Knowledge House Newsletter


Homeschool Information... Ideas... and Inspiration

September Holidays & Special Days - Click Here!

~ September 2017 ~

Dear Readers,

In most parts of the country, everyone's started their fall semester. But for many families in Texas and Florida, everything is up in the air, including their normal school routine. This is true for both homeschoolers and regular schoolchildren. According to the HSLDA blog, "HSLDA received a call from a member who informed us that in certain areas the schools were shutting down indefinitely. These new families are not only facing 'typical' problems caused by the storms, but now they must rethink their children’s education. Some are turning to homeschooling and others are relocating."

If you or anyone you know was flooded or displaced and could use some help with homeschooling or ideas on how to get started, e-mail . Please provide a mailing address with an explantion of need or a photo of your flooded house and I'll send a complimentary set of Easy Homeschooling books, suitable for all grade levels. The author tells how you can easily homeschool, and shows that there is a very inexpensive and even FREE way to do it! More than just homeschool how-to guides, these books will provide a source of refreshing encouragement and practical motivation to help you get through the school year. Click on the cover images below or click here for more book details.

Sent to victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, free of charge, with FREE SHIPPING! Everyone else, please order through my Amazon links. They're on sale for only $5.99 each!

Teri's Sig


Featured Article

Hurricane Relief for Homeschoolers

Our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, and now Irma. Many homeschool families have lost not only their home but also their "school." See below for a list of places accepting donations to assist homeschool families in the disaster area.

Hurricane Harvey Homeschool Supply Drive - Free2Homeschool of Southwest Alabama has partnered with Texas Home Educators to assist with relief efforts for homeschool families affected by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey Homeschool Life Curriculum Relief - Support and encourage homeschooling families affected by Harvey by donating curriculum.

HomeschoolCurriculumFree.com - A “nationally recognized, 501(c)(3) organization helping over 15,000+ homeschool families provide curriculum and materials to other homeschool families in need across the U.S.” For Hurricane Harvey, they are collecting curriculum in "new" or "like new" condition, new unopened school supplies, and cash donations to help with shipping costs.

Texas Homeschool Disaster Relief Network - This Facebook group has been set up to network families who need help with fellow homeschooling families who are able to provide that help (i.e. curricula donations, volunteer opportunities, host family housing).

Texas Home Educators Homeschoolers Helping Homeschoolers - This Facebook group was set up so that homeschoolers can connect with each other to donate curriculum directly to flooded homeschoolers.

HSF’s Emergency Response Fund - The Home School Foundation, the charitable arm of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), is collecting donations to help families replace destroyed curriculum and continue to homeschool, giving their children a sense of stability in a time of loss and uncertainty.

If you live near Houston, open your homes and churches to victims. If circumstances allow, take your family to the area and volunteer for the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. Give to a respected charity such as the All Hands Volunteers, Houston Food Bank, or Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Do you know of another local organization or charity that is helping out homeschool families impacted by Hurricane Harvey or Irma? Let me know at .

Book of the Month

Citizens Rule Book

Citizens Rule Book

Celebrate Constitution Week, September 17-23! A thorough knowledge of the Constitution is more important today than ever. The Citizens Rule Book (legacy of my late father-in-law) contains the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and quotes by Founding Fathers. Consider distributing this handy pocket-sized booklet to family, friends, homeschoolers, co-workers, church members, community groups. Only $1 each! Order online at HomeschoolPatriot.com.

Famous Homeschoolers

Constitutional Convention Delegates

Did you know that homeschooling was the primary method of learning for numerous early American colonists who grew up to become lawyers, statesmen, and delegates at the Constitutional Convention? For a list of Founding Fathers who were homeschooled, visit FamousHomeschoolers.net.

Reading Between the Lines

Historical Fiction for Young Adults

Young adult historical fiction books are both entertaining and educational, enveloping true historical events in a gripping story. Many of the novels tell the story from the points of view of teenagers or younger children, which can make teens and tweens feel as though they have a closer connection to history. An added bonus is that the book may discuss more obscure events that may not be part of the curriculum, such as the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. For a helpful list of historical fiction books for young adults, see the article on "American History for Teens – Best Young Adult Historical Fiction Books" in Homeschooling Teen Magazine. Be sure to add your favorites in the comments!

Learning Links

  • Constitution Day - Constitution Day is September 17. That whole week is designated as Constitution Week.

  • Monarch Butterflies - The Monarch Butterfly's fall migration.

  • Autumn Leaves - Activities and resources for learning about fall leaves.

  • Pirates - September 19 is "Talk Like a Pirate Day."

  • Autumn is for Apples - Learn a little bit about Johnny Appleseed - his birthday is September 26 - and try some yummy apple recipes.

  • Etiquette & Ethics - September is Children's Good Manners Month.

Freebie(s) of the Month

Constitution Challenge - In honor of Constitution Week which is September 17–24, have your children memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. I've put together a decorative copy of The Preamble, a memory activity, memorization tips, vocabulary, and Constitutional Quotations for Copywork (4 pages total).

Rules of Civility - To celebrate Children's Good Manners Month, have your children learn general courtesies, manners and morals the way George Washington did! Click here for a free copy of "George Washington's Rules of Civility" in a 17-page e-book.

September is National Preparedness Month, an appropriate topic considering the recent disasters. Would you and your family be ready in an emergency? Here are some helpful printables:

(All of the above require Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“Miracles do not cluster. Hold on to the Constitution of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands—what has happened once in six thousand years may never happen again. Hold on to your Constitution, for if the American Constitution shall fail there will be anarchy throughout the world.” ~Daniel Webster

A Note From Teri...

Did you know September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month? Make sure to take time to notice what’s going on with your family and friends. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds, and it has also spiked among girls age 10 to 14. Whatever the age, there are usually warning signs. Learn more about this epidemic and what to do about it at Homeschooling Teen.com.

Happy Homeschooling!

Teri's Sig


P.S. Did you like this newsletter?

Copyright © 2017 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 .