K12 Virtual Education - 2Think2Learn.com

Homeschool Summer Links for Fun!

2think2learn — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:57:40 +0000

I discovered a superb little tool today! It really helps guide you to age appropriate educative links very quickly. It is a site developed for use by Teachers and Students by the Teaching Matters group. It is called PageKeeper. The site is designed to give teachers a space to share links with their students. You needn’t be a member to utilize the site and there are some great leads to phenomenal information! It will literally save you hours of hunting around. You are able to search by grade level or subject. If you know your students teachers name and they are registered you are able to access their list!

Hope you are all having a great summer!

Catch you soon!

Margit Barreras

2Think2Learn.com

K12 Virtual Campus Inventor – Definatly NOT a Blogger!

2think2learn — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:13:57 +0000

There you have it!!

I just proved my point. I was totally typing up my last post and thought – wow I may be more of a blogger than I think! This might be just plain rubbish that all I might be good for is Virtual Campus creation! That is until I went to look for the silly post I just posted!!

I could not find it anywhere. Oh until I went and looked on my other blog!!!! 21st Century Homeschooling! Yup I think I might stick to creating wonderful places of learning for students and parents who find themselves struggling with learning in the home.

2Think2Learn.com is a place I have created to answer the call for top quality programming and help made available where ever you have an internet connection. I am so excited to be launching our first classroom June 1st 2008. 2Think2Learn Kids Typing Campus is full of fun games and links and a superb typing program that will have your student flying on the keyboard. Each day they log into their classroom they will be greeted by a teacher and encouraged to do their best.

I have been homeschooling my children for 8 years now and became very interested in how technology could make this home teaching and learning more fun. Over the past 10 months I have created the 2Think2LearnVirtualCampus and am excited to share it with other families needing support with teaching and learning in the home.

Being a New Zealand trained educator I have experience with class settings as well as homeschool settings. I am tickled pink to have been able to come up with a program that can support all students in their current programming.

Well once again one would hope my blogging improves!! If not? – no worries. I will just keep doing what I am good at! Building an awesome spot for parents and students to access great learning experiences from the comfort of their own homes!

Chat soon.

Margit Barreras

Bad Blogger, Virtual Campus Inventor, Homeschool Parent of 3!

Summer Fun Kids Typing Campus at 2think2Learn.com

2think2learn — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:35:33 +0000

Uploaded with plasq’s Skitch!

K12 Homeschooling in the 21st Century – Creative Learning in the Jungle!

2think2learn — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:40:29 +0000

I visited an amazing campus today located in the jungle of Haiku, Maui. Some absolutely marvelous things were happening in this school. The buzz of brains having the freedom to think creatively and make pathways for success hung in the air.

The kindergarten class was adorned with craft, science and lego tables. There was a reading corner, a listening post and a huge mat for kids to sprawl out on. The walls were covered with creations of happy free thinking children.

Heading into the elementary wing of the campus really was a joy to behold. Students engaged in small groups around the room completing tasks, helping one another or quietly reading. The teacher was neither over powering or meek. She had a strong yet gentle presence in the room. The room was enjoyed by all.

I honestly felt like I had been dropped into a school in New Zealand for the morning. Not what I thought I would ever find least of all in the jungle of Maui.

Thank you Roots and Seedlings for such a splendid illustration of free thinking and learning.

21st Century Homeschooling – Landing Jetliners and Spelling – How to Teach Both, Well

2think2learn — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:44:21 +0000

Some things are learned so inadvertently that we could call it a revelation. When small pieces of knowledge are revealed to us it can be an awe inspiring moment. I had the privilege of experiencing this just the other day on a drive to Costco with my ten year old daughter. Here is what transpired.

Jump in the car, music going, talking and laughing about all the things we needed to get at Costco. My daughter and I often pop into get groceries. Chatting about the world and all its little bits of weirdness.

My daughter and I have quite a bit in common. Listening to each others music is one of them. We find great joy in trying to remember words and sing along in our best American Idol voices! This day we picked up a mum and kid hitchhiking. The chatting keeps up and we all chat about our recent experiences, what we like to eat and how much we have learned in the last 20 years. My daughter hands out my business card, enthusiastically sharing my latest project with our new passengers.

