Math Conversions - Help for the Home Schooler

In this article I will explain the four simple steps involved in making math conversion problems easier to understand. If you were to ask me how many miles are in 21,120 feet? I can quickly tell you the answer is 4. Because 21,120 feet divided by 5,280 feet equals 4, it is simple arithmetic. Your child may appropriately ask, "Why didn't we multiply. The last time we did conversions we multiplied. And why did we divide by 5,280, because the last time we talked about miles we used 1,760?" As an instructor it is imperative that I am able to sort through the process and explain each step clearly and not just spit out the answer.

So let's get started.

Set up the equation. For consistency always start with the number you are given. In the previous example the equation would be: 21,120 feet =___ miles. Consistency is important especially if you have a child who needs a lot of review because the pattern needs to be established to assist the learning.

Multiply or Divide. When converting from smaller to larger divide; larger to smaller multiply. Memorize these two statements, it will be a great help later.

Find the special number. The special number is the number of smaller units in one of the larger units. I simply use the phrase special number to help the child remember this step. There is really nothing extraordinary or special about it.

Work out the problem. Quite frankly it is just that simple.

Example 1: Felicity walked 21,120 feet. How many miles did she walk?

1. 21,120 feet =___ miles. Start by setting up the equation with the number given.
2. Divide because we are converting from smaller to larger, feet are smaller than miles.
3. 5,280 is the special number because there are 5,280 feet in 1 mile.
4. 21,120 divided by 5,280 = 4 miles.
5. Answer: 21,120 feet = 4 miles.

Example 2: Samantha walked 7,040 yards. How many miles did she walk?

1. 7,040 yards =___ miles
2. Divide because we are converting from yards to miles, or smaller to larger, yards are smaller than miles.
3. 1,760 is the special number because there are 1,760 yards in 1 mile.
4. 7,040 divided by 1,760 yards = 4 miles
5. Answer: 7,040 yards = 4 miles.

Example 3: Elsie's pool is 54 inches tall. How many centimeters tall is her pool?

1. 54 inches =___ centimeters
2. Multiply because we are converting from larger to smaller, inches are larger than centimeters.
3. 2.54 is the special number because there are 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
4. 54 x 2.54 = 137.16 cm.
5. Answer: 54 in. = 137.16 cm.

There it is! The four simple steps to help any student of any age through math conversions.

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Home Security: Be Aware of Scouts

On a sunny Saturday afternoon I left my home around noon for about forty minutes. When I returned home a little neighbor girl, who had been riding her bike around the neighborhood, came to me and said a boy, about twelve years old, had been in my garage. She witnessed him enter the garage through the service door and spend a significant amount of time inside. As she told her story I debated with myself, "Am I really going to believe a ten-year old neighbor girl? Is it really that big of a deal? What is in my garage that is of value anyway? It's the middle of the day, and it's just a child, it's really no big deal." Was I right or wrong? I was absolutely wrong.

In this article my primary purpose is to inform you of what is happening in my local community, and very likely all around the country, and how you can protect yourself and your home from property theft.

I ignorantly convinced myself it was no big deal. I later found out it is a big deal and the boy in my garage was a scout, and I do not mean a Boy Scout. Scouting by definition is to search out, follow closely so as to spy upon, or to find by looking around. These scouts are in broad daylight, disguising themselves as regular folks taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. While in reality they are scouting for items of value, and when they find something they can use or sell they return at night in an attempt to steal it. Yes, they are bold enough to walk into your garage, or anything else you have left unlocked.

We cannot prevent a scout from walking or driving by but we can arm ourselves with the knowledge of how to protect ourselves and our valuable possessions. There are very informative internet sites on how to protect your property.

The first practical step we took was to inform our neighbors, don't let them learn about scouting the hard way. Outdoor lighting is also very important, especially motion lights since they offer the element of surprise. Outdoor cameras are very affordable, and easy to install; often just the presence of a camera can deter questionable activity. Lastly, this is not Mayberry so lock your doors, even your garage doors.

My primary purpose in writing this article is to inform you of scouting. It is occurring and we need to be aware of it and begin taking precautions to protect from loss of property.

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Preparing for the SAT Vocabulary

Just the thought of the SAT gives me sweaty palms and butterflies. Adequate preparation is vital not only to achieve an exceptional score but also in easing those apprehensive feelings.

