HEM's Online News - January 2002
HEM-Online-Newsletter by way of Home Ed
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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
January 2002
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Happy New Year and welcome to HEM'S ONLINE NEWS, a free monthly
newsletter published by Home Education Magazine and full of the best
internet resources, homeschooling news, announcements and article
excerpts. For more information on Home Education Magazine, see the
end of this newsletter or visit our web site at
http://home-ed-magazine.com. For subscription information for the
newsletter, scroll to the end, reading everything in between. Send
your comments and questions to editor Carol Narigon at
HEM-Newsletter@....
In the January issue:
~ Standardistas ~
~ HEM Back Issue Sale ~
~ Ask Carol~
~ Unschooling ~
~ Top 10 Websites ~
~ Top 5 Product Reviews ~
~ NASA Student Program ~
~ AHA Quarterly Journal ~
~ Call for Success Stories ~
~ The Final Word-Mr. Pointy Nose ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
Love the earth and sun and animals,
Despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks,
Stand up for the stupid and crazy,
Devote your income and labor to others...
And your very flesh shall be a great poem.
~~ Walt Whitman ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
STANDARDISTAS
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/191.html
"They want to get rid of cilia!" exclaimed Aliyah, a frown deepening
across her 13-year-old face as she speed-read the article.
"Cilia, too," I repeated, putting down the sports section.
"Well, cilia are the whole reason for paramecium. How is anyone going
to talk with a scientist? What are we going to say -- 'little wavy
things?'"
"How about flagella?" I suggested, then remembering -- stupid me --
that those are found among a different class of critters entirely.
"No, they are getting rid of flagella, too!"
Ali was reading a May 2001 article on a new, highly publicized guide
Designs for Science Literacy, published and promoted by the American
Association for the Advancement of Science. The recommendations,
being sent to every school board, school administrator, and school
superintendent in the United States, are designed, according to
Andrew Ahlgren, project associate director, "to assist education
leaders, teachers, publishers, and developers in assembling
instructional materials for kindergarten through twelfth grade that
are coherent and relevant." The goal, says Ahlgren, is to change the
curriculum so that even basic science education "is challenging and
meets global standards."
"No right-angle trigonometry?" She was now really steamed. "How will
we build anything? And, look, they removed the periodic table, and
acids and bases. How is anyone going to understand acid rain? And no
more oxidation, respiration, aerobic or anaerobic..."
"Well, I guess we'll simply have to talk about breathing."
"And they are getting rid of mitochondria. How can you study
evolution without mitochondria?"
"Hey, Ali, this is not my idea," I reminded my daughter, intending to
cool down the conversation. "Why don't you write them a letter?"
"How is anyone going to talk with a scientist?" was the question that
stuck in my craw. I might have added, "How could one understand fully
the public controversy about the teaching of evolution, or how could
one act as a responsible citizen to curb air pollution?"
~~ Excerpt from David H. Albert's column in the Jan/Feb issue of Home
Education Magazine ~~
You can read the rest of this article, as well as more articles and
columns from the Jan/Feb issue at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/191.html. But you'll have to get
the magazine-the one you hold in your hands--to read them all! See
subscription information at the end of this newsletter or visit your
local bookseller and get your copy today!
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S ANNUAL BACK ISSUE SALE
Home Education Magazine is again offering an opportunity to stock up
on some great homeschool reading for the winter with our popular
Annual Back Issue Sale. Our office manager has selected our most
popular theme packages for this sale. Whether you are interested in
Getting Started or Unschooling you will find these packages full of
useful homeschooling insights.
Don't see a package that fits your needs? Then create your own custom
set of any 3 issues from the available issues.
Issues are available in sets of three for $11.25 per package (postpaid!).
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
ASK CAROL
I wear two hats for HEM-one is the editor hat for this newsletter;
the other is a columnist hat for Home Education Magazine, the
original print version that's been supporting homeschoolers for over
20 years.
Every other month, I ask people to send me questions and I promise to
answer as many as I can in future columns. Although I don't answer
them in this newsletter, where the space is just too tiny for my BIG
advice, I do answer them in every issue of Home Education Magazine,
and for your convenience, I've put subscription information at the
end of the newsletter. A couple of them are online
(http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/issue_index.html), but most of
them you have to read in the magazine.