We bid them farewell and we continue on toward Costco which is right next to the airport. In seeing a large plane I mentioned how difficult it must be to fly one of those machines.

“So big and bulky. For sure I would crash if I had to land one of those!” I exclaimed.”Really?” my daughter threw back at me.

“Yeah, I can’t land a plane.” I said back.

“Well if it were a choice between dying and landing the plane, I would land the plane.” shared my daughter.

I sat there my heart so huge and a smile just running across my face.

“You would land the plane?” i asked point blank.”Yes I would.” she stated emphatically.

I can’t tell you how moved I felt. My ten year old kid was telling me she would do everything she could in order to land a plane! Incredible. And I was worried about whether I could teach her the basics as a home schooling mum? The kid is willing to learn – under extreme duress – to land a commercial airliner!

In educating people we must ask what we are trying to achieve. Sometimes if we let life be lived passionately, achieving might just come naturally. Whether we are learning to spell or land a commercial jetliner having purpose, passion and a will to succeed are key. We are sure to teach both well when we support passionate, purposeful learning experiences, whilst embracing the learners natural will to succeed.

Happy homeschooling and literally reach for the skies. Our kids are.

Margit Barreras is the mother of three children and an avid homeschool teacher and supporter. Always looking at new ways to teach and learn she has founded http://www.2Think2Learn.com to help better the learning outcomes for all students.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margit_Barreras

K12 Genius Moment!

2think2learn — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:37:56 +0000

Over the past couple of weeks I had been singing (badly ) to my kids the old Kentucky Fried chicken advertisement of about 32 years ago. My children of course were very impressed! Last night my son suddenly piped up:

“Mom, how can you remember a song from 32 years ago when I can forget something that happened 3 minutes ago?

My daughter chimed in rather quickly:

“I remember being born!”

We call it the “K12 Genius” moments! LOL!

Margit

21st Century Homeschoolers – 5 Pitfalls to Avoid as Parents of K-12 Homeschool Students

2think2learn — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:56:21 +0000

Teaching is not a perfect science. There are so many variables. Students, teachers, environment the list could go on forever! Here are 5 of the more common pitfalls that can be avoided if you are aware of them!

Pitfall 1: Teaching every single thing in the outlined curriculum

When facing any curriculum for the first time you must understand “what ” in fact the curriculum is and how you might use it in your program. Curriculum are designed to teach materials to a cross section of learners. Therefore it is filled to the brim with materials so that every obvious category of learner is catered to. It would then be an almost ridiculous notion to think you are intended to cover the materials in their entirety, regardless of their relevance to your learner.

Solution:

Take your time to understand the outlined “objectives” and decide how you might USE the curriculum as a teaching tool to meet these objectives.

Pitfall 2: Thinking “more” is better

I have observed many well intentioned educators urge a student to write just one more sentence.

“You wrote the first 3 sentences so beautifully, just write 3 more.”

As I watched a whole creative writing experience unravel I was left asking “What would 3 more sentences have told us?” Quantity does not communicate depth of understanding. It merely tells us that a particular student has a particular ease with this form of expression. A student able to produce small amounts of good quality self expression may be insulted and intellectually derailed by such a thoughtless request.

Solution:

Be open to sharing with your student that you are looking for thoughtful works that spark your curiosity. Encourage thoughtful and meaningful communication with regards to the curriculum content. Being positive and curious are two behaviors kids enjoy most.

Pitfall 3: Involving the learner in the adult aspects of the program

Home teaching can be an all too consuming job at the best of times. Often we will openly air our frustrations or expectations without considering what little ears may be hearing. Many homeschooling parents were not home schooled themselves and carry with them their own educational expectations. Releasing these and entering the unschooling mode for many is a difficult transition.

Solution:

Have a homeschooling “confidante” that you are able to communicate with openly to air all pent up feelings! (out of the range of little ears of course!)

