The Monthly Chat

March, 2014

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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.
©1997-2009 HomeschoolClassifieds.com, Knoxville, TN

Homeschool helps
Suggestions For New Homeschoolers

1. Read as much as you can about homeschooling before you begin. Subscribe to a homeschool magazine.
2. As you read, keep a notebook of the ideas you like. Try to form your own homeschool philosophy.
3. Avoid imitating the public school system.
4 Relax and enjoy. Work on making happy memories together.
5. Keep it simple at first. Add more subjects as as the year progresses.
6. Talk to a few “seasoned” homeschool mom’s about what curriculum they use before ordering. Resist the urge to over-buy. So much learning takes place just through reading good books together.
7. When your children are little simply focus on reading & writing. Your children can learn science and history through read-alouds.
8. When teaching reading don’t be afraid to combine curriculum ideas. Read picture books together every day.
9. Find out when you legally have to begin formal schooling according to your state. Rather than formal schooling create a lifestyle of learning.
10. Don’t compare your program with any other.
11. Try journaling instead of a typical lesson plan book.
12. Most importantly, remember that on some days learning will be all about character development. It is very difficult to homeschool a child who will not obey or listen.
13. Find a homeschool mentor who you can talk to on a regular basis.
14. Find one or two like-minded families to meet with on a regular basis.
15. Pray and read the Scriptures. Look up all the Bible verses regarding teaching and training your children.
16. Don’t forget to join HSLDA. For a fee ($100) per year, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have access to legal advice.
17. Have Fun everyday! :)
www.educatorsathome.com

brendacox

Marriage & parenting
Enjoy your time at home

Just as no business man on his death bed ever said he wishes he spent more time at the office, I doubt any mom near the end of her homeschooling journey said she wishes she spent more time cleaning her house! The kids grow up soon enough and you will have more time to keep things tidy. In the meantime, just do what you must to keep your home healthy and functional and enjoy your kids. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, if they are judging your housekeeping they aren't a great friend anyway.

dmcclary

Science: general
Save Jonathan Park

As a Homeschool Mom I appreciate the Jonathan Park series which teaches Creation Science and how to refute Evolution while be very entertaining. I would hate to see this ministry come to an end. Please check out savejonathanpark.com and join in prayer for this ministry. Thanks.

gamom