Learning Outside the Lines
Ann Ryan-Homeschool Mom of 4
*Learning Outside the Lines 2.0 is an updated version of the podcast focused on homeschooling middle and high school with experiential learning, community service, and self directed learning. Special features on environmental education and conservation issues.
*Explore "outside the lines" learning methods and ideas with Ann Ryan, mom of 4, with 18+ yrs of homeschool experience with 4 very different learners.
*If you want "to the point" practical information and resources, give a listen!
Find me at https://www.learningoutsidethelines.com
FB https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/
or https://www.instagram.com/lattebooks2read/
Feel free to send me a message with suggestions or questions at [email protected]
Thanks for listening!
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Learning Outside the Lines episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Learning Outside the Lines for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Learning Outside the Lines episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
In Remembrance and Gratitude: John Taylor Gatto
Learning Outside the Lines
10/29/18 • 9 min
In today's episode I want to give thanks and remembrance to John Taylor Gatto. He passed away on October 25 and will be missed by many around the world.
For those unfamiliar with Mr Gatto, he was a true pioneer in the education field and harsh critic of compulsory education. As a long time teacher, he saw the inner workings of schools and the effects the system had on children. He was teacher of the year in New York twice and used that platform to expose the faults and dangers of the system he worked in. Thankfully, he broke free of that system and became an advocate and beacon to those bucking the system for something better for their children.
One of my favorite Gatto quotes:
“Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your roadmap through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die.”
My introduction to Mr. Gatto was when a friend suggested I read Dumbing Us Down. I can honestly say this book not only forever changed how I looked at education but it changed my life. It's now the book I encourage everyone to read that is considering homeschooling or thinking about education in general. You will not be able to look at a classroom or institutional education the same again.
More quotes shared:
“School is a twelve-year jail sentence where bad habits are the only curriculum truly learned. I teach school and win awards doing it. I should know.”
"I feel ashamed that so many of us cannot imagine a better way to do things than locking children up all day in cells instead of letting them grow up knowing their families, mingling with the world, assuming real obligations, striving to be independent and self-reliant and free."
“The lesson of report cards, grades, and tests is that children should not trust themselves or their parents but should instead rely on the evaluation of certified officials. People need to be told what they are worth.”
“Children allowed to take responsibility and given a serious part in the larger world are always superior to those merely permitted to play and be passive.”
Books by John Taylor Gatto
Dumbing Us Down The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Education
A Different Kind of teacher: Solving the Crisis of American Schooling
The Underground History of American Education
Thank you Mr Gatto for being an advocate and never giving up, even when change was slow. I encourage homeschoolers and parents to continue to be advocates and continue to inspire and motivate others in helping their children learn best.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Find me on FB where I post articles, encouragement, and relevant resources
https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/
or www.learningoutsidethelines.com
or Instagram @ Lattebooks2read where I post books and resources for learning.
Thanks for listening!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Learning Outside the Lines Teaser
Learning Outside the Lines
05/29/18 • 1 min
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Tips for Learning Challenges
Learning Outside the Lines
10/26/20 • 29 min
My disclaimer...
While I definitely think children learn at their own pace and research backs that up, I also definitely believe some kids definitely have disabilities that need targeted help. That help may be from a professional or a parent with professional advice or training.
These tips are things that have worked over my 16 yrs as a homeschool parent with 4 different types of learners and other homeschool parents.
Reading-
- Reading a loud often is a given. All ages, even up to high school. This not only creates a culture of language and reading but it’s a great 1:1 time for kids and their parents. So much can be done with reading a loud such as having them read a sentence to encourage them but you read the rest so they don’t get too challenged. You can explain vocabulary words they may not know in context. You can point out punctuation so they understand how it’s used. None of this should be done tediously, but slid in now and then as needed.
- Audio books are under utilized and can be so helpful for kids! They are often free thru the library (which I highly encourage) or apps. Epic is a great reading app we like.
- Line guides, some kids have issues following the lines and line guides can help them stay on track. You can use something as simple as a ruler or buy a fancier one. This is a formal guide, as an example.
