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Approaches —
Various Ways to Homeschool . Approaches We are often asked, “How do people homeschool?” It’s not an easy question to answer because there is no ONE way to homeschool. Ideally, each family designs a program that fits their particular needs, interests, concerns, and educational goals. Most families use a combination of teaching methods that has come to be known as the eclectic approach because it uses ideas from a variety of different approaches. ... 4961 Words KEY WORDS: approaches, approach |
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Character Matters —
Developing Character in Children . Character Trait 'Accessibility' — Character Matters Article for May 2010 It's almost more than our mind can grasp. Why on earth did Jesus Christ, who participated in Creation and established the vast expanses of the universe, willingly leave the glory of heaven and render himself subject to the limitations, temptations, and evil whims of this world? Simply, to reestablish mankind's connection to God. ... 607 Words Character Trait 'Attentiveness' — Character Matters Article for April 2009 Character Trait – Attentiveness: Check It Out – What Does It Mean? – Why Does it Matter? April's Quote of the Month by Dr. Johnson calls attention to a vital element of a child's training – reminding the student of important information. A good portion of our job as parents and educators is to train our children to be attentive, not only when we are instructing them, but to the day-to-day details of life that can be boring and tedious. ... 403 Words Character Trait 'Consistency' — Character Matters Article for June 2010 Character Trait – Attentiveness: Check It Out – What Does It Mean? – Why Does it Matter? One way the Bible describes our Christian walk is to be complete in Christ (see Col. 2:10 for one example). The King James Version often translates this as being perfect – in the sense of being fully grown or mature. Being complete is having integrity. ... 567 Words Character Trait 'Contentment' — Character Matters Article for July 2010 Character Trait – Attentiveness: Check It Out – What Does It Mean? – Why Does it Matter? This month's character trait is contentment. To be content literally means “to hold together with.” With what? With whom? With the Creator. ... 433 Words Character Trait 'Determination' — Character Matters Article for March 2009 Character Trait – Determination: Check It Out – What Does It Mean? – Why Does it Matter? Activity: Have your student work a crossword puzzle or work one together with your younger child. Afterward discuss ... 261 Words KEY WORDS: focus, journey, Pasteur, tenacity, character, determination Character Trait 'Discernment' — Character Matters Article for January 2010 As homeschoolers we often stress cooperation and unity. We teach our children to avoid strife and to try to live peaceably with others to the extent possible (Romans 12:18). We teach them that division is generally not healthy. I dare say that most 4th and 5th graders who are tackling the division facts would agree! ... 646 Words KEY WORDS: focus, journey, Pasteur, tenacity, character, determination Character Trait 'Discretion' — Character Matters Article for September 2009 Discretion - The Better Part of Valor The Bible tells us not to grow weary of well-doing (Gal. 6:9). I might add: don't grow weary of being wary. To be wary means to be cautious. To be cautious doesn't mean you do nothing. It means you take the time to discern, judge, and carefully examine all the options. That's what we learned about last month's character trait of thoughtfulness. ... 711 words Character Trait 'Industriousness' — Character Matters Article for November 2009 Industriousness – Steady As She Goes Do you remember the billboards or posters that inspired us to keep on truckin'? Okay, so I'm dating myself. But that phrase embodies this month's character trait: industriousness. It is another aspect of the broad category of responsibility that we have been studying. Industriousness is earnest, steady effort. ... 576 words Character Trait 'Innovative' — Character Matters Article for April 2010 Made in the Image of a Creative God The world around us displays the incredible, unlimited creativity of our God. Genesis 1:27 says that He placed a portion of that creativity in each of us because we are made in His image. Some of us may be blessed with more creativity than others, but it's there whether we have developed it or not. ... 625 words Character Trait 'Orderliness' — Character Matters Article for March 2010 Okay, we now know that if we want to grow in God's way, orderliness needs to be a goal. Practically speaking, however, our houses probably are not a perfect picture of orderliness. The logistics of homeschooling, maintaining a household, juggling the varied activities of family members, and being involved in our church and community pretty much rule that out - despite what the covers of homeschooling magazines seem to convey. ... 662 Words KEY WORDS: focus, journey, Pasteur, tenacity, character, determination Character Trait 'Perseverance' — Character Matters Article for February 2010 Character Trait – Perseverance: Check It Out – What Does It Mean – Why Does It Matter? Living his faith – that’s what William Wilberforce is known for. Against great obstacles Wilberforce, an evangelical Christian ... 426 Words KEY WORDS: focus, journey, Pasteur, tenacity, character, determination Character Trait 'Purposefulness' — Character Matters Article for June 2009 New homeschoolers often wonder if they are qualified to teach. They question their ability to recall facts and figures. Or perhaps they recognize they lack knowledge in a particular subject. Such questions reveal a mindset that sees education simply as the accumulation of knowledge or the ability to recite what others have taught. ... 361 Words Character Trait 'Resourcefulness' — Character Matters Article for October 2009 Resourcefulness – Drawing from the Wellspring Do you want your child to be responsible? Then here's one aspect of responsibility that you may overlook: resourcefulness. Resourcefulness is the ability to deal promptly and effectively with problems or situations. One dictionary describes it as being clever in finding resources. ... 807 words Character Trait 'Responsible' — Character Matters Article for July 2009 responsible, adj. (based on Latin for requiring an answer from) 1. expected or obligated to account for something, to someone; answerable, accountable; 2. involving accountability, obligation, or duties; 3. able to distinguish between right and wrong and to think and act rationally, and hence accountable for one's behavior; 4. trustworthy; dependable; reliable; as in able to pay debts or meet business obligations. (Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition.) As homeschooling parents, we are taking the primary responsibility for our children's education. ... 492 Words Character Trait 'Servanthood' — Character Matters Article for December 2009 Servanthood – The example of Christ Christmas – the celebration of Christ. Even though the season focuses on the event that brought Christ to earth, we can't help but reflect on his life and ministry. Isaiah prophesied what this ministry would entail, calling out the names to be given the child born unto us: Light, Ruler, Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:1-7). ... 613 words Character Trait 'Teachableness' — Character Matters Article for May 2009 Character Trait – Attentiveness: Check It Out – What Does It Mean? – Why Does it Matter? Have you ever sat in a church service or meeting and thought to yourself, “I've heard this before. I guess I can tune out?” Be honest now. Guess what? We reap what we sow. Our children can do the same thing to us during homeschooling or when we are disciplining them. ... 426 Words Character Trait 'Thankfulness' — Character Matters Article for August 2010 It's that time again. Time to pull out your planner, your teacher notes from the past year, your homeschooling catalogs, and any resources you've already collected. Oh yes, and your Bible. It's time to get down to business and map out the next round of training in your home education. ... 438 Words Character Trait 'Thoughtfulness' — Character Matters Article for August 2009 Cautious. Conscientious. Circumspect. Sober. Prudent. All of these words have fallen out of popularity in our fast-paced, superficial society. In fact, most of us would probably not want to be thought of as a sober-minded prude. That's just too old-fashioned, and conjures up images of dour old-ladies who never smile and never enjoy life. ... 544 Words |
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Choosing Curriculum —
How to Choose the Right Curriculum
