Blogathon 2011 Is Done!

I did it! I blogged for the Blogathon 2011 challenge and successfully completed it! Today is the last blog entry of 31 throughout the month of May.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these blogs. I hope they have been educational, and I plan on bringing much more interesting educational links, news and items of interest in the future.

Happy reading - Happy blogging!

Memorial Day Pledge of Allegiance Red Skelton and John Wayne

For Memorial Day, I thought a couple pledges of allegiance were in order:







Happy Memorial Day! Even if you disagree with war, after all truly most people do not prefer war to peace - If you enjoy your freedoms, you might want to thank a member of the armed forces.

What is an Inference Graphic Organizer?

Teaching inference skills to children while reading is important. What are inference skills? Inference skills are when you use your cognitive reasoning to fill in information not given. Skills like these are as important as problem solving and decision making skills to propel a child into higher-order thinking.

Here is a mini lesson in teaching inferencing to children!

Ice sculpture projects in the summer

With the start of summer, if the heat gets to be too much, consider an ice sculpture experiment with the kids that can be done inside any time of year.

These ice sculpture ideas are fun! and educational for kids. If you like, you can even do a variation on the project and freeze juice which makes a colorful sculpture and a yummy treat.

Easy-To-Build Catapults Create Lessons In Physics

The science behind catapults is simple yet history shows the complexity of these contraptions. Here is an easy-to-build catapult that is safe and easy-to-use for even small children.

This is a great lesson in levers, projectory, springs, simple machines, aerodynamics and more. A trip to the playground where there is an old-fashioned see-saw can help bring the lesson home.

Is There Science Behind This Year's Deadly Tornado Season?

This year has proven to be a very deadly season for tornadoes. Is it worse than usual, or does it just seem that way? Has there ever been a year that has been this deadly in tornadoes? Most importantly, is there a reason for these strong tornadoes?

An article today found on Live Science explains the science behind these tornadoes.

How to make a sand dunes project

Science projects that are easy, fun and hands on can provide wonderful learning opportunities. I found this great sand dune experiment on e-How. The experiment is easy to do with minimal mess.

Sand Dunes For Kids - An Easy Project!

Graduation At Last!

Graduations: Preschool, elementary, high school and college! All are taking place across America during this time of year. What is graduation? It's simply a ceremony to honor an accomplishment.

Preschool graduation is cute and fun and perhaps a little silly. But, it sure makes adorable pics for the scrapbook. And, it also allows a nice bit of closure for parents longing to hold that little newborn in their arms once more but knowing the goal as a parent is to watch them grow and launch them into the world.

High School graduates tend to think they know it all. Though, many still have college years ahead to bring maturity and independence, high school graduates tend to have an independent spirit and are ready to bust out of the place that held them captive for 12-13 years. Yes, high school graduation is a milestone. But, the graduate has really just begun to learn about what life is really all about.

College grads - Now, it's time to give back and come into who you are. Your official education has come to an end and now it's time to find a job and start living and contributing to society. All your learning comes to a head and is now ready to put it into action. What have you learned?

Learn To Draw For Kids

If you have ever tried to draw and have little to no artistic skill, it can become frustrating rather quickly. There are many books and DVDs available to teach drawing, but sometimes you need something simple, basic, spelled out in a step by step manner.

Ed Emberley has a line of drawing books that are amazing for kids. They are step by step instructions that add the picture drawn plus each step that was added for each step. Many of the steps are simply drawing a letter, like an elephant's tail is added by drawing the letter 'S'. These books are really fun and inexpensive.

Lakeshore Learning Offers Free Learning

Lakeshore Learning is an online resource center that offers learning toys. Their toys look amazing. But, they also have online resources for teachers.

There are hands-on vocabulary boosters that teach word blends and other phonics.

You can make your own awards.

There are also fun projects for free. Today's project is Life Cycle Frog. All it takes is a paper plate, stapler and a few other craft materials.

What Makes A Good Teacher?

Does a college degree make for a better teacher? Is a college degree really even necessary in becoming a great teacher? Many college degrees can teach methods and more about education. But, a really good teacher is more than a college degree, even a degree from the best university. A really good teacher knows how to motivate. A really good teacher knows how to direct a student to research on their own to truly learn. A good teacher knows how to instill wisdom and a spark for wanting to know more. A good teacher is humble, not arrogant. A good teacher doesn't have to know everything but should know how to direct a student to find out what he or she needs to know.

