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Homeschool Resources--50% Off--Five Days

Posted 2:00 AM, Jul. 3, 2009


Keep Your Homeschool Going Strong with
 Big Savings from TOS!

We're celebrating the Fourth of July in the Schoolhouse Store with a 50%-off sale on select TOS products, including our digital edition, WannaBe Series™, Planner modules, and encouragement E-Books to keep you going strong in your homeschooling!

Check out some of the specials below!

In addition to the unbelievable prices on our quality homeschooling resources, we have some additional goodies to share with you.

Get  FREE Unit Studies from Amanda Bennett and Hands of a Child!


 
Simply purchase the Schoolhouse Planner OR make a $30 minimum before midnight on July 5, 2009, and you'll receive the Flag Day Unit Study from Amanda Bennett and The Story of Jamestown Lapbook from Hands of a Child.

You Could Win a $50 Gift Certificate to the Schoolhouse Store!

Each day from July 1 through July 5, the 100th customer each day will win a $50 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store.

Hurry! The savings, two free E-Books, and chances to win a $50 gift certificate will be gone at midnight on July 5.


Our Sweet Summer Bouquet of Gifts
 Just Got Sweeter!


When you purchase a 2-year, U.S., print subscription, you'll not only receive the 19 incredible gifts, but from now until midnight on July 4, you'll also receive all 4 issues from 2008! It's an extra year of TOS you can enjoy immediately. We'll send you these 4 print issues FREE, and we'll pay the shipping!





Homeschooling Only One ~ Freedom

Posted 1:59 AM, Jul. 3, 2009

Freedom. Makes one's heart swell. Maybe make the pulse beat a little quicker. Think of the "Freedom speech" from the movie Braveheart. Or the "Band of Brothers" speech from Henry V, Act IV Scene 3.

John Adams wrote, "The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing." He also wrote, "Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."

With all the bills proposed in Congress currently, I think we need to open our eyes and become even more involved in the political process and involve our children. Hopefully it's not too late.

As you can read in another column today, Heather wrote concerning The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the dangers it holds. A signed treaty becomes the supreme law of the land, superseding all federal and state laws. (Check out ParentalRights.org  for more information.)

There's a bill about to be voted on next week (last I heard it would be on Monday, July 6th) called "Cap and Trade." If passed, this bill will require every homeowner who wishes to sell their home to obtain a federal inspector to conduct an energy audit on their home. The cost of the audit will be paid by the homeowner. Before the house is allowed to sell, it will have to have upgrades (windows, hot water heater, furnace, insulation, air-conditioner, roof, etc.) to bring it up to "green standards."

Health care is about to go through some major changes. Although for some things, social medicine may sound like a great idea, but the media doesn't mention the long wait patients have to endure before being seen or getting particular treatments. Those who are aged or those who have any disabilities are prime to be not treated due to the government's decision on how to spend its money for health care to the masses. If one's quality of life won't be deemed "good enough" or if one has lived a long and happy life, someone could determine who should or shouldn't have treatment to prolong their lives.

There are times I think we as a nation have become the frog in the pot over slow heat. Its freedom has been taken away and at first the warming water is pleasant. But before long, it's boiling and he's no more. I hope America has a revival from the Lord and wakes up to what is going on politically. Benjamin Franklin is attributed to this quote, we all need to remember:

They who can give up essential liberty [freedom] to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Current affairs may mean we need to have "another revolution" of some sort. John Adams wrote, “What do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations…This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”

Happy 4th of July ~ Independence Day. Remember those who've came before us and who fought & died for our liberty...for our freedom. Let's not let their sacrifices be in vain. 

Donna Conner lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Glenn, their son, Mike, Donna's mother, Charlotte, and their dog, Lucia. Donna and Glenn have been homeschooling their son since the beginning of his education. Mike completed his homeschooling in the fall of 2008. Donna is an artist and has always enjoyed writing. She wrote Homeschooling Only One in 2003, after discovering that there were many other families homeschooling only one child. Her website is devoted to those with only one student in their homeschool, with listings of online resources. Her website is at  http://donnac.com and read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/DonnaC

copyright © 2009 Donna Conner ~~ All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of author, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles where the title and author are listed.



Special Words for Special Needs ~ Is Our Freedom as Parents Being Threatened?

Posted 1:54 AM, Jul. 3, 2009
Freedom is the theme this week. America has always stood alone and strong against the winds of the world. Sprouting into being by a handful of patriots that believed with their entire being that we needed to have a nation founded on God and not man (kings). Through the years we have navigated a tough course. I fear that the years of America standing tall and with honor and independance are being threatened. What I am talking about is the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

You may have heard about this treaty through numerous christian outlets ParentalRights.org, HSLDA, Focus on the Family's CitizenLink, or Media Monitor.  I will leave you to read their wonderful write ups. I will contain myself to the danger I see with special needs children, and our ability to parent them.

