Gena
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Posts by Gena
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Defends Homeschooling His Kids
1Here is an interesting article entitled Jamaica’s Prime Minister Defends Homeschooling His Kids posted by Wendy Wright on the site Turtle Bay and Beyond. You can imagine that critics are threatened that a world leader and his wife would choose homeschooling over their country’s educational system, but PM Andrew Holness sums up their decision beautifully.
“Despite several interventions, we came to the conclusion that it would be best to create an individualised learning solution that would cater to his interest and stimulate his appetite for knowledge while teaching in the way he learns best,” he said. “My wife decided that she would manage the process.”
Those of us in the trenches know that individualized learning is a BIG benefit of homeschooling.
I also love Holness’ wife Juliet’s statement: “[A]s women, we are not perfect, neither are men, but God puts a family structure in place and, as best as possible, it is necessary to depend on that family structure to raise fully adjusted children who will be able to contribute to society.”
This couple has embraced the philosophies that are held dear by so many homeschooling families. I wish them all the best!
A Reflective Moment for a Homeschooler
0I received this email from a friend and just had to share it. It reminded me to be thankful and to focus on the important things – like good health and precious time with my kiddos. I hope it does the same for you. -Gena
We all have typical days.
You know how it goes. I love it…some days can be a little harried, but very thankful for all God is doing in our lives.
I am using some used home school curriculm that I picked up from a consignment shop. The person who previously owned my curriculm did not get to erase all of her notes. So it’s a little interesting as I read over her notes before erasing them…all about her son.
In reading her notes this week, I had to stop and pause. Her entry:
“Day 4: (Skipped assignments.) Went to Colorado U Hospital to see how the radiation therapy works for me. Nurse explained things to them.”
I just had to take a quiet moment.
Father … thank You for grace today … and for loving me and my family … and for always be with us.
Great Article: Education – The Art of Beholding
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As we begin another homeschooling year, take a look at this article by Pastor Stan Pace, Education-The Art of Beholding. It is a wonderful reminder to let our passion for education and learning shine as we teach our children.
Pace writes, “True education happens when the teacher himself/herself loves to behold beautiful things. When, in love, and with the wisdom that makes knowledge lovely, he teaches his students to behold and love these same things, the child becomes a “student,” i.e., a pursuer. It’s hard not to like something when someone you love loves it. ”
He ends the article, writing, “When a student is taught to love learning, then he is on his way to becoming human and to finding his fruitful place in the garden of God.” Beautifully put. And, isn’t that what we’re all striving for? God bless!
Photo: Working on States Notebook by Jimmie Homeschool Mom’s Photostream
Great Book: First Picture Book to Make Me Cry
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Like most homeschool moms, I love to read to my children. I mean love, love, love it! I get excited just thinking about the great books we have shared and the ones yet to come. But in all the years that I have read to them, I have never had to hold back tears in order to finish the story… until now. As I’ve posted, I have been using Five in a Row
When we started The Rag Coat
The next time you visit the library or if you are looking for a good book for a child, be sure to check out The Rag Coat. But beware, you might be sniffling by the end. I know I was.
Heavenly Humor for Teachers
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Here’s the newest project I had the privilege of being a part of. It was a thrill to contribute to Heavenly Humor for the Teacher’s Soul: 75 Inspirational Readings (with Class!). I am so thankful to Barbour Publishing for including this homeschool mom’s writing in the book.
The book includes 75 humorous stories–some from the view point of the student and some from the teacher. All have a heart-warming message of hope and grace. Take a look!
Finding What Your Student Needs
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As we begin another year of homeschooling, it’s easy to become consumed with curriculum and schedules and plans for co-ops, field trips and programs. While all of those things are important, I am once again reminded to slow down and prayerfully consider each of my children—their needs, desires, loves, struggles and limitations. Instead of focusing on grade level, what others are doing or even what I think I should be doing, I am reminded to focus on how I can reach each of my children with a love of learning.
