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

 
Organization/time management
Papers, Papers Everywhere – Not! Or, How a

What does a hard-working homeschooling mom do with all those 3-D projects, art papers, grammar workbooks, math tests? Throw them away? Horrors!! There is an alternative that can make both the savers and the throwers happy, believe it or not. The solution is to make a portfolio to showcase a selection of each student’s best work throughout the school year. Portfolios are required by law in some states, but they are a good idea for everyone for several reasons: preserving hard work, providing evidence for skeptical grandparents or other family members and friends, planning purposes for younger siblings, and recording grades and/or levels earned.

A meritorious portfolio does not include every single assignment from every single subject. It includes a representation, which has the best writing samples, the best test scores, the best artwork, the best notebooking pages, and the best worksheet pages. It also includes pictures of projects, field trips, and other activities that can’t be condensed to a single written document.

To grade or not to grade? That debate is a whole separate subject which is goes far beyond the scope of this entry. But, if you choose not to give actual grades or not to fill out a report card (or its equivalent), then a portfolio becomes even more important. A portfolio gives physical evidence that little Johnny really is a genius–just like you always thought!

The easiest way to make a portfolio to do all along, but it’s never too late to start. My preference is to take my children’s binders about once a month, choose papers to go into the portfolio and trash the rest, unless they’re needed for a later test. Older students who have final exams may benefit from having some of the papers not needed on an every day basis sorted and put into another binder kept on a shelf for future reference.

That’s the ideal. However, I fully realize that it’s June and most of you are just ending your school years. If you’ve got piles, cartons, or binders stuffed full of papers all over your dining room table, that’s OK! Take it one pile at a time. Sort by subject, then by date, then choose the best page or two out of every 10 or 20. Use dividers to separate each subject. Have each child decorate the front of his or her binder, add the year and grade, and you’ve got a portfolio!
momishome2
 
Homeschool helps
Mommy the Lionhearted

The actuality of being a home school Mom is not a dream-state fantasy but a real life challenge. Perhaps it is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do this side of eternity. To be a home school Mom not only requires lots and lots of God’s love, forgiveness and tenderness but also baskets full of spiritual fortitude. Hence, I dub you Mommy the Lionhearted.

Home schooling is neither for the faint hearted nor for the uncommitted. It is, perhaps, one of the hardest things you will undertake in your lifetime. Why? Because it will put you face to face with aspects of your heart and mind that you would rather leave unexposed and hidden both to yourself and to the outside world. God allows you to be in this arena for your growth and development as a Christian believer to prune and purge you of uselessness while you are simply trying to teach the ABC’s or 2 + 2=4. Or so you think. The pressures exerted on a home school Mom are more than what our culture has prepared us to handle as women in this 21st century. We are surrounded with a community of support for women who work outside of their homes and do something “meaningful” with their lives. As unfair as this may seem, I believe God allows us to be so challenged and so aware of our weaknesses and frailties. He’s got us where He wants us, totally dependent on Him!!! Isn’t this what we were made for? God wanted children to love and care for. If I am so independent and confident is my ability to handle a situation, where is God in that picture? But if I am at my wit’s end, God is everywhere to be found and clung to as my life and my love of loves.

Just remember that the rewards of home schooling far outweigh the momentary bleakness of reviling flesh. Home schooling is yet another platform for our heavenly Father to use to help train us to walk by faith and not by sight. The rewards of growing spiritually and being purged of uselessness while at the same time our children are blossoming into wonderful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ far outweigh the cost. But Mommy the Lionhearted, you’ll have to have a quick hand to reach up for help at every given moment of the day remembering that God doesn’t expect perfection, simply faithfulness.
homeschoolfun5
 
Marriage & parenting
Facing Challenges with Kids

God is so good. His will is for us to always be in great physical health, great emotional and spiritual health and to have everything that we need in this life to be blessed. That doesn't mean there aren't challenges. The challenges give us a reason to stand in the truth and declare what is true even when we don't see it manifested yet. But we know that we have it spiritually because God is trustworthy and He is true to what He has spoken through the prophets and apostles. Romans 5 says that as we boast in tribulation, we are molded into having more and more godly character.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

