2019 HOMEschooling in Maine by Homeschoolers of Maine

Homeschoolers of Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Magazine

HOMEschooling in Maine Volume 29--2019

Annual Short Story Contest Where Did Their Courage Come From? Meet Faraday and Maxwell History: Past, Present, and Future History Gives Us Hope Bonus Section: Beginnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Handbook

HOMEschooling in Maine Volume 29 2019

Editor-in-Chief: Kimberly Miller Editorial Staff: Kathy Green, Proof Reader Brandi Schunk, Proof Reader Photographic contributors: Kimberly Miller & stock photos

Printer: Printing provided by Print Mail of Maine, Portland.

HOMEschooling in Maine is published by Homeschoolers of Maine PO Box 159 Camden, ME 04843-0159 (207)763-2880 (Fax 207-763-4352) HOME Board Members: Ed and Kathy Green homeschl@midcoast.com

Kathi Kearney

kkearney@midcoast.com

Chris and Tiffany Wilcoxson pastor@lifsource.org

Zach and Kim Mazone

eaglecovefarm@gmail.com

In This Issue

HOME’s 20/20 Vision 5 HOME’s Regional Representatives 6 Short Story Contest 8 Schedule of Events 2019-2020 11 Where Did Their Courage Come From?

Meet Faraday and Maxwell 14 History: Past, Present, and Future

History Gives Us Hope 18 Reasons to Support Your State Organization

Bonus Section: Beginners’ Handbook

Homeschoolers of Maine is dedicated to furthering the interests of the education of children by their parents by all lawful means, including, but not limited to, support of and assistance to families who are educating their own children, dissemination of legislative and other information affecting the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children, participation in and sponsorship of conventions and educational seminars for teaching parents. Look at Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New at HOMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Website! Check out our website for the latest in news and events from Homeschoolers of Maine! It contains valuable information and encouragement to help you along, no matter where you may be in your homeschooling journey. On the website, you will find the HOME Blog, Upcoming Events, Discussion Forums, a Local Area Event Listing, and a very helpful Resources section. Find out the basics of how to get started, research homeschooling laws in our state, and even share a bit about your own homeschooling journey on our Share Your Story page! Visit www.homeschoolersofmaine.org today!

HOMEschooling in Maine Advertising Rates Inside Front Cover - $200 Inside Back Cover - $200 Outside Back Cover (color) - $250 Full Page Ad - $100 1/2 Page Ad - $75 1/4 Page Ad - $50 1/8 Page - Business Card - $30 Classified Page - $10

For more information, contact Mary Collier at mary4homeadv@gmail.com.

Stay in Touch with HOME! There are so many ways to stay in touch and communicate with HOME: sign up for our Email news updates, follow our Facebook page, join the HOME Convention Facebook group, participate in our discussion forums, or just pick up the phone! Find out more on the Contact Us page of our website: www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/contact-us

HOME’s 20/20 Vision What lies ahead for HOME and homeschooling in Maine? Growth! While the school age population is declining, homeschooling in Maine continues to grow! Over the past decade, homeschooling has increased by more than 35%. As a result, the ministry of HOME continues to grow and expand its reach in an effort to meet the needs of homeschool families. Success! Over the course of a year, it now takes more than one hundred HOME volunteers to carry out the work of this vital ministry in our state. The success of HOME’s activities, field trips and annual events (i.e. convention, graduation ceremony, used curriculum sale, etc.) depend on the helping hands of many. Our HOME Digest, website, social networking tools, and other regular publications require quite a number of experienced and talented volunteers. Trained staff and volunteers help with annual assessments and curriculum planning. Experienced volunteers assist Maine homeschoolers every day with their many questions and concerns. Freedom! In addition to meeting needs, protecting homeschool freedoms is of paramount importance to HOME. Throughout the year, several volunteers spend many hours monitoring federal and state efforts to control or regulate homeschooling. During the legislative session each year, HOME’s President attends a number of public hearings and committee work sessions to determine any possible impact of proposed new laws on homeschooling. Security! As each new year passes, we can look back over past years with grateful hearts. Though we have faced many challenges, God has granted many blessings and protections to Maine homeschool families. Through much sacrifice and with great courage, the early pioneers cleared and paved the way toward greater homeschool freedom in Maine. As a result, many more families are able to travel the road safely and securely with the assurance of help, support, and clear direction all along the way. Strong Leadership! Though it is difficult to see what lies ahead, we know that we must plan for and expect continued growth in homeschooling in Maine. HOME must be ready to serve even greater numbers as more and more families seek refuge from the world and from public schools. Therefore, HOME continues to build and train a strong leadership team representing all areas of our state. HOME is building a foundation of strong leaders in every corner of the state to help. However, in the years ahead we will need more than that. Future HOME leaders will need greater space to house and provide resources and services to homeschool families. Even at this juncture, our HOME Office is too small a space to serve others comfortably. Storage and meeting space is extremely limited. Hope for the Future! We will move forward with hope, and trust that the Lord will continue to provide as He always has. However, each of us must do our part. Please prayerfully consider how you can join us to become a part of HOME’s 20/20 Vision for the future. By 2020, we truly hope to have passed the leadership baton to a new generation of committed and capable leaders who will continue to open HOME’s doors wide, and welcome many more families into the safe refuge that homeschooling provides. Thank you, and God bless you! HOME Board of Directors

HOME’s Regional Contacts

HOME Regional Representatives are veteran homeschoolers who bring the ministry of HOME closer to homeschooling families in every area of the state. Regional Reps provide a HOME presence within their region that is informative and encouraging. They are often the first friendly voice for a new homeschooling family.

