Murderous Maths

Too many of us believe that math must be taught with lecture, followed by worksheets, wrapped up with tests. Only after showing proficiency in a particular area may a student proceed to the next step.

Boring!

Where are the colorful characters that developed math as we know it? Where are the problems that stumped humankind for generations, until some creative soul said, "Aha!" Where are the explanations of the purposes and applications of all this math? Nowhere in a traditional textbook, that's for sure.

Supplementing mathematics with books about math (as opposed to "math books") can bring a traditionally dry subject to life. Why math isn't taught like this in schools, I have no idea. But you're homeschooling, aren't you?

A wonderful addition to any home library is the Murderous Maths series written by Kjartan Poskitt and published by the same folks who gave us Horrible Histories, Horrible Science, and Horribly Famous series.
With intriguing names like Numbers, the Key to the Universe, Mean and Vulgar Bits, and Do You Feel Lucky?, students will hardly realize that these are math books. Text is combined with cartoons, illustrations, humorous asides, and knowing nods to the reader, all with the attitude that this is stuff your teacher doesn't want you to know and maybe doesn't even know himself.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking, "My child has barely memorized the multiplication tables, so how can she understand more complex math?" These books introduce new ideas in a fun and engaging manner. While a reader may not be able to solve a page of calculus after reading these books, she will have been exposed to more advanced formulas and equations, read about shortcuts and tricks, and generally found math entertaining. 

On a personal note, my eldest son has just about read the ink off all the Murderous Maths books he has. Many's the night he's come bounding down the stairs to share some new insight he's gained from the books. Enthusiasm for mathematics is worth every penny.

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Giving Kids Money-Smarts

How do we teach our kids to handle their money, when so many of us are struggling ourselves? Many homeschool families like to take on this challenge as part of their learning lifestyle. After all, you're never too old to learn how to save, invest, and spend wisely!

Recently, the San Jose Mercury News ran an article entitled, "Websites teach kids how to manage their money." The article included a list of websites aimed at kids, teens, and families for learning about and discussing finances. Here are some of my favorites from that list.

The Mint: This website has tabs for kids, teens, parents, and teachers. From savings and investing to decoding paychecks and tracking spending, The Mint covers many of the areas other websites, and certainly traditional financial education, neglect.

Kidnexions: This commercial site does sell books and software, but it also offers many free financial videos. Your kids (and you) can learn about the Rule of 72 (not even all bankers know this!), how compound interest works, and how to set financial goals.

U.S. Mint Kids: Is your child fascinated with all things "money"? The U.S. Mint's site for kids is filled with games, cartoons, and information about how money is designed and created. Learn about what the Mint does, how to collect coins, even facts about the U.S. Presidents and branches of government.

If your child is also in Cub Scouts, these websites can help with the Collecting, Mathematics, and Video Games belt loops and pins.

A strong financial education is one of the best gifts you can give to your child and yourself. Learn how your money works and how to make it work for you.

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Crayon Physics

Our guest blogger today is my eldest son. He originally wrote this review for the California HomeSchooler, the member-magazine of the HomeSchool Association of California.

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Crayon Physics is a game where you have to draw a line with your pointer, which looks like a crayon on the screen, to get a ball to a star. Sometimes you draw a line or an odd shape, like a polygon, or a circle.

When you get to higher levels, you get rockets. If they get hit on top, they take off.  If they stay in one place too long, they blow up.

Crayon Physics starts off easy. It takes a certain amount of stars to get to a new level.

Everything is made of crayon drawings.

I like it because every time your ball falls away, you get it back. Sometimes they give you hints what to do.

I think other kids would like this.

Crayon Physics Deluxe from Petri Purho on Vimeo.

(Note: Crayon Physics was the Independent Games Festival Grand Prize winner in 2008.)

Article posted by Sarah J. Wilson

Teaching Pet Safety

When introducing a new dog or cat to the family, parents usually lay down a few rules, such as who is responsible for feeding and cleaning up after the animal, and whether or not the animal is allowed on the furniture. Beyond that, problems are handled as they arise, which can lead to negative interactions between children and pets. All too often, these issues can result in the child fearing the animal, the animal being given away, or even the animal being put down, none of which are desirable.

