My little Julianna, at the age of 9, came home from Sunday School excited about the fact that they were going to be expected to memorize lots of Bible verses that year and that the teacher had a reward in store for whoever could do it. She also expressed disbelief that, except for another homeschooled girl in her class, the other children were mortified at the prospect of having to memorize so much. “I guess homeschoolers just like to memorize things,” she surmised. [Read more…]
A Moment for Memorization
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A College Degree for Girls? Not Necessarily. An Education? Why, of Course!
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My Daughters and I: Julianna, Emily, and Louisa
I have Brooke Reynolds to thank for causing me to write this article. She and I got into a discussion about what homeschool girls should be doing between the age of 16 and the time they enter marriage. Brooke is 18 years old and is currently pursuing a music education on scholarship at the University of Utah. She enjoys it and finds it challenging, but she wonders if college is exactly the right thing for her.
Spelling Those Tricky Words
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My 3 youngest: Louisa, Ammon and Emily
Spelling correctly is just as important as doing your hair!
How’s that?
Well, it makes quite a first impression, whether on a job application or in a love letter.
Wisdom from Jefferson
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Wisdom from Jefferson
Here’s 10 wonderfully wise maxims from Thomas Jefferson. I’d like my children to memorize these!
A Decalogue of Canons for Observation in Practical Life
by Thomas Jefferson
February 25, 1825
1. Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.
For the New Homeschooler
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Congratulations on wanting to homeschool!
I want to tell you that YOU CAN DO THIS! Homeschooling is a joyful lifestyle that you will love! Don’t get stressed, just come with me step-by-step and I’ll help you get started.
1. First, if you haven’t already, pray. Your child belongs to God—He knows his children best and He wants them to have the very best education. He wants them to have friends that will help them reach their potential and stay firm in the faith. He will help you in making decisions on methods and resources that will interest your student. You need his strength and guidance.
Clones Clones Clones Clones Clones
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“Just like Mom”
My son Daniel says I’ve raised clones. Watching my little girls interact and express themselves, I would have to say that I agree. It sobers me. In spite of ourselves, we train our children to be like us. In many ways, my daughters are far better than me, thankfully. I see my aptitudes and talents inherited by my children. But, I do see my flaws in living color and I wince whenever I do!
An Educational Approach
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Emily, Louisa, Ammon think art is a lot of fun!
How does one come up with their own educational approach? Shouldn’t that be in place before you even attempt to homeschool?
When homeschooling mothers ask me these questions, I always suggest that they just jump in and do something—don’t try to decide on an approach or a curricula at first. When you make the decision to move to a new area, you don’t have to buy the house the day you arrive. You can rent or stay in a motel for awhile and check things out and you will make a better decision that way. You don’t have to make decisions on what type of stroller, crib and college education before the baby is born and you see what the actual need is.
Math and Abstract Thinking
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Question:
Our state requires all homeschoolers to test each year. My daughter scored well for reading, spelling and language arts but not so well on her math. On abstract thinking and estimation, she scored under 1 percent! Math has been really difficult for her—she has a hard time grasping the concept. She is a facts learner. 5 x 5 = 25—that is the fact but when I have her work a problem like 55 x 5, she just sits and stares at the paper. Unless I am right there with her going over step-by-step, she cannot do the problem. She says things to me like . . . “too hard”, “don’t know what you’re even talking about!”. I currently use ABEKA math (have for years) but am wondering if Singapore Math would be better. What do you recommend? [Read more…]
