Scholastic Teacher Express $1 SALE
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Check out Scholastic Teacher Express for huge savings on ebooks! Hundreds of titles are on sale for $1 — no extra shipping charges, no taxes. The titles can broken up by grade or subject. Even if you are dedicated to a specific curriculum, take a look. You can supplement what you currently have with hands-on activities, art projects, worksheets and more.
Some of the titles that caught my attention include Teaching with Aesop’s Fables, Easy Holiday & Seasonal Art Projects with Paper, and Easy and Quick Learning Games: Science. Of course, my children are in early elementary, but books for all grades are available.
Only one word of caution: The Scholastic website has been temperamental. I originally tried to buy several ebooks (about 20) all at once and couldn’t get it to go through. I’ve since kept my orders to 3-5 items at a time, and they’ve gone through with no problem. So either I’m doing something right or Scholastic fixed the problem. One other caveat, payment is through PayPal. It’s not hard to set up a PayPal account, but it is an extra step.
Have fun… I know I have!
Raising Socially Educated Children
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“Homeschooling is 60% character building and 40% academics,” a friend recently told me. While I can’t quantify it as clearly as that, I am more convinced than ever—especially as I interact with a wider array of children—that academics is only part of our responsibility as homeschoolers and parents.
One of the areas that seems to be lacking in traditional education is, in fact, socialization. This strikes me as funny since homeschooled children are the ones under such tough scrutiny in this area. I’m not talking about a child’s ability to converse with strangers or relate to non-family members. Those aren’t the social skills that concern me. Research supports what homeschoolers already know. Our children can be outgoing or shy, confident or insecure, articulate or at a loss for words. In essence, they are individuals with all the ups and downs that come with being human.
But as I observe my children interacting with other kids, I wonder about the social skills that children are developing. Parents seem to believe that the school system will teach their children how to get along with others. They have bought into the belief that by merely being in the same classroom as 20 other children their same age that their kids will learn how to interact successfully. That’s not the case.
I’ve recently witnessed children screaming at their friends, demanding their own way, with their parents watching—but never correcting—from a short distance away. I’ve seen girls begin the catty bullying that we women can become so good at, hearing the words, “I’m not your friend anymore!” and witnessed the power plays of excluding one child from the group. I’ve seen 6th graders (new to middle school) develop a tough exterior, complete with an angry swagger, in defense of being bullied. Usually, these antics are often met with a glib, “Kids will be kids,” from adults.
I don’t buy it.
If we want our children to learn how to interact with others, we have to train them. We have to teach them how to share and compromise. We have to empower them to sometimes take the lead and sometimes defer to others. We have to show them how to handle tough situations and even tougher people. Of course, I’m not suggesting that we weaken our children by trying to solve all their problems or mediate all their relationships, but we can’t expect them to know how to handle themselves without being taught.
Even as I write this, I’m concerned about one of my daughter’s friendships. A little girl, who was once so sweet and considerate, is developing these “skills.” I don’t know if it is a response to the new school year and new classroom. All I know is that the dynamics of their friendship is changing, and I’m prayerfully considering how to handle it. First and foremost, I’m keeping the lines of communication open with my daughter. I’m training her to stand up for herself, to remove herself from angry situations and to resist responding in kind. I’m also encouraging other, healthier relationships.
Only time will tell how our situation turns out, but I hope all of us parents—homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers—take a stand for education, complete education, one that includes equipping our children with the socials skills they need. God forbid we give up this responsibility. If we do, our children will, indeed, inherit a socially-awkward world.
Melissa & Doug Responsibility Charts on Sale!
