Unlock the Love of Learning
The high school years should include plenty of opportunities for teens to practice thinking critically. This doesn’t have to mean adding Thinking 101 as an elective, or even adding more books to those already in use. Instead, a simple adjustment can be made to the approach used to cover content in required courses such as …
Minor Adjustments for Major Benefits: Using History to Teach Teens to Think Read More »
Originally Published: May 1998 This is the subject most abused in the public school system. Chunks of facts are fed students only to be repeated tediously year after year, with a bit more added—as if that will make it meaningful! The intent, believe it or not, is to make students aware of a variety of …
Originally Published: March/April 1996 Students often fill their writing assignments with vague generalities or merely repeat words in the question. Help your students develop clarity of thought by requiring supporting details. They will gain maturity in their thinking and writing by analysis of or reflection on a literary or historical idea. Choose study questions that …
Originally Published: March/April 2007 Whether homeschooling one child or several, we all tend to look for resources our kids can use independently for at least part of the school day. If we give them something to investigate and the opportunity to share that information, they will not only have the benefit of developing research skills, …
Independent Activities for Middle School Science Read More »
Originally Published: May/June 2006 Are you eager for your children to be able to work independently? Most of us juggle so many responsibilities that it’s impossible to direct our kids all the time. We may sometimes supplement with software, videos, books on tape—anything they can do alone. Happily, there are also activities that will train …