Harry’s trip can be tracked at www.harrysbigadventure.com. His site includes a learning center, games, downloads, photo galleries and a blog on his experiences along the way.

Price Info:
$17.00 (general), $12.00 (ages 3-11)

Date & Time Info:
November 14th thru 17th, 2008
Exhibit Hours, 10:00am until 3:00pm
Science Center Hours, Sun-Fri, 10:00am-6:00pm; Sat, 10:00am-9:00pm

Contact Info:
407-514-2000

Location:
Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St.
Orlando, FL 32803

Word Sort Exercise from Read Write Think

Hoping to do traditional word sorts with your child?  Here is a resource that will help:

Word Sort Printables from ABC Teach

Children are all different.  Your child’s learning style has a huge impact on how he/she learns to spell. It’s important to provide the tools necessary to help your child learn to spell correctly.   We must always remember that children should not be expected to use conventional spelling when they write first drafts.  Children learn to write very much like they learn to speak; spelling errors are expected in the same way we expect toddlers to make mistakes with verbal language.  

Inventive (phonetic) spelling is developmentally appropriate for young writers and should be encouraged. Children should feel comfortable using descriptive words in their writing. So how do you teach conventional spelling in a way that meets individual needs and keeps that natural love of writing alive?  One way is to provide your child with a resource book to use while they’re writing.  Younger children can benefit greatly from using My Word Book as they write.  The book lists common words children use in their writing in alphabetical order.  These words are accompanied by illustrations. One fantastic feature of this resource is that blanks are provided throughout the book.  Parents can help their child personalize their word book by adding names of family members, friends, and more. 

Here’s the site description for a personal dictionary called Words I Use When I Write for 1st through 3rd graders:

This personal dictionary provides an initial list of 500 high-frequency sight words, plus plenty of blank lines for new words chosen by the student or teacher. Additional words can be selected from phonics lessons, spelling lists, literature, word walls, or other sources. A section in the back of the book provides pages for color and number words, the names of friends and family members, and other categories of words.

The process of adding words that are relevant and personally meaningful engages students in learning and remembering. It also facilitates differentiated instruction by enabling each student to add words appropriate for that student. Students then refer to their personal dictionaries when writing, so the words’ correct spelling is frequently used and reinforced. And as students expand the collection of words they recognize and spell correctly, they gain confidence and a sense of ownership of our language.    

There are actually two books that follow in the series for older children!  I highly recommend checking out the links for sample pages plus the downloadable teacher’s guide. These books are inexpensive and can have a huge impact on your child’s writing.  Note: If your child is working below grade level, be sure to start with one of the earlier books.  Remember that the goal is to meet children where they are instead of where you feel they should be.

Here are some tips for helping your child learn conventional spelling:

• Remember that children need frequent opportunities to read and access to a variety of reading materials.
• Help your child make a personalized dictionary by assisting them as they add words of interest as well as words they’ve missed in their writing.  Content area words (from thematic units) may be added as well.
• Encourage your child to write often and gently help them make corrections on final drafts.  It’s no wonder why so many children hate to write when everything they produce is picked apart and criticized.  Keep this in mind and remember that learning to write is a process; expecting perfect spelling from young children is simply not appropriate.
• Provide real life opportunities for writing. Examples for authentic writing include making a grocery list, writing to a pen pal, and so forth.
• There are many games and hands-on materials that can improve spelling skills. Try games like Scrabble Junior and Sight Word Bingo for younger kids.  Also consider manipulatives such as phonics cubes. Older kids would benefit from Scrabble, traditional word games, and online spelling activities.
• Teach spelling patterns and word families, but remember that phonics should be only one part of your approach to spelling.  This is especially important if your child is a visual spatial learner.  

Related Links:

The Speller’s Bill of Rights by Sandra Wilde

The National Council for Teachers of English Fact Sheet on Spelling Instruction

The Natural Speller (Resource Book for Parents)

While there, I also discovered that they offer sewing classes for children and adults.  They are offering two children’s summer classes each week from June 9th through July 25th.  Each class is offered for 2 1/2 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and costs $60.  There are classes for quilting, clothing, pillows, and more.  The adult classes, which range in price from $17 to $58, include quilting, sewing, bear making, and more.  They also offer beginning sewing classes for those who want to learn how to sew or who have not sewn in a long time.  For a complete listing of classes, descriptions, and prices, click here. 

If you have ever visited The Sewing Studio or taken one of their classes, please leave a comment below.

• Sewing
• Quilting
• Crochet
• Knitting
• Jewelry-making
• Cake decorating
• Decorative painting

Classes are offered on three different skill levels.

• Skill Level 1 – No prior experience required
• Skill Level 2 – Some experience in topic area expected
• Skill Level 3 – Proven experience in topic area expected

Classes range in price from $15 to $60 depending on how many sessions are needed.  New classes are being offered each month.  Click here for the June Class Catalog.  You can also visit your local JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store’s Open House on Saturday, June 21st, from 12pm to 3pm to learn more.

If your children have ever participated in classes at JoAnn’s, please leave a comment below. 

So what will bring us back?  The food!  The food was out of this world.  I had heard about how people come from all over Central FL to dine at this award-winning restaurant, but now I really know why!  We went with friends and everyone at our table was delighted with their food.  The Kase Spatzel was so yummy! I really enjoyed the sweet potato soup while my kids preferred the potato pancakes.  Hubby got a German version of Chicken Cordon Bleu which he said was fantastic.  He chose the “Heaven and Earth” mashed potatoes (which he says really were heaven) and red cabbage as his sides.

I felt that this was a great experience for my kids, and my son is even asking questions about Germany now. I think we might explore it a bit further this summer as a unit study.  I highly recommend that you check out the Willow Tree Cafe.  You’ll need to make a reservation if you want to sit inside on the weekends.  Outdoor seating is available, but I think it’s worth sitting inside for the atmosphere (and air conditioning).  

My 6 year old is interested in concepts like “infinity” as well as odd and even numbers, so this CD was perfect for him.  I found that, in addition to being fun and catchy, the songs included some great math content!  I’d say our family favorite would have to be “High Five” since that’s the one we all sing along with every time.  That one is definitely my three year old’s favorite!

I especially enjoyed this song collection because it was a nice break from traditional kids’ music.  I’ve already ordered another CD by this band, Here Come the ABCs.  We’re all looking forward to its arrival.

The junior version of the Great States! Geography Board Game recognizes that it is never to early to start appreciating all 50 states and what makes them unique. Great States Junior Geography Board Game sends young ones traveling around the country on this patriotic game board, answering questions on the “Find the Name,” “Find the Picture,” and “Find the Shape” playing cards. Great States Junior Geography Board Game has kids looking for landmarks, pictures, and state shapes, but they cannot leisurely take in the sights as the timer runs down quickly! As informative and fun as the older kids’ version, Great States Junior Geography Board Game will give young ones enough of a tour of the US to know they want more! For 2-4 players.

We’re getting ready to order the original Great States! game because our son has outgrown the junior version. I’ll be sure to post a review when we get it!