Reaching Higher Homeschool Ezine, Issue #022

Reaching Higher is a free, monthly homeschool ezine to encourage and equip homeschoolers, bringing you the best advice, articles, websites and encouragement we can to help you as you raise your young ones and build your family legacy!

If you enjoy this e-zine, please pay it forward and send it to a friend.
If you would like to subscribe, sign up at Reaching Higher.

Issue #22 - September 2008

The Hidden Blessing of Homeschooling

As we (Wendy and Shirley) flew to Johannesburg and back for a homeschool expo a few weeks ago, we had a rare to chance to converse face-to-face, instead of via Skype and email as we usually do.

It occurred to both of us, that after many years of homeschooling, we have discovered an aspect of homeschooling that is hidden to many, but which once recognized, gives parents a clearer picture of what homeschooling really is:

Its not the superior academic education you can offer, its not the one-to-one tuition, its not the freedom your children have to pursue their passions, it not your that children can progress at their own pace, its not that you can tailor-make their education to suit their learning styles, its not the life skills they learn by working in the home. NO, the hidden blessing of homeschool is more than all this ....Click here to read the article….

Advice

As the season for buying curricula and homeschooling materials for the new school year approaches, you too might be looking for something new.

It is quite normal for homeschooling families to change from one product to another in the first couple of years – as their understanding of homeschooling matures and their confidence levels grow.

We strongly advise homeschoolers to use products that are specifically designed for homeschooling, and preferable products created by homeschoolers themselves, rather than by non-homeschoolers.

That said, watch out for programmes that include too much in a day, leaving you feeling that you are always trying to keep up or catch up.

Watch out for smooth sales talk convincing you that 'this' is the best curriculum – it might have all the bells and whistles, but your success will not depend on the curriculum you buy! However, your frustration levels will be higher if you buy something that does not suit you and your family.

Ask the advice of seasoned homeschoolers, but at the same time, also be careful of people that want to push you to homeschool they way they do, or to use the products that they use. Be free to differ if you think you need to.

We, homeschoolers are sometimes very opinionated people - which can be both a good and a bad thing at times!!

Free Printables

This month we have added two notebooking pages that go along with the Great Trek theme. Visit our free printable page to download notebooking pages on Piet Retief and the Wagon Home.

Websites

We are slowly starting to add some lapbook projects for children aged 4-8 to our growing supply of South African homeschool resources. You can find out more about the first two at Preschool Curriculum Activities

For more ideas for preschoolers don’t forget we each have a website geared towards little homeschoolers:

www.toddler-activities-at-home.com and www.shirleys-preschool-activities

Footprints News

The next homeschool curriculum expo is in Cape Town on 13 September at the Belville Civic Centre and there is also one in East London on 11 October. Be sure to visit our Homeschool Events page to stay up to date with homeschool happenings around the country.

Till next month, we wish you every blessing

Wendy and Shirley

www.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.com

Footprints On Our Land - South African Homeschool Curriculum

Back to Back Issues Page