The Monthly Chat

August, 2010

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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.
Š1997-2009 HomeschoolClassifieds.com, Knoxville, TN

Other
The Textbook Is Called LIFE

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is flexibility. Yes, you need structure and routine, you need to cover the subject matter, you need to pursue excellence. But it is possible to interrupt the schedule in order to ''seize the moment'' to give your student a different kind of education. This can include many types of activities:

1. Take advantage of local events, typically those that only occur annually or a few times a year, where knowledge is gained but FUN is a key component. For example, visiting a farmers' market right now provides loads of teaching opportunities.

2. Teach compassion and citizenship by involving your student in helping people in need. Make it as personal as possible; for example, people affected by a flood need help with clean-up.

3. Don't limit ''school'' to an 8-to-3 schedule (or whatever your schedule is). You're teaching math when you teach your student how to use measuring spoons and measuring cups in the kitchen, at any hour of the day. Rigorous schedules are the un-fun part of formal schools; you have the opportunity to break that stricture and still produce an outstanding student.

4. As you do these kinds of informal training, try not to go into ''teacher mode.'' I'm talking about the lecturing tone, the pressure to retain information. It's okay to let some detail fall by the wayside; there will be opportunities later to reinforce.

5. Look for chances to reinforce your student's natural inclinations. Is she visually oriented and artistic? Let her draw a picture to illustrate the history lesson. The visual reinforcement is a powerful learning tool. See (or remember) the visual, remember the history. Is your son geared to numbers and lists? Let him ''study'' a subject by researching a particular question on the internet, and converting the data into a table or spreadsheet. It need not be complex. He will learn about research techniques and computer skills, not to mention the topic itself.

Use your flexibility. The textbook is called LIFE.

annie51

Homeschool helps
The Blessings of a Curriculum Fair

I just finished organizing a huge curriculum fair. I think it was a ''success''... or was it? How do we measure that? As vendors, does it depend on how fewer books we come home with? Or how much money we made? As shoppers, does it depend on if we found the resources on our list? Or, did we get items at a bargain price?

As the organizer, I felt a responsibility for the success of the event. I advertised as best I could, I encouraged everyone I knew to participate, etc. And it appeared to ''pay off''. The event seemed well attended... but did they ''buy'' or just browse? Were the homeschoolers pleased or disappointed?

Then the Lord spoke to my heart about how I measure the success of such an event. I began to think differently about the purpose for our participation. Are we only there for selfish reasons... to make money or find a bargain? Or are we there to bless others and offer and find encouragement? As a vendor... did you get a chance to share your homeschool journey with a ''newbie''? Did you get an opportunity to share what God has shown you along the way? Were you an encouragement for a struggling veteran or able to offer a financial blessing to a fellow homeschooler?

As a shopper... did you support the ''cause'' by attending and making purchases from your local homeschool community? Did you see old friends and catch up on each other's busy lives? Were you able to invest some time and offer encouragement to another homeschooler?

In looking back at our event last week, personally I say, YES... it was a success! What a blessing to my heart to see old friends, and make a few new ones. What an encouragement to see so many homeschoolers in one place, sharing, laughing, and blessing each other.

As you participate in your local curriculum fairs this summer, pray for a mindset that is looking for the opportunity to bless and support and encourage others, and I know you will be blessed in return.

mom2saa

Homeschool helps
Don't Stress the Early Years

One thing I've learned in the 12 years of educating my children at home is how much we stress about what we teach our little ones. My son was in kindergarten when we adopted him. After he started first grade we knew we still needed to build a relationship with him but had no time to do it. So we took him out of school in the middle of first grade.

We did absolutely nothing ''academic'' with him for a year. We spent our days doing the things families do with young kids before they go off to school. We played outside, went on field trips, read aloud, visited family & friends, played games, etc. When he was 8, we had him placement tested at the local school thinking we'd put him back in school for third grade. His scores were all at or above grade level, he needed no catching up.

What does this say? THEY LEARN! At the early ages they learn what they need to by being in a loving environment, by playing, by interacting with a variety of people at a variety of ages, by playing quality games that use their brains. Too often we can't get over our public school mind-set that they must be in a textbook by 5 years old or they will be deficient in some way.

My daughter was three when we adopted my son. I had learned from the experience with him and we didn't begin formal schooling with my daughter until she was seven. She didn't read until almost eight, but you'd never know it now. She excels in almost everything she does. She knew everything my son knew coming out of Kindergarten, without any formal education. Just good ol' family life.

