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

 
Homeschool helps
A Word on Preparation

As homeschooling parents and teachers, we expect the children to thoroughly learn the words and the definitions is every subject they study. That is the goal, for them to thoroughly understand the meanings in order to utilize those meanings to learn this or that important factor in this or that subject. It is a marvelous thing for them to learn it... but the vital questions are, Do they really understand it in theory?...or Have we made what we are trying to teach them part of their practical life? Are we drawing object lessons that will make a difference in their character? How much emphasis are we making in assuring that the children know that practical application to words that will make a difference in their characters and in their future?
Year after year, we, the parents should exemplify before our children the character traits that we want to see in them; those traits of character that we know will make the difference between success and failure.
Year after year, we are given the privilege of teaching them by precept and example what we know is best. The blessing of PREPARING them for the future. We can give them the word, the definition and multiple examples of people or animals that have shown that particular character trait, or the other, but the most important source to teach them those wonderful traits of character are none other than ourselves.
Children respond to those who care for them according to how they are cared for. It by our example, by what they see in us and how we deal with the little troubles of life is how we are actively and quite effectively teaching them how life is to be lived, according to us. They will vividly KNOW and VALUE each of the character traits that we exemplefy in their lives and they will live up to those they see and live with. As we ponder upon this, Are we at awe to realize what we are teaching them? It is our high calling to live up to the principles in order to expect them to live up to the principles. Praise God for the gift of time.
As we begin the preparations for the new homeschool year, (which should have begun as soon as the year ended, as far as I am concerned :) ) Let us prepare our hearts as parents and homeschool teachers to exemplefy before our children the type of people we hope for them to be.
Prepare them by allowing God to prepare you as He would have you be. Let Him mold you and teach you how to mold and teach your children and with Him in charge, you can't go wrong. Happy Homeschooling 2009-2010!
mmss0719
 
Reference: general
God's Teaching Agents in the Home School.

''Parents should in a special sense regard themselves as agents of God to instruct their children, as did Abraham, to keep the way of the Lord. They need to search the Scriptures diligently, to know what is the way of the Lord, that they may teach it to their household. Micah says, ''What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?'' [Micah 6:8.] In order to be teachers, parents must be learners, gathering light constantly from the oracles of God and by precept and example bringing this precious light into the education of their children.
From the light that God has given me, I know that the husband and the wife are to be in the home minister, physician, nurse, and teacher, binding their children to themselves and to God, training them to avoid every habit that will in any way militate against God's work in the body, and teaching them to care for every part of the living organism.
The mother must ever stand pre-eminent in this work of training the children; while grave and important duties rest upon the father, the mother, by almost constant association with her children, especially during their tender years, must always be their special instructor and companion. She should take great care to cultivate neatness and order in her children, to direct them in forming correct habits and tastes; she should train them to be industrious, self-reliant, and helpful to others; to live and act and labor as though always in the sight of God. - The Adventist Home Pg. 184
by Ellen G. White

What a privilege and responsibility rests on our shoulders! What a blessing, an honor and an opportunity to be used of the Lord. May He bless us with strength to do His work faithfully as parents and homeschool teachers.
mmss0719

Lang arts: readers/literature
Living Books 1

I decided to use Charlotte Mason's methods with my son, instead of textbooks (I used the textbook method with all three of my daughters who have now graduated). I wish I had used this method with my girls too. My son LOVES books, and we have learned so much in just 3 years (he is 7 now; will be in the 2nd grade next year)! I will NEVER go back to those dry textbooks again!!
kimberly66
 
Finance/Econ
Tight Budgets and Buying Curriculum

The other day as I was going through some of our curriculum trying to decide what to keep and what to throw away when I realized that most of my books are at least one edition back.

This made me think.....which with a house full of kids and animals is hard to do!

I never really set out to buy older editions, but because of finances that was what I could afford. I have looked at my friends books, who use the same curriculum as me (Abeka), and came to realization that the material never really changes. The pictures are updated, but the material itself has remained the same. In fact, most of the time the page numbers have even remained the same.

So after thinking for about 10 minutes, which apparently is all the quiet time my kids will allow me, I came to this conclusion: For those of us on a tight budget, the older editions, as long as they are in good condition, are generally a good buy.

