Give Yourself A Break

I recently encountered a mom who reluctantly admitted that she had taken an unintentional break from her regular homeschool routine due to a loss in her family.  Fortunately, many moms chimed in with encouraging words and support, based on their own experience with similar situations.  This mom quickly learned that she was far from alone and left the conversation feeling relieved, reassured and ready to make a plan for starting new with school after the holidays.

Whether it's homeschooling, work, hobbies, etc... some of us (nodding head) just have trouble with letting go and taking the break that we may need. I think that women are especially prone to feelings of guilt when they take time off from the everyday tasks.  Why do we make ourselves feel bad about breaking with routine every once in a while?  Family members get sick, babies are born, unexpected tragedies occur. Life happens.

Wherein I Act Like I’m Qualified to Give Someone Advice

I’ve never been very comfortable giving anyone advice. I’ll give my honest opinion if asked for it, but trying to tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t do just doesn’t sit well with me.  I belong to a few different homeschool groups and enjoy reading various questions and responses that circulate.  Such groups are designed  for support and encouragement, after all. But I don’t chime in very often.

Today there was a message from a discouraged homeschooler that really spoke to me for some reason (maybe you saw it, too?). I found that I could relate to so much of her situation and decided to go ahead and let her (and the whole group!) know my thoughts and advice on the matter. And I decided that while I was at it, I’d post about it here because chances are there are others out there who can relate.

The basic gist of the situation is a first year of homeschooling that isn’t going too well.  After a year in public school Kindergarten, the mom and her child are having a hard time getting into their groove with homeschooling and she’s already considering throwing in the towel and putting him in public school next year. Here are the Pearls of Wisdom that I wrote in response to her:

First of all, it is okay to put your son in a traditional school if that’s what you have discerned as the best thing for your child and family. But it sounds like, from reading your email, that it’s something you have conflicted feelings about – and understandably! As parents, we are always capable of doubting our decisions, but if you’re doing what you firmly believe is best for your child, then you need to trust that. Easier said than done, I know.

I started homeschooling after my oldest son spent a year in First Grade at a public school. Like you, it’s what I truly felt called to do. BUT – it was not an easy transition to make. My son didn’t suddenly hop out of bed in the mornings ready to learn with mommy!  We all had to adjust to the new routine and the new role of mommy (and sometimes daddy) as their teacher.

What helped us was consistency.  Like you, I mostly used a boxed curriculum.  I think it makes things easier when starting out with homeschooling, but only as long as it also allows for some flexibility.  You’ll probably find that your son moves along quicker with some subjects more than others and you’ll also want the freedom to explore things that really interest him.

Since you still have quite a bit of school year left I think you might want to give homeschooling a try.  I think it will help to set the expectations for your son about what your school days will be like. You don’t have to stick to a strict schedule, but I’ve found that my boys do so much better when there’s a consistent rhythm to our days.  For instance, they know that when the baby goes down for his morning nap, it’s time to do our school work. They also know that there won’t be any t.v. or video games until their school work is done.  Again, it can be a hard transition to make, but it didn’t take our family long to find a routine that works for everyone.

My husband also has odd days off and we don’t have as many dates as we’d like! Instead, we often have a “date” after the kids are in bed when we eat some favorite snacks, watch a funny show or movie together or just laugh and talk together. We always take advantage of grandparents or other visiting guests and go out for a really nice dinner and leave the kids then.  We do enjoy being able to spend the day together as a family (on a Wednesday, for example) when other people are at work and school.

Until you can find more ways to get out in your area, you might try to find some encouragement online – such as through groups like this! There are a lot of homeschooling moms who are also bloggers and it can be so encouraging to read about what they’re doing in their homes.  If you live near a larger city, then maybe you can find activities to drive into town for even just once a month or every couple of weeks.

I hope some of this helps!

~ Dori

What would you tell someone who’s feeling discouraged with homeschooling? Did you make the transition from a public or private school to homeschooling?

Handmade Holiday Link Party!

I tend to get a little overambitious with Christmas gifts every year.  I always head into November full of ideas and plans for all the holiday gifts that I want to make for family and friends.

Then, suddenly, it's two weeks before Christmas and I have a stack of half-finished projects, or worse - many not even started.  I wish I could say that this year was different, but, it's not really.  I've learned to accept that this is just a part of who I am.  I also take comfort in knowing that it's very common among us creative types - always too many ideas and not enough time to follow through.

But - I love making gifts for people.  There's just something about a handmade item, isn't there? That baby blanket your friend knit, or the quilt your sister-in-law sewed - things that took an investment of time and thought for the recipient.  These are the gifts that we remember and cherish because they have meaning.  Let's face it - it can be the ugliest sweater you've ever seen, but if your favorite aunt made it for you, then you'll love it because of that. You'll only wear it in her presence and at absolutely no other time, but still - you'll treasure the thought that went into making it.

