The Homeschool Cafe

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Carnival of Homeschooling ~ Alasandra's Garden

2011-01-18T13:46:00.002-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Carnival of Homeschooling ~ Alasandra's Garden

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 262 - The 5th Anniversary

2011-01-04T12:26:00.000-06:00

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 262 - The 5th Anniversary

No Fighting, No Biting!: The Homeschoolers 12 days of Christmas

2010-12-21T17:41:00.000-06:00

No Fighting, No Biting!: The Homeschoolers 12 days of Christmas

MrsMamaHen.com: The Carnival of Homeschooling: Our Great Nation

2010-11-23T20:39:00.000-06:00

MrsMamaHen.com: The Carnival of Homeschooling: Our Great Nation

Carnival of Homeschooling #253: Singing a Happy Song Edition

2010-11-04T03:35:00.000-06:00

Drop by Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #253: Singing a Happy Song Edition to enjoy this weeks CoH.

The Common Room: Carnival of Homeschooling #239

2010-07-28T04:30:00.000-06:00

The Common Room: Carnival of Homeschooling #239

Homeschooled twins: The Carnival of Homeschooling

2010-06-09T04:03:00.000-06:00

Homeschooled twins: The Carnival of Homeschooling

No Fighting, No Biting!: The 331st edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling

2010-06-02T14:12:00.000-06:00

What better way to spend a rainy day then perusing the No Fighting, No Biting!: The 331st edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling ,so grab a cup of coffee and join me.

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling: Wrinkly Superhero Edition

2010-04-27T11:09:00.000-06:00

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling: Wrinkly Superhero Edition

Home Spun Juggling: Carnival of Homeschooling: The Cartoonist's Desk

2010-04-21T11:15:00.000-06:00

Home Spun Juggling: Carnival of Homeschooling: The Cartoonist's Desk

SmallWorld: Carnival of Homeschooling: Think Spring Edition

2010-02-16T19:25:00.000-06:00

SmallWorld: Carnival of Homeschooling: Think Spring Edition

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The Dog & Cat Edition

2010-01-12T07:14:00.000-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The Dog & Cat Edition

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Soliciting Homeschool Post

2010-01-07T16:45:00.000-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Soliciting Homeschool Post

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 210 - The 4th Anniversary

2010-01-05T05:28:00.000-06:00

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 210 - The 4th Anniversary

I'll be hosting the next Carnival so please get those submissions in. ~Alasandra

A Very Nearly Tea: The hectically thrown together Carnival of Homeschooling

2009-12-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

A Very Nearly Tea: The hectically thrown together Carnival of Homeschooling

Christmas Ornament Edition of the CoH

2009-12-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

Heather is hosting this weeks CoH.

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Time to Vote For The Best Homeschool Blog

2009-12-03T12:24:00.001-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Time to Vote For The Best Homeschool Blog

The 204th Carnival of Homeschooling

2009-11-25T07:12:00.000-06:00

The 204th Carnival of Homeschooling

Consent Of The Governed: Carnival of Homeschooling - 200th Edition - Party On!

2009-10-28T03:49:00.000-06:00

Consent Of The Governed: Carnival of Homeschooling - 200th Edition - Party On!

No Fighting, No Biting!: Maine: The Postcards Don't Lie edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling

2009-10-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

No Fighting, No Biting!: Maine: The Postcards Don't Lie edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #194: Creatures and Critters

2009-09-15T09:58:00.000-06:00

Be sure to check out Alasandra's post included in Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #194: Creatures and Critters

Carnival of Homeschooling

2009-09-09T04:47:00.000-06:00

The HomeSpun Life: Homeschool Carnival: Virtual Blog Conference

Home Spun Juggling: Carnival of Homeschooling: The Juggling Workshop

2009-08-19T04:20:00.000-06:00

Home Spun Juggling: Carnival of Homeschooling: The Juggling Workshop

Carnival of Homeschooling ~LOLCATS

2009-08-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

HomeschoolBuzz is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The LOLCATS Edition.

*Graphic courtesy of Zoolatry.

2009-08-07T15:54:00.001-06:00

Why Homeschool: The Carnival of Homeschooling - the Founding Fathers edition

2009-07-07T14:15:00.003-06:00

Why Homeschool is hosting this weeks CoH. Check out - the Founding Fathers edition

The Carnival of Homeschooling - the Baby Bop edition

2009-06-02T04:07:00.000-06:00

The Cate's welcome a new member to their family with this weeks Why Homeschool: The Carnival of Homeschooling - the Baby Bop edition

Drop by The Common Room ................

2009-05-26T15:27:00.001-06:00

to read this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling, complete with a controversial post by moi.

Homeschool Dad

2009-05-19T04:07:00.002-06:00

is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling, grab a coke and hot-dog and drop by.

TN: Filibuster fails to halt home schooler bill

2009-05-08T09:12:00.003-06:00

Snippage from the article:

As things stand now, Bell said, such youngsters are treated unfairly in seeking jobs that, by statute, require a high school diploma - ranging from day care worker and law enforcement officer.
The Department of Education has "misinterpreted" those laws by declaring that home school graduates do not meet the high school diploma requirement unless they also obtain a GED certificate, he said.

Church schools were officially sanctioned by a state law enacted in 1976 and home schooling by a law adopted in 1985, he said, and the bill basically carries out the intent of those older laws.

