LIBRARY INFO:
Do you know that you can just sit in your computer, order library books online and have them delivered free of charge to your door? What a great tool for homeschoolers! I have ordered videos, DVD's and plenty of books. Of course, you always have to go to the library to return them, but that's just another opportunity to get more material to enhance your curriculum! Just log onto www.ocls.lib.fl.us for more details.

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES!
For English, you can pick an article for your child to read (Newspapers, Reader's Digest, Inspirational Stories, Library Books). Highlight the words that you think that they won't know and use this as your English curriculum. Once they’ve learned the words have them read the story! They will appreciate how easy it is when they know the words.

Monday: Dictation - Dictate 10-20 words according to their age group. After they've written all the words, go over the words with them and have them write the misspelled ones 3-7 times, (according to their age). Skills: Listening & Handwriting

Tuesday: Definition - Have them look up the words in a dictionary and write the definitions down on a paper properly labeled with their name, date and subject. Skills: Organization, Research, Handwriting & Vocabulary.

Wednesday: Ask them to write one sentence for each word. Skills: Grammar, Vocabulary & Handwriting

Thursday: Have your child read the story and narrate it. Skills: Reading, Narration & Public Speech

Friday: Administer a test. They should write each word and it’s definition.

Review the test and have them write each incorrect word 5-10 times. At first they will complain, but eventually, you’ll see them become careful and detailed students. They should also be taught to review for each test before Friday.

(Remember to also check each day thoroughly for errors in spelling and grammar. Have them write each misspelled word 5 times.)

FREE CREDIT REPORT:
Florida has been added to the list of "Free Credit Reports". This service was approved by our government to help control the rise in identity theft. By allowing consumers access to one free annual credit report, consumers can monitor their credit. If you'd like to receive your free credit report, you can go to www.annualcreditreport.com and request your copy.

MATH IDEA:
Here's a tip from one of our Home School parents; You can help your younger children with their math problems by using graph sheets. By using these papers, they can keep their numbers in line, making it easier to work those difficult math problems. I wish I'd heard about this when my kids were smaller!

FREE ONLINE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS:
If you live in Orange county you can access hundreds of Free Science Experiments by visiting the Orange County Library System. Just go to www.ocls.lib.fl.us and click on Online Resources, then scroll down to Science Online. You will find more than 500 experiments indexed by grades ranging from 6th grade thru 12th grade! If you are the parent of a younger child, you can go to pbskids.org and check out the ZOOM website. They have a lot of easy experiments for younger children.

SURPLUS SHOP:
At our meeting, many parents were inquiring about the Orange County School Surplus Store. You can buy desks, tape recorders, books, and other school supplies at very low prices! Here's the information I was able to get from the county: Orange County School Surplus Store 6501 Magic Way Orlando, FL They are located on the corner of John Young Parkway and Oakridge Road, and they are open to the public every Thursday from 8:00AM until 2:00PM.

FREE MUSIC LESSONS:
If you would like your child to take musical lessons like the piano or the guitar, but you can't spare the extra time or money, you can go to your public library and check out the NOONA Basic Piano lessons. It's a series of twelve books that teaches your child how to play the piano. I've used this series for the past two years with my son and it is such a pleasure to hear him play! For my daughter, I checked out a "How to Play Guitar" DVD, and she is also learning to play the guitar. You can also get videos and DVD's that teaches your child how to play the recorder!

FREE KIDS WORKSHOP:
If your child is under 12, you can take them to Home Depot or Lowe's for free woodworking lessons. I've been taking my kids for years. We have a collection of many wooden projects that my kids have made over the years, (boats, cars, banks, planes, tool boxes, etc). The lessons and supplies are free, and best of all, your child gets to take the project home. Just call your nearest Home Depot or Lowe's and ask them when is their next "Kids Workshop". You can also get this information in the computer by visiting their websites at www.homedepot.com or www.lowes.com/clinics.