HIGH SCHOOL EDITION #8
By Heather Idoni
Added Monday, August 17, 2009
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The Homeschooler's Notebook
***SPECIAL SERIES - High School Homeschooling***
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Vol. 10 No 60 August 17, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
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Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
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Welcome to The Homeschooler's Notebook!
If you like this newsletter, please recommend it to a friend!
And please visit our sponsors! They make it possible.
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DEADLINE: Fall Online Science Classes
Thursday, August 20 is the last day to register
for Greg Landry's unique, Christian Worldview
online science classes. Details are here...
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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Notes from Heather
-- Reader Feedback
Feature Article
-- My Daughter, God's Hand
Helpful Tip
-- Career Exploration Site
Resource Review
-- Practical Accounting
Answers to Reader Question
-- Photography for Art Credit?
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
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Notes from Heather
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I was very touched by this note I received from a reader after
our last high school issue...
"I can't thank you enough for publishing the 'College for the
Struggling Learner' articles. They have been so encouraging to
me. I cried when I read the articles because they hit so close
to home. Sometimes I think there's something wrong with me
since my children have struggled so much to learn to read and
write. One of my children has been formally diagnosed with
learning disabilities and I have another one that I strongly
suspect has learning disabilities as well. Lee Binz's articles
have given me the motivation I need to hang in there and keep
trying to teach my children even if the going seems uphill. I
know home is the best place for my kids; school would destroy them.
Again, thanks so much for reaching out to those of us that have
children who 'learn differently'." -- Jennifer G.
Jennifer -- I'm so glad you were blessed! I plan to feature more
'real life' accounts like these. Be encouraged -- you CAN do this
and your kids will thank you for your love and patience! :-)
Today I'm sharing a personal story from Greg Landry, a homeschool
dad who has become a good friend and regular sponsor of our
newsletter. His story is a reminder of what *really matters*
about the time we spend building relationships with our kids
during these precious high school years. This time will be over
soon and what our kids remember most about their time with us as
young adults probably won't be the academics. My guess is it will
be the one-on-one time spent together just playing games or talking
about life -- the real-life experiences you can only enjoy when
you are walking out loving relationships. How we nurture now will
build up our children in ways we can't begin to fathom. Remember
to put down the math books today and have some FUN together. :-)
-- Heather
---
Do you have comments to share? Please do!
Send your emails to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net
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The first 20 students to register for Greg Landry's
Summer 2010 Anatomy and Physiology Camp
will get a 50% discount - only two left...
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Feature Article
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My Daughter - God's Hand
by Greg Landry
---
I have to tell you it's still very difficult to write this.
Still very emotional, tears roll down my face as I relive this.
A couple of weeks ago on a Tuesday morning -- it was one of those
days when we (my family) were all headed in different directions,
some of us afar. I'm sure you've been there. :)
Our oldest daughter swims for a college in Tennessee and had
qualified for the national championship meet in St. Louis. She
had a few days of Spring break at home and was headed back to
school to meet her team to travel to St. Louis.
We all huddled at the doorway, arms around each other, and I
prayed - among other things, that we would love and serve those
who God put in our path and that we would be salt and light
wherever we were. I also prayed that He would protect us all
as we traveled.
We all kissed good-bye and left. About 45 minutes later the
phone rang. The caller ID said "Beech Mountain", a small town
about 45 minutes from our house in a mountainous area. I knew
she would be passing through that area at that time. This wasn't
good news.
I answered the phone and it was my daughter - certainly a relief
to hear her precious voice; "Daddy, I'm okay but I've been in an
accident." After making sure that she really was okay and away
from the road, my next concern was getting her to school in time
to leave with her team.
I told her to get her stuff together so that mom could pick her
up and get her to school by noon. Her response was, "I can't Dad,
my stuff is all over the place". My heart sank. As a parent,
those are certainly words you don't want to hear.
A couple of days earlier we had about ten inches of snow. Part
of the road she was on still had patches of ice. Going around a
curve, she hit a patch of ice and lost control of the car. She
went off the shoulder and rolled numerous times down a very steep
90 foot embankment. There were large boulders and trees all the
way down. All of her windows had blown out and the roof was crushed.
