guide to tHomeschootinq In Southwest :M.icfiigan Dedicated to Ned and our precious children Amy, Sarah, Craig, and Scott, who held down the fort for many days while I compiled, wrote, rewrote, and revised. Your support and encouragement mean so much to me. And to Robin who nourished me through the last hours of this project-that was so thoughtful! © Copyright 2003 Linda Goldman Revised 2004, 2005, 2007 All rights reserved. Please respect the time and effort that went into putting this information together. No part may be reproduced without permission. For information contact Linda Goldman Igold4@sbcglobal.net TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 1. Getting Started and Keepin' On 3 Answers to common questions 2. Simplify the Web- Just Type "Coogle"! 17 Get connected and find everything quickly 3. Educating Mom and Dad First 25 Resources to learn more about homeschooling 4. Where to Find Homeschool Resources 36 Favorite catalogs and curriculum 5. "Do I Have to do this Alone?" .45 Classes, clubs, and activities available to help 6. Michigan State Law 53 Home School Legal Defense Information 7. What About Socialization? 56 How would you handle this question? 8. High School, College, and Career Planning.......58 Timelines, testing, scholarships and such Introduction Reason for this Guide I have been homeschooling for more than eleven years, the last ten of those in southwest Michigan. For six years I co-coordinated a homeschool co-op at Richland Bible Church in Richland, Michigan. As the contact point for the co-op I got many calls from parents with questions such as "How do I go about starting tomeschoounq?", "How do I know I can do this?': "Can I start homeschooling with a junior or senior high child?': 'What resources are available in the area?", "What if I can't teach Algebra (or writing, or biology etc.)?" It is very easy to spend an hour on the phone with one of these parents and still not do justice to answering their questions. There are so many resources available both nationally and in our local area. How can you tell someone about them in a few minutes? There are hundreds of books written on homeschooling, but which do you read and where do you get them? A few years ago the Richland Bible Church Quest Homeschool Co-op sponsored a "Homeschool Parent Information Seminar". I tried to pull together as many resources as possible for the event. It took more time than I could ever have imagined! The feedback I got was "Wow, this is so helpful." And from veteran homeschoolers "I wish I had had this information when I started out." Thus was born the idea of putting this book together that would give homeschoolers in southwest Michigan, particularly the Kalamazoo area, a one-stop resource for finding the information they need. This book doesn't give you all the ins and outs of homeschooling, rather the goal of this book is to point you to the myriad of resources available to you. Obviously it is impossible to cover everything. I've probably forgotten many good resources. I will be updating this book periodically, so if you have a favorite book, tutor, organization etc. that you think should be included, please write or email me. In service to those seeking the Lord's will for their child's education, Linda Goldman Introduction 1 2 Introduction Chapter 1 Getting Started and Keepin' On I am including some basic "how to get started' information in this chapter. Instead of reinventing the wheel I am including some very helpful articles from other homeschool authors. There are plenty of books published and articles online to help you learn more about homeschooling. I list some book recommendations in chapter 3. The first two articles in this chapter "Questions and Answers Concerning Homeschooling" and "How to Start Homeschooling in 8 Easy Steps" are very helpful. Take the time to read these thoroughly and you will probably better choose among the materials and resources presented in the rest of this guide. Debra Bell, the author of the third and fourth essays has written a helpful resource called The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling (affectionately nicknamed UGHS). There are many other authors' works I could have included. I would recommend using Google (see chapter 2) to find and visit the following sites for more great articles: wholeheart, elijah company, homeschooling today, homeschool oasis, debra bell, mary pride, and ignite the fire. If you are still searching this option called homeschooling you might be skeptical and wonder "What are the benefits to homeschooling?" I would strongly encourage you to read a general book on homeschooling which will help you understand why so many people have chosen this method of education. Check out the chapter on local library resources and catalog companies to find books on homeschooling. But to get you started, here is a mini-list of why many have chosen homeschooling. Getting Started and Keep in , On 3 Benefits ofHomeschooling - taken from a variety of writers. Academic excellence Affirmation of masculinity for boys who might be labeled hyperactive or ADD by the school Better sibling relationships Can capture the child's interest Chance to study topics in-depth Control of the spiritual environment Control over curriculum Control over readiness Costs less than a private school Desire for healthy self-respect Desire for moral excellence in children Effectiveness of the tutoring model Encouragement abounds Encouraging lifelong learning and a love of learning Fathers with long or unusual work hours still have time with the kids Fosters independent learning Great teachers © Homeschooled students consistently score equal or above peers on standardized tests Hot lunch program © Individual attention Individuality promoted Lack of peer dependency Laughter welcomed More and better time with your children Multiage learning No dress code Passing the baton of our faith Peace of mind knowing children are safe and protected Reclaim the family and build intimate relationships with our children School prayer is allowed Selective socialization Small class size Strengthens the family unit The pleasure of your children's company (most of the time!) Thinking outside the box is encouraged Thrill of witnessing learning and discovery Transfer our values 4 Getting Started and Keepin' On 971wg-~HO~ Questions (:f Answers Concerning Home Schooling offers legal advice or defense. For informa­ tion, an application form, or a free summary of your state's home-school law, contact HSLDA, Box 3000, Purcellville VA 20134, (540) 338-5600, www.hslda.org. by Sue Welch and Cindy Short, editors The Teaching Home magazine Q. Why do families home school? A Many Christian parents are committed to educating their children at home because of their conviction that this is God's will for their family. They are concerned for the spiritual training and character development as well as the social and academic welfare of their children. Specific advantages have been expressed as follows: Parents can present all academic sub­ jects from a biblical perspective and include spiritual and character training. Parents have quality time available to train and influence children in all areas. Each child receives individual attention and has his unique needs met. Parents can control destructive influ­ ences such as temptations, false teachings (in­ cluding secular humanism, evolution, and im­ moral sexuality), occult influences, negative peer pressure, and unsafe environments. Children respect their parents as teachers. The family experiences unity, closeness, and mutual enjoyment of one another. Children develop confidence and inde­ pendent thinking away from the peer pressure to conform and in the security of their home. Children have time to explore new inter­ ests and to think. Communication between different age groups is enhanced. Tutorial-style education helps each child achieve his full educational potential. Flexible scheduling can accommodate parents' work and vacation times and allow time for chosen activities. Q. Are parents qualified to teach? A You know your children better than anyone else and have the deepest love and concern for them. You also have the most direct and longterm responsibility for your children before God, who commands parents to teach their children His Word, the most important thing they will learn (Deut, 6:6, 7). Educationally, one-to-one tutoring has many advantages over a classroom where one teacher tries to meet the needs of many children at different learning levels. You do not need to know everything in order to teach. Your example and enthusiasm in learning with your children will motivate and encourage them. Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, conducted an analysis of standardized test results for 16,320 home-school children. He found these children to average at or above the 73rd percentile in all subject areas (i.e., in the top Q. How much time does it take? 27 percent of students tested nationwide). He demonstrated that there is little relationship between parents' education levels and chil­ dren's scores. (For information on this report and how to contact NHERI, see p. 27.) Resources are available to give home edu­ cators on-the-job training: The organizations listed on p. 33 offer conventions, workshops, and newsletters. They can also refer you to a local support group in your area. See www.TeachingHome. com for Web links. Articles in current and back issues of The Teaching Home written by experienced home schoolers deal with the philosophy and meth­ ods of teaching all subjects to all ages. God promises His wisdom and assures you that He will supply your needs as you follow His leading (James 1:5-7). Q. Is home schooling legal? A Each state sets its own laws governing home education. Complying with these laws may be as simple as informing the school district of your intent to home school and having your child tested or as complex as fulfilling requirements to be a private school. (See Summary, p. 29.) Legislation is continually proposed. It is important to work with your state and local Christian home-school organizations to aid the passage offavorable bills. Constitutional rights to liberty and privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment and the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment guarantee parents the right to educate their children according to their convictions. However, lower courts have ruled inconsistently in applying these rights. We encourage you to comply with the law as far as your conscience will allow. It is important to obtain a copy of your state's law pertaining to home education. You can avoid many problems by being accurately informed and by using tact and respect in dealing with government school authorities. Home School Legal Defense Association A Home schooling does require a time commitment. However, one-to-one tutoring is more efficient than classroom instruction and thus takes less time. Time requirements vary according to the methods used, the ages of the children, and the number of children being taught. Academic instruction might begin with one-half to one hour for the early grades and work up to a few hours of instruction and/or independent study for upper grades. Most cor­ respondence courses state that their work can be completed in four or five hours per day. Q. Can I teach several children? A You can teach subjects such as Bible, science, history, and literature to several grade levels of children together. Lessons can be presented in an amplified manner with explanations that enable all chil­ dren to understand and assignments tailored to individuals. Older students can do much of their work independently while younger ones receive necessary tutoring in basic skills. Q. What about socialization? A "Socialization" may be the most misun­ derstood aspect of home schooling. Popular opinion assumes that children need interaction with a group of peers to acquire social skills. By contrast, many believe that extensive peer contact during childhood can cause undesirable peer dependency and negative behavior patterns. "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals'" (I Cor. 15:33). Children are more likely to be influenced by the majority than to be an influence on them. Children who are educated outside the home are prone to accept their peers' and teachers' values over those of their parents. Some advantages of freedom from peer pressure can be self-confidence, independent thinking, the ability to relate to people of all ages, and better family relations. Godly principles of interaction can be taught, demonstrated, and reinforced at home by parents. Children can learn needed social skills by interacting with siblings or other children and adults under their parents' supervision. Young people who have had this type of training have adjusted well to adult life. Your children will build lasting friendships with people of all ages as they interact with (Cant. onp. 38.) church and family friends. Copyright 2001 byThe Teaching Home, Box 20219, Portland OR 97294, tlh@TeachingHome.com, www.TeachirgHome.com. Used with permission. Getting Started and Keepin' On 5 Q What about higher education? A 'Thousands of universities and colleges accept home schoolers, Many of these schools actively recruit home-educated graduates because of their maturity, inde­ pendent thinking skills, creativity, and exten­ sive academic preparation," says Inge Can­ non, executive director of Education PLUS. In preparation for college entrance or voca­ tional training programs, parents should pre­ pare a transcript of high school work, award a diploma, and specify a high school graduation date. SAT or ACT scores are usually required for college admission. A high school diploma may not be neces­ sary for military enlistment, college enroll­ ment, or employment when a student has 15 credit hours of college work completed. Many colleges offer nontraditional pro­ grams for off-campus study. Some home schoolers enter their chosen fields through apprenticeship programs super­ vised by parents and professionals. Principle Approach. Teachers and students keep subject notebooks that contain biblical perspectives and principles, personal applica­ tions, and information on the subject acquired from various sources. Unit Studies. Theme-centered units inte­ grate several subjects. Language arts and math need additional systematic teaching. You shall love the LoRDyour God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart; andyou shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk ofthem when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Q What about special interests? A A wealth of experiences outside the home can supplement and enrich home edu­ cation. Unlimited possibilities abound for field trips for individual families or groups. Specialized classes are often available through parks, museums, art schools, or pri­ vate teachers. Church and community teams offer various sports opportunities. There may be more enrichment activities and time in which to do them available for home-taught students than for those in school. Q What materials are available? A Fine Christian educational materials developed for Christian schools are available to home educators. New materials have also been developed or adapted especially for home teaching. These materials may be obtained in the following three basic ways: You may order texts and teaching aids directly from the publishers or through mail­ order companies. Each issue of The Teaching Home presents many suppliers of quality teaching materials. (See "Resource Direc­ tory," p. 5, and at www.TeachingHome.com.) An extension program offered through a local Christian school or church can provide teaching materials, testing, and counseling. Materials, record keeping, and help can be obtained through correspondence courses. Home educators can choose or combine elements of the following approaches. Traditional Textbooks. High-quality text­ books are available from Christian publishers. These cover each subject in depth and in a logical order of topics. Worktexts combine textbooks with exer­ cises in consumable write-in books. Classical Approach. Children progress from memorization of facts and development of leaming skills to advanced logical reasoning and expressive use oflanguage to discuss their knowledge and beliefs. Books" Life Experiences. Other than basic teaching in the three Rs, much learning comes through reading good literature and nonfic­ tion. Everyday activities supplement study and give it perspective. Q What methods should I use? A There is no one right method or curricu­ lum. As an artist has an entire palette of colors to mix and use, so a home educator has a vast array of effective methods from which to choose. These choices may be based on: Ages of the children. Subject matter being taught. Number of children you are teaching. Your time for preparation and teaching. Your children's abilities or special needs. Motivation that certain methods may provide to your individual children. As you mix methods, your home school will become uniquely fitted to your family. Q Are there any difficulties? A The following are common difficulties along with some suggested solutions. Lack of confidence. With experience, you will gain the confidence you lacked at first. Fear of being unable to work with your own children. Parents who do not have their chil­ dren's respect will have trouble getting their cooperation. Gaining their respect through proper relationships, discipline, training, and example should be the parents' top priority. Home schooling can provide the incentive and environment to accomplish this. Inadequate time and energy. Home teaching requires an investment of time and energy. Self-discipline and organization (a daily schedule, teaching plan, and chore list) will help ensure a well-run household. Children can be a great help when trained to work. Lack of commitment. Families gain strength to overcome difficulties when they have the conviction that home schooling is best for them and is God's will for their family. Social pressure. Make a well- informed de­ cision and stand on your convictions. More information and a loving attitude often help friends and relatives understand and accept God's leading for your family. Flnanclallnvestment. Costs of materials or programs vary considerably, but are much less than a private school. Many materials can be reused for siblings. Q Can I meet special needs? A Many children with special needs are being successfully home educated. HSLDA membership is especially helpful to these families. The July/Aug. 1994 Teaching Home on "Special Needs" can be ordered on p. 31 or on our website. Q How do we get started? A Here are some suggestions: Q Seek the Lord and agree as husband and wife on your decision to home school. Pray for wisdom and strength. Make daily quiet times with the Lord a top priority. Q Research home education by reading a basic book such as Christopher Klicka's Home Schooling: The Right Choice (available from HSLDA, 540-338-5600, www.hslda. org) and back issues of The Teaching Home. Meet and visit with experienced home schoolers in your church or local support group, and attend a horne-school convention. Q Contact your state home-school organiza­ tion to learn of local support groups, events, publications, and your state's laws governing home education (see p. 33). Q Make arrangements to comply with the law according to your conscience and recommen­ dations of state organizations and/or HSLDA. Consider joining HSLDA (see p. 30). Q Get your home and lifeIn order. Establish discipline and child training. Organize your family's schedule and chore assignments tofit your educational activities. Get rid of unnec­ essary possessions to make way for learning materials and study space. Q Choose methods and teaching materials that are appropriate for your children. If you are overwhelmed by choices, you can use a prepared curriculum from a textbook, work­ text, or unit study publisher for your first year. Re-evaluate and experiment with different materials and methods and make adjustments as you become more experienced. Home schooling is a way of life in which the home is the center of life and learning. Parents can thus fulfill in a unique way their responsibility to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Reprints of this article may be made by down­ loading a file at www.Teachingllome.com for per­ sonal use, home-school events or publications, or in starterpackets. All reprints must be entire, uned­ ited, and include" Used by permission. Copyright 2001 by The Teaching Home magazine, Box 20219, Portland OR 97294. wwwTeaching'Home.com. " Copyright 2001 by The Teaching Home, Box 20219, Portland OR 97294, tth@TeachingHome.com, www.TeachirgHome.com. Used with permission. 6 Getting Started and Keepin' On How to Start Homeschooling in 8 Easy Steps fry Gail Felker The Steps to getting started (in a nutshell) TIUs article appeared in the January/February 2000 issue of Homeschooling Today® Magazine. Please visit www.homeschoolingtoday.com Used by permission. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Read about homeschooling. Talk to and visit with homeschoolers. Attend your state homeschool convention. Join a support group. Join Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Choose a method. Choose a curriculum and plan a schedule. Write to your school district My introduction to home schooling came 15 years ago when I was a schoolteacher. A mother disagreed with how I handled a situation and pulled her child out of my class to homeschool him. I hate to admit it -- but I was offended. How did that mother (who didn't even have a high school degree) think she could do a better job than I? Needless to say, by the time I became a mother I realized that parents do know their children better than anyone else. When I began to consider my children's education, it was with a repentant heart and prayerful attitude that I realized homeschooling was indeed an excellent option. Since then I have helped many families get started in home education. I pray that this article will alleviate your doubts and concerns about starting a homeschooling program. Every step of the process must be lifted up to our Heavenly Father. I can testify that He gUides us in our decisions. "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6). He cares about the big decisions, such as whether or not to homeschool or what curriculum I should buy. He also cares about the minutest details such as, "Where am I ever going to find a cow's eyeball to dissect?" (The Lord answered that one in an incredible way. I called a local science store and asked if they knew where I could order one. The clerk said, "Oh let me look around. I know I've got a couple of eyeballs here somewhere left over from my science-teaching days. You can have one for no charge.") Put God first and He will crown your efforts with success! Getting Started and Keepin . On 7 Eight Steps To Homeschooling Success 1. Read everything on homeschooling that you can find. Libraries, bookstores, friends, and catalogs can provide information. Here are some recommended titles: How to Home School by Gayle Graham (Common Sense Press) Going Home to School by Llewellyn Davis (Elijah Co.) The Future of Home Schooling by Michael Farris (Regnery) The Right Choice by Christopher Klicka (Noble) A subscription to Homeschooling Today® is very helpful. The magazine keeps you up-to­ date with current information on methods and curricula. I even like to read the advertisements to stay abreast of materials that are on the market. All professions have their journals and homeschooling is no exception. 2. Talk to homeschoolers and ask: Why did you choose homeschooling? What have been the benefits as well as the difficulties? What curriculum are you using? Do you recommend a particular book? Also, ask if you might observe them in action. When I began researching homeschooling, my oldest child (Benjamin, who is now 11) was a baby. I sat like a little mouse in the corner of my friend's schoolroom. I had taught school for five years but could not visualize how to do it in a home setting. Vernell welcomed me and was pleased I was interested. I watched her son learn his math facts. Jonathan was jumping on a trampoline while reciting his facts! I knew he would have been labeled "hyperactive" or "ADD" in the public school. This mother knew just what her son needed -- a strict diet and a lot of bouncing! Teachers in traditional classrooms try to individualize education, but they can only go so far. This opened up to me a world of education that I formerly knew nothing about. It is common to begin with no idea how homeschooling works at the practical level. That's why you should talk to and visit with people who are doing it. They can tell you their schedule and share a typical day. Suddenly you realize you can do it too! 3. Go to a state homeschool convention. Every state has a Christian homeschool organization that can quickly disseminate 8 Getting Started and Keepin' On legislative news that may affect the homeschool community. In addition, these state organizations host a yearly convention in which new and veteran homeschoolers receive instruction, inspiration, and encouragement from other homeschoolers and professionals. Most conventions have a curriculum fair where you can browse and purchase textbooks, curricula, and other materials. Talking to the vendors can help guide your choices. Typically, conventions are held in the spring. Contact your state organization to find out about yours. 4. Join a support group. In a homeschool support group, like-minded homeschoolers come together for mutual encouragement, social times, and especially for science fairs, field trips, drama, and other activities that are best done in a group. Homeschool parents enjoy sharing their experiences and methods. See Homeschooling Today@> (JulJAug 1999 issue) for detailed information on starting a support group from scratch if you don't already have one in your area. 5. Join the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), PO Box 3000, Purcellville VA 20134, phone: (540) 338-5600. For a $100 per year membership you receive the Court Report (a magazine that reports homeschoollegal news in each state) and free legal advice and protection. HSLDA is dedicated to protecting our right to homeschool. Without the work of these Christian lawyers who have defended homeschoolers and helped form laws in each state, we might not have the option. I highly recommend supporting their cause and insuring your own freedom. www.hslda.org 6. Set goals. You know the saying: "If you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it." Goals ought to be at least thought out if not also written down. Ask yourself: What do I hope to accomplish? What do I want my child to know by the end of the school year? Now, I realize that some of us are born goal-setters. We like a plan. We like those to-do lists that we can cross off. Others are better "firefighters". You rise to the occasion when the pressure is on and expertly deal with one crisis after another. We goal setters have much to learn from our firefighter friends, for they are usually relaxed and much better at spontaneity. So I approach this subject with trepidation, knowing that a firefighter out there may be thinking, Goal setting, huh? Easy for you to say! But if you first consider why you are homeschooling and what you hope to accomplish, you will be better able to select a curriculum. If you want to focus on developing your child's character, for example, a curriculum based on character traits, such as Bill Gothard's Advanced Training Institute or KONOS (see table) would be appropriate. If your child enjoys history but needs motivation to read, you might find that History Through Literature fits the bill. Every summer when I am planning the curricula for the fall, I write down goals for myself -- as a wife, a mother, and a teacher. Then I write down goals for each of my four children in the areas of physical, spiritual, character, and academic growth. My daughter was weak in mathematics, so my goal for her was to become more proficient in her math facts. My son is less outgoing than is his sister, so my character-goal for him was to work at shaking hands and making eye contact with people. It also helps to consider your child's learning style, the number of children you are homeschooling, and your own frustration level. I homeschool three of my children (Anna is only 3) and did not want to use separate texts for history, science, and geography. Also, I considered how kinesthetic my daughters are. They need to touch, feel, and experience. All of these considerations led me to choose KONOS because I could integrate all subjects (except phonics and math) into one, and we could all do projects together. Another mom might consider KONOS too frustrating because of the extensive planning and preparation it requires. In short, anyone can homeschool. We don't all wear blue and bake our own bread. Every parent is different and every child is different. Wonderfully, you can find a curriculum for almost every need and style. You can easily get confused when you hear about the many different methods of homeschooling. One person says that formal education is anathema and that children learn best from everyday life experiences. Someone else says that students should do seatwork for three hours a day, six days a week. You hear that grammar isn't necessary if the child reads widely. Then you hear a lecture on classical education that recommends spending an hour a day on grammar. The bottom line is -- there is no one right way. Choose a method that appeals to you, fits your children's learning styles, and works well with your family's schedule. The following table summarizes the most common methods and lists resources for each. 7. Choose a curriculum that fits your goals. If you delight in planning hands-on projects, it's out there. If you'd rather open a teacher's book and say, "Today we're going to..." -- it's out there. I recommend collecting catalogs and becoming familiar with everything available. First, decide the subjects you wish to cover. Traditional textbooks have that already figured out for you. If you choose a different route, you need to look at a standard scope and sequence. These are available from books, your state department of education, or as a last resort your local school district. The Core Knowledge Sequence by E. D. Hirsch (The Core Knowledge Foundation (800) 238-3233) covers what should be studied at each grade level. In the elementary years you should hit the 3 Rs hard (unless you choose the delayed academics approach or one classical method which delays the study of math.) Once again, decide on a method but understand that it's perfectly okay to change methods when you try one that isn't working. All of us have partially-used curricula on our shelves that just didn't fit us. Cost is another factor to consider when choosing curricula. According to Dr. Brian Ray in Strengths of Their Own (NHERI Publications, 1997), homeschoolers spend, on average, $546 per child. That is, of course, a fraction of what states spend on public school students and a fraction of the cost of private­ school tuition. But many homeschoolers have done it successfully on less. When planning your budget, include outside lessons such as piano or dance. Ask your state homeschool organization about used-curriculum fairs and don't forget to utilize your local library. Remember, you can sometimes reuse a curriculum with younger siblings or sell it when you're finished. Here are some books that list curricula and resources: The Complete Home Learning Source Book by Rebecca Rupp (Crown), Big Book of Home Learning by Marv Pride (Crossways Books), The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell (Tommy Nelson), The Christian Home Educator's Curriculum Manual by Cathy Duffy (Grove, 2 vol.) Getting Started and Keepin'On 9 Next, write out a schedule for a typical week. This helps you pull it all together and plan how you will manage. You will soon discover that there are very few days that you strictly follow your schedule, but at least you have a routine developed. Experience helps you roll with the interruptions and accept those interruptions as character-building lessons for your entire family. Here is a diary of a recent morning in the Felker household: thankfulness for the flexibility homeschooling affords us to allow my son go off on a school day with his dad and grandpa. Ben doesn't get to his other lessons today, but that precious relational-time with the men in his life is the best lesson of all. 8. Notify your state authorities of your intent to homeschool. (IMPORTANT-see note at end of article) Every state has different homeschool laws. Your state homeschool organization and/or HSLDA can advise you whom to contact and how to approach them. Generally, you'd best keep your letter short. Your purpose is simply to inform the state of your intention to homeschool. They will then reply, usually with a request for more information. Here is an example of a letter I might send to our superintendent: Time Activity 6:30 I awake and go downstairs to read my Bible, pray, and have a cup of tea. 7:00 My two youngest children awake and toddle down to play together. I begin breakfast preparations. 