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How to Homeschool: Integrate Field Trips Into Homeschool Lessons

12/25/2014

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Field trips are a very important part of learning. They teach hands-on learning and learning through experience and observation. As a homeschooling mother, I have planned many lessons that also involved utilizing trips outside the home. Learning how to integrate field trips into homeschool lessons gets easier as you go.

Consider the lesson topic. Look up places in your area that center around that Subject. For instance, if your child is learning about the heart, find out what museums in your area have coordinating exhibits. Some museums also have IMAX theater showings on various educational themes. Keep up to date on the listings so you can incorporate field trips for those into appropriate lessons. See if local hospitals have any related tours or classes they offer to students. If none of those work out, there's always the library. Every lesson has an extra place you can go to in order to learn more.

Be inventive. Think of hands-on things that require leaving the house, but may not necessarily be a formal field trip destination. This could be area parks and trails, the beach, an animal shelter, and more. Any place that can involve hands-on learning and is related to a recent lesson can be considered field trip. Be creative and versatile with your choices. Plan trips to these locations in accordance with the lessons or curriculum.

Research museum, library, and community classes in your area. These are the perfect destinations for field trips. While some may be just like a classroom setting, it is a chance for your students to do something different. Sign the kids up for classes and be sure to teach related lessons in the same timeframe. This may require some shifting around.

Check event schedules, local listings, and local organizations. Most communities have festivals, expos, free days, and other events that would be useful in teaching kids various things. For instance, zoos and museums often host free days. Libraries often have classes and story time. They also might hold book sales. Animal shelters may host fun events with the animals or have free classes on animal care. Kids can even volunteer if they are the right age. The same is true for some nursing home and rehabilitation facilities. Check calendars and other local listings to see what is going going on in your area. Some of these will be repetitive or ongoing and can be worked into the lesson schedule as needed.

Pulling it all together. When looking over the classes and events scheduled, you may see that some don't align well. If you're teaching your child about the brain, one museum has a related lecture, and another has a hands-on lesson, but they are not scheduled together, this can be an inconvenience. It's ideal to keep as many related lessons together as possible. But don't miss out on good lessons if they are available. Any opportunity to learn should be taken advantage of.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Tips: Teaching Academics Without Bias

12/9/2014

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Is it Possible to Teach Your Own Kids Without Showing Bias?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When educating your kids yourself, is it possible to teach academics without bias? Should you do so? How can you go about that and why might it be a good idea? As a seasoned homeschool teacher and parent, I can say with experience that's it's definitely possible.

Isn't the Point of Homeschool to Teach the Kids Your Beliefs?

Well, yes and no. Your family's belief system can and should be instilled. But it should not take the place of important educational facts and lessons. As with any other schooling method, the point of homeschooling is to teach the children. This means giving them honest facts and letting them have the freedom to form their own opinions. Sure, their opinions may closely resemble yours. But then again, they may not - and that's normal and perfectly fine.

How Can I Teach the Kids About Life Without Showing Bias?

When teaching the kids about events, politics, and science, it may be easy to inject your own opinions. That's OK. But, to teach without bias, you should present your thoughts, as well as ideas from an opposing viewpoint. Leave it up to the kids to decide what they think. Yes, we all want our children to live by our belief system. But, in order to do that with a whole heart, they need to be able to make that choice themselves. If they choose another path, it does not mean they don't respect you as a parent. Not everyone thinks in the same way.

Why Shouldn't I Teach the Kids Solely What I Believe?

There is no reason you shouldn't interject your beliefs into teachings. However, you should not teach the kids that your way is the only way. As mentioned above, you can and should teach your beliefs. But, if your children go in another direction, as a parent, it is your role to love and respect them regardless. It's just a fact of life that not all children will follow the same path as their parents. If they do, that's great. But if they don't, that's great as well.

If Not to Teach My Beliefs, What is My Role as a Parent?

As parents, it is definitely our duty to teach the children. But, the goal is not to create clones of ourselves. It is to raise healthy, happy, well-balanced human beings who can stand on their own two feet when the time is right. If we teach them with bias, it may cripple them by causing them to be followers, instead of taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Home School Parents Think They Know Everything

12/9/2014

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Homeschool Myth #4

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding everything involving homeschool. One subject that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" syndrome. Some people tend to feel that those who homeschool are know-it-alls who think they know everything. For most homeschooling families, this couldn't be further from the truth. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in any group of people, but many homeschool parents are not this way. Watch us bust this common homeschool myth.

