Drew M. Hodis
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STEM in Homeschooling

STEM in Homeschooling

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is a cornerstone of modern education. These subjects equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. For homeschooling families, STEM offers a unique opportunity to blend hands-on learning with real-world applications. With plenty of tools, experiments, and online resources, teaching STEM subjects at home has never been more accessible. Here are some strategies and resources to inspire and enrich STEM learning in a homeschool environment.


Hands-On Learning with STEM Kits

STEM kits are a fantastic way to bring science and engineering concepts to life. These ready-made kits include materials and instructions for experiments and projects that make complex topics approachable and fun. Some popular options include:

  • KiwiCo Crates: These subscription-based kits offer projects tailored to different age groups.
  • Snap Circuits: These kits teach electronics through hands-on assembly of circuits, introducing concepts like power flow and resistance in a visual and interactive way.
  • Little Passports Science Expeditions: Combining STEM activities with storytelling, these kits engage kids with experiments tied to real-world themes like renewable energy and space exploration.

Experiments and Exploration

Home-based science experiments can be an excellent way to cultivate curiosity and reinforce theoretical concepts. Everyday household items can become tools for discovery. Some examples include:

  • Volcano Eruption: Using baking soda, vinegar, and a few drops of food coloring, kids can learn about chemical reactions.
  • DIY Water Filter: Create a simple water filtration system with sand, gravel, and a plastic bottle to teach principles of environmental engineering.
  • Grow Your Own Crystals: Teach kids about supersaturation and crystal formation by making salt or sugar crystals.


Coding and Technology Resources

Coding is an indispensable skill and, luckily, there are a variety of platforms that make coding accessible for homeschoolers:

  • Scratch: Developed by MIT, Scratch introduces coding through drag-and-drop blocks, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Code.org: This free platform offers structured courses in computer science, including lessons in Python, JavaScript, and game development.
  • Tynker: Tynker provides kids with gamified coding lessons that evolve in complexity as learners progress.


Online STEM Platforms

Virtual resources have revolutionized STEM education, offering access to helpful lessons and interactive content. Some great platforms include:

  • Khan Academy: With a vast library of free lessons in math, science, and computer programming, Khan Academy is a wonderful resource.
  • Brilliant.org: This platform engages students with problem-solving challenges in mathematics and science, emphasizing practical application.
  • Mystery Science: Ideal for elementary-aged learners, Mystery Science provides video lessons and hands-on activities aligned with science standards.


Building a STEM-Rich Environment

To maximize STEM learning at home, create a dedicated space stocked with tools like magnifying glasses, microscopes, graphing calculators, and construction materials like LEGO bricks or building blocks. Encourage exploration by integrating STEM into everyday life, such as cooking (chemistry), gardening (biology), or repairing household items (engineering).


Conclusion

STEM education in homeschooling offers unlimited opportunities for creativity, discovery, and skill development. By leveraging kits, experiments, coding platforms, and online resources, families can make STEM both accessible and enjoyable. With the right tools and mindset, homeschoolers can cultivate a lifelong love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world.

Learn more about Hodis Learning & Music’s expert Homeschool Education Program by calling or emailing us.

by
Drew M. Hodis
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Homeschooling: Learning Through Podcasts and Audiobooks

Homeschooling: Learning Through Podcasts and Audiobooks

In today’s digital age, homeschooling families have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. It might be surprising, but some of the most versatile and engaging of those resources are podcasts and audiobooks. These audio resources offer a flexible and accessible way to supplement traditional teaching methods. Whether you’re on the go, managing multiple learners, or looking to explore subjects in more depth, integrating podcasts and audiobooks into your homeschool curriculum can provide fun and enriching educational experiences for students of all ages.


The Benefits of Learning Through Podcasts and Audiobooks

  1. Accessibility and Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of podcasts and audiobooks is their accessibility. They can be listened to anytime and anywhere, like during a car ride, while doing chores, or on a walk. This flexibility allows homeschooling families to maximize learning time, especially for those with busy schedules or multiple children at different learning stages.
  2. Engagement and Comprehension: Listening to stories, discussions, and expert interviews can engage students in a way that traditional textbooks might not. Audiobooks can bring literature to life with engaging narration. Podcasts often feature real-life applications, expert insights, and current events, making learning relevant and stimulating. Both of these learning resources can help students to better understand and retain subject material.
  3. Development of Listening Skills: Regularly listening to podcasts and audiobooks helps students develop critical skills, such as concentration, comprehension, and auditory processing. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for effective communication and problem-solving in everyday life.
  4. Diverse Learning Opportunities: Podcasts and audiobooks cover a wide range of subjects and genres, offering something for every interest. From science and history to economics and current events, there are audio resources available for almost every topic. This diversity allows homeschooling families to tailor learning experiences to each student’s interests and educational needs.


