Homeschooling Myth #7

Myth #7 People that homeschool are missing out on proper socialization.

The above picture really says it all.

I will add that I have a child that is 12 and one that is 17. They have both been homeschooled their whole lives. I haven't seen any indication that there has been a problem. They have participated in many events over the years and have had several volunteer opportunities. They have been around many kinds of people of different ages. My oldest has been to homeless shelters, nursing homes, and many other places where she can get a broader view of the world. My youngest has said in the past that her 'best friend' was our 80 yr. old neighbor and yet she also plays with a girl in the neighborhood this is in kindergarten. She loves to help her when they play so it is more like she is taking care of her. ;-) She doesn't hesitate to meet new people & talk to strangers. Yes, I am with her so it is OK! Don't panic! Both my girls can talk to and interact just fine with adults of any age and yet they can do the same with tiny children and babies (they love babies!). Isn't that what being socialized is all about anyway?

Let's see what the dictionary says about this.

so·cial·ize

1. To place under government or group ownership or control.
2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
3. To convert or adapt to the needs of society.

I think there is a lot more of #1 and #3 going on than most people want to admit. I would like to point out that converting &/or adapting to the needs of society is not my #1 responsibility as a parent. However, if #2 is our goal "to make fit for companionship with others" that is a fine goal. It can certainly be accomplished with homeschoolers and it is all the time.

In most cases, true socialization is not spending 6 hours a day with people all your own age. If the real world were set up like school (that is where people think your children get socialized) we would have a problem. For example, can you imagine a society where your neighbor can come over and take food (or anything else) right out of your refrigerator (did you have your lunch stolen at school?) and you are told to deal with it or work it out? What about having someone bigger or stronger than you that comes over and gives you a pounding whenever they feel like it. Should we tell them to get a tougher skin? Stand up for yourself! Wait a minute. In the real world we would call the police if someone entered our home, stole from us or beat us up. I believe that is called assault!

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much MORE that can be said about this. Most homeschoolers have heard this question many times and have strong opinions. If you don't believe me just ask a homeschooler if they are worried about socialization.

However, before you do that I encourage you to read this. It will give you lots to think about. :-)

Another great read is here.

Here is an interesting comparison from HSLDA about how homeschoolers do as adults (once you click on the link be sure to click on NEXT in the bottom right to scroll through). What I have copied below is only a small part. There are many more interesting facts at this link.

My comments on this are in red.

Homeschool graduates are active and
involved in their communities. If they aren't properly
socialized how are they doing this? Seventy-one percent participate
in an ongoing community service activity (e.g., coaching a sports team,
volunteering at a school, or working with a church or neighborhood association),
compared to 37% of U.S. adults of similar ages. Amazing that they can deal with all these people isn't
it?

Eighty-eight percent of the homeschool
graduates surveyed were members of an organization (e.g., such as a community
group, church or synagogue, union, homeschool group, or professional
organization), How do they do this when they are SO
unsocialized? compared to 50% of U.S. adults

Only 4.2% of the homeschool graduates
surveyed consider politics and government too complicated to understand,
compared to 35% of U.S. adults. This one blew me away!
I guess it shouldn't though. When I was in school I bet I would have said
the same thing. I am sure I was much more interested in socializing!
;-) My childrens interest in politics makes me ashamed to admit that. They
know tons more about government/politics than I did up to an age I would rather
not admit!

This may account for why homeschool
graduates work for candidates, contribute to campaigns, and vote in much higher
percentages than the general population of the United States. For example, 76%
of homeschool graduates surveyed between the ages of 18–24 voted within the last
five years, compared to only 29% of the relevant U.S.
population.

79% compared
to 29%! Can you believe it?

I Don't Have To Bug You Anymore!

Hello Everyone! I have a nifty thing on my blog now. Check out the right side of this page at the top. There is a box that you can use to get updates from this blog. Instead of me emailing you and letting you know when I have new stuff on the blog this will automatically let you know. After I post something new to this blog it will send out updates in the early afternoon. You will get the newest post and pictures in your email. Isn't that cool? All you have to do is put in your email address and click the 'subscribe' button underneath it. I am really excited about this. I hope you find this to be a useful thing.

Homeschooling Myth #4, #5,and #6

(The 'best teacher' is the one that knows your child the best & is committed to your child.)

I am going to lump the next three myths all together. Here they are.