In this treaty the laws and rights of a child are given over to UN law, world law. Our nation's laws will no longer apply when they go against the treaty's laws. The child's rights are given so much weight that they are equal to a parents in making decisions. A child could petition the court to allow them to go to school rather than homeschool.

Consider this: a young teen is mildly mentally retarded and very open to suggestion. Enter a relative that pushes that child to go to court to get "real schooling". Or a child that is Oppositional Defiant. They want to do it just to cause the drama and reinforce their need to control their environment.

Now I wonder what happens when a doctor or other authority figure decides that your non-verbal autistic child really wants or needs to go to school? Could this treaty be used to get the child an attorney and fight the parents for the legal right to decide that child's schooling "in the child's best interest"?

Special needs children are an "at risk" group, according to the governement. So they are naturally the object of greater scrutiny. This treaty is not a good thing for our parenting freedom. This treaty is also not a good thing for raising moral, well educated children. 

As a child I remember having a fit at the grocery store. My father would not buy me pudding packs for my lunch. They were new and I just had to have them. I stomped my foot and told him when I grow up I am going to eat pudding at every meal and you can't stop me! He chuckled and said we'll see, but until then you eat what I tell you. He went on to teach me through the years how to eat healthy. Yes you guessed it when I was older and I went shopping for myself I sailed right past the pudding aisle. Parents are there for a reason to teach, train, and show children how best to be.

If you would like more information of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child please go to ParentalRights.org 


Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 7 years.  Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal!  Visit Heather's page at  www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at Special Needs Homeschooling


Communication Corner ~ Freedom of Speech

Posted 2:49 PM, Jul. 1, 2009
Our Founding Fathers fought and died for our right to various freedoms including freedom of speech.  The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Most Americans remember the first part where "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" but precious few (and fewer each year) remember or understand the second part where they also may not make a law "prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..."

On October 7th 1801 in a letter to President Thomas Jefferson by the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut, concerns were stated that the government should not intrude on the religious rights of the people.  President Jefferson believed that religion was an individual choice and should not be controlled by the government.  In his reply, he was careful not to answer their question of the state's involvement, but was very clear that there should be a "wall of separation between church and state" so as not to allow the congress to do anything that might establish a religion.  In other words, President Jefferson and the Danbury Association were both concerned that government might intrude upon the religious freedoms of its people.

Since then many have come to eroneousely believe that "separation of church and state is written into the Constitution and that it was put there to keep religion from intruding upon the government.  In recent years there have been many cases in which the rights of those of faith, particularly the Christian faith, have been violated in the name of "separation of church and state."  Yet if we examine the speech of our Founding Fathers we find that they were not advocating that religion be kept out of the government at all. 

"Can the liberties of a nation be sure when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that these liberties are a gift from God?" -Thomas Jefferson 

"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." -John Adams

Since those who believe that religion should be taken out of society are quite vocal and articulate, many laws have been passed and traditions altered that make it difficult for Christians to have true freedom of speech.  This is why it is so vitally important that Christians learn to speak up and speak out in grace and with respect in order to articulately present our case as President Jefferson stated in his letter.  This takes more communication skill these days as this has become a controversial and emotionally charged topic. 

This Independence Day, let's do something that will help us speak up for our beliefs in a more effective and persuasive way.  Let's teach our children to speak up and speak out in grace!  It's actually easier than you think!  Check out all the creative and fun eStudies for all ages at Art of Eloquence.com


Free speech isn't always free!  It takes preparation and hard work to speak in a way that will be effective in today's society. Start preparing today.  Your children's freedom of speech will depend upon what you teach them today!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer.  Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula.  You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com.  For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication skills for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com



Homeschooling Through High School ~ Summertime Counts! (Part 1 of 3...)

Posted 2:42 PM, Jul. 1, 2009

Greetings and blessings to all the homeschooling high school families!  My name is Lori Havens, and I'm honored to be writing for The Front Porch . . . I'll be taking over for Lori Lane, who is on to new and wonderful adventures!  As I've read through Lori's past entries, I've realized that I am stepping into some very gifted shoes.  My thanks to her for the blessing her writings have been to me and to countless others, no doubt.  I pray that my humble musings here will be a blessing to you all, as well.

Summertime has finally come to Illinois.  Weather-wise, it certainly took its time arriving!  We are enjoying meals outdoors, the gentle sway of the hammock on the back patio, warm sun on our skin, etc.  Just writing about it brings about those feelings of lounging and laziness!  I remember the intense longings for summer vacation when I was in high school . . .

