COMPLIMENTARY
DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
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
Rise Above Bullying Pg 18 How The Home Educator is Helping to Raise Awareness About Safety Pg 9
contents
DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
10 Worries Turned Wonderful
South Florida Mom and Blogger, Caitlin Fisch, shares her fears, anxieties, and her homeschool reality.
12 Did You Say the S-Word?
Brenda Rufener, of The Homeschool Diaries, tackles one of the biggest homeschool myths and explains the difference between being socialized and being social.
14 Manifesting a Magazine
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.
18 Rise above Bullying
Children’s author, Deon Davis, addresses the bullying problem, helps us identify bullying, and gives tips on how to address it.
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 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
DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
5
Discovering Florida: Spring
The Nature Teacher and homeschool mom, Christy Schultz, shares her favorite springtime nature spots for the whole family.
6 The Homeschool Guru
ON THE COVER:
Marlo Planas & her beautiful family Alan, Kaleb & Nakoa Reyna
Q & A and advice by Executive Editor, Claudia Valdes.
Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
16 Habits of Mind
University Professor and homeschool mom, Aixa Perez-Prado, has us take a look at our own thoughts, processes, and “Habits of Mind”.
20 Book, Curricula, and Media reviews Homeschool mom and business owner, Laura Hamel reviews “Your Child’s Strengths” by Jenifer Fox, M.Ed.
21 Spotlight on Homeschool Groups
Description of the Broward Homeschool Parent Support Group
22 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.
YOUR AD HERE PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS SUPPORT THE HOME EDUCATOR BRING IN TRAFFIC DURING “SCHOOL HOURS” Contact pema@thehomeeducator.net to place your ad
Discovering FLORIDA
BY CHRISTY SCHULTZ, THE NATURE TEACHER Spring is in the Air 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 and explore! The Nature Teacher’s spring favorites: • Favorite wetland: Chapel Trail Nature Preserve in west Pembroke Pines • Favorite park for canoeing and trails for hiking: Riverbend Park in west Jupiter • Favorite bird watching trail: Green Cay Wetlands in Delray Beach
INDIEGOGO
CONTRIBUTOR SHOUT OUTS Corina Fitch- Bellymama Midwifery Steve and Marta Crane Alexandra B. Kontos- RKE Law Group
• Favorite national park for hiking, paddling and learning about wetland inhabitants as well as controlled burning and fires: Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee Sign up with The Nature Teacher and ECO-Every Child Outside to make Florida Nature Study a regular part of your life learning and homeschooling lives. thenatureteacher.com
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 . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
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QA THE HOMESCHOOL GURU
&
BY CLAUDIA VALDES, “THE HOMESCHOOL GURU”
Q At what age can you begin homeschooling in Florida?
A
Children can be “homeschooled” since birth. Learning happens all the time and in any environment. Parents are a child’s first and primary teachers. Children must be registered as homeschoolers with their county’s Superintendent’s office from the time they 6 years old and up until they are 16 . If the child will continue to homeschool after age 16, it is recommended to continue keeping records and submitting annual evaluations.
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 actually implementation of the curriculum, homeschooling laws in Florida give us three different options and a separate set of rules for each homeschooling option. The three options for homeschooling in Florida are as follows:
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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. 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. Know that the school district has no authority to enter the home. There are no educational requirements for parents teaching students at home and there are no required subjects that need to be taught. 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”. 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. This will exempt the homeschooler from compulsory attendance laws, 180 days of attendance a year. You are no longer considered a homeschooler by
law but a private schooler. Also there might be other regulations such as holding a business license, incorporation and sending in database forms annually. 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.
Q Where do I Start First if I Want to Start Homeschooling 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 avaialable 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 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!
Here comes the fun part... choosing your teaching method and materials. You might find a few different approaches that you like ( I call myself and 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, 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.
