Cartoon about Socialization

Had to share!

http://www.venamous.net/socialization.jpg

Posted in Dealing with Criticism | 4 Comments »

Exhaustive List of Reasons to Homeschool

Very interesting…

http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/newhser/reasons_hmschool.html

Posted in General Homeschooling Information | No Comments »

The Unit Study Idea Book

While I can’t say I’ve read this myself, I think it looks wonderful and hope to read it soon.  Have any of you read it?  If so, what did you think? 

http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/unit-studies/unit-studies-made-easy.htm

Posted in The Unit Study Approach | No Comments »

“All About Me” Lapbook

Here’s a very cool “All About Me” lapbook that can be downloaded for free. 

http://liveandlearnpress.com/freebies.php

Posted in Printables and More | No Comments »

Laurie Chancey–The Unprocessed Child

Her mother, Valerie Fitzenreiter, is the author of The Unprocessed Child.  Her daughter, Laurie Chancey, is now an adult in college.  In fact, she’s currently working on her doctorate.  Check out this essay by Laurie…

My Growing Up: An Unschooler’s Reflections

Visit Laurie’s site here.

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Self-Directed Homeschooling

An excellent essay by Lisa Rivero, the author of Gifted Education Comes Home: The Case for Self-Directed Homeschooling.

http://www.homeschoolzone.com/unschooling/rivero.htm

 Oh!  Here’s another good one by a different author on the same site:

http://www.homeschoolzone.com/unschooling/harris.htm

Posted in Child-Led Learning, Reading Room | No Comments »

Music Classes at the Public School

Well, my unschooled son who takes classes and participates in all kinds of activities/sports (because he chooses to) has expressed an interest in taking music classes. 

I researched different kinds of classes for kids his age in the area and found that they were very expensive.  Therefore, I asked him if he would be interested in taking music classes with the kindergarteners next year.  I explained what the classes would be like, etc and he wants to go.

It definitely felt funny to register my son for kindergarten yesterday.  Okay, so he’s not really going to school full-time, but I did have to fill out all the same paperwork and so forth.  He’s very excited and the response from the staff at the school was extremely positive. We showed up to register and were told they were expecting us! (I had already spoken to the principal about having him attend music classes at the school as a homeschooled student.)

This particular school is a magnet with a focus on performing arts. Therefore, the school has FOUR music teachers instead of one and really amazing resources–including string instruments!   They even have a ballet studio on site…

Anyway, this means that my little one will not just go to music classes once a week, but for an hour each day.  It sounds like their music program is a blast for the little ones, complete with performances in the evenings and so forth. There’s a different focus each nine weeks: instrumental, vocal, creative movement, and visual art. So basically the art/PE is incorporated!!  

It sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful opportunity, but of course, since we unschool, he will not be required to attend if it’s not something he likes.  We’ll give it a try and see if it works for our family.  He’s the extroverted, chatty type, so I honestly think he’ll have a blast and love going. 

At first I was a bit put off by the hour a day instead of once a week, but I’m thinking there’s nothing to lose by giving it a go.  Especially considering the fact that private music instruction for that many hours a week would be so expensive.

It doesn’t start until August, so I’ll definitely post an update then!

Posted in My Homeschooling Blog | No Comments »

Step out of your comfort zone…

…and explore Life Without School.

This is a series of inspiring articles that will really get you thinking.  I have explored some of the site and am looking forward to spending more time there.

Posted in Child-Led Learning | No Comments »

Another Site with Great Printables

Chart Jungle always has great stuff, but I hadn’t checked out the homeschool section before tonight.

http://www.chartjungle.com/schoolhome.html

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Is it ADD or…

Kids with “ADD” are often just kids with different learning styles or those who are reacting to their environment and/or diet.  Please explore my “ADD or…” page before having your child medicated.

ADD or…

Posted in ADD/ADHD | No Comments »