Teaching At Home

Hi Gang!

Webkinz is the hot topic of the week at our house this week.  Dae got her first Webkinz; a rabbit she named Helena.  She has been all over that website and then drug out a ton of books so that she could "do school" with Helena.  She has been on the phone with a couple of her friends playing all of the games and setting up "friends" on the website.  It is so much fun for her.  I know several of you have told me in the past that your kids have these, so let me know if they want to be on her "friends" list. 

I know some of you read Harry Potter and some don't.  We do, and I totally support everyone's right to do what they think is right for their family.  We went to the Harry Potter party at the McWane Center with some other homeschooling friends and had a blast.  We also saw the new Harry Potter movie on the IMAX, which I liked much better than the last one.  I met some of you there and really enjoyed talking with Megha.  It was really fun seeing everyone dressed up in their costumes.  It is amazing to me to see the age range of the Harry Potter fans. 

Dalton is now at a campground midway between the Grand Teton and Yellowstone Park.  I have not talked to him in a week, but his Daddy has.  He had his wallet stolen last week, so that has been a big concern.  He is having a blast and says that it is beautiful.  They got to experience the Hot Springs, Mount Rushmore, and stay in Custer's State Park.  He says that he is journaling, so I can't wait to read some of that.  I will keep you up to date on his happenings and post it as soon as Heather writes more for the blog. 

As many of you know, I have had some yucky experiences with my computer this year, so I am working to get everything web-based rather than computer based.  In doing so, I have moved all of my documents, pictures, and now e-mail to the web.  My new e-mail address is:

everestacademy1@gmail.com

Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!!  Also, please note that it is time to renew your Teaching At Home subscription.  The fee schedule is at the bottom of this newsletter. 

I hope you enjoy your week Teaching At Home, and I hope to see you all soon! 

Deb Spradlin

  Homeschool Directory 

Please contact me directly at debbido4@charter.net if you would like to be included.  Please include your information in this order:  county, your name, area, contact information, children's year of birth, and any other information you would like added.  Please consider adding your information here!  This could be SUCH a great resource for you!

New Resources….

• Through Aug 7 - Birmingham Children's Choir Girls in grades 4-8 are invited to audition for the Bham Children's Choir at Edgewood Presbyterian Church 850 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 at 4:00.  Each singer will be required to vocalize, sing a simple song of her choice, sight-read simple patterns, and echo-sing short melodies. Audition times will be scheduled upon request. Please call the following number and leave a message. Your call will be returned to schedule an audition date and time.
• Disney Minnie Grants ~ Deadline: August 30 The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service. Service projects must take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. Past Disney Minnie Grantees are also eligible to apply. Visit the Youth Serve America Web site for full details.
  
• Aug 4 - Birmingham Parent's Back to School Blast at Watermark in Bessemer! Enjoy back to school information on health, safety and education as well as great giveaways, activities and TAX FREE shopping for back to school! Visit www.birminghamparent.com for more information.
• Youth Service America Youth Venture Program Micro-Grants ~ Deadline: August 13
  Socially conscious people between the ages of 12 and 20-years-old are encouraged to apply for micro-grants of up to $1,000 from the YSA Youth Venture Program to create sustainable social ventures. Led by an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, the YSA Youth Venture Program’s mission is to provide funding and resources to young people to lead socially conscious campaigns that are a lasting asset to their communities. YSA Youth Venture teams are required to plan a Global Youth Service Day project on April 25-27, 2008, and will receive resources from Youth Service America and Youth Venture, the leading organizations in the youth service movement. Visit the Youth Venture Web site to learn more.
• Aug. 18 - American Girl Boutique & Bistro opening in Atlanta!!!!  Come to the North Point Mall in Alpharetta to discover the latest American Girl store. Girls can celebrate every day with the most popular characters, outfits, and accessories. The Bistro features casual dining, a delicious dessert counter, and extra-special celebrations, too. For more details, look here:  American Girl in Atlanta  
• Kidsgardening Photo Contest http://www.kidsgardening.com/special/photo/index.asp  Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by September 15, 2007.  Attention photographers! The National Gardening Association (NGA) announces the revival of the Kidsgardening Photo Contest.  A total of six prizes in two categories will be awarded. Winning photos will be featured in a gallery here on Kidsgardening.org.   Any entry may be featured on NGA Web sites and in our print publications.
• Huntsville Paint Ball Program - This Fall FPS Paintball has a program to help home schooled kids get those PE credits in a fun way with other home schooled children. Paintball is great physical exercise and teaches things like teamwork and communication.  For complete information, please look here:  www.fps-paintball.com/homeschool.php .

