About Homeschooling

Carnival of Homeschooling: Downtime in July

2009-07-14T04:37:00Z

Tami of Tami's Thoughts & Views hosts this week's Carnival of Homeschooling. In this edition, Tami enjoys some downtime in July and shares pictures of a field trip to the zoo. Enjoy the posts.

The next carnival will be hosted at HomeschoolCPA's Blog. Submissions are due by Monday at 6 p.m. I look forward to reading your submissions.

Carnival of Homeschooling Schedule

Homeschools - Traditional and Alternatives

2009-07-10T20:46:24Z

I receive many inquiries asking where to sign up for homeschools. Many people, as a last hope for their children, try to find a homeschool to send them to. The problem is that homeschooling is done by the parent at home.

Although I believe it is important to protect homeschooling as we know it by keeping homeschools independent of the public school system, there are many home educating options available and each family must consider what is right for their children. There are different types of homeschools - different philosophies, beliefs or practices. Maybe one of these options will meet the needs of your family.

Over the years, I've had my children in coop classes, junior high classes two days a week, and even tried an online virtual school, complete with avatars and whiteboards. All the programs I participated in were privately operated and independent of the public school system. Personally, I liked the low-key coop classes. But the junior high classes two days a week and the online school took away too much from my homeschooling time. I didn't feel that I had the control in the education of my children. I'm more from the traditional homeschooling stance, although I see the benefit the other options can offer. The question is, are these other programs diluting the purity of homeschooling as we've known it? Does it put our homeschooling freedoms at risk?

What's your opinion? Should these alternative methods be considered homeschooling?

Photo: Getty Images

Homeschool Classifieds

2009-07-09T18:20:03Z

As you consider your purchases for your homeschool books and supplies, visit these sites for homeschool classifieds ads to find used items at a savings. Post your own ads to sell your items you are no longer using, or post a wanted ad listing the items you are looking for. These sites are all free to post your ads.

I've purchased and sold many used homeschool items over the internet. It is a good way to get your curriculum at a discount, try out a curriculum without spending a lot of money, and resell the items you're no longer using.

The Homeschool Coop - Benefits of Joint Classes

2009-07-08T03:18:19Z

A homeschool coop is a group of homeschooling families that join together to share in the education of their children. Back in the day, we called our homeschool coop "Friday School" because the classes were held on Fridays. We taught everything from manners, to cooking classes, to Algebra, to writing composition. Learn the benefits of Homeschool Coop classes.

Abeka Books: 3 Options for Homeschoolers

2009-07-07T01:24:35Z

Abeka Books is a popular choice for Christian homeschoolers. ABeka Books is dedicated to providing quality education from a Christian perspective. Abeka Books offers 3 methods for using the Abeka Curriculum in your homeschooling.

In using Abeka Books with my own children, I did not use the extra drills and tests. Because I worked closely with my children, I didn't feel the need to test on the material. Any concepts they didn't understand, we went over again. Your curriculum should be a tool used to teach your children, don't feel tied to it. Don't be afraid to use the topics in the books as a springboard for unit studies.

Roundup of Summer Learning Activities

2009-06-27T01:15:28Z

From bowling to movies to ice cream, here's a roundup of free and inexpensive summer activities to help keep your children busy this summer.

The Great American Backyard Campout

2009-06-25T00:02:06Z

Join in the fun this Saturday, June 27th, by venturing outdoors for the 4th annual Great American Backyard Campout sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. Rather you pitch your tent in your backyard or just sleep out under the stars, this is a great opportunity for making some family memories. Make sure to turn the automatic sprinklers off for the night...a lesson I learned the hard way.

Don't forget your Camping Printables. Lisa Hallett Taylor, About.com Guide to Pool & Patio, offers plenty of tips in this get-your-outdoor-space-ready checklist. The About Camping Guide, David Sweet, has basic camping information that will help you get started. So pitch your tents and have fun!

Kids bowl free all summer long

2009-06-23T05:26:32Z

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever �Kids Bowl Free� program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. A family pass is available providing the same great "2 games a day" package for up to 4 adult family members. Shoe rentals are available at the regular price. Check the list of participating centers to see if one is near you.

Need more ideas for keeping kids entertained this summer? Check out this roundup of summer learning activities for kids.

