Steps to Success: Elementary to Middle School Transition Strategies for Parents and Students

Recently, I wrote a post on navigating the transition from middle school to high school.  For students in online schools, this transition can come as a shock, as the K12 high school program is quite different from the K-8 experience. For students transitioning from 5^th to 6^th grade, the shift is more minimal, but still noticeable.

Just as in the early grades, middle school courses are still flexibly-paced. There is more work involved however, with a more in-depth examination of topics than students may be used to. Students are also expected to work more independently. Learning Coaches continue to work closely with students, but they may spend less time doing so, typically 2-4 hours a day, rather than 3-5 in elementary. In many schools, students begin to have a few content-specific teachers, rather than just one teacher for all subjects, a good preparation for the high school system.

Girl Scouts and K12 Rock the Mall

Can you imagine a birthday party with 250,000 guests? Or being a part of a Guinness World Record for the largest sing-along and flash mob? The Girl Scouts orchestrated this epic event on June 9th on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in celebration of their 100^th birthday. Girl Scouts, friends, family and alumnae from around the world traveled to our nation's capital to participate in Girl Scouts Rock the Mall: 100^th Anniversary Sing-Along; now, that’s what I call a birthday celebration, if I do say so myself.

Think about it: 100 years of helping girls develop confidence, build character and volunteering to make the world a better place. More than 50 million American women have been a girl scout during their childhood.  

We were so honored to be able to celebrate this amazing milestone and sponsor a very special project for the thousands of Girl Scouts who came out to celebrate.  Each girl scout who stopped by our booth was given the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a unique Native American blanket. Navajo blanket weavings are recognized for their colorful, yet complex, designs and are highly regarded by many around the world. 

Online School: Socialization

Guest Blogger: Ben Scandlen

What do NFL training camps and school enrollments make me think of? Tim Tebow.  Why?  Socialization.

You might think Tim Tebow is a great quarterback or a horrible quarterback, you may or may not like him as an individual, but one thing that cannot be denied is that this well-known homeschooled athlete has socialization skills.   How do I know this? He shows them off when he takes a nine year old girl with cancer to an awards show, when he has to speak in front of thousands of people, and by the fact that he has the respect of his teammates in an NFL locker room.  I think any parent would feel pretty good if their child grew up and was able to handle those situations so aptly.

The Olympic Games can inspire your Kids through Video Games

The London 2012 Summer Olympics are here and there are so many ways to use the games to your parental advantage to get your kids' blood pumping with some physical activity and their minds strong with some education.

Olympic Video Games

Not all kids get the experience to see the Olympic Games in person, but how awesome would it be for your kids to be their favorite athlete?