Write at Home: Sheila Wray Gregoire
Welcome to Write At Home, a monthly feature here at HOTM. Marybeth Whalen will be introducing you to homeschool moms who write: curriculum authors, novelists, nonfiction writers, and popular bloggers and more. Many of us are deeply inspired by these moms who seem to “do it all.” This feature will provide you with a glimpse into their everyday lives.
Today we have Sheila Wray Gregoire joining us. Sheila is a syndicated parenting columnist and a popular speaker. The author of four books, including How Big Is Your Umbrella?, with more on the way, she loves encouraging women to forget about the dust bunnies under their beds and keep their focus on Jesus! She also has a passion for family, and together with her husband Keith speaks at Family Life marriage conferences. You can usually find her in Belleville, Ontario, where she homeschools her two daughters and knits. Preferably simultaneously.
Hi Sheila– we are so excited to hear from you today! We know you can teach us a lot about balancing not only writing and homeschooling but marriage too! Can you tell us about how your books can help us do that?
Sure! If you’re like me, you have lists going through your head all the time. I have laundry waiting to be folded. I need to do math. When did I vacuum last? And have I been even mildly affectionate to my husband lately? We live under a huge cloud of guilt and shoulds, especially homeschoolers, because so much rests on our shoulders.
What I try to do in my book To Love, Honor and Vacuum is give women a plan so that we can stop with all the guilt and just focus on what God’s priorities are. He cares about our kids’ hearts. He cares about our hearts. He cares about our marriages. And the rest may be important, but it’s further down the list. So in the book I help us organize and prioritize so we can get the important stuff right. After all, I find that homeschooling works better when kids respect you. When they are well disciplined, they listen. When they aren’t, they run all over the place. So even getting homeschooling done relies first and foremost on good parenting!
Of course, just because we prioritize relationships doesn’t mean that we don’t clean. No one wants to fear catching a communicable disease in one’s kitchen. But what the book does do is give us a new way of thinking about our homes so that we can get the cleaning done faster and focus on what’s really important!
Then, in Honey, I Don’t Have a Headache Tonight, I talk specifically to women who want to feel more in the mood. Is it even possible to turn up your libido? I wrote the book as a research project, and I like to say that my husband really enjoyed it!
How long have you been homeschooling? What led you to this lifestyle choice?
We’re in our ninth year of homeschooling now. My oldest daughter went to junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten, and then we pulled her out for grade one. She’s in high school now. For us it was a twofold decision: she was already reading in kindergarten, and we wanted her to be challenged academically, and we wanted some control over our family schedule. I just found that with piano and gymnastics and kids’ club night we were running around constantly. With homeschooling you can do a lot of those activities during the day, so you still have a family life at night!
Though our initial reasons were mostly academic, though, over the years we’ve realized how much of a spiritual impact it has had having our girls home. They both are really strong in their faith, and both chose to be baptized in 2008. They’re really bright, and have a heart for missions. They talk openly about their faith (far more so than I did at their age!). And they are sweet girls. I don’t think that would have happened had they been in school. So we couldn’t be happier.
Do you find that writing meshes seamlessly with homeschooling or… not?
Let’s get one thing straight. Writing doesn’t mesh seamlessly with ANYTHING! Writing is tough. You’re not always in the mood to write when you can grab those brief chunks of time, and it’s often hard slogging. If you want to write, you have to feel a call to it, and you have to pray for God’s insight into your schedule. It will never, ever be easy, and it won’t always be rewarding, either. But if God has given you that passion, He will give you the discipline and the time, too.
I have found over the years different challenges with finding time to write. When the kids were younger, I tended to write at nap time. And when they stopped napping, I could usually find some time in the afternoon, w hen they were done their schoolwork for the day and were playing.
As they’ve gotten older and work longer hours at school, I often find I write in the mornings, when they’ve been given their assignments. The afternoons we keep for going over their work and talking about social issues, current events, newspapers, etc.
What does a typical day look like for you and your children?
