Search Results for: blog teaching socialization in a structured environment

Why Exactly Are We So Concerned About Socialization Anyways?

**Note: For the purposes of readability, “Americans” in this blog refers to those who were born and raised in the United States and who grew up under our public education system. It is in no way implying that those who live here, but were born and raised in a different country are not Americans. The point is to note the cultural differences in how the two groups in general view the purpose of education and to do that it’s easier to refer to one group as such. Some of you already know that the community in which I live could … Continue reading →

The Most Talked About Homeschooling Blogs in 2007

This is my annual list of the most talked about blogs in 2007. We love comments, and the more the better! If you have been wanting to peruse the homeschooling blog but weren’t sure where to start. . .this is the place to be! My Top 5 Math Curriculum Picks In Defense of Teaching Creation Too Much Information Homeschooling or Housekeeping? Why We Are Not Testing Our Gifted Son Reason #2 Why Tax Credits Are Wrong for Homeschoolers You Call That Homeschooling? The National Lunch Association Takes Aim at Those Who Dare to Eat at Home It Has Been a … Continue reading →

Teaching Socialization in a Structured Environment

Some of you may know that I have jury duty this week. You always meet interesting people on jury duty. Yesterday I met a women who warned me of the serious psychological damage I’m doing by not allowing my children to socialize in a structured environment. Generally when people ask the socialization question I prattle off a list of the kids’ activities. The socialization thing is ignorant people’s way of asking if the kids stay home all day. Do they have any friends? It’s a sign that they’re longing to get a glimpse into the homeschooler’s life. Most people thus … Continue reading →

The Freedom To Be Socially “Awkward”

Last week I had the opportunity to watch my oldest daughter’s ballet class. It’s very interesting to watch her. She is not the most gifted in the class. But she works and she works really, really hard and it has definitely paid off. She follows instructions and listens very intently. She is one focused young lady. What was most interesting to me though was watching the scenario unfold at the end. The teacher wanted the girls to just do some ‘free’ dancing. The pianist began to play a classic piece from “The Nutcracker” and this group of tween girls stood … Continue reading →

What Exactly Are You Trying to Accomplish?

Every single certified teacher in America at least, has written a philosophy of education paper. This means that if a teacher is certified, they have put significant thought into how kids learn best, how to create an effective classroom environment, and how to teach best. I really think that homeschoolers should do one too. In fact, I’d much rather see homeschoolers write out their philosophy of education than hand in endless reams of paper work–but of course that’s probably because I have a philosophy of education and I hate handing in my endless reams of paperwork. What exactly brought this … Continue reading →

Will More Homeschooling Regulations Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect?

My short answer to this is no, more homeschooling regulations will not prevent child abuse and neglect. In fact, I would suggest that regulating the homeschooler is a useless means of telling whether or not a child has been abused. I’ll explain why in a minute. But first, let’s talk about how prevalent abuse is among homeschoolers. The short answer to that is ‘not very.’ It is sad when we hear about a case of child abuse and we hear that the children were home schooled and someone says, “If only they had been in school–we may have recognized it … Continue reading →

Why My Kids Haven’t Taken a Test Yet

Nope–not one. Not a single one of my home schooled children has taken even one test. We’re not required by the state to take standardized tests until 5th grade–so maybe in 4th grade I’ll let her take a test for practice. . .maybe. Yet I know other parents are reading this scratching their heads thinking that I’ve gone off the loopy end. But bear with me–here are a few reasons I ditch the testing. Testing Limits Student Productivity There are several subjects for all three of my kids where they are light years ahead of where they ‘should’ be. I … Continue reading →

The Lapbooking Series: An Introduction

I have considered for some time now, writing a series of blogs in homeschooling on the wonders of lapbooking. (If you are not sure what lapbooking is, check out his blog.) But you see, I’m a novice. My kids’ lapbooks don’t look as nice as Tammy Duby’s (from Tobin’s Lab). My twins are constantly interrupting the process, and I just haven’t quite gotten it all worked out. Then it occurred to me that this is kind of the point of lapbooking. It’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to be done as you go, and it’s supposed to reflect … Continue reading →

Basic Sweet Dough Rolls

First of all, let me say a big thank you to Michele, Tristi, and Mary Ann who contributed to the food blog this week. For those of you who don’t know, I had the pleasure of jury duty. While others complained of their unfortunate lot in life for having to serve, I sat there child free. . .in the quiet. . .for several hours. No complaining here–but I’m glad to be back and working on bringing you food news and great recipes! (My husband is also especially glad not to be flying solo anymore.) Someone recently asked me if I … Continue reading →