Will your child's ADHD get better if you homeschool? Parents who observe positive changes in their children after starting to homeschool also generally report actively shaping their homeschooling to address attention problems their child had in a school setting. Here are some of the things that have made them successful... Continue reading »
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Parental Deschooling: Finding Your Non-School Normal
Have you decided to homeschool? You probably need some parental deschooling. Most parents who are choosing to homeschool their children today attended school themselves. We have also lived for many years in a world where the public school model of education is predominant. School is the status quo. School is the default. School is the norm. As many of my school-teacher-turned-homeschooler friends have pointed out to me over the years, one of the hardest things about transitioning to homeschooling as a parent is getting out of the school mindset. Continue reading »
Challenges to Homeschooling High School
Homeschooling a teen can be really hard. While I'm overall glad to be homeschooling, I have a high school age daughter who is difficult to work with and who is inconsistent in her approach to homeschooling. She has always been a challenging child, and as expected, the teen years have had a lot of turmoil. Homeschooling seems to catch a lot of blame for our problems -- but it’s not from outsiders or family members. She spends a lot of time lamenting being homeschooled and blaming us for trapping her in home education -- despite the fact that she has always had the option to attend school, an option we would have genuinely supported. Continue reading »
How To Put the "Feel Good" Into Homeschool Field Trips
Everybody knows homeschoolers go on a lot of field trips.
We start them young with trips to the fire department and the water treatment plant. We go to historic farms, art museums, animal shelters, state and national parks, corn mazes, and caverns.
In my state, Virginia, you can study practically all of American history through field trips: Native American sites, Jamestown, Williamsburg, historic grist mills, Frontier Culture Museum, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Montpelier, antebellum plantations, Civil War battlefields and museums, memorials of World War I and II, Civil Rights sites, a Vietnam War museum, and more. Continue reading »
Challenging the Advanced Student
One of the most wonderful things about homeschooling is that it can accommodate the needs of students across the full spectrum of ability. One-to-one attention can encourage and expand on individual strengths, and curriculum can adapt to address individual needs.
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Do Homeschoolers Get Snow Days?
Homeschool moms get used to questions from non-homeschoolers. Some questions arrive with the seasons, including in the fall, of course: "Have you started school yet?" and in the spring: "Have you finished school yet?" Some homeschooling families make no distinction between starting and stopping learning, so the question is odd to them. As I've written before about the homeschool year, other families do follow the school year with explicit study of academics, while their friends in the same homeschool group might make their own calendar. Continue reading »
What Have You Done for Homeschooling Lately?
Chances are you have benefited from homeschoolers who have gone before you. They have started homeschool organizations, lobbied to keep homeschooling free and legal, blogged thousands of the ever popular "day in the life of a homeschooler" posts, organized conferences, published homeschooling magazines, arranged park days, started geography clubs, shared curriculum ideas, and written homeschool help books. How can you pay it forward?
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Explore, Discover, & Create . . . With Notebooking!
At the end of each school year, are you finding yourself swimming through mounds of worksheets, quizzes, tests, and half-finished workbooks wondering just what to do with it all? Where does the organization begin? What do you keep? Where will you keep it? How much should you, dare I say, throw away? As you begin Continue reading »
High School Homeschooling: Our 10th Grade Plan
From the feedback and questions that we get on our Facebook page, there is a great deal of interest in how to homeschool high school. This year my daughter is a sophomore in high school, and I thought it might be helpful to share our 10th grade plan with you. Contrary to popular belief, homeschooling high school is often easier than homeschooling younger grades. Students are older, more mature, and better able to manage their own academics. When they need assistance, the material is more difficult, but between teacher guides, online resources, and friends with a knowledge of the subject matter, we have not found this to be a problem. Continue reading »
Instead of Curriculum: Handwriting Practice
As regular readers know, I'm a big advocate of using accessible learning methods instead of curriculum. For some homeschoolers, this is in addition to their regular curriculum, and for others it's truly instead of any packaged formal curriculum.
