HomeSchoolBuzz.com

Ridiculous rules for UK home schools

2009-11-06T10:39:00.001-05:00

Via guardian.co.uk

Today, I received a copy of a letter that my local MP sent to the education secretary, Ed Balls. This letter was prompted by my concerns about the Badman report, a review into home-education which was submitted in June and immediately accepted by Balls. The government may implement these recommendations by including them in the Queen's speech on 18 November.

My six-year-old daughter is educated by me, at home. I am not a home-education evangelist and neither do I have any problem with the concept of school, but I do know that home education works for us. Badman's recommendations would change what home education means to us – a positive and successful part of our family life – into an ongoing battle with the state. It would be compulsory for me to register with the local authority and a criminal offence for me not to. I would also have to apply to my local authority for approval which may, or may not, be granted. Even if granted, I would have to go through this process on an annual basis and, at any point the LEA could refuse my application and force my child into school. In terms of fostering an educational environment which feels secure for the child, it is hard to think how the government could be less helpful. Read more...

When the parent is the teacher

2009-11-06T10:22:00.001-05:00

From The News Tribune - Seattle-Tacoma:

When Anne Marie Semke was a school-aged child, she said she thrived in the public school system. She loved it enough that she decided to become a teacher and taught at both public and private high schools in Vancouver, B.C. As an adult, Semke still has fond memories of public school but is choosing to homeschool her two children.

“When I became a teacher (I) realized this is a system that works for certain children and certain families but not for all,” Semke said during a weekly gathering of the ACTS HomeSchool Group at Sunrise Baptist Church in Puyallup. Read more...

Carnival of Homeschooling: Saving Time

2009-11-04T11:51:00.001-05:00

The 201st Carnival of Homeschooling is hosted this week by The Informed Parent with a "Saving Time" theme.

“What children need is not new and better curricula but access to more and more of the real world; plenty of time and space to think over their experiences, and to use fantasy and play to make meaning out of them; and advice, road maps, guidebooks, to make it easier for them to get where they want to go (not where we think they ought to go), and to find out what they want to find out.” ~John Holt~ Teach Your Own

Homeschooling offers children the time and space they need to learn, grow and thrive. As we turned the clocks back this week-end, I thought of all the many hours we have enjoyed with our children over the years thanks to homeschooling. Below are a variety of posts that offer ideas and ways others are enjoying that precious family time. Read more...

So, do you like home schooling?

2009-11-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

People always ask me, “So, do you like home schooling?”

And I usually say something like, “Um ... well, um … I mean, I like it, but I just have trouble with the part where you have to learn stuff. But once you get past that ... well, um, it’s good.”

The better question to ask me would probably be, “Do you feel as if you are deprived of anything as a home-schooler?”

The answer? No.

I feel like there are a lot of advantages to being home-schooled. Read more...

NOVEMBER IS NaNoWriMo

2009-11-03T09:27:00.004-05:00

In honor of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org)—an international event where aspiring novelists are encouraged to write an entire novel in 30 days—there is a contest meant to encourage the aspiring YA author to get started on that novel by offering an incentive for completing the first 250 words. All you have to do is submit the first 250 words of your novel and you can win both exposure to editors, and a one-on-one chat with one of New York’s TOP literary agents Regina Brooks.

ADDITIONALLY: The top 20 submissions will all be read by a panel of five judges comprised of top YA editors at Random House, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Penguin. All 20 will receive free autographed copies of Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Landing a Publishing Deal by Regina Brooks. Of the 20, they will pick the top five submissions and provide each author with commentary and a one year subscription to The Writer magazine. ONE Grand Prize Winner will have the opportunity to get feedback on a full YA manuscript and win a free 10-week writing course courtesy of the Gotham Writer’s Workshop.

Please submit all entries via the contest website at http://www.writingclasses.com/ContestPages/YAPitch.php

7 years of Homeschoolbuzz.com

2009-10-30T23:13:00.001-04:00

The date November 1:

In 1512, Michelangelo's paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were shown to the public for the first time.
In 1952 the United States exploded the first hydrogen bomb in a test in the Marshall Islands.
In 2002 I registered the domain homeschoolbuzz.com. Coincidence?

After 7 years and 3,432 blog posts plus 550 book reviews, we're still enjoying working on this site. We also enjoy reading the 165 fine homeschool blogs contributing to Homeschool Blog Buzz. We hope you each are blessed in some way by our efforts. I hope we can continue doing this for a long time.

