Homework Help: Free Sites to Assist Your Kids with their Homework

Is the stress of homework getting you down? Do you need some help studying for that final exam but don’t know where to turn? If so, you will find this list of 10 online homework helper sites is just what you need to get the learning-ball rolling again.

The best part of these sites is that they are all available to you FREE of charge!

1. Cliff Notes.com This site is basic and probably one of the easiest to navigate, but don’t let that fool you; there are informational study aides for all high school subjects. Cliff notes: they’re not just for literature anymore.
2. Infoplease has several interactive tools that will ease your learning. There are calculators for distances, a conversion chart, a place to find latitudes and longitudes, a thesaurus and atlas and dictionary, quizzes and timelines! When it comes to needing homework help and information, this is the place to go!
3. At Discovery Education you will find multimedia resources to help you complete and excel with those tough assignments. This site also includes a huge assortment of parent and teacher resources, so everyone can find something to do and learn.
4. Scholastic is not just for book orders. This site has a “homework hub” of activities that reinforce learning, while at the same time allows you to have some fun.
5. Fact Monster: is a site of lists and lists of facts, but that’s not all; it is brimming with information, quizzes, reference materials, encyclopedia, almanac, and links to other sites. You need it? It’s here!
6. Even the well known site, Yahoo, can help you with your homework. This site gives you the opportunity to post your question and get a specific answer. The nice thing is that all the other posted questions from the past are archived, so you can go through those questions and answers to find even more information.
7. The Homework Spot is your homework connection place, with links to hundreds of other sites for information on every subject. Because it is organized by grade level, the homework help you need is easy to find. Help for all ages and subjects are just a click away.
8. One of the pages that homeworkspot.com links to is Ed helper . This is a great site where you will find actual worksheets for practicing skills in all areas from pre-k to high school level.
9. Let’s focus on one subject this time: Math. This site is math, math and more math; everything you’ve always needed to know about math, from practice sets to games, tools and links to online tutors.  This site has it all.
10. Jiskha.com is another one of those sites that allows you to post questions about all subject areas. This site is quite similar to the Yahoo site with one added feature: if you are in a hurry or really don’t “get –it” you can chat “real time” with a tutor who will help.  There is a cost of $.99/minute for this service, which may be well worth the cost!

When looking for help with your homework you might also want to consider contacting your local library. Many libraries have online tutoring/Q and A sessions, all for free.  Also, if you prefer a more one-on-one instructional format for homework help, there are several other sites that will connect you with a tutor for a fee.

Source:  Internet Provider

Stop Drug Abuse with Teens: Red Ribbon Campaign

Did you know:  Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
 
SAMHSA invites you to participate in the 26th annual Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week—the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation—is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year’s theme, “It’s Up to Me To Be Drug Free,” reminds us that we each share individual responsibility in creating a drug-free environment.

WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK?
It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 – 31st.

WHY?
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena  in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.

WHO?
The National Family Partnership is the national sponsor of the Red Ribbon Campaign. We are helping citizens across the state come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign.

WHY SUPPORT THE NATIONAL THEME?
A theme unifies each year’s campaign and helps to broadcast one message creating a tipping point to change behavior.

HOW?
Plan a Red Ribbon celebration. Order and display Red Ribbon materials with the National Red Ribbon Theme.  Proceeds from the sale of Red Ribbon theme merchandise helps support prevention programs across America. Order  for your family, students, staff, patients, employees and customers and encourage them to wear the Red Ribbon symbol  during Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd-31st.
Sponsored by National Family Partnership.

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Building Self-Esteem with Teens and Tweens

It is that time again when Dove reaches out and helps inspire young girls to make a difference in the world.

Join the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem and Help Us Create a World Where Beauty is a Source of Confidence, Not Anxiety

Everyone Has the Opportunity to Make a Difference in a Young Girl’s Self-Esteem

Dove_® is committed to inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential by caring for themselves and each other. The Dove Movement for Self-Esteem invites all women to join us in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. There are many ways in which women can take simple actions that build self-esteem in girls. It could be as simple as inspiring the next generation with words of encouragement, spending an hour on a self-esteem building activity, or supporting self-esteem education in her town.

When women join the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem at dove.com, they will become part of a community committed to this vision and will receive regular updates on a variety of ways to get involved. Currently, women can participate in the Movement in the following ways:

• Join the Movement: By adding their name to the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem women can join us in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety.

• Tell Us “Who Inspired You?”: Our newest effort will celebrate the efforts of women who are leading by example to inspire the next generation to reach their full potential. We invite women to answer the question “Who Inspired You” on Dove online channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Dove.com, to honor the positive impact someone had on their life. When women share their story, Dove will make $1 donation to support self-esteem education in the U.S.*
  

• Download our Tools: Visit dove.com to access free tools to take simple actions to build self-esteem in young girls. We have reached over 7 million girls so far, and have set a global goal of reaching 15 million girls by 2015. Together with experts, and key partners we have created self-esteem building, educational programs, and activities for girls, moms, and mentors.
  