- Graphic novels are the best thing for many struggling readers IMO. Wide range of topics from fun stories for younger kids to mature topics for older kids. There are fiction and non fiction graphic novels. They have long been discounted as poor quality or just simple comics but they have exploded in the last 5 yrs esp with incredible stories. Classics are even turned into graphic novels to make them more approachable and understandable! Kids that get frustrated with so many words on a page of a chapter book can easily digest the smaller text sections of a graphic novel. It can give them reading confidence and expose them to reading in a non threatening and engaging way. Don’t discount graphic novels!
- Reading aloud can often be very scary and stressful for a struggling reader but it can be really helpful too. Encourage them to read to a pet or even a stuffed animal if they want. Tell them no one else has to listen, but the practice can definitely help them.
- Don’t turn reading into a book report for each book they read. I will often ask my daughter to tell me about the story in a conversational way, and she can often share the characters, plot, etc. but if I asked her to write those things down, it would be a blank face. If you need it recorded for some reason for a homeschool portfolio or work sample, write it for them.
Writing:
- If printing is a struggle try cursive or italics, keeping the pencil on the paper sometimes helps a child write better because they aren’t having to transition to each letter like printing.
- Typing instead of writing
- Texting is great for simple writing practice
Math:
- Multiplication facts- yes, ideally we want our kids to know their mult facts but reality is, not all kids can retain these. Don’t spend years wasted on trying to drill and kill! There comes a post where you acknowledge they aren’t retaining them and you give them a table or other tool to use when doing math. You can try again in a year or and maybe they are ready at that point, but if not, just keep using the table.
- Games, especially for fractions. Apps and video games are good too for math concepts.
General tips:
Movement, we often think kids have to be sitting still to learn, but some kids are the opposite, they need to be moving or bouncing or fiddling to process information.
Noise- some need quiet and others need back ground noise
Noise canceling headphones can be a huge help for some kids.
Be conscious of the type of noise, music or wind chimes or a fan are low key white noise. A TV show or loud kids playing is a different kind of noise than be a distraction so be aware of the noise that is in the background.
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post artic...
Homeschool Curriculum Suggestions for Language Arts
Learning Outside the Lines
06/08/20 • 19 min
New Homeschooler Resources Series.
These suggestions are more "traditional" in style. They are sometimes a good jumping off point for parents coming from a school setting. You can change curriculum ANY TIME or decide to use no curriculum at all!!
Language Arts is such a HUGE subject and this is a tiny intro to what's available. There are so many more programs out there to explore as needed and as you are ready to dive deeper.
Here is the Guide for all subjects but below are the links for Language Arts specifically:
Spectrum Language Arts-workbook
https://www.rainbowresource.com/category/2361/Spectrum-Language-Arts-2015.html
Evan-Moor Language Arts-workbook (many to choose from depending on need)
https://www.evan-moor.com/series?specs=1921
Literature (For grade 3 and up. For younger grades just read a loud and enjoy)
I’d choose a few good novels and do a literature study to round out the year. You get to read a good book, discuss various issues it addresses, explore genre, and can practice writing with various assignments. (These can be read-a-louds or independently read.)
Teachers Pay Teachers has a great variety of literature studies-print on demand
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com
The kids can choose their own novels if you want but perhaps use the grade level reading lists to choose from if you need help (you can google for more reading lists too)
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/17-18/guided-reading-book-lists-by-level/
Brave Writer Arrow is another literature study that is highly recommended and FUN! These have preselected books. Grades 3-6ish
https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/mechanics-and-literature/products/the-arrow
Spelling City is a free app you can use for spelling practice if you really want spelling.
Kindergraden/1st and those needing reading support
Reading/Reading Comprehension
Reading Eggs/Reading Eggspress -on line
Reading Eggs is for younger kids learning to read and Eggspress is for older kids working on fluency and comprehension
Explode the Code-on line or workbook
https://www.explodethecode.com (on line version)
https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/literacy/phonics-word-study/explode-the-code/about-the-program (workbook version)
Beginning readers (find at most stores or amazon)
Nora Gaydo’s Now I’m Reading series
BOB books
Handwriting:
Handwriting Without Tears
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Spring Equinox Changes & A Special Book Reading
Learning Outside the Lines
03/19/19 • 16 min
In this episode I briefly discuss the Spring Equinox and what that means for our family. We will be spending a lot more time outdoors and exploring and I will be releasing new episodes every 2 weeks instead of every week. For almost a year I've been trying to post episodes weekly, but spending more time with my kids, homeschooling, and outside means less time on line, thus the change to every other week.
