The Monthly Chat


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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

 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Remember, It's a Calling to Be a Mother

Being a mother is one the best things I have ever done. I really enjoy it. Of course, there are some days I have to remind myself I enjoy it. The best way to be the best mom you can be is to follow God’s Word as a curriculum. It’s best outlined in Deuteronomy 6:5-9.

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Before we can even attempt to be a godly mother, we must be a godly child of God. Easier said than done -- that’s for sure! But Psalm 145:9 assures us:

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all His works.

I know I need His tender mercies constantly! I sometimes ponder on how patient as a mother I would be if I weren’t a child of God. I’m so glad He helps us through our journeys as mothers.
tots2teen

Bible & Spiritual growth
Life and Living

I received this encouraging quote from a friend on being a woman of prayer:

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says... ''Oh no...she's awake!''

homeschoolmom25
 
Other
The End Is Near!

Well, It's that time again! The end of the school year! No doubt you are looking forward to those long summer days of actually having the time to get the laundry done or put your garden in. Perhaps you've got an exciting family vacation planned!

If you are like me, you are also likely worried about getting done on time, after all, you don't want to be stuck indoors during the summer-right?

So, what do you do about those last few pages left in your books when June arrives? Do you make your kids finish every last thing in the book? I used to -- from cover to cover in every subject! Now I've realized that it isn't necessary. As long as each concept is learned, sometimes we just do the even numbered problems. I have even been known to skip a chapter if it has information we have already learned. An occasional open book test is not a bad idea either.

I am not advocating this in every situation. Only you know your child and how they learn and what they have learned, but an occasional time-saver is a must with several children or in time crunches. Don't fret over not finishing the book if it is repeated material or will be repeated again, and probably again! If you are in doubt, check your curriculum scope and sequence to see if your child knows what they need to know for the year.

Happy Summer Break!
jcoulter

Science: biology, chemistry, & physics
Top Ten Amazing Chemistry Experiments Videos

A Wired Science blog shows the ''Top Ten Amazing Science Experiments'' videos. My science-minded sons both enjoyed these experiments immensely! (Though they are not to be attempted at home!)

From the website: ''Fiery explosions, beautiful reactions, and hilarious music videos are great reasons to be excited about chemistry. Here are some of our favorites.''

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/03/top-10-amazing.html
luke15:10
 
Ministry & missions
Praying for Your Missionaries

Here's a simple little idea that we use here at our home.

We as a family have always taken missions to heart,and we attend a church that is very mission-minded. Whenever we have a visiting missionary at church, which is pretty often, we get a prayer card from that missionary. On our kitchen table, we have a little basket where we keep these cards. Before each meal, one of our children selects a prayer card and we pray for those missionaries at that meal. Then we put that card in the back.

I'm hoping to add that the children will take turns writing that missionary a note of encouragement, but right now, most of my children are non-readers/writers. Another idea is to keep a chart of the missionaries birthdays to send cards for them on that date.

Things to pray for missionaries: good health, encouragement, protection of marriage and family unit, finances, safety, and, of course, seeing souls led to the Lord!

tots2teen

Other
Ten Great Things About Being a Homeschool Mom

In no particular order:
1. Having your 15-year-old beg you to read, ''just one more chapter''.
2. Watching you teens being best buddies and helping the younger siblings, too.
3. Not having to plan trips around a school schedule.
4. Being able to find what works for the individual child.
5. Allowing children to work at their own levels.
6. Seeing your 5-year-old start to sound out words!
7. Family unity.
8. Teaching your teens to cook and being sure they get practice. :O)
9. Buying and swapping curriculum!
10. Reading and learning awesome stuff that I didn't when I was in school.
happyhomemama
 
Handwriting
Handwriting Is Like Your Fingerprint

Handwriting is like your own personal fingerprint. Everyone has their own style that is different from any other. I believe handwriting can be somewhat inherited, therefore making some people's similar yet still with differences.

I taught both of my boys handwriting strictly by the book. My oldest son was taught for a longer period of time than my younger son. The oldest can copy the perfect writing style from his curriculum, but still uses his own style every day. His looks much like mine -- a little messy.

