• Recent Posts

  • Meta

  • TVO Show “Homeschooling A to Z” on Your Voice This Week.

    By admin | March 29, 2008

    TVO will be airing the show “Homeschooling A to Z-Is School Essential to your Child’s Learning?” on April 1, 2008 at 12:55 PM.
    Guest will include
    Wendy Priesnitz:
    Wendy Priesnitz is a writer and former educator who was a pioneer in the 1970s in homeschooling her own children. In 1987, Wendy wrote School Free - The Homeschooling Handbook, which is now in its fifth edition. Her more recent book on the subject, Challenging Assumptions in Education (2000), is a controversial look at what’s wrong with public education and the need to deschool society. It is on the reading list for some college education programs internationally, and has just been updated and reissued in 2008. Wendy and her husband started The Alternate Press, which 30 years later is now publishing three monthlies: Natural Life Magazine, Life Learning Magazine, and Natural Child Magazine. She is also a poet, with two published collections and a web blogger.
    close
    Linda Quirke :
    Linda Quirke is a professor of sociology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her areas of expertise are schooling and childrearing. She has conducted research on homeschooling, private schooling and parenting advice. Her next research project will explore physical activity, children’s health and obesity as they relate to parenting practices.
    and
    Michael Reist:Michael Reist is a teacher with over 25 years’ experience in the classroom. He heads the English Department at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School in Caledon East. He and his wife homeschooled their four children through the elementary years. He is a frequent speaker to local parent groups and education conferences on everything from homeschooling, to how boys and girls learn differently, to bullying. Michael is the author of “The Dysfunctional School: Uncomfortable Truths and Awkward Insights on School, Learning and Teaching”. He writes extensively for publications and has traveled throughout Ontario for the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association presenting his workshop entitled “Replacing the Hard Drive: New Ways of Being a Teacher”. He is a founder of the famous democratic free school in Toronto called The Beach School. He lives in Caledon East with his family.

    Bit of a weird time- try and record it if you can. There is alos spot to “discuss” on the TVO website, here

    Topics: Homeschooling in the Media | No Comments »

    STILL Studio Summer Camp - run by Homeschool moms

    By admin | March 28, 2008

    We have a developed a fun filled action packed camp loaded with great activities that will inspire, motivate and reinforce positive and cooperative thinking.

    You can choose to register your child/children for one or both weeks:

    Week 1 July 14 – 18, 2008.
    1. Native Drum Making
    2. Nature walk at Conservation Area
    3. Making decorative patio stone for Studio
    4. Make bird house with materials collected from nature walk.
    5. Visit to Sandy Lane horse farm in Brantford (scavenger hunt, grooming the horses, etc)

    Week 2 August 11 to 15, 2008
    1. Make personalized wish flags
    2. Activities from Dr Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots organization
    3. Nature walk to study animals and environment at Spencer Creek in Dundas
    4. Visit to Sandy Lane horse farm in Brantford (scavenger hunt, grooming the horses etc.)
    5. Craft with collage material from scavenger hunt

    Time: 9:00am –4:00pm
    Cost: $200 per week, this includes a drink, light snack and all supplies (you can pay on a sliding scale)
    This program is ideal for kids between the ages 8 – 13.
    We have room for 10 children so please register quickly to reserve your child’s space.

    The camp will also include:

     Crafts
     Co-operative games
     5 Tibetan Yoga
     Laughter Yoga
     Drama

     Community service
     Swimming with a certified life guard
     Simple Meditations
     Visualizations

    Both Teresa and Lori are trained facilitators of The Five Tibetan Yogas and a variety of visualization techniques called Transformational Mindfulness. Teresa is a home schooling mom with experience in working with children of all ages through home schooling, working with foster children and coaching of sport teams. Lori was an elementary school teacher and has worked with a variety of age groups.
    Our objective is to share some of the positive, simple and fun tools that we have learned and integrated into our own lives with people of all ages. We believe that learning these unique and simple ways of perceiving the situations and people in our lives generates feelings of excitement and empowerment. We create the opportunity for each participant to explore the limitless potential of who they truly are and who they can become.

    For more information and/or to register your child please call: Lori Goldblatt or Teresa Beckett at
    The STILL Studio at 905 304 0933 or email Teresa at tbeckett8@cogeco.ca or Lori at lorigoldblatt@hotmail.com. The camp drop off and pick-up will take place at 39 Templer Dr. in Ancaster.

