Advocates cite wider range of shared outside activities as helping fuel growth of practice once relegated to fringe
By Lisa Kocian
Boston Globe Staff / December 6, 2007
Eight-year-old Ben Shapiro's days are a blur of gymnastics, piano playing, and art history lessons. He can also be found doing fractions, reading a biography of Marco Polo, and, soon, delving into physics. But he's not at school. And he's not alone.
He is part of a fast-evolving home-school movement that is traveling away from the stereotype of child and parent at the kitchen table. Shapiro does spend most of his day with his mother, but not alone. Instead, she shuttles him from one group activity to another.
Read the entire article by clicking on the title.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Facing the Transition to College
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Number of homeschooled children rising in the U.S.
By Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Small school or big school. Commute versus campus living. In state or out of state.
David Skiff is facing the same sorts of choices as any high school senior looking at colleges, but the 18-year-old Iowa City homeschooler has different circumstances than many others.
"It was a little bit intimidating at first," Skiff said of considering the transition to college. "But I feel pretty confident that I will be able to function."
To finish reading this article, please click on the title.
Number of homeschooled children rising in the U.S.
By Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Small school or big school. Commute versus campus living. In state or out of state.
David Skiff is facing the same sorts of choices as any high school senior looking at colleges, but the 18-year-old Iowa City homeschooler has different circumstances than many others.
"It was a little bit intimidating at first," Skiff said of considering the transition to college. "But I feel pretty confident that I will be able to function."
To finish reading this article, please click on the title.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Mom accused of neglect for teaching own kids
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Moberly, Mo., Middle School
A Missouri public school is taking a mother to court for withdrawing her son and daughter from the school and teaching them at home, after an apparent threat to the daughter's life at the school.
The case involves Moberly, Mo., mother Anita Nicoli, who withdrew her daughter and a son from Moberly Middle School recently after what she has described as a two-year campaign of intimidation by other students.
The breaking point came when another student, who allegedly had harassed and assaulted her daughter, drew a picture of herself holding a gun and pointing it directly at Nicoli's daughter. The picture was passed around among students, she said.
But now she is facing a court hearing in Missouri's 14th Judicial District, prompted by a complaint by the school after she withdrew two of her children.
Click on title to read the entire story...
Moberly, Mo., Middle School
A Missouri public school is taking a mother to court for withdrawing her son and daughter from the school and teaching them at home, after an apparent threat to the daughter's life at the school.
The case involves Moberly, Mo., mother Anita Nicoli, who withdrew her daughter and a son from Moberly Middle School recently after what she has described as a two-year campaign of intimidation by other students.
The breaking point came when another student, who allegedly had harassed and assaulted her daughter, drew a picture of herself holding a gun and pointing it directly at Nicoli's daughter. The picture was passed around among students, she said.
But now she is facing a court hearing in Missouri's 14th Judicial District, prompted by a complaint by the school after she withdrew two of her children.
Click on title to read the entire story...
Monday, October 08, 2007
Home schooling improves academic performance...
Many parents lack the confidence to teach their
children if they have not finished high school or
even lack a college degree. Research continues to
show that the parents' level of education has little
bearing. The following information released by
the Fraser Institute of Canada, discusses the fact
that even poorly educated parents produce well-
educated children through homeschooling. Read on...
- Jane Boswell, Editor, Home Educator's Family Times
Home schooling improves academic performance and reduces impact of socio-economic factors
Release Date: October 04, 2007
-
TORONTO, ON—Home schooling appears to improve the academic performance of children from families with low levels of education, according to a report on home schooling released today by independent research organization The Fraser Institute.
“The evidence is particularly interesting for students who traditionally fall through the cracks in the public system,” said Claudia Hepburn, co-author of Home Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream, 2nd edition and Director of Education Policy with The Fraser Institute.
“Poorly educated parents who choose to teach their children at home produce better academic results for their children than public schools do. One study we reviewed found that students taught at home by mothers who never finished high school scored a full 55 percentage points higher than public school students from families with comparable education levels.”
The peer-reviewed report, co-written with Patrick Basham and John Merrifield, builds on a 2001 study with new research and data. It examines the educational phenomenon of home schooling in Canada and the United States, its regulation, history, growth, and the characteristics of practitioners, before reviewing the findings on the academic and social effects of home schooling.
Hepburn said evidence clearly demonstrates that home education may help reduce the negative effects of some background factors that many educators believe affects a child’s ability to learn, such as low family income, low parental educational attainment, parents not having formal training as teachers, race or ethnicity of the student, gender of the student, not having a computer in the home, and infrequent usage of public libraries.
“The research shows that the level of education of a child’s parents, gender of the child, and income of family has less to do with a child’s academic achievement than it does in public schools.”
The study also reports that students educated at home outperform their peers on most academic tests and are involved in a broad mix of social activities outside the home.
Research shows that almost 25 per cent of home schooled students in the United States perform one or more grades above their age-level peers in public and private schools. Grades 1 to 4 home school students perform one grade level higher than their public- and private-school peers. By Grade 8, the average home schooled student performs four grade levels above the national average.
Hepburn said a growing body of new research also calls into question the belief that home schooled children are not adequately socialized.
“The average Canadian home schooled student is regularly involved in eight social activities outside the home. Canadian home schooled children watch less television than other children, and they show significantly fewer problems than public school children when observed in free play,” she said.
The report concludes that home schooling is not only a viable educational choice for parents, but can also be provided at a much lower cost than public schooling. The report notes that in the U.S., home schooling families spend less than $4,000 per year on home schooling while public schooling in the U.S. costs about $9,600 per child.
“Canadian and American policymakers should recognize the ability of parents to meet the educational needs of their children at home, without government involvement,” Hepburn said.
