The fifth annual Northern Virginia Home Education Conference will be held on July 11-12, 2008 at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center. This conference provides a vast cross-section of exhibitors who are ready and able to provide you with the tools you need to meet the educational needs of all of your students. Additionally, we offer a Mommy & Me Room just for you and your little one with a video feed to one of our workshop rooms, a Demonstration Area with demonstrations from area athletic and performing arts companies, a Used Book Sale on Saturday, fantastic Door Prizes from many of our exhibitors, local radio stations and local businesses AND a full-service Food Court open throughout the conference - all of this at a the conveniently located Dulles Expo Center and at a great price.
This year's Keynote Speaker is Andrew Pudewa, director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and a homeschooling father of seven. Presenting throughout North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. His best endorsement is from a young Alaskan boy who called him "the funny man with the wonderful words." He and his beautiful, heroic wife Robin currently teach their four youngest children at home in Atascadero, California. Our Featured Speaker is Jim Weiss. storyteller for over 25 years. He and his wife, Randy, formed a production company, Greathall Productions, and have thus far produced 40 storytelling recordings with enticing titles from classical literature, such as Greek Myths, King Arthur and Sherlock Holmes. His recordings are highly praised and recommended by practically every homeschooling journal and professional and he has received over 80 national
awards. Other speakers include Jessie Wise, Wade Hulcy, Maggie Hogan, Tammy Duby, John Jenkins and Steve Demme. You can find more information on all the conference speakers and workshops that they will be providing on the conference website at www.novaconference. net .
Registration is now available online. Conference registrations are $30 for both Friday and Saturday [spouse free], $20 for Friday Only [spouse free], $25 for Saturday Only [spouse free] and $15 for Shopping Only [both days/spouse free]. Registrations will be $5 additional at the door on conference days. Take advantage of this money and time-saving opportunity and register today! Email us at registration@ novaconference. net to request a PDF or a printed registration form. Mailed registrations must be postmarked by July 1, 2008. Online registration will be available until midnight on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Volunteers always play a very important role in our conference and are needed in Move In/Move Out, Registration and as Workshop Hosts/Hostesses. You can earn a free registration or a discount on your registration! Contact Dee Scott at novavolunteer@ yahoo.com if you would like to volunteer.
For Registration Questions, email registration@ novaconference. net or call 888-560-8080 [toll-free]. For complete information on the conference, check the conference website at www.novaconference. net Check back often for continuing updates as we approach the date of the conference. Be sure to tell your homeschooling friends about the conference!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Monday, November 26, 2007
Saint Boniface and The Christmas Tree
Saint Boniface, an English missionary, known as the "Apostle of Germany", in 722 came upon some men about to cut a huge oak tree as a stake (Oak of Thor) for a human sacrifice to their pagan god. With one mighty blow, Saint Boniface felled the massive oak and as the tree split, a beautiful young fir tree sprang from its center. Saint Boniface told the people that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was indeed a holy tree, the tree of the Christ Child, a symbol of His promise of eternal life. He instructed them henceforth to carry the evergreen from the wilderness into their homes and to surround it with gifts, symbols of love and kindness. Saint Boniface (feast June 5) received the name Winfrid at his baptism but took the name Boniface before he was ordained to the priesthood. He was martyred at the age of 75. MD_DC_VA_Educators : Message: Interesting Facts on Christmas
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
NOVEMBER FAMILY PROGRAMS at NBM
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NEW! Custom Life-Size Playhouse in The Building Zone
On-going
First Floor Galleries
A life-size, green-build playhouse is the newest addition to The Building Zone ! In the Playhouse children may snuggle up with a book, "play house" and learn about sustainable design by discovering the truth wall--a behind the scenes look at what is behind the walls of a house. Donated to the Museum as part of HomeAid’s National Project Playhouse, and built by Pardee Homes, this new customized space provides children a safe place to imagine and play .
Why Play at the National Building Museum?