Now, thoughtful gifts can certainly be purchased, too, but I thought it would be fun to talk about the different holiday-related things that we're making this year.  You'll have a chance to link up at the end of the post! First, I thought I'd share some of the things that I'm making for gifts this year.

Are You Pinning?

I finally broke down and joined Pinterest.  Actually, I joined a few months ago but have avoided doing anything with it until now.  I didn't want to get involved with any more time suckers - I do not need any new ways to waste time online, thank you very much. But I couldn't resist any longer.  With increasing frequency I would see it pop up during my reading and exploring.  "Pinterest" this and "Pinterest" that. Screen shots of boards on people's blogs would lure me to the site. I've only been Pinning for about a day and a half, but I can say with certainty that Pinterest is awesome.

A Little About The Kindle

I debated writing about this. Because one, you might think that I'm just trying to make money (as an Amazon affiliate) and two, encouraging the purchase of something like the Kindle kind of goes against the "less is more" philosophy that I'm trying to apply to Christmas.  But, I decided to write about e-readers, specifically the Kindle, for a few reasons.  For one thing, in a recent conversation with some friends I discovered that they had no idea what a Kindle even was. How is that possible? Also, the Kindle is at the top of my seven year old's wish list. The TOP. Above Legos. Okay it's probably tied with Legos, but you get the point. And I'm not talking about the new Kindle Fire, the one that plays games and movies and music all in color - I'm talking about the one that you just use to read.  In black and white.

Counting Down to Christmas

We can talk about Christmas now.  It's after Thanksgiving and therefore okay to move into the Holiday Season.  As I've mentioned before, I'm one of THOSE people who can not stand to be bombarded with all things Holiday when my calendar still says October.  Call me crazy, but I really don't want to listen to Nutcracker music while I'm out buying Halloween costumes. And is it just me, or does it seem like every year the "Holiday Season" starts earlier and earlier?

Giving Thanks and Weekend Links

Many things that I've read or overheard lately have mentioned how the Thanksgiving holiday is becoming increasingly overlooked. Plenty of people are up in arms about the encroachment of Black Friday shopping hours which, for many stores, now begin almost immediately after the turkey is served. Much of the world does seem to look past Thanksgiving toward Christmas once the calendar page turns to November.

Because Sometimes Everyone Gets Sick

You know the kind of day I'm talking about. You wake up one morning, drag yourself out of your nice, warm bed and downstairs to start your day as usual.  Maybe enjoy a hot cup of coffee after throwing some breakfast at the children.

But then you look up from checking Facebook reading important education related articles to see the baby throwing up everywhere.  A short time later, the older child starts complaining of a tummy ache and it's not long before he is also getting sick on every surface between the couch and the bathroom. It is at this moment when you realize that today is going to be dramatically different than you had planned. And not in a good way.

The “08″ Homeschooling Option

There was a recent conversation in a group I belong to about a second, and lesser-known notification option for homeschoolers in Ohio.  Interest levels were raised quite bit in this discussion, so I thought I’d write about it here.

Now, before I go any further, let me state for the record that I am NOT an expert and probably have as much understanding of state laws regarding homeschooling as the rest of you.  Possibly even less.  Reading any kind of legal documentation just makes my eyes glaze over and my brain hurt. However, based on my own research and the experience of others, I wanted to at least pass along what I do know.

Most of you are probably familiar with the first option for complying with the state law in Ohio regarding homeschooling. You provide annual notification to the superintendent for your district documenting your intent to educate your children at home. This notification includes names and ages of kids, curriculum outline and copies of standardized test scores or portfolio review. That’s the very simplified version, but detailed information on this can be found here.

And if you’re a more visual person, like me, and want a summary of the education options for Ohio, then you might like this chart.

What is this “08 School” option that many homeschoolers don’t know much about?

From the HSLDA website, “Alternative ways to privately educate children: Ohio Administrative Code 3301-35-08 allows schools with truly held religious beliefs to be established without a charter from the State Board of Education. These schools, officially “non-chartered, non-tax-supported schools,” have come to be known as “08 schools.”

This is an option if you:

• Are comfortable citing religious beliefs as a reason to seek private education for your children.
• Have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University
• Are able to submit notification before September 30th of the new school year
• Do not wish to take advantage of any “auxiliary services”

What is the process for this type of notification?

Each school year you would submit a form to the treasurer (NOT the superintendent) of the board of education where you reside by September 30th.

What are the differences in these two options?

The main differences with the “08 school” are:

• Much LESS paperwork to submit. No curriculum outline or book list is needed and there are no requirements to submit standardized test scores or a portfolio review each year.
• You must submit your form by September 30th for the school year (so it’s too late for this school year). If you’re deciding to homeschool in the middle of a school year, then this option would have to wait until the next school year.
•  Each family operating as an 08 school should be aware that the Department of Education maintains a list of all non-chartered, non-tax supported schools which may be obtained by request from the Department. Families that desire to protect their privacy may wish to operate under the homeschool statute rather than as an 08 school.
• Each non-chartered, non-tax supported school has to comply with state and local health, fire, and safety laws.  The courts have concluded that the only health, fire, and safety laws that apply to single-family private schools are those which apply to single-family residences.
• As a non-chartered, non-tax supported school you ARE eligible for Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO); a program permitting high-school students to earn college credit or high school graduation credit through college coursework. More info on that can be found here.
• Ability to participate in school sports appears to be at the discretion of each school district, the exception being if you are enrolled part-time in the high school – then you are automatically eligible.  It is my understanding (someone correct me, if I’m wrong!) that the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) controls participation.

