_by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are you looking for a simpler and faster way to teach your kids their sight words or spelling words? Kids can get discouraged easily when progress isn't made quickly.

As a former homeschool mom who still plays an active role in teaching the kids, I've developed many learning methods and lesson plans.

When it comes to fully grasping new words, kids need to make the connection in several ways. If they only make the connection to the word in one or two ways, it will be harder for them to learn current and future words. My method for teaching kids spelling and sight words fast comes in several steps.

Step One: Make flashcards of all the words together. Write each word on its own index card in dark lettering. The child can help with this by looking at the words and copying what they see onto the index cards. This helps practice the visual connection, as well as the writing connection.

Step Two: Show one flashcard to the child, clearly pronouncing the word.This triggers an audio-visual connection to the word. Be sure the child is looking at the word as well as listening.

Step Three: Have the child repeat back that same word. This will tell you if the child is listening to you. It also helps with the speech connection. A child needs to be able to say a word properly before truly understanding the way the word should be formed.

Step Four: Have the child write the word. Just seeing, hearing, and saying the word is not enough. A child also needs to know how to write it. This will help with spelling tests and reading & writing in general.

Step Five: Have the child read the word back to you, sounding it out. If the child is reading it back without sounding out the word, it may just be that they are saying it because you just said the word. Take the time to have the child say each sound in the word so that they know how the word is formed.

Step Six: Repeat steps two - five with each word. This same process should be followed with each word, including the easier words. Going through this process helps to give the child a good understanding of how words work, which will help with reading and writing current and future spelling and sight words.

Practice these steps until the child can read and write each word quickly.

I've successfully used this method with more than one child. Let us know in the comments how it worked for you and any tips you may have as well.

_ Lyn is a freelance web journalist, the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network, and a Y! Shine Parenting Guru. She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys publishing freelance writers and supports advocacy through journalism. She has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Lyn on Twitter: @LynLomasi

Are you anticipating having too much Halloween candy around the house again? You don't have to let sweets be in control. Use the candy in those trick-or-treat bags as math manipulatives to review math skills with your children. They will get brain power out of it instead of sugar overload.

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What's red and gold and is responsible for billions of dollars of U.S. tourism revenue each year?

The answer: the vibrant annual display of one of nature's showiest processes - the changing of leaves from green to reds, purples, oranges, and yellows in the fall. Some probably think, "what a deal for humanity - each year, nature rakes in the cash without us having to lift a finger!" This poor singular view is a disservice to the true grandeur of fall colors - the amazing chemical process that takes place within each and every changing leaf....

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

In the early days of schooling, children would often pile into a one-room school house. These kids were not sorted into different classrooms based on age or grade level. Everyone learned together and kids excelled based on their individual abilities. But then, things changed for many schools and the most common model involved sorting classrooms into grade levels. Should all schools go back to mixing age groups?

What is mixed age grouping?
Mixed-age grouping (also called multi-age learning) is the act of placing children at different age and grade levels in the same classroom together. Think back to the days of the one-room schoolhouse. While kids were in various grade levels, they all were in the classroom with the same teacher or set of teachers. Anytime children of multiple skill levels are in the classroom together, it is referred to as mixed-age grouping.

Benefits to mixing age groups in school
Studies have shown that mixed-age grouping teaches kids independence as well as teamwork. When kids of varying levels are placed in the same space, many will naturally work harder to achieve the next level. They also learn to work together with all people, not just their peers. In our homeschool, the kids all learn together, even though each of them is at a different level. That experience combines with research has convinced me that all schools should go back to mixed-age grouping.

Who uses mixed-age methods?
Most schools use it on a smaller scale. But Montessori schools, open schools, private schools, homeschoolers, and many others implement multi-aged learning for the full school day. Some schools have older students read to younger students during a small portion of the day. Other schools may have the children work together all day long, regardless of the difference in skill levels. In a homeschool, if there is more than one child, mixed-age grouping often comes naturally. Some homeschoolers teach the kids as a group, while others separate the learning.

Should all schools go back to multi-age learning?
Based on my family's experience, as well as extensive research I've done over the years, I would fully support implementation of multi-age learning in all schools. In my experience, there really haven't been disadvantages where the kids are concerned. It can sometimes be more challenging for the educator to teach kids of various levels. But with practice and the correct planning, for me it eventually evened out with teaching kids who were on the same level. The main issue that would come with converting all schools to this method is the change in the way the curriculum is handled. That in itself may be a hurdle for some schools. But in my opinion, it would be well worth the change.

What do you think? Should all schools go back to mixed-age grouping?

More from Lyn:

Homeschool Methods: Mixed-Age Grouping FAQ

Homeschool Tips: Can 'Free' Schooling or Unschooling Help My Child Succeed in Life?

Should You Change the Way Your Child is Educated Next Year?

