Gena
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Posts by Gena
How Much Screen Time Should Children Have?
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Do you ever worry that your children are spending too much time in front of an electronic screen? I’m not just talking about vegging out in front of the TV. I’m talking about all of the screens that have infiltrated our homes — TV, gaming systems, iPads, computers, even phones. Now, there are even screens for books. Who doesn’t love the ease and convenience of the Kindle or Nook? And if you’ve ever had to wait with a busy child in a doctor’s office, you know the games on your phone can make the whole visit easier.
And not all of these screens are mindless. In our homeschool, I regularly More >
Creative Writing for Elementary Homeschool Students
0It’s July. The summer has heated up, and all across the country home educators are waking up to the realization that the new school year is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you’re considering what to keep the same, what to change and what to add or delete in your homeschool in the coming school year.
One of the areas I’d like to add to our homeschool, is creative writing and journaling. My children are still young so I’m looking for a creative and fun way to introduce creative writing. I wanted to share some of the resources I’ve found.
First, I’ve heard lots of great reports More >
New Edition of 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum is on sale!
0Cathy Duffy’s 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum is right at the top of my list of favorite books for new homeschoolers. In addition to the valuable reviews of curriculum, Duffy takes new home educators on a revealing journey to discover what type of curriculum would work best for parent and child. I’m very excited to see a new edition of this homeschooling classic since that last edition is a few years old, but I’m even more excited to see that it is available for a low introductory price through Homeschool Buyers Co-op.
If you know someone who is getting started in homeschooling, this More >
Free Summer Science Study on Plants
0A few years ago, I was looking for easy activities to keep my kiddos entertained. All the endless hours of summer were driving us batty. So I put together this simple study on plants to keep us entertained and engaged. I used books that I already owned as well as my local library. Most of the supplies were things I already had in reserves. My kiddos had fun and learned something at the same time. So if you find yourself dreading all the free time that summer offers, enjoy this free plant study. Happy homeschooling!
Summer Science Plant Study
Books:
- How do Plants Grow? (HDPG) by Melissa More >
What is Homeschooling? Part 4
0Today, we finish answering the question, What is Homeschooling? If you missed the other parts of this series, check them out: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Homeschooling is a family effort.
Because academic life and home life are not separated, a synergy occurs in homeschooling, and that synergy involves the entire family. Each member—parents and children—brings something to the table.
Even if one parent is the primary teacher and the other the primary breadwinner, both are pivotal to the homeschool’s success. The teacher will have an insider’s view of each child’s journey and the breadwinner More >
What is Homeschooling? Part 3
0Today, we continue answering the question, What is Homeschooling? If you missed Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, check them out. Now, let’s look at one of the wonderful benefits of homeschooling.
Homeschooling is Unique
Each child is an individual with likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and their educational needs are just as unique. Home education allows you to evaluate each child’s interests, abilities and learning styles to create an educational path that works for that individual.
Interests
Let’s look at reading and a child’s interests. Instead of expecting every child to read More >
What is Homeschooling? Part 2
0Homeschooling is More than Academics
Hopefully after reading my last post, What is Homeschooling Part I, you will already realize that homeschooling includes more than academics, but let’s revisit this point. Education is not the only path to happiness. It’s an important one, but so is spiritual, relational and physical health. This depends on more than reading, writing and arithmetic.
Please understand: Education is important. But a truly educated person does more than spout facts. A truly educated person assimilates information and applies it in a reasonable way. That requires social skills More >
What is Homeschooling? Part 1
1What is homeschooling anyway? As homeschooling’s popularity increases, interested parents, concerned grandparents and inquisitive friends are asking this question. If you have the stereotypical idea of home education, then you may think it is simply doing the same school work that a child would do in public or private school and bringing it to the kitchen table. That is a very narrow view of homeschooling and, really, a wasted opportunity.
Yes, homeschooling involves educating your child at home and that work may involve worksheets at the kitchen table, but it is more than that. It is a whole More >
2012 Practical Homeschooling Reader Awards Ballot
0Do you love your children’s curricula and want to reward their makers? Well, you can do it through Practical Homeschooling’s annual Reader Awards. Visit the Awards Ballot and cast your vote for the best and worst in homeschool curricula.
In addition to sharing your experience, you will be entered in a drawing to win over $50 in science books by Janice VanCleave.
Ballots must be cast by June 1, 2012. So get voting!
Free: Growing Without Schooling, the Original Unschooling Magazine
0Growing Without Schooling (GWS), the original unschooling magazine, created by John Holt, is now making all of its issues available online for free. If you are interested in learning more about unschooling, this would be an ideal place to find out more about it in its truest sense.
John Holt (1923-1985) was a professional educator who came to believe that education is an intensely personal journey. He advocated allowing children follow their own interests and was a forefather of the modern homeschooling movement. His book, Teach Your Own, is still a favorite.
Medford, MA, Sept. 14, 2011: Holt More >
