Pony Express Days

Pony Express Days are here!!! This weekend and all of next week!! They have SO MANY fun activities for your family to participate in! :D


Here is a list of just a FEW of the events..
This Weekend-- Rodeo
Monday- Family Fun Night
Wednesday- Treasure Hunt
Thursday & Friday- Carnival/Booths
Friday- Movie in the Park  (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief)


Visit.... http://www.emcity.org

The Amelia Piano Trio @ Orem Library-- TODAY!

Just a reminder about the wonderful opportunity at the Orem Library today!

The Amelia Piano Trio ( http://www.ameliapianotrio.com/live/) will be offering a youth outreach program called "The Hair Affair" at the Orem Public Library on Friday, March 26, at 1:30 p.m.

"The Hair Affair" is an all-ages program depicting the lives of famous composers through cartoons and musical examples. by using hair styles of composers throughout history (who have notoriously bad taste in hair-dos) the Amelia Trio trace the stories of these composers and their historical importance."

They will also be performing at the Library on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. They will be performing Debussy: Trio in G major, Bernstein: Trio and Chopin: Trio in G minor, Op. 8..

Summer camps

As a family, we travel a lot throughout the year. One thing I like to do is find out if there are any day camps in the town we are visiting. Its been fun in years past for the kids to experience a day camp in a new place. Not only do they learn what's being taught, but it helps their social skills for getting to know new people.

If you will be traveling this summer, here's some day camp tips:

• use the internet to find a local rec center in the town you are going to
• check with the local zoo, science center, or history museum
• call the local YMCA
• check with area churches--even if its not your religion, lots of church offer day camps which can be a wonderful way for your child to experience another religion in a non-threatening way.
• art and craft shops--many stores have mini classes or seminars

Have a happy "day camp" summer!

LEGO

Now through July 2010, LEGO Education is searching for 10,000 new contestants for its 2010 LEGO Smart Creativity Contest, challenging classrooms across the United States to become LEGO Smart If you are a teacher, home educator, after-school program director, or otherwise working with students within the education field, you are eligible to compete in this year’s contest. Previous year’s contestants are also eligible and must use their current kit for the contest challenge, due to launch August 2, 2010! http://www.legoeducation.us/about/item.aspx?art=3465&bhcp=1

Free Science Class

Who doesn't love FREE CLASSES?

Central Utah Gardens in Orem is offering free Kid Science Classes.

Ages 5 and up.

Youth Fishing Class

Youth Fishing classes are held at Highland Glen Pond (by Lone Peak High School), on Tuesday and Thursday, May 4-20, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Registration begins April 1st.

http://www.highlandcity.org/images/applications/2010fishingclass.pdf

Homeschool Radio Show

We found this site awhile ago and LOVE IT!!! You will recieve a free radio show download for kids/families every week!  Even my prek kids LOVE to listen to some of them.  We purchased a membership so we can access the whole last year of shows-- but you can just recieve one every week for free if you would like! :)  This is what they have this week..

Well, here we are with this week's classic

"Living Book for the Ears" program for you!

"The Tin Whistle"

starring Ronald Reagan

This week, by popular demand, we bring back one of

our all-time favorite programs, and the favorite

of a lot of long-time listeners. THE TIN WHISTLE

is the haunting story of a spoiled little boy and

his new tin whistle, and how it impacts the lives

of those around him. A MUST listen for your children,

with the added bonus of the then-future-President of

the United States, Ronald Reagan, being the narrator.

An excellent program you will long remember!

http://www.homeschoolradioshows.com

Writers Workshop- Recognizing Voice

On Hand: One personal story written two ways: without voice and with voice. Write the passages on chart paper or project the stories on a screen for easy viewing.

Mini-Lesson: Tell students that you have written the same story in two ways. Read the first narrative, which might be similar to this:
 

There was mold growing in a container in my refrigerator. It was gross. The food was spoiled, so I threw it out.

