We will be making many changes to Owl Creek Academy for the following year. These changes are slowly being made so that we are ready and organized when it is time for school to start in the fall. It is also giving me an insight as to what will work and what will definitely not work.
One thing I will point out about the changes we are making is that my daughter is special needs. She has some developmental disorders, major speech delays, as well as some other issues that affect her schooling. My son is ADHD and we do not medicate. This demands a lot of effort to make sure he gets enough activity and does not get too excited. All of these things require additional planning on my part and Carson-Dellosa has helped me immensely with this.
Carson-Dellosa has sent me some items to help my kids stay on track and keep my homeschool organized with the different needs of each of my children. I will also be using a few grade-level resources to keep up on track with learning goals. This will also allow our homeschool to have a much more relaxed flow and allow us to study and build on more of the things that interest the kids, while still learning what they need to for their grade.
1. Communication Folder
I have a folder for each child and these have already been a game-changer in our little school. The pocket on the front is great for reminding them what is next and teaching them to be accountable for their progress in the day. The inside cover pocket is wonderful for reminders and for keeping track of our goals (like writing neatly). The first page is a sheet protector and works wonderfully for reference sheets- I can put two here. The pockets behind that are great for daily work or for things they are still working on.2. Essential Tips & Tools: Inclusion
Since my days as an Elementary Education Major, I have been enamored by inclusion materials. In high school, I was a teachers' aid for a special needs class and helped run an after school program for remedial students at the elementary school in the area. Now, having a special needs child of my own, I feel that having the materials to help students stay organized and on track, no matter their abilities is of the utmost importance, even in homeschool.
This resource has reproducible, dry erase pages, tips, and games to help your classroom run more smoothly, and keeping the special needs students right there with the others.
3. Colorful File Folder Games- Grade 1
My son was never a fan of File Folder Games. However, my daughter loves them and will do them no matter the subject. I knew I wanted to include File Folder Games for her. She can do these on her own and they help to reiterate lessons. They also give me a chance to do some one-on-one work with my son. She is a very hands on learner and needs to do several activities for a concept to sink in. These file folder games are going to be a huge plus for us next year. The book has all the papers you need- just construct them with file folders you already have and laminate if you wish. I have started getting them put together and I'm so happy with them!4. First Grade Sight Words
Sight words are something my daughter struggles with. She's an ace at math, but remembering the words and even sounding them out prove challenging for her. I think part of it may be related to her speech issues. I'll take all the help I can get with sight words, including this Sight Word Workbook. There are word games, trace & write, sentences & stories, hidden pictures, flash cards, and more to help drive those sight words home. She did well learning her alphabet this way, so I have faith that this sight word book is going be the ticket!5. Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills- Grade 1, Grade 4
I was looking for a workbook that would cover ELA and math to keep us on track. If they get the concept, we move on. If not, we'll work on it longer and expand on it. If it is something the kids are interested in, we will expand on it. Mostly, it will keep us on track. My son is not a fan of worksheets, but my daughter thrives on them. This will keep the worksheets to a manageable amount for my son, without having 20 pages of a concept that he gets easily. We are very excited to use this for our basis of ELA and math this year!6. English & Grammar Grade 4
My son is a phenomenal reader and loves to write stories. However, grammar is not a strong point for him, mostly because he does not want to put the effort in to it, so he just wants to do it and get it done, without actually learning it. This worksheet is going to be wonderful for him with quick lessons. I think I'll have him do a lesson and then work that lesson into his writing. I think the idea of tying a worksheet into his writing is going to be the key for him. I'm very excited to get him started in this workbook!
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