Things that blow me away about public school.

It blows me away when a parent does not know that their child is failing in school.

It blows me away when a parent somehow doesn't see report cards.

It blows me away that schools don't require face to face meetings when a child fails a class or two or three.

It blows me away that my local school charges parents for summer school classes... it almost seems like a racket.  Let the child fail with no intervention and then charge the parent an arm and a leg to take the class again.

Is it just me bothered by these things.


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Homeschooling does not have to be expensive.

Note:  The inexpensive curriculum I purchased for my nephew were "Teacher Wraparound" editions of public school textbooks.  These books have the same page the student's edition would have, but it is a bigger page with notes written on the sides and bottom to give the "teacher" information on presenting the material to the students.  A highly involved parent with average intelligence can easily teach from these books. 

Just search for "teacher wraparound" on Amazon.com with the subject you need.  Here's an example:

ps.  Older editions, USED, cost just a few dollars plus shipping. 


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After homeschooling

 Yeah, I am talking about homeschooling being almost over... a lot.  In watching the Today show, they featured a woman who had been a stay at home mom like most of use homeschooling moms are, and she decided to become a wedding planner after planning her daughter's wedding.  She was told that she was an excellent fit by the vendors she worked with and so moved forward to pursue her dream.

My dream has changed so much over the years.  I am first, and foremost an artist, but I so love working with my kids and I love writing and talking about homeschooling.  Will I stay involved in homeschooling, and market myself as an expert?  Will I go back to my artwork?  Will I find a happy medium where I do a little of both?

These are things that keep me up at night.


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Homeschool study hall?

I spent the bulk of last week in a coffee shop.  Since my daughter had to be in Atlanta this week for her internship, I found a nice place to work and play on my computer while I waited for her.

I also took the time to observe the people in the coffee shop, which by the way was jam-packed with people... young people... and older people too.  It kind-of reminded me of homeschooling.  All of these people co-existed together, all in each other's space, without anyone getting bent out of shape.

Well, actually, I got bent out of shape a little when someone put their dirty-used cup on a table I was using to eat a salad... That was annoying, but I merely lifted an eyebrow, and had the cup taken away.  As the week moved on, I found myself playing twister with people as we plugged in and unplugged computers, sometimes each-other's accidentally.  I found myself watching laptops for people as they went to the bathroom, and asking the same for myself. 

One time I looked up from the computer and observed everyone working shoulder to shoulder from front door to back door of the space.  It reminded me of the idea I once had to provide such a space for homeschooled teens... a place where they could get out of the house, and still get their school work done.  It would be kind of like a homeschool study hall. 

I wonder if something like this would work?



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Non traditional education, Tradtional graduation?

This New York Times article  almost suggests that homeschoolers are caving by having a traditional graduation after bucking the system and having a non-traditional education. 

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to my son's graduation next May and trying to figure out how to make a great big honking deal out of it.


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On Homeschoolers Promoting Homeschooling

I came across an article this week on homeschoolers promoting homeschooling, written by Sam Blumenfeld.  From what I can tell, he is a homeschool curriculum provider and speaker and homeschool conventions.  In the article, he suggests that Homeschoolers actively promote homeschooling through numerous channels.  They include having a homeschool book exhibit at the local library and  getting to know the local media, among other things.

I have to applaud his effort, but as a parent who has homeschooled for over 8 years, I suggest a different approach.  In my experience, nothing has won people over to homeschooling better than setting an example.  By simply homeschooling my own kids, appearing "normal", and having my kids thrive and turn into productive young adults, I have seen more people warm up to homeschooling and even consider it as a valid educational option. Sure it takes time, but it wins them over for good.

Sure, you can take promoting homeschooling on as a project, and try Mr. Blumenfeld's approach, but it seems very stressful, and you will need to do a lot of work to convince others to homeschool and to keep them on board.  Furthermore, it will take precious time away from your children's homeschool journey.


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I've been hit with a sunshine award.

Happy Elf Mom aka Mrs C. just gave me a sunshine award today.  Isn't it purty?

There are certain rules (though non mandatory) associated with said award and it includes telling 7 things about yourself and linking to other bloggers, thereby passing on the reward.

Trust me.  You really want to read Happy Elf Mom's entry... it is side-splitting.  I hope my is at least half as entertaining.  Here goes.  7 things about me:

1.  I'm bi-polar.  No, not in the diagnosed, institutionalized,  crazy kinda way, but in the "dang, that girl is moody" kind of way.  In the true sense of being a Gemini, I have moods, and my moods have moods.  You can't get to know me in one meeting, or even in a week.... you need a full year's exposure.  Still mostly I am happy because I choose to be... my reactions are just widely varied from "easy goes it" to "WHAT THE HAY!!!!!".

2.  My kids are as crazy as I am.  The girl may break into song and dance at any moment, or she may ignore you completely.  The boy is a little more balanced, he will either happy-grunt or annoyed-grunt.  I find it entertaining.,

3.  I love being around my kids.  I like sitting next to them.  Rubbing their arms, playing with their hands, and twirling their hair.  Every time I do it I realize that this may be the last time the let me... as they are growing up.  Sure they swat at me sometimes, but I have quick reflexes.

5. I am happily married for 19 years.  My husband deserves and award.

6.  I love learning.  This is probably why I am such a good match for homeschooling. I am thinking of going back to school when I am done homeschooling the kids... maybe get a Masters or PHD in education. ... or Pursue my art.  Maybe both... (observe the bipolar tendencies)

7.  I live in a big house, but that doesn't make me rich.  Every middle class family in Georgia has a big house.  When the kids are gone, I plan to sell it (if the market will move) and get a Condo in the city.

Now for a list of my favorite bloggers.

I would list Happy Elf Mom, but we could end up bouncing the same award back and forth forever.

I adore Sprittibee.  Her blog makes me giddy.  She's a homeschooling mom, but also has a life.

Rants from Mommy Land keeps me in stitches.  I kinda like a gal who's not afraid to cuss.

Darla at My Snellville Blog is my very special real life friend.  Her blog is hyper local and totally awesome.

MamaJulep likes to keep it real.  I never knew complaining about kids could be so entertaining.

So there it is... now you know me and you know who I like.  Guys it's your turn to pass on the sunshine award, but only if you want to.

(so nice I had to post it twice... I accidentally posted this at my Freehomeed blog by mistake.)
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