Myth #4 People that homeschool have to have a teaching degree or they can't teach.

Myth #5 People that homeschool have to be able to teach all subjects.

Myth #6 Homeschool students can only be as smart as their parents.

You do not have to have a teaching degree or some kind of extra special education. What you do have to have is commitment, determination, love, and a conviction that this is what you are to do. The good thing is that the longer you homeschool the stronger those things usually become. However, the down side is that when you first start you are nervous and a bit unsure. Lots of questions are running around in your head like, "Can I really do this", "What was I thinking", and "Who do I think I am trying to do this?" Having a good support group is helpful in this area. They can help encourage you and let you see all the other Moms that are doing this crazy thing! ;-)

No, you do not have to be able to teach ALL subjects. As a matter of fact, you teach a lot less than you think when the children get older. The better they can read the more they learn on their own. There is a ton of curriculum that is geared toward the student doing it on there own. As the parent you do a lot of planning, delegating, organizing, scheduling, and facilitating. There are many ways to help your child learn things you can't teach. There are friends, family members, homeschool co-ops, tutors, classes at colleges or other places. If you think about it when you were in school (the higher grades) you didn't have one teacher that taught all subjects. It is better to get the experts to help you in each subject. Using all that we have available to us we can get the help of the experts for our children.

Because of what I said above you can see why "homeschool students are not only as smart as their parents". My daughter is currently in an Algebra II class. She is getting help from a teacher that is very smart in that area. This is not an easy subject for my daughter but she will do a lot better in this class than if I were to teach it to her. I am not good at Algebra and don't really know anything about it. In Biology, I am not an expert either. We are relying on a great curriculum for that though. You can see it here. This curriculum is taught in a conversational style so it feels like a teacher talking to them. It comes with videos and pronunciations you can actually hear. We didn't purchase this but you can also get an MP3 Audio CD. Then your child can actually listen to the teacher saying it too. (This is just one of many examples. There are a lot more things out there like this that are available. ) I am learning interesting things right along with my daughters. That has been one of the many homeschooling surprises for me personally. I have learned a lot too.

One of my daughters has a fascination with words & language. She has done a lot of research on the meanings of words/names and root words. This is not something I taught her but something she wanted to learn on her own. She knows more than I do about a lot of things. My other daughter is the same way. She knows a lot of things that she can explain to me. It is really wonderful that our children can surpass us in knowledge & education. Isn't that what we all want for our children anyway...to be better and to do better than us?

If you haven't read the other 3
homeschooling myths you can find them by clicking on the links below.

Homeschooling Myth #1

Homeschooling Myth #2

Homeschooling Myth #3

Aprons for Adoption

What a neat thing to be part of. To find out what it is click here.

Homeschooling Myth #3

Myth #3 People that homeschool have a lot of free time so let's go ask them to do stuff for us! They are home all day aren't they?

Did you read Myth #2 yet? That should settle this one for sure. With all that I mentioned you can surely see why this is not true. Although the average school day (in public or private school) is about 6 hours the homeschool day is usually shorter. At a school that 6 hours has many interruptions. At the start and end of each class time there will be a bit of talking, shuffling the books, getting settled, getting ready to go, announcements, moving to another classroom,etc. We don't have a lot of that since we don't change classrooms. In school, there is a lot of repetition. It is not possible for ALL students to be at the same level. Some students 'get it' while others are still grasping at the concept. As homeschoolers we can customize a lot more with a smaller amount of students. That cuts our school time down a lot. We never need 6 hours!

There is a trade off though. While students are at a school location they will not be going to the grocery store with their mother, going to the library for more school books or videos, going to the post office or bank, paying a bill, doing laundry/ironing, running outside to see a really cool black & yellow spider or fascinating mushroom their sister found while mowing, or doing chores (like emptying the dishwasher, sweeping, or taking care of laundry) or many other things. We also fit into our days driving to and from activities, field trips, lessons, dr. & dentist appointments, orthodontist appointments, etc. All of these are scheduled & have to happen at a certain time.

Most homeschoolers have to make a schedule for their school. They don't have to be as rigid all the time but as with most people if we don't make a schedule and set goals it is hard to get things accomplished. We also have to have a basic time frame to work in. Sometimes that translates in to certain hours for school like 9-2 with a lunch break or they don't answer the phone during the times they are 'schooling'.