One reason people might feel that homeschoolers have a know-it-all attitude is because many of them never miss an educational opportunity. Most homeschool families understand that education never ends. There is always something to be learned from everything. Homeschoolers tend to delve deeper into learning about subjects simply because of the fact that they homeschool.

While from the outside, a parent of a homeschooled child that explains each situation to their child in great detail in every situation may seem to be showing off, this may not be the case. It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

I have encountered many instances of others assuming I felt I was smarter than them or knew more. To me, education has no true measure because different people are educated on different things. While one person might know more about Civil Rights, another person may know more about fixing cars. This does not make either smarter than the other.

There is one particular incident of a know-it-all accusation that sticks in my mind for some reason. When we first started homeschooling, I also would care for other children from time to time, either as a sitter or nanny. This care often included homework help, as many of the children I cared for attended public school.

One little girl I cared for was having trouble in math class. She happened to be a public school student. That fact doesn't matter to me, but it does help in describing the situation. Being that I was her caregiver at the time, and responsible for helping at homework time, I decided to go a step further with the help. She was frustrated every day during her math homework and I wanted to help change that.

Anyhow, I worked with her after school for 3 days straight, aside from the time on her assigned homework. There was only one area where she was struggling. After our last session, she was very excited and had worked very hard. She was so proud of herself. I let her make the announcement to her mother of her achievement.

When she announced to her mom that Math was now her favorite subject (she had despised it before) because of what I had done with her, her mom responded in a negative way, instead of cheering her on. She glared at me and said "You think you're smarter than me just because you homeschool. I could have taught her that, you know".

Perhaps she could have. However, for me, that was not an issue at hand. I was not trying to insult her intelligence or her parenting skills. I was not attempting to take over her role, nor did I presume myself to be smarter than anyone. I simply saw a struggling child who I also cared about and chose to give a little help. Also, as her care provider, her mom had entrusted the after school study slot to me.

I think perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear. Sometimes these misconceptions are based on people's insecurities. Other times they are based on rumors or misguidance.

The bottom line is that just because someone takes up an educational opportunity, it doesn't necessarily mean they feel like they are better than anyone. They may just see an opportunity to teach or learn and there is nothing wrong with that.

Takeaways:

One myth that is often brought up to homeschoolers is the "know-it-all" myth.
Perception plays a big role in this particular myth. Things are not always as they may appear.
Someone taking up an educational opportunity does not mean they feel they are smarter.
It is simply the nature of a homeschool parent to teach their children about everything, no matter where they are or who is around.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschool Kids Are Too Lazy for Real School

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #3

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. Some people tend to believe that a child who schools at home is too lazy to attend a "regular" school. While browsing various websites, blogs, and forums online, I noticed something very sad. Many homeschooled children were complaining that their friends in public or private school thought they were lazy and couldn't handle "real" schoolwork.

Some of the home schooled children recalled being in public school and compared it to what they do in homeschool. Most of the ones I came across that mentioned this stated they had more schoolwork in their home school, but many still preferred it because there was also more time to concentrate on work.

Sometimes people assume that because you're at home, you have the freedom to lax on your schoolwork. However, for many homeschooling families, that isn't even a consideration. School time is still school time. Just because the classes might be held at home or in another location besides a public or private school, that doesn't make them less important.

Another topic where laziness came up was during homework time. Some homeschooled children do not have homework. I have found that when this is the case, it's generally because there is a great deal of school work completed during the day. To give homework afterward would be overwhelming for the child in that case.

In my observations and experience, a homeschooled child might actually have less room to be lazy with their schoolwork. Generally the parents will be more observant of a child's schoolwork when it is being done at home. Rather than asking a child about their work, the parent has the unique opportunity of being present while it is completed. Because of more parental involvement, this sometimes sets higher standards for the child to perform.

I have also found that many homeschooled children will score at one or more levels above their grade level, which means they may be working twice as hard in less time. The HSLDA has posted information on a study relating to that. The HSLDA has more information on the scores and performance of homeschooled children.

While being lazy could very well apply to some children in home school, it could probably be applied to some children in public school as well. Those same children would likely be lax in performing their studies, no matter which type of school they attended. Someone who is lazy will generally be lazy, no matter their environment.