In the morning they do the basics—math, grammar, Latin, piano practice. They do that mostly without me now (they’re in grade 8 & 10). When they were younger I would assign two or three subjects at a time and go over the lesson for that day, and then they would go work for an hour before coming back. Now I find I can give them a whole morning to do. In the afternoon we have fun talking about controversial issues (I love politics), and sometimes joining our homeschooling coop for hockey, or debating, or some other courses. Around 4 we all tidy up the house. They do their chores and I start making dinner, which I find really relaxing. That’s often when I get my phone calls made for the day, too!
During the day our house often looks really chaotic, but by 6 we’re nice and settled. So if you’re going to drop by, pick the right time!
Do you find that homeschooling feeds into your writing, making it richer?
I can’t believe how much I know because of homeschooling! I have two Master’s Degrees, one in Sociology and one in Public Administration, and I can confidently say that my grade 10 daughter knows more about politics and history now than I did when I graduated. I can’t believe how much I was never taught. So I feel like I’m much better informed. And the homeschooling community is really a rich community from a philosophical sense, too. We think deeply about things. We think our heritage is important, and we learn about it. We’re not caught up in current fads. Those who are trained in a homeschooling approach, then, make better cultural analysts and better psychologists!
What are your best time management tips for busy moms?
Here are two. Number one: get your kids to do as much as is humanly possible. And more is probably humanly possible than you think. I remember reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little Town on the Prairie, and being amazed that Laura and Carrie looked after the house for a week on their own while Ma and Pa were taking Mary to blind school. They cleaned the whole house and polished everything, because they knew how to do it. Our kids need to know how to do it. We’re doing them a favour when we get them involved in chores. One of the things I talk about a lot in To Love, Honor and Vacuum is how to instigate a good system of chores for your kids that is easy to do, easy to stick to, and easy to appreciate! Instead of always doing it yourself because, after all, you can do it better, I explain why it’s important to train the kids. After all, the best gift you can give your future daughter-in-law is a son who cleans toilets! So assign chores so it’s not all on your shoulders.
Another life-saver for me is doing things in a particular order. Tuesday, for instance, is catching up on laundry, changing the sheets, and ironing. Wednesday is vacuuming and mopping. What that means is that on Monday I don’t have to feel guilty if the laundry is overflowing, because I know Tuesday is coming. Likewise, on Tuesday, after I’ve done the ironing, I don’t have to feel like I have to get out a mop, because Wednesday is coming. If everything has its day, then it puts a limit on what I have to do today. I don’t have to feel like I need to constantly be working, because I know everything will get done in its time.
Finally, one thing we’ve tried to do in homeschooling is stick all errands on one day. On Wednesday my kids have piano, so that’s when I do the banking, the grocery shopping, and my errands, because I’m out anyway. Instead of having to run out everyday, I try to do it all at once. That makes for a much less hectic schedule! I mention this, and a whole lot of other homeschooling tips, in the appendix of To Love, Honor and Vacuum, because I know how frantic many homeschooling moms often feel!
You offer resources for beginning writers and speakers. Tell us about those.
I’m so excited about this new endeavour! I have a dream of equipping other speakers to tell their stories in a way that really changes lives. I believe that God has given each of us a unique message, and some of us He has called specifically to speak and write. But that doesn’t mean that we automatically know how to do it well! Training conferences, however, can cost a lot of money! So I have a number of 90 minute teleseminars and courses you can take by email (I don’t mark them; it’s all for your benefit) that can launch your speaking ministry in the right direction! And I’m teaching writers how to create products they can sell on the internet, like homeschooling curriculum, e-books, and more, so that they can generate income from home!
You can find all those teleseminars and e-courses here: http://sheilawraygregoire.com/speakingwritingresourcess199.php. There’s something for everyone!
And I also host a BlogTalkRadio show every Tuesday at noon EST called “Use Your Words”, specifically for speakers and writers! If you can take a lunch break from homeschooling around that time and you want to join me, I have lots of tips then! And it’s free. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio
If you want to be notified when a new teleseminar or course is coming up, sign up here: http://sheilawraygregoire.com/speakinginterestc413.php. I’m hoping to host an online speakers’ conference soon, so that you can take training from home!