The Spring Equinox is also this month's full moon, sometimes referred to as the Worm Moon or the Sap Moon. There are many ways to celebrate the changing of the seasons including nature walks, looking for changes in nature, and planting.
I shared 2 books on the spring equinox:
A New Beginning: Celebrating the Spring Equinox by Wendy Pfeffer
The Spring Equinox Celebrating the Greening of the Earth By Ellen Jackson
I also read one of my favorite books, I'm In Charge of Celebrations by Byrd Baylor and illustrated by Peter Parnall.
This book is a must read for spring and I hope others will check it out, as well as other books by Byrd Baylor.
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books and resources for learning.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Time for a move? How to find your tribe.
Learning Outside the Lines
07/09/18 • 17 min
Resources for making connections and finding your tribe:
-www.city-data.com is an active nationwide forum organized by state/city
-look for local park days/gatherings/meet ups by asking neighbors, FB groups, co-workers, etc
-check for state homeschool organizations-many have local liaisons that can connect you, events, and conferences. Most states have Christian and secular groups, but many have other niche groups such as Muslim, Latino, or single parent groups as well.
-check with your librarian-she’s often a resource for homeschoolers so may know who to contact or what days they come to the library
-check with the local park and rec-some have classes specifically for homeschoolers or other specific sports
-contact Boy Scouts (Explorer Scouts for teens), Girl Scouts, 4H, Indian maidens, or whatever groups you may be in and see if there are specific homeschool groups, local groups, or start your own group
-is your child interested in comics and the associated games or fandom stuff? Check your local comic shop for game nights or gatherings.
-church-many churches often have an active homeschool community or youth groups
-while sports are often organized thru schools, many areas also have rec leagues or sports like dance, gymnastics, and martial arts that are more individual and not school related
-FB groups-some may be “secret” so you won’t find them in searches, but there are many out there for specific styles of homeschooling, ages, and cultural or religious focus. Because activities are posted with kids, some keep them secret for security reasons. Chatting with local resources will usually hook you into these active groups.
Moving can be challenging but don't give up. You need to be proactive and persistent and you will find like minded people. It might happen quickly or it might take a year, but hang in there.
Send me comments or questions to [email protected]
or find me on FB at
https://www.facebook.com/learningoutsidethelinespodcast/
or www.learningoutsidethelines.com
Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Update & Teen Communication
Learning Outside the Lines
02/08/21 • 18 min
In this episode I give a quick update and discuss the importance of teen communication during this challenging time. I also give a reminder to let anything go that is not working!
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Using NANOWRIMO as a Homeschool Resource
Learning Outside the Lines
10/12/20 • 15 min
This week I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming NaNoWriMo project that takes place every November.
National Novel Writing Month AKA NANOWRIMO is an online creative writing program that started back in 1999. It’s gained massive popularity over the years and many novels have been written because of this program. The original goal was to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. No editing, just write.
Now it’s grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.
This is a great FREE resource to encourage writing. It's often a gateway to writing for many people and can really lead to success in the writing world. I've known a few people that have had great success using NaNoWriMo to write their first novel.
NaNoWriMo has lots of great FREE resources that can be used in a variety of ways and I encourage you to check them out to see if some of the activities will work for your student. You can use some of the more structured lessons or leave that all behind and just write!
Follow your child's lead. Be sure to leave the editing out of this! This is all about getting their ideas on paper and their voice heard.
You can deal with grammar and spelling later. This is all about getting their ideas on paper.
Make this fun and cater to your child. If they want colored paper, color pencils, blank books, etc. then let them use whatever they like. Maybe buy a new notebook just for this to make it special.
If they want to type it on the computer, that’s fine too.
Let them use whatever font they want.
You can set goals according to your child's style. You can have a time limit each day, a certain number of words each day, fill a page each day, etc. Don't stress about the details, just make it a fun special writing event. I encourage the parent to write WITH the child each day and take the time to really engage in the activity.
You also might want to make it special and have some treats to eat or tea while you write or light a candle on the table, etc. Make this as much or as little as you think your child will respond to.