Don't be bound to your public school upbringing. Choose a homeschool philosophy based on what's best for your kids & family not based on what's comfortable or familiar to you. Dr. Raymond Moore's book Better Late Than Early changed my whole philosophy on educating children. I recommend it to everyone.

Blessings, Tina Goodman

zipperts

Baking & cooking
Cooking Helps Kids

I have always found that a well fed child will perform better in class and in extracurricular activities. I know how hard it is to have a family meal in the current age, trust me, I work full time! It seems so much easier just to pop in some pre-cooked, high-carb meal and plop down for a family movie! But it is essential for a child's growth to have at least one home cooked meal (at the minimum) three days out of the week. Not only is it healthier for our little darlings, but it also gives us a chance to sit and talk with them about their day. Another plus is that it teaches them a little work ethic when they help with the dishes!

mommalisa3

Special needs
Labels: What Good Are They?

During my 8 years of homeschooling, I have often noticed an aversion to ''labels'' within the homeschool community. There are legitimate concerns that a child or the people around him will begin to define him in terms of his diagnosis or that he will be stigmatized by his peers. The misnomer ''learning disability'' makes it sound as though someone who learns differently can't learn at all. Learning differences have become big business, and many people want to take our money in exchange for treatments that have no scientific basis. So is there ever a good reason to have a child evaluated and diagnosed?

This was the question I faced when I took my children out of public school in 2002. For several years, I questioned whether my middle child had a learning disability or simply a learning style that is diametrically opposed to my own. I read books about dyslexia, SPD, ADD and ADHD, APD, learning styles, and more.

Friends who have spent time with my child told me how smart she is. My husband's aunt, a retired schoolteacher, noticed how advanced her vocabulary is. So why did she have meltdowns over a spelling test of single-syllable words or a timed math drill? Why couldn't she remember things that she's practiced over and over? A child who drives by the baseball and football stadiums in Baltimore at age 6 and notices that they look like the Roman coliseum shouldn't be pulling her hair and calling herself stupid at age 8.

Stupid. Dumb. Useless. Children with learning disabilities, if not given the correct labels (whether formally diagnosed or not), will make up their own. After years of searching, I found the descriptions of my daughter that fit. When I told her I thought she had something called dyslexia, and that's why certain types of schoolwork are so hard for her, she smiled and a wave of relief washed over her face, and over my heart.

lizzybee

Ministry & missions
Guatemala School Sponsorship Program

If you are like me, I have many books for my children to use for their education. We are truly blessed here in America. The children in Guatemala do not have sufficient school supplies. Join Servant Ministries and help these schools in Guatemala to get the books and supplies they so desperatly need. This ministry organizes a school sponsorship program that you can be a part of. Copy the link below into your browser and see if you can help! You can help for as little as a one time donation of only $10.

http://servantministries.net/comm_projects.html

cjojets

Computer
Free internet filter: www.openDNS.com

http://www.opendns.com/
You don't even have to sign up. Just use it.

How does this work? Every computer on the Internet has a numeric address, called the IP (Internet Protocol) address. Every ISP (Internet Service Provider) has (access to) a computer that keeps track of them. It's called a Domain Name Service (DNS) server. When you signed up with your ISP, they set you up to point to their DNS servers (2). When you type in a domain name, click on a link, or select a bookmark, your computer sends the request to their DNS server, which looks up the IP and returns it to your computer, which then makes the connection.

openDNS blocks the URLs of bad sites - you put the openDNS servers in your computer's configuration, instead of your own ISP's DNS servers, and you are filtered! That's it!

Sign up for a free account and you can also do some customization. No software to install. No fees. Just a few simple configuration changes.

The downsides:
(If you can change it, your children might figure it out!)
1. You must configure each computer separately, unless you have a router/firewall which allows you to set your DNS servers there. (best!)
2. You can't configure different options for different users or computers.
3. Blocking is by site, not by content. You either block all of Youtube, or you don't block it at all.

cci-lbs

Homeschool helps
Learning to Type (for Older Students)

This website below will help your older students or even yourself practice typing. Learn the home row and exactly how to type on dance mat typing (see my other post for dance mat typing) and then take free typing tests on this site. There are also games on this site to sharpen your typing abilities. Copy/paste the link below into your browser and be on your way to better typing skills.

http://www.typingtest.com/

cjojets

Other
A Family Mission Statement

At times I struggle to remind myself of why we chose to homeschool in the first place. What Biblical principles led us here? I want to catch that vision again.

