How to Successfully Homeschool Kindergarten

Many parents have an interest in learning how to successfully homeschool kindergarten. There are numerous reasons why a family may elect to utilize a homeschool curriculum. This is especially true when it comes to parents of children that old enough to enter kindergarten in their state of residence. Many feel as if their children lack the maturity to enter traditional school, while others may want to provide a gentle introduction of the school system by starting in the home. Then, there are many that elect to homeschool kindergarten because of their religious beliefs.

Whatever your reason for electing to educate your kindergarten-aged child in the home, it is essential that you learn a few strategies on how to make the most of your school year. The ABC's, the core curriculum and even time management are all important aspects of the homeschool environment for school-aged children. But let's begin with the importance of kindergarten..

The Importance of Kindergarten

Before delving into the core curriculum requirements and skills that a homeschool kindergarten student should be introduced to, we feel it is critical to express the importance of kindergarten. In 2010, an economist from Harvard named Raj Chetty conducted a study alongside five other individuals. They followed the life paths of approximately 12,000 individuals that were part of an educational-based experiment in the 1980's in the State of Tennessee. In this research, he discovered that the individuals that learned a high amount of skills in the kindergarten classroom were most likely to pursue a college education, less likely to become single parents, more likely to save money more effectively and were earning more money annually than those that were not successful in kindergarten or did not attend kindergarten. According to the research surrounding this study, it was concluded that an effective eduction in the early years of a child's academic life has the potential to establish skills that may be used all through the child's life for their greater good.

Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum

Based on the report of the organization known as the "National Research Council and Institute on Medicine" called "Neurons to Neighborhoods", it has been established that early educational programs - such as kindergarten - should enhance not only the linguistic competence and cognitive competence of children, but it should also enhance the emotional development and the social development of children. However, the academic reforms that were started in the year 2002 under President George Bush pushed to endorse the fact that by the time a child starts a kindergarten curriculum, they should know their letters and their numbers. Additionally, they should also possess an exceptionally high vocabulary. The organization known as the "National Council of Teachers of Mathematics" states that children should have an exceptionally high amount of knowledge in basic mathematics when starting kindergarten.

As a parent interested in designing a homeschool kindergarten curriculum, it may prove to be exceptionally challenging to determine the skills and lessons that should be included in that core curriculum. Various organizations, schools and educators seem to vary from one degree to another on the subject. Ultimately, the questions is... should a parent focus on academic and cognitive based skills, or emotional development skills and mental health skills? The truth of the matter is, you have an advantage over traditional schools that are limited in instruction time, resources, one-on-one interaction and finances. As a parent of a homeschool kindergarten student, you have the freedom and flexibility to create a curriculum that covers emotional growth, mental health skills, academic growth and cognitive skills. Honestly, it will be in your child's best interest to focus on all of these types of skills.

Core Academic Curriculum

When creating the core curriculum for your homeschool kindergarten student, there are certain basic skills and concepts that should be covered. These are the skills that will build as your child moves through each grade level. Below you will find some of the most basic core requirements according to most states:

Mathematcis:

Your child should be introduced to numbers 0 to 100, and ideas associated with those numbers.

It is essential that your child be introduced to all basic geometic shapes are are educated on patterns.

The basic properties associated with addition and subtraction should be introduced...

Reading:

Phonics should be introduced to the homeschool kindergarten student so that they are able to learn the sounds associated with consonants and short vowels.

Rhyming is an important concept that should be introduced in the homeschool kindergarten curriculum.

Logical and chronological sequencing exercises should be provided to enhance your child's skills...

Vocabulary Enhancement:

Common word beginnings should be taught.

Common word endings should be introduced.

Children should learn to scan for key words when reading and learning to spell...

Writing:

Children should be encouraged to copy and print letters.

Children should be encouraged to copy and print words.

Children should be encouraged to copy and print sentences that are simple in nature...

Conclusion:

There are many different subjects and skills that should be introduced in the homeschool kindergarten curriculum, and I touched on a few of them above. In addition to the above-mentioned skills, children should also be introduced to science, grammar, poetry, music, communication skills, spiritual studies, technology, and social activities. The goal is to develop the child academically, emotionally and spiritually. By creating a well-rounded curriculum for your homeschool kindergarten student, you will find that they achieve greater levels of academic and personal successes throughout their lifetime.

Carolann Henderson, homeschooling mom, website editor and researcher. You'll find lots more on homeschooling kindergarten, general homeschooling information, free resources, tips and encouragement on my website. I also have a free gift for you that you will find instrumental in getting and staying organized in homeschooling and all areas of your life along with a free ebook to help you homeschool holidays. You can claim your free gift by visiting my website Homeschooling Road Map. and signing up for our free newsletter "Homeschool Helping Hands".



