Here are 25 suggestions, observations, and friendly reminders for all of us! Teaching can get right smack in the way of living! I'm so serious.... I counted how many times I said "did you get your work finished?" a few days ago and was shocked. It took over my whole day. How many times had I done this? Who knows??
I want to enjoy homeschooling and make it enjoyable for the children, too. I thought it might be time to take a step back and give myself a little lesson or two.
I hope you find some teaching and living inspiration here!!
1. At least once a month, toss out your plans and do something everyone likes.
2. Look for opportunities to tell your child how much they mean to you.
3. Be cheerful, even if you don't feel like it!
4. Let your child be smarter than you are.
5. Value the work that you do.
6. Don't criticize your child, even if you feel they deserve it.
7. Look for opportunities to commit random acts of niceness.
8. Be enthusiastic about your child's successes.
9. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
10. Make a list of at least 10 things you want to accomplish with your child this year and refer to it often.
11. Let your child see you laugh!
12. Don't be afraid to say that you don't know the answer.
13. Keep a tablet and pen handy at all times. You never know when a great idea will come to you.
14. There is no right way to do a wrong thing.
15. Have your child spend some time working alone every day.
16. Have your child spend some time working with others regularly.
17. Plant a tree once per year in honor of your child's accomplishments. Document it, photograph it, and name it so you and they can remember it.
18. Teach your child to answer the easy questions first.
19. Take a field trip using public transportation. (What an eye-opener!)
20.Open your child's mind and value their opinions.
21. Remember that strong points of view are usually wrong.
22. Teach your child to start what they finish and not to start too much.
23. Value generosity and discourage jealousy.
24. Teach that achievement is based on information, motivation, and action.
25. Push the envelope of quality. There is no end to how good you can be.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Haiti
Don't forget to donate to relief efforts for the poor and injured in Haiti. . . .
Here is a link to a Wiki page on Haiti if you would like to learn a little bit about this island nation and it's history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti
Here is a Red Cross Donations link as well. . . .
American Red Cross Donation Page
Here is a link to a Wiki page on Haiti if you would like to learn a little bit about this island nation and it's history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti
Here is a Red Cross Donations link as well. . . .
American Red Cross Donation Page
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Putting an End to the Confusion
Another homeschool mom posted this on our Cafe Mom homeschool group. I just had to re-post! It's originally from Guilt Free Homeschooling (another terrific homeschool blog) and was actually written a few years ago. If you are on the fence about homeschooling check this out:
"50 Reasons I Could Never Homeschool"
I could never homeschool because--
1. ...I'm too disorganized.
Homeschooling works with as much organization as you are willing to put forth. However, if you can keep your silverware sorted, you probably have what it takes.
2. ...I don't know how.
Have you ever begun a new adventure already knowing everything about it? Like anything else in life, you learn as you go.
3. ...I wouldn't be any good at it.
How do you know? Have you tried and failed at this before? If you have, then you know what problems to avoid this time.
4. ...I'm too lazy.
Are you saying that it is easier to get your children up, dressed, fed, and off to school at the crack of dawn five days a week, than it is to allow your children to do math in their pajamas?
5. ...My husband/family won't let me.
Is that because you have run yourselves deeply into debt and need multiple incomes to keep up the payments? Or is it because of utopian ideas of what institutional schools can do for a child?
6. ...I'm not smart enough.
Did you teach your child to walk or talk? Did you help him learn to dress himself? Did you teach him to sing "Happy Birthday"? Then you probably have what it takes to teach him to print his name. The rest you can learn as you go.
7. ...I don't want my child to end up like that weird homeschooled kid I know.
Don't worry--your child will end up with his own brand of weirdness, whether he is homeschooled or not.
8. ...I can't stand to be around my children.
This is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
9. ...My children can't stand to be with me.
Again, this is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
10. ...I want to support the local Christian school.
That is an admirable goal, but is the Christian school more important than your own child? The quality of education (even at Christian schools) is far below what a child can receive at home. Also, Christian schools are populated with the thugs, bullies, and reprobates who managed to get themselves expelled from public school.
