COMPLIMENTARY
SPRING 2014
Focus On: Evaluna Montaner
Singer, actress, dancer, world-traveler, and 11th grader shares her homeschool experience
Manifesting a Magazine Giving Birth to The Home Educator
Spring is in the Air Favorite South Florida Nature Spots for the Whole Family
Worries Turned Wonderful Striking a Balance with Homeschooling, Working, and Finding Time for Yourself
Did you say the S-word? Putting an End to the Socialization Myth
Autism Awareness
A step by step guide to organizing an ABA home program Pg 26
contents
SPRING 2014
Turned Wonderful 10 Worries South Florida Mom and Blogger,
Caitlin Fisch, shares her fears, anxieties, and her empowering homeschool reality.
You Say the S-Word? 12 Did Brenda Rufener, of The Homeschool Diaries,
tackles one of the biggest homeschool myths and explains the difference between being socialized and being social.
a Magazine 14 Manifesting Editor-in-chief, Marlo Planas, shares
her journey through schooling, parenting, her decision to homeschool, and how the concept of The Home Educator was born.
above Bullying 20 Rise Children’s author, Deon Davis, addresses
the bullying problem, helps us identify bullying, and gives tips on how to address it.
On Evaluna Montaner 22 Focus Singer, actress, dancer, world-traveler,
and 11th grader shares her homeschool experience.
& Portfolio Reviews 28 Evaluations A how to guide, Florida requirements, and list of local approved Evaluators.
IN THIS PHOTO:
Nakoa Reyna, Catheryn Miller, Alexa Whitehouse, Kaleb Reyna, Taylor & Tyler Miller
The mission of The Home Educator is to create a publication, in collaboration with the community to be inclusive and reflect the cultural, racial, religious, philosophical, socio-economic, and stylistic diversity of the Homeschool Community in South Florida. To provide support and guidance and serve as a unifying force in the community. To dispel myths, increase awareness, and report accurate information about homeschooling. “There is no school equal to a decent home & no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.� -Mahatma Gandhi
FOUNDER / EDITOR IN CHIEF
Marlo Planas
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Claudia Valdes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alyssa Whitehouse
CONTRIBUTORS
Aixa Perez-Prado . Caitlin Fisch Laura Hamel . Maria F . Christy Schultz Alexa Capri . Soleil Doering . Brenda Rufener . Deon Davis Sambra Zaoui . Jeanie Bachrach . Maureen Scott Evaluna Montaner . Marlene Montaner Phone 786.303.1382 info@thehomeeducator.net | www.thehomeeducator.net For information on where to find The Home Educator, or to become a distributor, call 786.303.1382 or email info@thehomeeducator.net. Comments and suggestions are welcome. The Home Educator is published quarterly / four times per year by The Home Educator, LLC. It is distributed as a complimentary magazine, free of charge throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and the Palm Beaches. The Home Educator is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensures the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden. Copyright 2014 by The Home Educator, LLC. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS SPRING 2014
6 The Homeschool Guru
Q & A and advice by Executive Editor, Claudia Valdes.
16 Habits of Mind
ON THE COVER:
University Professor and homeschool mom, Aixa Perez-Prado, has us take a look at our own thoughts, processes, and “Habits of Mind”.
Evaluna Montaner
18 Discovering Florida: Spring
The Nature Teacher and homeschool mom, Christy Schultz, shares her favorite springtime nature spots for the whole family.
31 Book, Curricula,
and Media Reviews
Homeschool mom, Laura Hamel reviews “Your Child’s Strengths” by Jenifer Fox, M.Ed. and homeschool coordinator, Maureen Scott reviews “Mimio”.
33 Spotlight on
Homeschool Groups
Broward Homeschool Parent Support Group (PSG) and Palm Beach County Homeschool Group (PBC).
34 Rudi’s Creative Corner
facebook.com/homeschoolhandbook
Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
Rudi’s homeschool creative pics of the quarter from poetry to paintings to inventions and music, see what all these creative homeschool kids can come up with when giving freedom of expression.
Letter from the Editor BY MARLO PLANAS, EDITOR IN CHIEF
For Autism awareness month, we have included an article by Jean Bachrach, MA BCABA, of Reaching Potentials. It provides a great starting point for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other learning differences who may be considering home education as an alternative. This subject is very near and dear to me and I felt that our spring issue would not be complete without it. Having worked as a behavior therapist and home program coordinator since 2000, I have heard many parents say that it is very difficult to find a school that is compatible with their children and their individual needs. A particular school may have a strong academic program but not enough therapy services, or there aren’t enough social opportunities for their child with a social skills deficit, or perhaps the dietary needs of the child cannot be monitored or met in the school environment. Parents are finding it difficult to find school placement with all of these components in place and, at the same time, with the flexibility and compassion that an individual child requires. The CDC reports that 1 in 50 kids in the U.S. has a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum. Keep in mind that no two children with ASD present in exactly the same way. Symptoms vary widely from physiological, social, verbal, intellectual, sensorial, and emotional. In many neuro-typical children, the various components of development may seemingly
develop in synch with one another and along the expectations for chronological age. With ASD, it’s as if each component is isolated from the others and the disparity in developmental age for each component is magnified. It is unrealistic to ask a child to alter their learning style for the convenience of the teacher or school, and it will take a heck-ofa-lot of advocating, trial and error, funding, and time to change the way that schools are teaching, to suit one specific child (if this is at all possible). To strive to create a learning environment that is “one size fits all” is a lofty pursuit, to say the least. Until more customizable school options are available, many parents are turning to homeschooling or hybrids of homeschooling and therapeutic programs. Some may say that putting a home program together for a child with special needs would be a lot of work. The truth is that it would require just as much work as attending IEP meetings, parentteacher meetings, doing homework, and maintaining outside therapy and enrichment services. In reality, a home program will likely prove to be more efficient and higher-quality because the bureaucracy is taken of the equation. Currently, the U.S. Department of Education reports that 8.2% of parents who choose to homeschool their children do so because their child has special needs or a learning difference. 9% of homeschooling
parents homeschool because their child presents behavioral challenges in the classroom. The prospect of a home program can still be intimidating, but creating a buffet-style academic and developmental program that meets the needs of a specific child is not far fetched; with a little elbow grease, research, and support. I hope that you enjoy and find support in The Home Educator magazine. Peace, Love, and Learning, Marlo
INDIEGOGO CONTRIBUTOR SHOUT OUTS Corina Fitch Bellymama Midwifery Steve and Marta Crane Alexandra B. Kontos RKE Law Group Margaret, Rene, and Saja Morales Averill Mackin Conley Elan Creative Communications Dr. Edith Shiro Amicus Medical Group The Leon family 3 Design Architecture Christy Schultz The Nature Teacher Alan Reyna Ancestral Vibrations for Wellness TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
5
QA THE HOMESCHOOL GURU
&
BY CLAUDIA VALDES, “THE HOMESCHOOL GURU”
Q Where do I start if I want to homeschool my children? A
Reading The Home Educator is a great first step! The very next and most important thing is find a great support system! Call on your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone who homeschools. Try to find a meet up, a Facebook group, or just google homeschool groups in your area ( a listing of homeschooling groups in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties will be available on www.thehomeeducator.net shortly). Once you have found a few homeschool groups close by call and find out when they meet and if they have any mentor parents. Let them know you are interested in homeschooling and possibly joining their group. Second, if your child is currently in school I always suggest doing a test run during the summer. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between grades even if you decide homeschooling isn’t for your family. Once you have figured out your test run date, you might look up the Florida Common Core Education Standards and pick up a “What your _____ grader needs to know” by E.D. Hirsch book from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. They might even have a copy at the Library. These cover a lot of material but don’t freak out! With these tools, you can peruse some of the subject matter that you might cover in
6
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
your homeschool program. Remember these are topics your child should to be exposed to not become masters in... Unless of course that’s what they want to do! Next you send in your Notice of Intent to your local school board. It’s a very simple letter that must include the names, addresses and birthdate of each homeschool student. (template available on www.thehomeeducator.net) I strongly suggest this be sent with a return receipt. Here comes the fun part... Choosing your teaching method and materials. You might find a few different approaches that you like ( I consider myself an Eclectic homeschooler because I use a few different methods). You can change, mix, supplement, or subtract anything that you like; that’s the beauty of homeschooling! You have to maintain records and a portfolio for your end of the year evaluation. This can be as simple as a calendar where you write down what you did each day, or you could use an elaborate scheduling system or journal to record your day to day lessons. It’s up to you and your family. You will need to keep samples of your child’s work through out the year, a reading log, and a list materials used. Last, finding the right evaluator/evaluation method. At the end of the school year, homeschoolers can choose to take standardized tests, complete a psychlogical evaluation, or have their work evaluated by a Certified teacher. You must interview a few different evaluators and find the best match for your family. Say for instance, if you are unschooler you will want to find an evaluator who is able to identify “progress” in an unschooled child. You set a time a date to have your evaluation, upon completion of your evaluation you will receive a form stating your child has complied with state statue and your intention to continue homeschooling for another year. You then send in your evaluation letter, again, I strongly suggest you send it with a return receipt and call to make sure they have it on file. Now you are set for another year! It’s that simple. If you decide homeschooling is not for you then all you have to do is send in your Letter of Termination and you can enroll your child in public or private school.
