Discoveries Newsletter

1. Solving math problems:
    a. Use the board to complete troubling problems.  Your student can write larger and can erase easily.
        -> It feels more like "working it out" instead of trying to turn in a perfect paper with few erasures.

2. Vocabulary memorization/spelling words/Blue Book memorization:
    a. Try to write a few words.  Proof them.  Rewrite them.  Repeat.
    b. Write a list of words with their definitions or a clue to the definition, turn away from the board and say the ones that you can.  Turn and check.  Erase what was correct.  Continue with what remains.  Try to reproduce the list 10-15 minutes later.  Then, try to reproduce it a few hours later and the next day.

3. Writing:
    a. If your student is working on descriptive writing, ask him/her to draw a large matching sketch.  Then, write the sentences to describe the picture.
    b. Make flow charts on the board for a persuasive essay or paragraph.  Then, write sentences that describe the movement from one step to the other.
    c. Write an outline for a report (even a basic book report or a paragraph) and check off which parts have been completed.  Prewriting leads to much better writing and using the chalkboard is a great change of pace.
    d. Use the chalkboard for brainstorming for a topic:  start with a broad topic and narrow it down using arrows (Civil War -> Shiloh -> casualty comparison with other battles).

4. Science:
    a.  Draw diagrams and charts.  It can be easier to do things "big" and then transfer the information later.
    b. Draw a chart or diagram and then write sentences to explain the relatiohships. 

5. Bible Memory:
    a. Write the Bible verse on the board.  Read the verse aloud.
        -> Erase a word, words or a phrase and say it with the missing parts.
        -> Continue until the while verse has been erased.

6. Homework Questions:
    a. In the evening, write down questions that come up during the homework session.
        -> Write those questions on a note card.
        -> Bring the note cards to school to ask the next day.

Try it sometime!