7:30 I call the rest of the clan to come and eat. My dad is visiting us and joins us at the table. He, my husband Steve, and my son Ben want to go fishing today, so I announce that we'll have a shortened school day. (Believe me -- the children are NOT crying with disappointment!) 8:00 The children head back upstairs to do morning chores while I put together a lunch for the men. Chores consist of getting dressed, making beds, straightening bedrooms, feeding pets, bringing down laundry, and collecting the garbage. 9:00 Ben (11) and Rachael (9) begin their math while I give a phonics lesson to Lydia (5). My dad helps Anna (3) paint on the easel. She's eating up the one-on-one attention! 10:00 We all meet on the front porch to read Homer Price. I read aloud while the children listen. Then I send Rachael across the street to the general store to pick up a newspaper. Ben and Rachael look through the want ads and choose a job for which to "apply." Their assignment is to write a mock letter of inquiry explaining why they would be good for the job. 11:30 By this time Steve returns from his duties at the office and begins collecting the fishing equipment. Ben and Dad hurry to load the boat onto the van. The girls and I wave goodbye and wish them luck. I pray a prayer of God bless you in your endeavor to Dear Dr. Jones, This is to inform you of our intention to homeschool our son Benjamin and daughters Rachael and Lydia (grades 6, 5, and K respectively) for the 1999-2000 school year. Thank you for your concern. Sincerely, It's that simple. Do not send any other information until they ask for it. Please remember to be gracious to the state run schools. Most really want to make sure the children in their district are adequately educated. Cooperate as best you can. If you have any questions or hassle, HSLDA can assist you. What should you do if you find yourself in a crisis situation? Perhaps you feel you must remove your child from school at once, and you don't have time to follow all eight steps. Then I would recommend following these three steps: (1) Talk to at least one other homeschooling parent, (2) join HSLDA, and (3) mail your letter of intent. It is important to join HSLDA before mailing your letter because they will not represent you in disagreements that arose prior to your becoming a member and following their advice. homeschool. Gail Felker and her husband, Rev. Steve Felker; homeschool their four children in Southfield, Massachusetts. -+ IMPORTANT NOTE FROM LINDA: Copyright rules mean I have to use this article in its entirety. In Michigan you DO NOT have to notify state authorities. + 10 Getting Started and Keepin' On IMethod Philosophy Resources Traditional Textbook Use graded textbooks and workbooks following a specified scope and sequence. A Beka Books (877) 223-5226 Bob Jones University Press (800) 845-5731 Alpha Omega (800) 622-3070 Mott Media Classic Curriculum Rod and Staff Classical Education Classical method of education taught in the Middle Ages using The Trivium: (810) 714-4280 (606) 522-4348 Trivium Pursuit (309) 537-3641 Veritas Press (800) 922-5082 (1) Grammar stage (learn elements of language, memorize facts, observe) (2) Dialectic stage (use facts to draw conclusions, debate opinion, argue logic) (3) Rhetoric stage (use language persuasively) Unit Study Starting with a topic, you delve into it by integrating all subjects. The WeI/-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson KONOS (972) 924-2712 Advanced Training Institute (ATI) (630) 323-2842 The Weaver (now sold by Alpha Omega) (800) 622-3070 Alta Vista Curriculum (800) 544-1397 Charlotte Mason Unschooling Involve children in real life situations, expose them to best sources, read "living books" which make subjects come alive. For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (Crossway) Each child pursues own interests. Parents provide resources for child to learn on his own and access real world. Growing Without Schooling magazine by John Holt (out of print; back issues available online) The Unschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith (Prima Publishing) Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola The Joyful Homeschool by Mary Hood (Ambleside Educational) The Principle Approach Centers around three key concepts: (1) knowledge of our American Christian history, (2) an understanding of our role in the spread of Christianity, and (3) the ability to live according to the biblical principles upon which our country was founded. Guide to American Christian Education for the Home and School: The Principle Approach by James B. Rose (American Christian History Institute (530) 547-3535) Delayed Academics Wait until child is developmentally ready; the parent knows best. Home Grown Kids Raymond and Dorothy Moore Getting Started and Keepin 'On 11 What Is Homeschooling? by Debra Bell I find most folks have a very inaccurate picture of what homeschooling looks like. I actually prefer the word "home-based" education, because to tell the truth ­ my kids and I are often not at home during the school day. We might be at the library checking out books on our latest areas of interests, or we could be at a family school where I teach English classes, while other moms teach biology, Spanish, or art; or we could be traveling -- getting out into the world to meet people who are experts in their fields or visiting historic sites where the original events can still be best imagined. Homeschooling is all about the freedom and flexibility to model a child's education to his unique interests, readiness and learning style. So, if you are taking advantage of the full range of flexibility homeschooling allow you, then your homeschool is going to look much different from mine. The bottom line: homeschooling is parent-directed education. That doesn't mean, you have to do all the teaching. Most families don't. Rather, you have the control; not the state. You're the one who makes the choices from all the options available to you in homeschooling. And this is based upon what is best for your family and specifically best for your child. But Aren't There Specific Things I'm required to Yes, in some states there are reporting Do? requirements you must meet in your homeschool. Visit our State Information page to find links to specific information about your state. However, many parents I meet think there are more requirements than what there really are. Nowhere that I am aware of are homeschoolers required to use specific material, nor to teach according to certain methods. One of my main objects I have in the seminars I conduct is to set parents free to choose from the full range of possibilities in homeschooling. What Are Some of These Possibilities? NO.1: You don't have to use traditional materials. It is possible to homeschool with just a library card. Go to our discussion on Using Children's Literature to see some of the wonderful titles folks are using in their homeschools. No 2: You can also use field trips to museums, historic sites, local businesses, etc. as a primary way of enriching your child's content base. No 3: You can find an expert to talk to. In fact, just about everyone in your sphere of acquaintances is an expert in something -- you and your kids just need to learn how to draw this information out of folks. Senior citizens in particular are an incredible reservoir of information and among the most Willing to share from their experiences and knowledge base. My book, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is filled with scores of ideas and examples of how you can make the most of the flexibility and choice homeschooling affords you. How Do I Figure Out What Resources to Use? Experience and good advice. There is a learning curve in homeschooling. I tell folks your first year of homeschooling is all about finding out what doesn't work. Most folks never do it the same way again. In fact, after 14 years of homeschooling, no two years of our homeschooling life looked much alike. I'm always revising and fine-tuning. Part of the education you and your kids will gain is found in the process of developing a unique program for your family. With that said, here are some questions to answer that should help you begin to develop a philosophy of education: What Is Your Family Vision? Where are you headed? What targets are you aiming to hit before your children leave home? What values do you want to emphasize in your home? Many families haven't really thought this question through, or attempted to commit it to writing. So our kids are really in the dark about why Mom and Dad are doing this homeschooling thing. They need to have faith for the family vision built into them. Then when they are older, you will find they embrace your beliefs and values more readily. Provo 29:18 says "without a vision the people perish." One translation I like says "the people are unrestrained." One goal we have is to raise children who love to learn. I believe that God has created a fascinating and mysterious universe that reflects His awesome nature, and that discovering the vastness and the intricacies of His creation is one blessing He has given to us. I want my kids to approach all their subject matter with a sense of wonder and awe. The patterns and symmetry of mathematics give evidence to the absolute truth and constancy of our Creator. The intricacies and varieties within species point to the attention to intimate detail we can expect of God in each of our lives. The need men of all cultures have had to create art, music, dance and drama, are a reflection of God's own boundless creativity and self­ expression. He has left evidence everywhere of His existence and His worthiness of praise. We are fools to suppress this truth in our lives. Learning for us is primarily a means of discovering each day more about the nature of God and Ultimately enabling each of us to more accurately worship who He is. What this means practically is I don't have any time for resources that do not help increase my children's curiosity about the world; nor inspire their awe and wonder of the Creator behind all things. www.debcabell 12 Getting Started and Keepin' On Used by permission. Getting Started Homeschooling by Debra Bell So you're ready to take your first plunge into homeschooling. I remember the butterflies that generated in me twelve years ago. My good friend, Marie, an experienced homeschooler, said, "The first year's the hardest. It gets easier after that." I didn't really believe her. I mean I was only tackling kindergarten back then. I couldn't imagine that being harder than, say, high school physics. Now speaking from the other side of high school physics, Marie was right. Figuring out how to homeschool is really the toughest task of all. Once you find your groove, and that usually takes a year or two, it becomes a comfortable fit for most families. Here are a few tips I think will help you get in the zone quickly: 1. Recognize there is a learning curve. And you're just at the beginning. Tell your kids to expect the unexpected. In fact, the first year of homeschooling is really about finding out what doesn't work. Ask any veteran, they'll tell you, "Nobody does what they did the first year again!" So relax. Enjoy the process. That's part of the fun. There isn't just one way to homeschool your kids. You have a lot of options. It's okay to try out a few different resources, schedules, philosophies, curricula, etc. until you finally settle into a groove. And just when you think you've found th.at groove, your kids' needs will change; your family circumstances will shift; new options will come down the pike; and you'll be on the upside of that learning curve again. 2. Enjoy the choices. A decade ago, we didn't have a lot of options. There were only a few curricula suppliers about; co-operative activities for homeschoolers were non-existent; the internet was in its infancy. Today, the challenge is sifting through all the choices available. There are any number of good phonics-based reading programs you can try; conventions are held in nearly every state with a full slate of speakers and a vendor hall filled with wares; support groups and co-ops in many places offer monthly opportunities for moms and kids; and even those of us living remotely can find virtual classes and support online. 3. Get plugged in. Don't try to do this alone. Find out where your local homeschool community is hanging out (try the public library for instance) and start networking like a pro. Your best advice is going to come from those in your neck of the woods. They'll know the ins and outs of complying with state requlations: they can recommend the resources that have worked best for them; they can keep you abreast of all that's happening in your area. Your kids will likely enjoy homeschooling more if they have their own network of support as well. So don't be so enslaved to your curricula that you don't seize opportunities to take field trips with others or join in some co-operative classes, such as a homeschool chorus, Spanish class or basketball team. 4. Exploit the advantages of homeschooling. Don't re-create institutionalized learning in your home. There's no need to. Homeschooling looks more like mentoring or tutoring. You don't have to use materials created for a classroom of 20 kids - you can use your local library for a lot of stuff - and it is usually more engaging. Tests and quizzes don't need to be your only method of evaluation. You have time for projects, papers and performances - the kinds of activities that kids will remember and value. Get out of the house and into the world, you have the time and freedom to explore. When I was a classroom teacher, I could only take one field trip a year with my students. With my own kids, we do a dozen or more a year. Some are pre­ planned and carefully built into the curricula; but some of the best were on a whim often after catching a notice in the morning's paper. I'm almost to the end of my homeschooling years with our four children ­ and their favorite memories are the travel, the projects, the friendships, the plays, the interesting people we've met and the wonderful children's literature we've shared together. And you know what? They all love to learn, and that was one of our primary goals in choosing this option. Because now that my kids love to learn, I know they are equipped to go out and learn whatever content or skills I may have missed teaching them in the process. (And I'm sure I skipped a lot). 5. Rely on the grace of God. Homeschooling is a wonderful context in which to shore up your foundation in Christ and deepen your walk with the Lord - because it sure isn't something most of us can do in our own strength without falling flat on our faces. So rejoice in that. Homeschooling is probably a great educational opportunity for your children; but I promise God has a lot in it for you as well. And in the end, you will be most grateful for how much better you know your Savior than you did when you began. So even if you totally disregard my first 4 points; don't neglect this one. God's grace is our life-blood: crying out daily for His help; acknowledging our great need; gratefully accepting His help in humility - that's the great secret of success in homeschooling. And you know what - that's the most important lesson our children will learn from us at home. Used by permission. Getting Started and Keepin 'On 13 Taking Resistant Kids Out of School by Margaret Arient I began homeschooling my son this year, his senior year in high school, but my husband and I wanted to begin homeschooling when he was in second grade. We went to seminars, researched, talked to other homeschoolers, but our son was so resistant that we didn't. But it was the WRONG decision. I know now that WE were the parents, we knew better, and he should never have been given the responsibility to make such a decision. He did not have the wisdom or experience to put it in perspective. His main fear was of being "different" or being arrested for truancy (seriously). While he gained some benefits from public school, I believe that he would have gained much more from being at home. While he is a very smart kid and had fun at school, his self­ esteem has suffered, because he could not meet their demands. He wanted time to study things in depth, and the public school system demands that everybody flow with THEIR tide. In fact, I have had to be so involved all along with making him stay on task, that I spend less time now with his schooling, and he is getting a better education, in addition to being so much calmer and happier. Each person is different, but I would not let your child have the final word on homeschooling, if you really feel that homeschooling is best for him. My son has always resisted change, of any kind, and yet he has always loved the change, once it is made. Kids like routines, and while we need to take their needs and wishes into consideration and involve them in the decisions, we have a responsibility as parents to make the final decisions. If I had known how easy it was to take my kids out, I would have done it years ago, and all of our lives would have been so different. The childhood years fly by so quickly, and the school system will never even notice our kids were there or when they leave. We, and our kids, however, will notice and remember the emptiness if their childhoods fly by, caught up in the "busyness" of school, instead of "at home" loving and learning with their family. Used by pennission. 14 Getting Started and Keepin ' On Those Lazy, Carefree Days by Debra Bell Right now, the school days of our three teens consists largely of challenging courses like pre-calculus, French III, molecular biology, advanced placement history. For the most part, they are cracking the books from early in the morning to sometimes late at night. College-level texts, highlighted extensively; notebooks scrawled with study notes and lengthy math problems; graphing calculators, reams of analytical essays-in­ progress, stacks of lecture videos: the evidences of their learning are scattered about almost every room of our house. How do they stay motivated and focused (for the most part) and not buckle under pressure nor revolt? Let me roll back the clock for you. Here's what the early elementary days looked like at our house ... Flashback Leisurely mornings; frequent field trips to nature parks, museums, and science centers; long afternoons curled up in a favorite chair with a book; uninterrupted time for puppet shows, imaginative play and art projects. Lots of trips to the library, lots of time for thinking, lots of time in the backyard. In short, I believe the prolonged season of carefree, open-ended learning when our children were young laid the foundation for diligent and directed studies during high school. Why? Because they weren't burned out by years and years of formalized, structured learning already. When it came time to confine much of the day to seatwork, to evaluate learning with tests and grades, to plow through rigorous and foreign matters, we were ready for the challenge. It was something new, something different, a signal of new responsibility and maturity on our part. Time to apply ourselves in a disciplined, focused way because this is going to count towards our future. Further, I believe that less formalized approach to the elementary years was a critical preparation for this future learning. Here's why: Kids who bring broad background knowledge to something challenging such as biology have an easier time processing and categorizing all the new information. That's because they already have experiences, often tactile, to connect this new information to. The kid who has spent hours exploring the stream that runs through the woods in the backyard has seen the mayflies, speckled trout, tadpoles turning into frogs, variations in leaves scattered about the ground, and tracks of various animals fresh in the mud early each morning, etc. When you show this kid the complex system of taxonomy field biologists have developed for categorizing living things, he isn't thrown for a loop by all these Latinate names: he's been categorizing living things unconsciously for years. He knows the distinguishing characteristics of many plants, animals and insects. He's caught and collected a lot of them. The only thing he has to master in this scenario are the difficult names. Whereas, the child who has only had days filled with reading about them in his elementary science textbook is trying to memorize the scientific name of something he's never seen, let alone handled. He doesn't have the framework in place to do it. How We Learn Our brains process knowledqe into long-term memory through repeated exposure to information in a variety of different contexts. That's why it's so important to approach school subjects from a variety of different avenues. I like to use lots of different books, videos, field trips, art projects, and experiments to give kids plenty of opportunities to create these multi-sensory experiences. When children have this as a foundation before formal learning, I think you'll find that challenging material can be assimilated much more quickly and with little frustration. When I see one of my children struggling in an area, I know the root reason is too little background knowledge to build upon. I try to think of a way to get back to those lazy, carefree days of childhood when we could leisurely explore information, make games about it, ask questions, do research, turn it into the basis of an art project, etc. Getting back to that fundamental level then gives us solid footing when we return to cracking the books in a systematic way again. Relax, They're Learning Especially during the holiday season, the best of home school programs can come grinding to a halt. But, really, underneath, learning can be taking place without you directing it. Just get a trunk of dress-up clothes together, encourage the creation of a holiday play while you're busy in the kitchen, undertake the making of special gifts, or give everyone the afternoon off to read. As long as your child is engaged in an activity she has initiated and that requires the use of the imagination or intellect - learning is taking place. In fact, a better foundation for later, formal learning may be being laid. Used by permission. For many other encouraging articles visit www.debrabell.com Getting Started and Keepin' On 15 Many other Helpful Articles Any homeschool website you visit (check out the chapter on "Simplifying the Web") will usually have some great articles. These articles are located at www.homeschooJoasis.com Homeschooling Basics The Nature of Public Education - John Taylor Gatto; Excerpts The Heart of True Education - by Marilyn Howshall 5 Myths About Public (and Traditiona\) Education by Tory and Barb Shelton Can Someone Else Homeschool My Children? by Barb Shelton The Great Escape - by Geoffrey Botkin What About Christian Schools? - Author Unknown Letter of Encouragement to Kids Not Wanting to Homeschool from Sharnessa Shelton (who was homeschooled from start to finish) Gift or Seduction? - by Carolyn Forte (Food for thought regarding linking up with pUblic school programs) The Need for Structure in the Learning Process by Marilyn Howshall The Seduction of Homeschooling Families by Chris Cardiff Socialization Concerns - by Geoffrey Botkin The Socialization Issue - by Dr. Fred Worth A Brief Case for "Socialization" by Dr. Jay Wile High School Homeschooling But Aren't Schools the Best Way to Learn? - by Michael Pearl Faith Walking Through High School - by Barb Shelton Relationship Skills, Life Skills. Academic Skills - by Ellyn Davis Intro to "SHF-L" - the Sr. High Formula List by Barb Shelton and Homeschool Moms Are They "Teenagers" or What? - by Barb Shelton What If We Want to Homeschool for Only 1 or 2 years? - by Barb Shelton The Cost of Homeschooling - by Donna Heck So What About College? - by Barb Shelton Is Homeschooling As Good As Public School? - by Barb Shelton Is Mid-High School Too Late to Start Homeschooling? by Barb Shelton, with contributions from several moms, Refreshing and Re-Focusing the Heart of the Homeschooler by Barb Shelton Encouraging Leiter to a Reluctant Homeschool Boy from Sharnessa by Sharnessa Shelton Anti-Homeschooling Excuses - Are They Valid? by Tamara Eaton Encouragement from a Homeschooling Mom wijh 3 High Schoolers! by Susan LaBounty Decided to (Re)Start Homeschooling? Insights on High School- from Jay Wile Interview by Mary Leggewie Helpful Stuff to Know Before Taking Your Child Out of School by Barb Shelton Taking Resistant Kids Out of School (One homeschool mom's experience) by Margaret Arient Delight Directed Learning Basic Intro to Delight-Directed Learning - by Barb Shelton Is Mid-High School Too Late to Start Homeschooling? by Barb Shelton, with contributions from several moms, including an "article within an article" by Marilyn Howshall "Delight Directed" - by Marilyn Howshall (This is one of "7 Natural Vital Signs of the Learning Process") Bringing Them Home - by Janie Levine Delight-Directed Study - by Gregg Harris Help With Getting Your Vision - by Donna Heck De-Schooling Tips - by Dianne Brooks Real-Life Learning So Is Real-Life Learning the Same Thing As Delight-Directed Learning? by Barb Shelton Homeschool Issues & Concerns 10 Reasons to Keep ReCords - by Barb Shelton Purpose of Education - by Gordon Clark Force-fed vs. Interest-led Learning - by Barb Shelton 16 Getting Started and Keepin' On Chapter 2 Simplify the Web - Just Type "Google"! There is so much information available online that you should take advantage of it- if not at home, than at the library where internet access is free. Just about any homeschooling book written in the last three years (or more) will have lists of websites somewhere between the covers. I don't know about you, but I start going cross-eyed when I see these lists. It's not that I don't like the web; I love using the internet and am constantly amazed at the information available from the comfort of my home. However, my typing class never went past learning the letters on the keyboard. If I have to type http://--.?com\\net-gci {/.\\-.\}.... (well, you get my drift), then I have to look down at the keyboard and find everything that's not a letter of the alphabet! It's slow and I am almost guaranteed to type something wrong. The internet is an unforgiving traffic cop. Type one little "-" guy wrong, or use forward slash(1) for back slash (\), and that cop stops you before you ever get to the entrance of the "information superhighway." Here's a tip: Internet Explorer will fill in the characters ''http://' for you, so you do not need to type them in. Well, help has arrived. My best friend when online is now www.google.com. Google is a search engine that is quick and accurate. When you put www.gooqle.comin your address bar on you web browser, you will be taken to a simple, clutter free page (you might have a google search bar in your current internet browser already). When you get to the Goggle page you don't have to deal with search categories, news headlines, web directories or pop up ads (though you might get a pop-up ad once you go to a web site that Google finds for you). Google just has a simple box to type in what you are looking for. Type specifically what you are looking for and you will have results in seconds. I can almost guarantee you that 95% of the time what you are looking for will be one of the top three items in the results list. If you have internet access, go try this now. We will search for information on King Arthur. Type in "King Arthur" in the Google search bar. In seconds Google will show you plenty of sites to choose from. Now it gets better. Want to put a picture of King Arthur and a map of Saxon England on your bulletin board? Look for the "Images" tab underneath the Google logo and click on it. Now you will get a page of small clips of images of King Arthur to pick from. When I did this, Google found 10,000+ results. Not all of these are pictures of the King Arthur- results included pictures of the Roundtable, castles- and a llama Simplify the Web 17 and an inn, both named King Arthur! But there are plenty of choices for that bulletin board. Want more information on a picture? Click on it and Google will take you to the site the picture originates from. Now type "map of Saxon England" in the search box at the top. Fifty-five choices come up. When you find an image you want, right click on it and select "copy". Open your word processor, go to "edit" on the top bar and then select "paste". Now the image is on your hard drive and you can size it how you want. Bulletin boards and timelines can be very colorful with the images you can cut and paste this way. *****IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR USING THE REST OF THIS BOOK****** In this book, when I give a list of websites, most of the time I willjust list the keyword or words that you will type into the Coogle Search box. I have tested 95% of the keywords listed in this book and in almost all cases you will find the result I intended you to find in the first or second item on the results list. It is so much easier this way-typing real words and not having to type in ///"\\- - stuff into an address bar. Here's another suggestion. Make Google.com your "homepage". Personally when I go on the internet it's usually to search, not to visit a particular site. By having my browser open to the Google homepage I am ready to go! If you're use to having quick access to news, well, just click the "News" tab on the Google page. You can pick Headline, US, Sports or other news, culled from 4500 news sources. (See box at end of this chapter for help in changing your home page.) This is why making Google your homepage is helpful: you're out on the web, cruising along, when an idea hits you and you need to do a search. Hit the picture of the house at the top of Internet Explorer, (this icon means" I want to go Homen and you are back to the Google search/homepage. I know for some of you these instructions might as well be hieroglyphics. But this is simple, really. Go sit down at your computer and try it! Remember: www.google.com 18 Simplify the Web A Few Specific Web Addresses Worth Knowing Google is great, but if there is a website you visit often and its web address is easy, you might want to go ahead and just type it directly into the address bar, or save it in your browser's favorites folder. Specific web sites/addresses that are worth knowing: • • • • • • Christian Book Distributors www.christianbook.com One of the most complete and least expensive places to purchase homeschool books and other Christian books. www.amazon.comlf you are thinking of purchasing a book, go to this site- many times you can read sample pages at Amazon. Sometimes they have the best price, otherwise christianbook.com will be cheaper. www.vegsource.com/homeschool/ This site is mainly a vegetarian site with a great homeschool section. This is the best place I have found for used curriculum buying or selling. You deal directly with the seller or buyer via email. I have bought and sold from this web site and never had a problem. www.crosswalk.com This is a great site for all things Christian-news, articles, shopping, parenting, movie