PA homeschoolers goes interactive

Pennsylvania Homeschoolers (offers classes for those outside PA as well as support for those homeschooling in PA) has now begun the transition to a fully online and interactive magazine publication at www.pahomeschoolers.com which will replace their print magazine. The 1st first week of articles is up online now, and they think you’ll really enjoy reading and browsing. All articles are archived in easy to use categories, so you’ll always be able to find postings of special interest to you—so if you have a high schooler and you’re primarily interested in our AP Online classes or other topics related to teens, such as college admissions or scholarships, you’ll be able to quickly find that information. And if you have younger kids, or want ideas for different curricular areas or general encouragement or family organization ideas, you’ll be able to find those pieces, too.

And for this two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, they’re also have a ‘special’ of an additional series of articles to inspire you to help keep the sparks alive in your primary relationship with your spouse—something that can be a real challenge for busy homeschooling parents!

So far they have the following articles posted:

• An intro on why we are moving to an online format
• Writing clubs for homeschoolers—why to start one, and a sample assignment
• ‘The Great Paper Chase’ from Cassandra Frear, on a great way to tame the ‘paper monster’ in your home
• A parent’s view of PA Homeschoolers AP (Advanced Placement) Online classes
• How to sign up for AP exams for your homeschoolers—one mom’s saga
• New research from Dr. Gary Welton on homeschoolers and socialization

  You can also now subscribe via RSS feed – and of course the whole website magazine is free. There will be at least one new piece posted each week day. And you can also respond to any articles posted, at any time, sharing your thoughts and experiences—you’ll be a part of the learning and sharing here, and they look forward to hearing your voice, too!

PA Ren. Faire

Weekends August 8 - October 25th (10:00 A.M. -
weekends including Friday, 10/09/2009
Mt. Hope Estate and Winery
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim PA, 17545
(NY state also has a Ren Faire which may be closer for some of you.)

PA REn Fair: There are "school days" in October for groups of at least 10 students from 9 am - 3pm. (Different days for grades 3 - 12). Or see "Poe Evermore" there in early November.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, 12 weekends dedicated to a 32-acre re-creation of a 16th century village and marketplace. Join hundreds of colorfully costumed merriemakers including the Queen, Knights on horseback, Jesters, Jugglers, Musicians, hundreds of craftsmen, merchants and artisans, 13 stages, over 25 royal kitchen, and a whole lot more as we sing, dance, perform, cook and create our way into your hearts. Visit soon and visit often!

During August and September the Mansion opens up for Friday Knights at the Improv in which the cast of the Renaissance Faire gather together to bring you some of the funniest improv comedy games you will ever witness tickling your funny bone all the way.

See Ticket prices online. Children 5 - 11 get the children's rate. (Group rate: approx. $14.00 per person. For group admissions, the adult admission may be less, depending on group size. )

You can download student activities, and study guide (after mid-August) at: www.parenfaire.com/ Youth Day was July 30th, but the 2009 Youth Day study guide is still up - with bits on juggling, crests & more.

Fall HS conference

"Class is cancelled" fall conference in Lancaster, PA, October 1st-3rd

If you want to learn more about the conference and what is going to be offered, please check out the website at:
http://classiscancelledforever.weebly.com
Or join the yahoo group;
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/classiscancelled/

Poe Evermore

Poe Evermore at the Mt. Hope Winery (same place as Renaissance Faire)

2775 Lebanon Road * Manheim, PA 17545

11/09/2009 - 1:00 PM

students/chaperones @ $14.00

To learn more about Poe Evermore, please go to;

www.PaRenFaire.com

If this sparks interest, there is also the Edgar Allan Poe house in Philadelphia.

9th Annual AIA Archaeology Fair

The 9th Annual AIA Archaeology Fair!

When: Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Admission: FREE!

Experience the excitement of archaeological discovery with your family!

Write in ancient languages, make a Roman mosaic or an Inca khipu, and be a medieval knight! Archaeologists, museum educators, and historical societies will lead hands-on activities and present exciting demonstrations of ancient technologies. Talk to experts about archaeology, history, and cultural heritage. The Archaeology Fair is fun for all generations, and is very kid-friendly!

Teachers and home-schoolers: this is a great opportunity to collect ideas for classroom projects.

Presenters include:

Bucks County Community College
Dickinson College
Dig and Calliope Magazines
Franklin Pierce University
Milwaukee Public Museum
Museum of Science, Boston
Penn Museum
Penn State University
Pennsylvania Archaeological Council
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology
St. Louis Community College
Yale University
Archaeological Institute of America…and many others!

The Archaeology Fair is part of the 110th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America—the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

An amusement park where you can still pay per ride and they pride themselves on short lines. There is a water park next door (or within 3 miles), at least 2 wooden roller coasters, and they have a campsite too.

Their schedule and rates (you can pay by the day).

Quiet Valley

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, educational corporation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage. 150 years ago, located just outside Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from the New York City Metropolitan area, Open to the general public from June 20 to Labor Day from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sundays. Closed Mondays. They conduct school and special tours in the fall, winter and spring. Period-dressed "family" members reenact the life of the original Pennsylvania German family who lived on the farm from the 1760s to 1913. The farm also hosts a number of special events throughout the year.

Programs periodically offered include these. You can also schedule these for a group of your own. (Prices are Spring 2008 prices.) For their complete calendar including special events and workshops, visit their website: http://www.quietvalley.org/.

• Farm Tours (Grades 3 and up): 1/2 - 2 hours. $5/student.
  
  
• Farm Hand Adventure (Grades 3 and up): This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $10.
  
  
• 1893 One Room School House (Grades 3 and up). This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $6.50/person.
  
  
• Molly/One Room School House (Grades 1 and 2). This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $5/person. $100 minimum.
  
  
• School House Program: Learn more about what a typical day of school was like in 1893 and why it was such a big part of the community. 10am to 2pm, (with about a ½ hour for lunch). Cost: $5.00 each person per session, with a maximum cost of $30.00 per family. Maximum group size: 12.
  

All materials will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. Dress in appropriate attire and be ready to have fun.

For more information or to register please call the Farm at 570-992-6161 or E-mail farm@quietvalley.org

Homeschool Program

In the spring, from April through mid June, Quiet Valley’s Homeschool Program is an educationally meaningful and enjoyable program for children ages 10 and up. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Pennsylvania German history by experiencing it first hand through a variety of seminars, demonstrations, and projects. In addition, they will become an integral part of our spring School Tour Program by working closely with our staff members in a variety of activities. The homeschool participants will bring the farm to life by coming one day per week (for either 5 weeks, or the full 10 weeks) in authentic costume for a period of 4 to 6 hours. Each day will begin with an educational seminar on a variety of topics related to life as it would have been during the 19th century. These may include: large and small animals, social customs, gardening, wool dying, and much more.

Children will then assist our guides on the actual tour, helping with animals, weaving on the loom, cooking on an open hearth, assisting in a one room school “lesson” or helping during the barn/smokehouse portion of the tour. Students may even be given the opportunity to conduct a portion of the tour under supervision.

??? Questions or Information ???
Please contact the Office: by phone at (570) 992-6161 or e-mail farm@quietvalley.org The Office is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4 (or leave a message and they'll will get back to you)