Free Kindle Readers

As you can tell I like books, my kids like books and my husband likes books. So why wouldn't we want to get in on some of the free Kindle downloads out there? Well, since we don't have a Kindle (and are too cheap to buy one;) we would need a way around that;).

So I was stoked to read about Amazon's free readers for the PC. Those of you with an iPhone might also be happy to hear that there is a free reader for the iPhone too! You just download and install them. That is it. Then partake in all the books!

Share Something Sweet

What could be better than chocolate, Facebook and free email greetings? Well, add charity into the mix. Ferrero has partnered with Share Our Strength to donate $150,000 this year. Also if you go to Share Something Sweet and then use the "send something sweet" to send a free greeting and Ferrero with donate $1 up to $10,000. Or you can join the "Ferrero Lovers Unite" Facebook group to have another $1 donated (up to $1,000).

If you need a little more fun, there is a chocolate personality test at Share Something Sweet!

What are you still doing here? Go have a little chocolate fun ans raise money for a great charity!

(FRN Post)

Frugal Homeschooler: Preschool Printables

I have a friend who is teaching preschool this year so for Jodie I have compiled a list of free preschool printables. This is everything from coloring pages, handwriting pages to great games and folder games.

Now, I have to preface all this with the fact that I am not a big believer in organized preschool. I do preschool simply to keep the kids busy while I school the older ones. I figure it is just play but it is educational too!

First up is Preschool Printables. Along the side bar is all of its wonderful printables. It has folder games, awards and calendars along with lesson plans.

TLSBooks has a lot of printable worksheets for preschool - 5th grade. They have 7 different categories of worksheets that include concept and coloring sheets.

First-School has a lot of letter, animal and holiday pages to print and color. I love it for building a Great Big Book of Everything from Stanley (a kind of animal encyclopedia).

Shirley's Preschool Activities has some great handwriting printable pages. Also they have African Alphabet pages and some Bible story themed coloring pages.

Preschool Learners has over 400 different printable worksheets. They are organized really well, which of course a NerdMom loves;). They have 8 main categories, such as English, Math, things we use, etc. Then they organize each subcategory really well.


So hopefully this gives everyone some really good resources. Remember that homeschooling doesn't have to be expensive! If you have any resources that I didn't mention please, let me know. Also, if there is an area or subject you would like me to apply the Frugal Homeschooler treat me to, just let me know and maybe I will fufill your request next!

Frugal Homeschooler: Science

Once again I am out there looking for ways to homeschool on the cheap and this time I am sharing great science websites.

First up is MSNucleus. They have complete, free science curriculum for K-12. You can use the units as is or, like I do, canabilize them to use specific resources for specific points. Next is The Gorilla Foundation. You can get information on gorillas, got to the kids club or see KoKo the gorilla sign. This is very useful to me this year as we are doing 10 animal units. The third sight is a cool Nasa weather sight, SciJinks. They have activities in 4 areas: fun, People, Weather Technology and How & Why.

You can't forget the hands on science experiments with the TWINKIES Project. They have all kinds of cool experiments that teach real science principles. The last site for today is Extreme Science. They have facts and info on areas of science. I am sure that we will be spending loads of time here.

There are just a few of the science site the web has to offer. If you have any that you like, please share. As always remember homeschooling doesn't have to be hard or expensive!(Yes, I am trying to develop a tagline;)

Frugal Homeschooler: History

Here are some free history resources.

First up are some fun and interesting sites from the BBC. They have one history section for ages 4-11 and another for 11-16 year olds. They have some interesting history games. They also have stuff on specific time periods(WWI and WWII, etc) and on specific people.

Kids Dig Reed give virtual tours of the 19th century Reed Farmstead in Virginia. It also gives the specific history of the site, talks about artifacts and has games and puzzles.

Colonial Williamsburg also has a great site with cool history resources. The front page has some games but the real learning is under the Teachers/Parents tab. It has an electronic field trip, info on people and the place. It even has a lesson plan.

So that wraps up this Frugal Homeschooler. Look, explore, use and if you have any great resources please share with me. As always remember homeschooling doesn't have to be hard or expensive!

Frugal Homeschooler: Math

Hey fellow educators, we meet again! This time I have some great math resources for you.

First up is is AAA Math. It has real time problems and evaluations. One of the best things is that it has a little explanation or lesson and then the area you work. It has a start button and as you do the problems it evaluates you. It starts at addition and goes all the way up to Algebra and Geometry.

Then there is NLVM. It has a variety of on screen (Java driven) manipulatives and games. This is perfect as a help while doing other homework, reinforcement, or conceptual learning. It says that it is for grades 3-5 but I see stuff I will use for my preschooler and my first grader. So look for yourself to see if it something for you.

For those who like paper and pencil I give you the Math Worksheet Generator. They have a variety of elementary math subjects and types of sheets to choose from. These are great for drills because they even give you specific 3 and 5 minute drill sheets.

So here are some great math resources. Look, explore, use and if you have any great resources please share with me. As always remember homeschooling doesn't have to be hard or expensive!

Frugal Homeschooler: Grammar Exercises

Thanks to Kate over at ITTIB for finding this great site for grammar exercises. It seems to have everything from punctuation to using like and as. You can even check you answers as you go. It would be great for adults and kids. In addition to the exercises, How to Improve Your Writing seems to have a lot of great grammar and writing information.

Free Tacos Anyone

One of my favorite fast food places is Taco Bell. Now here is your opportunity to get some free! Due to the first Stolen Base in the World Series Taco Bell will be giving away 1 crunchy beef taco to each person who comes in Tuesday Oct 30, 2007 between 2pm-5pm.