Things to Remember:

Some kids who attend home school have more schoolwork than those who don't.
When homeschooled kids don't get homework, it could be due to large amounts of daily work.
Because of more parental involvement, this sometimes sets higher standards for the child to perform.
Many homeschooled children score one or more grade levels higher than their requirements.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschool Parents Are Just Lazy

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #2

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. A common myth that seems to follow many parents who decide to homeschool their kids is the concept of laziness.

Confusion By Strangers

It has been my experience that strangers often perceive parents who homeschool as being too lazy to bring their children to school. I say strangers because in my experience, even when people who are close to homeschooling families have questions, they usually don't center around laziness.

Laziness Questions

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but the first time I heard this question, I had to stifle a laugh. Well, at least I tried to anyway. Eventually, it did accidentally come out. How could taking on the responsibility of a teacher, in addition to normal parenting duties, be seen as lazy? Still, I listened to the misinformed woman express her concerns.

In a friendly disagreement with my actions, she was concerned that because I wanted to homeschool my children, that meant I really was just tired of transporting them back and forth from school, as if teaching them was somehow easier than that. I sincerely hope that she doesn't treat the difficult tasks her child's teachers face every day with the same disregard.

What Does a Homeschool Parent Even Do All Day?

Perhaps people who make this assumption do not understand everything that a homeschooling parent has to do in a day, or even think about it. I would never call a parent who brings their child to public or private school lazy because parenting is still hard, either way. However, I can say from experience that adding on the responsibility of teaching is anything but laziness and it's definitely much harder than dropping them off at school.

Think about everything you can that involves teaching for a moment. There are kids to instruct, supplies to ready daily, lessons to be planned, papers to grade, activities to plan, field trips to make, supplies to keep stocked, and the list goes on quite extensively. When thinking about this, compare to it the small task of picking up and dropping off kids from school daily. There is no comparison.

Bringing This Homeschool Myth To a Close

This myth pretty much falls flat from the start to anyone who takes a moment to consider it, but for some reason, it still comes up in discussion often. As with any situation, there are likely exceptions to the rule, where a parent withdraws their child from school for the wrong reasons and doesn't teach them or has good intentions, but doesn't follow through. However, I wouldn't label that homeschooling. I'd instead label it educational neglect, which is a whole separate issue and is not representative of the majority of home schools.

*This author welcomes feedback and discussion.

To read more from this author on home schooling, positive parenting, and other topics, simply click on her name above.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Kids Are Truant

12/7/2014

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Homeschool Myth #1

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

As the concept of homeschooling continues to ease back into the mainstream, where it began, more and more questions and myths seem to follow. One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant.

While on a homeschool field trip to one of Denver's museums, I had another museum patron approach me, wondering why I was at the museum with school-aged children during school hours. I thought about telling her to mind her own business, but I like to look at negativity or disagreement as another chance to make my positive outlook stronger. If I can help someone else along the way, that's even better.

I let her know that the children were homeschooled and that we were visiting the museum to study artifacts that represented their current studies. She then proceeded to ask me if I was concerned about being contacted by a truancy officer. I politely informed her that the truancy officer would not be contacting me, as homeschooling is perfectly legal, as are educational field trips during school hours. I explained to her that this was part of the children's lessons for the day and that just like children in public and private school, field trips were a part of school.

The lady was actually very friendly. She was just misinformed and looking at the issue in a different way. She was simply thinking about the fact that we were not inside a building during school hours, but after hearing my explanation about education being obtained in other places besides a classroom, I believe she understood.

She actually became very interested and we had a nice conversation while the children were filling in their answers on the questionnaire worksheet I had brought along for them. Of course I went over the answers with them after she left to be sure the lesson was learned. Schooling does not have to occur in one setting all the time and that's something people don't often think about.

Another reason the subject of truancy can come up is because many people assume that a home school is not a school. They feel that since the child is not attending a formal school building, that means they are absent or truant from school.

However, "being schooled" simply means a person is being educated. Most children in homeschool are learning. They are not just staying at home and playing. In fact, home schooled children have scored higher than those in public and private schools. Therefore, that evidence shows they are being taught. In order to be truant, one must not be attending school at all. If the children are being taught and all the state laws are being followed, the child is not truant.