Next you send in your Notice of Intent to your local school board. It’s a very simple letter stating your name, contact information and your child’s name and birthdate (template is available on www. thehomeeducator.net). TheHomeEducator.net . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
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THE HOMESCHOOL GURU
The Home school Guru Hello my name is Claudia Valdes, deemed the Homeschool Guru. I am very excited to be a part of The Home Educator magazine! Here is a little bit about myself, family and homeschool journey. I am a single mother of three amazing daughters, a set of 15 year old twins, Taylor and Tyler, and a darling 5 year old bundle of excitement, 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 or so, I have some interesting stories about the evolution of my homeschooling journey. I was first introduced to homeschooling as a young girl, when my aunt decided to homeschool my cousin. I was always very curious about homeschooling and loved the classroom in the house. I would ask questions and play school all the time. While in high school, I wanted to become a teacher and would volunteer at the elementary school every chance I would get. Little did I know that teaching wold not be a career for me, but a 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 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 would present 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 interested in“schooling” her daughter since she would have to enroll into PreK4 for another year due to her birth date. So I created my very own“classroom” in a
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space in my home and that’s were I “homeschooled” my niece and tutored my nephew. I then ran an after-school program out of my house for two years. At this time my daughters were about 18 months 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 and make sure this what I wanted to do with my own children. That was an adventure all on it’s own. It was not easy being a very young mother at that time, when most of the groups were not very inclusive it was a very difficult adjustment for all. As time passed and after“interviewing” with a few groups in my area, we finally found a great fit for our family. In 2000 I was asked to become VP of an amazing homeschool group, it was a wonderful experience. After a few years, a group of mothers and I decided to start our own group geared toward younger children. We worked together as sister groups, they catered to middle school and older and we catered to elementary aged kids. It was a beautiful partnership. I became President of SPLASH, a tricounty all-inclusive homeschool group, for over 6 years. It was an incredible group that started with only 5 moms and grew to having well over 150 families by the end of its first year. Our participation in the group gave us the best memories of our entire homeschooling journey. Since then, I have taught numerous educational classes, spoken about homeschooling on national television, helped with co-ops, held seminars and have mentored many moms and dads on their homeschooling journeys. I now specialize in homeschool lifestyle coaching, organizing portfolios and creating classroom spaces. I offer one-on-one consultations where I coach parents on many homeschool topics such as homeschool support, 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 adapt the teaching methods to suit their learning styles and to give them the tools to better suit them to be successful.
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Moti Horenstein’s Krav-Maga MMA 18425 NE 19th avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33179 RSVP: Marlo@thehomeeducator.net Raffle Prizes, Healthy Snacks, and More! TheHomeEducator.net . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014
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Photo © istockphoto
WORRIES TURNED WONDERFUL
Wonderful
WORRIES TURNED BY CAITLIN FISCH
When we decided to homeschool my 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
He will become anti-social and weird. I will become anti-social and weird. He will become overly dependent on me. I will freak out and become resentful. I won’t have any time for myself. I won’t have the skills to teach him anything. I won’t have time to teach him anything.
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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.
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.
“Everything I planned for and fretted over in my spinning mind is somehow ironing itself out.”
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 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
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.
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TheHomeEducator.net . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014 11
Photo © 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.
What about socialization? BY BRENDA RUFENER This is one of the hottest topics in the world of homeschool. Stereotypes brand homeschoolers as children sequestered from society, sitting under lockand-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.
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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.”
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.
The word socialization, as described by MerriamWebster means, “to make social, to fit or train for social environment.”
And the next time you are asked about the s-word, remember the words of Adele Carroll, “Forced association is not socialization.”
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 powersthat-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.
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.
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 school to learn social skills is like TheHomeEducator.net . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014 13
MANIFESTING A MAGAZINE
MANIFESTING Photo © Donna Natale-Planas
a magazine
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. 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
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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 neuro-typical 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 the highpriced schools would meet our standards. When it comes to education, you do not always get what you pay for. A wellrounded 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.
the courage and security to plow ahead despite the cross-eyed looks and naysayers. 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.
“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.”
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.
