Rethinking Everything Magazine is a new magazine with an ad-free, page-turning, online format and deeply personal stories that push the envelopes of societal norms. Co-publishers Barb Lundgren and Sarah Parent explain: “What we’ve created is an inspirational, international, quarterly compilation of true stories from real people who have stepped far outside society’s normative boxes and [...]
During the past 20 years, increasing numbers of families have decided to pursue homeschooling as their educational option of choice. Here are some articles to help navigate through the various topics associated with homeschooling, including: the benefits of homeschooling, homeschooling methods, homeschooling curriculum, and homeschooling resources. Read and enjoy. Feedback is always welcome. Let us know if there is an area you'd like us to cover.
“A new acquaintance, this one a mother with grown children, learned that we had homeschooled our kids. Her most burning concern: what about socialization?
“Paradoxically, the questioner had just spent an hour plus with our two kids, home for the holidays. Before she had learned about Jeff and Tamara’s backgrounds, she commented about how outgoing, mature, [...]
Today, homeschooling has become quite common in the U.S.. With progressively more families trying to home school their children instead of sending them to private schools, you will definitely think about homeschooling your child too. However, you need to consider the fact that although homeschooling has its advantages, there are several drawbacks that you need to consider as well.
Homeschooling is not for everybody.
Read more: Homeschooling: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Your Child
I give a clear warning to most friends and visitors prior to having them over to my house (which is not all that often since I do not abound in the gift of hospitality). “Our house is lived in,” I say. My brother-in-law calls it Romper Room when the kids are at their height of enthusiasm and expression, that’s almost all of the time. It’s something that I used to be ashamed of but now am learning is a true picture of what matters to our family, that is – family. Kids are not something to be seen and not heard, they are not messes to be cleaned up, or projects to manage. I like that you can see the life of my kids in my home. One example is the artwork proudly displayed all throughout the house from the fridge to the bulletin board. My son, Gilbert, 6, loves expressing himself through art. He has his own thumbtack gallery on his bedroom wall including his 100 Day of School project, a How Paper is Made mini-book, and a magazine collage of animals (thanks mom for sending all those magazine clippings – keep ‘em comin’.)
Natural disasters are something increasingly present in our world. Studying these phenomena covers a broad variety of educational subjects including geography, sociology, history, and science. They are a great tool for studying the godly characteristic of service as well. When studying Hurricane Katrina, the Northridge earthquake, or the eruption of Mount St. Helens take the opportunity to attach spiritual principles to the facts and historical events our students are required to learn anyway. It is important for us as parent-teachers to take advantage of everyday material. Natural disasters not only show a country coming together to help one another in crisis, they also remind us that we ought to serve our fellow man whenever and wherever we have opportunity and ability, not just in the midst of turmoil.
Sarah Burmeister - Resource Specialist
Going Deeper: Creative Techniques
Many students need a little extra help with handwriting (dark enough, within the lines…).
• In kindergarten, the teacher can allow a student to use a fat crayon broken down to its nub. This forces the student’s fingers to hold the writing implement properly.
• In first grade, you may design a creative project for almost every major unit. The kids are able to experience everything they learn!
• In second grade, try preparing lined paper for your student by applying Elmers glue to the top and bottom lines. The student is able to feel a physical boundary when she writes.
• Sixth grade may require a visual aid poster for your child’s seed/fruit/plant project. Tri-fold boards are sold half-size. (Available at Office Depot) What a PERFECT size for making a project manageable!
• When Eighth grade roles around, employ the L.I.E. method for science journals: Label, Illustrate, Explain. The students is able to define and envision the vocabulary efficiently during independent work time. Check the journals each week for thoroughness and mark the grade on the inside cover. This you’re your student is aware of their progress.
A student needs to see it, hear it, and do it in order to have a full experience with the material. Let me assure you, you have the freedom to go deeper! Have fun with your creativity!
Looking for a way to stretch your homeschool dollars? The local library is the answer. Since most of us operate on a modest income, finding ways to supplement curriculum for free is very helpful. Why purchase every creative thing you see when you can borrow?
As believers we are exhorted to be good stewards of our time and resources. Your local public library and/or the Christian school library associated with your homeschool group are excellent ways to be in God’s will when it comes to stewardship. Libraries offer internet access for research, computer learning games, books, magazines, reference materials, DVDs, CDs, tutoring, special monthly activities, and so much more.
As believers we are exhorted to be good stewards of our time and resources. Your local public library and/or the Christian school library associated with your homeschool group are excellent ways to be in God’s will when it comes to stewardship. Libraries offer internet access for research, computer learning games, books, magazines, reference materials, DVDs, CDs, tutoring, special monthly activities, and so much more.
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