Q I’m not a teacher. Does homeschooling mean that I have to teach every subject? Are there options? A
It is strongly recommended that children participate in educational and recreational activities outside of the home and learn from a variety of people, situations, and environments. There are many homeschool groups and co-ops to supplement the homeschool curriculum, and there is an abundance of community classes and sports teams available to meet these needs. As far as the actual implementation of the curriculum, homeschooling laws in Florida give us three different options and a separate set of rules for each homeschooling option. Option 1: The parent can teach the child at home using “sequentially progressive instruction according to the requirements of Statutes 1003.21 and 1002.41”. The parent must inform the county superintendent in writing, within 30 days of beginning to homeschool (there is a template of the Notice of Intent available online at www.thehomeeducator. net). The Notice of Intent to Homeschool must include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the homeschool students. This only has to be done once.
4. Be evaluated by a Florida licensed psychologist or school psychologist. 5. Be “evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon.” Option 2: Join an existing homeschool umbrella school (600 school)/ private school or start your own, all you need is a group of two or more homeschooling families in order to operate as a private umbrella school. Along with other regulations such as holding a business license, incorporation and sending in database forms annually. This will exempt the student from compulsory attendance laws, 180 days of attendance a year. You are no longer considered a homeschooler by law but a private schooler. Option 3: Hire a private tutor. The tutor must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate in the grades or subjects the student is being instructed in. Students must be instructed for the 180 days of attendance a year or the time equivalent. For more homeschool Q & A’s, visit our YouTube channel. We offer video answers to YOUR questions every Thursday! To submit your question email, info@thehomeeducator.net www.youtube.com/thehomeeducator
The parent must also keep a portfolio of homeschool records detailing education activities, reading materials, writing samples, worksheets, workbooks, and creative materials. This can be elaborate or very simple. The parent must keep two years records on hand and be able to produce them for the superintendent within 15 days written notice, should they request it. The school district has no authority to enter the home. There are no educational requirements for parents teaching students at home nor are there required subjects that need to be taught. As a registered homeschooler there are no required set days or hours for attendance. If this option is selected, the parent must file an annual evaluation with the local superintendent. Each student must do one of the following 5 options: 1. Have an evaluation by a teacher holding a valid Florida teaching certificate and selected by you, the parent. The evaluation must include portfolio review and discussion with the student. 2. Take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher. 3. Take “a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district”. TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
7
THE HOMESCHOOL GURU
The Home School Guru Hello my name is Claudia Valdes, deemed by others as The Homeschool Guru. I am very excited to be a part of this amazing magazine! I want to welcome all of you to my Q&A column where I encourage any questions and look forward to creating great connections. Here is a little bit about myself, my family and homeschool journey. I am a single mother of three independent and eccentric daughters, fifteen year old twins, Taylor and Tyler, and five year old, Catheryn. We have always homeschooled as they have never been in your traditional brick and mortar school. It has been a crazy adventure full of incredible memories and hair-raising experiences! Being surrounded by homeschooling for the past 20 years, I have had some interesting stories about the evolvement of homeschooling. I was first introduced to homeschooling as a young girl, when my aunt decided to homeschool my cousin. I was always very curious with the concept and loved the idea of a classroom in the house, I thought it was the neatest thing. While in high school I aspired to become a teacher and volunteered at the local elementary school. Little did I know I would soon “walk” away from it as a career and make it my lifestyle. I became a mother at a very young age and went through a few ups and downs to say the least. After some personal experiences with the
8
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
school system, both as a student and employee, I knew I wanted something different for my children. From the moment I was blessed with my own family there was one thing I knew I was going to do and that was homeschool my children. As life has a funny way of presenting itself, I was offered the chance to play with my idea of homeschooling. I was asked by a very dear friend of mine if I would be interested in “schooling” her daughter. She would have to enroll her into PreK4 for an additional year due to her birth date. I created my very own “classroom” space in my home and thats were my homeschooling endeavors began. I then ran an after-school program out of my home for two years. At this time, my daughters were a little over a year old and it was confirmation that this was our future. Upon my aunt’s suggestion, I decided to join a homeschool group so that I could meet new moms, have support and be certain this is what I wanted to do with my own children. That was an adventure all in it’s own. Oh the stories I can tell you! It was not easy being a very young homeschool mother at a time when most support groups were very inclusive. It was difficult adjustment for all. As the time passed and after “interviewing” with a few groups in my area, we finally found a perfect fit for our family. In 2000, I was asked to become the VP of an incredible homeschool group, HELPS, it was a wonderful
experience. After a few years, a group of mothers and I decided to start our own group for the younger aged children. We worked together as sister groups. The first would welcome middle school and older while we welcomed elementary age. It was a beautiful partnership. I became the president of SPLASH, a tri-county all-inclusive homeschool group, for over 6 years. SPLASH started with only 5 moms and grew to having well over 150 families by the end of it’s first year! It was the best memories of our entire homeschooling journey and blossomed into the passion I hold so dear to my heart today. Since then, I have taught numerous educational classes, spoken about homeschooling on national television, created & taught in co-ops, held seminars and have mentored many parents on their homeschool journey. I now specialize in homeschool coaching, record keeping, organizing portfolios and “classroom spaces”. I love having one on one consults where I mentor parents on many homeschool topics such as homeschool support and encouragement, communicating with your child, organizing classrooms, curriculum and portfolios. There is one thing I always say, “Homeschooling does not change the child. They are who they are regardless of where the go to school. We can only gear the learning process and to give them the tools to better suit them to be successful adults for their future.”
Let’s Get
CREATIVE • • • • • • • •
Co-op Learning Record-Keeping Evaluations Activity Planning Transcripts, Portfolios, Report Cards Innovations Visionary Education Encouragement
Homeschool Mentoring and Advising Specializing in record-keeping, homeschool encouragement & support. We are here to assist you in organizing your learning space, curriculum, portfolios and so much more! Our vision is to equip you with simple and time efficient tools to empower you and your child during this innovative journey.
ourcreativeminds.com 954-683-0822 . bethinkfuel@gmail.com
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014 TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014 259
Photo © istockphoto
WORRIES TURNED WONDERFUL
WORRIES TURNED
Wonderful BY CAITLIN FISCH
When we decided to homeschool our son after three years of preschool (yes, somehow he had three years of preschool!) I was terrified. I had a laundry list of worries that may sound familiar: 1. He will become anti-social and weird. 2. I will become anti-social and weird. 3. He will become overly dependent on me. 4. I will freak out and become resentful. 5. I won’t have any time for myself.
10
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
6. I won’t have the skills to teach him anything. 7. I won’t have time to teach him anything. 8. He won’t learn what kids his age are supposed to learn. 9. I won’t have anyone else to hang out with. 10. We’ll all be bored and stir crazy. 11. I won’t have time to keep up with housework and cooking and I’ll have to give up my blog. 12. My younger daughter won’t get enough attention.