11. ...I want to support the community through the public school.
Again, is the community more important than your child's welfare and education? The quality of education at public schools is far below what a child can receive at home.
12. ...All my children's friends go to public school.
Any friends worth keeping can still be seen and played with after school or on weekends.
13. ...I don't have the patience to homeschool.
Did you become impatient when your child was learning to walk or talk? Were you impatient when helping him learn to ride a bike? Homeschooling is no different--it is teaching new skills to the children you love.
14. ...My child has "special needs."
Many parents homeschool their "special needs" children, feeling that no other teacher can understand or care for their child better than the parents can.
15. ...I don't know any other homeschoolers--I would need help.
Homeschooling is growing so quickly that there are probably some homeschoolers in your area already. There are also resources on the internet for helping you connect with homeschooling families near you.
16. ...I don't want to insult my friends who are public school teachers.
Right. Because their feelings are so much more important than your child's feelings and education.
17. ...I have to work.
Some families have been able to adjust their work schedules and their homeschooling schedule to fit together. Other families have found financial benefits to homeschooling that eliminated the need for both parents to work.
18. ...My children don't want to homeschool.
How do they know? Have they tried it before? My children loved having a fully stocked refrigerator available in their classroom.
19. ...I have a degree, a career, and a corner office that I have worked hard for, and I'm not giving that up.
Right. Because it's all about you, isn't it? But your child would like his own chance to obtain a degree, a career, and a corner office.
20. ...I can't teach algebra, geometry, calculus, or chemistry.
1.) If your child is just starting Kindergarten, you don't have to worry about the advanced subjects just yet.
2.) The lessons are all explained in the textbooks.
21. ...My children won't listen to me, don't respect me, or don't think I am smart enough.
Some of this will disappear the first time you answer a question as Teacher, and more will be conquered as you continue to homeschool. However, some of this may stem from bigger problems that will need to be resolved no matter where your children go to school.
22. ...I have a life and social commitments, and I'm not giving those up.
It's still all about you, isn't it? Many commitments outside the home can still be maintained--and some may be easier because of the lack of school-related commitments during after-school hours.
23. ...I don't want to wear a denim jumper, put my hair in a bun, kill my own chickens, or have 18 children.
And you don't have to. Homeschooling should fit your family's lifestyle--no matter what your lifestyle is. Some athletes homeschool around hours and hours of daily training, and some families homeschool on the road in the cab of an 18-wheeler. Homeschooling adapts to you and your lifestyle.
24. ...It costs too much money to homeschool.
Many of the costs associated with homeschooling (such as curriculum purchases) can be spread out by re-using the materials for several students, or recouped by reselling the materials when you are finished with them.
25. ...We can't afford to start now; maybe we'll start next year.
Along with your financial costs, be sure to consider the personal costs to your child. In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
26. ...We might homeschool later when the kids really need it.
How will you know if you've waited too long to start? In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
27. ...My child has been looking forward to going to public school, and I can't break his heart.
1.) Your child is probably looking forward to either a ride on a school bus or a chance to play on the school playground. Are those more important than the quality of education? You can ride the city bus (or a church bus), visit a local playground, and then make cookies together at home (something he can't do at school).
2.) Who is responsible for deciding what is best for the child--that child or you, the parent?
28. ...I don't want to go to jail--isn't homeschooling against the law?
No. Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states, as well as many foreign countries. Home School Legal Defense Association is consistently on top of homeschooling law cases and will support any member family at no cost. (info at http://hslda.org)
29. ...I want my children to get into college.
Homeschoolers are actively recruited by colleges for their dedication to excellence and self-motivated learning.
30. ...Homeschooling isn't really that important.
Homeschooling can turn a poor student into a great student. Imagine what it can do for your student.
31. ...I went to public school, and I turned out all right.
The school you went to is no longer available. Schools are dramatically different now from what they were even five years ago. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
32. ...I want my children to experience all the good things from public school.
Again, the school you went to is no longer available, and you may have forgotten many of the painful or difficult times that accompanied your good experiences. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
33. ...My baby/toddler takes up too much of my time.