. Choosing Curriculum — Audio When getting started how do you know which curriculum to choose? If you've had a chance to look online or through homeschooling catalogs, you've probably seen that there are a lot of resources and programs available. It can be overwhelming ... 10 minutes 33 seconds How to Design A Course — Archival Choosing Curriculum Article The Right Fit One of the primary advantages of homeschooling is tailoring the program to fit the needs and interests of the student. Sometimes the curriculum can be adjusted, but sooner or later you will probably want to design your own course. Especially at the high school level, it can be hard to find curriculum for specific electives. There are so many options possible that it makes it hard for publishers to produce something for a limited market at a reasonable price. So what do you do? ... 1668 Words KEY WORDS: design, course, description How do I know which curriculum to choose? — Archival Choosing Curriculum Article Short Answer & Explanation Since there is no set way to educate a child and there is no set way to homeschool, there is no set curriculum. There are a variety of curriculum types and formats, and each of these has its strengths and weaknesses. The different types fit different situations and conditions. The key is to choose whatever materials fit your educational goals and your child’s learning style. ... 1660 Words KEY WORDS: curriculum, program, textbook, material, class, course, choose, buy, select Structured Course — Sample Course Description — Archival Choosing Curriculum Article This is a one-year high school course in Biblical doctrine. The primary text is a laymen’s version of Berkhof’s Systematic Theology. Key concepts of evangelical Christian doctrine are briefly described and referenced to scripture passages. Excerpts from the Westminster Confession of Faith are included where applicable. ... 221 Words KEY WORDS: sample, design, course, description Sample Electives — Archival Choosing Curriculum Article This document is a list of sample electives. 143 Words Unstructured Course: Internship — Sample Course Description Archival Choosing Curriculum Article This is a one-semester high school English course designed to give the student practical experience in the field of journalism. The student will work as an intern for the local weekly newspaper. Assignments will include: taking classified ads over the phone, assisting in laying out block ads, writing captions, conducting interviews, researching articles, writing articles, proof-reading, and learning layout. ... 165 Words KEY WORDS: sample, design, course, description Unstructured Course: Performance — Sample Course Description Archival Choosing Curriculum Article This is a one-year high school elective course designed to give the student practical experience in the field of digital photography. The student will learn principles of good photography, selecting cameras and other equipment, the basics of image editing, using Photoshop, how to restore old photos, and printing digital images. ... 166 Words KEY WORDS: sample, design, course, description Unstructured Course: Real-Book & Project — Sample Course Description Archival Choosing Curriculum Article This is a one-year high school fine arts course designed to teach the student basic piano methods and music theory. Students learn the musical staff, notes, timing, measures, scales, hand positions and fingering, and musical terms. Students will learn to play simple musical pieces that use both hands, including the left hand for chords and notes. Students are expected to practice outside of the scheduled instruction time, complete theory assignments, and perform at a year-end recital. ... 305 Words KEY WORDS: sample, design, course, description |
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General Homeschooling —
Articles on General Topics
. Decision to Homeschool — Audio So you've made the decision to homeschool, now what? How do you get started? The first thing you need to know is that each state sets its own regulations for homeschooling; and these vary from state to state. ... 4 minutes 10 seconds What is Homeschooling — Long Answer — Audio Someone said to me the other day, “I hear a lot of different terms used for homeschooling. I’m confused. What exactly is it?” ... 5 minutes 42 seconds What is Homeschooling — Short Answer — Audio Someone said to me the other day, “I hear a lot of different terms used for homeschooling. I’m confused. What exactly is it?” ... 35 seconds |
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High School —
How to Homeschool High Schoolers
. Components of Worldview — Archival High School Article What is Worldview? A worldview is simply how you view the world around you. It answers the basic questions of life such as what is true, what is important, and what is the purpose of the individual. A worldview includes your values, morals/ethics, and assumptions about life. Your worldview determines your behavior and way of thinking. ... 1928 Words KEY WORDS: world view, worldview, apologetics, biblical, Christian, goals, purpose, beliefs, assumptions, curriculum design, thinking skills, critical thinking, values, character Homeschooling Through High School - Frequently Asked Questions This section is dedicated to answering typical questions that arise when homeschoolers enter the high school years. This section can also be accessed from the homepage by clicking on the "High School" button in the left column of the page. Learning Goals — Archival High School Article There is no one way to homeschool. There is no set curriculum or listing of what must be covered at each grade. Your goals for your homeschooling will be based on your family’s view of education and your child’s needs and interests. The following is a sample listing of typical learning areas for the high school level. Use it as a guide only. You can choose those areas that you want to cover with your child each year and list them as your academic goals. ... 492 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose, scope, sequence, high school Suggested High School Reading List — Archival Teaching Tip A suggested list of Novels with Authors and Literature Course References for the High School Reader. KEY WORDS: Novels, Progeny, Study Guide, High School, Reading |
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Keeping Focus —
Encouragement . A Charge to Keep — Keeping Focus Article for August 2009 Homeschooling Dad Mike Southerland offers the idea of giving our teens a “charge” when they reach the age of accountability that defines what it means to move toward maturity. He went so far as to create a document for his eldest daughter entitled “Guidelines for a Southerland Lady” that described what that particular family considers important for a young woman of God. ... 789 Words . A Defining Moment — Keeping Focus Article for July 2009 One definition of homeschooling is that the parents take the primary responsibility for their children's training and education. We are living in a time when life-changing events are happening “fast and furious.” Change is all around us. ... 911 Words . Am I Doing Enough — Keeping Focus Article for November 2009 Does this email strike a chord in you? We currently do our Bible study as a family & are not using any particular text than the Bible itself and Bible commentary. It's been fun going off on rabbit trails - lately we've been reading about the Ark of the Covenant - but can you suggest a more systematic approach that can include all ages? ... 915 Words . Discover the Beauty Within — Keeping Focus Article for July 2010 This rock is rarely what it seems. On the outside, it appears rough and bland, being comprised generally of a nondescript form of limestone. Crack it open, however, and your eyes are treated to an array of beautiful crystals, often with marvelous colorings. Certainly not what you would expect. ... 380 Words . Don't Grow Weary of Sowing — Keeping Focus Article for August 2010 I had one of those “thank you, Father” moments with my small group the other day. My 20-year-old daughter had joined us that evening since she is home for the summer. The topic of family mission statements came up, particularly how valuable they are in helping families decide what activities to be involved in and how to discipline their children (as in picking and choosing your battles based on what are your priorities at that stage). ... 457 Words . Father Knows Best — Keeping Focus Article for September 2009 The title of this article could be Parents Know Best. Who knows your children intimately? You, the neighborhood kids, community officials, state educational professionals, federal lawmakers, or the global community at large? The obvious answer – at least what should be the obvious answer – is that those who live with the children and interact with them on a daily basis know them best. ... 762 words . IEP - Individualized Education Plan — Keeping Focus Archival Article What if I suspect or know that my child has a learning disability or learning issues? My child has an IEP from the school system. Do I have to follow it? What is an IEP? Short Answer Learning takes place in stages, and children progress through those stages at different rates. The changes are similar to the differences in how quickly children grow or reach certain “benchmarks” in their physical development. There are mental (cognitive) and learning benchmarks that signal that a child is learning at a “normal” pace. If not, then a learning disability is “diagnosed” or at the very least labeled as a “learning issue.” ... 857 Words . Journey — Keeping Focus Article for March 2009 The homeschool year can read much like a novel. There’s the introduction, where the setting or theme for the year is revealed. Then there’s the gradual build-up of events, activities, and plot that the author (parent) has expertly planned ahead of time. Each day’s work builds upon the other, line by line, precept upon precept. ... 488 Words . Looking for a "Cure-All?" — Keeping Focus Article for June 2009 When I ventured into my first homeschool support group meeting way back when, I was astonished by two things. First, the sheer number of families involved, and second, the fact that they seemed so “normal.” They looked just like me. Hmmmm. Perhaps I could do this after all. ... 518 Words . Pleased As Man With Men To Dwell — Keeping Focus Article for December 2009 This is the miracle of the Christmas season – that Jesus Christ would leave the perfectness of Heaven...to come to an imperfect world...as a perfect man...to reconcile imperfect human beings to the Father. He became the Father's firstborn “among the dead” to bring many brethren into the family of God (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:18). He came to reproduce Himself (Romans 12:5). ... 413 Words . Reminded — Keeping Focus Article for April 2009 The Spring Solstice has come and gone, bringing it's annual reminder of new beginnings. For most homeschoolers, Spring is a time when we begin to wind down the academic year while looking ahead to next year's curriculum. “What's next?” we ask ourselves. ... 