When I was asked to do guest post on this blog I tried to think of things I could write about. I wasn’t homeschooled and it wasn’t even aware of homeschoolers until a few years ago. So what advice or encouragement do I have to offer this audience?
And then a light bulb appeared over my head. I may not know about homeschooling or the trials the parents face, but I do know about nurturing a creative person. You see, my mom, now in her eighties, inspired and encouraged me to think outside the box. She nurtured my love of words and drama. Her example inspired me to see past my jobs and bills and aspire to my passions and dreams. One of those dreams included being a published author. Although it took me many more years than I thought it would, I published my first book in 2009.
Make Creativity a Family Affair
I come from a family of doers and dreamers. My grandfather worked his way through medical school to become one of the first African-American doctors in his hometown. My grandmother was an early pioneer of children’s rights in education and was a writer of plays and poems.
And then there’s my mother. She’s amazing. She has over 40 copyrighted songs along with dozens of poems, a play, a forth coming movie/DVD and has performed as a pianist in the local community for over 60 years. My big brother plays in a band and is a saxophonist. With all of these creative people in my life, is it any wonder that I chose to follow their example?
As a kid I would often sit for hours with my mother’s ancient and antique Royal typewriter (remember those?) I had an extremely active imagination and was prone to nightmares when I was eight. Writing allowed me to sculpt the nightmares that plagued me and put them into some kind of context I could handle.
When I wasn’t writing I was always involved in something — I was a cheerleader and mascot for my high school sports teams. I sang in the church choir and was a junior deacon. And through it all, my family were my biggest fans. They always encouraged me and set an example that I could follow. And most of all, they gave me the space to be myself and explore my talents. And that’s what I encourage you to do also.
One Last Thought
It’s really easy to get caught up on all of the academics — worrying about test scores and college acceptance. And, from what I hear, well-meaning family and friends who wonder if you’re “really” teaching them anything. But you know what? Allowing your children to exercise their gift of creativity will probably serve them better than almost any other skill you teach.
So if your children have a passion for art, music, writing, sculpting, whatever let them go for it. No, they may never get a job or scholarship doing what they love. And they may not become famous for their skills, but the joy and peace they will achieve from exercising their creative muscles will last them a lifetime.
Daryl T. Sturgis is the author of The Witch Series featuring the meanest witch in town, Solstice Macaffey. He is currently working on his third installment in the series as well as an anthology of short stories. You can download a free excerpt of his short stories at his website.
Reggie Dabbs is someone I would like to call a friend. Not only is his story a remarkable; his vision and dedication to helping others is inspiring.
While just in the second grade he learns that his parents are not really his parents. He also learned that his conception was truly an accident. His mother had to sell herself to feed her three children. And during that act she became pregnant with him. His life began at a value of $20. What a blow to a young child’s sense of self. Read more… »
You may remember that last year I went on my first retreat hosted by Rhea Perry in Destin, FL. If so, then you remember that I had a fabulous time and am still reaping the benefits of this educational and inspiring gathering of homeschooling families seeking to give their children an alternative to the many pitfalls of “traditional” employment.
Tonight, August 31st, Rhea is hosting a webinar that will discuss why your kids don’t need a lemonade stand. Below is the invitation that I got in my email last night. Since it’s Rhea’s event I figured I’d let her explain it to you, so here it is: Read more… »
I love homeschooling, but sometimes I let it get a little overwhelming, especially when my “perfect” plans for the school just doesn’t work out the way that I imagine. Last year I was a part of the TOS Crew, a group of dedicated moms who review curriculum so that you get a clear idea of the best resources for your money, and I got an inside look at how TOS operates. And I’ve been very impressed.
This Labor Day holiday, The Old Schoolhouse is having a “Labor of Love” subscription sale — a celebration of our commitment to homeschooling. They are offering a one-year print subscription for just $7.95 or a one-year plus current issue print subscription for only $12.95!