Just as a building’s foundation lays the groundwork for a structure, child-initiated play lays a foundation for learning. Through imaginative play, children learn to interact with others, to recognize and solve problems, and to gain confidence. Play helps children make sense of their physical and social worlds and their place within them. We invite our youngest visitors and their families to enjoy The Building Zone as they explore the world we build for ourselves.
Free. Open during Museum hours.
The National Building Museum Project Playhouse is sponsored by HomeAid and built by Pardee Homes.
Young visitors explore the new Playhouse on its inaugural opening in The Building Zone. Photo by Peter Cutts.
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Weekend Family Days Coming Soon November 18
Home Stories: Identity and Architecture
Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Explore the painted houses of the Ndebele people of Africa and other types of African architecture featured in the exhibition Lasting Foundations: The Art of Architecture in Africa.
Listen to a story about Ndebele people.
Learn about how houses can communicate ideas about identity and culture.
Create your own house that communicates something about your own identity.
$5 per house. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Great Hall. Drop-in program.
November 18
Outreach Program
Design Apprenticeship Program 16 Final Presentation
Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
In conjunction with the National Building Museum exhibition Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture, the fall 2007 Design Apprenticeship Program 16 (DAP) challenged teen students to focus on modern furniture design. Over six intensive sessions, participants investigated the importance of furniture design and worked in teams to design and construct a furnished space for a local community center. During this final presentation, DAP participants will unveil their furnished room to the public and host a discussion of their design process.
Free. Registration not required.
Design Apprenticeship Program is sponsored by The McGraw-Hill Companies and The Prince Charitable Trusts. Additional support for outreach programs is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; The Capital Group Companies; The Clark Charitable Foundation; and The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, among others.
December 8
Home Sweet Home: Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration is now open!
Get into the holiday spirit and learn about traditional Finnish customs and architecture! Families assemble fresh gingerbread houses and decorate them using royal icing and a wide assortment of edible “building” materials. Program presented in partnership with the Embassy of Finland and The House of Sweden.
$40 per house, Museum members; $50 nonmembers. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Prepaid registration required by Friday, November 30. To register call 202.272.2448, ext. 3450 or email family@nbm.org.
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Family Hands-On Tool Kits
The Museum's newest daily offering for families has arrived! On your next visit, check out one of the new Family Tool Kits. Designed for families with children of many ages, each family or group will get their own Tool Kit loaded with lots of cool things and activities to help explore the architecture of the Museum's historic home by seeing, moving, touching, and doing!
• Patterns Here, There, and Everywhere!
(for children ages 3-7 with adult companions) Includes: making your own patterns using architectural stamps and rubbings, looking for patterns in stories, building patterns with mini bricks, making musical patterns, and much much more!
• Eye Spy: What Can You Find with Your Little Eye?
(for children ages 7-10 with adult companions) Includes: binoculars and flashlights to look for hidden architectural details, custom wooden jigsaw puzzles of the Museum, drawing activities, eye spy games, and much much more!
• Constructor Detector
(for children ages 8-11 with adult companions) Includes: measuring tapes, a measuring wheel, a level, magnetic compass, hammer and nails, and much more to complete lots of fun measurement and art activities.
Free for members. $5 check-out fee per tool kit, non-members, cash or check. Tool Kits are for rental and
on-site usage until 4 PM daily. Recommended for children ages 3-11+ with adult companions. Available on-going daily.
A family enjoys a Tool Kit together at the NBM. Photo by Museum Staff.
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Host A Memorable Birthday Party for Your Child at the National Building Museum!
The National Building Museum offers exciting hands-on parties for children ages 3-11. The party lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and consists of a building orientation, a museum activity, and a birthday celebration. Parties can be any day of the week between 1 and 4 pm (some flexibility with timing is possible, please email).
