This has been a fun week for at the families.com homeschooling blog. I returned to families.com after a long absence and was welcomed back with open arms by Valorie Delp who will still guest blog for families.com as she has time. Meanwhile she is busy with the baby blog and food blog. I have wasted no time jumping back into my work as the homeschool blogger.
Sunday 09 Mar 2008
Edventures Online by Valorie Delp
This is one of the best kept secrets of the kid-friendly website world. It is a subscription service, but I have to say I think for what you get it is well worth it. We are enjoying our free trial right now but when it is over, this will definitely be added to our curriculum.
I Could Not Stay Away Andrea Hermitt
When I gave up my post as homeschooling blogger for families.com about 8 months ago, I did so with the hope that if and when I was ready to come back that I would be welcomed. Well that wish has been granted. I am back and I have so much to blog about.
Monday 10 Mar 2008
Governor Schwarzenegger Calls for Homeschooling Bill of Rights? by Andrea Hermitt
I feel like we are getting the old bait and switch. Governor Schwarzenegger has joined league with California Homeschoolers in the effort to have the appellate court decision that bans parents from homeschooling without a teaching credential de-published. This is a good thing.
Another Homeschool Tragedy in the News by Andrea Hermitt
“Wasn’t she homeschooled?” Shrieked Nancy Grace in a question as she covered the news story of a Texas girl who along with her boyfriend and other friends killed the girl’s family members. The story truly is a tragedy.
One Point for the Other Team by Andrea Hermitt
Regarding the California fight to maintain Homeschooling rights, (and my last word on the subject, for now) I can only imagine that the people who do not necessarily support homeschooling as a valid option are jumping for joy.
Tuesday 11 Mar 2008
For the Last Time, Homeschoolers are Not Strictly Conservative Christian by Andrea Hermitt
Maybe this won’t be the last time that I state this, but it must be said. Homeschoolers are not strictly Conservative Christians. We are not blindly motivated to separate and cloister out kids from others in a blind effort to keep our kids innocent, and protect them from the heathens.
Vocabulary Word of the Day: Research by Andrea Hermitt
Research means to “inquire into”. It is a “systematic investigation to establish facts”, and a “search for knowledge”. (worldnet.princeton.edu) Research is a very important part of homeschooling for many reasons.
Homeschooling Middle School Kids by Andrea Hermitt
Homeschooling during the elementary school years means teaching kids the basics. It involves teaching, reading, writing, and basic math. Homeschooling during these early years also means setting your kids in the right direction in areas of emotional and social development.
Wednesday 12 Mar 2008
Special Ed Student Wins Judgment Against Atlanta Public Schools by Andrea Hermitt
A recent court case where a federal judge ordered Atlanta Public Schools to pay for the private education of a misdiagnosed student is just one of many of the victimizations of public school students that happened on a regular basis. When Mr.
Homeschool Question: Can My Child Take Art Classes at Community College? by Andrea Hermitt
My renewed call for homeschooling questions resulted in a very good inquiry about homeschool high-school students taking summer classes at the local community college.
When your homeschooled child does not want to learn by Andrea Hermitt
I recently received a question from a homeschooling parent whose children were being resistant to being taught. Her older child was six years old and using California Virtual Academy (A school-sponsored homeschool). She was at grade level in three subjects and almost two grades ahead in Math.
Thursday 13 Mar 2008
Recruiting Homeschoolers by Andrea Hermitt
I was recently approached by a 15-year-old girl in public school whose best friend is homeschooled. She was concerned about how much her friend talked about homeschooling and wanted to debate the virtues of homeschooling versus public school.
Homeschool Questions: Keeping Preschool Fun by Andrea Hermitt
“Q: A lot of people are anti – schooling for preschool age, but by 4yr. old is asking to play school, and wants to do “home work” like his cousins. A friend was generous enough to give me a preschool activity book.
Things Your Preschooler Learns While Playing Part 1 by Andrea Hermitt
Are you concerned that your preschooler is too busy playing to learn anything? It seems to be a constant theme for homeschooling moms who want to see some measurable progress in their child. Well, do not worry, your child really is learning.
Friday 14 Mar 2008
Things Your Preschooler Learns While Playing Part 2 by Andrea Hermitt
Are you concerned that your preschooler is too busy playing to learn anything? It seems to be a constant theme for homeschooling moms who want to see some measurable progress in their child. Well, do not worry, your child really is learning.
Effect of Calfornia Ruling Felt in Nebraska by Andrea Hermitt
According to former teacher and Nebraska Senator. DiAnna Schimek, It’s been almost 25 years since the current (homeschool) law passed and it’s time to look at it again.
Time to Plan for Next Year’s Homeschool Program by Andrea Hermitt
Most Homeschoolers I speak to are quickly nearing the time when they take a break for the summer, or at least call the academic year complete. For some that might mean meeting all of the requirements of their online or virtual school for the year and receiving their final grades.
Saturday march 15
Learning Through Song by Andrea Hermitt
Some one recently explained to me that her 4-year-old child who she is homeschooling learns best through song. This method of learning is so effective for him that he has learned his times tables.
Moments that Make Homeschooling Worth It by Andrea Hermitt in Homeschool
We homeschoolers love to point out the academic progress of our kids, and how high they score on academic tests. Since we have an easy time pinpointing their areas of genius, we love to revel in them finding their callings at an early age.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Words a homeschooler Should Know