• Children's Theater - Hi Gang!  It's time again to sign up for Children's Theatre.  They have a great season this year!!!  Check here for full information: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/355709/
• Alys Stephens Center Free Performances - This series allows the Alys Stephens Center to share the arts with area students and aspiring young artists. These one-hour performances by internationally acclaimed artists let students experience the thrill of a live performance in a world-class performing arts venue.  During these interactive presentations, artists will engage students with anecdotes about their educational and artistic training and life as a professional, touring artist. They will also offer insight into the music they will perform, as well as strategies for perfecting musical techniques. Resource materials are available for some performances.  Please look here for full details:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/356110/

• Ballroom Dancing in Adamsville - I have been talking with Wendy of  http://www.curtnwendy.com/ and they have agreed to teach a homeschool ballroom dance class if we have enough interest.  I am just now in the "feeling it out" stage so the details are rather sketchy.  The details are as follows: Ballroom Dance Class in Adamsville (about 15 minutes NW of Bham)  Weekly class to be held during the day starting either this summer OR in September for grades 7-12 (Six months of classes count as 1/2 credit in either Phys. Ed. Or Fine Arts) Either $20/month per child (with half-price for additional siblings in the family) paid at the first class each month, OR $5/class paid weekly for each of the first two kids in a family with any additional siblings at no charge. Let me know if this is something you think you might be interested in, and we will get things underway.
• Aug 11 - Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain in Collinsville at 8:00am.  A walk through Untamed Mountain, known as Tigers for Tomorrow.  Bring the entire family for a new experience, where life is wild by nature. During your visit you will get up close and personal with over thirty-five large cats, wolves and bears in a safe and natural setting. Bring lunch and plenty of film!  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org
• Aug. 18 - Mom's Night Out!!!  Would you like to join me at the Alabama Theatre for a 7:00pm viewing of "Gone With the Wind"?  If you have not ever been to the Alabama Theatre, it is breathtaking!!!  You can take a virtual tour of The Alabama as well as read it's history here:  http://www.alabamatheatre.com/AboutTheAlabama/TourtheAlabama/tabid/62/Default.aspx .  This would be the perfect place to view "Gone With the Wind"!!!  Tickets are $6 a piece and payable at the door.  We can go to dinner before or after if you would like to!  Please R.S.V.P. To debbido4@charter.net . 
• Aug. 31 - Spring Valley Beach Homeschool Day in Blountsville from 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Cost is $10.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free) to get in.  You will pay at the door.  You can bring your own food and drinks.  I am going to rent a pavilion if enough show an interest.  We went last year and had a blast!  This is a very family friendly place.  www.springvalleybeach.com  Please R.S.V.P. And let me know if you would like to attend with Teaching At Home, and I will arrange for us to have a pavilion. 
• Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am.  While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance.  Cost is $7 per adult.  Children free.  I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. 
• Nov. 26 - 30 - Disney World Trip Teaching At Home will be going to Disney World in Orlando again this year.  We went last year and had a blast.  You can check out the information from last year here:  Disney Trip 2006 .  The trip will include a 5-day hopper pass to all four parks plus two visits to either Typhoon Lagoon or Disney Quest.  We visited Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest last year and had an absolute blast.  These tickets will also include one Y.E.S. Program for the students.  These are absolutely wonderful programs, and my kids are still talking about the one they attended last year.  The rest of the time is your's to spend as a family.  Disney Information
• March 31 - April 4, 2008 - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5-Day Camp This is going to be awesome.  We have been on the waiting list for two years for this trip.  We have a maximum of 35 who can attend, so sign up quick!!!  For full information, please look here:  Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5 Spots just opened up!!!

