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HO ESCHOOL
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agazine.com
Yes, My Grown Celebrating Our How Much
Homeschooled Children and History Do
Children Are Ourselves Kids Need?
Odd -- And Page 14 Page 16
Yours Will Be
Too! Page 18
Ad & Article Index Page 4
4. Ad Index
Ace Ministries .............................. 17 Hemisphere Travel ....................... 56 Online Science Mall..................... 77
American Science Surplus ........... 47 Herbal Healer ............................... 27 Our Learning Folio ...................... 70
Apologia....................................... 29 Hewitt Homeschooling Resources73 Pearson VUE ................................ 88
Apprentice Doctor ........................ 55 Hilaria & Ludi .............................. 86 Peterson Direct ............................. 53
Art Instruction School .................... 2 History at our House .................... 50 PhonicsQ ...................................... 30
Bilingual Press ............................. 71 Home Tutoring Plus ..................... 72 Portland State University ............. 39
Birdcage Books ....................... 23,66 Homeschool Spanish Academy.... 71 Practical Learning Online ............ 34
BluTrack....................................... 83 Hugg A Planet .............................. 61 Professor in a Box ........................ 49
Bright Lines Paper ....................... 16 iPrep Press.................................... 40 Rod & Staff Publishing ................ 31
Building Blocks ........................... 83 Ivy Bound..................................... 34 Schola Publications, Inc. ......... 18,68
Cedar Valley Publishing ............... 47 Keen Skills, Inc. (QuickCert)......... 7 Schoolside Press........................... 81
Center on Congress ................. 10,11 Kitchen Specialties....................... 60 ScienceWorks ............................... 85
Children’s Software Online.......... 34 Kits For Kids ................................ 12 Scotto’s Place .......................... 30,77
College Plus ................................. 54 Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum ..... 16 Sea Mineral .................................. 79
Continental Academy ................... 16 Laurelwood Books ....................... 28 Sierra Madre Games .................... 84
Crafty Secrets ............................... 59 Learning By Grace ......................... 3 Sing N Learn ................................ 83
Creative Crafthouse ..................... 21 Lekha Publishers .......................... 67 Soft Star Shoes ............................. 45
Creekbed Tech......................... 46,76 Literacy Unlimited ....................... 74 Stanford University ...................... 37
Curriculum Design for Excellence32 Little Pim Company ................ 30,46 SuperCamp................................... 78
Databased Intelligence, Inc.. ........ 48 Maestro Learning, Inc. ................. 84 Swansbury, Inc. .............................. 6
Dee Walden Learning Solutions... 85 Maine Cloth Diaper Company ..... 23 Talking Fingers .............................. 9
Design a Study ........................ 23,79 Math Mammoth ........................... 72 Tattler ........................................... 26
Dianne Flynn Keith ...................... 61 Michigan Tech University ............ 87 The McHale Report...................... 35
Discovering Music.net ................. 40 Microscope Store, The ................. 13 The Oaks Private School.............. 67
Earth & Sky Magazine ................. 57 Middle School Science Activities 78 The Writing Musician .................. 41
eHarvey ........................................ 18 Monart School of Arts.................. 24 Toy Garden................................... 74
E-Tech .......................................... 36 Montessori Services ..................... 52 Troy University ............................ 61
Excellence In Education .............. 20 Moonjar ........................................ 13 University of Nebraska ................ 38
FACE............................................ 79 Mother Board Books .................... 66 Wall Words ..............................62-63
Find the Fun ................................. 80 National Institute for Genealogical Websters Academy ....................... 15
Fire Station Buddies, Inc.............. 64 Studies .......................................... 58 Wholesale Chess .......................... 76
Folkstyle Productions................... 15 Needak Manufacturing................. 19 Winsor Learning, Inc. .................. 75
Fraction Kits................................. 86 NEMC National Educational Music Woodloch Resort .......................... 44
Gotham Writer’s Workshop ......... 26 Company ...................................... 40 Wordsmiths Jensen Grammar ...... 80
Haan Crafts ............................. 68,85 New Jammies ............................... 14 Workbox System .......................... 35
Harris Communications ............... 22 Noodle Head Inc .......................... 14 Writing C.L.A.W, Inc. .................. 47
Article Index
Is Your Child Employable .............. 6 Scheduling a Charlotte Mason Day by Woodloch Resort .......................... 42
Homeschooling Intrigues Me - Where Do Sheila Carroll and James Carroll . 22 History of US Series by Joy Hakim
I Start? by Greg and Moira Bell..... 8 Non-Judgmental Drawing: The Monart Review by Michael Leppert ......... 43
Primary Sources and a Virtual Way by Mona Brookes................. 24 Waiting for “Superman” by Stacey
Congress....................................... 10 Art Instruction School .................. 26 Kannenberg .................................. 46
Why Can’t Saltwater Fish Live in Fresh Writing With Sharon Watson.com 30 Dr. Maria Montessori by Linda K.
