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Nov. 18, 2009
Homeschoolers and Health Care
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
For all my homeschooling friends who think ObamaCare will solve their financial and health insurance woes, think again. It may give you temporary relief for your financial headache, but it may also invite government nannies into your home to improve your child's well-being and health.
HR 3200 that passed the House of Representatives, currently has a provision for funding states that implement a "voluntary" home visitation program for parents with young children or who are expecting. (See Sec. 1904 sec. 440) The intended purpose is to " improve the well-being, health, and development of children by enabling the establishment and expansion of high quality programs providing voluntary home visitation for families with young children and families expecting children." In America we used to believe that was the role of the parent, but now it's the role of our benevolent and compassionate Uncle Sam. A gaze over the Atlantic will show us exactly where we're headed, "Health and safety inspectors are to be given unprecedented access to family homes to ensure that parents are protecting their children from household accidents.
New guidance drawn up at the request of the Department of Health urges councils and other public sector bodies to “collect data” on properties where children are thought to be at “greatest risk of unintentional injury”.
Council staff will then be tasked with overseeing the installation of safety devices in homes, including smoke alarms, stair gates, hot water temperature restrictors, oven guards and window and door locks.
The draft guidance by a committee at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has been criticised as intrusive and further evidence of the “creeping nanny state”.
Where are the safety devices for the "creeping nanny" who keeps sticking her nose into our personal lives?
Why homeschoolers support this bill or President Obama is beyond my understanding.
-Spunky
Cross-posted, with permission, from SpunkyHomeSchool |
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Nov. 18, 2009
Adorable Vintage Thanksgiving Planner-FREE!
Posted By OurLittleHomestead
Nov. 18, 2009
Thanksgiving: Preparing the Homestead--GIVEAWAY!
Posted By OurLittleHomestead
So–we’ve been giving some great natural cleaning recipes out, to prepare for Thanksgiving and thought it would be fun to give away a copy of our “Homestead Simplicity: Natural Clean” eBook!
 
That picture is MUCHO bigger than anticipated–lol. So–anyhew….you know the drill on our contests–we keep ‘er simple..
If you’d like to win a copy of this title….just post a comment here, with your first name and email addy….you’re entered!
Want another chance to win……? BLOG about this contest and get TWO more entries, just post your comment with your name, email and link!
Want yet another entry? Sign up for our eNewsletter on the front page of the site- here & tell me in your comment that you signed up for it….it’s that easy!
We’re running this contest the until November 21st! On the 22nd, my handsome 2 year old (wow–almost 3 now!) son will draw a winner out of the ol’ hat  We’ll post the Winner on the 22nd!
Thanks for stopping by our blog–enter one of our giveaways, grab a cuppa coffee and hang out awhile, we’re glad you came by!
Blessings~
Lisa
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Nov. 16, 2009
State Mandated Parental Interference
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris, and Michael Farris talk about how the new health care bill that will allow the government to enter our homes and tell us how to parent our own children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqmDC28jPk
You can read Chuck Norris' article about the bill on World Net Daily.
Huckabee, Norris, and Farris also discuss how international law may be used to judge a case on juvenile heinous crimes instead of American law. This is important for homeschoolers to know because because the international law that may be used is from Europe and Europe has made the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. So Europe is telling us how we have to judge our juvenile criminals and that can lead to telling us how we have to raise our children as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrtiEAC1wlk&NR=1
Hat tip to Lisa Barthuly
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB |
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Nov. 13, 2009
Artifically Induced Dyslexia?
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Recently I was introduced to an article that piqued my interest. I read the article carefully to make sure I was understanding it, and to make sure I wasn't skipping any clues that the author might be a crack-pot. Plenty of people think I'm one, so I suppose I should be able to recognize one when I see it.
The article is called, "Can Dyslexia Be Artificially Induced in School? Yes, Says Researcher Edward Miller" and it's written by Samuel L. Blumenfeld, a name many homeschoolers should recognize because he's the author of Alpha Phonics.
Now, I admit that I know next to nothing about dyslexia. So I thought I'd do a little research on what dyslexia is. Interestingly, it isn't just about seeing and writing letters backwards or upside down, that is only one symptom, and someone with dyslexia may not have that symptom at all. Basically, it's anyone who struggles with reading. Not necessarily a dislike of reading, but someone who truly struggles with decoding and comprehension. That is not a medical description, but the sum of what I read from several dyslexia help websites. All of them agreed, however, that dyslexia is always either inherited or neurological in nature.