Sometimes homeschool Moms give in to the guilt but after a while we usually realize that we have to say no to some things in order to make our school successful. There is enough going on in our lives (just like the Moms that work full time and/or have their children in public or private school) that adding a lot of extras that other people would like us to do just will not work. Not to mention we don't want to look like the Mom at the top of this page. ;-)

An EASY Way To Prevent Certain Kinds of Cancers

Think about this.....

If vitamin D3 levels among populations worldwide were increased, 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancers could be prevented each year, according to researchers from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

To increase your vitamin D3 levels, the researchers recommended a combination of dietary methods, supplements and sunlight exposure of about 10 to 15 minutes a day, with at least 40 percent of your skin exposed.

Read the rest of this short, excellent article for yourself here.

Constitution Day!

Did you know today is Constitution Day? Is your next question going to be, What is Constitution Day? If so, you are about to find out the answer. There are some excellent links in this article so at the very least click on several of them. Even if you don't still have children at home you will learn something. If you learn something new please leave me a comment.

Greetings,

Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

It is important to teach your children about our nation's Constitution and how it affects our lives. Constitution Week, September 17-23, is also a great time to study our government and our Christian heritage with your family!

May the Lord bless you and your family for His glory.


Cordially,
The Pat Welch Family, Publishers
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian

The Teaching Home is a home-school, family-run business operated in our home since 1980.

1. President's Comments on the Constitution


by George W. Bush
President of the United States of America

The following are excepts from a former Citizenship Day and Constitution Week Proclamation.

Today, we marvel at the wisdom of the Framers who toiled through a long summer of learned and contentious debates.

Their work produced a document that upholds high ideals, while answering the most practical questions of governance. The charter they crafted — with its separate branches of Government, enumerated powers, checks and balances, and later the specific protections provided by our Bill of Rights — guides our Nation and inspires others around the world.


Twin Foundations

As the delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia began working on what would become the United States Constitution, they grasped that a great democracy must be built on the twin foundations of:

• National consent to a Federal Government

• Respect for individual rights.


Balance of Powers

In creating our Nation's Constitutional framework, the Convention's delegates recognized the dangers inherent in concentrating too much power in one person, branch, or institution.

They wisely crafted a Government that balanced the functions and authority of a Federal system among three separate but equal branches:

• The Executive

• The Legislative

• The Judicial.

As a further check on central power, the Framers granted citizens the right to vote, giving them the power to express their political preferences peacefully and thereby to effect change in the Government.

The Convention delegates ratified the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and submitted it to the States for approval.


Bill of Rights

After much deliberation and discussion at the State level, the following two concerns emerged from among those who feared the Constitution's proposed centralization of Federal power:

• The threat of tyranny

• The loss of local control.

To address these fears, our Founders amended the Constitution by adding a Bill of Rights.

These ten amendments provided a series of clear limits on Federal power and a litany of protective rights to citizens.

Today, our Nation celebrates the longest-lived written Constitution in world history.



2. Studying Our Constitution

The Constitution of the United States is the foundation of our American Government. As the supreme law of the land, no law may be passed that contradicts its principles, and no person or government in the nation is exempt from following it.

• Read, study and discuss the Constitution.

• Read the Constitution along with explanations.

• See Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Students.


The First Amendment

The First Amendment to the Constitution does not include the phrase "separation of church and state." Nowhere does it suggest that Christianity cannot be heard in the public square.

In fact, the first act of the United States Congress was to authorize the printing of 20,000 Bibles for the Indians. Read more.


Judicial Interpretation of the Constitution

The subject of constitutional interpretation is a valid and practical concern today that will reach into many areas of our lives for years to come.

Two competing viewpoints have emerged:

1. To follow the original intent of the Constitution.

2. To allow judges to interpret the Constitution as they will.

• Read "A Tale of Two Constitutions" by David Barton as well as a variety of articles from Wall Builders on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built.

• Read "What Can We Do About Judicial Activism?"


Free Online Lessons

The Center for Civic Education offers free lessons for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

These are beautifully produced pdf files with illustrated stories, questions, worksheets, activities, and teacher's guides. You may download and print them. Audio guides are also available.

• Kindergarten - study of authority. (30 pages)

• Level 1-2 - study of authority. (34 pages)

• Level 3-4 - Preamble to the Constitution. (10 pages)

• Level 5-6 - Preamble to the Constitution. (12 pages)

• Level 7-8 - the federal system of government. (12 pages)

• Level 9-10 - the Constitution as a framework for the government. (14 pages)

• Level 11-12 - involves students in critical thinking exercises involving fundamental principles of the Constitution. (17 pages)

3. Studying Our Government


The Teaching Home Newsletters #66-68 (which you can read online or print for personal use) addressed the topic of teaching your children about governments in general and the United States government in particular.

