Hands on at Home
Silence may be golden, but not necessarily when learning is taking place. A study showed, not surprisingly, that hands-on activities increased students' learning from pre-test to post-test (Gardner). Erik Jensen has done extensive research on how the brain learns, finding that activity, whether in music, art, or physical education, actually enhances the brain to learn academics more successfully. Making a little racquet might just be what the brain ordered.
Home schooling generally allows more opportunities for hands-on activities, since the number of students is smaller, not as many resources are needed, and schedules are most likely not dictating movement. Therefore, let's look at some great ways you can move those homeschoolers to the beat of education.
Writing*
Students' writing can often be a dull story or essay that is told. The key is to teach students to show the reader, rather than tell, taking the reader on the experience with the writer. In order to do this, however, a student must learn to express emotions and senses in his work. Here are some hands on activities I use to accomplish this.
+How to teach students to write about the sense of taste.
Buy and prepare several different foods with different textures and flavors. (I chose blue cheese, red pasta sauce, chocolate pudding, raspberries, and oatmeal.)
For each child, spoon a small portion of each food into a small cup. Give him a separate spoon for each cup. Give the foods one at a time to the child.
Ask the child, "What does the food look like?" (You may want to give the child vocabulary such as messy, disgusting, sloppy, smooth, lumpy, etc.)
Have the child smell the food. Ask the child, "What does it smell like? (Have a sheet with the type of foods and the questions under each type.) [You may want to provide the child with vocabulary such as stinky, disgusting, smoky, sweet, sour, etc.]
Have the child take a bite of the food but not swallow quickly. Ask the child, "What did it feel like on your tongue or in your mouth?" (You may want to provide the child with vocabulary such as rough, gooey, sticky, moist, slippery, slimy, etc.)
Ask the child, "What sound did it make in your mouth or when you swallowed it?" (You may want to provide the child with vocabulary such as squish, gulp, slurp, etc.)
Ask the child, "What did the taste remind you of?"
Repeat the steps above for each food.
Have the child use the new sense of taste words in his writing.
+How to teach students to write about the sense of sound.
Obtain various CDs of different types of music.
Play a segment of one type of music without giving any information as to who the artist is or the name of the song.
Ask the child, "What does the music sound like?" (Some answers I received were "wind chimes and flutes, violins, Mexico, a forest in the summer, a tango, slow then fast, and drums.")
Ask the child, "What kind of movie scene might have this music?" (I received the answers of "one in which people are in a forest looking for each other, a movie set in Mexico, people at a party dancing, one in which people must leave each other, a Christmas scene, and a ballroom dancing scene.")
Ask the child, "What does the music feel like?" (Some answers I received were "light, relaxing, peaceful, and it makes me feel like I am walking.")
Ask the child, "What colors do you imagine when you hear the music?" (Some answers I received were "pink, neon green, baby blue, navy blue, purple, and black.")
Ask the child, "What images do you see in your mind when you hear the music?" (Some answers I received were "horses galloping with wind chimes attached to them, the ocean, people walking around Mexico City while talking, a person on a front porch playing a guitar, and butterflies.")
Repeat the above steps for several segments of music.
Use the exercise in writing a story to make his paper appeal to the reader's sense of sound.
+How to teach students to write about the sense of sight through color.
Obtain a package of 96 Crayola Crayons. It will contain many unusual colors such as Tumbleweed, Melon, Hot Magenta, Big Dip O'Ruby, Granny Smith Apple, Vivid Tangerine, Pacific Blue, Orchid, Cyber Grape, Bitter Sweet, and a great many others.
Have the child color the shade softly on the paper. (Have a small box, to color in on a sheet, above each set of questions.)
Ask the child, "What is the name on the crayon?"
Ask the child to make a sentence with the name on the crayon.
Ask the child, "What are three things the color reminds you of?" (For turquoise blue, I received the answers such as "the sky on a sunny, cloudless day and my blue eyes." For violet red, I received the answers such as "flowers and red cheeks.")
Ask the child, "What are three things you would like to see made this color?" (For the color tumbleweed, I received answers such as "a forest, park, and building." For lazer lemon, I received answers such as "lemonade, socks, and sponge.")
Ask the child, "What are five words you would use to describe this color?" (For the color green yellow, I received answers such as "light, fluffy, soft, and cool." For atomic tangerine, I received answers such as "bright, warm, wild, and crazy.")
Ask the child, "If you had to name this color, what name would you give it?" (Cannot be the name already on the crayon.) [For the color hot magenta, I received the answer "Electric." For the color scarlet, I received the answer "Anger."]
Have the child use the color words he came up with in a story.
+How to teach students to write about the sense of smell.
Obtain scratch and sniff stickers.
Without telling the child the original name on the package, such as honey, have him scratch and sniff it.
Ask the child, "What does it smell like?"
Ask the child to name two things that you might smell like this.
Talk over the answers; don't censor what others perceive.
Have the child incorporate his ideas of smell into a story.
+How to teach students to write about the sense of touch.