Have you found ways to prepare meals or do laundry with Baby around? Homeschooling can also be adapted around baby's schedule, and toddlers and preschoolers love to join in the fun. There are many ways to homeschool with younger children about.
34. ...My mother is a teacher!
Then she should understand why you want to skip all of the undesirable elements of school and focus on personalized academics. It is a very rare grandmother who does not want the best for her grandchild. And you have the bonus that she can help teach your child how to stand in line for the bathroom or show you how to inspect him for head lice.
35. ...My children won't have any friends.
Do they have friends now? They can still get together with the school friends they enjoy, and friends from the neighborhood or church will still be around. Homeschool support groups provide new friendship opportunities, plus field trips and group activities.
36. ...I'm dyslexic--I can't teach my child.
Some dyslexia results from incomplete understanding of phonics and reading skills, which parents can learn right along with their students. Any other homeschooling adults would be understanding and happy to help you through any difficult spots.
37. ...I'm not creative.
But many other people are and are making their ideas available to other homeschoolers. Low-cost and no-cost ideas are available on the Internet, at public libraries, and through cooperative homeschooling support groups.
38. ...I'm not religious--homeschoolers are all religious fanatics.
Many homeschoolers have no religious preference but choose homeschooling for the excellence in academic instruction and opportunities for personally tailored learning.
39. ...I want my child in the Gifted Program.
"Gifted" in public school programs often means "compliant worker-bee." Boat-rocking, buck-the-system, freethinking individuals are rarely admitted into Gifted Programs. Your child can develop his gifts and personal interests without all of the bureaucratic red tape or funding cuts.
40. ...Homeschooling takes too much time, and it takes more time each year as the kids get older.
Wrong. Homeschooling takes less time for the parent as the students get older and become able to work more independently.
41. ...I could teach arithmetic, but I don't know how to teach a child to read.
There are many programs available for teaching reading, including some which guide everything the parent should say to the child. Teaching your child to read is much simpler than it seems and is an unbelievably rewarding experience.
42. ...I want my child involved in sports.
Homeschooled children are involved in sports through city recreation leagues, through dual-enrollment with public schools specifically for the sports, and through the many homeschool cooperative groups that are starting teams and hosting tournaments.
43. ...I can't teach art.
1.) "Art" must be your child's name.
2.) Art can be taught, even if he is stubborn.
3.) Dump all of your crafty supplies on the floor and let Art loose. Library books can guide you into specific artistic techniques, but creativity is built in to all children.
44. ...I can't teach a foreign language.
Excellent foreign language programs are available on CD-ROM that allow the student to hear the correct pronunciation, free of regional accents. (Have you ever heard French spoken with a Texas accent? I know a public school student whose teacher taught French with a heavy drawl. It's funny.)
45. ...My child is too active to keep up with.
So you'd rather send him to a school where they will medicate him with drugs to make him sit still? At home, that child can run, jump, and play, and then do the schoolwork when his legs are finally tired and want to rest.
46. ...I'm a single parent.
Many single parents are finding ways to homeschool their children through flexible scheduling (of the job or the lessons) or work-at-home options.
47. ...My neighbors will report me for child abuse.
Do you need to be reported for child abuse? If not, try talking with your neighbors to help them understand your desire to provide your children with an excellent education. Bake cookies for the neighbors and have the children ask them about their hobbies, careers, or where they grew up, as part of a homeschool project. HSLDA will defend member families against false reports, but not homeschooling out of fear is cheating your children out of a wonderful educational opportunity, not to mention the emotional abuse they will actually endure at public school.
48. ...I don't have an extra room in my house for a classroom.
You don't need one. You can do lessons on whatever surface you currently eat dinner (kitchen snack bar, dining room table, or TV tray) and sit on the sofa for reading. Books and supplies can be stored in a box in the closet or in a corner to keep them from wandering off.
49. ...I don't want to homeschool.
It never stops being about you, does it? Is your leisure time really more important to you than your child's education and your child's welfare?