Now share the second:

I knew it was in there, somewhere. I had purchased a carton of my favorite banana vanilla yogurt, and if I wasn't mistaken, I still had some left. Yes! I thought as I spotted it in the back. I opened the lid, eager to dive in, and spotted one of my worst enemies: refrigerator mold. Not only was it quicker at gobbling up my favorite foods than I was, but it clung to the sides of each container, refusing to be washed down the sink without a fight. I prepared myself for battle-and to gag.

            Ask, "Which of these two passages has more voice?" Even the youngest of students will be able to identify the second. We may not be able to easily define voice, but we all recognize it when we see it.
            Now ask, "How did I present more voice in the second passage?" Students will offer a variety of observations, which may include:

·         You used more details (The details an author chooses show his or her particular view of the world, and thus reveals voice.)
·         The use of "Yes!" (This conveys enthusiasm and energy, both qualities of voice.)
·         You said, "spotted one of my worst enemies." (We experience voice when the author presents an idea uniquely.)
·         You used more lively verbs: purchased, spotted, dive, gobbling, clung, gag.
·         The first one sounded like this: blah, blah, blah . . . The second one was more ooh! ooh! ooh!

Extension: Take a passage (perhaps one from a favorite book) that has lots of voice and, with the students, reduce it to a few lines without voice.
 
  Adapted fromNo More "I'm Done!" Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades  by Jennifer Richard Jacobson


Writing Tip

One of the very best ways to prompt your students to revise is to model the revision of your own work. Do not, however, keep showing them clean drafts. You want to show them pages of works that demonstrate your thinking: crossed-out words and sentences, arrows, carets, notes in the margins. The more regularly you show them your messy drafts, the more apt they will be to revise all on their own.

The Hebrew Alphabet

With Easter just around the corner now is the time to play with the Hebrew alphabet! :)  For Language Arts or Devotional you can have each child write their name, Jesus, or their favorite scripture in Hebrew! :)  Enjoy! 

http://biblescripture.net/Hebrew.html

Geocashing this Summer! :D

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. 

who WHO?

There is a really neat, live feed, video stream of an Owl sitting on eggs and if you are watching at the right time, you just may see an egg hatch.

Check out Molly and her first baby Max.

** beware...this is highly addictive...you won't want to close your browser for fear of missing something!

Pioneer Children

Step back in time and experience
pioneer life!
Campers care for farm animals, ride ponies, attend pioneer school, pull handcarts, create pioneer crafts, and much more.

Living in Utah, we have the unique opportunity to live in the real wild west. I've found that children are naturally interested in the past, especially the days of cowboys and indians. THIS IS THE PLACE is not just a religious spot, but also a heritage park.

2010 SUMMER CAMP DATES:
June 7-10,
June 14-17,
June 21-24,
July 26-29,
August 2-5,
August 9-12

Ages 6 - 11

Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 12 pm

What I find most attractive about this summer camp is that with ages 6-11, most siblings can be together (where as so many other camps separate into school grades).

Tracy Aviary Spring Camps

Did you know the Tracy Aviary has Spring Camps for kids 1st - 4th grade?

All camps last one full day from 9AM to 4PM. Each camp explores a different theme with crafts, games and activities to provide your child with an exciting day learning about birds and the natural world. Each day is different, leaving you free to choose the camps that appeal to you and your child's interests. Our Spring Break Camps are sure to engage, entertain and educate your child.

CHECK IT OUT!

Multiplication Tower

Great ideas on how to make a multiplication tower! :)

http://naturalmath.wikispaces.com/MultiplicationTower

Hogle Zoo Day

Field Trip: HOGLE ZOO

On Wednesday, March 31st you can get into Hogle Zoo for FREE! :) Consider doing a unit this week on one of the animals you will see at the zoo! :)  Then join us to share what you have learned. You can download a cute unit on Tigers for free here... http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=35572&it=1&SRC=Newsletter  

Coming Soon :

Utah's Hogle Zoo Nature's Nightmares coming May 15 to Hogle Zoo: See vultures, bats and bugs, and learn why these animals aren't so scary. Cool fact: King Vultures are among the bird world's largest scavengers and have powerful, hooked beaks that are excellently adapted for tearing open tough carcasses. They can often access meals that other vultures cannot, and smaller birds usually give way when they arrive to feed.