440 Words . Scatter Plaster in Your Field — Keeping Focus Article for April 2010 The great innovator, Benjamin Franklin, was always on the look-out for ways to improve life. One such idea entailed scattering plaster in the fields to help things grow. When he passed the idea along to his neighbors, they didn't believe him. They even argued that the plaster would be of no use to the grass or grain. After a while, he let the matter drop. ... 456 Words . Stop, Look, and Listen — Keeping Focus Article for January 2010 This is one of the first lessons we teach our young children when crossing a street. We would do well to teach it when dealing with life in general. If for no other reason than as an antidote to our society. ... 596 Words . The Challenge of Teaching — Keeping Focus Article for May 2009 How can my child learn something I can't teach? Whether you're new to homeschooling or a veteran homeschooler, there may come a time when you ask yourself this question. It may be when your high school student attempts Chemistry or Algebra 2. Or it may be when you're considering homeschooling for the first time. ... 549 Words . The Four I's of Homeschooling — Keeping Focus Article for May 2010 I often reassure new homeschoolers who are nervous about their ability to teach that teaching boils down to communication. And since they are already communicating with their children, homeschooling is just adding another avenue to that process. ... 831 Words . The Learning Glitch — Keeping Focus Article for October 2009 by Regina Steiger This was not an issue I'd ever anticipated. A former writer and television news reporter, I grew up LOVING to read. I began homeschooling 10 and 1/2 years ago when my eldest daughter turned four. We started marching through "Sing, Spell, Read and Write" with nary a problem, earning stickers and blue ribbons along the way. ... 982 Words . The President Who Persevered — Keeping Focus Article for February 2010 by Lori Coeman February 12, 2009 was the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It is fair to say that he is one of the most esteemed American leaders this nation has been privileged to have as president. Yet the road was not easy for him. ... 596 Words . What's Your MO? — Keeping Focus Article for March 2010 by Lori Coeman For homeschoolers, our MO is how we typically go about our day. It's how we organize all the activities we have to juggle. Just as there is no one way to homeschool, there is no one way to organize ourselves. In fact, the way you organize your life is one element of your learning style. Or should we say teaching style? ... 716 Words . |
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Learning Styles —
How Children Learn
. . Learning Style Article — Archival Article A story is told of a management consultant firm who was asked to conduct a staff aptitude evaluation for Jesus of Nazareth. When the report came back about the 12 men picked for management positions in his new organization, it advised that four of the nominees lacked the proper background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise Jesus was about to undertake. The report added that they did not have the team concept. ... 2103 Words KEY WORDS: learning, style, profile, differences, intelligences, modality, personality, hands-on, special needs, disabilities, label, diagnosed, issues Learning Styles — Question and Answer What is meant by a child’s learning style? Is it important to know? How do I identify my child’s learning style? Short Answer Learning style simply means that we recognize that children learn differently, depending on what comes “naturally” to them. Learning is easier when the teaching method and curriculum matches the child’s learning style. ... 913 Words KEY WORDS: learning, style, profile, differences, intelligences, modality, personality, hands-on, special needs, disabilities, label, diagnosed, issues Learning Styles by Lori Coeman — Audio One of the advantages of homeschooling is that you can adjust the program to your child's learning style. Let's take a moment to look at what that means. ... 3 minutes 24 seconds |
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Legal —
Articles About the Legal Aspect of Homeschooling . Homeschooling Legal Information — www.HomeschoolingLegal.com An Informational Website The following informational links to sites that discuss homeschooling laws are not meant to constitute legal advice. You should contact your local homeschool support groups and state department of education for the most current information regarding homeschooling in your State or Province. Most public libraries have information about local support groups. We recommend that you begin by contacting these groups since some education sites do not encourage homeschooling. It is important that you both read the actual law and read interpretations of those laws from informed personnel (such as homeschooling groups). ... --- Words KEY WORDS: legal, legality, laws, regulations, withdraw, expelled, requirements Is Homeschooling Legal? — Getting Started Question Short Answer & Explanation For now, the answer is yes. It is legal in every state in America and every province in Canada. ... 390 Words KEY WORDS: legal, legality, laws, regulations, withdraw, expelled, requirements Is Homeschooling Legal? — Audio "One of the first questions I am asked is if Homeschooling is legal. The answer is yes, it is legal in every state in America and every province in Canada. ... 2 minutes 48 seconds |
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News Items —
Articles in the News About Homeschooling . 21st Century Skills — News Item Article August 2010 It's the new buzz in education: 21st century skills. It's at the heart of the federal government's push for core standards. It's also the “new and improved” version of Goals 2000 and School-to-Work initiatives from previous administrations. ... -- Words Another Bullet Dodged — News Item Article February 2010 Thousands of homeschooling families in New Hampshire mobilized to fight a major infringement that could have seriously affected their ability to homeschool. The alert went out to contact legislators concerning this attack in the form of a proposal to change New Hampshire's homeschooling regulations. The proposed change would have required every homeschool student be tested every year, a portfolio review be conducted for every student, and test scores reported annually to the state's Dept. of Education. The measure was soundly defeated 324-34. -- Words Change in Approved Tests for Pennsylvania — News Item Article August 1, 2009 The homeschooling regulations for Pennsylvania require students to take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8. While families can opt to take these tests at the public school, they can also take one of the nationally normed standardized achievement tests approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 97 Words Expanding Trend? — News Item Article February 2010 For several years now, a few legislators have been trying to expand Michigan's compulsory education. Their efforts have attempted to expand both the upper and lower limits of the compulsory school attendance. On January 4, 2010, Governor Granholm signed a law that raises that age from 16 to 18 years of age. It affects children who turn age 11 on or after December 1, 2009. Efforts to lower the age and force universal preschool have been stymied so far. ... 249 Words Exposure to Different Belief Systems Mandated — News Item Article October 1, 2009 OneNewsNow reported last month on a custody case in New Hampshire that strikes at the heart of the parental right to homeschool and pass along sincerely held religious beliefs to their children. ... 220 Words Free To Be's Abstinence Message Challenged — News Item Article November 1, 2009 Free To Be sends speakers into middle and high schools each year to talk to students about the benefits of abstaining from sex until marriage. Eagle Forum reports that the ACLU targeted the groups' efforts in California, specifically in school districts in Sonoma County. The ACLU claims that schools violate state law by inviting Free To Be to campus because the speakers do not teach students about contraceptives – even though under California law not every speaker has to cover every issue. ... Good Advice Against a Con Con by Phyllis Schlafly — Important Issue - News Item Article April 9, 2010 Suggestions that the United States call a new constitutional convention, as allowed in the Constitution's Article V, have popped up in some state legislatures and even on a page in the Wall Street Journal. No longer do these voices claim a convention can be limited to consideration of a single amendment (e.g., a Balanced Budget Amendment); grandstanding politicians are proposing a wide assortment of many amendments to produce big changes. ... 389 Words Grade Inflation and Educational Deflation — News Item Article October 1, 2009 Statistics may abound to affirm that the American educational system is being “dumbed down,” but it appears that we don't want to admit it. Particularly at the college level. The Eagle Forum cites a website posted by Prof. Stuart Rojstaczer of Duke University that tracks the history of grade inflation in American higher education. ... 197 Words Habits Persist — News Item Article December 1, 2009 What is the connection between a child's involvement in church and adult religious commitment? A recent study conducted by the Barna Group provides some insight into this question. The survey asked adults to think back on their upbringing and to describe the frequency of their involvement in Sunday school or religious training. The Barna staff then compared the reported behaviors with the respondents' current church activities and faith. ... 197 Words New Regulations in Europe Threaten Homeschooling Freedoms — News Item Article August 1, 2009 A series of clampdowns in several European nations seems to point to a tightening of regulations for homeschoolers. 