Oh yes I remember I look back to our little Mission Statement that we wrote up so many years ago. I am so glad I took the time to write down our thoughts, as they now encourage me and help direct our steps, influence our choices, bring clarity to our vision for our family and our children.

Here is a portion of it: We consider homeschooling a means to an end the end being a family that loves and serves the Lord, and a Country that can continue to be free to do these things. We are practicing Biblical homeschooling rather than Government homeschooling, because we believe that the government schools do not share our vision for our family or our country. We are deliberate about choosing to disciple and train up our children without any interference or ''help'' from the public schools. We believe that God commands us to train up our children and disciple them in the ways of the Lord and to protect and shelter them, understanding that we are the ''gate-keepers'' for our family.

Maybe you also need some encouragement to finish this task, renew your vision for home-discipling your children. Maybe you need a mission statement for your family and homeschool? Whatever that looks like for you, whether it is actually written down, or is bouncing around in your head and heart, I encourage you to be true to it, and continue the journey God has put on your heart, for your family. Of course, the Bible is our ultimate compass, a light to our path. Seek the Lord, look to His Word, and take advantage of the many people and resources God uses to encourage us in this calling of homeschooling.

mom2saa

Garden & Yard
Ponding for the Family

Putting in a shallow pond in the backyard will supply your school-agers with lots of opportunities for observing wildlife and studying eco-systems. Plants that never need watering are a dream come true, and a few minnows or goldfish will give kids an opportunity for responsibility in feeding them in a much more stable environment than the proverbial fish bowl. There are many websites that give step by step instructions and with the whole family involved, this becomes a wonderful lesson in teamwork and cooperation.

carolchenault

Special needs
Myths & Facts About Learning Disabilities

Myth: My child is too smart to have a learning disability.
Fact: By definition, a person who has a learning disability has average or above average intelligence. A person can be highly gifted and still have a learning disability.

Myth: My child doesn't have a learning disability; he is just stubborn.
Fact: Kids don't act less intelligent than they are just to tick off their parents or teachers. When they struggle with things that are easy for other kids, they may try to mask their inadequacy with humor or defiance. I have talked with guilt-ridden moms who punished their children day after day only to find out they had a learning disability.

Myth: My struggling reader doesn't have a learning disability. He will read when he's ready to read.
Fact: Most kids learn to read between the ages of 4 and 8. If a child doesn't learn to read by the age of 8 in spite of consistent instruction with a good phonics curriculum, he may benefit from specific intervention regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is sought. In the internet age, we have access to information, products, and curriculum that were previously reserved for professionals. We can take advantage of this to help our children achieve all that they are capable of.

Myth: I don't want to label my child because he or the people around him will define him by that label.
Fact: Kids know when they struggle with academics. If they are not given the correct label for the struggle, they choose their own: stupid, dumb, worthless.

lizzybee

Baking & cooking
Cake Contest

Our local crafts store was having a cake contest and my children got in on it. They learned science, social studies, drawing, project planning and more. Look for your next homeschool project in your community. You can look for them anywhere. They did not win, but they learned a lot. It really got us involved in what we doing, and gave us a sure deadline for the project end. We displayed them proudly with their drawings, the recipe, and some photos of them working on the cake. They loved it!!

homeschool-fun

Other
Homeschool Ministry - encouraging others

Thankfully, there are so MANY incredible resources that God has made available to help equip us for finishing the task He has called us to. With the internet, we now have easy access to great minds and hearts that have gone before us on this journey, that have finished this race. We have a wealth of information at our fingertips to help us keep on course, and go the distance. I appreciate their willingness to serve, to share their stories, and be an example of Gods faithfulness. My conviction and vision for my family are renewed. I am not alone. My yoke seems light again, as I read and listen to the wisdom and insight of those the Lord has taken through the deserts and the valleys, and I see how they have persevered and been faithful, in spite of it all.

As a Christian homeschooler, I find that I often need the encouragement of others to fulfill my calling as wife, mother, homemaker, and teacher. There have been many days no, seasons when the distractions of life swoop in and derail my efforts, rob my joy, blur my vision. Sometimes it is something I cant help, like illness or a move. But other times it is a condition of my own heart. Truth is, some days I would rather do something else besides serve my family through healthy meals, a clean house, or teaching the kids. I would rather go shopping, call a friend, surf the web, scrapbook! : ) And sometimes I do. But the Lord is always faithful to whisper to my heart, and call me back to my role, renew my strength, set me back on course, clarify my vision.