 May into early June . . . intense study for final exams . . . the high school pressure-cooker was full on!  Do you remember it?  Go back . . . picture yourself there.  You're sitting in classroom after classroom, knowing that the end is just around the corner.  The teachers are talking, but for moments at a time, your mind isn't comprehending what they are saying, because you can hear the birds outside the window . . . yes, the one that all that glorious warm sunshine is beaming through.  The leaves on the tree outside that window are deepening in their green color, and thoughts of lazy days with no schoolwork fill your mind.

Fast forward--you've just completed your last final exam . . . your eyes are glued to the clock's second hand, as you and your friends strain to bolt out of the classroom like a bunch of racehorses out of the starting chutes...bbbbrrrrrriiiiinnnnggggg!  There is a collective "whoo-hoo!!!" as an entire building erupts in the shear joy of freedom . . . it's summer vacation!!!

Fast-forward again--this time, to late August or mid-September.  You've just walked into your math class . . . Algebra I, Algebra II...the books are opened, and the teaching begins.  You will spend the next month or two learning absolutely nothing.

Why?  Because you will need to spend these months reviewing what you spent so many hours doing last year, re-learning concepts and formulas that you once knew, but "lost" over those wonderful, lazy, hazy days of summer vacation. 

Mom and Dad, is this what you want to experience in your homeschool math time this coming August/September?  If you're like me, right now all you want to do is climb in that hammock in the sun and rest.  You don't want to think about the upcoming school year just yet!  Believe me, I am with you!  It is very important for both parent and student to have that blessed time of rest . . . a break to allow the body, mind, and spirit to be refreshed. 

Ecclesiastes 12:12 is a good verse to keep in mind as our high school students toil throughout the school year:   " . . . of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."  At some point in the school year, we do need to let them take a break!  For our family, that break comes primarily in the summer, but there are some studies that we simply do not allow them to break off from completely: math, and foreign language.  These are particularly susceptible to the "use-it-or-lose-it" syndrome, and we do not enjoy spending the beginning of our academic year re-learning "lost" material!  Summertime studies do, however, often take on a different "shape" in our home, in order to provide a rest for their "study-weary flesh."  Join me next week for Part 2 of "Summertime Counts,"  for a discussion of strategies for keeping skills sharp while keeping it restful.

May God Bless you,

Lori

 

Lori Havens has been married to Kevin for 24 years.  They live in Illinois with their two sons, Bryan (17) and Nathan (15), and dog Sunny (9).  Lori enjoys writing, gardening, reading, and the outdoors.  She is the author of "Should I Be A Nurse? A Journey of Self-Exploration for Those Considering a Career in Nursing" and  "7 Essential Questions Every Future Nurse Must Ask."    You can find her blogging at both Homeschool Blogger and Homestead Blogger .


Kitchen Moments ~ Cook Up a Little 4th of July Fun

Posted 12:17 AM, Jun. 30, 2009

Here are a few quick and easy ideas for the kids to make to celebrate the 4th of July.  Most can be done with just a little adult supervision, making it even more fun for the children.  They love to tell friends and family, "I made it myself!"

For a delicious and healthy breakfast  treat, layer plain or vanilla yogurt (depending on your family's tastes) with sliced strawberries and blueberries in clear glass serving dishes (if you have a large group, use clear plastic punch cups).  Top with a sprinkle of granola, and garnish with a whole strawberry and a few more blueberries. 

Chips and salsa go with most 4th of July menus- make them even more festive by using blue corn chips or a mixture of blue and white chips.  Place a serving bowl in the center of a platter, fill the bowl with your favorite salsa, and arrange  blue or blue and white chips around the bowl for a pretty patriotic display.  You can buy red corn chips, too, but I would make sure they are made from red corn and not artificially colored with red dye.  Garden of Eatin' has both red and blue chips made from organic corn. 

For an icy cool and healthy snack make these Watermelon Pop Stars

If you'd like to add in a bit of kitchen math and chemistry this week, go to this page at Baking 911 to learn about The Chemistry Behind Making Butter and Pound Cakes.  Bake a pound cake using the original English pound cake recipe in the box labelled Sarah Says.  Let the children have fun measuring out a pound of each ingredient and see if they get the same amounts as the recipe says.  The number of eggs may vary depending on the size of the eggs. 

You can serve your pound cake "Strawberry Shortcake style" with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream to go along with the 4th of July theme. 

And finally, get a few red and blue bandannas.  They are great to use as napkins, line a basket of chips or breads,  and cover a picnic dish to keep the "critters" out.  When it gets hot, wet a bandanna and tie it around your neck to help keep you cool.  You can also stitch up a quick apron or two to keep your clothes neat and clean while making these 4th of July treats. 

