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HOMESCHOOLING: GETTING STARTED

8/5/2014

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Are you new to the homeschooling world? Did you just take your kids out of a private or public school? Are you terrified?  Have you always brushed the thought of homeschooling out of your mind because you were convinced you could never do this? 

Homeschooling does not have to be a scary thing. You really don’t have to be afraid! Take heart that you will not ruin your children for life! But there are several good principles to keep in mind. 

If you are in the thinking stages, find several wise homeschool moms that have gone through the process and various stages of homeschooling. Take note of their kids. Do they have discipline, are they respectful, does mom seem fairly calm, do they read? What do they read? I offer these questions because a mom who has disrespectful children who aren’t disciplined to do school work, and instead play video games all day, etc. may not be the one you want to talk with about homeschooling. Certainly there are days in every homeschool that look like the description above, but overall, seek these moms out.

Once you have some mentors, begin to ask LOTS of questions. Ask about their curriculum, what they like, what they do not like. Make lists of books and websites that you would like to study further. Begin to read books, yourself. Read classic books on homeschooling (Susan Wise Bauer, Lost Tools of Learning are some to start with), look for articles and ask others for book recommendations. Armed with your lists and newfound knowledge, consider visiting some homeschool curriculum fairs or seminars.

Next, begin to consider where, in your home, you will ‘do’ school. A dining room, extra bedroom or basement may all have extra space where you can spread out for school. Buy a few small bookcases for organizing your supplies. Stock up on paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, etc. You certainly don’t need to re-create a public school room, but you do need a place for all your books and supplies. Other things you may need would be a good wall map, a chalk or white board, art supplies, table and light…yes LOTS of light. I say this because my first year of homeschooling was in a room without windows and I would not recommend this. Bright rooms, with music (classical is best, but vary your music palate some!) will help to create an inviting learning environment.

Finally, consider the schedule. Morning should include the more difficult subjects. If you continue into the afternoon (middle and high school), consider lighter subjects. Choose one or two afternoons for music, art or sports and consider using the time for errands yourself (groceries, pharmacy, grading papers).  The schedule will serve as a guide…don’t become rigid with the schedule. Be a flexible homeschool mom and consider a spontaneous day off, trips to the library, free-read afternoon or field trip.

One thing not addressed in this article is how to be ‘official’ with your county. Each county in Maryland has a ‘homeschool coordinator’ at the county education office and they all function a little differently. Check on the county website or call a main phone number. The coordinator will send forms that need to be filled out and will ask you to provide curriculum information. You will visit with the coordinator once or twice a year and these visits just insure that schooling is actually occurring at home.

Finally, look for a good co-op or support group that can provide friendships for you and for your children, support and some extra classes that your children may enjoy. Homeschool facebook pages are a good place to start!

Have fun…these years go by so quickly and while some days will be hard or frustrating, consider that you are giving your child much more than knowledge. You are giving them memories, security, time at home to do activities with you, time to invest in personal interests like music or art! Enjoy!

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What are you afraid of?

7/26/2014

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I remember the day a friend told me about this co-op in Westminster. It sounded great, except that it seemed unusual in that it was a mix of Catholics and Protestants who were involved in administrating the group. I had never seen a situation where such a mix was successful. I felt that one 'side' would have more of a voice or more influence than the other 'side.' As I contemplated investigating the group, I had to ask myself 'what are you afraid of?' I was afraid of difference, of awkward discussion, of not knowing the answer to theological questions, of my kids desiring to 'convert,' of differences in Protestant denomination theology, etc.  But I'm here to tell you that this has been the most incredible experience --I feel like I taste a piece of heaven when I am with these folks. In heaven, we are going to mix with a bunch of people, not just the people we sit with in church!!!

I recently discovered that there is a pretty even breakdown of Catholic and Protestant families at CHA. There are 25 different churches represented, 14 Protestant and 11 Catholic. In the administrative board, there is a mix of several different denominations. The most amazing thing is that we fixate on ONE thing..that is Christ crucified, raised and ascended to glory and one day we will be with Him in glory! We serve HIM and seek to spread the gospel, one student at a time, one parent at a time. Beyond that we have a multitude of differences, but we are in a safe place to be able to discuss those calmly. Iron is sharpening iron everyday. And the exciting thing is that our students are sharpening their faith everytime they walk into their classrooms. They are free to ask questions, to seek to understand someone else's views and to state their own views. At the end of the day, not everyone is thinking the same way. But every student goes home to continue the discussion there. That is what makes this successful. The family discussion in the evening is an integral part of this co-op educational experience. 


Some choose to go to a more 'like-minded' co-op experience -- there is nothing wrong with that. But after having two kids graduate from this co-op, I like the diversity and the introduction to varying thinking that my kids have experienced. Graduates of the program leave with such a broad knowledge of other denominations and varying theologies, Catholic and Protestant alike, and they have scoured their Bibles, sought out pastors and elders at church with questions and their faith is forming. As is mine! I enjoy these types of conversations each day. I have also gained a new appreciation of the Catholic faith and stand in awe as I watch my Catholic sisters in the Lord lead the charge on issues such as the pro-life movement, traditional marriage, human rights. Those of us in the Protestant persuasion should take note of their zeal and fervor in these issues.

There are a bunch of co-ops out there...Maryland is becoming saturated with many good options. What sets this one apart? It is the fact that we enjoy these great differences that we bring. But you know what? In many ways, we are all the SAME too. We love Jesus and we fixate on Him as we try to figure out this big world!


So what are you afraid of? 
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Should I homeschool Highschool?

