August 2000

In the August issue:

~ Summer Vacation ~
~ Dadzilla ~
~ Request for Questions + Answers ~
~ Unschooling.com ~
~ NHEN ~
~ Poetry ~
~ HEM Preview ~
~ The Final Word ~

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One had to cram all this stuff into one's mind for the examinations, whether one liked it or not. This coercion had such a deterring effect on me that, after I had passed the final examination, I found the consideration of any scientific problems distasteful to me for an entire year.
~~ Albert Einstein ~~

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SUMMER VACATION

"Do you homeschool through the summer or do your kids get the summer off?" How many times have you heard that question? I find a yes or no answer just doesn't suffice. Think about what you've done this summer. Have you watched a butterfly lay eggs, collected fossils along the river, visited the new D-Day Museum in New Orleans, planted a garden, returned a fallen baby bird to its nest or completed a scout badge at summer camp? These are a few--just a few--of the activities members of my family have enjoyed this summer.

I think this is one of those times the term "homeschooling" can't describe what happens in our lives. My kids aren't concerned with taking time off from learning because it isn't an onerous task. The word "homeschooling" sounds like something we might take a break from, yet we can't really take a break from those things that actually comprise our homeschooled lives. Nor would we want to!

Once you've made this paradigm shift, it becomes difficult to relate to questions such as "Do you take the summer off?" I suggest using your best Mona Lisa smile and telling those who sincerely want to know the answer, "We haven't decided yet. I'll let you know in September."
~ CN ~

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DADZILLA

"Daddy, how come you never write stories about me?"

"I don't know Emma. Maybe it's because you're only four and haven't really started homeschooling yet."

"But Daddy, I can spell my name, count past 10 and I'm almost five. Can't you write a story about me like you do for the boys?"

"O.K."

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"Lookout, everyone! It's Dadzilla!"

Squeals of delight pealed from under the covers. Amid a flailing tangle of arms and legs, beneath a twisted pile of giggling, wriggling little bodies, I lay paralyzed with laughter like some hapless giant being tickled in the ribs. Nine years of fatherhood underneath my belt and I hadn't heard this one before. I shouted "Uncle" and threw the three pint-sized sumo wrestlers into a snickering heap at the foot of our big bed.

"Dadzilla, Emma?" I said, still wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. "Where in the world did you read that?"

"Oh, Daddy, I can't read. I made it up!"

"You made it up?"

"Uh huh."

"I see."

She made it up. That's all there was to it. But how did I miss something this obvious, something this momentous? Where was I looking all this time? Surely some Einsteinian, time-warp kind of thing was at play here, some sort of cosmic wormhole effect that mysteriously collapsed five years of life into one, or maybe none at all. I couldn't be certain. But all at once it seems, in the twinkling of an eye, my baby had become a garrulous, self-assured five-year-old. And so I regarded this bold little person before me, this spirited little girl who brimmed with life, laughter and wit. Emma, it would appear, was growing up."
~~ Jeff Kelety in the July/August issue of HEM ~~

Editor's note: I think it's high time we all read about Emma. You can read the rest of Dadzilla's article in the July/August issue of Home Education Magazine or at our website at the following address: http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/174.00/ja_dads.html.

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SEND YOUR QUESTIONS NOW!

We need your questions and answers! In the July/August issue of HEM, Laura Weldon and I each launched a new question and answer column. Laura will offer questions about homeschooling and compile the best reader answers for you. In my column, I will give more in-depth answers to your most baffling homeschool questions.

Laura is currently looking for your input on the following questions:

"As an unschooler, how can I prove through the state mandated portfolio review that my eight year old son has advanced to the next grade level?" Linda Z.

"My ten year old daughter loves homeschooling, but my 13 year old wants to go back to school. I honestly think she just would like to meet boys. She can't even tell me what attracts her to school since she hated it so much in second grade that she used to cry every morning. Should this be her decision or should I insist on keeping her out?"
Cheryl Martin, St. Louis

Please indicate how you want your question or answer signed. Responses may be edited due to space considerations.

Send your burning questions to either of us or send your sage advice to Laura at the following addresses: skLaura@homeedmag.com or AskCarol@homeedmag.com. If you prefer to use snail mail, you can send your letters to the HEM address at the end of this newsletter to either Ask Laura or Ask Carol. The July/August columns can be found at our web site-- http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/174.00.html.

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UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com

I believe that we learn best when we, not others, are deciding what we are going to try to learn, and when, and how, and for what reasons or purposes; when we, not others, are in the end choosing the people, materials, and experiences from which and with which we will be learning; when we, not others, are judging how easily or quickly or how well we are learning, and when we have learned enough; and above all when we feel the wholeness and openness of the world around us, and our own freedom and power and competence in it. What then do we do about it? How can we create or help create these conditions for learning? -- John Holt, from What Do I Do Monday

Unschooling.com is bursting with information on how to create a learning environment that nourishes the whole family! Sponsored by Home Education Magazine, Unschooling.com offers a free monthly newsletter, message boards, essays, an email list and more just for unschoolers. Check it out!