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As parents (and homeschoolers), we are often looking for ways to encourage our kiddos to become more responsible and disciplined. If you’re like my family, you’ve made your own chore charts. And while those work great, you may want something already put together. My husband and I recently purchased a couple of these Melissa & Doug Responsibility Charts. We love them, and our children love them too. They love keeping them up to date, and I love that we don’t have to keep printing out our own charts from week to week. I also love that we can change their chore tiles as they mature. The tiles that each chart includes is: get ready for bed, get dressed, take bath, cear table, put toys away, keep hands to self, share, brush teeth, stop whining, apologize, say please, thank you, help with indoor/outdor chores, no teasing, show respect, load/empty dishwasher, put clothes in wash, don’t use bad language, set table, take care of pet, do homework (We use this as a “No complaining about school” chore.), make bed, clean room, take out trash and keep hands to self. There are also two blank tiles so you can create your own.
Amazon recently lowered the price to only $12, and with the free shipping, it makes them even more affordable. Check it out! They may be just what your family needs too!
The Homeschool Giggle
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As I mentioned in my previous post, Homeschooling: Passing the One-Month Mark, the beginning of this school year was difficult for me. I won’t rehash all the upsets and frustrations, but suffice it to say that I struggled to get this year going. For me, it was a reminder that doing the right thing isn’t necessarily the easiest thing. Homeschooling is that for me—it’s the right thing, but not always the easiest.
Don’t get me wrong. I love it. I’m passionate about it. But ever so often, I have to remind myself that my husband and I have made the right choice for our family. And just when I’m teetering on the brink of defeat, unrolling my white surrender flag, I get a reminder of just why this form of education is so right.
That’s where I found myself a few weeks ago. I was having a pity party and dreaming of packing up the school books. I felt inadequate and falling so short of my ambitions. Then, like a sunburst into my darkness, I heard it, a giggle.
I was sitting at my husband’s computer, finishing up a bit of work. From the other room, I heard my children giggling and joking with one another. This wasn’t a small snicker. This was a deep in your belly giggle that escalated into laughter that had them both gasping for air.
I realized that if my oldest were away at school for the majority of the day they wouldn’t have the time, or even the inclination, to have that kind of relationship. They would quite possibly spend most of their energy on other people and have little left over for each other.
That moment may seem small, but it meant the world. It was an answer to prayer that reminded me that our family is on the right track. We can always refine our academic pursuits. If I do my job right, they will develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime, but we have a relatively short time to lay a foundation for their relationship.
I want to give them that, a good friendship to go along with their blood connection. Developing that kind of relationship takes time. It takes them having time to play together, having time to disagree and forgive, having time to appreciate each other’s strengths, having time to look past each other’s weaknesses, simply having time.
Yes, homeschooling comes with its challenges, but I’m reminded again of the blessings it allows. Once again, I’m so thankful for it.
What about you? Have you had moment—a kind of “giggle”—when you knew homeschooling was working for your family? If so, I’d love hear about it. Please leave a comment.
Great Homeschooling Articles on TODAY Show.com
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Last week TODAY Show.com ran a series of articles on homeschooling in America. I have enjoyed them and am thrilled to see the subject of homeschooling making it into the mainstream press… in a positive way. Not only should this make it easier for homeschooling families to gain acceptance (fewer blank stares and pursed lips when we admit that we educate our kiddos at home), but it may begin the homeschool discussion for other families. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Homeschooling: Passing the One-Month Mark
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Well, I’ve recently passed the one-month mark on this year’s homeschooling adventure, and let me tell you it was a doozey.
Over the course of the month, one of my curriculum choices for the year ended up being a big miss. Our family endured a paralyzing stomach flu that had me bed bound for three days. An out-of-town family member visited. A freelance project came due. Supplemental classes and sports started. Co-op began. Two of my children had birthdays, and we hosted one combo birthday party. It was a bit much. Needless-to-say, I’m still recovering.
Like many homeschooling moms, I am an overachiever. I don’t say that proudly. The truth is my limitations often escape me until I’m two steps shy of dropping from exhaustion. I erroneously believe that if I just organize my time better, I’ll be able to do it all. I can’t say I have this all figured out, because I don’t. But I have been reminded of a few truths during this difficult time. Maybe you can relate.
