Dear Readers,

Happy June! It’s the month of graduations, weddings, Vacation Bible School, Father’s Day, the first day of summer, and a couple of birthdays at our house. In fact, it's my birthday today! :) Homeschool convention season is here too! So you might want to download a copy of How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention. This 14-page special report includes a handy checklist!

Whether it's a family game or movie night, a trip to a local park or museum, a nature walk or a bike ride, be sure to do something different to shake up your routine a bit and make some fun memories this summer. ;) Can't afford to take time off for a family vacation? Maybe you can take an overnight or one-day trip some weekend. Don't want to leave the comfort of your home? Consider a backyard campout/barbeque/stargazing party. Are you going to be doing any traveling in the Southwest? Visit www.ArizonaEdventures.com for lots of fun and interesting places to see and things to do!

Here is something you can give to Dad for Father's Day, in a choice of two styles. It's from my web page at http://www.knowledgehouse.info/hspoem_dad.html
I wrote it with my husband in mind, but I'm sure you'll be able to see yours in there too. ;)

Ode to a Homeschool Dad
(Plain white background for printing on your own fancy paper, or have the kids decorate it. Then roll it up with a ribbon or place in a frame.)

Ode to a Homeschool Dad
(Same poem, with a decorative background image.)

(*Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

A father should be involved as much as possible in the home education of his children. The more he actively participates, the more credibility homeschooling has in the eyes of his children, the less stressed mom will be, and the more likely it will be a long term experience. Even a father who works away from home can be the children’s nightly Bible teacher. A father may teach some other subjects as well, but most importantly, he must be supportive of his family’s homeschooling endeavor. Fathers should consider the following duties.

Principal (The principal may not do any teaching, but he is in charge to make sure the teachers teach, and he provides the help and support they need to do so.)

Robin was the first teenager to sail alone around the world. Technically he was more of an "unschooler" than a homeschooler but either way, no classroom could ever come close to imparting the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence that Robin gained from his 5-year voyage of discovery. Read his amazing story: www.knowledgehouse.info/bio_graham.html.

Long days, hot weather, and vacation time all provide abundant opportunity for reading - but with so many books to choose from, you don't want to waste time on mediocre ones. This section is devoted to making the most of your summer reading experience.

How to Choose a Good Book offers some general guidelines on what to look for.

Some books are written in such a way that they are ideally suited for reading aloud. Such books utilize words, sentences, and figurative language in creative ways to enhance the plot development, bring the characters to life, and create a mood. I've put together a list of Read-Aloud Favorites that adults can enjoy reading and no child should grow up without hearing.

For some cool reading fun geared around summer getaway themes, check out my Summer Reading List. (Many of these titles are also on the read-aloud list!) You can download a printable copy for your convenience. It’s annotated and organized by age/grade. Take it along with you the next time you visit the library.

Usborne offers lots of activity books that are perfect for keeping kids of all ages busy on car and plane trips, or at home this summer. They also publish some nice read-aloud treasuries for the whole family. View my recommendations here: Usborne Books for Summer and order direct through my affiliate links!

Happy Reading!

Knowledge House

Homeschool Patriot

Little Brick Schoolhouse

Homeschooling Teen

Arizona Edventures

Arizona has it all: gorgeous scenery, colorful history, and everyone’s favorite action hero – Arizona Ed! Arizona Ed is a printable little guy that kids can color, cut out, and take on trips or simply show him around your neighborhood. You can even mail him to far away friends and relatives (he fits perfectly in a business-size envelope), or trade him with other homeschool families. Join the Arizona Ed Fan Forum where you can keep track of Arizona Ed’s adventures, post your own, and find more fun activity ideas. Website: Arizona Edventures

A Note From Teri...

This will probably be your last chance to get my Spring Special! Find thousands of quotations on education and homeschooling in my 420-page book, Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom. Topics include: Mothers and Mothering, Fathers and Fathering, Parents & Parenting, Teachers & Teaching, Study & Learning, Home & Family, Children & Childhood, Self- Education & Homeschooling, Wisdom & Knowledge, and many more. This treasury of rhetorical gems makes a great gift! Buy one for yourself, a homeschooling friend, or to place in your home library. For every book you purchase, you will also get a FREE copy of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring 2009 issue, a $7.95 value. It contains 184 glossy full-color pages packed with excellent articles including "How Do You Organize Chaos," "5 Ways to Organize Your High Schooler," "10 Burnout Busters," "The Well-Stocked Pantry," and "Should the Church Support Homeschooling?"

P.S. Just a reminder... 4th of July is coming up next month! You may want to stock up on Citizens Rule Books for handing out at tea parties and Independence Day celebrations.