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NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION NETWORK

"When we started homeschooling, I felt as though I had tucked a child under each arm and jumped off a cliff. Imagine my surprise to discover we have wings."
~ Maura Seger

From Oregon to New York, California to Georgia, homeschoolers across the country have joined the National Home Education Network (NHEN) in creating a new web page (http://www.nhen.org) to help new homeschoolers not only discover those "wings," but to learn to soar as they take on the new and exciting challenge of homeschooling their children.

New homeschoolers are filled with questions: "Is it legal?" "What will it cost?" "How do I figure out our homeschooling style?" "Will my kids be able to go to college?" "Where do I find materials?" This new web page answers those questions and more in depth and with great style.

Sections such as "Getting Started," "Learning About Learning," "Support Groups," "Conferences," "Legal Considerations" and more offer an in-depth education for parents. Articles on a wide variety of topics, lists of learning materials and suggested readings, and links to helpful web sites and excellent articles by popular writers are organized to present a thorough, yet accessible, site that is The most comprehensive available.

Noted homeschooling author Linda Dobson writes: "WARNING: Parents, do NOT click on NHEN's section for new homeschoolers, not until you make a LARGE cup of tea to enjoy while reading it, that is. Such a rich collection of exactly the type of information a new homeschooling family wants, exploring everything from learning styles and educational methods to handling criticism and making the best use of support opportunities. Many links will take you to other web sites, so be sure to bookmark www.nhen.org - you'll want to return again and again!"

Look for more news from this exciting new organization. NHEN plans not only to add to this page on a regular basis, so that new homeschoolers will always find the latest and most helpful material available, but also to add whole new areas of interest. Look for homeschooling web pages designed especially for the media, for teens and young adults, and with a legislative slant, in upcoming months.

The National Home Education Network is a non-profit organization that exists to encourage and facilitate the vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling groups and individuals by providing information, fostering networking and promoting public relations on a national level.

National Home Education Network website: http://www.nhen.org; email: pr@nhen.org

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HEM'S NETWORKING AND DISCUSSION BOARDS http://www.homeedmag.com/wlcm_brds.html Have you visited the HEM message boards lately? It's a great place to spend some of the lazy hours of summer, visiting with friends old and new. Just grab a glass of iced tea or lemonade and come sit a spell. We'll talk about what you want to talk about, answer your questions, tickle your funny bone and give you a connection to homeschoolers here and around the world. For information or help contact HEM.

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POETRY

Starting with the September/October issue, HEM will offer a new column consisting of selections of poetry by homeschoolers of all ages. Our poetry editor is Rick Stansberger, a long-time poet and editor who runs the Liberty Grove Poetry Review. We are looking for high-quality, previously unpublished poems by homeschooling families--both kids and parents. We like poems that come out of the homeschooling experience, but will consider poems with other subjects as well.

Poems we accept will be published at least two months after submission, so please keep that in mind when sending seasonal material. Authors will receive a copy of the issue in which their poetry appears. Please include author's age (if a child) and postal mailing address. Send poems via email to edchief@home-ed-magazine, or via postal mail to Poetry, Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855.

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HEM PREVIEW

The September/October issue of Home Education Magazine looks so interesting I just had to share a preview sent to me by publisher Helen Hegener. If only I didn't have to wait to actually read these great articles!
~ CN ~

HEM columnist Peter Kowalke interviews Michael Fogler, a homeschooling father and author of the book, "Un-jobbing: The Adult Liberation Handbook," which asserts that a person can follow his true interests and still make a living.

"Spelling S-U-C-C-E-S-S: A Look at Homeschooled Spelling Bee Champions," by Celeste Land, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to get three homeschoolers to the finals in the year 2000 National Spelling Bee. Did they have time for anything else?

In her article, "Shooting Hoops, Riding Bikes: Science and Math in a Kid's World," Sue Smith-Heavenrich writes: "My younger son loves to play basketball. Or ride his bike through the just-melted mud patches on the logging road. Or follow frogs or kick a soccer ball or just about anything - except sit for long periods of time trying to figure out useless math problems from a workbook."

In "Speaking Up for Homeschooling," popular homeschool speaker Cafi Cohen offers encouraging tips from her personal experience to help speakers at homeschool conferences and seminars prepare for the expected - and the unexpected.

Other articles in this issue cover topics such as learning through laughter, homeschooling grandchildren, educational toys, returning to school, and much more.

Home Education Magazine proudly announces two new columnists beginning with the Sept/Oct issue: David Albert, a homeschooling dad and author of "And the Skylark Sings with Me;" and Rick Stansberger, a long-time poet and editor who runs the Liberty Grove Poetry Review, with poetry from homeschooled families.

Other columnists: Linda Dobson (with a special message this issue), Rebecca Rupp, Jeff Kelety, Larry and Susan Kaseman, and HEM Newsletter Editor Carol Narigon, who answers questions about finding friends and homeschooling with tattoos and Harleys! Wait that's not all! We've got columns by Peter Kowalke, Barb Theisen, Lillian Jones, Cafi Cohen...

