The Monthly Chat

October, 2010

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Printable bits of wisdom, ideas, and reflections for your friends and
homeschool group, from the members of HomeschoolClassifieds.com
Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors.
Š1997-2009 HomeschoolClassifieds.com, Knoxville, TN

Lang arts: phonics
Taking Phonics to the Next Level

There are many phonics approaches available. I have taught phonics and tutored it for some years. I have found that many times when teaching it, the daily ''time crunch'' can cut short the extra sensory-type learning the child with reading difficulties needs. And, actually can in part negatively help the student to develop ''reading difficulties''.

A student must recognize a letter and its sound visually, but they must also hear the sound/s and recognize what letter/s make that sound. Along with this is the need to touch and manipulate the letters thru letter tiles, play dough shapes, writing letters in sand, or with finger paints. And, don't overlook saying outloud. Use all the senses. Lessons must be tied to their particular attention span, not yours, nor now much you need or want to accomplish. The size of the ''bite'' of teaching must always match your student. I have also found it very important to have the student see the sounds within words and sentences, that they mark (underline, circle, special marks).

This takes the skill into the real world. Don't skip this step, especially for the visually, or attention shortened student. They love to skip and guess. This nails them down to seeing parts within the whole. Then have them read the words, sentences and paragraphs, so they see the whole. Ending with reading outloud then completes the learning circle. Don't forget to use your intimate knowledge of your child to maximize their retention of the information you are attempting to impart to them. I believe you will, in the long term, see the benefits.

My dyslexic daughter and I are using a new phonics/reading program that claims to overcome some of these issues. As we get further along I will share with you what results we experience.

dotluv2teach

Organization/time management
Let Your Crockpot Help You Out

In the last seven years of homeschooling, my crockpot has been a real lifesaver. I just fill my crock up with whatever recipe I want to use that day, turn it on, and forget about it until dinner time. It gives me more time to devote to school, and still gives us an economical and tasty dinner.

boswifedeb

Organization/time management
Square Peg Schedule, Round Hole Day

A lot of time I find myself stressing out about how the day is going (or will be going) because I am forcing formal schooling into the day that I know (in the back of my mind) I will not have time for...when our formal studies must take a back seat to something more pressing on the schedule I usually do the following:

1. Stop, acknowledge that school is not going to get done today...the earlier I do this the better it is for everyone. I will then stop the negative self-talk and go with the flow of the day.

2. Identify 2-3 possible teachable aspects of whatever I am doing instead of school to share with my kids. Look for others as I go along.

3. At least do our Bible lesson during one sit down meal, even if it means I skip the meal and eat at the counter later. If I cannot even do this, I will teach them one new thing about God--I will find something to praise God about out loud in their presence, or I will sing one hymn (Mom, stop singing!) or I will call attention to God's creation.

4. Ask God for opportunities to ''do school'' on one of our off days...1/4 day or 1/2 day of school on Saturdays add up.

5. Build some ''margin'' into our schedule...for example the state requires 172 days of instruction, I have planned for 180 days...

6. Most importantly, I praise God for the unique flexibility of homeschooling.

ajvarnado

Homeschool helps
It's Not Working!

My mom's best advice to me, after she homeschooled for 17 years, is this: If it's not working, don't keep trying to make it fit. Let it go and find something else. I know this means that sometimes it seems you are throwing money away, but it has saved me so much heartache to realize that it is ok to let something go, and find something else for my child. I know my kids are happier that way too.

kcatt79

Marriage & parenting
The Myth of Socialization

Yes, I heard it again just a few days ago. ''The problem with homeschooling is the child does not learn how to socialize with those who are different from them.'' My answer was and still is that this does not have to be true (and seldom is). God has put us in this world to make a difference. But that does not mean throwing our children ''to the dogs''. You need to plan ways to interact safely with others. The ways are endless: youth groups, sports, lessons in art, dance, etc. at church or at local community programs. Create an interactive situation, where you can oversee and keep appropriate control.

I wanted to tell my friend, but didn't, that the proof of the great ''socialization'' in public school can be seen by watching students in the cafeteria and where they sit and how they act toward those different from them. Many of us who did go to public school know what a cafeteria looks like at lunch hour...the jocks at one table, the popular/cheerleaders together, the poor, odd personality ones not included at any of these tables. Don't forget the loners and their small group.

I know homeschoolers can isolate to a negative point, if they choose to do so. But overall, homeschool students are the most capable of polite interaction with ''different'' people; and the most able to interact with different ages, including adults! Don't be intimidated by those who don't understand. True, they are different, but we have learned to socialize with those different from us.

dotluv2teach

Other
Homeschooling in Real Time

''Wow, what a homeschool day, not much accomplished!'' We have all had many days like this. Questioning our ability to do it ''right'' or even to do it. The first thing to remember the reason you are doing this.

