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Portland, OR: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

One of our favorite Portland destinations is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, more often known by its initials OMSI. OMSI is geared toward the 6-12 crowd, but children of all ages will enjoy it. There are tons of hands-on displays demonstrated different aspects of science. Chemistry, physics, and computer labs are manned by professionals who help children explore their interests. Upstairs is a paleontology lab and reptile room (yucch!). There are static and changing displays to challenge and ignite your child’s mind. My favorite permanent exhibit there is one on reproduction and fetal development. The babies are real. … Continue reading →

Homeschooling In Oregon

This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system. According to Oregon state law, children are exempt from the compulsory attendance law if they are being educated in the home by … Continue reading →

Discover the Ocean This Summer: Marine Science Resources

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Marine science is a topic that is very accessible for elementary students who live near the coast. There it happens most naturally, as children head out to play on the beach, find shells, and experiment by building castles and channeling the incoming tide. If you don’t live in a coastal area, getting involved in marine science can be a bit more challenging. For the child or the family who is fascinated by marine science but lives far away from the ocean, try a family visit or a summer camp that focuses on marine ecosystems. Choose between family camps and overnight … Continue reading →

Interviews with Homeschoolers – Vickie Smith, Part One

Today I’m joined by Vickie Smith, author of The Quiet Doll Queen and president of Ark Essentials Publishing. Vickie, thank you for taking time out to chat with me. How did you arrive at your decision to homeschool? I begged my mom to homeschool me way back before it was popular. I had a very stressful time as a young student. I always finished my work and just sat around class, reading. When I was an office volunteer, I’d get my homework for the day and be done in a short period of time. Public education just seemed so wasteful … Continue reading →

Alaska Homeschool Groups and Resources I-Z

To succeed in homeschooling, it is in your best interest to get involved with other homeschoolers. You should join a homeschool network or group near you. For this reason, I have decided to give a full listing of homeschooling groups throughout each state. Yes, there are other sites that list homeschool networks and support groups but none of are comprehensive. Some of them only list Christian, others only list those affiliated with them. This list covers of Homeschooling groups in Alaska I-Z, also see (A-H). IDEA International IDEA International is an accredited K-12 correspondence school for homeschooling families worldwide. The … Continue reading →

Culinary Trends: 10 Up and Coming Chefs

You won’t find these folks on Food Network any time soon. Today’s up and coming chefs focus on just a few simple, but key elements. Things like eating slow (as in the slow food movement, not the pace at which you masticate), eating local, and mastering basic techniques are all top priorities on these chefs’ lists. You’ll find creativity paired with the best ingredients–and people are taking notice. If you watch the restaurant and food industry, you’ll note that as far as a culinary career goes. . .it seems that stardom kind of kills it. While Rachel Ray is nowhere … Continue reading →

Breastfeeding and Jury Duty

I have found myself in a most unpleasant situation. I will start by saying the simple fact of the matter is, I cannot serve. I have a gazillion and one reasons why I cannot but suffice it to say that as Murphey’s Law would have it, they called the one week I just can’t go. Every single babysitter known to man (or at least known to my adorable, but slightly difficult two year old twins) is busy and gone. Had they given me a summons the week earlier or the week later it would’ve been fine. But they didn’t and … Continue reading →

Portland, OR: Places You’ll Need a Car

Portland is a great place to visit on foot or by bicycle. But unless you bring your vehicle, you’ll miss some of it. Split your trip if you can, doing a day or more by car and another day or two (or four) on foot. Traffic can be horrendous in the downtown area or on any freeway during commute hours. Try to plan your vehicle trips between nine and four, or after 7 pm. Here are some places to visit by car: Lloyd Center – This is a huge shopping mall with an ice skating rink and a movie theater. … Continue reading →

Amtrak Schools on Trains Program Open to Homeschoolers

There’s nothing quite like riding on a train, whether it’s the local steam locomotive or a high speed state of the art passenger car. We were blessed enough to ride the Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, when we lived in Japan. That’s truly like flying 15′ off the ground. It’s one of those must-do experiences when you’re in the Orient. We’ve had almost as much fun, though, riding the steam train around the large community park in our area. Trains are fascinating, no matter what their size. It’s one of the reasons that we’re first in line when an Amtrak trip … Continue reading →

DIBELS Testing

Next week, my class will take the DIBELS test for the second time this year. My district has not been active in taking the DIBELS test for many years. The test does not draw as much attention as the state assessment and many parents are not even aware that it has been given. There are no pamphlets sent home or fancy official score sheets. Therefore, your child may be involved in DIBELS testing without your knowledge. What is DIBELS? The DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a district-mandated test given to kindergarten, first, and second grades in … Continue reading →