I hope you have fun making some of these  with your children and you have a fabulous 4th!

Blessings,

Catherine

Catherine lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana.  They enjoy cooking and learning together as a home educating family.  You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog- Ramblings from my Heart and Home



Taming the Chaos ~ Let Freedom Ring

Posted 12:15 AM, Jun. 30, 2009
I remember watching a disorganized individual finally "see the light" of organization after his ministry paid professional organizers to help everyone on staff. They overhauled his office, discussed scheduling, and explained the principles of an organized life to him, and he suddenly "got it". Oh, he remained delightfully spontaneous and laid-back, and his office continued to have a top-layer of free-spirited clutter about it, but beneath the clutter a structure began to form. He was startled to realize that the structures he had always assumed would limit and bind him could actually be freeing.
 
Over and over this man exclaimed his new-found mantra, "Organization creates freedom!" If organization isn't creating freedom, it isn't doing its job. This man discovered that he could live and serve in his spontaneous style even better when he wasn't wasting time scrambling for lost items or rescheduling missed appointments.
 
I think the organizational planner who "trained" in solid habits was effective because she tailored her organizational methods to the client instead of trying to fit the client into a one-size-fits all method. She provided different suggestions to the super-organized "Type-A" individuals on staff than she did to more the scattered, free-spirited types.

Organization does create freedom! If instead of freeing it binds, chokes and gags, then it needs altering. The answer isn't to avoid all structure entirely, but rather to tweak it until you have that custom fit.

Domestic Chaos Tamer and Homeschool Mom of Five, Dell writes about home, heart and hearth.


Favorite Animal Contest Winner!

Posted 2:30 PM, Jun. 29, 2009

Hello again, boys and girls!

You did an AWESOME job on this contest! It was so fun reading what you had to say about your favorite animal.

My kids are helping me with the drawing, so we thought we could tell you something about their favorite animals as well.

CameRon wanted to go first. He has a cat, a basset hound dog, two goats and two pigs of his own. Of course, he isn't sure which is his favorite, but he chose to do a picture with the pigs.
Here are his interesting facts about pigs:

1. Pigs are really very clean animals.
2. When they are born they weigh less than 9 pounds but when full grown they can weigh over 900!
3. When raised around humans, they can become very friendly and you can even train them to go on walks with you like a dog would.
4. Pigs have a great sense of humor! (See below)

 

 

Cam drew the name of the first winner. That name is:

Jonathan who is three years old. Here is what Jonathan had to say about his favorite animal, a dog:

Jonathan (age 3):
My favorite animal is Princess (Our dog). Dogs get deaf sometimes like Princess when they get old. Dogs like to play with little boys even when they are old. Dogs are nice.

Congratulations, Jonathan! I have sent your mom an email.

 

Dusty, my other son, has a dog and two calves all his own. He chose to talk a little about his calves. Here are some things he thinks are fun about these little guys.

1. Cows have four digestive compartments similar to stomachs.
2. A milk cow can give 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
3. A cow can smell things up to six miles away if the wind is blowing right.

Here are a couple of photos of Dusty and his calves.

 

 

 

Dusty got to draw the name for the second winner:

Christina! Here is what Chirstina had to say about her favorite animal:

Christina likes dolphins. People can play with them

Great answers, Christina! Congratulations! I have sent your mom an email.

 

Congratulations to everyone who participated! You all did such a great job talking about your animals.

Be sure to check out our WannaBe Series to learn more about becoming a veterinairan where you can work wtih animals, or a firefighter, chef, and many others!

Keep Learning!


~Tandy Sue Hogate
      ~TOS Marketing Assistant



Classical Education ~ Freedom of Choice

Posted 2:07 PM, Jun. 29, 2009
We live in a country where freedom  is alive and well.  We have the freedom to worship as we please.  We have the freedom to  read whatever books we deem readable.  We have the freedom to vote for whomever we think capable of leading our country.  We have the freedom to educate our children in the way that we see fit.  If we decide to home educate our children, our freedom includes choosing the right philosophy/method that we see as a good fit for our family.

If I may take this choice one step farther, if we choose to classically educate our children, we have the freedom in how we go about in doing that.  There are many ways as to how to give our children a Classical Education.  To name a few  there is the neo-classical way ( The Well Trained MindTrivium Pursuit )  as well as the traditional classical path ( Latin-Centered CurriculumCirce InstituteClassical Liberal Arts Academy)  There are many  different 'versions'  of Classical Education.

