Teaching Fractions to the Active Child

       Fractions is a subject that causes a lot of frustration for students and teachers alike. 

    It’s a more abstract idea than previous subjects that most students have seen to that point. Parents sometimes feel at a loss trying to help their students understand this concept that can bring their child to tears. The following is an example of how fractions can be taught at home in a way that is hands-on and fun. Please note: this method of teaching is a process. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. This entire process can be done over the course of a week or two, and portions of it can be repeated in various ways until the concepts are adequately understood.

When introducing my kids to fractions, I like to begin with a recipe.

Recipes are a great way to get children interested in fractions, while also teaching practical life skills. This is a simple Playdoh recipe that is lots of fun for kids, or if you prefer to use something premade, you can find it inexpensively here. The advantage to making it at the start of this exercise is it demonstrates some of the different forms fractions can come in.


If making playdoh from scratch (or another other baking recipe), I like to begin with a larger glass measuring cup, as well as some smaller individual measuring cups. Show the students how 2- ½ cups fit into a 1cup, 4- ¼ cups fit into a 1cup, etc. Then, you can progress to the glass measuring cup and show the students how measuring with the smaller amounts into the large glass measuring cup reflects the label on the side of the glass measuring cup. Talk about doubling recipes and how that changes the measuring cups you use. Show them what that looks like. It doesn’t matter if they don’t remember everything at this point. You’re introducing the ideas and will come back to it again later. Completing this exercise in multiple forms (making cookies, banana bread, etc.) will help it become solidified in their minds.

This is a good place to take a break for the day.

Follow the recipe to make your playdoh. This is a good opportunity to discuss the importance of following a recipe (or any other directions) correctly, because failure to do so can result in a product that isn’t usable/edible. Even if we don’t understand the reason for certain instructions, it is important to follow them as best you can, especially if they come from parents or other authority figures.

Or, if your student is anxious to continue, you can play with the playdoh until they get bored. I encourage you to let them keep some playdoh in their hands to play with as you’re talking to them about fractions. The more the lesson comes across as play (with a little bit of learning mixed in), the more engaged they will be. Let them play with the playdoh. Make some shapes with them. Take time to enjoy the process. Everyone’s stress level should be low- if it’s high, that means it’s time to take a break for the day.

        When you’re ready to continue, make some playdoh balls that are approximately the same size. Use different colors if you have them. Flatten them out, and cut them into equal sections (as shown), and explain fractions as being a description of the number of pieces being used of a whole. 3/3 represents 1 whole piece circle (it’s all the same color), but if 1/3 of the pieces are replaced with a different color, that means 2/3 of the circle (two pieces) are unchanged. You can also describe it using the analogy of a pizza. Something like, “If your pizza is cut into 6 pieces but there are 12 people at the table, you would cut the pizza slices smaller so that everyone could have some, but the size of the pizza doesn’t change, only the size of the slices- right?”

        Let the student(s) play with moving pieces around from the circles. Have the compare the pieces from circles cut different ways, or let them try to fit a larger piece (1/4), into a smaller piece (1/6) or vice versa. None of this should be rushed. Children learn as they play.

When you are ready to introduce adding fractions, show them the relevance of the common denominator. The goal of the common denominator is to make pieces that are all the same size so you can accurately assess the new amount. By cutting the circles in a way that all the pieces are equal, the sections can be added together and then reduced as necessary.

If anyone is starting to get frustrated, take a break and try again in a day or two.

This is a small habit to implement, but it will help to keep the learning atmosphere light and fun, so learning happens more easily. Forcing things to happen will frustrate everyone and make learning more difficult.

These exercises can be repeated, in part or in whole, as often as needed to help get the student comfortable with fractions and manipulating them. It can also be repeated with cookies, pizza, or a whiteboard and markers. Ideally, repeat the same exercises in a variety of different ways to help keep it engaging. If the student is able to explain the subject matter back to you as if they are teaching it, they have a good foundational understanding of the material.

If you'd like ideas on how to teach other subjects in an engaging way, comment below with your request.

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What is Holding Your Child Back?

What is Holding Your Child Back?