Are you a good teacher?
Do you know a good teacher?
Have you had the privilege of sitting in a classroom directed by a good teacher? If so, than the teacher.

A good teacher is a prize!

Beatles' First US Concert Photo To Be Auctioned

Music is a very important aspect in learning. Studies have been conducted that show different forms of music, such as classical, can actually improve a child's math skills. It is thought that it somehow stimulates the part of the brain that processes mathematical equations. There is, of course, numerous genres of music available and not every form has necessarily proven beneficial to learning.

The Beatles came onto the United States' music scene in 1964. They may not stimulate mathematical processing in the brain, but they did change the way music was played throughout America. By today's standards, their original sound was really quite basic. Heavy on guitar sound, the group was a sensation.

In July, one of their photos from their first concert will be auctioned off through Christies. You can find out more about this auction, the photo and the photographer here.

Much like Elvis impersonators, many musical groups have taken on the sound and look of the Beatles throughout the years. One such group is called Ticket To The Beatles!

Six Flags Walk In The Park For Children's Miracle Network

According to statistics, one out of every five children have a minor chronic illness. Children's Miracle Network comes alongside families to help. Now, you can help a child in need.

Discovery Education is sponsoring A Walk In The Park - Donor Drive. How does it work? You walk for pledges. If you raise $50, you get a free Six Flags ticket. If you raise less, you still come away a winner for your participation and whatever funds you help to raise goes to help a child in need.



If you can't walk, you can sponsor a walker. Whatever you can do helps.

iPhone Space Shuttle Pics

When the Space Shuttle Endeavor took off carrying Congresswoman Giffords' husband on board, she was not the only American looking on with excitement. There was a passenger on an airplane going about her day and catching a needed flight. When the pilot announced that the Space Shuttle had taken off, she grabbed her iPhone and clicked. She captured pictures that went viral on the internet.

Whether it was the interesting angle, science in action or hope that made these pictures go viral; the fact is that they are being seen around the world. They also provide an interesting look into many different angles of learning. They make for an impromptu lesson on Science, Social Studies, Art or even lessons of hope. Following is an article that includes one of the pictures taken as well as a slideshow that shows 3 of the pictures taken that day as well as other professional pictures of the Space Shuttle Endeavor.

You can get a glimpse at the picture she took of Space Shuttle Endeavor taking off from her view in an airplane here!

And here's a slideshow of the pics!

Quiz: How Many Gas-Saving Tips Can You Name? Oil Expert Gives 15 Tips

Oil CEO, Chris Faulkner offers 15 tips for saving on gasoline this summer.  Can you name all 15 ways to save gas?  Answers are at the bottom of the blog with the 15-tip list from Chris Faulkner in its entirety.

1.  Three part question:  a) What days of the week are the best / b) What time of these days are the best for saving on gas prices and c) What days should you never purchase gasoline?

2.  True or False?  Running your engine wastes more gas then re-starting your engine.

3.  Is it better to buy gas during the cool of the day?

4.  How many pounds of weight in the vehicle does it take to eat up an extra mile per gallon of gas?

5.  How many more cents per gallon do conveniently-located gas stations charge?

6.  Should you choose full serve or self serve?  Credit card or cash?

7.  How many cents per gallon can you be overcharged if the attendant/pump mistakenly charges for credit card as opposed to cash payment?

8.  What are ways you can drive less?

9.  Where can you check for traffic and construction delays before you leave the house?

10.    When should you close your windows and run the air conditioning and when should you turn off the air conditioning and roll down the windows to save on gas?

11.  When traveling, what kind of car should you rent and what should you do before leaving the house?

12.  What octane can most cars run on to be most efficient?

13.  What are two helpful apps you can download to help get the best gas mileage and save on gas?

14.  What Website offers discount gas gift cards?

15.  How do gas credit cards save you money?


ANSWERS:

1. Fill up your tank on Wednesday or Thursday before 10 am. Gas prices rise on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend travel.  10 am is when most station owners make their price change for the day.  Unless it is an emergency, do not buy gas Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

2. Don't let your car idle, either when you warm it up or when you are at a standstill. If you're going to be standing for more than a minute, running your engine wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

3. Buy gas when it's cooler during the day (like the early morning or at night) to reduce gas evaporation.

4. Remove unnecessary items in your car. Every 250 extra pounds eats up an extra mile per gallon of gas.

5. Avoid the convenient gas station on the side of the highway as you drive home from work which can be up to $.15 more per gallon.

6. Save money with self-service and look for gas stations where paying cash costs the same as using a credit or debit card.