I'm used to hearing that you can't learn math this way -- that's a common chorus among homeschoolers -- but I was in a recent conversation with a homeschool mom who was all for the "instead-of-curriculum" approach except for handwriting. And by handwriting, she meant printing--learning to print. Continue reading »
Balancing Homeschooling and Working Full Time or Part Time
"Can I work full or part time and homeschool my kids? What has worked for people?" Many Oak Meadow families responded with their own stories and helpful tips about what has worked for them.
They recognize that finding balance is a work in progress, requiring flexibility and patience, determination, and a sense of humor! Here are some tips to help you move forward with your decision to homeschool while working outside the home. Continue reading »
Delayed Academics: It's All About Learning
Many experienced homeschoolers have long valued the ability to delay formal academics to create a more holistic early childhood education for their young children, with the understanding that this creates a rich foundation for later academic and life success. Today, parents new to homeschooling are embarking on homeschooling at a time when public schools are emphasizing early formal academics and implementing standardized testing of very young children, despite lack of evidence that these practices enhance educational outcomes for the children.
As David Elkind (author of The Hurried Child and The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally) writes in "Much Too Early" for the website EducationNext, "Why, when we know what is good for young children, do we persist in miseducating them, in putting them at risk for no purpose?" Continue reading »
Instead of Curriculum: The Great Courses
Our family has greatly enjoyed using The Great Courses audio and video recorded classes. The first of The Great Courses we used was The Story of Human Language, presented by leading linguist John McWhorter, who gives 36 lectures about the development of human language, why languages change or become extinct, dialects, how languages and their grammars affect thinking, and what the study of language can tell us about history and interconnectedness of early peoples.
From there, we began listening to every Great Courses CD set the library had. They offer courses in science, math, fine arts, music, religion, philosophy, history, literature, living, language, business, and economics. But it's the course titles that are really intriguing -- such as Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy, The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World, Writing Creative Nonfiction, How to Listen to and Understand Opera, and nearly 400 more.
Instead of Curriculum
Everyone has a comment on the increasing popularity of homeschooling. When I talk to people about homeschooling, they frequently mention the availability of "so much curriculum these days," as if that is the single most important factor in being able to homeschool. Non-homeschoolers, prospective homeschoolers, and new homeschoolers seem surprised that many homeschoolers use learning materials that are not, strictly speaking, part of a homeschool curriculum. There are many reasons why people use other learning resources instead of curriculum. Continue reading »
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was a famous English playwright and poet. His most famous plays include: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Henry V, Midsummer's Night Dream, and Macbeth. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare's sonnets are considered to be the most romantic ever Continue reading »
Paul Revere
Paul Revere is known for his "Midnight Ride" through the Massachusetts countryside warning fellow patriots that the British were invading. Paul Revere began his journey by rowing across the Charles River to Charleston. He was captured by British soldiers just outside Lexington, questioned, and then relieved of his horse. Born - January 1, 1735 Died Continue reading »
Millard Fillmore
Presidential Facts about Millard Fillmore Millard Fillmore - 13th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1850 to 1853. Vice President - none Born - January 7, 1800 Died - March 7, 1874 First Lady - Abigail Powers Fillmore Party - Whig Millard Fillmore is from New York. Learning Resources American President Millard Fillmore (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays about the personal and Continue reading »
George Washington
Presidential Facts about George Washington George Washington - 1st president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1789 to 1797. Vice President - John Adams Born - February 22, 1732 Died - December 14, 1799 First Lady - Martha Dandridge Custis Washington Party - Federalist George Washington is from Virginia. Learning Resources American President George Washington (1732 - 1799) (O) From Continue reading »
General Science