This series offers much practical information, Internet links for further study, and application for Christians. It would make an excellent study for Constitution Week.

Following is an outline of what each issue contains.


Newsletter #66: Introduction to Government
1. What and How To Teach
2. The Biblical Basis of Government
3. Forms of Government

Newsletter #67: United States Government
1. We are a Republic, not a Democracy
2. The Constitution
3. The Three Branches of Government; Checks and Balances
4. Distribution of Government Powers
5. How a Bill Becomes a Law
6. Our Heritage of Freedom; Our Christian Heritage

Newsletter #68: Our Responsibilities in Government
1. The Spiritual Aspect of Political Action
2. Political Action
3. Guidelines for Any Lobbying Effort

4. Biblical Principles: Basis for America's Laws


Excerpted and reprinted by permission from an article by Charles and Cindy Meek, Faith Facts.

Christians believe that the Bible offers ultimate, objective, and absolute truth. There was a general consensus on this point in America from the earliest settlers until only very recently.

Thus it was natural for the early Americans to turn to the Bible for guidance as to how to make civil law. This was the standard for law beginning with the Mayflower Compact all the way through the constitutions of all 50 states.


State Constitutions


For example, the first state constitution was the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639). Read this document.

The framers of this document desired that every aspect of it be based on the Bible. This document was a model for other constitutions including the U.S. Constitution which followed it. (See other Preambles to State Constitutions.)


Rule of Law


Another aspect of our system of government is that it is based on the Rule of Law. This concept is a direct descendant of Hebrew law and the Ten Commandments.

Together with the concept of inalienable rights from God, these concepts helped ensure a way of life that respected the dignity of every individual.


The True Nature of Man


Another important aspect of America's constitution is that it has as its basis the distinctly Christian idea that man is basically sinful. Every one of our founding fathers understood this truth. The result was that the founders built into the Constitution an elaborate system of checks and balances.

This is evident in the horizontal plane of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. It is also evident in the vertical plane of federalism - states' powers versus federal powers.

See a chart of the influence of Biblical thought on America's legal system with Bible references.



5. Resources

Constitution Day Package



• "A More Perfect Union," DVD, depicting the Federal Convention of 1787 ( See a preview online).

• Beautiful reproductions of the U.S. Constitution and the painting depicting the Convention

• 30 student booklets including the founding documents plus quotes;

• A miniature version of the 24-image Freedom Gallery.

$49.95 (reg. $140) 1-877-917-1787. Roots of Freedom


Civics Education Courses


From Home School Legal Defense Association. Includes: Founding Fathers, Introduction to Constitutional Law, The Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, and more.


The Federalist Papers Online


One of the most important works on political theory ever written.


America's Godly Heritage


Video clearly sets forth the beliefs of many of the famous Founding Fathers concerning the proper role of Christian principles in education, in government, and in the public affairs of the nation.


A Nation Adrift


"A Chronicle of America's Providential Heritage" DVD is the true story of how God's sovereign hand guided the founders of America.


Enlightened Democracy


by Tara Ross. Understand the Constitution and the basic tenets that undergird America's republican democracy. Free Study Guide. Colonial Press


Naturalization Self Test


Could your children (or you) pass the test to become a citizen? Test your knowledge of United States History and the structure of our government on this easy-to-use online question and answer interactive site.

Homeschooling Myth #2

If you missed Homeschooling Myth #1 you can find it here.

Where is everybody?

I haven't been getting any comments so I am wondering if anyone is reading this blog. I will probably keep it up even if nobody else is reading but it sure would be nice to know if I am just talking to myself. ;-) Back to regularly scheduled programming.

Myth #2 People that homeschool never leave the house. Their children are practically prisoners in their own home.

This one is downright hilarious in my opinion. I will give you an example of a typical day. Here is what we did yesterday.

