 Hey, Mama, What are the best electives? It depends. When our family chooses electives for our kids, we look at their gifts and interests. What will they need to know for a planned career? Do they have hobbies or interests they would like to pursue? Do they want to go to a foreign country and need to know a foreign language? Here's some advice from one of our magazine writers: "Choosing the Best Electives" - Jan Burt And Mama, here's something to remember if you're struggling with electives, homeschooling, or just life ...
How come you keep muttering under your breath again? What's "Epic Mama Fail" you have been whispering? Perish the thought. Get rid of it.
Yeah, we all blow it. There are days we act really dumb, and times we wish we could rewind the clock backwards (20 years?). Kicking ourselves when we're already down isn't the answer, though.
Do you kick your two-year-old when he falls down? Do you hammer down your eight-year-old when she makes a mistake? Do you hate your teen when he blows it?
How come you treat your own failures worse than you would a dog?
Daughter of the King: Stop forgetting who you are in Christ. No, you are not perfect. No, you don't cross every T or meticulously dot every I. But you are His. And He has called you to this great task of loving and caring for your beautiful family. So take joy in that, Mama.
Your kids are watching, btw. Surely you want them to carry on happily when they mess up as grown ups, right? Or should we teach them by example that really they should kick themselves at every small failure? They should tear themselves up and mutter, "Epic Mama fail" every day.
No. We would never hope for such a thing. We would hope they could go a little easier on themselves than that.
You too, Beautiful Mama. You have value, too.
~ gena
|
|
|
AdvertisementPsychology is one of the first classes students take in college. Prepare them before they go. Homeschool Psych: Preparing Christian Homeschool Students for Psychology 101, by Dr. Tim Rice, helps students apply a biblical Christian worldview to the study of God's grandest creation - the human mind. Online classes available.
|
|
|
Relational Homeschooling
Dear Friends,
To talk about electives, considering what is and what isn't essential, I'd like to start with a story.
My husband is a most accommodating eater. He has eaten nearly everything I've set before him for the past thirty-five years, good and bad, perfectly cooked to nearly burned. He has eaten these things without complaint and with some level of gratitude ... EXCEPT for one of the most nutritional vegetables on the planet--broccoli. That is the exception that proves the rule. Whenever I have put broccoli on the plate, whether as a creamy cheese soup, a succulent stir-fry, or a gorgeously steamed green, he has been as obstinate as a mule in his refusal to eat it. I've always thought it was a bit petty to not eat a vegetable that was SO good for you ... until I read an article which said that genetics cause some people to have a much stronger reaction to bitter tastes than the average person. And that is why some people hate broccoli. It's not a matter of preference or pettiness, it's how much "bitter taste receptor" their genes produce in the taste buds.
Oh. I wish I had known that.
The same thing is true of learning. What one student finds absolutely riveting, another student may find boring. When one person loves mountain bike maintenance, another may delight in oil painting, while yet another loves to craft historic costumes--all in the same family! So which of these is "essential"? Obviously, the answer depends on the individual.
When my kids were little, we decided that they each needed to have piano lessons. My husband had been a music teacher, I was a folk singer/songwriter, and music was an integral part of our everyday life. So, what could be more natural, more valuable, than piano lessons? And, for two of my children, it was a match made in heaven. For the third, however, it was a time of increasing frustration and struggle. This extremely kinesthetic kid was not enjoying either lessons or practice, regardless of how much I tried to make it palatable. So, we finally asked him what instrument he would like to play (which would have been a good idea in the first place!). His answer? Bass guitar.
Oh. I wish I had known that.
Now, if I were to open the lens of the camera a bit wider, you would notice something interesting. This bass guitar playing kid, who had not thrived with piano lessons, turned out to be an extraordinary ballet dancer (!), an incredible oil painter, and a blow-your-socks-off chef. He held his own in four-part harmony a cappella singing, loved to play basketball, and had a blistering recall of obscure geographical locations.
So, when we consider which electives to set before our kids, I would suggest that you pay attention to their unique giftings and interests. As parents, it's our job to open doors and, at the same time, not force our kids through them. For more on this concept, here's my article, Of Cormorants, Cats and Kids.