Now that we have been officially homeschooling for the past few months I can confidently say that none of my worries have come true. Each day brings a new challenge, usually something I never would have thought of, because life is like that. Everything I planned for and fretted over in my spinning mind is somehow ironing itself out. The things that I was afraid of led me to their own solutions and the most difficult parts are things I never considered. My concern over not having enough time to get everything done and not having enough time for myself is one of the most surprising examples. Because I am “on” with my kids for most of the day, every day, I feel very satisfied with my level of intimacy, involvement and interaction with them. I also sometimes feel like I want to run away and hide. The outcome has been that I have finally found the
motivation to do more for myself. I have signed up for weekly yoga classes, and I feel more excited than ever to sit down and write. The
“Everything I planned for and fretted over in my spinning mind is somehow ironing itself out.” intensity of the time spent with my children has somehow pushed me to a higher level of creativity and kindness for myself. Children will soak up all the energy that we are willing to give them. Spending more time with them has not led to me feeling resentful but rather to developing stronger boundaries. My children offer me the gift of today, of right now, of going with the flow. When I am willing to accept this gift, it spreads into all areas of my life, and
I am so thankful that we took the leap to discover the triumphs and challenges that come along with homeschooling. Caitlin Fisch is a writer and personal chef, homeschooling her five year old son and one and a half year old daughter. She learns more and more from her kids each day and finds inspiration in introspection. Follow her adventures in parenting and personal growth at thejoyofcaitlin. com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ thejoyofcaitlin, Twitter and Instagram @thejoyofcaitlin.
OUR PATIENTS... OUR FRIENDS
PEDIATRICS Newborns | Physicals | Inmunizations | Chronic and acute illness | Allergies | Attention Deficit Disorders
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT Amicus Medical Group 480 N. State Road 7 Plantation, FL 33317
Amicus Pompano 33 S. Pompano Parkway Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Phone: 954-791-9580
Phone: 954-974-8901
Amicus West Palm Beach 2100 West 45th Street, Suite B-24 West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone: 561-844-4353
ESPAÑOL - CREOLE - FRANÇAIS We Accept Most Insurances TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
11
Photo Š istockphoto
HOMESCHOOL DIARIES
Did You Say The S-Word? As a homeschooling mother of two for years, socialization is a non-issue. But for the mainstream population, the s-word is on the tip of tongues. BY BRENDA RUFENER
What about
Socialization?
This is one of the hottest topics in the world of homeschool. Stereotypes brand homeschoolers as children sequestered from society, sitting under lock-and-key absorbing textbook upon textbook. If you have been homeschooling for more than a week, or even considering home education, chances are high you have tackled the s-word, and maybe even lived to tell about it.
12
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
The belief that homeschooled children are not socialized may be partially true. We socialize pets, but our kids are not caged animals, contrary to stereotypes. I take my dog to the park to meet and greet fellow canines – that’s called socialization. But when it comes to my children, it’s about being social. Manfred Zyskthis, homeschooling advocate, was quoted as saying: “Go to your local middle school, junior high and high school, walk down the halls and tell me which behavior you see that you think our son should emulate.” The word socialization, as described by MerriamWebster means, “to make social, to fit or train for social environment.”
school to learn social skills is like sending them to the candy store to learn about nutrition. It is time we move forward in our thinking on education and embrace homeschooling as another viable option for learning. And the next time you are asked about the s-word, remember the words of Adele Carroll, “Forced association is not socialization.” Author bio: Brenda K. Rufener is an internationally published writer and author. She is a homeschooling mother of two and resides in North Carolina. More of Brenda’s work can be seen on her popular blog, www.homeschooldiaries.com.
This sounds a lot like public education, but not homeschooling. Teachers train children to act appropriately in the confines of school, at least to the best of their abilities. Unfortunately teachers do not have the power they once had and are bound by standards and systems put in place by the powers-that-be. The misconception of socialization has led to a misunderstanding that in order to be social one must attend traditional school. While teachers mold children to fit a social environment confined six or seven hours a day, homeschooling parents are busy creating social opportunities for their kids. The socialization myth was born out of ignorance and is laughable to many who are in the trenches of homeschooling their children. The belief that the homeschool parent sequesters their child from society is unfounded. In fact, most homeschooling families report that their kids are actively involved in a number of extracurricular activities, many of which would not be available to them if the children were attending public school. My own daughter is a competitive gymnast, practices hours upon hours each week in the gym, a member of the gifted and talented youth program in our community, and a volunteer at a local pet hospital. She finds time in her busy schedule to hang with friends, go swimming with dad, and play with her little sister. I may even get a chore out of her if I’m lucky. Homeschooled children are social, exhibit extraordinary etiquette, and live a fulfilling life. Are there exceptions to the rule? Of course, but as a whole, the community believes in being social, interacting with others, and having a good time. Our children should not be assimilated into society, but learn how to function within it while bringing value to it. When asked about socialization, I stand firm in my belief as a homeschooling parent that sending your child to public TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
13
MANIFESTING A MAGAZINE
MANIFESTING Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
a magazine
B
BY MARLO PLANAS Born and raised in South Florida, I attended Dade county public schools for most of my schooling career and private schools for pre-school and freshman and junior years of high school. Having dealt with turmoil at home, bullies, depression, anxiety, and the expectations of “giftedness”, I needed to find my own way to peace and happiness and found school to be meaningless, empty, and traumatic. At 16, I got a job and found a small private school that would allow me to graduate early. I paid my own tuition and graduated a year early.
14
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
I took that year to work in a coffee shop and a law firm and to figure out what my next move would be. I tested the waters of independent “adult” life, doing things that gave my life a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I then decided that barista life wasn’t going to cut it and I made the decision to go to college. I always felt that I would be more successful in college than I ever was in compulsory schooling. I was right. I worked my way through college and it was meaningful. I never intended to go into a career of education. I studied psychology and was pursuing a career in
industrial psychology. However, I took a volunteer position at a school for children with Autism during my last year of college, was soon hired as a teacher, and felt that it was something that I could do well and make a difference while doing it. I moved back to south Florida and continued teaching at a local private school for children with Autism. I also helped families organize therapeutic and educational interventions and programs in their homes. In 2006, when my first son was born, I needed the flexibility to be present in his life and to pursue my intuition that attachment parenting would suit our
family best. On my own schedule, and without the bureaucracy, I continued (and continue to this day) to teach, tutor, and provide verbal behavior therapy for children with learning differences and neurotypical children. I also do consulting work with after school and camp programs that are seeking to include and accommodate children with learning differences. Throughout my career, having been a part of countless IEP meetings, classroom observations, and numerous parent-teacher conferences. I have seen schools that are struggling to keep toilet paper stocked and schools where tuition is comparable to ivy league universities. I am not able to identify a single school that suits my preferences, my son’s preferences and needs, and would be affordable for our family. Do not be confused. I am not implying the high-priced schools would meet our standards. When it comes to education, you do not always get what you pay for. A well-rounded education can be had for pennies. This topic makes for an entire article. My point is that it’s highly unlikely that you will find a school (or homeschool for that matter) that is “the complete package” or utopia that we wish schools were. We did give school a shot, on more than one occasion. Our homeschooling journey began with a couple of bumpy experiences in pre-schools. These experiences could also (and probably will) make for an entire article. At that point, I just wanted my son to be happy, secure, and loved and I felt that schools weren’t able to provide meaningful support for healthy social and emotional development. On the contrary, I felt that the experience was breaking him down. Furthermore, our family’s core values about nutrition, spirituality,
and individuality were certainly not being reinforced as we would have liked. Feeling overwhelmed and disenchanted with the idea of schooling, we dove head-first into the world of home education.
“I just wanted my son to be happy, secure, and loved and I felt that schools weren’t able to provide meaningful support for healthy social and emotional development.” Since we began homeschooling in 2010, we have found a beautiful and diverse community from which to draw support, wisdom, advice, and friendship. We joined a co-op, signed up for community classes, attended some park days, and put our lessons together. I read several books and blogs to gather the courage and security to plow ahead despite the cross-eyed looks and naysayers.