 Lyn is a freelance web journalist, the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network, and a Y! Shine Parenting Guru. She's also the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys publishing freelance writers and supports advocacy through journalism. She has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.

Lyn on Twitter: @LynLomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As parents, students, and teachers research education from many angles, home school is becoming a more popular option. With that growing popularity come many questions and concerns. Also, a new study has been released that shows students in homeschool again scoring much higher than public school students. Here is a collection of my articles on some common myths and questions associated with homeschool.

Why Don't Home School Parents Teach in a School Building?
With more people homeschooling, some people may wonder if homeschoolers should buy big buildings together. So, why don't homeschool parents form a school? Learn More

Can Someone Other Than a Parent Legally Homeschool a Child?
When making the decisions involved in the homeschool choice, some will wonder what teaching options are available. One possible question is whether another adult, besides the parents, can legally homeschool a child. Learn More

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Students are Unprepared for College
A common homeschool myth is the one that assumes children who are educated outside of a traditional school setting will be unprepared for the academic challenges of a college. Here we will explore that myth. Learn More

Home School Help: Dealing With Negative Reactions to Your Choice
When a parent chooses to home school, that decision is generally one of great importance to them. Unfortunately, not everyone will always agree on this issue, leaving most parents who homeschool vulnerable to questions, as well as disapproval by some. Learn More

Can a Parent be a Homeschool Teacher Without a Degree?
Schooling children at home is becoming more and more prevalent as parents look at a variety of schooling options for the children. A question that comes up often when choosing to homeschool is the question of whether a parent can really become a child's teacher. Learn More

Home School Myth: Homeschooled Teens Can't Get a High School Diploma
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. It is often assumed that homeschoolers won't be able to receive a high school diploma. Learn More

Home School Myth: Kids Who Homeschool Have Poor Social Skills
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is very often assumed of home schooled kids is that they do not have proper social skills. Learn More

Child Struggling in School? Why You Should Try Homeschool
Do you have a child struggling or failing in school? Have you tried the options available (extra help at school, tutors, etc) with little to no success? Many parents and children struggle with this issue daily. Could homeschooling be the answer for your family's situation? Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Parents Who Homeschool are Rich
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One homeschool myth is the concept that families who choose to school at home are rich. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents Think They Know Everything
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth. Learn More

Homeschool: Custom VS Pre-Packaged Curriculum
Deciding whether you'll go with a customized curriculum or a pre-packaged one for homeschooling your child can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider to help make that choice easier. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Kids are Too Lazy for Real School
There are many myths surrounding homeschool. One of those myths is that of laziness on the child's part. Some feel that a child who home schools is too lazy to complete real schoolwork. Is this really true? Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents are Just Lazy
As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. A common myth that seems to follow many parents who decide to homeschool their kids is the concept of laziness. Learn More

Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Kids are Truant
Many questions and myths seem to follow the topic of homeschool. One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant. Learn More

Homeschooling in Houston, TX VS Denver, CO: Legalities, Social Aspects, and.. Differences
Here we will take a look at some of the important aspects of schooling at home while living in Denver as well as Houston to see which city makes the grade. Learn More

Homeschooling to Get Positive Social Interaction?
For so many years, choosing to educate children from home was looked at as stripping away their social interaction. However, many homeschooling families will argue with that fact, and for good reason. Here is a newer, more positive look at socialization and homeschool. Learn More

Why Homeschooling is a Valid Choice for Many Parents
Recently an AC Content Producer named Becky Gallops wrote an article about why she would never homeschool her children. While I respect Becky's writing, I disagreed with her statements. Here is my take on her points. Learn More

The Benefits of Homeschool: Frequently Asked Questions
When you make the choice to homeschool your children, there are many questions that will be in your mind. As a mom who has homeschooled, I now know the possible answers to many of the questions you may have on your mind. Learn More

Is Homeschool the Best Title for the Education Method?
Homeschooling is many things. But, does it have the correct title? This title implies that schooling is done completely at home, which is very far from the average "homeschool". Learn More

Public School, Private School, Homeschool, or...
Choosing the right type of school for our children is a very difficult decision. This decision will ultimately determine your child's success in the future...First, we must remember that each family and child is unique and has differences that play a role in this decision. Learn More

The Most Common Misconception about Homeschool: Socialization
When parents choose to homeschool their children, they are most always asked the most dreaded and most commonly misguided question. That question is "What about socialization?" The public is often uneducated about socialization and homeschool. Learn More

Gym Class Ideas for Homeschooling Families
Families who are homeschooling will benefit from these, but they are also great ideas for playing outside with the kids in general, especially on the weekends. Learn More

Homeschooling: Enhancing Socialization
Homeschooled kids have a variety of options for enhancing socialization. Many of the parents that only homeschool inside simply don't know how else to do it. Now, if you are one of the parents that has no clue or just want to learn more, read on. Learn More

Why Does Anyone Homeschool Anyway?
Well, I can't tell you why everyone else homeschools, but I can tell you about our decision to homeschool and why we thought it was the best choice for our family. Learn More

~ The author is always open to questions and discussion. Please feel free to express your thoughts and concerns.