If you are homeschooling and are having legal issues with anyone, contact the HSLDA to see if they can help.

*This author welcomes feedback and discussion.

**I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Tips & Advice For When Kids Won't Focus

12/4/2014

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How Can I Help My Homeschooled Child Stay Focused on Schoolwork?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

What can you do when your homeschooled child won't focus on schoolwork? Staying on task is important during school time, regardless of whether a child attends home school or traditional school. In my years of experience as a parent and homeschool teacher, kids always like variety in education. The idea of doing schoolwork all day isn't exactly appealing to many of them when done the traditional way. But there are several things parents and homeschool teachers can do when kids aren't focusing. Here are some homeschool tips and advice for when kids won't focus.

Provide Variety

Books are a necessary and amazing source of knowledge for kids, but a well-rounded curriculum will include variety. Utilize books, worksheets, the computer, videos, manipulatives, board games, outdoor activities, outside classes, field trips, experiments, and more to create a varied curriculum. Doing the same thing day after day can create a lack of interest in studying and learning. If a child is disinterested and unfocused, he or she is not going to learn anything, no matter how many times someone tells them.

Take a Break

Sometimes a few minutes of downtime can help an unfocused child regain some interest and composure. Children in homeschool have the advantage of being able to attend school at any time of the day. If your kid just is not cooperating at all, wait until later. Find that perfect moment when your child is interested in something and use that as learning time instead. This flexibility in homeschool can help avoid parent (or teacher) and child frustration.

Understand Transition

If the kid without focus has recently transitioned to homeschool from traditional school, respect that. Perhaps your child has moved on to the next level or you've changed the schedule. Because the environment has changed, the child's mind may need some time to adjust. Ease the child into the transition by starting with smaller lessons and increasing study time to the ideal amount as needed. Because you are homeschooling, you can always add extra lessons to catch the child up later, if needed.

Add Some Fun

Does your homeschool day consists of all books and paper? Add some fun to the curriculum. This is not to say that books can't be fun, but they shouldn't be the only source of lessons. This falls in line with adding variety. But it also means you can use games and things the kids enjoy to enhance their interest, as well as their educational experiences. One example of that is in an article I wrote recently entitled “Use Basketball to Enhance Study Time." In that instance, I explained how parents can use the game of basketball to help their kids study and learn.

Get Some Exercise

Fitness has long been a proven method to get that brain working. As mentioned above, certain sports can be used to enhance study skills. Fitness can be used during any time of the day. Start off the day with some brain power yoga, like what I mentioned in the previous article "Using Yoga for Concentration and Focus in the Homeschool Classroom." Anytime anyone is frustrated or unfocused, take a fitness break. Go for a nature walk, head to the park, play a family sport, do some yoga, go for a bike ride - whatever your family enjoys. Remember to rotate between activities to keep it interesting.

Boost that Brain Power with Puzzles and Games

Brain boosting activities are a fun and exciting way to keep kids focused. Did you know that solving puzzles and playing memory skill games can help increase focus skills and even your kid's IQ? Reading is the only activity that causes new brain cells to grow. Combine that with puzzle solving and (such as with crossword puzzles, logic games, and word searches) you not only are increasing study skills and focus, but actually causing new brain cells to grow. Since these puzzles are fun for the kids, why not integrate them into the curriculum. That's part of the homeschool advantage. You have the ability to use innovative learning methods. Use them to boost your child's brain power and ability to focus.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Yoga For Concentration & Focus in Homeschool Classrooms: Why & How

12/4/2014

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Why Yoga Helps Kids Concentrate, Which Poses Work, and Other Tips

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Yoga has long been known for calming and rejuvenating effects. But, did you know that many researchers and scientists agree about the benefits of yoga on memory, concentration, and focus? Because of this, my kids and I start the homeschool day with yoga. I feel that memory, focus, and concentration poses help to prepare the kids minds for lessons and learning. There are numerous scientific studies that state these benefits of yoga to the mind, including on Alzheimer's patients. According to Wired Science, yoga can increase GABA levels in the brain. These increased GABA levels can help counteract anxiety and other neuropathic conditions. TheABC-Of-Yoga.com goes into further detail about yoga and the nervous system.