Thrifty Thursday: Summer Reading Programs for Kids

2009-06-18T02:38:23Z

Each summer for the past 11 years I've hosted the About.com Homeschooling Summer Reading Club. Your children can use the same reading time for other reading programs at your local library's summer reading program and/or some of these programs. I've found that summer reading incentives can turn a child into an avid reader which can last a lifetime. So beat the heat with a good book and read the summer away.

More Thrifty Thursday Tips for Parents:

Biola Youth Theatre presents: The Sound of Music

2009-06-12T04:19:14Z

The costumes were fantastic, the orchestra superb, the set amazing.

I was blown away with the performance of the Sound of Music by the Biola Youth Theatre. I was invited to the performance by a homeschooling family, the Bennetts, who live next door to me. Benjamin Bennett, who graduated from homeschooling this year, had the lead role of Captain Von Trapp. Grace Bennett, the young entrepreneur that I've previously written about, played some bit parts and was part of the ensemble.

Biola Youth Theatre began in 1996 under the name of Biola Home School Music Club. The first home school productions were A Christmas Carol and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Biola Youth Theater strives to provide La Mirada and the surrounding Southern California communities with a quality theatre program led by highly skilled and dedicated professionals in a caring and nurturing environment for children and youth.

I highly recommend this program for your children interested in musical theatre if you're in the area. If you can make it to see this performance, you won't be disappointed.

Thrifty Thursday: Free (or Cheap) Summer Movies for Kids

2009-06-11T02:00:58Z

Many theaters offer free or cheap movies for kids during the summer. With budgets being watched so closely these days, the summer movies are sure to be a hit. Some of the theaters also have discounted popcorn and soda prices for an extra special treat. Here's a listing of theaters offering summer specials for kids. Be sure to check your local theaters for specific showings.

More Thrifty Thursday Tips for Parents:

Photo: Nick White / Getty Images

Homeschool family on tour: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

2009-06-09T05:14:53Z

Four of the seven Hearn family children are on tour this summer with the David Payne production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Hearn kids are quite talented. This is their first big "gig" and a dream come true. They have been homeschooling "forever." Read more to find out their homeschooling style and preferences.

Carnival of Homeschooling: Field Guide to Homeschoolers

2009-06-09T05:13:29Z

Dana of Principled Discovery hosts this week's Carnival of Homeschooling. In this edition, we will be consulting the Field Guide to Homeschoolers to attempt to describe this fascinating specimen of educational freedom and gain a greater understanding of its habits, habitat and daily life.

The next carnival will be hosted at The Daily Planet. Submissions are due by Monday at 6 p.m. I look forward to reading your submissions.

Carnival of Homeschooling Schedule

Announcing... 2009 Summer Reading Club

2009-06-05T23:00:43Z

The 11th Annual Summer Reading Club is underway! Get those library cards out! The purpose of the Summer Reading Club is to encourage students to read for pleasure, help the reluctant reader along and reward them for their efforts. Get your kids signed up and reading all summer long.

2009 Summer Reading Club
Reading Club Tour - see what happens to your reading club lists and how the awards and prizes get back to you.
Favorite Preschool/Kindergarten Level Books
Favorite Books for Grades 1-6
Favorite Books for Grades 5-12

Thrifty Thursday: Free educational games to fight world hunger

2009-06-03T10:45:30Z

Looking for an easy way to keep your kids sharp over the summer months and also help fight world hunger? Then FreeRice.com is for you. For each question you answer correctly, they donate 10 grains of rice through the UN World food Program. From its launch in October 2007, Free Rice has raised over 64 billion grains of rice and fed people in Bangladesh (video clip), Cambodia, Uganda, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.

They've expanded the site to include other subjects:

Art: Famous Paintings
Chemistry: Chemical Symbols
English: Grammar, Vocabulary
Geography: Countries, World Capitals
Language Learning: French, German, Italian, Spanish
Math: Basic Math (Pre-Algebra), Multiplication

So what are you waiting for? Start answering questions and watch your bowl fill with rice. Your kids can spend the summer feeding their minds and feeding hungry people all over the world. Then, why not work it into your homeschool curriculum for next year? It's free, it's fun and it's a great cause!