The contents of the car were strewn all over the embankment.
The car landed on it's side, driver's side up. She was unharmed,
not even a scratch. She was able to climb out of the driver's
window and flag down a car for help. Although she didn't make it
to school on time, we drove her to St. Louis and she had a great
meet.
This accident was one that could not be fully appreciated by
describing it. When my wife and actually saw the scene of the
accident and peered down the steep embankment, we were weak-kneed.
As we saw the boulders and trees that she missed, all we could do
was thank God.
As you know, as parents, there are several aspects of this that
were very difficult for us:
1. The realization that when we kissed her goodbye that morning, it
could have been the last time... this side of Heaven. I know we
talk about that possibility a lot, but when it actually comes this
close, it is very sobering.
Our take-away: REALLY cherish every moment with family and friends
and recommit to fully devoting our lives to Him. Life on this
Earth is fleeting.
2. Knowing what she was thinking and feeling as she realized she
was going down that embankment. As parents, our hearts hurt for
what she went through.
Our take-away: We were very thankful for her strong faith and
reliance on Him. She is truly completely sold out to Him. As
parents, there's not much more we could ask for. He is faithful.
A few days after this happened, I received a note from one of our
pastors. Paraphrasing... Greg, thanks for being a dad who prays
with his family. His ways are certainly not for us to know. But
He is a God who answers prayer... not always when or what we expect,
but He does answer prayer.
While I've certainly always loved seeing or talking to my daughter
on the phone, I have to say there is an extra bit of sweetness now
when she's home or when I hear that precious voice on the phone. :)
---
Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He teaches unique, Christian Worldview online science classes. Sign
up for his free online seminars, such as "The Top 10 Homeschooling
Mistakes", here: http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
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Helpful Tip
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Exploring Careers
http://thefunworks.edc.org/index.php
"The Fun Works -- Explore the exciting world of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics careers!" -- Lara
---
Do you have an idea, experience, or tip to share? Please write!
Send to: mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net
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Resource Review
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Practical Accounting Fundamentals
Author: Lori Peterman
For more information or to order: http://www.insightteched.com
---
Having taken and dropped an accounting class as an adult, I was
skeptical that any book could help me understand accounting principles.
Imagine my surprise when I began reading 'Practical Accounting
Fundamentals' for this review and found I was actually understanding
the material! :-)
This self-paced, self-teaching curriculum lays a foundation in basic,
real-life accounting concepts. Beginning with an explanation of what
accounting IS, the book progresses through step-by-step, short lessons
to walk the student through the course and into an understanding of
all the concepts they will need to run their own family business.
There are 21 lessons covering everything from balance sheets to
receivables, payables and payroll. Unfamiliar terms are clearly
defined, and there are several questions and practice problems after
each lesson. The course also includes tests and a complete answer key.
'Practical Accounting Fundamentals' is a great resource for a teen
who thinks they may be interested in pursuing a career in accounting.
Additionally, this program benefits students by giving them a founda-
tional understanding of how accounting works, and the tools they need
to set-up and keep their own books for a small business or for managing
their personal finances.
-- Cindy Prechtel, http://www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com
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High School Question
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"Can anyone recommend a home school photography course for a 14
year old boy? Alabama requires some art in order to graduate. He
isn't artistic, but loves to take photos. I'm fairly sure that a
photography course will satisfy Alabama's art requirement." -- Ronda
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Reader Responses
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"The best thing you can do is buy him a good camera, preferably
one with a zoom lens, and let him start taking pictures. Digital
cameras are best as there is no cost for film. You only print
the ones you want. Have him go around and take pictures of what
he likes. Buy him books on photography. Start with 'Photography
for Dummies'.
Give him plenty of time to take pictures and to play with picture
editing software like Adobe Photoshop. It is amazing what a child
will teach himself if given the tools and the opportunity. For my
children it is art and drawing; I just provide the books they need
and they do the rest." -- Colleen in Guam
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"My children did photography in 4H last year. Their books are
really hands-on learning and my daughter has really taken off
in photography since finishing the first book. They are very
inexpensive ($2). Some of the questions seem to repeat themselves
so you may want to skim through and throw a few questions out.