Thanks Sheila for sharing from your wisdom. We are so glad you took the time to encourage us!
Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.
Write at Home: Gina Conroy
November 23, 2009 by Marybeth
Welcome to Write At Home, a monthly feature here at HOTM. Marybeth Whalen will be introducing you to homeschool moms who write: curriculum authors, novelists, nonfiction writers, and popular bloggers and more. Many of us are deeply inspired by these moms who seem to “do it all.” This feature will provide you with a glimpse into their everyday lives.
Today we have Gina Conroy joining us. She is the mastermind behind the popular writing website Writer… Interrupted and an inspiration to many writing mamas!
Hi Gina– thanks so much for joining us today! We are delighted to have you here. Tell us about your homeschooling experience. What led you to it? How long have you homeschooled, etc?
I always loved the idea of homeschooling but told myself I would never homeschool because of a personality clash between me and my oldest. Ironically, he’s the reason I decided to homeschool. Although a very bright boy (and extremely inquisitive) he had trouble with self control and calling out in school. He often corrected the teacher and didn’t seem to have the self control to sit still in a private school setting. We tried two different schools before we had him tested for everything from learning disabilities to giftedness. He scored gifted with impulsive ADHD tendencies. It was then that I knew a private school setting wasn’t the best place for him. I wasn’t sure homeschooling was either, but I was willing to give it a shot. His younger brother was excelling in the private school but I couldn’t see juggling a school schedule with a homeschool schedule so I brought them both home and homeschooled them from 2nd and 4th grade for the next three years.
I’d love to tell you homeschool was the answer, and everything was bliss. Unfortunately homeschooling raised a million more questions and at least three times a week I “threatened” to send them back to school. I still wonder if it was all a part of God’s plan, but either way, we learned and cried and grew as a family. Now they are both thriving in a small classical Christian school and my oldest is a model student. Maybe he just needed a few more years to mature, maybe homeschooling taught him what he needed to learn for going back to school. All I know is that God worked all things out for good.
Currently I’m homeschooling my two youngest with intentions of putting them in the same school in a couple of years. The second time around is going so much better. These two are easier to homeschool and I’m wiser and not as militant about their education as I was with the first two. We’re on a more relaxed schedule and they’re still learning, plus they now attend classes two days a week at the classical Christian school where I teach creative writing to 2-5th graders. Yet, with having them in school I am realizing that they are behind in a few areas and if I want to get them up to speed for sending them to school we need to work harder.
You have an active website, Writer… Interrupted. Can you tell us how that got started and what the site is all about?
Writer… Interrupted began out of my own need to connect with writing moms and homeschoolers to figure out how in the world they balanced it all. I started a small blog and then invited others to blog with me. In the course of a few years it grew into a group blog and then an online community. Currently the site is under construction and I hope one day to convert it to a monthly magazine with columns devoted to balancing life, work, homeschooling as well as columns on craft and marketing. Basically, I want it to be a one-stop place for busy, interrupted writers to find all they need to keep them informed, educated and motivated in their writing life. I have all the writers lined up, all I need is the time and money to move forward with the project. Not sure when that will be but the NING community is alive and active!
You clearly have a passion to encourage other writers. How have you been encouraged by other writers?
My interviews with over 100 moms and dads have been extremely encouraging and given me what I need to keep going. Their candid accounts of balancing life and writing has also been convicting to me at times. Especially during the times my life has been out of balance whether spiritually or relationally. The biggest encouragement I’ve found through these interviews is that most of them acknowledged that, when their priorities begin to slip, they just redirect their focus, ask the Lord to set them straight and start fresh.
What are some of your best tips for moms who want to balance homeschooling and writing?
Make a plan that works for you. Every year my homeschool schedule changes, so does my writing schedule. Just because it worked last year doesn’t mean it will work this year. Last year I woke up early to write, but found that I’d go past my allotted time because my kids would sleep in and then our homeschool time would be cut short. This year, I’m determined to homeschool in the morning and find other times to get the writing in. Not sure when that will be, but I’m looking for opportunities!
Where are you on your publishing journey?