*This is not a complete guide on homeschooling, nor is it meant as legal advice. Always check with your state's education agency for up to date laws and do the proper research for questions and concerns.

Sources:

http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/200908100.asp

*This article was originally published by Lyn Lomasi on Associated Content from Yahoo!

A recent study from the Josephson Institute of Ethics in Los Angeles revealed the startling figures that more than 50 percent of all high school students have been bullied or have bullied other students. This information was obtained from surveys of 43,321 students between the ages of 15 and 18. These students were from 78 different public schools and 22 private schools. Media attention has focused on students who were bullied by their peers and chose to take their own lives, but perhaps teenagers who are feeling that hopelessness should know about those of us who survived being bullied and are living proof that there is life after bullying.

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Beginning elementary school teachers start the school year by stocking their classroom with educational and office supplies. Classrooms usually are supplied with earthquake and other major disaster kits, but it is just as important to remember to keep simple materials on hand for those little "emergencies" that will crop up, sometimes on a daily basis.

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Are you an English teacher or parent who homeschool your children? Are you needing basic seasonal English analogy worksheets for this subject? The free printable seasonal English basics analogies worksheets can be the answer to either of those questions.

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by Lyn Lomasi

Whether your child is homeschooling or in traditional school, there comes a point when he or she needs to learn about the isosceles triangle. The isosceles triangle often is confusing. Students sometimes mix it up with other types of triangles, such as the scalene triangle. No matter if you are searching for free homeschool lessons to teach about the isosceles triangle, resources and games to re-enforce lessons, printable worksheets, or free homework help, the collection of links below should have what you need.

Free Homeschool Lesson Plans: Isosceles Triangle
Triangle Classification
Isosceles and Equilateral Triangles
Identify Triangles

Free Printable Worksheets: Isosceles Triangle
Types of Triangle
Triangles
Enchanted Learning: Triangles

Free Homework Help: Isosceles Triangle
Free Math Help: Isosceles Triangle
Area of an Isosceles Triangle
Algebra: Triangles

Free Educational Games: Isosceles Triangle
Interactive Lesson Involving an Isosceles Triangle
Interactive Lesson: Isosceles triangle Investigation

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff

To print, highlight area to be printed, left click, choose print, and then choose to print selection, rather than page.

Overview: After completing these sheets 3 times per week for the entirety of the school year (along with other appropriate comprehension lessons), students should master the required comprehension skills for the appropriate grade level. Also, by practicing comprehension with this type of activity, this will give the children important additional writing and reading practice. To increase effectiveness, other comprehension assignments should be given as well. Students will need a variety of appropriate lessons.

Directions: Students are to complete this packet at least 3 times per week after reading a book. Details in answers should be graded according to age and grade level.

Kindergarteners should answer with at least one complete sentence per answer. First graders should answer with at least 2 complete sentences per answer. Second graders should answer with 2 complete sentences as well, but should have more descriptive details.

3rd graders should have descriptive details as well as 3-4 complete sentences per answer. 4th graders should have 4 to 5 complete sentences per answer and each sentence must be fully detailed. 5th graders should do the same as 4th graders, but their wording and descriptions should be more elaborate.

Beyond 5th grade, you will need something more advanced. For the discussion section, it is important to be sure that students are recognizing and using examples from the story and recognizing similarities as well as differences between the story and real life.

Note: Your students may need a separate piece of lined paper for answering the questions.

Comprehension Practice

1.What is the title of the book you read?




2.What are the names of the characters?




3.What do the main characters look like? (remember details)




4.What happens in the beginning of the story? (remember details)




5.What happens in the middle of the story? (remember details)




6.What happens in the end of the story?




7.What is the main idea of the story?




8.What lesson did you learn from this story?




9.Are there any parts of the story you did not understand?




If so, write the word/s and/or sentence/s you did not understand and explain how you figured out the meaning. If there are any words, see question # 11 as well.





10.Discuss the story with a friend or family member.




Ideas for discussion:

a.What event/s that happened in real life remind you of this story?

b.What did you like about this story?

c.What did you dislike about this story?

d.What's another good way this story could have ended?

e.What's a sad way the story could have ended?

f.How did the story make you feel? (sad, happy, excited, angry, relieved...)

g.Did the author make you want to keep reading the book until it was finished?

h.Describe your favorite scene in the story and explain why it's your favorite.




11. List any words you need to look up in the thesaurus and dictionary. (Words you didn't understand.)