Author Archives: Kathy Wells

Homeschooling In Alaska – The “Forget-Me-Not” State

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The next state in my blog series of state requirements for homeschooling is the great state of Alaska, the state flower is the gorgeous “Forget-Me-Not” and how could we forget a state that has not one, not two, but FIVE different options for homeschooling your children! The following summary of information regarding homeschooling options comes from the Home School Legal Defense Association’s website www.hslda.org. Required school age is between 7 and 16. (A child who is six years old and enrolled in the first grade in public school is subject to the compulsory attendance law. A parent may withdraw such … Continue reading →

Colleges and Universities That Have Accepted Homeschoolers

Today’s blog is a continuation from my last one regarding homeschoolers and college. While many colleges are now considering homeschoolers, I thought that you might like to see a list of schools that have accepted homeschool students. I found the following list from The Everything Homeschooling Book which has compiled a list of colleges / universities that have accepted homeschoolers. Not that this list is complete of all colleges, but it does list some well recognized schools that your child may be considering. If the school that your child is looking at is not listed on here still contact that … Continue reading →

Homeschoolers at Harvard? Colleges Seek Homeschoolers.

Auburn, Clemson, even Harvard are just a few of the schools that gladly accept homeschool students. Most instituions of higher learning are impressed by the homeschoolers level of maturity, diversified education, and their ability to be independent learners. The following is a quote taken from Jon Reider, a Stanford University admissions officer, “Homeschoolers bring certain skills – motivation, curiosity, the capacity to be responsible for their education – that high schools don’t induce very well.” The following is a basic list that most colleges require prior to admission: • Four years of English (including grammar, composition, and literature.) • Three … Continue reading →

Dyslexia and Homeschooling – A Learning Challenge Shared By Many

Can you guess what the following people have in common? • Orlando Bloom • Tom Cruise • Robin Williams • Albert Einstein • Thomas Edison • Alexander Graham Bell • Nolan Ryan • Agatha Christie • Winston Churchill • George Washington If you guessed that they are all famous…well yes you are correct; however, on their way to fame and fortune they had to overcome a road block that could have stopped them in their tracks…dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to recognize and comprehend written words. Some examples of what a student with … Continue reading →

Homeschooling Your ADHD Child

If you are homeschooling an ADHD child then you are presented with a list of special challenges. The following is a sample list of what some may be experiencing teaching their ADHD student. • Your child being distracted and not being able to stay on task. • Your child being frustrated when they do not understand an assignment. • Easily bored with anything repetitive like spelling, handwriting, etc. • Sloppy work and mistakes due to non-interest. • Unaware of time – taking an unnecessary amount of time to complete an assignment. Most ADHD children do not do well in a … Continue reading →

Home School Legal Defense Association

While homeschooling’s roots go way back, in modern day there are many that are strongly opposed to it. Fifteen years ago two homeschooling fathers, who are attorneys, recognized this fact and saw the opposition that many faced in trying to homeschool their children. Michael Farris and Michael Smith started Homeschool Legal Defense Association in March of 1983. Their mission was simple, “to preserve and advance the fundamental, God-given, constitutional right of parents and others legally responsible for their children to direct their education.” Since 1983 their focus has stayed the same. There is unity in numbers. With a large number … Continue reading →

Ten Tips On Reducing Homeschool Stress

Ten Tips on Reducing Homeschool Stress Homeschooling can be stressful. I know that when I started homeschooling I thought “I have so much to do now, how am I going to manage this too?” It does not matter if you are homeschooling one or many, you still deal with stress. Most of our stress comes from trying to do too much. We set very high expectations for ourselves and our children and don’t allow enough flexibility into our lives. Here are some tips that may help you in your daily walk: 1. Slow down. We are reaching for an imaginary … Continue reading →

Thoughts On Spring Break – Homeschooling and Having Fun!

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, the trees have leaves, and the grass is turning green once again. Finally, there is no need for a jacket to be outside; only a pair of spring sandals. Yes, I do love this time of year. Along with this most wonderful time of year comes the all important and much anticipated spring break. Your children (and you) have anxiously been awaiting this and the last thing that you want to think about is school work, right? Well, don’t be too anxious to rule it out. This may be the perfect opportunity … Continue reading →

“What About Socialization?” – Are Homeschoolers Deprived?

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“What About Socialization?” – Are Homeschoolers Deprived? Chances are if you have contemplated homeschooling, then someone has said to you “what about socialization.” Amusing isn’t it? Apparently there is a myth that all homeschoolers and their families are reclusive and never have the opportunity, much less the need, for human interaction. I have never met one of those families, have you? The majority of homeschool families, for that matter most families, are involved in an array of out-of-the-home events. Religious youth groups, football, baseball, ballet, cheerleading practices, scouts, etc. There are neighborhood children, family, and homeschool cooperative gatherings for homeschoolers … Continue reading →

Eclectic Schooling, Unschooling, and Deschooling – New Age or Long Overdue?

In my last few blogs I have discussed many options for you and your homeschoolers regarding curriculum. There are a few more that I would like to mention that seem to be growing in popularity and that you may want to consider. The first one is Eclectic Schooling. This means that homeschooling families use parts of preplanned curriculum along with supplemental workbooks purchased from local educational vendors. This also means using educational games on the internet, maybe using a virtual school or a co-op for more supplemental classes. It could also mean that you may use Alpha Omega for English … Continue reading →