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, socioeconomic, 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.” 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
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 TheHomeEducator.net . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014 15
HABITS OF MIND
Habits
of Mind 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:
BY DR. AIXA PEREZ-PRADO A ‘Habit of Mind’ means having a disposition toward behaving in an intelligent and reflective way when faced with a problem, the answer to which is not immediately evident. As homeschoolers, we are interested in giving our children a wealth of valuable learning experiences that will equip them to become competent and skilled problem solvers. Most of us don’t want our children to mindlessly follow the crowd; we want them to be able to make decisions on their own that are smart and thoughtful. We want them to be able to meet challenging conditions that demand strategic reasoning, perseverance, creativity and flexibility in order to resolve complex problems. We want them to know how to behave sensibly in any situation they may encounter, and also how not to behave. Research indicates that there are certain characteristics of effective thinkers and problem solvers that can be taught. These are the ‘Habits of Mind’ as described by Costa & Kallick (2008). We all have plenty of good and bad habits that we 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
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• Persistence • Listening with Understanding and Empathy • Finding Humor • Thinking Flexibly • Metacognition (thinking about your thinking) • Managing Impulsivity • Striving for Accuracy • Creating, imagining, innovating • Questioning and Problem Posing • Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations • Gathering Data Through All the Senses • Thinking and Communication with Clarity and Precision • Taking Responsible Risks • Responding with Wonderment and Awe • Remaining Open to Continuous Learning • Thinking Interdependently 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’:
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.
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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 in 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, even mobilize groups to an unsuspecting person’s location, be it home or a local mall. Cyber bullying can be just as traumatic as faceto-face bullying and can leave a permanent record on the internet that can be shared and spread extremely quickly. There have been some extreme cases of “cyber bullying” which have resulted in suicide.
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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 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 self-confidence 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. include Beanie and the Bully.
Her works
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 self-esteem, integrity, and self-worth (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 . DIGITAL PREVIEW 2014 19
BOOK REVIEW Much like the premise found in Mel Levine’s A Mind at a Time, Fox acknowledges that we should bolster each child’s self-esteem through “positive psychology.” In the first half of Your Child’s Strengths, Jenifer Fox explores and explains the negatives of the current educational system. Her discussion is not limited to a critique; she readily provides tangible and realistic recommendations to transform the methods of modern schooling. The second half of the book is full of real-life examples and detailed practical applications, which I, as a parent, always appreciate over abstract philosophy that is difficult to translate into daily curriculum. Rarely do most parents and teachers find the time for pensive reflection! In the section on assessing children’s specific strengths, Fox provides several examples for those working with children too young to accurately self-assess. For instance, older children can write about which activity is most appealing, but for younger children, “Find three pictures of characters engaged in a variety of different activities…. ask her several times if she would like to do the activity the characters are doing.”
BY LAURA HAMEL As a mom, a homeschooling parent and someone who’s always been interested in learning and intelligence theories, I found Jenifer Fox’s book, Your Child’s Strengths, an engaging and thoughtprovoking read. While containing practical ideas and advice for parents about children’s innate strengths, as well as addressing current problems with our school system today, Your Child’s Strengths, rather than a groundbreaking playbook, is a well-organized resource worth delving into if you are involved with children in any way. As Fox herself points out, “Everyone who has a role in raising children has an important part to play…” Defining human strength as “the things that we do that make us feel energized and alive when we do them,” Fox suggests we need to choose to see the strengths in each child, instead of the weaknesses.
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Fox also includes an enlightening section entitled: 13 Moments in History: A Brief History of Educational Theory, which is a survey of educational philosophies from different eras and cultures. Likewise, Appendix C – a list of web sites, schools, and companies – is another valuable resource for philosophy and curriculum development. While I don’t completely agree with Fox’s entire premise and goals of Positive Psychology, there are several useful and thought-provoking concepts that make Your Child’s Strengths worthwhile reading for any educator. I plan to research and incorporate several ideas and approaches mentioned in the book. “Laura is a homeschooling Mom of 3 boys and also runs a Mathnasium math learning center in Coral Gables.” www.Mathnasium.com/coralgables
SPOTLIGHT ON HOMESCHOOL GROUPS
BROWARD HOMESCHOOL PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (PSG) The Broward PSG is a non-profit, parent-led 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
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RUDI’S CREATIVE CORNER
RUDI’S Corner e v i t a re
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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 MARBLE PAINTING
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.
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Be prepared to be a warrior for the child 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 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
These People Are Awesome!! Thank You To Our Generous Supporters! Steve and Marta Crane You are helping The Home Educator Magazine become a reality for South Florida Families
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