Region 1: Aroostook & Penobscot Counties Regional Reps -TBD

Region 2: Hancock & Washington Counties Regional Reps. - Tim & Brandi Schunk (512) 924-7620 - Sullivan, ME bouncybrandi@gmail.com Region 3: Knox, Lincoln & Waldo Counties Regional Reps. - Jacob & Trish Hutchins (207) 338-9299 - Swanville, ME trishhutchins@gmail.com Region 4: Kennebec, Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties Regional Reps. - Robert & Amy Decker (207) 737-8885 - Bowdoinham, ME stampinamy@myfairpoint.net Region 5: Piscataquis, Somerset & Franklin Counties Regional Reps. - Sam & Melissa McKeen (207) 277-5230 - Cambridge, ME melcmckeen@gmail.com Region 6: Oxford, Cumberland & York Counties Regional Reps. - Daryl & Michelle Collomy (207) 423-6783 - Hiram, ME room4more29@gmail.com HOME Regional Rep Coordinators Chuck and Carolyn Simonds (207) 752 - 2577 - Kittery, ME ccllsls@aol.com

Support HOME With a Portfolio Evaluation Visit the HOME Website for More Information! Maine law requires homeschoolers who have filed letters of intent to homeschool to submit the results of assessments, annually, to both the local superintendent’s office and the Maine Department of Education in Augusta at the end of each school year, no later than September 1. Throughout the summer months, Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME) provides a convenient method for annual assessment, which fulfills the requirements of our homeschool statute. Portfolio reviews through HOME are easy, inexpensive, and require a minimal amount of preparation for the homeschooling parent. By participating in a portfolio review through HOME, you will also be supporting your state homeschool organization! To learn more about the portfolio review process and how to prepare a portfolio for review, visit the HOME website at https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/events/home-portfolio-evaluations/.

You’re Invited to Participate in Homeschoolers of Maine’s 2020

Short story contest! Our short story contest kicks off each year at the HOME Annual Convention in March. The contest is open to homeschooled students between the ages of 6 and 18. 2020 Theme: “Leading the Way” To qualify, each student’s entry must be submitted in a Word document and emailed to kcbmiller@gmail.com. This email must include the student’s name, age, home address, and parent’s name. The email subject line should read: HOME Short Story Contest 2020. There is a 4,000 word limit. Entries must be received on or before July 1. $25 Amazon Gift Cards will be awarded in each of three age categories: ages 6 to 9, ages 10 to 13, and ages 14 to 18. Winning entries will be featured in the fall issue of the HOMEschooling in Maine magazine. To find out more, visit the HOME website at: www. homeschoolersofmaine.org

HOME’s Short Story Contest Winning Entries In this section, you will find the winning entries in our 6th Annual Short Story Contest. We enjoyed reading each entry we received and were impressed with the talented young authors. We are pleased to share these wonderful winning entries with you. Congratulations to these young writers!

The Colt’s First Rider

by Judah Paris, age 9 I’m tied to this post. The rope around my neck is not tight, but it is only about six feet long. I want to rip free from its binds and stretch my legs. I watch enviously as my master’s friends and neighbors walk past. Though my master, Eliab, is not a social man, a few of the friends he does have are heading for his house for a Passover meal. Suddenly, among his comrades, I see two strangers. Unlike the rest, they seem to be heading straight toward me. They’re both wearing gray tunics, but while one is towering and muscular, the other is as average as any of my master’s neighbors. The larger man makes as if to untie me. Suddenly I realize it! These men are horse thieves! I tense my muscles and bray furiously for Eliab. The man winces, but proceeds to untie me. I can’t do anything to stop him. I’m helpless. Then, to my great relief, Eliab sprints out from behind the stable and screams furiously at the men. In a soft, calm voice, the smaller man says, “We must have this donkey for the Lord.” Who “the Lord” is, or why he would need me, an insignificant little colt nobody has ever ridden before, is unknown to me. Surprisingly, my master relents. The men lead me through the streets. Finally we reach our apparent destination: the countryside. Eleven people- all men- are waiting for us. One of them is leaning comfortably on a tree slightly in front of the rest. He is young, thin, and malnourished-looking. Though he doesn’t look like much, the men who brought me here bow when they see him. Could this be “the Lord”? The man climbs onto

my back and I start to walk, one of their number slowly leading me forward. I’ve carried the man on my back for at least half an hour and my pace has slowed considerably. My legs feel like hay and I can feel a stone stuck in my hoof. Now I can finally see a city ahead. The road has become more used; healthy palm trees line the way. I somehow know that the city is our destination, but instead of spurring me on, I just get more tired with every step. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the rider on my back leaning down. He whispers in my ear with a soothing voice, “Young donkey, do not falter.” Somehow I feel a sudden burst of energy simultaneous to the ending of my rider’s words to me. How did that happen? Well it doesn’t really matter now, for I am making my way with surprising but joyful ease to our destination. Strangely enough, I cannot feel the pebble in my hoof any more. For my next two or three steps, I concentrate on twisting my neck to see if I can spot the stone stuck in my foot. I look up, and to my astonishment I find that crowds have started to form next to the road and the road itself seems to be matted in something… green? Looking closer, I see that it’s palm branches covering the highway. Now the crowd is shouting something that sounds like… praise and welcome. Why would they… ? Then it comes to me; the bowing men at the tree, the welcoming palm branches, the crowd full of praises and admiration. The man I am carrying on my back is a king. He must be! There’s no other explanation. Filled with joy and amazement, I prance the last steps to the city.

Joanna

by Abigail Van Leeuwen, age 12 I opened my eyes and wasn’t the least bit surprised by my surroundings. I was in the corner of the basement room in Linda and Albert Devries’s house. I had been there for as long as I could remember, and I doubted I would ever get to leave. It’s not like I didn’t like that place, it’s just that I wanted to be played with. I am a doll, and I am, whatever anyone may believe, alive. I pretend I’m not alive when people are around, (which is pretty often, considering how many grandchildren the Devries couple has). They don’t play with me much, because there are other toys in the basement, like the wooden toys and the board with all the colored pegs. There were also other dolls, and games, and a lot of other things. After dozing off a couple times, I heard a racket upstairs. I prepared myself to be as still as a stone statue, and waited. Down came Anneke (aw’ ne kuh) and Abby, the two youngest grandchildren. Anneke ran for the wooden toys, and Abby, the peg-board. They played for a while, until they were called to have lunch. They hadn’t noticed me, which I was used to, so it wasn’t a surprise. And so I waited. A couple days later, there were a lot of rackets upstairs, and soon all the grandchildren were running down the stairs and grabbing whichever toy they felt like playing with. My clothes were changed a couple times, but other than that they didn’t notice me. That was fine because it was a lot compared to the amount of times I was played with for the past week. I was about ready to fall asleep, when Abby came downstairs and started playing with the pegboard. I really wanted to make noise so that she would notice me. Of all the grandchildren, she was one of the few who hadn’t noticed me at least once in their lives. Just then Anneke came down with Lexi and said, “Come on, let’s go steal all her stuff!” They were obviously play-acting or something, because none of the stuff in this basement was Abby’s. Then Abby said in a voice that sounded really fake, “Not my doll!” with that, she rushed toward me, grabbed me, and ran off as fast as her little legs could carry her. She didn’t get very far; just into the