reviews- and homeschooling. You can even click on audio and listen to a favorite Christian speaker while you browse the web. You can sign up for a number of free homeschool email newsletters. They come once a week. The email newsletters are short. They list links to new articles posted to Crosswalk web site by the best authors in the field of homeschooling. Click on a link if an article interests you- otherwise delete the email for that week and wait for the next. www.home-school.com Homeschool World- Mary Pride's site. www.weather.com For checking on the weather before your field trips! For Everything Else: use Coogle and just type in these Keywords Listed below, and on the next few pages, are the Keywords you will use to search (see pg. 18) - type these words as listed in the Google Search box ­ you do not need to use capitals either! Many of these keywords will bring up multiple sites for you to choose from General Homeschooling and Educational Sites A to Z homes cool - this web page will link you to information on everything you could want Cathy Duffy - author of curriculum guides Christian homeschool forum Cynthia Tobias - learning styles Debra Bell - homeschool author Donna Young - tons of helps, including ready made forms to use Eclectic homeschool Freebie portal homeschool - links to schooling freebies Home 2 Teach - how to make and use webquests, plus tons more Homeschool Christian - many links, articles, message boards Homeschool counsel - some great articles to encourage and inform you Homeschoollinks Homeschool mining company - lots of great information and links Homeschool mom- links to freebies Homeschool shopping Homeschool Tools - 650 pages to print out, poems, handwriting practice pages, much more (fee based) Homeschool yellow pages Simplify the Web 19 Remember: type these keywords as listed in the Google Search box Homeschoolers of Maine - links to some good free materials Homeschool Freestuff- kits and software for the price of shipping Homeschooling Homeschool reviews - see what others say about curriculum you are interested in Jon's homeschool resource -claims to be "oldest and largest collection of homeschool resources" Learning parent - Rick Boyer I Boyer family website Mr Donn - not a homeschool site but some great pages, especially for history National home education network or nhen Owl and mouse - free software for phonics and map studies plus outline maps Paula's archives - a ton of "stuff" Pizza Hut book it -a free pizza reading incentive program for your kids K-6; enroll in March You can homeschool- Homeschool Legal Defense site for new homeschoolers Classical Homeschooling Calvert school Classical homeschooling Covenant home Escondido tutorial Memoria press Trivium pursuit or Bluedorn Family Veritas Press Well trained mind Charlotte Mason Catherine Levison Charlotte Mason Common sense press - publisher of Learning Language Arts through literature Heart of wisdom Education helps Aol school - search for information on any topic you are studying Internet public library Ask Jeeves for kids - great site- type in your question and they'll give you links for the answer High School Many general homeschool sites will have links and article dealing with homeschooling high school Note: for websites on college preparation and testing, see chapter 8 David and Laurie Callihan - authors of "Guidance Manual for the Christian Home School" Debra Bell - articles to encourage, plus she teaches some online AP classes Donna Young forms - look for links for high school; many ready to use record keeping forms Edplus - Inge Cannon's Education PLUS site; many high school and college helps Family education - sections on all ages, but some good info on high school and college planning Homeschooling high school Homeschool oasis -Barb Shelton's website, author of "Senior High: a Home Designed Form+U+La" Homeschooling today - look for college resource section Michigan Virtual High School www.mivhs.org Offers online high school classes for a fee. National Home Education Network Teens - helps for homeschooling high school Typical course of study high school History Resources - using a literature approach Beautiful feet books Greenleaf Press Paula's archives literature - books to supplement history, categorized by time period Truthquest history - EXCELLENT for teaching history chronologically-written by a Michigan mom Veritas Press 20 Simplify the Web Homeschooling in Michigan Michigan department of education - search for "homeschoollaw" in the search box HSLDA -Homeschool Legal Defense Association MEAP - Michigan Educational Assessment Program; a testing program; if certain scores are achieved on the test taken in your junior and/or senior year, the state provides money for college Kalamazoo and Surrounding Area Helps and Resources-more information on some of these in other chapters. Check separate chapter for library helps Kalamazoo homepage -START HERE - wow- links to everything you need to know about the Kalamazoo area- maps, resources, museums, and much much more Civil air patrol Kalamazoo - the local CAP is composed of many homeschoolers Comstock community auditorium - source for both seeing plays and participating; yearly schedule of plays put on for school children; schedule of plays and auditions at site Emmanuel center - a bookstore, plus does homeschool counseling for a fee; located in Lansing Family Christian store - several stores in Michigan; carries some homeschooling items Homeschool groups in MI - will take you to a page at home-school.com that lists Michigan homeschool groups Homeschool building - in Grand Rapids; classes, sports, bookstore and helpful web newsletter to keep up to date on happenings all over southwest Michigan Homeschool Performing Arts and Homeschool Performing Arts Kalamazoo - drama production company in existence since 1997; has a site with the Homeschool Building and a separate website for the Kalamazoo area; Information network for Christian - site for the Michigan statewide homeschool assoc. -INCHInformation Network for Christian Homes KAHSA Connection - Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association website Kalamazoo children's chorus - children's choir; 3 levels; auditions held in May; fee Kalamazoo civic theatre - many homeschoolers in the area have participated; website lists schedules and information on auditions; classes also available Kalamazoo Institute of arts - full schedule of classes, some during day for homeschoolers; scholarships available KRESA - Kzoo Regional Educational Service Agency (see more information in chapA) Michigan elibrary - www.mel.org/index.html-Iots of resources including free practice tests for the ACT, SA T,and AP (see chapter 8) Shareinc (type in one word) or go to www.shareinc.org - Battle Creek site; SHARE holds Tues enrichment classes; the web site has lots of great information and links Student Statesmanship - Student Statesmanship Institute -sponsors week long programs in Lansing in the summer for high school students; Biblical worldview and legislative skills training- a great resource for all Michigan homeschoolers Teachers center - bookstore in Portage, MI, also available online For specific areas of the state, just try typing in the city or county with "Michigan"; many communities now have their own websites where you can check out local churches, event calendars etc. The following all have information online (just make sure you also type the word "micniqen"): Augusta, Battle Creek, Calhoun county, Climax, Comstock, Galesburg, Grand Rapids, Martin, Otsego, Parchment, Plainwell, Portage, Richland, Schoolcraft, Van Buren, Vicksburg - and many others! Literature Based Carol Joy Seid Lamplighter books Progeny press Sonlight Simplify the Web 21 Remember: type these keywords as listed in the Google Search box Magazines Home Education Magazine - non-Christian; unschooling Homeschool Digest - deeper, philosophical Homeschooling Today - unit study and classical flavor Link homeschool news - national online homeschool newsletter with links to state events Pennsylvania Homeschoolers - publishes a helpful newsletter + has online AP classes Practical Homeschooling - reviews all approaches to homeschooling; introduces new products Teaching Home -lots of information on their web page, but currently not in print World Magazine - weekly; news from a Christian perspective; issues also available for children­ great for studying current events with your kids; many of the articles available online Online Classes Debra Bell - offers regular and Advanced Placement courses Free classes online Michigan virtual high school - high school, Advanced Placement, and AP review classes for a fee PA Homeschoolers - Advanced Placement courses (which can earn you college credit) Online classes - several sites come up with this keyword Potters school Webteacher - EXCELLENT free site- learn the basics of the web, web page construction, how to use the web in your homeschool and MUCH more-over 80 hours of instruction-FREE Writeathome - personalized writing class online for homeschoolers Relaxed homeschooling - Lifestyle of Learning - Delight-directed learning Homeschool oasis - Barb Shelton's site Ignite the Fire - Terri Camp site Lifestyle of learning - several site available from this keyword Marilyn Howshall Mary Hood Moore Foundation Relaxed homeschool Vicky Goodchild Whole heart - site of Clarksons, authors of "Educating the WholeHearted Child" Wisdoms way of learning Scope and Sequence A Beka Scope and sequence World book typical course of study Homeschooling scope and sequence - links to other published scope and sequences Special Needs Homeschooling Dyslexia Homeschooling special needs Joyce Herzog Nathhan - yes -type 2 "h''s- stands for National Challenged Homeschoolers Assoc. Network Traditional Textbooks A Beka Alpha Omega Bob Jones University Press Christian Liberty Press Modern curriculum Press 22 Simplify the Web Remember: type these keywords as listed in the Google Search box Unit Studies Acorn academy Amanda Bennett Four wheelers unit studies - 100s of links Home 2 teach - scroll down to find a pdf document on how to plan your own unit study Homeschool unit studies Lacelle family - free unit studies, they also sell used books Unit Studies Unit study helps - several links to unit study sites Valerie Bendt Names of some unit study curriculum: Advance Training Institute - also known as ATI; Bill Gothard's Institute of Basic Life Principles Alta vista curriculum Five in a row Heart of Wisdom Konos Learning adventures - www.learning-adventures.org Learning at home curriculum - unit study by Ann Ward for preK-K My father's world Prairie primer - based on the Little House books Weaver curriculum (now sold by Alpha Omega) Unschooling Christian unschooling John Holt - deceased author of "Growing without Schooling"; several sites teach his philosophy of education Mary Griffith Used Books Alibris - used books of all kinds The Book cellar - used Abeka, Apologia, Bob Jones, Saxon and others Educational accents Educator's exchange Homeschool classifieds Homeschool curriculum swap Homeschool Potpourri Homeschool trading zone Homeschool used curriculum sites - many links to the sites listed here plus others Laurelwood books Linda's used books - looks like lots of good reading books-cheap My homeschooling place - operates just like vegsource but without all the ads Second harvest curriculum Used homeschooling books Vegsource - mainly a vegetarian site but with a good homeschool section and a very easy­ to-use, used book section; easy to either buy or sell Other book sources (See also the catalog list in another part of this book) AG Distribution - Alpha Omega discounted Homeschool discount store Homeschool Supercenter • Almost every homeschool web page you go to will have books for sale or links to where to buy the books they recommend. Simplify the Web 23 HINT: Need more web sites to keep you busy? Go to any of these websites and look for a button that says "Links". • • Now, don't you think reading this list of web sites was easier on your brain than your average listing of web addresses? Getting to these and other sites will be tons easier using Google than it's ever been before. I guarantee it! How do I change my Homepage in Internet Explorer? • • • • • • Go to www.google.com Once at this page, go to top of your web browser, select ''Tools'', and in the drop down box select "Internet Options". The first box you should see is under the "General ''tab and says "Home page". Click on the button that says "Use current" - you are telling Explorer to use the page you are currently on (Google) as your homepage. Click "Ok" at the bottom of the screen. Test it- click on the little house at the top of Internet Explorer - you should go (or stay) at Google.com It's easy to change your homepage, so try setting it to Google. If you don't like it, you can easily change it to something else. Even better! OPTION 2 • • • • • Go to www.google.com In search box type "google toolbar" Click on the link that comes up. Download the Google toolbar, which will put a Google search bar on your Internet Explorer page- it will thus be at the top all the time and you can search anytime with going to www.qoogle.com There are some nice options this toolbar gives you - the best one is that you can tell it to block pop-up ads! No more blinking "you're a winner" bothering you while you are searching the web. 24 Simplify the Web Chapter 3 Educating Mom and Dad First This chapter puts you in contact with materials and sources for educating yourself first. You will also learn how to get connected with local support groups. The last section of this chapter lists recommended books on homeschooling. The local libraries have purchased many homeschool books at the request of parents. Take advantage of these books. Homeschooling can just be a substitute for and copy of classroom instruction or it can be so much more. Your vision of education will be expanded, your stereotypes challenged, and new possibilities will be opened to you if you seek to learn what your choices are when you teach your children at home. Most of us need a new view of education. All we know is what we experienced in our own school journey. If you really want to grasp the vision of a joy filled family life and education as a vital part of living, then read "For the Children's Sake" by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. You might not find it in your library, so borrow it or buy it- just read it! The resource list in this chapter has more information on this book. Highly recommended reading! If you're a ''veteran'', I encourage you to continue to learn and to read some of these books­ you will be re-motivated to do the best job you can in this homeschool journey. I find that even after more than ten years of homeschooling, my passion re-ignites if I read at least one homeschooling book a year. Note: word or words in [ ] are keywords to use in a google search (see chapter 2) Educating Mom and Dad First 25 RESOURCES FOR EDUCATING MOM AND DAD FIRST! It is a terrifying thing to begin. To begin anything at all. The rewards are but rumors then. The glories are but gossip. To taste and see, we must venture into the murky waters of inexperience. And that is, indeed, a terrifying thing. But tis more terrifying still to stand ashore and only wish it could someday truly be true. Tristam Gylberd Learn About the Approaches to Homeschooling The best summary I have seen explaining these approaches is in an article by Ellyn Davis of the Elijah Company (www.elijahcompany.com or www.homeschoolmarketplace.com) so I have included the article at the end of this chapter. I STRONGLY recommend reading it thoroughly and considering where your family ''fits''. Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association (KAHSA) 345-HOME www.kahsaconnection.com Support group for Christian families. Annual membership includes monthly newsletter, HSLDA and INCH discounts, and phone directory. If you homeschool in the Kalamazoo area, I would strongly encourage you to join KAHSA. The monthly newsletter will keep you informed on seminars, speakers, support groups, field trips, classes, and other resources for homeschoolers. The number above will get you to an answering machine. Leave your name and address and a packet of information will be sent to you. www.kahsaconnection.com Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association (KAHSA) Support Groups One of the best ways to educate yourself is to pick the brain of a ''veteran'' or to bounce ideas off other homeschoolers. KAHSA as an organization does not organize any support groups, rather the newsletter acts as a "conduit" to put homeschoolers in contact with each other. Various support groups meet around the county and surrounding area, but they are dependent on interested parents to plan and organize them. Since the leadership of these groups, location of meetings, etc. can change from year to year, not all contact information is available here. The best advice - join KAHSA (did I say that somewhere else?) The following support groups have been in existence for several years. Information on support groups is in the newsletter and at the website: • Homeschoolers of Otsego, Plainwell, Etc. (H.O.P.E) • Kalamazoo Eastside Enrichment Program (KEEP) • Mothers of Teen Homeschoolers (MOTH) • Oasis of SW Portage/Mattawan homeschooloasis@hotmail.com http://www.angelfire.com/art2/homeschooloasis/index2.htm • VASE - Van Buren and Allegan Supporting Each Other JMJ Catholic Homeschoolers A Kalamazoo area support group providing organized educational and service opportunities for Catholic homeschool families. Sue Lytwyn 349-2273 26 Educating Mom and Dad First Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) www.hslda.org (540) 338-5600 A non-profit organization established to defend the constitutional right of parents to teach their children. Annual membership fee. If you are a member and are ever challenged in your right to homeschool, HSLDA will represent you in court for free. Michigan currently has one of the best state homeschool laws in large part due to HSLDA, but it was not always so. Many homeschoolers feel an annual membership is important to make sure this organization continues to operate and protect homeschoolers across the U.S. They have an excellent web site where you can keep up to date on homeschooling in the news and family legislation in congress. Other support groups: use Google keyword Network of Michigan Home Educators Homeschooling Magazines Use www.google.com to find the web pages and subscription information. Home Education Magazine Unschooling flavor Homeschool Digest More philosophical Homeschooling Parent Homeschooling Today Practical Homeschooling - Articles by and about all homeschooling methods Teaching Home (currently only available online) Homeschool Conferences Bob Jones University Home School Conference and Family Camp Summer family camp and homeschool conference in Greenville, SC (864) 242-5100 Emmanuel Center Holt, Michigan. How to Homeschool Conferences several times a year, (800) 256-5044. [emmanuel center] Homeschool Building - How to Homeschool Seminars several times a year $10. 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI Bookstore (new and used); the building offers classes, sports, used book sale in Jun. and HSB Connections­ email newsletter with announcements of local events. Excellent web site with links to other homeschool sites. Bookstore M-F 9-3. (616)532-9422 [homeschoolbuilding] Information Network for Christian Homes (INCH) INCH is the state Christian homeschool organization based in Lansing. Organizes annual state homeschool convention in May. Hundreds of exhibitors. This is the best place to go to actually see all those resources you read about in the catalogs, magazines. and advertisements. See before you buy-and save shipping! (616) 874-5656 [www.inch.org] Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, Muskegan, MI. Homeschool Week, end of August, 231-798-2161. [maranatha bible conference] Mid-winter Home Education Conference - Grand Rapids, January or February each year; contact Homeschool Building in Grand Rapids for information. [homeschool building] Educating Mom and Dad First 27 At some point you many be asked" Why do you think you are capable of teaching? You don't have a teaching degree!" I think one of my favorite answers to this is in the book Schooling Choices in a chapter by Gregg Harris titled "Are There Educational Advantages?" (209-210). Used by permission. In spite of all these educational advantages, some people still have sincere doubts about the viability of homeschooling. They harbor questions they assume homeschoolers could never answer, and so out of kindness they do not ask. Rest assured we have heard every question. In fact we asked them ourselves before we made our decision to teach at home. In these cases I find it helpful to expose the absurdity of these questions by applying them to another sacred aspect of family life-home cooking. I am convinced that every argument framed against homeschooling can just as easily be directed against home cooking. It just sounds silly when you do. "Home cooking could be a harbor for dietary neglect. " "Our children are too valuable a national resource to be left to amateur cooks. After all, you are what you eat. " "You should not be allowed to cook at home unless you are a certified nutritionist. " "Home kitchen equipment cannot be adequate." 28 Educating Mom and Dad First "All children should be required to eat three standardized meals a day in government-operated cafeterias. " "I've had a few home-cooked meals that were abusive." "Children need to eat around other children in order to learn proper table manners. " [Yeah, right!] "Children need to eat in restaurants in order to experience all the varieties of ethnic cooking. " "I could never cook for my children every day. So I send them to the local restaurant. They're the professionals. " "If everybody cooked at home, the restaurants would have to close and millions of people would starve. " "I know someone who is a terrible cook." Have I missed any? Home schooling is not afraid of questions. If you have what you think is the killer question, ask it. The odds are we've heard it many times before. And if that question is all that is standing between you and homeschooling, we will be glad to help you get it out of the way. Recommended Books Most local libraries carry books on homeschooling- shelved either at 370, 371, 372 or 649. Most of the books listed here are available at local libraries. These are not the only books available. The bold letters at the end of the description tell you which library has the book. If the library listed is not your library, you can request your library borrow the book through interlibrary loan. See chapter 4 for interlibrary loan information. Good sources for purchase of homeschool books: www.amazon.com or www.christianbook.com. Key: 3-Three Rivers A-Allegan B-Branch County C-Comstock D-Delton G-Galesburg Ri-Richland S-South Haven V-Van Buren Vi-Vicksburg W-Willard library, Battle Creek K-Kalamazoo Public Library J-Jackson District Library O-Otsego P-Portage District Library PP-Paw Paw R-Ransom/Plainwell Homeschool? Christian School? Public School? Schooling Choices H. Wayne House Very helpful, balanced - separate writers each make their case for which choice is the best and the other two writers respond- it's a "debate in a book". J Schooling Options Elaine K. McEwan Very helpful, clear steps to help you make a choice- checklists, profiles, questions to answer to help figure out what is best for your children; balanced- pros and cons of each choice.K Should I Homeschool? How to Decide What's Right for You & Your Child Elizabeth & Dan Hamilton The authors believe "most parents can homeschool" if they choose, though it is not an "automatic choice for everyone.". They ask and answer questions they struggled with as they were making their own decision. P K R The Right Choice: The Incredible Failure Of Public Education And The Rising Hope Of Home Schooling: An Academic, Historical, Practical, And Legal Perspective by Christopher J. Klicka ; with supplementary chapters by Gregg Harris. DB W You've decided to homeschool? Now read thisl For the Children's Sake Susan Schaeffer Macaulay Read this booklll Written by the daughter of Francis Schaeffer. Over and over I read testimonies from homeschoolers and other homeschool authors of how this was the most influential book they read. You will capture a picture of education vs. school- an education that is warm, intelligent, inviting, full of real people, real activities. Introduces one to the teaching methods of British educator Charlotte Mason. I highly recommend it even if you choose not to homeschool. W "How do I tell the in-laws?" Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Senses David Guterson Written by a non-Christian. If you have non-Christian relatives to convince, this book might be helpful. From amazon.com review: "Guterson brings an interesting perspective to the question of homeschooling. Although he teaches English in a large public high school, he and his wife prefer to instruct their own children at home. Here, he articulates many of the problems of the American education system and, to a degree, makes a strong case for the role of homeschooling in contributing to the solution." C K P V W You're Going to Do What?! Laurajean Downs Written to help extended family understand the choice to homeschool. "I Need more Information on the How and Why" A Field Guide To Home Schooling Christine M. Field P Beyond Survival-a Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling Diana Waring Develop a vision for your homeschool-one that will "spur you on when the going gets tough." Emphasis on a "living books" approach. Helpful suggestions for learning styles, multi-grade teaching and how to survive a homeschool convention. Humorous too! D, P W Christian Home School, The Gregg Harris Homeschool pioneer. Staunch advocate of homeschooling. Son Josh author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye and others on courtship. W Home Educating with Confidence-How Ordinary Parents can Produce Extraordinary Children Rick and Marilyn Boyer Highly recommended!! Husbands and wives should read this aloud together. Primarily written by homeschool dad Rick Boyer with a sense of humor worked throughout-you'll find yourself smiling often. "We have all the advantages of the small student-teacher ratio, much better discipline than in most classrooms, far less busywork, a wide choice of good text materials and above all, a deep bond of love with our children. "-Rick Boyer G W Educating Mom and Dad First 29 Homeschool Journey, the Susan and Michael Card Christian recording artist shares the homeschool journey of their family with emphasis on Christ as the center and character development. P Homeschooling For Dummies Jennifer Kaufeld P V Homeschooling Step-By-Step, 100+ Simple Solutions To Homeschooling's Toughest Problems LauraMaery Gold P V W Home Style Teaching Raymond and Dorothy Moore Many homeschoolers started back in the 1980s after hearing Dr. Moore on Focus on the Family. His research showed kids were being pushed to accomplish academics too soon. Very helpful information. P S Schoolproof Mary Pride By a homeschool pioneer who publishes a magazine and maintains an active website. If you read this book you will not look at education the same. P R V Successful Homeschool Family Handbook, The Raymond Moore Creative and stress-free approach to homeschooling. K V W The Complete Idiot's Guide To Homeschooling / By Marsha Ransom C G P S V W The Homeschooling Book Of Answers: 101 Important Questions Answered By Homeschooling's Most Respected Voices Compiled by Linda Dobson. 2002 A C K P V W The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool To High School, A Parent's Guide Mary Griffith A C K P PP V W 3 The Ultimate Book Of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun And Creative Learning Activities For Kids Ages 3-12 Linda Dobson. 