Support for the Christian Homeschooler

Our Sponsor: Alpha Omega Publications
The Experts in Biblically-Based
Homeschooling Curriculum

Homeschool.com recognizes that parents all over the world homeschool for a variety of different reasons. Homeschool.com strives to provide information, support and resources for all philosophies, styles and methods of homeschooling.

In this issue, Homeschool.com has partnered with Christian homeschooling experts--Alpha Omega Publications--in an effort to help
Christ-Centered homeschools create a fabulous education for their children that reflects each family's unique values and beliefs...
 

"Homeschooling and the Christian Family"
by Alpha Omega Publications

Homeschooled children reap many benefits from the home atmosphere. The parents can make spiritual training a priority, teaching Bible content and Christian character every day. There is a foundation of moral excellence in students raised in a Christian home school. Homeschooled students are also found to be superior academically. (Colleges that used to hesitate at accepting the homeschooled are now actively seeking homeschoolers.) Even the student's physical health benefits, because meals and exercise can be controlled by the parent, and care is given to nutrition and good health habits throughout the day.

What curriculum is best for your child? A homeschool parent has so many more choices than 20 years ago. The best thing to do is to attend a homeschool curriculum fair so you can see for yourself what is available and talk to representatives of the different curriculum companies. You also need to think about your family situation and how your child learns best. Is your child a self-motivator? Does he work best on paper or on computer? Alpha Omega Publications' LIFEPAC curriculum is in a worktext format, which works very well in a homeschool setting, freeing the parent/teacher from tedious lesson plans and encouraging individualized learning. The "Switched-On-Schoolhouse" CD ROM curriculum is great for those who prefer an interactive, computer format. A third option is the Weaver curriculum, a Bible-based unit study curriculum, which is great if you want to teach several grade levels at the same time.

You know your child best. You know what motivates him, you know how to draw out his best effort, you know when to push and when to slow down. You already have the closest relationship with your child of any other adult. Build on that for success!
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Christ-Centered Homeschooling Answered by Homeschool.com's new Christian Advisor, Ellen Ward Gardner

With an extensive background in teaching, Ellen Ward Gardner speaks with understanding to parents and educators. Her background includes; developing curriculum, researching learning styles, administering Life In America Schools and 13 years as a home educator. She is a certified learning styles consultant and is best known as the author of five Christ-Centered, K-12 textbooks known as the Life In America series. Ellen has put together a list of frequently asked questions about Christ-centered homeschooling that includes answers to the following questions.

Q: What is Christ-Centered Homeschooling?
A: "Christ-Centered Homeschooling is a protected educational environment that allows a child to grow to be all that God has called them to be." Click here to read more

Q: How is Bible best taught in a home school setting?
A: "A daily devotional can be the key to starting the day in a Christ-centered homeschool for both students and educators."
Click here to read more

Q: What about other academic subjects, do they have to all be Christ-Centered?
A: "By using science and history to validate the scripture you can plant your child's faith on a firm foundation." Click here to read more

Q: Can I use other approaches to homeschooling, such as learning-styles, delayed academics, un-schooling, etc and still consider my homeschooling Christ-Centered?
A: "Yes, many developmental approaches can be integrated into a Christ-Centered homeschool program." Click here to read more

Q: What does the Bible say concerning parents educating their own children?
A: "The Bible teaches that God is faithful to bring us the knowledge that we need to educate our children." Click here to read more

Q: Can I Teach My Family Together Yet Treat Each Child as an Individual?
A: "Early in my homeschool experience I was told to teach every child like an only child." Click here to read more

Q: What is Four Step Education?
A: "Four Step Education is a method that teaches to all the learning styles and can be taught on a multi-level basis." Click here to read more

Q: What is the Principle Approach?
A: "This very recent Christ-centered approach to homeschooling is based on the 4 R's; Research, Reasoning, Relating and
Recording." Click here to read more
 

Meet Homeschool.com's Advisors:
Raymond and Dorothy Moore

Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore are affectionately known as the "Grandparents of the homeschooling movement." They have been involved with homeschooling for 55 years. One of their successes includes the "Moore Formula," which has produced an unusual number of college scholarships.

The Moore Formula is based on Raymond and Dorothy Moore's world class research. A Moore Formula education is customized to each child's interests, aptitudes and abilities and based on unit or project work. The Moore Formula is divided into three parts:

1) STUDY – from a few minutes to several hours a day, depending on the child's maturity. Readiness is vital!
2) MANUAL WORK and ENTREPRENEURSHIP – at least as much work in family or other business as study.
3) HOME and/or COMMUNITY SERVICE – an hour or so a day. Focus on kids' interests and needs.