195 Words Homeschool Legislation Review — News Item Article June 1, 2009 As the academic school year draws to a close for most children, so does much of the activity in the state legislatures. Several recent actions highlight the positive influence homeschooling is having. 396 Words Homeschooling and the Recession — News Item Article March 23, 2009 — DeseretNews.com As unemployment figures and home foreclosures continue to rise, the state of the economy is affecting families across the nation, and the educational community in particular. Not only are public schools slashing budgets to make ends meet, but private schools are having to close due to lack of students. To view the article from DeseretNews.com, please click on this link: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705292756,00.html?pg=1 . North Carolina Judge Orders Homeschooled Children Back To Public Schools — News Item Article March 11, 2009 — Plus Follow Up Article March 15, 2009 A parent's right to decide what is best for her children is once again being challenged by the courts. A new article by Bob Unruh of the WorldNetDaily posted March 11, 2009 reports that a North Carolina judge has ordered three children to attend public schools in the fall because the judge felt that their homeschooling needs to be “challenged.” This despite the fact that the children have tested above grade level by as much as two years, were involved in swim team and other activities and events outside their home, and had taken leadership roles in history club events. The decision is raising concerns among homeschoolers, as did a similar case in California recently. To view an article from WorldNetDaily about the boom in homeschooling, click on this link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com . Homeschooling Boom — News Item Article January 9, 2009 Despite negative publicity in the mainstream media, homeschooling is growing. The statistics are sometimes hard to pin down since the majority of homeschoolers are not counted. Even still, the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics reported a 36% increase in homeschooling in just the last five years. To view an article from WorldNetDaily about the boom in homeschooling, click on this link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com . Homeschoolers in the Army National Guard — News Item Article January 8, 2009 The National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law by President Bush in January, 2006. The act requires all four branches of the Armed Forces to develop a uniform recruitment policy for homeschool graduates that includes an exemption for homeschooler from any requirement to have a secondary school diploma or a GED. See: http://www.1-800-go-guard.com/explore/homeschool/requirements.php and http://www.hslda.org/highschool/military-ng.asp . Know the Issues: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child — News Item Important Current Event Article September 2009 As homeschoolers, we teach our children the importance of critical thinking, and not just taking something as fact just because we see it in print. The possibility that the Obama Administration may push for ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (often referred to as CRC or UNCRC) has spawned a movement for a constitutional amendment that would protect parental rights. The Bible tells us to be watchful and to walk circumspectly. That means we are to evaluate a decision from every angle in order to understand the consequences of any course of action. It is in that vein that we offer this information. ... Media Exposure, Addiction — News Item Article March 2010 "Media exposure has become America’s most widespread and serious addiction." Read this article by George Barna at GeorgeBarna.com. Michigan Compulsory Attendance — News Item Article December 8, 2008 Rep. Alma Smith (D-district 54) has submitted a bill (House #6674) to raise the age of compulsory school attendance in Michigan from 16 to 18 years. The bill was submitted to the committee on 11/20/2008. Pushing for National Standards — News Item Article September 2009 What used to be a mainstay of states' rights – control over the educational system – may now be handed over to the federal government. And those responsible may surprise you. It's the governors and the state school officers! ... 367 Words Safer at Home? — News Item Article January 2010 Released: December 17, 2009 by Mackinac Center for Public Policy — Author: Ms. Hannah K. Mead A Detroit News headline today claims that "lax home-school laws" are to blame for a young girl's death by parental neglect. This was indeed a tragic event, and people are right to seek ways to prevent such abuse. Putting heavier regulations on home-schoolers, however, would not solve the problem of abuse. ... Shadow of Things to Come? — News Item Article June 2010 First the good news. Two bills died in the Alaska legislature that would have impacted the educational community. House Bill 59 would have required the Alaska Department of Education to develop an early childhood education plan for preschool children (ages 3 to 4). House Bill 69 would have established a voluntary home visiting program to help educate parents with newborns to five-year-olds. In addition to monthly visits, the program would have involved monthly parent group meetings and annual screenings of the children for developmental and health issues. ... 120 Words Something's Different — Our New Look and Layout — News Item Article January 2010 New look, added flexibility. That's the reason for the changes you see on this website. This new format enables us to bring more variety in terms of content, news alerts, updates, quick tips, and special features. ... 401 Words The Passing of a Homeschool Patriarch — News Item Article November 2009 On October 12, 2009, homeschool father, attorney, author and speaker, Chris Klicka, went to be with the Lord after a 15-year struggle with multiple sclerosis. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers continue for the Klicka family, even as we rejoice that Chris is now with the Father, unhindered by pain and immobility. ... What Lens Are You Using? — News Item Important Issue Article September 2009 What do a lens, a mirror, and focus have to do with each other? For those of you who are intellectually spent after a long year, here's the answer. The focus is the point where rays of light come together (converge) or where they spread out (diverge). Lenses are used to bend the light rays toward the point of focus. ... 472 Words What's an IB School and Why Should You Care? — News Item Important Issue Article September 2009 As homeschoolers, we do not train up our children in a vacuum. We function within a society that pushes a specific educational system geared toward developing future leaders and influencing culture. Currently, there are three major trends in education that homeschoolers need to be aware of. Not surprisingly, the three trends are inter-related. ... 2501 Words What's Being Measured? — News Item Article March 2010 A new grading scale at Concord High School in New Hampshire is just one result of a trend affecting students across New England and the nation. Read this article by the Education Reporter at Eagle Forum. ... --- Words What's In Your Textbooks? — News Item Article May 2010 Every book and every curriculum program is written from a distinct worldview. These assumptions about how the world works affects what information is included and what is left out. There is another issue that affects what is presented: money. ... --- Words We'd Like to Hear From You! — News Item Article January 2010 Starting in January we will begin a series filled with tips and helps for teaching specific subjects. This practical series will answer specific questions asked by homeschoolers. How do I get my son to write? How do I know if my daughter is ready to start school? How do I help my child learn the multiplication table? My son has a great vocabulary and can read well, so why is his spelling so bad? And many more! ... 120 Words Which is Safer? — News Item Article February 2010 A series of articles published December 17, 2009 by the Detroit News seems to be opposed to the Legislature's recognition of parental rights. Based on an article of child abuse, the author contends that Michigan's homeschooling laws are too lax and that more regulation is required. According to the headlines, homeschooling puts kids at risk. ... -- Words Whose Law Is It? — News Item Article July 2010 In May, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for the United States to sentence juvenile offenders to life in prison without parole for cases not involving murder. ... 401 Words |
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Planning —
Articles on Organization and Planning