next room, and hid under the table. Anneke and Lexi stormed the room and surprisingly didn’t find us. So they went upstairs and looked for something else to do. After a while, Abby went up after them and found them watching a movie. When the movie was finished, they saw her, didn’t take much notice, and departed. For the next few days Abby carried me everywhere. I was not looking forward to when they would have to leave. Abby had introduced me to her doll, Nelly, who was shy and didn’t really like being around other people unless she knew them well. We got along okay, and she told me about Anneke’s doll, whom she had named “Little Lily” and about David, Abby’s other doll, and about Maryanne who also belonged to Abby. Abby also introduced me to Charlotte and we immediately became fast friends. We were both disappointed that Anneke and Abby would have to leave, but what can you do? The next day, Abby said that they’d be leaving in the morning, so we were going to play as much as possible before then. And so we played. We played outside, we played inside, we played at some of the other grandchildren’s houses, we played in the car, and we played with Anneke and Charlotte. At one point while we were playing in the living room with the peg-board, Abby’s mom, Mrs. Van Leeuwen, said “Remember Abby, you’re going to have to leave her behind when we go home tomorrow.” Abby nodded sadly. Then we were surprised. Mr. Devries said, “Oh, that’s alright, she can have her.” My heart leapt. I was going to stay with Abby! I wouldn’t have to leave her after all! The next day, we all piled into the car to make the two-day trip back to Maine from Michigan. That trip was sure a happy one. Charlotte and I played together a lot. Abby left me in the car when they went to get lunch, and then came in holding a half finished cup of sprite and a couple of chicken nuggets. They were delicious. She was only pretending to feed it to me, but I sure tasted it, because, like I said earlier, I am alive. We stopped at a hotel for the night, and slept there. I couldn’t wait to see my new home the next day. I couldn’t imagine what it would look like. I wasn’t expecting anything near as clean as the Devries’ home, but I was sure I would like it. I was excited when we finally turned into the driveway of 9

a big red house. The girls took all their stuff out of the car, and got into the house. There, they carried me into a bedroom with to twin-sized beds, two dressers, and a few other furnishings. Abby made room for me on the little blue cradle where Nelly, David, and I slept. Abby also put Maryanne in with Anneke’s dolls, so that they would have an equal amount of dolls in the cradle. I was noticed quite a bit more, especially by Abby, who would sometimes take me in bed with

her, along with Polo, a cute fuzzy bear, and Mrs. Mousy, a brown mouse wearing a pink flowered dress. She also named me. I was known as “Boo” by the whole family, but my name, which I thought suited me okay, was Joanna. The End (Editorial Note: We recieved no entries in the 14-18 age ategory this year. Send in those stories for 2020, young people!)

Homeschoolers of Maine’s

Schedule of Events 2019-2020 New & veteran homeschoolers alike… Stay informed and encouraged through HOME sponsored workshops, field trips, annual events, book sales, and more!

HOME’s Upcoming Events: Legislative Education Day

October 15, 2019

National Homeschool Day of Prayer

November 1, 2019

Portland Museum of Art

November 7, 2019

Visit to the State House Complex

January 16, 2020

Annual HOME Convention

March 19 - 21, 2020

Inventory Clearance Sale

March 19 - 21, 2020

HOME Graduation Ceremony Used Curriculum Sale & Expo

March 21, 2020

May 16, 2020

Please visit the HOME website for all details and information regarding the upcoming events listed above at www.homeschoolersofmaine.org. More events will be added throughout the year! Check our website for the latest.

Come to socialize, exercise and have some fun! Rollerskating Happy Wheels Skate Center, Portland Every 1st Friday, October through May

Bowling ALLPLaY Family Entertainment Center, Belfast Every Month, November - May

Rock Climbing, Swim & Gym Class Penobscot Bay YMCA, Rockport Every 4th Monday, January through May

HOME Hikes Once or twice a month April through October Contact Us: Homeschoolers of Maine PO Box 159 Camden, ME 04843-0159 Phone: (207) 763-2880 Email: homeschl@midcoast.com https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/events/monthly-sports-fitness-activities/

Where Did Their Courage Come From? by Scott A. Woodruff, Senior Counsel Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) But it crippled me. I internalized the initiative-free, comply-with-the-structure environment and conformed myself to it. The public school environment does not reward courage, risk takers, or folks who are not prone to conform. Maybe the rebels in my high school—the “bad One daughter spent a summer in Croatia not long af- kids”—turned out better in some respects. ter a bitter war in the region. The locals warned her not to walk in certain areas because there were still But with homeschooling, a student can be a “good kid” and still be joyfully nonconformist, a risk taker, an innoland mines. vator—the courageous type. My kids turned out braver Another daughter spent part of her last year of high than I not because of what my wife and I did. It was school in Egypt teaching at a school run by Egyptian because of what we didn’t do. Christians for special needs students of all religions. A global swine flu epidemic was breaking out just as We didn’t give them 12 years of following someone else’s she was about to go, but she was undeterred. Tension schedule. We didn’t force them into 12 years of submisthere between Christians and Muslims is sadly inces- sion to an authority that never negotiates, never comsant. When she was home for her Christmas break, promises, and never apologizes. We didn’t suffocate militants machine-gunned Christians coming out of a their courage. So whatever courage God placed in them church. She was eager to go back, but the school re- at conception got the sunshine and fresh air it needed to grow. scinded her invitation. I don’t consider myself to be a particularly courageous person. So as my kids grew up, I was amazed to see them doing things that would never have entered my mind.

My son went to Thailand right out of college to teach English at a private school. He found an awesome church with a powerful outreach ministry. He was inspired to start a new organization to help international refugees in Bangkok. Forgoing a “normal” career, he incorporated the organization, raised support, formed a board, became the president, and did the many tasks necessary for such an undertaking. Today he and his wife and their two little girls call Bangkok home.

Maine homeschool parents today face a situation that calls for courage. People who speak for the government are making demands that are without basis in law. But most of today’s Maine homeschool parents were educated in public school. Perhaps their courage was suffocated like mine. This makes it excruciatingly stressful to say “no” even when “no” is precisely the right answer. In the movie “The Help,” the not-so-brave Charlotte Phelan character has a moment of awakening when she recognizes the incredible moral courage of her daughter, Skeeter. She movingly tells her daughter: “Courage sometimes skips a generation. Thank you for bringing it back to our family.”