If you’re new and want more info there’s a 101 link with great resources. They even have a calendar and workbook I’d that’s what you need. This 101 ideally starts in sept or oct to lay some ground work so you’re ready to just write in Nov, however! You can honestly start whenever you want so don’t feel discouraged or “behind” in any way
https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101
Young writers program
Your child can sign up and receive some great resources.
Goal setting, writing tools, and motivation
For educators
Lesson plans, ideas, student workbooks, and more and it’s all broke down by elementary, middle school, and high school
It could easily be a whole writing class outline!
https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/educator-resources
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Homeschool Curriculum Suggestions for Social Studies & History
Learning Outside the Lines
05/25/20 • 13 min
Here is the Guide for all subjects but below are the links for social studies specifically:
History Quest-text and workbook (Early Times/ Ancients only available now. Multiple ages of kids can do together)
https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/
Curiosity Chronicles-text and workbook
https://www.curiositychronicles.org
180 Day of Social Studies-workbook
https://www.rainbowresource.com/category/6445/180-Days-of-Social-Studies.html
Liberty Kids-Early American history PBS series-free on youtube
You can find coordinating worksheets on line if needed. (Ages 7-12ish)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeaIWvdbER3Ic90BzhPsH2aJ5KI3UtmM
*If you are unsure of which history period to cover I’d suggest GEOGRAPHY instead. You can focus on world or US geography and find coordinating workbooks. You can add in culture studies for areas kids are more interested in by adding books, videos, museums, and field trips.
Solid Workbook sources-Spectrum, Evan-Moor, DK
Whatever you do, be sure to use museums, historical sites, books, and other resources to round out the subject.
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recommended Homeschool Books
Learning Outside the Lines
05/11/20 • 22 min
Many parents new to homeschooling often immediately think “what curriculum or program should I buy” when in reality, that question should be much further down the list. Every family comes to homeschooling for different reasons but regardless of that reason, a parent should really take some time to think about what they want for their child’s education, as well as, what their child needs to learn best. These are two separate issues to think about. Both are are very important though to determine how to move forward in determining how and what to teach your child(ren).
The good news is there are a variety of social media groups, blogs, articles, and books to learn from and get insight for your educational needs. It’s important to take time to research, think and formulate your own educational philosophies and needs for YOU and YOUR CHILD. Once you think a bit deeper about your needs, you may find that what you want for your child isn’t “traditional” and you want something more natural or developmental. On the flip side, you may find that you want something more rigorous and challenging. Each child is different and it will be easier to target curriculum or programs that might work for you and your child once you dive deeper into these ideas.
Here’s a list of well regarded books to explore education and homeschooling as a larger issue. It’s by no means an exhaustive list and there are many books available through your library e media, amazon, Kindle, or perhaps even a fellow homeschooler can loan you one. Reading just a few of these will very likely get you thinking differently about education and sharpen your educational goals. You will find it’s much easier to continue your homeschool journey with a better foundation.
Educational Realities (or why you should homeschool)
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School by Blake Boles (releasing soon)
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
John Holt-any of his books
Homeschool Styles/Philosophies
The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart (www.bravewriter.com)
The Unschooling Journey by Pam Laricchia
Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom by Kerry McDonald, forward by Peter Gray
Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education By Susan Wise Bauer
A Literary Education by Emily Cook
How to books
Project Based Learning by Blair Lee & Samantha Cook
The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer (caveat:this is a lengthy book that can feel intimidating and overwhelming, however, if used as a guide, it can be very helpful for those interested in a more rigorous and/or classical education model)
Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources
My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.
Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.
Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Learning Outside the Lines have?
Learning Outside the Lines currently has 71 episodes available.
What topics does Learning Outside the Lines cover?
The podcast is about Learning, Homeschooling, Parenting, Kids & Family, Teaching, Podcasts, Education and Homeschool.
What is the most popular episode on Learning Outside the Lines?
The episode title 'Learning through Community Service' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Learning Outside the Lines?
The average episode length on Learning Outside the Lines is 18 minutes.
How often are episodes of Learning Outside the Lines released?
Episodes of Learning Outside the Lines are typically released every 7 days, 4 hours.
When was the first episode of Learning Outside the Lines?
The first episode of Learning Outside the Lines was released on May 29, 2018.
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