• Choice of party activity
• Hands-on projects for every child to take home
• Use of the Museum’s party space including tables and chairs for the celebration
• Party favors for children and plastic “hard-hats”
• Museum T-shirt for the birthday child
• Building orientation
For more information, visit our Birthday Party webpage.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Amazing Arches:
Build a Life-Sized Arch in the Museum's Great Hall
Arches are an iconic architectural feature in the Museum's Great Hall and around the world. But have you ever wondered just how they work? Discover the arch's secrets for yourself by constructing a 7-foot-tall, soft-block arch in the Museum's Great Hall. Fun for all ages!
Free. On-going daily. Appropriate for all ages.
All hands on deck to construct the giant arch! Photo by F.T. Eyre.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Ongoing Family Programs
Discovery Carts
Bridging the Gap
Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:00 am
During this interactive demonstration, participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing a type of bridge to build.
Free. Registration not required. Most appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Arches and Trusses: The Tension Builds
Sundays, 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Discover how building forces, materials and structures affect strength and longevity. Participants test different building materials and work together to build an arch.
Free. Registration not required. Most appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Activity Booklets and Exhibition Guides for Families
Designed for children ages 6-13, the "Treasure Hunt" activity booklet introduces architecture concepts and features in the Museum and around Washington, DC. Ask for complimentary copies at the Museum's Information Desk. Exhibition Family Guides help engage younger audiences in exhibitions like Washington: Symbol and City.
Look for free printed copies inside or just outside the exhibitions.
Adventures in Architecture Scavenger Hunt
This fun and educational printed guide is designed for families with pre-teens and teens. Set off around the Museum, identifying key architectural elements, sketching, and analyzing the building itself. Ask for complimentary copies at the Museum's Information Desk.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Exhibitions
Marchel Breuer: Design and Architecture
November 3, 2007 - February 17, 2008
First Floor Galleries
Lasting Foundations: The Art of Architecture in Africa
October 6, 2007 – January 13, 2008
Second Floor Galleries
Investigating Where We Live
August 10, 2007 - November 25, 2007
Second Floor Galleries
David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing Architecture
June 23, 2007 – May 4, 2008
Second Floor Galleries
Cityscapes Revealed: Highlights from the Collection
Long-Term
First Floor Galleries
Washington: Symbol and City
Long-Term
First Floor Galleries
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Calling all Scouts! Join the National Building Museum's hands-on programs and learn about architecture, urban planning, construction, engineering, building, and design. These engaging programs teach Scouts to recognize and solve design problems, test civil and aerodynamic engineering principles, weigh environmental issues, and "read" the buildings around them. The programs also assist Scouts in fulfilling their badge requirements.
Registration for Cub Scout and Girl Scout programs is available on-line.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
The National Building Museum, created by an act of Congress in 1980, is a private, nonprofit institution that examines and interprets American achievements in building through exhibitions, education programs, and publications. To learn more about the National Building Museum and the programs covered here, please visit www.nbm.org or call 202.272.2448.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY PROGRAMS AND TO REGISTER, CONTACT FAMILY PROGRAMS AT 202.272.2448 OR EMAIL FAMILY@NBM.ORG
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Please feel free to forward this e-mail or post this information for general distribution to interested parties.
NEW! Custom Life-Size Playhouse in The Building Zone
On-going
First Floor Galleries
A life-size, green-build playhouse is the newest addition to The Building Zone ! In the Playhouse children may snuggle up with a book, "play house" and learn about sustainable design by discovering the truth wall--a behind the scenes look at what is behind the walls of a house. Donated to the Museum as part of HomeAid’s National Project Playhouse, and built by Pardee Homes, this new customized space provides children a safe place to imagine and play .
Why Play at the National Building Museum?
Just as a building’s foundation lays the groundwork for a structure, child-initiated play lays a foundation for learning. Through imaginative play, children learn to interact with others, to recognize and solve problems, and to gain confidence. Play helps children make sense of their physical and social worlds and their place within them. We invite our youngest visitors and their families to enjoy The Building Zone as they explore the world we build for ourselves.
Free. Open during Museum hours.
The National Building Museum Project Playhouse is sponsored by HomeAid and built by Pardee Homes.