HT: Rob

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Homeschooling Concerns Baseless

2009-03-19T04:51:00.000-06:00

After reading VJACK's concerns about homeschooling I decided to post a reply. Read my response at Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Homeschooling Concerns Baseless

Carnival of Homeschooling #168: The Blarney Edition

2009-03-17T16:21:00.010-06:00

Here's Céad Míle Fáilte to friend and to rover

That's a greeting that's Irish as Irish can be

It means you are welcome

A thousand times over

Wherever you come from,

Whosoever you be

Welcome to the Blarney Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. Today, we mingle a bit of Irish culture with our contributors’ wisdom. Enjoy!

Scientific Wisdom

Click here to learn more about famous Irish Scientists.

Ryan at Children’s Activities 2-12 Years provides an activity to help children classify vegetables and fruits.

GrrlScientist at The Scientific Life shares an interesting video clip of scientist/magician Robert Friedhoffer who teaches children about scientific principles through magic.

Gel Ant Farms tells us about the space age technology of gel ant farms that has been tested by NASA when traditional, space-bound ant farms previously failed.

The Science Mouse, a science e-zine for children, encourages creativity with instructions for baking and decorating a solar model cookie. No word yet on what happens if you give a science mouse a solar cookie. However…

The Mouse on the Barroom Floor

Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor
when the pub was shut for the night.
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse
and stood in the pale moonlight.
He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
then back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
'Bring on the [expletive] cat!'

Book Smarts

Visit the Princess Grace Irish Library for a wealth of information.

At No Fighting, No Biting, Katharine reviews the book, Understood Betsy, written by Dorothy Canfield Fisher and published in 1917. Fans of children’s classics will enjoy this tale about a little girl who discovers the joy of learning.

Dana at Principled Discovery answers criticisms of the homeschool movement leveled by Doris Anne Beaulieu in her book The Torments of the Modest Secluded Farm Life. Alasandra tackles the same subject.

Kathy at Homeschool Buzz reviews the book Sigmund Freud: Giants of Science.

Homeschool Bytes discusses and reviews Parents Guide to Teaching Reading by Jessie Wise.

At Wild About Nature, Kimberly reviews the book, One Wolf Howls by Scotti Cohn.

Planning…and Procrastination

You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.--Irish Proverb

Click here to find information about the Irish Potato Famine.

Henry at Why Homeschool confesses yet another reason he is thankful for homeschooling: free Spring-cleaning help!

Twinkle Mom at Sunflower Faith shares tips on how she organizes a homeschool filing system. Organization and preparation are the keys to careful planning.

Tru at Adventures at Home is already thinking about next school year and lists the curricula resources she is using for 1^st and 2^nd grades.

Taryn at Hayes Happenings has a different problem: managing time so that she can get things done. She blames the Internet.

Nerd Family hopes that today’s children will be prepared to deal with the rapid changes in tomorrow’s technology.

Lose an hour in the morning and you’ll be looking for it all day. --Irish saying

Jimmie at One Child Policy Homeschool declares that art supplies don’t count. Like water and air, they are a necessity to life that should not require rationing.

Yarn Spinning

Click here to find out more about some of Ireland's most famous writers.

Dave at Home School Dad writes in praise of a website called Home School Kids Write, where children are given a writing assignment and an opportunity to post their work. Dave shares samples of his own children’s work from the site, which is both helpful and adorable. Goodbye, Samwitch.

Michelle at Lionden Landing explains her family's love of dry erase markers.

The Reluctant Homeschooler shows readers how to use tandem storytelling to encourage creative writing.

At Evolution, Cyndi encourages us to do more than just “try” to improve our communication skills and Ian spins a story about “swimming” against the crowd.

The Way We Tell a Story

(Pat McCarty 1851-1931)
Says I to him, I says, says I,
Says I to him, I says,
The thing, says I, I says to him,
Is just, says I, this ways.
I hev', says I, a gret respeck
For you and for your breed,
And onything I could, I says,
I'd do, I wud indeed.
I don't know any man, I says,
I'd do it for, says I,
As fast, I says, as for yoursel',
That's tellin' ye no lie.
There's nought, says I, I wudn't do
To plase your feyther's son,
But this, I says, ye see, says I,
I says, it can't be done.

Human Resourcefulness

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. --Irish blessing

Stephanie at Stop the Ride! tells the story of her children’s money saving efforts to buy their own gaming system and the inherent lessons they are learning in The Wii Fund.

ChristineMM at The Thinking Mother explains how being helped motivated her to help others in her life.

Nancy Neighbor at Recession Depression Therapy invites us to try our hand at sourdough bread making, both as a money saver and a homeschool history lesson.

Beth at Apples and Jammies outlines her method for creating a theme unit as her family embarks on a unit about birds.

Jimmie at One Child Policy Homeschool declares that art supplies don’t count. Like water and air, they are a necessity to life that should not require rationing.

Sabastian at Percival Blakeney Academy provides a list of activities and contests for homeschoolers.

Cage-free Monkeys blow off steam with a P.E. activity that includes jumping into a giant pit of foam.

At Karen’s History Project, Karen reviews a website called Picturing US History, noting its “fascinating” Lessons in Looking page.

Hot Topics, Current Events and Divisive Issues

Click here for a timeline of Irish wars.

The Family at Once Upon A Family laments the standardized testing law in her state and explains why she thinks it is a waste of time.

Vjack at Atheist Revolution wants to know if non-believers in the homeschool community share his concerns about atheist homeschooling.

In The Expanding Life, sgeissert disputes David Brooks’ recent article in the NYT and asserts that classrooms should be more like a picnic.