Everyone Needs a Mentor
I’m convinced more than ever that everyone needs a mentor. When I realized that the curriculum I had chosen wasn’t working, I shot an email to my dear friend and mentor and poured out my heart to her about my concerns and frustrations. She responded quickly. “I have too many thoughts to put down in an email. Let’s talk at our next get-together.” Over a cup of steamy chai tea, she confirmed my suspicion that the curriculum was, indeed, wrong for us. Her support and insight calmed me and helped me choose a new, more successful direction for my daughter.
Sometimes Tried and True is Better than the Latest and Greatest
The curriculum that I replaced was not untested. It had received rave reviews from parents and experts. But it wasn’t right for us. My daughter needed something simpler, and I needed something more systematic. This wasn’t a worthless stumble; it was a lesson for me. In the future, I’ll know better the kind of curriculum my daughter (and I) need.
Life Happens
When something like a stomach flu hits, it’s best to embrace the situation for what it is—a passing obstacle. It’s easy to get frustrated or concerned because the school schedule is off, but the truth is: Life happens. After a day or so of letting the flu upset my educational apple cart, I finally let my frustration go. I reminded myself that the flu would pass and we would catch up on our work.
Fellow Homeschoolers Understand
In the midst of this trying month, I was at the end of myself. I was frustrated, tired and overcommitted. Naively, I thought I was the only one. I shared my frustration with fellow homeschoolers. Some were close friends. Some were new acquaintances. All understood. As I confessed that I’d made my daughter cry over her math work and shared my doubts about being a good home educator, I was met with understanding, compassion and even humor. I realized that I was not alone. My feelings and doubts are shared at some point by every homeschooler. Only by being honest and open could I receive the encouragement I needed.
Supportive Spouses are Godsends
I actually became so tired that simple decisions eluded me. “Ask your dad,” became a favorite phrase. When I finally told my husband how I was really doing, he spoke the truth to me in love. He told me that I was being too hard on myself, holding my expectations too high and couldn’t do everything on my to-do list. He even offered to go over my schedule with me to help me realistically determine what I could accomplish.
I’m constantly surprised by the journey of homeschooling. Yes, I am educating my children, but I am learning as much or more than them. I’m learning that “slow and steady really does win the race.” I’m learning that I need others—family, friends and the Holy Spirit—to achieve the goal, and I’m learning the power and necessity of grace. Maybe one day I’ll have it all figured out, but for now, I’m content just to keep learning. After all, homeschooling really is an adventure.
Photo: Juggling Act by imagaday
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part II
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Here is the follow up email that I sent to a dear friend who was asking about homeschooling. Check out the first email, How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I. I hope you find both of these letters helpful and encouraging. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
It sure sounds like you are well on your way! If there’s anything that I am personally learning through homeschooling it’s that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There are days when my daughter pushes my buttons and my son begs for attention and the baby is crying, and I think, It would be so much easier to send you to school. But then a day or two passes and she comes to me and we talk about something we’ve studied and I realize just how nurturing this form of education is. It’s amazing how much they retain and how aware of their learning process we parents become.
It’s also so encouraging to me to see my daughter grow in maturity through homeschooling. Two of the benefits of homeschooling are encouraging the love of learning and teaching children to become self-motivated learners. I see both of those in my kids. Other than when my daughter is trying to push my buttons (She’s really good at that! Probably because she’s mini-me. 
), she looks forward to school. And when I tell her that her schoolwork has to be done before she can do something else, she applies herself quickly and well. I realize in those moments that we are moving in the right direction. I really believe it’s as much of a learning process for me as it is for her.