“While home schooling may be impractical for many families, it has proven to be a successful and relatively inexpensive educational alternative. It merits the respect of policy makers, the attention of researchers, and the consideration of parents.”
- 30 -
The Fraser Institute is an independent research and educational organization based in Canada. Its mission is to measure, study, and communicate the impact of competitive markets and government intervention on the welfare of individuals. To protect the Institute’s independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research.
children if they have not finished high school or
even lack a college degree. Research continues to
show that the parents' level of education has little
bearing. The following information released by
the Fraser Institute of Canada, discusses the fact
that even poorly educated parents produce well-
educated children through homeschooling. Read on...
- Jane Boswell, Editor, Home Educator's Family Times
Home schooling improves academic performance and reduces impact of socio-economic factors
Release Date: October 04, 2007
-
TORONTO, ON—Home schooling appears to improve the academic performance of children from families with low levels of education, according to a report on home schooling released today by independent research organization The Fraser Institute.
“The evidence is particularly interesting for students who traditionally fall through the cracks in the public system,” said Claudia Hepburn, co-author of Home Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream, 2nd edition and Director of Education Policy with The Fraser Institute.
“Poorly educated parents who choose to teach their children at home produce better academic results for their children than public schools do. One study we reviewed found that students taught at home by mothers who never finished high school scored a full 55 percentage points higher than public school students from families with comparable education levels.”
The peer-reviewed report, co-written with Patrick Basham and John Merrifield, builds on a 2001 study with new research and data. It examines the educational phenomenon of home schooling in Canada and the United States, its regulation, history, growth, and the characteristics of practitioners, before reviewing the findings on the academic and social effects of home schooling.
Hepburn said evidence clearly demonstrates that home education may help reduce the negative effects of some background factors that many educators believe affects a child’s ability to learn, such as low family income, low parental educational attainment, parents not having formal training as teachers, race or ethnicity of the student, gender of the student, not having a computer in the home, and infrequent usage of public libraries.
“The research shows that the level of education of a child’s parents, gender of the child, and income of family has less to do with a child’s academic achievement than it does in public schools.”
The study also reports that students educated at home outperform their peers on most academic tests and are involved in a broad mix of social activities outside the home.
Research shows that almost 25 per cent of home schooled students in the United States perform one or more grades above their age-level peers in public and private schools. Grades 1 to 4 home school students perform one grade level higher than their public- and private-school peers. By Grade 8, the average home schooled student performs four grade levels above the national average.
Hepburn said a growing body of new research also calls into question the belief that home schooled children are not adequately socialized.
“The average Canadian home schooled student is regularly involved in eight social activities outside the home. Canadian home schooled children watch less television than other children, and they show significantly fewer problems than public school children when observed in free play,” she said.
The report concludes that home schooling is not only a viable educational choice for parents, but can also be provided at a much lower cost than public schooling. The report notes that in the U.S., home schooling families spend less than $4,000 per year on home schooling while public schooling in the U.S. costs about $9,600 per child.
“Canadian and American policymakers should recognize the ability of parents to meet the educational needs of their children at home, without government involvement,” Hepburn said.
“While home schooling may be impractical for many families, it has proven to be a successful and relatively inexpensive educational alternative. It merits the respect of policy makers, the attention of researchers, and the consideration of parents.”
- 30 -
The Fraser Institute is an independent research and educational organization based in Canada. Its mission is to measure, study, and communicate the impact of competitive markets and government intervention on the welfare of individuals. To protect the Institute’s independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
This gives a whole new meaning to "school shootings"
Nevada legislators are debating the merits
of paying teachers bonuses for police training
and will allow them to carry guns.
This takes the parallel of schools and prisons
to the next level. Schools are already the closest
institution we have to prisons in this country,
where children are herded into rooms and drilled
through each day by authority figures and bells
until released.
Now teachers might be able to play the role
of police and guards. What next?
Read the story here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/aug/08/566681889.html
of paying teachers bonuses for police training
and will allow them to carry guns.
This takes the parallel of schools and prisons
to the next level. Schools are already the closest
institution we have to prisons in this country,
where children are herded into rooms and drilled
through each day by authority figures and bells
until released.
Now teachers might be able to play the role
of police and guards. What next?
Read the story here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/aug/08/566681889.html
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Home is where school is
By Margaux Ortiz
Phillipines Daily Inquirer
Last updated 03:29am (Mla time) 08/05/2007
MANILA, Philippines—For 10-year-old Therese Michelle Paman, classes mean answering her workbooks at the lanai in their house and listening to the only teacher she has ever known: Her mother, Lizette.
Since Lizette began homeschooling Therese five years ago, every day has become a wondrous journey of learning and bonding for mother and daughter.
“I really love to teach. When my other kids were small (she also has three teenage boys), I would read to them at home,” Lizette told the Inquirer.
Read the article by clicking on the title.
Phillipines Daily Inquirer
Last updated 03:29am (Mla time) 08/05/2007
MANILA, Philippines—For 10-year-old Therese Michelle Paman, classes mean answering her workbooks at the lanai in their house and listening to the only teacher she has ever known: Her mother, Lizette.
Since Lizette began homeschooling Therese five years ago, every day has become a wondrous journey of learning and bonding for mother and daughter.
“I really love to teach. When my other kids were small (she also has three teenage boys), I would read to them at home,” Lizette told the Inquirer.
Read the article by clicking on the title.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Spelling bee has a W-I-N-N-E-R (Homeschooler)
WASHINGTON — Evan M. O'Dorney, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from Danville, Calif., won the 80th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night, capping a day of furrowed brows, shocked expressions and tears poised to spill from the faces of youngsters not yet old enough to drive.