0 Things We Wish We'd Known-SO Veteran Homeschoolers Share compiled by Bill and Diana Waring Highly recommended. Why learn by your own mistakes if you can learn from others? Read this early in your homeschool journey-lots of "oo. words of wisdom. Nuggets from the mine of experience." Be encouraged from veterans; learn how "homeschooling can be a place of victory, joy, and accomplishment. "P W Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Debra Bell Excellent resource. Wit and wisdom from a veteran homeschooler - steps to getting started; subject by subject guidelines; resource lists of the best supplies, books, and contests for kids; using the computer and internet; learning styles; high school and more. A B D 0 P Ri V Way they Learn, the Cynthia Tobias Not on homeschooling but great information on learning styles. Once you understand your own child's learning style it will help you pick appropriate teaching materials. A K PP P R V W Books on Various Approaches to Homeschooling Stories of Different Families using Different Methods Home-spun Schools :Teaching Children At Home--What Parents Are Doing And How They Are Doing It Raymond Moore. P So You're Thinking of Homeschooling Lisa Welchel Former star of Facts of Life is now a homeschooling Mom of 4. Beginning with her own she introduces you to 15 families in unique situations, who have all chosen to homeschool for different reasons, using a variety of learning methods. By the end of this parade of homes, you will identify a family situation and teaching approach from these stories that resonates with your personality and philosophy of education. www.lisawhelchel.com V Real Life Homeschooling :The Stories Of 21 Families Who Make It Wolk Rhonda Barfield 0 P R S W 3 Charlotte Mason - Living Books - Literature Based Books Children Love Elizabeth Wilson Companion to For the Children's Sake- lists suggested "living books". B CPR 3 cnenone Mason Companion Karen Andreola Author is a well-known speaker and author in the homeschool world. Translates Charlotte Mason principles into practical advice and ideas. Teaches how to: use living books; appreciate art, music, poetry, Shakespeare; keep a nature journal; create a loving home atmosphere. Teaching Children-a Curriculum Guide to what Children Need to Know through Sixth Grade Diane Lopez Companion book to For the Children's Sake- practical ideas in how to teach using the Charlotte Mason Approach. W WholeHearted Child, The Sally Clarkson Discipleship and education combined in a home-centered learning approach. Reproducible forms for planning and record keeping. How to use real books and real life to make your home a vibrant center of living and learning. Classical Education Teaching the Trivium-Christian Homeschooling Using the Classical Approach Harvey Bluedorn Well Trained Mind: Guide to Classical Education at Home, The Jessie Wise The basic book for tiomeschoolers on this approach. R V W 3 Relaxed Homeschooling - Delight Directed Learning Home Grown Kids Raymond and Dorothy Moore One of the books that launched the Christian homeschool movement. B K P S V Joyful Homeschooler, The Mary Hood One of the premier writers on the Christian version of "Unschooling"- preferably called relaxed homeschooling. More information on her approach at her website: www.relaxedhomeschool.com V 30 Educating Mom and Dad First Lab Science: The How, Why, What, Who 'n' Where Book Barb Shelton The book contains sample frameworks forms to help you coordinate or create your own course Relaxed Homeschooler, The Mary Hood P School Can Wait Raymond S. Moore, Dorothy N. Moore W Senior High:A Home-Designed Form+U+la Barb Shelton Great resource for teaching high school- will help you relax about high school. Unit Studies How to Create Your Own Unit Studies Valerie Bendt Unit Study Idea Book, The Valerie Bendt K Unschooling Christian Unschooling Teri Brown Homeschooling for Excellence David and Micki Colfax This family educated mainly through hard work on their homestead and by letting their four boys pursue whatever interests they had. All 4 boys received scholarships to top schools like Yale and Harvard. C D G K PP P V W Learning all the time John Holt K P S V W Teach Your Own John Holt Caution: John Holt was not a Christian. Read this only if you are grounded in a Biblical world view. His viewpoint is humanistic-sees the child as basically good and ready to be in charge of his own education. Although Christians cannot agree with some of his basic philosophies, still he has many good things to say. C K P W Choosing Curriculum and other Tools + What to Teach When Big Book of Home Learning volume 1 and 2 Mary Pride K P V W Choosing and Using Curriculum- Your Guide to Home Education Joyce Herzog Provides concrete standards to help you chose curriculum that fits your teaching style/ your child's learning style. Christian Home Educator's Curriculum Manual, volumes 1 and 2 Cathy Duffy Very helpful. Evaluates materials for all subjects and pros and cons of various materials. P V Vi Homeschooling on a Shoestring Melissa L. Morgan V W You Can Teach Your Child Successfully-Grades 4-8 Ruth Beechick C P V Help for Choosing and Evaluating Reading Books for your Children Best Books for Kindergarten through High School Donna Hess Books that Build Character-A Guide to Teaching your Child Moral Values through Stories William Kilpatrick W Brightest Heaven of Invention- a Christian Guide to Six Shakespeare Plays Peter Leithart Honey for a Child's Heart-Use of Books in Family Life Gladys Hunt A classic, recently revised. Develop mutual "friends" with your children- share books with them. C K R Invitation to the Classics - Guide to Books You've Always Wanted to Read Louise Cowan and as Guiness PP W Let the Author's Speak- a Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting Carolyn Hatcher R Realms of Gold- the Classics in Christian Perspective Leland Ryken W Turning Back the Pages of Time - Guide to American History through Literature Kathy Keller "My Child has Special Needs" Every Child can Succeed Cynthia Tobias Not a book on homeschooling but many tips for helping children with special needs. A K W How to Get Your Child off the Refrigerator and on to Leaming- Homeschooling Highly Distractible, ADHD, or Just Plain Fidgety Kids Carol Barnier Learning in Spite of Labels Joyce Herzog Homeschooling High School And What About College? Cafi Cohen R V 3 Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook Cafi Cohen D 0 V Homeschooling All The Way Through High School Renee Mason P V Homeschooling High School - Planning ahead for College Admissions Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling the High Schooler - Daina McAlister Homeschooling the Teen Years Cafi Cohen P V W Hot House Transplants- Moving from Homeschool into the "Real World" collected by Matthew Duffy Have your high school student read these stories of successful homeschool high school graduates. The Guidance Manual For The Christian Home School: A Parent's Guide For Preparing Home School Students For College Or Career David and Laurie Callihan. Pp P Senior High:A Home-Designed Form-u-l:« Barb Shelton Great resource for teaching high school- will help you relax and will teach you how to tailor a high school program that meets the needs of your child. Educating Mom and Dad First 31 Learning About the Approaches to Homeschooling If you start doing any research on homeschooling you will begin to see references to the "approaches" of homeschooling. "What are they talking about?" you might be asking. As homeschooling grows, so do the various ways that people set up their home education program. Though there are no two families alike in how they teach at home, the various ways to go about homeschooling can be broken into a few basic categories. "What does it matter?" Understanding homeschool approaches, and what fits your teaching style and your child's learning style, will help you choose the correct education materials for your family. It may also save you from spending your money unwisely for materials that won't work with your child. Websites and books listed elsewhere in this guide will further help you understand these approaches. Exploring Teaching Approaches by Ellyn Davis Just as Christendom is comprisedof many diverse groups, each havinga uniquedoctrinal emphasis, Christian homeschoolers are a diverse people.The Department of Education estimates there are between one and two million home schoolingfamilies in the UnitedStates, most of whom are teaching their children out of a religious conviction. As we havetraveled to various book fairs throughoutthe country, we have been able to interact with homeschoolers holding differing doctrinalpositions, and those positions are reflected in the lifestylesthe families lead as well as in the teaching materials they choose. At the risk of reducing homeschoolers to stereotypes or of misrepresenting their views, we would like to share the main convictionsllifestyles we have seen in the home schoolingmovement: the "currents" within the "river."Our groupingsare not rigid, becausethere is a broad spectrumof beliefswithin each group and the groups tend to overlap. Common Family Emphases From our vantage point these are the four main emphases among Christian homeschoolingfamilies: Families concerned with social action. Many home educatorslong to see our governmentreflect Christian principles and thereforeare preparing their children to becomethe intellectual, social, and spiritual leaders of tomorrow. These familiestend to be involved in a broad spectrum of social concems.They may be active in the Pro-Lifemovementor in organizations that address legislativeand/or social change. Their focus may be on the study of America's Christian history and restoring truths that are omitted by secular historians.They want their children preparedto influencethe world and therefore want them to understand worldviews and current events and to be informedabout the problems facing America. The study of history and government, particularly the study of America's Christian heritage, is strongly encouraged. These families tend to share Calvinistor Reconstructionist theology. Families desiring a simpler, self-reliant lifestyle. A growingnumber of home schoolingfamilies tend to be very ecologicallyaware, and are interestedin cooking more naturally and nutritiously, altemativemedicines, large families, breast­ feeding, home birth, midwifery, home businesses, buildingtheir own homes, raisingtheir own food, homesteading, survival skills, and becoming as self-sufficient as possible. Some of these families have adopted lifestylessimilar to the Amish and seek to protecttheir children from many of the issues facing the outside world. Others are more socially active, but greatly limit outside influences over their children. Preferredteaching materials reinforce biblical order in the home, simplicity of life-style, and the values of hard work and resourcefulness. 32 Educating Mom and Dad First Families concerned with restoration of the family and of the Church. The primary focus of many teaching families is to build strong, capable men who can lead their families well; to develop virtuous women who can succeed as wives and mothers; to create a family unit that nourishesChristiancharacter in the children; and to build churchesthat are family-based in their orientationand ministry.These families believethat becausethe church is made up of family units, it can be no purer nor strongerthan its members,so the restoration of the Christianfamily is critical to the restoration of the Church to her rightfUl place of leadership and power. Family-based churches are built on the godly family units of which they are composedand strive to includethe whole family in the various facets of church life. Familieswith this focus tend to chooseteaching materialsthat reinforcetraditionalfamily roles and emphasizeseparationfrom the world. Many lean toward Pietist theology. Families whose children need special care. Some of these may be families who have children with handicapsor children who need special care. The vast majority of this group, however, is made up of families who have had disappointing or disturbingencounterswith the public school system and no longer want their children exposedto its negative influences. These families tend to take one of two paths: either they choose a prepackaged traditional curriculum and reproduce what their children were doing in the public school classroom, or they reject classroom-style leaming entirelyand become "unschoolers." Common Educational Philosophies There are four educational philosophies influencingeducation today. Think of these philosophiesas the underlying assumptions about what comprises an educationand what the teaching materialsshould cover in a course of study. All of the common teachingapproaches availableto home educators contain elementsof these four educational philosophies. Essentialism assumesthat there is a core body of knowledge that must be mastered in order for a person to be considered "educated." It focuses on the "essentials" and is subject oriented. Essentialism could be summed up in this phrase: "Information is the key to a good education." Perennialism is more "idea" oriented, and considerseducation to consist of becomingacquaintedwith the great writing and thinking throughouthistory. To perennialists, "understanding is the key to a good education." Progressivism seeks to make education practical and applicableto the needs of students and society. It assumesthat making knowledge and skills meaningfulare the keys to a good education. Existentialism stresses "authenticity"-the commitment to finding true being. To the existentialist, discovering one's own meaning and purpose in life is the key to a good education. Common Teaching Approaches Your family emphases and your educational philosophy will tend to influence your teaching approach. Although there are many variations on the teaching approaches listed below, we've found these groupings to be a helpful framework for understanding the whole spectrum of teaching. We've divided them into the following two main curriculum based teaching groups: Traditional (Textbook and Workbook categories) and Non-Textbook (with Classical, Unit Study, liVing Books, Principal, Unschooling and Mixed categories). Weaknesses of the TextbookIWorktext Approach: • Is geared to the "generic" child. Does not take into account individual learning styles, strengths and weaknesses, or interests • Assumes that there is a body of information that comprises an education and that this information can be broken down into daily increments • Treats children's minds like containers to be filled with information • Focuses on transmitting information through artificial learning experiences • Is teacher-directed and chalkboard oriented • Different aged students study different materials • Expensive when teaching multiple children • Discourages original, independent thinking • Has a high "bum out" rate THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH NON-TEXTBOOK APPROACHES In the Traditional Approach, graded textbooks or workbooks follow a scope and sequence that covers each subject in 180 daily increments over a span of 12 years. Teacher's manuals, tests, and record keeping materials are usually available that correspond to each of the texts. Textbook curricula assume you will run your home school like an institutional school. Although there are a number of excellent textbook and worktext programs available, many home educators object to the fact that textbooks are teacher-directed, chalkboard-oriented, and seldom take into account different teaching approaches or the different ways children receive and process information. Worktext programs present textbooks in consumable workbook format. The student learns his lesson, is given assignments, and is tested all in the workbook. The worktexts include tests or checkpoints to ensure that the material in each section is mastered before the student moves on to the next. Worktexts also allow more independent study and require minimal teacher preparation time and supervision. Video programs are also available that are actual classrooms on video. The child follows along with the video as if he or she were attending an actual classroom, and uses the accompanying textbooks or workbooks. Traditional curricula are also available on computer. Many satellite schools and well as universities now offer computer courses on CD or through the internet. Most of the textbook and worktext programs used in private Christian schools are available to homeschoolers. They each share a distinct doctrinal perspective, and usually contain strong elements of essentialism. Questions to ask yourself before trying the traditional, textbook approach are listed below. Yes answers indicate this approach may work for you and your child: • Did my child perform well in a school classroom? • Does my child like to complete assignments and to have defined goals? • Is my child academically oriented? • Will my child complete assigned tasks with a minimum of prodding from me? • Am I the kind of person who will follow through with the lesson plans and pace of the course of instruction? • Does my child read well and have good reading comprehension skills? • Can my child work well independently? • Can my child learn without a lot of variety to the teaching materials? Strengths of the TextbookIWorktext Approach • Everything is laid out for ease of use • Follows a standardized scope and sequence • Has definite milestones of accomplishment • Testing and assigning grades is easy to do John Gatto says, "Real books educate. School books school." With textbooks, parents may feel they are "bringing the classroom home" instead of educating their children in a way that is uniquely home-based. These parents have found alternative teaching approaches that allow them to tailor their home schooling to their family's particular needs. On the following pages we briefly explain the five most common non-textbook teaching approaches: - The Classical Approach is derived from successful courses of study throughout history and recently revived through the writings of Dorothy Sayers. - The Principle Approach is based on the premise that our nation is a unique and vital link in the westward chain of Christianity. - The Living Books and Life Experiences Approach of Charlotte Mason treats children as persons, not as containers to be filled with information. - The Unit Study Approach integrates several subject areas around a common theme. - Unschooling Approach assumes that children are natural learners and gives them resources to do so. The Classical Approach The Classical Approach to education has produced great minds throughout history, and has strong elements of perennialism. The modem proponent of the Classical Approach was British writer and medieval scholar Dorothy Sayers. As the Nazis rose to power in the 1930s, Sayers warned that schools were teaching children everything except how to think. Because young adults could no longer think for themselves, Sayers felt they could be easily influenced by tyrants. To remedy this, Sayers proposed reinstating the classical form of education used in the Middle Ages. In the Classical Approach, children under age 18 are taught tools of learning collectively known as The Trivium. The Trivium has three parts, each part corresponding to a childhood developmental stage. The first stage of the Trivium, the Grammar Stage, covers early elementary ages and focuses on reading, writing, and spelling; the study of Latin; and developing observation, listening and memorization skills. The goal of this stage is to develop a general framework of knowledge and to acquire basic language arts and math skills. Educating Mom and Dad First 33 At approximately middle school age, children begin to demonstrate independent or abstract thought (usually by becoming argumentative or opinionated). This signals the beginning of the Dialectic Stage in which the child's tendency to argue is molded and shaped by teaching logical discussion, debate, and how to draw correct conclusions and support them with facts. The goal of this stage is to equip the child with language and thinking skills capable of detecting fallacies in an argument. Latin study is continued, with the possible addition of Greek and Hebrew. The student reads essays, arguments and criticisms instead of literature as in the Grammar Stage. History study leans toward interpreting events. Higher math and theology begin. The final phase of the Trivium, the Rhetoric Stage, seeks to produce a student who can use language, both written and spoken, eloquently and persuasively. Students are usually ready for this stage by age 15. Questions to ask yourself before trying the classical approach with your child. Yes answers indicate this approach may work for you and your child: • Does my family like to read good literature? • Are my children intellectually oriented and comfortable with a rigorous academic program? • Am I a learner? Am I comfortable learning alongside my children so I can teach them things I never studied? • Do I like to study and discuss ideas that have influenced civilization? Strengths of the Classical Approach: • Is tailored to stages of mental development • Teaches thinking skills & verbal/written expression • Creates self·leamers • Has produced great minds throughout history Weaknesses of the Classical Approach: • Very little prepared curriculum available • Requires a scholarly teacher and student • May overemphasize ancient disciplines and classics The Unit Study Approach A Unit StUdy takes a theme or topic (a unit of study) and delves into it deeply over a period of time, integrating language arts, science, social studies, math, and fine arts as they apply. Instead of studying eight or ten separate, unrelated subjects, all subjects are blended together and studied around a common theme or project. For example, a unit study on birds could include reading and writing about birds and about famous omithologists (language arts), studying the parts, functions, and life cycles of birds and perhaps even the aerodynamics of flight (science and math), determining the migration paths, habitats, and ecological/sociological impact of birds (social studies), sketching familiar birds (art), building bird houses or feeders ("hands on" activities) and so forth. Several fine prepared unit study curricula are available, but it is easy to prepare your own unit studies around areas of interest. History is the logical core curriculum to build ongoing unit studies around. History provides a framework for all the other subjects because it follows a progression and covers every other subject (except possibly math), like art, music, science, literature, and so on. Questions to ask yourself before trying unit studies with your children: • Am I a creative person? • Do I like trying to make everything interesting and fun? • Do my children have a variety of interests and leaming styles? • Can I live with the fact that there may be "gaps" in my children's education? 34 Educating Mom and Dad First • Do I have the time and energy to be the driving, creative force behind the development of units? Strengths of the Unit Study Approach: • All ages can leam together • Children can delve as deeply or as lightly into a subject as they like • The family's interests can be pursued • Students get the whole picture • Curiosity and independent thinking are generated • Intense study of one topic is the more natural way to leam • Knowledge is interrelated so is learned easily and remembered longer • Unit studies are fairly easy to create Weaknesses of the Unit Study Approach: • It is easy to leave educational "gaps" • Hard to assess the level of leaming occurring • Record keeping may be difficult • Prepared unit study curricula are expensive • Do-it-yourself unit studies require planning • Too many activity-oriented unit studies may cause burn­ out of teacher and student • Subjects that are hard to integrate into the unit may be neglected The Living Books Approach The Living Books Approach is based on the writings of Charlotte Mason, a turn-of-the-century British educator. Miss Mason was appalled by several tendencies she noticed in modern education: (1) the tendency to treat children as containers to be filled with predigested information instead of as human beings; (2) the tendency to break down knowledge into thousands of isolated bits of information to be fed into "container" children; and (3) the tendency to engineer artificial leaming experiences. She believed in respecting children as persons, in involving them in real-life situations, and in allowing them to read really good books instead of what she called "twaddle", worthless, inferior teaching material. She considered education a failure when it produced children able to "do harder sums and read harder books" who lacked "moral and intellectual power." Children were to be taught good habits, to be involved in a broad spectrum of real-life situations, and given ample time to play, reflect, and create. Mason's approach to academics was to teach basic reading, writing, and math skills, then expose children to the best sources of knowledge for all other subjects. This meant giving children experiences like nature walks, observing and collecting wildlife; visiting art museums; and reading real books with "living ideas." She called such books "living books" because they made the subject 'come alive' unlike textbooks that tend to be dry and dull and assume the reader cannot think for himlherself. Questions to ask yourself before trying the Charlotte Mason method: • Does our family love to read, both alone and together through reading aloud? • Do we love to go to the library? • Am I comfortable with more of a "tree-form" approach to leaming? • Will I follow through with teaching my children good habits and character qualities? • Do I trust my children to learn on their own? • Will I follow through with exposing my children firsthand to nature and to great art? Strengths of the Living Books Approach: • Treats children as active participants in the learning process • Exposes children to real objects and books instead of interactions with distilled information • Encourages curiosity, creative thinking, and a love of leaming • Eliminates meaningless tasks, busywork • Developmentally appropriate • Stresses fonnation of good character and habits Weaknesses of the Living Books Approach: • Tends to be very child centered • Very little prepared curriculum • May neglect higher level studies because of its emphasis on art, literature, and nature study • May become too eclectic The Principle Approach The Principle Approach is an effort to restore to American Christians three vital concepts: the knowledge of our Christian history; an understanding of our role in the spread of Christianity; and the ability to live according to the Biblical principles upon which our country was founded. The Principle Approach is a way of living life, not just a way of educating children. Developers of the Principle Approach rediscovered seven Biblical principles upon which our country was founded and by which many of the founding fathers were educated. The seven principles are: (1) Individuality (God has created distinct differences in people, nations, etc.); (2) Self Govemment (Government starts in the heart of man.); (3) Christian Character; (4) "Conscience is the Most Sacred of Property;" (5) The Christian Fonn of Govemment; (6) How the Seed of Local Self Govemment is Planted; (7) The Christian Principle of American Political Union. Four emphases are unique to this educational approach. First, there is a recognition of God's Hand (Providence) in history. Second, there is the understanding that God has ordained three governmental institu1ions (the home, the church, and civil govemment) through which He unfolds His purposes and manifests Christ on this earth. Third, each Christian is responsible for extending God's government. Fourth, the student assumes responsibility for learning and for applying knowledge to his own life. The Principle Approach may be applied to the study of any subject with the use of notebooks to record "the 4 Rs" (Researching God's Word; Reasoning from the researched Biblical truths/principles; Relating the truths and principles discovered to the subject and the student's character; and Recording the individual application of the Biblical principles to the subject and the student). Questions to ask yourself before trying the Principle Approach: • Do I have a real concern for the application of Christian principles to my family and my nation? • Will my child assume responsibility for a great deal of leaming on hislher own? • Does my child like to express him or herself through writing? • Am I willing to undertake extensive biblical research and teaching preparation? Strengths of the Principle Approach: • Students leam to think "govemmentally" • Students become self-Ieamers • Students leam to apply biblical principles to the whole of life • Students create their own ''textbooks'' • Focuses mainly on American history • Requires a great deal of teacher preparation • Prepared curriculum available in few subjects The Unschooling Approach On the one hand, the Unschooling Approach is defined by John Holt, a 20th century American educator who concluded that children have an innate desire to learn and a curiosity that drives them to leam what they need to know when they need to know it. Holt believed that both desire and curiosity are destroyed by the usual methods of teaching. In his book Teach Your Own, Holt wrote: 'What children need is not new and better curricula but access to more and more of the real world; plenty of time and space to think over their experiences, and to use and play to make meaning out of them; and advice, road maps, guidebooks, to make it easier for them to get where they want to go (not where we think they ought to go), and to find out what they want to find out." On the other hand, unschooling refers to any less structured leaming approach that allows children to pursue their own interests with parental support and guidance. The child is surrounded by a rich environment of books, leaming resources, and adults who model a lifestyle of leaming and are willing to interact with him. Fonnal academics are pursued when the need arises. Christians who favor less structured schooling, but with definite goals, prefer to be called "relaxed home educators," not unschoolers. Questions to ask yourself before trying the Unschooling Approach: • Am I comfortable with few pre-set goals and little structure? • Do my children have strong interests in particular areas? • Does my family have a lot of natural curiosity and love learning? Strengths of the Unschooling Approach: • Takes little planning • Captures the child's ''teachable moments" • Children have access to the real world, plenty of time and space to figure things out on their own • Children are less likely to become academically frustrated or "burned out" • Children can delve into a subject as deeply or as shallowly as they desire • Provides a discipleship model of leaming • Creates self-learners with a love of learning Weaknesses of the Unschooling Approach: • May neglect some subjects • Hard to assess level of learning • Lacks the security of a clearly laid out program • Is extremely child-centered • Difficult to explain to others • May be overly optimistic about what children will accomplish on their own The Mixed Approach Many homeschoolers use a blend of the different approaches. For example, they may use traditional math and science textbooks, but build unit studies around historical periods that include language arts, music, art, and philosophy, and then choose a computer program to teach typing .. © Copyright 2003. Elijah Company Weaknesses of the Principle Approach: • May present a narrow view of life and of history Used by pennission. Educating Mom and Dad First 35 Chapter 4 Where to Find Homeschooling Resources This is an exciting time to homeschool. There are so many resources available, many of them written specifically for homeschooling. Some of the favorite resources of local homeschoolers and sources for obtaining homeschooling materials are listed in this chapter. Information on how to teach difficult subjects plus how to include extracurricular subjects such as music and drama are covered in the next chapter. One of the stumbling blocks for people considering homeschooling is that they fear there are subjects they will have no idea how to teach. With the multitude of helps available this should no longer be a concern. You might also be surprised that the "user friendliness" of curriculum written specifically for homeschoolers means your child might be able to keep up with the course with little help from you - yes, even algebra, biology or chemistry! If you have read some of the resources listed in chapter 3, attended a homeschool conference, or talked to friends, you may have a good idea of what your homeschooling method might look like - or least what you want to try. Before you run out and buy everything that looks good, or that your best friend recommended, I would highly encourage you to visit the Elijah company website (www.elijahcompany.com) and read the article titled "Choosing Teaching Material" (also called "10 Rules Of Thumb for Choosing Teaching Materials"; articles are under the E-Journal Archives). following the advice just might save you a lot of money! 36 Where to find Homeschool Resources Reading this article and Used Books and Curriculum Once you figure out what resources you want to use, remember, you don't have to bUy everything new. Homeschooling can be very expensive if you buy all new books plus spend money on extra classes outside the home. But it can also be very inexpensive with the use of the library and by buying used materials. Check the web list in chapter two for online used book sites. I have found many, many used books over the years and the best sources have been: • Friends of the Library Bookstore - Kalamazoo Library's permanent used book sale ­ in basement of the main library. Check www.kpl.gov for days and times or call 553-7820. • Homeschool used book sales - there is one in Kalamazoo in Mayor June and in Grand Rapids each June. Being a member of the Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association (KAHSA) will help you keep abreast of these. • Library used book sales - call your local library and find when it will hold its sale (they all do) . • www.vegsource.comlhomeschool- a used homeschool book sale going on everyday of the year- the main site is a vegetarian site but they have a very extensive homeschool section of their website. If you want a popular item you will have to check frequently to find it (before someone else). You can also post on the 'Want to Buy Board" (WTB) and someone just might contact you with what you are looking for. Where to find Homeschool Resources 37 Textbook Approach Curriculum Companies A Beka Books 877 -223-5226 www.abeka.org Type Text Video CORom Satellite Feed Internet Classes Umbrella School Other Softcover, some consumable, some reusable Yes No No No Yes Motel meetings at Best Western off Sprinkle Rd several times a year. Preview and order materials. Website lists dates www.abekaacademy.org/ A.C.E.