Are you more or less confused now?

Me too.

Basically, the “08 School” option is not available again until the 2012/2013 school year, so if you still need to submit notification for the current school year, then you’ll need to go with option one.  This is the option that I’ve used for the last two years, but until recently, I was unfamiliar with the second option. The families I’ve come across who are registered as an “08 School” have had a positive experience with it, so it’s certainly something to consider.

Do you have experience registering as an 08 school that you can share? Are there other questions you have about this option? Did reading this article only leave you more confused and wishing you’d made better use of your time?

Please share in the comments! (Maybe not on that last one, though).

~ Dori

This, That and Things To Do

It's starting to look like winter here in Cleveland today. My boys were so excited to see snow! They just wish there was more of it to play in.  Soon enough, boys, soon enough...

Just thought I'd take some time to highlight a few things happening in the homeschooling community. Please chime in with a comment if there's anything you'd like to let people know about or contact me anytime.

Check out the Homeschool Freebies website today for a great deal! Over $300 worth of items for only $11 - only today, so check it out.

Lego KidsFest 2011

I woke up yesterday feeling like I'd been run over by a truck in my sleep. I'm pretty sure this had at least something to do with spending most of the previous day at the Lego KidsFest. Did you go? If you were there, I was the harried-looking mom surrounded by her many boys.

Oh, wait. That describes pretty much everyone there.

At first, I wasn't going to write about an event that's over (hey, everyone - I went to this really great event in Cleveland over the weekend! Let me tell you all about it even though you can't go anymore!).  But then I decided that I wanted to write about it anyway. Maybe you didn't go and would like to know what it was all about? Maybe it will be in Cleveland or a nearby city next year and instead of trying to rack my mommy brain for the details to share with you I can simply refer to this post?

As I've mentioned before, I have four boys, so our house is approximately 80% covered in Legos at any given moment. After their schoolwork is done or we've come home from being gone for the day, my boys always immediately retreat to their Lego areas to play. So when a friend of mine told me about the Lego Fest coming to Cleveland, my husband and I decided that we HAD to take our boys. We bought tickets but didn't tell them where we were going - we really wanted to surprise them. And it was worth it to see the looks on their little faces when they saw the huge Lego Kidsfest sign as we neared the I-X Center.

Inside was Lego pandemonium!

Sometimes You Need a Schedule of Sorts

Last year our homeschooling was sporadic at best. We added a new member to our family, so school was put on the back burner for awhile as we took the time to really welcome and enjoy our newborn.

But now he's one and so there's really no excuse, is there?

Except that I forgot how much time you can spend each day just trying to keep a one year old out of trouble!

Once the baby was finally taking somewhat regular naps, I decided we needed to buckle down and resume some kind of consistent school routine.  After a few days of throwing books at each kid throughout the day and trying desperately to divide my attention between the four children I gave up. For awhile. (You can read this post about our "typical" day trying to fit in school with a newborn if you want a good laugh).

Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is...



 

Theresa commented, "Dori, what a neat idea! It’s great when we can support the efforts of those around us. Thanks for taking the time to do the blog and for the opportunity to win the card."

Thank YOU Theresa!

I was honestly overwhelmed with all your wonderful comments - thank you to everyone who took the time to comment,  "like" the Facebook page and subscribe to the site. I can't tell you how happy I am that you are all out there reading and finding support and encouragement here at Cleveland Homeschooler.

And don't worry - this will definitely not be the last giveaway!

~ Dori

Giveaway Day!

This giveaway is now closed - thanks again to everyone who entered!

It's the moment you've all been waiting for...



Today I'm giving one lucky reader an Amazon Gift Card! I think it's safe to say that most homeschoolers have a bit of a book addiction.

No? Just me?

Anyway.  I've added my own Amazon store to the site, hoping some of you may find it a convenient way to feed your addiction shop for books and educational games.  Amazon is the site I go to first when searching for a book, game or toy. They almost always have the best price, it's pretty easy to qualify for free shipping (usually $25) and most books and other things have reviews. Yes, I like to know what people think about any little thing before I buy it. It's a sickness. It's also been my experience that items ordered on Amazon arrive quickly, in case you have a tendency to put things off until the last minute.

I, of course, have no idea what that feels like, since I am super organized and purchase gifts and things well in advance of when I'll need them.

But...why would I shop in your Amazon store, instead of just going to the Amazon website?

