Winter 2021

What does the New Year hold for your homeschool?
Here are some opportunities for you!!!

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Homeschool Classes

WHAT: If your homeschool student can’t come to the museum, we will bring the museum to them. In this virtual program, a museum educator leads fun interactive looking activities about stories in art.

This month explore how Black artists from Philadelphia past and present tell their stories of challenges, changes, and joy.

WHEN: every 3rd Wednesday, January 20th

TIME: 10-10:45 ages 8-10; 11-11:45 ages 11-13

WHERE: at your home

COST: $7, $4 members

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE

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Museum of the American Revolution

History Explorers Club: Life at Sea

WHAT: This month, History Explorers, we’re taking our meeting to seas! Climb aboard as we learn about life aboard a privateer ship, including what sailors ate, what your job might have been, and how sailors passed the time. For our Explorer challenge, bring along something from home that you would want to join you as you spent eight months at sea. And get ready to help us create our own, original, “tall tale” from the high seas.

History Explorers Club playdates are best enjoyed by ages 7-11 but fun for all kids.

WHEN: Saturday, January 23rd (next month on February 27th)

TIME: 11:30-12:30

WHERE: at your home

COST: $7 per family, $4 members

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Virtual Archaeological Adventures

Celebrate Chinese New Year Traditions

WHAT: Calling all families learning at home! Join us as we learn more about the history of Lunar New Year, as celebrated in Chinese culture. Discover real and mythical animals from traditional stories and gain inspiration to create your own legendary creatures. Complete hands-on activities that introduce the 12 animals from the Zodiac calendar, guide you through making intricate paper cuttings, inspire you to cook a favorite recipe, and more! Hear from an international educator about their special holiday traditions, celebrated with friends, family, and loved ones.

Designed for students and families learning at home, this special day of activities includes three 30-minute live virtual sessions scheduled at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, along with digital activities that can be completed at any time.

To provide much-needed flexibility for this event, registered families will gain access to a virtual classroom through Google and will continue to have access to the content for the remainder of the academic year.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 27th

TIME: Live virtual sessions at 10am, 11am and 12:30pm

WHERE: at your home

COST: $15 family/$12 member. (discounts available for ACCESS holders)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: or to register click here

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Battleship New Jersey Student Day

WHAT: Monthly classes. Registered guests will experience a guided tour of the Battleship and participate in an onboard class. 
This month’s class is focusing on the ship’s propulsion system, students will learn how power is generated on board to move the ship and provide electricity to the ship’s machinery.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 27th

TIME: 9-11am

WHERE: Battleship New Jersey 62 Battleship Place. Camden, NJ 08103

COST: $5 adult/students

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Silver Lake Nature Center
Homeschool Enrichment

Watershed Wonders

WHAT: SLNC’s Homeschool Enrichment Series is an option for families who take a different approach to educating their children (ages 5-14).  Our 6-week program provides an opportunity for children to get hands-on experience within the STEM disciplines, without the formal constraints.  Each of the lessons are developed with the PA Standard Aligned System (SAS) in mind and ensure that children will excel in all settings.

There are three session per year: Fall, Winter, and Spring, and the topics covered are relevant to each season. We enjoy all types of weather at SLNC and will encourage your children to feel the same way.  It is important to make sure that your child dresses for the weather and is always prepared to get dirty!

The program is a drop-off program run by our environmental educators.  We encourage parents to minimize interactions with the class in order to reduce distractions.  Parents are not required to stay on site, but are welcome to hike the trails on their own during this time.