TutorFi.com explains the benefits of one-on-one tutoring and how it differs from teaching in a large classroom. These same arguments can also be used to support home education.

Tori at We Keep Choosing Us wants to know What Kind of Homeschooler are YOU? She also describes her homeschooling philosophy and shares her own experiences in teaching her girls at home.

Concerning Kids posts strategies for dealing with school yard bullies.

Timothy and Tonya at Sometimes I’m Actually Coherent share advice on how to get started with home education.

Susan at Corn and Oil informs us of an Illinois bill that seeks to legislate when parents “engage only in non-teaching duties” at home.

Jennifer at Guilt-free Homeschooling extols the virtues of “quitting” a school system that isn’t working in favor of home education in her post Becoming a Successful and Proud Quitter.

This concludes our Blarney Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling! Thank you to everyone who contributed.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
--Old Irish Blessing

Next week’s CoH will be hosted by Gary Davis at Homeschool Buzz.

We're hosting the next Carnival of Homeschooling!

2009-03-11T21:43:00.002-06:00

Got the Gift of Gab? Then send your entry to the upcoming Blarney Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling to be published here on Tuesday, March 17. The deadline for all contributions is 6:00PM PST on Monday, March 16.

Due to time constraints, late submissions will not be accepted. Please attempt to send your post before the deadline to expedite the production and aid in the sanity of your host. Visit Why Homeschool for information about where to send submissions. And don't forget to wear your green!

Will you Spend This Information Wisely?

2009-02-24T18:05:00.000-06:00

Consent Of The Governed: Carnival Of Homeschooling - Stimulus Edition!

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #162: Identity Crisis Edition

2009-02-04T05:51:00.000-06:00

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #162: Identity Crisis Edition

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count

2009-02-02T06:58:00.000-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Mystery Hat

2009-01-20T17:10:00.000-06:00

Click here for a clue.

Think Teal

2009-01-13T08:35:00.002-06:00

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog: Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The Teal Edition

Homeschool Showcase

2009-01-13T08:09:00.001-06:00

Drop by Homeschool Showcase (Formerly The Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers) #15 for some great post while I put the finishing touches on this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 158 - The 3rd Anniversary

2009-01-06T05:24:00.002-06:00

The Carnival of Homeschooling has been going strong for three years. Grab a cup of coffee and join me in reading all the great post at Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschool: Week 158 - The 3rd Anniversary.

I'll be hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling this coming week at Alasandra's Homeschool Blog and I would really appreciate it if you could get your submissions in early.

Click here for information on submitting a post.

Homeschool Showcase

2008-12-29T12:31:00.000-06:00

Bringing you post from the coolest homeschoolers around Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers: Homeschool Showcase (Formerly The Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers) #14

Homeschool Showcase

2008-12-15T06:41:00.000-06:00

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers: Homeschool Showcase (Formerly Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers) #13

Anniversary Gifts ~ CoH

2008-12-09T05:03:00.001-06:00

SuperAngel's parents are celebrating their 20th anniversary, which inspired this weeks CoH theme, find out what traditional & modern presents are associated with anniversaries 1 through 20. Does anyone know what presents are associated with your 22 anniversary which is the one my husband and I will be celebrating in June.

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 12

2008-11-09T16:53:00.000-06:00

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 12

Carnival of Homeschooling with Aesop's Fables

2008-11-04T04:39:00.002-06:00

Apollos Academy is hosting the Aesop's Fables Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. Be sure to check out the links for incorporating Aesop's Fables into your homeschool lesson plans.

Trick or Treat?

2008-10-28T07:18:00.000-06:00

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschooling: 148 - The Halloween Edition

Homeschool Blog Awards ~ It's Time to Vote

2008-10-20T14:38:00.002-06:00

Voting for your favourite teen, group and adult blog is now open at Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards. Voting will end December 31st. The polls are in the side bar at the top.

Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 11

2008-10-18T14:40:00.000-06:00

Are you a cool homeschooler? Drop by Homeschooled twins to read the Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 11

Have you misplaced a day?

2008-10-14T04:07:00.002-06:00

Visit Homeschool Buzz's Carnival of Homeschooling to find out about the missing day. Also remember nominations for Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards end October 17th, don't procrastinate about nominating your favourite blog.

Some Miss. parents home-schooling kids to avoid vaccinations

2008-10-12T18:33:00.003-06:00

This was on the front page of the Sunday paper. Local commentary here and here.

MPR Radio Interview

2008-10-06T15:54:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, during a moment of temporary insanity, I agreed to appear as a guest on Mississippi Public Broadcasting's Relatively Speaking. The topic was homeschooling, and the listener question of the day was, "Should homeschooling parents be certified to teach their children?". Listeners called in to voice their opinion and ask questions. That could have been terrifying, but it was actually quite fun.

Here's a link:
http://www.mpbonline.org/podcast/RelativelySpeaking/08/RS092908.mp3

For having been out of the media loop for so long, I don't think I did half-bad (except for my persistent cough, pausing too long before answering a few questions, giving a few incomplete or wimpy answers and, oh yeah, that part where I froze while saying, "leap of f...aith." Several of my friends have gotten a big kick out of that one.). Otherwise, it was a great experience!

Let me know what you think.
(and be nice.)

Simple Pleasures: Carnival of Homeschooling presents: The Simple Pleasures of Homeschooling

2008-10-01T05:43:00.000-06:00

Simple Pleasures: Carnival of Homeschooling presents: The Simple Pleasures of Homeschooling

Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 10

2008-09-30T21:33:00.002-06:00

Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers # 10 is hosted at Homeschooled twins.