Science Fair Central (T) The Home Depot and Discovery Education have joined forces to help STEAM-power classrooms and homes across the country as students prepare for the careers of tomorrow. With 10 million students from grades K-12 participating in science fairs and STEAM events every year, Science Fair Central aims to give students the tools to Continue reading »
General Math
IntoMath (O) Improve your results with our FREE online math help platform, containing grade and topic specific math video lessons, notes, online math practice and online math forum. Grades 5-12 NUMBERNUT.COM (YMOT) Math information website covering four sections of mathematics: Numbers and counting, Arithmetic, and Fractions & Decimals, and Pre-Algebra. MoneySKILL® (O) MoneySKILL®, a personal finance course sponsored Continue reading »
Gifted Education Resources
Raising Poppies Facebook Group "Parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children often feel isolated, alone, and like others just don't get them or their kids. We do. We get it. And we're right there in the trenches with you, raising our own poppies, hoping we're getting it right. This is the group you've always needed. Grab Continue reading »
Getting Back to Nature
Spending time in nature can lead to some of the most enjoyable and profound learning experiences. Nature-based learning touches on and connects every academic discipline imaginable while enlivening the senses and invigorating the body. It encourages curiosity and inquiry, exploration and experimentation, while the mind catalogs, analyzes, and compares. Homeschoolers are in a unique position to take full advantage of the learning opportunities that present themselves right outside the door. Continue reading »
Africa
Nations Online: Countries of Africa (M,O,T) Nations Online has a complete database of resources for studying the people and places of Africa. It provides a brief overview of each country as well as a comprehensive collection of resource websites to learn about the country’s government, geography, environment, culture, business, tourism, and more. Royal Museum for Central Continue reading »
All About the States in the USA
Our state info pages are perfect for learning about states in the US for state reports, notebooking units, and more. Choose a state from the dropdown list to learn its basic information and find links to resources for further study. Be sure to check out our subscriber-exclusive State/Province Report!
Abraham Lincoln
[feast_advanced_jump_to] Presidential Facts about Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln - 16th President of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1861 to 1865. Vice President - 1st term: Hannibal Hamlin 2nd term: Andrew Johnson Born - February 12, 1809 Died - April 15, 1865 First Lady - Mary Todd Lincoln Party - Republican Abraham Lincoln is Continue reading »
Andrew Johnson
Presidential Facts about Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson - 17th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1865 to 1869. Vice President - none Born - December 29, 1808 Died - July 31, 1875 First Lady - Eliza McCardle Johnson Party - Democratic Andrew Johnson is from North Carolina. Learning Resources American President Andrew Johnson (M,O,T) Extensive essays about the personal and Continue reading »
Barack Obama
Presidential Facts about Barack Obama Barack Obama - 44th president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 2009 to 2017. Vice President - Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Born - August 4, 1961 Died - Still living First Lady - Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama Party - Democratic Barack Obama is from Hawaii. Learning Resources American President Barack Obama (Y,M,O,T) From the Miller Center Continue reading »
Benjamin Harrison
Presidential Facts about Benjamin Harrison Benjamin Harrison - 23rd president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1889 to 1893. Vice President - Levi Parsons Morton Born - August 20, 1833 Died - March 13, 1901 First Lady - Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison Party - Republican Benjamin Harrison is from Ohio. Learning Resources American President Benjamin Harrison (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays about the Continue reading »
Calvin Coolidge
Presidential Facts about Calvin Coolidge Calvin Coolidge - 30th president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1923 to 1929. Vice President - 1st term: none, 2nd term: Charles Gates Dawes Born - July 4, 1872 Died - January 5, 1933 First Lady - Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge Party - Republican Calvin Coolidge is from Vermont. Learning Resources Timeline of Pierce Continue reading »
Chester Arthur
Presidential Facts about Chester A. Arthur Chester A. Arthur - 21st president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1881 to 1885. Vice President - none Born - October 5, 1829 Died - November 18, 1886 First Lady - Mary Arthur McElroy (sister) Party - Republican Chester A. Arthur is from Vermont. Learning Resources American President Chester A. Arthur (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays Continue reading »
Franklin Pierce