I really like to get your questions-any questions at all, even if you
think your question is stupid and you're the only one who has your
particular problem (it's probably not true). If you don't have a
question, send me something funny in the form of a question. Somebody
once asked me if she could homeschool if she has a tattoo and rides a
Harley. Her answer got more than half the column.
So, help me out with that other hat, and send me your questions. I
even have a special email address: askcarol@... . Of
course, I don't promise I can answer every question (especially if
you don't send one!), but I try to respond to each one, whether I use
it for a column or not. What are you waiting for?
(~ CN ~)
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UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
I think ideas are easier to wrangle with if we can nail them down,
get at the essence of them, put them into a box. Trying to get at the
essence of unschooling is like trying to get at the essence of life.
For us, unschooling *is* life. Our lives are a balance of needs and
desires, hopes and fears, love and tears, peace and upheaval - you
name it, and it's there. Learning is a part of all of it, not
separate from it.
When I require something of my children, it is usually because there
is an immediate and very real *need* for it - to keep them healthy
and safe, to keep the family functioning, to respect someone else's
needs or feelings, etc. Certainly there are things I think would be
useful, even essential for them to know in order to function
independently as adults. These things are so obviously practical and
useful in our everyday lives that I can't fathom them not seeing a
need to learn them at some point.
There are many, many more things that I hope they will explore, and
these I will certainly open doors to for them. But I believe that by
far the most valuable things for them to know are what they
themselves find interesting and useful. I trust them to choose and
pursue what they will, and I trust that they will become competent,
capable and knowledgeable adults in the process.
I respect their needs, feelings and desires. I believe that young
children's needs include being shielded from the responsibility of
making decisions they do not yet have the knowledge and experience to
make - things for which they should not have to bear the consequences
- and this is my job as a parent. It is a tricky to job to balance
our children's needs with their desires, especially when they can't
yet see that they are sometimes different, or when they are
diametrically opposed. I don't see it as coercion or conditional
freedom, but rather as a real-life lesson in making decisions,
guidance, parenting. From the time that they are able to understand
the choices, they are part of the process.
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. What responsibility I
take for my children limits their own, and thus limits their freedom.
They are *dependent* upon me. As an example, before they can cook, I
prepare their food, and they eat from what I prepare. Their choices
are limited to what I supply, *though I always do my best to meet
both their needs and likes*. I in turn am limited by the household
budget, and bound by my responsibility to look after their health.
When I do choose contrary to what they *desire*, I explain my choice,
and I respect their feelings about it, no matter how unpleasant.
As children are ready for more responsibility, they gain more
freedom. They are maturing, growing up, learning to make good
decisions. This is life. It is a process, a work in progress.
Unschooling.
~~ Laura Derrick ~~
Unschooling.com offers message boards, weekly essays, an email list
and more just for unschoolers. Check it out!
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TOP 10 WEBSITES for 2001
Out of the millions out there on the Internet, I try to choose only
the best websites for each newsletter. Here is my top 10 list of
favorite websites from 2001.
1. K-12 Teaching and Learning Center at http://www.k12tlc.org
2. Autodidactic Press at http://www.autodidactic.com
3. Math lessons at http://math.rice.edu/%7Elanius/Lessons
4. Kids Konnect at http://www.kidskonnect.com
5. The Green Frog News at http://www.thegreenfrognews.com
6. sodaplay at http://www.sodaplay.com/index.htm
7. One World-Nations Online at http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld
8. Absurd Math at http://www.hrmvideo.com/abmath
9. Enchanted Learning at http://www.enchantedlearning.com
10. How Stuff Works at http://www.howstuffworks.com
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HEM'S NETWORKING AND DISCUSSION BOARDS
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/wlcm_brds.html
Join us in discussions on topics of interest to homeschoolers at the
HEM Networking and Discussion message boards. Some of the topics
include: For New Homeschoolers, Homeschooling News and Important
Information, State Laws and Regulations, Support Groups and
Organizations, Homeschooling Dads, Homeschooling Teens and Older
Kids, Curriculum Discussions, Homeschooling with Special Needs,
General Discussions About Almost Anything. For information contact
HEM-Boards@....