How about their dear old Dad? During college, a friend of mine invited me to go to Europe for part of our Christmas break. No landmines. No machine guns. No need to raise support. No career sacrifice. Just a powder puff trip. But I chickened out. I just couldn’t Take a lesson from your brave kids. Make them proud of do it. you and say “no” to groundless demands. So how did my kids end up being indisputably braver than their Dad? To learn more about the issues facing Maine homesI have a theory. I believe it was the natural fruit of chooling families today, go to homeschoolersofmaine. homeschooling. I attended public school all 12 grades. org/the-law. For up-to-the-minute information, subI sat down when they told me to. I shut up when they scribe to our email updates at homeschoolersofmaine. told me to. I studied when they told me to. I moved to org. the next class when they told me to. I was a good kid and made good grades.

MEET FARADAY AND MAXWELL By Suzanne Shera

One of my greatest joys of the last decade was to discover that two of the greatest scientists Michael Faraday and James Maxwell were also devout Christians. I have since researched them, zealously sharing my findings with family, friends, students at church and homeschool co-ops where I teach—as if I were trying to make up for lost time since my college years when I found myself in a tug of war between faith in God and my love for Physics. It is my wish, therefore, to inform you as well about these two men whose love for God enhanced, rather than hindered, their understanding of the physical world. Michael Faraday (1791–1875) was a gifted child, born in England to a loving family where the seeds for his Christian faith were first planted. Although his elementary education was minimal due to the Faraday’s extreme poverty, his apprenticeship job as a bookbinder enriched his knowledge of all kinds of subjects, including the latest discoveries in science. His customers were instrumental in furthering his education by tutoring him and loaning him more books. One of them even gave him free tickets for the Royal Institute lectures to hear Sir Humphrey Davy, the most prominent chemist of those times.

Faraday eventually obtained a job as a lab assistant at the Royal Institute learning from Davy and other scientists, yet in time his intellect and experimental skills proved to be superior. Today he is known as the greatest experimentalist of all time. His discoveries were in chemistry, electricity, and magnetism, and he is mostly known for establishing the basis of the electric motor by causing a metallic wire to move around a magnet. He became a fellow of the Royal Society but refused the invitation to be its presi-

dent (Ludwig, 1978, pg. 199). He received various awards including a doctorate degree from Oxford University, and died at the ripe age of 84, suffering from ill health caused mainly by the toxic gases he was exposed to. Faraday’s Christian character came into play often in his career, especially when his rival Davy attempted to sabotage his reputation. Faraday did not once seek revenge towards his rival; instead he pleaded in prayer to a faithful God. He was content with a humble salary, only accepting a raise in his later years solely to insure his dear wife Sarah’s financial security after he passed away (Ludwig, 1978, pg. 183). His closest associates described him as having the most noble character that matched Paul’s description of an elder (Titus 1:5-9) and a simplicity that paralleled Jesus’ statement in Luke 18:17 (Eichman, 1993, pg. 92). Eichman also mentions that Faraday was generous with his money and time, as he would invariably turn down an invitation by a noble person in order to visit someone in trouble (pg. 93). He was an active member of the Sandemanian church where he served as an elder and gave various sermons rich with Scripture and reverence towards his Creator. This is evident in a quotation from his sermons: “The book of nature, which we have to read, is written by the finger of God.” James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), born in Edinburgh (Scotland), showed signs of high intelligence in his early childhood along with an exceptional curiosity about his natural surroundings. His first

tutor was his mother who instilled in him the love of God; yet he lost her at a tender age of eight. His father, a Scottish Laird and a retired advocate, ran a beautiful farm estate called Glenlair, which became Maxwell’s retreat home. While attending the educational institutes in Edinburgh and Cambridge, he was more interested in pursuing his own interests in math, light, electricity, magnetism and thermodynamics. He was also familiar with other subjects ranging from history and literature, to music and poetry. Maxwell published his first paper in Mathematics (Oval Curves) when he was only fourteen years old, and presented a scientific paper when he was eighteen. He also used mathematics to prove that Saturn’s rings consisted of millions of particles, something that was confirmed by Voyager I over a hundred years later (1980). His passion for color vision led to developing precise mathematical formulas that combine different percentages of RGB colors to produce millions of hues, and he demonstrated the first colored photograph. During his job at King’s College in 1958, he met his wife Katherine Dewars who assisted him in his research. His friendship with Michael Faraday began in 1860 and flourished due to their great intellect and shared faith. Maxwell eventually proved that light was indeed electromagnetic in nature, delighting Faraday who had predicted it earlier. He was indeed the father of Modern Physics, and his theory of Electromagnetism made him the Scientist of greatest influence on the 20th century technology. Maxwell remained a devout Christian throughout his life and maintained a deep humility before God in spite of his success in the sciences. He had an extensive knowledge of Scripture since childhood, and it is said that he learned Psalm 119 by the age of eight. As an adult, he attended church regularly and he would often visit the sick to read and pray with them. There were daily prayers in his household and he read the Scriptures with his wife every night (Seeger, 1985, pg. 94). At the same time he

had tolerance towards unbelievers and did not force his faith on them. His free lectures were well attended by working poor men; Maxwell said they understood him better than his peers having fewer preconceptions (Graves, 1996, pg. 152). He also loved children whom he welcomed and entertained at his home, for he himself maintained a childish fascination of the world. “I think men of science as well as other men need to learn from Christ, and I think Christians whose minds are scientific are bound to study science that their view of the glory of God may be as extensive as their being is capable.” Faraday’s meeting with Maxwell, as depicted in a PBS video excerpt from Einstein’s Big Idea, never ceases to bring tears to my own eyes as I cheer for the two Godly heroes of Science. One can see that the two were close friends who partnered in explaining the nature of light to the world, and the twinkle in their eyes seems to also convey their common faith in the true Light of the World, Jesus. Works Cited: Eichman, P. (1993, June). The Christian Character of Michael Faraday as Revealed in His Personal Life and Recorded Sermon. Perspectives, 43, 92-95. Graves, D., (1996). Scientists of Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Resources. Ludwig, C., (1978). Michael Faraday. Herald Press. Seeger, R. J. (1985, June). Maxwell, Devout Inquirer. The Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation, 37, 93-96. ____. (2005). Faraday’s meeting with Maxwell [excerpt]. In Einstein’s Big Idea. PBS video. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqefMRAxt2k. Suzanne O. Shera is the author of Lightlab, a book for kids to explore the nature of light and to know Jesus. She has been involved with children’s ministries such as C.E.F., Vacation Bible Schools and AWANA. She also loves to teach Math and Physics to homeschool groups and college students. She is married and has two children. lightlabetc.com lightlabetc@gmail.com Video link: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WqefMRAxt2k

History: Past, Present, and Future By Charlene Notgrass Writing about history is a dream come true for my husband, Ray. He grew up around words. His daddy, Wes worked at the local Columbia, Tennessee, newspaper for more than fifty years. As a boy, Wes carried papers. As a young high school graduate, he worked in circulation. When he came home from Europe after World War II, he became a linotype operator at the newspaper.