Presidential Facts about Franklin Pierce Franklin Pierce - 14th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1853 to 1857. Vice President - William Rufus De Vane King Born - November 23, 1804 Died - October 8, 1869 First Lady - Jane Means Appleton Pierce Party - Democratic Franklin Pierce is from New Hampshire. Learning Resources American President Franklin Pierce (Y,M,O,T) Extensive Continue reading »
George W. Bush
Presidential Facts about George W. Bush George W. Bush - 43rd president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 2001 to 2009. Vice President - Richard Bruce Cheney Born - June 6, 1946 Died - Still living First Lady - Laura Welch Bush Party - Republican George W. Bush is from Texas. Learning Resources American President George W. Bush (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays Continue reading »
Gerald Ford
Presidential Facts about Gerald Ford Gerald Ford - 38th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1974 to 1977. Vice President - Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller Born - July 14, 1913 Died - December 26, 2006 First Lady - Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer Warren Ford Party - Republican Gerald Ford is from Michigan. Learning Resources American President Gerald Ford (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays about Continue reading »
Harry S. Truman
Presidential Facts about Harry S. Truman Harry S. Truman - 33rd president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1945 to 1953. Vice President - 1st term: none, 2nd term: Alben William Barkley Born - May 8, 1884 Died - December 26, 1969 First Lady - Eliabeth (Bess) Virginia Wallace Truman Party - Democratic Harry S. Truman is from Missouri. Learning Continue reading »
Herbert Hoover
Presidential Facts about Herbert Hoover Herbert Hoover - 31st president of the United States, serving 1 term from 1929 to 1933. Vice President - Charles Curtis Born - August 10, 1874 Died - October 20, 1964 First Lady - Lou Henry Hoover Party - Republican Herbert Hoover is from Iowa. Learning Resources American President Herbert Hoover (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays about the personal Continue reading »
James A. Garfield
Presidential Facts about James A. Garfield James A. Garfield - 20th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1881 to 1881. Vice President - Chester A. Arthur Born - November 19, 1831 Died - September 19, 1881 First Lady - Lucretia Rudolph Garfield Party - Republican James A. Garfield is from Ohio. Learning Resources American President James A. Garfield (Y,M,O,T) Extensive Continue reading »
James Buchanan
Presidential Facts about James Buchanan James Buchanan - 15th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1857 to 1861. Vice President - John Cabell Breckinridge Born - April 23, 1791 Died - June 1, 1868 First Lady - Harriet Lane (niece) Party - Democratic James Buchanan is from Pennsylvania. Learning Resources about James Buchanan American President James Buchanan (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays Continue reading »
James Knox Polk
Presidential Facts about James Knox Polk James Knox Polk - 11th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1845 to 1849. Vice President - George Mifflin Dallas Born - November 2, 1795 Died - June 15, 1849 First Lady - Sarah Childress Polk Party - Democratic James Knox Polk is from North Carolina. Learning Resources American President James K. Polk (Y,M,O,T) Continue reading »
James Madison
Presidential Facts about James Madison James Madison - 4th president of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1809 to 1817. Vice President - 1st term: George Clinton; 2nd term: Elbridge Gerry Born - March 16, 1751 Died - June 28, 1826 First Lady - Dolley Payne Todd Madison Party - Democratic-Republican James Madison is from Virginia. Learning Resources American President Continue reading »
James Monroe
Presidential Facts about James Monroe James Monroe - 5th President of the United States serving 2 terms, from 1817 to 1825. Vice President - Daniel D. Tompkins Born - April 28, 1758 Died - July 4, 1831 First Lady - Elizabeth Kortright Monroe Party - Democratic-Republican James Monroe is from Virginia. James Monroe Learning Resources James Monroe (Y,M,O,T) This biography of Monroe's Continue reading »
Jimmy Carter
Presidential Facts about Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter - 39th president of the United States serving 1 term, from 1977 to 1981. Vice President - Walter Frederick Mondale Born - October 1, 1924 Died - Still living First Lady - Rosalynn Smith Carter Party - Democratic Jimmy Carter is from Georgia. Learning Resources American President Jimmy Carter (Y,M,O,T) Extensive essays about the personal and Continue reading »
John Adams
Presidential Facts about John Adams John Adams - 2nd President of the United States serving 1 term, from 1797 to 1801. Vice President - Thomas Jefferson Born - October 30, 1735 Died - July 4, 1826 First Lady - Abigail Smith Adams Party - Federalist John Adams is from Massachusetts. John Adams Learning Resources John Adams (Y,M,O,T) Short biography from White House.gov Two Continue reading »