The Monthly Chat

May, 2009

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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

Organization/time management
Computerized planners work for us

I finally got my system for laying out planners for the day, week and year figured out! I used to be writing out planners for an hour or two Sunday night (or really early on Monday) and forgetting to request library materials on time, but not anymore. My lesson plans for each subject are laid out by day before the school year starts, partly to make sure I'm meeting my state requirements (they require reporting) and partly to make sure I'm covering everything I wanted/needed to within the time allotted. I never became very proficient at Excel, but I'm a killer in Word, so that's what I use. My system is a time drain at the front, and a breeze then the rest of the year, especially if more than one child will follow that subject.

I lay out every subject as a single document per subject. At the top I title whatever the class will be called (transcripts you know!). Under that title, I list all the main textbooks by title and author, and if I use more than a handful of library resources, I just put ''library materials'' to flag me later. Then set up a table with 2 columns and however many rows for the length of the subject. The first column is titled Day and the second is titled Work. The Numbering feature will number the days for you and then put in all the details for each day’s work.

Weekly Planner is set up as a document with a table of 6 columns and rows for however many subjects you wish. Across the top I have column headings of Subject, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3..... I do one table as a ''form'' with no day numbers and just cut and paste repeatedly and fill in the right day numbers consecutively. Open the individual document for the first subject in the line, highlight the work column for the subject for the first 5 days, copy and paste it into your schedule. It will paste going vertically, so drag each to its right spot under the day number. Go in order (because anything below it will be overwritten otherwise), deleting the extra lines at the end.

For a Daily Planner copy and paste the week's schedule (because you'll need your own copy of the schedule still) into a new document, only paste it in 5 times. Delete the extra days from each table so that you end up with a 2 column format of all 5 days individually in consecutive order. Push these down to 3 1/2 inch wide units and glue stick them into a plain memo book.

hcinfo

Homeschool helps
Teacher's Prayer

Similiar to many kitchen sink areas, the side of my cabinet is decorated with scripture or little inspiring notes. This has been one way of periodically reminding myself of God's promises or who I am in Christ. Depending on the trial, new scriptures may appear taking place of the old. Years ago, when we first began homeschooling, a friend gave me this poem which has remained a part of my little corner. The author is Lesley Pinckney Hill.

Lord, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day.
So prone myself to go astray?

I teach them knowledge, but I know
How faint the flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.

I teach them power to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through.

I teach them love for all mankind
And all God's creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.

Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh, let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.

Reflecting back on the years, I think the greatest surprise about homeschooling is how God uses it to sanctify my life. When I first started, I thought it was about our children being used by Him, for Him. Although that has and continues to happen, I thank Him that this call to homeschool was His plan for me.

loghomemom

Marriage & parenting
Graduation is upon us

I just finished my son's transcripts and he is officially finished with high school. Our days of being together all day are over and I am amazed how fast it went.

We started homeschooling my son in fifth grade because public school was just not working for us as a family. The stress of rural bus rides, long days away from home, and the hours of homework ate up the best of our days.

It took time for our family and friends to come on board with us, but they eventually saw that my son was becoming a fine young man. I let their opinions control my actions for too long, so it took me a while to feel comfortable teaching at home.

The high school years were supposed to be the dreaded years of conflict. We were fortunate to have four great years of watching our son become the man God created him to be. He is kind, compassionate, sensible and has a wonderful work ethic. We have been so blessed to have those years with him.

I am now listing his books and saying farewell to homeschooling. My heart goes out to all of you as you take this opportunity to learn with your children. Enjoy every minute. Time is so precious. Blessings to you all.

drees2699

Homeschool helps
Is this the right curriculum?

After 3 years of homeschooling, I am not the expert but I have begun to realize that just because someone says how ''wonderful'' a curriculum is to them doesn't mean it will work for you. We have a mixed curriculum and have made changes over the last 3 years. This is mainly to enhance my children's learning abilities; not because it is better/worse.

I think each curriculum has a different style of learning and you should work close enough with your children to learn what style works best and go from there. I don't think changing curriculum every year is best, especially science/social studies, but you may need to with Math and English.