They have workbooks for all kinds of subjects with great projects
for the children to do. The books for older children can count as
high school credit -- worth checking out for extremely affordable
educational materials."
---
"4-H offers a basic photography course that is very good. If you
don't want to join a club, you could probably do a search on 4-H
curriculum and get the book. However, if you're able to take it
in a club setting, I think it would be beneficial -- it gives the
photographer a chance to interact and see others' work in order to
improve their own. We're encouraged to enter our work in the
local fair and my daughter has enjoyed this very much.
Also, there are usually local photography clubs meeting in any area.
This may also allow good feedback and mentoring!" -- Lori in PA
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"There is a Photography Unit Study course we used -- we purchased
it from Rainbow Resource." -- Chris
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"Our daughter loves photography as well. A friend told us that our
local 4-H chapter holds photography courses for children. We thought
4-H was only for agricultural courses, but found out they have
photography, cooking, and many others!" -- T.D.
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"4H offers many different curriculums, including photography. It
may not necessarily be with a group; you can purchase the material
and have your student work as with any other home school class.
Here is a link to many different courses:
http://www.4-hcurriculum.org/AtoZ.aspx
Other options include designing your own course using library
resources or purchasing a college level book and having your
student create a self-designed, self-paced course. After learning
some of the basics, find a mentor." -- Judy in Florida
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"My son has taken photography classes and used the project books
from the Cooperative Extension Service. This is the 4-H club.
Our state (LA) has the photography project and many contests to
develop the skill. Our local homeschool co-op also has offered
photography classes. Thanks for the idea of photography being an
'art'. I know this, but I was glad to be reminded!" -- June
---
"A photography course sounds like a GREAT idea for an art class.
I took a class in high school (NY). Learning to develop film
was fun!
Even if your son isn't in Boy Scouts there is a merit badge that
can be earned for photography. The book would be less than $5.
My 7th grader is just starting to earn merit badges and some have
a writing assignment to them. Your local cooperative extension
(4-H) may have something that you could use as well.
There are several aspects to photography - 35 mm film, telephoto
lenses, digital, etc. Ask around to stores (not the megamarts)
if there would be someone willing to teach your son to develop
his film in a dark room. Maybe people with a studio could give
him some tips to taking portraits of children, families, animals,
action shots, etc. Maybe he'd even be able to be an assistant to
a photographer for weddings or other special occasions and explore
ways to earn money as a hobby/job (I smell a writing assignment!)
You have inspired me to have my 7th grader to do something like
this as a 1/2 year class this year! Thanks!" -- Heidi
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New Reader Question for Next Regular Issue
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"Hi -- my name is Annie. I have two boys and a 9 year old girl.
My boys (ages 7 and 4) are always busy, but never constructively --
always destructively, unless I give them something specific to do,
which doesn't last long. My question is... what can I have them do
while I give my daughter some of my time. Since she is the oldest,
I tend to give her the lessons for the day and send her off so I can
work with my middle son, who is struggling with reading, and can't
be independent in school. She is so independent and trustworthy
that I, unintentionally, leave her to herself too much.
Legos and Lincoln Logs are old, and matchbox cars end up everywhere,
including the toilet. Arts and crafts... well, I got tired of
cleaning glue off the walls. For me, this is a tough age (the 7
year old) because he wants to be independent, but is still too
young to do some of the activities he wants to do. He wants to
learn to whittle so he can build a ship (large and small, his
perception is not yet up to par). He also wants to learn to make
fireworks... yikes!
Please, I need help!" -- Annie
---
Are you laughing out loud with Annie -- or crying? Or both? :-)
Can you help her???
Please send your answer to: mailto:HN-answers@familyclassroom.net
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Ask YOUR Question
=====================
Do you have a question about homeschooling high school?
Send it to mailto:HN-questions@familyclassroom.net and we'll see
if we can help you out in a future issue!
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