 

Last year, I wrote an article that talks about finding a system of education that works for one’s family, and the importance of identifying a student’s driving motivation, to help make the teaching process easier and also to help increase retention of material learned. Since there is evidence that a student learns better about subjects for which they have an interest, this is a practical strategy for making the education process easier for everyone.

 

Understanding a student’s struggles can be just as important as knowing what motivates them.

 

          There can be several different reasons why students may struggle to learn, even about things they should be interested in. It is important to address these as they are identified, and to try and mitigate them as much as possible, because they all feed into the amount of confidence a student has, and confident students perform better.

         

If your child struggles with learning, answering the following questions may help to isolate the problem so adjustments can be made.

 

Is the student getting enough sleep at night? More than that, are they getting restful sleep? It is possible that a child may be sleeping enough hours but not getting sleep that is making them wake up refreshed in the morning. If a child mouth breathes, moves a lot in their sleep, struggles with sleep apnea, or wakes constantly during the night, these things can be signs that they are likely not getting the sleep they need and it can lead to several issues involving focus, mood, regulation of emotion, and more.

For our children, we have done a variety of things to help improve sleep, including palate expanders (to open airway and make room for adult teeth); chiropractic care (helps improve nervous system function so signals can travel through the body with ease); limit screen time- especially before bed, magnesium supplementation in the form of Epsom salt baths or body butter on their feet (I make an all-natural magnesium body butter that works very well for inducing sleep in wired children and adults and it can be found here), limit sugar and caffeine (good health practices for total body wellness), and occasionally a relaxing tea, such as chamomile or lavender, or a homeopathic remedy like calcarea carbonica if their minds just won’t slow down.

Does the student have a different learning style than the one being used to teach them? Some students learn by seeing things, hearing things, or by participating in activities or moving. A student who learns best by seeing things will struggle to internalize information if it is only told to them. A student who learns by actively doing will not learn as well if they see it on paper or even in a video demonstration. Most students benefit greatly from hands-on, immersive environments because they utilize all of their different learning faculties in these settings and can come away with something regardless of their learning strengths. This is why we try to teach in a hands-on way whenever possible, whether it is through baking, talking about money management, good business practices, etc. There is usually a bigger picture- and end goal- and the smaller subjects are treated as a means-to-an-end, rather than an end in themselves. Understanding the context where something would be used can help greatly with retention.

This applies to children who are so-called dyslexic, or ADHD, as well. They may not do well with education in the conventional sense, but they have their own strengths that are amazing to witness when those strengths are recognized and utilized to their fullest potential. This not only reduces frustration, but also increases confidence for the student, and is especially important if the student has historically struggled to do things “they way everyone else does.”

Is my child afraid to fail? This can be a very difficult trait to identify because it can manifest in different ways- it can look like lack of interest, protesting when asked to perform, refusing to try, etc. Ultimately, it is a form of anxiety for the perfectionist child- the one who wants to be good at things but is reluctant to try for fear they may not be good enough. For our student who struggles with this, Arsenicum Album has proven to be very helpful to help overcome that anxiety so she’s more willing to try. We also make it a practice to remind our kids that we all learn through trying, and practice makes us better. No one is a master of anything the first time, and we also want our kids to see us trying things we aren’t good at so they feel like they can be bad at things, too. Our children watch us very closely, and our actions speak volumes, so it is essential that our actions match the words we are saying to our kids, even if it is a blow to our pride at times. I DON’T want my kids to think I know how to do everything; I want them to see me trying to learn new things and get better at the times I’m not very good at. Because, I want them to be brave enough to do those things, too.

         

You can find more information about these subjects and more in my book: The Science of Homeschooling

 

 

*Note: None of the information here should be taken as medical advice, it is intended as ideas for parents to research on their own in managing their children’s unique situations

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Gardening and Landscaping Tips for Seniors That Won’t Break the Bank

Gardening and Landscaping Tips for Seniors That Won’t Break the Bank

 

Guest post by: Douglas Summers

Growing a veggie patch or seeing a garden come to life is a rewarding experience. But it can also be quite a bit of work, requiring an educational background to get everything right, so your garden can flourish (without having to spend an arm and a leg, of course). Kristy Crandall invites you to read on for some interesting gardening tips and facts regarding the wonders of nature and its effect on the environment and our greenery.

