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January 2004
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In the January issue:
~ It's Perpetual Recess! ~
~ National Home Education Legal Defense ~
~ Dragonfly Tv ~
~ Two New Homeschool Discussion Lists ~
~ Questions and Answers ~
~ Unschooling.Com's Unschooling Discussion Lists~
~ Self University Newsletter ~
~ The World Of Puppets ~
~ Free Electoral College Map Classroom Poster ~
~ Vsa Arts Playwright Discovery Award Program ~
~ The Final Word ~
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"From the perspective of someone who spent nearly a decade as a corporate lawyer - 'rules' are things you get around by clever thinking. But who would want to 'get around' a principle? If you stop believing in the principle, you might change it -- but it isn't something that you try to circumvent.
I think that focusing on principles helps me to behave appropriately. If I believe as a principle is that 'we should be kind to each other', then my reaction to Lydia tossing a piece of apple at me in a moment of anger is different than if the 'rule' was 'we don't throw things.'
Principles also leave more room for children to learn to make choices. If the principle is that we try not to break things, then maybe she can roll a ball in the dining room, but not throw it, or throw it gently, or throw a softer ball, or throw a harder ball in a different room. She can decide what it is that she feels like doing, within the constraint of not breaking the china or denting the teapots -- rather than having a 'rule' like 'no throwing balls in the house' (which would prompt my inner lawyer (and hers!) to argue over what is a 'ball,' or what is 'throwing' -- or what 'is' is."
~~ Cat Aceto on the Unschooling Discussion e-list~~
To join the Unschooling Discussion e-mail list visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnschoolingDiscussion or send an e-mail to
UnschoolingDiscussion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
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IT'S PERPETUAL RECESS!
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/211/jfrecess.html
It's early afternoon on a beautiful fall Thursday at a Friends meeting house in southern New Hampshire. Outdoors, about ten children ages eight to fifteen are playing kickball, while a few parents bask in the sun on the front steps of the building, discussing math curricula. Three girls ages five to seven are running full tilt down the driveway (blocked off to traffic), screaming and giggling, wearing a conglomeration of apparel that suggests they've recently come from the dress-up corner. A few children and an adult or two are still engrossed in paper-making, the morning's optional craft activity, set up on a rock wall just outside the downstairs entrance. A group of young children is under a tree making something with sticks and rocks.
Inside the building, a couple of under-fives and three preteen boys are absorbed in construction in the "Lego room," a three-year-old girl is drawing at a low table, and several mothers are sitting in a circle of mismatched chairs, chatting--Them knitting, one thumbing through a catalog, one nursing an infant in a sling and simultaneously comforting a crying toddler. Other toddlers are rolling a big red plastic tube across the floor, playing with stuffed animals and littering the floor with miniature plastic food from the play refrigerator.
The posse of giggling girls tears through the room and up the stairs as The mothers reminds them (to no avail) to slow down in the building. They head straight for the social room snack table, which is laden with the last grape tomatoes from someone's garden, homemade chocolate chip cookies, the remains of a supermarket coffee cake and the makings of tea, coffee and hot cocoa. In a corner of the social room, two families with young children are having lunch together, spread out on a cloth on the carpet. A small group of older kids and preteens are playing cards at a long table, and at the other end of the table, several adults are conversing quietly. Two parents are washing up a few dishes in the kitchen, where baking projects will start to happen as the weather turns colder.
For once, nothing is going on in the meeting room, which in bad weather gets cleared for supervised games of snake-in-the-grass, and also hosts show-and-tell, magazine day and various child-organized play rehearsals, performances and readings. On the third floor, one parent is giving another parent and a couple of teens a tin whistle lesson, while in a separate room, all the teens (ages 13-20) who aren't busy elsewhere are talking, telling jokes, playing guitars and engaging in other teen pursuits (generally dismissed by younger visitors as "boring").
Is it Thursday?
Is it always like this at the Homeschool Resource Center? No, but it's pretty typical. Kids look forward to it so much they have been known to ask, "Is it Thursday?" every morning of the week.
~~ Linda Jordan, with Fran Chickering, Jeanne Fogg, Beth Nelson, Katy Wiggin and Rachel Williams ~~
You can read the rest of this article, as well as some other articles and columns from the current HEM at the address above, but you'll have to get the magazine--the one you hold in your hands--to read them all! See subscription information in this newsletter, or visit your local bookseller to get your copy today.
To mark our 20th year, Home Education Magazine is offering a one year introductory subscription for $20.00! (reg $32.00)
To take advantage of this price mention HEM Online News when contacting us. To order write: Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; call toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email Orders. Or use our secure online form at: http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/_hemonline.html. MC/Visa/Disc cards accepted.