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TOP 5 PRODUCT REVIEWS for 2001
In most issues of HEM's Online News, I review a new product, video or
book. This month, I've made a list of my top 5 favorite products from
2001. If you'd like to read the original reviews for these products,
you'll find all of the newsletters from the past 2 years indexed on
our website at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/hemnews/main_index.html .
1. Gardening books, "Sunflower Houses: Garden Discoveries for
Children of All Ages"; "Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures for the
Young at Heart"; and "Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots" by Sharon
Lovejoy.
http://www.sharonlovejoy.com
2. Slam poetry video, "Poetic License." (language warning)
http://www.poeticlicense.org
3. Sign language video for young children, "Baby See 'n Sign."
www.babyseensign.com
4. Portable electronic writing tool, Alphasmart 3000.
http://www.alphasmart.com
5. Video series, Families of the World.
http://www.familiesoftheworld.com
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BOOKS!
Check out HEM's online book catalog, with titles by respected
homeschooling authors like Linda Dobson, David Albert, Larry and
Susan Kaseman, Jean Reed and others. Visit our new HEM Online Catalog
at the HEM website:
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/books
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NASA STUDENT PROGRAM TAKES OFF!
Something for everybody seems to be the theme for the 2001-2002 NASA
Student Involvement Program (NSIP). This year's expanded national
student competition was announced today with the release of materials
describing six competitions for students from kindergarten through
grade twelve.
"This year, we really are trying to engage students of all ages,
backgrounds, and interests," says Lynn Marra, the NSIP Program
Manager. "NSIP offers a variety of ways that students--entire
classrooms, teams or individuals--can be part of the NASA team and
conduct hands-on research using some of today's most exciting
technology."
Competitions include:
My Planet, Earth (Grades K-4)--Like NASA scientists, students explore
their ever-changing neighborhoods.
Watching Earth Change (Grades 5-8)--Students play the role of
scientist and apply space technology to better understand the dynamic
planet Earth.
Science and Technology Journalism (Grades K-12)--Students apply their
communication skills to deliver NASA news and information.
Design a Mission to Mars (Grades 5-12)--Students consider how they
might explore the red planet.
Aerospace Technology Engineering Challenge (Grades 5-8)--Students are
introduced to challenges of aerospace technology by building an
aerospace structure.
Space Flight Opportunities (Grades 9-12)--High School students are
provided with the unique opportunity to design and fly space
experiments.
Marra stresses that NSIP is more than a competition, providing an
inquiry-based approach to science, mathematics, technology, and
geography education. "We recognize that teachers are a critical link
in this program...We have worked closely with them to make sure that
NSIP enriches existing curriculum."
Resource guides are available for educators at no cost. All NSIP
participants receive NASA certificates. Exceptional awards include
Space Camp scholarships, the opportunity to fly experiments on the
Space Shuttle or NASA sounding rockets, school presentations,
participation at the national student symposium or student flight
weeks, and an independently funded scholarship.
For more information on NISP, visit http://education.nasa.gov or call
1-800-848-8429.
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AHA Quarterly Journal
http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org
The American Homeschool Association's quarterly online journal is
produced the first of January, April, July, and October. For the
first issue of 2002 send a blank emailing to
[email protected] or visit the AHA website:
http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org
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CALL FOR SUCCESS STORIES
http://www.deebest.com/getpublished.html
Author Dee Best writes: "Have you accomplished something you dreamed
about, overcome adversity, put a great idea into action, or
experienced personal growth and happiness as a result of hard work?
Would you like to share your experience and insight to inspire
thousands of preteen and teen girls?
Due out in fall 2003 from Little, Brown and Company, "The Girls' Book
of Success" will be part of the award-winning series that includes
"The Girls' Book of Wisdom, The Girls' Book of Friendship", and "The
Girls' Book of Love" (coming in 2002).
If you are a girl or woman with a true story of success, please
e-mail it to cate@... or send it to Dee Best Communications,
P.O. Box 7035, Redwood City, CA 94063 (keep a copy for your records).