Somewhere between Egypt and the Promised Land! I’ve had two completed manuscripts make the rounds and though I’ve received positive feedback from editors on my writing, the stories weren’t fits. My agent Chip MacGregor has been a huge source of encouragement. One thing that keeps me writing are his words, “you’re too good not to have something out there.” It keeps me focused on the writing and not the rejections. Currently I have two story ideas he’s excited about and the editors I’ve spoken with so far have been positive.
You are a member of ACFW, the American Christian Fiction Writers. How has joining that group and attending their conference been helpful to you?
I’ve learned so much from the annual conferences and from talking with people on the email loop, but it’s the relationships with other writers that have been most valuable. I’ve meet others in similar life circumstances and have seen many friends published. This is also bittersweet, but through it all God’s been bringing me to a place of contentment in my writing life and I’m truly at peace with what he was planned in my publishing journey. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t like the pace God’s set for me, but He knows best and I trust His plan.
Without the people I’ve met through ACFW I wouldn’t be as far along in my writing journey as I am. They’re not only encouraging, but give of their time and knowledge freely. I’m currently president of the local chapter and the members of ACFW have been so generous with their time, coming to speak to our group for little or no compensation.
To learn more about ACFW, go to www.acfw.com.
Finally, what would you say to that mom out there who has the dream of writing a book tucked in her heart?
Be patient!! God’s got a plan for your writing and even though you might not be able to devote all the time you want to writing, you can still be doing other things like learning and attending writers conferences. And most of all, don’t make the mistake I did and put all your energy into your writing so that there’s nothing left for your family. I’m still trying to learn the balance between family and writing and know I don’t have to give it up completely, but when it becomes the most important thing in my life, I do know it has to take a back seat to what IS really important. Family, people and relationships!
Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.
SheReads.org
October 31, 2009 by The Amies
Heart of the Matter is excited to introduce a new and exciting Christian book club that says goodbye to humdrum, predictable fiction. Please welcome Marybeth Whalen as she tells us more about She Reads!
Can you tell us more about She Reads?
She Reads is the result of two friends who read Christian fiction voraciously deciding to share their discoveries with others on a larger scale, and partnering with an international women’s ministry (Proverbs 31 Ministries) to do so.
Many people think that Christian fiction is lame– bad writing, trite plots, etc. For a long time it has held that stigma.
But Christian fiction is changing.
It is our goal to help spread the word about the great writers and stories that are being told. Stories about real people facing real challenges. Stories that don’t end with the main characters getting saved and a rousing chorus of Kumbaya. Stories that push the envelope at times and make you wonder, “Is this a Christian book? Because this isn’t like any Christian book I’ve ever read.” Stories that, above all, show human beings who are struggling to live a Christian life or to make peace with God. Stories that are well told by skilled writers.
We want to connect you, the reader, with stories that will stir your heart, lead you to make changes– either in the way you live or the way you see things– and point you to Christ.
Jesus knew that stories were wonderful ways to communicate Truth. The writers of these books know this as well and do it with excellence.
What kind of books can we expect to see on the reading lists?
We select 3 books a season. Our fall selections are Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner, and eye of the god by Ariel Allison. These three different books all meet the criteria we created at the outset. Because this club is not set up by any one publisher we have the freedom to go to any Christian publisher to find our selections… and we do. We are reading, reading, reading right now to find our spring and summer selections. We have already chosen our winter ones but I can’t tell you what those are yet! We will be making our announcement towards the beginning of November but I can promise you that you are in for a treat with these books!
Do you host giveaways?
Yes! We just had a wonderful giveaway in conjunction with Susan Meissner’s book Shape Of Mercy. Waterbrook gave away a beautiful journal and pen set, along with several sets of two of Susan’s books. The publishers are very excited to partner with us and come up with increasingly clever giveaways. We plan to host a very cool giveaway around Christmas where we are giving away a copy of all the fall and winter selections. The winner can decide whether to give the copies away as gifts or keep them for herself! We also have a very cool tie-in coming up at Christmas with one of our selections that isn’t about winning but about giving ourselves. We are super excited about what we have planned!