There are some people, though, that do not agree with the various versions.  These people  are die-hard traditionalists and say  that Classical Education should be taught exactly how the Ancients taught there students.  These people do not consider Neo-classical as any part of Classical Education.  In their opinion it is a misnomer to classify the education of stages as Classical Education.  This  disagreement has been going on for a very long time. This is nothing new.  What is new, is the article written by William Michael (head of  Classical Liberal Arts Academy.)  Mr. Williams has taken on the gigantuan  task of  combing through  Dorothy Sayers'  essay on Classical Education and disputing her statements on Classical Education.  (You can read the article, in full, here )  Sayers' article was the catalyst for the  Neo-Classical movement.   According to Mr. Michael, Sayers'  followers shouldn't even term what they are doing as Classical Education, as it doesn't even resemble how CE  was traditionally taught.

I, personally,  do not follow  the writings of the Neo-Classicists.  I lean more toward traditional classical.  I am sure, though,  that if Mr. Michael  was a fly on our homeschool wall he would be aghast  that I, too, consider myself a Classical homeschooler.  I would probably be in that article right alongside Ms. Sayers.   I do not see the point  of  criticizing  the ways of others.    If  there are other  people  not doing  things  the exact same way  as it should be done, does it  matter?  In the big picture of things, is it really going to matter?  Isn't it more important  that our children get a good education?  An education that instills wisdom and virtue? I think that regardless of how you homeschool  your children, rather through the traditional methods or those of the neo-classicists, your child will receive a wonderful education.  

Thank goodness that we have the freedom  to choose how to give our children that kind of education, traditional classical or not. 

 

Julia lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband, homeschooling their 3 children (10,8,6) and attempting to give them a Classical Education.  You can read more on her blog.



Craft Corner ~ Fourth of July

Posted 2:03 PM, Jun. 29, 2009

Everyone desires and respects freedom.  At least everyone I've met.  I mean, would you want to have no choice in who schooled your children, where you went to church, or what you believed?  Here are some crafts to help you celebrate the ultimate celebration of freedom, the Fourth of July! 

  • Patriotic Crafts ~ These crafts would be great for smaller children.  There isn't any complicated steps, and they should always turn out great!
  • Independence Day Crafts ~ This website has a lot of really neat crafts, like a themed napkin holder, an American Flag suncatcher, and more!
  • String of Stars ~ Do you want to decorate for you Independence Day bash?  Try these cute stars in red, white, and blue.
  • Patriotic Pin ~ Do you want to take your patriotism with you every where you go?  Try this cute little pin that you can make yourself.  I think I would just like the way it would jingle when I moved!
  • Better Homes & Gardens 4th of July Crafts ~ These are some nicely made items!  You can celebrate the Fourth in style with these nifty wind socks, drink cozies, and bubble wands!  These are probably better for older children to make, but all children can enjoy the finished project.  Don't forget to find and push the arrow to move on to the next craft project!
  • Patriotic Potholder ~ Rescue your burning apple crisp in classic Americana style!
  • Stars & Stripes Hacky Sac
  • American Flag Socks ~ Feeling a little bolder than most?  Knit yourself a pair of these bright sock featuring the colors of the American flag.
Have fun this Fourth of July, but remember to whom we really owe our allegiance.  We are not completely free in this country, but in God, we are truly free.

Taneil Linschied enjoys crafts of all sorts.  You can find her blogging at:
Defective Compositions.


Homeschooling Only One ~ ah, that time of year

Posted 3:02 AM, Jun. 27, 2009

summer

The topic this week is summer.

I sit here in the heat. (It’s over 80° F inside and daytime highs are over 100° F.) There is just nothing exciting or helpful that comes to mind. I’m a cloud, storm-loving gal. I get energized when there are storms and feel totally sapped when “nothing but blue skies do I see.” I think the best weather would be comprised of temperatures in the upper 60s° F with lots of clouds.

For our last 12 years of our homeschooling journey, we went year-round. When one book was finished, we just started the next one. When one year was completed, we just started the next one. Texas summers are known for their heat, so staying inside and being educational is a good thing. It’s definitely a good thing to take vacations and/or breaks when we need them and in seasons where getting out into the weather is pleasant.

So if by chance you are like me, know you’re not alone. We’ll get through this summer eventually…maybe if we’re fortunate, by the end of September, but since I’m in Texas, it will most likely be the end of October before we start to see 60° or 70° F. And if you thrive in hot weather, blue skies, sunshine, and heat—more power to you. Enjoy for those of us who are depleted by such things.

Donna Conner lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Glenn, their son, Mike, Donna's mother, Charlotte, and their dog, Lucia. Donna and Glenn have been homeschooling their son since the beginning of his education. Mike completed his homeschooling in the fall of 2008. Donna is an artist and has always enjoyed writing. She wrote Homeschooling Only One in 2003, after discovering that there were many other families homeschooling only one child. Her website is devoted to those with only one student in their homeschool, with listings of online resources. You can visit her website at  http://donnac.com and read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/DonnaC

copyright © 2009 Donna Conner ~~ All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of author, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles where the title and author are listed.