You asked about music. I don’t do a formal music study yet, but music is very much a part of our home. My husband always has music praying, and he is always introducing various music to us. I have introduced some classical music using the Charlotte Mason method. Check out this plan from Simply Charlotte Mason. (I love their stuff.) I tried to do this plan last year, but I’ll be honest, it fell by the wayside with everything else that I was trying to do. One thing I have done this year that seems to be working really well is starting the day with praise and worship. I have a kids’ worship album and we sing and dance to two songs to start the day. I turn it up as a way to signal that school is starting. After P&W, I read from the Bible and then pray. I was just trying to think of ways to teach the Bible and Christian principles in a kid-friendly way. They really like it.
You also wondered how your preschooler would respond to the new schedule. I’ll tell you, I involve my son as much as possible in our school. I bought him a school folder and bought a couple of workbooks and coloring books from the Dollar Store. I keep them hidden so he can’t see or use them outside of school. He is the first to race to his seat and ask if he can open his folder. So far it’s working out well. I also try to incorporate games and group activities that focus on him (like singing the ABC song or doing puzzles). My daughter joins in, or she works on her handwriting during these times. I do the same with the baby by introducing activities and play time that focus on him. When you find out what works for your family, please share with me. I want to keep things fresh and interesting.
Let me know how things go. And let me know what you find works or doesn’t work. I really like to hear others’ experiences.
Blessings!
Gena
Photo: Raise Your Hand by romainguy
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I
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I’ve recently had two friends ask me about homeschooling. They are either considering it or looking for advice on how to start homeschooling. I answered one with a couple of lengthy emails, which I’m posting over the next couple of days. Perhaps the information I included will be helpful to you. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
I’m really excited that you’ve chosen to homeschool. Check out the post I wrote on the best homeschooling books. These really helped me, so maybe they’ll help you too. Remember, you may be able to borrow them from your library.
For your first year, I say, keep it simple. If you like a traditional approach, worksheets and seatwork, then check out A Beka for phonics/language arts and either A Beka (up to grade 4), Math-U-See and Teaching Textbooks for math.
If you like a literature-based approach, then check out Sonlight. This one includes a lot of reading and discussing, but not as much seatwork. It can get expensive, but remember that you can borrow the books from the library or find them second hand. What you are really paying for are the lesson plans—everything drafted out so you can just pick up and go.
In fact, all of these programs keep things very simple. They provide the lesson plans, so you’re able to just open them up and get started. Don’t forget that you can buy second-hand curriculum on eBay or at a second-hand shop. There’s a local curriculum store here called The Book Cover. It has an online store that is very reasonable. Of course, I’m sure you can find one near you.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I’ll help any way I can. And let me know how it goes.
Blessings!
Gena
Check out the follow up email: How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter, Part II.
Photo: Raise Your Hand by romainguy
Homeschool Graduate Talks about Socialization
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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 to someone I believe God used to show me just how articulate, intelligent, graceful and self-assured homeschoolers can be. Her name is Katelyn. I recently had a chance to interview Katelyn about her education. Take a look at what she said:
Homeschool Passion: What year did you graduate?
Katelyn: 2009
How many years were you homeschooled?
Kindergarten – 12 grade with the exclusion of my freshman and sophomore years.
What was your favorite part of being homeschooled?
The family aspect – growing and learning together with family. Also the life skills that we were taught – cleaning, cooking, etc. I won’t take it for granted when I have a home of my own one day.
The biggest question about homeschooling is the issue of socialization. How do you respond to that question?
God created each of us with a unique personality, and although our environment can play a part, I don’t believe it completely controls our behavior. Certain personality types are “the life of the party.” They love to be around people. They talk constantly, and thrive off of being in the spot light. Other people are quite content with having a few good friends, and talking over a nice cup of tea. People may look at the latter group and label them as being “unsocial” just because they enjoy being by themselves with a good book or staying at home sometimes, but the fact is that they are wired differently. They are unique. They are themselves – the exact person God created them to be.