If you are thinking of owning a dog or cat, or simply want to teach your children how to best interact with them, check out Dr. Amanda Chin’s workbook, Pets' Playground: Playing Safe in a Dog-And-Cat World.

Loaded with information on the history, behavior, and care of dogs and cats, Pets' Playground provides a wonderful, fact-filled way for families to learn together. The text is around a third-grade level, but it is ideal for reading together. The pages are filled with photographs and illustrations. Matching games, mazes, drawing activities, and fill-in-the-blanks are scattered throughout the workbook. Additionally, more advanced words are used, but they are quickly defined in a matter-of-fact manner, and a comprehensive glossary can be found at the back.

Dr. Chin strives to give useful information without creating fear. For example, instead of simply saying, “Don’t approach strange dogs,” she demonstrates through illustrations and explanations pets’ body language, how to approach animals, and what to avoid doing to them. Dr. Chin discusses how to make a home pet-safe, what pets should and should not eat, and what to expect at vet visit.

On a personal note, we used this book with our two sons. Our eldest has a strong fear of dogs, which we have slowly worked to mitigate. This book was a part of that process, filling his mind with facts and numbers, which made dogs seem less intimidating to him. Our youngest son has no fear of animals, and therefore was a little too enthusiastic with his displays of affection toward our cats. We used this book to show him how cats like to play and how to read their signals better. Our eldest still is wary around new dogs, but warms up to ones he sees repeatedly. Our youngest is much better about petting the cats (“Head to tail, Mom. Head to tail.”)

For more information on this book and other pet issues, visit Dr. Chin’s website at www.kidsandpetsafety.com.

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

"Best of the Best" DVD

Much of the entertainment aimed at kids is mindless, flavorless schlock. The DVD Best of the Best - Especially for Kids, however, engages children and adults alike, with its creative animations, clever storylines, and thought-provoking animated shorts.

Funded by the National Film Board of Canada, the nine films include two Oscar® winners and six nominees. This eclectic mix includes Every Child, The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin, Blackfly, The Cat Came Back, The Sand Castle, The Owl Who Married a Goose, Evolution, Christmas Cracker, and Monsieur Pointu.

Every Child tells the story of a baby who mysteriously appears on the doorstep of a busy executive, who then hands off the baby to an elderly couple (with a very dramatic dog), who then hand of the baby to a melodramatic operatic couple, who then. . . What will happen to this child? Will anyone ever love him?

The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin puts a new spin on the Cinderella tale with penguins cast in all the roles. Even the coach horses are penguins. The story remains a moving testament to true love and having the right-sized flipper.

In Blackfly, a folk singer recounts his battle with black flies in the woods of north Ontario. The catchy song and clever animation make this one a favorite.

Many people are familiar with the song The Cat Came Back, but watching hapless Mr. Johnson try to get rid of this deceptively charming kitten is hilarious. Will he ever be free of the little yellow feline?

The Sand Castle is sure to inspire creative sand-play at parks and beaches. The sandman builds fantastical creatures out of sand, which then in turn build an amazing sand castle.

Based on an Inuit legend, The Owl Who Married a Goose is both a visual and aural treat. Colors and shapes flow together, forming new scenes and evoking emotions, against the sing-song storytelling.

Evolution gives a new take on human evolution. Where did humans really come from? The answer would give any evolutionist a good laugh.

Unlike the other films, Christmas Cracker contains three shorts, each with a playful take on Christmas.

Finally, our hero in Monsieur Pointu experiences extraordinary challenges when playing the violin. His clothes and instrument seem to have minds of their own, as they grow, shrink, and jump about, all while Monsieur Pointu good-naturedly plays beautiful music.

Experience what children’s television should be. Check out Best of the Best.

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Things We'd Like to See: The Magna Carta

Freedom. Citizens' rights. Constitutional government.

We in the United States of America all too often take these for granted. For generation upon generation we have lived with peaceful government transitions, the ability to challenge and test our rule of law, limited government power, and the right of the people to be heard.