My year of reviewing products and seeing how dedicated the staff at The Old Schoolhouse impressed me so much that I decided to take the subscription for their magazine. And that was one of the best things that I did for myself last year! Reading about other parent’s challenges (and unexpected triumphs) while homeschooling really helped me to understand that life happens to all of us, so stop stressing and start adapting to fit the new situations.
And I was surprised to see how interested in the magazine my own children were. I literally have to sneak the magazine in if I want to read it in peace! My eldest likes the stories about other homeschooling families and their children. My middle girl likes to look at the advertisements and see how she can spend my money. And little man just likes us to chase him around the house as we try to get the magazine back from him!
So from August 31 through midnight PDT on September 15 you and your homeschool group can take advantage of TOS’ crazy prices and join the fun of “steal the bacon” with your family! The sale starts August 30 at midnight and it will end on September 15 at midnight. Here are your subscription choices:
There are only 5,000 of these subscriptions available— once they’’re gone, they’’re gone. The sale could end before midnight on September 15th if they reach 5,000. So spread the word and grab your own — the encouragement alone more than covers the subscription price.
I just got this email in the mail and I thought it might be a great way for a biology whiz to get a free laptop. The rules are very specific so check your entries twice to make sure that you don’t get disqualified on a technicality. Here are the details:
Contest – Dell 15 Inch Laptop Computer
This contest is open to all homeschooling families subscribed to this newsletter – if you have homeschooling friends who would like to subscribe and participate in this contest, please forward this message to them. They can subscribe here:
One person will win this laptop. Here’s how to enter: (Hint: be careful
Go to this page http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/OnlineClasses.htm Find the first word (key word #1) after the “creek photo” that ends with the same letter as the first letter of the name for the first section of the small intestine.
The third letter of the fourth word after key word #1 is the first letter of a bone (bone #1) whose fifth and sixth letters are “ib”.
Bone #1 is superior to a bone (bone #2) whose second and third letters are “ib” and this bone (bone #2) is anterior to a muscle whose second letter is “a”.
The first letter of bone #2 is the first letter in the name of a muscle (muscle #1) that is proximal to the Brachioradialis.
What is the name of muscle #1? (once you determine what this muscle name is, please keep it to yourself)
At exactly 9:37 pm eastern time on Tuesday, August 31, send email to:
Email: Greg@LandryScience.com
Subject line should be: “Laptop Contest”
In the body of the message:
=> your name, age, state, and telephone number
=> what’s the name of muscle #1 from above?
=> state that you are in a homeschooling family
Please email us ONE time only
Students, please get your parents permission before emailing us.
The person whose email we receive closest to exactly 9:37 pm eastern time on Tuesday, August 31, who has included the correct “muscle #1 name”, will win the laptop.
We’ll notify the winner via email or phone. Have fun!
Yes, The SchoolHouse Expo is back in town and I can’t wait! With the family trying to get back into the homeschooling routine, I’m looking forward to the timely tips and suggestions that the Expo will provide. And best of all I don’t have to drive!
Registration is open for the online Schoolhouse Expo, October 4-8. It’s five days of top homeschool speakers, fellowship, and fun door prizes. You can save $5 per ticket if you register between August 16 and midnight August 22, and you’ll pay only $19.99. Plus you’ll receive over $200 in free E-Books.
You’ll be inspired by speakers including: Zan Tyler, Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright,Carol Barnier, Diana Waring, Todd Wilson, Davis Carman, Kim Kautzer, Lee Binz, and many more!
A special teen track is planned–the entire family will definitely want to listen to these special sessions. We’ve also planned a special focus on a topic that touches every homeschool–writing. Plus, an array of other topics that will inform and inspire you throughout your homeschooling years.
And better yet, if you miss a session because you’re car-schooling you can always listen later because we get MP3 copies of each session comes with your LIVE event ticket. Two special pre-conference shows on August 24 and September 21 with Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright, and Kim Kautzer!
