From the Editors - February

February 8, 2008 by The Amies

This February, Heart of the Matter Online welcomes a new writer to the team: Jessica from Trivium Academy who will be writing about Classical Education. We are excited that she will be joining us and we know that you will enjoy what she has to share.

We would also like to see you get involved and share your wisdom and experience with us. We will present a question from one of our readers in each issue and we invite you to answer that question. We will then choose a few of the best and most thorough answers to publish in the following month’s magazine! Be sure to check it out and send in your responses.

A new feature this month is that the magazine is now in a downloadable .pdf file so that you can print it at home and read it anywhere! We will have new software available for next month so the quality will be much greater in March!

As always, if you would like to submit articles, photos, printables, links, or projects, please email us at homeschoolinghearts@gmail.com. Please be sure to read our guidelines before submitting.

Comments are moderated to insure that they meet the guidelines for posting on Heart of the Matter Online.

In This Issue:

Three Steps to Overcoming Homeschool Fears by Robin / Sowing Seeds
Robin addresses some common concerns that wreak havoc in the minds of homeschool parents, stealing away the peace and joy. She will enlighten you on how to overcome them.

Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Amy S / Through the Microscope
Enjoy this lesson, complete with experiments, on molecules and the intricate design of H2O. Amy gives you lots of activities and scriptural references to enjoy this study at home.

Are You A “Real” Homeschool Mom? by Amy B / Effective Education
In this humorous article revealing the truth about homeschool moms, Amy gives you a look inside the reality of what being a homeschool parent is about and why you should embrace it.

Atten-HUT!! The Gouge On Homeschooling In A Military Family by Sallie
Are you a military homeschooling family? Be sure to check out this informative article about the benefits that are offered to you and how to overcome the struggles.

Time With God by MandyMom / The Natural Noggin
In this article Mandy discusses the need for some scheduling even in an unschooling environment. Let her inspire and encourage you.

“So What About Socialization?”…And Other Questions Asked About Homeschooling! by Gina / Reaching High
You have absolutely heard this amusing little question before but how have you addressed it? In part one of this three part series Gina will tackle this issue head on.

Finding Enough Time by Kristine / Ducks In A Row
Kristine begins this article with the question, “Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time in your day?” Ha! Who hasn’t felt that way? This is a must read for everyone!

The Mission Field of Home by Heather (Sprittibee) / Heartstrings for Homeschoolers
Have you ever considered your home a mission field? Are there not little people in that area that require you to reach out to them and show them the love of Christ? This is about the Godly pursuit to fulfill God’s call on your life as a wife and mother.

Balance Defined by Dianne / Blueprint for Balance
Do you cringe when you hear the word balance? Dianne can help! She will enlighten and encourage you in this article.

Does This Sound Familiar To You? by Heather H / Practical Penny Pincher
Take a peek inside Heather’s notebook and see how she manages her home and finances.

Freedom Is Not A Gift: Fighting For Educational Liberty by Dana / Homeschool In the News
Dana is an in-depth reporter when it comes to home education and this article is no different. She will give you another perspective to consider when it comes to electing candidates that support or oppose homeschooling.

Are You Listening? by Lori / Raise Your Hands
Who or what has your undivided attention? Where should it be? Let Lori encourage you as she shares about her walk through this revelation from God.

Impossible Standards by Mandy Z / Knee High Homeschool
Does your child meet your expectations? Should they? Read as Mandy offers insight to this common problem. You will be encouraged!

An Apple A Day by Sister Lisa / An Apple A Day
SisterLisa encompasses the tried and true techniques of a loving relationship with the Father in this article for young women.

Classical Education for Free by Jessica / Trivum Tid-Bits
Have you ever considered classical education but thought you couldn’t afford the price tag? Jessica is an amazing teacher who has done all the research and is making it yours for the taking. You can do it for little money and she will show you how.

Vision Therapy: From Skeptic to Cheerleader by Darnelle / Fill In the Blanks
Your child’s learning problems could be misdiagnosed. Darnelle discusses how treatable vision problems are often overlooked and can lead to problems with learning and social behavior.

Planning High School Courses by Lee / HomeScholar High School
Do you know what courses your child should take to prepare for college? Lee discusses what is and is not required and what is beneficial for preparation for college.

Listening With Purpose by Christine / The Finer Things
Allow Christine to show you how to not only hear the music but to truly listen to it. Then, you can teach your children to do the same. She offers an in-depth at classical music in this issue.

Order and Structure by Sallie / A Square Peg
All children need the security of order and structure, especially children with certain learning challenges or disabilities. She offers timely insight on accomplishing this.

Projects:
Bottle Bird Feeder by Renae from Life Nurturing Education
Valentine’s Day by Amy S

Reviews:
Cooking and Science by Amy S
Calendars For All Ages by Sister Lisa
Some Successful Americans by Lori
Creativity Express by Mouse and Mom Reviews (Dana)
Leap Frog Letter Factory by Rachel

Printables:
Artists Around the World Collection
submitted by Angi from Peakmore Academy