Mr. Blumenfeld and Mr. Miller disagree with the above theory. They believe that the cause of this artificially induced dyslexia is caused by the sight word reading method and they offer evidence that backs their theory. Read the article, it's very fascinating! (Note: There was one "bad" word in the article but not so bad that I didn't want to write this post and link you to the article. Just be aware that's it's there and I know that it's there.)
Now one of the things mentioned in the article are the Dr. Seuss books. Dr. Seuss himself apparently thought sight word reading was a lot of twaddle. Still, he wrote the books and made tons of money. Why this interested me is because two of my children went to bed one night with Green Eggs and Ham and the next day they could read nearly anything I put before them. Wallah! The mystery of decoding words was revealed! So if sight reading can cause dyslexia why could my daughters read anything and with a voracious appetite? The simple reason is that I had been teaching them phonics, not how to sight read. They didn't memorize the words in the book, they sounded them out.
My youngest daughter didn't learn to read until the end of her third grade year. She struggled with reading until that point. All of her symptoms pointed to dyslexia. After reading the linked to article, I began to think more about the change. If what the article says is true, then my youngest daughter should still be dyslexic, and yet three months after she started learning to read she was reading The Hobbit. It struck me that what I had been using to teach my daughter to read prior to the few months before her night with Green Eggs and Ham had been sight word books like Dick and Jane, and Rod and Staff Pathway readers. The books themselves don't teach using phonics, but I was still trying to use them to do just that and supplementing with phonics because I knew phonics was the best way to teach reading. My daughter was caught in that limbo state mentioned in the article.
Because my daughter struggled with reading, I kept reading her schoolwork to her knowing that when she was ready to read, she would. We never made a big deal out of it. Then in the middle of her third grade year I switched to just a phonics reading program. The night my daughter went to bed with Green Eggs and Ham she read the words by sound, not sight. She then took off with her reading, the method of reading set. Praise the Lord it was phonics and not sight reading! By fourth grade many of the students reading method is set, and for many of those it was set before then. I think my daughter wasn't set before that because we weren't forcing her to learn to read like they would have in the public school.
All I can say is that the article totally fit the pattern that my family experienced. I know that it was teaching reading by sight that caused my niece in public school no end of struggle and tears for many years. The public school system still believes that sight word reading is a valuable tool and it refuses to look at the evidence that shows the dangers of it. I won't say that sight reading is bad for all students, it is used to teach the deaf, but we are talking about a handful of students who need to learn to read this way. If the schools would quit pushing students to learn to read before they are even ready, and use phonics to teach reading in the mean time, they would have a much better success rate at making children literate.
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB
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Nov. 12, 2009
Thanksgiving: Preparing the Homestead
Posted By OurLittleHomestead
Sooo….it’s 2 weeks until Thanksgiving. Are you prepared? (are you laughing right now?) All those relatives inspecting, er…visiting— and of course you want your homestead to be clean, inviting and enjoyable for all who meander by.
I am going to share a few of my Natural Clean recipes to make the cleaning of the Homestead E-A-S-Y and au’ naturel (aka the children CAN use the cleaners (no freaky toxins) and help Mama! 
Furniture Oil
Grab an old container, any will do–tupperware, canning jar–whatever is handy and has a tight fitting lid. :) Fill half full of Olive Oil (I usually only use a half cup or so, as a little truly goes a long way and this is super easy to make up quickly when needed!) now you can add 1 t of Lemon Juice OR (and this is my personal preference) add some Sweet Orange essential oil, or Lemon essential oil–about 5 drops to the Olive Oil. Now–Tighten your lid down, shake it up a bit and it’s done.
Next, take this container and an old cloth (1 for each child/helper who is above the age where he/she will try licking the cloth with the yummy smelling oil on it) and demonstrate (if needed) on how to polish the woodwork, furniture, etc. and let the children do this for you–or do it together–make it fun! Be sure when you are done–the lid goes back on tightly AND you mark the container “FURNITURE OIL”. You don’t want Aunt Mabel grabbing for it as she prepares a recipe at your home on Thanksgiving
Look for more Natural Clean recipes (and some edible ones too!) coming up on the countdown to Thanksgiving 09!
