The most recent additions to TheHomeSchoolMom website http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 2009-07-04 2009-07-04 I found out that I just wanted the kids to magically be exposed to art. I wanted them to absorb art history and learn art skills without any more from me than driving them to lessons. I mainly wanted to be able to say, “We homeschool and we have time for everything! Look at their art knowledge and skills! See how amazing I am as a mother and teacher!” Finding the source for our guilt is crucial to subduing it. So on this journey so far, I had already learned a few important things. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/subdue_art_guilt.php Art appreciation (or the study of art history) need not be difficult. You don’t need a fancy curriculum or a complicated plan. You simply need the desire to enjoy, along with your children, the beauty of God’s creation as depicted over the centuries by outstanding artists. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/easy_art_history_and_appreciation.php This article is the first of a four part series on how to teach a foreign language to your children (even if you don’t know the language yourself!). For many children, this age range is the best time to start. Before you spend a lot of money on DVD’s, CD’s, “language learning systems” and masses of extra flash cards, take some time to think about your child and your goals for the language. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/you_can_teach_foreign_language.php Teaching a foreign language is extremely mother-friendly in the elementary years of education. You don’t need a curriculum at this age, only consistent and fun activities. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/elementary_foreign_language.php Tools and suggestions to help ensure success for your struggling reader. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/articles/help_struggling_reader.php MTV is currently producing a documentary for its "True Life" series about young people who are homeschooled. http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/true_life_homeschooled.php Transcripts, Unschooling, Summer Fun, No-cost Homeschooling Resources http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/thsm/20090702132756/ I am not a big fan of structured curriculum, preferring instead thought-provoking tools for children to use at their own pace. This list of Things to Buy Instead of Curriculum is a great list of ways to invest your money that will pay dividends in your children's love of learning. http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090701143103/ Seterra is a challenging educational geography program with 70 different exercises. Learn about countries, capitals, flags and cities in Africa, Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Australia, using outline map exercises. The software keeps track of scores, making it fun to try to improve each time you play. Windows only. http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090624122824/ Homeschooling resources for the month of July http://thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/2009/july.php Homeschooling resources for the month of June http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/calendar/2009/jun.php The National Association for Sport and Physical Education publishes monthly activity calendars that list some great ideas for keeping kids active. Each month also offers a parent's letter with activity and resource suggestions. June is National Great Outdoors Month, so log on and find some fun ways to celebrate the outdoors in your region! http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090617134621/ Homeschool Launch is a file sharing platform for homeschoolers. You can benefit from the labors of other homeschoolers by downloading any of hundreds of education resources created and shared by other homeschoolers. From the rules of capitalization to unit study worksheets, you can find a variety of resources at Homeschool Launch. http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090610115809/ EasyFunSchool is a repository of hundreds of unit studies, lesson plans, activities, suggested reading lists and links for hundreds of topics. http://answermom.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/siteweek/20090603164231/