. Goals and Objectives - Audio Presentation — April 2009 One of the advantages of homeschooling is the opportunity to teach until the child learns, rather than pushing the child through a system. I am often asked at workshops "How do you know when it is time to move on in the program? There are really two parts to this question. The first has to do with what stage you are at in the learning process ... 6 minutes 23 seconds KEY WORDS: home school, homeschool, homeschooling, learning, environment, approach, method Creating a Positive Learning Environment — Archival Planning Article Just as growth is a part of life, so is learning. Learning is growing. The ultimate goal of homeschooling is to create an environment that is positive and nurturing, that encourages learning, and enables the child to grow into a successful adult. That is why in the article on Goals and Objectives it is suggested that you ask yourself this question: “What is it I want to see in my children when they are young adults? ... 1367 Words KEY WORDS: home school, homeschool, homeschooling, learning, environment, approach, method Learning Goals - Elementary Level — Archival Planning Article Purpose of the Elementary Years (Grades 3-5): practicing basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and more systematic exposure and introduction to all other subjects. ... 532 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose, scope, sequence, elementary, primary Learning Goals - Intermediate Level — Archival Planning Article Purpose of the Intermediate Years (Grades 6-8): mastery of basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, with exposure to more details in all other subjects; basic knowledge and framework for understanding. ... 445 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose, scope, sequence, elementary, primary Learning Goals - Primary Level — Archival Planning Article Purpose of the Primary Years (K-3rd Grade): learning basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and exploring other subjects. ... 404 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose, scope, sequence, elementary, primary Philosophy of Education — Archival Planning Article All publishers have a philosophy of education. So do teachers. So do parents – even if you don’t realize it! It is simply your view of education and what you want education to accomplish in your child’s life. ... 1748 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose, scope, sequence, elementary, primary Purpose Statement (Family Mission Statement) — Archival Planning Article I’ve heard that homeschoolers should write a purpose statement or family mission statement. What is that and how do I write one? ... 1183 Words KEY WORDS: purpose, mission, statement, home school, homeschool, homeschooling, goal Sample Family Mission Statement — Archival Planning Article Please note that this is a SAMPLE only. It is designed to show homeschoolers different aspects of a mission statement, which is why it is longer and more detailed than would normally be necessary. This is only ONE example. It should not be considered a generic statement. You can get ideas from it, but you should customize it to fit your specific family and situation. Each family’s mission statement should be unique and distinctive. ... 5688 Words KEY WORDS: mission, purpose, goal, worldview, world view, statement of faith, values, character, godly lifestyle, good student, qualities, principles |
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Product Reviews —
Review of Various Products . Already Gone — Archival Product Review Bear with me for a moment. I suspect that the title will turn some people off, especially if their children are involved in a church youth group. I ask that you give this book the courtesy of a good hearing. This book begins with a dare: When you are in church this Sunday, look to the right and to the left. Look at the children and the teens around you. Now imagine two-thirds of them have just disappeared from your church. Imagine two-thirds of them aren't even there. Why? Because they've already gone. ... 647 Words Character for Life — Archival Product Review The subtitle of this book offers a good summary of what the book is about: An American Heritage – Profiles of great men and women of faith who shaped Western civilization. Each chapter focuses on a specific character trait or virtue, which is examined in the person’s life in the context of the historical time period. ... 316 Words Countering Culture — Archival Product Review This worldview resource can be used on its own or as a sequel to the Thinking Like a Christian course by the same author. Whereas Thinking Like a Christian helps students develop a Christian worldview and understand its validity, this resource explains three other worldviews. But it doesn’t stop there. It presents the case against these alternatives based on what the anti-Christian philosophers themselves have written. ... 400 Words Developing Godly Character in Children — Archival Product Review The subtitle of this book says it is a handbook and resource guide for parents and teachers. The publisher says it can be used as a curriculum guide for character training for kindergarten through 12th grade. I would say that most of the material and activities are more appropriate for grades 3 and up, although younger children can certainly benefit from lessons done with older siblings. ... 399 Words Diagnostic Tests — Archival Product Review Alpha Omega, a Christian publishing company, has a series of diagnostic tests that are used to place students in their LifePac curriculum. Each grade level of the LifePacs has ten booklets for each of the core subjects, so the placement test is designed to tell you not only what grade level the child is at but which booklet to start with. ... 338 Words Discovery Zone — Archival Product Review This is a companion resource to my book, How To Teach So They Can Learn, that explains each component of a child’s learning style. In that book, I include what I call “clue sheets” that give parents clues to identify that element in their children. The focus of the book is to show how learning styles impact teaching and offer tips for choosing and adjusting curriculum to fit a child’s profile. ... 383 Words Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Overview of Core Courses — Archival Product Review The homeschooling requirements for every state say that we must teach the core courses. But what are they and what all is included? This handy resource answers those questions simply, yet thoroughly. ... 196 Words Hero Tales - Volumes 1 through 4 — Archival Product Review I stumbled upon this series in my local Christian bookstore. Naturally, as a homeschooling mom, I am always vigilant, looking for anything that might prove useful to our homeschooling. I was looking for a devotional that the whole family could use together that had some substance to it. ... 280 Words Home School, High School, and Beyond — Archival Product Review The idea of homeschooling through high school can be a bit scary. Thinking about planning for four years can be overwhelming. How do I know what needs to be covered? How do I put it all together? What records do I need to keep? What about a transcript? We can get so caught up in the world’s way of doing high school that we overlook the important things like what is God’s plan for my child’s life? ... 305 Words Homeschooling Navigation Compass — Archival Product Review This is a companion resource to my book, Navigating through Homeschooling Waters (see the Product Reviews). Both books come directly from my consultations. As we talk about the various programs available to fit their children’s learning styles, it doesn’t take long before parents realize that the right curriculum is also based on their goals, reasons for homeschooling, and what they want their homeschooling to accomplish. Yet I find many of them have not had a chance to think through these issues. Some don’t even know where to begin. That’s the purpose of these booklets. ... 250 Words How to Teach So They Can Learn — Archival Product Review I had read some things about learning styles and heard about it on the radio. I suspected that some of the problems we were having had to do with learning styles, but I wasn’t sure where to turn. I picked up Lori’s book and soon realized that our biggest problem is that I am the opposite learning style from my daughter! I was expecting her to learn the way I did, and couldn’t understand why she didn’t get it when I explained things to her. Now I know. ... 272 Words How We Communicate: Overview of Language Arts — Archival Product Review I designed this booklet to be a sort of mini-workshop on Language Arts. In my consultations, I find that many families don’t really know what all is involved in this core subject. They know they have to teach it all the way through high school, but they aren’t sure what has to be covered at each grade level. I explain the different topics and when they are typically presented: phonics, reading, penmanship, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, writing, and literature. I also show you what skills are covered at each stage, the types of curriculum available, and how to choose a curriculum for your child. ... 195 Words I Think, Therefore I Am: Critical Thinking Skills — Archival Product Review In my workshops parents often ask me to define what is meant by critical thinking skills. Some people are a little “gun shy” about the word critical. Does this mean our children should question everything, including our instructions and discipline? ... 263 Words Navigating Through Homeschooling Waters — Archival Product Review This is a companion resource to my book, How To Teach So They Can Learn. In some ways, it is a “prequel” to the learning styles book because it deals with the first part of the sailing analogy used in the book – the destination. It gives parents the information they need to chart their homeschooling course. ... 381 Words Quick Start Homeschool Packet — Archival Product Review This packet is part of our popular Homeschool Helps series. I put it together in response to customers who needed a quick orientation to homeschooling. The introduction provides the “bare bones” information people need to get started with any curriculum. It briefly answers the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling and getting started, as well as explaining the “first steps,” keeping records, lesson planning, scheduling, determining credits, and basic teaching tips – all in a “quick start” format. ... 211 Words Spectrum Test Prep Series — Grades 1 through 8 — Archival Product Review Even though we don’t have to use structured tests to know what our children are learning in homeschooling, some states require families to report grades. Other states require standardized tests be taken at various intervals. So often times we have to administer tests even though they don’t fit our approach to homeschooling. ... 