stylistic diversity of the Homeschool Community in South Florida. To provide support and guidance and serve as a unifying force in the community. To dispel myths, increase awareness, and report accurate information about homeschooling.” We, the team of The Home Educator magazine thank you for your support, enthusiasm and contributions that have made this work a labor of love. We hope that you will feel supported, inspired, and included by our efforts. With love, Marlo Planas Editor-in-Chief “We have stories to tell, stories that provide wisdom about the journey of life. What more have we to give one another than our ‘truth’ about our human adventure as honestly and as openly as we know how? - Rabbi Saul Rubin
As new families began joining the community or considered joining the community, I began getting calls and emails (as I’m sure most homeschool parents do) with questions about homeschooling. A parent mentioned that it would be great to have all of the information in writing, in the form of a resource guide. It was clear that this is what I needed to do; create a concrete community resource and information outlet. This is how The Home Educator Magazine has come to be. The mission statement of The Home Educator is to “Create a publication, in collaboration with the community to be inclusive and reflect the cultural, racial, religious, philosophical, socio-economic, and
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
15
HABITS OF MIND
Habits BY DR. AIXA PEREZ-PRADO
of Mind
A ‘Habit of Mind’ means having a disposition toward
•
Persistence
behaving in an intelligent and reflective way when faced
•
Listening with Understanding and Empathy
with a problem, the answer to which is not immediately
•
Finding Humor
evident. As homeschoolers, we are interested in giving our
•
Thinking Flexibly
children a wealth of valuable learning experiences that will
•
Metacognition (thinking about your thinking)
equip them to become competent and skilled problem
•
Managing Impulsivity
solvers. Most of us don’t want our children to mindlessly
•
Striving for Accuracy
follow the crowd; we want them to be able to make
•
Creating, Imagining, Innovating
decisions on their own that are smart and thoughtful. We
•
Questioning and Problem Posing
want them to be able to meet challenging conditions that
•
Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
demand strategic reasoning, perseverance, creativity and
•
Gathering Data Through All the Senses
flexibility in order to resolve complex problems. We want
•
Thinking and Communication with Clarity
them to know how to behave sensibly in any situation they
and Precision
may encounter, and also how not to behave. Research
•
Taking Responsible Risks
indicates that there are certain characteristics of effective
•
Responding with Wonderment and Awe
thinkers and problem solvers that can be taught. These are
•
Remaining Open to Continuous Learning
the ‘Habits of Mind’ as described by Costa & Kallick (2008).
•
Thinking Interdependently
We all have plenty of good and bad habits that we
If we practice these habits of mind on a regular basis, we are more likely to be able to employ them when needed and therefore make better, more thoughtful, and more rational decisions. The journey of learning what is possible through the habits of mind is a journey that we can take together with our children. We can begin by asking ourselves and our children the following questions, to get an idea of which habits we need to work on the most, and which come more naturally to each of us. Try answering for yourself and your child, and have them do the same for you if they are of an age that they can understand the exercise. You may be surprised to hear what they think of you and your ‘habits’ and they may be surprised at what you think about them and their ‘habits’:
employ on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the bad habits seem to be so much easier to acquire than the good! Whether positive or negative, in order to become ‘habits’, plenty of practice and repetition is necessary. If we want to become intelligent thinkers, we have to acquire the habits that promote intelligent thinking and that means practicing those habits as often as possible. We can incorporate training in the Habits of Mind into what we do everyday as homeschool parents for our children. The following is a list of the sixteen Habits of Mind:
16
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
Answer “yes”, “sometimes”, or “no” to each of the following: 1.
Do I tend to give up on things too easily?
2.
Do I really listen and try to understand when I don’t agree with someone or I’m busy?
3.
Can I laugh at myself when I make a mistake?
4.
Do I never overreact, react too quickly or jump to conclusions?
5.
Do I think of new ways to look at things, and can I change my mind when introduced to new evidence?
6.
Am I aware of my own thinking process when making decisions?
7.
Do I check my work for accuracy?
8.
Do I always look for new information, am I curious about new ideas, and do I try new things?
9.
Do I draw on past knowledge and experiences in new situations?
10.
Do I use all of my senses to learn about the world?
11.
Do I use words effectively, am I always adding to my vocabulary and trying to be clear?
12.
Am I curious and do I let myself have a sense of wonder about the world?
13.
Am I adventurous and willing to take responsible risks?
14.
Do I know that I need to keep learning throughout my life?
15.
Do I listen to others and learn from them?
16.
Do I ask lots of questions of others and myself and do I enjoy solving problems?
□ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES □ YES
□ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES □ SOMETIIMES
□ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO □ NO
If you answered yes to all of these questions then you are way ahead of the game! Most of us need to work on all of the Habits of Mind but some come more easily than others. Over the next few issues, I will delve in to one or more of the Habits of Mind in more detail and give ideas,
suggestions and share anecdotes with the homeschool community on incorporating these practices into our daily learning activities.
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
17
Discovering
FLORIDA Spring is in the Air BY CHRISTY SCHULTZ, THE NATURE TEACHER Spring in Florida is notorious for attracting visitors from all over, especially of the college variety, the main reason being - the weather.
away in cracks and crevices in the limestone, sitting patiently - waiting for the rains to fill their puddle once more.
April is a month of blue skies, median temperatures, and dry, sunny days. The beaches are gorgeous and the skies are clear. It is a time to take advantage of the lack of mosquitoes, dry trails, and mellow temperatures. Floridians know it is the calm before the storm, the few last weeks before May begins to tease us with rain and thunder and heat; before the mosquitoes hatch and before the trails fill with water - replenishing the prolific wetlands that dot our state.
Occasional storms may spring up during late April and early May, causing lightning to hit the very dry ground. The sparks may bring fire to the landscape. Fire replenishes and cleans out, fertilizes and nourishes... Making way for new life. Fire has been a part of the South Florida environment for eons and our animals and plants are adapted to survive it - if it is a natural fire that is allowed to run its course. Human impact has changed all that, so now park rangers manage fires and prescribe them so that the natural landscape can continue to transform itself.
Spring is a time for migrating birds to pass through on their routes back to the cool north to settle in for the summer. The birds search for food as they fly north, scouring the landscape for nourishing wetlands, which Florida has plenty of. The wetlands provide sanctuaries and vital stopovers for birds and other animals. Wetlands provide a home for the fish, frogs, insects, crayfish, algae, and plants that provide much-needed sustenance to other organisms. Even in the dry season of the winter and spring in sub-tropical South Florida, there are pockets of water filled with floundering life, almost waiting to be found before their pocket of water dries up. Even then, some life stays put, tucked
18
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
Spring is a wonderful time to get outside in Florida. Take your family outdoors for a nature experience while the skies are blue and the weather is cool. Go for a long hike before the trails are flooded and the mosquitoes hatch!
Get Outside & Explore! A favorite wetland to learn about and visit: Chapel Trail Nature Preserve in West Pembroke Pines A favorite park with wetlands for canoeing and trails for hiking: Riverbend Park in West Jupiter A favorite bird watching trail and wetland: Green Cay Wetlands in Delray Beach A favorite national park for hiking, paddling and learning about wetlands and their inhabitants as well as controlled burning and fires: Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee Christy Schultz is The Nature Teacher. ECO-Every Child Outside makes Florida Nature Study a regular part of your life learning and homeschooling lives. www.thenatureteacher.com
Empowerment Drumming Can: • Foster Teambuilding • Improve Morale • Reduce Healthcare Costs • Decrease Turnover • Increase Job Satisfaction • Reduce Stress • Boost the Immune System • And so much more!
6 wk program for a team of up to 20 $3000 value for $1500! Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Valid through 8/31/14
Alan Reyna 786.344.3450 . www.AlanReyna.com AncestralVibrationsForWellness@gmail.com TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
19
RISE ABOVE BULLYING RISE ABOVE BULLYING
BY DEON DAVIS
“Bully” and “bullying” are buzz words at the moment. We hear about incidents of bullying at school, work, in extracurricular groups; student on student, teacher on student; unfortunately, it’s everywhere we turn. It is, unfortunately, one of the reasons that some families turn to homeschooling. But, as homeschool parents know, homeschoolers are not isolated from the rest of the world and even homeschoolers may encounter bullying from time to time. What do kids do who don’t fit in? How do they handle not being picked for a pickup basketball game at the local park in their own neighborhood, or being called names at a party? Children and adolescents often employ various defense mechanisms and strategies to deal with bullying. They may try to imitate the behavior of their peers in order to become accepted into a group. Sometimes, children shut down and internalize the experience. This can have lasting, negative effects well into adulthood. Recognizing bullying in the early stages can make all the difference. In recent times, bullying has been found to be prevalent on the internet as well. Cyber bullying is when one person uses the internet, cell phones and text messages to harass another person with threatening messages, unwanted and negative comments, or by spreading humiliating rumors and images. Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have been known to be used as a tool to motivate groups of people to bash someone or criticize them publicly. They have even been known to mobilize groups to an unsuspecting person’s location, be it home or a local mall. Cyber bullying can be just as traumatic as face-toface bullying. Which can leave a permanent record on the internet that can become viral extremely quickly. There have been some extreme cases of “cyber bullying” which have resulted in suicide. It is important to be aware of the fact that one’s child is being targeted by another person. It is important to have a close relationship and open communication with your
20
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
child. Sometimes, communicating with a tween or teen can seem challenging. In these cases, be observant and aware of their activities on cell phones and on social media. Parents, guardians, and siblings should be aware of any changes in the behavior of a child. A child who is being bullied or who is bullying may withdraw from their family and family activities and may be secretive or private with their cell phone usage and computer time. This should be addressed through parental controls, stricter media usage rules, and a discussion about the dangers of the internet immediately in order to circumvent scenarios of bullying or sexual predators and to avoid consequences. Parents, guardians, and siblings should always be a kind shoulder and a safe place for the child to trust and lean on in the event that someone instigates a bullying gesture towards them. If bullying is suspected, Never leave a child to fend for himself. Brainstorm ways to approach the bully and the situation without causing more harm and humiliation. If need be, consult with a mental health professional to evaluate the effects of the bullying and to help the child regain selfconfidence and a positive outlook. Never underestimate the effects that bullying may be having on your child. What may not appear to be a “big deal” to an adult, may seem like the “end of the world” to a child. Undermining the child’s feelings about what is happening to him may send the message that it’s ok for people to emotionally abuse others. Homeschool parents have the advantage that they have more access to their children’s network of friends and can monitor what their
children do during the school day and what they are exposed to. The foundation for good self-esteem, compassion, and can be built up at home. On the occasions that homeschoolers are participating in extracurriculars, community events, play dates, and parties they can be well-equipped to stand up for themselves and for others. There have been arguments that taking a child out of school will teach them to run away from their problems and that kids should “toughen up”. However, kids need not be subject to undue violence and abuse. This is not “reality”. If, as an adult, you had to go to work and be bullied daily, you would likely find a new job. Homeschooling can be a much needed opportunity for kids to recuperate, be nurtured, and to build themselves back up with an empowered identity. Deon M. Davis is a children’s author. Her works include Beanie and the Bully.