50. ...I wouldn't know how to start homeschooling.
There are abundant resources for homeschooling, including the one you are reading right now.
"50 Reasons I Could Never Homeschool"
I could never homeschool because--
1. ...I'm too disorganized.
Homeschooling works with as much organization as you are willing to put forth. However, if you can keep your silverware sorted, you probably have what it takes.
2. ...I don't know how.
Have you ever begun a new adventure already knowing everything about it? Like anything else in life, you learn as you go.
3. ...I wouldn't be any good at it.
How do you know? Have you tried and failed at this before? If you have, then you know what problems to avoid this time.
4. ...I'm too lazy.
Are you saying that it is easier to get your children up, dressed, fed, and off to school at the crack of dawn five days a week, than it is to allow your children to do math in their pajamas?
5. ...My husband/family won't let me.
Is that because you have run yourselves deeply into debt and need multiple incomes to keep up the payments? Or is it because of utopian ideas of what institutional schools can do for a child?
6. ...I'm not smart enough.
Did you teach your child to walk or talk? Did you help him learn to dress himself? Did you teach him to sing "Happy Birthday"? Then you probably have what it takes to teach him to print his name. The rest you can learn as you go.
7. ...I don't want my child to end up like that weird homeschooled kid I know.
Don't worry--your child will end up with his own brand of weirdness, whether he is homeschooled or not.
8. ...I can't stand to be around my children.
This is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
9. ...My children can't stand to be with me.
Again, this is a bigger problem that you need to resolve, no matter where your children go to school.
10. ...I want to support the local Christian school.
That is an admirable goal, but is the Christian school more important than your own child? The quality of education (even at Christian schools) is far below what a child can receive at home. Also, Christian schools are populated with the thugs, bullies, and reprobates who managed to get themselves expelled from public school.
11. ...I want to support the community through the public school.
Again, is the community more important than your child's welfare and education? The quality of education at public schools is far below what a child can receive at home.
12. ...All my children's friends go to public school.
Any friends worth keeping can still be seen and played with after school or on weekends.
13. ...I don't have the patience to homeschool.
Did you become impatient when your child was learning to walk or talk? Were you impatient when helping him learn to ride a bike? Homeschooling is no different--it is teaching new skills to the children you love.
14. ...My child has "special needs."
Many parents homeschool their "special needs" children, feeling that no other teacher can understand or care for their child better than the parents can.
15. ...I don't know any other homeschoolers--I would need help.
Homeschooling is growing so quickly that there are probably some homeschoolers in your area already. There are also resources on the internet for helping you connect with homeschooling families near you.
16. ...I don't want to insult my friends who are public school teachers.
Right. Because their feelings are so much more important than your child's feelings and education.
17. ...I have to work.
Some families have been able to adjust their work schedules and their homeschooling schedule to fit together. Other families have found financial benefits to homeschooling that eliminated the need for both parents to work.
18. ...My children don't want to homeschool.
How do they know? Have they tried it before? My children loved having a fully stocked refrigerator available in their classroom.
19. ...I have a degree, a career, and a corner office that I have worked hard for, and I'm not giving that up.
Right. Because it's all about you, isn't it? But your child would like his own chance to obtain a degree, a career, and a corner office.
20. ...I can't teach algebra, geometry, calculus, or chemistry.
1.) If your child is just starting Kindergarten, you don't have to worry about the advanced subjects just yet.
2.) The lessons are all explained in the textbooks.
21. ...My children won't listen to me, don't respect me, or don't think I am smart enough.
Some of this will disappear the first time you answer a question as Teacher, and more will be conquered as you continue to homeschool. However, some of this may stem from bigger problems that will need to be resolved no matter where your children go to school.
22. ...I have a life and social commitments, and I'm not giving those up.
It's still all about you, isn't it? Many commitments outside the home can still be maintained--and some may be easier because of the lack of school-related commitments during after-school hours.
23. ...I don't want to wear a denim jumper, put my hair in a bun, kill my own chickens, or have 18 children.