On a daily basis, She Reads is run by Marybeth Whalen (Director) and Ariel Lawhon (Asst Director).
If someone wants to participate then what must they do?
Our goal for She Reads is for it to function in two ways: 1) as a place an individual can go get recommendations for great books to read and to connect with the authors who wrote them and other readers who enjoyed them and 2) as a place where book clubs that are already out there can get connected with an umbrella organization that provides suggestions for books, activities they can do, discussion questions, and a point of contact with the author. We are working towards accomplishing these goals and are learning and tweaking as we go.
Right now, the best way to get connected is to sign up for our seasonal newsletter and to subscribe to our blog, which is updated several times a week. You can also become a fan on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter. That way, as we make changes and create new facets to She Reads, you will know about it. There is a navigation bar at the top which will take you to different parts of the site.
I hope that you will all get involved with She Reads. Even if you have never been a fiction reader, this is a great way to start. We so appreciate all of you who have shown your support of this brand new venture by becoming a fan on Facebook, following our blog, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on Twitter. There is also a button you can grab to put on your own blog and help send women to us.
We are so excited to grow this thing and create a place where you can trust the books we recommend and meet other women who love to read and love to share the power of a great story.
Write at Home: Tricia Goyer
October 26, 2009 by Marybeth
Welcome to Write At Home, a monthly feature here at HOTM. Marybeth Whalen will be introducing you to homeschool moms who write: curriculum authors, novelists, nonfiction writers, and popular bloggers and more. Many of us are deeply inspired by these moms who seem to “do it all.” This feature will provide you with a glimpse into their everyday lives.
Tricia Goyer is the author of many books, the most recent being Blue Like Playdough, a motherhood memoir. She writes both fiction and nonfiction and shares honestly and transparently about her life through her writing. As a homeschooling mom, she also balances educating her children with the responsibilities and demands of an active writing life. We are excited to hear from her today!
Tricia, how long have you been homeschooling? What made you decide to homeschool?
I’ve been homeschooling since 1994. Wow, that’s a long time ago! I started homeschooling after John and I met some homeschooling families. The #1 thing that drew our attention was how amazing, friendly, caring, God-centered, and family-focused their teens were. We wanted kids like that!
Which came first, the homeschooling or the writing?
Homeschooling for sure. I’d homeschool from 8:30-noonish. I was there with them, working through the books, saying the memory verses, doing the crafts, singing the songs. 
Then there were the activities: music, art, swimming, soccer. Then … writing would come. I tried to write 2 hrs a day during their playtime. The older they got the more independent they got and the more time I had to write. Now I’m only homeschooling one child and there is a lot more writing time. From the beginning I knew the kids would be grown and gone and I’d still have time to write. It’s how it’s worked out! I’m glad I focused on the kids when I had the chance.
Did you worry about balancing the two?
Yes, of course. I continually prayed for God to “turn my heart home.” Writing was fun, exciting, rewarding. Homeschool is all those things at times … but usually not often and not all at once.
What are some of the creative solutions you have come up with to help with that delicate balance?
I got the kids involved with chores (which made more writing time for me and home ec for them!). I picked one day for all my errands and wrote my priorities down throughout the week. I got less rigid about housekeeping. I traded off teaching with a friend. I’d teach her kids one day, she’d teach mine the other–giving us both extra time. I spent time every morning in prayer and Bible Study. It was there I found strength for all my needs.
Tell us about what you are working on right now.
I’m working on a few novels and a true story about Kristen Anderson who tried to commit suicide by laying down in front of a train. It’s a balancing act for sure! I also had a new novel come out: The Swiss Courier which I co-wrote with Mike Yorkey–a fellow author and history buff.
Your new book, Blue Like Play Dough, is a memoir of motherhood. Tell us a bit about why it would appeal to a homeschool mom.
Blue Like Play Dough is like a glimpse into my life and heart. In the book I share stories of ways God stretched me and shaped me. I was very transparent and it’s not always pretty within those pages! I share stories about raising kids, volunteering, and, yes, homeschooling. I share about my worries and fears and struggles, and a lot of readers have written me to know that they can relate!