Homeschool Resources

2008-09-28T14:32:00.006-06:00

Here are a few resources useful to homeschoolers in Mississippi:

Homeschooling Laws and Legalities in Mississippi:
Summaries:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blMS.htm
http://www.homeschoollegal.com/?page_id=34

Compulsory Attendance Laws:
Miss. Code. Ann. 37-13-91
After clicking on the above link, scroll down to the following sections:
Section (2)(i)--definition of "non-public school"
Section (3)(c)--exemption of homeschooled students from compulsory attendance
Section (9)--general assurance that the the state of MS will not interfere with parents' right to homeschool, most notably:

this section shall never be construed so as to grant by implication or otherwise
any right or authority to any state agency or other entity to control manage
supervise provide for or affect the operation management program curriculum
admissions policy or discipline of any such school or home instruction program.

This is why school attendance officers in MS are not allowed to ask to see a list of resources or "approve" curricula choices of homeschool students.

Research
Effectiveness of homeschooling learning disabled children:
http://www.fhsu.edu/psych/faculty/sd/Text-Duvall.htm

Inclusive homeschool groups:
PEAK Homeschool Network:
http://www.peaknetwork.org/

Faith-based homeschool groups:
http://www.mhea.net/

Debate ~ Are Homeschooled Kids at a Disadvantage?

2008-09-17T18:31:00.000-06:00

Go here to read more.

Are you cool?

2008-09-17T16:39:00.000-06:00

Check out Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #9

The Hero Edition

2008-09-09T04:08:00.001-06:00

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschooling: 141 – The Hero Edition

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #8

2008-09-01T06:19:00.000-06:00

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #8

139th Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-08-26T04:27:00.003-06:00

Renae used the them of Women's Suffrage for the 139th Carnival of Homeschooling. You will have to read her post to find out what the above picture has to do with Women's Suffrage.

Natalie Hits the Big Time

2008-08-24T11:43:00.006-06:00

Natalie's parody I Will Survive (the first year of Homeschooling) has been put to music in this rocking video.

I first saw it at Commotion from the Ocean of Life.

"California Children Still Considered State Property"

2008-08-20T10:07:00.004-06:00

When the Los Angelos court reversed its decision and "granted" parents the right to homeschool, the situation went from bleak to still-not-good. While I'm relieved for my California friends, surely, I thought, they must realize that they aren't in the clear.

Thomas Bowden does a fantastic job of expressing these concerns in a recent op-ed for The Ayn Rand Institute:

But where’s the real victory for parents’ rights? Rights identify actions you can take without permission. A true victory would have been a judicial declaration that parents have an absolute right to control their children’s upbringing--and that they therefore don’t need government permission to educate their children as they see fit.
Instead, as this decision makes clear, California’s parents are expected to accept the status of perpetual supplicants, knees bent and backs bowed down to an all-powerful legislature that can decide at any moment to revoke its homeschooling “permission.”

Sadly, homeschooling families in California are left to simply take what they can get and hope the situation doesn't change. But there are no guarantees.

Several months before the Rachel L case, I got in a little trouble on a national homeschool list for insisting that there was no such thing as independent home education in California. This is exactly what I was talking about.

Carnival of Homeschooling: There’s More to School Than Textbooks!

2008-08-20T03:58:00.002-06:00

Janice Campbell maintains There’s More to School Than Textbooks! in her Carnival of Homeschooling

Lydia for President!

2008-08-19T20:52:00.005-06:00

Lydia at Little Blue School is hosting a free unit study on the election process, and it is cool! I mentioned the Vote for Me! e-classes in our Not Back to School edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling, but I will do anything to spin a theme and didn't truly showcase just how nifty Lydia's e-classes are:

The class will take each student through developing their own presidential candidacy, including creating a campaign commercial, developing a platform, and interviewing constituents. By working on our own campaigns, we'll learn social studies, history, math, science, music and art lessons. Here on this site each week, you will find printables to download, songs, lesson plans, project ideas, bias-free encouragement, and a guideline for taking your student through this experience. You'll also find examples of student work, produced by my kids and sent in by my e-students.

All the materials and even MP3s are available for download at her blog for free.

From CHAOS to Organization

2008-08-19T14:32:00.030-06:00

by Suzanna

This is my first real attempt at writing a BLOG, so bear with me if I don't know what I am doing! ;-)

I recently hired someone to help me get my house cleaned up and organized. I have been living with CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) for quite sometime now! Janice Weaver, owner/operator of "All is Well! Organizing", along with her working partner, is the wonderful lady who is helping to make my house into a home. You can check out her website http://alliswellorganizing.com/
to see some more of her work, and to see her photos and comments on my home.

I have fibromyalgia, and two different types of arthritis which make it very difficult for me to consistently take care of my home the way I would like to. I have good days and bad days. On the good days, I often over do it and then suffer tremendously for a few days recovering from the work I did. I am in constant pain, even while on very strong pain relievers.

Before the fibro and arthritis set in, I lived with a near tolerable level of CHAOS, and I could get my home presentable in a few hours. But since the onset, about 4 years ago, it has steadily gotten worse. It is now to the point that I am totally overwhelmed, and I know that I can no longer climb this mountain alone!

For anyone wondering why I would blog about this on a homeschool website, well, we are a homeschool family! So, in addition to having to deal with set backs in everyday life as I gradually become more disabled, I have also had to deal with them while still trying to provide adequate education for my children!

