I know it has been forever and a day since I updated this blog...and this will be my last time, too! With my homeschooling days behind me, and the future looming in front of our family, I am no longer really 'in touch' with the homeschool communitee.
Over the past year, I have been repeatedly asked 'if I would home educate again, if I had to do it over?' ... the resounding answer is 'YES'!! I homeschooled one child into continuing adult education, and the other two into honors classes in high school! I am so proud of their achievements academicly and on a personal level. Homeschooling gave them the confidence in their abilities and encouraged their free thinking skills.
During the three and a half years that I home educated my children, there were many times I doubts my abilities and times when I doubted the validity of what we were doing. I would just like to encourage every parent who feels this route is worth taking -- to do it. It was an experience that drew me closer to my children, that encouraged their maturity, and their abilities to cope with what everyday life throws their way. Every day was a blessing.
I would also like to encourage all the parents, who have decided to home educate their children, not to give up or give into the fear of the legalities of home education. When we returned to the school system, I was so incredibly nervous and ready for the social system to be knocking on my door. This DID NOT happen. I have been praised instead for job well done! My children have referred to as 'high acheivers', 'socially responsible', 'organised thinkers', 'creative', 'polite', and I have been told that they have a incredible 'sense of self' ! WOW! We did that together as a family...we nurtured the human spirit by working towards our children's educational future at home!
So if you are new to homeschooling in Quebec, or just surfing around the net for information about homeschooling in Quebec, I encourage you to check out this blog ( I did work hard to put it together) and to use the resources provided here. And no matter what...don't give up on your child! You can do this. This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest gifts that you can give your children...the gift of knowledge, the gift of family, and the gift of your presence in their lives.
"Taking responsibility gives me a sense of control." ~ Yanni
There are alot of incredible people in our province who can assist you personally or who have provided resources tailor fit for the challenges of home educating your children, I encourage you to use the resources of this blog and to explore the resources below!
I specialize in art workshops for adults or children and would be interested to do a workshop for the parents or children who learn at home. Please contact me at orliora@yahoo.ca
Orlit Cohen
Visit this blog called Learn Quebec French (great name, huh?). It has video clips from La Flaque, Tetes a claque, Assemblee nationale, The Capitaine Quebec Show on YouTube, key Quebec songs and lots of useful links. I hope that the web site will save people a lot of time, money and stress! Any comments on the site? http://emsjuwel.com/learn.quebec.french
All the best and thanks in advance from, Andrew Shaw
May God bless and keep all of you. Thank you to all of the incredible friends that I gathered along the way. Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet, but life has a way of running away with us!
"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." ~ Earl Nightingale
Have you ever wondered what hidden talents you have? Do you already know? I've often wondered what hidden talents I have or might have had, had I been encouraged to develop them. Let's face it...not all of us came from loving and nurturing homes. Our children are the lucky ones, they, with our help (should we be up for the mission?!?), have the opportunity to become the 'person' they were intended to be! Before you continue reading my post, I would encourage you to read this wonderful pdf called 'Mary Sings and Darcie Doodles'!
I found this article, 'Hidden Talents', and I realized that public school contributes to the brain's shutting down of children's creativity and free thinking, not all of them, but some. Children often develop low self-esteem and their academic successes become less and less, until they finally receive the label 'learning disabled'! And the worst thing about that? We accept it! The following is a bit of that article...
'Despite programs aimed at gifted children, the system is still flawed, with many students falling through the cracks.
EVEN as a tot, Christopher Taylor's mind moved at lightning speed. He would devour books, puzzles, electronic games and any other reading material he could lay his hands on, says his mother Shirley Taylor.
But that was before he went to primary school, and for Christopher, now 14, living with an active mind produced its own trauma. By the age of eight, as a grade 3 student, Christopher was angry, hostile and given to venting his frustration at home. So Mrs Taylor took Christopher to a psychologist for testing and was stunned by the results: an IQ of 152.
"In hindsight, Christopher fitted the profile of the gifted child - he was everything that was on the checklist that matched the profile," she says.
Ask parents or teachers about working with gifted children and the word that best describes it is "intense", but in the wrong hands, their gift becomes a burden.
Mrs Taylor, a single parent, said her life was emotionally draining. "One mum I talked to said it was like having the marrow sucked out of your bones living with these children, and this is very true," she says.
Australian research shows that gifted children excel and enjoy successful lives so long as they receive appropriate education in childhood and adolescence.' To read the entire article, click here!
Spring is the time for cleaning, even if it doesn't feel like spring out there! Usually, we begin by cleaning and storing winter blankets, but this year we'll have to hold off on that. Then we at least think about cleaning out all that stuff that is seldom used but no one can seem to throw away. No choice this year as we are building and moving in 3 months! Scary huh? What's even scarier...we finally got the approval (2nd time around) for our second plan! It's a very long story but finally we start construction next week! Maybe this is the year we will have a sale or put it on Ebay, time permitting, of course...that's where this weekly task planner will come in handy!