Special Words for Special Needs ~ Sensational Summer Senses

Posted 2:59 AM, Jun. 27, 2009
Welcome to Special Words for Special Needs! It's summer!  Summer brings out the best in our sensory kids! Multiple outdoor activities like swimming, and playing in the sandbox help feed the seekers needs.  Our sensory defensive kids aren't left out either. They get lots of chances to try new things, and less clothing is always welcome. All across the board summer is a fun time to work with your sensory kids!

First let us talk about clothing. Transitioning over to summer clothes can be tough. Scheduled rigidness often extends to clothing selection as well. Stay firm and slowly faze out the cooler weather clothes, perhaps leaving out a favorite for night time snuggling.
    -seekers clothing needs
        Sandals with heavy bottoms. So they can feel the weight of walking.
        Try surfer shirts or swimsuits. Let them wear them under their clothing for a constant comforting feedback.
    -defensive clothing needs
        Shoes like beach shoes that cover the whole foot. So there is no grass or other things touching their feet.
        Try for loose and heavy like a basketball player pants. This way the clothing is not rubbing on them, or so loose that it will brush against them with the wind.

Now that they kids are dressed and ready to go out and experience the world. Here are some great ways to incorporate learning and fufilling sensory needs.

Smell is a great sensory tool. Use it to walk around your outdoors and collect different smells.
   -If your child is old enough have them write about the smell. Later read the descriptions without telling where is came from and see if the rest of the family can guess.
   -Take a piece of paper and line out several squares, 4 for younger kids more the older you get. In the middle of each square put double sided tape of some other form of non-odored fixative. Then go outside and collect leaves or flowers that have different aromas to fill in the squares.
   -This next one is adapted from the book, The Out-of-Sync Child has Fun by Carol Kranowitz, M.A.
   
Take a hula hoop or loop of your hose and mark out an area of your backyard. For the seeker let them lay in the grass getting all that lovely feedback. For defensive child lay out a heavy quilt for them to lay on. Provide tweezers, magnifying glass, jar, notebook, and pencil. Using these items have your child view the world in the loop. Are their insects? Any loose materials can be put in the jar to observe or investigate. Your child could draw in the notebook and findings.
   
Your seeker will be able to focus on science and observation because their sensory needs are being met with the sun, grass, and wind. Your defensive child will be able to get close to the grass and observe exactly what it is without the constant irritation it causes. They will also be able to push the bounds of their defensiveness as they get comfortable.

Summer is a rich variety of experiences for sensory kids. Swimming lessons are great for both sides of the spectrum. Be sure to tell your swim coach ahead of time. Defensive kids can get very scared and need a gentle easy approach. Seekers can go overboard as they for once get all their sensory needs met and then keep going and get overloaded. I highly recommend it though!

May your summer be wonderful and full of great learning experiences!

Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 7 years.  Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal!  Visit Heather's page at  www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at Special Needs Homeschooling


Featured Blogger - JustKaren

Posted 2:27 AM, Jun. 27, 2009
This week's Featured Blogger is JustKaren of Homeschooling 3 in Tennessee!

I knew she was the perfect choice when I came across her blog entry Lazy Days of Summer. It fits perfectly with this week's Porch theme on summer, and paints the perfect picture of summer life as well. 


We also tend to think that summertime means downtime. While this post, Downtime? . . . Whats that?, wasn't about summer itself, it still fits in with some of misconceptions of summer being a time to relax. It also let's you in on a little bit more of who Karen is.

This post, The Coolest Classroom, was great, I have a few pictures of this nature myself! Share your wacky pictures with Karen and be sure to let us know about them too! We'd all love to see them!

Even if you don't have a picture to share, let Karen know you stopped in by leaving her a comment so she can get to know you too.

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB


Blog Tip Challenge of the Month ~ Those Pesky Blog Moving Problems

Posted 4:51 PM, Jun. 26, 2009
Our fabulous tech support is working to automate the migration of *almost*
everything, but the most likely thing to be lost will be template customizations
that have broken or invalid template tags. If you have made any of your own changes to your blog template, we will be moving it over exactly as you have it, but if you do have broken or invalid template tags, then we can't guarantee they will work on the new HSB platform.

Some scripts will also be removed, though there will be ways to add certain types of scripts back in once you're at the new blog site.

Tech Support does have a good idea of the most popular scripts, but it's the lesser
popular ones that they need to know about to make sure your whole blog will move over and work properly once it is moved.  