• Join us for the Second Annual Dove Movement for Self-Esteem Weekend in October: Dove encourages women everywhere to commit to spending one hour on a self-esteem building activity with a girl in their lives during the Dove Self-Esteem Weekend taking place from October 21 – 23.

About Our Partners: In the United States, Dove supports The Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Girls, Inc. with after-school programs, self-esteem building events and educational resources. Dove also supports the Alliance for Women in Media.

Learn more at www.DoveMovement.com.

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October is National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month: Abuse Bites

Abuse Bites was created by Lisa Freeman who is an abuse survivor.

Many don't realize that bullying isn't just limited to kids and teens.  Adult bullying is more prevalent that many know.

Abuse Bites Workshops Aim to Educate & Train employers and workers alike how to defeat bullying and make the workforce a more enjoyable, safer, and productive place.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.  Find out how you can help your community combat bullying and learn more about bullying prevention.

Employment Resources for Teens and Adults

Jobs, careers, employment.....


Whether you are a parent looking for employment or even a second job, or a teenager wanting to get their first job or considering what they want to do when they grow up, social networking can be a place to go to find out more about you are passionate about or possibly make more money with.

Social networking sites were originally created to connect people, but today’s sites do so much more. Everyone knows that successful careers are built on who you know.

No matter what field you’re in, there’s a site for you.

1. Teachers – TeachersRecess.com – A site for teachers, professors and education professionals, TeachersRecess allows educators a chance to communicate effectively; sharing lesson plans, tips and tricks, and finding out what strategies work to help students learn in the real world.
2. Police Officers – PolicePulse.com – A world-wide network of active and retired law enforcement officers, volunteers & supporters, PolicePulse connects officers and their families to local, national and world law enforcement; allowing them to compare tactics, give comfort, and exchange advice.
3. Nanny/Childcare – NannyIsland.com – A social networking site for childcare workers of all types, this site is relatively new but growing. Allowing nannies to come together, share problems, solutions, and discuss issues, NannyIsland is a place for childcare workers to relax, take in the sights, and enjoy a mini vacation from real life.
4. Real Estate – ActiveRain.com – A huge world-wide site for real estate professionals, ActiveRain has many success stories and much to offer. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out in the business or have been an agent for years, ActiveRain can help connect you to a network of dedicated professionals around the world.
5. Firefighters – FirefighterNation.com – More than just a networking site, FirefighterNation also has news on the latest fires and events, a magazine, job listings, and specialized products for firefighters. Get everything you need in one spot and an easy to use website.
6. Nurses – NurseConnect.com - Find friends and former nursing colleagues, network your way to a new nursing job, rate and review top hospitals, schools and more, get nursing career advice and tips, and catch up on the latest nursing topics all on one site.
7. Chefs – WeAreChefs.com – Part of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), WeAreChefs allows food enthusiasts, chefs and other culinary professionals to connect and communicate all over America. Filled with information, recipes and tips, this site is a can’t miss for food lovers.
8. Physicians – Sermo.com – The largest online network exclusively for physicians, Sermo allows doctors to share insights and learn from colleagues, solicit input and help peers, stayed informed, and even get paid to participate in surveys and focus groups.
9. Fashion Designers – Fashion-Networks.net – Uniting fashion lovers and experts from around the world; Fashion-Networks has photos, blogs, polls and shopping from the best brand names in the fashion industry. Tips for great shows, discussions on new fads, and hints on huge sales are just a few of the benefits offered.
10. Journalists – WiredJournalists.com – This site’s mission is to connect the knowledgeable, expert innovators in online news with journalists of all stripes hoping to learn something new about their evolving craft. The change from traditional to online journalism is happening fast, and those who don’t adapt quickly will be left behind. WiredJournalists offers connections and helpful tips about making the transition.

All these sites have one thing in common- connections. Every career has its problems and issues, and no one person can do everything.  Communication is a cornerstone of success. You build on those who come before you and help out those who follow behind, that way we can all reach the top.

Source:  My ISP Finder


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Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Teens Making a Difference in Their Community

Justin Churchman

As a parent, you strive to raise your children right and you teach them the value of giving.  Throughout the country and the world there are so many opportunities for youth to get involved in and help others. Over the past 16 years, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to nearly 100,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and many other volunteer activities. 

The search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year!

In honor of this school year’s application period, I had the chance to interview one of last year’s High School National Honorees, Justin Churchman.  Here is what Justin tells us about his experience and why he encourages more teens to get involved with this year’s awards program:

• What has being part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards meant to you?

Being surrounded by other community volunteers for several days was amazing! It give me an opportunity to share ideas, problems and concerns with other volunteers my age. It is inspirational and affirming, at the same time, to see what other teens are doing around the world and to realize that you are making an important contribution as well.

As a national winner, the experience has been incredible. When you look at the resumes of the teens from throughout the country, you see that kids are not letting anything hold them back - not age, gender, where they live, money and sometimes, adults! We are the generation who will be leading this country and programs like Prudential are making it clear that giving back to the community HAS to be a number one priority.

Application forms for the 2011 Prudential awards are available now online at www.prudential.com/community/spirit and the deadline is Nov. 1. I hope you will encourage your readers to apply!