Need ideas for what to write about? See the list of questions below.
Stories should be 200 to 400 words each and written in the first
person (e.g., "I did such and such."). Poems (10 lines or less are
best) are also welcome. The deadline for submissions is February 1,
2002."
Details for girls or women interested in submitting a story (or poem)
are at the website above.
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HEM ONLINE NEWS UNCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this
newsletter, please contact the editor at
HEM-Newsletter@....
________
USBORNE -- Love kids, love books?
UsborneAmerica.com
Win $50 in books by registering at our online shop -- free monthly
drawing! 50 new titles for spring -- see our gorgeous Encyclopedias
of World Geography, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Greece. Art Books,
science, cool new phonics, and website design how-tos. Earn free and
discounted books with purchases and online eshows. Introduce these
books to your community and earn books and income. SharonVE@...
or call 888-474-8499 toll free. Sharon Vander Ende, Independent
Executive Supervisor.
________
GNARLY MATH
Gnarlymath.com
CROSS-EYED, BROCCOLI-EATING ELEPHANTS are featured in our free
hilarious math newsletter, the Gnarly Gnews. The new issue also tells
how 10-year-old Karl Gauss immediately computed the sum of the
numbers from 1 to 100. Subscribe at http://www.gnarlymath.com, and
download free examples of our CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math. If you'd
like a refresher course in Algebra, Geometry, Trig, or Probability,
or if you want to give your kids a fresh and exciting outlook on
math, try our moneyback-guaranteed CD today.
_________
THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com
Attention unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers! The Resourceful
Homeschooler carries great books, science materials and kits,
learning games, and the most interesting software. Gift certificates;
search service. AND here is your opportunity to clear some shelf
space! List or consign your surplus or used homeschooling materials.
Store credit available for consignments. Visit
http://www.resourcefulhomeschooler.com or call (877) 523-0494. Great
materials for independent learners of all ages.
_________
LEARNING SKILLS FOR LIFE
iKnowthat.com
What does your child need to succeed? Lifelong learning skills.
Experts say that's what our children will need to keep up in
tomorrow's rapidly changing world. Now there's a powerful new
web-based community that can help your child develop such
meta-learning skills. Try it risk-free at:
http://www.iknowthat.com/com?CO=01HEM01
_________
GIVE YOUR CHILD THE HEADSPROUT READING ADVANTAGE
Headsprout.com
Headsprout Reading is the fun, Internet-delivered beginning reading
program that will give your child a real advantage by systematically
teaching essential skills and strategies ensuring reading success and
confidence. Your child will really enjoy our fun, animated,
interactive episodes. After just five 20-minute episodes, children
read their first Headsprout books. Act quickly. For a limited time,
Headsprout Reading is available free at: http://www.headsprout.com.
Please enter the promotional code: HENA2
_________
HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
With the January/February 2002 issue of Home Education Magazine, we
welcome A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling's Ann Zeise
(www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling) as one of our columnists. Ann has
given generously of her time and expertise over the years, and I know
you'll enjoy her column titled "Do You Yahoo?"
The January/February issue also features articles on Grapes in the
Freezer, Chocolate chips and Blue M&Ms, Sub-VERSE-ive Poetry, an
ultimate field trip, an epiphany and more. From the columnists: the
Kaseman's review "Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the
Homeschooling Movement"; Becky Rupp solves mysteries; David Albert
speculates about Standaristas; Sandra Dodd slays the Math Monster;
and Carol Narigon (that's me) gives advice on the learning to read.
Other columnists include Barbara Theisen, Peter Kowalke, Linda
Dobson, and Laura Weldon.
Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are $32.00 for one year/6
issues; single issue $6.50. Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083,
Tonasket WA 98855; for orders: toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email
orders@.... MC/Visa cards accepted. DON'T MISS IT!
