Top Ten List
Using Unlimited Access for Summer Learning
There are a lot of different ways you can use Homeschool Connections' recorded classes through Unlimited Access to keep learning alive and fun over the summer. Here are ten ideas to get you started.
10. Take school with you.
We've had students take classes from hotel rooms, Grandma's house, the library, the car on the road, and even the beach. Though we don't recommend taking your laptop anywhere near sand! All you need for recorded classes is a power source, internet, and a computer. You should add ear buds or a headset to the list if you need privacy.
9. Plug the computer into the television.
This is a really fun way to learn together as a family. Pick a subject that everyone is interested in learning. It may be The Hobbit or World War II or American Sign Language or something completely different. Make some popcorn and watch together. You may need an HDMI cable and a newer TV (Mac users will need a converter). Recently, my teen added Chromecast to our laptop and that's what we use.
8. Pick a time that works best for you.
Recorded classes are available 24/7. You could watch classes first thing in the morning, getting them done early so the rest of the day can be spent outdoors. It you prefer, watch classes during lunch or just before bed in the evening. Pick the time that is going to help you keep up on your work throughout the whole of summer.
7. Audit a course.
Watch a lecture each day and forgo the homework. For example, instead of taking 12 weeks for World History: 12 Inventions that Changed the World, watch the lectures over 12 days. When auditing, pick a subject that is easy for you. (For a course list, click here: Recorded Course Catalog.)
6. Buckle down on tough subjects.
Need help with algebra? Struggled with science last year? If so, buckle down and get to work. Set aside time each and every day (Sundays off!) and stick to the schedule. Complete all of the homework before moving to the next recorded lecture. If you want extra help, sign up for the optional grading support (Instructor Access).
5. Catch up on subjects for September.
Planning on taking Latin II next year but not quite ready? Perhaps illness or something else kept you from finishing Latin I this year. Whether you simply need a refresher or need to make up for lost time, there are a number of "Bootcamps" available in recording (math, Latin, and more).
4. Ask yourself, "What do I love?"
For example, do you get geeked about books? If so, choose a literature course on a book you love. Reread Romeo and Juliet as you watch Professor Pearce's lectures over a couple of weeks. Or Screwtape Letters, or Space Trilogy, or The Man Who Was Thursday. You can choose from over 40 literature courses.
3. Summer is a great time to hone your writing skills
Writing is a key skill for success in all other school subjects. Focusing on writing skills over summer will help you do better in history, literature, and more when fall arrives. Other courses that help you succeed in core subjects include: Note Taking Skills and How to Use Microsoft Word.
2. Keep a schedule and stick to it.
How many times have we all laid out grand plans, only to forget about them as the excitement wore off? Write out a reasonable schedule on a white board or print it and post it. Program your computer or phone to remind you each day. Do something tangible to keep you on schedule.
1. Keep it simple.
You don't need a complicated schedule to be effective. Pick just one or two subjects. For example, maybe you weren't able to make time for philosophy in the fall and spring, but you know it would help you a lot to learn it and it sounds interesting. Focus just on philosophy courses for summer.
Bonus: Unlimited Access means just that!
You have unlimited access to over 250 courses for your entire family. Yes, it's true! You can't beat the price ($30 per month!!!) and you can't beat the convenience. Middle school, high school, and adult students can easily learn year round with this independent learning program. It can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. It's YOUR program.
To learn more about our recorded, online, independent-learning classes, click here now:
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34 comments:
Great way to get a headstart on high school for my ninth grader!
We usually spend A LOT of time at the library in the summer, but I love the idea of adding Homeschool Connection classes to our summer routine! Especially loved doing it as a family. Great article!
Plan to do lots of reading and audiobooks over the summer - and perhaps some "professional development" for me! Love what I see at homeschool connections, planning on using it when my oldest is a little middle school age!
Looking forward to trying Homeschool Connections this summer!!
Will definitely be looking into this for the summer!
Loved the idea to do it as a family - even our younger children pick up so much by osmosis!
I love the idea to watch it on the TV screen. :)
Auditing a course sounds like a relaxed summertime approach!
My girls definitely need to try this! It would help them very much!
Probably looking at test prep courses!
b/c of our hectic school year, science (and labs) get neglected, so we dedicate summer to science (field trips and experiments).
We work in the ac during the heat of the day
I plan on working on writing and math with my daughter over the summer.
We do all of these!
I like the idea of using the TV for studying sign language.
We're taking a refresher before 9th grace writing...
Looks like a great way for my reluctant math student to get caught up.
I love the idea of taking a class as a family. That would make for some great summer enrichment!
We watch Great Courses videos and lots of documentaries. The kids go to educational camps, too.
Summer is a great time to learn!
so much to learn... why waste 3 whole months!!!
This is a great idea, and great way to try out courses at Homeschool Connections.
Lectures during lunchtime... brilliant. They will not even know they are taking a class.
We're going to Europe this summer and it would be nice to get some classes done during rainy days.
Thank you for having this service. I see it as an invaluable resource for homeschooling.
Recorded classes are a HUGE blessing.
We LOVE the recorded classes especially Mr. Campbell's History.
We signed up recently and are having a great time with these courses! My kids have picked out the ones they want to be sure to take (or at least audit), and have started with ancient Rome, The Hobbit, and some apologetics! This is great!
This is our chance to take The Hobbit class.
We would love the opportunity to have access to the site to learn more about the classes and see if this would be the perfect fit for our 15yo who is wanting to go to a *real* school :)
We always encourage more reading over the summer, but I'd like to try more writing this summer as well. Missouri gets SO HOT that it doesn't take long before the kids are "bored" and have "nothing to do" so more new ideas are great!
We school year round, so this fits right in!
We keep up on math and try to add some fun topics like a language,science experiments, regular games to our summer schedule. This summer we're considering a genealogy study and hands on geography course.
During the summer I have the kids form book clubs with their friends and meet every week to discuss their book.
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