7. Double check the attendant and ensure, if you are paying by cash, that “cash” is noted on the pump.  You could lose $.05 a gallon if he mistakenly presses “credit.”

8. Drive less - combine errands, carpool, and plot out the shortest route with a driving website beforehand.  It may sound obvious but it is often overlooked.

9. Check for traffic and detours online or on the radio prior to beginning your drive to avoid wasteful backtracking and idling.

10. Keep your windows closed when driving on the highway. Open windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10%.  In stop-and-go traffic, open the windows and turn off the air conditioning to save more money.

11. Rent fuel-efficient cars when you travel and research reasonably priced places to buy gas before you leave.

12. Confirm with your mechanic what octane gasoline your car’s engine really needs.  Most car engines do not require high octane though the manual will say its "recommended."

13. Download a Gas App for your phone.  If you have a Smartphone, there are plenty of free apps that help you find the cheapest gas near your destination. GasBuddy makes it easy with its free app, and MapQuest has an online finder for gas prices.

14. Buy Discount Gas Gift Cards - Did you know you don't have to pay full price for a gift card? Sites like GiftCardGranny.com offer a diverse selection of discount gas gift cards from various card vendors.

15.  Be loyal to one gas company and get rewarded with it’s cash-back credit card reward program.

I'm A Little Pea and Other Cute Mishaps In Learning The ABCs

When my little girl was learning the alphabet, she would get to the portion that goes, "L-M-N-O-P" and instead proudly recite, "I'm a little pea!"  It would go like this:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-I'm a little pea!-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z!

It was so adorable that I chose to not correct it figuring it would correct itself eventually - and, it did!

Most kids make little mishaps like this in learning their letters.  Most kids eventually figure it out to say it correctly.  When I was little, I thought there were two "N's" in the alphabet because the song was sung:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M--N--O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-and-Z....That last "and" sounded to me like another "N."

Repetition is the best remedy.  When the child makes a mistake, it's best to just repeat it correctly after offering encouragement and not point out the mistake.  But, secretly, you might want to record the mishaps on video to look back on and smile.

Active vs. Passive Voice And Other Grammar Issues

Apparently, all my years I spent as a paralegal and typing legal documents has put me into the habit of typing in the passive voice.  Without even thinking, it is my tendency to naturally slip into passive voice.  I recently, however, came across a great Website that helps with not only this issue but other grammatical issues as well:

Active/Passive Voice And Other Grammar Issues!

I real through this and intend to read through it again and again until I fully understand.  Maybe it will help you too.

Does Social Networking Sites Like Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Belong In The Classroom?

Teaching a student to learn can be done in a number of ways.  There are different learning styles and different learning techniques.  But, when Social Media meets Teaching, what is appropriate.

This recent article talks about how teachers are using Social Media Sites!

Do you think using social media sites in the classroom is a step in the right direction or something that should be avoided?

With all the access to the internet and texting, it's amazing that any student ever takes learning seriously anymore.  It would be so easy and quite so tempting to just text in a Google question and fill in a test answer sheet with the findings.  Yes, many schools have a no-texting zone.  Some schools require students to deposit their electronic devices in a basket before entering the classroom.  But, is this really enforced?  My 14 year old neice showed me once how easy it is to text inside a sweatshirt hoodie front pocket without being noticed.  I'm sure this goes on every day unoticed in classrooms around the world.

What do you think?

New Study Shows Teacher Is Not The Reason For Good Grades

A new study is out that shows the way kids learn things that really stick may have a lot more to do with the teaching method than the teacher.

Here's the article that describes the findings!

It's very interesting yet not surprising to me.

A Haiku on Education

As part of the Blogathon 2011, Haiku day was yesterday.  I had other things to write about yesterday, so today I am writing my Haiku.  There are technically more than one form of Haiku poetry, but the basic Haiku is 3 lines of a poem that does not rhyme and has a 5 syllable 7 syllable 5 syllable pattern.  Following is my Haiku on Education:

Learning is basic

Won't you teach me how to learn

More than just rote facts

Top 25 Homeschool Blogs

Education comes in many forms.  When it comes to elementary education, there is public school, private school, charter schools, virtual school and home schools.  Circle of Moms is a Website that is hosting a contest to find the Top 25 homeschooling blogs.  You can vote to boost a wonderful homeschooling blog to make it within the top 25.

Teachable Scotts Tots is a blog of a homeschooling family.  It offers insights, journaling, lesson plans and what it's really like in the trenches of homeschooling.  Vote here!