- Accelerted Christian Education (School of Tomorrow) 800-925-7777 www.aceministries.com Alpha Omega (A-O) 800-622-3070 www.aop.com Internet classes: Check with www.rocksolidinc.com Approx $1000 per grade DVDs are returned to A Beka Worktext PACEs- 12 per subject Keeps report card and transcripts Yes No No Reading Program and high school courses $50-65 per subject WorktextLifepacs-1 0 consummable worktexts per subject; 5 core subjects per grade A Beka Academy DVD No Yes Lighthouse Christian Academy No Switched on Schoolhouse (SOS) $70/per subject $50 per subject $250 per grade Yes Yes Yes Linked with Rock Solid Inc. A-O Academy Costs vary per subject. Sample prices: $47 student and teacher math Requires the purchase of Parent Orientation Guide $20 to use the curriculum Free online diagnostic testing Horizons- Math and Language Arts; Weaver Curriculum- unit study curriculum $1200 $300 per elementary orade Basic Christian Education (BCE) 616-467-1885 Worktext 12 PACEs per subject www.basicchristianeducation. com $48 per subject Some 38 Where to find Homeschool Resources No No No No Mennonite background; uses School of Tomorrow PACEs Type Text Bob Jones University Press (BJUP) 800-845-5731 www.bjup.com HomeSat 800-739-8199 www.homesat.bjup.com Calvert School 888-487-4652 www.calvertschool.org Christian Liberty Press 800-832-2741 www.christianlibertypress .com Christian Light Publications (CLP) 540- 434-0768 www.anabaotists.ora/c1o/ Rod and Staff 606-522-4348 Video CORom Hard and soft cover $45-$100 per subject $250-$450 per grade Satellite Feed Internet Classes Umbrella School Other Yes Yes Yes Testing and Evaluation services BJ Homesat Networkneed TV,VCR, Satellite dish $280 BJLlNC Academy of Home Education Live Internet Network Classroom HomeSat- Satellite $100-300 $40 subscription/Mo (allows access to all classes for all grades) Some classes are live and some are prerecorded Some materials of their own, some from other publishers $400-800 per grade Softcoveruses some of their own materials plus other publishers Yes Yes Enrichment courses On select courses and Enrichment courses ex. $20 4th grade grammar No No No No Cash forcollege- forevery $2 spent, earn $1 toward Bob Jones University $10-$20 registration per course + textbooks Yes Middle School Calvert Online & Calvert Virtual Academy No Yes Classical approach; not a Christian publisher Advisory Teaching Service (ATS) Consummabie worktexts No No No No Yes Christian Liberty Academy School System (CLASS) No Hard and soft-cover texts No No No No No Modern Curriculum Press math; Saxon math Inexpensive Achievement testing Mennonite Manuals are designed with the beginning teacher in mind. Telephone consultation available. Curriculum recommendation service. Mennonite influence Where to find Homeschool Resources 39 Favorite Curriculum of Some Southwest Michigan Homeschoolers To find out more about many of these resources you can look them up in Rainbow Resources catalog. This catalog is a great help because a thorough explanation of each item is given- and most of these below will be in the catalog. Information on obtaining the Rainbow catalog is elsewhere in this chapter. Alternatively, don't forget www.google.com (see chapter two). I tried a number of these in google- just by typing in the title of the material I was able to get accurate results in almost all cases. Textbook suppliers: ABeka, Bob Jones, Christian Liberty Press Bible: Studying God's Word; Precepts for Kids; Walk through the Bible; The Story Bible (Vos); Scripture Memory Fellowship; Bible Study Guide for all Ages; Greenleaf Guide to the Old Testament Reading/Phonics: Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons; Sing Spell Read and Write; Explode the Code; Pathway Readers; ABeka; Alphaphonics; Victory Drill materials Math: Calculadder (math drill); Saxon; Modern Curriculum Press; Professor Bf Mathematics Power; Jacobs; Miquon; Singapore; Cuisinaire rods; Math-U-See; Videotext; Making Math Meaningful Language Arts: Grammar: Easy Grammar; Editor in Chief; Simply Grammar; Daily Grams; Winston Handwriting: Reason for Writing; Rod and Staff Literature: Progeny Press literature guides; Books Children Love; Honey for a Child's Heart Spelling: Spelling Power; Natural Speller; Weaver; Explode the Code; Pathway; Spelling Success Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000; English from the Roots Up; Rummy Roots (card game); SAT Preparation; Vocabulary from Classical Roots Writing: Building Thinking Skills; Jenson; Wordsmith; copy work and dictation; Writing Strands; Learning Language Arts through Literature; Write Source 2000; Jensen's Format Writing History: Greenleaf Press; Sonlight; Truthquest; Calvert; Beautiful Feet Books; historical atlases and timelines; Christian Liberty Press; historical fiction Geography: map study with history studies; Weekly Reader geography workbooks; CDRom­ World Discovery Deluxe Science: Apologia; Abeka ; Handbook of Nature Study; Usborne books; Moody Science videos;Christian Liberty Press; Solomon's Resource; Considering God's Creation; Ken Ham creation science materials Foreign Language: Latina Christiana; the Learnables; Power Glide; Rosetta Stonecomputer programs Art: Art Adventures at Home; Art Paks; sketchbooks Unit Study: Five in a Row; My Father's World; KONOS Other: Critical Thinking Skills Worldview Training: Francis Shaeffer book and video: How Should we Then Live; Chuck Colson book and video: How Now Shall We Then Live; Understanding the Times; Michigan Student Statesmanship Institute 40 Where to find Homeschool Resources Some of the Best Catalogs If you have these catalogs you will be able to find anything you could need to homeschool! Many of these catalogs also have great articles on homeschooling. Check out the web sites because many of them have specials and closeouts only found online. Beautiful Feet Books www.bfbooks.com History through literature study guides 800-889-1978 Children's Books Curriculum always discounted. GREAT list of reading books. www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com 864-968-0391 Christian Book Distributors (CBD) www.christianbook.com 800-247-4784 Dover www.doverpublications.com Farm Country General Store Not just homeschool books. Huge selection, great discount, easy to shop online or has homeschool catalog. Inexpensive books and activity books. History coloring books and paper dolls compliment history studies. Discount prices. www.homeschoolfcgs.com 800-551-3276 Greenleaf Press Popular history materials. http://www.greenleafpress.com/ 615-449-1617 Home Training Tools http://www.hometrainingtools.com/ (800)860-6272 Library and Educational Services 269-695-1800 http://librarvanded.com/ Miller Pads and Paper Tons of science supplies. Wonderful service of putting together lab supplies for any of the traditional science curriculums- Bob Jones, A Beka, Alpha Omega, Apologia etc. Limited selection compared to some, but usually the best priced. They sell wholesale to homeschoolers. Located in Berrien Springs­ many homeschoolers shop at their warehouse. Great prices on art supplies: paper, colored pencils and more. http://www.millerpadsandpaper.com/ 608-375-2181 Progeny Press Wonderful literature guides. http://www.progenypress.com/ 877-776-4369 R.O.C.K. Solid www.rocksolidinc.com 904-751-3569 Rainbow Resource Center www.rainbowresource.com 888-841-3456 Sonlight Curriculum www.sonlight.com 303-730-6292 Timberdoodle http://www.timberdoodle.com/ (360) 426-0672 Veritas Press Discount prices. Also has linked with Alpha Omega to start an Online Academy. More information on their website. Hugh catalog. MUST HAVEl Thorough descriptions and everything discounted. The most popular vendor at INCH (the Michigan state homeschool convention). Literature based curriculum. Even if you don't use their curriculum the catalog has great reading lists. Web site also has some great articles from past catalogs. Their catalog is fun to read. Classical and history based curriculum and reading lists. http://www.veritaspress.com 800-922-5082 Vision Forum www.visionforum.com 800-440-0022 Strong vision for raising Godly boys and girls. Reprints of classic literature. All American Boys catalog and Beautiful Girlhood catalog Where to find Homeschool Resources 41 Homeschool Helps and Resources in Southwest Michigan Barnes and Noble Bookstores Ask for a 10% off educator's card. They will also do special orders. www.bn.com Baker Bookhouse Grand Rapids www.bakerbookretail.com 866-241-6733 Child Evangelism (CEF) Video Lending Library Berrien Center, MI 616-461-6953 Emmanuel Center www.homeschoolcenter.com/ (800) 256-5044 Family Christian Stores check phone book www.familychristian.com Homeschooling section plus huge used book section in back; will also buy used books (though not for much!) Larry DePue, director Call for copy of catalog. 1008 of videos. Borrow for free- they will mail them to you and you pay to mail them back. Donations appreciated! Located in Lansing, Michigan. "How to Homeschool" Seminars. Fee based curriculum appointments. Sells homeschool materials. Homeschool section in back of the stores. They will also order materials for you - and you don't pay shipping. Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Holland, Grand Rapids. Friends of the Library Bookstore (used)- 553-7820 Basement of downtown Kalamazoo Library. Good source for junior high and high school classics. Wed. 12-8 Fri-Sat 10-4 Homeschool Building Bookstore Look at curriculum before you buy, no shipping, and carry it home the same day- some of the advantages of shopping here. This is a resource we are very blessed to have in Michigan and I would encourage you to patronize them. Mon. - Fri. 9-3. Holds Homeschoollnformation Seminars several times a year. $10. Call or check website for dates. HSB Connections-email newsletter with announcements of local events. Excellent web site with links to other homeschool sites. HUGE used curriculum fair each June- check website for date. 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW Wyoming, Ml 49509 www.homeschoolbuilding.org Phone: (616)532-9422 Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) http://www.kresa.orgl Teacher's center with die cut machines, laminators, and supplies for sale. $5 day use fee. Videos $5 rental fee. Might find a video here on topics you might not find in the library. Video catalog available online. 1819 Milham Rd. 385-1500 Libraries See p. 44 Library and Educational Services Berrien Springs,MI 49103 269-695-1800 http://librarvanded.com/ Almost every library has one or more used book sale each year. These sales can be a great way to build a home library. Why not call through the list and find out when each is having theirs this year. Mentioned also in catalog list. Best prices for Christian reading books and Adventures in Odyssey audio tapes. Wholesaler to libraries but sells to homeschoolers. You can shop in their "warehouse. About an hour's drive. nd Office Depot and Office Max Teacher's day 2 Teacher's Center You can purchase Alpha Omega materials through them. Tons of "stuff" at their website. 10% off one item in your birthday month (can take this discount for every member of the family) 6505 Constitution Blvd., Portage www.teacherscenter.com 327-4666 The Bookshelf 7576 Garden Lane, Portage bkoopsen@yahoo.com 323-0116 WGVU-TV Guidebook 301 West Fulton Grand Rapids, MI 49504 www.wgvu.org 800-442-2771 or 3'd Sat of August- freebies given away. PLEASE BE PROFESSIONAL AND DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS. Local homeschool family business. New and used reading books. Call for appointment. K-12 educational programming being broadcast on the local PBS stations from 3 am-5am and from 10 am-2pm - and these are not in your local TV Guide. To find out what is playing you sign up for a free e-newsletter at their website. This is new- you used to have to purchase the Guide to these programs for $25! Taping rights included. 42 Where to find Homeschool Resources The Library- a Homeschooler's Best Local Resource I have a friend who is a librarian. She said it was sad how few people used her library ­ except the homeschoolers, who would take out hundreds of books. I am one of those who checks out hundreds of books each year and I would encourage you to be one too! Interlibrary loan request. Are you interested in using a literature-heavy curriculum like Sonlight, Truthquest,or Beautiful Feef? Don't buy every book needed-or don't overlook these curriculums because you can't afford to buy all the books. Michigan has a great library system with an efficient interlibrary loan program. In my experience I have received almost every book I requested our local library to search for using interlibrary loan. You do have to plan ahead as it will take 2-6 weeks to get what you request. Sometimes your library or the lending library will charge a fee. My library does not charge a fee. However, they will usually ask me how much I am willing to pay if they find a book and the lending library charges for it. Sometimes I tell them -"Nothing" © if I don't want it that much. If it is something I really want and would have to buy otherwise, I'll give them a limit of a few dollars. I have yet to be charged. Non-book resources. Don't forget these resources that libraries frequently have to borrow: • Art prints • Books on tape .CD ROMs • Classical and other music tapes • Cliff notes (helpful if you are shaky on your Shakespeare ©) • Educational videos • Free internet access Library co-operative. Many of the Kalamazoo libraries are in a co-operative together- which means you can use your local library card to also get a library card at one of the other cooperative libraries. Kalamazoo, Portage, and Willard (in Battle Creek) are particularly wonderful libraries. Kalamazoo Public Library - National Library of the Year in 2002. Use this resource! If your library is in the co-operative you can get a Kalamazoo library card. There are branches on the east and west side- probably no one in the immediate Kalamazoo area is more than 15-20 minutes from a Kalamazoo Public Library branch. The Kalamazoo Public Library is particularly easy to use. You can search online from home (after the kids are in bed!) and put books on reserve. You select which branch you want these reserve books held at. You will get a notice when the books you put on reserve are ready, then all you need to do is drive to the branch, head to the desk, check out the books- and then leave. If you have little ones, this is the beauty of the system - you have what you want without having to keep an eye on your toddlers while you search for the books. It gets better - there is no fine for late children's books (though please, return on time whenever possible; we don't want homeschoolers to get a bad name!) Even better - you can renew online up to two times. Books that we use as a reference throughout a unit we might have for 3 months. If you have not used the Kalamazoo Library system, I cannot encourage you enough to try it out. I would encourage you to visit the downtown branch. Their educational video section is pretty extensive and they have a grOWing selection of CDRoms. Where to find Homeschool Resources 43 The following libraries are cooperative with Kalamazoo Public Library: Comstock 345-0136 Galesburg 665-7839 Lawton 624-5481 Otsego 694-9690 Parchment 343-7747 Paw Paw 657-3800 Plainwell Ransom 685-8024 Portage 329-4544 Richland 629-9085 Schoolcraft 679-5959 Van Buren 423-4771 Vicksburg 649-1648 Willard (BC) 968-8166 Contact information for other libraries: Allegan 673-4625 Augusta McKay Memorial 731-4000 Climax Lawrence Memorial Public Library 746-4125 -they provide a satellite library to Scotts at Scotts Community Center Delton 623-8040 Three Rivers 273-8666 Comstock Township Library: Kalamazoo Public Library: Otsego District Library: Parchment Library: Plainwell Ransom Library: Portage District Library: Richland Library: Willard Public Library (Battle Creek): www.comstocktownshiplib.org/ www.kpl.gov/ www.otsegolibrarv.org/ www.parchmentlibrarv.org www.ransomlibrarv.org/ www.portagelibrarv.info/ www.richlandlibrary.org/ www.willard.lib.mLus/ Southwest Michigan Library Co-operative [google: use name above] or www.smlc.lib.mLus (NOTE: this is smLc) Would you like to jumpstart your search for a particular book before requesting interlibrary loan? By visiting this website, you can search all the libraries in the area. You might want to just drive to that library to check out a book if you don't want to wait for it to arrive through interlibrary loan request. (I would call ahead first if you don't have a co-operative card with that library yet). At the website, select "Agent Union Catalog". The next page will ask for a password. Just select "Ok" to bypass this. The next page is your search page. Michigan eLibrary http://www.mel.org/index.html Over $3.6 million dollars of resources have been purchased for Michigan residents by the Library of Michigan with funding from the State of Michigan. Connect here for articles from over 1600 popular, business and health magazines and newspapers. Also read over 10,000 ebooks on many topics. Link to free testing prep materials. Sign in with your driver's license. 44 Where to find Homeschool Resources Chapter 5 "Do I Have to Do this Alone?" and "What about Sports?" (or drama ... music... art) The good news is- you are NOT alone. This chapter will touch the surface of the wealth of local resources available to provide instruction, lessons, and outlets for just about any area of interest. Most of these activities, clubs etc. were started by parents wanting to meet a need. If your child's interest is not represented, then organize something! This chapter is not exhaustive by any means. The best way to keep informed about local events is to join the Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association (KAHSA). Many other classes, tutors, field trips, etc. are listed in the monthly newsletter. Since many are parent taught and can change from semester to semester, it would not make sense to list them here. You really need to join KAHSA to know about these! (See chapter 3 for more information.) Also, visit the Homeschool Building website- the site lists classes offered throughout the area. Many classes listed are taught at the Homeschool Building, but they also list other classes available throughout the southwest Michigan area: www.homeschoolbuilding.org. *** IMPORTANT *** In keeping with chap 2, I list Coogle keywords for searching for more information on the web. The key words are in [ J. If no area code is listed, it is 269. * Words in [ ] are Google keywords Do I Have to Do this Alone? 45 When you see" * " it means more information is usually available in the KAHSA newsletter. ***** Words in [ ] are Google keywords (see chapter two) ***** Local Academic Helps Nancy Beers History and government classes from Christian perspective. Nancy is also an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. 323-3009 LenChase - Well respected science teacher and homeschool dad. Junior high and high school science. 349-4598 * Foreign language and sign language - several tutors advertise in KAHSA newsletter. Homeschool Building - Grand Rapids. See more information in chapter 3. MANY classes offered. th From 131 going north, exit at 54 St, (S. of Grand Rapids), 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 (616)532-9422. Sign up for their email newsletter to keep up with current activities throughout SW Michigan. Their site has MANY helpful links to resources in SW Michigan [homeschool building] *Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Tutors (KAT) - A tutoring co-op. Meets Mondays starting in Sept. for approximately 34 weeks. Location: West Kalamazoo Christian Church, Drake Rd. Classes may include Spanish, sciences, math, language arts, drama, history. Classes vary each year. Fees-$300-$400 per course. Pam Vanderhill, 382-0487 or Cathy Kreig, 372-9007 Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) - Homeschooler friendly; many area homeschoolers have attended here during their high school years. Some of the courses they offer are in the "90" numbering - which means a pre-college (high school) level (freshmen classes usually are numbered in the 100s). Approx. $50 per credit. Schedule available online. 488-4400. [kvcc] Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center (KAMSC)- Four-year, accelerated mathematics and science curriculum. Classes held in Chene~ Bid on Westnedge in Kzoo. Classes are Y2 day, th_10th t , and afternoons for 11 -iz". Homeschool students have successfully mornings for 9 participated. Competitive selection process begins in November; entrance exam required. 337-0004. **See note at end of this chapter. [kamsc] East Martin Christian school- Willing to partner with homeschoolers in part-time admission. 672-5722 Pioneers- Christian homeschool co-op in Jackson,Ml, grades 6-12, (517)784-6810. pioneerstss@juno.com S.H.A.R.E. of Battle Creek - Share- Home-Athletics-Recreation-Enrichment [shareinc] Battle Creek area's Christian homeschool support group. $25 registration, $100 semester/family for full day of Tuesday Enrichment Classes. Also athletic programs, field trips, mom groups and teen groups. Each parent serves. info@shareinc.org 979-3529 *Stanford Achievement Testing. May of each year. Dates announced in KAHSA newsletter. *Student Statesmanship Institute - Supplement the worldview and government education of your high school student. One week "camp" held in the summer in Lansing, MI. "Young people come to understand that God has a destiny and purpose for their lives. They start to realize that faith is not a 'crutch' for weak people... They begin to see themselves as Christ's Ambassadors .... " One or two day mini camps are held during the school year and listed in KAHSA newsletter or in H.S. Building newsletter. 877-464-6388 [student statesmanship] Teenworks - A Christian tutoring service started in the early 1980's by Jeff and Wanda Burdick, who saw some needs that were not being met for their own children. Grand Rapids/Grand Ledge areas, teenworks@teenworks.net (517) 627-9099 [teenworks] 46 Do I Have to Do this Alone? Other Academic Helps Classes online Google search [online classes] or be specific [online high school math classes] Eagle Christian - An online school offering a quality Christian education, 1-888-EAGLE4U, www.eaglechristian.org Michigan Virtual High School- Offers online classes for a fee. Also offers free MEAP, SAT and AP prep courses. Sign up for test services with your local public school code (available at the website). www.mivhs.org Microsoft Office Free Tutorials www.officetutorials.com and www.microsoft.comJeducation/tutorials.aspx The Grace Academy- Components include etexts, textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs with multimedia intensive interaction. Uses discussion groups, message boards, audio, video and e-mail. 866-FOR-GRACE [the grace academy] Writing Assessment Services by Cindy Marsch; website has free writing tutorials to download [writing assessment services] Independent Study-Correspondence Programs Link to list of correspondence and umbrella schools: [correspondence schools] http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/DLPsCorrespondence.htm American School of Correspondence - You control the pace of your studying. Courses personally graded by qualified instructors. Specially prepared study guides. 708-418-2800 [American school correspondence] Griggs International Academy (formerly Home Study International) - Christian based correspondence and online classes. Kindergarten through college. Teaching and grading services by qualified teachers, Assistance in advising, grading, and record keeping. 800-782-4769 [griggs universtiy] Keystone National High School- Distance education. 800-255-4937 www.keystonehighschool.com University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Study High School - Fully accredited high school has been offering educational solutions to students around the world since 1929. 866-700-4747 [university Nebraska Lincoln high school] Other Helps VideolDVD classes- ABeka, Calvert (see textbook chart chapter 4), Videotext, Chalk Dust Company math, Superstar Teachers! The Teaching Company-find with Google. Classes via satellite - Bob Jones has these available- see textbook chart chapter 4. Classes on CD Rom ­ o Alpha Omega is a pioneer in this area with Switched On Schoolhouse- see textbook chart; o Saxon Math D.I.V.E. CD-Rom (Digital Interactive Video Education) Lectures on a computer whiteboard that looks and sounds as though you are in a real classroom. [dive into math] o D.I.V.E for Science- same as above but for science to supplement (not replace) the textbook you are using for high school. Video tutorials on science topics that students typically have trouble understanding; review questions and video solutions. A syllabus will cross-reference the DIVE lessons to the appropriate chapter in the textbook you are using. [dive into math] o Calvert has some courses on CD ROM. (see chapter 4 textbook company chart) Programmed courses - these are specifically written for a student to do on their own; see Textbook Approach chart (chapter 4) - ACE, BCE, and Alpha Omega. Summit Ministries Worldview Training www.summit.org (CO) or www.brvan.edu (TN) Worldview training camps held in the summer. Worldview Academy - Leadership Camps train students, ages 13 and up, in worldviews, servant leadership, apologetics and evangelism. www.worldview.org 830-620-5203 * Words in [ ] are Google keywords Do I Have to Do this Alone? 47 Extracurricular Activities Co-ops, Clubs and Scouting Etc. *Chess club - Fridays at Portage Library, Tim Mcgrew 345-0736. Civil Air Patrol - Tuesdays, meets near Kalamazoo Airport. [civil air patrol kalamazoo] The Congressional Awards Program www.congressionalaward.org The U.S. Congress' award for young Americans. Open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates or Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. A fun way to get more involved in something you already enjoy or something you'd like to try for the first time. Move at your own pace - on your own or with your friends. No minimum grade point average. Accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities. Great experience/award to put on a college application. *KAHSA Talent and Exhibit Night - Annually in March or April. An opportunity to show off your student's science, history, etc. projects, plus a chance to perform before an audience. Kalamazoo Eastside Enrichment Program (KEEP) - Parent led Friday enrichment classes, 1-3 PM, Kinderqarten-B", childcare available, East side of Kalamazoo. Minimal cost. Also evening moms' support group meetings. Debbie Greve, 381-3256 Math Games - Meets twice monthly with math games and gym time for all grades. Teaches practical math with account books and a store to spend accumulated funds earned in the games. Meets at Richland Bible Church, Richland. Cindy Grimmer 384-2198. *Scouting Boy Scout Troop 205 High adventure trips. 352-2373 4-H www.kalamazooeh.orq 4-H groups in Kalamazoo (over 15 of them): 383-8648 Barry county - 945-1388 Allegan county - 673-0370 Kent County - 616-336-3265 Calhoun county 781-0784 Local Events ofInterest Bronson Family Health Fair - approx 2 341-7654. nd sat in Sept, free, Bronson Park, Downtown Kalamazoo [Bronson health] County Fairs Allegan County fair - September, usually has Christian music concerts, 673-6501. [allegan county fair] Kalamazoo County Fair - Kalamazoo fairground,early August, 349-9791 .[kalamazoo county fair] Kalamazoo Information If you are new to the area, call the Kalamazoo Gazette and ask for a copy of "The Answer Book" - a 56 page newspaper supplement listing a year's worth of events and activities, as well as contact information for local museums and other places of interest. Kalamazoo Living History Show - Living history supplies, crafts, reenactors. Annually, March, Kalamazoo Fair Grounds. [kalamazoo living history] *Young Eagles flight program - free flights for kids at Air Zoo one Saturday in May, Milham Rd, Portage, 382-6555. [air zoo] http://www.everythingmichigan.netllinks to - well- everything Michigan - maps, historic sites, history magazine (which has a separate section on web site for kids), festivals, recreation. 48 Do I Have to Do this Alone? Museums and Science Programs Kalamazoo Air Zoo - renowned local air museum offers aerospace summer camps and classes to homeschoolers. Scholarships available. Jerry Pahl, 382-6555. [www.airzoo.org] Kalamazoo Math and Science Center Sizzlin' Summer Programs· grades 1-high school, almost 100 different programs, applications available in March, 327-0004. [kamsc online] Kalamazoo Valley Museum - Excellent, free museum, downtown near library. Recently updated the science section. Planetarium. Challenger Space missions. Friday programs for homeschoolers, 373-7990. [kalamazoo valley museum] Outdoor and Nature Activities Fort Custer State Park - summer activities; bike trails; camping; State Park Explorer program 731-4200. [Fort Custer State Park] Kalamazoo Nature Center - fee; fun to visit for hiking or visit award winning museum. Many education programs offered or will set one up for your group. 381-1574[kalamazoo naturecenter] *Tamarack Valley Christian Creation Camp - 5th_6th grade, three-day camps in fall and spring; plus they can customize field trips; Delton, MI. Nature activities; animal encounters. Fun program! Homeschool parents have organized homeschool groups in the past. 877-714-5232 [tamarack valley] Wolf Lake Fish Hatcheries - free, interesting museum, 668-2876 [wolf lake hatchery] YMCA Camp Eberhart - 3 mi. west of Three Rivers. Hosts homeschool camp and survival days, archery, topography, rock climbing, 616-244-5125. [camp eberhart] Pure Fun! Cedar Point Homeschool Day - end of August [cedar point] Six Flags Great America Homeschool Day - at Six Flags parks around the country in September. A great admission rate and no crowds! Usually early bird discount due end of July. [six flags] Sports-Competitive American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) Region 74- Portage, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg 303-0558 Region 211 Kalamazoo, Parchment, Oshtemo, 353-7000 Region 212 RiverOaks, Richland, Galesburg, Comstock 343-6879 Region 250 Gobles, Lawton, PawPaw 427-2976 Region 333 Plainwell, Otsego, Martin 345-8539 [AYSO Michigan] [ayso region 74] [ayso region 211] [ayso region 212] [ayso region 250] [ayso region 333] Hershey's (the Food Company) Track and Field Day - Ages 9-14. Competitive track event, June. Organized by Kzoo City Parks and Recreation; any Kzoo county resident may participate. Winners compete at state meetin July. Statewinners go to National Eventin Hershey, PA in August..Kalamazoo City Dept.of Parks and Recreation 337-8191 [hersheystrackandfield] YOUR KIDS CAN PLAY COMPETITIVE SPORTS WITH GREAT HOMESCHOOL TEAMS: *Kalamazoo Homeschool Sports - Kalamazoo Cougars; basketball, football, volleyball, softball, soccer, cross country, cheerleading. Contact points may change annually so contact KAHSA. General contact point Tim Doorlag 345-2416 tcdoorlag@juno.com basketball-boys and girls,5 th-high school; boys contactDan DeBoer 324-0977 soccer - boys and girls; girls contact: Larry Stegink stegfamily6@juno.com * Words in [ ] are Google keywords Do I Have to Do this Alone? 49 *KAHSA Track and Field Day - sponsored by Kalamazoo Sports in May each year. Nancy Stegink, 353-1901 Participation on public school teams: The Michigan High School Athletic Association sets rules for high school sports and they have taken an unbending stance prohibiting home school students from playing on public high school teams. Sports- Recreational Call the facility listed and ask for times of homeschool classes. Also check KAHSA newsletter. Golf- Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association- summer golf tournaments age 10 and up, 344-7639 [kalamazoo juniorgolf] *Gymnastics BG Etc. - Oshtemo 544-3000 Kids's Gym - Shaver Rd, Portage 323-7657 [kidsgyminc] *Ice Skating - Twin Star Ice Arena South West Michigan Skating Club 345-5777 [swmsc] Lawson Ice Arena 387-3076 *Roller skating - Oshtemo Rollerworld; Great Skate, Portage *Ski clubs­ Bittersweet- homeschool parent run-watch newsletter for details; never skied? - come to the Homeschool Ski Day- get a great rate and free lesson- fun for the whole family- usually held on a Friday in January or February, watch KAHSA newsletter for information Timber Ridge- some homeschoolers sign up for this ski club through Heritage Christian School Swimming - homeschool classes: *Portage Y Call Aquatic office 324-9622 345-9622, ask about homeschool swim lessons. *Maple Street Y "" " " *Borgess, 552-2348 *Tennis - Portage YMCA; - West Hills Tim Montague 387-0410 The Arts Art classes Amy Lohrmann-beginning and advanced homeschool classes in the Milwood area, 344-5791. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts- classes year round, $40 and up, scholarships available, 349-7775, [Kalamazoo institute] Dance Call homeschool mom and part-time dance instructor Cathy Krieg for information on local dance opportunities. 