Despite what many Americans might believe, this didn't begin with the the Declaration of Independence. Instead, the path to individual rights was forged centuries before with the Magna Carta in 1215.

The Magna Carta, literally the "Great Charter," granted political and civil liberties, greatly preducing the power of the English monarchy and allowing for the formation of a powerful Parliament. King John of England (1166 - 1216) was forced to sign it by Archbishop Stephen Langton and the most powerful barrons of England. This document forced the king to govern by pre-Norman laws and demonstrated that the reach of the monarchy could be limited by written edict.

The power of this document cannot be understated. Its influence can be seen in current British law, the Declaration of Rights in the Maryland Constitution of 1776, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights. Five and a half centuries before the Revolutionary War, the Magna Carta laid the groundwork for separation of Church and State, levying of taxes, right to trial by jury, and uniformity of weights and measures. While not a perfect document, (women's rights are virtually non-existent), it was an enormous leap forward in thinking and action.

We in the greater San Francisco Bay Area can now view this truly revolutionary document at the Legion of Honor. On loan from the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, the manuscript will be on view from May 7 through June 5. This once-in-a-lifetime event is an extraordinary opportunity to see the power of the written word.

When considering visiting this exhibit, please don't limit it to older children and youths. If you're able to go with other adults who can help with little kids (take them outside when the wiggles strike), please do. This document is intrinsic to all our lives. It's up to us, as homeschooling parents, to make it relevant to our entire family. Older students can certainly learn about and appreciate the Magna Carta's historical significance; younger students can focus on the interesting writing and colors, talk about the picture on the wax seal, or watch the people coming to visit. The Legion of Honor has many other on-going exhibits, as well. If you keep in mind these Tips for Successful Museum Visits, everyone should gain something positive from their visit.

For more field trip ideas,

check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips page.

Admission is reasonably priced at $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for youths 13-17 and students with valid ID, and free for children 12 and under.

For more information on the Magna Carta, check out the following links:
Magna Carta to make rare appearance, San Jose Mercury News, 4/06/11
Legion of Honor, Magna Carta
Translated text of the Magna Carta
Magna Carta 1215
Wikipedia: Magna Carta
Books about the Magna Carta

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Places We'd Like to Visit: The Museum of American Finance

Money fascinates my eldest son. The variety of currencies. Their monetary relationship to each other. The power money wields. How money creates more money. So, when we read about the Museum of American Finance in the Wall Street Journal (Making Money a Must-See, April 16-17, 2011), we were itching to pack our bags and head to New York.

The Museum of American Finance (MOAF) is "the nation's only independent public museum dedicated to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and the democratic free market tradition which has made New York City the financial capital of the world." Nowadays, many people may believe the free market system is broken, but regardless, understanding the foundation and history of our nation's financial markets can only lead to a better informed consumer and citizen.

MOAF boasts an interactive monetary exhibit, a gold Monoploy set, a historical display of piggy banks, interviews with 16 modern-day entrepreneurs, the Alexander Hamilton Room dedicated to our first Secretary of the Treasury, information on the current credit crisis, and information on past financial scandals.

The museum also offers classes at the Center for Financial Education. Classes range from "Real Fake" with Inspector Collector, aimed at grades K-6, to The Secret Life of Money: Currency Exploration for Adults, designed for college students and adults.

Hours, admission rates, and directions are available at http://www.moaf.org/contact/index.

For more field trip ideas,

check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips page.

Unfortunately, at a time when our need for financial education is stronger than ever, the MOAF, which offers just the information we need, isn't doing well. Perhaps, people are intimidated by the name "American Finance." Or, maybe, people believe money is boring. Or, perhaps, folks believe they know all they need to about how money works. Regardless of the reason, one of the more important aspects of our modern lives is completely neglected in traditional teaching, so people must make the effort to seek out the information to teaching both themselves and their children. Only with knowledge will we avoid the mistakes of the past.

So, whether you're an argentum-phile (money lover) or argentum-phobe (money fearer), MOAF sounds like wonderful place to learn more about and experience the fascinating world of finance.

With a little luck, and money, maybe we'll see you there!