Remember, stay relational!
Diana
[email protected]
P.S. Check out my new Teaching Tips series: Teaching Tip #1: You are ALL Smart! and Teaching Tip #2: The Introduction.
|
|
|
Advertisement
LAST CHANCE
to get your 2015 Annual PRINT Edition
for $10!
This pre-sale price ends in 4 days!
The 2015 edition of the "big book" annual magazine is headed to the printers next month so we have it on pre-sale right now online. The only place you can order it at the moment is at the TOS store, and it's just $10! Many stores will be carrying it (including Krogers) for $12.95.
Newsstand price in the U.S. will be $12.95. Grab your copy online today and save money! It's $10 until mid February, and then the cost goes up to the regular online pricing of $15 with free shipping.
|
|
|
The Familyman
 My wife is a subscriber to HGTV magazine. Off the record, and just between you and me, I like reading it. I like bold ideas by bold people. Maybe that's why I like some of the extreme cooking shows when out-of-the-box chefs get to show off their abilities and creations. In the HGTV magazine there are several reoccurring columns. One of them that really gets under my skin (and I can barely bring myself to read) is called, "How Bad Is It?" They pose three or four questions like, "How bad is it to feed your pet table scraps," "How bad is it to let your kids eat food that's fallen on the floor," or "How bad is it to put your dry clean only clothes in the washing machine?" Then they provide the answer and label it as either not bad at all, sort of bad, or REALLY bad! I sometimes say under my breath "Are you kidding me?" I want to write them and say, "What you've chosen as super bad hardly even matters. Cancer is super duper bad, dads who are driven workaholics are really bad, but letting your child eat a chip that's been sitting on the floor for a week? Who cares?" My point is this as it relates to what electives are essential. YOU determine what is essential. And if it's essential, then it shouldn't be an elective (something you choose that is not required).
So, if you think it's essential to teach your children good manners, how to pay bills and balance a checkbook, or how to be a good parent, then make those electives a priority.
And if you think some of the essentials like sentence diagramming, cursive handwriting, or advanced calculus are non-essential, then don't teach them and don't feel guilty.
The thing is, my very busy, homeschooling mom friend, you can't do everything, so focus on the ESSENTIALS. The essentials that YOU have deemed essential.
Be real,
|
|
|
A division of The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine
Did you know? Every class is INCLUDED for members! No limits!
Final days to save! Save more than 50% on a one-year membership that gives you access to over 100 classes. SchoolhouseTeachers.com is the curriculum site of The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine. We offer classes that cover all ages and multiple learning styles. We are constantly adding new content and new courses. Some courses span a full year or more, and some are great supplements to programs you may already be using. None of our classes are live, so you can start any time and never be behind!
From now through February 14, 2015, you can save more than 50% on a one-year membership when you use code VALENTINE at checkout. You'll receive a full-year membership PLUS lock in that rate for as long as you maintain your subscription. It's a sale that keeps on saving you money year after year. There are no per-child fees; one membership serves your entire family.
|
|
|
Announcement
Share This Valentine's Day Special!
TOS is offering a bouquet of free downloadable gifts for Valentine's Day through February 14. Would you share this offer with your friends, homeschool group, Facebook, blog, etc.? And don't forget to get these gifts for yourself too!
|
|
|
Advertisement
Hey Mama Print Schoolhouse Planner
on sale now!
Get the Hey Mama Print Schoolhouse Planner for just $9 (U.S. only), and we pay the shipping. Normally these physical planners cost $23. Filled with Gena's encouraging Hey Mama writings and calendars through June, this print planner is perfect to plan your days AND keep you motivated. There are very few left. Get yours today
before they're gone!
|
|
|
Announcement
Are you a U.S. Support Group Leader?
Would you like to receive a free copy of the new 2015 The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine Annual Print issue when it is released? If so, here's how you can get your copy!