I read that early on in your career, you received an award at Mt.Hermon Writer’s Conference. Can you tell us about that award and how that served to confirm your calling as a writer?
I wrote for many, many years with no book contract. I had a great agent and many things would “almost” get accepted only to be rejected. I wondered if I should give up. Then one year God gave me an amazing novel idea. He also opened the door for me to write a book for Teen Moms for MOPS International. That same year the faculty at the conference voted me as “Writer of the Year.” It was like streams in the desert!
Do you recommend writer’s conferences to moms who write? If so, what advice would you give to that mom who worries about having the time or money to attend one?
I HIGHLY recommend writer’s conferences. 1. You get to LEARN about writing. 2. You get to MEET editors and agents. 3. You get to CONNECT with other writers. If I look about over my career I can say 100% of my contracts/successes have roots somewhere in a writer’s conference.
Also, I know it’s hard to leave your family and spend that money. I babysat and saved money for a year to attend my first conference, yet the amount of material and connections you get in that one week makes it worth it!
Finally, the proof is in the facts. I’ve attended Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference 13 times. That proves how valuable I think it is!
Finally, how have you seen your writing benefit your children?
One of the cool things about homeschooling is that it’s not only about teaching, it’s about modeling. I’ve modeling what it’s like to tune in to God, to study, to research, to work hard, to follow a dream. My kids have seen what God can do for someone submitted to him.
Not only that my kids have benefitted by meeting amazing people. How many kids can say they’ve had world-famous authors around their table … or amazing storytellers tell them stories as they lay in bed. How cool is that?!
Thanks Tricia for doing this– how can we keep up with you online?
You’re welcome. I love connecting:
www.triciagoyer.com
www.facebook.com/tricia.goyer
www.twitter.com/triciagoyer
I look forward to meeting you there!
Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.
Carnival of Homeschooling #196
September 29, 2009 by The Amies
A morbid reason to homeschool
Henry found a new reason today, a morbid reason, to homeschool. Posted at Why Homeschool
Every student should have a unique reading list that can reflect their unique abilities and interests.
Lee presents What’s Up With Homeschool Reading Lists? posted at The HomeScholar Helper.
A fun unit study for grade schoolers
Lisa Smith presents 6 Ways To Study Greece And The Olympics Without Nodding Off posted at Stretch Mark Mama.
Supporting my sister and her hassles with her son’s school bring back memories of why I made the choice to homeschool
Cristina presents Giving Birth to an Educational Philosophy posted at Home Spun Juggling.
ChristineMM of The Thinking Mother shares thoughts about reading, literacy and education after hearing a speech given by author David Balacci on BookTV this weekend.
ChristineMM presents Thoughts on Educated Kids and Literate Adults posted at The Thinking Mother.
This is a fun fall art project that is appropriate for preschoolers and up.
Amy @ Hope Is the Word presents Messy Monday: Watercolor Leaf Garland posted at Hope Is the Word.
This article examines the timeless genius of Leonardo DaVinci and poses the question of where our students might be if we allowed them to follow their passions freely without the structure that many of us impose in defining what is “school.”
Belinda Bullard presents Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage – Our First Week of Summer posted at Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage – Homeschool Blogger.
Personal testimony of our journey to homeschool with the Word as our basis for education.
Lisa presents God’s Curriculum posted at The HomeSpun Life .
This is a unit study for the secret garden I wrote for my kids who are elementary age, with added activities for preschool aged children.
Jennifer presents The Secret Garden posted at schooling memoirs.
I hope this story of my son’s homeschool journey through high school graduation will be an encouragement for mothers who are homeschooling for the long haul.
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home presents (In)Courage: A Mother’s Hope posted at (In)Courage.
Public schools force kids to praise the Prez!
Hall Monitor presents School Students Sing Praises of President Obama posted at DetentionSlip.org.
This post is about persevering in your homeschool, even in the midst of discouragement. We will reap a harvest if we don’t give up!
Molly Evert presents Don’t despise the small things posted at Counter-cultural School.