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Food Storage Recipe - Crockpot TVP Taco Filling

The other day we all wanted tacos , but I had none of my Taco flavored TVP left! (I am ordering some more.) So I decided to use the TVP that I have and come up with a taco filling using it. It turned out pretty good.

Crockpot TVP Taco Filling

1 Cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)

1 cup Salsa

1 cup black beans

1 cup fat free refried beans

1/2 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning

1 cup water

Add all ingredients to Crockpot, stir it up really good to make sure the TVP is completely covered with the liquid. Cook on medium for 4 hours. Simmering in the crockpot gets the TVP to soak up the flavor of the seasonings and the salsa. This really is good. The whole family loved it. My Daughter was over and didn't even know that it wasn't meat!! Next time I am going to add a can of diced tomatoes instead of so much water.

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Survival Food - 5 Benefits of Freeze Dried Meals

There is a saying, "Store what you eat and eat what you store". When thinking about preparing for long term food storage, ready-made freeze dried meals are the ticket. This is food you are probably already eating on a regular basis, just in a different form. The benefits of storing freeze dried foods are numerous, here a just a few:

1. Appearance- First of all, the freeze drying process allows food to retain its original shape, color, and texture. It does not shrivel up. Cooked (meats) and fresh foods are flash frozen and then put in a vacuum chamber which evaporates the ice and removes about 98% of the moisture from the food. It can be quickly reconstituted by just adding water. It looks like it would if cooked fresh.

2. Flavor- Not only does it look good, but freeze dried meals are quite tasty and retain their nutritional value. Coming from a former non-believer, I was sold the first time I tried them. It is no surprise that freeze dried products are also the most popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts such as campers, backpackers and hikers. They are delicious and are simple to make.

3. Portable- Whether you are in an emergency situation or backpacking, a week or more worth of freeze dried meals can be easily transported in a backpack, bucket or bag, because they are light weight. At least two thirds of the weight(usually water) is removed during the freeze drying process. The packaging is small, making it an even more convenient food storage solution.

4. Long Shelf Life: Most have up to a twenty five year shelf life without the hassle of rotating the food storage supply in your home. Another benefit of these products is that they can be stored at room temperature and do not require cold storage. This means you can store them in a kitchen pantry for easy accessibility, in a utility closet or in a basement to keep your supply out of the way. Wouldn't it be nice to know that your family has plenty of fresh tasting meals available at a moments notice, months or even years from now if a crisis hits?

5. Just Add Water: Some food storage items can take along time to prepare, are not simple to make, or are impractical. Large cans of beans or rice are not going to help you much in an emergency. Individually portioned freeze dried meals in small pouches make it really simple to feed one or many people in a pinch. Just add hot or cold water, hot water is quicker, and wait 10-12 minutes and eat!

If you have been thinking about long term food storage and wondering what kind of food would make the most sense, give freeze dried food a try. I am sure you will agree that they are the smart choice.

http://www.SurvivalFoodPro.com -Your partner in disaster preparation offers quality, affordable freeze dried food for emergency situations.

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Top 10 Best Zombie Books

Zombie books are making a killing, pardon the pun, both in online book sales and the traditional book stores. The popularity of the best zombie books including the zombie survival book can be attributed to the increasing interest generated by these flesh-eating animated creatures the world over.

If you are a zombie fanatic then you must have already read the zombie survival guide. But if you are like most diehards, then one zombie book is not enough to satisfy this growing curiosity about these rotting corpses.

Here is a list of the top 10 zombie books that every zombie fanatic should read:

1). Grey Dogs: Zombie Survival

This book by Ian DG Sandusky talks about an epidemic that spares no one. Once you get infected with the viral infection, you a zombie which is by far more dangerous than the grey dogs.

2). Cell

This gory and horrific Stephen King novel is the world-famous author's tribute to zombie films. The book, which talks about terrorism and technological warfare and the use of cellphones to wipe away humanity's brain, is so riveting readers would not be able to put it down until the last page.

3). The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead

This fully illustrated guide by Max Brooks is a must-have for everyone who wants to understand how the zombie works and how it can be outwitted in case of an attack.

4). World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

Another must-read book from Max Brooks but this time, he talks about the zombie war and the stories of people who have survived the outbreak.

5). The Official Zombie Handbook- The Ministry of Zombies

This book by Sean T. Page reveals that the undead have been with humans even before the start of history. What is interesting is that the outbreaks in Rome and in ancient Babylon have all been documented. Everyone needs this guide to survive a zombie outbreak today.

6). The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks

Max Brooks makes it to the top 10 list for the third time with this short story collection of different zombie attacks that have been recorded. The stories are really short so it is an easy read.