water? by Connor Bernstein......... 12 AHA! Unit-based Instruction by Dr. T. Foster............................................ 52
Celebrating Our Children and Ourselves Roger Taylor and Dr. Beverly M. What Do You Mean by
by Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis, M.S.14 Taylor ........................................... 32 “Normalization?” ......................... 53
Rock ‘n’ Roll
How Much History Do Kids Need? by Ivy Bound SAT and ACT Prep ..... 34 Hemisphere Educational Travel by
Scott Powell ................................. 16 You Bought it, Let’s Use It! by Sue Michael Leppert ........................... 56
Yes, My Grown Homeschooled Children Patrick .......................................... 35 Giant Energy Bubbles in our Milky Way
Are Odd by Diane Flynn Keith .... 18 The Increasing Prevalence on Online Galaxy by Beth Lebwohl and Deborah
When All Else Fails, Play a Game! by Learning in Education .................. 36 Byrd.............................................. 57
Carolyn Forte ............................... 20 Michigan Technological University Pre- Genealogy: A New HomeSchooler
Do Smart People Play Chess or Does College Outreach ......................... 40 Opportunity by Louise St Denis, National
Playing Chess Make People Flink Learning by Emerson Institute for Genealogical Studies 59
Smart ............................................ 21 Sandow......................................... 42 Our Learning Folio ...................... 70
Page 4 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
5. Dear Readers:
After all these years of producing The Link and
now Homeschool Magazine.com, it is still excit-
ing to send our magazine to so many homeschool-
ing families and those interested in alternative
HO
M ESCHOOL
agazine.com
Editor-In-Chief: Mary Leppert
education.
mary@homeschoolmagazine.com
While I realize that homeschooling is not “for”
everyone, more than ever, I believe it is the best Managing Editor:
way to raise children. Not only does it provide for michael@homeschoolmagazine.com
the best academic environment, because it im-
Publisher: Mary Leppert
parts to children an interest in life and finding out
about all sorts of things, it also weaves the deep Layout: Lennon Leppert
and close fabric of family that has been significant Advertising Sales:
to the human race throughout history.
mary@homeschoolmagazine.com
I am proud to be a part of this homeschooling
world and to be able to bring great information General Office: info@homeschoolmagazine.com
to all of you who wish to read our publications. Editorial & Advertising Offices:
In this issue, we are pleased to offer you useful
and interesting articles from a variety of origi- 3541 Old Conejo Rd, Ste 112
nal sources. Diane Flynn Keith, homeschooling Newbury Park, CA 91320
mom of two grown sons and well-known editor Main Number: (805) 499-3306
of HomeFires.com, puts your “socialization” is-
Toll Free: (855) 499-3306
sues to rest with “Yes, My Grown Homeschooled
Fax: (805) 499-3303
Children Are Odd -- And Yours Will Be Too!”
Carolyn Forte, homeschooling mom of two grown Web: www.HomeschoolMagazine.com
daughters, owner of Excellence in Education
HomeschoolMagazine.com reserves the right to
and educational game expert, presents “When
refuse advertising space at its sole discretion.
All Else Fails, Play a Game.” Conner Bernstein,
15-year-old homeschooled entrepreneur offers To Receive a copy of HomeschoolMagazine.com
his Science Experiment. Homeschooling dad & in the mail for free, send your address to:
history teacher, Scott Powell, answers the ques- subscriptions@homeschoolmagazine.com
tion: How Much History Do Kids Need? We also
have articles on genealogy, Congress and art. Fi-
Our Mission
nally, we offer a new piece by regular writers, the HomeschoolMagazine.com’s mission is to provide
Learning Success Coaches™, Mariaemma and information and resources to anyone interested
Victoria. in homeschooling, regardless of religious or non-
Please e-mail me at mary@homeschoolmaga- religious beliefs, teaching philosophy or any other
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topics you would like addressed, or have written and material submitted, we cannot make guarantees;
therefore, we do not accept responsibility for ad
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I will be pleased to consider them for the future. to refuse any and all advertising at our discretion.
Love,
Mary Leppert
The entire contents of this publication, including
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(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 5
6. Is Your Child Employable?
A
lthough the na- job seeking, interviewing, “Not only do they have individually or in a combi-
tionwide unem- acceptable work habits, to find a job,” Hoernlein nation pack).
ploy ment rate coping with criticism and continues, “but, then, po- T h e E m ploy a bi l it y
averages about 10%, that career management. Plus, tential employers put them Skills and Microsoft Of-
rate for 2009’s high school the course’s interactive through a battery of tests f ice Training courses
graduates is as high as exercises will ensure your to prove they have both the range from $99 - $299,
35% (according to the U.S. child has his or her own knowledge base – and the are designed for self-paced
Dept. of Labor). This star- resume and networking ability to use the tools – to learning and are available
tling statistic is a wakeup list ready to go by the time do it.” through the Internet or on
call that our school-aged it’s over. No matter the type of DVDs. This makes learn-
children have to do more With more than 15 mil- job, at the overwhelming ing inexpensive, flexible
than earn an education so lion people out of work, majority of corporations and convenient; whether
they can someday perform your child needs every those “tools” include Mi- you prefer to guide your
the job they want; they also edge he or she can get to crosoft Office’s Excel, child through each lesson
need to learn how to find, be competitive in a tight PowerPoint, Outlook and or let him or her learn
secure and keep it. job market. Sharp employ- Access. around other studies and
T h at’s wh at m a ke s ability skills can help him These writing, database, recreation.
QuickCert’s new Employ- or her stand out to hiring presentation and emailing Find out how QuickCert
ability Skills Training so managers filling a limited computer programs are can help prepare your child
timely. Developed and number of jobs … so can sometimes taught as school today for the career he or
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Page 6 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
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8. Homeschooling Intrigues Me - Where Do I Start?
