The Monthly Chat


  September, 2006   Next edition >>

Printable bits of wisdom, ideas, and reflections for your friends and
homeschool group, from the members of HomeschoolClassifieds.com
Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors.
©1997-2009 HomeschoolClassifieds.com, Knoxville, TN

 
Homeschool helps
Don't get wrapped up in the 'right curriculum'

I'm a 10 year veteran of homeschooling 4 children. My oldest is starting 10th grade, and my youngest is resuming 2nd grade.

My greatest advice to all who are homeschooling is not to get to ''wrapped up'' in the ''right curriculum.'' I did this for our first 4 to 5 years of homeschooling, and it brought my children and I to tears and frustration! Once I learned as a teacher that the children's upbringing is more important than picking the ''best curriculum'', we started having more fun; and actually started learning!

We also are involved in a few outside activities--4-H and sports. This, too, has brought more fun to our overall homeschooling experience.
jade

Grade set
Don't label with a grade

If your child is struggling, slow down until they get it and don't worry about the grade level. They will eventually catch on. Patience and LOVE are needed the most.
If your child is struggling, slow down until they get it and don't worry about the grade level. They will eventually catch on. Patience and LOVE are needed the most.
If your child is struggling, slow down until they get it and don't worry about the grade level. They will eventually catch on. Patience and LOVE are needed the most.
glreiss6

Homeschool helps
Where has the love of Home Economics gone?

It burdens my heart that there is a lack of desire for young women to be ''Keepers of the Home'' Many Christian colleges are cancelling their Home Economics courses because of the lack of interest.

Moms, are we failing our daughters by not teaching them by example? Let's turn our hearts back to God and seek His will by reading His Word. His Word plainly tells us how to live our lives so that He is praised. Let's join together to pray for our daughters.
lburkett
 
Unit studies
Free unit studies!

There are so many free unit studies on the web! I love literature-based unit studies. My favorite site for free units is:

www.HomeSchoolShare.com (Hundreds of units for great books, mainly K-8. Many of the units have lapbook and/or notebook components. And EVERYTHING is free for the printing!)

Have fun!
dustbunniesandbooks

Marriage & parenting
Don't blink, they grow up too fast

Moms, I want to encourage you to thank God everyday for your children. It is amazing how fast the time goes by. I began homeschooling my daughter 10 years ago, and she now has graduated and is on her way to college. My advice to you is that the learning is important, but make time for fun. Make sure laughter is a big part of your day. Make memories so that when they graduate, they will have a heritage of learning and of love. I am so thankful for the opportunity to homeschool my children!
lburkett

Math: fundamentals
Don't let math intimidate you

As a homeschool mother with very little knowledge of Math past the fundamentals or business, I was very leary of teaching high school math. It is amazing what God can do when you let him take control. I just want to encourage mom's to trust God to direct you. He will lead you to the right curriculum or the right person to help tutor your child. My son has completed Algebra, Algebra 2 and Geometry with a 3.9 average and God gets all the glory!!
lburkett

Bible & Spiritual growth
Begin with prayer

Always begin the day with prayer. Pray with your kids for your schooltime, as well as other family needs. Pray for others you know, missionaries, and political leaders. This sets a good example for your children, and your day will go smoother when clothed in prayer!
jtn131
 
Marriage & parenting
Love, Love, Love

No matter what happens everyday, no matter how many messes are left, no matter how much laundry there is, no matter how many rooms to clean...don't forget your purpose for each day. To love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. AND love your children and husband as yourself. We were made to LOVE!
lsims25

Organization/time management
Organization!!

Sometimes, the key to your sanity is organization. Having many children, books, and supplies take up a lot of space. Notebooks and workbooks fit well into a plastic cart on wheels with drawers. Each child gets his/her own drawer. Since hardcover texts are too heavy for a plastic drawer, each child may have a section of a bookshelf as well.
jtn131

Homeschool helps
First day kick-off

Here is something that could be very useful for kids who are less than willing to start school this fall. Have a fall school kick-off party! Have a family BBQ, play a few outdoor games, bake some special goodies, etc. Build up the idea that school is FUN! Then, go into the school year on the right foot!
jtn131

College/vocation
Summer camp as internship

Many summer camps today are education specific (debate, art, journalism, teen leadership) and housed on college campuses. These are a great resource for high school age children as campers to explore an area of study for their future, and be more directed as they head into college courses.
statman7

Organization/time management
Dealing with a messy house

What a distraction to have a messy house on school mornings! I found success by alternating 1 hour of schooling with 20 minutes of cleaning. All together, all gets done, many hands make light the work. And mom pays attention to how the chores are actually getting done this way.
macknbecky
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
Start the day with Bible

I have found that if I start our day with learning or reviewing the Bible and make it our priority then the rest of the day goes well. If we do not start this way, then I feel as if we are always trying to catch up or get back on track.
lklsdorman