-
Post a brief comment about TOS Magazine on Facebook or another social media outlet. Mention that the new big print book of The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine is coming out soon, and it's only $10 which includes shipping (U.S. only). But that as of the 15th of February, the price goes back up to retail. Here's the link to use: www.theoldschoolhouse.com/product/2015-annual-print-edition
- After posting, simply email Pat Mills, Director of Social Media for The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine, the link to your post and let her know your mailing address: [email protected]
When the magazine is released (in March), we will mail your copy.
Thanks!
Gena Suarez
Publisher
The Old Schoolhouse�
[email protected]
|
|
|
Announcement
The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine.
|
|
|
Announcement
Now you can be a TOS affiliate and earn some extra cash!
Would you like to earn 20% commission on TOS items that family and friends purchase through an affiliate website? It's easy, check out this page for more information. Once you are signed up, you simply share your unique affiliate link with family and friends. If anyone purchases anything from the TOS website using your affiliate link, you receive a 20% commission. There are even buttons available to help you promote your affiliate link on your website or blog.
|
|
|
Contest Corner
For the month of February 2015
Isabel's Secret is a 10-chapter, 109-page book, written by Jan May, about tomboy Isabel Morningskye, her family, and a mystery. Isabel and her friend Holly grow closer to each other and to God while they uncover the secret about Isabel's family. During a blizzard, Isabel and Holly find a Native American clay pot and a poem, and that is where the mystery begins. (. . .)
Isabel's Secret is a well-written and exciting book to be read for enjoyment. You do not have to read it to do the creative writing curriculum. You could use this for part of your English curriculum, or you could read it during the summer. The author, Jan May, says it is meant for girls, grades 3-6, beginning writers or advanced. The author wrote this book for homeschoolers and groups. (. . .) I enjoyed Isabel's Secret a lot! I like Isabel's motto: "Winner's never quit and quitters never win, because I serve the mighty God that lives deep within."
YOU can WIN this resource!
TO ENTER: Email Heather with your name, mailing address, and phone number for contact purposes, with the subject line, "Isabel's Secret" for a chance to win* this for your family!
|
|
|
|
|
 
or download the free mobile apps at
You can also get
Molly Green Magazine on these free mobile apps:
Take a look at what's new now at
|
|
|
Check out these resources:
Who We Are:
|
|
|
"I am amazed at the number of times I open The Homeschool Minute newsletter and have the opportunity to read EXACTLY what I need that day! Thank you so much for putting a real face on homeschooling."
--Michelle Sager
Liberty Twp, OH
|
|
|
"I really appreciate all the information and the many uplifting articles in your magazines. Invaluable. Thanks for all you're doing to help us homeschoolers.
|
|
|
"Only just this past week have I seriously checked into the content of the SchoolhouseTeachers.com site ... May I just say wow?!"
--Janelle Chille
Mason City, IA
|
|
|
"I really enjoy reading all the THM articles. I learn a lot from Todd Wilson's column. [He's a] funny guy who speaks the simple truth! Thank you very much!"
--Charlene
Brandon, FL
|
|
|
"I look forward to THM every Wednesday. I really enjoy Deborah's articles. For some reason, it must be God, she always writes about what I am needing to hear. Her ability to put scripture and God in the middle of all her articles keeps me coming back. I recently have been enjoying the Youngs' [articles] because I have a young man (10) in my house. The encouragement of the Youngs is fabulous. I thank God for parents like them that pave the way for parents like myself and my husband."
--Racheal Fowler
Glen Burnie, Maryland
|
|
|
"So love reading TOS on my iPad from cover to cover every month!!!"
--Leigh Anne McGrady
Dunwoody, GA
|
|
|
"I love the new TOS app! So convenient. So quick. All the encouragement I need at my fingertips ... any place at any time."
--SpunkyHomeschool
|
|
|
"I absolutely love Todd's column. He always seems to put things in the proper perspective, and it keeps me from getting all stressed and anxious. Thanks Todd, and thanks TOS!!"
--Johnne Orelchikov
East Texas
|
|
|
Have you been blessed by
The Homeschool Minute™?
|
|
|
|
 |
|