By Greg and Moira Bell of time with their age MAY FACE
(20-year veteran homeschooling parents of seven) mates to develop impor- Be prepared for the
N
tant social skills? unleashing of adult peer
owadays, it is solving opportunities,
What do well-social- pressure if you decide
rare to meet an wh ich a r e t hei r ow n
ized kids look like any- to pursue homeschool-
American par- best tutorial.
way? ing. This is a hot issue
ent who hasn’t at least Yo u m ay s t a r t h o -
• Are they the teens and one that causes peo-
heard of home school- meschooling thinking
you see hanging around ple to react defensively
ing. Those looking at about “academics” and
the mall? about their own school
ho m e s cho ol i ng f r om “subjects”, but as you
• The kids who take choices, no matter how
t he out side rout i nely progress, you’ll discover
weapons to school and gracious you may be.
express two chief con- that the essence of suc-
use them? Try not to be shocked
c e r n s: 1) “ H o w c a n cessful homeschooling
• The kids who dis- when you’re hit with un-
homeschooling parents is less about “school-
cuss last night’s sitcoms solicited judgment. It’s
tolerate being with their i ng” a nd more about
as though the actors and wise not to announce a
kids 24 hours a day?” “ h o m e ”. Yo u m i g h t
situations are real? decision to homeschool
and 2) “What about so- realize that families are
• Those subdued with until you’ve done the
cialization?” the building blocks of
d r u g s t o m a ke t h e m research you need to
SO W H AT IS HO - human life and see that
“manageable”? become firm in the idea
MESCHOOLING R E- each child is constituted
• Those that pressure and observe for awhile.
ALLY? differently right from
each other to look, act, You will be char t i ng
In a nutshell, home- the beginning and their
speak, and believe just your own course. What
schooling is the process s t yle of nu r t u r e a nd
like the rest of the ado- other people think ho-
whe r e by r e s p o n si ble needs are unique.
lescent herd? meschooling is may be
parents choose to train, AT HOM E W I T H
When we’re willing to quite unlike your expe-
equip, and launch their MY KIDS ALL DAY?!!
face the facts, it’s obvi- rience. Many critics are
ow n c h i l d r e n a s r e - Much of the surliness
ous that a well-social- silenced when they see
sponsible, literate, and that kids exhibit toward
ized person is one who your children thriving
skillful on-going adult parents and siblings is
can respect and interact and learning.
learners. It differs from an outcome of spending
w it h t hose older a nd If you’ve ha d ch il-
traditional public/pri- too much t i me ever y
younger than himself; dren in school and are
vate schooling in that day receiving the verbal
m o r e k n owle d ge a ble br i ngi ng t hem home,
parents are the direct a nd e mot ion al abu se
and less so. give yourself and them
overseers of the child’s of other children in an
Some say that chil- a g r a c e p e r i o d of 6
l e a r n i n g p r o c e s s . It i n st it ut ion al set t i ng.
dren need to be with a months to decompress.
results in family glue When your kids realize
room full of age mates When your kids realize
rather than family frac- they have innate value
all day to learn to “face they have you all day,
ture, fostering real-life and uniqueness that is
real it y” a nd toug hen ever y day, and sense
maturity, from a young not being th reatened,
up. This does not har- that your attention is
age, and can be cus- they change for the bet-
monize with the “real t u r ne d t owa rd t he m ,
tomized to the learning ter.
world” adults inhabit. they will need you less!
style of each child. It SOCIALIZATION
You do not work with Don’t envision yourself
fosters genuine social What’s the real ques-
others your age, or so- chained to your kitchen
g races th rough inter- tion behind “What about
cial or economic back- t able, t e a ch i ng m at h
action with people of socialization?” Are we
g rou nd; why should facts ‘til you’re blue in
all ages. It is bursting laboring under the no-
children? the face.
with real-life problem- tion that kids need lots
C R I T I C I S M YO U continued on page 50
Page 8 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
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10. Primary Sources and a Virtual Congress
THE CENTER ON – New Resources from the Center on Congress
CONGRESS
G
ive students the artifacts, and more. TPS
real story about resources, offered free of
at Indiana University historical events. charge to all educators, are
Help them understand how organized in collections
our government works around five themes:
and what it’s like to be a Public Criticisms of Con-
Member of Congress. Find gress: A Look at American
new, engaging resources to Political Cartoons – Get a
teach about Congress, rep- historical perspective on
resentative democracy, and the place of political car-
citizen participation. toons in our representative
The Center on Con- democracy, explore public
gress at Indiana University criticisms of Congress, and
(www.centeroncongress. develop your own views
org) has developed a rich about Congress.
collection of resources – in- Critical Thinking: Ana-
teractives, lesson plans, pri- lyzing Congressional Floor
mary source sets and more Debates – Examine the
– that gives students unique main components of an
access to primary sources, effective, thoughtful argu-
www.centeroncongress.org bringing government and ment in Congress, analyze
history to life – and takes examples of Congressional
YOUR SOURCE FOR them inside the workings debates, and learn how to
TEACHING ABOUT CONGRESS of our government to ex- present a case on a particu-
perience first-hand what lar issue.
• Interactive learning modules it’s like to be a member Consensus Building
• Facts of Congress short videos of Congress through the and the Virtual Congress
• Videos on compromise and Virtual Congress. To help – Delve into consensus
how Congress works educators learn more about building in the legislative
• Lesson plans these resources and how process by examining
• Teaching with Primary Sources to use them, the Center is historical examples and ex-
offering a series of webi- perience the process first-
• Virtual Congress
nars throughout spring and hand by taking on the role
• and more… Visit summer 2011. of Members of Congress
democracykids.org The Center’s Teaching
with Primary Sources
within a virtual world – the
Virtual Congress.