In this article I will show you a free way to improve your understanding of unfamiliar words which in turn will help you to comprehend the vocabulary questions on the SAT.

Do you remember in the movie, The Blind Side, when the private tutor is at the table with Michael Oher, the football player, and he obviously does not understand what is being taught? In an attempt to help him see his potential she very wisely poses a question.

"How big is your head, Michael?"

"Big."

"And what's in there?"

"A brain."

"A brain, it's full of knowledge like a file cabinet with maps and shortcuts for figurin' things out. You'll get there Michael Oher, 'cause I'm here to help you use those maps and reach your destination..."

As an educator she nailed it. This concept I am sharing with you is one of those maps per se.

Here it is. Words are simply prefixes, roots and suffixes put together in that order. Once you learn the word parts you can take them apart and understand just about any word. The beauty of prefixes, suffixes, and roots is that if you do not completely understand a word you can speculate its meaning based on your understanding of that particular word part. Let's look at some examples.

We'll start with the prefix ab-, which means away from. Abjure means to renounce something such as a belief, or to move away from your beliefs. Abduct is to take a person away unlawfully.

Continuing in order here is an example using the root word fort which means strength. Fortify means to strengthen. Forte is a thing that a person does particularly well, a strong point, or a particular strength.

To conclude we have suffixes. Let's look at the suffix -ous, it simply means full of, or characterized by. Humorous obviously means full of humor or characterized by humor.

Do you see the clarity and orderliness of our language? Prefixes, roots and suffixes are simply the parts that make up our words; committing to memory just a few of these will help you further understand the meaning of many different words that will be covered on the SAT. The first step is to memorize the prefixes, roots, and suffixes and secondly look at your lists of vocabulary words. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly words, that were previously quite challenging, are now coming alive with meaning. You may even begin to find, as I have, that uncovering or discovering the meaning of words is like an intellectual game.

This exercise does not have to cost a dime, the library or the internet is an excellent source for this free information.

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Learn the Basics of Football and Start Enjoying the Game

Whether you are watching football for entertainment, to be in your man's company, or just to be included in the water cooler conversation, a good understanding of the terms will make the game much more enjoyable.

In this article I will cover the basic terms of football to get you jump-started in your understanding of the game. Because asking questions during the game will not elicit a very thorough answer. For example, "What just happened? I thought kicking the ball through the goal posts was worth one point. How did they get three points?" At that moment you are probably not going to get the answer you are looking for. So let's get started.

On a very basic note, the playing field is one hundred yards in length and is divided in half by the fifty yard line. Every ten yards is marked or labeled in multiples of ten making it easy for the fans to see how far their team has advanced the ball. The areas at each end of the playing field are called the end zones. The goal of the offense, which is the team in possession of the ball, is to get into the end zone with the ball in hand, which is a touchdown. The goal of the defense, the team without the ball, is to guard their end zone and keep the offense out.

The team on offense gets four downs or four chances to move the ball ten yards forward, and if they are unsuccessful the ball goes to the other team.

If they are successful in moving the ball ten yards forward you will hear the referee yell, "First down!" First downs are very good! It simply means the team with possession has just been given another four downs or four chances to move the ball forward another ten yards.

On the other hand, let's say the offensive coach realizes his team is not going to make a first down in their first four tries. They have two alternatives on how to give up possession. Depending on how far they are from the uprights, the big yellow Y's at each end of the field, they can kick a field goal for three points or punt the ball to the other team.

Let's talk a little more about scoring. A touchdown is worth six points. The extra point is earned after a touchdown when the kicker kicks the ball between the uprights; the extra point is worth one point. Most of us already know that, but have you ever seen the offensive team make a touchdown and then on their very next play they run the ball right back into the end zone and get two points for that? My team did exactly that, just as I was beginning to understand the game, and I thought, "What is that all about? Are we making up the rules as we go?" Not exactly, it is called a two point conversion. Most offensive coaches will run that play if they are desperate or if their team is doing very well and appear to be unstoppable.

Timing in a game of football is like a dollar, it is made up of four quarters. Each quarter is fifteen minutes long, and each team is issued three-time outs per half or six for the entire game. If you have watched football for any length of time you have realized that time outs can be strategically used to stop the clock in order to regroup or set up the next play.