As I have time, during my busy days, I will post a bit about the progress I am making advancing from CHAOS to organization. I will also be posting some before and after photos, so that all can see I do not exaggerate when I say my house is in total disarray!!

So far, we have finished one room, our computer room/home office. It took 8 hours of nonstop intense labor to get this room into shape. I still have a few boxes of papers and stuff we removed from the room that I need to sort through and decide what to keep, what to toss, and where to put the keepers!

I want to do my bedroom next. Janice says it will probably take about 2 weeks to get that room done!! I guess my home is worse than even I thought!!

Office "BEFORE"

Office "After"

Power to the Peeples

2008-08-19T12:45:00.003-06:00

By now, you've probably seen the recent Yahoo! Tech article that practically screams, "16-year-old drops out of school to play Guitar Hero"! You'd have to scroll down several paragraphs to find it, but there's a little more to this than meets the eye:

I was at first inclined to disparage the decision by his parents to let Peebles drop out of school, but it seems a little less ridiculous when you delve into the facts. Peebles hahdn't (sic) been doing well in school and wasn't liked, and even now he isn't gaming full time. He has a tutor that provides a private education, and his parents say he's doing well with the more focused instruction and that their son now even does his homework without complaint. (Presumably he can hit the axe sooner after he's finished his studies.)

So...he isn't a drop-out, he's homeschooled. And he isn't missing out on the mythically exciting and rewarding "school experience." I doubt he even cares about prom. Here's what his father (presumably) had to say in the comments (#1347):

I'm the dad and Blake is a high achiever. He plays several instruments, mostly self taught. He makes straight A's and plans to go to college. Of course he would love to make a living at gaming, but has a fall back plan. Basically, he a high achiever and pursues excellence in whatever he attempts, for now, that is Guitar Hero and he is having a blast competing on the world stage.

In other words, he's not a slacker who can't play "real" instruments. He's getting one-on-one instruction that also allows him to follow a passion; a passion that will give him a wealth of experiences, allow him to perfect his craft, and could easily lead to a career in technology, graphics, music and who knows what else.

Rock on, Blake.

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #7

2008-08-18T03:57:00.000-06:00

The Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #7 is up at Homeschooled Twins.

Don't be shy, contribute your own post for issue #8. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the carnival of cool homeschoolers using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.

Hooked on Comics Worked for ME!

2008-08-07T14:59:00.017-06:00

I've always been a huge fan of Calvin and Hobbes. Long before I started homeschooling, strips like this made me chuckle out loud (click to enlarge):

Thanks to Bill Waterson, my seven-year-old is finally interested in reading. It's not because we've neglected to emphasize the importance of reading or put off teaching her phonics. She knows all that (she can match sounds to letters and write her name as well as several other family words and names). And it's not because Calvin and Hobbes is so engaging that she wants to read it herself. Fat chance. We read to her, so she doesn't understand why she should have to.

What has prompted this change? Three words: independent artistic control (something Bill Waterson fought for during his career, btw, but Dag doesn't know that). For a long time, Dagny has enjoyed drawing complete stories, one frame per page. Usually, she draws symbolic scribbles in a word balloon and tells me what the character is saying. I write it down, and she recopies it (shhh! Don't tell her that this is "dictation" and "copy work" or you'll blow my cover.). But now she wants to add the dialogue and captions.

More recently, Dagny hasn't wanted our help with the words ("because it's a surprise!"). Instead, she tells us the story and acts it out to avoid spoiling the plot and punchlines beforehand (she also has a repertoire of Calvin and Hobbes that she can recite and perform on the spot. All you have to do is ask.). For effect and comedic surprise, words--actual words, not just scribbles--are starting to appear in her stories. Here is one of her latest creations:

Tarzan Bunny

"I am Tarzan Bunny!"

[Phonetically correct Tarzan yodel]

[He just missed his landing.]

HAHAHA!!!

....and look! A word! She also uses POP! and ZAP! and other sound and object words that we attribute to Calvin and Hobbes.

Now that she is *finally* interested and sees the value in reading, she's ready. Just like that. Thank you, Mr. Waterson.

PS. It is also important to note that Dagny got glasses about four months ago. THAT has helped tremendously!

CoH celebrates the Not Back to School season

2008-08-05T09:28:00.023-06:00

Hello home educators! Welcome to the NBTS edition of carnival of homeschooling. Today, we are celebrating our non-adherence to the traditional school year by lightly poking fun at those who do. Right this way to the bus stop...

Watch your step, please. Tammy at Life Without School points out that first one is a doozy in her post Is Deschooling All that Important?. Deschooling isn't "doing nothing," she says. It is "really another way to say 'doing more.'"

In The Elephant posted at Stop the Ride!, Stephanie cautions us not to become overwhelmed and reminds us to take one bite at a time when tackling our elephant-sized schedules. Don't be afraid to put on the brakes and reassess your priorities. This vehicle makes frequent stops for a reason!

How is your driving? Jena presents The Bare Minimum posted at Yarns of the Heart, saying, "As a relaxed/unschooler, this is what I consider to be the bare minimum school requirements for my kids. If we can at least do these things, I feel good about our home education."

Kim reveals What School Looks Like at Our House posted at Works in Progress.

Beverly wants to know what your school might look like. She links to tips and offers suggestions for creating your schools' identity in her post Naming Your Homeschool at Beverly's Homeschooling Blog.

When moving from traditional schooling to home education, getting from here to there isn't always as simple as looking both ways before crossing the street. Our first stop in these hallowed halls is the Guidance Counselor's Office. Right this way, through the metal detectors...