:o)
Lisa
www.HomesteadOriginals.com
Lisa is blessed to be a wife to Marc, Mama to four blessings, and a keeper at home! They live their homestead adventure in the mountains of the Northwest. Seeking the trail that the Father has called them to follow “off the beaten path,” they homeschool, homechurch, and work from home. They operate a family-run business, Homestead Originals (www.HomesteadOriginals.com/), where they specialize in wonderful handcrafted goodies. Lisa is also the author of the Homestead Simplicity E-Book series, which focuses on encouragement for the homekeeper, simple family living, natural cleaners, and making everything from scratch. Come on by and visit Lisa’s blog (www.homesteadoriginals.com/?m=200903). Lisa@HomesteadOriginals.com
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Nov. 11, 2009
Courtship in the 24/7 Era
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
My friend, Kim, has a saying on her Facebook, "A woman's heart should be so lost in God, that a man has to seek Him in order to find her." But this generation seems to be lost to Facebook and their cellphone making it way too easy not only to find her but everything about her too. The combination has made any rules of engagement (pun intended) obsolete.
David Brooks examines how cell phones have changed the dating game.
Once upon a time — in what we might think of as the “Happy Days” era — courtship was governed by a set of guardrails. Potential partners generally met within the context of larger social institutions: neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and families. There were certain accepted social scripts. The purpose of these scripts — dating, going steady, delaying sex — was to guide young people on the path from short-term desire to long-term commitment.
Over the past few decades, these social scripts became obsolete. They didn’t fit the post-feminist era. So the search was on for more enlightened courtship rules. You would expect a dynamic society to come up with appropriate scripts. But technology has made this extremely difficult. Etiquette is all about obstacles and restraint. But technology, especially cellphone and texting technology, dissolves obstacles. Suitors now contact each other in an instantaneous, frictionless sphere separated from larger social institutions and commitments. As a parent, we've encouraged our young adults to establish appropriate guardrails which will help them navigate the temptations that are ever before their eyes. But it isn't easy for them or us. We understand the traps that lay before them that could derail their hopes and dreams, but frequently our young people only see another "friend" to add to their growing list.
In the "Happy Day's era as Brooks identifies it, a young man thought longer before he reached for a phone and called a girl. More importantly, the ring of the phone and one-side of the conversation were heard throughout the household. Now, the instantaneous access to a new friend through cell phones makes it easy, very private, and speeds up the courtship process. Add in social networking sites like Facebook and young adults quickly learn what their new friend's favorite food, music, song, and a whole lot more before the first date. They become emotionally bonded and "in a relationship" before parents and others in their social sphere know they even exist.
Even parents like us, who have encouraged our children not to commit to a long-term relationship until they are ready for marriage are struggling how to navigate these waters. The only "script" seems to be written by the next generation as they go along, eliminating many safeguards that prevented heart break or at least softened the blow.
God said it was not good for man to be alone, so He created woman and said it was very good. We created technology that has become our constant companion and what is happening to our generation because of it isn't so good.
-Spunky
Cross-posted, with permission, from SpunkyHomeSchool |
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Nov. 10, 2009
Reaching Homeschoolers
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
At a homeschool convention last year, another vendor and I struck up a conversation. He had a lot of energy but seemed a bit uptight; however, he readily admitted that he felt totally out of place because he didn't homeschool and this was definitely not his "typical convention." Not really interested in finding out what his "typical convention" was like, I smiled and assured him that we all knew he was out of place the minute he walked in the vendor hall, but we're a polite group and so we didn't point or stare as we talked about him to each other. He grinned and relaxed a bit.
"Obviously, you're a pretty direct person," He said. "So I was wondering, how does a guy who knows nothing about homeschooling sell his product to homeschoolers?"
Ignoring the fact that this out of place "greedy capitalist" was there just to make a profit, I chuckled and asked him, "Why do you think homeschoolers would even want to buy your product if you know absolutely nothing about us?"
He didn't seem to want to answer that, so I continued, "Get to know us a bit and you'll figure out it's not that hard to sell to us. We're pretty frugal but can be gullible in the right circumstance with a promising product, especially at a homeschool convention."
"Fair enough." He replied. "Then I'd like to show you my stuff and see what you think. But first there's one thing I've been wondering about homeschoolers for quite a while now."
"Oh, and what is that?"
"Why do you homeschoolers have so many kids?"
"Umm, gee, maybe it's because we have more exciting things to do than watch Jay Leno after the kiddos go to bed?!?" (Okay, I didn't really say that but I did think it.)
