Knowledge House Newsletter


Homeschool Information... Ideas... and Inspiration

June Holidays & Special Days - Click Here!

~ June 2011 ~

Dear Readers,

Happy Summer! Do you homeschool through the summer? In Arizona, most public schools and colleges let out for the summer in mid-May. In other states, the school year traditionally runs until June. There are some schools that follow a year-round schedule. But how about homeschoolers? Some homeschool families closely follow a traditional school schedule, others take a few weeks off here and there, while others homeschool year-round. My family falls in the last category. (We always seem to need that extra time to get caught up!) Of course, whether or not you are doing formal studies, learning doesn’t stop just because you turn a page on the calendar. In fact, longer days mean more learning time. And when learning is fun, why would you want to stop?

Teri's Sig


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

Homeschooling Duties Of Fathers

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

Citizens Rule Book

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

Len Munsil

In honor of Father’s Day I prepared an article about Len Munsil, a longtime homeschool dad and newly-appointed president of Arizona Christian University. Read about the many accomplishments of Munsil, his wife, and children at http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_len-munsil.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 was homeschooled and self-taught in the field of architecture. His birthday is June 8, same as mine.)

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
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.)

June & July Calendar - Print out these calendar pages and hang on your fridge, next to your computer, or keep in a binder. Includes a convenient list of holidays and special days, plus space for notes. Throughout the year, I will supply two printable calendar pages in each issue of this newsletter, while always keeping at least one month ahead.

(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...

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? If you live in a pleasant climate, you can spend more time outside gardening, playing, and exploring. Consider a backyard campout, barbeque, stargazing or pool party. Or go to the library a couple of times a week. Too hot to go out? Stay indoors and play games or do puzzles. Whatever you do, have fun!

Happy Homeschooling!

Teri's Sig

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