Yoga Poses Beneficial to Memory, Focus, and Concentration

YogaJournal.com gives excellent instructions that include pictures for those not familiar with how to do each pose. I am listing here the poses that are the easiest for the homeschool children to do. If your homeschooled child is at an advanced level in yoga, there are more listed at YogaJournal.com.

Bridge Pose
Cow Pose
Easy Pose
Cat Pose
Downward-Facing Dog
Lotus Pose
Staff Pose

Tips on Using Yoga For Concentration, Memory, and Focus

Use Native American Music - We have found that combining yoga with Native American spiritual music adds to the effect of yoga. There are many studies that agree and music has long been practiced by the Native American culture as a way to heal the mind and body.

Do the Yoga Before Other Homeschool Classes - In our experience, we have found that yoga helps to enhance focus, relaxation, memory, and concentration skills. Since these skills will come in handy throughout the homeschool day, it is best to have yoga "class" before other school subjects.

Consider a Private Instructor or a Class at a Gym - Those who have never done yoga before or want to advance to higher levels may consider taking classes at a local gym or through a private instructor. This could be in addition to the yoga done during the homeschool day or the instructor may come during the homeschool session.

Use Yoga in Combination With Positive Discipline - If kids test you during homeschool, use yoga in combination with positive discipline. Learn more about using positive discipline here. Yoga is a great exercise to use when a child has lost focus during a homeschool class. Not only can it help the child reflect on any misbehaviors if applicable, but it can also help that child regain focus and relax the nerves to allow for concentration on studies.

Focus Less on How Perfect the Pose is and More on Relaxation - A child may take longer to get the pose right than anticipated. Unless the child is doing the yoga pose in such a way that he or she could get injured, don't worry too much. If the yoga is practiced as a daily homeschool routine, the child will eventually get the pose right. This homeschool time with yoga is more about concentration, memory, focus, and relaxation than skills or abilities.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Last updated on 12/11/2020

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Child Struggling in School? Why You Should Try Homeschool

12/4/2014

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Struggling Learners or Those with Learning Disabilities May Benefit from Home School

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Do you have a child struggling or failing in school? Have you tried the options available (extra help at school, tutors, etc) with little to no success? You're not alone. Parents and children struggle with this issue daily. Could home school be the answer for your family's situation? For some families, there will be many benefits of homeschooling a struggling child, either temporarily or permanently.

As a mother to a child who had some math problems that weren't resolved in public school, I chose to take on the responsibility of schooling my own children. Of course there were many other factors involved in our decision, including the fact that the children were also ahead in many areas. Seeing that the plan to school our children through the public education system was failing for us, we chose to school the children at home instead.

It is my hope that sharing lessons learned from our experience can help others decide if homeschooling is right for their child. Oftentimes, as in our case, a child simply needs a bit of one-on-one time to get steered back in the right direction. In a homeschool setting, a child can receive a great deal of student to teacher time.

The teacher may be a parent, relative, or even a private tutor, depending on the laws of the state the homeschooled child resides in, as well as the choice of the family. No matter who the teacher is, there is no question that a student who schools at home has a much better chance of receiving that individual one-on-one attention that will get the struggling child back on track. Children who are having a hard time educationally may also need a new strategy.

In the public school system, a new strategy plan isn't always possible. Some public and private schools offer programs to help children who are failing. However, not all schools will have a special program for children who are behind for their grade level. Even when the school offers program choices, there are still certain guidelines to adhere to. Those guidelines may not be right for every child.

Some children may need an approach that differs from the standards, such as a customized curriculum or a more relaxed setting, which, in many cases is not available in the public education system. In our case, this is exactly the plan we chose to follow. We found that customizing the plan to fit each child individually, rather than as a whole class, helped the child better understand and learn the lessons being taught.

The child in question was recommended to take her grade level over again, due to her poor math skills. However, in just a short time of homeschooling, she improved immensely and was able to complete the level she had failed in public school, as well as catch up to where she should be had she not failed. Now she is actually ahead in math. Ironically, it is now her favorite subject, whereas before, it was her most hated, feared, and dreaded.

Based on our experience with her, I would recommend homeschool as a valid option for parents. Common sense told us that the one-on-one time would be beneficial, but the actual results were much more than we could have hoped for. The results were absolutely amazing for us, as the child in question had always struggled with math, even crying over it many times. We had tried everything; everything except homeschool. If I had it do again, I would have chosen homeschool in the beginning, at the first sign of struggle, rather than waiting until the problem escalated.