Understanding how a child learns is a key to meeting his educational needs. But what does that mean? Carrie Lauth presents Learning Styles - What is your child's? posted at Natural Moms Talk Radio. Heather Johnson provides 3 Tips for Keeping Your Cool in Special Education posted at teacherjulie.com. These can be adapted to the homeschool environment. Rebecca at The Upside Down World explains How Being Gifted Means Being Different and follows up with Who Me, Gifted?.

This may require a bit of research. TO THE LIBRARY! I mean, um, [whispering] to the library. Please walk town the hall in a single file line. No talking. No touching. Ouch, stop shoving!

Elisheva Levin meets us at the door to talk about Thinking About Reading and the Brain at Ragamuffin Studies. She says, "I've been thinking a lot about reading lately, and I just finished Maryanne Wolf's book, Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain. It was a fascinating read about how reading development happens in the brain and how our brains are changed by reading."

ChristineMM reviews a new book of fiction about the elite Manhattan private school world, the students, the parents, the teachers and the necessary private tutors." Read Schooled: Book Review by ChristineMM at The Thinking Mother.

Kathy shows us Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a middle grade novel that deals with ADHD, posted at Homeschoolbuzz.com Reviews.

Henry points us to a website full of historical information and primary resources in A Fun Way to Learn History at Why Homeschool. Lizzie hands us a three-ring binder full of Homeschooling Resources at A Dusty Frame. Kelly carries a stack of 100 Back-to-School Sites and Resources for Former Military Personnel posted at Best Colleges Online.

Leperdy shares his Recent Book Reviews at Alex and Leperdy. Reviews include Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic, The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, and The 13th Warning by R.L. Stine.

Miss Amanda presents An Interview With My Favorite Author posted at The Daily Planet, saying, "I had the opportunity to interview my favorite author and also to giveaway a copy of his latest book!"

Goodness, there sure are a lot of homeschoolers in the library! It's easy to get distracted, but we're on a strict schedule, people. Time for class. Hurry up (but don't run)! You don't want to be late...

Now, doesn't this look like fun?? Ahem. Well. Anyway...Hey, look at all this neat stuff!

Denise has Free Math History: Number Stories of Long Ago posted at Let's play math!, saying, "If you teach elementary children, check out this read-aloud math history resource."

Kerry is looking through Art History Links at The Ten O'Clock Scholar.

Piseco invites us to play Homemade Senet posted at Mind Games, saying, "We're studying Ancient Egypt and so we made a quick-and-easy version of the ancient game of Senet."

Denise is listening to Free Lectures in Honor of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing posted at Frugal Homeschooling. She says we can download Ancient Origins of the Olympic Games any time until September 4, in mp3 or iPod format!

HowToMe teaches a shop class on How to Protect Cabinets and Drawers with Linoleum posted at HowToMe. At Faerie Rebecca's Workbench, Rebecca sets goals for the new year and has her eye on hand-crafted school supplies in What?! It's August?!.

Mama Squirrel is enjoying Crayons' Grade Two: Literature and Teatime Reading posted at Dewey's Treehouse. Kim is absorbed in Cinquain Poetry at In Our Write Minds.

Janice Campbell and Connie Schenkelberg team up to answer a most frequently asked question about the study of grammar and the Grammar Made Easy curriculum in How Many Years of Grammar Do You Need? posted at Janice Campbell- Taking Time for Things That Matter.

Some of us are *trying* to study amid all the racket [glare]. After all, we want to get into college and live productive lives as law abiding citizens...unlike those hooligans in detention. So, like, anyway...David at Bruggie Tales declares that textbooks are, like, sooo last year in Why Text Books review so much of last year. Jennifer at Princess Momma shares her thoughts in Homeschool and College. The DeKarskes at Kidz and Dogs discuss what worked and what didn't in their last Homeschool Graduation.

It's time for assembly. Let's line up quietly and head to the auditorium for discussion and debate on current events.

First up is Fred Lucas. Citing John Voight: Barack Obama sowing socialist seeds in young people posted at Against Barack Obama, Lucas asserts, "Barack Obama's popularity is leading to in increase in socialist beliefs among young people."

Alasandra defends her position in My response - THE HOMESCHOOL DEBATE and HOMESCHOOLERS, HELP ME posted at Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards.

IndianaJane whips the socialization issue into perspective at IndianaJane's Notebook. Miss Jocelyn dispels even more home education stereotypes at A Pondering Heart.

Dana presents D.C. adopts new homeschool regulations posted at Principled Discovery. Susan examines What is the status quo for homeschooling freedom? posted at Corn and Oil in which she reviews HSLDA qualifications for acceptable DC homeschool regulations.

Mary discusses Ohio Homeschool Regulation Review posted at The Informed Parent.

Rose promotes the preservation of a beloved children's program in Won't you keep our neighbor? posted at Learning at Home.

Barbara ponders Why So Many Homeschoolers Love Calvin and Hobbes at Barbara Frank.

Jodi argues that Homeschoolers Will Rule the World at Mama Jo Remembers to Blog. To further that cause, Lydia at the Little Blue School attempts to persuade independent homeschoolers with Vote For Me! An Elections Unit Study for Young Candidates. In her latest speech, she said, "I'm going to be teaching a weekly class on elections via my blog. It's called 'Vote for Me!' and kids can participate by creating their own campaigns. Weekly projects, printables, funny hats, campaign commercials, and more!"