 

Choose crops that don't require much maintenance
Design a garden that is easy to work with
Making your garden more efficient

 

If you want to avoid overspending on gardening and gardening staples, you should invest in crops that don't require much maintenance.

 

●      Choose produce that isn't going to require you to have expert green fingers to plant them successfully. Potatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, garlic, zucchini, and chilies are some examples of low-maintenance fruits and vegetables.

●      If you want a beautiful flourishing flower garden, perennials that are simple to grow and maintain that look exquisite, too, include the Cosmos, Marigolds, and Chrysanthemums.

●      If you are in an area that doesn't get a lot of rain regularly, then choosing a drought-resistant crop is a good option, as these don't require much water to grow. Drought-resistant crops include sorghum, sweet potato (yams), cassava, beans, broccoli, eggplant, chard, etc.

 

Gardening can be strenuous work at times. Hence, the importance of being able to work in your garden without straining your body unnecessarily.

 

●      Raising your garden bed can prevent you from bending low continuously, reducing the risk of falling.

●      Vertical gardens are another option if you have limited garden space, in addition to it being easier to maintain.

●      Design a shade garden to reduce the risks of working under the sun's piercing rays.

 

 There is much to benefit from your garden or piece of land apart from the aesthetics side of things.

 

●      You can create a side hustle if you have a surplus of fruit and vegetables to spare that you could sell for a profit.

●      Before turning your hobby farm into a business, you need to consider whether there is a demand for your product.

●      Go to The Farm Bill for legislation that dictates how a piece of land can be farmed and used for business purposes.

 

It is never too late to start if you are interested in farming or growing crops. All it takes is a bit of extra knowledge regarding what works and what doesn't to help guide you in the right (and hopefully most affordable) direction.

Discover DIY Projects for Creative Learning and Family Bonding

 

Discover DIY Home Improvement Projects for Creative Learning and Family Bonding

Guest Post by: Douglas Summers

In the hustle of daily life, carving out family time becomes a precious goal. Home improvement projects present a unique opportunity for families, especially those who homeschool, to come together in a meaningful way. These activities shared by Kristy Crandall not only beautify your living space but also foster stronger family connections through shared experiences and creativity. Dive into these engaging DIY projects that promise fun, learning, and memorable family bonding.

Creating a Chalkboard Corner

Imagine turning a dull wall or door into an interactive chalkboard! By using chalkboard paint, you create a space where everyone can showcase their artistic flair. This is more than just an art project; it becomes a dynamic family message board for reminders, inspirational quotes, or daily drawings. The versatility of a chalkboard wall offers endless possibilities for expression and communication within your family.

Memory Lane Gallery

Envision a wall in your home dedicated to your family’s journey. By creating a memory lane mural, you bring to life a tapestry of photographs and cherished memories. This project is not just about decorating; it’s a heartfelt reflection of your shared moments. It’s a living, evolving display that celebrates your family's unique story and serves as a daily reminder of the love and experiences that bind you together.

Collaborative Bookshelf Construction

Building a bookshelf as a family is more than a carpentry task; it's a journey in teamwork and creativity. You collaborate on the design, choose the materials, and construct a piece that reflects your family’s style and needs. This project teaches practical skills and offers a sense of accomplishment. The bookshelf becomes a testament to your combined effort, housing not just books, but shared memories of its creation.

Organized Digital Receipts

In the midst of these creative endeavors, organization is key. Rather than hold onto every receipt, use a mobile scanning app to quickly and easily capture any document or image from your device's camera and convert it into a PDF. This method not only declutters your space but also teaches your family about digital organization. Use this to scan a document and keep your project records tidy and accessible.

Cultivating an Indoor Herbal Oasis

Setting up an indoor herb garden introduces a blend of gardening and culinary arts to your family's routine. Choose a sunny spot in your kitchen or another area, and together, plant and nurture a variety of herbs. This activity is not just about growing plants; it’s about responsibility, learning about nature, and enjoying the fresh flavors in your cooking. It's a delightful way to bring the outdoors inside and add a green touch to your home.

