Table of Contents HEM November-December 1997

Articles

Science Fairs: A Multifaceted Learning Experience - by Ellen L Bryant
An unschooler explores the world of science fairs, whether produced by homeschooling support groups, or when homeschooled children enter local public school science fairs. Includes a good list of science resources.

Natural Nature Learning - by Deborah Taylor Hough
Exploring the world of nature beyond one's own backyard.

Playtime: A Time for Children and Parents to Share and to Grow - by Amber P Keefer
"Playing helps children understand how the world works:" Exploring the benefits of playing with your children; how children learn by example and imitation.

The Ongoing Debate in Reading Instruction: Finding a Balance - by Mark Thogmartin
The writer, author of the book "Teach a Child to Read with Children's Books," discusses the ongoing debate over approaches to reading: which is better, the whole language approach, the phonics-based approach, or something different?

My Kids Won't Let Me Teach - by Ann Leadbetter
The author explains her relaxed approach to homeschooling, lead primarily by her children's preference for directing their own learning.

Playing the Game of Kings and Scholars - by Brenda Hardesty
The writer discusses her homeschool Chess club, and the educational benefits of the game of Chess.

The Value of Virtual Expeditions - by Judy Aron
Virtual expeditions via the Internet: How to help your children find the answers to their questions via the World Wide Web.

Columns

Homeschooling Online - by Helen Hegener
Helen reviews online resources for your homeschool.

Talk About Learning - by Earl Gary Stevens
Time for a New Journey
Earl Gary Stevens' final Talk About Learning column.

News Watch - by Linda Dobson
Spiders, Sports, Public Policy
Linda's examination of the news headlines for Nov/Dec, 1997: Homeschoolers grow and deliver the White House Christmas Tree, A 10-year-old homeschooler presents a research paper on spiders and was invited to present her findings at the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; news reports about the homeschooled family rock band Hanson.

Good Stuff - by Becky Rupp
Becky Rupp explores Magic Numbers, In the Land Egypt, Maptitude, Rolling and Learning With Tri-Suare Dice, Writing From Life: Collecting and Connecting, and Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff

So Many Books - by Joan Torkildson
Reviews of the children's books: Family Learning, The Wind at Work, Intermediate Language Lessons, Poppleton, Poppleton and Friends

Older Kids - by Cafi Cohen
Developing A Writer's Toolkit
Cafi Cohen discusses writing: what makes a professional writer, how you can encourage your children to write, resources for writing and spelling

Taking Charge - by Larry & Susan Kaseman
Hanging On To What Makes Homeschooling Distinctive
Larry and Susan Kaseman examine the strengths of homeschooling and the fundamental differences between homeschooling and conventional schooling. They write: "We need to be aware of these differences and act in ways that will maintain these differences and prevent homeschooling from becoming a small, insignificant part of conventional schooling."