And you don't have to. Homeschooling should fit your family's lifestyle--no matter what your lifestyle is. Some athletes homeschool around hours and hours of daily training, and some families homeschool on the road in the cab of an 18-wheeler. Homeschooling adapts to you and your lifestyle.
24. ...It costs too much money to homeschool.
Many of the costs associated with homeschooling (such as curriculum purchases) can be spread out by re-using the materials for several students, or recouped by reselling the materials when you are finished with them.
25. ...We can't afford to start now; maybe we'll start next year.
Along with your financial costs, be sure to consider the personal costs to your child. In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
26. ...We might homeschool later when the kids really need it.
How will you know if you've waited too long to start? In some cases, the emotional and mental anguish from one more year in public school can do irreparable harm.
27. ...My child has been looking forward to going to public school, and I can't break his heart.
1.) Your child is probably looking forward to either a ride on a school bus or a chance to play on the school playground. Are those more important than the quality of education? You can ride the city bus (or a church bus), visit a local playground, and then make cookies together at home (something he can't do at school).
2.) Who is responsible for deciding what is best for the child--that child or you, the parent?
28. ...I don't want to go to jail--isn't homeschooling against the law?
No. Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states, as well as many foreign countries. Home School Legal Defense Association is consistently on top of homeschooling law cases and will support any member family at no cost. (info at http://hslda.org)
29. ...I want my children to get into college.
Homeschoolers are actively recruited by colleges for their dedication to excellence and self-motivated learning.
30. ...Homeschooling isn't really that important.
Homeschooling can turn a poor student into a great student. Imagine what it can do for your student.
31. ...I went to public school, and I turned out all right.
The school you went to is no longer available. Schools are dramatically different now from what they were even five years ago. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
32. ...I want my children to experience all the good things from public school.
Again, the school you went to is no longer available, and you may have forgotten many of the painful or difficult times that accompanied your good experiences. Ask a child who is currently in school what a typical day is like.
33. ...My baby/toddler takes up too much of my time.
Have you found ways to prepare meals or do laundry with Baby around? Homeschooling can also be adapted around baby's schedule, and toddlers and preschoolers love to join in the fun. There are many ways to homeschool with younger children about.
34. ...My mother is a teacher!
Then she should understand why you want to skip all of the undesirable elements of school and focus on personalized academics. It is a very rare grandmother who does not want the best for her grandchild. And you have the bonus that she can help teach your child how to stand in line for the bathroom or show you how to inspect him for head lice.
35. ...My children won't have any friends.
Do they have friends now? They can still get together with the school friends they enjoy, and friends from the neighborhood or church will still be around. Homeschool support groups provide new friendship opportunities, plus field trips and group activities.
36. ...I'm dyslexic--I can't teach my child.
Some dyslexia results from incomplete understanding of phonics and reading skills, which parents can learn right along with their students. Any other homeschooling adults would be understanding and happy to help you through any difficult spots.
37. ...I'm not creative.
But many other people are and are making their ideas available to other homeschoolers. Low-cost and no-cost ideas are available on the Internet, at public libraries, and through cooperative homeschooling support groups.
38. ...I'm not religious--homeschoolers are all religious fanatics.
Many homeschoolers have no religious preference but choose homeschooling for the excellence in academic instruction and opportunities for personally tailored learning.
39. ...I want my child in the Gifted Program.
"Gifted" in public school programs often means "compliant worker-bee." Boat-rocking, buck-the-system, freethinking individuals are rarely admitted into Gifted Programs. Your child can develop his gifts and personal interests without all of the bureaucratic red tape or funding cuts.
40. ...Homeschooling takes too much time, and it takes more time each year as the kids get older.
Wrong. Homeschooling takes less time for the parent as the students get older and become able to work more independently.
41. ...I could teach arithmetic, but I don't know how to teach a child to read.
There are many programs available for teaching reading, including some which guide everything the parent should say to the child. Teaching your child to read is much simpler than it seems and is an unbelievably rewarding experience.
42. ...I want my child involved in sports.