(TPS) project (www.tp- Still in development are
“Our mission is to improve the
scongress.org) is designed two more themes: The
public’s understanding about
to help teachers access and Impact of Congress: A
Congress and to encourage civic use the digitized online Look at the First Congress,
engagement.” primary source materials 1789-1791 – Examine bills
of the Library of Congress passed in the first Congress
THE CENTER ON
– documents, photographs, that still impact our lives
CONGRESS
AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY maps, speeches, cartoons, today; and Importance
letters, songs, journals/ of Citizen Participation:
diaries, autobiographies, American Social Move-
Page 10 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
11. ments – Explore the roles Create lists of activities
citizens have played in to assign to students or
key 19th and 20th century groups. THE CENTER ON
social movements and get
involved in an issue impor-
View, grade, and mark
up your students’ work CONGRESS
tant to you. online. at Indiana University
Homeschool educators View and customize les-
can use the Center’s TPS sons that are aligned with
site in several ways. Let’s state standards.
take a quick tour. Registering on the TPS
When you go to www. site also gives you and your
tpscongress.org you can students access to an excit-
enter the site as a teacher ing new resource – the Vir-
or as a student. To begin, tual Congress. The Virtual
enter as a teacher and you’ll Congress is a fully func-
be taken to a “TPS Home” tional online 3D replica of
page. Then you will be the U.S. Congress. In the TEACHING WITH PRIMARY SOURCES
invited to preview the Virtual Congress, you and
resources in each theme. your students can take a Engage middle and high school students in
Select a theme and access virtual tour of the Capitol learning about Congress, representative
videos, lesson plans, and and experience role playing democracy, and citizen participation!
student interactives – all of as members of Congress:
which you can either use or Proposing your own ideas • Lesson plans • Guides for searching
download right away. Back for legislation, discussing • Student interactives & using Library
• Teacher & student of Congress digital
on the TPS Home page, them in-world with other
workspaces collections
you will also be invited student-members, and
to register. Registration trying to find common
is simple and free, and it ground in order to move
allows you to use the TPS your proposals along. In the THE VIRTUAL
site and resources in a Virtual Congress, your stu- CONGRESS
unique way. Although you dents can meet up in a safe,
can use the TPS resources password-protected online Experience this fully functional online
without registration, by world with students around 3D replica of the U.S. Congress.
registering you will get a the community, region,
• Take a virtual tour • Involve students in
password-protected space or country to learn what role playing as
of the Capitol
on our server — accessible it’s like to be a Member of members of Congress
to you and your students Congress.
any time of day from any When you take a tour of www.tpscongress.org
computer with Internet ac- the Virtual Congress, you
cess. Registration provides will find information signs Provided free of charge www.centeroncongress.org
a simple and powerful that lead to collections of by the Center on Congress
way to choose, assign, and primary source materi- at Indiana University
through funding from the For more information:
grade the student activities als providing historical Library of Congress congress@indiana.edu
available on the TPS site – background of the various
a personalized workspace locations in and around the
from which you can: Capitol – the Capitol Build- THE CENTER ON
Provide students with ing, the Rotunda, House CONGRESS
AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY
their own workspaces to do and Senate committee
and save their work. continued on page 85
(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 11
12. Why Can’t Saltwater Fish
Live in Fresh water?
By Connor Bernstein
In this article I’m going as stenohaline. There are
to discuss a topic that I also euryhaline fish, like
thought about a lot when salmon, that can survive
I was younger. Have you in salt water OR fresh wa-
ever wondered why, ex- ter. Why are fish so picky
actly, saltwater fish can’t about what kind of water
live in fresh water and they live in? Read on to
freshwater fish can’t live find out.
in salt water? When I was The key to the answer
creating my Insta-pets is osmosis. To explain
kit (see end of article) osmosis, let’s start with a
and watching the little cell -- the building block
guys swimming around of life. Cells are responsi-
in their saltwater tank, I ble for the vital functions
decided to find out why of all living things. We’re
the amount of salt in their made of them, plants are
water was so critical to made of them, and so are
their well-being. fish. Before I talk about
As most of us know, osmosis, let’s take a look
there are two main types at two important parts of
of fish: Saltwater and a cell: the cell membrane
freshwater. Saltwater fish and the cytosol.
can’t survive in fresh Think of the cell mem-
water, and freshwater fish brane as the “skin” that
can’t survive
in salt water.