Free 12 hour DVD from the History Channel -- America The Story of US

Check out this great freebie out for every school, including homeschoolers
http://classroom.history.com/america-dvd/event/form

I ordered mine and it was super easy!  Oh, and it's free shipping too! :D 

Free Audio Books! :)

Many of you may already know about this website but for those who don't it
is a real treasure. It lets you download in a variety of formats to work
with ipods or mp3 players. They've got some good children's classics. I don't
know about you but we use a lot of audio books in our house/car. It's a
great way to fit literature into our schedule.

http://www.booksshouldbefree.com

Running Club

Message sent to a homeschooling group.....


The Pachev family would like to invite children ages 6 and up to our family running club. Sasha Pachev is an locally elite athlete having placed in the top 5 in the St. George Marathon, top 5 in the Top of Utah Marathon, won the Top of Utah Marathon and the LDR Utah racing circuit. He currently trains 5 of our 6 children and would like to offer his training advice to homeschooled children interested in learning the sport. We are going to be meeting starting next Tuesday March 23rd from 4-5 at the Riverside Park in Provo. The park is off of 1260 W at approximately 700 N. For directions please call Sarah at 788-4608 or for questions about the club. The club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4.

Our family also runs a free running website with training logs and the ability to connect with other adults developing their running talent. We offer this as a service to the community because of our love of the sport and our desire to help others succeed. Go to fastrunningblog.com for more info. 

National Parks and Monuments

One thing our family looks forward to every summer is going to National Parks and Monuments, and living in Utah, we are lucky to have so many close by.

Timpanogos Caves National Monument is literaly 10 minutes from our house. Starting in May, they offer great Ranger programs. Check out the website.

Another quick tip--ZION NATIONAL PARK is open to car traffic in the winter months. Come May though, they close the roads to traffic UNLESS you have a camping reservation OR a reservation at the Cabins or Lodge. Last year, we stayed at the cabin--talk about fun! AND because its a national park, the prices are affordable.

I have been told that homeschoolers can actually get a National Parks Pass for cheaper, although I haven't confirmed this.

Enjoy spring and less traffic by visiting our National Parks in the "off season". :)

--Super Angie

Fantastic Art Website

I believe a good lesson plan ALWAYS includes an art project, GREAT book, game, and some type of writing lesson---- ideally stemming from the child's interest! One of my favorite art websites is www.kinderart.com! :) EVERY art project I have done from their website has been a BIG hit!!! I hope you ENJOY it as much as I have!

Day Time Moon @ Jordanelle State Park - Francis

February 20

Day Time Moon: Join the park naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon to learn
about the moon phases and how the moon affects wildlife. Learn how to
identify animal tracks, and snowshoe through the park practicing the
art of animal tracking. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the
park. Pre-registration is required. Day use fee is $7 per vehicle with
up to eight people or free to Utah State Parks Pass holders. For more
information, please call (435) 782-3030 or (435) 649-9540.

Snowshoe Basics @ Jordanelle State Park- Heber

March 6

Snowshoe Basics: Join the park naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon and
learn how to snowshoe. Snowshoeing is a low impact activity that gets
you outside. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Pre-
registration is required. For more information, please call (435)
782-3030 or (435) 649-9540. Day use fee required.

Field Trip: Utah State Capitol

Utah in the Union: The Story of the 45th State

General Information-

Dates: January 4, 2010 - August 31, 2010
Days of Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Target Audience: Kid Friendly,General Audience
Time: 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Phone: 801.538.1800
Location: Utah State Capitol Building
Ticket Information
Price: FREE

Event Details/Other Comments:
It took 7 Constitutions and 47 years to get Utah admitted as the Nation's 45th state. The Utah State Capitol celebrates that effort in a free exhibit opening on Statehood Day, Monday, January 4, 2010.

Open January to September 2010! Free to the Public! Decent guided tours available!

For more information visit www.utahstatecapitol.utah.gov

Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat & Sun 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This exhibit is a building-wide exhibit. Main displays are located on the 1st and 4th floors. Ask any Capitol Docent for additional help.