How to Integrate Podcasts and Audiobooks into Your Homeschool Curriculum

  1. Choose Age-Appropriate Content: Select podcasts and audiobooks that are suitable for your child’s age and learning level. There are many options designed specifically for children and teens, offering content that is both educational and entertaining. For younger children, choose stories and topics that are simple and engaging, while older students may benefit from more in-depth discussions and analysis.
  2. Incorporate Into Daily Routines: Make podcasts and audiobooks a regular part of your homeschooling routine. You might start the day with an educational podcast over breakfast, listen to an audiobook during a long car trip, or wind down in the evening with a chapter from a classic novel. Consistency helps make these resources a natural part of your child’s learning experience.
  3. Use as a Supplementary Resource: Podcasts and audiobooks can effectively supplement other educational materials. For instance, after reading a chapter in a history textbook, you can listen to a podcast that provides additional context or a different perspective. Similarly, audiobooks can bring literature studies to life, allowing students to hear the rhythm and tone of the language, which is especially useful for poetry and plays.
  4. Encourage Active Listening: Encourage students to engage actively with what they are listening to by discussing the content afterward. Ask questions, prompt them to summarize what they’ve learned, or explore related topics together. This not only reinforces the material but also encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding.
  5. Explore a Variety of Formats and Genres: Don’t be afraid to explore different types of podcasts and audiobooks. From narrative storytelling and interviews to dramatizations and educational series, each format offers unique benefits. Mixing genres and styles keeps learning fresh and exciting, catering to different learning preferences and keeping students engaged.
  6. Look for Trustworthy Sources: There are endless options when it comes to audiobooks and podcasts, and while that is exciting, it can also lead to finding resources that are opinion-based or created for entertainment, rather than credible, evidence-based sources.To find credible audio resources, start by making sure you are looking in the appropriate category. For example, if you want a podcast that provides information on current events, search for options in the “News” category. Next, look into the person or organization that is producing the material. Are they a journalist or a reputable news source that abides by journalistic ethics and standards? Are they an expert in their field of study? Audio resources from these types of people and organizations are likely to be of good quality, provide credible information, and cite facts.

    Research the organization and people involved in a podcast or audiobook you are interested in to determine if they are credible. You should also check the notes and transcripts of your chosen podcast or audiobook for links to references and secondary sources, like peer-reviewed journals or reputable news articles. Additionally, check when your audiobook or podcast episode was published to ensure the content is still relevant. Audio content can be a great supplemental learning source. But it shouldn’t be the only source.

    The best way to make sure you are getting accurate, trustworthy information is to continue learning and researching with textbooks, fact-based news articles, reputable journals, and peer-reviewed studies.


Conclusion

Podcasts and audiobooks are powerful tools that can enrich the homeschooling experience, offering flexibility, engagement, and diverse learning opportunities. By thoughtfully integrating these audio resources into your curriculum, you can enhance your child’s education, foster a love of learning, and develop essential listening skills.

 

Learn more about Hodis Learning & Music’s expert Homeschool Education Program by calling us or sending a message on our website.

by
Drew M. Hodis
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Hodis Learning & Music Celebrates 3 Years in Business! Message from the President

Hodis Learning & Music celebrates 3 years in business!

This week, Hodis Learning & Music is celebrating three years of business! I am so proud of how much our team has accomplished since our second anniversary.


Upholding a Tradition of Excellent Service and Giving Back

Three years ago, my team and I developed Hodis Learning & Music upon a philosophy of kindness and expertise. Every decision that our company has made has stemmed from and further promoted this philosophy. Our tradition of excellent service is strong and spreading throughout the Pasadena area. Check out how far we’ve come since our first business anniversary!

We have continued our philanthropic endeavors. We believe strongly in giving back to the educational systems that our students go through to enrich their education. As such, we have continued to give 20% of our profits to SPEF and PEF.


Three New Programs

  • After two years of researching, developing, testing, and piloting, we officially opened our academic coaching program to the public in August of 2023.
  • Similarly, with a combined SAT tutoring experience of 30+ years, our team introduced a comprehensive and fully customized SAT Tutoring program.
  • Finally, in collaboration with homeschool experts, our team launched a cutting-edge K-12 homeschool education program that customizes at-home courses to students’ specific learning needs and preferences.

Consistent with our mission of making quality education accessible, we continued to optimize our business to keep our rates accessible for our services so that all students can enjoy exceptional educational services.


Our Expert Educators

Our expert tutors, music teachers, and art instructors are the backbone of our company. Our team of exceptional educators have helped give us a reputation of excellence and reliability in the community, and we are indebted to all of their hard work. Further, our team has grown substantially over the past year, helping to expand the number of subjects offered so we can serve more students in their academic, musical, artistic, and homeschool endeavors.


Trusted Collaborators

We are grateful for our trusted collaborators. Namely, we thank Nexusplex Business Production Agency and The South Pasadenan News for their help in building and advertising our company. Additionally, we are grateful for the partnership of SPEF and PEF, who have helped us to make a bigger impact on our community. Finally, we are grateful for the partnership of local school districts and organizations who have given us the opportunity to serve students in need.


Thank YOU!

Hodis Learning & Music would not be where it is today without our loyal clients and dedicated community of supporters. We are grateful for your business throughout the past three years. My staff and I look forward to continuing to serve you and our beautiful community in the coming years.