In nat ure,
they live in
different en-
vironments
(t he ocea n
vs. a stream,
for example)
and in cap-
tivity, we keep them in surrounds a cell and think
different types of aquari- of the cytosol as the sub-
ums. If a saltwater fish stance that fills the cell
somehow makes its way and surrounds its contents.
into a freshwater aquari- The cell membrane’s job
um, it will die after only is to keep ever ything
a few hours. Most fish inside safe, and to keep a
can survive in just one balance between the lev-
type of water. These are els of chemicals (mostly
referred to by scientists salts) in the cell and in the
Page 12 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
13. surrounding environment. tion below to get a bet- water fish get rid of salt
It’s made up of water and ter idea of how osmosis because they live in such a
lots of different kinds of works:
®
dissolved chemicals that salty envi-
a cell needs to work prop- ronment. Freshwa-
erly. Cells like to keep the An example of osmosis: ter fish concentrate salt in
concentration of chemi- Water is moving from an their bodies because they
cals on the inside the same area of low concentration live in an environment
as on the outside. For of salt, outside the cell, where salt is harder to
example, if a cell that was (notice the cell is smaller) come by.
previously surrounded by to an area of high concen- Saltwater fish’s cells
a fairly diluted solution tration of salt, inside the naturally contain a very
(like fresh water) is sud- cell. Once the process is high concentration of
denly exposed to a salty finished, the concentra- continued on page 28
solution, the cell mem- tion of salt is the same
brane will allow most of on the outside and inside
the water inside the cell of the cell (now the cell
to leave. This makes the is larger because there is
cell shrink, and increases more water in it). Before is
the concentration of salts on the left and after is on
in the cytosol so that the the right.
concentration inside the Fish need a cer tain
cell becomes equal to the amount of salt in their
concentration outside the bodies to stay healthy.
cell again. Too much or too little can
Confusing? Think of it cause problems. Since
this way: The cell mem- fish’s natural habitats are
brane lets water move always changing, due to
through it from areas of weather and other forces,
low concentration (less they have to be able to
chemicals, more water) adapt to small changes
to areas of high concen- in salinity by controlling
tration (more chemicals, how much salt is present
less water). This helps in their bodies. This is
keep the concentration called osmoregulation,
of chemicals the same on and it’s one of the func-
the inside and outside of tions of the kidneys, for
a cell. both fish and people. The
Check out the illustra- gills and kidneys of salt-
(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 13
14. Celebrating Our Children and Ourselves
By Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis, M.S., How can we celebrate all
100% Organic Cotton
Learning Styles Specialist for School & Life Success of our children and ensure
T
that they see themselves as
he New ebrate their children for the marvelous individuals
Ye a r who they are. Every single they are? Here are a few
has be- one of our children has ways:
gun! For many unique gifts and unique 1. Celebrate your chil-
of us that means contributions to make dren for who they are,
leaving behind the holiday to our world. If children NOT for the quality or
parties, perhaps making are not celebrated and quantity of their school
New Year resolutions and, ack nowledged for the work.
in general, looking for- wonders that they are and 2. Get into the habit
ward to new beginnings. for their unique contribu- of pointing out what is
20% o
Checkout Perhaps we are getting tions, they will not be able RIGHT about your chil-
Code: ready for the next round to discern their natural dren.
HmSch20 of parties and celebrations: gifts and talents and their 3. Acknowledge their
birthdays, Valentine’s Day, true “calling” during their interests, talents, and the
graduations, etc. We love growing-up years. contributions they make to
to celebrate! Too often, children are the family.
As we move into 2011, evaluated in terms of how 4. Encourage them to
newjammies.com I challenge parents (and they perform in school, pay attention to their own
teachers!) to really cel- and only those who do positive characteristics and
“well” receive acknowl- actions.
edgment. Children quickly 5. Teach them to rec-
lose heart when day after ognize their accomplish-
day they don’t do well ments.
on assignments, or fail a Compare these two sets
test, or are told they are of comments:
not measuring up. Or, “When are you going to
they become unmotivated get it right?...Well, if there’s
Get out and play! and even depressed when a way to mess it up you’ll
urged to go in a direction find it...You’re so clumsy...I
Travel & Adventure that is counter to their tal- know you’ll lose it...You’ll
ents and natural gifts -- in probably forget like you
many cases, the adults in a always do...”
child’s life force the child “Wow, thanks for re-
into a career or life of the membering to pick that
Pawparazzi
adult’s choosing. up...I noticed you put
Jelly Flyers
The adults in a child’s your ring in a safe place...
life need to be mentors, Thanks for helping your
guides, coaches…helping brother...That was tricky
that child discover who he/ and you managed to get it
Fun Kits
she is. We are to celebrate done...I admire your will-
our children in our hearts ingness to do a few math
noodleheadfun.com as well as outwardly with problems even though you
Creative Fun for Active Kids! support and encourage- really dislike math...”
ment.
Page 14 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
16. How Much History Do
Highlighted Paper Kids Need?
By Scott Powell, History at Our House
I
The Simple Solution
Laura Ingalls Wilder to Improve Letter n my opinion, children of history, which stems
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the young printer, time around. tremely invested in his-
older student or Once kids start learning tory at an early age. For
challenged learner! history, they need to keep instance, when discussing
learning it, regularly, rigor- the history of Athens re-
brightlinespaper.com ously, and over the duration cently, I had seven year old
of their academic career. students unselfconscious-
Each stage of this process ly saying that what they
allows students to progress were learning was “cool.”
through natural levels of (When was the last time
awareness and ultimately you heard a student call his-
to emerge as historically- tory that? We were study-
minded adults. ing the Athenian Golden
The proper goal of early Age, which by any proper
history education is to standard certainly is one
help children develop the of the coolest things in the
“history habit.” To put world–ever!–but do most
the matter plainly, to learn kids think so?) Students
history children first have were learning for the first
to develop an interest in it. time what a democracy is
For that to happen it must by studying the example of
be presented in a manner Athens. When this same
that is compatible with their class of lower elementary
level of thinking and their students learned that Ath-
natural interests. History ens had lost the Pelopon-
has to be taught as an excit- nesian War against Sparta,
ing story, with characters I could hear voices crack-
and story lines as amazing ing. (Yes, I have actually
as any work of fiction. But seen tears shed by young
children must also learn to students in history classes,
appreciate the unique value continued on page 72
Page 16 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
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18. Yes, My Grown Homeschooled
Children Are Odd --
And Yours Will Be Too!