385 Words The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black — Archival Product Review “I can’t stop reading it!” my son said. My husband just looked at me in a strange way and didn’t say a word. He didn’t want to say anything to dissuade our son from the excitement he was finding in this book. This hasn’t happened before with any book he has read. What was the book? It was one of “The Kingdom Series” books by Chuck Black. ... 236 Words The Molding of a Champion — Helping Your Child Shape a Winning Destiny — Archival Product Review If I had the power to make this book mandatory reading for all homeschoolers, I would. It's not that it's a primer on homeschooling per se or THE textbook for Homeschooling 101. It doesn't even deal with the idea of homeschooling directly. But it is one of the most readable and practical books I have read about training up a child – which is what homeschooling is all about. ... 945 Words The Thinking Toolbox — by Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn, published by Christian Logic — Archival Product Review - August 2010 So begins the introduction to this very user-friendly, Christian-based “textbook” for critical thinking skills. The textbook is part reader, part cartoon strip, and part tongue-in-cheek logic primer. In fact, this textbook-turned-toolbox has several compartments: tools for thinking, tools for opposing viewpoints, tools for science, and projects/games/activities. There are 35 lessons in all, with each lesson only 2-4 pages in length, followed by simple comprehension exercises (answers included in the back of the book). The projects can be used as a final “test” grade. ... 266 Words Thinking Like a Christian Teaching Set and Student Journal — Archival Product Review Finally, a user-friendly curriculum that puts worldviews in focus from the author of the worldview resource, Understanding the Times. From TV news to the public school classroom, secular ideas are presented as “the way to think” even though they are based on false assumptions. Many Christians are unaware of this faulty reasoning and fall prey to these ideas, often without even realizing it. They don’t understand how remarkably reasonable it is to view the world from a biblical perspective. ... 410 Words The Yellow Pages Series — Archival Product Review The Yellow Pages series is a great time-saving resource. It’s like have the library reference section at your finger tips. It gives teachers and students comprehensive resources for teaching and learning essential skills in the core subjects. Each title is a collection of rules, checklists, study tips, and information capsules that make it easy for students and teachers to check their work. ... 446 Words When Children Don't Learn — Archival Product Review What can parents do when their children struggle in school? Is there an explanation for their school difficulties beyond the labels that have been placed upon them? Diane McGuinness, Professor of Psychology at the University of South Florida, takes some controversial yet thoroughly documented positions in her book When Children Don't Learn, published in 1985. ... 547 Words |
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Record-Keeping —
How to Keep Records . How do I keep track of our homeschooling? What about record-keeping? What records do I need to keep? — Archival Record Keeping Article Short Answer & Explanation It depends on your state’s regulations. Some states specify the types of records that must be kept, including attendance; some even have forms that must be completed. These can be obtained from your state’s Department of Education or state-wide homeschool support group. ... 285 Words KEY WORDS: records, record-keeping, keep, kept, report, grades, track, required, requirements, regulations, record keeping |
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Teaching Tips —
Tips About Homeschool Teaching . The 10,000-Hour Rule — February 2010 Teaching Tips Article What does it take to succeed? That question may sound too secular for some Christian homeschoolers, so let me word it another way. What is it you want your homeschooling to achieve? Or what do you want to see in your son or daughter by the time they reach 18 years of age? Or try this: How will you know if your homeschooling has been successful? ... 531 Words KEY WORDS: attention, ADD, ADHD A Learning Factor YOU Can Improve – The Brain — by Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND and Michelle Thompson — Teaching Tips Article for August 2009 Nothing in all creation can compare to the amazing capacity for adaptability of the human brain. Research into neural plasticity of the brain (the brain's ability to change and adapt) has proven that every child (and even adults) can learn and function more efficiently when the brain is given proper stimulation and neural efficiency exists. ... 606 Words KEY WORDS: attention, ADD, ADHD Art Institute Treasure Hunt — Archival Teaching Tips Article This activity can be used to encourage students, particularly younger children, to take more time to observe the artwork during a field trip to the local art institute. It can be adapted for any type of field trip. ... 300 Words KEY WORDS: attention, ADD, ADHD Auditory Processing – the Best Kept Secret in Education — by Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND (Certified Neurodevelopmentalist) — Archival Teaching Tips Article for October 2009 Auditory processing is the ability to sequentially hold multiple pieces of auditory [oral] information together. It is a person's capacity to take in auditory information and use it in their short-term memory, which refers to information coming into the brain and then immediately coming back out. ... 495 Words Auditory Processing – Part Two - Did You Hear That? — Archival Neurodevelopment Teaching Tips Article for November 2009 Why are so many children struggling with low auditory processing? Many years ago, when our educational system was developed, we were primarily an auditory society. We ate together as families two to three times a day and TALKED. We read as a family in the evenings or LISTENED to radio broadcasts for hours. We developed our auditory processing abilities by practicing. ... 258 Words KEY WORDS: craft, dough, mixture Attention — Archival Teaching Tips Article What does it mean to pay attention? How do you know when you have your child’s undivided attention? When he is looking you in the eye? When she is listening to what you’re saying?When he is concentrating on the exercises in front of him? ... 1038 Words Breaking the Code — Archival Neurodevelopment Teaching Tip for May 2010 You love to write and express yourself. But if you don't follow the code system used to write English, how will anyone be able to read what you write? ... 405 Words Character Notebook — Teaching Tips Article for March 2009 Education is more than just learning facts and figures; it is more than academics. It includes instilling values, character, and discipline. One activity that is especially helpful is to have students put together a Character Notebook. The contents will vary with the child’s age, with younger children drawing pictures or cutting out pictures while older students can record their own findings and observations. Get a one- to two-inch binder with a clear vinyl cover that allows the child to insert his/her own cover design. ... 267 Words KEY WORDS: character, notebook Concentration — Archival Teaching Tips Article The word concentration is a compound word that means “with a center.” It enables the brain to be fixed on a central point, for the child’s attention to be focused on a specific task. It is an underlying ability essential to intelligence and learning. It is also absolutely essential to memory. ... 1453 Words KEY WORDS: concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, concentrate, computer Concentration and Perseverance — February 2010 Teaching Tips Article Let us begin with a semantic shift: in public education, teachers usually use the words “focus” in place of concentration, and when they on occasion ask for perseverance, it’s usually called “staying on task.” Perseverance and concentration are trainable, but don’t wait for the schools to do this; it‘s up to the parents. HOW? Read on. ... 454 Words Create Your Own Game — Teaching Tips Article for April 2010 Games are a great way to practice key skills without overwhelming the child with tedious drill. They have several advantages; they work with all sorts of learners, they can be used to break up the routine of worksheets and textbooks, they can give active children a chance to move around, by using other senses, they can increase the likelihood that the material will “stick” in long-term memory ... 656 Words KEY WORDS: character, notebook Creating a Knowledge Bank — Neurodevelopmental Teaching Tips Article for August 2010 The human brain is remarkable. Even a brief study of it shows the awesome wonder of God's creative power. At birth, a baby's brain contains 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) – roughly the number of stars in the Milky Way! The neurons act as a loosely-formed circuit board that serves as the brain's control panel. At first, the circuits are very generalized. They are established through brain activity brought on by experiences. Every time a circuit is used, connections (synapses) are formed between the neurons. ... 555 Words KEY WORDS: character, notebook Craft Dough — Archival Teaching Tips Article This craft dough mixture can be used to create a variety of hands-on activities to extend learning. Since I have a visual and hands-on learner, I’ve used it a lot. It’s inexpensive, made from common baking ingredients, and is easy to clean-up. It was a staple in our house during our Geography lesson – it can be molded into mountains, fjords, kettles, valleys, bays, you name it. ... 