Evan, making his third consecutive appearance at the national bee, said he knew the final word — "serrefine," which means "a small forceps for clamping a blood vessel" — as soon as he heard it.
Although he confessed that he preferred the certainty of mathematics and the creativity of music to the memorization required to become a spelling champion, Evan, who is taught by his mother, Jennifer O'Dorney, through San Ramon's Venture School home study program, allowed that he now likes spelling "maybe a little bit."
Read the entire story by clicking on the link.
Note: It is interesting that few of the main stream television stations mentioned that the winner was "taught by his mother".
Evan, making his third consecutive appearance at the national bee, said he knew the final word — "serrefine," which means "a small forceps for clamping a blood vessel" — as soon as he heard it.
Although he confessed that he preferred the certainty of mathematics and the creativity of music to the memorization required to become a spelling champion, Evan, who is taught by his mother, Jennifer O'Dorney, through San Ramon's Venture School home study program, allowed that he now likes spelling "maybe a little bit."
Read the entire story by clicking on the link.
Note: It is interesting that few of the main stream television stations mentioned that the winner was "taught by his mother".
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Home-schooling proves its merit with scholarships
by Katherine Kersten, Star Tribune
Star Tribune
Last week we learned the names of the 53 outstanding Minnesota high school seniors who won 2007 $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, arguably the top academic honor in the nation. More than 20,000 Minnesota students took the test that begins the intense competition, and the 53 winners emerged at the end.
National Merit Scholars are often the product of our state's most elite private and public high schools. But as I stopped by the school of one winner, John Molitor of White Bear Lake, I saw no gleaming laboratories or cutting-edge computer labs. John's teacher opened the door. She's also the school's principal, lunch lady and head janitor. She's Joyce Molitor, John's mother.
During the past 10 years, an increasing number of home-schoolers like John have won National Merit awards, according to Eileen Artemakis of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Read this article by clicking on the title.
Star Tribune
Last week we learned the names of the 53 outstanding Minnesota high school seniors who won 2007 $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, arguably the top academic honor in the nation. More than 20,000 Minnesota students took the test that begins the intense competition, and the 53 winners emerged at the end.
National Merit Scholars are often the product of our state's most elite private and public high schools. But as I stopped by the school of one winner, John Molitor of White Bear Lake, I saw no gleaming laboratories or cutting-edge computer labs. John's teacher opened the door. She's also the school's principal, lunch lady and head janitor. She's Joyce Molitor, John's mother.
During the past 10 years, an increasing number of home-schoolers like John have won National Merit awards, according to Eileen Artemakis of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Read this article by clicking on the title.
A different kind of summer
A different kind of summer
By Jennifer Bell
Seacoast Online (NH)
May 12, 2007 6:00 AM
As summer approaches, I find myself sorting through day camp brochures, recreation programs, stressing about our finances and juggling the dates with family vacations and visiting friends. In the end, I decide to sign my kids up for only two weeks of camps, save some money and design our summer activities based on the kids' interests. Surely, July and August will boast a considerable amount of down time, but I envision my children having the opportunity to explore an academic subject in more depth, or to pursue an interest that is not offered in public school. As a supplement or alternative to traditional camps, parents can form Special Interest Clubs, a type of mini homeschooling experience in which parents and children design the curriculum, one that meets the needs of learners beyond their traditional education.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
By Jennifer Bell
Seacoast Online (NH)
May 12, 2007 6:00 AM
As summer approaches, I find myself sorting through day camp brochures, recreation programs, stressing about our finances and juggling the dates with family vacations and visiting friends. In the end, I decide to sign my kids up for only two weeks of camps, save some money and design our summer activities based on the kids' interests. Surely, July and August will boast a considerable amount of down time, but I envision my children having the opportunity to explore an academic subject in more depth, or to pursue an interest that is not offered in public school. As a supplement or alternative to traditional camps, parents can form Special Interest Clubs, a type of mini homeschooling experience in which parents and children design the curriculum, one that meets the needs of learners beyond their traditional education.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
More women take on dual role as caregiver for children, parents
By Michael King
Post-Crescent staff writer
TOWN OF KAUKAUNA — In fall 2003, when her mother was hospitalized for two weeks with an infection, Shari Nagan faced a decision.
Doctors advised that it was time to move her mom into a nursing home.
Nagan’s answer: “No way.”
Instead, she and her husband, Dan, moved out of their bedroom into a smaller bedroom and took in her |parents, Martin and Evelyn VanSchyndel, now ages 91 and 89, respectively.
Shari Nagan had been watching over the retired farming couple since building a home in 1984 next door on McCabe Road. The decision to bring them under her roof was easy.
“My parents took care of me and I figure I can do the same thing back,” said Nagan, 50, who also homeschools her daughter and tends a four-acre hobby farm. “It’s busy from morning until night, very busy. But, I enjoy it.”
Studies suggest that Nagan’s scenario may be playing out in as many as 10 million U.S. households. She is among an increasing number of mostly women in a so-called sandwich generation, looking after their children as well as their elderly parents.
Read article by clicking on the title.
Post-Crescent staff writer
TOWN OF KAUKAUNA — In fall 2003, when her mother was hospitalized for two weeks with an infection, Shari Nagan faced a decision.
Doctors advised that it was time to move her mom into a nursing home.
Nagan’s answer: “No way.”
Instead, she and her husband, Dan, moved out of their bedroom into a smaller bedroom and took in her |parents, Martin and Evelyn VanSchyndel, now ages 91 and 89, respectively.
Shari Nagan had been watching over the retired farming couple since building a home in 1984 next door on McCabe Road. The decision to bring them under her roof was easy.
