In the columns for this issue Laura Weldon shares replies about distance learning and interest in the theater, Tamra Orr explains interdependence, and Larry and Susan Kaseman examine the important reasons to oppose the push for increased early childhood education. Becky Rupp tackles the topic of engineering, which she says provides "academic glue" by linking math and science to real-world experiences. And to round out this issue, David H. Albert plays around with the concept of playing school, Linda Dobson shares a message to welcome new homeschoolers and help them get off to a terrific start, and Helen Hegener explains the benefits and resources of the American Homeschool Association.

Features

Interviews - by Mary Nix
Interview with Lauri Rogers of HERO
Some people want to homeschool but simply cannot afford to homeschool. They need a H.E.R.O.

Articles

Robotics for High School Science - by Tracy Beeson
Tracy Beeson tells how she organized a robotics team for her high school age son and saw him, his brother, and other teammates develop the ability to do mental gymnastics, work as a team, advance their technological skills and cope with frustration. She demystifies the process of getting started with FIRST robotic competitions, so homeschoolers can learn from her familyis experience.

Bilingual Homeschooling - by Dave Carlson
Dave Carlson describes how he and his wife homeschooled their daughter bilingually, with a balanced Japanese and English approach to living and learning each day using two languages.

Ten Steps Toward Sanity - by Ruth Schiffmann
The next time your day starts spiraling out of control, give up the lesson plans but don't give up altogether. Where structure and textbooks seem out of reach, try a sanity-saving activity to salvage the day.

Defining Ourselves: A Mother's Tale - by L. Hartman
Through her story of how an encounter with a friend changed her perspective on mothering and homeschooling, the author shares her questions, concerns, and revelations about being a stay-at-home mother in our society.

One Beautiful Year - by Margaret Mary Myers
Margaret Mary Myers describes how a small group of friends worked together to provide one beautiful, memorable year of homeschool group support for their families.

Teaching Money Smarts and Financial Responsibility - by Carron Armstrong
A homeschooling mom and a lawyer on bankruptcy and consumer issues, Carron Armstrong writes, "For a long time, I've seen young people in my office with far too much debt for their age; not only student loans, but credit cards and car loans larger than they can handle. I began to recognize how little young people knew about money management and how easily they slid into financial difficulty."

Columns

Questions & Answers - by Laura Weldon
Distance Learning and Interest in the Theater
One family is looking for a flexible distance learning program and another is looking for other homeschoolers interested in theater. Both are looking for your thoughts and ideas!

Learning 101 - by Tamra Orr
A Need for Interdependence
One psychologistÕs negative consequence can be a homeschooling motherÕs blessing.

Taking Charge - by Larry & Susan Kaseman
No Thanks to Federal Zero to Five Programs
The federal government and many states are promoting programs supposedly designed to increase childrenÕs academic success as measured by scores on standardized tests. There are important reasons to oppose the push for increased early childhood education. Given our experience and our commitment to children, learning, and families, we homeschoolers are in a good position to speak out.

The American Homeschool Association -

Good Stuff - by Becky Rupp
Engineering for Everybody
Engineering provides "academic glue" by linking math and science to real-world experiences. Read BeckyÕs latest to find out other advantages and great resources.

My Word! - by David H. Albert
Learning School
Why, after fifty years of school improvement, does playing school looks just it used to look?

Road Less Traveled - by Linda Dobson
An Open Message to New Homeschoolers (that Experienced Homeschoolers Can Read, Too)
Linda shares a message to welcome new homeschoolers and help them get off to a terrific start.