For more information on bullying contact: authorddavis@yahoo.com www.deondavis.com
It is important to clarify a few things with your child: What is bullying and what are the dynamics of bullying? Bullying is a form of intimidation. It may be very obvious like name-calling or physical abuse, or it may be very subtle like leaving someone out of an activity or spreading rumors. Why do bullies bully and what are their goals? Bullies may feel like they have something to “prove” to others; bullies may want to fit in with a certain group. They may enjoy the reaction that they get from their peers and targets and/or the feeling of control. Do bullies ever think of the consequences and effects of their behavior on their target? It’s important for kids to know that bullies are likely victims as well. They have, essentially, not developed past the narcissistic phase of childhood, possibly because of a traumatic event. A person with truly high selfesteem, integrity, and selfworth (not to be confused with a narcissistic personality) would not treat others poorly. Bullies may or may not consider the effect that they have on others. How do bullies choose their targets? The target may be perceived as weaker or not able to defend him/herself. But in fact, it has been found that bullies and their targets may have more in common than they know. Like a bully, the target may already be insecure and have attachment issues. The targets of bullying may also have a history anxiety, have overprotective families or families who use harsh punishment.
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
21
FOCUS ON: EVALUNA MONTANER
Evaluna Montaner
Singer, Actress, Dancer, Photographer, World-traveler, and 11th Grader.
Evaluna Montaner shares her high school homeschooling experience with The Home Educator.
M
BY EVALUNA MONTANER
My life is often pretty crazy; the good kind of crazy that is fast paced and filled with exciting activities. The flexibility of my homeschooling has really helped make everything so much easier. “I actually love making Because we all work as artists, in my family, we are bound to friends wherever travel a lot. Homeschooling possible, and sharing our gives us the ability to “be in school” anywhere on the different cultures.” planet.
Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
In my case, as long as I have Wi-Fi, I’m good to go. My homeschool is often virtual, so I pretty much take my computer everywhere I go. One of the best things about homeschooling is that it allows you to be flexible, time-wise, not taking up too much of your time, especially if you’re traveling or working. For me, doing school a couple of hours a day is convenient because of my career. I have been acting for a couple of years, as well as singing and dancing, so homeschooling is just the perfect way to get the education you need while doing everything else you love, or need to do.
22
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
Another thing I appreciate about homeschooling is that I am able to spend so much time with my family. I absolutely adore hanging out with my family and doing lots of fun activities, including going to our farm where we have created a foundation called “La Ventana de Los Cielos.” At “La Ventana,” we work with kids with special needs, giving them many types of therapies with the animals and such. I really
enjoy seeing the smiles the kid’s faces. It is truly volunteering there and their smiles. It’s very helping these kids.
on all of a blessing receiving gratifying
The Opportunities I remember the first year I started homeschooling; many people thought it was the coolest thing because it was probably a piece of cake. It might be convenient but we do have to do work as well. We do research, write essays, take tests, and work on the curriculum; we just do all of those things differently than kids in regular schools. Something else people automatically think when I tell them that I am being homeschooled, is that I have no social life. I can guarantee that is not true. Having a “social life” mostly depends on each individual. I travel around the world and make friends everywhere, and I attend church
and have made good friends there. I actually love making friends wherever possible and sharing our different cultures. Regular public school might make it a little bit easier by putting a lot of people in
“Homeschooling gives us the ability to “be in school” anywhere on the planet.” one place, but who said life had to be easy? I wouldn’t have met all the wonderful people around the globe if I didn’t have all the opportunities that homeschooling brings me. I honestly feel more accomplished when I earn someone’s friendship by making an effort. For me, I really love the fact that my homeschool environment is
specifically Christian; and in every assignment there is a nice Bible verse added to them. I get to choose my own classes and there are many amazing subjects to choose from. There are also amazing electives that one can enjoy and explore further. This can help you figure out what you would like to study in the future. The last electives I chose were photography and culinary arts as both of these things fascinate me. I also selected forensic science because it is something that I have taken an interest in. So, homeschool has many amazing things to offer and best of all it is simply convenient. I feel free to express myself and just be me! I would recommend homeschooling to anyone who is interested in it. Another big plus to being homeschooled is, I often get to wear my favorite uniform: my pajamas!
Evaluna At-A-Glance Q: Does your curriculum allow you to go at your own pace?
A: Yes it does. My school puts out most assignments and you can choose to advance (your level of study) at whatever time you would like to.
Q: What types of extracurriculars do you do or have you done?
A: I have a lot of dance classes: flamenco, hip hop, salsa, etc.
Q: Was it hard transitioning from conventional school to homeschool?
A: It wasn’t that hard because the school I was
Q: How did you feel about your brothers staying home while you were in public school? A: I guess that is what motivated me to really want to be homeschooled. I could see how much they could get done while being homeschooled and that was something I really wanted as well.
Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
going to only had classes up to the 8th grade; therefore I had to go to another school anyway so I decided to try homeschooling. It has worked out perfectly.
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
23
FOCUS ON: EVALUNA MONTANER
Marlene Montaner
Interview Marlene Montaner, Mom of Evaluna, Mauricio, and Ricky
Q: How long have you been homeschooling? A: For many years, about 10. Ricky began homeschooling in 10th grade and Mauricio was in 9th. Then, Evaluna also began when she was in the 9th grade. Q: What were the challenges and benefits to having children of different ages homeschooling at the same time. A: The older child who had already been homeschooling would help the younger child who was experiencing it for the first time. That was helpful. Q: There are so many “styles” and educational philosophies. How would you describe your homeschool style? A: We are very relaxed, but with deadlines. We use a Christian Curriculum. Q: I understand that Evaluna was in a conventional school setting. Who decided to make the switch to homeschooling and why? A: Yes, and I loved the school. I decided to homeschool once they aged out of that school because I couldn’t find another school that met my expectations. Many of the others (high schools) were schools with high academic records but with wealthy people and very little supervision, or drugs, or many things that I didn’t want for my kids. Q: Why did you choose to homeschool? A: Homeschooling is more comfortable for us because we travel a lot and I think it is healthier. Q: How has homeschooling benefited you and your children? What experiences might you/they not have had otherwise? A: We can be together as a family, always united. We travel together, we hang out together, we adapt our lives the way that we want.
