Find Instant Access to Homeschool Resources

Homeschool conventions have been taking place this spring all around the country.  Conventions offer a wealth of information and inspiration for families who home educate, whether you are new or have been doing it for years.  But, what about families who don't live near a convention site or whose budget will not accommodate the expenses?  You can save money and still reap the benefits of the convention by finding the information on the web.

Did you know that a simple Google search for "homeschool convention" provides over two million results?  Many of those will provide details on the speakers and vendors who attended conventions around the country.  The first search I found was for a convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Although the convention is passed and Cincinnati is 630 miles from home, the information is still available to see which speakers held workshops and which vendors had booths in the exhibition hall with their curriculum and products available.

Even if you are unable to attend a convention, having a list of homeschool vendors can be a great resource for finding curriculum with which you may not be familiar or may not be aware of it's existence. Sometimes we don't know what we are looking for, until it finds us.  While perusing the list of vendors at the FPEA in Orlando, Florida I came across one called Homeschool Tech, which offers a video based, hands-on course to learn to build computers. Before I saw the company name on the list of exhibitors at the convention, it had not occurred to me that such a course existed for homeschoolers because I had not thought of looking for one.

Also on the web site for the convention in Cincinnati, Ohio was an impressive list of speakers, each with a short biographical sketch.  Generally, speakers at a convention have years of homeschooling expertise and experience to share that can be helpful to a novice.  A search at your local library or Amazon will produce many results of those homeschool pioneers whose books offer inspiration, encouragement and wisdom.

So, even if you are unable to attend a homeschooling convention, their web sites can still offer instant access to homeschool resources.

If this article was helpful to you, please share it with others.

Are You Considering Homeschool?

A common question from parents who are considering homeschooling is, "Where do I start?"  It's a difficult question to answer because there are many different reasons for choosing homeschool education.  The remarkable certainty is that there is a wealth of information available to help begin the journey.  

First, check your states requirements for homeschooling. You need to know if your state requires testing, evaluation, or attendance records. Having this information will help you plan your goals. 

Next, decide what is the purpose of homeschooling? Religious freedom, special educational needs and academic goals are some reasons people choose to homeschool. Understanding your purpose for educating your children at home will help you choose a curriculum to suit your needs.

Finally, what style education matches the needs of you and your children? Some families choose a traditional approach to education, which may resemble the style used in a conventional classroom, while the extreme opposite approach is unschooling, where little or no curriculum or schedule demands are put on the children. Knowing which style of education you are happy with will help in planning your schedule and choosing a curriculum best suited to that style education.

The research in planning a homeschool adventure can seem overwhelming because there is so much information available. It is recommended that you consider the requirements, your purpose and the style to answer the question, "Where do I start?"

Where to look for information:
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a wealth of resources and has a link to state laws. http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp?bhcp=1 

Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum describes many popular homeschool curriculum available and helps match the students learning style to a curriculum suited to the child's needs and the style of education you prefer. Check your local library or click here for a link to Amazon:100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing the Right Curriculum and Approach for Your Child's Learning Style
  
The Homeschool Buyers Co-op   is a homeschool co-op designed to pool the purchasing power of the  membership.  It is a great source of homeschool materials by subject matter and other resources.  Even if you are not ready to make purchase, this web site provides a sample of different types of homeschool curriculum available.

Measuring UP - How To Get The Most Out Of Testing

As we conclude the year's studies and anticipate summer break, many parents may be considering year end testing.  Unfortunately, standardized tests may have gained an imperfect reputation with some students and parents if results were adversely misused in the past.  Though, when used properly, testing can have great benefits, and there are different types to suit your needs.  Standardized tests that are generally given to school children are the most popular, though there are also diagnostic assessments and clinical tests which can be beneficial. 