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NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION LEGAL DEFENSE
www.nheld.com
According to NHELD director and attorney Deborah G. Stevenson, National Home Education Legal Defense grew out of a statewide organization that began in Connecticut. The parent organization helped unite other statewide homeschool groups in coordinated efforts and successfully defeated proposed state legislation designed to "regulate" homeschooling.
NHELD believes that the best way to know the laws in a particular state and how those laws are most appropriately interpreted to support homeschooling parents in that state is to live in that state. NHELD also believes that the best way to protect the rights of homeschooling parents is by effective organization to protect our Constitution by preserving the Tenth Amendment guarantee that educational issues are left to the states and to the people, not to the federal government.
For more information, visit the NHELD site, or email info@nheld.com.
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DRAGONFLY TV
http://www.dragonflytv.org
DragonflyTV, the award-winning PBS kids' science show for kids 6-12, lets loose with thirteen new episodes beginning January 17, 2004. (Check listings or contact your PBS affiliate for local broadcast times and dates.)
Each week, DragonflyTV's hosts throw down a new science challenge that encourages kids to complete a specific investigation and post their findings online. Fast forward to the next episode, where kids can see their "e-data", and find out how their results compare with other viewers.
Real children, scientists, teachers, and parents are all invited to join that team. And with Educator's Guides, DragonflyTV Magazine for Kids, science fair tips and much more just a click away, anyone can create a DragonflyTV science adventure.
Season 3 investigations include areas such as sports science, wind, forensics, engineering, planet earth, animal behavior, speed, health, and habitat.
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TWO NEW HOMESCHOOL DISCUSSION LSITS:
BOOKISH HOMESCHOOLERS
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/BookishHomeschoolers
A discussion group for homeschoolers (and life-long learners) who like to use books to learn, and who just enjoy reading and talking about books. We welcome anyone who'd like to join us. To subscribe, just send an email to: BookishHomeschoolers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
HENLE LATIN LIST http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/HenleLatin A discussion group and study groups for those who study Latin using the Henle Latin series. Henle's texts are wonderful for self-learners -- whether they're teens or adults (we have both in our study groups). If anyone is interested in learning Latin, regardless of their age, they can join us by sending an email to: HenleLatin-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Do you have questions that Dear Abby just can't answer? Questions about homeschooling and other issues that affect your family? Help is as close as your keyboard. HEM offers advice from a seasoned homeschool mom in every issue. Just send your questions to AskCarol@homeedmag.com. Of course, Carol can't answer every question in the magazine, but she will try to respond even if your question isn't published. Why wonder and worry? Send your questions today!
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UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
UNSCHOOLING DISCUSSION
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnschoolingDiscussion
The staff of Unschooling.com has created several new discussion lists for unschoolers and anyone interested in exploring the unschooling philosophy. The purpose of this list is to "move out of our own comfort zones as we critically examine our beliefs, ideas, and viewpoints about learning, and seek a deeper understanding of unschooling and more respectful relationships with our children."
Recent discussion topics include: experts, children's rooms, pod people, paradigm shifts, drop spindles and much more.
You can join via email by sending a message to
UnschoolingDiscussion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For information about the Unschooling.com site visit:
http://www.unschooling.com
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SELF-UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER
http://www.autodidactic.com/newsletters/selfnews.htm
The subject of this issue is a continuation of the search for the better argument.
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THE WORLD OF PUPPETS
Having been enthralled with puppets since I was little, I had high hopes that my children would share my fascination-and put on puppet shows for me.
Even before my first daughter was born, I began to purchase a host of inexpensive puppets at yard sales and thrift stores, imagining the wonderful stories with which my children would entertain me when they were old enough to put on their own puppet shows.
By the time Caitlin turned two, I had bought an assortment of perhaps a dozen very nice puppets. But my daughter didn't need them. In Cait's vividly imaginative world, every animate and inanimate object could speak. She was constantly wanting to know what various objects-a light switch, toilet paper roll, trees, even a toggle bolt-were "saying."
When she was all of 3 years old, I took Cait to a "Muppets Make Puppets" talk and book signing by Cheryl Henson. We brought home a copy of the book, which illustrates how-with a little imagination, a pair of wiggly eyes, and a few flamboyant accessories-almost anything can be turned into a puppet. And we began to make our own puppets, starting with simple felt hand puppets that I sewed as favors for the children attending Cait's party. With a little help from the adults, the preschoolers added wiggle eyes, feathers, sequins, beads, buttons, and other decorations, to create original characters, including "Eyeball," a girl with bright yellow yarn hair and wiggle eyes all over her.