 

• Now through September - Tour of Historic Three Caves What a “cool” tour - cool as in 65 degrees year ‘round! Located in the heart of Huntsville, rock from this former limestone quarry was used in roads for the young city becoming known as “The Rocket City.”  Mining ended in 1952 and Three Caves is developing into a natural cave, offering a glimpse into a unique geological window in time.  Visitors will see baby stalactites and smooth calcified rocks known as cave pearls.  Reservations Required at 534-5263 at least three days in advance.  For more information, please look here:  http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/calendar_of_events.htm
• Through July 29 -  Between Fences in West Blocton Traveling exhibit depicting how our country developed between fences-split rail, barbed wire, picket. Also features economic, cultural, religious, other fences. Tours with experts on related subjects. 9 a.m.-noon & 2-5 p.m. most days; and by appointment.

• July 25 - Daisy Cow and Her Milking Machine at Springville Road Library at 10:30 a.m  Watch Daisy, all hooked up to her milking machine.  Cookies and milk will be provided.  An educational program brought to you by the Dairy Farmers of Alabama.
• July 27 - Performance on the Green in Montgomery www.montgomeryballet.com. Free admission. Blount Cultrual Park--Montgomery Ballet's premier event is the exciting culmination of the Intensive Summer Seminar, when students from around the Southeast come to the city for classes with Montgomery’s Professional Company and instructors. Gates open, 6:30 p.m.; performance 8 p.m.
• July 27 & 28 - Born to LEAD Teen Summit at Brooks Hall at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229 from 3:00 - 5:00pm http://www.born2lead.netBorn to LEAD was created to dispel socioeconomic barriers, promote abstinence and provide sex education, overcome self-esteem issues, confront self-destructive cycles and unify today's youth and their families. By combining various multi-media, performance arts, music, comedy and motivational speakers, we appeal to today's sight and sound generation. Our aim is to challenge tomorrow's leaders to think beyond cultural conformity and assimilation toward their futures and overall well-being.
• July 28 - Metro Back to School Blast at Metropolitan Church of God located at 2800 Metropolitan Way in Birmingham from 8:00 - 12:00.  Bring your kids to experience 4,000 free backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, hearing screening, spinal health screening, Kid I.D., adult health screening, inflatable rides, refreshments, and a KidStuf production featuring music, drama, video, and giveaways.  Many thanks to Cheryl for this info!!!
  
• July 28 - Math & Science Fun Day at Five Points West Library from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.  For grades K - 12.  Remote control cars, a dissected pig, snakes, explosions, and more!
  