Young visitors explore the new Playhouse on its inaugural opening in The Building Zone. Photo by Peter Cutts.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Weekend Family Days Coming Soon November 18
Home Stories: Identity and Architecture
Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Explore the painted houses of the Ndebele people of Africa and other types of African architecture featured in the exhibition Lasting Foundations: The Art of Architecture in Africa.
Listen to a story about Ndebele people.
Learn about how houses can communicate ideas about identity and culture.
Create your own house that communicates something about your own identity.
$5 per house. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Great Hall. Drop-in program.
November 18
Outreach Program
Design Apprenticeship Program 16 Final Presentation
Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
In conjunction with the National Building Museum exhibition Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture, the fall 2007 Design Apprenticeship Program 16 (DAP) challenged teen students to focus on modern furniture design. Over six intensive sessions, participants investigated the importance of furniture design and worked in teams to design and construct a furnished space for a local community center. During this final presentation, DAP participants will unveil their furnished room to the public and host a discussion of their design process.
Free. Registration not required.
Design Apprenticeship Program is sponsored by The McGraw-Hill Companies and The Prince Charitable Trusts. Additional support for outreach programs is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; The Capital Group Companies; The Clark Charitable Foundation; and The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, among others.
December 8
Home Sweet Home: Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration is now open!
Get into the holiday spirit and learn about traditional Finnish customs and architecture! Families assemble fresh gingerbread houses and decorate them using royal icing and a wide assortment of edible “building” materials. Program presented in partnership with the Embassy of Finland and The House of Sweden.
$40 per house, Museum members; $50 nonmembers. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Prepaid registration required by Friday, November 30. To register call 202.272.2448, ext. 3450 or email family@nbm.org.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Family Hands-On Tool Kits
The Museum's newest daily offering for families has arrived! On your next visit, check out one of the new Family Tool Kits. Designed for families with children of many ages, each family or group will get their own Tool Kit loaded with lots of cool things and activities to help explore the architecture of the Museum's historic home by seeing, moving, touching, and doing!
• Patterns Here, There, and Everywhere!
(for children ages 3-7 with adult companions) Includes: making your own patterns using architectural stamps and rubbings, looking for patterns in stories, building patterns with mini bricks, making musical patterns, and much much more!
• Eye Spy: What Can You Find with Your Little Eye?
(for children ages 7-10 with adult companions) Includes: binoculars and flashlights to look for hidden architectural details, custom wooden jigsaw puzzles of the Museum, drawing activities, eye spy games, and much much more!
• Constructor Detector
(for children ages 8-11 with adult companions) Includes: measuring tapes, a measuring wheel, a level, magnetic compass, hammer and nails, and much more to complete lots of fun measurement and art activities.
Free for members. $5 check-out fee per tool kit, non-members, cash or check. Tool Kits are for rental and
on-site usage until 4 PM daily. Recommended for children ages 3-11+ with adult companions. Available on-going daily.
A family enjoys a Tool Kit together at the NBM. Photo by Museum Staff.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Host A Memorable Birthday Party for Your Child at the National Building Museum!
The National Building Museum offers exciting hands-on parties for children ages 3-11. The party lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and consists of a building orientation, a museum activity, and a birthday celebration. Parties can be any day of the week between 1 and 4 pm (some flexibility with timing is possible, please email).
• Choice of party activity
• Hands-on projects for every child to take home
• Use of the Museum’s party space including tables and chairs for the celebration
• Party favors for children and plastic “hard-hats”
• Museum T-shirt for the birthday child
• Building orientation
For more information, visit our Birthday Party webpage.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Amazing Arches:
Build a Life-Sized Arch in the Museum's Great Hall
Arches are an iconic architectural feature in the Museum's Great Hall and around the world. But have you ever wondered just how they work? Discover the arch's secrets for yourself by constructing a 7-foot-tall, soft-block arch in the Museum's Great Hall. Fun for all ages!
Free. On-going daily. Appropriate for all ages.
