Homeschool uniforms?

Do you have specific "uniforms" for your homeschool students on school days?  Gee, I'm lucky if they are up and ready to start school by 9 AM! 

Here's the run-down:

Michael (14) is always the first one ready.  His favorite school uniform is his pajamas!  He will change around lunchtime or just before we need to leave for an outside class, etc.

Melissa (almost 17) is the last one out of bed on any given morning.  She schools in her pajamas or a warm-up outfit.  Today, we enjoyed her company as she joined us in warm-up pants, hoodie (tied tight around her face, and fuzzy socks.... Got to love her!  A fashionista in the making!

Matt (almost 17) begins school in his clothes for the day.  He is usually in his jeans and one of his favorite t-shirts.  He is definitely preparing for his future, as some days he swaps out his t-shirt for a button-down shirt!  Maybe he dresses for the 'drama' of it all!

As for me, I'd love to hang out in my PJ's, but it just isn't feasible.  We do have a "PJ Day" and we all look forward to it!

This post is linked to The Homeschool Village Blog Hop.

How does a home schooler change a light bulb?

So, how does a home schooler change a light bulb?

First, I ask to see who hasn't had the fun of changing a light bulb.

Secondly, we read up on how circuits work.

Then, we call all the kids together and build a circuit to learn how the electricity runs through the it.

Lastly, we work as one to change the light bulb feeling proud of our accomplishment!

Post linked to the CurrClick Blog.

PSAT/NMSQT

Well, my two high school juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT on October 13th.  After much discussion, we decided that this would be a good trial run before taking the SAT in May.  The college boards give each student a test-taking guide which includes a  list of the scholarship competitions.  Matt read through more of this information and shared it with his sister.

The only downside was that the same 2 teenagers have been taking a 6-week ACT Prep Course for the upcoming ACT this Saturday, October 23rd.  Each of these tests are graded differently, so I hope and pray it didn't mess them up.

How are you navigating the college testing waters?

College Testing

We are completely immersed in the college testing this year.  As a family, we have been trying to decide which test is better: the ACT or the SAT.  I have come to the conclusion that the test must match your student's learning/personality style.

Huh?  I said the same thing at first.  Here is what I have learned. 

What does each test cover?

ACT: Tests knowledge learned in high school.  This test focuses on grammar and punctuation.  If your student excels in memorization of facts either in or outside the context they were taught, the ACT may be the test for them.  Again, this tests material already learned! 

SAT: More of an aptitude test.  It is better suited to the student who has good deductive reasoning skills, which will be used and developed throughout college.  It also concentrates more on vocabulary than on basic grammar and punctuation.  Students who are good test-takers usually perform better on the SAT. 

How are the tests formatted?

ACT: All sections are multiple choice and contain four (4) tests covering: English, reading, mathematics, and science.  An optional 30-minute writing test is available to measure the student's ability to develop and write an essay.

SAT: Multiple-choice tests consisting of two parts: Mathematics and Critical Reading (includes science, history, and literature).  An optional writing section is available for the student to write an essay in 25 minutes.  The Math includes a multiple-choice format and a section where the student works out the problem and writes their own answer.

How are the tests scored?

ACT: When the ACT is scored, all incorrect answers are discarded and only the correct answers make up the final score.  A 36 is a perfect score.  The essay portion is scored separately and a perfect will be a 6.

SAT: The SAT slightly penalizes incorrect answers on the multiple-choice questions but not on the written ones (in math).  Each section is worth 800 points; so a perfect score, including the essay portion, will be a 2400.  If you are only taking the Critical Reading and Math, a perfect score will be a 1600.
 
Our teens will be taking both tests this year as high school juniors.  We are not submitting them to any college, even though a specific number can be forwarded free.  The reason for testing this year is to allow us time to focus on any weak areas now.  Then, they have next year to retest and increase their scores.  If, by the grace of God, one or both do exceptionally well, then we will have the scores sent to some colleges.
 
For those of you with high schoolers, how are you navigating the college testing path?
 
Link up or add a comment below.  I'd love to hear how others are handling this critical time in their student's life!

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Lunchtime doldrums... or not

The Homeschool Village link-up this week involves food!

Link to your lunch post and share how you have broken out of the soup and sandwich box! What are some of your children's lunch time favorites?

Since I have 3 teenagers, lunchtime is no longer a "mom-centered" meal.  Most days, they will eat dinner leftovers or sandwiches.  Yet, on some special days, I will plan ahead.  Here are some of their favorites:

   1.  Cheese or cheese and chicken quesedillas (I have precooked chicked breasts in freezer!)

   2.  Chef Boy-r-dee pizza kits... remember to add your own mozzarella cheese

   3.  Hot Pockets

   4.  Breakfast... pancakes, waffles or breakfast sandwiches

Thanks for stopping by!  I can't wait to get new ideas for the lunchtime doldrums!

Ellen

US History through Our Country's Presidents

Yikes...

God has smiled down on me!

Can  you say Happy Dance?

Since Saturday, I have enjoyed many blessings.  I have danced the "happy dance" six times now!  Why?  I hoped you would ask...

Happy Dance #1 - My front brake work was FREE on Saturday.  I was 150 miles from the end of the warranty period with brakes squealing so bad I had to get to the shop.  So, new brakes on the front of the van.. did I say FREE!

Happy Dance #2 - I have the best husband in the world.. just celebrated 18 wonderful years! We are celebrating with dinner at Blue Orleans on Wednesday night!

Happy Dance #3 - I received the Women of Faith tickets for their November conference today in the mail.  I am going with my mom and sister --- girl time!

Happy Dance #4 - Michael and I had a smooth transition to new World Geography program Around the World in 180 Days!

Happy Dance #5 - Lifeway had the student book for Around the World in 180 Days!

Happy Dance #6 - Today has been a GREAT Monday! Introduced new US History program (US History Through Our Country's Presidents) to Matthew and Melissa.  It is a go! Actually heard, "It sounds like fun!"

God is so good!  It has been a very stressful and overwhelming couple of weeks.  Thank you, LORD!