The items in my store currently fall into the categories of Homeschooling Books, Children's Books, Educational Games and Toys and Kindle. I thought that these would be the things that people who visit this site would be the most interested in. Think of it as a condensed, Homeschooling specific version of the mega Amazon site. BUT - you are actually making your purchase through Amazon.  After you add items to your cart and are ready to check out you'll complete your transaction through Amazon, the way you normally would. The difference is that Cleveland Homeschooler will receive a small (emphasis on SMALL) percentage of the total amount of your purchase. So if you enjoy this site, it's one way you can help support it. More importantly, I hope it will be a convenient way for you to find books, games, etc... that your  family will enjoy.

Sure, sure. But what about that giveaway you mentioned?!

I'd like to thank you, my readers, by giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!  And all you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment on this post. It's quick, painless and free!

Here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment.  Just click on "leave comment" at the bottom of this post.  And remember that it may take a little while for your comment to show up.


2. For an additional entry you can subscribe to the site either by Email, RSS Feed or "liking" the Facebook Page.  Just click on which one you prefer in the top right corner of this page.


3. If you already subscribe to the site or "like" the Facebook page then you are already entered to win - thank you! But leave a comment and you get a second entry.

You have until midnight on Sunday to enter. I'll choose a winner at random (using random.org) and notify them by email. Then, with their permission, I'll announce the winner here on Monday.

That's it. You're a comment away from maybe having $25 to spend on Amazon.

Good luck and enjoy your weekend!

~ Dori

 

 

 

 

More On Driving Yourself Crazy…

Um. We don’t really need to hear more about driving ourselves crazy, we already spend all day with our kids?!

Last week I wrote about one (of several!) ways you can drive yourself crazy as a homeschooler – by comparing yourself to other homeschooling families. Whether you homeschool or not, it’s probably a trap you’ve also fallen into. But what do you do about it? Obviously, the answer to that will be different for everyone, but I thought I’d share what sometimes works for me.

Focus on Yourself.  Whenever a conversation or something I’ve read has tempted me to compare myself to others, I’ve found that taking time to really focus on my own family helps. Instead of seeing everything that other families have and do I try and take inventory of everything my own family has accomplished.  I continuously struggle with a “grass is greener” attitude and find that I need to periodically take the time to focus on the many gifts that surround me in order to combat this.

Do More. Comparing myself to other homeschoolers sometimes leaves me with a feeling that I need to be doing more. In reality, this may or may not be true. But I try and take the opportunity to really look at where we are in our own homeschooling journey. It helps me to look back at what we have accomplished – it’s always more than I realize! It also helps me to look forward toward the goals we have for our homeschooling.  After spending some time (a few days? weeks?) really focusing on our work without too many outside distractions,  I always feel rejuvenated. I’m far less tempted to compare myself to other homeschoolers when I’m confident that our own schooling is on the right track.

These are a couple of ways that I’ve been moderately successful in dealing with comparing myself to others. I say “moderately successful” because it’s not something that I think can be completely avoided.  I’ve also come to realize that it’s not necessarily a bad thing to look at how you compare to others. It forces me to take stock of our own homeschooling and see what things we’re doing well and what things we can improve. I think the key is to try and learn what we can from other homeschooling families, rather than letting feelings of doubt and insecurity drive us crazy.

After all, we already spend all day with our kids. There are plenty of OTHER things to drive us crazy.

What are some ways that you deal with comparing yourself to other homeschoolers? Or are you just a far more confident person than I am?

Thursday is Giveaway Day! So be sure to check back or subscribe so that you don’t miss out.

I hope your week is off to a great start!

~ Dori

Dr. Ray Guarendi - FREE Event!

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but then a friend of mine called me last night with a wonderful opportunity for families in the Cleveland area.  So that's what I'm sharing with you today!

So...who is this guy anyway?

Dr. Guarendi is the father of ten (TEN!) adopted kids, a clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and national radio host. And he's here in Cleveland!

How to Drive Yourself Crazy as a Homeschooler

It happens innocently enough. I'm talking with other homeschoolers or perhaps reading about another homeschooling family. At first I may smile and nod in agreement with whatever is being discussed.  Later the doubt and insecurity sets in.

That mom spends all day, every day doing school work with her children and still cooks dinner from scratch every night while maintaining an immaculate home?!


That family spent their entire summer on an educational road trip across the United States?!

Her kid is two grade levels ahead for his age and learning Latin this year. Latin?!

If you want to drive yourself crazy as a homeschooler, then you should take every opportunity to compare yourself to other homeschooling families.

Weekend Links

If you haven't checked it out recently, I've updated the calendar with some new events happening in October.  I'll be adding things to November soon, too! Just as soon as  I come to terms with it being almost November.

Be sure to skim through the list of classes, too, since there are some new sessions starting next week. If there's a class that interests you, but it's already started it's still worth looking into. Most classes welcome newcomers anytime.