The Daily Herald, working as a proofreader there for three summers. Ray’s college major was history. It’s no wonder. His paternal grandfather had a virtual museum in his foyer. He claimed to have visited every Civil War battlefield. He was an avid Civil War collector at a time when artifacts were still lying around on the battlefields for the taking.

While Ray was growing up, his daddy encouraged him to read great books. Ray complied voraciously. In high Ray sat at the feet of his father and grandfather as long school, he began to put his own pen to paper. After at- as he could. Now he stands on their shoulders, as your tending a math contest in ninth grade, he wrote a story children will stand on yours. about it, just for the fun of writing. We still have it, of course. Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. While in high school, Ray began to dream of writing Proverbs 17:6 a book. When he graduated, he followed his dad to

While Ray was growing up in Columbia, reading the great books his daddy recommended and soaking up Civil War history from his grandfather, I was growing up sixty-six miles away in Ashland City, Tennessee, where my daddy was making sure my brother and I experienced history. My brother and I played often on the steps of Nashville’s full-size reproduction of the Greek Parthenon. Day outings in Nashville took us to the reconstructed Fort Nashborough, and to the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. On another day trip we went to Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

I recently mentioned the Wright Brothers in a conversation with a woman who works in a responsible position in an area business. She admitted that she didn’t know who they were. I told her that they invented the airplane. She told me that she wasn’t interested in history but that her husband was.

I don’t believe that people have the luxury of not paying attention to history. The subject is too vital. People who do not know history don’t know that the way things are right now are not the way they have always been. That can be dangerous. People who don’t know history have no context to understand the world. As a professor told On one of Daddy’s annual three-and-a-half-day va- Ray one time, “If you don’t know history, you don’t know cations from work, we went to St. Augustine, Florida, who you are.” America’s oldest city founded by Europeans. Another year we went to Fort Sumter, South Carolina, where sol- Stories about how people lived out their faith fill the pages diers fired the first shots of the Civil War. of Scripture. We can learn about people of faith in more recent history, too. When children learn that President EiMy maternal grandfather, whom I called Granddaddy, senhower worked to add “under God” to the Pledge of once told me that our ancestors wore skirts. I feel sure Allegiance and that President Theodore Roosevelt read he was talking about Scottish kilts. He often sang old the Bible every day when he explored the Maine countunes and now I’m sorry I didn’t ask him about them. tryside as a young man, they learn that powerful people They sounded like they came from “the old country.” in history have honored God. When they notice that God My paternal grandfather, Daddy Leland told me about is rarely mentioned in popular culture except as a casual his ancestor who lived in a cave in Nashville, Tennes- interjection, they can realize that this has not always been see. I later learned that he was Timothy Demonbreun, a the case. French Canadian fur trader who fought in the American Revolution. He was the first man of European descent to In 1995 Thomas Cahill published How the Irish Saved live in the area that became Nashville. Civilization. It tells how Irish monks and scribes preserved the documents of western civilization between the Ray and I know that we stand on the shoulders of our fall of Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages. I bedaddies and granddaddies and we both miss sitting at lieve that a thorough knowledge of history will prepare their feet. They planted seeds in our hearts as we were homeschooled children to play a vital role in preserving growing up. You are planting seeds in your children’s our most precious values in the future. hearts every day. The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. food Proverbs 18:15 will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9: 10 Ray and I not only enjoy history, we are passionate about writing history for children. We are convinced that implanting stories from the past into the hearts and minds of children is imperative. The fact that history involves the past is obvious. Perhaps it is not as obvious that learning about history in the present is essential preparation for our children’s futures.

Charlene Notgrass and her husband, Ray are speakers at Maine’s 30th Annual Convention 2020. Charlene is a Christian and a veteran homeschooling mother. She develops homeschool history curriculum for Notgrass History. She is the author of America the Beautiful for grades 5-8 and co-author of Our Star-Spangled Story for grades 1-4, From Adam to Us for grades 5-8, and Uncle Sam and You for grades 5-8. Charlene encourages moms with posts each Monday through Friday on her blog, Daily Encouragement for Homeschooling Mothers.

History Gives Us Hope By Ray Notgrass

You can’t read the news without being tempted to despair: the decline of public and private morality, endless political bickering, international terrorism, illegal border crossings with no solution in sight, “unsustainable” budget deficits being sustained and increasing. . . . Do you ever wonder whether there is any good news?

us hope. Rest assured that this article is not a Pollyanna, everything-is-fine perspective. I’m sick of reading about war, genocide, Communist cruelties, and all the other sins of mankind. In many ways, today’s news sounds much like yesterday’s news, and the news of one hundred years ago, and two thousand years ago; after all, much of history is just yesterday’s headlines.

This temptation to despair is one reason why we need to know history. Studying history gives us the long view Knowing history can give us hope--hope for better times, of life in this world, and the long-term perspective gives hope for genuine human progress, and hope for seeing

great accomplishments. Here are specific examples of ously their call to live differently and to be salt and light what I mean. in the world. How has your history led you to change? 1) People have accomplished amazing things. The pyramids of Egypt, the cathedrals of Europe, the transcontinental railroad, the moon landings--the list is long of how people made in God’s image have accomplished remarkable feats. Yes, the Egyptians used slaves to build the pyramids; yes, people lost their lives in the accomplishment of these feats; yes, the money could have gone to other things; but these are still remarkable works. People can do great things when they set a goal and give it focused effort. What goal do you have before you?