Today is the last day to vote.  Voting closes at 5:00 PST.  

For Dummies Books Are Great Teaching Tools

I first ran across the series of books called "For Dummies" years ago and thought they were just a fun trend.  But, since that time the line of books has developed and published a book for just about anything you need to know.  There are For Dummies for computer programming languages and For Dummies for far simpler tasks.

The books lay out the information in a very humorous and understandable manner using cartoons and humor along with solid instruction.  Next time you need to learn something and it's just not clicking, you might want to check out a For Dummies book to make it clear.

And if you want, you can even design your own cover for dummies.  You pick the picture.  You pick the title.  You download and share how you like.  Have fun with the following link:

Design your own For Dummies Book Cover!

How many Mr. Men and Little Miss characters can you name on Roger Hargreaves' Birthday?

When I was younger and gone through some troubling times, I kept a little eraser with a picture of Mr. Strong on it.  It just was something I happened to find one day, it matched my car's interior, and it described how I felt I needed to be and how I should approach my troubles.

Whether my psychology was healthy or just immature youth, today, May 9, 2011, would have been the 76th birthday for Roger Hargreaves. Who is Roger Hargreaves? He was the creator of the Mr. Men an Little Miss Books. Apparently, his books started as an answer to his son's question as to what a tickle looked like.  His response was the first character of the line of books.  Google has created a Google Doodle in honor of the man. So, I thought it might be fun to conduct a little test. How many Mr. Men/Little Miss characters can you name?

There are 44 Mr. Men as follows:

1. Mr. Tickle
2. Mr. Greedy
3. Mr. Happy
4. Mr. Nosey
5. Mr. Sneeze
6. Mr. Bump
7. Mr. Snow
8. Mr. Messy
9. Mr. Topsy-Turvey
10. Mr. Silly
11. Mr. Uppity
12. Mr. Small
13. Mr. Daydream
14. Mr. Forgetful
15. Mr. Jelly
16. Mr. Noisy
17. Mr. Lazy
18. Mr. Funny
19. Mr. Mean
20. Mr. Chatterbox
21. Mr. Fussy
22. Mr. Bounce
23. Mr. Muddle
24. Mr. Dizzy
25. Mr. Impossible
26. Mr. Strong
27. Mr. Grumpy
28. Mr. Clumsy
29. Mr. Quiet
30. Mr. Rush
31. Mr. Tall
32. Mr. Worry
33. Mr. Nonsense
34. Mr. Wrong
35. Mr. Skinny
36. Mr. Micheif
37. Mr. Clever
38. Mr. Busy
39. Mr. Slow
40. Mr. Brave
41. Mr. Grumble
42. Mr. Perfect
43. Mr. Cheerful
44. Mr. Guilty

And, The Little Miss are:

1. Little Miss Bossy
2. Little Miss Brainy
3. Little Miss Busy
4. Little Miss Chatterbox
5. Little Miss Contrary
6. Little Miss Curious
7. Little Miss Dotty
8. Little Miss Pickles
9. Little Miss Fun
10. Little Miss Giggle
11. Little Miss Greedy
12. Little Miss Helpful
13. Little Miss Late
14. Little Miss Lucky
15. Little Miss Magic
16. Little Miss Naughty
17. Little Miss Quick
18. Little Miss Neat
19. Little Miss Sunshine
20. Little Miss Stubborn
21. Little Miss Quick
22. Little Miss Splendid
23. Little Miss Somersault
24. Little Miss Shy
25. Little Miss Scatterbrain
26. Little Miss Wise
27. Little Miss Twiins
28. Little Miss Trouble
29. Little Miss Neat
30. Little Miss Star
31. Little Miss Tiny
32. Little Miss Flirty

A Vocabulary List For Mommyjavascript:void(0)

When I had my first child, I was insistent upon using adult vocabulary and not turning words into baby talk. But, no matter my best efforts, there are just some words that crept in - some because it was an easy way to refer to something and others were brought about by the child. Following are some vocabulary words for mothers:

Da-Da - After spending months trying to get your child to say his or her first word, this is the word they say. We are told, whether it's factual or just to comfort the mom, that the "D" is, in fact, an easier sound to form than the "M" to instead say, "Mama!"

boo boo - An injury that usually is easily fixed with only a mommy's kiss.

potty - This is the place previously known by other terms such as bathroom, toilet, etc. From the moment your child shows an interest in using it, it will henceforth be referred to as "potty."