A standardized test is provided by an approved administrator and can take up to six hours over the span of two to three days to complete.  The conditions of administering, scoring and interpreting are meant to be consistent, or "standard" in manner, which is why tests are closely guarded and the administrator must be approved.  Some of the most common are the California Achievement Test (CAT), the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and Stanford Achievement Test.  Subjects tested are math, language, science and social studies, which may also be composed of sub tests.  The scores from the tests are collected and used to compare the academic knowledge of students across the nation.  Many people believe standardized tests to be unfair due to bias and/or environmental factors, though the results can offer parents valuable information.  Not only can they advise parents of a their child's academic mastery compared to children around the nation, the sub tests can be an indicator of a child's strengths and weaknesses in specific areas, results can be used to compare a students year to year growth and the score on reading can help parents choose appropriate level books for their children to read. Ideally, a standardized test would be used for a child no younger than nine years old or before beginning third grade, though, the maturity of the child and the purpose for giving the test can be a factor in determining when it is an appropriate tool. Standardized test do not measure the ability to think or create, but are valuable to parents for gathering academic information for curriculum choices and comparing a child's academic growth from one year to the next.

Diagnostic Assessments are less structured than standardized tests and can by given by a parent or qualified diagnostician.  The amount of time for a diagnostic can vary greatly according to the student and the purpose for the assessment.  They are generally used to determine a child's strengths and weaknesses in specific reading or math skills or to learn about a child's learning preference and personality.  This test is a great tool for a parent who is teaching children around six to nine years of age reading or math skills and wishes to learn which skills the student needs to learn and may help in selecting a curriculum for his/her child's specific needs, such as language development, phonological awareness, word identity and oral reading fluency.  Other diagnostic assessments help parents understand a child's learning preference (auditory, visual or kinesthetic) and/or whether the child's personality is introverted or extroverted. When choosing a curriculum best suited to a child, it is important to understand the modality in which a child learns information best.  Matching a student to a curriculum suited to his/her learning preferences sets them up for success and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Clinical testing includes psychological evaluations which measure IQ and diagnose visual, auditory or verbal processing disorders.  Psychological evaluations should be used only if a parent believes a child may have obstacles in learning through the use of conventional methods and seeks a qualified, licensed practitioner to diagnose a learning disability.  While all children develop at different rates, a parent may observe standard markers of language development and social skills that indicates psychological evaluation is necessary.  When choosing a curriculum for a child who is challenged in reading, writing or attention, clinical testing will diagnose specific weaknesses and allow parents to choose a curriculum suited to his/her ability.

In the past, testing has gained a bad reputation when results were used in ways that blocked a child's development, which is unfortunate. When used properly, standardized tests, diagnostic assessments and clinical evaluations can help a parent choose the tools that optimize the students strengths, while building his/her weaknesses.  Students should be taught that tests have valuable information to be used to help us reach our goals and the score in not an indication of who we are, but of the gifts we have.

Below are links for more information on academic testing and diagnostic assessment.  These particular items do not receive my endorsement, they are only examples of different types that are available.  A licensed practitioner should be sought for the application of psychological evaluations.

ITBS or Stanford Achievement Test through Bob Jones University. 

CAT (California Achievement Test) through Seton Testing Services. 

Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment for Education: Theory and Applications

What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens, 2nd Edition: Discovering Yourself, Defining Your Future (What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens: Discovering Yourself)

Discover Your Child's Learning Style: Children Learn in Unique Ways - Here's the Key to Every Child's Learning Success

Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics: 25 Formative Assessment Probes

Alpha Omega LIFEPAC Diagnostic Tests for grades 1-8

www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org (Homeschool Buyers Co-Op is not a testing site, but offers a great selection of testing tools and is free to join.)

Kids Survive Writing Workshop

Imagine a writing lesson with enthusiastic students who artfully craft work which is creative, organized and interesting.  Recently, I witnessed a class full of students who happily attended a writing workshop led by Andrew Pudewa.  His humorous wit and lighthearted nature put the children immediately at ease. His clear, articulate style helped them effortlessly create original writing.

Using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method, Mr. Pudewa guided the students through the construction of a Story Sequence Chart after reading a short historical legend of Robert De Bruce.  The story's characters, setting, problem and resolution were charted on the board to give the students a guide to follow when scripting their own composition.  Students integrated "Stylistic Dress-Ups" into their original writing for added variety, character and expression.  

Not only did the students survive the workshop, they thoroughly enjoyed it.  Each took home with them a well written original story, greater confidence in writing and the experience of meeting Mr. Pedewa.  Sharing his insight and humor was a delight and honor. 