Homemade Candle Creation

Crafting candles at home is an enchanting experience. As a family, delve into the art of candle making, experimenting with different scents and colors. This activity is not just about producing candles; it's a sensory journey. It teaches patience, precision, and the joy of seeing your creations come to life. These handmade candles become symbols of your family's creativity and togetherness.

Upcycling Furniture

Choose a piece of furniture and transform it together. This upcycling project is not only environmentally friendly but also a great way to spark creativity and problem-solving. It teaches valuable skills like painting, sanding, and designing. This rejuvenated piece of furniture will not just be a functional item in your home but a representation of your family’s collective creativity and effort.

 

These home improvement projects offer a unique blend of fun, learning, and family bonding. They’re not just about enhancing your home; they’re about creating shared experiences and lasting memories. Whether it's crafting a chalkboard wall, building a bookshelf, or growing an herb garden, each project brings your family together in meaningful and enjoyable ways. So, gather your tools, your creativity, and your family, and embark on these delightful DIY adventures for a home filled with love and learning.

Visit Kristy Crandall to explore insightful resources that will empower you to confidently teach your children at home.

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Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders: Tips for Empowering Your Child's Potential

Guest post by: Douglas Summers

As a parent, you have the unique chance to mold future leaders by fostering leadership qualities in your children early on. Your guiding influence lays the groundwork for their future success. Embark on this empowering journey to shape the leaders of tomorrow with these tips from Kristy Crandall.

Harnessing Education for Leadership Development

Your journey as a parent and a leader intertwines when you lead by example. Consider enhancing your own education, like pursuing an online master's degree in nursing. This move not only advances your career in nurse education, informatics, nurse administration, or advanced practice nursing but also serves as a practical demonstration of leadership for your children. Balancing parenting and online learning showcases resilience and dedication, essential traits of a leader. Find out how to get the most out of this experience by integrating your academic pursuits with daily family life, thereby setting a powerful example for your children to emulate.

The Blueprint of Young Leaders

You can encourage your children to embrace the practice of setting achievable goals. This simple yet profound strategy teaches them to strategize, prioritize, and monitor their progress. Introducing them to goal-setting nurtures a sense of purpose and direction, essential elements in the makeup of a leader. Teach them to break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to promote a sense of achievement. Encourage them to reflect on their accomplishments and learn from setbacks. This process of goal setting and achievement builds resilience and self-confidence.

Cultivating Collaborative Spirits

Teach your children the value of cooperation by involving them in group activities or team sports. These experiences emphasize the importance of working harmoniously with others, a critical trait for effective leadership. Learning to navigate the dynamics of teamwork at a young age prepares them for collaborative environments in their future endeavors. Encourage them to understand different viewpoints and value diverse contributions. Help them develop conflict resolution skills, an essential part of teamwork.

Cornerstones of Leadership

Guide your children in understanding and accepting responsibility for their actions. Demonstrate how integrity and trustworthiness are non-negotiable qualities of a good leader. Holding them accountable for their commitments and decisions instills a strong sense of ethical conduct and reliability. Teach them to make apologies and amends when necessary, showing that everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is how one addresses them. Discuss the consequences of actions, both good and bad, to deepen their understanding of responsibility. Praise them when they show responsibility, reinforcing positive behavior.

Leadership Confidence

Encourage your children to explore and make decisions independently. Such autonomy fosters personal growth, self-reliance, and the confidence to face challenges. This independence is crucial in developing the resilience and adaptability required in a leader. Provide them with opportunities to choose their own activities or solve problems on their own. Support their choices and guide them without taking over. Celebrate their successes and discuss the learning points in their failures.

Decision-Making Skills

Help your children hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills. Encourage them to analyze situations, consider the pros and cons, and make informed choices. Nurturing independent thinking is vital in shaping effective leaders who can navigate complex situations with ease. Teach them to ask questions and seek information before making decisions. Introduce them to basic problem-solving techniques. Discuss real-world scenarios with them, asking for their opinions and reasoning. Encourage them to understand that not all decisions are straightforward and that some require careful thought and patience.