• What is the number one reason you would encourage your peers to get involved?

The world is not going to be a better place if we don’t get involved. People don’t have to go to Mexico and build a house or to India and build a well. They can look in their neighborhoods for a senior citizen who can’t mow their grass anymore. They can walk down the street to a school where kids are working hard to learn to read and spend an hour helping. They can organize trash clean ups or clothing drives. And if everyone would just spend an hour or two, unselfishly being there for another person, they would be amazed at the changes inside them - and they will be back.

• Has this experience brought about new opportunities for you?

Being a Prudential winner introduced me to some of the most amazing teens in the country. I’ve met super achievers who are passionate about changing the world and I’ve met regular kids who are passionate about improving a specific part of their city. It has created networks where I can find support - both financial and physical - and a place I can turn to if I need motivation. I have also gotten some support for my favorite project, building houses in Mexico, at www.casasporcristo.org, and through my new online site https://www.giveback.org/pages/MyGiveBack/MyCauseIntro.aspx

• How did you go about selecting a volunteer project?

I built my first house when I was 12 by joining a school-sponsored project. I knew that was going to be my passion, so I just made sure I stayed involved with Casas por Cristo, the organization building them. In the early years it was tough, fund raising and organizing and convincing adults I could do the job, but now that I have proven myself it is easier. As for other projects, I just look around. Really, every community has the same needs. There is always trash to be picked up or families in need of food and clothing. There are always younger kids who need an older kid to hang out with or to help them with homework. I just see a need and do my best to find a solution.

• Why do you feel volunteering should be a part of every teen’s daily life?

I think every teen should be volunteering because we are the next generation of leaders. We learn what we need to in school to get a career and we learn from our families about relationships. We learn from spending time in the community what it takes to grow a community strong and how to find solutions to social problems. Of course, it makes you happy to volunteer, and it rewards you like nothing else can.

As Justin mentions, the search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year! 

Get out there and get involved by visiting the official website at http://spirit.prudential.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spiritawards.

Bullying and Gay Youth

Bullying in Schools: Harassment Puts Gay Youth at Risk

While trying to deal with all the challenges of being a teenager, gay/ lesbian/ bisexual/ transgender (GBLT) teens additionally have to deal with harassment, threats, and violence directed at them on a daily basis. They hear anti-gay slurs such as “homo”, “faggot” and “sissy” about 26 times a day or once every 14 minutes.

Even more troubling, a study found that thirty-one percent of gay youth had been threatened or injured at school in the last year alone!

Their mental health and education, not to mention their physical well-being, are at-risk.

How is their mental health being affected?

• Gay and lesbian teens are at high risk because ‘their distress is a direct result of the hatred and prejudice that surround them,’ not because of their inherently gay or lesbian identity orientation.
• Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.

How is their education being affected?

• Gay teens in U.S. schools are often subjected to such intense bullying that they’re unable to receive an adequate education. They’re often embarrassed or ashamed of being targeted and may not report the abuse.
• GLBT students are more apt to skip school due to the fear, threats, and property vandalism directed at them. One survey revealed that 22 percent of gay respondents had skipped school in the past month because they felt unsafe there.
• Twenty-eight percent of gay students will drop out of school. This is more than
  three times the national average for heterosexual students.
• GLBT youth feel they have nowhere to turn. According to several surveys, four out of five gay and lesbian students say they don’t know one supportive adult at school.

Source:  Mental Health America

Jamey Rodemeyer

With the recent suicide of 14 year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, it is yet another wake-up call to everyone - bullying kills!  

Watch Jamey Rodemeyer's last YouTube video - "It gets better, I promise!".

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Preventing High School Dropouts

Parenting teenagers can be a challenge.


Generations prior finishing high school was never an option.

Today more teens are opting to drop-out completely or get their GED.  Why?

Why do students drop-out?

There’s no single reason.

Students drop out of school for a number of different reasons—and it’s typically a combination of many issues. Here are some of the top reasons students give for leaving school:

• Classes aren’t interesting
• Parents/family/adults have low expectations
• Poor attendance
• Failing in school
• Family responsibilities (work, caring for siblings, etc.)
• Becoming a parent
• Too much freedom

What are some warning signs to look for?
 
What to watch for. There are specific factors to watch for in students who are likely to drop out of school. If you see one or more of these signs, get involved! You can give these students the Boost they need to stay in school.

• They don’t feel challenged in school.
• They don’t feel high educational expectations from either their family or school.
• They believe their parents are too controlling and they want to rebel.
• They have trouble with schoolwork or feel like they are not as smart as other students.
• They have drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
• They regularly miss school or are frequently tardy.
• They struggle with problems at home, including physical or verbal abuse.
• They feel like they don’t fit in or have friends at school.
• Their peers or siblings have dropped out of school.
• They have poor learning conditions at school—such as overcrowding, high levels of violence and excessive absenteeism.

If you fear your teen is heading down a negative path and you need to get them back on track, visit www.BoostUp.org or www.HelpYourTeens.com for more information.

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