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HEM's Upcoming Issue - January-February 2010
The Jan-Feb issue of HEM features an interview with Maria Berkestam, whose family homeschools while exploring the globe. Articles cover selecting curriculum, a college student reflecting on homeschooling, homeschooling's "good days and bad days," and experiences with a theatre production for homeschoolers. Also: Helping new homeschooling parents trust their decision, and a homeschool mother's encounter with her state's written standards of education.
Columns topics: Questions and answers about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and grammar, saving the U. S. Postal Service, research on families, film clubs as a learning resource, what kids like - and don't like - to eat, and Linda Dobson asking, "Has the creation of consumers in institutionalized schools led to today's addictive pursuit of instant gratification?"
Features Interviews - by Mary Nix
Interview with Maria Berkestam
Maria Berkestam, her husband and children chronicle their family's travels and offer travel tips to others at their blog, Extended World Travel. The Berkestams are from Sweden, but they are also world citizens, homeschooling while exploring the globe. Maria agreed to an interview to give us a glimpse of their adventures.
Articles What Camp Are You In? - by Agnes Penny
Agnes Penny has sometimes felt conflicted because she isn't quite an unschooler and isn't quite a school-at-homer. But her encounter with her state's written standards of education clarified her philosophy: she's clearly in the camp of learning as a natural process and a way of life. She explains, "The 229 pages of educational lingo has driven all conventional schooling guilt from my mind, for I know I want no part of that type of bureaucratic approach." She describes instead a joyful, responsive, warm and challenging education for her children - unrivaled by state standards.
Overcoming School-Sickness - by Andrea Lehner
Getting Your New Homeschooler Past Missing School
When Andrea's daughter unexpectedly broke down in tears claiming to miss public school, she was filled with guilt and fear that her decision to home school was a mistake. After taking a step back to clear her mind, she and her daughter were able to get to the heart of the problem. In this article, Andrea provides tips and insight to help new homeschooling parents trust their decision to home school while helping their children pass through this common transitional phase.
One Size Doesn't Fit All - by J. Ann Lloyd
Finding a curriculum is never easy. Not only must the curriculum fit the teacher, but it must also fit the child. Just as a cheap, or ill-fitting, pair of shoes will bring discomfort with every step, an ill-fitting curriculum will wreak havoc on your day. When dealing with a difficult, emotional, or hyperactive child, selecting a curriculum can be even more challenging. With 10-years of homeschooling experience, Ann Lloyd provides ideas for selecting the right curriculum for your child.
Ever the Learner - by Hannah Landis
As a current college student looking back on thirteen years of receiving a home education, Hannah Landis remembers the ups and downs of her educational process, from Letter Bingo to stoichiometry. She realizes that through it all, one key blessing of the education her parents gave her shines through--the interest it created in lifelong learning.
In the Zone - by Jennifer Walker
Every one of us knows some days are a perfect harmony of peace and learning with our children, while others are a chaotic disaster that can call into question one's very belief in the choice to homeschool. Why do some days turn out one way and not the other? One homeschooling mom shares her advice on how to maximize the number and quality of the good days and minimize those bad days.
The Play's the Thing - by Sandra S. Gaffigan
In "The Play's the Thing," a group of Maryland moms relate their experience of sponsoring a drama class and theatre production for homeschoolers. Dedicated and detail--oriented, they outline how to pull off a show that "grows" the students and puts everyone's talents to use.
Departments HEM Classics -
Unschooling Comfort Level by N. S. Gill
In this HEM article from 1997, NS Gill shares her experiences with unschooling, which is not a method of instruction, but a different way of looking at learning.
Publisher's Note - by Helen Hegener
writings-of-john-holt
If you've never read John Holt's books or other writings, you're in for a treat!
Columns
Questions and Answers - by Laura Weldon
Add and Grammar
ADD - We were told that our little girl, age 8, is suffering from ADD by her teacher and guidance counselor. They told us that a doctor can put her on drugs to help her concentrate. My neighbor is the teacher to her children at home and she tells me that we don't have to use any drugs if we teach at home too. My wife and mother can take turns doing the teaching so that isn't a problem but we want to know if it's true that this way means our little girl won't have ADD any more. -Charlie
Grammar - I haven't found any way to teach grammar that keeps the interest of my ten-year-old son. An experiencing friend of ours says half the battle of good grammar is won because our son loves to read, and chances are he's intuiting grammar rules while he reads. Still I want some course material. What has worked for you? -Wynette
You are invited to share your experience, wisdom ideas on Grammar and ADD.
Learning 101 - by Tamra Orr
A Missive Mission
Please help the woman determined to save the U. S. Postal Service by writing letters!
Taking Charge - by Larry & Susan Kaseman
Countering Problems Created by Research on Families
Given the role of research, two important questions should be asked. Is the research reliable? Are there any credible studies that support families and identify problems with experts and increased schooling at younger ages?
Good Stuff - by Becky Rupp
Film Clubs
Engineering provides "academic glue" by linking math and science to real-world experiences. Read Becky's latest to find out other advantages and great resources.
My Word! - by David H. Albert
Expanding the Food Repertoire
A story of how one young college student becomes a vegan - and why.
Road Less Traveled - by Linda Dobson
We Are Reaping What We've Sown
Has the creation of consumers in institutionalized schools led to today's addictive pursuit of instant gratification?
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