“My parents took care of me and I figure I can do the same thing back,” said Nagan, 50, who also homeschools her daughter and tends a four-acre hobby farm. “It’s busy from morning until night, very busy. But, I enjoy it.”
Studies suggest that Nagan’s scenario may be playing out in as many as 10 million U.S. households. She is among an increasing number of mostly women in a so-called sandwich generation, looking after their children as well as their elderly parents.
Read article by clicking on the title.
Homeschool graduation 'a family celebration'
Sun Herald
By ROBIN FITZGERALD
rfitzgerald@sunherald.com
GULFPORT --
A graduating class of college-bound homeschoolers took graceful strides in high heels and white caps and gowns adorned with sashes and tassels in their color of choice.
The four female students, associated with the Coast Christian Home Educators Association, received their diplomas Saturday at Northwood Christian Center in Gulfport.
"Homeschooling stripped away many of the distractions that come with traditional education and helped me see the important things of life," said Hannah Burnell, who delivered the graduation address.
About 300 relatives and friends looked on with smiles and occasional giggles as the graduates starred in slide shows depicting their lives.
Read article by clicking on the title.
By ROBIN FITZGERALD
rfitzgerald@sunherald.com
GULFPORT --
A graduating class of college-bound homeschoolers took graceful strides in high heels and white caps and gowns adorned with sashes and tassels in their color of choice.
The four female students, associated with the Coast Christian Home Educators Association, received their diplomas Saturday at Northwood Christian Center in Gulfport.
"Homeschooling stripped away many of the distractions that come with traditional education and helped me see the important things of life," said Hannah Burnell, who delivered the graduation address.
About 300 relatives and friends looked on with smiles and occasional giggles as the graduates starred in slide shows depicting their lives.
Read article by clicking on the title.
Idaho couple is pedaling across America to spend time with twins
Idaho couple is pedaling across America to spend time with twins
Clan has spent almost a year on the road
By LOREN GENSON
Gazette Staff Writer
John Vogel and his 8-year-old twins Davy and Daryl haven't seen their hometown of Boise, Idaho, since June of 2006, but they've seen more of the United States than many Americans hope to see in their entire lifetime.
The family has traveled throughout the country, on a trip covering the Northwestern U.S. and through Mexico. Through their journey they have found their way to Chillicothe where they will stay through Sunday.
So, why Chillicothe?
"I knew someone in Ripley so we went there, and this is on the way to Columbus," John said.
Their cross-country road trip has a loose structure, the family takes things as they come to allow for time in each locality.
Read article by clicking on the title.
Clan has spent almost a year on the road
By LOREN GENSON
Gazette Staff Writer
John Vogel and his 8-year-old twins Davy and Daryl haven't seen their hometown of Boise, Idaho, since June of 2006, but they've seen more of the United States than many Americans hope to see in their entire lifetime.
The family has traveled throughout the country, on a trip covering the Northwestern U.S. and through Mexico. Through their journey they have found their way to Chillicothe where they will stay through Sunday.
So, why Chillicothe?
"I knew someone in Ripley so we went there, and this is on the way to Columbus," John said.
Their cross-country road trip has a loose structure, the family takes things as they come to allow for time in each locality.
Read article by clicking on the title.
A mother's joy
By Michael Knox
mknox@independenttribune.com
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Lynn Stipe and her son, Conner, 11, swing on a hammock on their porch in Concord. Conner, who is autistic, is homeschooled by Lynn.
Greg Kahn (gkahn@independenttribune.com)
CONCORD - It’s a cool breezy day outside the Stipe home as Lynn Stipe and her 11-year-old son, Conner, swing in the hammock, spending a lazy day together.
Outside on the deck near the swimming pool, Conner sometimes races his dog, Silky, who streaks back and forth along her fenced-in pen. Lynn Stipe, 35, laughs at her son’s antics.
The two laugh together and they laugh often.
Conner is autistic and Lynn homeschools her son, teaching him the basics of learning. The two have just returned from a two-month stay in Maryland, where doctors tested Conner’s symptoms.
Read article by clicking on the title above.
mknox@independenttribune.com
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Lynn Stipe and her son, Conner, 11, swing on a hammock on their porch in Concord. Conner, who is autistic, is homeschooled by Lynn.
Greg Kahn (gkahn@independenttribune.com)
CONCORD - It’s a cool breezy day outside the Stipe home as Lynn Stipe and her 11-year-old son, Conner, swing in the hammock, spending a lazy day together.
Outside on the deck near the swimming pool, Conner sometimes races his dog, Silky, who streaks back and forth along her fenced-in pen. Lynn Stipe, 35, laughs at her son’s antics.
The two laugh together and they laugh often.
Conner is autistic and Lynn homeschools her son, teaching him the basics of learning. The two have just returned from a two-month stay in Maryland, where doctors tested Conner’s symptoms.
Read article by clicking on the title above.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Police State Germany
5 'well-educated' kids put in state custody
Ruling that sent homeschooler to psych ward expanded to 2nd family
Posted: March 22, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Five "well-educated" children have been ordered into state custody by a court that applied to a second family a ruling taking a 15-year-old homeschooler from her family and sending her to a psychiatric ward.
The action fulfills a dire forecast from a human rights group that the government's success in the first case would encourage officials to act against other families in Germany.
The newest ruling comes from a court in Saxony and affects five members of the Brause family, according to officials with the International Human Rights Group.
Its president, Joel Thornton, earlier had told WND that, "There is an increased fear among homeschoolers about whether their children are next," after Melissa Busekros, 15, was removed from her home and ordered first to a psychiatric ward, then a foster home, because of her "school phobia."
Continue by clicking on title
Ruling that sent homeschooler to psych ward expanded to 2nd family
Posted: March 22, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Five "well-educated" children have been ordered into state custody by a court that applied to a second family a ruling taking a 15-year-old homeschooler from her family and sending her to a psychiatric ward.
