: The Lemons-Aid Way

Let’s dive into a crucial aspect of learning: accountability. Did you know that holding learners accountable for their education can significantly improve their learning outcomes? Let’s explore why this is the case, introduce the concept of authentic assessment, and connect it all to biblical principles. 

Accountability: The Key to Effective Learning

Holding students accountable for their learning means making sure they take responsibility for their educational progress. When learners understand that they’re expected to actively participate and engage with the material, they will learn. They even begin to pursue knowledge and understanding with genuine enthusiasm as their natural curiosity kicks in.

Roadblocks to Accountability

Pain. That’s what gets in the way. Since learning is an active process, it takes engagement and intentional effort. But learning is hard! Remember struggling with a piece of writing or a math concept? It’s uncomfortable. We don’t like it. We want it to come easy. 

The second roadblock is an education system and a culture that won’t allow our kids that struggle. When my kids were little and in Christian school, they would throw themselves on the floor, spewing bodily fluids from their noses and mouths when things were hard. I confess I sometimes removed the struggle for them by contacting the teacher and saying it was too hard. Embarrassing, I know. But other times, I told them to suck it up and be tough. I reminded them that learning is hard and that they can do hard things! We want our kids to struggle! They should be standing up on their tippy, tippy toes to reach new learning. Learning takes effort, work, and perseverance. If we remove the struggle, they miss out on so much, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Thankfully, I figured this out. When they were homeschooling with me in middle and high school, they had learned to work through those painful moments of confusion. They learned to use resources to figure it out! They got tough. I stopped being a roadblock myself by allowing the natural roadblocks to remain in place for them to navigate. This is accountability. 

Authentic Assessment: A Form of Accountability

Now, let’s talk about authentic assessment. Why do I use the word “authentic?” It means the assessment is a true measure of student learning or skill acquisition. It’s a tool to measure AND communicate. As an educator since 1995, I have grappled with this issue, reading theory and research, to understand the relationship between assessment and learning. But the most formative lessons I learned were in the classroom.

I discovered that the more accountability I removed, the lazier students became and the less they learned. It was when I stood firm on due dates, limiting “re-does,” and using authentic assessment, students rose to the occasion. Learning improved. I could only do this in a school where things were a little counter to our culture. Grace Christian School in Alaska was a special place with special families. People in Alaska embrace struggle just to live in America’s Last Frontier. Everything is hard work but worth it because the enjoyment that comes after or from the work is outstanding. Think hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing! Those things are hard, but so fun. So, most parents didn’t get mad at me when their kiddo got a bad grade. Instead, they told their kids to work harder. Get help. Toughen up. And they did! 

Biblical Principles: Humility & Wisdom

The Bible emphasizes the importance of learning from parents (and by extension, teachers). Proverbs 1:8-9 (NIV) says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” This passage highlights the value of seeking wisdom from those who guide us and the idea that wisdom is a treasure worth pursuing.

Embracing this biblical principle, we encourage students to seek guidance from their parents and teachers, taking ownership of their learning and becoming wise learners.

The Lemons-Aid Way: Accountability and Assessment in Action

At Lemons-Aid, we’re dedicated to helping learners reach their full potential. We understand the importance of accountability and authentic assessment in the learning process, so we’ve designed our courses with these principles in mind.

Our approach ensures that students not only grasp the material but also develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for real-life success. Through assessments and ongoing feedback, we help learners stay accountable and track their progress, setting them up for a bright future with the skills to leap over those roadblocks. Because they’re tough enough!

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Is Teaching and Learning Grammar a Waste of Time?

The Purpose.

The purpose of learning grammar is to write something beautiful. Or persuasive. Or inspirational. Or . . . . Fill in the blank. Authors strive for clarity, but writing is also an art. Grammar knowledge is like having a number of gadgets in your toolbox to help you get the job done. If you want to build a beautiful piece of furniture–say a patio table that will seat your guests for long, summer dinners–you need to have the right tools. Furniture has function, of course, but it also has style. Do you want the top of your table to have a beveled edge? Why? Your choice to stain the wood instead of paint it is grounded in a stylistic or functional purpose. Writing is the same! How can an author use words, syntax, and grammar to bring about an emotion in his reader? When should you start a sentence with an participial phrase? What effect does a long string of dependent clauses have on the advancement of an idea or theme? So, teaching and learning grammar is not a waste of time. To communicate well, and with a stylistic and functional purpose, writers need to understand how to use the tools of the trade–nouns, verbs, semicolons, oh my!