After all, 2+2 is still 4 just like it was back in 1999, 1984, or even 1976 and there are still the same number of bones in the body today as there were 10 years ago. Their names haven't changed either! In English a noun has always been a person, place, thing, or idea and still is today.

So why pay more for a cover change if you can get the same material for half the price and just have an old cover and some older looking pictures in the book. Just a thought!
ncmom

Bible & Spiritual growth
Take it Day by Day

If all were rain and never sun,
No bow could span the hill;
If all were sun and never rain,
There'd be no rainbow still.

by Christina Rossetti

In our everyday homeschooling, we will have good days, and we will have bad days. Don't let this be discouraging; if our children were in public school, it would be the same; that's just life! Let's use our bad days to learn from our mistakes, and our good days to draw encouragement for the days to come. Make a commitment to the Lord to try your very best for Him, and He will give you strength and the wisdom you will need. He does care, and He sees our struggles in trying to raise a better generation!
kimberly66
 
Homeschool helps
Setting Goals

What are your goals?

Whenever someone in one of my yahoo groups would bring up the question about how to begin the homeschool journey and what to do, the moderator would faithfully bring up that question. Before we decide the curriculum we use, the activities we should do, unit study or not, etc... we should sit down and figure out our goals for our children.

What do we think is the most important things for them to learn? Are we wanting to produce very academically learned children? Or is character building more important to us than academics? What do we want them to take with them when they leave our ''nest''? Knowledge? Life Skills? Good Character?

We only have a few short years to give them the tools they will need for the rest of their life. What is most important? What will they be needing as adults?

We should not be raising children but instead raising adults. There are too many grown-up children today in our world... as the saying goes, ''The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys''.

The children of today will be the leaders and parents of our grandchildren. The goals we have for our children will affect the future generations.

So, what ARE your goals??
luvmyeight

Other
Motivating the kids

My children, like me, are daydreamers. It was becoming a stressful chore to stay after them to get their work done in a timely manner. So last year when school started I implemented a new system. I bought some counting chips and little lockboxes for each child. When they got done with their seat work before noon they got a chip, and the first one done, got before noon got 2. They also got 2 chips for each test A grade, and 1 chip for a B. At the end of the week, we would count their chips, and the one with the most got to pick a treat from a basket. It was little things from the dollar store and Christian book store. At the end of each 3 week period, the one with the most got a special day with mom or dad, such as fishing with dad or a movie with mom. This system worked out great because our kids were able to compete even with a significant age difference. We rarely had days that were difficult afterwards. You could use a chart with stickers, or some other counting method to track their progress.
tareesa
 
Homeschool helps
Growing with Our Children

As our son was finishing up 1st grade in a traditional private school, my husband and I felt lead to begin homeschooling. Our decision wasn't due to dissatisfaction with this particular institution, poor performance on our son's part, or financial concerns. Rather, we began seeing the myriad benefits of tailoring our children's education to their unique bents and talent, and becoming the primary influences on their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development. That was three years ago, and our experiences have served only to solidify our initial impressions of homeschooling.

However, while our mission and purpose remain unwavering, it is interesting to look back a bit at how our implementation has evolved. While our classical bent remains solid, we now see the immense value of living books and the Charlotte Mason method. Initially, I felt like I had to completely control the direction of our homeschooling efforts, but now I am flexible enough to let my kids' individual interests influence our activities and areas of study. Finally, I have abandoned the idea that I have to ''do it all'' by encouraging my husband, and even our parents, to step in to teach our children from time to time.

It's so encouraging to know that we, as parents, are learning and growing right alongside our children. And, the fun is really just beginning!
jmccrear

Organization/time management
A Few Pointers

Here are just a few pointers that have really helped me and I wanted to share with you.

When opening your mail, open it near the garbage can where you can throw away junk mail and used envelopes right away.

Also, it is a good idea to put the mail in files right then if you cannot handle it at that time: ''Bills to Pay'', ''To File'', etc.

Learn to use online banking. When I get a bill in the mail, I immediately set it up in my bank account to be paid on the date closest to the due date and pay day.