    It’s not the things that you get but the hearts that you touch that will determine your success in life.

    Topics: Programs For Homeschoolers | No Comments »

    Homeschooling Cruise

    By admin | March 27, 2008

    2008 Homeschool Cruise to Belize, Honduras, Cozumel and Freeport

    Nov. 15, 2008 on the Carnival Glory

    RECENTLY REDUCED 3RD/4TH PASSENGER RATES BY CARNIVAL* (highlighted in green
    below)
    (rates will be adjusted for anyone that has already booked a cabin)

    *NEW DEADLINE: APRIL 13, 2008*

    (rates will be adjusted for anyone that has already booked a cabin)

    *NEW DEADLINE: APRIL 13, 2008*

    Currently there are close to 100 cabins booked!!! Please contact Melissa -
    for more information or to book a cabin.

    If you missed the recent deposit deadline for the cruise and are still
    interested I have secured an extension at the current rates for 1st/2nd
    passengers and *new lower rates for 3rd/4th passengers* because of the high
    number of deposited cabins for the group. The cruise line will not give me
    any extensions until the day before the deadline. They have to evaluate the
    total ship’s bookings and then the dynamics of my particular group. I do not
    have any control over what they will do. Therefore the deadlines are not
    used to push anyone into a decision because they could choose to pull any
    undeposited cabins back; allow me to keep them, but at current rates; or
    allow me to keep them at the rates I have. For now they have allowed me to
    keep what I have left at current rates for the 1st/2nd passengers, NEW LOWER
    RATES on the 3rd/4th passengers in the same cabin plus add additional
    cabins.

    Now the issue is availability. There are very few cabins available on the
    ship at the 1st/2nd passenger rates of $360 pp on the inside cabin or the
    $460 pp rate for the window cabins. Once those are booked there are inside
    cabins and windows available on the next deck at slightly higher
    rates. Following are the numbers of cabins I have available at the lowest
    rates.

    Inside cabin, no window
    2 quads, 1 triples, 3 doubles left
    $360 pp 1st/2nd passengers; NEW LOWER RATE OF $90 pp 3rd/ 4th
    passengers, (does
    not include taxes/port charges of $239.85 pp)
    For totals including all taxes and fees see below

    Oceanview/window
    3 quads, 2 triples, 2 doubles left
    $460 pp 1st/2nd passengers; NEW LOWER RATE OF $120 pp 3rd/4th passengers
    (does not include taxes/port charges of $239.85 pp) For totals including all
    taxes and fees see below

    Private Balcony
    6 quads, 1 triples, 1 doubles left
    $600 pp 1st/2nd passengers; NEW LOWER RATE OF $170 pp 3rd/4th
    passengers(does not include taxes/port charges of $239.85 pp For
    totals including all taxes and fees see below

    Also added: 2 “family cabins” on the Spa deck, have floor to ceiling
    solarium style windows with incredible views as these are the highest
    passenger deck on the ship. These still only sleep 4 but a larger than the
    standard cabins
    $670 pp 1st/2nd passengers; $120 pp 3rd/4th passenger rate (does not include
    taxes/port charges of $239.85 pp)

    *TOTALS INCLUDE ALL TAXES AND FEES*
    *Cabin for 2:*
    Inside: $360 pp cabin fare x 2 = $720
    $239.85 pp port charges and taxes x 2( explained in info
    following) = $479.70
    $70 fuel supplement charge per cabin
    *total: $1269.70*

    Oceanview/window: $460 pp cabin fare x 2 = $920, all taxes and fees same as
    above
    * total:* $*1469.70*

    Balcony: $600 pp cabin fare x 2 = $1200, all taxes and fees same as above
    *total: $1749.70*
    ***************************************************************************************************
    *Cabin for 3:*
    **
    Prices for the 1st and 2nd passenger will be the same as above so I will use
    those total and just add the fare for the 3rd passenger in the cabin

    Inside: $360 pp cabin fare x 2 = $720
    $239.85 pp port charges and taxes( explained in info to follow) =
    $479.70
    $70 fuel supplement charge per cabin
    $90 pp cabin fare for 3rd passenger + $239.85 taxes/fees
    *total: $1599.55*

    Oceanview/window: $460 pp cabin fare x 2 = $920, taxes and fees same as
    above; $479.70 & $70 fuel chg
    $120, 3rd passenger cabin fare + $239.85
    taxes/fees
    *total:* $*1829.55*

    Balcony: $600 pp cabin fare x 2 = $1200, all taxes and fees same as above;
    $479.70 and $70 fuel charge
    $170, 3rd passenger cabin fare + $239.85 taxes/fees
    *total: $2159.55*
    ******************************************************************************************************

    *Cabin for 4: *

    Prices for the 1st and 2nd passenger will be the same as above so I will use
    those total and just add the fares for the 3rd and 4th passengers in the
    cabin.