See what By Diane Flynn Keith
real Online
I
am sick and tired of They stand out from the
defending homeschool- crowd, and a trained eye
Learning is ing from the ques- can spot them a mile away.
all about! tion, “What about social- Now, please understand
ization?” Members of that for years I’ve been a
The Harvey School has been a bricks and mortar
the modern homeschool champion for homeschool-
boarding school in New York for 94 years,
providing personal attention to each student. movement have insisted ing and have countered
for thirty years that home- the socialization argument
Now, eHarvey, the online schooled children are well- with rational explanations
socialized. We laughingly and practical examples of
division of The Harvey refer to socialization as the how homeschoolers are
School, brings the “S word.” We deflect the well-socialized. You know
same personal socialization question by the drill:
attention to your home! insisting it’s a myth. And Homeschool parents
yet, it persists. model appropriate social
Visit us at We trounced the aca- behavior and teach their
demic argument long ago. children how to interact
w w w. e H a r v e y. o r g Very few people challenge and get along with others.
the notion that home- Homeschoolers inter-
schoolers are intellectu- act and play with oth-
The PHONICS Road ally curious, self-directed er children and students
to Spelling and Reading learners who match or ex-
ceed the academic prowess
through homeschool sup-
port groups at Park Days,
of their school-going peers. in co-op classes, and on
So, why do you think we field trips, etc.
can’t shake the socializa- Homeschooled children
tion issue? participate in (and win!)
I’ll tell you what I think. math olympiads, spelling
The truth is, homeschool- bees, geography bees, sci-
ers are not well-socialized. ence competitions, and
There. I’ve said it. Some- debate teams.
one had to. Homeschoolers join
I say this with the great- choirs, orchestras, book
est respect and affection clubs, athletic events, and
for the homeschooled or they even go to home-
Complete 4-year curriculum: unschooled. Nevertheless, school proms!
spelling, writing, reading, grammar, in my experience, home- Homeschoolers take
composition, and intro to Latin schoolers deviate from the classes and compete aca-
norm. They are not well- demically in community
For a FREE brochure/sample DVD: socialized in the traditional college, adult education
www.thephonicsroad.com school sense. They are odd programs, museum events,
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ducks swimming in a big, online forums, summer
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Page 18 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
19. Homeschoolers partici- are more likely to be civi-
pate in community activi- cally engaged than families
ties such as Scouts, 4-H,
Little League, Pop Warner
Football, AYSO soccer,
theater classes, martial arts
who send their children to
public and private schools.
Homeschoolers display
fewer behavior problems
Get Into Shape!
classes, dance classes, etc. than do other children. as seen on NBC’s
Homeschoolers volun-
teer in the community.
Homeschoolers have
higher levels of parental “The Today Show”
Homeschoolers play interest and communica-
with neighborhood kids tion, peer independence, a Rebounding Benefits the
from both public and pri- sense of responsibility, and
vate schools. lowered anxiety levels. Body in 30 Healthy Ways!
I’ve also pointed out the Homeschooled children
advantage homeschoolers have higher achievement
have because instead of and mastery levels.
being socialized by inter- Homeschooled children
acting with the same 30 have good self-esteem.
children in a classroom, Homeschooled children
who are the exact same are more socially mature.
age, on the exact same aca- Homeschooled children
demic track, from the same have better leadership
geographic and socio-eco- skills than other children.
nomic area – homeschool- Homeschooled children
ers get to interact with who attempt higher educa-
people of varying ages, tion are successful.
abilities, ethnicities, and Homeschooled graduates
socio-economic diversity experience no prejudice re-
on a day-to-day basis in the garding employment.
real world. Homeschool graduates
I’ve pointed people to- function effectively as
ward the always-positive members of adult society.
research studies that have One research study even
been conducted on ho- concluded, “The socializa-
meschoolers over the past tion of home-educated Great for the entire family
three decades by the U.S. students was often better
Department of Education than that of their schooled A fun exercise for all ages
and other government and peers.” The research proves
private organizations. Here homeschoolers surpass
is a random compilation of standard social expecta- Call Today
findings from the reports:
Homeschoolers are not
isolated.
tions, and in exceeding
them, they fall short of
social mediocrity.
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I hate to be the one to
break it to you, but there’s
Or Order Online
children to take advantage nothing “normal” about
of social opportunities out-
side the family.
our kids. Your home-
schooled child is odd com-
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Homeschooling families continued on page 60
(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 19
20. Looking for the Best in When All Else Fails, Play a Game!
By Carolyn Forte of and cook a special din-
Homeschooling Support? Excellence in Education ner for Daddy, or play a
T
here are days when game. Most children love
nothing seems to games and a clever mom
work. The children can sneak a lot of learning
can’t concentrate on math into an otherwise hope-
and complain loudly about less morning by inserting
the writing assignment. games and activities into
They constantly invent the day. Often, physical
excuses to leave their work. activity is what is needed.
Even their favorite books Children need much more
and story CD’s are met with activity than adults, a fact
glazed eyes and whines of which is often overlooked
discontent. by parents. A physical-
You can bluster and activity-break is needed at
Bring the Joy of Learning Into bully, trying to force some least once every hour until
children reach age 12-14.