My younger son can copy perfectly as well, yet uses his own style every day. He writes very similar to the way my husband does -- neat and artistic.

I have learned that you can teach the ''cookie-cutter'' method of handwriting, but in the end each person has their very own style and preference, much like their fingerprint!
mrpaid4

Reference: general
Not Fitting the Mold

Our daughter struggled in school with reading. In 8th-grade she was reading just below 6th-grade level. We brought her home from private christian school to homeschool her.

In four months we had her reading skills tested -- she could not be measured, her reading was off the charts for college level. If I could ever encourage you to help give your child confidence, homeschooling one-on-one with you, the parent is the best thing we did for our child.

She is graduating with honors this year with an Associates' Degree in Graphic Design.

Not all children fit the perfect mold of student in public or private school. Most schools are babysitting arenas. Do what's best for your child. Don't even believe you can't do it. There are too many wonderful ways to homeschool your child. Anything is possible when you believe.
luanne55

Marriage & parenting
Multiplication Rule of Parenting

We had a wise neighbor once tell us why they didn't allow jumping on furniture -- that anything your child does at an early age, multiply by sixteen and that's what you'll be dealing with then. In other words, take care of things while they're little before they become big -- because they grow up fast!
dnabarlow
 
Science: general
Astronomy - Hubble Telescope

Here is a link for the latest pictures from the Hubble. Ignore the evolutionary jargon and enjoy the view God has given us.

http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2008/16

From the Hubblesite website:
''Astronomy textbooks typically present galaxies as staid, solitary, and majestic island worlds of glittering stars. But galaxies have a dynamic side. They have close encounters that sometimes end in grand mergers and overflowing sites of new star birth as the colliding galaxies morph into wondrous new shapes. Today, in celebration of the Hubble Space Telescope's 18th launch anniversary, 59 views of colliding galaxies constitute the largest collection of Hubble images ever released to the public. This new Hubble atlas dramatically illustrates how galaxy collisions produce a remarkable variety of intricate structures in never-before-seen detail.''
luke15:10

Organization/time management
Homeschool Tracker

I tried keeping track of high school on paper; but it was simply too hard. I tracked my first child on paper and because I changed recording styles during the four years, I had a mess to sort out when I was finished. I ordered Homeschool Tracker Plus to help me out of that mess. I was able to make sense of each class and even make it work with my different recording styles.

I also am finding that keeping track and up to date with my other kids is improving just by using the program. My newest high schooler is easy to keep track of. My other kids also do well with me just being prepared. Lesson plans can be reused... so no need to redo my plans each child. Minor changes can be done with little effort.

Try out homeschool tracker basic for free online. Just remember with the PLUS, you get so much more! Definitely worth every penny... especially with free upgrades! http://www.homeschooltracker.com/
onthefarminiowa

Other
Too Much Curriculum

My four homeschooled children are now in college. I finally have taken the time to ''clean out'' the school closet. I am amazed at how much I had acquired. There are things I never or barely used. So many resources that I should have spent more time using. I had good intentions; but I wish I had purchased less and spent more time using fewer resources.
daytona
 
Marriage & parenting
Each Day is Precious!

Some days in the midst of schooling my three children (sixteen, twelve, and five), I feel like pulling my hair out and screaming, ''Is this worth it?'' Then I take a breath, really LOOK at my children, and thank God for them.

I think sometimes we spend so much time with our kids, we forget how wonderful it is to be around them. I feel so sorry for all of the families out there who send their kids to public school and rarely spend any kind of quality time with them. If you are a homeschooling parent at the end of your rope, take that moment to see your children for what they are - a true blessing from God.

Then thank Him that you live in such an awesome country (even though it is messed up, it is still the best thing going!) and that you have the honor of serving Him by raising and educating these wonderful creatures He has given to you!
terri_dean

Other
Homeschoolers Who Return to Public School

I realize that most homeschoolers do not return to public school, but if this situation should occur, be aware of your district's policies.

Our son wanted to go back full-time at the beginning of his sophomore year but the school would not recognize any of his freshman credits (because they were not from an ''accredited'' program pre-approved by them). He would have had to repeat the 9th grade!