Emergency Homeschooling

2009-10-30T11:36:00.001-04:00

Kathy Ceceri has a piece on Wired.com about a guide she is organizing on what could be called unplanned homeschooling. I'm sure more than one parent has found themselves in the situation of homeschooling after an unexpected event. Some might even remain homeschoolers.

After Hurricane Katrina kept thousands of kids out of school for weeks and months, and after talk of months-long closing of schools due to avian flu began popping up on the news, I organized a project, working with the staff and readers of Home Education Magazine, to write a guidebook for families who were unexpectedly given the job of teaching their kids at home. One immediate dilemma I noticed as I read through the pieces submitted for the book was the question of whether to try to keep up with what the school would have been teaching, or to use the time to do things better suited to the family’s own interests and needs.

This split between “school-at-home” on the one hand, and “unschooling” or “eclectic homeschooling” on the other, is a continuing debate among long-term homeschoolers as well. But for the family that is intending to homeschool for a year or less, it can be a big decision – and one that they don’t want to spend a lot of time worrying over. Read more...

Advice for aspiring homeschoolers - Crunchy Con

2009-10-28T10:24:00.002-04:00

A reader writes to say that his five year old came home from public school kindergarten with a flyer alerting parents that the kids are about to have a whole week of "Just Say No to Drugs" education. It shocked him that kids as young as this are being subjected to this sort of thing, and made the reader and his wife consider whether they would be better off getting their kids out of the public school environment, and homeschooling them.

He wrote me asking for homeschooling advice. I told him a couple of things from our experience. First, be realistic. Homeschooling is not for everybody, and it's no panacea. You have to have a certain amount of idealism to get through the tough parts, but understand that there probably will be tough parts. Not everybody is ideally suited to be a teacher, nor are all kids suited to home learning. If you can go into it without illusions, you'll do better. Read more...

Carnival of Homeschooling - 200th Edition - Party On!

2009-10-27T18:52:00.001-04:00

Consent Of The Governed is the lucky one to host the 200th edition of the carnival of homeschooling.

Yes, this is the 200th edition of the COH!
(Today, October 27th, also happens to be my birthday!)

Thanks for responding to the COH invites.
Come on in and settle down... we have some great reading in store for you!
Read more...

A Family's Decision To Home School

2009-10-21T11:44:00.001-04:00

From KSFY.com. Sioux Falls, SD

The latest numbers from 2007 show 1.5 million kids in the United States are home-schooled, an increase of half-a-million kids in just 4 years according to the U.S. Department of Education.

We now meet one South Dakota mom who is teaching her five kids at home and find out why she made the decision to teach her kids, herself, at home.

Christina Driver doesn't just help her kids with their homework. She's assigns it, choosing to spend 180 days a year teaching at home....concerned about what her kids could be exposed to at public schools. Read more...

BBC slurs evangelicals homeschoolers

2009-10-21T11:38:00.001-04:00

Some evangelical parents need monitoring by the state because they may ‘intimidate’ their children with ideas about God, sin and hell, a BBC radio host has said.
The Government’s Schools Minister replied by saying this is part of the reason for conducting a review of the rules on home education.

The comments were made on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday Programme, broadcast on 18 October. Read more...

Carnival of Homeschooling: The Great State of Maine

2009-10-20T23:15:00.001-04:00

Hosted this week by No Fighting, No Biting.

One of the great benefits of educating our own children is the ability to be free of the standard school calendar. Our family takes advantage of this by spending 16 weeks each summer in Maine. I want to share the beauties of our adopted state with some snapshots and fun facts.

Maine is a land of forests and shore. The tides rise and fall about 8 feet so there is a stark contrast between low and high tide so even little children can tell the difference and can figure out scientifically if the tide is coming in or going out. (Hint, look at boats on their moorings to tell which way they are being pulled) Read more...

Bad Idea: Give Carbon Credits to Couples That Limit Themselves to One Child

2009-10-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

The global warming excuse is being used to justify all kinds of leftist goals like wealth redistribution, one-world government and now population control. What are we saving the earth for, alien archaeologists?

Washington (CNSNews.com) – Andrew Revkin, who reports on environmental issues for The New York Times, floated an idea last week for combating global warming: Give carbon credits to couples that limit themselves to having one child.

