12 Days of Homeschool

A little Christmas fun...homeschool style

So what about socialization?

Got the Socialization Blues?


If you homeschool, you've probably been asked THE QUESTION.

What about socialization?

I have answered this question in many ways.

I've justified it by saying, "Oh, we get out lots we have homeschool friends, church activities, family stuff, lots of cousins. They have lots of interaction with other people...we are social...honest!"

I've down played it, " You mean you just send your kids to school to be socialized, hmmm."

I've been sarcastic, " Ya, mmm, I know, I sure hope they turn out ok. "

Well, rest assured we now have a great answer to that question-"What about socialization?"


RESEARCH!

Who argues with research!?

Check out this great article over at the Washington Times.
Home-Schooling: Socialization Not a Problem 


And I say take that- lady at church with the disapproving looks and take that- distant relative that thinks my children will be 'damaged' by this experience. We've got research now!

Homeschool Grows Up  - Homeschooling Grows Up is the largest research survey to date of adults who were home educated.

Fifteen Years Later PDF- A study of homeschooled Canadian adults.

Oh Yah! And take that Joy Behar...

Educational Opportunity : Play

Visit their website under The Tour for more information: http://www.mctinc.org/

Missoula Children's Theater
The Pied Piper Audititions
January 18, 2010


Price:
Child $5.00
Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children's Theater production of The Pied Piper on Monday, January 18 at 4:15. All those auditioning should arrive early and plan to stay for at least two hours. Registration is $5.00 for Nampa residents and $10.00 for non-residents. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for rehearsal immediately following the auditions. Parents are welcome to wait in the lobby for their child.
Students, grades Kindergarden through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Rehearsals will be after school the whole week for approximately four hours. The Pied Piper will be presented on January 23 at 2 and 7 in the Nampa Civic Center auditiorium.

For more information call Patricia at 468-4437.

Tickets for the show on sale soon!

Thanks for passing this along, Kelly (from DHSA)! http://deserethomeschool.blogspot.com/

If you have any educational opportunities in your area please pass them along!

The Link Magazine

The Link: the Nations Homeschool Magazine offers a free full download of their magazine by email. Check out their website to sign up: http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/

My favorite things about homeschool magazines, along with the new ideas from the articles are the ads. Yes, I love homeschool ads. I really enjoy seeing the exciting new products and materials coming available for homeschooling.

Because you know your feelin' crafty this December

Arts_and_Crafts_book
Originally uploaded by PopKulture

When I was a kid, I was extremely creative. I would cut things up and refashion them into some amazing new creation, much to my mothers dismay. Fortunately for me, my kiddos have inherited this wonderful trait from me: the need to create. Since I'm not a huge fan of large messes, this can be a fine balance to keep, the creativeness and the cleanliness. I love quick easy and not so messy projects to spark our creativity. That is my main criteria for projects: maximum creativity, ease of project, and tidy technique. It's also important to keep in mind your child's skill and developmental level, don't choose complicated projects that aren't age appropriate. It's really not fun for anyone if you are pretty much doing the project for them, it'll just be frustrating for both you and your child.

Christmas is a great time of year for crafts and artwork. Your December arts and craft projects can serve double duty as a gift. Here are a few fun projects I have found that we are working on this month. Enjoy!

Kusudma Sphere (for older kids and parents)- We used white printer paper cut into 2X2 squares to make ornament sized balls. I recommend practicing with a large piece of paper till you get the technique down

Flower wall art using toilet paper rolls (for PreK and up)- Amazingly classy and super easy

Old School Pom Poms (K and up)- I'm thinking about these in red, green, and white as festive ornaments for the tree

Fabric Fortune Cookie- (for teens or parents) This is SOOO cute, I'm thinking add a string and hang it on the tree, instead of a fortune, put a prediction for next year inside."I think 2010 will find me doing more fun arts and craft projects."