Over the years I’ve been homeschooled, I’ve met many other homeschoolers and no two are like. Take my family, for example. All five of us were homeschooled, and each of us has very different personalities. We all interact well with others, yet we each take a different role in a crowd. My youngest brother is the center of attention, the life of the party. On the other hand, my oldest brother would probably rather talk “tech terms” with the other “computer nerds” in the corner. Even though we grew up in the same home, we each respond in our own unique way in a social setting.
As a homeschooler, there are many ways you can interact with other kids your age — sports, church, and neighborhood kids are three groups that come to mind. I developed lasting friendships over the years through these avenues.
Would you homeschool your own children? Why or why not?
Yes, I would. I have experienced firsthand the rewards that come from homeschooling. Kids are very vulnerable. At a young age, our beliefs and attitudes are constantly being molded by the environment around us. There is a lot of garbage and negative influences in the world around us. I believe that through homeschooling you can help lay a strong foundation in your kids’ lives that they will be able to build on for the rest of their lives.
What advice would you give to homeschooling parents?
Enjoy every second of homeschooling. Embrace each moment that you can impart into your children. Also look for ways to grow and expand their interests. If they take a liking to art, find a group outside of the home where they can step outside their creative box and learn alongside other kids their age. Or if sports catch their interest, sign them up for a team. Find a good balance between their academic achievements and their extracurricular activities.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I am currently studying to be a Certified Nutritionist through a distant learning program, and I work part time as a ministry coordinator for the student ministries department at my church.
Photo: Graduation Caps by j.o.h.n. walker
How to Model Good Writing
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I recently picked up Into Writing: The Primary Teacher’s Guide to Writing Workshop
Writing is obviously an important part of life. Even if you aren’t a professional, writing is simply the ability to express oneself on paper. And in today’s world, writing is becoming more common and more important. Emails and blogs have replaced phone calls as the preferred method of communication for many people. People are spending more and more time on social sites like Facebook writing about the every jot and tittle of their lives.
Personally, I love to write. I love the sense of accomplishment I have when I finish a project, but I’m deeply aware that the process of becoming a writer is a never-ending journey. It’s one part inspiration, one part dedication, and while some people may have a natural gift for it, the ability to write is really like a muscle that becomes toner the more it’s used.
But even though I believe writing to be important and I love to do it, I’m at a loss for how to teach it in a natural and encouraging way to my daughter. I’m not inclined to buy a formal writing curriculum. Most of those make me cringe. The thought of someone sitting me down at a desk and ordering me to write “about a tree,” or “your favorite holiday” or “a descriptive sentence,” leaves me cold. And I don’t want to do that to my children.
That’s where Sloan reminded me of a simple concept: Modeling. Sadly, I have yet to share my love of writing with my children. Even though I tell them, “I’m writing,” I haven’t stopped to show them what I’m doing. By contrast, Sloan explains how she shares her life—all the normal, mundane and even humorous experiences—with her students and how these experiences develop into stories for her and the kids.
“My stories are of great interest to my students, even though there is nothing extraordinary about them,” she says. “We have real conversations about life. They begin to share more of their lives each day.”
Sloan opens a dialogue with her students. She shares her life; they share theirs. I now realize that I need to do the same. And as we do, I hope we will begin a journey of crafting interesting stories where I teach the finer points of good writing—how to write a strong lead, how to close a story, how to add description, how to edit useless words and more. All of this will hopefully happen as I slow down, model my own love of writing and listen as they talk about their interests and observations. And as we do this, I hope we’ll do more than create great stories and strong technique. I hope we’ll develop our relationships, ones that grow and mature as they grow and mature.
This year as you begin teaching your children how to write and improve their composition, I hope you’ll join me and share your own love of writing with them. Let them peak at your emails, read aloud from your favorite book (and talk about why you love it), share some of your nice stationary so they can write their friends and grandparents, or find them a pen pal (perhaps the daughter or son of a long-distant friend). Let them see good writing in action. Let this be the basis for their development.
If you have a way that you like to model writing to your children, please share it with me. I’m looking for creative ideas!