Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville offers Free Homeschool Programs!

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville has some exciting Free programs for Homeschoolers and their families!  I'm not going to say anymore since the details are in the flyer above :)

Book Adventure Reading Program for Homeschool

We recently pulled my youngest daughter out from public school to homeschool again.  One of the things she enjoyed that was also helping her to keep track of the books she was reading and keep her motivated to read more everyday was the Accelerated Reader program by Renaissance.  The program helped her to pick out books and also has a 5 question quiz they could take to earn points that her teacher would reward her for.

Unfortunately the Renaissance company does not sell to homeschoolers and her school would not let her keep the account.  So I was determined to find something similar that was available to homeschoolers.

Book Adventure by Sylvan is very similar and it's FREE!  The other great thing about it is the kids earn points when they score a certain percentage on their quizes and use them in an online store to "buy" things like temporary tatoos, chocolate and other small prizes.  There are also contests that you can join or create for your homeschooler.

Additionally, you can create book lists to print out and take with you to the library.  This is helpful because not every book in the library will be in the Book Adventure system.

To check out Book Adventure go to bookadventure.com.

Happy Reading!
 

Quantum Kickoff: 4-H Science Experience

On September 8th from 10am-1pm, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension will be holding a "Quantum Kickoff: 4-H Science Experience" with workshops, demonstrations by the Orlando Science Center, giveaways, a silent auction and information booths about the wide variety of 4-H clubs.  This event is FREE!  Homeschool groups can also get information on how to start their own 4H Club.

The UF Extension is located on 6021 S Conway Rd., Orlando. For more information about 4-H you can go to the Florida 4-H website.

FREE Learn to Row Week at North Orlando Rowing

August 20th-25th North Orlando Rowing Club will offer a FREE Rowing Clinic from 4:00pm - 6:30pm at Lake Fairview Park for 8th to 12th graders.  Look for the Orlando Rowing Club Boathouse inside the park.  For more information you can go to http://www.row-nor.com/

Misty Forest starts NEW Homeschool Option for Teens

Misty Forest Academy in downtown Orlando will be offering a NEW homeschool program for High School age teens starting this fall.  Here's how the program will work:

• Each student will work on their own subjects and lessons at their own level.
• Parents purchase and provide curriculum which their child will use throughout the year in the four main academic areas: Math, Science, English and History/Social Studies. Curriculum must be designed to be self-directed, self taught and secular. Currently, all of our families have chosen "Oak Meadow" for many of the subjects for this purpose.
• Each student will be give an individualized "program" and schedule each Monday which outlines all of their lessons and work that needs to be completed in their curriculum for every day of the week. They will receive this on Monday.
• Teens will work through and complete each of their assignments at Misty Forest, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00-2:30pm. They will each have their own space to work that best helps them concentrate and be successful. Some will need desks, some a quiet corner on pillows, some might need to sit next to the teacher the entire time to stay on task and feel supported. Whatever they need to best succeed, will be available.
• Ms. Nancy, their "teacher", will be present and available to answer any questions that the students have about their assignments and direct them to the best place via Internet or elsewhere for further support and information. Her role is to be of support and encouragement when needed, and to make sure that each is staying on track with their own individual program and goals for the week.
• The group will have lunch together each day as well as specific "group" classes, activities and discussions. There will be many opportunities for socializing, bonding and becoming involved in community throughout the week.
• Each student will have 3 days of "in school" days each week. Thursday and Friday they will work at home to complete any unfinished assignments or be able to participate in various fun field trips and events planned for the group on Fridays if their work is finished.
• Ms. Nancy will grade and provide feedback to each student throughout the week according to the teacher manual provided for each course.
• Parents will receive a copy of their child's individual program, assignments and grades each week.
• All records and transcripts for the year will be kept and provided to each parent at the end of the school year.
• A teacher that specializes in High School Math and Science will also be there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons to provide additional support and instruction in those areas.
• The weekly fee for this unique program with full teacher support, individualized lesson plans, face- to-face teacher/student interaction with two highly qualified teachers, grading, record-keeping, transcripts and more for only $95 per week.
• The intention of this program is to create a community and environment for homeschooled teens that makes them feel a sense of belonging, connection, love of learning, accomplishment and success.
• Scholarships and bartering opportunities are available.

Currently they have 5 teens, 9th through 12th grade, that have enrolled, purchased their curriculum and are ready to start their new school year together this September 4th. If you think you'd like to explore this opportunity and path for your child and family, you can contact the program Director, Chimene Hurst, directly at 407-760-2960.

Summer Sewing Camp and Upcycling Classes!

The Sewing Studio offers week long summer sewing camp for kids ages 10+ every summer.  This summer they will offer classes on quilting, hand sewing, embellishing and embroidery.  The first camp starts the week of July 9th and the cost is $150.

They are also offering single day afternoon classes for $20 called "Upcycling".  Classes include "Turning Jeans Into a Purse", "Turn your long sleeve blouse into a Cuff Bracelet", and "Turn your Shorts or Pants Pockets into a Wall Organizer".

