Mid-Shore Life

Homeschooling on Maryland's Mid-Shore is growing! Every year more families decide to join we sanity-challenged folks who have accepted responsibility for the education of our children.

We're not always sanity-challenged, of course. But when you mix together a houseful of kids, animals, life, chores, books and educational goals - and then add OUR personal and work goals - things tend to get ....complicated. Having said that, our homeschooling journey has been one of the most fulfilling choices of my life - and I can see the difference it makes to our children.

An important part of homeschooling is finding your own tribe - other like-minded homeschoolers. We're not a blanket group - everyone is different, and not everyone's philosophy of life and education will mesh with your own. It's wonderful to have your own homeschool community. Not only do the children enjoy the friendship of other homeschooled children - but we parents find support, direction, reassurances and friends.

I'm happy to report that all five of the mid-shore counties offer homeschooling classes and a homeschool cooperative program, where families gather once a week to offer classes to their children. There are also Eastern Shore umbrella groups which offer you an alternative to county reviews. Most of these groups also offer group field trips and special events.

May these pages grow to offer support, information and a gathering place for all.

Happy Homeschooling!

August 17, 9am-noon, Environmental Concern Wetland Education Center and Campus, St. Michaels , Call 410 212-9320 for price.

Sumi-e is a type of traditional Chinese painting using black ink. Many painters throughout Chinese history were inspired by wetlands and the animals that inhabit them. This camp will give kids and opportunity to experience this inspiration themselves by trying the traditional eastern approach to painting wetlands animals and water while learning about the amazing animals and characteristics of them.  Traditional Chinese painting media, such as the bamboo brush, sumi-e ink, rice paper and suzuri inkwell will be demonstrated. With most of the camp held on the banks of Environmental Concern’s wetlands, there will be many opportunities to paint beautiful wetlands scenes inspired by eastern painting styles and Chinese painting tradition. RSVP required by calling 410 212-9320. 

 June 26, 1-4pm, July 24*, July 25, 1-4pm, Claiborne, $40 per/s,            (*class rescheduled for Plein-air Easton Event)

Young artists in this class will learn the eastern approach to nature and seascape painting. Chinese painting tools, such as the bamboo brush, sumi-e ink, rice paper and suzuri inkwell will be used to make beautiful monochrome seascapes! Call 410 212-9320 for exact location and to RSVP.  Visit http://outsideartlessons.com/summerwonderwkshps.aspx for more information.

June 28-30, 1-4pm, July 26-28, 1-4pm, Claiborne, $100 per/s,materials incl.

Sailboats, sea nettles, sand, seashells and more will be explored through art in this fun three day workshop at the Claiborne pier and beach! Young artists from 8-14 years will have opportunities to observe the life and life forms on the Chesapeake while learning how to draw and paint them. Artists will have opportunities to draw, and paint with a variety of media and learn techniques from a professional artist. Call 410 212-9320 to RSVP and for exact location. 

Young artists, ages 8-13, will learn the traditional eastern approach to nature and seascape painting in this outdoor class in Claiborne.  Students will learn about traditional Chinese painting media, such as the bamboo brush, sumi-e ink, rice paper and suzuri inkwell. Each young artist will have opportunities to create beautiful nature scenes and seascapes inspired by eastern painting styles and Chinese painting tradition. Actual class on May 23, 1-4pm $30, materials included. RSVP required by calling 410 212-9320. Registration information at http://outsideartlessons.com/artwrhshpkids.aspx

                                                              May 29th, 9-11am Pickering Creek Audubon, Easton 
ONLY $30 PER STUDENT!
 
Wake-up with the birds and explore the amazing world of our feathered friends in this fun morning art workshop. In the tradition of the famous bird artist and orinthologist, John James Audubon, young artists in this class will learn about a wide variety of native birds through artistic study. Materials included. RSVP required by phone. 410 212-9320. Go to http://outsideartlessons.com/artwrhshpkids.aspx to register!
 

May 15, 10-noon, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, Tilghman 
ONLY $20 PER STUDENT! Kids ages 6-12 are invited to meet the cartoon character and real life Phil the Crab in this fun and exciting cartooning workshop at Philips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island. Kids will also learn how to draw cartoon characters while meeting some of the amazing creatures of the Chesapeake Bay in this fun two hour class. All participants will be entered in a lottery to win a T-shirt with their character on it! RSVP by phone required. Call 410 212-9320 or register online at http://outsideartlessons.com/artwrhshpkids.aspx

First Class Homeschool Co-op of Dorchester will be holding our first annual used curriculum and book sale.

When: Saturday, May 1, 2010

            9am - 2 pm

Where: Sunnyside Alliance Church

            6010 Sunnyside Ct.

            Secretary, MD 21664

 
A bake sale table, Hot Dogs, Chips and sodas will also be available for purchase.

If you are interested in setting up to sell your homeschool curriculum there are spaces available for $5 and $10.

For more information please contact Valorie Thomas at: 410-943-4480
clvath@verizon.net

There are many different ways to approach spelling. It's possible I've tried them all. The most popular are grade-appropriate spelling lists; unrelated words the child spells, defines, and memorizes. Except one of my children doesn't. She cannot memorize spelling words - even with games, physical movement, rewards, and so on. She gets very, very upset that her younger sibling can easily memorize and repeat the words.

I abandoned spelling lists a year ago - just because it seemed like I was setting her up for constant failure. I still BOUGHT spelling curricula, mind you - I just didn't use it. I kept hoping that by spelling out the words she asked for - she would eventually learn to spell. Except it didn't work. She can't spell. 

Last week, in desperation, I pulled out my brand new copy of "Sequential Spelling 1". I had ordered it last year, but after discovering the book primarily consisted of pages of word lists - and nothing else except a few "what to say" pages at the beginning - I put it away in disgust. But desperation does strange things to a homeschooling mother.

Building a “Family Tree Forest” at La Grange

Children aged 5 – 11 years old are invited to La Grange on Saturday, April 17^th from 9:30 – 11:30 am.  This will be the third installment of the History Comes Alive learning series.  They will learn some basic skills to uncover their family roots.  Using these facts, they will construct a family tree.  They will craft a forest of their individual trees.  This will utilize writing, deduction and crafting skills.  Several hands on craft projects will be completed. 

There is no cost for this program, although donations or sponsorships are welcome.  Space is limited, so please call  410-228-7953 to reserve a spot.