Mom woke up around 5:30 am when hubby needed a ride to work. The car alarm was malfunctioning so it kept going off. That is NOT a good way to impress the neighbors, especially at that time. Threw my clothes on and headed to work with husband. Came home and hopped in the shower. Drove eldest daughter to Algebra II co-op class that lasted one hour and 20 minutes. She was there with 9 other students that never leave the house either. ;-) This is a twice a week class by the way so you know they are getting out of the house at least twice a week. ;-) Youngest daughter wanted to go so she sat in on the class with me (this was my week to be Mom's helper in the class). I kind of think she learned something so that was a bit scary. Afterwards we dropped off a job application for eldest daughter then stopped at grocery store where youngest begged to be able to go in and make the 3 purchases by herself. Afterwards we stopped at a neighbors house to buy some chicken eggs. Once we were home we were glad that was it for the day. We wanted to be able to concentrate on school work and not be distracted. At 5:30-ish, we hit the highway again to pick up Dad. After supper I asked myself, where did the day go?

Today will be school work, gymnastics, and a homeschool meeting tonight that my girls will attend with me. Also, eldest daughter will go to a friends house, we will call her "P" to do "Streams of Civilization" (history) together. "P" will come to our house for at least an hour to work on science with eldest daughter.

I look at my weeks according to how many days I get to stay home. Will this be a stay at home two days week or dare I dream of a stay at home THREE day week? It is a really sad week when it is only a stay at home ONE day week. Boo hoo. :-(
Often I get to stay home on Tuesdays and Fridays. Once a month I drive to the dairy (30 min. drive each way & then make deliveries to 2 homes) on Friday so that doesn't always work. I love it when we have snow days and the schools are closed. (Why can't we have those in the fall, summer, & spring too?) That means we have the whole day to not be distracted or preoccupied. I can't go anywhere and I like that. Kind of a bummer for my children since there is no such thing as getting out of school for bad weather.

My oldest has a Writer's Club meeting every 2 weeks, a high school game night once a month, 2 classes a week with co-op, another once a month class with co-op, she will be starting guitar lessons soon, and she will be the leader of our High School Yearbook Club for our homeschool group that meets once a month. In addition to that she has all the other things that come up during the year. There is a play she may be in this year. There is a possible trip to Spain in May that will most likely have plenty of "fundraising activities" coming up. Did I mention she handed in a job application for a part time job (see above where I mention trip to Spain)?

My youngest doesn't have as many activities and I plan on keeping it that way as long as I can. After seeing all the things that go on as a high schooler I am content in keeping things simple for this one for now. She has gymnastics once a week, soon she will be starting the girls group (similar to Girl Scouts but with the church and more Missions minded) once a week, she has middle school game night once a month, and then any field trips or other activities that will come up. (I am hoping to put her in an art class sometime this year.)Trust me when I say, there will be plenty of those things coming up.

Seriously, homeschoolers get out of the house plenty and we wish it was a whole lot less. Most homeschoolers have their children in at least one kind of lesson or activity (music lessons, sports, or something else) and often have them in a co-op or class of some sort. When you add in the daily activities like grocery shopping, errands, and fun with friends there is plenty of reason to get out of the house.

I hope you can see that this truly is a myth and homeschoolers get out of the house plenty!

Watch This

Another great video! Let me know what you think.

Has It Really Been 6 Years?

I was listening to the radio early this morning when they mentioned this being the 6th anniversary of the day we were attacked. It is so hard to believe it has been 6 years but it has. I encourage you to watch the video/song below.

We really can't forget.



Be sure to go visit my friend, Kathy to see her post today.

Here is a link to a story regarding what will be happening to commemorate this day in New York.

Great photos here.

Here is an interesting article with some interesting pictures.

Below are the lyrics to the song above.

Have You Forgotten

I hear people sayin'. We Don't need this war.
I say there's some things worth fightin' for.
What about our freedom, and this piece of ground?
We didn't get to keep 'em by backin' down.
They say we don't realize the mess we're gettin' in
Before you start preachin' let me ask you this my friend.

Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten, when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin through a livin hell
And you say we shouldn't worry bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

You took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbin for you and me
It'll just breed anger is what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country just out lookin' for a fight
Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say right.

Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin' through a livin' hell
And we vow to get the ones behind Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
you can bet that they remember just what they're fightin' for

Have you forgotten
All the people killed
Yes some went down like heroes
In that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten
About our Pentagon
All the loved ones that we lost
And those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?!

Fly Your Flag-Sept 11th

I got this in an email but it would be such a great thing for all of us to do.

On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 , an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.


In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do...

(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11.

Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation.

What is ADF?

