Warmest Greetings, my Dear Sisters ~~

I am humbly pleased to have the privilege of being a part of your homeschool journey through Homeschooler's Notebook. I could never hope to improve on what Heather is doing, but in this season of her life, she truly needs to have her mind and efforts given to bringing those precious boys home.

I do not claim to have superior expertise; my only credential is a deep passion to help fellow homeschoolers have experiences as rich as, or richer than, my own. Through the Notebook, I hope to offer you encouragement and assurance that you are doing the right thing -- and most likely in the right way, since no one is better qualified to disciple your children than you are.

In the next issue I am planning to share a brief summary of the principles that have directed our decisions and priorities. Until then, be blessed and enjoy your children.

-- Mary Beth

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Winning Website
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HomeschoolMarketplace.com

In 1997 we attended our first homeschool conference. In the materials bag we received at registration was a catalogue from Elijah Company. Besides excellent products, the catalogue included wonderful articles which transformed my thinking about not only home education, but other aspects of parenting as well. Although Elijah Company is no longer in business, I will be forever indebted to Chris and Ellyn Davis for the inspiration and practical help our family received from their ministry. William Butler Yeats' quote, "Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire," provides the foundation for the educational approach they promote. They now operate a website, www.HomeschoolMarketplace.com, where they continue to provide helpful resources and articles for homeschoolers.

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Helpful Tip
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A year or two after I first became aware of Elijah Company, Chris Davis spoke at the CHEC conference in Denver. His humility, sincerity and wisdom still speak to me. In one of his presentations, he suggested a list of questions for homeschool parents to ask themselves in order to custom design an education plan. I have revised his list somewhat. I would encourage both parents to make these lists, compile their answers, and review them at least once a year. I have included a few examples from my own lists.

1. Thinking back to your own school experience, what things did you do or learn in school that have served you well in your adult life? (I had a great English teacher who taught me to write well, a skill that has been an asset many times.)

2. What things did you do or learn in school that have proven to have been a waste of time? (I spent hours memorizing the states and capitols, but have never once needed to recall any of them.)

3. What do you wish someone had taught you? (I had to learn financial management the hard way, through some very costly mistakes.)

4. Now think about the uniqueness of your family. It is no accident that your children are under your care. God knows what they need and what you have to offer that will prepare them for His purpose. What is special and different about your family that qualifies you to do what God has called you to do? (This is why your homeschool shouldn't look like everybody else's.)

5. Now think forward to the day your child leaves home. What would it take for you to be able to say, "We did it right! He is fully equipped to face life independently as a successful adult?" (Think of skills, knowledge, character, faith foundations, work ethic, etc.)

6. What do you not want to regret after your children leave home? (We didn't want to regret spending time in front of a screen that we could have spent enjoying each other.)

Once you have completed this exercise, you will be well on your way to setting your goals, choosing your curriculum, and designing your homeschool model.

-- Mary Beth

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Reader Question...
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The Reader Questions Reservoir has run dry. Maybe Homeschooler's Notebook has been so effective your homes are all running perfectly smoothly now, and you simply don't have any more questions. If that's the case, I want to ask YOU some questions. Let's start with this one:

"How do you explain to your children the reasons that your family observes holidays in a way that is different from others around you? OR -- How do you maintain your standards for observing holidays while you join family gatherings which conflict with your standards?"

Please send your answers! :-) Send to: hn-answers(at)familyclassroom.net

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Ask YOUR Question
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The Reader's Question column remains open. It's your opportunity to pick the brains of hundreds of homeschooling mothers who have immeasurable experience and wisdom to share with you. I hope you'll take advantage of it.

-- Mary Beth

Send your questions to: hn-questions(at)familyclassroom.net

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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. [Occasionally your contribution may have to be edited for space.]

Feel free to send any contributions to: HN-ideas(at)familyclassroom.net.

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