7). Zombies: A Record of the Year of Infection

Don Roff talks about an unknown illness that turned out to be a zombie infestation. The suspenseful story of the 2011 zombie apocalypse is made known to the world through the journal of a biologist who noted the zombies' behavior along the way.

8).Day by Day Armageddon

J. L. Bourne's new thriller will be a treat to zombie fans. The undead has risen to claim the planet starting with the United States. The story is narrated by a US Naval officer through his journal.

9). The Zombie Survival Guide: How to Live Like a King After the Outbreak

Etienne Guerin DeForest's book will teach you how to survive the zombie apocalypse in style. There is a caveat though; read this book only if you have a strong mind.

10). I Am Legend

This book by Richard Matheson owes its popularity to the movie which stars Will Smith. It is still possible to enjoy the book even if you have already seen the movie. After all, any tale about the plague and zombies will always be an interesting read especially when you realize that one man provides hope for mankind.

Expect more bestselling zombie books in the future for as long the people's interest in zombies remain unfazed. And from all indications, they never will.

There is no doubt there is a zombie craze happening right now throughout the world.

For some it is a fascination and love for great horror. For others it's a conscious effort to prepare for the zombie apocalypse. Whatever the case may be for you - we've got you covered.

Learn more about zombies and find all your zombie gifts and survival supplies at Best Zombie Gifts! Free Solar Book

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How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Prepping

According to a recent poll 57% of readers have less than six months worth of food in storage, with 20% having less than one month. I have to admit, being more than a little stunned by the results of the poll neutral.

How could such a high percentage of readers, of a survival blog (my blog!), have such small amounts of emergency supplies on hand? After giving it some thought I could only come up with one conclusion - Procrastination.

I'm sure some readers will pitch a fit in disagreement. They will argue that it's not procrastination on their part but lack of funds. In some cases this maybe correct, but for the most part, it's just an excuse for putting off what they know needs to be done.

Procrastination is the persistent habit of putting off doing things you need (and want) to do. It's always easier to put off what needs to be done, instead of actually done it. Or so we thank - excuses come easily as we rationalize our self defeating acts of procrastination. I used to have the same problem.

Why people procrastinate and what to do about it

There are many reasons why people procrastinate when it comes to prepping, but it usually falls within the criteria given below...

Fear - Fear of failure, fear of not knowing where to begin, fear of making a mistake, fear of wasting money - these are are the most common origins of fear, leading to procrastination and lack of action.

The cure is to have a plan. Make a list, know what to store, how much and how to store it. Don't worry about wasting your money, you need to eat right? All you're doing is buying what you need in advance. Buy, store, eat and replace.

If you decide to store and use basic foods such as wheat, beans, corn and rice you'll actually save money, be healthier and possibly live longer...

Negative Self-Talk - Our mind can be our worst enemy, defeating us through negative self-talk even before we begin. Most of the time we do this without knowing it. Using phrases such as "I should" and "I have to" automatically sets objections in our mind. No one likes being forced, even by ourselves.

These phrases make prepping feel impelled, instead of something you want to do, leading to resentment, rebellion and inactivity. Instead of telling yourself, "I should start a food storage program - soon" or "I have to start a food storage program - someday," tell yourself, "I want to start a food storage program - now" or "I choose to start a food storage program - now."

By using the right words in our self-talk we can make conscious choices, leading to positive results and a stocked pantry.

Looking to the end result - When you're starting from the beginning everything seems overwhelming - you have to decide what to store, how much, purchase it and store it, rotate and restock. You worry about space, temperature, light and other considerations. This can be overwhelming.

We all started from the beginning - the important thing is to start. Most of us can't afford everything we need all at once and none of use can acquire all the skills needed in a day. It takes time. Prepping is like putting a puzzle together: One piece at a time.

Perfectionism - Aside from fear, perfectionism is the main cause of procrastination. We want everything to be perfect - if we can't have the "best", we wait until it can be afforded. Unfortunately, for most of us we will never be able to afford those items perceived as being the best, so we do nothing.

It doesn't matter how much you plan, how hard you work or what you do - your plan will never be perfect. Mine isn't. Remember; perfection is an idea, not a reality.

Sometimes you need to go with a less than perfect plan - buckets of wheat, beans and corn instead of the latest freeze dried foods - a single-shot break open shotgun instead of brand X tactical rifle.

Do what you can - now. If you can upgrade later great, if you can't you're still be better prepared than 95% of the population. The important thing is to do it now, while you still can. What are you waiting for - get to it.?

What preparedness project have you been procrastinating on? Why?

To find information that will help you plan for and survive a disaster including information and bug out bag lists visit my survival blog.

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