 

Blog Tip Challenge of the Month

 
Here's what we need from you, the scripts you use on your sites so we can provide you the ability to enable those scripts after the migration. Scripts such as: Google Analytics, Sitemeter, "no right click" and so on. Let us know what those scripts are by leaving a comment right here on the HSB Company Blog Tip Challenge. Sorry, no contest this month, but we do appreciate your help in making this move easier for everyone!

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB


You're not alone--12 Homeschooling Moms Share Their Day

Posted 12:50 AM, Jun. 25, 2009

What is your Lifestyle of Learning?

Would you like a peek into the lives and homes of experienced homeschooling families?

Need some practical help, encouragement, and motivation?

Learn how others homeschool--their routines, curriculum, faith, and so much more!

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine presents the E-Book . . .

E-Book: How I Homeschool

How I Homeschool

Twelve Families Share Their Lifestyle of Learning

 

What makes other homeschooling families so successful?




Learn what works for families of every size, including some working from home, some new to homeschooling, and even homeschool graduates themselves! These families share their unique lifestyle of learning, revealing a glimpse into their thriving homeschool households.

Is homeschooling a delight to you and your children? Maybe you could use a few good ideas for the coming school year!

How I Homeschool contributors share a fresh supply of information and inspiration you'll enjoy, such as:
  • Schedule ideas from a week to a year, traditional or year-round--see how others are doing it!
  • Hints to help organize your life and school--every day and all year long.
  • Productively balance working from home while homeschooling--you'll appreciate the advice from these successful homeschool moms!
  • How to implement routines--you'll love the rundown of a daily routine, including morning, afternoon, and evening!
  • Curriculum? Oh, yes, the authors share what works for them-providing insight for your family.
  • Teaching a lifestyle of learning--ideas for exercising your flexibility and relaxation while homeschooling, even while traveling for a month!
  • Putting God first--and what a difference it makes!
  • Details of the busy days of fellow homeschoolers just like you, in an easy-to-read, inviting style--like a visit with a friend!
  • The rewards of homeschooling--though sometimes hard, those who endure will reap a harvest!
"Have you ever wondered how other homeschoolers arrange their days and fit everything in? I do all the time . . . It is amazing to me how many different ways there are to schedule a day! Finding what works for your family is the key, but it sure is nice to see what others are doing . . . maybe you will find something that works BETTER for you.
-Carie Shinn, Wheeler, Illinois

You'll want to bask in the wisdom shared by homeschooling moms in these chapters:
  • A Day in the Life of Our Family by Meredith Duke
  • Our Homeschool Progression by Wendy Stoller
  • In the Beginning . . . by Denice Gustafson
  • A Day at My House by Kimberly Leui Kovach
  • Loving our Learning Lifestyle by Maridel Willer
  • My Homeschool Day by Cindy Horton
  • Homeschooling During Our Busy Day by Kelly Russell
  • Keeping Our Children Home by Brandi Bush
  • The Crazy House: The Crazy Mom Way by The Crazy Mom
  • Smooth Stones Christian Academy by Krista LaRocque
  • A Peek Inside Our Day by Shanna Clark
  • Reflections of a Canadian Homeschooler by Isabelle Lussier
  • Have You Said 'Extended Field Trip'? by Isabelle Lussier
Do you recognize their names? Probably not; most aren't really famous--they are moms, busy homeschooling just like you! Of course, some readers may very well relate to "The Crazy Mom" as she shares:
 
"I'm always being pulled in a million different directions, the house is always a mess, and my kids have to be told what to do over and over."
 
Sound familiar? Can you relate to Crazy Mom? Enjoy her encouragement sprinkled with comedy as she shares from her heart and home while you laugh and learn! By the end of her story, you will understand the moral:
 
" . . . love God, love your family, keep on doing what you're doing (but try to do better,) pray hard, work hard, have some fun, and don't quit. I have been sowing for many years and am just now seeing a glimpse of the harvest. Imagine that--some sane advice from Crazy Mom!

You can do it; yes, you can!"
 
The How I Homeschool E-Book
is only $12.45!

Purchase Now
 
Margaret Delle, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, described the book beautifully when she said:
 
"The How I Homeschool E-Book consists of honest accounts by normal homeschooling families about how their days go and how they accomplish homeschooling. Some households are hectic and crazy (by their own admission), others more structured, and a lot in between. And much to my surprise, there seem to be a lot of homeschooling moms that don't have everyone breakfasted and dressed by 7:30 a.m. That was reassuring to me. Everybody from unschoolers to highly scheduled homeschooling families will enjoy peeking into the lives of other families to see how they do things, what they struggle with, how they schedule their days, how they get over the hurdles they encounter. It's a fairly quick read, but a gem all the same."