Homeschooled children are involved in sports through city recreation leagues, through dual-enrollment with public schools specifically for the sports, and through the many homeschool cooperative groups that are starting teams and hosting tournaments.
43. ...I can't teach art.
1.) "Art" must be your child's name.
2.) Art can be taught, even if he is stubborn.
3.) Dump all of your crafty supplies on the floor and let Art loose. Library books can guide you into specific artistic techniques, but creativity is built in to all children.
44. ...I can't teach a foreign language.
Excellent foreign language programs are available on CD-ROM that allow the student to hear the correct pronunciation, free of regional accents. (Have you ever heard French spoken with a Texas accent? I know a public school student whose teacher taught French with a heavy drawl. It's funny.)
45. ...My child is too active to keep up with.
So you'd rather send him to a school where they will medicate him with drugs to make him sit still? At home, that child can run, jump, and play, and then do the schoolwork when his legs are finally tired and want to rest.
46. ...I'm a single parent.
Many single parents are finding ways to homeschool their children through flexible scheduling (of the job or the lessons) or work-at-home options.
47. ...My neighbors will report me for child abuse.
Do you need to be reported for child abuse? If not, try talking with your neighbors to help them understand your desire to provide your children with an excellent education. Bake cookies for the neighbors and have the children ask them about their hobbies, careers, or where they grew up, as part of a homeschool project. HSLDA will defend member families against false reports, but not homeschooling out of fear is cheating your children out of a wonderful educational opportunity, not to mention the emotional abuse they will actually endure at public school.
48. ...I don't have an extra room in my house for a classroom.
You don't need one. You can do lessons on whatever surface you currently eat dinner (kitchen snack bar, dining room table, or TV tray) and sit on the sofa for reading. Books and supplies can be stored in a box in the closet or in a corner to keep them from wandering off.
49. ...I don't want to homeschool.
It never stops being about you, does it? Is your leisure time really more important to you than your child's education and your child's welfare?
50. ...I wouldn't know how to start homeschooling.
There are abundant resources for homeschooling, including the one you are reading right now.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Work From Home While Homeschooling
Happy New Year!
If you have set some reachable goals for yourself this year, is one of them to make more money, some how, in some way, from home?
I am just speaking for myself here, but I am sure there are more moms out there just like me...
It's tough sometimes trying to make ends meet when you have only one income. I spend so much time trying to cut corners here, shave dollars there.
I have discovered lots of simple ways to make money from home (not a lot of money) and enjoy doing it, all the while spending all my time with my children.
Here are some things that I do for extra cash and a few other ideas that I may be able to implement in the near future. Will one or some of these stay-at-home money makers work for you?
If you have set some reachable goals for yourself this year, is one of them to make more money, some how, in some way, from home?
I am just speaking for myself here, but I am sure there are more moms out there just like me...
It's tough sometimes trying to make ends meet when you have only one income. I spend so much time trying to cut corners here, shave dollars there.
I have discovered lots of simple ways to make money from home (not a lot of money) and enjoy doing it, all the while spending all my time with my children.
Here are some things that I do for extra cash and a few other ideas that I may be able to implement in the near future. Will one or some of these stay-at-home money makers work for you?
- Crafting- I make quilt patterns and quilts. Maybe you are a skilled jewelry maker. These items sell for a pretty penny on eBay and Craigslist with minimal monetary investment. It's more about the time involved! Also, if you are really great with the sewing machine, make cloth diapers, one of a kind girls' dresses (check these out), baby blankets with monograms. The craftier you are, the better.
- Candy Making- I make fudge! I recently had a farm invite me to be their fudgemaker. I am so honored. It's really exciting! I also make brittle. The candies that can be stored at room temperature don't break any food sale laws that I could find, but check your local health codes to be safe.
- Grow a Garden- Grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits for profit. It is a wonderful hands-on lesson for the kids and a terrific way to make money while providing wholesome, pesticide-free food to the folks in your community. Sell your goods on Craigslist, post flyers at church, etc.
