HEM NEWS

September 2004

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In the September issue:

~ GET YOUR STUDENTS' WORK PUBLISHED ~
~ ELECTION RESOURCES ~
~ THE BEST 357 COLLEGES ~
~ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ~
~ TWO NEW AMERICAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION DISCUSSION LISTS ~
~ THE REAL STORY OF THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS ~
~ CONTESTS, GRANTS AND AWARDS ~
~ FREE CYBERSMART CURRICULUM ~
~ The Final Word ~

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"I don't homeschool because school is bad. I homeschool because of the intrinsic value of homeschooling. What's wrong with schools doesn't have a lot to do with what's good about homeschooling."
~~ Milva McDonald ~~

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I USED TO LIE TO MY CHILDREN
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/215/solie.html

It occurred to me today that I lie to my children more often than I admit. Don't get me wrong; I don't lie outright. I wouldn't say, for example, "I haven't eaten any cake," when in fact I have. What I am referring to is general accountability. I want my children to be honest with me. I, in fact, demand it. I believe that given the chance, the truth is so much better--and in the long run easier--than the fabrication of a lie. But, as I have discovered to my own chagrin, there is another type of lie. I believe we as human beings understand this type of lie innately, and we know when it is being perpetrated upon us. As children we are confused by its mutual exclusiveness in regards to "the rules," as adults we actively ignore or deny it. What I believe this lie teaches our youth is that the quality of our words is valued much more so than say, our actual actions. I believe this mistake is a detriment to us all.

When I was a young boy, my father was fond of telling me "Because I said so!" This phrase caused me considerable problems. I couldn't understand, for instance, why it was that I could not stay up after 8:00 PM but my parents could. I also was confused by the notion that a light left on in my room was able to somehow cost more than the basement light, which my father never shut off. If we are supposed to cut off the lights when we leave a room, then who exactly is "we"? As far as I could see, "we" referred only to me. After considerable difficulties in which I would eventually be sent to my room or spanked for talking back, (How does one have a conversation if one cannot talk back?) I created in my mind a sort of fantasy world in which adults not only made all the rules, but they could break them at will. It became my chief design in life to graduate into this fairyland of irresponsibility. It wasn't until much later--around 30--that I began to understand the ramifications of this mindset.

Thinking back to these times in my youth, I am amused that my parents found my responses so infuriating. I am amused mainly when I am infuriated by my own children, who are talking back to me in a manner not unlike I did when I was young. What disappoints me, and ultimately infuriates me anew, is that I have been repeating these little inequalities, which in my mind have led to a general undermining of my personal power above and within my family. I might have been a mythos of perfection to my toddlers, but now, as they enter their teens, my careful architecture of reason has become a foundation of illusion.
~~ Scott Brinkley ~~

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 offer below, or visit your local bookseller to get your copy today.

Don't Send Your Kids to School! - We think parents and kids should be together! So with this issue we are running a special to encourage you to do just that - be with your kids. Our "Don't Send Your Kids to School!" special is available to HEM's Online News readers and offers a one year subscription for only $20.00. Subscribe at: http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/_nottoschool.html or send a check to Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; for orders: toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email Orders . MC/Visa accepted.

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GET YOUR STUDENTS' WORK PUBLISHED http://www.reacheverychild.com/feature/kids_publish.html

"A diverse and valuable collection of places that accept work, including poetry, short stories, photos and art."

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ELECTION RESOURCES

ELECTIONS 2004
http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/elec2004.html

BY THE PEOPLE: ELECTION 2004
http://www.pbs.org/elections/savvyvoter.html

C-SPAN 2004 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN LESSON PLANS AND RESOURCES http://www.c-span.org

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THE BEST 357 COLLEGES
http://www.princetonreview.com

Sixty-four rankings lists, organized into 9 categories, based on student feedback.

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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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TWO NEW AHA DISCUSSION LISTS

AHA STATE ACTIVISM
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AHA-StateActivism
For discussing homeschooling-related activism on a number of issues at the state level, such as: tracking legislative developments, grassroots protections of homeschooling, noting trends across the country, and how those might affect over into our homeschool lives.

You can subscribe via email by sending a blank message to:
AHA-StateActivism-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

AHA-HEARTS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AHA-HEARTS
H.E.A.R.T.S.' goal is to join together in service projects a representation of the wonderful diversity of community minded homeschoolers -- to provide valuable services to our communities while generating increased public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the full spectrum of homeschoolers. Community participation is always invited and appreciated!