The action fulfills a dire forecast from a human rights group that the government's success in the first case would encourage officials to act against other families in Germany.
The newest ruling comes from a court in Saxony and affects five members of the Brause family, according to officials with the International Human Rights Group.
Its president, Joel Thornton, earlier had told WND that, "There is an increased fear among homeschoolers about whether their children are next," after Melissa Busekros, 15, was removed from her home and ordered first to a psychiatric ward, then a foster home, because of her "school phobia."
Continue by clicking on title
An Interview with Paul Zoch - Doomed to Fail
This might interest many teachers, parents and, in particular, homeschoolers.
Paul Zoch is the author of the book Doomed to Fail: The Built in Defects of
American Education. Another voice to add to the list (which seems to
go unnoticed) trying to reach the American public with the message.
The interview is published on EdNews.org and was conducted by Michael F. Shaughnessy, Senior Columnist. 3/21/2007
http://www.ednews.org/articles/9235/1/An-Interview-with-Paul-Zoch-Doomed-to-Fail/Page1.html
Paul Zoch is the author of the book Doomed to Fail: The Built in Defects of
American Education. Another voice to add to the list (which seems to
go unnoticed) trying to reach the American public with the message.
The interview is published on EdNews.org and was conducted by Michael F. Shaughnessy, Senior Columnist. 3/21/2007
http://www.ednews.org/articles/9235/1/An-Interview-with-Paul-Zoch-Doomed-to-Fail/Page1.html
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Day in the life of a homeschooling family
Lisa Crews
Special for The Republic
Mar. 14, 2007 10:36 AM
Family: Faith is 10, Mercy 8 and Hope 1. Tim, the dad, works at home.
7:30 a.m.::Wake up and start morning routine. Kids -- make beds, get dressed, make/eat breakfast, unload dishwasher, clean up breakfast dishes, brush teeth; Mom -- showers, brushes teeth, changes baby, eats breakfast, loads dishwasher, makes bottles, feeds baby.
8 a.m.: Kids --collect and sort all laundry.
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8:15 a.m.: Mom --starts load of laundry
8:30 a.m.: Mom -- makes doctor appointment for baby and cleans kitchen counters and clears out refrigerator. Kids -- practice piano and keyboard then complete theory book assignments.
8:50 a.m.: Mom -- reads emails and news.
9:15 a.m.: Mom -- reviews with the girls long division from last week and answer questions; assigns word problems and more exercises; plays with the baby and reads her a book; focuses on new signs; changes out a load of laundry.
10 a.m: . Mom - calls her mother to work out childcare for the baby's doctor's appointment.
10:10 a.m.: Mom -- rotates out baby toys from those in storage.
10:12 a.m.: Mom -- chases girls back to math.
Continue article by clicking on the title.
Special for The Republic
Mar. 14, 2007 10:36 AM
Family: Faith is 10, Mercy 8 and Hope 1. Tim, the dad, works at home.
7:30 a.m.::Wake up and start morning routine. Kids -- make beds, get dressed, make/eat breakfast, unload dishwasher, clean up breakfast dishes, brush teeth; Mom -- showers, brushes teeth, changes baby, eats breakfast, loads dishwasher, makes bottles, feeds baby.
8 a.m.: Kids --collect and sort all laundry.
advertisement
8:15 a.m.: Mom --starts load of laundry
8:30 a.m.: Mom -- makes doctor appointment for baby and cleans kitchen counters and clears out refrigerator. Kids -- practice piano and keyboard then complete theory book assignments.
8:50 a.m.: Mom -- reads emails and news.
9:15 a.m.: Mom -- reviews with the girls long division from last week and answer questions; assigns word problems and more exercises; plays with the baby and reads her a book; focuses on new signs; changes out a load of laundry.
10 a.m: . Mom - calls her mother to work out childcare for the baby's doctor's appointment.
10:10 a.m.: Mom -- rotates out baby toys from those in storage.
10:12 a.m.: Mom -- chases girls back to math.
Continue article by clicking on the title.
Judge warns of child-abusing homeschoolers
Court is "shocked" by lack of government authority over students
Posted: March 10, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A Superior Court judge in New Jersey says homeschooling is just about the same as deliberate child abuse.
In fact, he says, he just might name a school district in his state as a defendant in a current court dispute, citing the district's "shocking" failure to monitor and test all students – including homeschoolers.
"In today's threatening world, where we seek to protect children from abuse, not just physical, but also educational abuse, how can we not monitor the educational welfare of all our children? A child in New Jersey, who recently was found unfed and locked in a putrid bedroom was allegedly 'homeschooled' and because no one, such as a teacher or nurse, was able to observe any abuse in a school setting, it went undiscovered," wrote Judge Thomas Zampino in a case that came before him.
That's even though New Jersey state law does forbid child abuse, and its regulations regarding homeschooling say parents or guardians are allowed "to educate the child at home." Further, the state law notes they are not required to submit any type of communication of intent to a local school board, nor are parents required to have their plans approved by a board.
Continue reading by clicking on title of article.
Posted: March 10, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A Superior Court judge in New Jersey says homeschooling is just about the same as deliberate child abuse.
In fact, he says, he just might name a school district in his state as a defendant in a current court dispute, citing the district's "shocking" failure to monitor and test all students – including homeschoolers.
"In today's threatening world, where we seek to protect children from abuse, not just physical, but also educational abuse, how can we not monitor the educational welfare of all our children? A child in New Jersey, who recently was found unfed and locked in a putrid bedroom was allegedly 'homeschooled' and because no one, such as a teacher or nurse, was able to observe any abuse in a school setting, it went undiscovered," wrote Judge Thomas Zampino in a case that came before him.