Well, there you have it! Those are the basics and it is enough to get you started. Now that you are armed with terms and a general overview start paying close attention and you'll see the "lights coming on" as you watch your next game.

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Epilepsy - How to Cope as a Caretaker

Just the words seizures and epilepsy conjure up thoughts of great trepidation and the unknown. It is an alarming experience to be with a loved one who is having a seizure for the very first time. Shock, bewilderment, panic, and confusion are just a few of the emotions you as the caretaker may experience. Coping with epilepsy is possible. Yes, coping skills for the caretaker can be attained. The vast range of emotions will still be there but with knowledge there truly comes power. Knowledge of what to look for during a seizure, knowledge of what to avoid, and knowledge of how to prepare as a caretaker. Knowledge truly is power and can give you the confidence to be the best caretaker you can be.

A priceless resource in learning to cope with epilepsy is your local library. Sometimes fifteen minutes in the doctor's office is not enough time to answer all your questions. From reading library books I have learned from a doctor's perspective what to look for during a seizure, what actually constitutes as a medical emergency, when to call 911, how to time a seizure, what to do when a person is having a seizure, and just as importantly what not to do, and so much more. My library has been an invaluable supply of information in putting my mind at ease and making the seizures a lot less scary.

If you are a caretaker of a person with epilepsy and you need to step into that place of definite responsiveness, get a library card, do a search on the card catalog and start educating yourself. You will be quite surprised at the confidence you will gain as you become a successful caretaker to a person with epilepsy.

If you are ever in a situation where a person is having a seizure:

1. Keep Calm
They usually last only a few minutes (even though it may seem much longer) and normally do not require immediate medical attention.

2. Protect from further injury.
Most seizure injuries are from falling during a seizure. If necessary ease the person to the floor. Move any hard, sharp or hot objects away. Protect the person's head and body from injury. As a side note, I keep a firm pillow in every room so I can be prepared to protect.

3. Do not restrain the person.

4. Do not insert anything in the mouth.

5. Roll the person on their side.
This allows saliva to flow from the mouth, helping to ensure an open air passage.

6. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or repeats without full recovery ~ SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY.

This information in not intended as medical advise but purely for informative purposes.

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Freezing Apples the Easy Way

Freezing apples is a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit anytime of year. The equipment you will is very minimal and possibly readily available to you.

You will need:
Cutting board
Knife
Freezer bags
Large Bowl
Salt and Water (1 tablespoon salt, 1 gallon water)

You will start by washing the apples. If the apples are artificially shiny, or have been sprayed with wax, you can spray them with vinegar and scrub off the wax. I don't remove the peeling just to save time. Cut the apples into cubes or slivers, however you prefer. Put the cut apples into the salt water. One tablespoon of salt per gallon of water is sufficient. Salt is a preservative and prevents the apples from turning brown. I prefer to use sea salt for the health benefits.

Once all your apples are cut up, drain the water and put them into the freezer bags. It is best to measure 2-3 cups per freezer bag. Make sure you leave a little extra room in the bag in order to break up your frozen apples when you're ready to use them. Let me offer an important tip, remember to label your bags so in six months when you look into your freezer you won't be wondering and asking yourself, "What is this?"

Freezing any kind of fruit or vegetable is a very clever way to save money. Have you ever been in the grocery store and the fresh produce is appealingly priced? What usually happens? If you're like me you buy too much because of the enticing price and two weeks later it is in the trash. Well, no more. Now you can freeze what you do not eat and use it at a later date. If you are very organized you can keep all the necessary items for freezing on hand and actually shop with the intention of looking for fruit or vegetables on sale.

Enjoy your apples!

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Algebra - Basic Tips on How to Succeed

Algebra is a complex subject, in which seemingly insoluble obstacles can be overcome, if one knows how to approach them. Our basic technique for approaching algebra is to be prepared and know the basics.

Pay attention to signs. Be very careful of positive and negative signs. A misplaced minus sign will give you a wrong answer.

Use graph paper. Do not stop the process of a math problem to draw the graph lines. It tends to break the procedure, especially if the student is unsure about the mathematical instruction to begin with. It is best have the proper tools in place, which includes graph paper.

Learn the order of operations. This is the directive to follow when performing mathematical operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. PEMDAS is an acronym or a short form to help remember the order of operations.

