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~ June 2010 ~
Dear Readers,
Happy June! This is the month of graduations, weddings, Vacation Bible School, Father’s Day, and the first day of summer. It also winds down the end of our family’s birthday season. We have back-to-back birthdays all spring long so I just leave the birthday decorations up for three months. The boys turned 10, 15, and 20 this year. It’s hard to believe our oldest is no longer a teenager! I put together a page of 1990 trivia for him. It’s amazing to look back at all of the things that happened in that year, especially in regard to history and computers. If you’d like to see what I mean, you can download a copy here. Next I will be working on a 1960 trivia page for my mom and dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary.
P.S. 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!
Featured Article
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. It's a real blessing to have a father who can spend time with his children during the day. Even a father who works away from home can be their nightly homework checker or 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.)
-Pray for guidance and blessing.
-Write down goals and a plan of action.
-Make a schedule and see that it is followed.
-Help select curriculum and plan lessons.
-Talk to your children about what they are studying.
-Review your children’s work; grade papers.
-Assist with special projects (science experiments, etc.).
-Go along on field trips.
-Attend workshops and conferences with your wife.
-Offer encouragement to your wife and motivation for your children.
-Enforce the discipline of your children.
-Take an active interest in politics and legislation that may affect home education.
-Provide income for purchasing school supplies and materials.
-Give your wife a break (bring home dinner; take the kids to the park).
-Hand out the diploma or certificate of promotion at the end of the school year.
Spiritual Leader (As the spiritual head of the household, the father should be a good role model.)
-Pray for your family and your homeschool.
-Take the family to church regularly.
-Bring God into everyday conversation.
-Teach your children about God’s creations.
-Teach your children about God’s historical works.
-Teach your children the Ten Commandments.
-Evangelize your children.
-Take your children on "fishing trips" (witnessing).
-Tune in to Christian music on the radio.
-Lead the family in daily devotionals.
-Encourage reciting Bible verses from memory.
-Read the Bible aloud and study Biblical passages together.
-Read Bible stories to children at bedtime.
Instructor (The father may be better at teaching certain subjects; examples follow.)
-Physical Fitness/Sports.
-Woodworking Shop/Auto Mechanics.
-Science and/or Mathematics
-History, Government and/or Economics
-Logic and/or Critical Thinking
-Any other subject dad enjoys, majored in, or otherwise knows well.
Finally in all of these things remember Colossians 3:21 which says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Similarly, Ephesians 6:4 states, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Happy Father's Day!
Book of the Month
The 4th of July is coming up soon! Stock up now on Citizens Rule Books for handing out at tea parties and Independence Day celebrations. The legacy of my late father-in-law, this pocket-sized book includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, plus quotes by our Founding Fathers and information for jurors. Only $1 each!
Famous Homeschoolers
In honor of Father’s Day, I prepared an article about Louisa May Alcott and her dad, Amos Bronson Alcott. The lives of Louisa and her father were so intertwined that it’s difficult to write about one without considering the other. Both father and daughter were highly learned without having had any formal schooling. Read their combined biography with quotes at http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_alcott.html. (Each month I will highlight another famous homeschooler.)
Reading Between the Lines
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!
Learning Links
Family Travel Tips (How to make family travel more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.)
Play it Safe in the Sun (June is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.)
Summer Safety (June is National Safety Month.)
The Story of Old Glory (Flag Day is June 14.)
Father's Day (Read about the history and traditions of Father’s Day.)
In the Good Old Summertime (June 21 is the first day of Summer!)
Frank Lloyd Wright Biography (The famous American architect born on June 8 was homeschooled and self-taught in the field of architecture.)
Freebie of the Month
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
Ode to a Homeschool Dad
Ode to a Homeschool Dad
I wrote it with my husband in mind, but I'm sure you'll be able to see yours in there too. ;)
(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.)
(Same poem, with a decorative background image.)
(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
Quote of the Month
“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” ~George Herbert
A Note From Teri...
Do you homeschool through the summer? We homeschool all year long but take a lot of breaks in between. How about you? Whether or not you homeschool on a year-round basis, be sure to do something different to shake up your routine and make some fun memories this summer - even if it's just a family game or movie night, a trip to a local park or museum, a nature walk or a bike ride. Can't afford any time off for a family vacation? Maybe you can take an overnight or day trip some weekend. Don't want to leave the comfort of your own home? Consider a backyard campout/barbeque/stargazing party. Too hot to go out? Stay indoors and play games, do puzzles, or read books. Are you planning on any traveling in Arizona or the Southwest? Visit www.ArizonaEdventures.com for lots of fun and interesting places to see and things to do!
Happy Homeschooling!