24
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
Q: How much importance do you place on extracurricular activities? Did you have a hand in choosing which extracurriculars your kids would participate in? A: I believe that it’s very important that they do extracurriculars so that they can make friends. I think that homeschool groups are a great alternative, for this reason. Also, sports activities and music are important, although, I believe that the most important activity is spending time with the family. I don’t think that it is good, those kids, who have a thousand activities and spend little time at home. Q: Before you homeschooled your kids, did you have any experience with homeschooling or exposure to the community? Did you have a mentor or someone to guide you? A: No. None. Everyone (family and friends) said “how cool!” but I think that they were thinking “I would never do that with my kids.” (I worried a little about the social part. But we have managed it well. The kids also had their youth group at church, so that helped.) Q: What is the best thing about homeschooling your kids? What is the most challenging aspect? A: With the curriculum that I chose, I don’t have to teach the lessons, and I think it’s better because I don’t think I would be very good at it. When Eva has needed extra help, we have hired a tutor for a few hours, mostly for math. Q: Do you have any advice for parents who are considering homeschooling or who are new at it? A: My advice is that they should take advantage of the opportunity to be closer to their kids, to show them the right path. So that they (the parents) can be the ones who answer their kids’ questions about life, and so that they can eat meals at the table, all together. These are some of the advantages of homeschooling- spending time together and strengthening the family ties. This is very much needed.
SPECT scanning can assist in the diagnosis of... • • • • •
ADD/ADHD Alzheimer/Dementia Anxiety Autism Bipolar
• • • • •
Concussion Depression OCD PTSD Stroke
Brain SPECT is a widely accepted nuclear medicine procedure which takes a snapshot of brain activity. Brain SPECT enables us to evaluate: • Areas of your brain that work well • Areas of your brain that work too hard • Areas of your brain that do not work hard enough Conventional and alternative modalities include: • Microcurrent technologies • HBOT • Alternative medicine • SPECT • Diet • HRT
“M.I.N.D. offers the latest in state of the art equipment with highly specialized professionals.” Heidi Erickson, M.D.
Board certified Psychiatrist and Pediatrician 28 yrs of active duty service with US Public Health Service, US Navy, US Army. Fellowships in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Pediatrics.
4800 Linton Blvd. Suite D-502A . Delray Beach, Fl 33445 Office: 561.303.3154 . fax: 561.828.6402 . toll free: 800.315.5739 www.mindspect.com
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO ORGANIZING AN ABA HOME PROGRAM
A Step by Step Guide to Organizing an ABA Home Program For the child with ASD BY JEAN BACHRACH, MA BCBA Teaching your child with autism at home may at first seem like a daunting task. You are certainly asking all kinds of questions: You, as your child’s first and best teacher probably know what you would like for them to learn but how will you do it? Is there a curriculum? What if we get stuck? Children with autism need to learn social skills, will my child missing out on something important? Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at home for children with ASD has some pretty impressive research behind it, (five decades worth!) and a big part of it’s success is parent led teaching. ABA involves teaching skills and behaviors that are socially significant while using data to determine if the teaching is effective. The skills addressed with ABA are broken down into small steps and taught using a variety of methods depending on the type of skill you want to teach. The most wonderful thing about ABA is that it can be applied to anything you would like to teach at home from academics, to P.E., the life skills, to things you want your child to learn to do in the community, or on field trips with a homeschool group. You can decide to do this entirely on your own by using internet ABA resources or, preferably, you can get training and help from a local behavior analyst. This can be done more economically than you might think and your health insurance may cover behavior analysis services. Here is how to get started: 1. Educate yourself about ABA and home programs by reading some basic material: A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive
26
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
Behavioral Treatment of Autism Ron Leaf (Editor) and John McEachin (Editor) This parent friendly guide also includes a basic step by step curriculum. Behavioral Intervention for Young Children With Autism: A Manual for Parents and Professionals Catherine Maurice (Author, Editor), Gina Green (Editor), Stephen C. Luce (Editor) This is an older book but contains great scientific information that is still parent friendly. It also contains curriculum goals divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced categories. Making a Difference: Behavioral Intervention for Autism Catherine Maurice (Author), Gina Green (Author), Richard Foxx (Author) This manual covers some areas not addressed in the other two and contains a fantastic peer/social skills curriculum that is also divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced sections. 2. Get training in how to implement ABA. Here are a few options: Find a local ABA agency that will either provide you with a classroom type ABA training or can provide and in-home workshop style training. With the latter you will have the option of the behavior analyst evaluating your child and providing goals, objectives and behavior plans to get you started, as well as ongoing support as needed. To find a behavior analyst in your area search the Certificant Registry here: www.bacb.com ( The Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc)
There are now a variety of online ABA training options geared towards parents. Here are two examples: http://www.ibehavioraltraining. com/IBT/Elearning.aspx (by The Center for Autism and Related Disorders at www.centerforautism.com) http://www.rethinkfirst.com/Info/ parents.aspx (by Rethink Autism at www. rethinkfirst.com/) Both of these organizations also have options for ongoing curriculum development and training. 3. By using the options above, develop your first set of skills that you want to teach and organize them into a notebook so that you can keep daily data. If you need help with the data sheets, notebooks or tracking simply do an internet search “ABA data sheets” and you will see a great variety of free options and examples. Many parents, usually with the help of a behavior analyst, use this skills tracking system to help with curriculum ideas: The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills - Revised (ABLLS®-R) developed by Dr. James W. Partington. More information here: www.partingtonbehavioranalysts. com
4. Now you are ready to set up and start teaching. Here are some of the things you will need. • A sturdy table and comfortable chairs set that gives you and your child plenty of room, with a table big enough to so that any items you place on it won’t be too close together. • Storage bins in small medium and large sizes so that you can easily store materials. • A hot laminator/ laminating sheets • Materials that correspond to the skills you will be teaching
An ABA intervention should be naturally incorporated into every facet of the daily routine. As with anything else, practice makes perfect and eventually, it will be second nature to teach as you go through your day. To ease the load and provide respite for parents, a therapist or tutor can be hired to implement the program full or part time. In addition to structured therapeutic and academic activities, it is very important to supplement with community classes, social groups, extracurriculars, field trips, and play dates.
There are plenty of materials ready made to purchase online. Here is a website that may help: http:// www.abaresources.com/ A more cost effective way to acquire materials is to first take stock of what you already have in your home. Teaching the child using the real, functional items he or she is using is always preferable. You can take your own pictures of things to print and laminate as well as having them available on a tablet or computer so that you don’t have to even print. You will be teaching your child in all rooms of your home, outside and in the community and all of these places contain many of the things that you will need. You can also search the internet for “free ABA materials” for excellent ready to print items. There are also free ABA websites such as www.jacobslessons.com, autism apps, and computer games and software. A comprehensive list of recommendations can be found on www.thehomeeducator.net.
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
27
EVALUATIONS & PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
Evaluations PortfolioReviews BY CLAUDIA VALDES
As Florida homeschooling parents, we are required to provide an annual evaluation documenting your child’s demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with his or her ability. It is very important that you remember that they have to demonstrate educational progress at their own pace and not by any state standards. An evaluation will be due one calendar year (and every year thereafter) from the date you established your home education program (from the date that you filed your Notice of Intent with your district superintendent). I try to end my “school year” at least 1 month prior to my anniversary date, that gives me plenty of time to prepare, print anything that needs to be printed (including our yearbook), schedule my evaluations, and tie up any loose ends. For many homeschoolers, evaluations and portfolio reviews are a source of stress and anxiety. Between the stories that parents hear, the confusing terminology of in-state homeschooling statutes, and misconceptions exploited by the media, it’s easy for parents to let their thoughts and fears get the best of them. The best way to squash all those fears is by doing your research and educating yourself. Learning about portfolio evaluations and local homeschooling laws can help dramatically eliminate the stresses when it comes to keeping your children’s student homeschooling records. There are several ways of fulfilling the annual evaluation requirement. Here is a comprehensive guideline for doing so:
•
Option1: Record-keeping and portfolio review Homeschool portfolios document what your child has learned, how it was accomplished, what resources were used, and how much progress was made. In Florida, we have a checklist of things that are required to be available in the portfolio: • Daily Log - I use Homeschool Tracker for myself and my clients, you can also use calendar or scheduling software, a regular calendar, a simple notebook, or printed weekly logs. Fill in your child’s lessons in your log and then add it to the portfolio. Be sure to include any field trips and activities. Reading Log - (List of curriculum used and books read throughout the year) Make sure to include any online resources used, (i.e. FL Virtual School, Broward Virtual, Online teaching/game sites, e-books, etc.) I always suggest making two different logs:
•
1. Curriculum Used - include any textbooks, websites and workbooks used. 2. Books Read - be sure to include all read aloud, e-books, books on tape, books read for fun, as well as books assigned. Samplings of student work - This does not mean that you have to include every page of school work completed, but you should still include enough to give a thorough picture of progression in a given subject throughout the year. It is perfectly okay not to keep all of your child’s work. Don’t feel that you need to choose items that are always perfect or scored high. For example, include both the first and final draft of the same essay. You may feel like you should only keep only the best work, this is actually not the best idea. The purpose of a portfolio is to demonstrate progress, therefore it should contain both low scores along with similar items showing improvement. Be sure to include a sample for each subject from the beginning of the year, the middle, and the end.
