Mudspark Life Learning

Want to give your kids a world class education without spending any money? Here are my suggestions for a well-rounded home-based education that requires little or no money. Assume that all books are obtained through the library (learn how to use your local library's inter-library loan system). Also see what your local public school system has to offer homeschoolers; my kids participate in a once-a-week enrichment program that provides us with free curriculum. Museums often offer discounts to homeschooling families and groups, and they also offer free days. Trade lessons with friends: maybe you can offer child care or help remodeling a kitchen or canned tomatoes in trade for music lessons or mentoring. Visit thrift stores regularly and look through the education, books, and nic-nack sections - I've found science kits, books, unused anatomy coloring books, a decent globe, pencils, and book shelves for almost nothing at our local thrift stores. Book swaps are another great place t...

To introduce your kids to the instruments of the orchestra, here's a simple, multimedia lesson plan that could be used at home or in the classroom. We read Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes, Illustrated by Karmen Thompson, aloud, and at each section I played the following links. Play at the beginning: Orchestra tuning up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSH1ezevjM As you read each section (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, play each) play families: http://www.classicsforkids.com/music/orchestra.asp  Leave this window open. As you read each page, play sound clips of each instrument (also leave this window open): http://www.beginband.com/sndclips.shtml The following are not in the above link, so play these as you come to each instrument.                 Piccolo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzKKg9zv9k4            ...