Instead, I politely tried to explain that for some of us homeschooling isn't just an educational choice but a life decision based on a belief that children are as a blessing from God. He wasn't getting it and I was getting hungry so the conversation quickly died of natural causes.
If I ever run into him again, however, I'm sending him over to Ethan Demme (of Math-U-See fame) who gives a much more thoughtful and complete answer to the question, How do I reach the homeschool community? His post is directed at politicians but he starts from the same premise that you have to know something about us, past and present, in order to reach us.
As a homeschool grad and marketing guru, Demme provides an excellent round-up of information and resources to understand this growing but changing movement of homeschool radicals who actually believe they can teach their children at home and live to blog about it. Check it out and keep in handy if you ever run into my vendor friend at your state homeschool convention.
(Note to Demme: Please add a paragraph on fecundity and homeschoolers, thanks in advance.)
-Spunky
Cross-posted, with permission, from SpunkyHomeSchool
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Nov. 2, 2009
Holiday Idea Book--No Charge
Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Unwrap our beautiful holiday gift
for you!
The staff and friends of The Old Schoolhouse® have come together to share their favorite family traditions, recipes,
and more with you.
It's your FREE gift . . .
Get ready to . . .
Wrap your family in a ribbon of thankfulness and joy and
season your holiday with laughter, love, and togetherness.
Start planning now for a wondrous holiday season with . . .
The TOS 2009 Digital Holiday Supplement
WOW . . . a gorgeous Holiday/Christmas Digital Magazine filled with a fabulous lineup of planning, recipe, gift, and craft ideas you'll love.
If you're looking for inspiration to get your holiday spirit revived for the upcoming season of festivities, you've come to the right place. TOS has put together a gorgeous, full-color, digital magazine filled to the virtual brim with traditions-in-the-making.
"This is TOS's gift to the homeschooling community, and anyone is welcome to it. The 2009 Digital Holiday Supplement will fulfill your yearnings for fresh and original additions to your long-treasured, family customs, and maintain Christ's honored position first, and foremost, in your celebrations."
-Gena Suarez, publisher of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.
Don't forget, this holiday idea book is free--no strings attached. Feel free to share it with your friends, homeschool support group, family, church group, blog visitors, customers, newsletter subscribers, and anyone who would enjoy making memories of an unforgettable Thanksgiving and Christmas..
- Open and browse the Holiday Digital Supplement.
- In the top toolbar, click the Download link. A dialogue box will appear. You will want to use the first option that is listed. It will have a small PDF icon to the right and the file size-35 MB. The radial button next to "All Pages" should be darkened. If it is not, click on it to darken.
- Click the "Download PDF" button in this first section.
- A download dialogue box will appear with options to "open with" or "Save" the PDF. Click on SAVE. Please do NOT try to open the PDF before downloading.
- Click on OK.
- You will be prompted to select the directory on your hard drive where you wish to store the Holiday Digital Supplement PDF. Make a notation of the directory you select.
- Click SAVE.
- This is a 35 MB file and many people will be accessing it, please allow extra time for the download-especially if you have dial-up Internet service.
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Oct. 28, 2009
A Simple Homestead Breakfast
Posted By OurLittleHomestead
Grandma Koontz’ Cakes
Okay so these are THE absolute favorite breakfast around here–add in some of my home canned pears and you have silent (at least at the breakfast table) happy children (including the BIG kid at the head of the table!) Grama Koontz went home to the Father, right when dh & I married, I never got to meet her. :( I hear stories, and this lady was a pistol! I would of loved her dearly, I know! I have her old griddle and will keep her recipe alive and the stories my husband tells, about being a kid at Grama’s and how she always made him these, his favorite ‘cakes!
In a large bowl, stir very well :
6 Eggs
4C Buttermilk (1 Quart)
¼ C Olive Oil
1C Half n’ Half
1 Tb. Yeast
4C Organic Flour
2Tb Baking Soda
2Tb Baking Powder (aluminum FREE)
2Tb Sugar
1 Tb Sea Salt
When done mixing, put this into a large pitcher (for easy pour) or Tupperware with lid. Store in fridge and stir daily~will keep at least 2 weeks. These make for a Soooo simple, hot breakfast that is Deeeeeeeelicious!
These truly are the best pancakes!
Lisa
ps--If you have someone "Gluten Free" in your home, I sub "Jules Flour Mix" that I whip up and keep on hand-works great!
www.HomesteadOriginals.com
This recipe and many more are found in our eBook: Homestead Simplicity: A Primer |
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