Balance the equation. Whatever you do to one side of the equation you must do to the other side, and by the other side I am referring to the other side of the equal sign. When first introduced this may be a difficult concept for some students. As I often tell my students, "You may not fully understand this key, just learn to use it and the understanding will come later." As a parallel I do not fully understand how the key works in my car I just know it works.

Learn the addition and subtraction; multiplication and division of signed numbers. Do not just get by on this concept. You will be using this regularly in the higher math so master it early. Practice it often and think of it as if you are building a foundation. This key is vital to your continued success in algebra.

Don't mix units. If you're computing miles and your second distance is in kilometers you must remember to convert to the same unit. This is a common mistake when students get in a hurry; they see two numbers and perform the operation without carefully reading.

These are just a few basic tips to avoid the pitfalls of algebra. By remembering the basics and developing good habits algebra can be a delight and not a duty.

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Freezing Roma Tomatoes Can Be Fast and Easy

Freezing Roma tomatoes to be used throughout the year is so easy and very economical. The equipment necessary is very basic, you probably already have everything you need to get started. You will need:

• Large cooking pot
• A Large slotted spoon
• A Large bowl
• Freezer Bags

Step 1: Wash your ripened Roma tomatoes and remove the stems. The good news is you don't peel them yet.

Step 2: Fill your large cooking pot about half-way full with water and bring it to a boil.

Step 3: Put one layer of tomatoes into the boiling water skins and all. Let them boil until the skins start to split, 2 or 3 minutes is usually enough time.

Step 4: With your slotted spoon remove the tomatoes that have started to split and put them immediately into your large bowl with ice-cold water, this stops them from cooking any further.

Step 5: Once they are cool enough to handle, which is usually less than one minute depending on the coldness of your water, very gently peel the skins off. Lay them on a cookie sheet, or put them into a bowl to thoroughly cool.

Step 6: Measure 2 or 3 cups into your freezer bag. You can add salt now or wait until you use your tomatoes in cooking.

It is that simple, that is all there is to it!

Always remember to label the freezer bag with the contents, the amount, and the year. Our tendency is to naturally think, "Oh, I'll remember these are tomatoes." But if you are like me and have gotten the 'freezer bug', freezing every fruit and vegetable you can find, in a few months it may be difficult to discern between the green peppers and the jalapeno peppers, and that is a mistake you don't want to make. Trust me, my Denver omelet was one spicy breakfast! Learn from my mistake and label it, label it, label it!

You can also include your children by letting them label the freezer bags. Even if their writing is not perfect or they don't spell perfectly think how pleased they will feel to be included in your new endeavor. If the children are younger, it may be fun, when you pull the tomatoes out of the freezer a few months later, to see how their writing has improved! Step 4 is also a big favorite for children, fishing out the tomatoes with a slotted spoon.

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Home Schooling and How to Stay Encouraged

Home schooling your own children can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor. Whether you just got started or you are a seasoned veteran, staying encouraged is non-optional, it is mandatory, and vital to the success of our children. Don't wait for an external source of encouragement to come along, it only wastes time. Take the leadership role and implement one or both simple tips to keep you encouraged when the going gets tough, not if the going gets tough, but when.

Find something positive in every child, everyday, even when you don't feel like it. If we are actively looking for the positive we will be less likely to become discouraged. No, I am not saying, "Every child gets an A every single day." But as you begin to look for positive traits and express praise and gratitude your children will respond quite favorably which will consequently encourage you. Genuine praise and encouragement go a very long way in keeping a happy school and an encouraged Mom.

Regard this season of life as an opportunity to improve on your own skill set. Education is not simply "serving up" information, and hoping they'll retain it until Friday's test. It is an opportunity, among other things, to improve your own skill set such as time management, organization, and information processing. If you have taught for any length of time you understand by information processing I mean the ability to take in information, process it, and teach it in a way the student will readily understand it. This has been my greatest challenge. I used to get aggravated when my children didn't understand my perfect little lesson plans. If they don't understand that may an indication I need to work on my information processing skills. No, we will never arrive, but we can certainly be moving forward, and quite often just a slight change in mindset will give us that fresh jump-start and the necessary encouragement we need.

I have offered my two favorite tips on how to stay encouraged in home schooling. There are many more ideas we could cover but these are my favorites and have been the most effective for me. Did you notice they both involve the teacher and the teacher's mindset or outlook? We are a major key to our students loving or not loving their home school.

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