Pitfall 4: Not allowing time for student to “play” with concepts in learning

As adults we often get far to serious about the context of learning. Some of the most profound learning experiences or discoveries happen quite by accident. Think of the guy who sat in his bath tub and realized the water level rose! Eureka! And I don’t mean the hoover!

Solution:

See play as the “active research” portion of your program. Playful minds are curious minds open to discover! Keep an eye on those water level rising moments! They are there.

Pitfall 5: Forgetting learning can be fun!

Again in the terribly serious world of adulthood we often forget learning can actually be fun. It is very difficult to judge what your child is going to be fully engaged in . Your student may find something you deplore, fun. How could this be? Well you are different people and different things will resonate with each of you.

Solution:

Draw a venn diagram with your child and fill in your differences and similarities. This will help both of you appreciate participating in different aspects of one another lives – whether you find it fun or not!

Live, learn and compromise!

Homeschooling has many paths and we all eventually find one that suits the needs of our family grouping. If you are looking for support and more ideas check out http://www.K12HomeschoolSupport.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margit_Barreras

K12 Virtual Education – Teaching and Learning in the Home without Fear.

2think2learn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:14:20 +0000

Consider this:

“Free Children are not easily influenced; the absence of fear is the finest thing that can happen to a child.”

A.S. Neill, (1992) Summerhill School, A New View Of Childhood, Penguin Books.

We are all afraid of something. Whether it is the dark, small spaces, falling in our dreams or the neighbor’s dog! When faced with these our bodies can react to the perceived fear of the situation.

Authority or perceived authority is sometimes a huge fear provoker. Who remembers the fear of facing a teacher without the homework finished? Or the fear of a parent finding out you had not done so well in French as they might have expected. Inadvertently we bring this fear with us into adulthood. As adults we become the feared and oddly enough we almost feel “entitled” to repeat the process without thinking. We fail to think of the repercussions this type of “authority” had on us as people.

In the world of teaching and learning it is common to perceive the “teacher” as a position of authority. Parent – teacher meetings can often leave some parents in a bit of a tizzy. When teaching in the home this can tend to back fire – a lot! In one instant you are mum or dad and the next you are the teacher. Your past experience of both these roles will dictate the way you view your own role of authority in your child’s life.

Fear is a part of life. The trick is to not let it drive us in the decisions we make especially those we love very much! Here are a few things you may want to avoid doing.

What not to do:

Do not make fear-based choices in education for your student – this leaves you as a parent/teacher in a very vulnerable place. Teaching a program without being 100% that it is the best fit for your student leaves room for doubt by both parties! Fear of the alternatives should not be the driving force behind your home program. Fear cannot sustain a balanced educational program.

Do not make your students responsive to fear only. It may be very difficult to ignite intrinsic motivation if they are only triggered to participate through fear.

Do not live with the fear that your student’s natural intuition will uncover your weakness. It is often very powerful to share with our students that which we find difficult. This gives our learners an opportunity to offer their help and ideas. It also brings them closer to understanding we are all human.

Do not fear to be human. Your child’s perception of your authority will not change if you show natural human frailty. This doesn’t mean you have them running all over the place like wild animals.

Do not let the opinions of others affect your ability to prepare and teach your students in the way you believe best fits their needs. Our fear of what others think can interrupt the natural flow of creative ideas we may have. Opinions of onlookers are just that. As parents and 24hour caregivers we must own confidently decisions we make for our children.

Having said all that here are a few things you might consider doing to be sure you are staying conscious about where fear may be lurking in your program.

What to do:

As Arthur Costa shares in “Habits of Mind”, it is important to share with your child the importance of persistence, thinking flexibly, managing impulsive behavior, using humor, listening and understanding with empathy, thinking, questioning, applying past knowledge to new situations and remaining open to continuous learning. Moving away from decisions made of fear, towards thinking solutions can ignite a lot of creativity and intrinsic motivation in your student.

Let your child know that he or she is loved and accepted. Behavior comes and goes. The true spirit of your child is a constant!