Your Homeschool With EiE’s... “learning” into their heads
Simple games like hop
– or you can recognize the
obvious: “Today is not a scotch, Frisbee, catch, jacks,
• Books day for formal academics.” marbles, juggling, jumping
rope, foursquare or shoot-
• Products When faced with this situ-
ation, many homeschool ing baskets are wonderfully
• Games moms will dig in their refreshing for both mind
heels and demand compli- and body. Childrens’ bod-
Huge selection of ance, turning the day into a ies were not designed to sit
quality books and contest of wills of Olympic still for very long; if we try
materials in all proportions. I remember to fight the creator’s design,
many such days when my we’re asking for trouble.
subjects that are
blood started to boil with Active games develop both
both interesting
frustration. I knew I faced mind and body. Accurately
and educational, catching a ball or pick-
a choice: Continue to fight
at all reading and ing up jacks develops and
the reality of childish bio-
educational levels! rhythms, accomplishing refines hand-eye coordina-
New online nothing more than ruining tion and fine motor skills –
everyone’s day, or take an important component in
catalog!
charge of the situation by penmanship, math and any
changing gears and doing writing activity.
Log-on today at: Games can teach many
something else. Happily,
www.excellenceineducation.com I learned early to take the of the skills practiced in
Our website has many articles of second option. workbooks – without the
interest to all homeschoolers! There are many pos- complaints. A few minutes
sibilities for a change of spent playing a game with
2640-A7 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016 pace: Bake some cookies dice or cards can accom-
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promptu field trip, go to
Over 25 years’ experience in homeschooling the park for awhile, plan continued on page 74
Page 20 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
21. Do Smart People Play Chess or Does
CREATIVE
Playing Chess Make People Smart
CRAFTHOUSE
W
ith all the tech- chess first began.”
nolog y out Nobody really knows
there, it is a bit just how old the game of
ironic that Chess, arguably chess is. However, Mrs.
Handcrafted Wooden
one of the oldest games in Graham said, some experts Puzzle & Games
the world, is still leaps and claim that chess is more FOR HOMESCHOOLER’S
bounds ahead of today’s than 2,000 years old. Some
electronic games in help- evidence suggests that Traditional and Unique
ing youth improve their chess, in its earliest form, designs for
cognitive skills and learn was played in India in the
- Focus
real lessons about life, ac- 6th century AD and from
cording to Lyndia Graham, there spread around the - Determination
manager of Wholesale world. Of course, over the - Problem Solving
Chess. years, the pieces and rules - Spatial Visualization
“Chess not only teaches changed somewhat. In the - Math skills
children critical analyti- 15th century, chess began & more all while having FUN
cal skills, but it teaches to more closely resemble
them about choices–that the game we now play,
each action is followed by she added. But chess re-
a natural—but very real– ally started taking off in the
consequence and that each 1800’s when tournaments,
of those choices must be chess clocks, champion-
carefully considered” she ships, and titles like Grand-
said. “Chess can help the master were introduced.
IQ, memory, pattern rec- Chess is now the most
ognition, analytical skills, popular game in the world
Math Games
overall comprehension, as and growing especially fast Dexterity and
well as develop patience.” among children, as schools
“It is an ideal game to and parents recognize Creativity Puzzles
use in a homeschool setting
because the implications
the social and intellectual
benefits associated with the
Classic Wooden Games
of choice and consequence game. There are hundreds
can be casually discussed of millions of players in
and reinforced in a positive, thousands of clubs around
Call us for help on
but fun setting,” she said. the planet. Women and selections and how
“Bad choices — or chess girls are learning chess in to teach with traditional
moves — have immediate record numbers. Younger puzzles & games
consequences and will im- and younger players are
pact the rest of your game achieving Grandmaster
— or the rest of your life. status and a few are not AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!
There are rules of play that even teenagers yet, she
must be followed, or the said.
end result is not what you The overall skill level
Dave Janelle
want. It’s an age-old lesson of chess players is also in- www.CreativeCrafthouse.com
as relevant today as when continued on page 86 352-683-6649
(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 21
22. Scheduling a
Charlotte Mason Day
By Sheila Carroll and James Carroll
I
magine that it’s Mon- D o e s t h is s c e n a r io
day morning. It’s about sound possible to you? It
9AM, and after fin- is. Charlotte Mason under-
ishing their chores, your stood how children really
children sit down at the learn and laid out a set of
kitchen table and begin principles to make it pos-
school. Because they have sible to inspire children to
learned that all real learn- learn by their own self-ef-
ing begins with disciple- fort. To bring this wonder
ship, they study the Bible about, the teaching parent
with you. Following that, must first understand his
each knows they must or her role. “The children,
check their schedule of not the teacher, are the re-
readings and written work sponsible persons; they do
to be sure of the learning the work by self-effort.”
for the day. Your chil- There is a table at the
dren look forward to this end of this article outlining
because each book they a 4th grade student’s day
read is full of interesting and week. Don’t rush to it.
and memorable events of First take in the principles
history, science, nature or that lead to the creation of
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but
the lighting of a fire.” —William Butler Yeats
people. such a schedule.
