Board Thread:Watercooler 2.0/@comment-6198648-20130228045108/@comment-6209322-20131004154531

Thanks for the advice Fan!

1.) I only had 7 slides, and each mostly had images, with maybe a name or caption on some of them.  I do not use powerpoint with lots of text as a lecture aid, but more with lots of pictures as a digital projector.  Sorry I was not clear enough with that.

2.) I actually went the anally retentive way and made 'fill-in-the-blank' notes, and since I'm not using a textbook, I also gave some handouts (I know, most will get thrown out, but I don't pay for the copies, and if even one kid gets something out of it, it's worth it.)

3.) I naturally use parallels and analogies when I talk, so I'm glad it's so effective when I teach as well.  Today, we covered the Election of 1860 and Secession, and I actually made a game of it, printing up cards with each state on it, and then I had the kids leave the 'union club' and read the date they left.  I even let them name their new club (The Pizza Party), and after each state left, I had those already gone beckon the others to join in.  In the end, we were down to the border states, and even though they wanted to be with their friends, the decided to stay with the union... I'm actually rather proud of that game.

4.) I get 5 more before Christmas, and 7 next year... I know, it's almost nothing.  And as far as details clogging up the teaching, I have a VERY difficult time with that... I think I did alright today though.

5.) These are Homeschoolers, so there is a wide spectrum.  You go from denim-skirts amish to identical to public schoolers.  I think the game really helped keep their attention, and I think they probably learned something too.

6.) Don't think I could get away with that here...