Just as the confetti cannon booms, the cheerleaders arrive! It's almost as if they knew that we homeschoolers need a little encouragement from time to time. Whoo-hoo! GIMME-A S! GIMME-A P! GIMME-A A! What's that spell?? SPA!!

We'd love to have massages, pedicures, manicures and facials, but some of us would be content just to take a shower in peace. Remember that? Showering? Without toddlers?? Sigh...Here to give us a little encouragement are the NBTS cheerleaders:

christinemoers leads off with Prideful Parenting Manifesto posted at welcome to my brain:
"Feeling a little worn or burned out?"
YES!
"Having a hard time getting excited about a new school year?"
YES!
"Wondering if you really are making a difference?"
YA-HES!
"This is for you."
YAAAAY!!!
(I just love crowd participation.)

Cristina makes us laugh with Home Spun comic strip #253 posted at Home Spun Juggling, saying, "Is it possible to be at two activities at once? Ask a homeschooler!" Yes it is, girl! GO US!

Neelakantha presents 101 Ways to Cope with Teaching Stress posted at Smart Teaching. Wow, 101! That's flexibility!

Living By Learning presents Moodstream: In The Mood To Get Ideas posted at On Living By Learning, saying, "Warning: Using Moodstream to inspire ideas can lead to tangential thinking, but that's a good thing. Right?" Yes it is! WhoooOOoooo! (<--that's the crowd doing the wave) Here come our mascots, the Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers! Some teams just have one, but we have three! Aren't they cute?? Kris and her crew remind us why we are all here with Why Do You Homeschool?.

And now it's time to dismiss. Before we go, please turn on your speakers and rise for the New Homeschooler's Anthem, a tribute to survival especially adapted for homeschoolers everywhere.

Thank you for revisiting the classroom today. I hope you enjoyed our Not Back to School celebration!

Carnival of Homeschooling: The Not-Back-To-School Edition

2008-08-05T01:47:00.006-06:00

The "Not Back to School" Edition of the Carnival of Home-schooling will be up at 3pm CST. Thank you all for such great entries.

Please come back this afternoon!

The Overachieving Homeschooler's Quiz

2008-08-02T06:02:00.000-06:00

The Overachieving Homeschooler's Quiz
By Deborah Markus, from Secular Homeschooling, Issue #3, Summer 2008

Hey, reader! Yeah, you! Are you one of those overachiever homeschooling types that make the rest of us look bad? Take this simple quiz to find out!

Let's go scouting - The Boy Scout Edition of the CoH

2008-07-29T09:52:00.000-06:00

Consent Of The Governed: Carnival Of Homeschooling - The Boy Scout Edition

Scores lower on new state tests

2008-07-26T06:49:00.001-06:00

Mississippi students didn't score as high as officials had wanted on new and rigorous curriculum tests, but Superintendent of Education Hank Bounds said raising standards is an important step in preparing the state's young people to compete in the global workforce.

The tests were instituted in a move to improve the state's ranking on national assessments - benchmarks of education.

Overall, Mississippi students didn't perform as well as expected, Bounds said. But in releasing the test scores at a news conference Friday, he said the higher standards eventually should yield benefits.

Read the rest here.

Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #5

2008-07-22T12:06:00.000-06:00

Visit Homeschooled twins to read the Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #5

The 12 Task of Hercules

2008-07-22T09:24:00.001-06:00

This weeks CoH has a mythological theme.

PEAK is in Home Education Magazine

2008-07-16T04:34:00.003-06:00

Home Education Magazine announced PEAK's retreat Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK) is hosting a fun-filled retreat .

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #4

2008-07-12T18:49:00.001-06:00

Homeschooled twins: Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers #4

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!

2008-07-08T03:54:00.003-06:00

Amanda has a wonderful way to cool off at this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling, hosted at The Daily Planet. Can I have another scoop of the Cappuccino Chocolate Chunk, it's delicious.

Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers

2008-07-07T14:50:00.002-06:00

Are you a cool homeschooler? Then you won't want to miss the 3rd edition of the Carnival of Cool Homeschoolers.

Celebrate the 4th of July with the CoH

2008-07-01T15:18:00.003-06:00

About.com is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #130: Homesick Campers' Edition

2008-06-24T09:58:00.000-06:00

Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #130: Homesick Campers' Edition

The Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-06-10T14:31:00.003-06:00

The Common Room is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

California attorney explains homeschool ruling

2008-06-08T20:18:00.004-06:00

In a recent interview for Home Education Magazine, HSC Legal Team Co-chair Debbie Schwarzer discusses the California homeschool ruling with Mary Nix. This podcast is about thirty minutes long. Listen to the whole thing at Mary's new blog, The Informed Parent.

125th Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-05-20T15:15:00.001-06:00

Drop by Po Moyemu~In my Opinion to read the latest Carnival of Homeschooling.

Would you like a cup of coffee to go with the Carnival of Homeschooling?

2008-05-13T04:50:00.002-06:00

Drop by Mom is Teaching to enjoy this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Mother's Day Edition ~ Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-05-06T14:19:00.001-06:00

You'll find this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling at Melissa's Idea Garden.

I want my flying car

2008-04-29T04:53:00.001-06:00

The pictures alone are worth a visit, so be sure to drop by this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Shaving Cream Paint Project

2008-04-28T13:52:00.003-06:00

Rated M for MESSY!

This activity was a lot of fun (until that whole snake thing happened), so I thought I'd share our little recipe. We found these ideas in Just for Fun: Activities for Early Childhood (which I found free in a box of books, but cannot seem to locate anywhere on the web. It's an old book.). This can get messy, so I recommend making this craft outside.