Deer-It-Is! - Yours may come with a different name entirely, but this is how my youngest referred to nursing. In fact, I believe it was technically her first 3-word sentence. When she wanted to nurse, she would lift my shirt and announce Deer-It-Is (There It Is)!

Binky - Again, yours may come with a different name entirely, but this is commonly how a pacifier is referred.

Nye-Nye - This is a way to say goodnight. Ni-ni baby!

Ah-Boo! - This comes about as a form of entertaining the child in a game of Peek-A-Boo. It is oftened shorted to just, Ah-Boo! out of necessity to get to the point of play quickly.

Bye-Bye - From the moment you become a parent of an infant who is learning to speak, you will find yourself never saying "Goodbye" or even "Bye" again. It will always be accompanied with the second "Bye!"

Giksimik - OK, I threw this one in on a personal note. When my son was little, he had a little Farm toy that made sound when touching appropriate picture. One day, my husband decided to write down what my son called these pictures and tape the word beneath the picture. He said "cow" "dog," etc correctly enough for a beginner. But, then he came to the farmer and he would refer to it as "Giksimik." We found it funny but thought nothing more about it till one day this year (my son is now 10) I found that toy and hit the button to discover when you hit the farmer button, it did not make a sound like the cow mooing or the dog barking. Rather, it played music. It took me 10 years, but I believe my son was trying to say "Music" and it came out as "Giksimik."

You have your child's cute mixed-up pronunciations too. Write them down so as never to forget these unforgettable precious moments. In the meantime, enjoy your new-found mom vocabulary.

Einstein's Mother And A Complete History Of Mother's Day

When you're observing your child learn, do you ever wonder what mothers of famous men and women did or did not do to help spur their offspring onto academic and intellectual success. Often, I think I wish I could spend afternoon tea with Einstein's mother or Thomas Edison's mother just to get some tips.

What is Mother's Day? The history can be found here. This is a complete history including Mother's Day from around the world and spiritual conceptions of Mother's Day, gods, goddesses, etc. It also includes the American version which was started by a woman named Julia Ward Howe.

Julia Ward Howe set out to bring honor to the job of being a mother. This song is a sweet tribute to mothers:

B2B Marketplace Vocabulary Word of the Day in Honor of ECPlaza 15th Anniversary

What is a B2B Marketplace? This is a great vocabulary word for the day. In fact, everyday vocabulary words that are tossed about can actually spur on questions as to what they actually mean. As adults, you may fear asking someone for a clarification of a term you feel you should know. But, if you are around children for very long, they show their curiosity to learn constantly and are not afraid to ask what you mean.

There is a really cool B2B Marketplace that is worldwide and is celebrating their 15th Anniversary this year! Find out who it is here! Once you read the blog post, visit the company's site and then come back to catch the links to their Social Networking sites. Visit them on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook or Linked In - Or all of the above - and wish them a Happy 15th Anniversary!

Now, onto what B2B actually means. B2B stands for Business-To-Business. The World English dictionary describes it like this:

B2C Compare B2E business-to-business; denoting trade between commercial organizations rather than between businesses and private customers

Happy Cinco De Mayo lesson plans

May 5 is, as the name implies, Cinco De Mayo. Like any holiday, even if you are not of hispanic/Latino/Mexican decent, you can learn a lot about history and culture through the celebration of a holiday like this.

There's lots of traditions. There are confetti eggs that are used by blowing out the yolk and filling with confetti. There are pinatas filled with candy and treats. There is salsa and chips and Mexican food. There is even a way to make a Mexican flag out of veggies for the health-lovers.

Here's some links to some great online learning:

Cinco De Mayo

Frugal Salsa Recipes and Veggie Flag of Mexico

It's time to drop some love in May

Hey guys! The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $6,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, the Kahlen family, who had been going through a financially hard time due to the economy (and whose daughter is currently battling Tuberous Sclerosis). They focused on their love of spending time together, and brought them over 8 pairs of tickets to a whole bunch of local events. It was awesome, and you can watch how it all went down here.

This month they rally behind the Stalnakers - a family who, along with thousands of others along the gulf coast, are still reeling from the effects of the BP oil spill. Our goal is to get them a reliable used car this month as their previous two have died, and it's getting harder and harder for them to manage w/ the one they're currently borrowing. They've been giving back to their community since they moved in, and now it's time for US to help them!