I suggest writing down on one or more cards your reason and you and your spouse sign it. Put each card in an easy to see place. Read it when you have devotions. Then make a list of the benefits, from academic, social, spiritual, and other benefits you you include in homeschooling. In other words, clearly state your vision/goal and keep reminding yourself of this lofty calling. Get your expectations in realistic territory. Remember you are raising a whole child, and relay daily on God's guidance and support.

Yes, doubts and discouragement will knock on your door, but you do not have to open it and let them in to stay. Find a friend you can truly share with and receive encouragement from.

Yes, yes, you can do it and do it well. Keep up the good work.

dotluv2teach

Other
Who Do You Follow?

When we make the choice to educate our kids at home, we choose a path less traveled. But even on this path less traveled there exist ''boxes'' we allow ourselves be to framed in and there are labels given or imposed by others we expect or allow our kids to wear. Many families leave the government school system only to box themselves into a new system used by fellow homeschooling families they trust or admire.

My question to you is who do you really follow? Whose voice are you ultimately listening to? My advice to you is listen keenly to the voice of The Father in Heaven and walk softly to the beat He's drumming for your family even if it doesn't look or sound like any other drum beat you've noticed or heard before. Who knows what you will discover about the love of the Heavenly Father for your family as he leads you to a path of life designed simply and only for you and your children.

Do not ''do'' or ''choose a method or curriculum'' because so-and-so is doing it and has good results. Ask the Lord what He is desiring for your family and your family alone in spite of what is all around you. In that step of trust, I believe, is where we find complete joy and purpose in our pursuit of educating our children!

vanderlyinfl

Science: general
My Years of Teaching

I have been teaching for 30 years and have not only learned a lot from the kids I have had the pleasure to teach, but have gathered a mountain of information about what works. I am also aware of the science standards and believe that when followed all kids have a chance to succeed and learn. I am now getting to the point of retirement and would like to be able to still work with education and have always felt that homeschooing is a valid and valuable experience that works when the parent is truly devoted to the learning experience of their child.

I hope in someway I might be able to help. I am going to start here with units that explore the scientific method with fun activities that I know from experience kids love. I have one unit for sale that has been very successful and the kids alway produce fantastic written work accurate graphing using slope, and art work for it. Please give me a chance with this first unit and I will start to offer many others that have to do with other science disciplines and all work with hands on projects.

kirksdad

Foreign language
Make Learning a Foreign Language Fun!

There are several ways to make learning a foreign language fun. You can take sticky notes and put them on objects around the house so that everyone can practice their new language skills. I don't advise putting them on a dog or cat, as they tend to resist this and the sticky note disappears.

Another way is to play games in Spanish. Mother May I, Simon Says, and other games can be very funny in another language.

Watch DVD's in the language that you are studying. Then have the kids memorize their favorite scenes and act them out.

Above all else, have fun with it. Kids remember fun things more than boring things.

boswifedeb

Special needs
Is Teaching to the Student Really Helpful?

We have heard much about learning styles of students and the teaching style of the teacher. It is very important to do some research to determining this for both you and each student.
My oldest daughter was diagnosed as ADD and Dyslexic. She was in public school for 5 years, struggling. I tried accommodations; but large group teaching settings hit the auditory and visual learners, which she was not.
At home we taught to her strengths which included verbal answers, taping book reports, shorter sessions; and, most importantly; simplified. We simplified structure, learning environment, curriculum. It helped greatly, and actually was indispensable to her success. She now has an A.S. in Graphic Design! All your efforts to do such, will be richly rewarded.

dotluv2teach

Homeschool helps
A homeschooling blog....

I'm a former teacher, now homeschooling 4 children K4, 2nd, 4th,
and 5th. Everyday is an adventure (as you well know).

I've started a blog about our homeschooling adventure. Please
feel free to visit it if you are looking for ideas, sympathy, or a
good laugh!

http://mrskastnersklass.blogspot.com

jamilynnkastner

Homeschool helps
Work Field Trips into Vacations

Everyone loves a vacation. Relaxing and having fun can put everyone at ease and make learning fun. Try working a field trip into your vacation.

For example, my family loves to camp. We visit Land Between the Lakes National Park at least once a year. It was home to Civil War Battles and Fort Donelson is located nearby. A tour of the grounds at Fort Donelson can help bring history into perspective. Seeing the conditions that the soldiers lived in, the cannons, and trenches makes it more real.

boswifedeb

Organization/time management
Educate Well

Our children need us to provide them with protection from harm. That is why many of us homeschool. We need to remember that we are also responsible to do the best job we can educating them. Not to put undue pressure on anyone, but don't let the relaxed schedule allow you to become slack or lazy. Our children's futures depend on the foundation we are able to give them at home. Remember to do the best you can with what you have, and don't be afraid to get outside help when necessary.

pansy_girl

Ministry & missions
No Condemnation

God doesn't call perfect people - I am learning more each day - He alone is perfect and as we rely on Him each day whatever we do He will bless. I like the saying ''Do your best and pray that it's blessed!'' Be encouraged today that in Jesus you can do ALL things!

juleszap