You can subscribe via email by sending a blank message to:
AHA-HEARTS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

These lists are sponsored by the American Homeschool Association, which is a non-membership, free services organization comprised of homeschoolers helping other homeschoolers.

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THE REAL STORY OF THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS
http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/olympics/olympicintro.shtml

The University of PA Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology offers a comparison between the modern and ancient Olympics. "Politics, nationalism, commercialism and athletics were intimately related in the ancient Olympic Games. We may not realize it, but in today's games we recreate-with surprising accuracy-the climate and circumstances surrounding the ancient Olympic Games."

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CONTESTS, GRANTS AND AWARDS

NRA YOUTH WILDLIFE ART CONTEST
http://www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp

HEART OF AMERICA FOUNDATION POSTER AND ESSAY CONTESTS
http://www.heartofamerica.org

NESTLE VERY BEST IN YOUTH AWARDS
http://www.rif.org/what/eventscontests/verybestinyouth/default.mspx

THE "DO SOMETHING" BRICK AWARDS
http://www.dosomething.org/brick-awards.htm

NON-PROFIT ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING CONTEST FOR YOUTH
http://www.transformtheearth.org

UNEP INTERNATIONAL PHOTO COMPETITION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
http://www.unep-photo.com

YOUTH ACTION NET GRANTS
http://www.youthactionnet.org

GOOD NEIGHBOR SERVICE-LEARNING GRANT PROGRAM
http://www.ysa.org

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HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/215.html

In the September-October 2004 issue of Home Education Magazine, you'll enjoy articles on homespun games, dynamic learners, reading aloud beyond the early years, bad hair days, and more.

Column topics include: Linda Dobson questions the focus on reading, Laura Weldon's readers give advice on mitigating homeschooling burnout and whether someone outside the family can homeschool your kids, Ann Lahrson Fisher covers semi-dropouts, a cash cow, and child abuse in Florida, and Larry and Susan Kaseman showcase how homeschoolers are choosing alternative ways of living and learning after they reach age 18.

Other columnists include: Rebecca Rupp, David Albert, Elizabeth McCullough, and Carol Narigon.

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FREE CYBERSMART CURRICULUM
www.cybersmartcurriculum.org

For grades K-8. Aimed at providing "the skills necessary for children to become safe, mindful and effective cybercitizens."

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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@homeedmag.com .

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USBORNE AMERICA.COM

Summer 2004 new titles are in -- check the website to review them! Free books with purchases over $85 -- you can set up an eshow for friends and family to qualify! Register each month at website for $50 in Free books drawing. Love kids, books, want cash? Fun business earns income at whatever level you desire -- no minimums/inventory requirement. Wholesale buyer bonus! Contact me about getting a free business kit! Email sharonkm@mac.com or call 888-474-8499. Sharon Madden, Independent Supervisor.

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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: HEM2004

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Learning Through History Magazine
http://www.homeschoolingcompanion.com/index.php

Learning Through History magazine presents world history for the curious child. Each 64-page bi-monthly issue has 15+ unique articles, arts and crafts project plans, hands-on activities, study guides for historical literature, discussion questions, web links and book and video suggestions - on one historical theme per issue. A great resource for homeschooling families with children ages 7-14 who love to read and are passionate about history. Visit our website to subscribe or order back issues.

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SOUTHERN LIVING AT HOME
www.southernlivingathome.com/marieclaire

Work at home, stay at home, play at home! GREAT opportunity for homeschooling moms! What would you do with an extra $500-$1000 and 4-6 evenings out each month? Pay off a bill, take a family vacation? Southern Living at HOME (TM) is the fastest-growing direct sales company in history! Ask me how you can start your own small business with just a $199 investment and be on your way to a future of fun, friendships, and financial freedom! Contact MarieClaireSLAH@msn.com to learn more!

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YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

If you would your ad to appear in HEM's Online Newsletter, where it will reach over 10,000 subscribers, write to editor Shay Seaborne at Newsletter Email for details. Please use "Shay: Send Ad Info" as your subject line.

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FINAL WORD

http://www.imaginationatwork.com/imagine

Shay Seaborne, Newsletter Editor Newsletter Email
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine

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