Celebrate all that makes your child unique. After a public outburst of truth from my rather vocal 4 year old a passerby quietly shared with me – “What appears to be obnoxious at 4 is rather attractive at 24!”

Choose a program where you believe you and your student can be at your best. Choosing a program out of fear of the alternatives can leave both you and your student feeling frustrated and lonely.

Always be open to continuous learning. Our students/children are changing everyday. A huge advantage of teaching at home is we are able to understand and make room for these changes. Our teaching can be most effective when it grows with the needs of the child.

“Throw caution to the wind and fear out the window! There is less to be fearful of when we learn and grow together.”

Margit Barreras
2Think2Learn.com

K12 Virtual Education – Ten tips for Parent/teachers using Online Curriculum

2think2learn — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:44:01 +0000

“No one reading program is best for all children. Successful teachers of reading have developed activities that differentiate among their students according to their current level of readiness to read.”

Sousa, D. (2006) How the Brain Learns, Corwin Press

This method of differentiation is key in the developing of online curriculum. There is no “one size fits all” in teaching and learning. Here are ten tips for using your online curriculum successfully…

“Where do I start?”

Tip 1:
When starting out with an online curriculum it can be a good idea to view it as a resource. Online curriculum is designed for young students therefore contains age and grade appropriate materials. Utilizing the curriculum as a resource will give you a way to meaningfully engage your student in age appropriate research. Perhaps you could be detectives for the day and give each other a subject area to research within the curriculum.

“I have never taught and have no idea what is taught at this grade level:”

Tip 2:
Give yourself time to become familiar with the content. Most online curriculum have what they call a “scope and sequence” section which gives you a summary of what will be covered in the grade level. The scope and sequence is a general over view so will not overwhelm you. It is also a good idea to look ahead a grade level to understand where the content is leading.

“Some of the things my student has covered and is bored covering them again.”

Tip 3:
Give your student the role as teacher and have him or her create a learning experience for you with the material. This will give you the opportunity to see how well your student has “mastered “ the material. Teaching others shows we are at the “mastery “ level of learning.

“I can’t get my student to work – I ‘m so frustrated with this whole online curriculum!”

Tip 4:
Don’t take your frustrations out on the curriculum! The curriculum is not going to teach your student by itself! It is merely a tool to supply information and ways of delivering it. You will still need to think of innovative ways to engage your students and excite them about the content they use to learn a new concept. Remain upbeat about content.

“The program doesn’t fit my students learning needs exactly.”

Tip 5:
If a lesson or content doesn’t look like a good fit don’t use it in that form. Don’t be afraid to pull what you need info wise and re-packaged it to suit your learner. Pull out math manipulatives, art supplies, books or whatever you feel will help make sense and give meaning to the material being covered.

“My student cannot get passed a particular lesson “

Tip 6:
By all means please find a lesson that re-engages your student and perhaps re visit the content of the skipped lesson at a later date. Most online curriculum is designed in such a way that content will be covered again in a different way. It is always a fun idea to look through the lessons to find engaging content that best suits your student.

“We are getting behind in our progress. What should we do?”

Tip 7:
When we get behind we often want to “fix” the situation. It is tempting to try and catch up by merely having your student do the end of lesson assessments. This is not a good idea as not all the content is covered in these assessments. If you are feeling behind take a breath and look at what your student has achieved. Focus on the areas of need and cover these first. Let your student choose content of his or her liking when lessons you have chosen are done. Assessments are not intended to be a teaching tool. Request assistance from a teaching professional if you are unable to gather some forward momentum.

Are you having fun yet?

Tip 8:
It is very important to have tons of fun when teaching your kids. So much of what you are teaching can be hands on and exciting. Afternoons spent gardening, playing and living can support learning in such a positive way. Learning takes place in all the most unexpected places.

“Who is working for whom?”

Tip 9 & 10:
This is tip 9 and 10 because it is so important! You are not working for the CURRICULUM. The curriculum is designed to work for YOU! You are working towards delivering a meaningful program that excites your student to learning! Online curriculum is a tool to help back up your journey and ensure you some direction in content coverage.

Margit Barreras
2Think2Learn.com