If you, yourself are not good at the subject your child is struggling in, yet would like your child's curriculum program catered to him or her, there are still plenty of options that will allow you to homeschool. There are virtual schools (online schools), tutors, community college classes, home-school co-ops, and a whole host of other options. If your child has learning disabilities, don't fret. There are many homeschooling families who actually homeschool because of learning disabilities. I have heard many mention great benefits from doing so. Click Here to see the HSLDA's information on that. The HSLDA is the Home School Legal Defense Association.

If you are interested in doing this for your child, do your research and find out which options are available to you. Homeschooling is currently legal in all 50 US states. However, the laws for each state differ, as far as what is allowed and what rules, if any, should be followed. Texas is one of the most relaxed states, as far as rules and regulations for homeschool. Interested parents should start their research at the HSLDA, as well as look up home-school co-ops, homeschool groups, tutors, curriculum, virtual schools, and more to get an idea of what plan or program will work best for the child.

Takeaways:

A student who schools at home has a much better chance of receiving individual one-on-one attention.
Some children may need an approach that differs from the standards.
The actual results were much more than we could have hoped for.

For some families, there will be many benefits of homeschooling a struggling child, either temporarily or permanently.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Last updated on 12/11/2020

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Homeschooling Should Be Called Hands-On Schooling Instead

12/3/2014

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Is Homeschooling the Best Title for the Education Method?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Homeschooling is many things. But, does it have the correct title? Should it be hands-on schooling? Is homeschooling the best title for this education method? This title implies that schooling is done completely at home, which is very far from the average "homeschool". Most homeschooling parents hold classes in museums, libraries, factories, and countless other public places. Homeschooling is not really homeschooling for most people that actually do it. Sure, there is written work, but the average homeschooled child receives more hands-on work and work outside of the home than he does at home.

Who chose the title for homeschooling?

An alternative title for homeschooling could be hands-on schooling. Many homeschoolers engage in hands-on work daily. It would be an appropriate fit. Sculpting a clay model of the Egyptian Pyramids certainly should be called hands-on. Acting in a play about slavery? Yes, that's hands-on as well. Learning how to care for and feed a real child, rather than an egg or bag of sugar, for sex education is definitely a hands-on experience. Volunteering to help the local soup kitchen to learn a lesson about poverty and helping others sounds like hands-on to me.

Hands-on schooling has a desirable ring to it. It sounds more professional and accurate. Whoever chose the title for homeschooling apparently didn't know much about it. This person must have had the misconception that a child who doesn't go to traditional school is forced to sit at home all day. A hands-on schooler would never do that. Hands-on schoolers require socialization and teamwork. They require knowledge from doing something rather than reading it from a book. A hands-on schooler is an excellent reader. He just prefers to do it in the park, not inside an old cabin with no power. A hands-on schooler does not wear aprons and skirts to her ankles, but rather something more comfortable to work in.

A hands-on schooler uses her kitchen to do science experiments and invent new recipes for home economics. The kitchen table is not a place to sit at all day, but rather a tool for examining the newest household pet for biology. Don't worry. A hands-on schooler would never harm an animal. They just enjoy observing them, which by the way, they do in natural habitats as well, not always at home. Speaking of nature, a hands-on schooler would much rather light a campfire, than turn on an electric fireplace.

A hands-on schooler has to know the how, when, where, and why of everything in sight, not just the items in the house. He learned those when he was three. For the person who chose the title of homeschooling, what exactly about hands-on schoolers gave you that idea?

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Should I Design My Child's Homeschool Curriculum Myself?

12/3/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you have recently made the decision to homeschool, you may be pondering the best curriculum choices. There are so many options, such as pre-packaged curriculum, online curriculum, virtual school, co-ops, and more. You may even be thinking "Should I design my child's homeschool curriculum myself?" Our family has tried many, many options, including me writing out every single lesson by hand.

What is your lifestyle? This is the very first thing you need to ask yourself. Your family's lifestyle will have a great deal to do with which choices may be best. If you like to be on the go, certain curriculum choices will not work with that. For instance, if the materials are not very portable, you're going to have a big problem. If you choose an online curriculum, you need to have Internet access at all times, even when you leave the house. An active family might benefit from free schooling or unschooling. Designing the curriculum yourself can be beneficial with many lifestyles, as it's customizable. However, some people may not have the time needed to fully commit to this. Be sure to consider your family's lifestyle and habits when you make your decision.

