by Julianna Dotten

It’s a few weeks into the school year for most of us, and at some point, reality hits that our perfectly scheduled 15-minute increments aren’t working. Life happens, and sometimes lunch takes longer because we’re talking about a recent event or we had to deal with tears (again!) about math. And of course, that means we’re behind on schedule and have to spend the rest of the day catching up …

by guest author Stefanie Bennett

I would like to pose two questions: What kind of relationship do I want your children to have with writing, and how does your homeschooling approach help to shape that relationship?

To answer these questions, it is helpful to first consider our own relationship with writing. Do you savor words like candy? Are they spread all over your life like confetti? Do books and journals surround your bed like a moat? Or are you the person who rejoiced when you finished school, just because it meant you never had to write another paper ever again? Beyond that, can you reflect back on your own history with reading and writing to determine what shaped that perspective?

Dealing with Extracurriculars

by guest author Marcia Washburn

Do you ever wonder, “If a woman’s place is in the home, why am I always in the car?” Do you find yourself hurrying children through chores and schoolwork to get to lessons, co-op classes, and sports practices on time? Is there just too much pressure in your life? Help is on the way!

We have a love-hate relationship with those outside-of-home activities called extracurriculars. They really can serve a good purpose when thoughtfully selected. They can fill in gaps in your curriculum; many parents use piano lessons as a music class or gymnastics for physical education. Extracurriculars provide opportunities for social interaction. Children (and parents!) can develop leadership skills and learn to serve others while participating in supplementary activities.