Have you become frustrated teaching writing to your son or daughter? Get a glimpse of how Meredith implemented an incredibly creative, yet simple, writing assignment program with her son:
 
"I didn't think that J was where he needed to be with his writing, so we're not doing a formal writing, language arts, or reading program. Instead, for every book he reads, he has to write a paper at least one page in length. That's about a paper every two weeks. We work on capital letters, punctuation, sentence structure, how to put a good report together, paragraph construction, etc. I'm also able to add spelling to this format because every word he spells wrong is added to a spelling list for the week. He studies those words during the week, and then he has a test at the end of the week. I think this has done a world of good for him!
 

That's the beauty of homeschooling. If it doesn't work, find something that does! Change it up and move on, and don't sweat the small stuff (because in the end, it's all small stuff). Enjoy your children and your time together, and learn something new with them!"

-Meredith Duke, How I Homeschool contributor
 



There's so much to discover! Homeschooling moms share how they:

  • Accomplish homeschooling while in the midst of canning season.
  • Use Sonlight, Spears' Art Studio, Math-U-See, Aleks, A Beka, and more.
  • Implement Bible study, both personally and as a family.
  • Define "productive free time" and what it includes.
  • Maintain their homes and keep up with cleaning tasks.
  • Plan for meals and save time by quick cooking or easy re-heating.
  • Assign memorization of Scripture and learn the Bible together.
  • Handle babies and graduating seniors at the same time.
  • Make it to the couch for a moment of catching up with their husbands.
  • And so much more!
Every homeschool is unique! How I Homeschool provides information on twelve families and how they live from day to day. Gain some encouragement from a mom starting her day on her knees in prayer, a family enjoying relaxed unit studies, some who love Charlotte Mason, others enjoying Classical Conversations, still others incredibly eclectic, and all finding what works best for their homeschool.

Take a look at what's inside!


 
This book is written by homeschool moms so much like you--so what do other moms like you have to say about it?

"You'll read here how each family has struggled and persevered in their homeschool and how they are blessed by their decision. How I Homeschool is a good E-Book to acquire in your digital library. The majority of homeschool books that I have read so far focus on the whys and methodologies of homeschooling. How I Homeschool gives you a picture, or a "day in the life," of these homeschooling families."
-Michelle Padrelanan, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

"Everybody who homeschools has their own style, and yet it all comes out okay. This is the message I got from The Old Schoolhouse's newest E-Book titled How I Homeschool. That's a pretty encouraging book if you are looking for some affirmation on your homeschool journey (and aren't we all?)."
-Amy Blevins, Haymarket, Virginia
 
"This E-Book is full of inspiration for the new homeschooler as well as the seasoned homeschool family. I love how each family shares their own unique way of homeschooling as they mold their schedules to meet the needs of their families.
 
I was encouraged when reading about how they homeschooled. I felt like I wasn't alone in my ways of teaching my children and curriculum choices I've made for them over the years. I gleaned new ways of teaching the basic skills to my children that are fun and hands-on.
 
I was reassured that homeschooling involves a lot of flexibility that I always seem to forget, and get frustrated easily with the same question: "Am I doing enough?" While reading these stories, I was remembering how homeschooling styles can change from year to year and not to sweat the small stuff."
-Lynn Pitts, Great Falls, Montana
 
With 62 pages of exciting information, don't miss it!

Order How I Homeschool today!

 
Spend some time getting to know other homeschooling families, feel encouraged as you read of their struggles and triumphs, and learn from their open hearts and homes as they share the day-to-day experiences that are their homeschools.
 
We teach our children to learn from us, learn from other Christians, learn from experience, learn from the past, and look to the future. How I Homeschool is an E-Book for homeschooling parents to learn from the experience of other Christian homeschooling parents with knowledge to share. Providing encouragement, real help for the day-to-day tasks, and excitement for your homeschool tomorrow, learn from homeschoolers striving for the best education for their children--one that will build their faith as it builds them intellectually.
 
Enjoy reading as you learn, and learn as you read
How I Homeschool right now!
 
"Every family employs different methods in home education, and we have much to learn from each other."
-Kelly Russell, How I Homeschool Contributor
 
Still not convinced this E-Book is for you?
Click HERE to View a Sample of This Item
 
Gain insight as you develop your own lifestyle of learning, beginning today! Wherever you are in your homeschooling journey, How I Homeschool could make a BIG difference for your family! $12.45 is such a small price to pay when compared with the value of information presented!
 
Refresh, Renew, and Invigorate Your Homeschool!

Purchase Now
 

 


Curious about The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first? Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine - we even cover the shipping!

... Click here for more information ...


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About This Blog

Welcome to the HSB announcement blogboard from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC. We hope you will enjoy the articles posted here by the Porch Team. Please feel free to leave comments!
~ Tia Linschied,
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