by Terri H. | Homeschooling
The Benefits of Homeschool Portfolio Evaluations – at a Distance!
Just this week I had several homeschooling moms ask me why I no longer portfolio evaluations in person. I did write about this on the old blog, and I think it deserves a place here in our new(er) space as well. Before I answer though, let me just say that I really would love to meet you, but I’d rather talk to you via Zoom or phone. 🙂 Let me explain why.
Introvert, Extrovert, Ambivert?
There has been a lot of talk on social media about personality types: introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts too. I have spent some time pondering this myself and I do find personality/learning style quizzes fun and interesting. I am most definitely an introvert. When I have too many places to have to be, too many people to talk to, and too many outside-the-home commitments, it can take me days to recover my energy. This is how introverts are: they recharge by being alone and quiet.
Because I am a homeschooling mom, I don’t get much alone time, but I can go outside and work in my garden, or go hang out in the barn with my horses for a bit. I need this. Fortunately, my family understands and lucky for me, my girls are also introverts so we “get” each other. Yet, despite not necessarily getting “energized” by our social activities, we trudge on and go to classes, meet with friends and live a joyful, full life. I couldn’t imagine living in a household full of extroverts!
I work from home as well, both as a homeschool consultant and evaluator, curriculum creator, and as a part-time teacher. Both of these provide me with joy and satisfaction, but I can get drained of energy. Can you relate?
The Need for Change
I began doing homeschool evaluations and consulting in 2007. My clients and I would meet in local coffee shops. Since the bulk of my evaluation requests come in during the late spring and summer months, I found myself spending all of my Saturdays and three to four nights a week away from my family. They started to feel the effects of my absence. My girls were littler then and I missed them! That was when I decided to change the way I did things.
Most of my consulting work was done long-distance anyway, and I had many clients from other parts of Florida and other states already doing distance-evaluations by emailing or snail-mailing me work samples, so I decided to ask my local clients to do their evaluations online too. I knew that this would make it easier for me, but I never expected that most of my clients actually preferred doing their evaluations this way as well. Maybe they are all fellow introverts! 😉 Seriously, though; the process is just so much more convenient and thorough for everyone involved.
Do Your Homeschool Portfolio Evaluation From Anywhere!
Online or distance-evaluations are super easy. You can upload work samples whenever you want to, and email them to me ahead of time. Of course, this is not the only way to show me the work that your students have done. Over the years I have had families share their work in these ways:
- Create a blog (I love these and many of my unschooling families do this)!
- Create a private Facebook page (Love this too)!
- Create a Youtube channel (some of my families who do this are amazing and I love to see and hear the students I am evaluating!
- Scan or snap photos or send videos of projects, field trips and send my email
- Snail-mail work samples to me (some people still prefer this option)
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Use dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or any preferred platform.
Florida asks evaluators to have a conversation with the student as well, and the way we fulfill this requirement is via a short phone chat, or Skype session. After that, the time is YOURS for whatever you’d like to discuss. Read more about how I conduct evaluations here.
The Time is for You, Too
A big perk of scheduling a portfolio evaluation with me is that you are able to ask me any questions you want to during our phone session. Yes, the phone session is for the student; however, that time is for you as well.
Book Your Appointment!
Are you ready to book your appointment! Just click here for my appointment scheduler, and choose the time that works best for you and your family. I look forward to talking with you! Read my testimonials page to see a sampling of what some of my other families have said about working with me!
by Terri H. | Homeschooling
I don’t know about you, but I need all the tips I can get for how to avoid homeschool burnout. By the end of December, and again around the beginning of May, you can stick me with a fork because I’m done.
I’m tired.
I’m worn out from all the curricular AND extracurricular activities. I’m barely hanging on, and the words you’ll hear most often from my mouth those days are, “just skip it!” My homeschooling mojo has left the building. My inspiration lies wet and soggy somewhere underneath a pile of once shiny-new ideas.
I need a pick-me-up, and a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino with almond milk just won’t do. I’m experiencing homeschool burnout.
I’ve been through this before. Many times. And I can help you get through your own version of homeschool burnout
Here are three things that have helped me most: (in order)
Stop Feeling Guilty
I know you feel it. You can’t deny it. We homeschool moms are the ones who begin each year with our polished new ideas, mission statements, clean schedules, new resolutions and high hopes. When we get to May and are reminded of all the ways in which our ideas didn’t pan out, we feel awful. It’s to be expected. But guilt (or remorse or regret) just don’t serve us. Throw those feelings away and replace them with a mind open to learning why those ideas didn’t pan out. For me, it’s usually because of one of these three things: (more…)
by Terri H. | Homeschooling
Why do you need New Year’s resolutions for your homeschool? I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. In fact, several years ago I resolved not to participate in the seemingly pointless, tradition of sharing with friends all the ways I was going to make my life better in the coming year.
