Two Kids One Dog

Looking for a college fair and more information on the admissions process? One of the better ones we attended was Exploring College Options. The evening included included presentations from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Georgetown and Duke, a panel discussion that took questions from the audience and a chance to speak to their admissions representatives one on one.

That groups of directors travel the country in the Fall and during the late Spring. I’d recommend their presentation for anyone considering a more selective college. . .

Technorati Tags: College Board, high school, homeschooling

As I start planning for the Fall, one of my favorite resources is Donna Young’s site. There are printable planners, checklists, booklists, graph paper, etc. There are also curriculum items such as handwriting printables, dictionary skills, lab outlines and my favorite, schedules for Apologia Science courses.

I hope you find Donna’s resources as useful as we have!

Technorati Tags: curriculum, elementary, gifted, high school, junior high

Just deciding to go back to college or wondering if your admissions decision was the correct one (based on financial aid or lack there of)?

If so, a search at the National Association for College Admission Counseling website might help. On their site one can search through colleges that still are accepting students for the Fall. Searches are available by State and highlights schools that are accepting freshmen and/or transfers. The search also lets you know if financial aid and housing are still available.

Technorati Tags: college, scholarships

In recent weeks, we’ve seen billboards and posters highlighting the site KnowHow2Go. In revewing the site, we found it provides middle and high school students information and resources on getting into college. There are success stories, interest quizzes and a listing of state resources as well. If you are looking for resources for your college bound student, it’s a site worth checking!

Technorati Tags: financial aid, high school, homeschooling, junior high, parenting

Archimedes Lab is a fun site with number puzzles, mind teasers and a great listing of facts about numbers. Well worth the time to check it out for those interested in math and those looking to add a bit of interest to their math studies!

Technorati Tags: curriculum, elementary, games, high school, homeschooling, junior high, math

One of the helpful things we’ve done this summer was to pick up a lanyard for our dancer’s summer intensive id. She hangs it around her neck for entrance to the studio and the bus, and stores it in her bag while she dances.

In addition to that id, we picked up Starbucks gift card and punched a hole in the corner and added it to the lanyard. We registered the card (in case it gets lost) and can reload it when she needs an update. Since Starbucks is just a short walk from the studio, she can get a cold drink or pick up a sandwich or salad if she needs, and has the card right with her. We know other parents who have taken the same approach with a Visa card. No more hunting for cash!

If there are other things you have done to help your dancer manage their money and spending at their intensive, I’d love to hear about it!

Technorati Tags: ballet, summer intensives

Here’s a quick look at our latest house guest who we have named Murray. His background is a bit of a mystery, but we do know he’s a fun loving boy who can play fetch for hours and loves to snuggle. Isn’t he cute?

Technorati Tags: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavalier Rescue, Cavaliers, dog photos

Set is a game of visual perception and matching that’s popular with gifted kids and parents alike. Set was originally sold as a card game and available on Amazon from SET Enterprises Inc,

Set’s now available on-line as a New York Times puzzle! Personally, I find the cards easier than the on-line version but both are lots of fun.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: elementary, gifted, high school, homeschooling, junior high, games

Not surprising, when one group of students gain, another may pay the price. If you follow gifted education or are the parent of a gifted child, you may want to read today’s New York Times. The article by Sam Dillon titled “Report Sees Cost in Some Academic Gains” summarizes a study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

I found this quote from the article really summed things up, “And about three-quarters of the teachers surveyed said they agreed with this statement: “Too often, the brightest students are bored and under-challenged in school — we’re not giving them a sufficient chance to thrive.”

Technorati Tags: gifted, parenting

Have you ever heard of Cogito.org? I discovered it earlier this week. It’s a great site and offers interviews, news, discussion forums and listings of programs, competitions and summer opportunities.

The site is funded by the John Templeton Foundation and the folks from John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) are involved.

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Technorati Tags: curriculum, elementary, gifted, high school, homeschooling, junior high