Delaware Nature Society ~ Winter Programs for Homeschoolers!

Homeschool Program Series

Ashland Nature Center
Hockessin, DE

These programs are designed to meet state and national standards for students age 6 through 12.
Advance registration for all programs is required.

Program #1:
Reptile Round-Up
Friday, January 23
12:30 pm – 2:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W09-107-AS
Examine, weigh and measure 10 different snakes, turtles and lizards. Learn about their life span and life cycle. Locate the country where they are native, and play the Reptile Round-Up quiz game.

Program #2:
Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 13
12:30 pm – 2:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W09-108-AS
Participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count - an annual event for bird watchers of all ages. Learn to identify 25 winter birds then count the birds here at Ashland. It’s fun, and easy—and it helps the birds! The GBBC helps to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. We’ll demonstrate how to add data to the national on-line website.

Program #3:
Maple Sugaring
Friday, March 6
12:30 pm – 2:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W09-109-AS
Learn to identify maple trees using your senses. Examine how a tree makes sap and discover the process of making maple syrup. Experience how early Americans collected and boiled sap to make syrup and see how trees are tapped to harvest sap today.

Program # 4:
Watersheds and Stream Quality
Friday, March 27
12:30 pm – 2:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W09-110-AS
Discover how the Red Clay Watershed land use affects the quality of nearby streams.
Investigate and measure the width of a riparian buffer. Conduct physical, chemical and biological surveys on the Red Clay Creek and one of its tributaries, and compare findings.

Program #5:
Spring Amphibians at Coverdale Pond
Friday, April 17
12:30 pm – 2:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W09-111-CF
Explore the world of amphibians at Coverdale Pond. Spring is the time when they are chorusing and laying eggs. Use nets and other collecting equipment to look for amphibians while hiking to the pond and surrounding wetlands. This program meets in the Coverdale Farm parking lot.

For More Information and Registration Form
Website

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Programs for you Group?
If you are a homeschool parent or organizer and are interested in programs for older students or topics that are not covered in these offerings, please contact*
David Pragoff
302-239-2334, ext.133
davidp@delawarenaturesociety.org
*request a copy of our School Programs brochure
or visit
www.delawarenaturesociety.org


Ashland Nature Center
Offering four self-guiding nature trails traversing 81 acres of rolling terrain through meadows, woodlands and marshes, adult and school programs, seasonal events and much more.

Barley Mill and Brackenville Roads
Hockessin, DE 19720
(302) 239 - 2334


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Iowa Testing offered at City Gates Academy!

IOWA Standardized Testing
(Bob Jones)
offered at
City Gates Academy

March 16, 17, 18 2009
Results are available in 6 weeks.
If interested see cgade.org for forms and information.

Directions:
CGA meets at St Paul's United Methodist Church 1314 Foulk Rd in North Wilmington, Delaware, next to the Talley Day Park and Brandywine Hundred Library. It is easily accessible via I-95.

Students of City Gates are residents of both Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Families of all beliefs are welcome.


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That Fabulous Franklin offered by Family Stages at the Baycenter in Dewey Beach!

Family Stages Create-a-Play Workshops!

NOW IT’S TIME TO GET THE KIDS ONSTAGE!

CREATE-A-PLAY WORKSHOPS

3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS!

Saturdays
January 31, February 14 & 28

Ages 7-12
10 AM - 3 PM
Fee $75, for one Saturday Session
Kids write and perform an original play!

Ages 5 & 6
10 AM - Noon
Fee $30, for one Saturday Session
Kids perform familiar Fairy Tales!

Register for two or more Saturdays for a reduced fee!
Ages 7-12 - $60 per session.
Ages 5&6 - $20 per session

To register:
email duetpros@aol.com
or
call 215-886-9341

Programs are held at:
Christ's Lutheran Church
700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue*
Oreland, PA 19075
www.familystages.org

* East Pennsylvania Ave is now accessible from Rt 309 and the PA Turnpike.
Follow the signs to Oreland!


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Barnes & Noble: Educator Appreciation Week ~ January 17-25!

Educators Save 25% in Stores!

During Educator Appreciation Week, Pre-K to 12 educators, media specialists, and homeschoolers save 25% in Barnes & Noble bookstores on most books for personal and classroom use. Plus, you save 10% on most CDs and DVDs during Educator Appreciation Week.

It's Easy to Save
Simply present an Educator Discount Card* and a state issued Photo ID at any Barnes & Noble bookstore to enjoy the savings.

Offer good January 17 - 25

Educators Save 20% All Year Long!
With the Barnes & Noble Educator Discount Card,* educators always save 20% year round in Barnes & Noble bookstores on the publisher's list price for most books used in the classroom. So be sure to take advantage of your educator benefits every time you shop.

* To get a Barnes and Noble Educator Card you must bring a photo ID and proof that you are a homeschooler. Your letter from the state of an homeschooler affiliate card, like your BVHERO membership card should be acceptable.

website


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How to Choose the Music School That is Right for You ~ Workshop at the Settlement Music School!