- Babysitting- I will begin babysitting this summer. I know that in my state, I can watch up to 4 children without a daycare license. My children look forward to the extra company around the house and I make up to $100 per week, per child. Who couldn't use and extra $400 a week? And I love children. I can hardly call it work!
- Upscale Reselling- Spend one weekend per month hitting book and clothing sales for huge bargains and resell them for a small profit on eBay, Amazon, Craigslist, your own yard sale, etc. You can also offer to help relatives clean out closets, garages, attics, and so on and collect the items they no longer use or want and resell these items for profit without monetary investment. My largest profit so far: I bought a book for 50 cents and sold it for $31.00!
- Tutoring- Are you especially talented in a particular subject? If you are homeschooling your own kids, I bet you can teach any child! Make flyers to post at local churches, schools, coffeeshops, and more. You may only need to sign up a few children a month to make your cash goals a reality. I have charged an average of $22.00 per hour (and people consider me to be the most reasonably priced!).
- Gift Baskets- You can target businesses as well as individuals with this endeavor. Get your children involved, too. Do a little brainstorming and come up with themes and contents and so on. Gift baskets have gotten quite popular over the last several years and make a wonderful home-based business venture.
- Home Inspection- This one will take you out of the home from time to time (alone) but it's well worth it. Get yourself certified to be a home inspector. You can make a few hundred dollars inspecting just one home. You might need to ask a relative to sit with your kids for you for a bit or you can schedule inspections around your spouse's schedule. Check the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors website for all the important information you need to become certified. There is a certification fee.
- Desktop Publishing- If you have time, energy, and creative flair you could make extra money creating flyers, brochures, newsletters, and posters for businesses, churches, and individuals. You will need to invest in the necessary software which can be quite expensive. Be sure you know how to use it before you buy it!
- Event Planning- Are you super organized? Do you have a special talent for getting together get-togethers? There's a lot of money to be made planning weddings, parties, funerals, and other types of events.
There are so many other options out there. This is such a tiny drop in the bucket of things you can do from your own home (mostly), but I hope I have given you some great ideas and motivation in the right direction in reaching your personal money goals.
I hope you are having a great start to this wonderful new year!
Bless you and your family,
Stephanie
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
FREE Online Books
Check out this list of books and classes you can find online for FREE!!!!
FREE Elementary Life Science Textbook (And this site has additional books for purchase.)
FREE "Understanding Algebra" Book (I'm using this one this year.)
Free Books to Read Online
Lots More Free Books Online
Free Books and Guides
Free Books, Essays, Poems, Plays, Short Stories and More!
Free Books!
Free Scott Foresman Reading Resources (Online Grammar and Writing Handbooks for Grades K-6)
FREE Language Lessons
FREE Computer Training (Click on "Home" to find other great FREE lessons!)
FREE Elementary Life Science Textbook (And this site has additional books for purchase.)
FREE "Understanding Algebra" Book (I'm using this one this year.)
Free Books to Read Online
Lots More Free Books Online
Free Books and Guides
Free Books, Essays, Poems, Plays, Short Stories and More!
Free Books!
Free Scott Foresman Reading Resources (Online Grammar and Writing Handbooks for Grades K-6)
FREE Language Lessons
FREE Computer Training (Click on "Home" to find other great FREE lessons!)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
My Favorite Homeschool Websites
This post is just for general and special websites that offer FREE material and lessons to help you homeschool with fun and confidence. This is a brief list but a good start. I will add subject specific lists soon! Enjoy......
World Book Typical Course of Study (All grades)
http://www.abcteach.com/
Oragami
An Old Fashioned Education (full curriculum for every grade, FREE)
Lots of Stuff!! (Scroll down a bit,,, I promise, it's there!)
Crayola Creativity Center
Educational Assessments (Great tool for helping you double check your progress)
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/
Pete's PowerPoint Station (TONS of PowerPoint presentations as well as links to great games)
Teacher Vision (Lots of free stuff and some member's only stuff, too)
The File Cabinet (It's sooooo worth signing up, too!)
