It is my pleasure to introduce you to Scholastic Storybook Treasures: A Sign Language DVD. If you have not heard of this before then please pay special attention. These DVDs are a wonderful way to introduce your child to sign language through those special stories they already know and love. The DVD points out on the cover that sign language is linked to improved fine motor skills, increased vocabulary and higher IQ scores. Since you cannot believe everything you read I looked this up and it is all true. Let’s discuss format a bit. The DVD is about 36 minutes … Continue reading →

If your child loves animals and would like a volunteer project, where do you start? Of course, there is fundraising. Animal shelters and conservation organizations are always in need of money. Instead of simply collecting or donating money for the organization, your child could make something that is connected. Perhaps he can paint beautifully and could sell hand-painted dog bowls. Perhaps she loves to bead and would like to create beaded leashes or hand-beaded turtles for backpacks. This is an opportunity to create a small business and to raise money for a worth-while organization. Another way to fundraise is to … Continue reading →

One of the benefits of having more time and space to learn what you’d like is that your child has the opportunity to pursue volunteer and service projects that interest her. At work, I’m always inundated with phone calls from prospective volunteers during the summer months, but there are so many service opportunities that occur year round. Whether it’s service with your church as a family, membership in a club, or an independent service project, volunteer work gives your child the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in an area of personal interest. The other day I asked my daughter … Continue reading →

If you were unaware, the Tebow bill requests that homeschoolers be allowed to participate in public school athletics. Unlike in other states and areas of the country, there are not a lot of opportunities for homeschoolers to participate in athletics. Alabama sports basically has a monopoly, the AHSAA supported by the state that does not allow homeschooled groups (even when they can pull one or two together) to play against public school student. Why would they budge anyway, when they are getting the desired result (for public schools) of getting homeschooled students to enroll in public schools for high school? … Continue reading →

If you have examined educational system in Sweden and Norway, you know that many students go into internships at a young age that prepares them for life in business or whatever trade they are interested in. Many homeschoolers are also interning in their mid teens to get a jump on the competition and to decide if they trade, they are interested is right for them. In Colorado, for example, there is a program called AME. AME stands for Apprenticeship, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship and is a program whereas students are matched with Christian business and tradesmen to be mentored and learn … Continue reading →

Tim Tebow didn’t let rules against homeschoolers playing High School football in Oklahoma stop him. Instead, he played football for Nease High School in Jacksonville Florida. This led to winning a Scholarship to Flordia State and also a Heisman Trophy. He just finished his fourth season with the Patriots. Many homeschoolers, myself included run into problems when happily homeschooled children become restless teens. They want to hang out with friends. They want to participate in athletics. They want clubs, and associations that are available in high schools. Many families make the decision to forgo homeschooling in exchange for a “normal” … Continue reading →

A New York Times Articles recently profiled a homeschooled young lady who is one of the best girl basketball players in the nation. Her mother coaches her basketball team, the Mavericks. The story also focused on their yearly post-season tournament, the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship. The yearly tournament brings together 300 boys and girls from 19 states where the students compete, build friendships, and socialize with other homeschooled basketball players across the nation. While this post-season gathering is quite impressive is the in season accomplishments that matters most. Homeschool basketball teams (as well as other sports) have gone mainstream. … Continue reading →

Yesterday our home school consisted of the following lessons: Orienteering 101: Finding hidden dust bunnies. Practical Cooking 101: Preparing roasted chicken and sweet potato mousse for our guests. Cleaning 101: Laundry, bathroom cleaning, and mopping the floor without letting the twins get into the mop bucket. I’m sure you get the idea. Last night, we had a house full of guests, a big dinner with all the trimmings, and a great time. But that’s not why I’m telling you this. So often I get asked what gets taught in home economics and practical arts. Some states don’t require it, but … Continue reading →