• How to Choose the Music School That is Right for You •

Sunday, January 25
2:00 pm

Students and parents will benefit from this 90-minute workshop featuring Kristi Morgridge, a Settlement Music School Advanced Study alumna and Associate Director of Recruitment and Financial Aid at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance.

Participants will receive a number of evaluation tools that will help families set and meet their unique priorities in the college decision. The workshop will address questions such as, “What are the differences between public and private universities?” “How do I know how much I can afford in student loans?” and “Is it necessary to go to a big-name school?”

Workshops* held at:
Mary Louise Curtis Branch
416 Queen Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 320-2600 phone
(215) 551-0483 fax

* Knowlton Leadership Program Workshops
Workshops, seminars, resource guides and other services provided by the Program aim to empower students and their families to make informed decisions that foster students’ success both in and out of the teaching studio.

For more information or to RSVP,
contact:

Kyle Bartlett
215-320-2693
kbartlett@smsmusic.org


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Read-Aloud Tours for Children at Brandywine River Museum!

Thursdays
February 5 - March 12

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Introduce children to the museum through these special programs. Each week features a different story and art activity. Children may participate in one or all of these tours, designed for children ages 3 to 6 accompanied by an adult.

The Color Kittens
by Margaret Wise Brown
Activity: Color wheels
February 5

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The Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats
Activity: Snow collages
February 12

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Goldilocks and the Three Bears
adapted by James Marshall
Activity: Pipe cleaner bears
February 19

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Good Night Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown
&
Good Night Harry
by Kim Lewis
Activity: Moonscapes
February 26

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Frederick
by Leo Lionni
Activity: Texture rubbings
March 5

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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
by William Steig
Activity: Spring scenes
March 12

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Space is limited.
Reservations required!

Workshops are free for members and children under age 6, and are included with museum admission.

To register, contact the education office:
at 610-388-8382 *
or education@brandywine.org

* When leaving a message, callers are asked to include program date(s), their name, phone number and the number of children and adults attending.


The Brandywine River Museum
U.S. Route 1
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Open daily, except Christmas Day
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission:
$10 for adults;
$6 for seniors, students and children ages 6-12
Free for children under six and members.

For more information:
610-388-2700
website



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New Online Discussion Group for Homeschoolers offered by Oak Meadow!

Live Oak, has been designed to support conversation and collaboration among everyone interested in home-based learning. After a recent testing phase, it is finally ready for wide participation.

To take at look at the Live Oak homepage click here.

In addition to discussion boards, live oak includes a voluntary Regional Directory to help Oak Meadow families connect in their local communities. Many families have requested this service, and we are delighted to present this as a feature on Live Oak.

If you are interested in joining Live Oak, please email:

* Your full name, state, and email address,
to:

liveoak@oakmeadow.com

Your user name and password will be emailed to you.

Be part of building an excellent new resource for the homeschooling community around the world.


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Art, Music, Science & PE Classes for Homeschoolers at Oak Lane Day School!

ART for Homeschoolers

Exploring Clay

Instructor: Armand Mednick

Ages: 10-12 years old

Prior experience: None

Class size: 8-10 students

Course duration: 8 weeks

Mondays

April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18

June 1

9:15-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $120

(Tuition includes clay, glazes, firing, supplies and all materials)

Course Description: This course will allow children to explore varied aspects of art, but the emphasis will mainly be in ceramics where students will learn the basics of using a pottery wheel as well as develop two hand-building techniques: coil and slab. Students’ pieces will be finished using high fire glazing.

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MUSIC for Homeschoolers

Learning Recorders and Orff Instruments

Instructor: Marlis Kraft-Zemel

Ages: 8 and 9 years

Course duration: 8 weeks

Mondays

April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18

June 1

9:15-10:00 a.m.

Prior experience: Beginner or with some experience

Class size: 6-10 students

Cost: $120

(Tuition includes a recorder and a beginner recorder book)

Course description

Recorder - During each lesson, we will spend time learning the basics of sound production and beginning note and rhythm reading. In addition, students will learn simple songs. If there are students with prior recorder experience or note reading skills, we will have the option of more challenging parts.

Orff Instruments - Songs, stories and games will allow us to explore xylophones, metalophones and glockenspiels. We will learn patterns, improvise, move and have fun with these wonderful instruments.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION for Homeschoolers

Developing Skills

Instructor: Trina Gable

Ages: 5-7 years old

Prior experience: None

Class size: 8-16 students

Course duration: 8 weeks

Thursdays

April16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28

June 4

9:15-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $120

Course Description: This course is a general Physical Education overview for elementary students in this age group. Each week will focus on different groupings of skills. Skills will include beginning gymnastics, gross motor locomotion, throwing and catching, striking with hands or feet, striking with equipment, and fleeing and dodging. Activities will include individual challenges, low-organized games, and team sports. The focus will be non-competitive physical activities for the enrichment of a life-long love of sport and fitness.

