Knowledge House Newsletter


Homeschool Information... Ideas... and Inspiration

June Holidays & Special Days - Click Here!

~ June 2013 ~

Dear Readers,

Here's a photo of my son Jon and me, at the Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) Senior High Graduate Recognition Ceremony, inside the Phoenix Convention Center on May 31.

Congratulations to all of the 2013 homeschool grads! And a Happy Father's Day to all of the homeschool dads! :)

Teri's Sig


Featured Article

Homeschooling Duties Of Fathers

A father's primary goal as leader of the household is to provide for and protect his family, but fathers also have a God-ordained responsibility for the training of their children. Sadly, there is a huge gap in our culture of men who are actually willing to stand up and be the father that God has called them to be. The homeschool father should be involved as much as possible in his children's education. 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 kids 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, such as one or more of the following examples.)

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.”

Below is a poem that you can give to Dad for Father's Day. 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
(Print it on decorative paper, or have the kids decorate it by hand. Then roll it up with a ribbon or place in a frame.)

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

R.C. Sproul, Jr.

In honor of Father’s Day, be sure to read this article about R.C. Sproul, Jr., a Christian dad who has remained dedicated to homeschooling his children, even after his wife died: http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_rcsprouljr.html.

Reading Between the Lines

Economics for Everybody

Economics for Everybody is a DVD curriculum, written and hosted by R.C. Sproul, Jr., which teaches economics from a Christian perspective. It’s highly recommended as a high school economics course. Read a comprehensive review of the program at: http://www.knowledgehouse.info/review_economics-for-everybody.html.

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!)

Freebie of the Month

Here are some lists that will help with your summer travels!

Road Trip Log - This is what we use to keep track of our miles, times, and places wherever we go; then we save them in a family trip binder for future reference.

Camping Checklist - A vacation packing list that our family has used over the years, with space to add your own items.

Family Trip Plan - We start getting ready for our trip a week ahead of time, by following this list of things to do.

(PDF format requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.” ~Charles Wadsworth

A Note From Teri...

Homeschool convention season is here! Download a copy of How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention. This 14-page special report includes a handy checklist!

Wishing you all a wonderful summer of fun and learning!

Happy Homeschooling!

Teri's Sig

P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?

Copyright © 2013 by Teri Ann Berg Olsen, www.knowledgehouse.info. To subscribe to this free e-newsletter, send a blank e-mail to and follow the instructions in the confirmation e-mail that you will receive, or sign up on the web at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KnowledgeHouse. To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to . Questions? E-mail .