258 Words KEY WORDS: craft, dough, mixture Cut to the Chase — Teaching Tips Article for March 2010 Identifying the main idea of a passage is an important skill in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Yes, even in math students need to be able to recognize what the main idea is so they can chose the right operation to use. That's why it is considered one of the most basic critical thinking skills a child can learn. ... 447 Words Dominance – A Determining Factor in Learning — Neurodevelopmental Teaching Tips Article for June 2010 Q: Where is all that information going that I teach my child each day? Dominance is a huge determining factor in the brain's ability to store and retrieve information. In order to be neurologically efficient (like a defragged computer), your brain must be neurologically organized – one hemisphere must dominate and coordinate your entire body. ... 570 Words Egg Carton Matching Game — Neurodevelopmental Teaching Tips Article for April 2010 This activity is designed to develop your child's visual concentration, apart from reading and listening. This vital underlying skill is used in math, spelling, and reading. Begin with a few items and then increase the number of items to challenge the child's visual concentration and memory. ... 242 Words Field Trip Ideas — Ask an Expert - 'Replies' - Teaching Tips Article for July 2010 One of our members wrote, "I would like to know how to get more field trips in without having to spend a great deal of money. Can you give me some tips?" We took this question to our other members for ideas. Thank you for your ideas. ... 285 Words Goals and Objectives — Archival Teaching Tips Article What is the difference between goals and objectives? How do I write them? Goals are general statements about what you want to accomplish or what you want to see happen. Objectives are specific statements about how those goals are to be fulfilled and the steps necessary to “get the job done.” ... 1217 Words KEY WORDS: goal, objective, purpose Hands-On Letters and Words — Neurodevelopmental Teaching Tips Article for March 2010 A child's attention span and concentration are highly influenced by learning style. If the child is doing an activity that matches his or her natural way of learning, it's easier to stay focused. Of course the opposite is true as well. ... 252 Words How To Master the Times Tables - by Ruth Beechick — Teaching Tips Article for April 2009 Here is an easy solution to what has become a major problem among homeschoolers. Problem: Can’t memorize the times tables. Solution: Don’t blindly memorize; teach meaning instead. This article explains how to teach meaning. Meaning stays with children for life; blind memorizing does not last long without constant review. Meaning fascinates and engages the mind; blind memorizing bores the mind. ... 1386 Words Improving Language Arts Skills — Teaching Tips Article for July 2010 Here's a list of the top five things you can do to improve your child's language and writing skills: 1) read aloud to your child, 2) read aloud to your child, 3) read aloud to your child, 4) read aloud to your child, and 5) read aloud to your child. ... 903 Words In Their Own Words — Teaching Tips Article for May 2010 One of the first principles of communication is that what you say is not necessarily what is heard. Every parent has experienced this quirky twist. Especially when assigning chores. And probably when explaining a lesson. ... 463 Words Learning to Write - Part 1 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for February 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 1 — What Writing Involves and Why It Is So Hard for So Many Students 1049 Words Learning to Write - Part 2 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for March 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 2 — Different Types of Writing and the Writing Process 1049 Words Learning to Write - Part 3 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for April 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 3 — The Thinking Process 2243 Words Learning to Write - Part 4 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for May 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 4 — Mechanics of Writing 1974 Words Learning to Write - Part 5 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for June 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 5 — Mechanics of Writing and Grading 1458 Words Learning to Write - Part 6 - by Lori Coeman — Ask and Expert - 'Replies' Article for July 2010 How do I get my child to write? What writing curriculum do you recommend? Part 6 — Writing for Elementary Students 1193 Words Learning Style Is No Excuse - by Lori Coeman — Teaching Tips Article for May 2009 One of the advantages of homeschooling is that you can adjust the curriculum and training to fit your child's learning style. Learning style has to do with the way a child naturally learns. There are different styles of learning just as there are different “natural” abilities such as being mechanically inclined or being creative and artistic. ... 685 Words Lower Level Brain Organization — by Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND — Neurodevelopment Teaching Tips Article for September 2009 Each of us is born with tremendous potential. A well-functioning tactile system [our sense of touch] is imperative for receiving information and taking that potential to the next level, which will then be transmitted into producing intentional movement (crawling, walking, running, etc.). Movement makes “memories” which causes the circuitry that releases intelligence. ... 664 Words KEY WORDS: attention, ADD, ADHD Memory — Archival Teaching Tips Article One of the underlying abilities for learning is memory. There are actually three types of memory that impact learning: (1) short-term memory; (2) active working memory; and (3) long-term memory. We say that the child has learned something when it is in long-term memory and can be “drawn out” to be used again – also known as remembering. ... 1962 Words KEY WORDS: memory, concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, processing, processor, diagnosed Museum Curator — Archival Teaching Tips Article This activity can be done with just about any subject. It’s a nice way to evaluate what children have learned besides taking a test. ... 281 Words KEY WORDS: memory, concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, processing, processor, diagnosed Notebooking — Teaching Tips Article for February 2009 This practice is very popular in the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling. It started with the nature journals that are a key element of that approach, and expanded into century books and museum books. Curriculum designers soon started adding notebooking to their programs to provide a hands-on, interactive activity that works for both tactile-kinesthetic and visual learners. ... 525 Words KEY WORDS: memory, concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, processing, processor, diagnosed Now is the Time — Teaching Tips Article for February 2010 How much time does it take to see your child reach his/her true level of functioning that will allow them to perform academically up to their grade level? How much time does it take to reduce the quirky or puzzling behaviors, or to see them become able to organize themselves enough to start and complete a project, a subject or a class without being distracted, confused, troubled, or struggling? How much time will it be before they can keep track of things, stop the emotional melt-downs, or begin to behave more their age? ... 652 Words KEY WORDS: memory, concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, processing, processor, diagnosed Organizing Your Global Learner — Teaching Tips Article for March 2010 Let's face it. This title is a bit of an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. Organization and global learners mix about as well as vinegar and oil. You can throw the two together for a bit, but when things settle down, chances are the organizational system you tried to impose separated out of your child's life. ... 730 Words KEY WORDS: memory, concentration, attention, ADD, ADHD, processing, processor, diagnosed Personalized Flip Charts — Archival Teaching Tips Article Random and global learners form their own little view of the world and what is worth paying attention to. Unfortunately, what they think is important and what curriculum publishers think is important are often two different things. These types of learners do not automatically think in terms of rules, lists, and definitions. Learning facts, dates, and formulas is hard for them. ... 350 Words KEY WORDS: chart, rules, formulas, definitions, global, notebook Phonics Ladder Game — Archival Teaching Tips Article This is a method for drilling phonics skills in a way that is more fun and active. Make a drawing of a five-rung ladder, either on a chalk/white board or table-top visual. In the space between the rungs, write whatever phonics skill you want to practice: consonant sounds, vowels, vowel teams, consonant blends, sound phrases (letters grouped together that make a sound but don’t form a word), phonics words, or sight words. (See examples.) ... 360 Words KEY WORDS: phonic, ladder, drill Phonics vs. Whole Language — Archival Teaching Tips Article There are two basic methods for teaching reading and spelling: phonics and whole language. Phonics-based reading and spelling programs are based on the sounds of our language (phonemes) and the different ways those sounds are coded (phonograms). The individual letters of the word a re analyzed according to phonics rules. ... 770 Words KEY WORDS: phonic, whole, language, reading Practical Record-Keeping - by Lori Coeman — Teaching Tips Article for August 2009 No matter which approach to homeschooling you follow, you must keep adequate records. Some states have specific regulations listing the types of records and forms that must be completed. Besides these, it's a good idea to keep weekly records of what is covered each year and the progress made. There are many different ways to keep these records, as well as a variety of planners available that are designed specifically for homeschooling. ... 