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Homeschooling Gift Idea: DIY Supplies

Homeschoolers are notorious "DIYers" (do-it-yourself). They love hands-on projects, getting dirty, making messes, ulitmately creating something of worth out of all that chaos.

Try shopping at the local hardware store for gifts. After checking with the parents for age-appropriateness and ability level, take a cruise down the aisles and discover all the tools of creativity.

If you are not comfortable in large hardware stores, shop at a small hardware store: a place where the employees are experienced carpenters, plumbers, and the like. These folks will gladly listen to your ideas and needs, and guide you to the tools and implements that would best suit the gift recipient. If your only option is a large box store, go when they are slow (not in the early morning when the construction trade is there, and not on weekends when homeowners are there). Go to the information desk and tell them what you are looking for and that you want someone with a working background in that area. You may have to wait a bit, but having a person who knows what they are doing is well worth your time.

Here are some ideas of items to consider:
Hand tools
Screws
Nails
Different sizes and types of wood
PVC Pipe and fittings
Wood glue
Stain/paint/varnish
Brushes
Hinges
Pulleys
Rope
Plastic tubing
Power tools (check with the parents first!)
Clamps
Measuring tape
Measuring sticks
Magnets
Wire
Steel wool
Safety goggles
Work gloves
Dust mask
DIY books
Tarps/drop cloths

If you are a handyperson, give a woodworking book along with a note telling the child to choose a project from the book. Then, have a special outing where the two of you go and purchase the supplies, then return home to make the chosen item. What a special gift!

If you do not know which end of a hammer is which, participate with the child in one of the many free kids workshops at Home Depot, or check with the local recreation department for woodworking/DIY classes.

Or, perhaps you have a talented friend or neighbor who is willing to help you with the gift by helping the child build something. Remember to thank your gift assistant by first paying for all supplies, and then present them with a special gift just for them.

If the homeschooled child is also in scouting (Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts), check with the parents to see what belt loops, pins, achievements, patches, or merit badges your gift could help fulfill. The child would then receive a gift, the cool item they built, and well-deserved recognition at their Pack or Troop meeting.

Working with tools gives children confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a useful skill, as well as reinforcing math, reading, and listening skills. The sounds and feel of working with one's hands provide wonderful tactile, visual, and auditory experiences. What an incredible gift!

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Spring is in the Air: South Bay Farms Open to the Public

Springtime just begs for outdoor field trips. Take advantage of living in the South Bay and Central Coast, with our ready access to freshly grown produce and goods, and head to a local farm. In an effort to connect with the community, many farms and processors are open to the public for tours, "pick-yourself," and shopping.

The annual publication, Country Crossroads, provides an extensive list of places to go and learn about our food. If you don't live in the South Bay or Central Coast, check with your local farm bureau for a listing of farms in your area which are open to the public (search "farm bureaus [name of your state or county]").

If you are also involved in scouting, farm visits can help complete various achievements and electives (http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/cub-scouts.asp).

Below is a brief list of farms in the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. For a complete list, as well as a map, look for Country Crossroads' free publication in local shops, or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the county farm bureau nearest you:

Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
605 Tennant Avenue, Suite H
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

San Benito County Farm Bureau
530 San Benito Street, Suite 201
Hollister, CA 95023

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau
141 Monte Vista Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076

Santa Clara County Members
C. J. Olson Cherries
800-738-2464
348 El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Blossom Hill Certified Farmers' Market
800-806-FARM
Princeton Plaza Mall, rear parking lot, San Jose

The Grass Farm
408-463-0500
602 Palm Avenue, Morgan Hill

Andy's Orchard
408-782-7600
1615 Half Road, Morgan Hill

For more field trip ideas,

check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips page.

Santa Cruz County Members

Rodoni Farms/U Pickem Pumpkins
831-426-6438
Located four miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1

UCSC Farm & Garden
831-459-3240 or 831-459-4140
CASFS 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz

Glaum Egg Ranch
831-688-3898
3100 Valencia Road, Aptos

Roses of Yesterday and Today
831-728-1901
803 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos

Gizdich Ranch
831-722-1056
55 Peckham Road, Watsonville

Douglas-Michael Butterfly Plants
831-726-3626
18201 Murphy Hill Road, Aromas

Homeschooling Gift Idea: Consumables

Homeschoolers go through a lot of consumables and supplies.