Want to help? Here are three ways you can participate:

1. Help them get a car! - Our #1 goal is to give them a reliable used car in decent working order. If you have any leads, discounts, or connections in this area, please email Love Drop and let them know.
2. Give $1.00 - This money will help get them back on their feet, and relieve some financial burden. Every dollar counts!
3. Give a gift or service - Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Wal-mart, restaurants, etc would definitely help them out. Services too - especially those you can offer yourselves, or from your company.

Thanks everyone! We'll let you know how it goes!

My 5 favorite books on writing

As part of the WordCount Blogathon 2011, there is a theme day. Today's theme is "My 5 favorite books on writing." What are my 5 favorite books on writing? I'm not sure I can recommend just five. Once excellent resource for children to learn writing is the Writing Srands books. They make writing fun with thought-provoking assignments.

In addition to this, a friend who is also a writer published this blog entry on Goodblogs:

For Those Of Us Who Never Took A College Writing Class - And Those Of Us Who Have!

The post has some excellent links to great writing advice. And, if you like her post, give her a vote for a Good Blog. Just click on the up arrow in the upper left corner of the blog. First, you have to be logged in as a member of Goodblogs, but this is fast and easy with just an entry of your email and a password to use on the site.

National Teacher's Day for Teacher Appreciation May 3

May 3 is National Teacher's Day. This is the day when all teachers across America are celebrated for their job well done. If you know a teacher who spurred you on in life or encouraged you to push the limits to expand your knowledge, thank him or her today!

The National Education Association explains more about National Teacher's Day!

Teachers come in all shapes, sizes, education levels and styles. There are teachers of pre-schoolers, college professors, homeschool teachers many who were classroom teachers prior to educating their own children at home, high school and junior high teachers and more. There are dance teachers, gymnastic teachers, tutors who go beyond the classroom setting to add a special twist needed to get a student beyond the perplexed, questioning and onto understanding. Parenting also involves a great deal of teaching skill as does mentoring someone in any field.

If you are a teacher, the kudos and congratulations to you! The world needs good teachers. And, to thank you for being a good teacher, many businesses are offering special savings or giveaways this week during National Teacher Appreciation Week which ends Friday. Boookstores are quick to give a teacher a decent discount. But, check with other stores and businesses in your area to see who else wants to thank you for being a teacher. It might surprise you from where some of these accolades come.

If you are studying to become a teacher one day. Way to go! Keep up the good work.

History Right Before Our Eyes: Bin Laden Is Dead!

This is history right before our eyes. The news came early Monday morning that Bin Laden is dead. After almost 10 years since the World Trade Towers attack on 9-11 of 2001, Bin Laden was found in a compound in Pakistan. He was killed by gun fire by United States Navy Seals and then buried at sea so as not to take the chance of having a shrine erected for the man known to be the leader of the Muslim terrorist group, Al Qaeda.

How did Americans respond? By dancing in the streets. College students and other Americans traveled for hours to dance in triumph at the very spot of terror almost 10 years ago.

It may not be written in the history books yet. But, it will be. We are living and watching history!

VARK and VAK Learning Styles Explained

If you've been around education or learning/teaching for any amount of time, you've no doubt heard of learning styles. This is the idea that a child, or an adult, learns better when presented his or her individual learning style. The learning styles are have a 3 or 4 letter acronym as follows:

V - Visual

A - Auditory

K - Kinesthetic

Or

V - Visual

A - Auditory

R - wRiting or (Reading)

K - Kinesthetic

A visual learner, as the name implied, learns best when presented material to learn in visual form such as pictures, charts, graphs, etc.

An Auditory learner retains information best when presented through hearing. This might include reciting poems or memorizations in sing-song fashions.

A Kinesthetic learner is one who learns best while in motion.

The VARK style adds an additional learning style of learning through wRiting or Reading.

This is not to say that a person cannot learn while using another style. But, when learning using his or her particular learning style, they learn faster and with ease.

WordCount Blogathon

I'm not sure what I have done. But, I registered not one, but 2 blogs to take part in the WordCount Blogathon 2011. It will be my first year. And, this is officially my first entry since it is after midnight on May 1 now. I love to write, and love to connect with other bloggers. The purpose of my starting this particular blog was to share educational ideas. I hope I can successfully do that. In addition to this, I have written a children's book that I may present soon. And, my son has written a book which impresses his dear old mom. He is now working on his 2nd, and he is only 10. Perhaps I will reveal that as well. I wonder where this blogathon will take me. But, one thing can be certain, I will be writing my fingers off throughout the month of may with this WordCount Blogathon 2011. I hope it is enjoyable to read!