In The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis said that in his days as an atheist, he pointed to the vast emptiness of space, the cruelty and injustice in the world, and other evidences he saw as proof that God did not exist, or did not care, or was himself evil. What Lewis could not explain was, if that were the case, why there is so much good in the world. Why do people practice kindness? Why do people sacrificially organize efforts to improve the lot of others? Why do parents love their children? Why is this planet so beautifully and wonderfully prepared for us as humans to live in? It must be because there is at the heart of the 2) People have overcome great obstacles. You can’t read universe not evil and not nothing, but good. about a Holocaust survivor or a refugee from North Korea without realizing what human beings are capable of Viewed in one way, history can indeed lead one to dedoing. Franklin Roosevelt could have collapsed within spair. When will people ever quit fighting and decide to himself and his money and done nothing of value for let each other live in peace? Will political and religious others because of his polio. Instead, he overcame it and oppression ever end? Haven’t government leaders learned became president of the United States. Frederick Dou- by now that, despite their positions of power, they likely glass, Booker T. Washington, and George Washington won’t get away with corruption and immorality? Carver did not let being born in slavery keep them from accomplishing much good and changing America. An Christians, however, can see the light through the gloom. obstacle only stops you if you let it; countless stories from We recognize the good that people have done and conhistory demonstrate this. What obstacle is an opportuni- tinue to do that honors God, helps others, and makes a ty for greatness for you? positive difference. We live in the confident expectation of something better because we believe in Someone who 3) Situations can change for the better. The Allies defeat- will one day make all things new (Revelation 21:5). ed the Axis in World War II. Moreover, the U.S. didn’t just help defeat the Axis powers; after the war we sent Human accomplishments are good; and doing good is, aid to help our former enemies rebuild. Germany and well, good. However, we must remember that the greatJapan were once our fierce enemies; now they are our est human accomplishments--including yours and mineallies. Communism in Europe fell, and communism in -will one day lie in meaningless ashes if all we live for China is changing. We have a way to go in race relations is this life. As Paul put it, without God there is no hope in the United States, but to say that things are not vastly (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 15:19). Those accomplishimproved from the 1950s is to deny reality. Yes, all these ments are in reality simply a foretaste of what is to come things came with a tremendous cost; but does anything by the power of One who is ultimate and pure Goodness of value come without some cost in our imperfect world? and who is greater than any human mind, force, or deed. Looking back can encourage us as we look forward. With 4) The historical fact of the resurrection of Christ changes the eyes of faith, we can see that history gives us hope. lives. Peter changed. Paul changed. Augustine changed. John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace” af- Ray Notgrass is a Christian and is blessed to be married to Charlene Notthe most wonderful person in the whole wide world. They have three ter his conversion following a period of working as a slave grass, children and eight grandchildren. Matters of lesser importance include: Ray trader, changed. The world changed for the better be- has two master’s degrees, in history and in New Testament. He is the author cause Jesus rose from the dead and because His followers of Exploring World History, Exploring America, Exploring Government, and lived on the basis of that transforming truth. Ending slav- Exploring Economics, all for high school; and co-author (with Charlene) of From Adam to Us and (with Charlene and daughters Mary Evelyn McCurdy ery; women gaining greater equality; missions of mercy and Bethany Poore) Uncle Sam and You for middle school. Ray and Charlene around the world that provide medical clinics, dig water are veteran homeschoolers, live in Middle Tennessee, and (with their children wells, and help those dependent on drugs and alcohol, and a son-in-law) operate Notgrass History. Ray and Charlene are scheduled to be featured speakers at the HOME Convention 2020. and much more have occurred because people took seri-

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Homeschooling: The BIG Questions Is it legal? “Because the United States Constitution is the highest law of the land, homeschooling has always been legal in all 50 states,” says Michael Farris of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). “It has been a bit of a fight to get the various members of the education and social services establishment to accept that fact, but great progress has been made. Currently about two-thirds of the states have specific laws authorizing and regulating homeschooling. In the balance of the states, homeschoolers may legally operate as a small private school or provide ‘equivalent instruction.’ The details vary considerably from state to state and opinions about the law vary from district to district. What does not vary is HSLDA’s commitment to the constitutional right to teach one’s children at home.” I don’t have a teaching degree. Can I really teach my child? Yes, research and practical experience show that it is dedication and hard work, not special training, that produce outstanding educational results in a homeschool setting.

How much time does it take? A lot less than you think. Homeschooled students don’t have to take time to change classes or travel to and from a school, so they can proceed at their own pace. In elementary years especially, parents and children often find that they may only need a few hours to accomplish their work for the day. You’ll be surprised at the subjects that can span grade levels. Certain curricula lend themselves to multi-level teaching. You can design your program so that older children work independently in the morning while you work individually with younger children, and then while younger children take naps in the afternoon, you can have one-on-one time with older students.

What about my child’s special needs? Thousands of families are homeschooling children whose special needs range from Attention Deficit Disorder to severe multiple handicaps. Parents often find that when they bring these children home to be educated, they come out of the “deep freeze” that has kept them from making How do I do it? significant progress. Gone are the comparisons, labels, social pressures, Where do I find curriculum and materials? and distractions that a regular classroom may bring. Parents can offer There’s an ever-increasing variety of curriculum—from traditional text- their children individualized education, flexibility, encouragement, and books to homeschool-specific curriculum and correspondence courses. support, which may be ideal for children who are learning-disabled, medThankfully, experienced homeschool moms have put together review ically sensitive, or attention-deficit. guides, saving newcomers time and frustration. Just two such guides are Mary Pride’s Complete Guide to Getting Started Homeschooling series What about socialization & special interests/enrichment activand Cathy Duffy’s two volume 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curricu- ities? lum: Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Child. Research has found that most homeschooled students are involved in a wide variety of outside activities, interact with a broad spectrum of peoStart by contacting homeschooling veterans in your local and/or state ple, and make positive contributions to their communities. Experience support group—ask what they have tried, what has or has not worked has shown that homeschoolers are well socialized and able to make lastfor them, and why. You need to get to know your child’s learning style. ing friendships across age and cultural divides. Attend a couple of homeschool seminars and curriculum fairs where you can look at your options firsthand. Article originally appeared on HSLDA.org. Used with permission.