372-9007 Drama Comstock Community Auditorium - summer plays 388-9381[Comstock community auditorium] *Homeschool Performing Arts - Drama Classes in Fall & Spring; Performing Arts Camp in the summer; Choir during the school year; Private Music Lessons - voice, guitar & beginning piano; PROFESSIONALLY done Drama and Musical Productions in both Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Auditions for the performances are held in the fall. Brad Garnaat, 616-299-9678. hpa@homeschoolbuilding.org [homeschool performing arts] Kalamazoo Area Tutors (KAT) - drama classes, see "Academic Helps" for more information. Kindleberger Park Summer Festival. Usually the 2nd weekend of July. Parchment. Children's outdoor drama each year. Audition information call 349-9504. [kindleberger festival] The Civic - Youth theatre- several local homeschool families have participated. Not just for actors-kids can be assigned to work on technical crews, makeup, stage props, promotion etc. Summer drama classes. 343-2280. [kalamazoo civic] 50 Do I Have to Do this Alone? Irving S. Gilmore Student Arts Scholarships -Education for the Arts - BEST KEPT SECRET. Annual scholarships for any area of arts education, grades K-12. Funded by the Gilmore Foundation, administered by Education for the Arts, located at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). Applications can be picked up at KRESA or downloaded from the website. Due date in past years was March; for 2007 was January. Our family has received over $1000 in funds for choir, drama, and art classes over the last few years. Any student residing in Kalamazoo county can apply; it is not needs based. KRESA 1819 East Milham Rd, Portage (between Portage and Lover's Lane) 385-1500. [kresa] Music Gilmore Keys Club - After school program to encourage lifelong appreciation of music. Monthly meetings in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, 342-1166. [Gilmore keys club] Kalamazoo Area Tutors (KAT) - band, private music lessons, choir (see earlier listing under Local Academic Helps) Kalamazoo Children's Chorus - Three youth choirs from age 8 to 18- Preparatory, Concert, and Touring Choir. Three concerts a year at Chenery and local high schools. Season runs during the school year. Auditions held in May for fall start-up, 384-0893. [kalamazoo childrens chorus] Kalamazoo Junior Symphony - offers symphony orchestra plus Prep Strings and Training Orchestra. Auditions in May, 349-7557. [kjso or kalamazoo junior symphony] Kalamazoo Symphony Youth Concert -the Kalamazoo Symphony puts on a concert for school groups each year, usually in Feb. or March. Free CD of the music and teacher materials are available to prepare for the concert, 349-7759. jrooksross@kalamazoosymphony.com [kalamazoo symphony] *Piano I music instructors often advertise in the KAHSA newsletter. West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts - offers band, orchestra, choirs, ensembles; meets at Homeschool Building in Grand Rapids on Wed. during school year, 616-794-2332, Founders Scott & Wendy March. [west Michigan homeschool fine arts] If you are a tutor and would like to be included in the next update of this Guide, please email me at Igold4@sbcglobal.net Public School Offerings The Michigan State homeschool law (see chapter 7) allows homeschool students to attend non-core classes such as band, art, physical education, music, and driver's education. Several homeschoolers in SW Michigan are taking advantage of this opportunity. Schools may allow a homeschooler to take core classes, but are not required to do so. Contact your local school. Many homeschoolers feel we should be cautious about becoming involved with the public school programs. The homeschoolers in Michigan that I know of who have taken advantage of this provision of the law have not had any problems. Still, I would recommend reading the following articles just so you are educated about these concerns. The first article is titled "Charter Schools" from Home School Legal Defense Association's (HSLDA) "The Homeschool Court Report" volume 18, number 1. The article reports on some loss of freedoms to homeschoolers in other states who took advantage of services offered by the public schools. [hslda courtreport v18n1] or http://www.hslda.org/courtreportlv18n1/v18n101.asp The other article is at Barb Shelton's Homeschool Oasis website, titled "The Seduction of Homeschooling Families" by Chris Cardiff. [homeschool oasis Cardiff] or http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_the_seduction_of_hsing_fams_cardiff.htm * Words in [ ] are Google keywords Do I Have to Do this Alone? 51 A Mini-Calendar of Events of Interest to Homeschoolers Keywords (or Google are in [ ] *best source (or more information on these events is the Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Association (KAHSA) newsletter. ** best source of information is Homeschool Building (HSB) website January Great Winter Adventure-Kalamazoo- artists tum ice into sculptures February **Mid-winter Home Education Conference sponsored by the Homeschool Building *Kalamazoo Symphony youth concert jrooksross@kalamazoosymohony.com 349-7759 *Homeschool Ski Day at Bittersweet March *KAHSA Talent and Exhibit show (Mar or Apr each yr) Living History Show-Kalamazoo Fair Grounds Maple Sugar Festival - Kalamazoo Nature Center April May *Gem show at Kalamazoo Fair grounds- Kalamazoo Geological and Mineral Soc *Homeschool Track and Field Day - UpJohn Park, Portage St. Portage, MI *INCH state homeschool conference *KAHSA used curriculum fair *Stanford Achievement testing Air zoo young eagles program-free flights for kids [airzoo] Auditions for Kalamazoo Junior Symphony and Kalamazoo Children's Chorus Holland Tulip Festival [Holland Michigan tuliptime] June **Home School Building (HSB) used curriculum sale [homeschool building] Hershey Track and Field competition July Battle Creek Balloon festival - Kellogg airport, air show every 4 th of July [battle creek balloon festival] Kindleberger Summer Festival and Children's drama August Maranatha Bible Conference Homeschool Week Teacher Day at Office Depot and Office Max - freebies to teachers, call for date (BE PROFESSIONAL - you will be in line with teachers - best to NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN) Summer Air Zoo science and aerospace classes [air zoo] Fort Custer (Augusta)- kid's nature activities Math and Science Center Sizzling Summer programs -almost 100 courses offered grade I-high school [kamsc] Portage Parks and Recreation - many activities, drama camp etc., do not need to live in Portage to participate Student Statesmanship Institute for high school students - 1 week, in Lansing [student statesmanship] September Six Flags Homeschool Day, Illinois and Ohio Irish Fest, Bronson Park October November Kalamazoo Chemistry Day- same day as Thanksgiving Parade- LOTS of great hands-on chemistry demonstrations and experiments at Kalamazoo Valley Museum [kalamazoo valley museum] Kalamazoo Holiday Parade- mid November December Battle Creek Festival of Lights [international festival of lights] 52 Do I Have to Do this Alone? Chapter 6 Michigan State Homeschooling Law Michigan's law is currently "homeschooler friendly". This chapter will help you understand the law but should in no way be seen as legal advice. In order to assure you are legally covered against any problems that might arise, the best thing you can do is to join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). See chapter 3 for more information. Michigan law allows homeschooling under Revised School Code 380.1561 "Compulsory attendance at public schools; enrollment dates; exemptions." The section of this law of interest to homeschoolers is Section (3). Under this section, parents can choose to homeschool under subsection (a) or (f). a. Under exemption 3(a) your home school is considered, under the law, a non public school and auxiliary services provided to local public schools are also available to you. b. To qualify to homeschool under 3(a) you must either: • be a certified teacher • or hold a sincerely held religious belief against teacher certification c. Under 3(a) notice to the local school district is required d. Auxiliary services that may be available under exemption 3(a): health and nursing examinations, speech and language teacher services, consultant services for children with disabilities, remedial reading assistance. e. Under exemption 3(1) you are called a home school, notification to the state or school district is NOT required, and auxiliary services are not available to you. f. Under 3(f) there are no minimum qualifications for teachers except they must be the parent or legal guardian. g. Taking non-core classes at the local school- schools must allow homeschoolers to take these if they are offered to pUblic school students; examples of classes: band, PE, music, art, computer, and advanced placement courses. h. Taking core classes at local school- schools may allow you to enroll as a part-time student to take core classes, but they are not required to allow you to do this; each school district can set their own policy on this. i. Athletics through local school- The Michigan High School Athletic Association sets rules for high school sports and they have taken an unbending stance prohibiting home school students from playing on public school teams. Check with your local school concerning playing sports on elementary, middle and junior high teams. For more information go to: www.michigan.gov/mde Type "home schools information" in the search box. There is a 12 page "Information on Home Schools" document that can be printed out. Michigan State Homeschooling Law 53 Michigan Homeschool Law - Information from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Below is more detailed information on the difference between homeschooling under section 3(a) or 3(f). This information is provided with permission from HSLDA. NOTE: Since most homeschoolers operate under exemption 3(f), that is listed as Option 1 in the HSLDA information below. Compulsory School Age "age of 6 to the child's 16th birthday" Required Days of Instruction: No specific number of days is mandated Michigan Le~ Legal Option: Attendance: Subjects: al Home Schooling Options: Option: 1 [section 3(f) ] Qualifications: Establish and operate a home education prooram None Reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar None Notice: None Recordkeeplng: None Testing: None Option: 2 [section 3(a) J Operate a home school as a non public school None Must be "comparable to those taught in the public schools" Teacher certification (unless claiming a religious exemption) Submit, to the department of education and the local superintendent, at start of each school year a statement of enrollment Maintain records of enrollment, courses of study, and qualifications of teachers (must be submitted to the Department of Education upon request) None © 2003, HSLDA NOTE: This summary is not intended to be, and does not constitute, the giving of legal advice. Many states have unclear compulsory attendance statutes, and the courts ofthose states vary in their interpretation ofthe statutes. Therefore, there is no guarantee any state will accept all of the options for compliance listed under each state. This summary is not intended to be a substitute for individual reliance on privately retained legal counsel such as that provided by Home School Legal Defense Association. Used by pennission. Home schools have two options. They can either operate under the home school statute or qualify as a non-public school. Option I: Home School Statute Option. MCLA § 380.1561rnID (effective July 1, 1996). 1. "A child is not required to attend a public school if: 'The child is being educated at the child's home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.' " 2. There are no requirements to notify, seek approval, test, file forms, or have any certain teacher qualifications. The burden is on the state to prove that the parents are not teaching their children. Parental Rights Act: MCLA § 380.10. "It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children." This effectively reversed the Michigan Supreme Court in People v. Bennett which ruled the parental right to direct the education of one's child was not fundamental. This act further establishes the right of parents to choose to home school their children. Alternative Statute Allowing for Home Schools: Option II: Nonpublic School Option. MCLA § 380.1561 ~ "A child who is attending regularly and is being taught in a state approved, nonpublic school, which teaches subjects comparable to those taught in the public schools to children of corresponding age and grade, as determined by the course of study for the public schools within which the nonpublic school is located" is exempt from public school attendance. A home school is considered a nonpublic school [see People v. Bennett, 501 NW.2d 106 (Mich. 1993)]. All nonpublic schools must use certified teachers. Even though the home school taw above was enacted in 1996, it does not prohibit any parent from choosing this option of operating their home school as a nonpublic school. If a home school chooses this option. it must do the following: 1. If requested by the Michigan Department of Education, home schoolers operating as nonpublic schools need to submit records of enrollment of pupils, courses of study (language arts, math, social studies, 54 Michigan State Homeschooling Law science, civics, Michigan history, physical education, art, and health), and qualifications of teachers. MCLA § 388.555. However, home schools are not required to furnish the information on the SM 4325 form developed by the Department of Education. Home schools must also furnish the local public school superintendent or the intermediate superintendent with the following information at the beginning of each school year: (a) name and age of each child enrolled at the school, (b) number or name of the school district and the city or township and county where the parent lives, (c) the name and address of the parent, and (d) the name and age of any child enrolled in the school who is not in regular attendance. MCLA § 380.1578. 2. Home schools which do not have a religious objection to teacher certification are required to have all hours of instruction in the home school done by a certified teacher [see Clonlara v. State Board of Education, 501 N.W.2d 88 (Mich. 1993)]. However, the home school does not have to operate for 180 days. 3. Home schoolers who are opposed to teacher certification based on sincerely held religious beliefs are exemptfrom this requirement. In People v. DeJonge, 501 NW.2d 127 (Mich. 1993), the Michigan Supreme Court held: 'We hold that the teacher certification requirement is an unconstitutional violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment as applied to families whose religious convictions prohibit the use of certified instructors. Such families, therefore, are exempt from the dictates of the teacher certification requirement." Therefore, all families who object to teacher certification on religious grounds may claim a religious exemption pursuant to the DeJonge case. This HSlDA case, after eight years of appeals, served as a "death blow" to teacher certification in Michigan. 4. Home schoots do not need to be approved according to DeJonge v. Superintendent of Public Instruction, No. 85 56712-AW, Ingham Circuit Court, July 22, 1986, "there is no approval or licensing procedure pursuant to any state statute or administrative rule which requires a private home school, or a private, nonpublic school of any kind, to be approved or licensed by the Department of Education prior to that school's opening for operation or during the school's ongoing operation. The Michigan Department of Education's authority is limited to disapproval of private, nonpublic schools, pursuant to the administrative procedures under MCLA § 388.554 based upon a finding of noncompliance with state law by that school." (Affirmed by the Michigan Supreme Court in HSlDA's case, People v. Bennett.) In Bennett, the Michigan Supreme Court stated that a home school is a legitimate nonpublic school until an administrative hearing produces a determination to the contrary. The court emphasized that a school district could not initiate criminal proceedings against parents who are home schooling until an administrative hearing had been held by the State Superintendent of Instruction, which determined that the school did not meet the requirements of the law. 5. Also, any "compliance procedures" created by the Dept. of Educ. are only interpretive rules which have no force of law. "The Department of Education is not authorized, explicitly or implicitly, to promulgate rules relating to the Nonpublic School Act" (see Bennett case). © Copyright 2003,HSLDA, all rights reserved. Used by permission. THIS ANALYSIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE. Call or write to receive a free copy of HSLDA's newsletter and membership application. Home School Legal Defense Association, P.O. Box 3000 Purcellville, VA 20134 Phone: (540) 338-5600 .Fax: (540) 338-2733 Website: www.HSLDA.org "Handling a Contact by State Officials" by David Kallman, J.D. I HIGHLY recommend reading this article, found in the West Michigan Home School Review. This booklet is available at the Homeschool Building in Grand Rapids, (616) 532-9422 In summary, • • • • • • • if a state official comes to your door: Get identification Do not allow entrance to your home Get questions in writing Never let the official alone with your child Do not allow them to threaten you Maintain a pleasant and courteous demeanor Seek assistance immediately Michigan State Homeschooling Law 55 Chapter 7 "What about Socialization?" I had to include this somewhere in here! Anyone who has homeschooled for even a short time probably does not even think about this "issue". It is truly the last thing I am worried about; thus it is appropriate that it be almost the last chapter of this Guide! However, if you are just starting out you may be concerned about this area of your child's education. Even if you are not, others in your realm of contacts (family, friends, neighbors, even the grocery clerk!) will ask this question of you. My goal is that this chapter will help alleviate any concerns you may have about socialization and will help you develop your own "ready defense" when confronted with this question. If you need to answer this inquiry, a good place to start would be to show the questioner this Guide! Most people have no idea of the opportunities available to homeschoolers. They will quickly see that there is no end to the opportunities for your children to interact with other children and to make friends. This is usually what people worry about - "Will they have any friends?" I would highly recommend reading "A Field Guide to Home Schooling" by Christine Fields (available in the Portage Library). Her book has a twenty-page chapter on the topic - a longer treatment of the issue than most homeschooling books. She does a nice job of summarizing how other homeschooling authors have answered this question. Included in her book are the results of several research studies - all of which show that "the bogeyman of socialization deficit in home educated children is being blown out of the water." (Fields, 153) A summary of her arguments follows. Proverbs 13:20 u ••• a companion of fools suffers harm." 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Bad company corrupts good character." Proverbs 22:15 "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child." 56 Getting Started and Keepin ' On A Summary of chapter nine "The Question of Socialization" From A Field Guide to Homeschooling' by Christine Fields Why Homeschooling is a Positive Environment for Socialization • The child develops a more balanced relationship with peers and adults. • Of the social woes we face today-divorce, drug abuse, AIDS, suicide etc.- as quoted from Rick Boyer­ " I am hard pressed to think of any that seem to result from children spending too much time at home." • The world is not a safe place - so why shouldn't we shelter our children. If we don't dare to shelter and protect our children, there is no one else who will. • School promotes the idea of age segregation which can break down family relationships. To quote from Fields, "Show me an eighth grader speaking kindly to his third grade brother and, in all probability, I'll show you two kids who are home schooled." (150) • Fields quotes Llewellyn Davis who writes in her book Going Home to School, "Children who are allowed to mature and achieve in secure, non-threatening environments are more capable of handling life's problems because they have developed a strong sense of identity." • School is the artificial environment; home is the natural environment. • Home is the best place to develop the strength of character and spiritual maturity before being released into the value-less society of today. Reasons Socialization in Schools can be Unhealthy • Peer dependency develops as children naturally seek to be popular - and scoring high in math is probably not going to be popular (or admitting to liking learning). • Age segregation is not the best preparation for the real world. When in the future, as adults, will they only be with those of their own age? • Age segregation often results in kids that by junior high have no concept of how to relate to anyone outside their age group. • Kids base their self worth on opinions of other immature young people. Students constantly compare themselves to standards of the school culture. Does that culture match your standards? • Cruel social "games". • Children don't want to be different or to stand out, thus there is much pressure to conform, and thus to lose their uniqueness. • Children don't learn good manners or appropriate behaviors from other children. The sin nature just about assures the exact opposite "bad company corrupts good morals". (See Mike McHugh's article for more on this argument.) • If a child is even a little different- in weight, height, athletic ability,skin color etc. - it can lead to teasing and every day can be a trial to such a child. Why should a child have to learn to deal with this? • In most cases it is not realistic for a 6,7,8 year old (or older!), immature in their faith, to be salt and light. "What is the solution to the socialization problem? The question assumes there is a problem.... Research would seem to indicate a result to the contrary." (Fields, 162) I Field, Christine, "A Field guide to Homeschooling",(Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming Revell, 1998) What about Socialization? 57 Chapter 8 High School, College, and Career Planning As a homeschool parent, you are your child's high school guidance counselor. Does that overwhelm you? It shouldn't since many have gone before you and there is now a wealth of resources available. It is beyond the scope of this book to discuss how to homeschool through high school. In keeping with the rest of this book, this chapter points you toward resources that will help you with answering those "how-to" questions. The first article from the Elijah Company though will help give an overview of the things to think about and consider when planning to homeschool in high school. Check chapter two for websites for high school and for online classes. In addition, many of the general homeschool websites will have links to articles on homeschooling high school. Web sites dealing specifically with planning for college are in this chapter. Chapter three lists books that will help with the questions you may have on high school. Chapter five will point you to resources to help teach classes you may feel inadequate to teach. These options include tutors, classes, junior college classes, and courses via video, satellite and CD ROM. One of the books listed in chapter three, under the high school category, is Barb Shelton's book Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+La (read or pronounced "formula"). In her book Barb gives you the ingredients you need to create your own recipe (i.e. "formula") for high school. She capitalized the letter "U" in the title to emphasize that her book is meant to give you forms and a starting point, but YOU and your child create your own recipe for success in high school. One of her goals in writing the book was to take the fear out of homeschooling high school. Many who have read the book will testify it met her goal of coming "out of fear and into freedom." If you have any reservations about high school, I highly recommend this book. The book is available at Barb's website [homeschool oasis] or through www.christianbook.com VERY IMPORTANT!!! HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS START NOW! Keep a list of all major and minor accomplishments throughout high school. List your activities, awards, community service, employment, and other unique educational experiences and maintain it throughout high school. This will serve as the beginning of a resume that you can use when completing college admission and scholarship applications. 58 High School and College Planning The High School Years The high school years are when many parents stop teaching their children at home. These parents feel overwhelmed by the demands of high school subjects, feel unqualified to teach upper level math and sciences, and begin wondering if their children need the social exposure and athletic opportunities found in public and private high schools. Also, there is the question of accreditation and transcripts for students wishing to go to college. Last, but not least, during the high school years children begin expressing themselves much more forcefully and it would be easier for parents to let someone else require schoolwork from a teen who is going through mood swings or becoming argumentative. We want to encourage you to do all you can to keep your child at home during the high school years. If you find your resolve drooping, your vision dimming, your enthusiasm waning, listen to Josh Harris's tape Why Home School Through High School or Ellyn Davis' tape Charting a Course for High School, or read Dumbing Us Down by John Gatto. The teen years are crucial to the identification and legitimizing of a child, and we can't afford to let others set our children's life course for them. 1. Options for High School There seem to be three common teaching options for high school. First, the textbook route. Parents who want their children to go to college and who are unsure about how to cover all the requirements at home often choose to buy each year's curriculum from a Christian publisher who produces textbooks that parallel the scope and sequence of the public schools. The second option is the non­ textbook route, where the necessary core subjects and electives are covered by using altemative, non-textbook resources. The final option is a combination of textbooks and alternative resources which together cover all essential requirements. There are four basic decisions that must be made no matter which teaching option is chosen: a. Picture the child's future. Most parents can tell by the time their child is 12 or 13 whether he/she is suited for a profession or trade. This is when we have to be realistic. Even though we might want our son to become a doctor or lawyer, he might do better as an auto mechanic. We need to map out the high school years as a "career pathway" that lays a foundation for what will serve our sons and daughters well as adults. If college is in their future, there are certain course requirements that must be met. If college is not in their future, there are still state requirements that must be met and an emphasis on certain courses important to the child's future. Your state Board of Education can provide you with high school course requirements, and your state's Board of Regents has a list of college entrance requirements. b. Map out a course of study. The average high school credit requires 180 hours of study. This study can be By The Elijah Company accomplished through textbooks or through independent projects you devise yourself. If using a non-traditional approach, you will have to decide your own "course requirements" such as: What will this course entail? What will have to be done for the work to be considered completed? What constitutes an A, a B, a C, in this course? Some parents gear the course work to the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or achievement tests and "teach to the tests," others cover the required number of course credits in a way that best suits their family. c. Devise a record keeping system. You will need to devise some sort of transcript that shows the number of credits in each subject and the grades in each course. The closer you can make this look like a traditional high school transcript, the better. It also helps to keep a portfolio of selected projects and a list of extracurricular activities like church work, 4- H, apprenticeship opportunities, etc. The Home Schooler's High School Journal is a good record keeping system for high school because it helps you keep track of credit hours in each course. Relaxed Record Keeping and Record Keeping for High School have ideas for developing transcripts from non-traditional course work. d. Find out what your state homeschoolinq organization offers. In Tennessee the state organization arranges diplomas, graduation ceremonies, and awards for graduating seniors. These not only give special recognition to the graduates, but also give the kind of legitimacy to home schooling that is so reassuring to relatives and to the state. Your organization may provide similar services. 2. How Do We Earn Credits? The number of high school credits needed for graduation vary from state to state, but most states require a minimal number of high school credits. This minimum is shown in the following chart. Credits Required for High School Graduation Language Arts 3 - 4 Science 2 Math 2-3 Social Studies 2 - 3 Fine Arts/Language 1 U.S. History 1 Economics 1/2 World History 1 Government 1/2 Electives 7 - 9 Physical Education (Includes health) 2 This list reflects the minimum requirements for most states. What do these credits mean? Usually one credit in a particular subject (for example, one credit in Language Arts) means that a class was offered in that subject for 50 minutes each school day for a school year (180 days) and that the student attended that class for 165 of the 180 High School and College Planning 59 days it was offered and performed work in that class to the teacher's satisfaction. First, let's examine the concept of a high school credit in more detail. Let's say your child needed one high school credit in Language Arts. If we multiply 50 minutes (the length of class time each day) by 150 days (the number of days the student actually attended the class, assuming the student was allowed 15 absences a year and another 15 classroom periods were spent with assemblies, pep rallies, substitute teachers, non-Ieaming activities, etc.) we get 126 hours of actual class time toward that credit. However, we know that in a typical classroom less than half of the time is spent in leaming activities. The other half.is spent settling down the class, discussing assignments, taking up or giving out papers, dealing with trouble-makers, and so on. This means that out of that year of class time in Language Arts, t~aching (and presumably learning) was actually occurnng for less than 63 hours. Add 20 minutes of homework in that class three days a week and that adds another 36 hours of learning time. So a high school credit actually reflects roughly 100 hours of work in a particular subject, if that much. (When we have talked to former school teachers, they agree that 100 hours is a generous estimate.) The second thing we need to examine is what a credit of work in a subject represents. For example, if our subject is Language Arts, usually the high school level courses are such things as " A Survey of Western Literature," or "American Literature," or "Short Stories, Poetry, and Plays," or "Theater," or "Public Speaking," or a general course that includes grammar and composition. The goal for each literature course is for the student to become familiar with the major works of a particular literary genre and to have some understanding of the plot structure of novels, the metric structure of poetry, and the presentation of a play. The goal for the grammar and composition courses is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively through writing, and the goal for the public speaking course would be to communicate clearly and persuasively when speaking to a group. Now that we have some understanding of both the amount of time that is involved in eaming one high school credit and the goal of the subject studied for that credit, we can develop our own course outlines. For example, suppose we wanted to develop a course similar to "A Survey of Western Literature." We would begin with books like Reading Lists for the College Bound that list the literature major colleges consider most important for high school students to read. We would also find books on using discernment in reading, such as Reading Strands or How to Read a Book. If we picked ten books that represented the best in Western literature, had our child read t~ose b.ooks, write brief essays about each according to the Ideas In How to Read a Book or discuss each following the format given in Reading Strands, this could easily take 100 hours and eam one high school credit in Language Arts. We would represent that credit hour on our home-made transcript as "Survey of Western Literature." 