All hands on deck to construct the giant arch! Photo by F.T. Eyre.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Ongoing Family Programs
Discovery Carts
Bridging the Gap
Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:00 am
During this interactive demonstration, participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing a type of bridge to build.
Free. Registration not required. Most appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Arches and Trusses: The Tension Builds
Sundays, 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Discover how building forces, materials and structures affect strength and longevity. Participants test different building materials and work together to build an arch.
Free. Registration not required. Most appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Activity Booklets and Exhibition Guides for Families
Designed for children ages 6-13, the "Treasure Hunt" activity booklet introduces architecture concepts and features in the Museum and around Washington, DC. Ask for complimentary copies at the Museum's Information Desk. Exhibition Family Guides help engage younger audiences in exhibitions like Washington: Symbol and City.
Look for free printed copies inside or just outside the exhibitions.
Adventures in Architecture Scavenger Hunt
This fun and educational printed guide is designed for families with pre-teens and teens. Set off around the Museum, identifying key architectural elements, sketching, and analyzing the building itself. Ask for complimentary copies at the Museum's Information Desk.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Exhibitions
Marchel Breuer: Design and Architecture
November 3, 2007 - February 17, 2008
First Floor Galleries
Lasting Foundations: The Art of Architecture in Africa
October 6, 2007 – January 13, 2008
Second Floor Galleries
Investigating Where We Live
August 10, 2007 - November 25, 2007
Second Floor Galleries
David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing Architecture
June 23, 2007 – May 4, 2008
Second Floor Galleries
Cityscapes Revealed: Highlights from the Collection
Long-Term
First Floor Galleries
Washington: Symbol and City
Long-Term
First Floor Galleries
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Calling all Scouts! Join the National Building Museum's hands-on programs and learn about architecture, urban planning, construction, engineering, building, and design. These engaging programs teach Scouts to recognize and solve design problems, test civil and aerodynamic engineering principles, weigh environmental issues, and "read" the buildings around them. The programs also assist Scouts in fulfilling their badge requirements.
Registration for Cub Scout and Girl Scout programs is available on-line.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
The National Building Museum, created by an act of Congress in 1980, is a private, nonprofit institution that examines and interprets American achievements in building through exhibitions, education programs, and publications. To learn more about the National Building Museum and the programs covered here, please visit www.nbm.org or call 202.272.2448.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY PROGRAMS AND TO REGISTER, CONTACT FAMILY PROGRAMS AT 202.272.2448 OR EMAIL FAMILY@NBM.ORG
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Please feel free to forward this e-mail or post this information for general distribution to interested parties.
Monday, October 29, 2007
MD_DC_VA_Educators : TeachersFamilyHomeschooling Activities
MD_DC_VA_Educators : TeachersFamilyHomeschooling Activities: "This groups exists to create an online forum to share resources, activities, ideas, and support among the homeschooling community to include the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Our geography lends itself to an amazingly wide array of fantastic and unique experiences for our children to expand their learning. We currently have members from many states to include: Virginia, Washington DC, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland counties, Baltimore City, Pennsylvania,and Delaware. Approximately 50% of the group current serves our country in uniform. Miliary members are welcome to join. This group provides a open forum of homeschooling families - many of whom belong to other specific homeschooling groups and umbrella programs. We are proud that our membership consists of a wide variety and broad range of religious and homeschooling philosophies. We expect every member to model tolerance and demonstrate respect to each other and focus our energy on supporting each other in our homeschooling efforts. We have a large pool of knowledge, experience, and expertise within our membership. Each homeschool family is unique, just as each child is unique. By being a member, each member has access to wealth of resources and can tap into the community for advice and input. There are so many different thoughts and perspectives about teaching our children. Take advantage of our broad network of homeschooling families. We have been blessed to have several school administers, school principals, and certifed school teachers in our midst. Feel free to ask questions on any subject. We will not tolerate spamming, profanity, racism, or flaming. Blessings James t4gif@yahoo.com"
Friday, October 26, 2007
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