Obtain several different textures, such as plastic, velvet, wood, and sandpaper.
Have child take a textured piece in his hand.
Ask the child, "What two things would you like to see made of this item?"
Ask the child, "What are two things the item reminds you of?"
Ask the child, "What sound does the item make when you rub it or press it?"
Ask the child, "What does the item smell like?"
Have him write a story using the sensory information he came up with, making the story come alive.
+Have a student make a writing model in order for him to understand organization in writing.
Use Styrofoam, pipe cleaners, or other handy materials.
You will need two triangles and three squares, any size you wish to make them.
A triangle goes at the top and bottom with the three squares in the middle, such as this:
*
- - -
*
Have the student join the sections with pipe cleaners.
Students should label the top triangle, Introduction/Thesis.
Students should label the bottom triangle, Conclusion/Reworded Thesis.
The three squares should be labeled Body Paragraphs/Topic Sentences.
The pipe cleaners should be labeled Transition Words.
+Have students cut from newspapers examples of items that make writing more interesting, such as the items below:
Personification
Play on Words
Hyperbole
Oxymoron
Humor
Dynamic Verbs
Appealing Adjectives
Similes
Metaphors
Paradox
Irony
Idioms
For hands on activities to inspire creative writing, such as gumdrop creation and tissue paper creation, go to http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1427672
History*
+Many community service activities are around in which students can learn good citizenship. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or look in your local newspaper for ideas. Here are some for the month of February:
Create or buy a calendar. Add the dates, below. Choose which activities you and your child will do. Explain the significance of the chosen days to your child. Make the activities special, memorable, fun, and motivating.
February 2nd, Groundhog Day. Help your child gather blankets and coats from neighbors and friends that no longer need them, and take them to a shelter where they can be distributed to the homeless or needy.
February 2nd, National Change your Windshield Wipers Day. Help your child clean the windshields for the family's car(s).
February 3rd, Patient Recognition Day. Help your child make cheery cards, attaching a small flower with a ribbon on it. Deliver the cards to a nurse's desk at a hospital to be distributed to patients.
February 7th, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Help your child do chores at home to earn change. Donate it to AIDS awareness by looking online for the address to send it to.
February 8th, Boy Scout Day. If your child is old enough, help him earn one of his service badges. If the child is not yet of age, help him visit a scouting event of an older sibling, relative, or friend, and find out what they do at their events, to help others.
February 12th, Help your child make a small book about Lincoln's honesty to read to a younger child. If he is too young to read, help him make a picture book to tell to a younger child.
February 14th, St. Valentine's Day. Help your child make a Valentine for someone who usually does not receive any attention on Valentine's Day. You could also help him make cupcakes or cookies for them.
February 17th, National Public Science Day. Help your child invite someone who is often alone to go to a science museum with you, and learn how we can better take care of our world.
February 17th, Random Acts of Kindness Day. Help your child pick out a basket of apples at the grocery store. Go with your child to deliver them to neighbors or friends that live nearby. You can purchase a basket at a dollar store, generally.
Help your child pick out a book at the bookstore or library about Washington's story of the cherry tree. Help your child read the book (or tell it if younger) to a younger child.
February 24th, Carnival, Mardi Gras. Help your child plan a small party at your home. Invite at least one child who does not often get asked to parties or special events.
+Have your child cut out examples of facts and opinions, from newspapers.
For hands on activities dealing with the American Presidency, go to http://americanhistory.si.edu/PRESIDENCY/5a2b.html
Fo r hands on activities to find out about Ancient Egypt, try http://www.learning-connections.co.uk/curric/cur_pri /egypt/hands.html
For hands on activities about Colonial America, including making Colonial toys and making a Colonial quilt, check out http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Class/est572/joreste/
Scienc e*
+Visit interactive science museums in your area.
+Take a hike on a nature trail, taking material to identify, trees, flowers, prints, or rocks.
+Visit the zoo, and take time to read the signs on the exhibits.
For hands on science activities such as making your own telescope and rain stick, visit http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/handson.html
For hands on science activities such as creating a portable cloud and making fog in a jar, visit http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/activities.html
For hands on activities for the science of sound, such as making sound with nails, and experiencing vibrations through wood and metal, go to http://www.smm.org/sound/nocss/activity/handson.htm
F or hands on activities such as auditing your water use, go to http://www.und.edu/instruct/eng/fkarner/pages/hands. htm
For hands on activities including Astro origami sunrays and creating a planet, go to http://unawe.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=8&id=119&Itemid=136
For hands on activities including using bubbles to explore membranes and demonstrating a handmade filtration system, go to http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=%22hands -on+activities%22&rating=3
For hands on astronomy activities for kids, go to http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/index.html
Fo r hands on activities such as making a paper space helmet, go to http://lunar.arc.nasa.gov/education/activities/activ e22a.htm
For hands on physics with real world application, try http://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm? ID=3651
For fall/winter hands on activities, go to http://www.amonco.org/montessori_winter_handson.html
For nature hands on activities such as snake and eagle spotting, try http://www.bbc.co.uk/handsonnature/rambling/activiti es.shtml
For hands on biology activities, including a Cellular Respiration in Yeast lab, go to http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/waldron/listin g
For AP biology hands on activities, go to http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/course s/teachers_corner/2240.html
For hands on activities in elementary science try http://www.bjupress.com/distance_learning/bjhomesat/ workshop_handouts/pdfs/hands_on_science_marilyn_elme r.pdf
Reading*
+Act out plays from literature.