I highly recommend the IEW workshops for teachers and/or students if the opportunity arises.  For those who wish to improve their students writing or have reluctant writers, check out the Institute for Excellence in Writing's website and discover a writing program that can change a student's attitude about writing from one of anxiety and frustration to one of pleasure and confidence.

Mom Bans English Language

I remember the day I started our new vocabulary program. One of my sons had a tendency to overgeneralize by using the words always and never in reference to his brothers behaviors...and they weren't targeted at positive actions.  I grew frustrated at the bickering that ensued after one of his "you always put the cap back on the lemonade when you know I want some" type of statements.  Also, during times of stress the boys would use vocabulary that was not so pleasant.  Desperate for peace, I had to create a program that would decrease inflammatory speech that often led to arguments.

Anyone with children must be able to relate to tension among siblings, which is usually borne out of poor communication.  Normally, we begin with gentle reminders to children to be respectful and speak kindly to each other.  Those "gentle reminders" are easily forgotten when there are no consequences, and the next tense situation brings more explosive dialogue. With the multiple tasks and responsibilities a parent has each day, the last thing we need in our environment is negative language and/or bickering among siblings.

Happy was my day when the inspiration for the BANNED WORD LIST arose.  From the name, one would guess that certain words are banned from the vocabulary in our family.  It started with always and never, which are words many would not believe to be negative or harmful, but the context in which my son was using them was inappropriate because it was not true that his brother "never" cleaned his room.  Quickly, the list grew with words that are antagonistic, pessimistic or simply unfavorable.  The penalty for using banned words is $1.  Though, for others who consider this system, any creative retribution could work. (ie The loss of privileges, particularly TV or video time, or additional chores, like picking weeds.)

My decision to carry on the BANNED WORD LIST was cemented when my son expressed his disapproval.  His claim was that sometimes we don't know what we are going to say.  HA! Exactly!  We should be conscious of what we are going to say.  Our words should be spoken thoughtfully, with kindness and respect.  The lesson I hope to teach is not that one should be punished when using bad words, but to increase the mindfulness of how words can effect others.

Additionally, using the BANNED WORD LIST is expanding the children's vocabulary because they are forced to think of different ways to express their thoughts. However, it is known that using a similar word to express a negative thought, will only add new words to the list.

My boys tease me that soon I will ban the entire English vocabulary.....well, it might inspire them to practice their foreign language more often, but I would never ban the good words. 

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 

Are your students ready for dissection?

Teachers get very excited about the prospect of dissection with students.  It's a hands-on approach to teaching anatomy and an activity we would expect the students to be excited about jumping into.....so why did our first attempt seem to be a bit of a let-down?

When we look at a fabricated textbook style diagram of an earthworm, the picture consists of bright colors, and neat arrows points out various parts of the anatomy. Very neat (and odorless.)

The reality of dissection is different in every way, though, it is not the bloody mess that one may imagine.  The earthworm used in our dissection lesson did not come out of the backyard, it had been preserved for dissecting and was part of a kit of various specimens.

The external body was examined to determine the location of the anterior and posterior ends and the dorsal and ventral surfaces. The worm was pinned to the tray with the dorsal side up and prepared for cutting.

Nervously, the student cut the worm as instructed and pulled the skin back for internal observation.  At first sight, it looked dry and dirty.  Parts were not as easy to identify as they appeared in the neat, colorful textbook diagram.  After placing the specimen under a dissecting scope (also known as a stereo microscope) the students were able to locate and identify some parts of the anatomy.

The activity provided the students an opportunity to observe firsthand the internal parts of an organism. Overall, they expressed no disappointment, however, their final comments were: "Can we do something bigger next time?"

Tips for a successful dissection:

1. Prepare in advance by learning about the systems of the body, particularly, the circulatory, digestive, nervous, reproductive, skeletal and muscular.
2. Give the students an idea of what to expect.
3. Have plenty of rubber gloves available.
4. A high power magnifying glass or dissecting scope are helpful when the specimen is small.
5. Stay engaged with the students and guide them through the steps. 

If you attempt a dissection with your students I wish you a successful and fun lesson.