Homeschooling: How It All Began As long as there have been parents and children, “homeschooling” has Teachers considered themselves experts. What made these parents think been happening. It was only with the emergence of widespread compul- they could teach their own children? sory public education that this age-old method of instruction was virtually forgotten, but not eradicated.1 While few states specifically prohibited homeschooling, legislators and school officials acted as if they had. Homeschooling parents faced threats Foreign service workers or missionaries who by choice or necessity did of jail time and having their children removed from their home. Some not send their children to boarding schools continued the tradition of were arrested. Many were taken to court. home education. Children who had illnesses that kept them from attending school were frequently taught at home. And families who lived in Parents were confronted by concerned neighbors, worried friends, and the remote areas of Alaska or other isolated regions answered their chil- aghast relatives—all of whom were sure that the homeschooling mom dren’s educational needs with homeschooling. and dad were ruining their children’s lives and dooming them to an un productive future of illiteracy and isolation. In the 1970s and ’80s, homeschooling experienced a renaissance as a few parents began to question whether the public education system or exist- But those early homeschoolers hung tough. They fought the court battles. ing private schools were right for their individual child. They wondered if They went to the library and crafted their own curricula. And they quithey might be able to do a better job. etly continued teaching, letting their children’s achievement answer the charges of their fiercest critics. And what do you know? Parents discovered they could do a great job. They told two friends who told two friends and so on. The modern home- Notes schooling movement was born. It wasn’t entirely that simple, of course. The early days were rocky. There were few curriculum suppliers who would sell to homeschoolers.

Massachusetts passed the first compulsory school attendance law in 1852; by 1918 all states had enacted similar legislation. 1

Article originally appeared on HSLDA.org. Used with permission.

Complying With Maine’s Homeschool Statute...It’s Clear and Simple! By Ed Green, President and Founder of HOME In May 2003, Governor John Baldacci signed into law a complete overhaul of Maine’s homeschool regulations. Since then, the law has provided clarity and security to homeschooling families throughout Maine. Under the law, those wishing to begin homeschooling a child (who has reached his or her 6th birthday or who has not yet reached his or her 17th birthday) for the first time in Maine must file a written notice of intent within the period of 10 days before and 10 days after the beginning of the child’s home instruction program. This applies to a child removed from school to be homeschooled at any point during the school year, or to a child who moved into Maine at any point during the school year. If the child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, it is advisable (though not required) to file the notice of intent—or at least give the school informal notice—before the child is withdrawn. The notice of intent must be filed, simultaneously, with the local school superintendent of your school administrative unit (you can find this address by contacting your town office) and with the Commissioner of Education at the Maine Department of Education in Augusta (find this address on the letter of intent forms). It must include: the full name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian, the full name and age of the student, the date home instruction will or did begin, a statement of assurance that instruction will be provided for at least 175 days annually and will cover the following subjects: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in at least one grade between grades 6 and 12); and that the student(s) will demonstrate proficiency in the use of the computer (in one grade between grades 7 and 12) and a statement of assurance that the parents will submit a year-end assessment. Each subsequent year, by September 1, the family must file a “subsequent year” letter with the commissioner and the school administrative unit. The letter must state whether the student’s home instruction program will continue. It should be signed by the parent or guardian, and include the parent or guardian’s full

name and address, and, of course, the child’s full name. The family must enclose a copy of the previous year’s annual assessment results for the child. Both the one-time notice of intent and the letter each subsequent year should be clear and legible, or you may be inconvenienced by an official contacting you for clarification. The law requires you to keep copies of all items that must be submitted until the homeschool program concludes. (It is advisable to keep them longer). They must be made available to the commissioner upon request. When mailing documents to the school administrative unit or commissioner, we strongly recommend using certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can prove that you sent the required documents if that ever becomes necessary. Carefully file the green postal receipts. (Please note: The State Postal Center in Augusta is the mail service center for State agencies including the Department of Education. Your DOE mail receipt will come from this address, which is 88 State House Station, and will not be signed. This is not the DOE mailing address, however. Please use the DOE mailing address when sending your documents.) The process is as straightforward as that! Please Contact HOME if you have further questions or concerns.

Ed and Kathy Green are the parents of four grown daughters who were homeschooled through the 12th grade. After homeschooling their daughters for more than twenty years, Ed and Kathy are now helping with the homeschooling of their grandchildren! In 1990, Ed and Kathy co-founded Homeschoolers of Maine in an effort to provide information, support and encouragement to homeschoolers throughout the state. Ed currently serves as the President of Homeschoolers of Maine, and speaks throughout the state on topics and issues related to parental rights and homeschooling. Kathy manages the daily details at the HOME Office. They reside in the town of Hope.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist Or: (I feel overwhelmed! Where do I begin?) Good planning is the key to any successful road trip; tions include: this checklist will give you a basic overview as you prepare for this homeschool journey! Home School Legal Defense Association (540-338-5600, www.hslda.org) Research Homeschooling State organizations Read all you can about home education. (www.homeschoolersofmaine.org) Consider subscribing to homeschooling publications. Local support groups (check with your state organization for local groups) Attend a state convention (or obtain tapes from the workshops, if this is a mid-year decision). Specialized support groups, such as those for families of special needs children Read, read, read. (www.NATHHAN.com, for example, or those based on particular interests such as sports, 4-H, etc). Attend a how-to-get-started seminar in your area, if available. Set Goals Check out home education web sites on the Internet. Why are you homeschooling? What is your idea of an education? What would you be doing if nobody Attend a local support group meeting and ask lots told you that your 5-year-old had to leave home? of questions-other parents often love to talk about Determine where your child is academically, spirhomeschooling! Most importantly, talk to other ho- itually, physically, emotionally and socially; this is meschoolers to find out what they do, how and why. your starting point. And read, read, read! Set measurable, attainable goals for each child. DisResearch Your State’s Homeschool Law cuss with your spouse (and your child, if appropriate) how these objectives fit into the “big picture” It is legal to homeschool! Basically, you should: of his future. Familiarize yourself with the statutes of your state code which regulate home education, if applicable. Set personal and family goals. Be aware of any deadlines you must meet. Evaluate activities and curriculum against goals. Keep copies of any paperwork you send, and it’s a good idea to mail everything certified, return-receipt Choose Curriculum requested. Be sure that any paperwork you submit is free of spelling or grammatical errors (and cof- By definition, your curriculum is your “course of fee stains!). If you hand deliver, take a receipt to be study”—your road map on this journey! signed (“I have received Mrs. ___’s homeschool paperwork.”) Look through catalogs, magazines, curriculum guides, and books. Join Support Organizations Talk to other homeschoolers about what worked You don’t have to make this trip alone! Consider for them and why, as well as what didn’t work and membership in any of the national, state, and local why. organizations that exist to help you. Some sugges- Attend state convention workshops and exhibit 28

halls, as well as local curriculum fairs. Go to used book sales and used curriculum shops. Evaluate your child’s learning styles.

Write out daily/weekly plans so you know that your expectations are realistic! Consider starting each day with a short family devotional time.