 

Here are some links to interesting things on the web:

My Lovely Laminator by The Pioneer Woman - I think I need a laminator.  I'm still considering getting the $25 one that was mentioned in the comments to her post. Anyone have one? Do you find it indispensable to your homeschooling?

75 Recipes That Taste Like Fall from Eat At Home - Some good ideas beyond the basic pumpkin bread and crockpot chili. Mmmmm.....pumpkin bread....

31 Days of Lovely Limitations Day 3: Found Drawers by The Nester - This series goes along with her philosophy that "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" and how a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to decorating your home without breaking the bank.

Games of the Portable Variety by Amy at Angry Chicken - Some good ideas for games to take on the go.

 

Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

~ Dori

Discounts for Homeschoolers

Did you know that as a homeschooler you can get the educator discount that many stores offer to teachers?

Oh, you did?

Then nevermind.

Many moms keep a copy of their letter from the school district in their purse at all times. If you're the type of person who is organized then you probably already do this. Since my bag is a bottomless pit of things like diapers, receipts and legos, I'm pretty sure another paper would easily just get swallowed up never to be seen again. BUT that shouldn't stop you from implementing such a good idea.

Weekend Activities - Beautiful Fall Weather Edition

It's going to be a beautiful weekend - so here's to getting out and enjoying it while it lasts! Once again, here's a list of things happening in the Cleveland area.

Half Price Books Educator Appreciation Weekend - October 6th-1oth
Discount of 20% this weekend! You'll hear me sing the praises of Half Price Books many, many, times - I love this store. Bring a copy of your letter from the school district you submitted your annual notification to and the store will issue you a discount card that's good for one year. This card gets you a 10% discount anytime as well as the 20% discount that's offered periodically (such as this weekend). Visit their website for more information and to find a store.

Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Odyssey - Saturday, October 8th
Noon - 4:00pm Kids can pick up a "passport" and travel recreation discoveries at this free, annual event at the Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. Young visitors can experience the great outdoors with a variety of fun activities, including fishing, golf putting and chipping, outdoor skills demonstrations, nature crafts and more. For more information call 216-206-1000.

Goblins in the Garden at The Holden Arboretum - October 8th and 9th
11:00-4:30 at the Corning Visitor Center. Celebrate Halloween at The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH. Bring your costumed children and trick-or-treat during the daylight hours in our decorated garden setting. Other activities include: wagon rides, leaf trail, cornstalk maze, straw pyramid climb, face and hand painting, live entertainment, and free apples and cider! Dogs on leashes and in costume are welcome as well. Rain or shine event. For more information visit their website.

Autumn Hayrides Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation - Saturday 1-5
In the Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot - take a 30 minute tractor-pulled ride through the forest for $3. For more information call 440-473-3370.

Three Acre Corn Maze - Lake Metroparks Farmpark Kirtland, OH
11-4 daily - have fun navigating the twists and turns of the corn maze. $6 adults and $4 kids ages 2-11pm.

Simply A Maizing
Located in Andover, OH features corn mazes, petting zoo, hay ride and pumpkin patch. Open on the weekends you can find more information at their website.

Hayride and Corn Maze at Pickering Hill Farms Avon, OH
The family-owned farm is celebrating the arrival of fall on their 2-acre pumpkin patch and 1-acre corn maze all month! From noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, you can catch a free hayride out to the patch. The whole festival is free, except a $1 charge per person for the corn maze.

Farm Days at Crocker Park Market Westlake, OH - Saturday, October 8th 9-3
At 11 a.m., the special programs start with wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, pony rides, chalk art, face-painting, antique tractors and live music.

39th Annual Woolybear Festival - Sunday, October 9th Vermillion, OH
Head down to Vermillion for one of the biggest parades in the state - 15 marching bands, floats, animals, clowns, vintage cars and local radio and TV personalities, the parade is expected to be two hours long, starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on Liberty Avenue.

Cleveland Lakefront State Park Fall Festival - October 15th-16th
1 PM at Euclid Beach • Kids' activities, hayrides, games & crafts • For more information call 216-881-8141 ext 3001 or visit the website.

Have a Great Weekend!

~ Dori

 

Review of Write Shop

Today's post is about the Write Shop writing curriculum.  I first heard about this program from Colleen Crowley and she sounded so excited about it that I asked her to share her experience here on Cleveland Homeschooler.  Colleen has been a homeschooling mom for eight years and is the founder of the TripleCHomeschoolers group, which you can find out more about on the groups page. 

 

 

Writing paragraphs or papers was agony for me in school and I was concerned about how I was going to help my children become good writers when I had no idea what I was doing. We use Abeka for most subjects and love it, but I didn't feel their way of teaching how to write papers and such were very user friendly at all.  In fact I couldn't find any program that seemed parent friendly until "Write Shop." This program breaks it down, step by step, has checklists for both the child and the parent, so both know what is expected. There is an abundance of word lists in the back, directions in great detail per step, pages of advice and explanations, just so much help. There is so much help and information it was a bit overwhelming at first to figure it all out!