As my children grew, they puppeteered all sorts of household items: small dolls, spoons and spatulas, the whip-like cat toy, and even a thin piece of fiberglass rod. My second daughter, Laurel, showed us the extent of her own imagination. Like the puppeteer's charges, each of her play objects had a unique name and personality: Charlie Woo (pronounced "Cholly") the cat toy, who braided her multicolored hair in various punk styles; Doik Woo, the fiberglass rod and father to Doo Woo (who was made from the fallen leaves of my palm tree); and Henri (pronounced "Anree," like the Impressionist), a wooden spoon with different colored wiggle eyes, married 3 times, and twice to the same doll.
The 3 of us hosted several puppet-making workshops for friends, our local homeschool support group, and for our state organization's conference. Each time, the girls made their own puppet characters, and the number of homemade puppets in our house multiplied exponentially.
Another investment in my puppeteering dream was the lovely folding theatre my husband and I created out of $50 worth of plywood and piano hinges, plus some Caribbean-hued paints leftover from other projects. The finished product would surely draw our girls to put on shows. Or so I thought.
My daughters are now 13 and 10, and their puppeteering years seem to be behind them. (Unless you count The SIMS.) Alas, the colorful puppet theatre, and the adorable life-like animal puppets I collected over the years went largely unused and were given away or sold off at our own yard sale. So much for the best-laid dreams of mothers. But the puppet-making book, and Henri and his homemade pals, are safely tucked away, awaiting their revival when my grandchildren come to visit. Some dreams never die.
Below are some of my favorite puppet links. May they inspire your children to have fun while they explore the world of puppets.
-Shay
UNIMA-USA
http://www.unima-usa.org
"Promoting international friendship through the art of puppetry." Photos of fantastic puppets, publications, festivals, message boards and more.
PUPPETS AND STUFF
http://puppetsandstuff.com
"Puppetry information provided by you the user...Whether it is hand puppets, rod and mouth puppets, marionettes, shadow puppetry, bunraku, ventriloquism, automatons, overt puppetry or any other style you can think of you will find it here."
THE PUPPETEERS' COOPERATIVE
http://www.gis.net/~puppetco
Giant puppets, pageants, and parades! Includes "68 Ways to Make Really Big Puppets," "The Patternbook of Pageants and Processions," scripts, and links.
PUPPET RESOURCES
http://www.puppetresources.com
"A fresh, 100% free database of puppet skits and other resources." Search for puppet scripts in various languages, or share some of your own by registering as an author. "Freely receive, freely give."
THE BALLARD INSTITUTE AND MUSEUM OF PUPPETRY
http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~wwwsfa/bimp.html
The extensive library includes how to make various types of puppets, artists, history, materials and much more. Don't miss the gallery! You'll get a "kick" out of Punch, who reacts to your visit by following your cursor across the screen and waving his stick when you click.
AXTELL
http://www.axtell.com/learn.html
This professional puppet company offers some on-line learning opportunities: basic ventriloquism, Developing Excellence in Puppet Manipulation, the making of latex puppets, and basic flocking information.
HOW TO MAKE A WOODEN SPOON PUPPET
http://inin.essortment.com/woodenpuppets_rxin.htm
Wooden spoon puppets are fun and easy to make! The materials for this craft are so inexpensive that you can afford to make several. With these simple instructions, anyone can make a fun wooden spoon puppet.
LEGENDS AND LORE
http://www.legendsandlore.com/teacher-resource.html
Free puppet resource center includes instructions for making various types of puppets, why puppetry works, how to use puppets to teach different subjects, how to make puppets come alive, and free scripts.
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HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/211.html
In the January/February issue of Home Education Magazine, you'll enjoy articles on Perpetual Recess, Frog Guts and Air Bladders, Math Club, and being empowered as Black unschoolers, and more.
Column topics include: Linda Dobson Revisits CBS's Homeschooling Horror Story, Laura Weldon provides readers' answers on the Empty Nest, and Moby Dick vs. Finding Nemo, Larry and Susan Kaseman ask "Does Homeschooling Have to Be Politcal?", guest reviewer Laura Fokkena explores why Susan Wise Bauer's newest book is worth a look even if you're a dyed-in-the-wool unschooler, and Ann Lahrson Fisher fills you in on federal legislation, "Homeschooling As Scapegoat," and "Sparkle and Shine."
Other columnists include: Sandra Dodd, Rebecca Rupp, David Albert, and Carol Narigon.
HEM also offers publisher Helen Hegener's essay on the lessons her kids have helped her learn, as well as classified ads, letters and discussion, pen pals and networking, and more.