+Create a peek box or diorama to depict scenes from a story.
For hands on alphabetizing activities, check out http://happytobeathome.net/hands-on-abc-order-activi ties-no-worksheets-or-dictionaries-allowed/
For hands on activities including Letter Recognition Hopscotch and Word Recognition Tag, check out http://www.fastennetwork.org/FileUploads/Hands_On_Ac tivities.pdf
For hands on activities for each letter, go to http://www.thepotters.com/ltrain/activities.html
Gram mar*
+Make word strips to put together to show the correct choice for sentences.
+Cut out examples of parts of speech from the newspaper or from magazines, and make a poster.
Music*
+Teach your child to play an instrument, if you know how, or take him for lessons.
+Join with other homeschool families to form a band.
+Obtain simple sound makers such as symbols, wood blocks, tambourines, etc., and have a marching band.
Art*
+Keep a variety of art supplies on hand, to address your child's creativity.
+Teach your child sewing art, such as embroidery.
For hands on environmental art activities, try http://www.face-online.org.uk/index.php?option=com_c ontent&task=view&id=1378&Itemid=850
For pre-school and kindergarten hands on activities, including a daily art activity, check out http://www.childcareland.com/
Geography*
+Take trips with your child to explore the world or the neighborhood. Let him navigate with a map.
+Play the game of RISK.
+Prepare foods from different countries.
+Create art work from different countries.
+Sew costumes from different countries.
+Attend festivals of different countries.
+Play games from around the world.
For hands on activities to learn about Polynesian culture, such as coconut husking and Haka dance, go to http://www.polynesia.com/hands-on-activities/
For hands on activities on bridging differences, check out http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/Bridging-Differences/ 2008/10/dear_diane_im_sitting_here.html
Math*
+Create scale drawings.
+Fold papers into geometric shapes.
+Look for different geometric shapes in your environment.
+Learn to use an abacus.
+Measure real world items in our system and in the metric system.
For hands on math activities such as making a drag racing board where players solve for remainders, and creating an egg carton game where numbers are multiplied, go to http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/RR/database/RR.09.99/s awatzky1/
For hands on math activities dealing with geometry through art, go to http://mathforum.org/~sarah/shapiro/shapiro.handson. html
For real time, online, hands on, activities dealing with statistics, go to http://stat.cst.cmich.edu/statact/
To find the mean using hands on activities, go to http://teachers.net/lessonplans/posts/129.html
For hands on math activities from kindergarten through eighth grade, go to http://www.aaastudy.com/handsonk.htm
To find instructional activities in which students actively work with and manipulate materials and objects in order to study a concept or solve problems, go to http://www.learnnc.org/reference/hands-on%20activiti es
For hands on activities in math with blocks, check out http://naturalmaths.com.au/blocks.htm
For Preschool hands on measurement activities, go to http://www.education.com/activity/article/ruler_pres chool/
For hands on estimation and shapes activities, go to http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2c 3850fb289bae8431bd
Hands on activities to help teach fractions can be found at http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/a rticle/5512-hands-on-activities-help-teach-fractions
Technology*
+Create PowerPoint Presentations.
+Create Excel Spreadsheets.
For hands on technology programs, using inexpensive materials, go to http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/
Health, Physical Education and Athletics*
+Take a trip to the grocery store, and read labels.
+Participate with other homeschool students to make a team.
+Join a community team.
+Join a gymnastics center.
+Join the YMCA.
Hands on physical education activities can be found at http://www.coreknowledge.org/CK/resrcs/lessons/Speci al.htm
Hands on activities on nutrition can be found at http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/educators/lesso ns-main.asp
Field Trips*
+Take an interdisciplinary trip to a place that enriches and expands something taught.
+Join other homeschool students for a collaborative field trip.
^Hands on activities for English Language Learners can be found at http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/13352
^Hands on activities for children with Learning Disabilities can be found at http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instruction almaterials/a/mksblrngfun.htm
^Hands on activities for children with Learning Disabilities and ADHD can be found at http://www.ldonline.org/index.php
^Hands on activities for children with Special Needs, including Autism, can be found at http://www.hot-ideas.org/
^Hands on activities for children Gifted/Talented children can be found at http://www.coreknowledge.org/CK/resrcs/lessons/Speci al.htm
Children make use of long term memory when their senses are engaged. By having them touch, smell, hear, see, and taste; one is more likely to fully teach and the other to fully learn. Make your home and environment a place of exploration; the world is waiting, and so is your child.