**Please note that a portion of the class will be indoors. Classes will have a maximum of 10 students per class to ensure proper physical distancing while inside, and safety in the cold weather. All students will be required to wear masks while they are in the building. **

WHEN: 6 week sessions, Wednesdays for Homeschool Enrichment Time (January 27)
M, T, W, & Th. options for AfterSchool Nature Classes

TIME: 10:30-12pm
or 3:30-5pm

AGES: 5-14

WHERE: Silver Lake Nature Center 1306 Bath Road Bristol, PA 19007

COST: Entire 6-week Session- $80/member; $100/non-members

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

Sonlight H.S. Conference & Valley Forge March-In

Keep CALM & Homeschool Through 2021

SONLIGHT CONNECTIONS VIRTUAL HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE

WHAT: Join the Sonlight community for this online event to gather tips on navigating challenges, hear advice from expert homeschoolers, draw from the experiences of Sonlight veterans, and be encouraged to navigate the new year successfully.

Your take-away? Realistic suggestions for wrestling with academic frustrations, insights into homeschooling struggling learners, tips and tidbits for addressing behavior issues, and reassurance and confidence for starting 2021. PLUS – opportunities to win valuable resources for your homeschooling.

As a participant in the event, you will automatically be entered to win fabulous prizes of Sonlight curriculum. And everyone who registers will get a $10 coupon for any purchase at sonlight.com. (Your coupon will be emailed after the event.)

WHEN: January 13-14, 2021

COST: $24.99

WHERE: at your home

FOR MORE INFORMATION: or to register go HERE (sonlight.com).

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Valley Forge March-In Went Virtual

This is a little late for me to post- but perhaps you missed it and are interested in some PA history! (This could count as part of our needed
annual PA history requirements!)

WHAT: The commemoration of the Continental Army’s arrival at Valley Forge is a popular annual event, and this year’s programming will be online!

In the days leading up to Saturday, December 19 (the date of the weary army’s arrival) Valley Forge National Historical Park will release a series of fun and engaging virtual programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE for 3-5 minute videos and activities to go along!

2 Upcoming Science Trainings

LIGHTLAB Teachers Workshop

WHAT: Are you are interested in teaching about the Nature of Light with a Christian perspective? Join us for three monthly workshops to learn how!

Each workshop will cover four chapters from the book, including the background and activities. So you can begin teaching after the first workshop. There is no charge, but we ask that you own the Lightlab book prior to attending.

WHEN: Saturdays- January 9, February 13, March 13 (sign up for each individually)

TIME: 11am-12pm (US ET)

WHERE: virtually at your home!

COST: FREE!!! The Workshop is free but registration is required. If you don’t own the Lightlab book, we ask that you obtain one. Science supplies are available upon demand.

LIGHTLAB, a book for children 8-12 years old, offers: • 12 lessons on the nature of light  • over 25 hands-on activities  • Bible lessons on Jesus, the Light of the world 

FOR MORE INFORMATION or TO REGISTER: go to https://www.lightlabetc.com/events

If you’d like to learn more about Lightlab and its contents click https://lightlabetc.com/

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WHAT: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is excited to offer Winter Waterfowl, a 2-day virtual course for elementary-middle homeschool students that highlights the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program.  

Day 1 is all about the science and will focus on answering the question: What is waterfowl?.  Students will explore waterfowl (duck, geese, and swans) habitat, adaptations, and identification with a refuge educator by observing taxidermy and wildlife of the refuge while collecting data.  Students will also discuss the threats faced by waterfowl, the importance of conservation and habitat management, and what they can do to help! An optional independent outdoor study will be outlined for students to complete before the next session.

On Day 2, creativity takes center stage!  After sharing any findings from outdoor studies, students will be introduced to the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest which challenges youth K-12 to create a work of art showing a native waterfowl species in its habitat to promote conservation. Building off the observation skills honed on Day 1, Illustrator Stephanie Weinger will lead a native duck draw-a-long to get students started on their Duck Stamp submission.

WHEN:  Thursday January 7, 1PM-2PM and
Tuesday January 12, 1PM-3PM.  Students should plan to attend both sessions.

WHERE: virtually from your home!

COST: FREE!!!

TO REGISTER: email Kelly L. Quain at kelly_quain@fws.gov

For more information and a homeschool guide
about the Jr. Duck Stamp Contest check out this previous post!

Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest

2020-2021 Junior Duck Stamp Artist, 13 year old Madison Grimm

The winning conservation message was by Abby Gilreath, 16, of Nebraska with her message: “When we practice conservation, we protect not only our wildlife but our health
and environment for future generations.”

WHAT: The Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is the culmination of the Junior Duck Stamp educational program. After studying waterfowl anatomy and habitat, students may express their newfound knowledge by drawing, painting or sketching a picture of an eligible North American waterfowl species.

Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Students from across the United States submit their artwork to their state, territory or district competition.

The  “Best of Show” from each competition is submitted to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest, where a panel of judges will select one image to become the next Junior Duck Stamp.

WHEN: Now, must be postmarked by March 1, 2021, for Pennsylvania.

AGES: K-12 grade

COST: FREE to enter!

Junior Duck Art Brochure 2020Download

Junior Duck Stamp-Homeschool GuideDownload

For More Information: click HERE

Special Needs Conference, History Explorers Club & Glencairn Christmas

History Explorers Club:
Mountains of Snow and Ice

WHAT: History Explorers Club is the newest program from the Museum of the American Revolution!

Gather up, History Explorers Club! In December of 1775, Henry Knox traveled to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to bring cannons back to Boston, using only a limited amount of tools, oxen, and men. They would have to travel over mountains, across frozen lakes, and through blizzards of snow and ice.

Join Museum staff as we recount the story of Knox’s journey, explore a miniature diorama, and look at replica objects to help us solve how exactly he managed to move all 59 cannons in the middle of winter to help free the city of Boston. 

WHEN: Wednesday, December 16

TIME: 3:30-4:30 pm

AGES: best enjoyed by kids 7-11

WHERE: hosted virtually by the Museum of the American Revolution
101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

COST: Registration is $4 for Museum Members and $7 for general admission. (per family)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: and to purchase tickets, click HERE

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Glencairn Christmas At Home
Annual Homeschool Day

WHAT: Our annual Christmas Homeschool Day Open House is going digital! During the month of December, we will have a virtual first-floor experience of Glencairn Museum available on our website for you to explore at any time. Enjoy the Great and Upper Halls of Glencairn as if you are there. Dive into our multi-sensory Christmas Nativity Explorer’s Notebook, make a Christmas craft, and more!

The Museum is currently open in a limited way for families to visit in-person for self-guided tour time, bookable through our website. More info on all of our Christmas offerings can be found here https://glencairnmuseum.org/a-glencairn-christmas-2020.

WHEN: from December 1st thru January 1st, 2021 5 pm

WHERE: hosted virtually by Glencairn Museum
1001 Cathedral Road Bryn Athyn, PA 19009

COST: FREE!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: and to enter the museum, click HERE

A note from the Educational Programs Manager, Amy:
“We know that many local homeschooling families include our Christmas Homeschool Day as part of their holiday traditions, and while we are absolutely missing having everyone in the building, we hope that this virtual experience might help to bring a little bit of the Glencairn holiday spirit home!
Wishing you and yours all the best for the holiday season, and the ongoing school year.“

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Special Needs Homeschool Conference

WHAT: The whole world has been shaken be the events of 2020. We are all learning how to live effectively under unfamiliar and many times disappointing circumstances. This year “special needs” takes on a new meaning. We have new unconventional needs in home education. Join us this year as we address topics such as pandemic homeschooling and getting fathers to be supportive of homeschooling, dealing with anxiety in the home, and struggles with literature and math development.

WHEN: This Monday, December 7-11

WHERE: Hosted virtually by Home Education Council of America

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: and to register, click HERE

Some FREE at home music opportunities

Philadelphia Orchestra
Children’s Day Replay

WHAT: The Philadelphia Orchestra presented a day of family programming and activities on Sunday, June 14, 2020. Replay activities include a new virtual installment of the Orchestra’s popular Sound All Around series, instrument demonstrations, and interactive craft projects.