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SCIENCE for Homeschoolers

Microscopic World

Instructor: Dottie Baumgarten

Ages: 10-12 years old

Course duration: 8 weeks

Mondays and Thursdays

April 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30

May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 28, June 1 and 4

10:00-10:45 a.m.

Prior experience: None

Class size: 8-12 students

Cost: $200

Course Description: Children will be guided to think about “small things,” use hand lenses, hand-held 30x (degree of magnification) microscopes, dissecting microscopes at 45x and compound microscopes at 40x and 100x. Students will record what they see through written and drawn work for others to benefit from their work, and they will learn to handle materials safely. During the course, students will look at fibers, salt, sugar, and other crystals, microscopic slides from nature, and live microscopic critters from pond water such as scuds, water fleas, copepods and planaria.

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Registration Information

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Oak Lane Day School
137 Stenton Avenue
Blue Bell, PA 19422

610-825-1055

website

An independent school serving children ages 3-12 from within the greater Philadelphia area.

Art, Music, Science, and Physical Education Classes

Customized for Homeschoolers

Homeschool groups can work with our teachers to customize courses that allow for learning in a group setting that is child-centered and experiential.

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Homeschool Programs at the Delaware Art Museum!

Current Homeschool Offerings

Learning to Look
Wednesdays
February 4 – 25,
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (4 weeks)
$14 Members / $16 Non-Members

How can we see more when we look at art?
Students will explore the Museum’s collections and the special exhibition Paintings from the Reign of Victoria: The Royal Holloway Collection, London. Each week will include activities and discussions focused on looking at, thinking about, and responding to works of art.

Becoming an Artist
Wednesdays
April 15 – May 6
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (4 weeks)
Cost per child: $14 Members / $16 Non-Members

Students will discover the many ways artists become artists and define what art can be through exploring the Museum’s permanent collection and the special exhibition Ancestry and Innovation: African American Art from the American Folk Art Museum. Each week will include activities and discussions focused on looking at, thinking about, and responding to works of art.

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The Delaware Art Museum’s Homeschool Programs offer Homeschool families a wonderful art education experience! Kids will build a foundation for visual arts as well as hone their observation skills through discussions of works in the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions. Additionally, art activities, writing exercises, and take-home assignments extend the student's learning experience beyond the galleries.

Homeschool Programs are designed for different age groups and are offered as four-week sessions. Homeschool families can choose to sign up for one or more session. Children will be automatically enrolled into the appropriate program based on their age.

General Descriptions

Ages 3 – 6
Students and parents/guardians participate in a story-reading which leads to a viewing of relevant works of art, followed by a hands-on art project. Parents/guardians are required to stay with their child during the story and tour portion of the program and may be asked to assist during the art activity.

Ages 7 – 9
Students take a guided theme tour for 30 minutes followed by a 30-minute art activity inspired by their tour.

Ages 10 – 13 and 14 – 18
Students take a guided theme tour for 60 minutes which includes writing exercises, sketching in the galleries, and take-home assignments.


Learn More
For more information, please contact:

Saralyn Rosenfield
Family Programs Manager
Direct line: 302.351.8504
E-mail: srosenfield@delart.org

Website


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Studio Art Class for Homeschoolers at the Delaware Art Museum!

Now Open to Students Ages 7-14!
Hurry - Registration Closes Monday, January 12th!!!



Artist Studio for Homeschoolers
Teacher: Sam Mylin
Wednesdays,
January 14 – March 18 (10 weeks)
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Students will learn the fundamentals of art in the Museum’s Studio. Basic drawing, painting, and sculpting will be explored, focusing on processes and techniques. The class will visit the Museum’s galleries to draw inspiration. Students will learn creative techniques and develop an appreciation for art

$125 Members
$145 Non-Members
Members Online Registration
Non-Members Online Registration

Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19806
302.571.9590
866.232.3714 (Toll free)

website

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Open Connections Presentation: Activity Centers for Youths!

Activity Centers for Youths

Work/Play Environments for Young People of All Ages
Tuesday, January 13th
7-9 pm

This color slide presentation is all about designing and building work/play spaces for young people in their home or other education center. Parents and other educators with only novice woodworking skills can create multilevel structures that can include climbing platforms, storefronts, puppet theaters, sleeping areas, storage spaces, invention shops and numerous other components that will provide young people with thousands of hours of creative and self-directed play and purposeful activity. No home is too small for some kind of structure; no budget is too tight to keep anyone from building something useful. Bedrooms, basements, living/family rooms, classrooms, and even hallways have housed exciting and workable solutions to such challenges as sibling rivalry, excessive clutter, combining toddlers with adult-furnished areas, and constructive entertainment that beats the boob tube every time.

Open Connections has featured such "environments" since it opened in 1978 and has designed and/or built numerous spaces for families of two-to-twelve year olds and non-profit centers such as nursery schools and day care centers. All you need are some basic concepts and the energy and interest to put them into practice. Your youths will never stop thanking you.

Cost
$25 for the general public.

Location
Open Connections
1616 Delchester Road
Newtown Square, PA.

For more information & to register:
Barbara
(610) 459-3366


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