As a parent, you play a pivotal role in fostering leadership qualities in your children. By setting the right examples, encouraging goal-setting, teaching the value of teamwork, instilling a sense of responsibility, promoting independence, and nurturing decision-making skills, you are effectively laying the groundwork for your children to become the leaders of tomorrow. Your efforts today are an investment in their future and the future of our world.

 

 

Tips for Making Your Self-Care Plan Budget-Friendly

Author and blogger Kristy Crandall provides encouragement on the bad days, sources of

inspiration on the good days, and a reminder that you are not alone in your

homeschooling journey. Connect with Kristy today to learn more!

Guest post by: Douglas Summers

With the current economic climate, it can be difficult to find ways to practice self-care

when you’re on a budget. However, there are several simple and affordable ways that

you can take care of yourself without breaking the bank. For better self-care that won’t

break the bank, explore these terrific tips, courtesy of author and blogger Kristy

Crandall.

Discover Ways to Cut Costs

One of the best ways to practice self-care when you’re on a budget is to reduce your

spending. Try setting a budget for yourself or even refinancing your home so that you

have more money available for other things. This will help ensure that you don’t

overspend and will also free up some additional funds for other activities that promote

self-care such as going out with friends or taking time off from work.

If you are currently renting, look for a new place that is a better value to help reduce

costs. Even if the apartment itself is the same cost, consider factors like a free on-site

gym that could allow you to cancel an expensive gym membership, or proximity to work

to lessen gas and other commuting costs. Or perhaps you would have a laundry unit so

you won’t have to pay for a laundromat every week. All of these factors can help you to

reduce unnecessary costs.

Disconnect from Social Media and the News

It is important to stay informed, but as Lancaster General Health notes, too much

exposure to news and social media can be overwhelming. As part of practicing self-care,

consider taking a break from these outlets at least once per week (or more if needed).

This will give you time away from all the noise while allowing you to focus on yourself

and what truly matters.

The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a great way to relax and take care of yourself without having

to spend any money. It helps clear away stress and anxiety while promoting an overall

feeling of well-being. You can find many free guided meditations online as well as

helpful videos on how to meditate properly, so it doesn’t cost anything but your time.

Pursue Professional Health Services

Medical professionals can help with a variety of things that could help you to feel

happier and healthier. Plus, most medical services are covered under insurance, so they

are budget friendly. If you don’t have insurance due to the expense, look into your

state’s subsidized programs. Once you have a policy in hand, look into services like

nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and psychological services.

Interact with Your Loved Ones

Social Self explains that socializing with friends and family is a great way to practice

self-care while also living on a budget. Texting, calling, video chatting, or even meeting

up in person are all free ways to connect, where meaningful conversations, laughter,

and stories can be shared. Taking the time to engage in these activities is an important

form of self-care that doesn't require spending any money.

Explore Free Activities Near You

There are usually lots of free activities in every area such as concerts, art shows,

festivals, etc. Taking advantage of these events is another great way to practice self-care

while living on a budget. Take some time off work or school, dress up nicely, and attend

one of these events with friends or family (if possible) so that everyone can have fun in

an affordable way.

Another free activity that can take place virtually anywhere is walking. Regular walking

can help maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk

of heart disease and stroke, and enhance lung function. It also strengthens muscles,

improves balance and coordination, and supports joint health. Find an area with a high

Walk Score of 70 and above and make walking one of your healthy habits.

Take Up Dance

Dancing can be a key element in your self-care plan. It’s a full-body exercise involving

rhythm and mindfulness. Combining all the best elements of both exercise and

meditation, it’s something you can do affordably and whenever it fits into your schedule.

Take some classes to find new moves, but apply them whenever you want – just put on

your favorite upbeat playlist and get moving!

Start Gardening

If you're looking for something calming yet productive, then consider taking up

gardening. Gardening has been found to reduce stress levels while providing

therapeutic benefits such as improved mental health due to increased exposure to

nature and green space. Start small by purchasing seeds from any local garden center or

nursery, then you can let online tips from plant-focused sites point you in the right

direction regarding soil types, fertilizer, and natural alternatives to pesticides.