1312 Words Reading Practice — Archival Teaching Tips Article Reading is such a basic skill to all of learning that we recommend at least 15 minutes of reading practice a day. What form this practice takes depends once again on the child’s stage of reading. ... 773 Words KEY WORDS: reading, practice Reading Problems — Archival Teaching Tips Article When parents tell me that their child is having problems reading, the first thing I do is find out what stage of the reading process the child is at. Each stage has potential pitfalls that relate to certain physiological changes and abilities that must exist first. ... 1653 Words KEY WORDS: reading, practice Recording Your Reading — Archival Teaching Tips Article - October 2009 Reading is a pivotal skill to a child's educational success. This makes it one of the most important educational goals for homeschoolers. Whether you follow a structured reading curriculum or use the living books approach (real books selected by the parent and/or student), the specific reading objectives – the results you want to see because of your reading program – will vary depending on the stage of reading your child is at. ... 610 Words KEY WORDS: reading, practice Sample Education Goals — Archival Teaching Tips Article Sample Home Education Goals In light of our family mission statement, purpose and vision, worldview, and family profile, we have set the following goals for our training efforts. ... 199 Words KEY WORDS: goal, education, home, sample Sight Words — Archival Teaching Tips Article Sight words are words that appear so frequently in children’s books that it is helpful for children to known them before the phonics rules have been taught. Some are considered irregular words that don’t follow phonics rules. Some are words used in giving directions. Others are position words, number words, and colors. ... 474 Words KEY WORDS: reading, phonic, comprehension Spelling Pattern Practice — Archival Teaching Tips Article When a child comes across an unfamiliar word in reading, phonics skills can be used to “sound out” the word, applying what the child knows of the individual sound-letter connections. This is known as decoding. This skill can also help a child analyze a spelling word. ... 1145 Words KEY WORDS: spelling, problem, speller Spelling Problems — Archival Teaching Tips Article Understanding the Source of the Problem Reading and spelling are similar skills; they are two sides of the same coin. To read a word, a child must sound it out by breaking it down into the letter codes used to form the word (decoding). Spelling, on the other hand, requires the child to put letters together to form the word (encoding). ... 1246 Words KEY WORDS: spelling, problem, speller Stages of Learning — Archival Teaching Tips Article - August 2010 Believe it or not, education is NOT about grade levels, grades, tests, or even scope and sequences. Nor is education about standards, placement, or achievement scores. All of these school activities came about because of the needs of a group classroom teacher to monitor numerous students. ... 744 Words KEY WORDS: reading, phonic, comprehension Stages of Reading — Archival Teaching Tips Article Evaluating a child’s reading depends on the stage the child is at in the reading process. Learning to read is a sequential skill. That means it builds letter-by-letter, word-by-word, line-by-line and sentence-by-sentence. Each subsequent skill is based on mastery of previous skills. Reading skills are categorized into four stages. There are also certain preliminary skills or underlying abilities that must be developed for a child to be able to learn to read. Sometimes these skills are referred to as pre-reading. ... 1478 Words KEY WORDS: reading, phonic, comprehension Suggested Intermediate Reading List — Archival Teaching Tip A suggested list of Novels with Authors for the Intermediate Reader. KEY WORDS: Novels, Progeny, Study Guide, Intermediate, Reading Suggested Primary Reading List — Archival Teaching Tip A suggested list of Stories with Authors for the Primary Reader. KEY WORDS: Stories, Progeny, Study Guide, Primary, Reading Suggested Upper Elementary Reading List — Archival Teaching Tip A suggested list of Novels and Stories with Authors for the Upper Elementary Reader. KEY WORDS: Novels, Stories, Progeny, Study Guide, Upper Elementary, Reading Taking Stock, Taking Aim — Archival Teaching Tips Article - December 2009 The change of the calendar year is often a time of looking back at the passing year, giving thanks for God's faithfulness and provision. We remind ourselves of the gift of Christ – rejoicing in salvation, yet mindful of the work He is still doing in us. We examine ourselves within the limitations of our own reasoning to look for New Year resolutions – most of which dissolve in the demands of daily living. ... 721 Words Teaching Multiple Children — Ask an Expert - 'Replies' Teaching Tips Article - August 2010 Q: How does a parent that is slightly disorganized teach three children (ages 7, 6, and 4)? I also have a 16-month-old toddler. All I know is the public school way of doing things. How do I get away from all that? Short Answer First, forget about grade categories and grade-based skills. Think in terms of broad categories such as primary, elementary, intermediate, and high school. The focus of the elementary years is to provide the basic underlying skills needed for all of learning – namely, reading and arithmetic. For everything else, think in terms of introducing the children to concepts rather than mastering skills. 1193 Words Testing Dominance in Learning — Archival Teaching Tips Article - June 2010 Learning is the ability to recognize, process, and retain information so it can be used anytime, anywhere. Several factors influence this learning process, including the child's thinking style, developmental age, learning environment, physical development, and attitude. ... 849 Words The Art of Making a Life — Archival Teaching Tips Article - September 2009 An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living, but doesn't teach them how to make a life. The author of that statement is unknown, but the concept is not to many homeschoolers. It is one of the abiding principles that raising up a child entails so much more than academics. With the mushrooming emphasis on preparing students for the global marketplace, the admonition above takes on even more weight. ... 802 Words The Daffodil Principle - by Lori Coeman — Teaching Tips Article for June 2009 This month's character trait is purposefulness. It reminds us of the vision God has for our homeschooling. Purposefulness keeps us going, even in the sometimes tedious drudgery of everyday life. Whereas purposefulness deals with our overall vision for homeschooling, this month's teaching tip deals with a time-proven principle in learning: taking it one step at a time, no matter how small the step. This is known as the Daffodil Principle. ... 590 Words The Preposition Ending Myth - by Ruth Beechick — Archival Teaching Tips Article - May 2009 Knowing this history, you can ignore the Latin-style grammar books and join Winston Churchill, whose real quotation is, “This is the kind of bloody nonsense up with which I will not put.” That frees you to use English as good writers use it. ... 413 Words Three Weeks Can Be Habit-Forming - by Lori Coeman — Archival Teaching Tips Article - November 2009 New mothers, as well as new homeschoolers, quickly learn to pick their battles. Whenever we begin a major new endeavor, it can seem daunting. There is so much to do in a limited amount of time. In most cases, more than can be done reasonably. So we learn to choose the most important concerns and work on those. In short, we attempt to make a molehill out of a mountain. ... 721 Words To Drill or Not to Drill - by Lori Coeman — Teaching Tips Article for April 2009 Drills and repetition have a bad reputation in education these days, particularly with this generation that has been raised on high-octane, fast-paced entertainment. Students don't want to bother with anything that is boring, tedious, or hard. That's why the Harris brothers are challenging their peers to “do hard things.” - http://www.TheRebelution.com/blog/ ... 637 Words Touchy, Touchy, Touchy! — Neurodevelopment Teaching Tips Article for January 2010 By Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND (Certified Neurodevelopmentalist) In Kindergarten, we learn about the five senses – touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. As home educators, we must be keenly aware of these senses as they are the inroads to the brain. These senses build pathways in our central nervous system, which keep many of our intricate systems running. ... 698 Words Try the OPT Tool - by Lori Coeman — Teaching Tips Article for July 2009 What interests them? How do they spend their time? What do they excel at? What comes harder to them? How do they express themselves? You get the idea. These observations will give you general clues about how your children learn. ... 754 Words Visual Processing – Did You See That? — Archival Neurodevelopment Teaching Tips Article for December 2009 Visual processing is visual short-term memory - what goes in through the visual channel to the brain and right back out. This vital skill picks up visual information from the environment, which can then be stored in long term memory. Scarcity of visual processing ability can require a child to use other channels (auditory or tactile) to bring in information which may not be the most efficient. ... 510 Words KEY WORDS: craft, dough, mixture When Is It Learning and When Is It Not? — Teaching Tips Article for January 2010 A child's brain works much like a computer. It takes in information or data, files it, and manipulates it in some way to perform a task. This processing, however, is not the same as learning. Here's why. ... 904 Words |