Replay is available here: Children’s Day

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Oregon Symphony
Symphony Storytime

WHAT: Welcome to Symphony Storytime, a fun and unique video series from the Oregon Symphony designed for pre-K through elementary aged children and their families to experience popular story books. Each episode is entertaining and educational, and includes a great children’s story narrated by a master storyteller, with accompaniment by an Oregon Symphony musician or guest artist, performing the book’s “soundtrack.” Kids will enjoy these 15-minute episodes again and again, like any great story or concert, and all 13 episodes are now available, for free.

Available here: Symphony Storytime

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The Nutcracker Student Matinee

WHAT: Colorado Ballet is pleased to announce that educational organizations for students in ECE/Pre-K – 12th grade may receive a recording of Colorado Ballet’s 2019 production of The Nutcracker free of charge!

Note that only educational organizations working with youth in ECE/Pre-K – 12th grade are eligible for this opportunity. This includes public schools, private schools, homeschools, afterschool organizations, and other educational organizations.

WHEN: Each school/organization will have access to the recording for only the week selected starting Monday at 8:00am (MST) and ending on the following Sunday at 5:00pm (MST). Week are: Nov. 30- Dec. 6; Dec. 7-13; Dec. 14-20

Register Here: Colorado Ballet

Knights, Pennypack Activities, & Splash at UPenn

Interested in Knights?
Check out Glencairn Museum’s Virtual Medieval Festival

WHAT: A portal to the past: experience medieval life, art, and beliefs from your home. Travel on a virtual pilgrimage to learn about religious sites in medieval Europe, and enjoy virtual demonstrations by our participating artisans. Family-friendly activities designed by the demonstrators will be available on our website, so you can participate at home. We will also have Facebook Live broadcasts with a falconer, and glassblowers! 

WHEN: Monday, October 19 – Sunday, October 25, 2020

WHERE: virtually

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click here for main link; here for YouTube Channel

SPLASH at University of Penn

WHAT: Splash is a day-long extravaganza of classes at the University of Pennsylvania, where pre-college students are invited to learn about everything and anything from passionate university students. Splash currently runs at MIT, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Duke University, Yale University, Boston College, and many more! 

Students who attend are able to take classes in a variety of both conventional and unconventional subjects taught by UPenn undergraduate and graduate students! Examples of classes include: Yoga, American Political Thought, Advanced Algorithms, Health and Societies Intro to Circuits and Coding, Animal Ethics, Biomedical Optics, Conceptual Calculus, Intro to Modern Microscopy, Medicine and Health, American Politics, SAT Prep, and many more!

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, registration is now open!

TIME: 10am-1pm

AGES: All Splash students must be in grades 6 – 12. There are no exceptions to this policy.

WHERE: your home! Virtually this year

COST: FREE!!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

U.N. Club, Friday Night Live, Rock Climbing Classes

The American Homeschool Model
United Nations Club

RESCHEDULED to February 6, 2021 (due to SAT testing on below date)–

On Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, we will welcome delegates from across the globe for the first virtual installment of the longest-running homeschool Model UN conference in the United States. Utilizing best-in-class virtual techniques, we’ll pass notes, breakout into sessions, use virtual backgrounds to show our country representations and virtually raise our placards.

Model United Nations is a fun and dynamic atmosphere for students to learn about issues from around the world. More than textbook learning, students learn the dynamics of debate and working together to form resolutions. “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

COST: $10 per delegate

For more information: click HERE

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Friday Night Live with Andrew Pudewa

WHAT: A Free Live Streaming Event for Teachers, Parents, and Students

WHEN: Friday, November 13

TIME: 8-9:30 pm

WHERE: your home, virtually

COST: FREE!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Homeschool Classes

WHAT: Get your kiddos climbing during the day at PRG!  Home School climbing classes are modeled after our entry level class, Kids Climb, and are a great option for the beginner to intermediate level climber.  Kids ages 6-15 learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime by beginning with basic climbing technique and climbing safety skills under the guidance of a PRG coach.  No prior experience is necessary!