If you’re brand new to gardening, you’ll learn that some plants benefit from companion

planting. Companion plants are grown together to benefit one another, which could lead

to lower water consumption and lower expenses in the long run.

Care for Yourself and Your Budget

Living on a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality self-care practices. There are

plenty of affordable options available if you're willing to look for them. Taking cost-

cutting measures (like refinancing) as needed, attending free activities in your area,

picking up dancing, and taking up gardening are all simple ways to stay healthy while

spending less. All of these tips can help anyone looking for cost-effective ways to remain

calm during difficult economic times.

Finding a System that Works for Your Family

Not all schedules are created equal

        I have always found schedules to be a bit of a challenge. On one hand, structure and routine is helpful for setting expectations and creating a natural rhythm during the day. On the other hand, life is unpredictable (especially with children), so there needs to be a certain amount of flexibility or a schedule can add to the frustration and stress instead of taking it away. So, while creating a schedule for your own family, it is important to account for the patterns that already occur naturally within your home, as well as the things that motivate the people affected by the schedule. By taking these details into account, it can make implementation much easier, and can set you up for a better chance of long term success.

Prioritize Practical Motivators

        In our home, we are intentional about trying to keep expectations in the home as true to life as possible. Our children are expected to contribute in age-appropriate ways to the upkeep of our home. We do not give allowance for chores, but emphasize the importance of working together as a family to keep our space clean, so no one is required to do everything on their own. (We do occasionally surprise them with small payment or other reward if they go above and beyond or take initiative to do extra on their own.) 

        Even our youngest children "help" with chores, which usually takes longer in the short run, but as their ability and confidence increase they are able to do the jobs more and more independently. Yesterday, I was feeling exceptionally tired, so after returning from taking them to their various activities I said, "I am going to take a nap. Work on these four tasks together, and when they're done you can play games or watch a movie until I wake up." My 11, 7, 6, and 4 year-old sprang into action and finished their chores together in 30 minutes, and were quietly doing their various activities when I got up. Time doing activities that they want to do has proved to be a powerful and effective motivator for them, and it helps to teach them the importance of time management.

Flexible Structure

        This is the schedule I created for my oldest son a couple of months ago, and it has worked well for him. He is very motivated by time to do the things he wants to do. I told him that the 9-12 timeframe is for only school-related activities. If he gets his assigned work done early then he is allowed to choose his own assignments for the rest of the time period. He reads faster than me, so this happens quite often and he watches a documentary, practices Free CAD, watches youtube videos on C++, or chooses some other "assignment" for himself that he has to get approved before starting. He loves being able to choose what he learns about, and if he has that to look forward to he doesn't usually need much nagging to get his work done. The 3-5 time slot is for outside play (if the weather is nice) or for finishing school that he didn't get done earlier. So, if he was dragging his feet in the morning, he loses some of his time outside in the afternoon (which he hates). Its a simple formula, but one that emphasizes time management and the natural consequences of procrastination.

Children love to have some control over their education

        It is also a good, practical way to teach responsible decision-making. Children can make choices within parameters set for them, and are often happy to do so. They are really just small humans who want to feel like they have some control over their own destiny (though they would probably not identify it as such). Each child is different, so the parameters that are set must take the individual child into account, but even simple things like allowing them to choose the order they do their subjects in can motivate them to do more focused work. 

        As part of a space camp my son was a part of this past week, he got to participate in a simulation of a Mars mission with a "real" shuttle and workstation. He played the weather officer, and had to closely monitor changes on the surface of Mars so they could "land" safely. It was a completely immersive experience, and the first time he had been in a high stress situation of that kind. He said he identified an asteroid that would be hitting the planet near where they were supposed to land, and they had only a few minutes to decide what course of action was needed to avoid a crash. When I asked him how he felt about being in a high-stress situation like that he said, "I liked the feeling that people were depending on me to help make the mission a success."

I encourage you to give your children opportunities to show you what they're capable of.