Inspire Insider
Bringing families together, one newsletter at a time!
Monday, March 23, 2020
Quote of the Week
School News and Important Dates
Events Canceled
New Resource Site For All Parents
We worked together to create a resource site for our families and for parents who are now faced with homeschooling their children. Please share with anyone who you feel could benefit from the site!
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Inspiring Parents
Coming up the first Wednesday in April, Inspiring Parents will focus on basic computer literacy. Learn how to organize the deluge of info you receive so you can find it when you need it. We will share more tips to help you work smarter, not harder. Parents and students are welcome to learn with us on April 1st, from 1-2 p.m. by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/InspiringLink
Don’t worry If you missed the Inspiring Parents webcast earlier this month which focused on writing. The first hour, we learned a simple to follow method to teach writing. The second hour zeroed in on middle and high school writing curriculum and toured a free website featuring a growing number of writing tutorials to support all grade levels through high school. Just sign up to request the recording at either of the links below.
Easy to Use Elementary Writing Strategy
http://bit.ly/Elementary_Writing_Strategy_Recording_Sign_Up
Middle to High School Writing Strategies
http://bit.ly/Middle_HighSchool_Writing_help_Recording_SignUp
8th Grade High School Transition Information Sessions
Free Audible Books
Join Our Orange County Facebook Community
Please note: There are three questions that need to be answered in order to join. The group is for currently enrolled families only.
Special Education Parent Newsletter
This month's Parent Newsletter content includes:
- Understanding the Special Education Processes
- Homeschooling and State Testing
- Using Notebooks in Instruction
- Calming Strategies
Imaginology *CANCELED*
Following the directive from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, the OC Fair & Event Center has suspended all events. For this reason, Imaginology has been canceled.
You can read the full list of canceled events here.
If you missed the Bravewriter webcast
Julie Bogart, creator of BraveWriter shared techniques for how to incorporate writing across the curriculum and ways to make it fun.
If you missed the live webcast, click on this link http://bit.ly/BraveLearnerFreeResources to add your email address and receive Writing Across the Curriculum, Writer's Jungle and High School Writing Help, as well as the Brave Learner Companion Guide.
Parent Testing Resources Website
Academic Video Library
Instructions to access Academic Video Library can be found here.
Educational Tools
Curiosity Stream
We believe curiosity is the driving force that fuels our passion to learn, create, understand and explore!
Launched by media visionary John Hendricks, CuriosityStream is the award-winning destination for documentary series and features covering every topic from space exploration to adventure to the secret life of pets.
With thousands of titles, including exclusive originals, CuriosityStream delivers shows across the full spectrum of the non-fiction genre to demystify science, nature, history, technology, society, lifestyle and more.
Whether you want to explore Mars or travel back to ancient civilizations, CuriosityStream adds new binge-worthy films and series each week, empowering you to dive deep into your favorite subjects and explore new territory sure to entertain, enlighten and inspire.
Satisfy your thirst for knowledge anytime and anywhere with CuriosityStream, available to watch worldwide on all your screens.
Price: $2.99 per month/$19.99 per year
Homeschooling Advice
Self-Discovery Journal Prompts for Homeschool Moms and Dads
"“Why aren’t you in school?” asks the cashier, the person at the museum, or any adult who sees my nine-year-old with me out of the house on a school day.
My daughter’s answer, “I homeschool,” is always followed by questions, some directed to her, others to me. People want to know why we homeschool, what we like about it, and almost always end the conversation with, “I could never do that; I’m not patient enough.”
It’s true, patience is a good skill to have when you homeschool or parent, but I certainly don’t always have it. And while my answers about homeschooling are often the same—upbeat and encouraging, the truth is some days I don’t love homeschooling. Some days I doubt myself. Some days I, too, wonder why we homeschool.
We all get out of rhythm. During these times it’s helpful for me to reflect and process my feelings. Setting aside even ten minutes to mind-dump in my journal helps me remember my reasons to homeschool. At times I gain insights about myself and become get re-inspired as a result of this introspection.
Journaling helps me make sense of my thoughts. It clears my head and helps me find the truth of what I’m feeling or thinking, which can easily get lost if I’m feeling tired, anxious, or overwhelmed.
We can buy a great curriculum, set up an ideal schedule, have all our notebooks and pencils at the ready and still feel like something is off. Homeschooling asks a lot of us. It’s important to take time to process how we’re feeling and how things are going.
Journaling isn’t just for the times when things feel hard though. It can be a great way to jumpstart planning, prepare for the questions you get from strangers and your well-meaning relatives, and process all you're experiencing as a homeschool parent.
There is no wrong way to journal. Simply grab something to write with, find a quiet place, and begin."
Read the rest of the article here.
Your Orange County Team
Community and Connection
Facebook Page
Instagram Page
Orange County Parent Resource Site
Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison
Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison
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