It has 3 tracts to pick from, you can complete it in a year, two years, or 3 years, it's up to you.   And normally the child only spends about 15 minutes a day on the lesson, so they don't feel overwhelmed.

For the first time since I started homeschooling 8 years ago, I feel with this program that I'll be able to help my children learn to write efficiently, clearly, creatively and effectively. I think it's the most parent and child friendly writing program out there.

I wish I had been taught this way! I can't rave enough about this program and I can see how far it will be taking us once we've completed the program. My son's papers have been written beautifully. I was amazed at the talent my son seems to have found due to this program.  We're doing the 3 year tract and we've completed the first year.  We started in 8th grade, and by the time he finishes the program, he'll be writing college level papers.  My younger son has seen how much the older one has enjoyed the program and is looking forward to starting with the program when he reaches 8th grade.

They do offer an elementary program, but I haven't used it so can't comment, except that I'm sure it's wonderful as well.

Colleen was even kind enough to share a sample of her son's writing - the assignment was to describe a season:

Time to Fall

    As I swing open my front door, fall overcomes me and my senses.  Sweet and fragrant, the aroma of autumn hung in the air.  Red, brown, orange, yellow, and gray leaves all gently fell to the ground, slightly crunching as people stepped upon them.  Children jumped into the leaf piles that the adults had raked, frustrating the adults.  Birds chirped as they rested on the barren branches to prepare for the flight south as winter was well on its way.  The evergreens forced themselves to be seen through the rainbow colored trees, just as much as a tired and weary child does to those around him.  The sweet cool air brushed up against my face revealing the sight of my warm breath as I exhaled, reminding me of the season coming ahead; the joy of it all!

 

Thank you Colleen! For more information click here to go to the Write Shop website. Has anyone else used this program? Is there another program that's worked well for you?

~ Dori

End-of-September-I-Can't-Believe-It's-October Upcoming Events

I have some bad news. That giveaway I mentioned last week? It's not happening. Yet! As it turns out, that giveaway wasn't so great. It was something that I was contacted about and after some preliminary research I thought it would be a good opportunity. BUT, after numerous attempts at using the product myself and only ending up frustrated, I decided I don't have the heart to pass it on to you.  So,  I am working on a replacement giveaway for next week - something that maybe you'll actually want.  Please forgive me.  And be sure to check back next week.

I'll be heading out of town for a few days but wanted to highlight a few things happening soon that may interest you.  If you know of something that fellow homeschoolers and their families may be interested in, then please share with us.

Have a great weekend!

~ Dori

 



 

Family Friday Night: Folktales Campfire at North Chagrin Reservation Nature Center - Friday, 7:30-9:00pm. Roast marshmallows around a fire and listen to stories about owls, bats and more - free!

Spanish Classes in Cleveland Heights and University Heights start this Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st.  Classes are for grades 2-8 and spaces are still available. For more information you can check out the Yahoo Group page here.

Hayes Civil War Reenactment - Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, OH. For full information, including ticket prices and schedule of events for each day click here.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Homeschool Focus Group - Monday, October 3rd 4-5:30pm.  The group will be helping us to determine the effectiveness of a web tool the Zoo is creating to be available to educators called a “Virtual Learning Environment”.  For more information or to attend please contact Chad Fifer, Education Specialist 216-661-6500 ext.4457

Make Your Own Mad Science - Tuesday, October 4th 4:00pm at Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library - Free! How would you like to build your own catapult, or shoot off a rocket using ordinary kitchen ingredients? Kids in grade 3 to 6 can join us three weeks in a row for a scientific blast of fun! You can check out the website here.

Science of Agriculture Workshop - Grades K-5 October 4th and grades 6-12 on October 5th.  Information and registration can be found here.

Newport Aquarium Fall Homeschool Days - October 12th and 14th tickets only $11 each. More information can be found here.

 

Five Reasons Why Homeschooling is Crazy

Is homeschooling a crazy idea?  Yes.  And no.

Five Reasons Why Homeschooling is Crazy

1. Your kids are with you all the time.
2. Your kids are with you all. The. Time. It bears repeating.
3. You are completely responsible for the education of your children.
4. Your kids won’t spend a lot of time around other children the same age.
5. Your children may not learn what they are “supposed” to for their grade level.

I don't know what this picture has to do with this post, I just thought it was funny.

Five Reasons Why Homeschooling Makes Sense

1. Your kids are with you all the time.  You get to experience the good, the bad and everything in between together as a family. 
2. Your kids are with you all. The. Time. It bears repeating.  You have the opportunity to protect tender hearts and teach by example.
3. You are completely responsible for the education of your children. You get to decide what they learn, when they learn and how they learn it. You can include or exclude the things that don’t mesh with their individual learning styles or your family’s values.
4. Your kids won’t spend a lot of time around other children the same age. They’ll make friends with kids who are older and kids who are younger. They’ll learn to treat people of all ages and races with respect – from babies to the elderly.  They’ll be better prepared for the “real world” when they find themselves working alongside people of all different ages and ethnic groups.
5. Your children may not learn what they are “supposed” to for their grade level. They will have the ability to work ahead or take more time with what they are learning and the freedom to explore their unique interests.