WHEN: once a week 1 1/2 hour long; 8 week session

WHERE: varying locations

AGES: 6-15

COST: $175  $157.50
Climb by day in PRG’s Home School Climbing Classes and save 10%!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

Check out this post for Doylestown Rock Gym Climbing Class

Penn Museum October Class

Virtual Archaeological Adventure

WHAT: Mexico & Central America:
Travel from the past to the present as we learn more about the history of Mexico and Central America. Complete hands-on activities that guide you through the Maya number system, making Aztec stamps, traditional Mexican recipes, and more! Explore the influence of these incredible civilizations on Mexican culture today through a live guided activity and get a chance to ask your questions. This special day of activities is designed for students and families learning at home. The event includes two 30-minute live virtual sessions scheduled at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm, as well as digital activities that can be completed at any time during the day.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 14

TIME:  10am-1 pm

WHERE: at your home

COST: $15 per family; $12 for member families;
Special discounts are available for ACCESS cardholders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

*We attended last month’s virtual Introduction to Archaeology class. It was great! You have all day to virtually explore the museum and links to multiple different activities for various ages. The two live sessions were very informative and interactive (via Chat box). My kids ages 4-12 were interested, attentive and enjoyed the learning experience!! I would say this is a class worth taking!

October Classes

Check this post regarding Lightlab’s FREE teacher training series.

Check this post regarding Cairn University’s FREE Kidsong series.

Check this post regarding Flip Out gymnastics, Pennypack Apple Cidering, Skateboard Academy Classes.

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Ricochets Gymnastics Homeschool Classes

You can find more information at Ricochets Facebook Page or on their webpage .

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2020 Revolutionary Germantown Festival

WHAT: Cliveden and the sites of Historic Germantown are excited to present the 2020 Revolutionary Germantown Festival!

• Explore Germantown and its historic sites to learn how the American Revolution and the Battle of Germantown affected people in 1777. A variety of activities for the whole family will be available at Cliveden and Historic Germantown sites. Visit the Schedule of Events for more information.
• Guidebooks with maps of the neighborhood, information about participating sites and activities, and locations of restaurants and cafes will be available at participating institutions and online.
• Due to city restrictions, the re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown are cancelled for 2020.

To ensure the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff we ask all participants to wear masks and maintain a safe physical distance while enjoying the festival.

WHEN: The festival will be on Saturday, October 3^rd 

TIME: from 12 PM to 4 PM

WHERE: Various sites on Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19144

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click Here

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Refreshing Mountain Homeschool Days

What: Looking for a field trip option for your home school student(s)?  Come to the outdoor classroom at Refreshing Mountain! Our Home School Days provide a variety of outdoor adventures and activities designed to provide fun and educational experiences for your students. Groups set up by grades: 1st-2nd; 3rd-4th; 5th-6th; 7th-12th. 

When: October 1, 2 

Time: 10 am-3 pm; Chaperones: This is not a drop off event. Parents will be scheduled to chaperone on a rotating basis.

Where: Refreshing Mountain  455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578

Cost: $24/person with a family cap of $72. Payment is due at time of registration. See  FAQ’s for details on cancellation.

For More Information and to Register: Click HERE; choose a day. Space is limited to 20 students per age group. Wait list is available.

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West Park Cultural Center

danceLogic

danceLogic (limited openings) (in-person outside and virtual sessions)
This program is designed for teen girls that combines dance and computer coding. Dance and coding have similar language involving repetition, direction, and combinations. The industry standard coding language they learn will inspire original choreography.

Saturdays Starting 10/3
Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm (dance)
1:30pm-2:30pm (coding)
Ages: 13-18
Cost: $100 (scholarships available)
Click to see more danceLogic information and registration