Category Archives: Free

Free, tech, Tech Tuesday

Tech Tuesday: Favorite Browser

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First off let me admit that I really, really like Google;). I like their products, I like how they treat their engineers (from what I hear), I like Google products.

I, like many people, ran from the Internet Explorer browser as soon as a viable option was available. I have run Netscape (yes I am old) but that didn’t really compete with Internet Explorer in ability so I really consider Firefox the first real post IE browser. And I liked Firefox. It had great extensions, didn’t lock up as much as IR but, there is always a but, it is a memory hog.

Then came along Chrome. It ran faster and more efficiently that Firefox so I tentatively started using it. Then I found it cloud capabilities. I can sync my bookmarks and access them from any computer. So I don’t need to worry about losing them no matter where I am working. They have a bunch of cool extensions that you can use to make bookmarking, blogging, etc easier. We aren’t even talking about how well gmail works with it (and the awesomeness that is all the gmail capabilities). The one drawback is that the coupon sites still haven’t updated all their coupon printing software to work with Chrome. But I am sure that will come and come soon!

Well now there is a Chrome App store!!! This includes both paid and free apps, extensions and themes. I am so stoked! There are games, VNC utilities, I mean all kinds of cool stuff. It just came out yesterday and I can’t wait to get my little fingers into all the fun!!!

Free, Kindle

Free Kindle Readers

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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!

Free

Share Something Sweet

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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)

Free, Frugal Homeschooler, preschool

Frugal Homeschooler: Preschool Printables

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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!

Free, Frugal Homeschooler, science

Frugal Homeschooler: Science

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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;)

Free, Frugal Homeschooler, history

Frugal Homeschooler: History

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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!

Free, Frugal Homeschooler, math

Frugal Homeschooler: Math

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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!

Labels: education, frugal homeschooling, Homeschoooling