• July 28 - Tuscaloosa Babypalooza & Expo at University Mall in Tuscaloosa.  Whether it's questions about nursing, nanny services, maternity fashions, prenatal massage, baby products, finding a photographer or planning the first birthday party, exhibitors at Babypalooza will have the answer," says Cecilia Pearson, Event Producer. DCH Health System will host pre and postnatal health seminars at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., they will also have several booths providing information for women's and infant health care. More than 30 exhibitors will be set up throughout the mall with products and services for the prenatal to preschool market in West Alabama. There also will be a Citywide Baby Shower celebrating expectant moms with fun and games between seminar times, a Diaper Derby, Car Seat Safety, Sampling from Buffalo Rock and Barber's Milk, and Mayfield Dairy, Product Demonstrations, and lots of giveaways. Admission is free. For more information call (205) 445-1345 or visit www.babypaloozatour.com.
• July 28 - Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, AL with Fresh Air Family at 10:00AM at The Falls (Bham caravan will meet at 9:00am in the Barnes & Noble Parking Lot at The Summit)  Join us as we visit these cool, misty falls which cascade 90 feet over Lookout Mountain Ledge into a lush ravine. The park is also home to the Gilliland-Reese covered bridge, botanical gardens and a pioneer homestead. We'll spend the day visiting the falls and park. Be sure to ear shoes or boots for walking. Bring a sack lunch, snacks and plenty of water to drink.  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org 
• July 28 - Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim Moderately easy walk on a road through the woods in the upper section of Little River Canyon National Preserve to a rather secluded, quite large and very lovely pool on Little River itself in the woods above Little River Falls. This will be only the second time we have visited this particular swimming area. Time permitting, we may also visit the 102-foot DeSoto Falls in the early evening. Optional dinner after. Please bring picnic lunch, water, swimsuit, river shoes and floatation device of your choice. Hot showers available before dinner. Bring shower things and change of clothes if you wish. Meet 8:00 a.m. At Applebee's Restaurant Trussville.
  Info: David Freeman, 655-9172
• July 29 & 30 - Stars on the Riverfront is Alabama Dance Theatre's annual FREE performance featuring classical and contemporary works.  Sun. 2:30 p.m. at Armory Learning Arts Ctr., Mon. 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater in Montgomery.  
• Aug 1 - Fresh Air Family at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Fresh Air Family is a local organization dedicated to raising awareness of the educational and recreational opportunities afforded by Alabama's natural environment. Verna Gates, the organization's founder and executive director, will share her insights as a long time nature advocate about the importance of introducing people of all ages to the joys and adventures of the outdoors.
• Aug. 1 - Romance of the Middle Ages The Emmet O'Neal Library's Brown Bag Lunch series meets every Wednesday at 12:30. Today we'll hear from a Brown Bag regular and crowd favorite, Nathan Glick, who will present his renderings of the Middle Ages in beautiful colors for the audience. We'll hear a talk about the life and culture of the Medieval period. Bring a sack lunch, drinks and dessert provided. For more information, contact Katie at 445-1118 or kmoellering@bham.lib.al.us
• Aug 5 - The Birmingham Zoo invites the community to enjoy free admission on Sunday, August 5, 2007 from 9am-7 pm. The Community Free Admission Day is sponsored by the Seedling Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. In addition to free admission, visitors will be able to take part in several free activities and shows taking place throughout the day including story time, fish feeding (free-while supplies last), Sea Lion Splash Show, special animal keeper talks throughout the day, educational animal shows with Spanish translations, and much more. Red Diamond will be providing free tea samples from 1pm- 5 pm (while supplies last).  The train, Endangered-Species carousel, giraffe feeding, concessions and other fee-based activities will be at the normal price.  www.birminghamzoo.com.
• Aug 7 - Dance Out Crime Irondales "Dance Out Crime" event will include an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a live band (Charlie Soul), free food and more! National Night Out is a celebration that promotes police-community partnerships and heightens awareness of crime and drug prevention programs.  "Dance Out Crime" will be held in the parking lot of the Whistle Stop Cafe. 1906 1st Avenue N., Irondale, Al 35210 from 6:30 - 9:30pm.  
• Aug 8 - Faith Comes by Hearing at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Held in more than sixty different Birmingham area churches, weekly mass meetings brought cohesion and a sense of shared sacrifice to Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement. Pepperdine University historian David Holmes will explore the rhetoric of the preachers and activists who helped mold a mass movement into a revolution
• Aug 9 & 11 - Handmade Fiber and Finger Weaving  at the Birmingham Museum of Art from 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Take a short-course in Native American textiles! Start with making essential cordage from native plant fibers. Then try the art of traditional finger weaving (without a loom!) and twined bags, an important and nearly extint 18th-century Indian art.
• Aug 10- Frog Metamorphosis Explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to the wonderful hopping creatures we adore. Dr. Rayburn will also discuss problems faced by all animals during their development.  DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm. 
  