60 High School and College Planning As far as grades are concerned, we are free to establish our own guidelines, since that's what school teachers do. In a public school, the teachers are free to decide how they will grade their classes (how much credit for homework, for tests, for classroom participation, for the final exam, etc.) and they are also free to choose whether they will grade "on the curve" (which means grades are determined by the class average) or on a strict numerical value. One way we can grade would be on the effort expended and the quality of the papers and discussion. If this seems too subjective, we could clearly define grading before the course began in ways like: read 10 books and write/give 10 reports equals an A; 8 books and 8 reports equals a B; 6 books and 6 reports equals a C. Because our student is earning a course credit based on spending 100 hours of time, this 100 hours can be spread over two weeks, two months, or two years. When and how the credit is earned is not the issue; covering the material is. We could even design the course so that it provides only half a credit. In high schools with a semester system, courses are often only given for one semester, so they count for half a credit each. Half a credit courses are even easier for home schoolers to design because they only represent 50 hours or less of work. High school credits can be earned in other ways than through reading books. Our children have all the Language Arts and Fine Arts credits in theater they will ever need because they have been in several productions at our community playhouse and each production requires at least 100 hours of rehearsal and performance time. They have an intimate understanding of the many aspects of presenting a play, from auditions, to memorizing a script, to making scenery, to setting props, and more. Our boys also take dance classes and horseback riding lessons, and we count the lessons and all practice as Physical Education. In addition, they also listen to many books on tape as we travel, and the listening and subsequent discussions in the car can be counted toward course work. One well-researched term paper can easily require 50 to 100 hours of work and be credited in Language Arts as "Grammar and Composition." Examples of other non-traditional ways to earn high school credits would be: a. "Career Choices. " Course requirements: Work through some of the books on career choices such as Finding the Career That Fits You, and arrange to work for a set period of time at some of the careers that spark an interest. b. "Shop." Course requirements: Build something functional like bookcases, a table, a gardening shed, a stall in the barn, etc. Maintain some equipment, such as the lawnmower, the car, etc. Credit hours are given depending on the number of hours spent on the project. c. "Economics." Course requirements: Open checking and savings accounts. Manage these accounts faithfully for a specified period. Be responsible for purchasing for the household within certain categories (examples: food, clothing, gas) according to a budget. In addition there are many books on economics that have been helpful to homeschoolers. d. "Philosophy.· Course requirements: Study the various world views influencing us today through such books as Understanding the Times or The Universe Next Door. Write a paper discussing your own world view. If you combined the world view study with a study of cultures and civilizations holding those world views and the historical rise of each world view, you could count this course as "World History." e. "Public Speaking. • Course requirements: Join the 4-H public speaking club and attend their meetings. Enter the 4-H public speaking contest at the county level and be prepared to go on to the district and state levels. Alternate requirements: Prepare several speeches or talks and invite friends and family to come to hear you speak or prepare an audition piece for a play. Many more ideas for developing course work and granting high school credits for all of your child's leaming activities are found in the books Senior High: A Home Designed Form-U-Ia and Homeschooling the High Schooler. 3. What about the really hard courses? Foreign languages and higher level math and sciences are only an issue if the student plans to attend a four year college, and even then colleges vary in the number of credits they require. Most parents can tell by the time their child is 12 or 13 whether that child is college material, junior college material, technical school material, or "get-a­ job" material. Check with potential colleges to determine the actual number of credits required for acceptance. If the college requires a heavy load of credits in foreign languages and higher level math and sciences, all of these courses are available from traditional textbook publishers. In addition, Abeka, The School of Tomorrow, and The Chalk Dust Company produce teaching videos in subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Algebra, Calculus, and foreign languages. However, the easiest way to pick up course credits in these subjects is take them at your local community college. Many home schoolers take their junior and senior years in high school at a community college under a dual enrollment plan and get both high school and college credit for their coursework. high school years into studying for and taking one CLEP or Advanced Placement Test after another. Some of these students are finding they can exempt most of the course work in their first two years of college. An excellent book of strategy for high schoolers is How to Get Into the Top Colleges. Written by people who run a consulting firm for parents who want their children admitted to the better colleges, this book gives an inside story on what colleges look for and a step-by-step program for high school that virtually guarantees admission to any college. 5. Beyond Academics Christian home schoolers are interested in much more than academics, so our course of study for high schoolers might include the following in addition to the core curriculum: A. Courses helpful for succeeding in the World: 1). Life Skills (includes how to shop, drive a car, use a library, file an income tax form, find what we need, read a map, fix a flat, basic machine maintenance, handling stress, etc.) 2). Home Economics (how to shop, do laundry, clean, cook, sew, skills associated with running a household) 3). Social Skills (carrying on a conversation, manners, proper ways of addressing and interacting with people, some sort of social service) 4). Consumer Math (basic everyday math including how to manage money, balance a checkbook, simple accounting, how to operate on a budget) 5). Self Understanding (understanding of strengths and weaknesses, skills and deficiencies, proper ways of deriving self-esteem, etc.) 6). Logic and Thinking Skills (recognizing fallacies in arguments and discussions, thinking clearly, etc.) B. Courses helpful for succeeding in Family Life: 1). Marriage Preparation (relating to a husband or a wife, childcare, sex education, handling stress, etc.) 2). Family Relationships (the proper roles of husband, wife, and child, how to build rich family relationships) 4. Studying to the Tests C. Courses helpful for succeeding as an Employee: Most prep schools design their senior high courses around preparing for the SAT or ACT. These schools are in the business of getting their students into Ivy League Colleges, and the only way they can do this is to make sure the students score high on the tests that determine college admissions. Therefore the better high schools tend to "teach to the tests." Home schoolers can take the same approach. We can get SAT and ACT test preparation books and design our senior high courses around preparing for these tests. Another thing we can do is gear senior high courses to the CLEP or Advanced Placement Tests. These are tests the child takes that count for college credit. Many home schooling high school students (including the famous Colfaxes whose sons received scholarships to Ivy League colleges) turn their 1). IY12i.!Jg 2). Office Management 3). Computer Skills D. Courses helpful for succeeding as an Employer: 1). Social Skills (includes same as above Social Skills plus how to motivate people, dealing with different kinds of workers, time management, marketing, developing long range plans, etc.) 2). Office Management Skills (includes consumer math, typing, computer, and accounting skills, tax preparation) High School and College Planning 61 E. Courses helpful for succeeding as a Christian: 1). Bible and Spiritual Studies (how to study the Bible, use a concordance and Bible study helps, reading of biographies of Christians, applying biblical principles to everyday life, developing of character) 2). Understanding of Gifting (recognizing God-given spiritual abilities and talents, knowing "who I am" spiritually) 6. But What About College? Many home schooling parents are not sure their children should go to college. One of the reasons is the cost, which can easily run more than $15,000 a year for room, board, and tuition. Another reason is that most colleges nurture world views and behaviors that are in conflict with all that Christian home schooling parents try to instill in their children. It doesn't make sense to spend eighteen years instructing a child and then send that child to a place that undermines all you have taught. A third reason is that graduating from college no longer means that a person is highly educated. More than half of all college seniors fail general knowledge tests of basic history and literature. Also, a college education no longer guarantees financial success, nor is a degree essential to getting a good job. Seventy percent of all the jobs in the United States require only on-the-job training or some other form of alternative education. None of the twenty career fields listed by the U.S. Department of Labor as the fastest growing occupations require a four year degree. For these and other reasons many home schooling families are considering alternatives to college. Harvey Unger in But What If I Don't Want to Go to College says there are really only two good reasons to send a child to a traditional four-year college: First, the child has a deep desire to study academic subjects such as history, literature, or philosophy. Second, he has a deep commitment to career goals that require a four-year degree (such as medicine or law). Parents should think twice before sending a child to college if the child is unclear about his future plans because statistics show 50% of college students take six years to get their four year degree. Some of these students take longer to graduate because they are working their way through, but many of them take an extra two years to finish because they have no clear idea of their future plans and so they keep changing majors along the way. This means the parents are paying an extra ten to thirty thousand dollars or more because the child has no clear idea why he is going to college. Statistics also show that fewer than 25% of those who earn college degrees actually find themselves working in their degree field. This is another reason to think twice before sending a child to college. What are the alternatives to college? The most obvious choice is to simply get a job. A job may take the form of an internship, temporary work, working at home, self employment, or free lancing. What Color is Your Parachute can help your student create a picture of his ideal job. Another resource is Finding the Career That 62 High School and College Planning Fits You from Larry Burkett's Christian Financial Concepts. This program will help your student identify his gifts, talents, and interests. A second option is to get specialized training. Altemative education is available through community colleges, vocational-technical schools, on-the-job training, etc. The book But What If I Don't Want to Go to College lists the eleven types of alternative education available, gives the advantages and disadvantages of each, and includes guidelines for evaluating any program that you might find locally. A third option is to home school through college. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Bear's Guide to Non­ Traditional Degrees lists many universities requiring little or no residency. You can also design your own course of study and get college credit for your course work because many colleges now give credits for life experiences and allow course exemptions based on high scores on advanced placement tests. The fourth option is to help your young person start his own business. Several home schooling leaders suggest that launching your child into business is a better investment than paying for four years of college tuition. If the typical college education costs upwards of fifty thousand dollars, would a wiser use of that money be to invest in a business for your child, or better still, simply to invest the money? One of the astonishing things about investments is that investment income can significantly dwarf employment income. What this means is that a consistent system of cautious investing over the long term (30 to 40 years) can result in much more money than the average person will have earned in the same period of time. A similar option to launching your child into business would be to use the college money to bUy income­ generating property, such as rental housing, duplexes, or apartments that your child can manage. This way he or she will not only have a place to live, but will also have an ongoing source of income. The final altemative is apprenticeship. Apprenticeship traditionally consisted of four stages. The novice observed an expert while generally assuming the role of a servant. He learned the technology and mastered the techniques of the craft. A college education used to provide this stage of training but no longer does because it lacks any practical application of work. The journeyman, so called because this stage originally involved travel, worked in several shops to master specialized applications of basic skills. The medical student in internship and residency is a good example of this stage. The craftsman owned his own business, and, in direct proportion to his ability to train others, became a master. Choosing apprenticeship is a way to enter a profession without getting a standard four year degree. 7. Preparing for Adulthood The end product of our home schooling efforts is for our children to be capable of assuming the adult responsibilities of a Christian man or woman. As we have studied the Bible, we've concluded that these responsibilities are: The Biblical responsibilities of a man: a. To be a visible representative of God's nature b. To provide for his household c. To love and understand his wife d. To raise his children in the ways of God e. To provide leadership at home and in the community f. To participate in the Church of Jesus Christ The Biblical responsibilities of a woman: a. To be a faithful example of a godly woman b. To respect, love, and be a helper to her husband c. To bear, nourish, and love children d. To creatively and effectively manage a household e. To teach younger women godly qualities f. To participate in the Church of Jesus Christ Once we know what God considers important, it is helpful to also know what the world considers important, so that our children can function well "in the world," without being "of the world." A recent survey of "What Employers Want' indicated that employers are looking for workers who can: a. Manage their time. (arrive on time for work or appointments, use their on-the-job time productively, use their time to the advantage of the company) b. Follow instructions. (do a job the way they have been shown or told, ask questions if they don't understand, don't change procedures without asking permission, the ability to read and follow printed instructions, etc.) As people who own their own business, we thoroughly agree with this list. Also, if you plan to own your own business you will need those employee skills, because you will essentially be your own employee until your business grows to the point where you have to hire others to help. In addition, here is our "top five" list of abilities for those who plan to become bosses: a. The ability to manage time. (Not only to meet deadlines and get to appointments on time, but also to plan ahead so that what needs to be done gets done when it needs to get done and the ability to prioritize our use of time. So often a home business becomes "the hobby that ate up our lives." Its demands can usurp family time, personal time, friend time, and God time.) b. The ability to handle stress. (This includes knowing our limits physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially; knowing how to relax, keeping the "big picture" in view when the details are driving you crazy, developing satisfying hobbies, constructively dealing with anger and time pressure, etc.) c. The ability to handle money. (Owning your own business is always financially risky. Great care must be taken with money. Making money can never be the primary motive for your business, because then you will make rash decisions out of fear or greed.) d. The ability to perform almost any office function. (No matter what your business, if it grows you will eventually be doing word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, basic accounting, filing, data management, etc. It's easier to already know how to do these things than it is to learn as you go.) c. Cooperate with others. (respect supervisors, get along with fellow workers, react constructively to conflict situations with customers, other employees, or bosses) e. The ability to get along with difficult people. (There will always be someone who rubs you the wrong way, who tries to take advantage of you, or who misinterprets your actions. Good social skills and knowing how to deal constructively with conflict are essential. If you have employees, you will also have to develop good people­ management skills.) d. Demonstrate excellence and thoroughness in their 8. How Do We Pull It All Together? work. (bring a job to quality completion, take pride in doing a good job, demonstrate motivation to achieve) e. Show initiative. (recognize potential problems, see what needs to be done and do it without being told) The Elijah Company catalog contains a wealth of resources to help you "pull it all together." Visit the website www.elijahco.com or call 1-888-235-4524 for a catalog. Copyright 2003 by The Elijah Company. Used by permission. High School and College Planning 63 Recommended High School Courses for College-Bound Students In Michigan, graduation requirements are established by each school district. If you look at the recommended course of study from any set of high schools, you will be struck by the fact that none of them are exactly the same. You should take comfort in this! It means there is no one right way to "do" high school. General recommendations would be about 22 credits for graduation. In her book (see first page of this chapter) Barb Shelton has an extended section on figuring out credits per course. If your child is interested in specific colleges, the best thing he can do is to contact those schools early in his high school career and ask about their admission requirements. There is a generally recognized course of study for a student planning on going onto college. The United States Department of Education lists these general recommendations: English--Four years • American Literature • Composition • English Literature • World Literature Laboratory Science--Two to four years • Biology • Chemistry • Earth Science • Physics Mathematics--Three to four years • Algebra I • Algebra II • Calculus • Geometry • Precalculus • Trigonometry Foreign Language--Two to four years Visual & Performing Arts--One year • • • • History & Geography--Two to four years • Civics • Geography • U.S. History • U.S. Government • World History • World Cultures Art Dance Drama Music Challenging Electives--One to three years • Communications • Computer Science • Economics • Psychology • Statistics Physical Education - One-two years TIP: During high school some homeschoolers enroll at the local community college. Some of the courses they offer are in the "90" numbering - which really means a pre-college (high school) level course (freshmen classes usually are numbered in the 1oos). Also, check chapter five for resources to help you with courses you feel you are unable to teach. Web Sites for College Preparation during High School Use search keyword "college planning" to access a variety of web sites that will help you set up a timeline to follow during high school to help in preparing for college. Words in bold- Google keyword Apex Learning - Online classes Also check chapter 2 for high school homeschool web sites www.apexlearning.com CampusTours (Virtual Tours) www.campustours.com 64 High School and College Planning Christian Connector - free information on Christian colleges; includes links to dozens of Christian colleges, helpful www.christianconnector.com admissions and financial aid tips, links to missions opportunities and more. College board www.collegeboard.com Home site for SATIPSAT but site also has planning information College planning - these keywords will bring you a list of websites worth checking out College planning center of rhode island - a helpful year by year timeline for high school College prep - Site from Oklahoma State University College Opportunities On-Line (COOL)-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - This is your direct link to nearly 7,000 colleges and Universities. Search by state, distance from home, type of school (public, private, 4 year etc.) and instructional program. Click on the name of a school in a results list and you go to a page that lists more information plus contact numbers for the school. [college opportunities online] Making it count - A vast amount of information on college preparation and financial aid. Mapping your future - Information on career planning, job hunting, job inteNiews, college selection, and financial aid. Sponsored by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Pa homeschoolers - Website of Pennsylvania homeschoolers; online AP course available Prepare Your Child for College www.ed.gov/pubsJparents Students.gov - www.students.qov US govemment initiative. Comprehensive information portal, answers to questions on education, career, military service, study abroad, filing taxes, voting, travel, and more. College Preparation-A High School Timeline Copy the chart at the end of this chapter. Post it somewhere you will see it and check it off as you complete each item. This is a great way to stay organized and to assure you do not miss any deadlines. General recommendations for preparing for college throughout high school: • • • • • • • Throughout high school it is good practice to ask outside teachers, employers or coaches to write you letters of recommendations. You may only be in contact with some of these people for a limited time- for the length of a class or for one season of a sport for example. If you wait till the end of your senior year to gather recommendations, it may be difficult to locate these people. By sophomore year begin to look at college catalogs and web sites. Whenever possible, visit a college campus. Visit several campuses to get a feel for different campus settings. Build strong academic skills by taking challenging courses. Select an area of volunteer service to be a part of. Get involved by participating in sports, clubs or volunteer work that can make high school more fun and will also help you develop the leadership and teamwork skills that colleges value. By junior year be searching out scholarships- many have deadlines in the fall of the senior year. Transcripts and Diplomas See Chapter 3 "Recommended Books" for high school books- some have sample transcripts and detailed information on how to figure credits and assemble them into a believable transcript. Do a go ogle search: [home school diploma] [homeschool transcripts] [sample homeschool transcript] A to Z Homes Cool- find through Google, search for transcripts/diplomas; MANY helpful links, examples Transcript Pro is a software program for creating transcripts. Available through Education+PLUS (Patterning Learning Upon Scripture) (864) 609-5411 http://www.edplus.com $50 Developed by homeschool mom and speaker Inge Cannon. Other high school planning materials also available at the web site. Also www.homeschooltranscripts.com Donna Young forms - find with google or http://donnayoung.org/frm/hischl.htm - has many useful forms including a sample transcript and information on how to figure Grade Point Average (GPA) High School and College Planning 65 College Admission Testing Below is an explanation of tests for college admission and the usual year that they are taken. Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT for incoming freshmen. However, IF YOU HAVE TRANSFER CREDITS FROM A JUNIOR COLLEGE, these tests are often not needed for admission to a four year program. 1. PLAN -the preliminary ACT test. www.act.org Fall of sophomore year. Schedule through a local school. This test was created by the same company that designed the ACT. It is designed for first semester high school sophomores and tests English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. It is scored from 1-32. It shows how prepared you are to keep learning more in each subject. You will also be given a projected ACT Assessment test score. This will give you a "clue" as to what your ACT score might be when you take it during junior year. This might help you to know what areas you could improve upon before you take the ACT. Call your local school for registering. (Many schools in the SW Michigan area do not give this test) 2. Preliminary SArelNational Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or PSAT/NMSQT Fall of Junior Year. www.nationalmerit.org www.collegeboard.com Schedule through a local school. $12 Offered only in the October each year. Call the school in the spring to schedule for the following fall as they will need to order a test for you. Co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Those who score high enough are selected as National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists. The PSAT/NMSQT is basically a shorter and easier version of the SAT. Your score will give you an estimate as to what you may score on the verbal and math sections of the SAT I and the writing section of the SAT II. This can give you time to work on areas that you may want to improve upon before taking the SAT I. Scores are not sent to colleges. It is designed for juniors, but many students benefit from taking it earlier, typically in their sophomore year. Only the junior year test qualifies tor National Merit Scholarship consideration. If you take it earlier, recognize that the PSAT/NMSQT is a junior­ level test, so don't get discouraged if your score is low. The test covers verbal, mathematical, and writing reasoning abilities. Each section is scored from 20-80, and the three section's scores are added together to produce the "Selection Index" (a fancy term for the score that is used to determine National Merit semifinalists in each state.) This test is also helpful in opening doors to other scholarship programs. National Merit Scholarship Program April of Junior year, the top 50,000 scorers on the PSAT arerecognized by the NationalMerit Program and sent letters of commendation. September of Senior year top 16,000scorers become semi-finalists; Feb. of Senior year 14,000 become finalists. Mar-fun of Senior year, about 8,500 National Merit finalists areMerit Scholars and receive National Merit Scholarships, up to $2,500 a year towards a college education for each yearof college. 3. ACT - American College Testing Assessment www.act.org or 319/337-1270 for dates, locations, and to register. Spring of the junior year. Test given on Saturday. Test centers are at Kalamazoo Christian High School and Western Michigan University. Around $30 Opt writing exam $14. Fee waiver forms are available at your local high school. High scores may qualify you for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship Award. [Michigan student aid] NOTE: As of 2007 the ACT is given free to MI high school seniors as part of the Michigan Merit Exam (see p.68) 3 hour test, offered six times/year. This one is often required by colleges in the Midwest and is the one preferred by Michigan colleges. It tests English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Each section is scored from 1-36; the composite score is determined by averaging the four scores. The average national score is 21, but it's important to remember that different colleges use the ACT scores in different ways. You CAN take it multiple times if you want to - your highest score is the one that is considered. The website includes college and career planning information. 66 High School and College Planning ACT Summary • • • • • science reasoning section math sections include trigonometry vocabulary less important entirely multiple choice no guessing penalty • • • • English grammar tested math accounts for 25% of your score easy and hard questions mixed within sections report to colleges only the test results you choose NOTE: ACT added a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT Assessment beginning in February 2005. Check with colleges you are interested in to see if they will require this. 4. SAT Reasoning Test - www.collegeboard.com or (609) 771-7600 for dates and registration. Spring of Junior year. Test Center at Western Michigan University. Around $42 Check with local school for fee waiver eligibility. Scholastic Aptitude Test. Offered about 7 times a year. It is usually taken for the first time during junior year and measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skill. Each section is scored from 200-800 and then the two sections' scores are added to come up with a composite score. You CAN take it multiple times if you want to - your highest score (received before the application deadlines) is the one that is considered by a college. IMPORTANT In March 2005, the SAT underwent its most sweeping changes in recent memory. High school students entering college in 2006 encountered a brand new Writing section, more advanced Math questions, and a revamped scoring system-among other things. r---­ .. - - -_._- _._ .._----_._----- _---- -------~~_.---------_ .. Pre 2005 SAT Chan es for New SAT Analogies eliminated, Short Critical Reading passage Verbal Critical Reading (long passages), Sentence added, section renamed "Critical Reading" _ Completions, Analogies -_._. Math Quantitative Comparisons eliminated, Advanced 5-Answer Multiple Choice, Quantitative Comparisons, Grid-Ins __ .."_.____ _ ____. Algebra added not exist _Writin9._ -Does ___ Multiple-Choice Grammar + 20-25minute es~ . _ ---------,.­ Time 3 hours Now 3 hours and 35 minutes ---_..­ ---------_. Scoring ... Math: 200-800 Verbal: 200-800 . ~ __Math: 20Q,:-IlQQ.'yerbal: 200-80<>'~!iti!!~E 200-80o . _.- - - - --------. -"--------,-, 5. SAT Subject Tests - www.collegeboard.com or (609) 771-7600 for dates, locations. Some colleges require one or more of these. $26-$40 each. One-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, measure how much students know about a particular academic subject. 