Empowered Life:Charlene Smith.com

I found this really interesting site for online children's stories called Speakaboos.com.  The concept behind the site is to provide classic fairy tales, nursery rhymes, fables, folk tales and lullabies read by celebrities. I like that it has a teacher's resource section that provides story guides, worksheets, and arts & crafts activities to tie along with the stories.  I plan to use these to compliment my homeschool curriculum in… Continue reading

Tags: classic fairy tales, computer skills, fables, folk tales, homeschool curriculum, listening abilities, lullabies, nursery rhymes, online children's stories, reading, Speakaboos, speaking, writing

I started my son's Pre-K education this year. One of the most important subjects I wanted to concentrate on was reading/phonics. I was kind of nervous about teaching my child to read so I began looking for software or online programs to help me. I knew I wanted a program that had the following benefits: * Complete phonics instruction * Easy to use * Not too expensive *… Continue reading

Tags: click n read, homeschool reading, learn to read, phonics

This is my second year homeschooling. To say this has been an interesting challenge is an understatement. So many emotions, doubts and fears have accompanied this decision and many times I have wanted to quit. When I worked for a living, there was always an outward indication that I was doing my job well: raises, bonuses or promotions. Since I've… Continue reading

Tags: encouragement, Homeschool, phonics, phonics program, reading