What a set up for failure, right?
I mean, all these ads and sales for healthy foods, supplements, weight loss products, exercise equipment is enough to prove that resolutions don’t last; otherwise all these things would be in your face all year long.
But today I’m not talking about exercise and diet resolutions; I’m talking about resolutions for your homeschool and why you need them.
Are there changes you’d like to make? Things you’d like to do differently? Do your kids have ideas about what they’d like to add to their schooling? Now is the time to regroup, recharge and resolve! Making New Year’s resolutions for your homeschool is important and here’s why: (more…)
by Terri H. | Holidays, Homeschooling
Great Gifts for Homeschoolers
Looking for the perfect gift for that homeschooling family in your life? We have something for everyone here! Add them to your wish list and tell Santa and your friends and family! We homeschoolers can be a resourceful bunch, and we want something useful and practical sometimes, right?
Give a gift that keeps on giving this year! I’ve joined 11 other homeschool bloggers in bringing you all of our very best products which will be great gifts for homeschoolers! Each of these was crafted with love to bless your homeschool! All virtual products will supply a beautiful gift certificate for you to gift or stuff into a stocking. Happy Shopping!
Have a teen who lives to play video games? Get them engaged in learning with Fundafunda Academy’s Introduction to Game Programming. This is a self-paced class for grades 5 – 12 that introduces students to game programming. They will learn about game design, how to create game graphics and some basic computer logic. They will also program an interactive greeting card.
Some teens love to talk, maybe your teen needs her own podcast! Does your homeschool teen need an elective credit on their transcript but feels uninspired by the options? Would your techie high schooler like to pursue their passions while completing coursework? Then the Podcast Launch for Teens by Abby Banks is for YOU! Save $15 with coupon code MERRY
Keep the Christmas spirit going with playful fun! These practical activity plans are perfect to embrace the holiday season with your kids! They’re simple enough that they fit in easily to your already hectic schedule.
There are four weeks of activities already planned out for you, so there’s no need to go looking for something to do with the kids, it’s all right there. And there’s details and photos if you need it. Make this Christmas season your child’s very best ever with Celebrate from The Activity Room!
Seven lessons, six projects, tons of fun!!! This mini-course is perfect for Christmas break or weekly lessons this winter.
Unlike most art programs, Beyond the Stick Figure courses are not just a collection of projects, but a course in art techniques. These core techniques will give your child the confidence and ability to independently create masterpieces. Have an Art Camp with your family! Just click open, and go.
Younger kids will have fun exploring the ocean and learning Spanish as they go. The Spanish Ocean Animals Printables Workbook by Spanish4Kiddos includes four worksheets for children to practice Spanish terms of ocean life. Children practice handwriting, fine-motor skills, and reading. Common core and NGSS aligned. Grade Level: K
PERFECT FOR THE CRAFTY TEEN OR PRE-TEEN GIRL IN YOUR LIFE, AND JUST IN TIME for Christmas! Bookmarks and cards make awesome gifts for Christmas and other occasions. And since they are designed to be printed, cut out and decorated:
The Super Bundle of Bookmarks and Cute Cards would be a perfect gift for a girl in your life who loves to create do-it-yourself crafts!
Fill your year with music!
“A Year of Charlotte Mason Music Lessons” by Music in Our Homeschool is an online course that provides you with a gentle way to do music in your homeschool. Each month you’ll focus on two things: Composer Study and either a Folk Song or a Hymn. Use coupon code STOCKINGSTUFFER to get $10 off! (Coupon code expires 1/15/20.)
Your child will enjoy making his own music with Joyfulnotes Piano for Beginners. Engaging piano lessons delivered right to you for an amazingly affordable price. Now, your child can learn the joy of playing the piano anytime and anywhere. Designed for children age 5-8
Let’s Not Forget Mom
Get an inside look into homeschooling with Sound Foundations Homeschool’s Homeschool Moms Want You to Know! This Amazon bestseller is written by real homeschool moms for moms just like you. See what homeschooling looks like, get the information you need, and walk away renewed with inspiration. A must-read for every prospective and new homeschool mom!
Are you considering homeschooling in Florida and want to make a change? Our beginner’s course may be for you. Take the guesswork out of things, and get the FACTS all in one place. Your options can be confusing, but we clear them up here. By the time you go through this interactive course, you’ll be clear on what YOUR needs are, what your children’s needs are, and what your FAMILY’s needs are. Then you’ll be able to make the right choice.
Take Courage, Moms!
Be encouraged and inspired by our 30-day quote journal just for you.
This 64-page journal will take your quiet prayer time to a whole new level.
Go deeper with these beautiful Christian quotes and questions to ponder, plus writing space for personal reflection in Take Courage! An Inspirational Quote Journal for Moms by Homeschool in Florida
And lastly, have you seen the NEW edition of Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, from Betsy Sproger @ BJ’s Homeschool?
