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Table of Contents HEM November-December 2009
In the November-December issue of Home Education Magazine our featured writers address homeschooling children of different ages, helping children become interested in and respectful of the natural world, learning history by producing a short drama, helping older kids and young adults learn about financial management, using writing contests to encourage kids to write, and how the Boys Book Club evolved.
The columns for this issue cover a broad range of topics, including learning independently, what homeschooling costs, coping with a flailing economy, encouraging kids to learn by simply playing, a 'what-if' letter from a homeschooled boy, and seven habits of happy homeschoolers.
Features Interviews - by Helen Hegener
An Interview with James Marcus Bach
Author James M. Bach writes about being dedicated to a certain lifestyle of mind, which he terms "intellectual buccaneering," and he calls himself a buccaneer-scholar. Helen Hegener interviews James for this issue.
Articles Hands On History - by Pamela Jorrick
A homeschool mom describes her family's participation in California History Day, when they kicked their relaxed homeschooling up a notch to create a group project with other homeschoolers. In addition to learning history by producing a short drama, the kids experienced research, script writing, set and costume design, and teamwork.
Walking the Spirit of the Land - by Tsolagiu M.A. RuizRazo
A Guide to Introducing Children to Nature
Cherokee Wolf Clan elder Tsolagiu M.A. RuizRazo, who homeschools her granddaughter in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, gives practical ideas for helping children become interested in and respectful of the natural world. She describes how nature can provide children with balance and even be a healing force for children who struggle with distractibility and other challenges.
Using Writing Contests - by Thursday Bram
Thursday Bram has a secret for homeschoolers: writing contests provide the perfect framework and inspiration to encourage kids to write. She offers suggestions for finding writing contests, and tells us homeschoolers tend to do well in writing competition. Contests provide structure and rules as well as opportunities for creativity.
Homeschool Boys Book Club - by Deb Adamson
A group of enthusiastic homeschooled boys come together to discuss their favorite books and defy stereotypes about boys and reading. Deb Adamson describes how the Boys Book Club evolved and how she facilitates it to encourage the boys' participation. She tells how she uses library resources - including the librarian - to get ideas for leading the book club and choosing books.
Teaching Money Smarts to Older Children and Teens - by Carron Armstrong
After having explored resources and ideas to help younger kids learn "money smarts" in our last issue, Carron Armstrong tells HEM readers about great strategies, websites, books, programs, magazines, and other resources that we can use to help our older kids and young adults learn about financial management.
Magic Moments with Every Age - by Agnes Penny
Children do grow fast, but Agnes Penny shares her understanding that special times keep coming. Children who are getting a little older can enjoy more grown-up experiences with their homeschooling parents, from special concerts to lively discussions about books. Agnes Penny tells us how homeschooling and caring for children of different ages provide variety and interest for Mom as well as kids.
Columns Questions and Answers - by Laura Weldon
Learning Independently and What Does Homeschooling Cost?
Learn More Independently I know it will get easier once they can read but right now I need ideas for helping them learn more independently. What Does it Cost to Homeschool? School is free but doing it ourselves means we have to pay for everything. We don't know what it costs.
Learning 101 - by Tamra Orr
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Coping with a flailing economy provides important lessons that will stick with our children throughout their lives.
Taking Charge - by Larry & Susan Kaseman
Parents' Work: Invaluable but Nearly Invisible
Larry and Susan Kaseman explain how parents do some of the most important work in the world, and they remind us that it is important to take time to think about, acknowledge, and share with others the work that we do, along with the resulting benefits to our families and to society.
Publisher's Note - by Helen Hegener
Homeschooling Under Fire
Helen notes an increase in media challenges to homeschooling laws, regulations, and long-accepted practices in many parts of the U.S. and in other countries where homeschooling is also popular.
Good Stuff - by Becky Rupp
Hey. Just Play.
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
Dear Mom
If young children could explain their thoughts and feelings in a written letter, it might look something like this letter from Michael to his Mom.
Road Less Traveled - by Linda Dobson
Seven Habits of Happy Homeschooling
Develop these seven habits, and you and your family just might find yourselves happier homeschoolers!
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