I received some mail that I just opened this morning. The title on the page said "ACLU Threatening Christians with Jail".

This got my attention and caused me to want to investigate this organization and look up their website. (The letters stand for Alliance Defense Fund but that didn't tell me much.)

I did and as an American and especially a Christian, I hope you will go check out this site also.

Some highlights of what I was sent include, "Sears warns that the ACLU's agenda, if successful, spells the death of the nation the Founding Fathers secured for us", "For 87 years, the American Civil Liberties Union and its allies have fought to silence Christians with coercive court orders & huge financial judgements. Now they're increasingly demanding JAIL for those that don't comply!", and "Arrested for Giving out Free Bibles".

Here are a couple of quotes from the ACLU that certainly got my attention.

In regards to a school that allowed a private individual to pray before a school event, "Their refusal to comply...should and must result in their removal from society".

In South Carolina, where it is a tradition of the city council to open with prayer the ACLU had a meeting. At this meeting the ACLU said "Prayers should not be allowed. Especially prayers to Jesus...If they continue to break the law, I want to say, the handcuffs are going to come." The article further states that the city council gave in to the ACLU's demands and got rid of their long-standing tradition.

I encourage you to go to this page. Just scroll down it to see what kind of topics we are dealing with.

One that caught my eye was about a parent that was told she could NOT read the Bible to her child. Apparently, the school was having a day where parents could come read a book to their child (kindergarten). This child wanted the parent to read from the Bible. Is that against the law in AMERICA??? You can read the whole story here.

Below is the purpose and history of the Alliance Defense Fund from their website.

Purpose
The Alliance Defense Fund is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

History
Responding to the urgent need for the legal defense and advocacy of religious freedom, the leaders of 35 ministries came together in 1994 to launch ADF.

Answers...

They have a new website over at Answers in Genesis for children . This looks really neat. I even saw a video that I know my youngest daughter will be excited to see. If you have never visited the original Answers in Genesis you should do it soon. To do that, click here. I am hoping to visit their Museum maybe on my next visit to my Dad's.

(What do you think Dad, can we go huh, can we, can we ?)

Back To School Ideas For Homeschoolers

I read about these ideas in a "Teaching Home" newsletter. I picked a few of my favorites to share with you. You can see the whole newsletter and many more by clicking here. This is from newsletter #190.

"Choose a theme and Bible verse for back-to-homeschool Orientation Week or for your school year (e.g., "Study To Show Yourself Approved unto God," II Timothy 2:15).

Gather your students for a prayer of dedication and a song chosen for your school or for this school year that reflects your theme or school motto.

Write out your family's rules and consistently require immediate, cheerful obedience.

A few principles can cover most rules (e.g., Honor the Lord, Respect and Obey Parents, Be Kind to Siblings).

Explain the principles behind your rules from God's Word so that your children understand that they are obeying God, as well as you.


Help each child set up a notebook or section of a notebook for each subject. In it he will keep his class syllabus (see below), assignments, notes, etc.

Type up, tape to computer, and discuss rules for safe use of the Internet, including the length of time your child can sit at the computer.

Filtered Internet service is a good start, but is only the first step in providing protection for your children.

See 10 guidelines for safe computer use. Safest — keep Internet use in an open area, often frequented by family members or be with your child when he is on the Internet.

Go over your schedule (or take time to write out your "time budget") and explain the times for classes, meals, chores, family devotions, and Lights Out (regular bedtimes).

Post copies of your schedule in several places where all can see.

Plan a dinner, a picnic, a special tea, a dessert reception, a pizza party, or anything festive that your family would enjoy together.

Take photos of each child and your whole family together, frame, and hang them.

Buy matching T-shirts, with or without your family's or school's name, motto, verse, or logo. These are great for field trips and to build team spirit!"

One of my favorite tips I heard about through my homeschool support group. Pack a lunch for your children. Send them out the back door (as Mom) with their lunch & a kiss on the cheek. Greet them as their teacher at the front door. ;-)

Comment to let me know if you try any of these and how they work out for you.

Is It Really Gun Control?

I just wanted to share this because I thought it was cool. This is a T-shirt. If you are interested in where I found it, click here.

I just recently discovered this web site and love it! ;-)

What Is Labor Day?

Have you ever wondered what Labor Day is all about? Here is your answer from Wikipedia.

Did you realize the holiday was so old? I sure didn't.

"Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the "working man". It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894. "