You will need:

Shaving cream foam (not gel)
Powdered tempera paint
Finger paint paper (wax paper works, too)
Masking tape
Old clothes or paint smocks

Tape down a sheet of paper to keep it in place. Spray a small amount of shaving cream (about the size of a quarter) directly onto the paper. Sprinkle tempera paint on top. Mix with fingers and use it like finger paint.

Since my six year old doesn't "do" messy, we mixed our paint on paper plates and she used a paint brush. I, however, jumped right in with both hands.

A variation we're going to try next week is to put shaving cream in zip top bags with a few drops of food coloring, then squish to mix. Once we get the shade we like, we'll snip a corner of the baggie and squeeze designs onto the paper.

Homeschool tip: This is a fun way to teach a child to write the alphabet.

Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-04-16T04:42:00.002-06:00

The Nerd Family welcome us to their home with the 120th Carnival of Homeschooling.

Voting blind in Mississippi

2008-04-01T16:28:00.008-06:00

From the Commercial Dispatch (Legislative system relies on trust, March 31):

Here’s a dirty little secret some Mississippi legislators don’t want you to
know: Sometimes they pass bills without even reading them.

Well, sure, we kind of knew that already.

Journalist Emily Wagster Pettus connected two instances in which controversial bills passed under the radar. The first one I remember well and the second one was completely unknown to me until today. During the 2000 legislative session, the outrage of citizens prompted lawmakers to rescind a bill--during a special session, no less--in which lawmakers gave themselves double the retirement benefits that state employees (including teachers) receive. The other case occurred just last week. Prompted by pressure from an anti-abortionist group's mass-email campaign, lawmakers rushed to vote on a bill, essentially, so just they could say they did it. According to the article, lawmakers didn't even know what they were voting on. Although it passed, the bill was later called back due to a procedural issue and may die due to inaction.

One law was rescinded and the other was rushed through the system as a result of public pressure. Do you know what that means? An organized, informed, ACTIVE citizenry can affect changes in the law. Granted, these may not be changes that you and I agree on, but just the possibility of affecting change via activism in Mississippi is vaguely encouraging to me.

And hey, as a homeschool advocate, I'll take whatever encouragement I can get.

Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschooling - The April Fool's Day Edition

2008-04-01T07:25:00.001-06:00

Do you want to know more about the origins of April Fool's Day? Here is your chance to find out more about April Fool's Day, as an added bonus you get to read some terrific post, so drop by Why Homeschool: Carnival of Homeschooling - The April Fool's Day Edition. Be sure to check out my post about the Bayou Regional.

Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-03-11T07:08:00.001-06:00

Carnival of Homeschooling ~ Spring into Action, is up at, At Home with Kris.

114th Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-03-04T05:48:00.002-06:00

PalmTree Pundit is hosting the 114th Carnival of Homeschooling.

Carnival of Homeschooling

2008-02-26T06:42:00.003-06:00

The Political Parties Of Our Government Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling is up.

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards: Debunking the faulty research by Kati Criss on homeschooling

2008-02-20T19:38:00.002-06:00

Kati Criss wrote a post Home~schooling Researched which being very poorly researched led to Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards: Debunking the faulty research by Kati Criss on homeschooling.

Fifty years of math

2008-02-13T11:41:00.002-06:00

From the military outpost at Argghhh! I wish he were exaggerating.

PMS meets NCLB

2008-02-10T23:47:00.000-06:00

A mother who has recently pulled her child out of public education has discovered the ills of NCLB (HT: Rational Jenn). Regarding her family's decision to enroll the child in an expensive private school, she says (angrily and with frequent R-rated language):

But since this was a big decision requiring my family eat beans out of a can for the next 10 years, I did some research into things like No Child Left Behind - a law that requires all students to reach some uniform level of achievement by 2014 which is measured by annual tests that begin in third grade. What happens if the kids fail the test or the schools score poorly as a whole, you ask? They lose funding and are labeled as “bad” schools or whatnot.
Oh I get it! I can see now why it’s so important for my 5 year old to learn how to read in kindergarten, and only get 30 minutes per WEEK of free time in first grade. That’s a completely realistic expectation for a 6-year-old, right? RIGHT???

Speaking of which, Hilary Clinton says she will put an end to NCLB. I, of course, believe her ...because she cried again this weekend. Maybe it's PMS (Politically Motivated Sobbing.).

Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety For College Students

2008-02-08T07:37:00.000-06:00

You don't stop worrying just because you child is in college, the Department of Education has published Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety: A Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for Colleges and Universities to let parents know what information they can legally obtain.

Mississippi Senate: Live and Uncensored

2008-02-07T12:22:00.000-06:00

Watch the drama and excitement unfold at the newly launched live feed.

In honor of Super Fat Tuesday

2008-02-06T12:35:00.000-06:00

...the "obesity bill" died. I hope ~~our lawmakers~~ its authors give up stupidity for Lent.

The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List

2008-02-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

Secular Homeschool Magazine owner/publisher Deborah Markus sent long-travelling ripples through the online homeschool community with The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List. Have you seen it? Here is a small sample:

1. Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?

12. If my kid's only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he'd learn in school, please understand that you're calling me an idiot. Don't act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.
20. Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he's homeschooled. It's not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.

Want more? Go here.

Want to subscribe to Secular Homeschool Magazine? Go here.

If you decide to link to her list, show the Divine Mrs. M. some love. She deserves it.