Homeschool portfolios are as unique as the families who make them. Scrapbook style, three-ring binders, and accordion files, are all common approaches to homeschool record keeping. The most common portfolio is a three-ring binder with subject dividers. As a paperless alternative, some parents choose to keep electronic homeschool portfolios for student record-keeping, these are growing in popularity. A great way to approach homeschool record-keeping is to treat it as a keepsake or scrapbook project. It is an opportunity to save happy memories of your homeschool years. Don’t let it feel like it’s a burden just because it’s required by law. You can let your children choose the work and projects they would like to add. It gives them an opportunity to revisit lessons and events. Record it in your planner as “portfolio days” and count it towards school.
method. For example, if you are using the Unschooling method you should hire a teacher who is familiar with unschooling, to evaluate your child. If they are not familiar with unschooling, they will not understand the theory behind that method of learning and how to measure progress. If, for some reason, you are not in agreement with your evaluation report, you have the right to choose another evaluator that might be a better fit for your family. Option 2 - Testing Homeschool students are NOT required to participate in the FCAT testing. The only time it is mandatory is when you are homeschooling through your district school; and at that point are not considered a homeschooler but a public student who does his or her schooling at home (Florida Virtual or Broward Virtual) 1. Your child can take any nationally normed student achievement test such as The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, (ITBS) administered by a certified teacher. You can use this option for your own records and it is not necessary to send your child’s test scores to your district superintendent. Have your child’s test results sent to you, what you do with them is your choice. You may have a certified teacher review the test results and/or portfolio and send the evaluation letter to the superintendent; OR 2. A state student assessment test, such as The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) used by the district school and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the district school. FCAT scores of homeschool students are automatically sent to the Office of the Superintendent and must be used as the annual evaluation for home education. (If scores are unsatisfactory, no other form of annual evaluation can be substituted.)
You will hire a certified teacher of your choice to evaluate your child’s educational progress upon review of your portfolio, test results, and meeting with your child. The teacher must hold a valid, Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary levels.
Option 3- Psycho-educational evaluation Your child can be evaluated by a psychologist (an individual holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of s.490.003(7) or (8));
With this option, it is extremely important to remember you are the one hiring the evaluator. Choose your evaluator carefully. Select a few, call or email each one and ask a few questions; like a mini interview before making your decision.
Although anyone can choose this option, families commonly choose this option when their children are in therapy or have learning differences. Try to select a psychologist who is familiar with homeschooling and has a positive opinion about your family’s decision to homeschool.
With so many methods of homeschooling, you want to find the right evaluator to suite your family’s needs. Make sure that they are familiar with your homeschooling method. I have known families that use a different evaluator for each child because each child is learning with a different
Option 4Your child can be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool, as mutually agreed upon by you and your district school superintendent.
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
29
EVALUATIONS & PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
Ask questions about what an evaluator’s reviews/ evaluations entail: •
How long have they been evaluating homeschoolers?
•
Do they do any sort of testing?
•
Do they talk to the children alone or with you in the room?
•
Most importantly, ask them if they are familiar with your method of schooling or the curriculum you are using.
• Ask yourself: •
Do you and your child feel comfortable with them?
•
Has anyone you know used their services?
After the evaluation: It is your responsibility to file a copy of the results with your district school superintendent’s office. The district school superintendent will review, and must accept the results of the evaluation. Send the original paperwork via certified mail with a return receipt. Make copies of all paperwork and keep all receipts. Then, add the documents to the following year’s portfolio. If your child does not demonstrate educational progress at a level corresponding with his or her ability, the district school superintendent will notify you, in writing, that progress has not been achieved. You will have 1 year from the date of receipt of the written notification to provide remedial instruction. At the end of the 1-year probationary period, your child will need to be reevaluated. Continuation of a homeschooling program will depend upon your child demonstrating educational progress at the end of the probationary period. For more detailed information read Florida Statute 1002.41. Whether you are thinking about homeschooling, are new to homeschooling, or an overwhelmed veteran homeschooler; know that you have someone at your side during your homeschooling endeavor. Life can be hectic and chaotic at times but record keeping and evaluations really shouldn’t be the cause of any added stress.
To book a session with Claudia, “The Homeschool Guru”,
call
954-683-0822
or
Claudia@
thehomeeducator.net. Claudia is an experienced homeschool mom who has been very active in the community over the past 15 years. She is a founding member of S.P.L.A.S.H. and currently mentors parents and specializes in homeschool record-keeping.
30
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
APPROVED EVALUATORS Antonia Klath toni21c@live.com South Broward Cheryl Trzasko 561-798-3842 chavivah@yahoo.com Wellington, FL Katie Gonzalez 305-984-6478 kgmiami@bellsouth.net Linda Guarin 954-655-3133 five10er@hotmail.com Davie, FL Judith Hurst, Founder Yellow Wood Learning Community Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-253-9563 Judith@ywlc.org www.ywlc.org Sheri E-mail: esm25us@yahoo.com Grace C. Rodriguez Office: 786.529.6515 Email: FloridaHomeschoolHelp@yahoo.com www.floridahomeschoolhelp.com/ Working the Entire State of Florida. Shenty Torres qrious17@yahoo.com Metro Life Church in Doral
BOOK REVIEW
Book Review BY LAURA HAMEL As
homeschooling
recommendations to transform the
her several times if she would like to
parent and someone who’s always
a
mom,
a
methods of modern schooling. The
do the activity the characters are
been interested in learning and
second half of the book is full of real-
doing.”
intelligence theories, I found Jenifer
life examples and detailed practical
Fox’s book, Your Child’s Strengths, an
applications, which I, as a parent,
Fox also includes an enlightening
engaging and thought-provoking
section entitled: 13 Moments in
read.
History: A Brief History of Educational Theory,
which
is
a
survey
of
While containing practical ideas
educational
and
about
different eras and cultures. Likewise,
children’s innate strengths, as well
Appendix C – a list of web sites,
as
problems
schools, and companies – is another
with our school system today, Your
valuable resource for philosophy
Child’s Strengths, rather than a
and curriculum development.
advice addressing
for
parents
current
philosophies
from
groundbreaking playbook, is a wellorganized resource worth delving
While I don’t completely agree
into if you are involved with children
with
in any way.
goals of Positive Psychology, there
Fox’s
entire
premise
and
are several useful and thoughtAs Fox herself points out, “Everyone
provoking
who has a role in raising children has
Your Child’s Strengths worthwhile
an important part to play…”
reading for any educator. I plan to
Defining human strength as “the
research and incorporate several
things that we do that make us feel
concepts
that
make
ideas and approaches mentioned
energized and alive when we do
always appreciate over abstract
them,” Fox suggests we need to
philosophy that is difficult to translate
choose to see the strengths in each
into daily curriculum. Rarely do most
“Laura is a homeschooling Mom of
child, instead of the weaknesses.
parents and teachers find the time
3 boys and also runs a Mathnasium
Much like the premise found in
for pensive reflection!
math
Mel Levine’s A Mind at a Time, Fox acknowledges
that
we
should
in the book.
learning
center
in
Coral
Gables.” In
the
section
on
assessing
bolster each child’s self-esteem
children’s specific strengths, Fox
through “positive psychology.”
provides several examples for those
www.Mathnasium.com/coralgables
working with children too young to In the first half of Your Child’s
accurately self-assess. For instance,
Strengths, Jenifer Fox explores and
older children can write about
explains the negatives of the current
which activity is most appealing,
educational system. Her discussion is
but for younger children, “Find three
not limited to a critique; she readily
pictures of characters engaged in a
provides
variety of different activities…. ask
tangible
and
realistic
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
31
CURRICULUM REVIEW
Curriculum Review MIMIOSPROUT REVIEW BY MAUREEN SCOTT
Mimiosprout (formerly Headsprout)
few 2 word sentences) with a lot
mimiosprout with Harry (3.5 years)
is a staple in our homeschooling
of pictures and the word “see” on
and are once again appreciating.