That's even though New Jersey state law does forbid child abuse, and its regulations regarding homeschooling say parents or guardians are allowed "to educate the child at home." Further, the state law notes they are not required to submit any type of communication of intent to a local school board, nor are parents required to have their plans approved by a board.
Continue reading by clicking on title of article.
Monday, March 05, 2007
In a class of their own
Weld 52 explodes with stacks of Yaffa blocks, well-fingered books, bulk containers of Easy Mac, cardboard boxes, and the tell-tale anxiety of freshman move-in day. Amidst the madness, Stephen T. Norberg ’06 rummages through his belongings and discovers a framed piece of thick paper decorated with a whimsical owl and a smartly dressed pig. It’s his kindergarten diploma. Carefully navigating the chaos, his left arm almost destroying a perfectly folded pile of undershirts, he crosses the room and secures the diploma onto the blank wall above his wooden desk. Pausing for several moments as his exhausted roommates look on in wonderment, he finally utters, “Wow! It’s great to be in first grade.”
...
They describe Norberg as amazingly caring, funny, and passionate—but he isn’t crazy. And the grade-school comment is not without merit. That day Norberg did, in fact, feel somewhat like a first grader. Having been homeschooled from second grade until college, that kindergarten diploma was the last one he had ever received.
To read entire article about homeschoolers at Harvard U, click on the title.
...
They describe Norberg as amazingly caring, funny, and passionate—but he isn’t crazy. And the grade-school comment is not without merit. That day Norberg did, in fact, feel somewhat like a first grader. Having been homeschooled from second grade until college, that kindergarten diploma was the last one he had ever received.
To read entire article about homeschoolers at Harvard U, click on the title.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Mothering Through Mid-Life (Embracing Life's Curves)
by Michelle Howe
I had just gotten out of bed and, admittedly, wasn't quite fully awake when my husband informed me that our eighteen-year-old daughter's car had been vandalized during the night. I stood there in the chilly kitchen taking in the specific details of the minor crime. The worst damage was the insulting graffiti written on her windows. A myriad of conflicting thoughts and emotions ran like a freight train through my brain—some of which, I am ashamed to confess, were of the reprisal sort.
As a mother of three young-adult daughters and a teenage son, I take my parenting role to heart. The better portion of the last twenty plus years has been spent investing in the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of my offspring. So standing in my kitchen on that blustery winter morning, I was, in part, upset with the situation and, in part, frustrated with my own reaction. The temptation to disengage was overwhelming.
In talking with other mid-life moms whose own sons and daughters are at that "jumping off" stage, I have found a common thread. It's called premature disengagement.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
I had just gotten out of bed and, admittedly, wasn't quite fully awake when my husband informed me that our eighteen-year-old daughter's car had been vandalized during the night. I stood there in the chilly kitchen taking in the specific details of the minor crime. The worst damage was the insulting graffiti written on her windows. A myriad of conflicting thoughts and emotions ran like a freight train through my brain—some of which, I am ashamed to confess, were of the reprisal sort.
As a mother of three young-adult daughters and a teenage son, I take my parenting role to heart. The better portion of the last twenty plus years has been spent investing in the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of my offspring. So standing in my kitchen on that blustery winter morning, I was, in part, upset with the situation and, in part, frustrated with my own reaction. The temptation to disengage was overwhelming.
In talking with other mid-life moms whose own sons and daughters are at that "jumping off" stage, I have found a common thread. It's called premature disengagement.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
Families in Disarray by Shirley M.R. Minster
HEFT Editor's Comment: Read Shirley Minster's Guest Editorial/Commentary on the pitfalls faced by today's modern family. Even homeschooling families are not immune in these busy and often confusing times.
Arrogance seems to be rampant. Thinking of oneself more highly than one ought is causing consternation towards our governmental agents who have forgotten what it means to serve. Companies are pushing their agendas, forgetting the maxim that the customer is always right. In fact, they have turned it into an old chestnut. And families have joined the throng in showing arrogance toward one another. This has got to stop or we will destroy all that we hold dear.
Read entire commentary by clicking on the title above.
Arrogance seems to be rampant. Thinking of oneself more highly than one ought is causing consternation towards our governmental agents who have forgotten what it means to serve. Companies are pushing their agendas, forgetting the maxim that the customer is always right. In fact, they have turned it into an old chestnut. And families have joined the throng in showing arrogance toward one another. This has got to stop or we will destroy all that we hold dear.
Read entire commentary by clicking on the title above.
Local (Owosso Michigan) couple chooses to educate their seven children at home
Local couple chooses to educate their seven children at home
By GARY GOULD Argus-Press Staff Writer (Owosso, Michigan)
Saturday, February 17, 2007 8:41 AM EST
Argus-Press Photo/Anthony Cepak Grace Stuart, 7, plays with her brother Richard, 1, as their mother Marianne does a reading assignment with Guy, 8.
It's 8 a.m. at the Stuart household in Owosso and six of the seven children in the family are lining up in the living room to greet their father.
Almost like troops getting in formation to morning reveille, the Stuart children greet their father, Guy Stuart III, with a warm good morning. He responds with a series of questions about the status of their chores, if they've brushed their teeth or if they're ready for the day ahead.
One of the children giggles and is given three pushups to do by her father, causing a sister to also smirk, bringing about a round of pushups for her as well.
And while their father tries to come off as being strict, the kids realize it's all in fun as they start another morning of school. But they won't be climbing into the family van, catching a bus or walking to school anywhere - they'll be staying home where their mother, Marianne, will be instructing them.
For four years now the Stuart's have homeschooled their children, a decision the couple made after the closure of Owosso's St. Joseph Catholic School, where three of their children attended school before it was closed in 2002.