Unit Studies Plans (Made in Oklahoma but great stuff for everyone!)
eThemes (So many choices and resources to choose from)
Teaching Today (Site can get a little complicated so spend some time going through this one.)
Busy Teacher Cafe
Cable in the Classroom
Help with Research Based Instruction
Get Ready for College
Media Reviews (Help with What to Watch, etc.)
Educator Templates
PBS for Teachers
Ed.gov
Super Teacher Worksheets
More Unit Studies
Fun and Free Printables
Class Rings and Yearbooks
The Zoo (Wow!)
Highlights for Children This is a site created by the makers of the popular magazine.
http://www.bibliomania.com/
World Book Typical Course of Study (All grades)
http://www.abcteach.com/
Oragami
An Old Fashioned Education (full curriculum for every grade, FREE)
Lots of Stuff!! (Scroll down a bit,,, I promise, it's there!)
Crayola Creativity Center
Educational Assessments (Great tool for helping you double check your progress)
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/
Pete's PowerPoint Station (TONS of PowerPoint presentations as well as links to great games)
Teacher Vision (Lots of free stuff and some member's only stuff, too)
The File Cabinet (It's sooooo worth signing up, too!)
Unit Studies Plans (Made in Oklahoma but great stuff for everyone!)
eThemes (So many choices and resources to choose from)
Teaching Today (Site can get a little complicated so spend some time going through this one.)
Busy Teacher Cafe
Cable in the Classroom
Help with Research Based Instruction
Get Ready for College
Media Reviews (Help with What to Watch, etc.)
Educator Templates
PBS for Teachers
Ed.gov
Super Teacher Worksheets
More Unit Studies
Fun and Free Printables
Class Rings and Yearbooks
The Zoo (Wow!)
Highlights for Children This is a site created by the makers of the popular magazine.
http://www.bibliomania.com/
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Family Home School
You know that as your children get older, they are more capable of learning on their own. They are better equipped to focus on their studies and yield desirable results when asked. Homeschooling through high school while teaching younger children is also one of the best ways I can find to let the high school age children constructively exercise their knowledge and abilities by helping to teach the younger children.
I look forward to my oldest son’s participation in my daughter’s and youngest son's education. I know that he will be able to provide them with much needed enthusiasm for science that I, unfortunately, lack. I anticipate that his love of art will open my daughter’s eyes to a world of color and creativity that is sometimes lost on me. He will be able to teach his baby brother all the finer points of skateboarding and roller blading. There will also be terrific debates about the effectiveness of our government and the subjugation of our enemies. I am a hippie and my son wants to be an airman!
Having distinct age differences and educational backgrounds in my homeschool opens my eyes to the randomness of multiple views, numerous talents, and the clash of cultural consciousness. We all learn here. I am thirty- four; my oldest son is twelve; my daughter is almost 3; my youngest son is now 6 months old. I attended eight years of public school; my son attended three years of public school, and my two youngest children will never attend.
I foresee a long-lasting homeschool of harmony and commitment with a healthy mixture of individuality. I know I can homeschool through high school with God and my wonderful, curious, capable children in tow. It is indeed a family affair.
I look forward to my oldest son’s participation in my daughter’s and youngest son's education. I know that he will be able to provide them with much needed enthusiasm for science that I, unfortunately, lack. I anticipate that his love of art will open my daughter’s eyes to a world of color and creativity that is sometimes lost on me. He will be able to teach his baby brother all the finer points of skateboarding and roller blading. There will also be terrific debates about the effectiveness of our government and the subjugation of our enemies. I am a hippie and my son wants to be an airman!
Having distinct age differences and educational backgrounds in my homeschool opens my eyes to the randomness of multiple views, numerous talents, and the clash of cultural consciousness. We all learn here. I am thirty- four; my oldest son is twelve; my daughter is almost 3; my youngest son is now 6 months old. I attended eight years of public school; my son attended three years of public school, and my two youngest children will never attend.
I foresee a long-lasting homeschool of harmony and commitment with a healthy mixture of individuality. I know I can homeschool through high school with God and my wonderful, curious, capable children in tow. It is indeed a family affair.
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