To view the complete schedule go to The Sewing Studio.

Free eBook- Summer on the Cheap

You can get a FREE ebook titled "Summer on the Cheap" with a list of free summer activities in the Central Florida area by submitting your email at Motherhood-University.  Regina Knabe is a mom of 4 and a home educator.   She also teaches various workshops on couponing and home organizing to Central Florida residents.  She can be contacted at motherhoodu@gmail.com.

OSC and Walmart offer $5 Admission Saturday April 15th

This Saturday, April 15th, homeschoolers and everyone else can enjoy a full day at the Orlando Science Center for just $5!

Young Entrepreneur Boot Camp 2012

This spring Circle Christian School will offer the "Lemonade to Leadership" (L2L) 10-week Young Entrepreneur class.  The program gives students grades 4-7 with an entrepreneur’s spirit, an opportunity to investigate the basics of business and launch their own business by the end of the program.

As students progress through the ten-week program they will:

• Conduct real world business research
• Understand business terms
• Explore different business types
• Work through a business plan, including business cards, flyers or brochures, product packaging
• Develop a marketing plan
• Learn to manage business finances
• Improve leadership, teamwork and communication skills
• Talk with local business owners

The program concludes with students launching their own business at the Young Entrepreneur Business Expo on May 16, 2012.

Students are expected to do 30-60 minutes of work outside of class each week in the form of gathering information for their work book questions, market research, or product development.  They must also participate in the launching of their business on May 16th where they will make a brief presentation about their business and a tri-fold brochure advertising their product or service.  The students will also have available flyers or brochures, business cards and products to sell, if applicable.

Opportunity to Continue
Once students have completed the Boot Camp program, alumni are invited to participate in the Entrepreneur Club, which meets on the third Thursday of each month.  During the year the students have opportunities to market and sell their product/service at public events, meet with business leaders in the community, grow or launch a new business, and participate in the Christmas Market. 
Fees and Meeting Dates:

• $50.00 Registration Fee due upon registration
• $150.00 Participation Fee (two monthly payments)
• Meets once a week on Wednesdays, 3:00-5:00pm at Calvary Assembly, March 7 through May 16.
• Final meeting and Marketplace on Tuesday, May 16.

How to Register:
Download a registration form from the Circle Christian website.  For more information, contact Tracy Post, L2L Business Coach.

If your child/children are unable to participate due to a schedule conflict you can purchase the Lemonade to Leadership Curriculum at the Excellence in Writing website.

FPEA Homeschool Convention Features NEW Entreprenuerial Track in 2012!

The Florida Parent Educators Convention will again be held the last weekend in May (the 24-27th) at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, FL.  The event is a great resource for new homeschooling parents who want to investigate the various homeschool curriculums in real time as well as get great information from speakers on a variety of topics.  There will be more than 120 lectures and workshops including a NEW Entreprenuerial Track for kids interested in starting their own business.

The Entrepreneurial Track will be on Thursday May 24th from 9am-5:30pm. Nathan Jarewicz, owner of Real World Prep, and his team will teach youth interested in starting or building their own businesses. The cost to attend this event will be $25 and will include lunch. The deadline to sign up is May 1. Convention registration is required to register for the Entrepreneurial Track.

Here is the schedule:

9:00-10:00     The Characteristics of an Ethical Entrepreneur
10:00-11:00   Panel Discussion - The Young Guns Under 30 Discuss their 7 Figure Business and How They Got There
11:00-12:00  The Most Important Skill to Develop that Schools and Colleges Don't Teach by Nathan Jurewicz
12:00-1:00  Lunch
1:00-2:00   Affiliate Marketing 1012pm to 3pm Video Marketing 101
2:00-3:30   Break
3:30-4:30   Social Media Marketing 101
4:30-5:30   How to Make Money on E-Bay

For more information and to register for the conference, go to the FPEA Convention website.

Homeschool Pottery Classes at Super Awesome Cool Pottery

Super Awesome Cool Pottery is located at 6100 S Orange Ave 32809, in a custom built studio 800 square foot main studio space!                                                                                          

Classes are from 10 am-2pm and you can stay for part of the day or just a class. Bring a bagged lunch for your child if they plan to stay.

10-11am Wheel Class: ages 8+ $12 limited availability reservation required (pre-pay for all 9 dates for $90) Learn how to make bowls and other small forms on the potter's wheel!

11-12:30pm Sculpture Class: Ages 5+ $12 limited availability reservation highly recommended (pre-pay for all 9 dates for $90) Create one of a kind sculptures (projects listed by date at bottom of this message)

12-2pm Open Studio: no reservation required drop ins welcome
20% off any paint your own pottery items and $5 off any size potter's wheel experiences where students get the opportunity to make a bowl on the potter's wheel with the help of an artist. It is then dried for a short time and then the student can paint it any way they like!


11-12:30 CLASS PROJECT LIST
February 10: Hot Chocolate Mug
March 9: Ice Cream Dishes
April 13:  Animal Jars
May 11: Piggy Banks