As I ponder my coming school year, with 2 students in public school, 2 graduates living/working/colleging at home (yeah, I know, I made up another word!), myself working 2 part-time jobs and being a full-time college student myself, I am trying to create a haven at home.  Especially for the evening hours.  As I do so, I long for the days when my children enjoyed listening to me read aloud. 

I am in the middle of a book that I think would make a great read-aloud for any family.  It is The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver.  It is fictional account of a missionary family in 1960 Congo.  It is told from the various perspectives of the women in the family and very enlightening as to other cultures, other lifestyles, and how blessed we are to live in America at this time in history.

I have discovered a study guide, which may offer some dinner-time discussion prompts about The Poisonwood Bible.  Enjoy family reading time!
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Read Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand, support the movie, and talk about it at dinner!!!!!   Easy Peasy - and it's one of those lesson plans that is dependent on the homeschool community to learn and teach.  Who is John Galt?
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As a mom with 4 teens still living at home, ages 15, 16, 17 & 18, I'm feeling a tad disheartened.  I had hoped to turn out 'youths,' but instead turned out 'teens.'  What's the difference?  This article expresses my thoughts in a way I never could.  I love my teens, they are exceptional teens, I trust their judgment and I am very proud of them.  I only wish I could have done more for them as a parent, to help them see the ultimate wisdom in not taking teenagerhood so seriously.  I did not learn the concept of teens vs. youth until it was, dare I say?, too late.  Is it too late?  Is it ever?  I would never want my children to feel I am disappointed in them.  It's me I'm second-guessing, and that, too, is a very natural part of being a homeschool parent - even one that is soon-to-be-retired!
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It's spring break.  During the next few weeks, homeschool moms (and maybe a few dads) will begin to contemplate whether or not to continue schooling during the summer.  There are many reason to, and many reasons not.  As with all things homeschool, there is no right or wrong way.  Here are some things for you to think about as you plan your summer activities.

Teresa says:  One of the advantages of homeschooling is being able to adjust our schedule according to our needs and desires.    I do plan to homeschool through part of the summer.  It will help us keep focus, but also allow us flexibility to take time off, at other times throughout the year.  Honestly, there are times during summer when it seems too hot to go outside and not much is going on.  Families are busy and activities with friends slow down.  We get bored.  I think that is a perfect time for school.  I’d rather take time off in the Spring and the Fall when the weather is perfect and the outside is calling us to come play.
 


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I'm at my last National Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament in Springfield, MO.  It is such an exciting event.  The first two days are seeding days, where we get placed into a bracket that is competitive for our level.  Wednesday is an off day - no doubt the girls will want to go to the mall!   (As I've said over and over - it's not about basketball, it's about the social life!)  The rest of the week will be competitive games that will just get better each night.

There are 300+ teams from all over the country - ALL HOMESCHOOLERS!!!  (And a few private schools.)  There are thousands of homeschoolers in town, when you take into account all the siblings, parents and extended family and friends that join us.  What a great sight to see so many like-minded people.  And what a great boost to the students, who often feel like they are all alone.  Not so!!!

Take a look at NCHBA.  The all star games and the Division 5 finals are usually broadcast on ESPN!  So tune in and take a look.

I'm off for a hot bath, after sitting on the bleachers through two games, and during the day working on school, my consulting business,
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They both made the honor roll!  They did well in the maths and sciences.  I feel so validated!!!

My feelings about public school remain the same. 
I simply do not subscribe to the public school philosophy, which is what Oliver DeMille describes as a conveyor belt.  Students are moved along, at the same pace.  No one is allowed to progress ahead, or lag behind.  If you are a certain age, you are assigned to a certain level regardless of your development, maturity or ability.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to group students together who are similar in development, maturity and ability, regardless of age? 

My feelings about homeschool remain the same. 
I simply DO subscribe to the homeschool philosophy, which is this:  a child’s education is up to the child, with the aid, support and encouragement of the parents.  Actually, a more accurate description would be:  a person’s education is up to the person, with the aid, support and encouragement of the parents if the person is a minor.

Having said all of that, how does it relate to my two children who now attend a public high school? 
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(I wrote this several months ago and forgot to post it.)

Um, yeah, that homeschooler would be me.  That seems like a ridiculous thing to do at this stage of my on-line professional homeschooling consultant career.  Nevertheless, my husband and I did what we thought was best for two of our children – allow them some space to make a life decision on their own.  Are we scared?  Worried?  Will they ever be back to homeschool?  How’s it going so far?  Have they had a hard time adjusting?  What about their grades – were they adequately prepared?
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Playdough is good for many grades.  The littles just like to squeeze and poke it.  As they grow older, the children can learn shapes, and colors, and counting, and ABC's.  Once my daughter started to read, I used playdough as a comprehension tool.  She was reading Robinson Crusoe, in second grade.  As she read about the things Robinson Crusoe did on the island, she made a model of it out of playdough.  When Robinson made bowls, she made bowls. When he made a table, she made a table.  She added the trees, the animals, the shelter, etc.  I've also given playdough as gifts to nieces, nephews, and friends.  It makes a cheap, loving, homemade-from-the-heart gift!

Here is the recipe I use: 

1 Cup Flour
1 Cup water
1 Tablespoon oil
1/2 Cup salt
1 Teaspoon cream of tartar
food coloring as desired.

Cook over medium heat until mixture pulls away from sides of pan.  Knead until cool.
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Click here for the newest review, and coming soon, an affiliate link straight to the best planner ever!
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Meet Lora, of My Blessed Life.  She is using a planner that you will want to take a look at.  Read more . . .
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