Revkin later told CNSNews.com that he was not endorsing the idea, just trying to provoke some thinking on the topic. Read more...

Carnival of Homeschooling: Welcome to the NerdFamily House!

2009-10-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

The carnival is hosted by NerdFamily this week. Yes, I'm a day late in posting this, but better late than never.

Hi everyone! Welcome to the NerdFamily House! We are having our first rain of the season out here so I hope you didn't get to wet. Come on in, let me take your jackets and bags. Make yourself at home!

Before we get into anything just a quick a reminder for all those in California. It is once again time for affidavits!! If you file a PSA you only have until October 15th to get over and fill that out online!!

You can grab a cup of coffee or a soda and go join in on the education conversations around the kitchen table. Read more...

Girl in the Arena Day two

2009-10-13T08:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I reviewed Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines. The book explores what society might be like if there were modern day gladiators. The whole idea of "fighting to the death" is appalling to me, yet there was a day and a time where this was an accepted sport. I'm glad it's now part of history. Interested in learning more about gladiatiors? Here are some links I found that sum up this ancient and violent form of entertainment.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator
The Roman Gladiator: http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiators.html
For kids "You wouldn't want to be a Roman Gladiator!": http://www.salariya.com/web_books/gladiator/

In Memoriam--Christopher J. Klicka

2009-10-13T07:58:00.001-04:00

HSLDA and other sources have reported that Chris Klicka has passed away after his long battle with illness. He leaves behind His wife Tracy and seven children. Chris was a tireless advocate of homeschooling as a homeschooling dad, author and attorney for HSLDA.

“Chris was both a people person and a goal person. He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more!” says HSLDA President J. Michael Smith. “He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways. He was so focused on the homeschooling world, but he was also very much focused on his family and dedicated to raising his children.” Read more...

Girl in the Arena

2009-10-12T08:21:00.003-04:00

Recommended reading level: ages 16 and up
Reviewed by: Kathy Davis

Lyn is a gladiator daughter, coming from a line of seven gladiator fathers. Yes, after her biological father died, Lyn's mother married six consecutive gladiators, all who died a gladiator's death. Now it looks like Lyn might have to marry the man who killed her seventh father as he took her dowry bracelet her father was wearing during the fight for good luck. Even though she learns this guy happens to be a tough gladiator but a nice guy, she isn't ready to be married. So, she begins to look for some way to get out of marrying him. Might it involve her facing him in the arena to the ultimate fight?

This novel blends ancient Rome with modern day. There's lots the book explores; a culture that is obsessed with violence, overpowering media coverage, special needs and family dynamics, death and grieving, and how an organization (gladiators association) can be like a strict religion. Besides being an interesting story, this book is a thought provoker. Could our society, that is so addicted to reality TV, ever condone a "fight to the death" "gladiator" type sport? It sure is convincing in the story. These glads and glad wives are celebrities, complete with a paparazzi following. Besides the gladiator culture, Lyn's family is explored in depth. She has a close relationship with her little brother, and is very protective of him as he has some sort of special needs.

I might mention I did find the narration a little challenging at first take, the conversations have no quotes nor any he said she said, it was free flowing thoughts and dialogues. It was distracting only until I got the hang of it, which was by about the second or third chapter.

Be aware there is swearing, violence, commercialism including the mention of condoms, smoking and a character commits suicide.

Girl in the Arena has a unique style and topic. The author does a fine job blending the ancient past time with modern day realism. I found the book absorbing and it kept me turning pages.

Note: Acknowledgements to Bloomsbury USA for providing me with an advance review copy of this book for review.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more information about gladiators.
Here are the other bloggers participating on this blog tour:

Abby the Librarian, A Patchwork of Books, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Book Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com, Maw Books Blog, My Own Little Corner of the World, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes

Duggar grandparents: The next generation begins

2009-10-09T15:20:00.003-04:00

The first Duggar grandchild arrived Thursday night with her proud grandmother, Michelle Duggar, helping daughter-in-law Anna Duggar with the birth.

Mackynzie Renee Duggar checked in at an even 8 pounds and 19½ inches. Exclusive video of the birth was shown on TODAY Friday, and Mackynzie, her parents and the entire Duggar clan will be on TODAY Monday to talk about the newest member of America’s most famous superfamily. Read more...

