HOMESCHOOLING ASTRONOMY

Hi Everyone,

You know that painfully boring question homeschoolers get asked, repeatedly, "How can you Homeschool you're not a teacher?"

Well I'm sick of it, along with the unoriginal socialisation maniacs! Anyway back to the teacher question.

Yesterday I was about to teach our kids about our solar system. So NOT BEING A TEACHER LOL, I did a lot of research beforehand.

Remember - we were taught in school there are 9 planets. Well I was aware that one of them was no longer with us so to speak. Anyway research revealed 8 planets and the suns a star, we had a great time "googling" our way around astronomy.

And I happened to stumble across a forum where parents were concerned because there kids were still being taught in Public School about the 9 planets! Shouldn't this be a history lesson?

Mmmmhhhh.... Again I see not being a teacher as an advantage. My kids got the latest info available on our solar system. I have no set ides about subjects, I research them.

So no, I'm not a teacher, but it would appear I may be doing a good job. Makes you think about the advantages of Homeschooling!

See you later!

Blessings
Susan

PS. We've started a Homeschool Newsletter so you can be the first to know whats happening, and receiving the free stuff. Come and visit ans sign up. The first 1 goes out on the 15 July 2007. Don't miss it!

THE JOY OF CRAFTING

Hi Everyone,

It's winter here in South Africa, and we're busy crafting. Today this brought home the fact that crafting is so important for a child's fine motor skill development. Both Rudolph Steiner and Maria Montessori agree on this!

There is nothing more calming for me than to curl up with the kids, and sew quietly. I started mine sewing at age 3, both StJohn and Juliette. They love it.

I hope you'll join me as we craft today. While the kids were doing worksheets this morning I uploaded Free Kids Craft Patterns on my Homeschool site. These are hand drawn and come with step by step instructions, you just can't miss! You need no experience or skill to do these.

Perfect for children who have never used a needle and thread before are the Rainbow Snake Instructions. Never made one? It won't be long and you'll be hooked! I certainly was.

The second pattern is also dead easy, it's for a Heart Shaped Felt gift. Perfect to finish in an afternoon.

Please pop into our site www.ourhomeschooljourney.co.za. There are many free kids gifts for you to download other than the craft patterns. Definitely worth a look!

HOMESCHOOLING FOR LOVE

People always ask me,"why do you Homeschool your kids?"

The simple answer? Because I love them!

No, I'm not a qualified teacher, I'm just their mom, and because of this I am more than qualified to teach my children. Who knows my children better? I know their strengths, I know their weaknesses. Because of this I'm able to teach them what they each need to know.

I'm able to help them to strengthen their "weakpoints". Every single individual has completely different challenges in life. As we Homeschool we deal with these challenges one at a time. This is done by teaching my kids one on one, not one on 30 (if you're lucky!) in a public school.

I've done the public school "thing" and it ended in my 2nd grader being unable to read the most basic words, and having to deal with Bullying children in her class. Enough already, one challenge at a time!

After 18 months, my daughter is reading marvellous books, and most important for me she's gained her self confidence back! She has respect for herself and others.

This was taken away from her during her "public school" days. (In all honesty, deep down I feel that this was an unforgiveable thing to do, but I'm doing my best to forgive the teachers and student involved)

So Public School vs Homeschool.... There's no comparison, Homeschool is best, Everyday!