What About Sentence Diagraming?

I used to teach sentence diagraming. I liked the mathematics-like structure of the language and saw beauty in the variety of how words could be placed together to form an idea. Frustrated that my middle school students didn’t see it my way, I was even more discouraged that their skill in diagraming didn’t translate to beautiful composition. What was I to do? 

The Vertical Planning Meeting.

As a middle school teacher and high school teacher at a small Christian school, we had a vertical planning meeting for English language art curriculum. An elementary teacher asked a high school teacher what she should be doing to prepare students for secondary school. The high school teacher responded, “Teach them how to write a sentence!” At that point, our sweet elementary teacher was not so sweet anymore. “That’s all we do!” she responded defensively. 

Research to the Rescue.

I wanted to know why my middle school and high school students couldn’t write sentences since that’s all they had done in elementary school. 😉 

I discovered that students compartmentalize grammar knowledge and do not transfer their knowledge when composing pieces of writing. I also discovered that students should be combining sentences all the way through high school! We high school teachers are the ones that need to teach them how to write a sentence! As students age, their speech naturally becomes more complex; they don’t know how to punctuate those complex sentences. 

Recommended Curriculum.

Homeschool moms know a thing or two! They’ve been using the following curriculum for a long time, but once I implemented the techniques in these books, my students made quick progress that awed me. Here’s the list: 

Easy Grammar. The sentence combining is the most valuable and without this aspect of the curriculum, I would not recommend it. 

Donald & Jenny Killgallon texts. I start with the elementary book even with high school students as it’s hard for them. There is one caveat here–these are not texts to just give to your learners and have them go at it alone. I found that you need to explicitly teach and model and guide them along, so they have success. 

Recommended Courses.

If this is something you want to outsource to Lemons-Aid, we are happy to teach! Check out these courses: 

A Cut Above (a 2-day, get-your-feet-wet course)

State of the Art (an ongoing subscription course)

 

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Ten Secrets for Teens who are Learning Online or at Home

Teens online learning

Whether your teenager is a seasoned online learner or is navigating online or at-home learning for the first time, they all have moments or seasons of struggle. Motivation can be a killer. Here are some tips for your teenagers to make learning online or at home more productive and successful!

Grind on One Subject

If you have the flexibility to work on only one class per day, you may just love this idea! I found that when my own teens work on just one self-paced class for weeks at a time, they are more focused, learn the material better, get better grades, and they lose very little time switching to five different subjects each day. For example, my 9th grader is doing Social Studies right now. He finishes a week of Social Studies in one day, which is about four or five hours of work. He does this for four weeks and is then finished with a semester. Try it out if you can!

No Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room

Wait, huh? Let me explain. You know the kids that skip class to vape in the bathroom? I hope that’s not you. If so, stop it right now. You’re better than that. The online version of “skipping class to vape in the bathroom” is the YouTube sneak that sucks HOURS of your productive time. It’s bad, bad for the brain. You are doing a lot of damage to yourself. Oh, the temptation will be real, like a vortex, sucking you into that hype YouTube channel. This is especially true if your mom walks out of the room. Don’t click! To fight it you will need to own your own learning. Decide for yourself to be a learner, grow, and get smart. Save YouTube for when you’re done for the day. Repeat after me: I am smart! I am successful! I will not vape in the bathroom….or watch YouTube during school.

