It's X-Fair Time!

It’s X-Fair Time!!!

When?

Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m.

What is the X-Fair? 

Well, if you don't know, it is THE event of the year. The X-Fair is where your kids get the chance to truly strut their stuff, academically speaking.

Think science fair on steroids. Your kids are given the opportunity to create an exhibit on whatever they choose--science, history, math, arts and crafts, whatever.

Since last year, with all the changes, was such a hit, we are going to go with the same format. Following is a letter to parents regarding this year's fair. And following that, are the rules.

But, don't let the word "rules" scare you. We're flexible, ya know?

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February 20, 2016

Dear Parents,

In my 20+ years of homeschooling I have found that our children often do not get some of the same educational opportunities that children attending a traditional school are given. In that light, our X-fair format is designed to fill in some of those gaps.

The format gives your children the opportunity to practice skills they will be required to have once they get to college or enter the workforce. Those skills include things like creating an audio/visual presentation, writing an informative composition, and giving an oral presentation.

In order to encourage your children to do their best work, we will be giving participation ribbons to everyone. Also, for those that choose to compete, 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place ribbons will go to each category. A $10 gift card will be given to each 1^st place child. The categories include elementary, junior high, and high school.

Because we understand that some children cannot handle the stress of formal competition, all HIS members are invited to exhibit in the fair without competing, and still earn a participation ribbon. Those members that choose to compete for the prizes must adhere to the project requirements listed below.

Finally, qualified judges will be in place again for this year’s fair. They will be homeschooling parents who have graduated their children, or homeschooled graduates that have succeeded in their field of study. The judges will be given a judging sheet with the criteria to make their job more objective.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email.

Sincerely,

Carol Alexander

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HIS 2016 X-FAIR

Project Requirements (for those choosing to compete):

Audio/Visual portion:

Items that can be included in the A/V portion of this project include:

•         video
•          PowerPoint
•          presentation board
•         handouts
•         maps
•         photographs
•          artifacts or objects on display
•          samples, etc.

Specific requirements:

•          The presentation must give a clear representation of what the project is about.
•         If a presentation board is used, headings must be large enough to be read from the aisle.
•         Materials must be organized and focused on the topic.
•         Materials are to support the topic, not detract from it.

Written portion:

The written portion of the project is to be a three to five paragraph composition about the topic. (Length of written paper should be in keeping with the age of the child. Obviously, high school students will be expected to prepare a more thorough description of their project than an elementary student.)

Oral portion:

The child will be required to orally present his project to the audience and be able to answer questions from those in attendance. During this portion of the project, he should keep the following points in mind:

•          Speak with a strong voice,
•         Avoid the use of um, like, and other unnecessary words or sounds.
•         Answer questions thoroughly and with confidence, answering truthfully if he does not know the answer.

Appearance:

• Remember that appearances matter in the real world.
• The child’s presentation should be neat and of quality materials.
• The child’s personal appearance should also be neat. Think music recital or job interview here. He wants to make his best impression.
•  Appearance will be on the judging sheet.