curriculum. It is a computer based
every page. After doing the work
learn
When
they earn coins and can use them
Mimiosprout is $100 and worth every
you sign up they also send you 12
to buy short (30 second) videos
penny for us. If you too are looking
reader books and a progress chart
or games. They make him do this
for
with stickers that the child can use
over and over in different games.
organized “learn to read” program
to keep track of his hard work. Its
If he is getting the answers right
it might be a good fit for you too.
is recommended for preK to 2nd
the program moves him to a new
You can find out more and try a free
graders. We started mimiosprout
thing. If he is still struggling they
sample lesson at www.mimio.com.
when Max was 5. Max was clear
keep working on it until he gets it.
on all of his letter sounds but
The lessons get progressively, but
Maureen Scott is a Homeschool
was struggling with blending the
almost imperceptible harder. By the
Coordinator of 3 years to a family of
sounds together to make words.
time Max completed mimiosprout
3 boys ages 7, 3 and 2
He could do it but it was a struggle.
he was a voracious reader who was
He knew what sound “s” made
confident in his reading skills. To this
but “s+t+o+p” was too much to
day Max loves reading and I credit
sound out together to make the
this to never pushing him too hard
word “stop”. Mimiosprout would
when he wasn’t ready and finally
repetitively make Max do his letter
finding mimiosprout, a program that
sounds and combinations of letter
really worked for him. After a child
sounds through different games.
completes a lesson the parents get
Since he was on the computer and
an email letting them know the
clicking around doing games he
lesson was completed, what the
was happier with the repetitiveness
lesson was about and what words
of the lessons than if I had been
were specifically used. The follow up
making him do it. In mimiosprout
to mimiosprout is mimioreading. This
they work hard to make it fun. There
focuses on reading comprehension.
are 80 lessons and each lesson
We started Max on this immediately
starts with a learning activity and a
after completing the first level of
follow up with practice games. For
mimiosprout.
example the very beginning and
got very frustrated and struggled
easiest lessons start like this: they
greatly. We put it away and came
say what “s” sounds like and what
back to it 6 months later and he
“ee” sounds like and then they
was more prepared for it. The
make him combine those sounds
comprehension
together to make “see”. They will
vocabulary was challenging but
have Max read a short story (a
appropriate. We are now starting
to
read
32 20 SPRING 2014
program.
. TheHomeEducator.net
He
wasn’t
practice
ready,
and
a
comprehensive,
fun
and
SPOTLIGHT ON HOMESCHOOL GROUPS
BROWARD HOMESCHOOL PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (PSG) The Broward PSG is a non-profit, parentled support group for homeschooling families of all backgrounds and educational models. The leadership of PSG is Christian, but people of all beliefs are welcome in our membership and activities. We offer support and practical advice for those just beginning the homeschooling journey, as well as connections and resources for the seasoned homeschooler. We have separate activities, field trips and special events for elementary, middle and high school aged children respectively – as well as events for the whole family, such as our annual Thanksgiving Feast and our Not-Back-To-School Bash. PSG also hosts the Broward Enrichment Homeschool Classes (BEHC) – a once-weekly set of classes available to middle and high school students, which can be integrated into a homeschool curriculum. Our monthly meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month during the school year, and feature helpful seminars and encouraging speakers. The meetings are also host to a fun night for children of all ages, who have their own social time and activities while their parents get together for fellowship and support. Our monthly meetings are open to all, and membership is not required. If you do choose to join PSG as a member, you will receive our e-mail notifications of all upcoming events for our families, as well as full access to our website (www.browardhomeschool. com), which includes the calendar of events and sign-ups for these events. For elementary school students, our frequent field trips are a great opportunity. The trips include theatre and stage productions, cultural fairs, visits to museums and gardens, and tours of specialized locations, factories and businesses. The middle and high school students have their own social events, parties and even a student government. The high school students plan and implement a prom every year. We close every school year with a special “Awards and Promotions” night, which allows parents to recognize their childrens’ special achievements that year. Above all, Broward PSG desires to provide support and encouragement to homeschooling families in the area. We offer information and valuable resources and opportunities for homeschoolers, but more than that – we seek to create a place where homeschoolers can connect with one another, and develop the supportive relationships they need to keep going during the more challenging times we all experience. For more information, see our website www.browardhomeschool.com Or email us at browardhomeschool@yahoo.com
PBC Homeschoolers, Inc. is an inclusive volunteerrun homeschool support group open to local Palm Beach County, Florida homeschoolers regardless of beliefs, ethnicity, or homeschooling style. Our focus is on homeschooling with an aim to provide friendly, low-cost support with social and educational opportunities for all. PBC Homeschoolers is an incorporated, not-for-profit group, affiliated with LIFE of FL. PBCH currently meets twice monthly for park days at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach on Friday mornings. We ask anyone interested in joining our group to come meet us at a park day first. The first of our monthly park days is geared to the homeschooling parent (though kids are welcome to come and play, of course) with topics of discussion to help each other. The second park meeting is geared to the kids with activities such as Field Day with tug-of-war, sack races, and other fun games, or our Kids’ Carnival where the kids made their own carnival games for the others to play, or our holiday Kids’ Bazaar where the kids sell their handmade creations. We host a number of field trips and activities, such as our annual Science Day, World Day, and Talent Show, as well as a variety of on-going activities. Currently, we have parents running tennis and soccer lessons, sewing lessons, a bimonthly S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) Club, a yearbook committee, and a Drama Club. We offer regular discounted admission to a local ice skating rink and have organized art and science classes for kids of a wide range of ages. We support one another with our “free table” to exchange items, an annual used curriculum sale, and more. We meet and welcome new members year-round. For more information, see our website https://pbchomeschoolersinc.shutterfly.com
TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
33
RUDI’S CREATIVE CORNER
RUDI’S Corner e v i t a re
C
I’M A POET, AND I KNOW IT... WAKING Everyday I wake up In the morning I feel the familiar sensation Painted over my face I reach for the sky and rub my eyes Say goodbye to dream surprise Goodbye to wizards casting spells Goodbye to elves, and wishing wells They fade away To the land of dreams As I travel to the land of day And no matter how hard I try I can’t erase That look upon my face From sunup to sundown I look in the mirror I can’t seem to frown A joyful blessing That sunny feeling Star shiny bright My smile takes flight BY SOLEIL DOERING, 11
WARRIOR MAMA Be prepared to be a warrior for the child
MARBLE PAINTING
Be strong in your beliefs that this path you have taken is what feels organic and true to you Be ready to show this choice Speak of this choice to even those who love you most Many will feel foreign to these teachings they question For they are closed to it But if they can be o.k. to trust in the natural child without standards or expectation they will find him surprising For without judgment he will exceed the expectation placed on his growing body and mind
BY ALEXA CAPRI, 3 To submit your art, writing or photography email your contribution to info@thehomeeducator.net. Images must be 300dpi resolution pdf or jpeg file.
34
SPRING 2014 . TheHomeEducator.net
So that he may be a happy child This is what all children deserve and our great opportunity to be a part of MARIA, HOLLYWOOD
BY CATHERYN
BY KALEB
BY BEN
BY ALEXA
BY NAKOA
“I am always amazed at the harmony that’s present among the homeschool community that I am so privileged to be a part of-HOME. Today we spent the day at Enchanted Forest with all of our children running & playing free. These women & men are all so special—many, professionals in their own right (midwife, doula, entrepreneurs, behavioral therapist, clinical social worker, professors, graphic designers, pharmaceutical doctor, drummer, singer, director, nurse, teachers, etc) & unbelievably, we still manage to educate & school our children. We are all sold out on the concept and act of alternative schooling. We believe we have the power to educate our own children far beyond what any system can do, even on the worst of days. Many of us cringe at the thought of institutionalizing them; we want to create independent thinkers--out of the box—against stream; develop their egos and core essence before they go out and negotiate mainstream and all that it entails. And some of us are very interested in solidifying their faith without having to defend or ameliorate our expression. We come from diverse walks of faith, religions, race, socio-economic, political status, sexual orientations...But we all share a powerful truth—this is a hair raising (at times) experience, and most of us even flirt with the visions of shipping them off on the big yellow magic school bus (LOL) on the most strenuous of days, but we don’t; instead, we build, inhale, exhale, create, bond & cry. All along praying & believing that this life defining experience will grow all of us and develop in them impenetrable roots that will spread /broaden their territory; and when it’s time to go…they will go as strong as they can be!” SAMBRA, NORTH MIAMI BEACH TheHomeEducator.net . SPRING 2014
35