Mary on August 15th, 2009

Deschooling is the word that describes the transition from school to a life of educating ourselves. It is usually the parents who need a helping hand in trusting their own children. That is because we have all been told that children need to be forced to learn, that school is the only place it happens, [...]

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Mary on June 15th, 2009

He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland
This quote neatly sums up my view on education. We certainly can sit and be instructed, but watching others pursue life, especially those with a passion is a lesson that is embedded in our hearts. [...]

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Mary on December 15th, 2008

Many homeschool families are familiar with Cafi Cohen’s books on homeschooling. Not only is Cafi the author of several homeschool books, she was also a columnist for Home Education Magazine for a few years and many of her excellent articles can be accessed online.

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Mary on September 23rd, 2008

Education – compulsory schooling, compulsory learning – is a tyranny and a crime against the human mind and spirit. Let all those escape it who can, any way they can. -John Holt
When given the opportunity to break free from compulsory learning, older homeschooled children have the wonderful opportunity to follow their interests and passions. [...]

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Mary on March 30th, 2008

The secret of homeschooling is that it’s never too late to start, even for those of us who were thoroughly schooled in our youth. We become like the homeschooling father who decided to retire early rather than move to a different state, a decision that was good for his family but reduced his income. He [...]

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Mary on January 30th, 2008

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
I am always amazed and thankful when I see philanthropists making large donations to a worthy cause, but like Margaret Mead, I’ve witnessed thoughtful children and adults giving and changing [...]

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Mary on December 20th, 2007

Children come “equipped to learn.” Give them love, meet their needs and plenty of opportunities to explore their world and they thrive. As they become toddlers, their natural ability grows with them. Our oldest child went to nursery school for a year and a half. As a two year old he was [...]

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Mary on August 6th, 2007

Home education is a wonderful opportunity for children who may have a learning disability or those who learn differently. We all know the story of Thomas Alva Edison being labeled as “addled” in school and that his furious Mother removed him from that scenario and home-taught him. She didn’t think he was [...]

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Mary on June 20th, 2007

“Go light on the teacher aspect of home education. Don’t be the nightmare homeschooling parent, the one who insists on researching the country of origin of every piece of produce in the grocery store. Yes, it can make you – the parent – feel good to point out the educational aspects of everyday life. Your [...]

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Mary on March 20th, 2007

I am the mother of two homeschooling fathers. Between the two sons I have five young granddaughters, and watching them learn about the world is one of my favorite pastimes.
Recently, while the whole family was gathered for the holidays, we took all five girls on a trip to an aquarium. Their excitement was contagious [...]

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