22 different subject tests available. Sometimes also called SAT Achievement tests. These are best taken after the material is covered in your schooling- so this could be the sophomore, junior, or senior year. if you are even considering going to any colleges that require SAT subject tests, begin taking them early! It's not fun to be taking exams in your senior year on subjects you took in ninth and tenth grade - and you're not likely to perform as well. SATvs. ACT? Until recently, the ACT was required by colleges in the Midwest, while the SAT was the test of choice for schools in the Northeast and on both coasts. Now, however, most schools accept both. This increased acceptance of both exams gives students a strategic advantage. The ACT is a content-based test, whereas the SAT tests critical thinking and problem solving skills. Depending on your particular strengths and weaknesses, you may perform significantly better on one test over the other. Regardless, you should check with each of your target schools before taking either exam. High School and College Planning 67 Other Testing Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP), Michigan Merit Exam (MME) (begun in 2007), Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Entrance Program (CLEP), and Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (A5VAB) 1. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes and Tests $82 each test www.collegeboard.com (888) 225-5427 Tests offered once a year in May, must register by March 1. Fee reductions available. AP classes give you the chance to try college-level work in high school, and to gain valuable skills and study habits for college. After taking an AP class, you take an AP exam. If you get a "qualifying" grade on the AP Exam, there are thousands of colleges worldwide that will give credit or advanced placement for your efforts. 34 exams across 19 subject areas. Classes may be taken online or by self-study. Pennsylvania Homeschoolers and Debra Bell offer online courses to prepare for the AP exams. [keywords: pa homeschoolers; debra bell] Debra Bell, author of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, and herself an AP class instructor, recommends homeschooled students take at least one AP class in their junior year. Good scores show colleges that the homeschooler was able to do college-level work at home. (The senior year is not too late for getting college credit, but is too late for impressing colleges since the scores do not come in until after the colleges have made their offers.) 2. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) $55 each test + $10 admin fee Testing available year round. www.collegeboard.com (888) 225-5427 Look for link for "prep" to download a sample exam. Test center: Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), 488-4460. Walk-in testing-no pre­ registration required! CLEP provides students the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through exams and to receive college credit. Test is done on a computer, 90 minutes, multiple choice. Highly recommended by David and Laurie Callihan (www.davidandlaurie.comand www.clepclasses.com) for saving money on college credits (authors of Guidance Manual for the Christian Home School). Qualifying scores earn 3-6 college credits. Check at www.collegeboard.com to see if the college you are interested will accept CLEP for credit. Study guides available at the web site and at the Callihan's site. Pay the day of the test. A college accepting CLEP may charge a fee to transfer the credit in. Why take CLEP exams? By taking one or more CLEP exams in your strong subjects, you'll... • Save time. Get college credit for what you already know. • Save money. Compare the cost of a CLEP exam, just $50, to hundreds -- even thousands -- of dollars in tuition. 3. Michigan Merit Exam (MME) for juniors and seniors (formerly MEAP -Michigan Educational Assessment Program ); Testing is free; local schools must allow you to take the test. Scores can qualify student for the Michigan Merit Award or the Michigan Promise Scholarship (see page 71). 1-877-560-8378 [Michigan merit exam] The Michigan Department of Education began administering the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) to all students in grade 11 in March 2007. The MME replaces the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) at the high school level only (earlier grades still take the MEAp). This test is NOT mandatory for homeschoolers. However, passing scores on the MEAP in grades 7, 8, and on the MME in the junior year qualify you for money for college. Call several months ahead to schedule. • • • • • • Passing scores on the MEAP in grades 7 AND 8 qualify you for $500 in college scholarship money. Passing marks in high school qualify you for $2500 at an instate college, $1000 at an out of state college Grade 7 test is on language arts. Testing is done in January or February. Call the school in the fall. Grade 8 test is on math, science, social science. Testing is done in January or February. Call the school in the fall. Junior MME test: an ACT test and also tests on math, science, and social studies; tests taken in spring of Junior year. Call no later than January to schedule to take with your local public high school. Seniors - sections you did not pass in your junior year can be retaken in fall and again in spring of senior year. THE MME WAS FIRST ADMINISTERED IN 2007. It consists of an ACT TEST that can be used for college admission, and other tests on MATH, SCIENCE, and SOCIAL STUDIES. 68 High School and College Planning 4. Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) 1-800-323-0513 www.asvabprogram.com Free. 517-887-1713 x2025 Lansing Military Entrance Processing center will test homeschoolers at age 17. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides tools developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to help students learn more about career exploration and planning. Provides high quality, cost-free career exploration and planning materials. It includes a multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and various career planning tools to help students explore the world of work. Eight individual tests covering verbal and math skills, mechanical knowledge, electronics, and several other areas. No one is under any obligation to the military as a result of taking the ASVAB. Many students take the ASVAB for career exploration and have no interest in military occupations. The Lansing office of military recruitment is willing to test a group of homeschoolers if a location is provided. Must be 17 y.o. How to Prepare for College/Other Testing Free ACT/SAT/ MEAP and Other Practice Tests 1. Michigan eLibrary (Mel) - www.mel.orglindex.html-Signinwithadriver.slicense. then look for the link that says "Practice Tests/LearnATest". FREE practice tests for SATIACTI Advanced Placement, Civil service, Cosmetology, EMS, Firefighter, GED, Graduate School Entrance Exams, High School Skills Improvement, Law Enforcement, Math Skills Improvement, Military, Nursing, Writing Skills Improvement. Provides practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help students, succeed on the academic or licensing tests they must pass. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results. 2. Michigan Virtual High School http://www.testu.com/mivhs/mivhs.asp Sign up for free test prep for ACT, SAT, MEAP thru MI virtual high school. Look up your local school district's code on the site, then use that to sign in, and create a user ID and password to access the tests. 3. College board -Site of the SAT test administrators; prepare for PSAT, SAT; site has lots of information. http://www.collegeboard.com/studentltesting/newsatlprep/practice test.htm Free test and evaluation. Other sources for preparation: 1. local libraries - all have resources and books to help prepare for these tests- just ask the librarian. 2. Kaplan Center- Located in Portage. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and ACT test prep materials and classes. 3. Bookstores- there are many books and CD ROMS to help study and practice for these tests. Materials by Princeton, Barrons, Petersons, and AMSCO are all highly recommended. 4. Internet sites: in Google just type in ACT or SAT and you will get plenty of sites to check out. Other keywords to use: • Boost my Score - www.boostmyscore.com provided by Dr. Gary Gruber, the leading national expert on standardized test preparation. For $10 take practice SAT test and quizzes and have them evaluated • College entrance exam guide - This keyword will bring you to several helpful sites. • PA Homeschoolers - Online AP classes (see AP info in next section) • Princeton review - www.princetonreview.com Free practice SAT online, plus study materials • SATIACT Prep www.maxthetest.com • Take sat - Free study materials for the Scholastic Aptitude Test • Taking the act - Information on preparing and registering for ACT • Wired Scholar - Inexpensive practice tests online pIus test taking tips High School and College Planning 69 Career Exploration 1. Crown Ministries www.crown.org (Larry Burkett's Christian Financial Concepts) • Personality I.D "Personality I.D. is a new, unique, and validated interactive personality assessment tool that allows you to view yourself and others from a fresh, new perspective. Its primary purpose is to help you identify and understand your unique personality." • Career Direct Yes (Youth Exploration Survey) For ages 13 to 16. Each YES! packet contains three items ­ A Guidebook, Passport, and Parents Guide. The Guidebook has a profile that assesses Personality Styles, Vocational Interests, Work Abilities, and Work Priorities. The Parents' Guide provides guidelines and suggestions. Has a fun-filled travel theme. Price: $35 2. Quintessential Careers www.guintcareers.com EXCELLENT, VERY COMPREHENSIVE SITE. A leader in career and job-search advice! More than 1,900 pages of college, career, and job-search content to empower your success in life. Reviews of and links to many online career and personality tests- many of them free. 3. Career Development eManual www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/Free assessment tests. 4. Occupational Outlook Handbook (use these words in google) Nationally recognized source of career information. Online searchable handbook from the Department of Labor. Excellent resource to find out more about a career/job you are interested in: qualifications, training and education needed, the expected earnings, working conditions, and job prospects. Revised every two years. 5. America's Job Bank I Career One Stop www.ajb.org Nation's publicly-funded resource for jobseekers and businesses. Explore career paths, compare salary data for different occupations, learn which careers are hot, get resume writing tips and job interview strategies, post a resume, and much more! Find jobs--from entry level to technical to professional to CEO 6. Free Personality tests www.2h.comlpersonality-tests.html 7. The MAPP Assessment www.assessment.com Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential. Reveals your natural motivations, interests and talents for work. Free analysis yields: 5 free job matches to over 900 O*NET job descriptions with complete Occupational Outlook Handbook Documentation; search real jobs that match your personal motivations; find the top 11-20 jobs with your greatest potential for success. Discover your strengths, your styles for communications, leaming and leadership. See what career is best for you. 8. Bureau of Labor - http://stats.bls.gov/home.htm Lots of information on careers and employment-even a page for kids to begin to look at careers that might interest them. 9. Michigan Career Portal - www.michigan.gov/careers Links to many helps including state and national employment, career choices, education, training, and business resources and services. Search for reports on over 400 occupations listed in alphabetical order. Each report contains information about that occupation's job duties, salary or wages, education or training requirements, employment outlook, career ladder, related occupations and much, much more. 10. Other US Gov't and US Dept of Education sites: Dept of Education www.ed.gov Student Gateway to the US Gov't www.students.gov - career planning, distance ed. Student Jobs www.studentjobs.govSearch jobs, create a resume, assess skills and interests Paying for College FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) REQUIRED FOR STUDENT AID 1-800-433-324) Application: as soon after Jan.1 of your senior year as possible. Deadline: March 1 of senior year. Full application and information online. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student financial aid, and to apply for many state student aid programs. The information you provide on your FAFSA determines if you are eligible for financial aid. Results of the Federal application are sent to the schools you are applying to. [fafsal 70 High School and College Planning Paying for College (continued) The Student Guide (to Financial Aid) FREE from US Dept Education 1-800-433-3243 40 pgs of information on federal aid for college- 66% of all student financial aid comes from the Fed'i Government. Call to order or google [student guide financial aid] or www.studentaid.ed.gov to download. Very helpful. Explains FAFSA. Student Aid Report (SAR) and each of the government grant and loan programs (Pell, FSEOG, Perkins etc) Local and State Scholarships and Grants Kalamazoo Community Foundation www.kalfound.org Local foundation that publishes "Kalamazoo Area Scholarship Guide" (available only online), which lists scholarships available locally. From 1998-2006 over $16 million awarded to 4000 students, including homeschoolers. Deadline for most of the scholarships are in the spring. Deadline for the Clarence L. Remynse Scholarship deadline is December 1 (homeschoolers have been awarded up to $7000/year; this scholarship is renewable for each year of undergraduate education) (269) 381-4416 Monroe Brown Scholarship www.monroebrown.org Kalamazoo Technology & Science Fellows Program (KTS) whose goal is to educateand retaintalentedpeople in the Kalamazoo wol1<force. For students with a demonstrated aptitudefor technology or science, including math, mechanicsor engineering, who wish to earn a degree at a local Kalamazoo college or university and wol1< for a Kalamazoo area employer during school and after graduation. A local homeschool graduatereceived a four year scholarship throughthis program. 324-5586 Michigan Competitive Scholarship - $13001 year, renewable each year. Based on ACT score and financial need. [Michigan Competitive Scholarship] Michigan Merit Award and Michigan Promise Scholarship (new in 2007.) Awarded based on scores on the MEAP or Michigan Merit Exam (MME) (see pg. 68); $1000-$4000 depending on which program you fall under and based on whether you attend college in state or out. Contact: Office of Scholarships and Grants toll-free at 1-888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687) Free Scholarship and Financial Aid Search Services Many of these websites have much more than just scholarship information. There are many articles and helps on planning your high school education, preparing for testing, and taking the SAT or ACT tests. Start here: MI-search: www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid - for Michigan residents-LOTS of information on preparing and paying for college. Click link to: MI Scholarships Online. Providing Michlgan specific scholarship search for Michigan residents only. Also from this site, linksto other national scholarship database services. MI search uses the following two sites: Fast Web: www.fastweb.com Probably the largest and most popular scholarship search site. College Answer 1 Sallie Mae: www.wiredscholar.com I www.collegeanswer.com Dept of Education Federal student aid: [student aid on the web] www.studentaid.ed.gov/ MANY helpful links. Also: www.students.gov Information about federal student aid and preparing for college; Questionnaire to find out what careersmight be rightfor you; input your preferences (size of school, location, etc.) to search for the college or career school that fits your needs, look for scholarships usinga free searchservice; learn about the SAT and the ACT. Coca-cola scholars: www.coca-colascholars.org Annual scholarships; apply fall of senior year. College Board: www.collegeboard.com College NET MACH 25: www.collegenet.com Claims to be the fastest. Financial Aid Information: www.finaid.org Site includes a financial aid eligibility estimator. Free Scholarship Search: www.fresch.org GoColiege: www.gocollege.com Excellent resource- 500,000 scholarship database. Michigan Student Financial Aid Association: www.msfaa.org Can download an 8 page guide for parents. A not-for-profit professional organization committed to the effective administration of student financial aid. Peterson's College Quest: www.iiswinprd03.petersons.comlugchannel 2000 resources in 69 majors. Scholarships.com www.scholarships.com - 600,000 SRN Express - www.srnexpress.com Database of 8,000 private, non-need based programs. High School and College Planning 71 Americorp [americorp] 1-800-942-2677 The "domestic Peace Corp"; work for a year doing community volunteer service and earn over $4000 toward past, current, or future college expenses. You'll learn teamwork, communication, responsibility, and other essential skills that will help you for the rest of your life. During your year of service you are paid a modest living allowance and provided health insurance. The website allows you to search for what opportunities are available in each state and you can read "testimonies" of others who have participated. Distance Learning- Earning College Credit At Home From www.petersons.comldistanceleaming: Though distance leaming in one form or another has been around since farmers used correspondence courses to bone up on plowing techniques, only recently has it become a much publicized alternative to campus-based learning..... One impetus to this revolution is that the Internet has significantly facilitated distance learning and is thus provoking tremendous change and experimentation in how education is delivered. The stigma that used to be attached to getting a degree without physically being on a campus hardly exists now. And when "rnedallion universities" like Stanford, Harvard, and Duke entered the distance education arena, it became legitimate overnight... "Face-to-face with a talented professor in a classroom is still the best way to learn. The reality is that it's simply not available to all those who want it, whether because of money or time. There are not enough brick and mortar buildings out there." While distance education seems to answer a lot of student needs, the fact that drop-out rates are higher than those for campus-based learning cannot be ignored .... not everyone is blessed with the discipline and motivation that distance learning requires. Despite what's said about the electronic classroom, it's a lonely way to study,. .. Many need and enjoy the stimulus of being around a peer group to share reactions and to help each other ... On the surface, taking courses via distance education appears to be a quick and easy way to learn. It's not. Personal characteristics and leaming styles playa big part in the success of the distance learner. A lot depends on the student's ability to organize time and resources .... On the other hand, there are just as many supporters of distance education who will tell you that interaction is enhanced and richer than what normally occurs in traditional classrooms. • Global Learning Strategies - www.goloballearningstrategies.org This site is from author Brad Voeller who wrote Accelerated Distance Learning on how to complete a college degree from home. • Search google: distance education • Distance Education and Training Council or www.detc.org -Accredited programs listed by school. • Ed·X or www.ed-x.com A search engine and web resource for distance learning and online education with comprehensive information on over 20,000 online courses and degree programs from 700 online colleges worldwide. Courses listed by degree and key words from national & international schools. • Peterson's Distance Learning or www.petersons.com/distancelearning/ Search over 1000 programs plus financial aid information. 877-433-8277 • Thomas Edison State College or www.tesc.edu/- well known provider of distance learning, used by many homeschoolers. 609-984-11 00 • Excelsior College or www.excelsior.edu/ (formerly Regents College) One of the first complete distance education programs. 1-888-647-2388 • University of Phoenix Online • • • • • • Bob Jones University. http://www.bju.edu Moody Bible Institute. http://www.moody.edu Patrick Henry College. http://www.phc.edu Taylor University http://www.taylor.edu Regent University http://www.regentundergrad.com LeTourneau University http://www.letu.edu http://www.phoenix.edu 72 High School and College Planning College Application Essays Essay edge.com - Site for help in writing college admission essays- search for "samples of our work" to read samples of successful essays. You can pay to have your own essays reviewed. Free essay writing course. http://www.essayedge.com/course/ Quintessential Careers - www.quintcareers.com Link to sample essays. Google: [help with college essays] Tips for Homeschooling High Schoolers by Lynn Hogan I have talked to a number of parents who have brought their students home from traditional schools this year. I think this is terrific, although I know there are a number of challenges with doing this for older students. With the right plan, however, you can make this the best part of your child's education ever! To start with, I am assuming your student is in favor of the change. If he is reluctant, that's OK, but if he is totally opposed to it, you may have some rough roads ahead. Your student may be coming out of an environment where peers and teachers had a great influence on what he thought or did. Now, you will be asking him to think for himself. If this is a skill he has not used in a while, you may have to encourage him to do so. He may be a little reluctant to listen to you because you have always been his "mom." He has to get used to the idea that you are also the primary person responsible to see that he is educated. It is always helpful if you can involve your student in the selection process. He can choose his electives; he can help choose his curriculum. Some students love to go looking through textbooks; others "turn off" the second you mention that it needs to be done. Giving your student a major amount of input into his school is one way to make it clear to him that he is not "in Kansas anymore." In the traditional school system, his choices were more limited and his schedule for studying any particular subject was decided by others. In your homeschool, you both can come up with a schedule that works for you and your student. You have the opportunity to help him be sure that he truly knows how to manage his time and manage his "paperwork jungle" (as we call it here). What a neat blessing! That alone should encourage your student to "stick with it." There will be some bumpy spots with the adjustment process, but you and your student can work together to make this his best school year ever. It takes patience and determination from both of you, but most things of any value do demand those qualities. This is the time when you are helping your student to become an adult. This is your opportunity to listen to him as more than just a child, but also as an individual getting ready to start leading his own life (to a degree). What a great chance you have to share your values and listen as he shares his. It's sometimes hard to allow our children to grow up, especially if we aren't "thrilled" with the direction they seem to be leaning, but it is our job to guide them and pray for them. By homeschooling your high school student, you are giving him that final "touch" before he faces the "real world," whether that be college or going into the work force. Homeschooling high schoolers only better fortifies them for either of those paths. Lynn Hogan is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 11+ years from High Point, N.C. Her first child has graduated and is attending a Christian liberal arts college in Tennessee. She is the owner of the Unit Study Helps website (www.unitstudvhelps.com) and editor of the Homeschooler's Notebook, a free weekly e-mail homeschooling newsletter. (To subscribe to the newsletter, send a blank e-mail to join-hs-notebook@ds.xc.orq) Used by permission. High School and College Planning 73 ColI Fall PI anmru Chart Spring Freshmen Sophomore Junior 0 0 0 0 0 0 Take PSAT and/or PLAN in October Take PSAT in October Call local school no later than early January to reserve spot for Michigan Merit Exam (MME) Begin writing, calling, or e-mailing the colleges on your list and request admission and financial aid information. Begin researching financial aid and scholarship sources. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Contact local school to schedule PSAT or PLAN for the fall Contact local school to schedule PSAT for the fall Check with local school for financial aid seminars you may be able to attend Take MME test in March (dates may vary) Register for ACT about 45 days before the test (if student does not take the MME; the MME includes a free ACT test) Take ACT (February, April, or June) Register for SAT about 45 days before the test Take the SAT (March, May, or June) If there is a particular college you are interested in, check to see if any SAT Subject tests are required. If so, consider registering for a Mayor Jun test Send letters or e-mail the colleges on your list to request information. Plan to visit colleges during your spring break so you will be on campus when classes are in session. Be sure to call the admissions office before you visit a campus. The admissions staff will schedule you for a campus tour and arrange for an interview, if necessary. Many colleges have special programs for visiting high school students. If possible, schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor to learn more about the college's financial aid opportunities. Bring your parents with you; they can gain very valuable information by talking with a financial aid counselor. 0 0 0 0 0 0 74 High School and College Planning March 1- deadline for independent study homeschool students to contact Advanced Placement Services to schedule to take an AP test May - take AP exam (s) Take CLEP exam (s) (anytime-no specific dates) Summer-good time to work on college essays and to research scholarship sources Investigate summer job or internship opportunities Begin to assemble writing samples, portfolios or audition tapes. Spring Fall Senior 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Write, call or e-mail the colleges on your list and request admissions, financial aid, and, if appropriate, housing applications. Keep a checklist or calendar with all the admissions and financial aid deadlines for the colleges that you are considering, This is especially important if you are considering an early action or early decision admission application. Check with local school for financial aid seminars you may be able to attend Continue researching scholarship sources Call in early Sept to schedule to re-take portiones) of MME if necessary OctJNov retake MME if necessary Register and take and SAT Subject tests required by colleges you are interested in. Early Sept register for re-take of SAT if desired Take or re-take SAT in November or December Early September Register for ACT Take/retake ACT October or December Make sure that your transcript and test scores are sent to the colleges that you are applying to. Ask teachers, employers or coaches to write you letters of recommendation. Give them ample time and deadline dates. Give them any forms that the colleges require, provide them with a list of your activities, sport and employment and academic accomplishments and a stamped, addressed envelope to the college, and follow up to make sure the forms are completed. 0 0 0 Set aside plenty of time to draft, edit and re-write your college essays Begin to send in regular admissions applications; be sure to keep copies of everything you send with the date sent. December-ideally you should be sending your last college applications this month. 0 0 0 January: Send a transcript of your first semester grades to the colleges you are applying to Call in Jan to reserve spot for MME retake Ask teachers, employers or coaches to write you letters of recommendation. Give them ample time and deadline dates. Provide the forms that the colleges require, provide them with a list of your activities, sport and employment and academic accomplishments and a stamped, addressed envelope to the college. Follow up to make sure the forms are completed 0 0 Retake portions of MME in ? Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- must be RECEIVED by the Dept. of Education by March 1 (some schools require it earlier) Required by almost all colleges. 0 Within 4 weeks of filing your FAFSA you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review for accuracy. If your SAR needs correcting, contact the financial aid office at the schools you have applied to. If you have not received a SAR within four weeks after you filed your FAFSA, call 1-800-4FED-AID. If a college requests your SAR, or any other documentation, submit it promptly and keep a copy for your records. 0 0 0 0 March 1- deadline for independent study homeschool students to contact Advanced Placement Services to schedule to take an AP test May - take AP exam (s) Decide on the college that you will attend and send your tuition deposit. Write to the other colleges that accepted you and inform them that you have selected another school. This is an important step. Other students will want your spot! Be sure to respond by May 1. If your first choice college places you on a waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted from the waiting list. Contact the college admissions office to let them know you are still very interested and keep the college updated on your activities. High School and College Planning 75 College Testing Overview See more information on each of these tests in Chapter 8 Test When to First Take th Where to Take How to Register More Information www.act.org 319/337-1270 www.collegeboard.com (609) 771-7600 Cost PLAN 10 grade Local School Local School PSATI NMQS Offered only in the fall Take in the fall of 10th grade for practice; Fall of 11tb grade counts toward National Merit Scholarship Spring 11th grade; Several test dates available fall and spring (if take the MME state test, do not need to schedule this separate) Spring 11tb grade; Several test dates available fall and spring. Local School Local School; Call in the spring to reserve a test spot for the fall. -Kalamazoo Christian HS -Kalamazoo Central HS -Western Michigan U. www.act.org 319/337-1270 www.act.org 319/337-1270 Western Michigan U. www.collegeboard.com or pick up Registration Bulletin at a local school Call (888) 225-5427 by March 1 to get the names and telephone numbers of local AP Coordinators KVCC 488-4460 www.collegeboard.com (609) 771-7600 ~ $42 www.collegeboard.com (609) 771-7600 ~ $82 www.collegeboard.com (609) 771-7600 $55 + $10 testing admin fee Free- one free retake also Free ACT SAT AP CLEP MEAP MME ASVAB Offered only in May each year. Take the exam in May of any year that Advanced Placement material has been studied. Offered year round so can take any time you are prepared. Test is taken on a computer. Grade 7, 8 (MEAP); spring, Gr. 11 (MME). Grade 12- fall if need to retake parts. In local high schools they will test at 16. Homeschooled students must be 17 y.o. 76 High School and College Planning Local participating school Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Local public high school The military will come to a testing site that a group provides. Call local school several months before. Call the Lansing Military Entrance Processing Station 1-517-373-8393 Or email: mme@michigan.gov 517-887-1713 x2025 $12 ~$30 + $14 opt writing exam