Now that everyone is heading back to work and the PS kids are going to back to school, we're finally going to start our own mini break! I've been very lazy this past year and now I need to buckle down and clean out the closets, nooks and crannies! So that means I only have this week to clean out the old clothes, toys and books! The fact that it's minus 20º outside, just encourages me to take care of business inside!
But where to start? I used to do this when the kids were in PS, but now I need to learn to incorporate them into the whole procedure, without losing my patience...(I'm an extremely patient person but HATE a mess!) Anyway, it's good for them to learn about these chores that pop-up every season, and about what needs to be done! I just need to improve my attitude!And much needs to be done when you cook and heat with gas, and have an oil furnace, too! This link visit's America's Master Handyman for tips on how to take care of the winter grime!
If they were younger, I'd direct them to 'Tinsnips' or 'Signs of Spring', and let them create all day, but I need their help if I'm going to get everything done this week! Now for a few worksheets... perhaps I'll try the worksheets at Oprah's site, Teas2dine4, Clear Out Clutter! Do you know the elements of clean? A great printable elements chart for the fridge, if I ever did see one and I've seen alot!
Check back later today for some great learning links and FREE french software links that I found over the holiday weekend!
We all know of a family, or families, who are losing a child to autism. We are fortunate here in Canada, in that, we have a universal health care program. Our American cousins do not!
They are losing their children to this horrible neurological disorder , but we can help!
The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating 49 cents to Autism Speaks for each time the video, 'Change her world', is viewed . The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure for autism. Their goal is 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.
I am new to home schooling. I've been home schooling my 5 year old for 2 months now. I was a stay at home mom so that means I had all day to get the million things done I commit myself to. I was finding it difficult to balance both. Then a friend gave me a little school desk and chair. I at first had it in my office where we "taught school".
I finally realized that the desk was small enough to move around easily and fit in any room temporarily. Now if I have to do the dishes, I move the desk to the middle of the kitchen and can wash and instruct at the same time. I have to dry my hands a lot when I have to stop occasionally and yes it takes longer to get the dishes done, BUT at least they're done. One more thing off my list to do. It seems simple enough, but it really made me feel less pressure about getting things done. Plus I think it helps him work a little more independently because I'm not sitting right beside him answer by answer.
'The crisis facing humanity today is, at its root, a crisis of consciousness. We are being called to put into practice the perennial wisdom of the ages... This site is offered as a stepping stone in that direction.' Spirit of Now by Robert Russell
"There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein
What an incredibly uplifting site! If I had a section, on this blog for a site like the 'Spirit of Now', it would be located in Emotional Health!
Check it out, you'll feel happy that you did!
Whatever holiday you are celebrating this season, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa or any other, we wish you the very best and hope you will join us in spreading the joy of the season!
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, 'Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.' Memories flashed through his mind like an old news reel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
'Jack, did you hear me?'
'Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,' Jack said.
'Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it,' Mom told him.
'I loved that old house he lived in,' Jack said.
'You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,' she said
'He's the one who taught me carpentry,' he said. 'I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,' Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... .Jack stoppe d suddenly.
'What's wrong, Jack?' his Mom asked.
'The box is gone,' he said
'What box?' Mom asked.
'There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'' Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remember e d it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
'Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,' Jack said. 'I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.'
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mail box 'Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,' the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. 'Mr. Harold Belser' it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.
'Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.' A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.
Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: 'Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser.'
'The thing he valued most was...my time'
Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. 'Why?' Janet, his assistant asked.
'I need some time to spend with my son,' he said.
'Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!'
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1 At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you. 2.At least 15 people in this world love you in some way. 3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you. 4. Everynight, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep. 5. You mean the world to someone. 6.If not for you, someone may not be living. 7. You are special and unique. 8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better. 9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it. 10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world. 11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. 12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks. 13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy. 14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Whatever holiday you are celebrating this season, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa or any other, we wish you the very best and hope you will join us in spreading the joy of the season!
Good Morning! I have some wonderful news for someone...
Do you have a subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine? No? Would you like to win a subscription to this fabulous magazine full of articles on managing your money, crafts, lesson ideas, lapbook ideas, reviews, encouraging stories and so much more!? Oops, make that a 12 year subscription!!! But that's not all, you'll also win a $100 Gift Certificate to the Schoolhouse Store and a vast array of books! This prize package is worth $600. I'm fortunate, I have a free subscription, it's one of those perks of writing this blog! (There are still positions available in many areas, visit Homeschool Nations...)
Note: Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more!
Over 3000 homeschoolers have already shared their opinions with us, but we say "the more the merrier". We even have two free ebooks to share with anyone who completes the survey.
One is our newest ebook, Homeschool Dialogues, which features some of the most popular interviews from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine over the years. The other is 20 Homemade Learning Games from our friends at Trigger Memory System! We definitely think you'll enjoy reading both of these books. Be watching; once you complete the survey, you'll be directed to a page where you can immediately download both ebooks.