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HEM's 20th Anniversary To mark our 20th year, Home Education Magazine is offering a one year introductory subscription for $20.00! (reg $32.00)
To take advantage of this price mention HEM Online News when contacting us. To order write: Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; call toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email Orders. Or use our secure online form at: http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/_hemonline.html. MC/Visa/Disc cards accepted.
Back Issue Package
To mark Home Education Magazine's 20th anniversary the publishers are offering an opportunity to stock up on great homeschool reading with HEM back issues. Our office manager has selected packages bundled in six issue sets. These six issue packages are available in $20.00 (per package - postpaid US Domestic addresses). The package includes: Arts/Music, Early Issues, Eclectic Learning, Foreign Language/Travel, Grab Bag, Great Covers, History/Government, Reading/Writing, Science/Math, Transition to Homeschool. Home Education Magazine, POB 1083, Tonasket, WA 98855; Orders; http://www.homeedmag.com/sale/bi.html
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FREE ELECTORAL COLLEGE MAP CLASSROOM POSTER
http://www.c-span.org/classroom/2004vote/promotion1.asp
This colorful 44" x 44" poster can fit a wide range of subject matters and grade levels. It illustrates: the number of electoral votes assigned to each state; which party won each state's electoral votes in the 2000 presidential election; historical trends in electoral college results; key dates in the 2004 campaign year using the interactive calendar pages.
A limited number of posters are available FREE to members. If you are interested in joining C-SPAN in the Classroom, you may enroll and request the FREE Electoral College Map poster at: http://www.c-span.org/classroom/enroll/
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VSA ARTS PLAYWRIGHT DISCOVERY AWARD PROGRAM
http://www.vsarts.org/programs/pdp/index.cfm
Designed to challenge middle and high school students of all abilities to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others, and express their views through the art of playwriting.
Two scripts are selected for professional production at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Award recipients each receive a $1,000 scholarship award and a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the production. Playwrights must be in grades 6 through 12, or equivalent. Deadline is April 15, 2004
For complete program guidelines and to download a resource guide on developing students' playwriting skills, see the VSA arts Web site.
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HEM ONLINE NEWS UNCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this newsletter, please contact the editor at Newsletter Email.
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USBORNE
UsborneAmerica.com
New catalog January 1 with lots of new titles! Did you know you earn free books with purchases over $85 and you can set up an eshow for friends and family to quality? Register each month at website for $50 in Free books drawing. Want to eliminate a bill from your budget? Flexible, rewarding business allows income at whatever level you desire. Email sharonve@aol.com or call 888-474-8499. Sharon Madden, Independent supervisor.
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GNARLY MATH
gnarlymath.com
"MY KIDS LOVE IT! EVEN THE ONE BORED WITH MATH". Hundreds of folks have discovered the magical value of our CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math, which makes algebra, geometry, trig, and probability easy, natural, and fun. Try it. You can't lose -- It's guaranteed to please, or your money back. Learn about it, and read what buyers have said, at http://www.gnarlymath.com, where you can also subscribe to our free humorous math newsletter, the Gnarly Gnews. The current issue is all about horses!
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THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com
Looking for something to do? Why not: ** Stage a Costume Ball from the Middle Ages ** Fly Through Human Anatomy ** Take a Virtual Walk through the Rainforest ** Program a Robot ** Build a Computer Game ** The Resourceful Homeschooler carries great books, science materials and kits, learning games, and the most interesting software. Visit http://www.resourcefulhomeschooler.com . Materials to involve, inspire and support independent learners of all ages!
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TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ! TRY ONLINE LESSONS NOW FOR FREE!
Headsprout.com
Headsprout Reading is the fun, Internet-delivered beginning reading program that will give your child a real advantage by systematically teaching essential skills and strategies ensuring reading success and confidence. Outstanding fast results! After just five 20-minute animated, interactive episodes, children read their first Headsprout book. Act quickly! For a limited time you can try out Headsprout Reading FOR FREE! http://www.headsprout.com Please enter the promotional code: HEMJAN2004
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UNITED BOOK PRESS
Baltimore, Maryland
1-800-726-0120
LARRY DAVIS
LDavis@unitedbookpress.com
United Book Press is a complete book manufacturer. We produce loose-leaf, saddle stitch, perfect (soft) and case (hard) bound books, journals, catalogs and directories. With our web and sheetfed equipment our press runs begin at 500 each. United Book Press stands behind its commitments and schedules. Communication and cooperation are two key ingredients of our success. We welcome the opportunity to submit a competitive quote your next book project!
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FINAL WORD
http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com
Shay Seaborne, Newsletter Editor Newsletter Email
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine
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