The Canadian Homeschooler – Canada Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Kayak Illustrated History Challenge

April 30, 2012 LisaMarie No comments

Here’s a fun challenge that not only promotes artistic skills, but also a love of history and literacy!

Open to both students in the school system and homeschoolers, the Kayak Illustrated History Challenge is a way for kids ages 7 to 14 to have fun learning their Canadian history as well as a chance to earn an award, a trip to Ottawa, plus $1000 for an RESP.

To enter, each student must write “ an original story based on any aspect of Canadian history and heritage. Stories should be between 500–1200 words in length and should include 1–3 illustrations or archival photographs to accompany the story. Comic Strip formats are eligible; students should keep in mind a 5-page comic typically entails 500 words. Stories can be written in either English or French.”

The deadline is JUNE 10th, 2012.

To see more details about the award and expectations, how the entries are judged, check out past winners, and what they do with the top 25 entries, visit Kayak’s Illustrated History Challenge page.

Summer Camp: Circle Square Ranch

April 22, 2012 LisaMarie No comments

Ah, summer. It’s coming fast! It’s actually time to think of what summer camp you’d like to be participate in. I wanted to share with you about 2 amazing Christian camps across Canada: Circle Square Ranch & Pioneer Camp.

This month, I’m going to share about Circle Square Ranch.

When I was a kid, I went to Circle Square Ranch for several summers. {You can read about my camp memories here.}

On The Mark Publishing

April 16, 2012 LisaMarie 1 Comment

On The Mark Publishing started as S & S publishing by a Canadian primary school teacher named Ruth. She created lots of educational workbooks and materials specifically geared to Canadians. In 2005, the company merged with On The Mark, and today,
Their website has a HUGE list of Canadian subjects: Government, Geography, History, Famous Canadians, Mapping, Story starters, First Nations, Discovering different communities, etc. they have many reasonably priced resources – both for Canada and the US.

Plus (yay!) another series with French included! This company has both French Immersion and Core French options.

Chalkboard Publishing

April 09, 2012 LisaMarie 2 Comments

I recently went to the local teacher supply store and wandered around with a pen and paper, on the search for Canadian publishers and materials, games and toys. I was sadly disturbed by the lack of these products, but I did find a few great discoveries that I will share with you over the next little while.

The first of these is Chalkboard Publishing. They use the title “Canadian Curriculum Teaching Resource” for their books.

Selling or Donating Used Homeschool Books

March 26, 2012 LisaMarie 4 Comments

Do you have a stack of homeschool books that you’ve been wondering where to donate or sell? I have a couple of options for you.

Earth Hour

March 23, 2012 LisaMarie 1 Comment

This year, on March 31st, it’s time to turn off the lights for Earth Hour.

In 2007, Sydney, Austalia started a movement to help change with a simple task of having people participate in a challenge to turn their lights off for an hour. The following year, Toronto joined in – and before long, the rest of the world.

Cross Country Fun Hunt – Casting Call

March 15, 2012 LisaMarie No comments

I am super excited to have been approached by Apartment 11 Productions as they prepare to work with CBC on creating a new show called Cross Country Fun Hunt. They are looking for kids and places across Canada which are fun – and are asking for some early submissions!

Here’s their announcement:

Canada Colouring Sheets

March 12, 2012 LisaMarie No comments

I wanted to share with you a few websites that have Canada focused colouring sheets. These have come in handy as we’ve been learning about our country lately.

KiwiFilter

February 21, 2012 LisaMarie 2 Comments

In November 2011, I was given the opportunity to do a test run for KiwiFilter – a computer program designed for creating whitelists to filter computer activities. I excitedly jumped at this chance. Now, after a few months of using it, I’d like to share my review.

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 09, 2012 LisaMarie 1 Comment

From Feb 17th to Feb 20th, Canadians and Americans are helping to document the birds that they see in their yard. Record every bird you see. Then report your findings online.

Groundhog Day in Canada

February 01, 2012 LisaMarie 2 Comments

Bill Murray forever immortalized the excitement around this weather predicting event in Punxatawney, Pennsylvania with the movie Groundhog Day. Here in Canada we have a few famous groundhogs and tomorrow, they are up for their big moment!