HEFT Editor's Comments: Michigan is the state where we lived, homeschooled and worked hard with hundreds of other families and organizations to ensure the rights of families to homeschool their own children. Michigan still remains one of the least-fettered states in which to homeschool thanks to Dr. Pat Montgomery, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore and others.
By GARY GOULD Argus-Press Staff Writer (Owosso, Michigan)
Saturday, February 17, 2007 8:41 AM EST
Argus-Press Photo/Anthony Cepak Grace Stuart, 7, plays with her brother Richard, 1, as their mother Marianne does a reading assignment with Guy, 8.
It's 8 a.m. at the Stuart household in Owosso and six of the seven children in the family are lining up in the living room to greet their father.
Almost like troops getting in formation to morning reveille, the Stuart children greet their father, Guy Stuart III, with a warm good morning. He responds with a series of questions about the status of their chores, if they've brushed their teeth or if they're ready for the day ahead.
One of the children giggles and is given three pushups to do by her father, causing a sister to also smirk, bringing about a round of pushups for her as well.
And while their father tries to come off as being strict, the kids realize it's all in fun as they start another morning of school. But they won't be climbing into the family van, catching a bus or walking to school anywhere - they'll be staying home where their mother, Marianne, will be instructing them.
For four years now the Stuart's have homeschooled their children, a decision the couple made after the closure of Owosso's St. Joseph Catholic School, where three of their children attended school before it was closed in 2002.
HEFT Editor's Comments: Michigan is the state where we lived, homeschooled and worked hard with hundreds of other families and organizations to ensure the rights of families to homeschool their own children. Michigan still remains one of the least-fettered states in which to homeschool thanks to Dr. Pat Montgomery, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore and others.
Authorities Ask German Homeschooling Family to Give Up Custody of 5 Children
Daughter Melissa in 3rd foster home, having new psychiatric testing after stating first report inaccurate and she was misquoted
By Gudrun Schultz
Germany, February 26, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The parents of a 15-year-old school girl taken from her home by authorities in a battle over home schooling have been asked to give up custody of their other five children, as part of a resolution to the situation offered by German officials.
The latest development in the ongoing battle between the Busekros family and the German authorities was reported by the Home Schooling Legal Defense Fund, a U.S.-based organization that has been tracking an accelerating crackdown against home schooling families in Germany.
HEFT Editor's comment:
This is reminiscent of the early days of homeschooling in the U.S.A. When our family began homeschooling, children
were being taken from families regularly - usually it was short-lived - but still frightening. It caused a wave of protest
from the community and enabled homeschoolers to join together to form the organizations they now have in the U.S.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
By Gudrun Schultz
Germany, February 26, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The parents of a 15-year-old school girl taken from her home by authorities in a battle over home schooling have been asked to give up custody of their other five children, as part of a resolution to the situation offered by German officials.
The latest development in the ongoing battle between the Busekros family and the German authorities was reported by the Home Schooling Legal Defense Fund, a U.S.-based organization that has been tracking an accelerating crackdown against home schooling families in Germany.
HEFT Editor's comment:
This is reminiscent of the early days of homeschooling in the U.S.A. When our family began homeschooling, children
were being taken from families regularly - usually it was short-lived - but still frightening. It caused a wave of protest
from the community and enabled homeschoolers to join together to form the organizations they now have in the U.S.
Read entire article by clicking on the title.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Homeschooling Presents Pros and Cons
by Alicia Coffman
After many years of prayer and study, Stephanie Freeman made a decision she never expected to make. She decided to home school her children.
"I wanted my children to have the best education that could be offered academically, socially, spiritually and culturally," she said. That was at home.
Freeman has been home schooling her children for the past 10 years. She is also a BYU professor and has been teaching speech classes for 17 years.
Her first thought was to investigate private schools, but they were expensive and although they had some advantages over public schools, they didn't offer everything she wanted or expected in a school.
Read article by clicking on the title.
After many years of prayer and study, Stephanie Freeman made a decision she never expected to make. She decided to home school her children.
"I wanted my children to have the best education that could be offered academically, socially, spiritually and culturally," she said. That was at home.
Freeman has been home schooling her children for the past 10 years. She is also a BYU professor and has been teaching speech classes for 17 years.
Her first thought was to investigate private schools, but they were expensive and although they had some advantages over public schools, they didn't offer everything she wanted or expected in a school.
Read article by clicking on the title.
Homeschoolers Compete in Geography Bee
BY BOB ELLIS
DAKOTA VOICE
Nine homeschool students competed Wednesday for the trophy in the 2006-2007 South Dakota Christian Home Educator’s Geography Bee. The event was held at South Canyon Baptist Church in Rapid City on January 10. The event was sponsored by SDCHE and used material from the National Geographic Bee, publishers of National Geographic Magazine. The purpose is to encourage the study of geography.
Click on the title to read more.
DAKOTA VOICE
Nine homeschool students competed Wednesday for the trophy in the 2006-2007 South Dakota Christian Home Educator’s Geography Bee. The event was held at South Canyon Baptist Church in Rapid City on January 10. The event was sponsored by SDCHE and used material from the National Geographic Bee, publishers of National Geographic Magazine. The purpose is to encourage the study of geography.
Click on the title to read more.
Parents worry about 'nature-deficit disorder' in kids
By LISA STIFFLER
P-I REPORTER
After squishing through mud, crawling under tree boughs and skirting a glassy pond, the small troop of kids and teachers stopped at a clearing in the woods.
Squatting in the wet leaves, instructor Sol Doran placed a sprig of fir on the ground in front of her and another a foot away.