Homeschooling is not for every family. It is one of many choices for educating your children. But for MY family, it has truly been a blessing.

~ Dori

Why do you feel that homeschooling is crazy?  Why do you feel that it makes sense?

Upcoming Events and Some Cookies from Heaven

Happy Fall! Here are some things happening soon that may interest you:

Museum Day - Tomorrow! FREE admission to participating  museums in the area. For more information click here.

School Pictures for Homeschoolers - Hobbyist Photographer Jodie M. Amiot is offering a special for homeschooling families in the area to have pictures taken at a great rate. You can get more information on her Facebook page here.

Mentor Library Lego Club -  Tomorrow! Check out the calendar for more information.

Homeschool Martial Arts- Classes starting this week!  If you are at all interested, please contact Mr. Hannah for a free class visit.  He integrates character training and overall fitness into the program, as well as peer teaching and leadership opportunities. More information can be found on the classes page.

Next week I'll have details about exciting things happening in October and a giveaway!

First I need to wrap my brain around the idea that it is, in fact, almost OCTOBER.

Also - I don't know about you, but cold, rainy days sometimes make me feel like baking. Or, more specifically, like eating baked goods.  And so I share this recipe with you. These are quite possibly the best cookies ever in the history of everything. I'm currently regretting my decision to NOT buy any chocolate chips this week at the grocery store.

Brown Butter Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter coconut what?!

Small Pieces of Heaven would also be an appropriate title.

My husband came home from work one day and told me about these cookies.  Someone he works with had baked them and brought them in to share.  He ate about 42 of them.  I'm guessing.

A Little About Me and A Little About You

Warning: this post is a little on the long side. BUT - there's a surprise at the end!

A Little About Me

I thought that I'd take a little time to introduce myself and explain more about why I started this website.  I suppose you could say that it was born out of a few things; passion, frustration, vision.  I have a passion for being a homeschooling mom.  I have felt much frustration in the inability to find information and articles related to homeschooling, specifically in the Cleveland area, all in one spot.  And I have a vision for what I hope that this website will be for the homeschooling community.

I am a homeschooling mom to four boys and I've written previously about when I came to the decision to homeschool, why I came to that decision and a little about how homeschooling in our family looks.  And, in case you need a good laugh, I even shared the details of one of our homeschooling days with a newborn.  It's a topic that I've become passionate about and look forward to sharing with you.

Gym Class for Homeschoolers!

I'm on my way back from a late summer vacation in Florida, but wanted to pop in to tell you about a new gym class that starts this Friday, September 9th.  The class will be held at the Hillcrest YMCA in Lyndhurst and will run for five and six weeks at a time. Each class will include free play time and a structured class in a different sport.  Class will be weekly on Fridays from 9:30am - 11:00am and the cost is $20 a session for YMCA members and $40 a session for non-members. If you're not a member you will also pay a yearly $25 program member fee which gives you the ability to sign up for any classes without becoming a member.



This is such a great opportunity for kids to get out and be active while learning about many different sports. The first session will start with baseball, then football, basketball, backyard sports, tennis, soccer and sports combo (possibly to include swimming since that session will be in the spring).

If you have any questions or need to register contact the Hillcrest YMCA 5000 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst, OH 44124 (216) 382-4300.

There's only a few days left to register for the first session and it's a really great deal. My boys are VERY excited and we hope to see you there!

~ Dori

Welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by - we're glad you're here! It is our hope that this website can serve as a place for anyone to come at anytime to find information, support and encouragement.  Also a good laugh or two.  Please take some time to have a look around. At the top of the page you'll see tabs for the different pages of this site.  Our goal is to compile as much information in one spot so that you have one place you can visit to see what's going on in the homeschooling community.

Whether you live in the Cleveland area or not, whether you currently home school or merely have an interest in the subject, we hope you'll enjoy being here.

You can also subscribe to the site so that you know whenever there's a new post.  And please use the secure contact form if you have any questions or if there's anything you'd like to see added.  Otherwise, please feel free to leave comments. All we ask is that you show others the same courtesy that you would want in return.

Thanks again for stopping by and we hope to hear from you soon!

~ Dori

Homeschooling Part Three: How I Lost My Mind

One of the main curiosities people seem to have about homeschooling families is in the "how" of it.  What, exactly do we do all day?  How do we stay sane when we spend so much time together?

Certainly every family who home schools will have different answers to these questions.  With a new baby in our family, our schooling this last year has been somewhat sporadic.  But that's okay.  Because we've all been able to thoroughly enjoy welcoming this new life into our family and I believe that's been more important than things like multiplication tables.  I see how much the boys genuinely love their new baby brother and am proud of the lessons they are learning in patience and compassion.  Life lessons.  The kind of lessons that will serve them well later in life.



