Homeschool Passion
Encouraging, educating & empowering you!
Homeschool Graduate Talks about Socialization
Homeschooling truly is a passion of mine. I love reading and learning about education styles and homeschooling issues. And the research is clear that homeschooling produces positive results—strong academics, life skills and yes, even admirable social skills. But as much as I love homeschooling, I wonder what do homeschool graduates think of it.
I’ve met a couple of homeschool graduates who did not have favorable experiences. Sadly, they share stories of social isolation, disorganized learning, and even worse, a lack of education. But from my experience, those are the exception, not the rule. And as proof, I’d like to introduce you More >
How to Model Good Writing
I recently picked up Into Writing: The Primary Teacher’s Guide to Writing Workshop at my local teaching store. In it author Megan S. Sloan takes teachers through her process of teaching writing to children grades 1-3. While Sloan is a classroom teacher and encounters situations that I, as a homeschool mom, don’t encounter, I’ve been excited to learn from her. She is obviously a passionate teacher who puts her all into her students. I’m only a few chapters into the book, but I thought I’d share what I’m learning.
Writing is obviously an important part of life. Even if you aren’t a More >
Best Books for New Homeschoolers
It’s the time of year when we welcome new homeschooling families to our ranks. They are eager to learn all they can about the homeschooling journey and make informed decisions about curriculum and philosophies. So I couldn’t pass up this chance to share my top four homeschooling books. Of all the ones I’ve read, these are the ones I keep on my shelf, return to time after time and remember long after I’ve set them down. Take a look. They may be just what you need too!
The Homeschooling Option: How to Decide When It’s Right for Your Family by Lisa Rivero
If More >
Seven Simple Ways to Recharge this Summer
Here is an article I recently wrote for The Homeschool Lounge, a free online forum for homeschooling moms. It’s a wonderful place to find (and give!) encouragement. And even if you aren’t a homeschooler, take a look at this article, you’re sure to find some tips for recharging. Be blessed! –Gena
***
Summer is here, and for many homeschooling moms, it’s a chance to put the books away, take a break from co-op and recharge in time to start again in the fall. And while the kids may enjoy the warm weather, complete with fierce water slides and drippy ice cream More >
Lazy, Narrow-minded Homeschoolers
If you’ve been a homeschooler for a nanosecond, you’ve probably encountered someone who feels the need to share their opinions about your family’s educational choices. A family member who thinks you’ve crossed over to the Dark Side. A friend who’s certain you’ve lost your mind. A stranger who thinks you must be part of some cult. That’s where I found myself yesterday… working at a booth… minding my own business… in McDonald’s.
Yes, McDonald’s is my office away from home. It’s where I go to write, edit and enjoy an incredible glass of sweet tea without my children. Each week, I More >
New Homeschooling Dads
The July 2010 issue of Parents magazine ran an especially fascinating article entitled “The New American Dad,” and I couldn’t help wonder how the information in it might affect homeschooling. In it, journalist Paul Scott investigated a new trend in American families, something he called “the new neither,” men who are “neither stay-at-home dads nor primary breadwinners but guys who work a little and parent a little and likely spend a fair amount of time worrying about not doing so hot at either.”
As I read the article, I found myself smiling at the new tug-of-war dads are feeling. I smile because More >
Does More Money Produce Better Academic Scores?
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve bought into the idea that education must be complicated and expensive to be worthwhile. It must be handled by highly educated, well-trained, pragmatic individuals with lots of mass produced educational tools at their disposal. Well, the truth may surprise you.
Recent findings in the Homeschool Progress Report 2009 found that education has little to do with the amount of money spent. When compared with the average amount spend per child in our public schools, homeschool families are doing an admirable job. We are, in fact, a frugal bunch. Most of us have traded the financial More >
How Many Hours Does Homeschooling Take?
Today, I continue my interview with homeschool author and conference speaker Donna Conner. I’m so grateful to have had Donna share her experience and wisdom with me during the last few weeks. If you missed the first three parts, make sure to check them out:
- Is Homeschooling a Good Choice for Families with Only One Child?
- Socialization and Homeschooling an Only Child
- Challenges and Solutions for Homeschooling an Only Child
Homeschool Passion: In your book, Homeschooling Only One, you give guidelines for the number of hours parents can expect to homeschool depending on their child’s age (on p. 30). Can you talk about those guidelines? More >
Interview with Homeschool Author and Speaker Donna Conner, Part 3
This week we continue our interview with homeschooling author of Homeschooling Only One and conference speaker Donna Conner. She continues to share her wisdom of homeschooling an only child. This week’s interview covers the challenges of homeschooling an only child and gives practical advice for overcoming these challenges. Even if you are homeschooling multiple children, you’ll find Donna’s wisdom enlightening. And, if you have missed part 1 or 2 of this series, be sure to check them out. God bless!
Homeschool Passion: What are the biggest challenges for parents homeschooling only one child, and how can they overcome these challenges?
Donna Conner: First, parents More >
Socialization and Homeschooling an Only Child
Donna Conner, author of the book Homeschooling Only One, continues to share her insights on homeschooling only one child. If you missed the first post of this interview, be sure to check it out. Donna answered why homeschooling is still a great educational choice for only children. Today, we will continue our interview with Donna and explore the age-old question of socialization. Enjoy!
Homeschool Passion: Donna, the socialization question is a big one for homeschooling in general, but I’m sure it’s amplified when homeschooling only one child. How would you respond to the ever-present question, “What about socialization?”
Donna Conner: Socialization is just as More >
