Let’s be real … homeschooling is not a cure for all that ails our families. Life is still messy. In fact, sometimes all that one-on-one time can really magnify shortcomings in our relationships with our children as well as with our spouses. Some of the most heartbreaking consulting calls I […]
Homeschooling
51 posts
“Aaand … we’re off! … like a dirty shirt!” This is how every road trip begins for our family. Well, sometimes if my husband hesitates too long after the first part, the kids (or now the grandkids) try to “fake him out” with maybe “like a dirty undershirt!” or “like […]
It seems like just last week you were writing up those lesson plans for the fall, planning a few field trips, organizing the bookshelves, and suddenly . . . the year has gone by! Where did the time go? Whether you’re raring to go for another few months, or you are dragging […]
We all have probably heard the principle that it is better to give than to receive, but how do we teach our children to treat others kindly, give generously, and serve willingly? What are our kids mirroring? Children are often like little mirrors, reflecting our attitudes and actions. They are […]
In other posts, we’ve discussed testing and assessment options. Depending on the legal requirements for homeschoolers in your state, you may choose to instead have your child evaluated, or have a portfolio evaluation. Evaluations Who might benefit from an evaluation? Young children, students who don’t read well or quickly yet, children with learning […]
One of the most frequent questions I get about testing is, “Which test should I use? Which one is best? How do I choose From the CAT, SAT, MAT, or Iowa Test?” Well, maybe not in such Seussical style, but you get the idea! The CAT […]
At this time of year, many parents are thinking about how to assess their children’s progress. The first step is to determine your own state’s testing requirements, if there are any. The law may require that you periodically demonstrate academic progress. Some statutes mandate standardized testing, while others may allow for […]
(I found this in my archives from almost ten years ago and realized I need to revive this system, as my desk paperwork is again running amok. Do you ever realize you KNOW what to do but just need a reminder?) The photos in this blog (well, in all […]
(While this was originally written for homeschooling families, most of the ideas are easily adaptable for any family.) Do you ever feel stuck in the day-to-day sameness of your school routine? If you circle the holidays on your calendar, you can have not just instant mini-units, but family fun and […]
In Part 1, we looked at the mentoring relationship in the context of a dancing relationship in which each partner is trying to enjoy the music and share the experience, but has yet to find the comfortable rhythm (and is still a bit shy of stepping on toes!). Thinking about […]