There is no right or wrong way to home school - only what is best for the individual learners that make up the homeschooling family.

A Day In Our Life

Many people have expressed curiosity about what my “typical” day looks like.  They say things like “I don’t know HOW you get it all done!”  First of all, I don’t get it all done.  Not even close.  Second of all,  I have a rather serious chocolate addiction that helps get me through the day. But if you really want the gory details,  then read on.

6:30am – wake up to sounds of baby babbling through monitor next to my head. Alternately listen to him and attempt to continue sleeping for next 45 minutes.

7:15am – realize that happy babbling has turned to strong whining.  Stumble quickly downstairs to kitchen to get coffee brewing before baby gets serious with cries of hunger.

7:20am – get baby up and nurse him while other children slowly emerge from the depths of sleep and begin immediately demanding breakfast.   Reassure children that they can wait another 15 minutes for breakfast and will not die.

7:45am – put baby in bouncy seat and get other kids breakfast.  Continue with emailing/blog reading/facebooking/bill paying, stopping periodically to smile and talk to baby who rewards me with sounds of happiness.

8:15am – get more coffee and get kids second round of breakfast. Put in load of laundry. Talk and smile more at baby.  Bask in what an attentive mother I am.

8:30am – yell at ask children politely to get dressed because school WILL be starting in half an hour!  Get dressed, pick up some random things that are annoying me, clean up breakfast mess in kitchen.

9:00am – put baby down for a nap and pray that he falls asleep on his own. Switch laundry, pick up more random things around house that are annoying me.  Tell first grader to get ready for his school work.

9:15am – get baby up after it becomes clear that he isn’t going to put himself to sleep.  Hold and rock him while looking at lesson plans and calendar for the day.

9:30am – tell first grader that now it really IS time for school.  Get third grader started on independent work and sit down to work one-on-one with first grader.  Preschooler plays nearby or sits and does his own “schoolwork”, “reading”,  etc…

10:30am – nurse baby while first grader reads aloud to me.  Next have third grader sit next to me and work on English.  Put baby on gym mat to kick and play happily.  Play math games.

11:30/12:00 – give third grader reading assignment and make lunch.  Have third grader answer reading questions.  Put baby down for another nap.  Sit on couch and eat my own lunch/check email/attempt some quiet time.

12:30pm – thank God that baby is sleeping, switch laundry around, fold clothes, pick up more random things around the house that are annoying me and clean up lunch mess in kitchen.  Finish up schoolwork with children.

2:00pm – grocery shopping/scout meeting/play date/art class/gym class/errand running/library/doctor appointment excursion. Otherwise, time for everyone to do their own thing.

2:30pm – return phone call from friend who left me a voice mail many days ago. She happens to be out and about and would love to stop by.

2:31pm – panic.  Then begin frantically scooping up piles of things strewn about and shoving them into nearby closet while simultaneously yelling at children to please pick up their toys!

2:45pm – have lovely visit with friend and her little boy despite embarrassment at state of my house.

3:30pm – put baby down for nap. Feel guilty about lack of time spent with four year old and attempt to  make it up to him.

4:00pm – more laundry/random housework. Begin thinking about dinner as children declare that they are “STARving.”

4:15pm – get interrupted by friend calling to discuss Cub Scouts.  Make mental note to check email to see what the heck she’s talking about.  Enjoy laughing with her anyway.

4:30pm – get baby up from nap, feed him and begin more seriously considering dinner options.

5:00pm – yell at politely ask children to unload dishwasher and feed dog. Big brothers then play with baby while I attempt dinner preparations.

6:00pm – dinner.  Baby begins demanding attention simply to keep me from ever having a hot meal.

6:30pm – dinner cleanup, reload dishwasher with dishes that have been piling up in sink all day.  More laundry. More random housework.

7:30pm – nurse baby and put him to bed for the night. Pray he goes to sleep.Yell at politely ask children to start getting ready for bed.  Try to remember the last time each of them was cleaned and either tell one of them to get in the shower or get a bath ready for the younger ones.

7:50pm – finish helping kids with jammies/teeth brushing/potty-going. Read story. Or put them to bed without a story because I’m tired and ready to be done for the day.  Feel immense guilt.

8:30pm – husband gets home. Curse his timing.  Spend time relaxing together on couch.  Tell him about my day.  News Hour is on in the background but I’m pretty sure he’s listening to every word of what I’m saying.  Realize he isn’t and go take a shower.

9:00pm – remember that oldest child is still up reading and go give him his tuck.  Collapse on couch and watch tv/do computer stuff/talk with husband.

10:30pm – retreat to bedroom, grabbing baby on the way. Nurse baby while reading, then put him back to bed.

11:00pm – head hits pillow.

For the record, I think I maintained this “schedule” for approximately three days before giving up relaxing about getting schoolwork done while having a newborn. Have you had days that looked like this one?  Please tell me I’m not alone.

~ Dori