Classical Music for Your Child

Are you looking for a way to introduce your child to fine arts? Maestro Classics will not only introduce your child to classical music it will make your child fall in love with it. I never thought I would hear myself saying “Turn off the Tchaikovsky and go to bed!” Maestro Classics gives a magical retelling of The Story of Swan Lake performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Simon and narrated by Yadu (Konrad Czynski). The music is simply beautiful and the narration engaging. The Story of Swan Lake is magical and grabs the attention of whoever … Continue reading

Maestro Classics Presents The Tortoise and the Hare

The Tortoise and the Hare is a well known and beloved story. Now that it is coupled with Maestro Classics your child will not only learn about this Aesop Fable but classical music. The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Simon and narrated by Yadu will delight you and your children with this classic tale. I was so excited to receive my review copy in the mail. The year before my children studied ancient history and many of Aesop’s Fables. Of course a study of Aesop’s Fable is not complete without The Tortoise and the Hare. Not only does this … Continue reading

A Day in the Life of a Relaxed Homeschooler with Teens

Some time back, I am my fellow homeschool bloggers all discussed what a day in the life of homeschooling looked like from our perspective. I wrote A Day in the Life of a Relaxed Homeschooler part 1 Part 2 , and Part 3 Valorie Delp Wrote A Day in the Life of a Highly Regulated Relaxed Homeschooler part 1 and part 2 Karen Edminsten gave a peek into her homeschooling life with More Charlotte Mason: An atmosphere, a discipline, a life. I highly recommend you read these posts. It has been several years since I wrote my “Day In the … Continue reading

Five things homeschoolers can do in their spare time

According to US schools chief Arne Duncan, school kids need more classroom time. Fortunately for homeschoolers, learning one-on-one supplies much more quality time and so long hours aren’t really necessary. In fact, most homeschoolers are done with educational instruction time by lunchtime. This leaves a lot of spare time to play, and learn, explore. With that said, here are 10 things homeschoolers can do in their spare time. 1. Read: My kids have spent many hours under table, on sofas, in beds, and on a blanket on the lawn reading books. This is a very healthy activity for students that … Continue reading

Keeping Track of Attendance: What Does and Doesn’t Count as ‘School’?

In my last blog, I started to answer the question of how to keep good attendance records. In New York State, not only are homeschoolers expected to keep track of the days their child attends school, but also the hours spent in instruction. While this blog was written with homeschoolers in New York State in mind, I do hope that those of you who have to keep attendance records will find some of the information useful. The technical and legal answer to what does and doesn’t count as school is in your IHIP. If you’ve listed something in your IHIP–it … Continue reading

Music Instruction and the Homeschooler

Earlier today, I talked about Art requirements for Homeschoolers. I mentioned that art should be an integral part of your homeschooling. I feel the same way about music. It is a known fact that music stimulates the brain, and wires it to understand mathematics and science. Recent research also shows that singing improves spatial. For these reasons, I had began supplementing my children’s education with music instruction long before we started homeschooling. Then once we began homeschooling, I insisted that music practice was done first each day, right after breakfast. With so many things to learn in a homeschool environment, … Continue reading

Homeschool Glossary (words homeschoolers should know) – K-L-M

Kinesthetic learner -A kinesthetic learner learns by doing, and while doing. A kinesthetic learner is in constant motion and can be labeled ADHD because it may look like they are not paying attention during instruction. Learning Methods (learning styles) – Everyone learns in a different way. Learning methods focus on the different ways people process information. My learning the way your child learns, you will be able to teach them in the most efficient and affective way for them. A child’s temperament and weaknesses are also evaluated when determining learning methods or styles. To learn more about learning methods, you … Continue reading

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading

The Questions Continue Part 1: We love Art, Music and P.E.

Kaye and I have been publicly discussing our views of home schooling vs. schooling out of the home (as homeschoolers would call it). Kaye’s last blog has asked so many questions that I have decided to answer them in three blogs instead of just one! The first question Kaye poses has to do with physical education. If I may, I’m going to expand upon her question, and answer what a home schooling family can do to satisfy requirements (if there are any) regarding art education, music education as well as physical education. I hope that if there are any of … Continue reading

Homeschooling in Washington State: Option 1

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. Compulsory Attendance: You are under compulsory attendance law from when your child turns 8 years old to when he turns 18. Required … Continue reading