Homeschooling Help

Every year our local homeschool groups host three major events:

• A homeschool Science fair
• A homeschool Social Studies fair
• A homeschool International fair

The science fair is a terrific way to encourage students to enjoy science and to dig deep into an aspect of science that interests them.

Students begin by researching a scientific question or area of interest and conducting necessary experiments to test their hypothesis. They will then present their findings or demonstrate their experiments to all of those who attend the science fair. It is an outstanding outlet for kids to speak to a group; to learn research skills; to plan and put together an attractive and informative display; and to become an expert on their chosen topic.

The Social Studies fair is similar to the science fair.

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I know I am preaching to the choir when I say this, but it is so true. Every homeschooler has different abilities, different skills, different needs, different learning styles, different passions, different attitudes . . . you know what I mean.

And yet, so many homeschooling moms make the same mistake. We see a homeschooling family that looks so together and kids that look so sharp or we hear about the program they are using and it sounds so good that we decide we have to try it. In no time, we invest in something new or we borrow their materials and off we go.

But it doesn’t always work. We scratch our heads and we wonder why. Are we terrible teachers? Are our kids not as smart, artistic, disciplined . . . as those other kids?

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Lesson planning, creative enrichments, field trips, toddlers, housework, dinner, shopping, schedules, grading papers. . . argh!  And you want me to do what?

In the busyness of life in general, it can often be difficult to find time for each other.  If we aren’t careful, that struggle can be even more prevalent during the homeschool year.   

But that time with our spouse is so important.  Not only to build our relationship, but also to refresh our own spirits.  And when we are rejuvenated, we are able to give so much more.  

The other day my husband and I sat down to what we call “date night.”  Because it is tough to actually go out together, we make time periodically for an in-home date night.   This time cannot include the TV or any other distractions.  Instead we will sit down over coffee or on the living room couch and just unwind together.  Sometimes we end up discussing major decisions we need to make; sometimes we just reminisce; and other times we just enjoy one another.  But one thing is consistent, we do not allow ourselves to enter into any discussion that could end up in an argument.

Technorati Tags: Homeschooling schedules; homeschooling dads

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I have the priveledge of giving standardized tests to our homeschool students today.  What a neat group of kids.  It is interesting to watch them as they take the tests.  Several of those who finished first in the language arts section are the same students who needed all of the time allotted to complete the math.  

And one of the eighth grade girls finished her 30 minute math test in just 8 minutes!  Another was unable to complete the test before the 30 minute deadline. 

It definately puts things into perspective.  Sometimes we as homeschoolers are so concerned about ensuring that our students ”measure up” to the standards of our local school districts that we end up pushing them to succeed in subjects that are a real struggle for them. 

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My family and I are currently on vacation in Mexico.  Although we are taking plenty of time to relax and rejuvinate, we are also finding plenty of ways to make our trip educational.  Thus, many of our days here will be included in our 180 days of school.

On day one, we took a guided tour of the zoo that is here on the premises as well as a special animal lover’s workshop.  We are staying in an ecological preserve where we have seen many native animals including crocodiles, serpents, monkeys, birds, etc. 

Through the two programs, we learned more about these native animals than we have ever heard before despite our participation in a regular zoo program at home.  The kids were fascinated by the baby crocodiles (which they were permitted to hold), as well as the many unique animals in the preserve. 

Technorati Tags: Educational field trips, Homeschool field trips, homeschool science, homeschool social studies

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Math is one of those subjects that seems to get a lot of attention.  In my experience, parents are concerned for one of three reasons:

• Math is a struggle for my child.  I just don’t know how to find the right homeschool math curriculum that will help him or her understand. 
• My child is very strong in Math–how quickly to I move him or her to an advanced homeschool math program?
• My child can do math, but he hates it.  How far do I really need to take him?

If your student struggles with math, your approach will be very different than those whose child excels.  Because it is a skill course, the key to remember in math is not to push through material that your child does not understand.  Take the time to review, to reteach if necessary, to approach it from a different angle. 

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Did you know that statistics indicate that about 1.2 million students drop out of public high school per year?

In fact, Fox News reported yesterday that “seventeen of the nation’s 50 largest cities had high school graduation rates lower than 50 percent.”

Colin Powell, former Secretary of State commented that “When more than 1 million students a year drop out of high school, it’s more than a problem, it’s a catastrophe.”

Bottom line is we have to stop seeing public schools as the be all and end all of education.  Students need options.  Our country cannot continue as a leader if we cannot educate our youth. 

And yet, with these staggaring statistics, we see battles like the one regarding homeschooling in California.  Why, when they are failing so badly, do parents allow their government to control the education of their children?

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It is estimated that 50% of all students who graduate from public high schools, graduate feeling “dumb.” 

That number is even greater for young students who, in their formative years, constantly hit a brick wall when trying to learn. 

Do you remember your first years in school?  How excited you were when you grabbed your cartoon lunchbox for the first time and headed off to school?  For some of us, it was the beginning of an adventure; for others, the beginning of a nightmare.

If you did not fit the mold of the perfect student, you knew it very quickly.  A well-meaning teacher set up fun bulletin boards where students could put their name when they met specific goals.  I remember one of my bulletin boards–a bare tree.  When a student achieved 100% on a spelling test, he or she put her name on a leaf and posted it on the tree.  Can you imagine how those students felt week after week when they could not add their leaf to the tree?

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