Betsy has been homeschooling for over 14 years. Her daughter got into each of the colleges on her list, with scholarship offers, including a Tier One U. All of Betsy’s tried and true tips for high school and college both are gathered together in her new book!
She not only helps you homeschool your teen but also makes the process of getting into college easy to understand. Her book includes 12 high school planning printables, to make your record-keeping easy.
Keep your nurturing homeschool style and showcase their accomplishments to the colleges!
by Terri H. | Giveaways
That title got you, didn’t it?
Math. We’ve used so many different programs for math for my youngest. It wasn’t my favorite subject in school, and it wasn’t my favorite subject to teach in elementary school, either. I’ve been searching for the perfect math curriculum for as long as I’ve been homeschooling and both of my girls are in high school now.
Here’s What I Do Know
Every kid is different. Yes, you know that, too. But truly, one math curriculum does not work for another. Take my own children for example. I tried almost everything to get my eldest daughter to NOT love Saxon. She did. And still does. And she’s thriving with it. She gets that from her dad, certainly.
My youngest is just like me. She doesn’t care about formulas, and the answer, “because that’s how you’re supposed to do it” just doesn’t fly with her. Me either. We want to know why. If we could study and analyze an algebraic formula as if it were a character in a great fiction novel, we’d do well and even love algebra. But we don’t.
Math Non-Math Lovers Like
(more…)
by Guest Writer | 30 Days of Homeschool Blog Series, Homeschooling
This guest post is part of our 30 Days of Homeschool: The Good, The Bad & The In-Between Blog Series
I am honest enough to admit that I never thought I would be homeschooling my boys through their tween and teen years. We began homeschooling with a year by year attitude and after my first few months I really wasn’t sure we’d be homeschooling all that long.
You can imagine my surprise when I realized my oldest was starting middle school and I was still homeschooling! I kind of freaked out a bit not knowing what to expect when homeschooling middle school but we muddled through and I realized it wasn’t much different from what we had been doing before; my teaching and guiding grew right alongside his skills and learning.
Now my oldest is just beginning his freshman year of high school at home and my younger two boys are firmly in the throes of middle school. Again I’ll admit I freaked a bit at the thought of homeschooling high school but once we sat down and sketched out a rough plan we were both excited at the thought of continuing this homeschooling journey together.
Can I let you in on a little secret??
I actually find it much easier to homeschool middle and high school!
Tweens and teens cane be such fun ages to homeschool.
- They’re fairly independent so I have a lot more free time to pursue my own interests.
- They are able to communicate to me what they’d like to learn, how they learn best, and why a particular area of study may or may not be working out for them.
- They’re funny! My boys have a great sense of humor and I get to be around them all day.
- We have such great discussions. They’re all old enough to have their own opinions about mostly everything and they love to debate with both my husband and I.
- They’re ready and willing to soak up life skills and my boys are quite helpful around the house too.
- They have developed hobbies and often surprise me with their skills.
Is it always sunshine and roses?
I don’t think any stage of parenting or homeschooling is “easy” since every stage comes with it’s own unique set of challenges.
- Tweens and teens can be moody. Their bodies are changing rapidly and their moods often reflect the hormonal fluctuations. One day they love me and school and what we’re doing and the next day everything is stupid and lame.
- My boys often think they know everything and I get lots of eye rolls, sighs, and attitudes; even if they’ve just asked for help or have asked me a question they’ll usually tell me my answer is wrong.
- Since my boys are all so close in age they either get along great or they are at each other’s throats and it can be tedious to STILL be playing referee all the time.
- I have noticed (with middle school ages in particular) that my boys can learn a set of skills one day or week and appear to have mastered it only to look at me blankly later on insisting they’ve never learned it. I’ve read up on this phenomenon and apparently this is a documented hormonal thing due to the rapidly growing body sapping the brain of energy. It’s why most middle school books don’t introduce that many new topics and instead focus on mastering and honing skills learned in elementary school.
- As independent as they can be they still need my help and it can be tough to know when to step in and help or when to let them muddle through on their own.
- So many parents stop homeschooling through the middle school years and even more stop with the high school years that it can be tricky to help my boys find all the social interaction they often crave. It seems like the older my kids get the less we find homeschoolers their age around.
Yet, I do think that many of these homeschooling challenges wouldn’t be much different from challenges all parents face in raising tweens and teens. If anything I think I’m lucky that my boys still turn to me for advice and not just to their peers and friends like I know I did. And while my boys may question our rules, values, and judgement from time to time we are still the biggest influences in their lives.
While I never pictured myself homeschooling my kids right up through college I am sure am glad I was open to the idea and willing to try.
Bio: Joanne, known as Mother of 3 around the web, has been homeschooling her three boys for 6 years. A former teacher fed up with the public school system she ventured out on her own and found a wonderful network of moms through blogging and life that have shown her what education really is.