• Aug. 11 - Learning by the Lake Series: Native Fishes at 7:00p.m  Join United States Forest Service and JSU biologist Dr. Mark Meade for an interesting hour of educational fun at Coleman Lake Recreational Area in the Talledega National Forest.  Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend!
• Aug 11 - Venomous Organisms of Alabama at DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm  Some plants and animals really get your attention with their special lines of defense. Toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn of JSU will present this program on a variety of species that can cause pain, injury, or even death.
• Aug 15 - Dealing With Drought at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Since 2000 Jefferson County has experienced three drought seasons.  Sally Lee from the Jefferson County Extension Office will explain how to deal with these dry spells.
• Aug 16 - ArchiTreats: Food For Thought (Montgomery) - Aug 16, Montgomery ArchiTreats: Food For Thought 334-353-4712. www.archives.state.al.us. Alabama Department of Archives & History--Bring a sack lunch and participate in the Lecture Series. This month's topic, "Fallen Prince: William James Edwards, Black Education and the Quest for Afro American Nationality" presented by Donald T. Stone. 12:05-1 p.m.
• Aug 17 - Heritage Alive at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute located at 520 Sixteenth Street North in Bham from 6:00 - 8:00pm.  Heritage Alive is a Community of Readers, a new family reading initiative.  The free monthly evening program will feature reading, movies, food, and fun. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. For registration or additional information on the program contact Sylvea Hollis at 328-9696 ext. 246 or shollis@bcri.org.
• Aug 18 - The 5 Points Worship service of Highlands United Methodist Church will offer three concerts throughout the summer featuring the 5 Points Worship Band. The music played will range from blue-grass to rock, jazz to gospel. All concerts will be held on the front lawn of the church, right behind the famous fountain of 5 Points South. Bring your lawn chairs and your blankets to this family-friendly event taking place in the heart of 5 Points South, and enjoy an evening full of great music, fellowship, and fun. Complimentary bottled water will be served at each concert. This event is free and open to the public. Call or go online for more information. 933.8751, ext. 229. www.5pointsworship.org.
• Aug 18 - Snakes of Alabama (Fort Payne) - Aug 18, Fort Payne Snakes of Alabama 256-782-5697. Free admission. DeSoto State Park Campground--Ever wondered what use there is for all those stinging, biting, crawling, irritating critters? JSU entomologist Dr. Cole Benton will discuss the fascinating ecological role of these common animals. 8-9 p.m.
  
• Aug 22 - Alabama War Dogs at Birmingham Public Library starting at noon.  Hear the oft forgotten story of War Dogs, also referred to as military working dogs. John O'Malley tells the story of war dogs, their training, and their jobs in the military. A special emphasis is given to the dogs that accompany our armed forces in harm's way with true stories about Alabama war dog handlers and their canines companions.
• Aug 25 - Muster on the Tallapoosa, Living History (Alexander City) - Aug 25, Alexander City 8th Annual "Muster on the Tallapoosa," Living History 256-234-7111. www.nps.gov/hobe. Free admission. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park—Various activities throughout the day, living history camps of the Creek and Cherokee Indians and the Tennessee Militia, and guest speakers who offer insight into the Creek Indian War. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sep. 29 - Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only, the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country.  Participants must present the Museum Day to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. The Museum Day Admission Card is valid for you plus one guest and is limited to one per household. You can click on this link to find  participating venues across the U.S.  Thanks very much to Berta for this information!

 

 

• Free Rosetta Stone - Rosetta Stone is an online language library that offers a powerful method for fast and effective language learning online.  This award-winning program uses recorded voices of native speakers and thousands of real life photographs to recreate the natural process of language learning.  There are 29 complete two-year language courses offered here for free!!! http://www.jclc.org/
• Storyline Online -This website is an online reading program featuring actors from the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.  Stories are read by actors such as  Elijah  Wood, Haley Duff, Amanda Bynes, Al Gore and many others.  http://www.storylineonline.net/