One of things I got the kids was a webcam. Not for chat or anything- but for video capture. It can take some work to film something with our video camera and upload it to computer- but a web-cam captures straight to the hard drive. I bought one on sale for 20.00. They have spent HOURS daily with it doing things I never would have imagined. recording TV commercial of their own, doing recitals on piano and guitar and making short films and TV shows. When friends come over they do the same. My daughter (10) also takes time and edit them- using software that came with the camera. We got a Creative Labs webcam but I am sure anyone one will do. She likes adding special effects, credits and music to her films.
It has been a hoot. I was quite surprised as I thought the novelty would wear off after a few days but they have thoroughly enjoyed it. We bought a Wii and Playstation 3 over the last few weeks and it has been this item that has been the most used.
I do not have it configured in any way to use on any kind of live chat , etc .
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Fostering a Love of Learning, Fun Activities for Kids at 6:06 PM EST
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Was at bookstore with my daughter tonight for our bi-weekly “date” night. I rarely look at the educations books anymore because they just make me mad. All about making your child smarter/better/more successful. The title of this one REALLY caught my eye,
Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less .
From the Publisher:
In this book two highly credentialed child psychologists offer a compelling indictment of the growing trend toward accelerated learning. It’s a message that stressed-out parents are craving to hear: Letting tots learn through play is not only okay-it’s better than drilling academics!
Drawing on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts, and addressing the key areas of development-math, reading, verbal communication, science, self-awareness, and social skills-the authors explain the process of learning from a child’s point of view. They then offer parents 40 age-appropriate games for creative play. These simple, fun–yet powerful exercises work as well or better than expensive high-tech gadgets to teach a child what his ever-active, playful mind is craving to learn.
I am seeing a growing movement of “professionals” and “experts” who are crying out about the over-scheduling and over-teaching of our children. I read a good portion of the book while there- and might place it on my recommended reading for homeschoolers and unschoolers. The book preaches to choir for unschoolers- but it speaks to the mainstream and may help parents take a closer look at learning and how/why we learn vs. being teached.
I am curious if any one else has read- and what they think. If you are familiar with the book- please share with us- just post in the comments section.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations, Fostering a Love of Learning, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 10:58 PM EDT
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I am in no way advocating you sit down and “make” children learn cursive handwriting (or anything for that matter). My daughter learned cursive handwriting on her own one day after she discovered Microsoft Word fonts- and just printed and traced over and over for hours. If your children wants to learn cursive- here is a neat site that animates the process. Each letter has it own little animation and it shows you how to make each letter step-by step.
Learn cursive writing tool link
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Fostering a Love of Learning, General Homeschool and Unschooling, Tools for Self-Learning at 12:10 PM EDT
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My Favourite- and one I use to “explain” what unschooling is about is School of Rock (Widescreen Edition). It shows how by appealing to a passion you can learn almost anything.
Some other favourites that appeal to homeschooling families:
The Secret of Roan Inish A wonderful movie I can watch over and over.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill My favorite movie of the year.
The Pippi Longstocking Collection (Pippi Longstocking / Pippi Goes on Board / Pippi in the South Seas / Pippi on the Run) Always seems to come when discussing homeschooling. Lots of fun for all ages.
Uncle Buck I saw this recently- I was bit taken aback by strong language that I notice is prevalent in 80’s kids movies- they seem to have a harshennes to them. Having said that- the movie has a lot of thems that fit in with unschooling and being yourself.
Ferris Bueller\’s Day Off - Bueller Bueller Edition
Never Cry Wolf This was a favoutie book when I was a kid- and the movie really holds up well.
Whale Rider A beautiful movie on so many levels
Please feel free to post your own suggestion and recommendations 
!!!
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Fostering a Love of Learning, General Homeschool and Unschooling, Homeschool in the Press and Media, Movie Recommendations at 4:29 PM EST
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Very sad news indeed. At times controversial I think he really helped kids connect with wildlife and the natural world around the- sometimes seeing beauty where other couldn’t. I still remember the awful incident where he dangles his young son in from of a crocodile as part of his “act” but his career and life shouldn’t just be defined but an incredible lapse in judgement. . He was a devoted father and in fact he and his wife homeschooled their 2 children.
Australian naturalist STEVE IRWIN has died after being stung in the chest by a stingray while diving on the Great Barrier Reef early today . The charismatic star, dubbed the Crocodile Hunter after his hit TV show, was diving off Australia’s northeast coast filming an underwater documentary. Local diving operator STEVE EDMONDSON, whose Poseidon boats were out on the Great Barrier Reef when the accident occurred, confirms, “Steve was hit by a stingray in the chest. “He probably died from a cardiac arrest from the injury.” Although paramedics rushed the 44-year-old to hospital by helicopter, he was dead before they arrived, police said. The daredevil star garnered a cult following for his TV antics, which included wrestling snakes and crocodiles. He also played himself in 2002 movie THE CROCODILE HUNTER: COLLISION COURSE and made a cameo appearance alongside EDDIE MURPHY in the 2001 movie DR DOLITTLE 2. Irwin is survived by wife TERRI and their two children, BINDI SUE and BOB CLARENCE.
Read more about Steve Irwin’s life at Australian Story
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Fostering a Love of Learning, General Homeschool and Unschooling, Science and Nature at 8:04 PM EDT
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