7/7/2014

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I asked this question 9 years ago. My husband and I labored over this decision. We had homeschooled since my oldest son had entered Kindergarten. High school seemed an eternity away, so we avoided talking about it.  Most of our friends were only going to homeschool through middle school and then were looking at private schools or the public school. We knew kids that had strong faith who had gone to the public school and had done quite well. But my husband teaches in the public schools and he was becoming more and more weary of what was happening in the public school system. The buzzwords of ‘outcome based education’ ‘no child left behind’ ‘whole language’ were ushering in new and ‘improved’ ways to educate but with little results. We were at a crossroad and didn’t know which path to take.

So, I headed off to the Pennsylvania Homeschool Convention and asked God to make it clear. Low and behold, some of the seminars focused on homeschooling in high school and I attended them, sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for that answer to my burning question. Nothing. Still at a crossroads. One afternoon, I decided to visit with the seminar speaker at his booth. James Stobaugh was the founder of “For Such a Time as This.”  I painted my scenario for him.  This was my oldest child, I wasn’t sure I had the skills to teach him, I had three younger children I was working with, I wanted my kids to go to college and I finished up my story with my burning question…should I homeschool my son for high school? He looked me straight in the eyes and said..’why wouldn’t you homeschool him?’ He continued on, reminding me that his parents cared more about his education than anyone else he would ever meet. We also knew his strengths and could help him to grow those. He reminded me that I had a college education and had learned HOW to learn. Maybe I would have to stretch myself to relearn chemistry or to read some difficult, challenging books. So the question really became, ‘was I willing to invest the time?’ That was the question that I needed to chew on.

Those nine years have passed quickly. We have continued to homeschool and found a co-op that provides two day/week instruction. We are educating classically and as I look back, I think I have learned more than my kids. Yes, I had to revisit chemistry and really learn it this time, but I did it! Physics is on the docket for this year. And I have read some difficult books so that I can talk to my children about them. Now that I am on the other side of that once difficult question, I can honestly say that I am so glad that we took this road. Our whole family is being educated. It hasn’t been easy. I have yelled. I have been stressed. I have threatened to put my kids in a school. But we stayed the course. The greatest blessing is that I HAD THAT TIME with my kids…I didn’t hand the education off and have been able to be an active observer in seeing their worlds open up. I have watched my children lead worship during devotions at co-op, I can pass by and see them enjoying lunch with their friends, I am on site if they are dealing with some issue and need to talk. My house is filled with music on our ‘off’ days because that is how my children take ‘breaks’ from school.

I have two children who have now graduated from high school and both have gone onto college. They are even honors students. My oldest graduated Cum Laude from a rigorous academic institution this year. He learned how to learn…he learned how to think.

Is this the right decision for everyone? I won’t be so bold as to say that, but I do think there are great benefits. Not every family is in the position to make mom the primary educator, but if it is a possibility, give it a go. As Dr. Stobaugh  challeneged me so many years ago, why not ponder this yourself? Why not homeschool through high school? You might just get a greater education yourself! 

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Can Homeschooled Students get into College?

6/30/2014

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Well, of course they can and they can get into REALLY GOOD schools! The college culture has been changing over the past 10-15 years and college admissions offices are realizing that many homeschooled students are well prepared for coming into the college classroom. But, of course, homeschooled students are competing with private and public school students, many of whom are also well prepared. They have all taken the SAT, filled out the college application and provided the transcript. So, of course you want your student to have good marks on the tests and a transcript that will set them apart.

So, how do you do that? Well, the summer is a wonderful time to get yourself organized. I have had two children graduate from high school and have experimented with several transcript templates, have experienced the admissions and scholarship processes and have helped my students prepare for the standardized testing. A well organized mom or dad can keep good records and present professional documents when their child applies to college.

So, where to start? First, if you want to provide your child with a similar course load as the public school system, visit your state educational website to learn of the credits needed for graduation. In addition, consider the 'extra' activities that your child is already doing that could also count as 'class time.' For example, my children have always spent a great deal of time in music lessons, music theory and practice. The hours added up over the year, providing four credits for 'fine arts.' Also, each of my children has participated in some sort of 'club' or recreational sport, some team sports, etc. Again, the hours added up and those have been used as the PE credit (or, in some cases a 1/2 credit). Finally, my children have done Awanas since they were little. The high school requirements of Bible reading, memorization and meeting time again added up to credit for high school.  Once you know the total number of class credits your child will need, make a total list and then break down by year. For example, most students should have four years of math, so include one math each year.  I would encourage you to go ahead and enter all your information and have the transcript saved on your computer...it will help to just have to enter grades once a year.

Another great resource that will help you stay organized is a free on-line gradebook called 'engrade' (engrade.com). Many co-ops and schools use this source and individual families can also use it to keep track of all assignment grades. At the end of each year, your final grades can be transferred to the transcript. Each year, you should also enter the 'extra curricular' activities, jobs, educational enhancements, honors, etc. that your child has completed or received during the year.

In my searches, I have found several helpful sites for transcripts. Be careful in downloading special software, etc. as they can introduce viruses to your computer. Simple forms that are downloaded and then suited to your needs are the best. Below are those links. 


http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/69395.pdf

http://www.homeschool-curriculum-savings.com/homeschool-transcript-template.html


So, take some time this summer to get organized in your record keeping! I have friends who have homeschooled their children and these children are now at schools like Grove City, Harvard, University of Dallas,  Duke, Princeton, University of Maryland, Messiah, Geneva, and the list goes on! Some homeschooled kids may decide to take an inexpensive option and go to the community college for a year or two. THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPTION, so don't discount this idea! You will save money and get a jump on the 4-year university requirements. If you are afraid they won't be challenged, then have them apply to the HONORS PROGRAM. This will add some rigorous components to their time at the community college



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