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Notes from Heather
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Permission We All Need

A mother on our HSGifted group recently shared these words of encouragement. I thought they might also bless some of our readers who are particularly struggling with feelings of inadequacy... or those who just want to be reminded they have permission to be 'imperfect'.

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I have many detailed and extensive mental plans of how I am going to homeschool.

I research and purchase educational materials.

I write out spectacular schedules of how to implement all of it from hour to hour.

Then I live my life.

My imperfect life.

And I give myself grace.

Take a deep breath. Extend yourself some grace.

You are the mother God chose for these children.

Let that sink in.

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The School Board Member Who Took Standardized Tests

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A friend recently sent me this amusing article about high-stakes standardized testing.

"A longtime friend on the school board of one of the largest school systems in America did something that few public servants are willing to do. He took versions of his state's high-stakes standardized math and reading tests for 10th graders, and said he'd make his scores public.

'I won't beat around the bush,' he wrote in an email. 'The math section had 60 questions. I knew the answers to none of them, but managed to guess ten out of the 60 correctly. On the reading test, I got 62%. In our system, that's a 'D', and would get me a mandatory assignment to a double block of reading instruction.'

He continued, 'It seems to me something is seriously wrong. I have a bachelor of science degree, two masters degrees, and 15 credit hours toward a doctorate'...

CLICK HERE to read the whole article!

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Welcome to the New Year and a new volume of our Homeschooler's Notebook! :-)

-- Heather

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Your feedback is always welcome -- just send your email to heather(at)familyclassroom.net.

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Families Share Feedback in 35th Anniversary Oak Meadow Family Survey

Oak Meadow's open-ended style helps me by providing the backbone of structure through the syllabus outline while maintaining the freedom to explore a wide range of material and real-life experiences.

Oak Meadow provides a variety of creative projects that encourage hands-on learning, which is something that I have found difficult to provide. The projects are beneficial and rich in content and not just craft activities to keep a child busy.

Oak Meadow's option-based lessons work well for allowing kids to make their own learning choices. This gives them autonomy and holds their interest, which is not always easy in a home environment.

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Winning Website
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Metropolitan Museum of Art Interactives for Kids

www.metmuseum.org/metmedia/interactives

Learn about art, artists, and world cultures in family-friendly interactives!

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Helpful Tips
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Great Article -- The Simplicity of Staying Home

www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/12/enjoying-the-simplicity-of-staying-home.html

"I often visit the Passionate Homemaking site by Lyndsey. She's such an inspiring lady with great ideas. This article was recently posted. I know for our family it has made a huge difference in a positive way." -- Amanda

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Last Issue's Reader Question
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"Hi! My daughter is 6 and loves Reading Eggs and Looney Toons Phonics for learning to read. I was wondering if anyone knows of a fun, interactive program that is similar for math? Thanks so much!" -- Traci

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Our Readers' Replies
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"I haven't tried this yet, but Math Rider is a program I've been looking at.

Funnix Math is something we HAVE tried. We love their reading program -- it's not terribly flashy and might be boring if you're used to Reading Eggs, but it is a nice combo of computer learning vs. worksheets. We didn't stick with the Math because I couldn't figure out where to place my daughter -- the beginning was way too easy, but the middle had some strategies that we hadn't covered.

Jumpstart has always been a favorite in our house. It incorporates math along with other basic skills."-- Jane M., www.moziesme.blogspot.com

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New Reader Question
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"We are new to homeschooling. My six year old (whom I thought might be visual learner) used an online curriculum last year and after three to six months, she began to dislike it. This school term I have switched to use the traditional approach with partial online and Charlotte Mason curriculums. She has shown some positive signs in wanting to learn and managed to keep her interest in reading. Our schedule was changed from five to three school days per week and even with that, she would still whine about school and especially during seat work. I blame myself for her attitude because I have not completely been loving in teaching, correcting and encouraging her. As a master of fact, I think my constant habit of being short and ungraceful has caused her unwillingness. I hate myself at times and wish I had not inherited habits from the past. I often conclude that I am just not suitable to be a home school mom. What else can I do for her besides making a change in my attitude by praying and reading? -- CPS

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Would you like to share some encouragement and/or practical thoughts with our reader?
Please send your email to: hn-answers@familyclassroom.net

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Ask YOUR Question
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Do you have a question for our readers? You'll be next in line!! :-)

Send it to mailto:hn-questions@familyclassroom.net and we'll answer it in an upcoming issue!

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ADDITIONAL NOTES
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All contributed articles are printed with the author's prior consent. It is assumed that any questions, tips or replies to questions may be reprinted. All letters become the property of the "Homeschooler's Notebook". [Occasionally your contribution may have to be edited for space.]

Again, I welcome you to the group! Feel free to send any contributions to mailto:HN-articles@familyclassroom.net or mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net.

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