    Inside: $1269.70 (total from above for 2 including all taxes/fees)
    $90 pp cabin fare for 3rd/4th x 2 = $180
    $239.85 pp port charges/taxes for 3rd/4th x 2 $479.70
    *total: $1929.40*

    oceanview/window: $1469.70 (total from above for 2 including all taxes/fees)
    $120 pp cabin fare for 3rd/4th x 2 = $240
    $239.85 pp taxes/fees for 3rd/4th x 2 = $479.70
    * total: $2189.40*

    Balcony: $1749.70 (total from above for 2 including all taxes/ fees)
    $170 pp cabin fare for 3rd/4th x 2 = $340
    $239.85 x 2 port charges and taxes 3rd/ 4th = $479.70
    *total: $2569.40*

    Please contact Melissa -
    for more information or to book a cabin.

    Topics: Hamilton and Burlington Homeschooling | No Comments »

    Homeschool Conference- OFTP May 3rd, 2008 - Toronto

    By admin | March 27, 2008

    Diversity in Education

    Sponsored by: OFTP
    May 3, 2008
    The Walmer Centre, Toronto
    Vendors contact: conference@ (add ontariohomeschool.org to complete the email address)

    To register, print out the registration form and mail it to the address indicated, along with your payment made out to The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents.

    Link to registration form

    Speakers and workshops:

    * Michael Reist: “Boys and Girls Learn Differently”
    * Carlo Ricci: (topic to be announced)
    * Sarah Rainsberger: University Admissions for Homeschooled Applicants and Standardized Tests for University Admission
    * Kate Ternier on part-time schooling: Homeschooling at School: Sending your child to school while retaining control over their education
    * Carol Nash from Alpha II: Democratic Education, and the end for public education to embrace child led learning.
    * Calvin from the Beach School: the Beach School’s approach to education.
    * Richard Gervais: Something from Nothing
    * There may be a children’s session on pottery (to be confirmed)
    * A session on money management skills to teach your teen will be sponsored by the Ontario Securities Commission and presented by Judy David-Wilson: Money management — A life skill

    Topics: Homeschooling Events | No Comments »

    Cheap Books For Homeschoolers in Hamilton! Hamilton Public Library Spring Book Sale

    By admin | March 27, 2008

    Hamilton Public Library Spring Book Sale

    Starts:
    April 14, 2008 - 9:00 AM

    Ends:
    April 19, 2008 - 5:00 PM

    Special Notes (Date/Time):
    NEW Hours:Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5:30 pm., Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Location:
    Hamilton City Centre, Lower Level
    77 James Street North
    Hamilton, L8R 2K3
    Phone Number:
    905-546-3200

    The Hamilton Public Library is having their annual Spring book sale. There will be thousand of items including books, magazines, videos, etc. Tables are re-stocked continually.

    Special note- You need to bring your own bag!

    Topics: Hamilton and Burlington Homeschooling | No Comments »

    The Samba Kidz Arts Education Program

    By admin | March 27, 2008

    This takes place in Toronto but it is EXCELLENT.

    The Samba Kidz program is an arts education program
    where children can
    “find their groove” and discover their joy and
    creativity through
    music, art and drama in a non-competitive and
    supportive environment.
    The main focus of the program is on process and
    participation, so
    everyone is included and guaranteed “success.”
    Activities in the
    program include drumming/music, art, dance, and song.
    Participants
    also get the chance to perform at gigs and take part
    in community
    events and festivals throughout the year. Music and
    art sessions are
    led by professional staff, including artists and
    musicians, social
    workers and teachers.

    The program will be held every other Thursday from
    6.30pm to 8pm at
    the Drum Artz studio, and is open to all children ages
    7-17.