Can you commit to this plan all year long? Unless you are an experienced writer, you probably cannot write your child's entire curriculum at the beginning of the year. You'll probably need to do it in segments year-round. Can you commit to this? Will you? You may be feeling ambitious at the moment. But if you have a habit of starting major projects that don't get finished, this may not be the best method for you. However, if you're known to plow ahead even through tough projects, writing your child's own curriculum might work for you.

Do you know the state standards? This is extremely important when writing your child's lessons yourself. You should know what the standards are for the area you live in. You can find those out by by checking with the Department of Education in your state and also by checking to see if your state has adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) does not support having a national system like this. However, since it has been adopted, it is wise to follow at least the core standards. Depending on your state, it could also be the law to follow them. The HSLDA has a handy list to help you figure out what the legalities of homeschooling are in your state.

Is there a better option? When choosing between writing your child's curriculum or other methods, be sure you are making the correct decision. In some cases, a curriculum customized and written by the parent may be the best choice. In other cases, the child may learn more effectively another way. Weigh all your options and make the choice based both on your child's needs, as well as your ability to effectively teach your child using that option. There are ways to customize your child's education (such as combining materials) without having to develop an entire curriculum yourself.

Does this actually work? As someone who has used this method before, I know firsthand that it can definitely work for the right family. However, be prepared to be fully committed and very busy. If weighing all the options doesn't scare you away and it sounds like something that will fit your family's lifestyle, then go for it. If it doesn't work out, you can always move on to the next method. While writing the curriculum myself was a great option, because I also write for a living, I found that in order to have more time with my kids, it wasn't the best option for us. I would be spending entirely too much time writing. While I still write lessons and design games for them on occasion, I no longer do it full time.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Homeschool Tips: Coping with Sending Your Kids to Traditional School

12/3/2014

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Advice for Parents Facing This Difficult Transition

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

After many restless nights (or not), you finally come to the decision that you are no longer going to be a homeschool teacher. Whether that decision came easy or not, there is likely something related you'll need to deal with. For me, the decision to start homeschooling was easy and natural. The decision to end that path and return two of the kids to traditional school, even though it was only for a while, was anything but.

Recognize your reasons for the choice. Perhaps, like I did, you have too many hats on your head and need to add another. I am a freelance journalist with several clients and am founder and co-owner of a media company. Because I cannot halt either of these related businesses (can't pay the bills without a career), the homeschooling was unfortunately the major task that would make room for me to have enough time to work to pay the bills. Once I got into a better routine, I was able to go back to teaching the kids. But at that time, I had to transition two of them back into traditional school.

Don't be too hard on yourself. I have had to repeat this advice to myself several times on this journey. No matter the reason for your decision to end your homeschooling journey (whether temporary or permanent), you made the choice for a reason. Sometimes things happen in life that are out of our power and not our fault.

Feeling guilty won't help you adjust. As long as the new schooling situation is a positive environment, there is no need to feel guilty for this choice. Again, I remind myself of this one. It's true that no one will care about your child's education more than you. However, that doesn't mean you are doing something wrong by sending them to traditional school. Remember that what you have taught them will follow them. Also, you can (and should) still help with some aspects of education, even when they are in traditional school.

Cry if you need to. The feelings can often get overwhelming. That's understandable. After all, these are your kids and their education means everything to you. Crying can help get out those built up emotions and sometimes you just have to. This is a natural coping mechanism and if sending the kids back to school invokes tears, let them roll. Just try not to do it in front of the kids to keep their experience as positive as possible.

Get some exercise. Yoga often helps reduce stress, as does running and many other types of exercise. If you need to relax, opt for stretching and yoga. But if you need to release pent up feelings in a more active way, go for running, bike riding, or even power yoga.

Get involved in the school. Maybe you don't have time to teach the kids all day anymore. But you can still volunteer to commit some time to school activities. Join the PTA, chaperone field trips, help with a bake sale, and more. Whatever you can assist with will likely help both you and your child cope with the fact that you will no longer be the teacher. This shows your child that you do still care and it also may help relieve some of the guilt associated with dropping the teacher role.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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