What works for one child may not necessarily work for another. I have learned that the hard way. I have 3 children and the two oldest have 2 TOTALLY different learn styles and their strong/weak subjects are just the opposites.

I think you should find what works best while they are young. Then when they get into high school, they are more than ready to do what they need and YOU know which is the right curriculum to help them succeed!

pbarker

Other
From Dr. Dobson

It's a well known fact that behavior that is not rewarded will eventually disappear. This process is called ''extinction,'' and it can be a very useful tool for parents and teachers.

Have you ever wondered, for example, why so many young children develop a tendency to whine when they speak to their parents? Simply stated: Children whine because whining works. Mom and Dad are too busy and too preoccupied to respond to a normal voice. But they react immediately when their kids irritate them with a grating, unpleasant sound. What the parents are doing is rewarding the whining response and extinguishing the more desirable behavior.

How can this process be reversed? Try saying, :Johnny, did you know I have very funny ears? They can't hear a whining voice. I can only hear a pleasant voice.'' Proceed to ignore anything said in an irritating tone, but respond immediately when the normal voice is used. In this way, reward and extinction in stantly become powerful tools for parents who understand properly how they work.

Remember this guiding principle: Behavior that produces desireable results will recur, and behavior that fails in the eyes of the child will tend to go away. It's as simple as that.

reabri

Marriage & parenting
To Be Submissive

When my husband and I had our first child I planned to attend college and pursue my career as a nurse.Once our son started to get closer to school age my husband really wanted me to consider homeschooling, therefore delaying my schooling. I didn't really like the fact because I believed homeschooling children to be odd.

I compromised and decided to try it out for a year or two. Now we have 4 children with number 5 on the way. And I still intend to homeschool my children through their Senior years. By being a submissive wife I have learned that their is no better way to spend my time than being the best teacher for my children. There is no one else who knows our children as we do.

I still struggle wondering if I am doing right by them. Then I look at our society today and if I can keep them safe away from the things of our world than shouldn't I do everything in my power to establish the foundation of God in them? So for all of you homeschoolers out there please know that you are doing what is right by God and your children. Never feel like they or yourself is missing out because you are all that they have. God blessed us with these wonderful children to bring up. And I intend with every bit of breath in me to make sure that they know who Christ our Savior is.

4kids

Other
Single Moms?

I have recently gone through a very long and grueling divorce from my attorney husband. I won't go into any of the gory details, but I did want to share one thing with you.

During my three year separation and divorce (after 20 years of marriage) I found that my children and I were treated worse by the body of Christ than non-believers. There are people who no longer talk to us, we have been shunned by many as if we are diseased. Since we are strong believers, this did not turn us away from church or Jesus, but for Christians that are not as firm in their beliefs it could very well have done that. Being hurt by the body is a strong catalyst for giving up on Christ.

I encourage you not to judge others, you never know what goes on behind closed doors, and if you know someone that you have known to be a strong Christian, one who has operated in wisdom as well as other fruits of the Spirit, please realize that there are reasons for the decision. A divorce is hard enough to deal with emotionally, physically, and spiritually without also having to deal with judgement from those who are supposed to be striving to be Christ-like.

sharonsullivan

Biography
Exploring People in History

''People of the past make the events of the past.''
A great way to get history, geography, and social studies all done at once is reading biographies! I most enjoy reading missionary ones but you can read about people in ancient history, American history, scientists, Great (or not so great) leaders, and so on. Though some can be down right boring or hard to read, there are some that are thoroughly exciting that you can hardly put down!
I know of a collection of missionary as well as American history biographies that have unit studies for many of them.

They say that history repeats itself, well, if you can learn about the people who make those mistakes and see what they did wrong then you'll hopefully not make those same mistakes! Instead you can become like those who did mighty things for God and learn from them!

So, go grab that book that's been sitting on the shelf and gather your little ones (or big ones!)together on the couch and explore history!

pinecove

Ministry & missions
Our Life Is Not Really Ours. What?!