Parents in our district are not told this important detail - we are only told that homeschooling does not qualify the student for a diploma from the school. If we had known, he probably would have gone back in his freshman year. He has, fortunately, been allowed to take classes and participate in all extra-curricular activities and sports, but it did complicate college application/acceptances, etc.
jcgrif

Homeschool helps
Children of Varying Ages

If you are homeschooling children of varying ages, make it as simple on yourself as possible. Use as many curricula as possible that are geared toward children of varying ages.

For example, I use the same history read-alouds for my four kids between the ages of six and thirteen. I ask the oldest two to write about what we're reading, and to read related biographies as additional work. It makes my ''job'' easier and helps our days stay unified.
lemiloe
 
Other
It Never Hurts to Ask!

Although there is a world out there that is definitely anti-homeschool, there are those out there who do support us.
For stores who offer discounts to teachers and schools, just ask the manager if they would consider your homeschool for such discounts. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Also, I know the zoo in our area has a home school day. Check with local museums, zoos, discovery type centers to see if they offer any free days as such, or discounts for groups.

Keep accurate email addresses for the homeschool families that are near you and let each other know about these deals that you find!
tots2teen

Science: general
Homeschooling Children of Varied Ages, Part II

We have five children, ages three to thirteen, and it's always a challenge to find curriculum that suits them all together. I happened upon an idea that made this year's science much easier.

I used my daughter's textbook index as a syllabus. When she was reading a chapter, the younger ones and I were reading library books on the same (or a similar) subject. Then they'd watch her do her experiments each week.

Next year, while the then fourteen-year-old studies biology, the then four- to twelve-year-olds and I will be reading about cells, plants, animals, and the human body, too!
lemiloe

Reference: general
Time

I have a wonderful friend who has taught me a lot about family and homeschooling and life in general. One thing I really admire that she has taught me is that as difficult as homeschooling can be at times, remember the bigger picture and make time to sit on the couch with your children (no matter what grade they are in) and read thought-provoking books, Bible studies, devotions, etc.

This time of interacting and LISTENING to our children is SO very important -- MAKE time, the time you spend will pay for itself in the character-building of your children. May God bless your homeschooling years with children who love the Lord and can look back with fond memories of these special moments spent together.
faithinhim92
 
Historical event
First-hand Accounts

A good history/writing/bonding activity is to interview a relative or close friend about an historical event they lived through. Not only will your child learn details they may not get from books, but they will have a relationship-building experience with another human being.

My husband says most of the events of our lives have three components: anticipation/planning, participation, and remembering. As people get older, more of their enjoyment of events is in remembering. So your child can give a grandparent or great-aunt or uncle the joy of remembering while he/she learns about an historical event from a first-hand source.
evy

Marriage & parenting
Conduct Versus Character

''We who teach should make it clear to ourselves that our aim in education is less conduct than character; conduct may be arrived at, as we have seen, by indirect routes, but it is of value to the world only as it has its source in character.'' Charlotte Mason

As the Apostle Paul points out in his letter to the Romans, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us. We want our children to look good (just as we want to look good), but it is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the child that should be our true goal, for it is the only result that truly counts.
evy

Marriage & parenting
Time for Mom

I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that after a long day of homeschooling that I need to take time for me.

I take time to do some sewing or reading and if I don't take this time, I can easily get burned out. I even try to take some time during ''down'' time -- like when the children are doing quiet reading -- to sit in a quiet space and relax with a cup of tea and crochet project.

Better yet tea and your Bible!
prv31wife

Special needs
A Blessing

I want to encourage any parent who currently has their special needs child in the public school, or is wondering what to do before they enter school. Please know you have the right to educate your special needs child at home. You will be truly blessed!
inajean
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Definition of Prayer

Prayer - the unleashing of God's predestined blessings.

If we don't pray, our intended blessings stay bottled up in heaven. God desires us to talk with him.

PRAY and be sprinkled by heaven above.
cshep

Math: fundamentals
Mastery

If you have a child who is struggling in math, do not be afriad to go back a few years in textbooks and focus on the basics again. Remember, it doesn't matter how many books, it matters what the student understands and masters.
jschultz