Article on the pluses and minuses of purchasing the eFormat version of hsing products.
Sheri H presents To eBook or Not to eBook: That is the Question Part I posted at Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer.
It is always a blessing to have God give us His Words of encouragement as we begin a new school year!
Tammy presents “and so we begin” posted at Garden Glimpses .
My six-year-old is learning to knit, and it’s so exciting to watch her at work.
Jennifer Bogart presents Learning to Knit posted at Quiverfull Family.
Idea for organizing books!
Angela Mills presents Too Many Books? Here’s One Solution! posted at Angela Mills.
A comprehensive site for learning about the Holocaust.
Susan Gaissert presents Exploring the Holocaust « The Expanding Life posted at The Expanding Life.
A very talented photographic artist from Etsy has volunteered to custom create the winner’s choice of 3 designs. Perfect Halloween greeting for your friends and family! Not many have entered yet, so there’s a great chance of winning!
Susan Gaissert presents Custom Halloween Photo Cards Giveaway posted at The Frugal Homeschooling Mom.
There are dozens of ways to introduce your child to the world of crafts. Here are some easy and inexpensive starter projects.
Annette Berlin presents Mother-Daughter Craft Projects posted at Craft Stew.
A book review of the two volume set Mathematicians are People, Too — living math biographies.
Jimmie presents Mathematicians are People, Too posted at The Curriculum Choice.
How to handle a sick child — should you take the day off or keep doing school?
Jimmie presents Homeschool with a Sick Student posted at Jimmie’s Collage.
Review of “My Big Drawing & Tote Board” by Barker Creek and its many uses in our home school.
Jacque presents Great Home School Buy: Draw Write Now Tote Board posted at Walking Therein.
A review of a phonics/reading program called Rocket Phonics. I have been very impressed with the program.
Lacey presents Rocket Phonics – A Review posted at We Love To Homeschool.
This is an article the Lord placed on my heart last month, to help our local homeschool family.
Jennifer Southern presents To School at Home or Not School at Home, That is the Question! posted at Creative Learners.
This article is a little bit of education and family. I share what we’re doing this year with our homeschool, in the midst of doctor’s appointments and dealing with special needs.
Lisa Coburn presents Making Homeschool Work for Your Family’s Version of “Normal” posted at Back to Nature at the Wyldhouse Homestead.
Nature Study for the Very Young ~ Indoor and outdoor activities to explore nature with the Nature Explorers Club
Michelle @ Delightful Learning presents Nature Explorers Club: Horse Chestnut Tree posted at Delightful Learning.
This is a post I wrote to encourage homeschool moms. I have also listed my favorite homeschooling books along with why I enjoyed them in this entry!
Candace presents His Mercy is New: Encouragement for the Homeschooler posted at His Mercy is New.
This is a blog entry about surviving as a homeschool mom with depression.
Candace presents Surviving hard days… posted at His Mercy is New.
Stephanie presents Point Pleasant posted at Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.
Karen presents Free-Range Justification posted at The Stone Age Techie.
Mrs. White presents Just a Regular Mom posted at The Legacy of Home.
Debbie presents The Architect and The Artist: Workbox Ideas posted at The Architect and The Artist.
Wendy Hilton presents Our Crew’s Ship – Benefits of Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child posted at Our Crew’s Ship.
Lori Boling presents Combing Art with Nature walks posted at Loving Learning at Home.
Debbie Phillips presents Charlotte Mason Homeschooling posted at Debbies Digest.
Heather presents Finding the Home in Homeschooling posted at Marine Corps Nomads.
Lara DeHaven presents Review of Rosetta Stone Software posted at Texas Homesteader.
Aimee presents homeschool talk: lapbooks posted at Aimee’s Land.
Dana presents The power of a story posted at Principled Discovery.
Lynn presents Mummies, Flowers and Blue Dolphins posted at Eclectic Education – Homeschool Blogger.
Kimberly presents Multi-level Homeschooling: Little Ones posted at Raising Olives.
Kerry presents 8 Habits of a Happy Homeschool Mama posted at A Ten O’Clock Scholar.