Invest in a squeegee for each bathroom. There are good ones at Bed Bath and Beyond. Teach your children and family to squeegee after each bath/shower....This will keep shower fresher and cleaner for a longer period of time.

Just a few tips!! Enjoy!!
soccermom
 
Lang arts: grammar/composition/writing
Composition skills are Critical

As I review our past year of home education I am convinced more than ever of the critical need to teach our children to write well. In this day it is extremely important that young people are capable of stating the truth, of reviewing life from a biblical worldview, and of challenging the politically correct mass media slant of every day affairs. Our young people need to be able to recognize faulty reasoning and poorly supported arguments.

To that end I encourage all of us to select well designed composition help and focus on your children's writing skills throughout the coming school year. In addition to writing, we need to cover logic and reasoning skills and apply them to newpaper articles, news magazines, and other common sources of information. May we raise up a generation of citizens who will not swallow all we are told and be able to clearly articulate God's truth.
s.t.b

Other
High School and beyond

As your homeschooled child begins middle school grades, plan everything they do with high school and college in mind. Every year is based on the ones that have already happened. Look at what classes are needed for the colleges that your child wants to attend. Do your child's four-year course plan before you begin 9th grade with their college choices' requirements in mind. Review your plan every semester.

Expose your children to as much travel and culture that your funds will allow.

Remember to enjoy the moments, study your child more than the books, and learn to let go.
cstrom

Science: general
Macaroni and cheese brain

When we were studying the brain, we made a brain out of macaroni and cheese to help us remember what we were learning. We used elbow macaroni and cheese to look more like the folds of the folds of the cortex and shaped it into a solid helmet type shap in a mixing bowl. We made it real cheesy so it would all stick together. Once it was cool and stuck together really well, we cut the two hemispheres apart and used rolled ham slices to show the corpus collosum. We used different vegetables to 'label' the different parts of the brain and made a key on a piece of paper. It was very memorable, especially when our foreign exchange student came home for lunch unexpectedly and found us eating a brain. We still laugh about that.
livelilearnin
 
Testing
PSAT

Some states require that your homeschooler take their PSAT exam within your school district, others are not as specific. I recently encountered this situation when trying to register my son for this fall's exam. Our closest high school happens to be out of our district and I learned that my son would be allowed to take the test out of district only if there was extra space available after everyone within the district had registered. Be sure to call your testing site well in advance as schools have to order extra test packets for homeschoolers. Testing takes place in October and arrangements/registration must be made between you and the school or testing site.
shall

Other
Time flies.....part two

Sad news, The swing set went to another family. I was okay moving it on. After watching the swings wrapped around the top of the swing set for about 2 weeks. I exclaimed, ''its outta here!'' Both kids looked surprised. Like I didn't mean it or something...I posted the offering on 2 message boards I watch. Less than one day two nibbles expressing interest. In less than 5 days, gone. Took a picture for the scrapbook and swing set left on the back of this pick up truck. I cried for a little bit. I am surprised how almost heartless I was then, to be reduced to tears. Probably the reminders of the kids growing. It's gotta be that.
pockets

Marriage & parenting
Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Leman

This is the best book I have ever laid hands on for successful parenting. Gives a practical plan for parenting that brings very quick results, especially with head-strong, disrespectful, disobedient children. It works. I've seen my 11-yr-old son do an almost complete turn-around from the above characteristics into an enjoyable child who has even voluntarily come to me with an apology for his actions or way of speaking to me. Of course, I'll have to keep working with my children using the method because we all slip back into the ''old man'' on occasion, but I highly recommend this book.
sharonsullivan

Organization/time management
Keeping a Clean Kitchen Allday.

Every evening load the dishwasher and run it. In the morning have your children unload it. I have my 7 and 5 year old unload it, before breakfast. I did two days of training and oversee it while I get breakfast ready.
I take out any sharp knives and heavy glass items. This has been a life changer for our family. This way you can load the dishwasher after every meal and you don't spend an hour doing dishes after dinner. There is more time for Family Fun.
sandtje
 
Testing
P.A.S.S.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the test it is very efficient and quick to administer at home with no time limits for the testing. It does have to be returned within two weeks of receiving the test. It is the Personal Achievement Summary System for grades 3-8.