To read more about The Moore Formula and Raymond and Dorothy Moore, visit our Advisor page at: 
http://www.homeschool.com/advisors/moore/default.asp
 

Meet Homeschool.com's Charlotte Mason Advisor:
Catherine Levison

Catherine Levison, mother of five, began homeschooling in the 1980's. Home education had only recently been legalized in her state and she found herself in need both of materials and a philosophy in a relatively new field. Catherine thoroughly researched various educational methods looking for the best possible choice for her family. Concerned for the quality of education for her children, she also needed a method that could keep her interest as she anticipated over twenty years of home schooling before her. English educationalist Charlotte Mason proved to be the answer. Her family flourished due to creative and effective techniques such as using poetry, masterpiece artwork, and nature sketching--all combined with consistent attention to the academics.

The Charlotte Mason Method is becoming increasingly popular with Christian Homeschoolers. Art appreciation, literature, foreign languages, etc. are introduced early to the child. Parents allow and encourage the child to relate in their own words what they are learning in all subjects. The school days are balanced by spending adequate time with the core subjects while providing plenty of free time to enjoy life. Many parents are drawn by the emphasis on the arts either because they already see the value of it or because their education was lacking in the classics such as books and music and they are happy to have a chance to learn along with their child. For more information on the Charlotte Mason Method visit Homeschool.com's Advisor page at: http://www.homeschool.com/advisors/levison/default.asp
 

Helpful Resources for the Christian Homeschooler

Alpha Omega Academy Online
(1-800-682-7396)
Using the "Switched-On Schoolhouse" (SOS), Alpha Omega Academy Online (AOAO) turned the Internet into a "God-send" for literally thousands of students and their families. With a thoroughly Biblically integrated curriculum serving third grade through 12th grade, AOAO provides parents with ease of management: flexible schedule with lesson plans automatically coordinated, computer and teacher grading and editing of written work, academic support, advisement and customized courses.
http://www.welcometoclass.com/About/

Talking Text-Books
(Alpha Omega; 1-800-622-3070)
"Talking Books" is a simple description of the multi-media integrated SOS curriculum. Tiny-tutors give explanations and interesting backgrounds. Inter-active games enliven spelling lessons. Video clips reduce the 'boredom' of reading flat text. And, focused-learning ensures the student answers questions correctly, or asks for help before moving to the next question. http://www.aop.com/HomeSchool/SOS/

A Reason For®
(1-800-447-4332) 
Published by Concerned Communications, these Scripture-based curricula help your children master handwriting and spelling while promoting the values your family cherishes. A Reason For Writing® is the K-6th penmanship curriculum featuring Scripture Verses that your child practices, decorates, and then shares with others. A Reason For Spelling® incorporates Scripture Values-based theme stories, a variety of activities, and games to make learning to spell fun and effective. http://www.areasonfor.com/

Inspired Idea
Innovative Christ-Centered Learning
Learn the Bible while playing Scripture Solitaire! The cards have phrases in place of the numbers, which form Bible verses as you play. Great graphics, 7 games, 100's of verses! (Only $14.95, Windows) Inspired Idea also has products for the special needs homeschooler: "Unblocked! Dysgraphia Workbook" for writing problems and "Color Phonics" 5 CD-ROM program for dyslexia and speech problems. Free Shipping. http://www.InspiredIdea.com/

Christian Care Medi-Share Program
(1-800 PSALM 23 or 1-800-772-5623)
Finally... Affordable Healthcare! 40,000+ Christians share medical bills on a Nonprofit Basis. Not Insurance. You choose your Doctor/Hospital. Cut medical budgets in half or more! Most families save $2,000+ per year. Free Booklet explains all. Call or visit http://www.tccm.org/ email: info@tccm.org. Be sure to mention Homeschool.com.

Life In America
The Life in America series, for pre-school through 12th grade, allows families to learn together using a four step learning styles approach. More than a Unit Study guide, it is a complete, cohesive, integrated system, all planned out and ready to use. Each volume covers a specific time period and contains the academic disciplines of World history, American history, English, geography, science, and art, along with large doses of Bible and character. An accompanying series called "Learn Along" presents writing, reading, and spelling for preschoolers and kindergarteners. http://www.lifeinamerica.com/

Sylvan Learning Systems
Sylvan Learning Center's supplemental education programs have helped over 1 million students achieve success. The first step in every Sylvan program is the Sylvan Skills Assessment -- they use the results to pinpoint skill gaps and to build your child's unique, personalized learning program. Monthly special offers and free online education newsletter. http://www.homeschool.com/redir/sylvan/
 

Further Reading

"Different Children, Different Needs; the Art of Adjustable Parenting"
by Dr. Charles G. Boehi and Dr. Robert Rohm

"A Guide to American Christian Education for the Home and School: The Principle Approach" by James B. Rose. Available at your local library.

"The Lost Tools of Learning" a paper written by Dorothy Sayers that can be found at your local library.
 

Message Board

Connect with other Christian Homeschoolers via Homeschool.com's Christian Homeschooling Message Board at: 
http://www.homeschool.com/rd/christiandiscussion/