_________
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FINAL WORD
A great homeschool story from your choice of websites!
http://www.homestead.com/barbooch/MrPointyNose.html
http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/Position/Drennan.html
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Thanks for reading HEM's Online News! Pass it on to your friends! To
subscribe, visit our web site at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/wlcm_hemnewsltr.html or send an email
to majordomo@... with the words subscribe
hem-online-newsletter followed by your name@your address.com in the
body of the email. (e.g. subscribe hem-online-newsletter
youremailaddress). To unsubscribe, send an email to
majordomo@... with the words unsubscribe
hem-online-newsletter followed by your name@your address.com in the
body of the email. (e.g. unsubscribe hem-online-newsletter
youremailaddress). To change the address at which you receive the
newsletter, unsubscribe your old address and then subscribe to your
new one.
See you next month!
Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
HEM-Newsletter@...
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine
HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
January 2002
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Happy New Year and welcome to HEM'S ONLINE NEWS, a free monthly
newsletter published by Home Education Magazine and full of the best
internet resources, homeschooling news, announcements and article
excerpts. For more information on Home Education Magazine, see the
end of this newsletter or visit our web site at
http://home-ed-magazine.com. For subscription information for the
newsletter, scroll to the end, reading everything in between. Send
your comments and questions to editor Carol Narigon at
HEM-Newsletter@....
In the January issue:
~ Standardistas ~
~ HEM Back Issue Sale ~
~ Ask Carol~
~ Unschooling ~
~ Top 10 Websites ~
~ Top 5 Product Reviews ~
~ NASA Student Program ~
~ AHA Quarterly Journal ~
~ Call for Success Stories ~
~ The Final Word-Mr. Pointy Nose ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
Love the earth and sun and animals,
Despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks,
Stand up for the stupid and crazy,
Devote your income and labor to others...
And your very flesh shall be a great poem.
~~ Walt Whitman ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
STANDARDISTAS
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/191.html
"They want to get rid of cilia!" exclaimed Aliyah, a frown deepening
across her 13-year-old face as she speed-read the article.
"Cilia, too," I repeated, putting down the sports section.
"Well, cilia are the whole reason for paramecium. How is anyone going
to talk with a scientist? What are we going to say -- 'little wavy
things?'"
"How about flagella?" I suggested, then remembering -- stupid me --
that those are found among a different class of critters entirely.
"No, they are getting rid of flagella, too!"
Ali was reading a May 2001 article on a new, highly publicized guide
Designs for Science Literacy, published and promoted by the American
Association for the Advancement of Science. The recommendations,
being sent to every school board, school administrator, and school
superintendent in the United States, are designed, according to
Andrew Ahlgren, project associate director, "to assist education
leaders, teachers, publishers, and developers in assembling
instructional materials for kindergarten through twelfth grade that
are coherent and relevant." The goal, says Ahlgren, is to change the
curriculum so that even basic science education "is challenging and
meets global standards."
"No right-angle trigonometry?" She was now really steamed. "How will
we build anything? And, look, they removed the periodic table, and
acids and bases. How is anyone going to understand acid rain? And no
more oxidation, respiration, aerobic or anaerobic..."
"Well, I guess we'll simply have to talk about breathing."
"And they are getting rid of mitochondria. How can you study
evolution without mitochondria?"
"Hey, Ali, this is not my idea," I reminded my daughter, intending to
cool down the conversation. "Why don't you write them a letter?"
"How is anyone going to talk with a scientist?" was the question that
stuck in my craw. I might have added, "How could one understand fully
the public controversy about the teaching of evolution, or how could
one act as a responsible citizen to curb air pollution?"
~~ Excerpt from David H. Albert's column in the Jan/Feb issue of Home
Education Magazine ~~
You can read the rest of this article, as well as more articles and
columns from the Jan/Feb issue at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/191.html. But you'll have to get
the magazine-the one you hold in your hands--to read them all! See
subscription information at the end of this newsletter or visit your
local bookseller and get your copy today!
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S ANNUAL BACK ISSUE SALE
Home Education Magazine is again offering an opportunity to stock up
on some great homeschool reading for the winter with our popular
Annual Back Issue Sale. Our office manager has selected our most
popular theme packages for this sale. Whether you are interested in
Getting Started or Unschooling you will find these packages full of
useful homeschooling insights.
Don't see a package that fits your needs? Then create your own custom
set of any 3 issues from the available issues.