''He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.'' ~Jim Elliot

One very important thing that your children need to know is that our life is not our own, it's God's. He gave us our life so we should be willing to give it back to Him. Most of us probably aren't going to die a martyrs death, but would we be willing to in order to save an eternal soul from hell? I mean if we die we'll be going straight to our King but the people on earth would have had a chance by you giving your life to hear of Jesus.
Your life on earth for a few more years and a soul in torture? How about that?
Though most likely your not going to die, we do need to be willing to give up our life for another.
God gave His life, so we should be willing to give ours.

God bless you as you lean on His Arms!

pinecove

Bible & Spiritual growth
Getting Children to Pray

I have noticed with my own children and with the children I teach at church that words don't come easy for them when they talk to God. I have a few suggestions to help them.

First, make sure your child hears you pray out loud. Children learn by example. When you eat, pray out loud. When they scrape a knee, pray out loud for them. Any situation you can find pray out loud. This helps them learn what to say and see that they should say it.

Second, take turns praying out loud over the food. We do this at home around the dinner table. That way everyone gets more confident and the meal prayer isn't as frightening for a child to do.

If necessary, write down a few prayers that your child can use when praying out loud. Even though it is from the paper and not from the heart, God answers prayer. I'm sure He loves the fact that you are training your child.

harriettm

Other
Right Relationship

To be ''right'' with God means that there is no unconfessed sin in one's heart, and thus the Spirit is not ''quenched'' or ''grieved'' but has ''filled'' or taken control of one's mind and heart. The Spirit can be quickly ''quenched'' or ''grieved'' again by any new sin.

reabri

Reference: general
As I Approach My Last Child's Graduation..

I muse about the past. It seems like yesterday I just started this journey having no idea about what lies ahead, what life would hold, and how I could accomplish what God called me to do. Now, I look back thinking and praying that I did please Him. Knowing that I didn't do it all correctly, humanness disallows such high standards, I honestly feel that I did my best. Do I have regrets? Some. Do I wish that I had done something differently? Yes. But, God granted the Earthly time to fulfill His desire of taking my Biblical command of raising my children seriously. Have they turned out fantastic? One is still in the making; the other in rebellion. Why? I just don't know. But, I do know that it didn't change God's call to me fulfill my duty as teacher/mom. I pray that those of you who hold the course find it rewarding even in times of despair and challenge. I pray that you keep up the fight for the freedom to home educate! As I move on to the next phase of my life, wondering what God has planned for me, I pray you don't waiver in holding fast to Him.

hcinfo

Other
Little tip from 18-yr veteran

I want to encourage you all to remember why you are homeschooling. Not just for the usual reasons; i.e. terrible public schools, etc., but because your children are your first ministry. I have seven children ages ranging from 35-11. I have schooled and graduated 3 and am still schooling 3. Remember that our children are only on loan to us from God, and we must be good stewards. Education is only a part of it, albeit a very important part, teaching them life skills in order to function in society is also a large part of our educations for them. We must remember that we are not perfect, and we must all do our best to guide our children toward what they want to do in life...even if...yes, even if... they want to be a tatoo artist. This would shock many of you, but our job and our ministry is to educate them, teach them about the Lord, and let them go into what they feel called to do. Love them unconditionally, we have such a short time with them, let's not blow it by too many rules and regulations.

sharonsullivan

Organization/time management
Learning Experiences

My first serious four months of homeschooling my kids have gone and went. Summer is here, and new challenges abound. I have learned some things a long the way. 1st, my children are VERY unique. They learn differently. I have to adjust my teaching to the way they learn. This will only come with continued practice on my part. They are doing a little bit of summer school in reading in math, areas that they were way behind in in public school, due to the lack of a good education there. I am going to have an uphill battle as the new school year comes about, but faith in God comes first. May all home schoolers nationwide enjoy themselves.

liaritchie

Marriage & parenting
Spring Fever!

Around my house it always seems the kids get restless once the days are longer and the weather warmer. I do too! But, school still needs completed. So, to combat the Spring Fever around here I try to make some subjects fun and interesting to renew their interest.

