The Googol Learning Newsletter
August 2007
Inspiration, Fun Activities and Ideas to Encourage Further Learning — for Parents, Teachers and Kids!
ECO-Math, Nature, and Crazy 4 Math Voting
There are only two weekends left of summer. We have completed EARLY our summer goal to finish the last Harry Potter novel. In addition to calculating daily averages of the pages read and the total of all pages in the series, I even managed to weave some math into the storyline! I'm sure Ms. Rowling will approve. Other events included my daughter finding her first four-leaf clover and my son learning how to skip with a jump rope.
Speaking of skipping, our new album, The Skip Counting Zone is now ready. You can even get it in time for one last week of skipping!
I've also been working on my new math workshop, Meaningful Math. Part of the presentation includes environmental education. For young children, I try to focus on the developing an appreciation of nature and positive things they can do (rather than frightening them). Even though summer is nearing its end, there are still ample opportunities to explore nature throughout the year.
CONTENTS
- ECO-Math
- Thinking Critically and Learning Imaginatively in Nature
- Goal Setting for Kids & Exploring Nature
- Welcome to Debra Ross, Homeschool Moderator
- What is After Schooling?
- Crazy 4 Math Voting Now On!
- Googol Learning Update: New CD, Fundraising
- Inspiration
ECO-Math
Environmental education includes teaching about how natural environments function and how humans can impact the ecosystems in order to live in a more sustainable manner.
Nature created numbers. —Anonymous
For young children, developing an appreciation of nature is one of the foremost principles in environmental education.
Even in the city, you can find ways to learn about ecosystems from spiders, birds and plants. And of course there are many ways to combine math into your outdoor experience.
Lucky Clovers
My daughter found her first four-leaf clover this summer! This exciting event led to many new explorations in estimation and probability:
What is the probability of finding a four-leaf clover? A Very Lucky Day.
Check out our new ECO-Math section! Including pages on insects, rock collections, hummingbirds, ecosystems, and more ways of using math in nature.
Thinking Critically and Learning Imaginatively in Nature
From our Critical Thinking Moderator, Linda Popolano
Critical thinking is not just for the school room or the home classroom. You can teach a child to think critically while having fun outdoors.
Since a critical thinker analyzes evidence in order to make good decisions or to effectively communicate ideas, just think of all the opportunities to teach critical thinking while hiking, fishing, or simply walking through the woods. "Which path would be the best one to take, easier to climb, or get us to our destination quicker? Why do you think so?" Or watch the life forms around you... the insects, the fishes, the squirrels...
Goal Setting for Kids & Exploring Nature
From our Goal Setting for Kids Moderators, Monicka Gregory and Cassie Martin
Getting kids out exploring nature is always a good thing. It exercises their body and mind in whole new ways, helps them develop their curiosity and imagination, grows empathy skills, encourages them to get fresh air and much more.
When I was 12, my step-father let me borrow his binoculars. It was like a whole new world suddenly opened up for me. I had always loved animals and nature - I proudly called myself a "Naturalist" - but due to eyesight problems had not had much luck with activities like bird watching.
Welcome to Debra Ross, Homeschooling Moderator
I immediately connected with Debra, who realizes the importance in encouraging an appreciation of mathematics at a young age. I'm very excited she has given some time to be your Homeschooling moderator. Debra shares with us many exciting homeschooling resources and reviews for great products for all families and teachers. She would love to hear from you so please send your own product reviews and inspirational ideas her way.
What is After Schooling?
After Schooling is a term used to describe parents that have a home-schooling philosophy but whose children still go to school. To us, a homeschooling (and After Schooling) philosophy is about realizing that we as parents are our child's primarily teachers. We teach them to speak, to walk, to be polite, to love and so much more. We read with them, help them with their homework and talk to them about their day. Read full article...
Crazy 4 Math Voting Now On!
The semi-finalists have now been posted for the Crazy 4 Math Contest. Please cast your vote and spread the word about how Crazy 4 Math everyone is! Voting ends September 4. Everyone wins something! There are many wonderful ideas that will inspire your child or students. Many thanks to all of our sponsors who have helped get the word out and provide prizes.
Googol Learning Update: New CD, Fundraising
Our new album, The Skip Counting Zone has been officially released and is available to order.
Fundraising
Keep us in mind for your fundraising projects next fall. All of the fundraising products in our 2007-2008 flyer are also available in our store. Your school or organization (including your homeschool organization) will earn 40% commission plus receive other educational benefits. This truly makes a great educational fundraiser.
Looking for Sales Reps, Moderators, and Articles
We are always looking for great sales representatives in Canada and the US. Contact us if you are interested in sharing math and family learning in your community. We are also looking for moderators for our upcoming guides. We'd love to publish articles and stories that share your family learning experiences.
Inspiration
The profound study of nature is the most fertile source of mathematical discoveries. —Joseph Fourier
Enjoy your last week of your summer. There's still time left to find a lucky clover!
Mathematically yours,
Susan, the family and the Googols (Echo, Bungie, Screech, Flip, Flop, Crash and Cardio)