More Thrifty Thursday Tips for Parents:

Homeschool Promotion and Graduation Ceremonies

2009-06-02T06:28:01Z

I attended the graduation ceremony for our homeschool group last week. It was held at the monthly park day. The park has a very nice amphitheater with a stage for the passing out the diplomas. We had kindergarten, 6th grade and 8th grade graduates. Parents, friends and grandparents came to make it a special day. It was simple, but nice.

How do you celebrate your graduate�s achievement? Share your ideas of your celebrations to help other homeschooling families who are promoting or graduating their students.

Kindergarten Graduation
6th Grade/8th Grade Graduation
High School Graduation
Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 - Submit your senior pictures/announcements

Carnival of Homeschooling: Baby Bop Edition

2009-06-02T05:04:33Z

Henry Cate of Why Homeschool hosts this week's Carnival of Homeschooling. Announcing the adoption of his son, he presents The Baby Bop Edition. Congratulations to the Cate Family for your new addition!

The next carnival will be hosted at Principled Discovery. Submissions are due by Monday at 6 p.m. I look forward to reading your submissions.

Carnival of Homeschooling Schedule

Tennessee passes homeschool diploma equality law

2009-06-01T22:46:30Z

Governor Phil Bredesen of Tennessee signed SB0433 into law today requiring that diplomas issued by church related schools or homeschools be recognized by all state and local governmental entities as having the same rights and privileges of diplomas issued by public school systems.

More about Tennessee:

Thrifty Thursday: Stretching the Food Budget - Potato Tacos

2009-05-28T01:54:26Z

I learned how to make these tacos from my mother-in-law who had 8 children and needed to make a little go a long way. The other day I was talking to my neighbor who was making tacos for her family of 10 and gave her my tip of adding potatoes to the hamburger meat to make it go further. We've been eating these for so long...I wasn't aware that other people didn't know about them. They're really very good and everyone loves to come to dinner on potato taco night. To feed my bunch, I have to double the batch and make about 50 tacos.

More Thrifty Thursday Tips for Parents:

Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery

2009-05-22T03:28:46Z

The first few pictures are up. Submit your graduating senior's photo and profile to be included in the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery. I appreciate your help in building a Class of 2009 Photo Gallery that we can be proud of.

Update on Homeschool Author and Speaker, Jessica Hulcy

2009-05-22T02:59:16Z

Jessica's family has set up a website with updates on her condition and information on how to donate to the Jessica Hulcy Recovery Fund. They have a long road ahead of them and are blown away by the love and support they've been receiving from the homeschooling community since Jessica's accident.

Submit your photo to the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery

2009-05-19T04:15:28Z

I had the privilege of selecting and sending my neighbor's senior picture to his homeschool group for their yearbook. It was an honor to be involved and was also my inspiration to create the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery.

Submit your graduating senior's photo and profile to be included in the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery. I appreciate your help in building a Class of 2009 Photo Gallery that we can be proud of. The first few pictures are up.

Carnival of Homeschooling: Baseball Edition

2009-05-19T03:45:56Z

Dave, Home School Dad, hosts this week's Carnival of Homeschooling. It's a baseball theme, Take me out to the ballgame, so step up to the plate and enjoy the posts.

The next carnival will be hosted at The Common Room. Submissions are due by Monday at 6 p.m. I look forward to reading your submissions.

Carnival of Homeschooling Schedule

KONOS co-author Jessica Hulcy in severe car accident

2009-05-18T19:49:53Z

Jessica Hulcy, co-author of the KONOS homeschool curriculum, was in a major car accident today. She is listed in critical but stable condition. Reports are her lungs are collapsed, she has internal bleeding, and there is some brain trauma. Please pray for Jessica and her family.

Subway Sandwich Make It Happen! Contest

2009-05-18T17:35:05Z

Subway Sandwich is holding their writing contest again this year. This year's theme is "Make It Happen! Contest." Students in grades PreK-8 will write a story about a personal accomplishment that tells how he or she eats healthy, stays active, or limits recreational screen time.

Last year's contest specifically excluded homeschooled students which created quite an uproar. Subway Sandwich apologized and promised to include homeschool students in their next contest and ran a special summer edition for homeschoolers. This year's contest doesn't mention homeschool families at all. I have an email into them to get clarification. Let's hope they honor our submissions this year.

The deadline is June 30, 2009, 11:59 p.m. EST, so don't dilly dally if you're going to participate.