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| Celebrating Child-led Learning | Vol. VII, issue 1
September, 2016 |
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This has been a year full of changes and delays. Finally another issue of this newsletter is out, ready to greet the new school year with lots of Not-Back-to-School help. Read about the eight biggest changes we made after choosing to homeschool, find links to support groups and homeschooling conferences, an invitation to a talk on Thrifty Homeschooling in NYC with me and my Fearless Homeschooling friend Joanna Lodin, a peek at my upcoming classes, poetry games and more. It's the start of an exciting new season of learning!
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"Like" HomeschoolNYC
on Facebook for more
commentary, news, links, and information on local events.
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We didn't start off homeschooling. That choice, made when my oldest was in 4th grade, was a major turning point for us. What were the biggest changes you made when you first started homeschooling? Here are eight things we did which transformed our lives! - Reinstating bedtime reading time. It is unthinkable that assigned homework and a highly scheduled day led to sacrificing bedtime story time, but that's what had happened. Our young son was a ballet dancer, which meant that he . . .
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Laurie's Upcoming Fall Classes
There are still a few spots open!
Playwriting for ages 11-13
Manhattan's upper west side, Thursdays 
This testimonial is from a student in last year's playwriting for teens:
"Laurie Spigel gives a fun, challenging, in-depth course on writing for the stage that lets your creativity run wild. She is a wealth of knowledge and a constant source of inspiration, enthusiastic and passionate about art. The course's integration of improv can shed light on doors for a piece that table work may not open, and gives the class a hands-on edge. Because of Laurie, I have a play that I am proud of, and now I can list playwriting as one of my accomplishments. I always eagerly look forward to her class!" See class photos.
Animals! Animals!
Bronx, Monday mornings, for ages 8-10  This testimonial from a parent who observed a class for ages 8-10 taught last year.
"I want to thank you for all that you have brought to our children over the past few months. For a number of years (until I resigned from my tenured senior faculty position at CUNY), I evaluated teachers professionally and also taught them how to teach. I have observed every session of the class and I have never seen anyone bring more intelligence, passion, sensitivity, and joy to a class." See class photos. |
Begin with Poetry Begin the journey with poetry. It's an excellent way to open the door to writing, self-expression, and new ways of seeing the world. What better way to start the homeschooling year?
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Homeschooling Help to Start the Year
NYCHEA (NYC Home Educators Alliance, a volunteer-run group) hosts their annual Not-Back-to-School picnic at the end of September! 
Fearless Homeschooling presents:
Thrifty Homeschooling
Tips for finding no- and low-cost resources in NYC,
with veteran homeschoolers Joanna Lodin and Laurie Block Spigel.
Sunday Sept. 25, Different Directions, 339 W. 47 St., 3rd fl.
RSVP - Space is limited. FREE. Donations welcome!
Sept. 30-Oct. 2nd in Petersham, Massachusetts
at the Earthlands Collective, with Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn
with links to Free to Learn.
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Mead (1901-1978), American author and anthropologist
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Interview on Homeschooling and Child-led Learning
If you liked this interview (aired June, 2015, on a local cable TV show), please post a comment on the youtube page!
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"Joy in Our Town" features Laurie Block Spigel of HomeschoolNYC
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Education Uncensored
Here's what people are saying about Laurie's book:
"I would like to tell the parents reading this who haven't yet read your book, Education Uncensored: 'Please Do!' I finished reading it a few weeks ago but haven't been able to put it away in my library, nor have I been willing to lend it out. For those of you haven't read it yet, it is part memoir, part education book, part homeschooling primer, all wonderful."
~Mary O'Riordan, Ed.D, educator and homeschooling parent
"You made me laugh, you made me cry, and you inspired me. I can literally hear your voice, and love your storytelling and your wisdom and just the whole package. I'm stimulated and filled with ideas for my own teaching."
~ Dr. Bonnie Shulman, professor of mathematics, Bates College
"I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated meeting you and reading your book. It is terrific, and for me, the best part was its New York perspective. I know no other book available to homeschoolers that so overtly references an urban perspective."
~ David Albert, author of And the Skylark Sings with Me and other books
"Laurie's evolution as a teacher and life-long involvement in the world of education has given her a profound understanding of the problems that plague today's schools. This book offers an insightful look at how an increasingly standardized system is robbing our children of their individuality and passion for learning. Additionally, it provides innovative how-to curriculums for anyone involved or interested in educating children."
~ Ellen Labiner, homeschooling parent and special educator
Price: $12.95 plus shipping & handling
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Send your comments and suggestions to Laurie@HomeschoolNYC.com.
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