Decide which methods seem to fit your family best at this point in time (you may overlap—methods are not mutually exclusive!). Keep evaluating all your choices against those goals you have set for your family and for each child. “ED’ U CATE, v.t. [L. educo, educare; e and duco, to lead; It. Educare: Sp. Educar] To bring up, as Purchase Supplies a child; to instruct; to inform and enlighten the understanding; to instill into the mind principles Homeschool resource books of arts, science, morals, religion and behavior. To educate children well is one of the most important Basic home reference materials duties of parents and guardians. Filing or organizational supplies to keep your paperwork in order ED U CA’ TION, n. [L. educatio] The bringing up, as of a child; instruction; formation of manBookshelves and/or storage cabinets—designate “a ners. Education comprehends all that series of place for everything” instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, Other necessary items as specified in your curricu- and form the manners and habits of youth and fit lum them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts, School supplies such as paper, pencils, pencil sharp- and science is important; to give them a religious ener, rulers, pens, notebooks of some sort, and the education is indispensable; and an immense reproverbial red pen! sponsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.” Establish a Schedule (Noah Webster in First Edition of an American Decide on your school year, keeping in mind any le- Dictionary of the English Language, 1828) gal requirements in your state. For example, we homeschool for eight weeks on, one week off, August “And these words which I am commanding you through June, taking a four-week break in Decem- today shall be on your heart; and you shall teach ber and again in July. My reasoning is that I can do them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them anything for eight weeks at a time, and then I have when you sit in your house and when you walk by a week to regroup for the next session! Taking only the way and when you lie down and when you rise one month off in summer keeps the girls on their up.” toes academically. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NASB) Have at least a framework for academic and character progress during the year. Have a family chore schedule in place, or a plan to Article originally appeared on HSLDA.org. Used keep the house manageable. with permission. 29

What Curriculum Should You Use? When you hear the word curriculum, you probably cultivate in him? Goals should be measurable and atthink of books. tainable. While your curriculum will most likely include quite a few books, curriculum is simply a course of study (from the French courir: to run). There is no such thing as The One, Perfect Curriculum, but some approaches and materials will be a better fit for your child than others. (This can even vary from child to child within one family!)

4. Understand differences in worldviews. You have a worldview, and the publisher and author of the materials you use have a worldview. Are they similar, or will you spend a lot of time “correcting” the values presented? This is especially important when training our little ones; for older students, this can be a timely opportunity to discuss differing views.

“What curriculum should I use?” is the same as asking, “How do I get there?” on this homeschooling journey. What you are really asking for is a road map to successful home education.

5. Research the various approaches. This is your “mode of transportation” in the home education journey. Below is a basic listing of the most common approaches. One particular approach may be a great fit for your family or you may find that an eclectic approach—mixIf I asked you for directions, what’s the first thing you’d ing and matching or combining from several different probably want to know? Right—you’d want to know approaches—may help you incorporate the ideal matewhere I was trying to go, and from where I was starting. rials for your student’s learning style. There is not one To get somewhere, I need to know my starting point “right” way to homeschool! and my destination, so I can determine the best course to get me there. Let’s walk through those same steps to Common Learning Approaches help you make an informed decision about your course and your materials. Traditional Classical (includes Principle Approach) 1. Where is my child now (figuratively speaking) and Living Books where do I want him to be next year? Five years from Unit Studies now? Relaxed/Unschooling 2. Why am I homeschooling? Once you determined where you are going, will you take the “shortcut” or the “scenic route”? Are you catching up or are you leisurely learning? This will influence your curriculum choices.

6. Alternative routes and detours can be helpful. Have you ever gotten behind the “Follow Me” truck in a construction zone? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a lead vehicle when you’re homeschooling? Some of us need to start the drive with some assistance or a “lead car” 3. Set goals: For what am I preparing my child? What like the Follow-Me truck in the construction zone. This relationships, skills, or content knowledge do I need to is especially true if you are beginning homeschooling

Home education has constantly grown over the last two decades. The growth rate is 7% - 15% per year, according to Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute. Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling 30

mid-year or “all of a sudden” and you wish you’d had more time to plan a course, but you didn’t. You might choose a simple course to get you “on the road” while researching your options for adjustments for later in the year or next year. For example, you could just select a language program and a math program (for example, Learning Language Arts through Literature combined with Saxon math) and add living books from the library for science, history, etc. Or you could select from the many prepackaged curricula available, especially helpful for the first year, such as: Christian Liberty Academy BJU Press Homeschool Alpha Omega has paper-based LifePacs or their CDROM-based Switched-On Schoolhouse that can be done independently or as correspondence courses. ABeka correspondence or prepackaged Sonlight prepackaged Calvert Christian Light School of Tomorrow (Formerly ACE) My Father’s World Other various pre-packaged materials, or correspondence or online academies Use such a program exclusively or select subjects to use. The next year, you may choose to branch out from there, or continue the program for the entire homeschool journey. Be prepared for detours and alternative routes. Once, I was coming home from Pittsburgh for at least the sixth time in a few months and suddenly found myself in unfamiliar surroundings. I called my husband at work (collect!) and asked, “If I’m on Skyline Drive, have I missed a turn?” He sighed knowingly and got a map to help me figure an alternative route to get back on track. You may make adjustments along the way to get back on your homeschooling track—or you may simply decide to revise your destination. Changing course to reach your desired goal is not failure! 7. How much will all this cost? Homeschooling costs more than public school, but less than private school. That may sound pretty non-committal, but the average

of $500 a year can sound like a burden or a relief, depending on your previous education experience! Some expenses you’ll want to consider include: Curriculum (most likely your greatest expense) Testing fees Home library School supplies Extracurricular activities/lessons Professional memberships State convention 8. Where do I find materials? Curriculum fairs State homeschool conventions Book stores Catalogs Internet (search for the subject + homeschool curriculum) Used curriculum shops Support group swaps/other homeschoolers Before you buy, ask yourself: How much time do I have? How much money do I have? Are there good books on this subject that I could buy with the money? How much structure do I want/need? Does this material convey my values? Does it encourage my children in the goals we’ve set? Is the material a good “fit” for my child? Not only does homeschooling give you greater opportunity to encourage your child to achieve his academic potential, but it can give you time and growth in character development and life skills. Article originally appeared on HSLDA.org. Used with permission.

It’s not just science, but a study of God’s incredible creation. It’s not just math, but an encounter with a God of order and logical reasoning. It’s not just language arts, but an appreciation for God’s great gift of communication. It’s not just history, but an understanding of mankind and his relationships. It’s not just the Bible, but the living guide for His children.

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