So, while I struggle with faithfulness throughout this journey, He is always faithful, and again, I am grateful for those servants who have made it their ministry to strengthen the homeschool family, and keep me focused on the finish line.

mom2saa

Homeschool helps
Preventing homeschool burn-out (2)

Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get proper rest. A healthy body does a lot to combat stress.

Make a list of the reasons that you decided to homeschool in the first place. Re-read this list when you are feeling frustrated.

Teach your child to be an independent learner. Before you do anything for your child, ask ''could he do this himself?'' If so, let him!

Add some variety. Video courses, software, audiotapes, educational television, field trips and board games can be great for a change of pace.

Begin each day with Bible reading and prayer. The Lord will give you what you need to get through the day!

azmom4him

Marriage & parenting
Lord, Renew My Vision

My husband and I feel that homeschooling is sacred, in the way that family is sacred. To us, homeschooling is a means of home-discipling our children, and it has helped us to think of homeschooling in this way. Like marriage (which we just celebrated 25 years of! ), our commitment to homeschool is not based on how easy or difficult the season is, or how we feel, or how successful it seems, or how limited our resources are, or how tired we are, or how appealing another option looks to us, etc. But rather, our commitment to homeschooling is based on a conviction that this is what the Bible tells us to do. My prayer is that I will always choose what I believe to be the right thing, even if it is the harder thing. As the years tick by on this journey (I am finishing year 15), we often end up feeling alone and we lose confidence and clarity. We lose our vision.

So I struggle at times to remind myself of why we chose to homeschool in the first place, what Biblical principles led us here, to catch that vision again. Oh yes I remember I look back to our little Mission Statement that we wrote up so many years ago. I am so glad I took the time to write down our thoughts, as they now encourage me and help direct our steps, influence our choices, and bring clarity to our vision for our family and our children.

As we prepare this summer for the upcoming school year, let's pray that the Lord will renew our vision, His vision, for our homeschools and our families.

Blessings~

mom2saa

Garden & Yard
Seeding With the Kids

Having a garden is such a blessing not only at meal time but also when at the groccery store. If you have opted out of gardening because it takes too much time don't continue that mistake. Get your homeschoolers invloved! Even my 3yo helps. He can pick weeds and holds the hose to water.

I let each of my kids pick a seed at the store. They started them in the small jiffy pots and then replanted them outside after they had sprouted. They had to water their seeds each day and I was able to talk to them about germination as well as the rest of their plants life cycle.

We have started harvesting and are looking into plants that can be planted now for a second season before the cold weather hits. This is also a great breaktime filler when you need a little fresh air duing the middle of a school day or as a way to start the day. I have the kids do it while I am hanging laundry. I have also noticed they are more likely to eat their veggies if they got to help grow them.

iknowcia

Homeschool helps
The Calling to Homeschool

I have been praying and thinking about this journey. What is my passion, regarding homeschooling? What are my concerns? Joys? Successes? Failures? What are yours? I realize and respect that the vision may be different for each family. Your homeschool journey may look different from mine. You may have different definitions, goals, etc. The circumstances that led you to homeschool may be entirely different from mine.

I am passionate about independent homeschooling, K-12. It is my calling. And on days when I dont feel the calling, it is my conviction. So I look to resources that will inspire me and help to equip me for that long journey all the way through high school, help remind me of the costs both of home schooling and NOT homeschooling my children.

Sometimes the stresses of life and the attack of the enemy wear us down, until we are weary and vulnerable to choosing other options for educating our children options we really are not comfortable with, never thought we would consider. For me, educating my children is a form of discipling my children. So, there is no other option. I am committed. A little like marriage.

I feel ''called'' to homeschool my children. The Lord has pressed on my heart that we need to commit to this calling of homeschooling, and have a vision, so that we are not tempted to turn away or quit when we hit a bump along the way. I pray the Lord will renew our vision and calling, as we seek Him for this new school year coming up.

mom2saa

Homeschool helps
Preventing homeschool burn-out (1)

Lower your expectations. Whatever organized learning your child misses this month, he/she can make up later!

Be flexible. If something isn't working, be willing to try something different. Don't be afraid to change your school schedule, or take a day or two off.

Change your teaching style. Don't try to re-create ''school at home''. Ask yourself what you can simplify, even eliminate.

Limit extracurricular activities. Don't schedule too many activities for you or your children. Sometimes if they aren't absolutely essential, it might be best to drop them.

Get support. Support from your husband can go a long way. Other homeschoolers are also a great source of encouragement.

azmom4him