Catholics find option in home schooling

2009-10-09T15:14:00.001-04:00

From Honesdale, PA - Wayne Independent

Six-and-a-half-year-old Jack Cavanaugh says it’s “cool” having his mom as his teacher.
Joe and MaryAnn Cavanaugh of Honesdale had their hearts set on sending their son to St. Vincent’s School. But when the school closed its doors last spring, the family came up with a new plan: Catholic home schooling. Read more...

Economy drives more parents to homeschool

2009-10-07T11:18:00.001-04:00

Brown, the executive director of the Upstate Homeschool Co-op, said a number of new students this year previously attended religious private schools, including Joshua and Deborah Rogers’ 5-year-old son, Austin.

Deborah Rogers said finances were a contributing factor in choosing to homeschool her son, who was enrolled in the early education program at a Greenville church. But with another son who would start preschool this year, Rogers knew expenses would begin to pile up.

It would have cost $400-$450 a month in tuition for the two children, she said, adding: “That’s a lot when we’re a single-income family.” Read more...

Homeschooling can’t educate the masses?

2009-10-07T11:15:00.001-04:00

Richard A. Boyd, former Mississippi superintendent of education claims homeschooling won't work in Mississippi. He cites demographics apparently from the recent NHERI Study.

Boyd, writing to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, looked at the research promoted by the homeschooling movement itself.

It shows, according to Boyd, that almost all homeschooled children are in married-couple families (98 percent); most homeschool mothers don’t work outside the home (81 percent); and most homeschool parents have at least a bachelor’s degree (66 percent of fathers, and 63 percent of mothers).

That’s hardly the picture of a typical household in Mississippi, where only 19 percent of adults have a college degree and where the majority of children are born out of wedlock. Read more...

What he doesn't mention from the same study, more parental education did not always correlate to better homeschool student achievement. (i.e., students of parents certified as teachers did worse). Parent education level did however explain a 2.5% difference in student scores. Not insignificant but certainly within the variance of government schools.
Personally, I don't think all those single-parent under-educated families in Mississippi would or should take up homeschooling. But it's nice to know they could if that's their choice.

French police grab 4 kids on German orders

2009-10-07T10:51:00.001-04:00

Four children of a family that fled Germany to avoid further fines for homeschooling have been snatched from their home in France by police and accused of "being alone," according to a report today on the ongoing war against home education across the continent.

The word comes from the Home School Legal Defense Association, which has been involved in a long list of cases of persecution of homeschooling families across Europe, especially in Germany. Read more...

Carnival of Homeschooling: Our Home School

2009-10-06T13:41:00.001-04:00

The Carnival of Homeschooling #197 is hosted this week at Walking Therein. She shares a lot of insight into how they teach their own. Jacque is also hosting the Homesteading Carnival this week.

Carnival of Homeschooling How Did October Get Here So Quickly? All of a sudden school officially started, the leaves started turning orange and red, and the temperatures dropped too cold for and Indiana Fall. I surely don’t know how time flies by us so quickly, but I am already longing for warmer temps!

Thankfully, we are expecting some warmer temps this week… just a bit warmer. That is good for us, because we are in the middle of building a Sukkah outside in celebration of the Feast of Sukkot. We are using the Sukkah and all the information surrounding the Feast to home school by what I call Living Learning Moments. Living Learning Moments is just my name for hands-on life-learning. That’s how we home school. Read more...

State: stop watching neighbors kids

2009-10-01T08:37:00.001-04:00

First, State control of parenting and now baby sitting too. Another example of someone being unhappy with anything that is happening without oversight.

IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Each day before the school bus comes to pick up the neighborhood's children, Lisa Snyder did a favor for three of her fellow moms, welcoming their children into her home for about an hour before they left for school.

Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers. Read more...

Biking or walking to school will not be tolerated!

2009-10-01T08:34:00.001-04:00

I don't even know what to say about this rule-making gone awry.

The biking debate started last spring, when school district officials told Kaddo Marino that Adam was violating school rules by biking to class. Walking to the school also is not permitted.

Kaddo Marino challenged the policy and asked the school board to change it. The district charged a committee to review the rule, which was instituted in 1994.

At the start of school in September, Kaddo Marino thought that she had a nonverbal agreement with school officials to allow her son to ride his bike until a new policy was resolved. But on the night before classes started, school authorities called parents to say that walking and biking to school would not be tolerated. Read more...