Get Your Zzz’s

Did you know that super-smart scientists say teenagers need lots of sleep? Just don’t sleep on a railroad track like the dude in the picture above. That seems dangerous. And not super comfortable. Some teenagers need to sleep later in the morning, too. Talk to your parents about this to work out a schedule that allows you to get healthy sleep, and be careful of getting too much sleep, which isn’t good. This is one of the biggest benefits of online learning–you get to customize a schedule. Also, you may find that you are really productive in the evening hours. I only let one of my three teenage boys work late at night by himself because he has proven himself responsible by getting good grades and meeting deadlines. The other two? Um, no! If you like to work late at night, prove to your parents that you’re grown-up enough to be trusted.

Schedule Your Breaks

Back to our smart scientists. They also say that an hour of vigorous exercise helps with focus JUST AS WELL AS ADHD meds. Slay, scientists! Take a break at the intervals you need and think about managing these with a timer. Get up and jump rope for five minutes after you’ve been sitting and staring at a screen for 45 minutes. Race your brother around the block. You’ve just exercised your brain. Now go exercise your quads.

Wait Just a Minute!

By break, I didn’t say video game break, did I? If you take a break to play video games, your motivation to get back to school will go down to the depths of, well, a bad place. Seriously, use video games to motivate you to finish your work! When you’re finished with school, you can relax and enjoy that NHL game, Call of Duty, or League of Legends.

Dress Smart. Get Smart.

Don’t think Zoom won’t see your bare legs if you decide to go commando during your live class session. Just ask that reporter in the screengrab above. Yep, he did an interview on national television and didn’t wear pants! You may want to wear them, just in case. What about PJ’s? I used to think a benefit to online learning is being able to stay cozy. But I found that it is a motivation-killer. You feel how you dress. Dress smart; get smart. And wear pants.

Move Your Mouth.

Get snacks if you want. Chew gum. There are no rules about munching while you study! Chewing gum can actually help you stay focused. Really! That is unless you’re talking to a teacher online while munching on chips–then it’s kind of gross.

Stay Organized.

Sit at an organized desk, preferably in an area where a parent can see what you are doing. If your environment is messy, you’ll feel it. You may need a little more accountability to work hard when what you really feel like doing is plopping on your bed for “just a sec.” If you do work in a room by yourself, keep it organized.

You Can Do Hard Things.

Motivation is an issue. I know. Your mom will absolutely annoy you the more she nags. You will have days where you just aren’t feelin’ it. But, you are tough and strong and can make good decisions. And your feelings aren’t the boss of you. Online learning requires a lot of independence and personal responsibility for solving problems. Typically, online classes have less direct instruction from a teacher, which means you have to figure things out on your own, using resources. If you have a math problem that only a quantum physicist can solve, you can fall back on a strategy. Be proactive and take these steps:

  1. Take a big breath and embrace this disequilibrium. Confusion and frustration are normal when you’re learning. If you don’t feel it, you are not being challenged enough. You’re about to learn something new, and that is cool!
  2. Say out loud, “This is hard, and I can do hard things.”
  3. Ask yourself: What do I already know about this? What do I not understand and why (are there too many tough vocab words in the math problem)? Where can I find the answers to my questions? Then think of resources (your textbook, Khan Academy, Crash Course, Google) and use them before you ask an adult. For example, let’s say you have to write a paragraph on why Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, which you find difficult even after reading your textbook. Google to see if there’s a video that can help you. I know what you’re thinking! YouTube! Well, so long as you are learning and not smoking, you’ll be fine. But check the credibility of the video to make sure you can trust the information. Watching a short video on this topic could help you build up your understanding. Then go read your textbook again. You can do it!
  4. If you have taken steps to solve this problem on your own and are still struggling, then ask your parent for some support, or fire off an email to your teacher. He or she may even meet with you to support you. Teachers are awesome, and they like teens…generally.

Minimize Distractions.

Listen to Mrs. Lemons–put your phone away, set your computer up to a “do not distract” setting, close unnecessary tabs, turn off notifications, and focus! If your phone is blowing up, it is nearly impossible to stay focused on your reading. There are even apps on the phone that help with focusing your attention. One is called Forest. As you focus, accomplish tasks, and even take breaks, you build a big forest. The app will detect if you pick up the phone, which will kill your beautiful trees!

So there you go! Do you have other suggestions for teenagers? Share them in the comments for others to read.

See you soon!