We truly appreciate all of you taking the time to participate in our survey and look forward to reading all of the results. It truly helps us to be the best magazine that we can be!
And won't you please share the link to the homeschool survey with your homeschool groups or friends so they can participate and get the free ebooks before Friday? We'd love to hear from them too!
Note: Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more!
HomeschoolBlogger.com is now hosting its own survey to get a better idea of what the bloggers here are like and what kinds of changes they would like to see take place to make HSB a better blog host. Go on over and take the survey, it's short and painless. Just click on the graphic below.
You must have a blog at HSB to take this survey. If you aren't a 'HomeschoolBlogger' blogger, sign up today for your FREE blog site! It takes only a few minutes and it's a way to share your homeschool experiences with other homeschoolers, who are there to encourage and support you!
Note: Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more!
'Schoolchildren of whatever grade should have one half-day in the week, throughout the year, in the fields' ~ Mason, Charlotte - The Story of Charlotte Mason, pg 273
If you ask around, you're going to hear people talking about the Charlotte Mason approach to education as 'stress free', 'joyful' and 'inspiring'. This is just one of the many ways that a homeschool parent can raise up their child through education. I've posted before, 'Natural Learning?' and 'What type of approach will you use...', about the different approaches to homeschooling but felt it was important to post again for the parents just starting out! I remember what a confusing time this could be.
'Every thoughtful mother invents a thousand ways of training in her child a just eye and a faithful hand.' ~ Mason,Charlotte, 'Home Education,Vol. 1, pg 180
Note: This is blogging, you'll need to check out the titles in the right-hand column, archives or continue on to the next page! No time? Check out the RSS feed. Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more! If you find any of these blog entries helpful, let me know, leave a comment below! I'd enjoy hearing from you!
Welcome to Homeschool Nations - Quebec, Canada. My name is Thea. I'm a homeschool mother of three fantastic kids, two boys (17, 12) and one girl (14)! We've been homeschoolers for the past three years. I'd like to say it's been fun the whole time but we haven't been without difficulties. But...it's been the best time of my life! I know my children and if I died tomorrow, they'd have a lifetime of memories! I'm trying to creat a site that's informative, educational and fun! I encourage you to look around, snoop in the corners and give me your feed back! If you require help, don't hesitate to contact me!
If you are visiting from another province, state or country and would like to become a volunteer coordinator for your area, please contact Pat Mills at pmills@theoldhomeschoolhouse.com. We could use the help and homeschool families in your area, could use the support!
WELCOME BIENVENUE
Bienvenue aux Nations de Homeschool - Québec, Canada. Mon pre-nom est Thea. Je suis mère de trois enfants fantastiques, deux garçons (17, 12) et une fille (14)! Nous avons été homeschoolers pour le passé trois années. J'aimerais dire cet a été amusant le temps entier mais nous n'avons pas été sans difficulté. Mais. ..it's a été le meilleur temps de ma vie ! Je sais mes enfants et si je suis mort demain, ils auraient une vie de mémoires ! J'essaie à creat un site qui est instructif, éducatif et amusant ! Je vous encourage à regarder environ, le fouineur dans les coins et me donne votre fait repasser ! Si vous exigez l'aide, ne pas hésiter pour me contacter!
Si vous visitez d'une autre province, un autre état ou un autre pays et aimerait devenir un coordinateur de volontaire pour votre secteur, vos s'il vous plaît, contact pmills@theoldhomeschoolhouse.com. Nous pourrions utiliser les familles d'aide et homeschool dans votre secteur, pourrait utiliser le soutien !
WELCOME BIENVENUE
Note: This is blogging, you'll need to check out the titles in the right-hand column, archives or continue on to the next page! No time? Check out the RSS feed. Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more! If you find any of these blog entries helpful, let me know, leave a comment below! I'd enjoy hearing from you!
Studentawards.com – Visit Canada’s largest free scholarship search site – we match Canadian students directly with thousands of scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Boursetudes.com.com – Visitez boursetudes.com, le principal service de recherche de bourses gratuit au Canada – nous trouvons des milliers de bourses d’études, subventions et prix s’adressant aux étudiants canadiens.
Bienvenue
Welcome to Homeschool Nations - Quebec, Canada! Your page for information and links to help you navigate the world of homeschooling! Serving both the French and English Homeschooling Communities in the Region of Quebec!
Bienvenue aux Nations de Homeschool - Québec, Canada! Votre page pour information et les liens pour vous aider à diriger le monde de l'ecole a la maison! En service pour Familles Francophones de Homeschooling et Anglophones dans la région de Québec!
This section will hold upcoming events in our Province! If you have an event, let me know! Email Me
Cette section tiendra des événements suivants dans notre Province ! Si vous avez un événement, me permets de savez! Signalez Moi
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1) Most things in this blog are compiled through articles and information I've found on the web. I have linked to the location where I originally found the information in each post.
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