And in Galatians we are exhorted to continue in our well doing being reminded that we will reap godly benefits.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

When we are challenged, we acknowledge that it is right with God for the situation to change for the better. So we declare that it is changing and that God's will shall come to pass. I call this prayer. I pray to God for my children to love Him and know Him and obey Him with all their hearts. There is no guarantee of this from scripture because every man has the free will to choose what he wants in his life. But I know that it is absolutely God's will for every person-- and that includes my children-- to not only be saved but to come to an experiential knowledge of God's truth which, in this time, is new life in Christ. I know that God will do all He can to direct the hearts of my children to Him. Keeping this big picture in mind helps me through the little challenges of raising children.
homeschoolfun5

Homeschool helps
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)

With the start and finish of each school year I am reminded of a great principle God has set up for this life: seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven….
Some people refer to these seasons in life as “chapters” like in a book. Whatever you want to label it, we all experience various stages in life, some good, some not so good. The term “season” helps us to realize that they have inherent time limits. There is a beginning and an end. Against popular opinion, a season is not eternal. (Even home schooling!) So seize the day and enjoy each stage of your home educating each child. You only pass this way once!
homeschoolfun5
 
Homeschool helps
Why do we do this thing called homeschool?

This past weekend was the CHAP Convention. As the vendor
coordinator for the event, my perspective is somewhat different than
what it used to be as a customer. However, I believe that one thing
has remained the same. Focus - why are we doing this?

When I am approached by new homeschooling moms with questions of
how to get started and can they really do this, I remind them that we
need only to teach our children 2 things. The first and foremost is to
love the Lord Jesus. Secondly, we need to teach our children how to
learn.

We're not homeschooling them because of the great curriculum out
there, or because it's easy, or because they are academically great.
But rather, I hope and pray, that we are homeschooling them because
it is our responsibility to teach our children, to disciple our children
and to train our children.

If they love the Lord and know how to learn then God will direct you
into every good thing that will further his kingdom. Remember the
days are short for finishing the task. Homeschool from a humble heart
in service to the Lord.
momto2boys

College/vocation
Highschool at Community College

If you are going to send your high school aged children to a community college for some of their classes, only sign them up for one class at a time per day. This is so you you can pick them up and drop them off right after class without them getting involved with the older students. Another good way to do it is to have them buddy up with another Homeschooler and then they can take the class together. The older students may not realize your child is a minor and your child may be flattered with the attention, if they hang out with college aged students between classes. Even if you talk to your child about this, it is better to prevent problems from the start.
ygalick
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Practice What We Teach

For penmanship practice this year, I had my 3rd grade son copy and memorize Bible verses. My goal was for him to reach a 100 verse milestone to earn a badge for his (church sponsored) Cadets group. He thought it would be impossible, but I knew he could do it - after all, I had learned hundreds of verses growing up, and many of the songs he knows are actually verses, etc. Still, this was a hard task for him to like, and I could not make this ''his'' goal.

Part way through the year, I realized that this was one of those moments when my actions would speak louder than any words. I got myself a hardbound journal and started writing the verses I knew and new verses that ministered to me as I did my Bible reading. I thought it would be good for him to see me do what I expected of him, but it actually turned out to be good for me. In February, my mom went on hospice care, and in March she died. During this time, those verses that I had already collected went with me and blessed me in my quiet moments.

I continue daily to review and write in my journal and also add words to hymns that touch my heart. This summer, I will find my sons their own nice journals so that they, too, can have a constant reminder of God's promises and blessings as they grow.
growerjenn

Bible & Spiritual growth
Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe

To be refreshed in your homeschooling journey, take a half hour to listen to this uplifting broadcast. Hosted by Diana Waring, it is an interview with Todd Wilson, ''The Family Man'', former pastor and father of 7.

He wrote this book after talking to homeschooling moms across the country after asking them ''Do you feel like you are doing a good job homeschooling your children?'' Not ONE mom said she thought she was. Incredible! This is the enemy of our souls at work. Since we are called by the Lord to train our children, even if we did nothing ''academic'' all day with them, we'd still be obedient to the Lord if we are training them to know Him.