The theme this fall is “Celebrate Homeschooling!” It’s going to be a celebration of the unique blessings of homeschooling, the beginning of another school year, our families, and the freedom to tailor our children’s education to best meet their needs.
If you already have made plans and cannot make the Live event, then the October Expo To Go is just your ticket! You’ll reserve MP3s from all of the workshops. This week only, pay just $14.95!
You can visit either of these links to get more information:
The term “Summer Reading Program” always make me chuckle. As an affirmed bibliophile I can’t imagine any season that shouldn’t be full of reading. Books have been my life-long friends. I can’t remember not being able to read and can’t imagine what life would be like without my daily reading fix.
However, for many people reading is a chore that you do because you “have to” while you’re in school. And this chore can be tossed out the window once you’ve graduated. For many, reading is something that you do for practical purposes and never for simple enjoyment. How sad. I personally don’t like “Summer Reading” programs because it sounds like a homework assignment. Yuck! Reading should never be a chore, but a grand adventure to undiscovered destinations.
Bing and Bong of Tiny Planets would like to invite Mommy Bloggers to review their fantastic new site for kids aged 6-12. It has a science and space exploration focus along with deep educational roots. Tiny Planets has free lesson plans, activities and books for parents to do with their preschool kids. It has a virtual world, games,science facts and experiments, safe social interactions and lots of family fun for older children as well.
And best of all we’re giving the first 10 reviewers who respond complimentary Bing & Bong key chains for your kids (or yourself — we won’t tell!)
If you are interested in reviewing Tiny Planets (or have any questions) please send an email to aimee@dottedlinecomm.com. Thanks!
“Melvin the Magnificent Molar” lives up to his name. I just love this story. I received my autographed copy of the book Tuesday evening and read it immediately. Well, I read it after I got it out of my ten-year old’s hand (the girl has a good grip!) I totally fell in love with the plucky, often overlooked, Molar through the course of the story.
The next day I read the story to my younger children and they adore Melvin. My seven year old ran upstairs immediately after the story ended and gave her Melvin a good scrubbing – no icky greenies for her!
Even my little son, who I would have bet money was paying absolutely no attention to the story will go willingly to the bathroom whenever I tell him “It’s time to clean your Melvins!”
The illustrations are beautiful and make the story even more enjoyable. The author is very talented — the story has a good pace without any dead spots. She also was able to teach children about the importance of their teeth in a humorous way. Read more… »
Wow! I’ve made it to Week 7! This week has been kind of eventful on the health front. I did very well at the beginning of the week. It was FREEZING in Pennsylvania and exercise was definitely a great way to warm up. I had cut back to 32 minutes a day (that’s how long my yoga routine generally takes on Wii Fit) but by Wednesday was back to my hour of exercise (aerobic and yoga). Then the heatwave came through and besides light yoga I haven’t had the inclination to exercise anymore than walking through flea markets and on the beach with my children.
Heat has never really bothered me before, but I can see that this year I’ll be spending a lot of time poolside if I am going to workout with any frequency. It’s either that or exercise at 3 in the morning … which just might be an idea because that really cuts down on the possibility of someone saying “Mommy!” while I’m attempting to breathe and maintain a challenging yoga pose! Read more… »
I'm a homeschooling mom with seven children: 3 human, 2 feline and 2 canine. I'm also the wife of one very patient husband who seems to like the role of ringmaster to our circus. I am a virtual assistant who enjoys writing, crafts, music and laughter. I hope you'll visit often. Please be aware that this blog is supported by affiliate links, although every link isn't necessarily an affiliate program.
Reggie Dabbs is someone I would like to call a friend. Not only is his story a remarkable; his vision and dedication to helping others is inspiring.
Bing and Bong of 
“Melvin the Magnificent Molar” lives up to his name. I just love this story. I received my autographed copy of the book Tuesday evening and read it immediately. Well, I read it after I got it out of my ten-year old’s hand (the girl has a good grip!) I totally fell in love with the plucky, often overlooked, Molar through the course of the story.