"If this is malalo," said Doran, pointing to the first sprig and referring to the African-style hut where the journey started, "and this is the pond," she said pointing to another, "where are we?"
The students from Duvall's Wilderness Awareness School, who ranged in age from about 7 to 12, considered the question. They moved a third sprig back and forth into different spots on the impromptu map. Consensus was reached.
Editor's Note: This is one area - nature studies - wilderness walks - outdoor education - whatever you want to call it
where homeschooling families have the opportunity to excel. There is no doubt that children confined to living inside
four walls every day for 6 - 7 hours per day, are missing out on the excitement of what truly is natural study. Read the articl for ideas and inspiration by clicking on the title.
P-I REPORTER
After squishing through mud, crawling under tree boughs and skirting a glassy pond, the small troop of kids and teachers stopped at a clearing in the woods.
Squatting in the wet leaves, instructor Sol Doran placed a sprig of fir on the ground in front of her and another a foot away.
"If this is malalo," said Doran, pointing to the first sprig and referring to the African-style hut where the journey started, "and this is the pond," she said pointing to another, "where are we?"
The students from Duvall's Wilderness Awareness School, who ranged in age from about 7 to 12, considered the question. They moved a third sprig back and forth into different spots on the impromptu map. Consensus was reached.
Editor's Note: This is one area - nature studies - wilderness walks - outdoor education - whatever you want to call it
where homeschooling families have the opportunity to excel. There is no doubt that children confined to living inside
four walls every day for 6 - 7 hours per day, are missing out on the excitement of what truly is natural study. Read the articl for ideas and inspiration by clicking on the title.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Home's Where Class Is
Home's where class is
Colleges seeing quality in those homeschooled
Charlotte Hsu, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/07/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
At Placidia Andalón's home in Rialto, school starts each morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
She has taught her 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter about evolution and creation.
In lessons on building good character, Andalón, 34, tells her children to seek guidance from the Bible.
Like Andalón, a growing number of parents across the nation are educating their kids at home for reasons including faith, a driving force behind the rise of the modern homeschool movement.
And in society at large, homeschoolers have become more accepted, with businesses and institutions of higher learning taking an interest in homeschooled children and their parents.
Read entire article - Click on the title
Colleges seeing quality in those homeschooled
Charlotte Hsu, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/07/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
At Placidia Andalón's home in Rialto, school starts each morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
She has taught her 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter about evolution and creation.
In lessons on building good character, Andalón, 34, tells her children to seek guidance from the Bible.
Like Andalón, a growing number of parents across the nation are educating their kids at home for reasons including faith, a driving force behind the rise of the modern homeschool movement.
And in society at large, homeschoolers have become more accepted, with businesses and institutions of higher learning taking an interest in homeschooled children and their parents.
Read entire article - Click on the title
Monday, January 08, 2007
Who Represents Homeschoolers in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Who Represents Homeschoolers in Washington, DC?
Ideally, no one should, since education issues are really issues that should be left up to each state.. (sigh) .. but since our Federal Government is unconstitutionally meddling in affairs of education, and now in the affairs of homeschoolers...
I ran across a nifty letter that you can draft to your newly elected Congressional delegation. I want to thank those who have come up with the initiative to communicate with our Representatives to let them know that we are a diverse bunch, and that no one group speaks for us. I made a few changes to their letter and came up with my own version:
Read the entire article including a sample letter by clicking on the title above.
Who Represents Homeschoolers in Washington, DC?
Ideally, no one should, since education issues are really issues that should be left up to each state.. (sigh) .. but since our Federal Government is unconstitutionally meddling in affairs of education, and now in the affairs of homeschoolers...
I ran across a nifty letter that you can draft to your newly elected Congressional delegation. I want to thank those who have come up with the initiative to communicate with our Representatives to let them know that we are a diverse bunch, and that no one group speaks for us. I made a few changes to their letter and came up with my own version:
Read the entire article including a sample letter by clicking on the title above.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Youths learn ABCs at homeschool
Youths learn ABCs at homeschool
Cooperative gives alternative education for families
January 2, 2007
BY VILA SCHWINDT | Journal Staff Writer
Garrett Pogue is only 4, but he joins his older brothers and sisters in the dining room at 9 a.m. when they start school with their mother, Rosella Pogue, as teacher. Gabriel is only 9 months, but he's usually close by, too, because he wants to do what his family is doing.
Homeschool regulation: The Revenge of the Failures
WorldNet Daily Commentary
Posted: January 4, 2007
By Bruce N. Shortt, Ph.D.
In their never-ending effort to "help" homeschoolers, public school bureaucrats periodically try to increase homeschooling regulations. This makes K-12 education perhaps a unique endeavor: it's a field in which the failures regularly, and astonishingly, insist that they should be able to regulate the successful.
Read entire commentary by clicking on the title.
Posted: January 4, 2007
By Bruce N. Shortt, Ph.D.
In their never-ending effort to "help" homeschoolers, public school bureaucrats periodically try to increase homeschooling regulations. This makes K-12 education perhaps a unique endeavor: it's a field in which the failures regularly, and astonishingly, insist that they should be able to regulate the successful.
Read entire commentary by clicking on the title.
Visit Judy Aron's New Blog - Consent of the Governed
Judy works with Deborah Stevenson of National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD) where she is responsible for providing parents across the nation with a wide variety of important information on legislative issues as well as various topics concerning parental rights, education, and the dangers of universal mental health screening.
Her new blog, Consent of the Governed, will enlighten and enliven! It contains timely, important messages relevant to today's American family. Visit her blog today. Just click on the title above.
Her new blog, Consent of the Governed, will enlighten and enliven! It contains timely, important messages relevant to today's American family. Visit her blog today. Just click on the title above.
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