As they complete a sec- Charlotte Mason taught
tion of work they come that when books are many,
to you for oral narration. varied, and living, the
Science, by your choice, child is able to take up the
is a family learning time ideas in them like a plant
and so the books are read taking nutrients from the
aloud together and the soil. The result is “full
whole family narrates. happy living, resource-
History is also a family af- fulness, expansiveness,
fair, in fact, the book you expression, power of ini-
are currently reading is tiative, serviceableness—
so interesting the children in a word, character.”
are talking about how Charlotte Mason believed
they can “hardly wait” till children learn best when
after lunch for family read given abundant, high-
aloud. quality books; time in the
Page 22 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306
23. outdoors; and are taught my daughter’s 4th grade,
gently using methods such I went all out with CM.
as narration, short lessons, She is now the equivalent
and “masterly inactivity.” of a sophomore and what AFFORDABLE, UNIQUE CURRICULA
The Basics of CM we call an Independent
What is the “bottom Learner. Very self taught
line” for a Charlotte Ma- and self motivated. She is
son curriculum in my re-reading, on her own,
homeschool? The answer books such as Nariño and
is: 1) Understand the prin- Lord of the Rings. When
ciples of CM; 2) Consis- in Jr. High, she checked
tently apply the principles; out of the library and read Visit Our Website for:
3) Plan your school day to over 100 books on horses. •Natural Speller
support those principles. She made horses her fo- •Comprehensive Composition
•Critical Conditioning
It really is that simple. To cus, and they still are. She •Maximum Math
•Science Scope
learn the principles of a is raising one and riding in •Guides to History Plus
Charlotte Mason educa- competitions. •The Maya: Unit Study
•Teaching Tips & Techniques
tion, visit our website for Your child or children •Workshop Audio Cassettes
the Seven Keys to Learn- have some subject(s) they Movies As Literature
ing and for Charlotte Ma- will connect with like that Grade level: 9-12
son’s 20 Principles. and out of it other subjects Price: $32
The foundational princi- will blossom because they
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will be seen as useful in
pursuing more informa-
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is a person. Children are tion about their favorite
born complete and full subject. Give them the
of endless possibilities. freedom to find those
Children are not incom- subjects.
plete adults; they become Once, in Jr. High, we be-
adults. They do not lack gan using some textbooks,
maturity, but rather guid- such as the Apologia Sci-
ance, nurture, and oppor- ence Textbook series, but
tunity. Your role as their retained the living books
teacher is to provide these reading for history, geog-
things. When you grasp raphy, picture study and
this single truth it will composer study.
change your understand- Ms. Mason once re-
ing of your homeschool counted her response to a
and your children. question which included
My Own Story the phrase, “I use your
For three years I waffled method more or less . . .”
in my consistent use of . Mason said, “Then you
Charlotte Mason’s prin- will achieve the results I
ciples such as narration. I promise . . . more or less.”
also “curriculum hopped”. The Magic of Short Les-
But I wasn’t seeing the sons
results I thought possible; Recently a mother asked
Bridgett had a very short for guidance in prevent-
attention span. Finally, in continued on page 68
(855) 499-3306 • HomeschoolMagazine.com Page 23
24. Non-Judgmental Drawing: The Monart Way
By Mona Brookes ply come from what one but if you praise t he ent teachers. It wasn’t
has been told is “good” actual drawing it begins until after graduation
Author: Drawing with o r “ b a d ”. W h a t yo u to control the student’s that I was finally free
Children and Drawing for
think is bad art might experience. They lose to explore what I really
Older Children and Teens
Founder: Monart Drawing
be seen i n Nat ional focus on their experi- liked and find my own
Schools Museums and is worth ence and get consumed creativity.
T
millions. w it h lo ok i ng for t he
his article needs W hen I talk about praise. When teaching
to be understood non-judgment, the av- a dva nce d t e ch n ique s
f rom t he ba sic erage person assumes l i ke p e r s p e c t ive a nd
premise that I do not I am referring to criti- shading, a teacher needs
believe that there is “a cism. But if there re- to show the student the
r ig ht way t o do a r t ” ally is no such thing correct skills, but once
and that “everyone can a s “go o d ” o r “ b a d ”, those skills are learned
learn to draw”. I realize then I see no need to the student should have
that there is a right way i m p o s e o p i n i o n s o r the right to disregard
to do many subjects; preferences on a child. t h e m , t h e s a m e w ay
l i ke pl ay i ng a s o ng, When I explain this to many famous artists do.
solving a math problem, a child who is fishing As a serious art stu-
or reading a language. for compliments, they dent, I knew I had to Inspired by “Arty”
However, if you f re - truly understand, seem f ind out the teachers’ a stuffed toy
q ue nt a r t ga l le r ie s I relieved, and quickly prefe re nce s a nd p e r-
challenge you to tell me become more creative for m i n t hat st yle i n
what is “really” right or and confident. Yes, I am order to get good grades
wrong or good or bad actually suggesting that a nd receive pr aise. I
a r t. T here is end less you refrain from prais- eventually noticed that
variety in preferences ing a child’s drawings. the same piece of work
and judgments in the You can praise a child could end up with praise
visual arts. Sometimes for the way they work, or criticism from differ-
eduarts_HSM_onethird.pdf 12/7/10 11:34:00 AM Hollan-Age 5
these preferences sim-
C
Drawing
M
Y
thru
the Alphabet
CM
MY
CY
by Mona Bro
Author of Drawin
g with Childre
okes
CMY n and Founder
of
Drawing Schools
For Ages 3 – 8
K
Page 24 HomeschoolMagazine.com • (805) 499-3306