What are consumables? Anything that can get used up: paper, pens, paint, glue, glitter, craft sticks, and so on.

Just like traditional schools, these supplies are needed for a multitude of projects, and they need replacing often.

While a ream of paper may not sound exciting for a present, what about a roll of butcher paper with crayons? Or packs of colored paper and pens?

Check with the parents to see what is needed and what is appropriate for the children's ages and interests. Then head to your local art or office supply store and go nuts.

Some ideas include:
Watercolor paper
Pastels
High-quality paint brushes
Spiral notebooks
Easels
Whiteboards and dry-erase markers
Stamps and ink pads
Pens
Scrapbooking scissors
Watercolors
Oil paints
Sketch pads
Stretched canvas
Hole and shape punches
Rolls of paper
Chalk
Glitter
Glue
Dried pastaCraft sticks
Fabric and carpet remnants
Cheap shower curtain liners (to use on tables and floors)

If you are artistically inclined, you could include a one-on-one lesson with your gift. Or you could also offer to pay for an ability-appropriate art class. Ask the parents if they could use art or graphic software. Including a book about art, drawing, or cartooning would also be welcomed. Add in a trip to a local museum or a special exhibit. You could also volunteer to take the children on a nature walk with the roll of butcher paper and crayons, and do rubbings as you discover interesting leaves and textures.

If the gift is for a budding writer, you could include a book or two from a favorite author. Or, you could include a style manual, submission guidelines to magazines of interest, or a book on journaling. If you are comfortable with writing, you could offer to be a gentle reader of their work. Software or online programs geared to young writers might be useful. Also, check for any age-appropriate writing classes in their area.

A little imagination is all it takes to turn a seemingly ordinary gift extraordinary.

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Prompts for Writers

We all want to encourage our children to write, to learn the value and satisfaction of self-expression through the written word. But many children push back when given writing assignments.

Just like any other learning, writing is only interesting when it has value. Most school assignments are dull, completed only to finish them and get a grade. While the student ideally learns the mechanics of writing through these exercises, he rarely learns the love of writing.

One way to inspire your writer is to give writing prompts. Prompts are suggestions, ideas, or even just a word or two designed to get the writer thinking and writing. The final product need have nothing to do with the original prompt. The purpose of the exercise isn't to get the "right" answer, but to simply write.

The blog, Prompts for Writers, offers ideas for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. With suggestions stemming from the seasons, current events, literature, random words, music, and more, your budding wordsmith will find plenty inspiration, as may you.

You can also follow Prompts for Writers on Twitter @WritePrompts.

So, get comfortable, read some prompts, and write away!

Article by Sarah J. Wilson

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

Need a place to spend a few hours with your young children? Want a fun place that will engage their minds, bodies, and imaginations?

Check out the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo.

Geared toward children seven-years-old and younger, JMZ was voted 2007’s “Best Place to Take Kids on a Playdate,” the JMZ has a wonderful museum filled with hands-on science experiments, a crawling area, and information about energy creation and conservation. Through play, children learn about physics, math, geometry, and earth science. An added benefit for homeschoolers is socializing with other children!

The zoo houses many rescued animals, including bobcats, snakes, bats, fish, and a peacock. Native plants and lizards surround a beautiful solar-powered fountain.

One of the favorite indoor is the tennis ball ramp, which is comprised of gears, a large screw, overhead tubes, and wheels. Other popular exhibits include the hand-cranked fans (demonstrating wind power) and the animal den filled with stuffed animals and logs.

For more field trip ideas,

check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips page.

The JMZ offers science programs for the groups, as well as classes, summer camps, and birthday parties for families.

The museum sits next to Rinconada Park, which has two play areas—one fenced-in on the parking lot side only and the other completely fenced, as well as picnic tables, benches, and loads of grass for running and playing.

Entrance to the JMZ is free, although a small donation of $3 per person is requested, and is well worth it.

Pack a picnic and a camera, and spend the afternoon at the Junior Museum & Zoo!

Article by Sarah J. Wilson