For each child this is a different path. For me, this year, it will mean more hands-on learning. It will mean putting the books away and coming up with new ways of teaching the material. For example, after reading through the Five in a Row book How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, I’ve decided to take a morning and bake an apple pie with my children. The organized task master in me struggles with the idea of breaking away from the curriculum schedule, but in order to give my children the kind of education I truly want them to have, I know this is a necessary step. And hey, it’ll be lots of fun, I’m sure.
Another step I am taking is to add lapbooking. I am fully aware of the fact that in order to do this, some of the workbook pages won’t be filled—at least not that day. A part of me cringes as that fact. But then, I have to ask myself which will be more meaningful to my children: filled workbook pages or handmade books that they can revisit and enjoy. I’m sure the answer will be the personal books. And to help me with that endeavor, I’ve called on the expertise of Tammy Duby and Cyndy Regeling and their book The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook
This is the direction in which I’m heading, and I know full well that it is very different from others. Whatever your students need, I pray you receive it. And as you zero in on exactly what they need, I pray you’ll find your own passion for teaching them. God bless!
Are you taking a new direction this year, or fine tuning an old one? I’d love to hear about it. Please comment below and share how you are changing your homeschool in the coming year–new curriculum you’ve found, new approach, ways to streamline, whatever. Let’s learn from each other.
My Homeschool Heroes
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It’s time to begin another great year of homeschooling. As I’ve talked to other homeschooling moms, I’m reminded of just how personal this kind of education is. I hear their heart cries to reach their children with the right information in the right way.
There’s the mom of the dyslexic junior high student who is trying to figure out how to give her son the one-on-one time he needs. There’s the mom of the gifted student who is trying to keep her child challenged. There’s the mom of the artistic student who is searching new ways for her daughter to express herself. There’s the new homeschooling mom who is trying to transition three children home while combining as many subjects as possible. And, there’s the mom who is preparing her child for graduation and adulthood. These women are my heroes. They are prayerfully directing their children’s educations. They aren’t leaving it to a school system or a school board to determine which subjects to study when or how.
As you begin this homeschooling year, I pray that you are confident in the curriculum (or lack of curriculum) you are using. I pray that you have access to the resources you need. But most of all, I pray you have peace—peace in your home, peace with your children, peace with your spouse and peace in your heart.
It’s going to be a great year with lots of highs and lows, good days and bad, successes and even a few failures. Hopefully the good will far outweigh the bad, and you will finish the year feeling as passionate about homeschooling as you did at the beginning. And if you ever need a cheerleader to help you through the bad days or celebrate the good ones, feel free to email me. Remember, you’re my hero. God bless!
Photo: Mother and Child by cliff1066
Great Article: Public School Teacher Talks Homeschooling
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Here’s a fun article from the website Hip Homeschool Moms called A Public School Teacher Talks Homeschooling. It has come at a great time for me, and is a fun reminder of why this form of education is so good. Take a look!
Photo: Who Do We Appreciate by woodleywonderworks
Homeschool Laws Revised in South Dakota
0The homeschooling laws have been revised–for the better–in South Dakota. Families no longer need to seek permission from the local school board to begin homeschooling. A recent study revealed that more than 2 million children are homeschooled in the United States, about 4% of total students. Repealing laws like this will make it even easier and faster to get started. Read the whole story here.
Free Curriculum for Homeschoolers
1If you’re a homeschooling parent who’s looking for fresh ideas to spice up your curriculum or free curriculum to round out your program, take a look at Homeschool Helper Online. The site is a collaborative effort, so you can share curriculum that you’ve created and enjoy the curriculum that other moms and dads have put together for their students. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Homeschool Helper Online offers unit studies, lapbooks, character studies, worksheets, holiday activities, phonics help and more–all free of charge. I was happy to print a unit study for Charlotte’s Web, a book that my kids and I will begin soon. The site also has a weekly newlsetter that you can sign up for.
I look forward to learning more from this fun site, and maybe you will, too. Happy Homeschooling, Everybody!