This will help you rest in the Lord, that you ARE doing a good job. We can't believe the lies anymore. They rob us of the joy of the precious short time we have with our children. This is a must-hear (there is a book by the same name,too)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WATCHTalk/2009/03/10/Lies-Homeschooling-Moms-Believe
smith8
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Priorities

We first began homeschooling because we wanted our children to be full of WISDOM instead of just being full of KNOWLEDGE. I made a little schedule with all the subjects we would study: Math, Science, History, Literature, Spelling, etc. With glee, I added ''Bible'' and was very excited that we'd be learning about God together.

But I realized a few months in, Bible is not an elective. It is not a subject to be squeezed in between Music and Art.

It is the cornerstone, the foundation of our day. I prayerfully reordered my priorities. Now, I don't really care if we don't do anything but Bible. If our schedule is crazy and we only get in one subject, it will be our precious Bible time. The funny thing is, when we make our Bible time our priority in the morning, the rest of the day falls into place. When we skip our Bible time, our day is chaotic.

Makes sense, really, as He is the one who holds our world together.
pfamilygal

Organization/time management
Great Free Homeschool stuff!!!

I just recently upgraded our internet to high-speed and, therefore, am able to ''search'' things on the internet better.

I signed-up for the following email newsletters.....The Old Schoolhouse magazine www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com (offers free emails along with LOTS for freebies each week such as e-books, worksheets and links to other items) and School Express http://www.schoolexpress.com/news_sub.php
(offers free stuff, tips, and tricks for homeschooling moms).

They have been a real blessing and a help for me to plan for next year. They also give great tips for gardening, cleaning, cooking, etc., that goes along with being a ''stay-at-home'' parent.

Just wanted to let everyone else take advantage of some great tools of the trade!
pbarker

Other
Thank you

I just wanted to thank the ladies that reached out to me because of my last post - Single Moms - I was truly blessed by these wonderful Christian women who are following Christ's example of love, mercy, and non-judmentalism.
sharonsullivan
 
Other
God is Not Going to Ask for His ReportCard

My first child is a senior in high school and will graduate next month. As I look back over the last 13 years, I do so with a mingling of smiles and tears. He's a good kid and he loves God and this makes me smile. When he was in 4th grade, possible learning disabilities began to surface. His teacher (in public school at the time) ordered a battery of tests that concluded he had a comprehension learning disability. I was sad and confused. Sad because he was our first born and we just expected him to grasp whatever it was he was being taught. Confused because I didn't know what to do. So I prayed, and do you want to know what God impressed on my heart? ''I'm not as interested in his brain as I am his heart and when he gets up here, I'm not going to ask to see his report cards.'' I cried. It was a liberating moment that changed my life and the way I parented my son. I encourage every parent to nurture their child's heart first and foremost and let the brain exercises take an important second place. Your child will be a better person because of it and you'll probably have fewer gray hairs yourself. ;)
habitatbrainery

Computer
Typing

Handwriting is essential, but just as necessary is typing. Let's face it, our children will be using computers to do almost any job they choose in the future. Poor typing skills waste time and money in the ''grown-up'' world.

As a student, typing not only reinforces letter recognition for young children, but most typing programs help with spelling too. The ability to type takes the ''pain'' out of writing (and re-writing) reports for older students as the whole thing doesn't need to be redone for revisions.

In summation, I firmly believe typing should be considered a core subject in any language arts program. Starting in first grade children can learn to type and reap the benefits of this skill for years to come.
nileno

Other
A Delightful Insight...

I was frustrated recently since I've purchased so many types and brands of curriculums trying to find The One. My shoe-addict friend said, ''Homeschooling is quite a bit like shoe shopping; you try on many different shoes in order to find the perfect one.'' She was right. You want something that is natural, comfortable, and form-fitting for you and your family. It has to easily become integrated into your daily routine without upsetting the apple cart too much. ;-)
anrmacon
 
Homeschool helps
Homeschooling Benefit

Spring is a joyful time looking back at the accomplishments of the year and forward in anticipation for the next school year. As we evaluate the effectiveness of our schooling, many consider changing materials or methods. While this ability to change is made easier through websites like this one, we need to use caution in our decisions as we plan ahead.