It can be purchased through Hewitt Homeschooling Resources
http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/test/tmain.asp
hiz4ever

Lang arts: readers/literature
Living Books 2

I wanted a list of all the living books I had in my home. I was really surprised I had as many as I did! We use the library as much as possible to cut down on cost, but it is nice to have a collection of your own that you can refer back to. I have bookcases in my bedroom, my son's bedroom, the hall, and the schoolroom. I categorized the books by their types (science, history, language, math, etc.), then I wrote beside the titles of the books in which bookcase they were located. Now I know everything I have which will save me valuable time in the future!
kimberly66

Homeschool helps
It Isn't about What You Have

It isn't about what you HAVE!---It's what you DO with what you have, that counts! I'm old enough to have grandchildren and great grandchildren,and have experienced the good and the horrible.Organizing priorities, (as in what your life should be focused on)will go a long way in preventing burn-out, melt-down and disorganization.Priority number one--your children study school work, YOU must study THEM. HOW they learn,why they WANT to(or don't) and what will enable them to grow towards THEIR success....what-ever that might be.......
kiros

Homeschool helps
Do Your Best!

Our family uses this short quote as a helpful reminder that God expects us to give our best in every area of life.

''Good, better, best - never let it rest,
Until your good becomes better
and your better becomes best!''
grizenkofamily
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Pressing Toward the Mark

The glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time you fail.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
kimberly66

Unit studies
Curriculum Help

I have been homeschooling my son for 2 years now. I have learned that, since I'm not very good with the grading process, that Switched On Schoolhouse is a great help. It grades the work for you and the biggest plus is that my son can't cheat. It is all done on the computer, the teacher (me) has her own icon (with her own password), and the student has his own icon (with his own password that he shares with the teacher). It is a great curriculum in my book.
belle6912

Special needs
Teaching to Read with Song, Fun & Games

I highly recommend using Sing, Spell, Read & Write, S.S.R.W, for children that love music and games. All four of our children learned how to read and spell with the fun program of S.S.R.W. Our daughter was diagnosed with severe autism and could not speak but she could sing and so she learned how to sing and read words and connect them to pictures. I hope that you will be blessed by the great assistance this gives to homeschooling mothers.
winnies6

Science: general
edible bone layers for human body study

When we were studying the human body with my elementary students (maybe middle school for the oldest), we often used food to drive home the point. To represent spongy bone we used a marshmallow that we put some strawberry jelly in (to represent the marrow) with pull apart twizzlers going through it (for the veins and arteries) dipped in chocolate for the harder outer covering. My kids still remember the parts or layers of the bone!
livelilearnin
 
Organization/time management
Keeping Track of Records

For moms like me, who tend to sell some of their curriculum each year to earn money to buy new curriculum, it is helpful to keep a written record of what you've done each year. I wish I had done this more often! It only takes a few moments at the end of each school year to review what you've done and make a list of the curriculum used. Filed away in a dated storage box with your child's work, it may one day come in handy.
pvostwald

Homeschool helps
Unclutter Home for More Success

When I get rid of clutter in my home my distractions are minimized and school is more satisfying for all of us. I highly recommend an emptying of old curriculum, knick-knacks, clothing and expired pantry items. Collect up all your items and donate them to the Salvation Army or nearest thrift store for a nice little write off on your taxes and a much more efficient home.
winnies6

Other
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

I know there are many homeschoolers on here buying and selling books. I want to turn your attention away from business for a second and let you know that are liberties are at stake. Please go to parentalrights.org to learn more about this Convention and see what you can do to make a difference today. You and your child's future may depend on it. This is URGENT!
liaritchie

Homeschool helps
The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and, I believe, the beginning of education. It's God's world, and His hand can be seen in all He has made. If you rely on the Lord to help you, and seek to put Him first in your homeschool, I believe He will help you when you feel you can't do it, and He will crown your efforts with success.
pvostwald

Homeschool helps
Don't Fight Burnout--Prevent It

One of my favorite things to tell new homeschoolers is ''forget the public school calendar''. One of the best benefits of homeschooling is that you get to decide when your school days will be and how long they will last. I am a firm believer that burnout can be avoided by taking frequent breaks and knowing when to call it quits for the day.
butterflymom