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*** HOMESCHOOLING INFORMATION AND RESOURCE GUIDE ***

A beautifully illustrated, extensively linked guide to homeschooling, answering all the most commonly asked questions and providing inspiration and encouragement for anyone interested in homeschooling:

http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/mtrlst.html

The Homeschooling Information and Resource Guide, by the Editors of Home Education Magazine, is "The Ultimate ONLINE Field Guide to Homeschooling!"

Also available: Free *Printable!* Pocket Field Guide to Homeschooling: http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/frm_flyer.html

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HEM ONLINE NEWS UNCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this newsletter, please contact Carol at Newsleter@homeedmag.com.

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USBORNE
http://www.UsborneAmerica.com

Love Kids? Love Books? Introduce award-winning USBORNE Books from England to your community. Earn commission and bonuses working around your family schedule. It's a wonderful way to build your home library and make a difference to children. Visit our website at http://www.UsborneAmerica.com. Email SharonVE@aol.com or call 888-474-8499 toll free. Sharon Vander Ende, Independent Executive Supervisor.

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GNARLY MATH
http://www.gnarlymath.com

ARE COMPUTERS TURNING KIDS' HAIR BLACK? If you want to worry, go to http://www.gnarlymath.com and view this month's copy of the free hilarious Math Newsletter the Gnarly Gnews. It explains how Mr. Tyrone Hennypenny discovered statistics proving that the increased use of computers has gone with a growth in the number of kids having dark hair. Our site also describes fascinating math books and interesting Web sites that don't contain any math at all! You'll also learn about our money-back-guaranteed CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math, designed to get children interested in Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Probability, Numbers, and Topology. It contains games, puzzles, and a Math Lab, among other things.

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DORLING KINDERSLEY

Great deals on great books!!! Dorling Kindersley Family Learning is closing its doors on August 31, but before they do I want to get you the best prices on some top-quality books. Email Jane at LuvmyDKbks@aol.com for info.

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NESTFAMILY.COM
http://www.nestfamily.com/mashleycole

My kids LOVE history! Yours will too! Introduce them to award-winning Nest videos and history will come to life before their very eyes. Winner of "5 Hearts" (Highly Recommended) from Mary Pride and Practical Homeschooling Magazine! We also have other great historical products: "The Artists and Inventors Collection" and "The Living Principles of America Audio Series." Check out our Bible videos as well. Rewarding home business! For a free catalog or more information visit my website www.nestfamily.com/mashleycole (great weekly specials!) or call Melanie at (206) 463-6134.

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BIRCHWOOD HOME SCHOOL AND TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
www.serveunet.com/birchwood

Join our "extended" classroom including:
* Curriculum designed for both rigor and creativity.
* Curriculum options for the gifted student in grades 1-8.
*Personalized consultation and direction by Chuck and Helene Debelak, experienced teachers, administrators and consultants in all levels and areas of elementary and junior high school education. Information packets are available.
Contact: Chuck and Helene Debelak
Birchwood Educational Services
Call toll free: 877-700-1056
E-mail: Hdebelak@aol.com
www.serveunet.com/birchwood

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ADVENTUS SOFTWARE
http://www.adventus.com

Piano Suite Premier is the world's leading multi-level music education course, made for PC's running Windows 95/98. The 'Piano Suite Premier Keyboard Bundle' is now available with a special offer for home schools only: $179, no tax, with free shipping and handling! This bundle comes with Piano Suite Premier software, a FATAR velocity-sensitive keyboard with 49 full-sized keys, and a PC-to-keyboard interface cable. Piano Suite software includes everything you need to teach piano skills, sight-reading, composition, and music history from absolute beginner through year five. Take a close look at this feature/content-rich product! Order from the Adventus Web Site http://www.adventus.com, call 1-888-999-MIDI, or email sales@adventus.com. +++ Money back guarantee! +++

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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE
http://www.homeedmag.com The July/Aug issue of Home Education Magazine features an interview with homeschool documentary filmmaker Fernanda Rossi as well as articles on butterflies, paperless homeschooling, perfect homeschoolers, dinosaurs, reluctant scientists, museum docent programs, translating math into English and much more! Columns include two new question and answer columns by Laura Weldon and Carol Narigon; Cafi Cohen visits teen web sites; Becky Rupp explores the great outdoors; Larry and Susan Kaseman discuss legislation to prevent "unqualified" homeschooling; Jeff Kelety plays Dadzilla; Lillian Jones reviews Homeschoolers' Success Stories by Linda Dobson and much more! Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are currently $32.00 for one year/6 issues; single issue $6.50. Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; for orders: toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email Info@homeedmag.com. MC/Visa cards accepted.

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FINAL WORD

When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school It's a wonder I can think at all. And though my lack of education hasn't hurt me none, I can read the writing on the wall...
~~ Paul Simon--Kodachrome ~~

See you next month!

Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
Newsleter@homeedmag.com
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine

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