One of the blessings of homeschooling is the ability to make changes to better teach our individual children. Our long term goals should be foremost in mind in adding in new materials or making changes. How will the new ''find'' fit in? Beware of jumping on a ''bandwagon'' and switching curriculum to the latest and greatest. It may truly be great for your family, but some of us have shelves filled with wonderful materials we have not yet used.
mrgoering

Other
Let Summer Be a Summer

School's out...ahhhhh (sigh) or School's out...ahhhh (pull your hair out) ???
Summer can be busy and hectic with sports, vacation, nature classes, camp, etc... Why not this year have an old fashion summer? A summer that you lay on a blanket and find objects in the clouds, go swimming in a neighbor's lake, wade in the creek and catch crawdads, run through the field as if you hadn't a schedule to keep, sleep under the stars, take a hike, collect ''nature'' things and do a craft, snuggle under your favorite tree and read ''Little House on the Prairie'', climb trees, chaise squirrels, fly a kite, (are you getting my point?), etc...
Those kind of things make wonderful memories. That's the kind of summer I'm going to have. Want to join me?
pinecove

Marriage & parenting
What I Learned from Homeschooling

My first year of Homeschooling was a great adventure. My children were 7th and 3rd graders who had been to a private Catholic school. My oldest had been a A student and my youngest was the youngest in her class and the teacher had recommended a tutor.

I had to learn patience. Not an easy task. It seemed that I had to repeat how to do everything. It drove me mad and made the kids anxious. Before the year was over I learned to say in my head 3 times ''Did you get that?''. I had to let them work out a way to process the information in their own method of thought.

Life was a lot easier when I learned patience!!
emptynest
 
Homeschool helps
Our Adventure in HomeSchooling

This August will start our senior year. I can't believe it has gone by so fast!
There were times I thought I couldn't do it another year but, The Lord always showed Himself Mighty through our school year!
He always helped when I didn't know where to turn!
And our daughter's graduation night will be all GLORY DUE TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
He strenghtened when we were weak, and held us up!
So, Thank You Lord Jesus for being with us in this senior year!
You Are So Good To Us!
shari524

Homeschool helps
Glad My Daughter Was Never in Preschool

With so many of my friends attending their children's Preschool graduations this month, it reminds me to be thankful to my Father that my youngest two children have never been in preschool. My youngest daughter will start Kindergarten here at home this Fall. I am so glad I've been able to be a Stay-at-Home, Homeschooling Momma and have had the opportunity to see all her baby and toddler milestones. What a precious gift my Father has given me!
ishallnotwant

Other
Love this website!

I have used ebay for many years to sell curriculum, but in the short amount of time I have begun to list items with homeschool classifieds, I have sold more, relatively speaking, than on ebay, in a shorter amount of time. Another advantage is that I don't have to wait for the auction to end before we can do our business! Thanks to all the people responsible for this website, you have been a real blessing to me.
sharonsullivan

Organization/time management
What does a motivated person look like?

A motivated person is full of enthusiasm because they have a clear picture of what they want and where they are going. This person has a vision about how to reach their goals and is actively taking the necessary steps to do so. This person is well equipped and prepared for any obstacles they may encounter. Lastly, this person is able to impart their vision to others.
mtchbky
 
Organization/time management
Ever heard of Flylady?

To get your home in order by establishing simple daily routines is outlined in a loving forum by going to Flylady.net. You will love her attitude, encouragement, and help to declutter your life as well as your home. It all starts with a shiny sink. :-) Why live in CHAOS (Can't have anyone over syndrome) when we can gain peace through simple babysteps?
sharonsullivan

Homeschool helps
How to get through it all

Bring all your ideas before the Lord before you make your plans. Don't force your kids to grow up too quickly. Talk to others, you may gain information that will calm your fears and spur you on. Find a good support group to share your concerns and encourage others as well. Remember Who is in control (and that it's not you).
k2jen

Organization/time management
School Happens

Having a plan can be good as long as the plan is flexible, because that's when school really happens! Learning is always happening so remember that you don't always have to stick the lesson plans...
willitr