    The cost of the program is $15 drop-in or $100 for the
    Spring 2008
    session, which consists of 8 classes between March 13
    and June 19.

    thank you,

    Danielle Lafond, Program Director
    danielle@drumartz.com

    Drum Artz Community Centre
    27 Primrose Avenue Toronto, ON M6H 3V1
    P: 416-538-6342 • F: 416-538-9016 • C: 647-295-0052
    www.drumartz.com

    Topics: Toronto Homeschooling | No Comments »

    Homeschool Animation Classes- Guelph Area

    By admin | February 29, 2008

    10 week animation program for children 12-14yrs run by Ed video in Guelph.
    Will run Wed afternoons (approx noon-3:00pm) for 3 hours once we get
    registration numbers. Min 5- max 9 students. (4/5 are already registered.)
    Cost 200.00
    Mary Baxter marybaxter@hummingbirdwireless

    Animation Schedule:

    Day 1: Animation Basics
    Timing: single frame or double frame?
    Notes on movement
    The dope sheet
    The bouncing ball

    Day 2: Develop Story
    Idea - Script - Treatment
    Story Boarding

    Day 3&4: Character Design
    What should a puppet look like?
    How to make a puppet
    Making the puppet(s)

    Day 5: Set Design & Props
    Building sets
    Designing rigging
    Making Props

    Day 6: Equipment & Tests
    Using cameras
    Using animation software
    Animation tests

    *Day 7: Audio
    *Recording audio
    *Editing audio
    *Adding audio to dope sheet

    Day 8&9: Filming
    Lighting
    Using Rigs
    Using animation assist
    *Lip syncing
    Character animation

    Filming
    Day 10&11: Post Production
    Compiling footage
    Editing footage
    Editing Audio
    Adding soundtrack
    Creating Special Effects

    * means that we will only do this if we have time.

    Topics: Programs For Homeschoolers | No Comments »

    Jim Weiss Coming to RBG Hamilton

    By admin | February 29, 2008

    Many homeschooling families are familiar with Jim Weiss. He has several wonderful story-telling cds available.
    More info on Jim Weiss Cd’s

    Jim Weiss Website

    Upcoming Jim Wiess Concert

    The trusted voice of Jim Weiss has captivated families for 25 years. He has been recognized internationally with more than 80 awards and this April, Jim Weiss is performing in Ontario.

    Thursday April 3rd Jim will lead a family evening of storytelling in The Arboretum Centre at the University of Guelph. Doors open at 6pm and the 1 hour performance begins at 6:30pm sharp. Tickets are $8 per person and seating is limited to 200.

    Tickets are available by contacting Fire the Imagination directly at 519-780-0864 (outside of Guelph 888-780-0864).

    Directions to The Arboretum Centre as well as maps for The Arboretum’s 10km of hiking trails are available at www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/ArbOverview/Grounds1.htm

    A second opportunity to meet Jim Weiss will take place Saturday April 5th. Jim will be leading two workshops at the Kitchener-Waterloo Christian Home Educator’s Conference. Stories Worth Telling: An Adult Workshop and Teaching History with G.A. Henty and Other Great Works will surely be in demand as Jim typically enjoys capacity crowds during his homeschool lectures. Please plan ahead and register at www.kwchea.ca

    Our children are counting down the sleeps for this, their first opportunity to meet Jim Weiss. We look forward to seeing you there!

    Stephanie Tucker
    Tel/Fax 1-888-780-0864

    Topics: Concerts and Plays, Hamilton and Burlington Homeschooling, Homeschooling Events | No Comments »

    Homeschool Drama Group- Captain Squeezy’s Performing Arts Group

    By admin | February 18, 2008

    Captain Squeezy’s
    Performing Arts Group
    Is Seeking
    New Members
    To Join
    Our Dramatic Troupe

    Drama Group for Homeschooling families in Hamilton Area

    Captain Squeezy’s is a group of youth who enjoy performing for all ages.
    We are in our fourth year and currently working on our sixth production.
    We are looking for serious actors interested in putting on good plays to entertain one and all.

    Group meets weekly in downtown Hamilton area
    For more information please contact group facilitator
    Debbie Kierstead
    kiersteads@hotmail.com

    Topics: Ongoing Activities, Programs For Homeschoolers | 1 Comment »

    Next Entries »