Play some math or grammar games. Go on a picnic-for lunch during school! Study insects or birds now while it is cool and comfortable. Plan your garden together. Go on a bike ride. Play ball. Get all that exercise you didn't get during the winter.

All of these things count for school and can be fun, great ways to relieve spring fever!

jtn131

Bible & Spiritual growth
Whatcha' Doing?

''Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than talk talks.''

Hmmmm...reminds me of another saying: ''Actions speak louder than words.''

What do others see you doing? What do your children see you doing? Are your actions backing up your words or are they contradicting them?

Children learn what they see VERY easily! So, just make sure what YOU'RE DOING is what you want THEM to do.

pinecove

Other
Home Is Where Your Heart Is

Do you realize that the word ''Homeschooling'' contains the word ''Home''? Most homeschoolers, though, you rarely find at home. We're really just as busy as anyone else. Music lessons, field trips, co-ops, art classes... the list goes on. These things aren't necessarily wrong but your home is your haven, your dominion, where you raise your children. Hurrying here and there doesn't make for calm mothers.:) I'm a junior in highschool and guess what?! This past school year the only extra-curricular that we've done is 1 field trip and 2 classes, those only lasting a short period of time. I'm gratefully to my mother for letting us stay home most of the time. I LOVE home! Your children will thank you! ''Home is where your heart is'' Is it?

pinecove

Homeschool helps
Individualization

We have 3 boys and have homeschooled for 12 years. We love being able to adjust each child's curriculum to their individual needs. One thing I try to do, especially in the elementary years, is to not let deficits in one subject hinder progress in another subject. For example, if your child has difficulty with handwriting, then don't require that they write their spelling words. Let them use letter tiles. It helps in keeping them motivated and reduces their frustration. It allows them to put their energy into the subject at hand. This doesn't mean that handwriting shouldn't be practiced and worked on.

oodles_of_books

Lang arts: grammar/composition/writing
Freewrites

Writing should be fun for our children! I do ''Freewrite Fridays'' where my children write about any topic of their choice for 15 minutes. After the time is up, I give them 3 minutes to review and edit. Afterwards, they read aloud their stories. At the end of the year, I compile their stories into a neat writing journal. It's interesting to see the topics they choose to write about and amazing to see their growth in writing during the school year. These could be photocopied and art work could be added to give as gifts to grandparents or other family members.

mroach

Other
Marriage

What must be understood by every married couple is that there is a curse on marriage which came as a result of the ''fall'' of mankind through disobedience to God. Genesis 3:16 records the curse that fell on the husband and wife as a result of disobedience. The woman's desire is to take over the husband's headship, and the husband has the inclination to rule over his wife, treating her more like a servant than a ''helpmeet.'' This results in the built-in curse of a strong tendency for an ongoing conflict between husband and wife.

reabri

Other
A quote for our wonderful girls

Here is a quote that I find so inspiring for our girls who will too soon grow up to be young women who will have young men interested in them.

''A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first in order to find her.''

author unknown

sharonsullivan

Special needs
God Knows What Our Children Need

The best advice I've received about homeschooling my learning disabled son is not to fret about areas of challenge or difficulty keeping up with everyone else. God knows the plans he has for our children, and their unique combinations of strengths and weaknesses perfectly suit what God intends for their lives. When I start to worry about our homeschooling, I am reminded of this advice and I feel peaceful once again.

alwaysreading

Bible & Spiritual growth
Wives

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the LORD. For the husband is the head of the3 wife, as Christ also is the head of the church...But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.
Ephesians 5:22-24

reabri

Homeschool helps
Truth, Liberty and Justice

''The man who won’t fight for justice abets the terrorist, the tyrant and the concentration-camp guard. All decent men want peace. But wise men know that not all men are decent. The use of the pen is an indulgence we can afford only because better men and women grip the sword on our behalf.” Ralph Peters

kimberlycunningham

Other
Marriage

The goal in marriage whoud be a harmonious, right relationship with one's mate. However, what must be understood is that a fully ''right relationship'' with your mate is predicated upon being in a fully ''right relationship'' with God.

reabri