Issues are available in sets of three for $11.25 per package (postpaid!).
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
ASK CAROL
I wear two hats for HEM-one is the editor hat for this newsletter;
the other is a columnist hat for Home Education Magazine, the
original print version that's been supporting homeschoolers for over
20 years.
Every other month, I ask people to send me questions and I promise to
answer as many as I can in future columns. Although I don't answer
them in this newsletter, where the space is just too tiny for my BIG
advice, I do answer them in every issue of Home Education Magazine,
and for your convenience, I've put subscription information at the
end of the newsletter. A couple of them are online
(http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/issue_index.html), but most of
them you have to read in the magazine.
I really like to get your questions-any questions at all, even if you
think your question is stupid and you're the only one who has your
particular problem (it's probably not true). If you don't have a
question, send me something funny in the form of a question. Somebody
once asked me if she could homeschool if she has a tattoo and rides a
Harley. Her answer got more than half the column.
So, help me out with that other hat, and send me your questions. I
even have a special email address: askcarol@... . Of
course, I don't promise I can answer every question (especially if
you don't send one!), but I try to respond to each one, whether I use
it for a column or not. What are you waiting for?
(~ CN ~)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
I think ideas are easier to wrangle with if we can nail them down,
get at the essence of them, put them into a box. Trying to get at the
essence of unschooling is like trying to get at the essence of life.
For us, unschooling *is* life. Our lives are a balance of needs and
desires, hopes and fears, love and tears, peace and upheaval - you
name it, and it's there. Learning is a part of all of it, not
separate from it.
When I require something of my children, it is usually because there
is an immediate and very real *need* for it - to keep them healthy
and safe, to keep the family functioning, to respect someone else's
needs or feelings, etc. Certainly there are things I think would be
useful, even essential for them to know in order to function
independently as adults. These things are so obviously practical and
useful in our everyday lives that I can't fathom them not seeing a
need to learn them at some point.
There are many, many more things that I hope they will explore, and
these I will certainly open doors to for them. But I believe that by
far the most valuable things for them to know are what they
themselves find interesting and useful. I trust them to choose and
pursue what they will, and I trust that they will become competent,
capable and knowledgeable adults in the process.
I respect their needs, feelings and desires. I believe that young
children's needs include being shielded from the responsibility of
making decisions they do not yet have the knowledge and experience to
make - things for which they should not have to bear the consequences
- and this is my job as a parent. It is a tricky to job to balance
our children's needs with their desires, especially when they can't
yet see that they are sometimes different, or when they are
diametrically opposed. I don't see it as coercion or conditional
freedom, but rather as a real-life lesson in making decisions,
guidance, parenting. From the time that they are able to understand
the choices, they are part of the process.
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. What responsibility I
take for my children limits their own, and thus limits their freedom.
They are *dependent* upon me. As an example, before they can cook, I
prepare their food, and they eat from what I prepare. Their choices
are limited to what I supply, *though I always do my best to meet
both their needs and likes*. I in turn am limited by the household
budget, and bound by my responsibility to look after their health.
When I do choose contrary to what they *desire*, I explain my choice,
and I respect their feelings about it, no matter how unpleasant.
As children are ready for more responsibility, they gain more
freedom. They are maturing, growing up, learning to make good
decisions. This is life. It is a process, a work in progress.
Unschooling.
~~ Laura Derrick ~~
Unschooling.com offers message boards, weekly essays, an email list
and more just for unschoolers. Check it out!
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TOP 10 WEBSITES for 2001
Out of the millions out there on the Internet, I try to choose only
the best websites for each newsletter. Here is my top 10 list of
favorite websites from 2001.
1. K-12 Teaching and Learning Center at http://www.k12tlc.org
2. Autodidactic Press at http://www.autodidactic.com
3. Math lessons at http://math.rice.edu/%7Elanius/Lessons
4. Kids Konnect at http://www.kidskonnect.com
5. The Green Frog News at http://www.thegreenfrognews.com
6. sodaplay at http://www.sodaplay.com/index.htm
7. One World-Nations Online at http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld
8. Absurd Math at http://www.hrmvideo.com/abmath
9. Enchanted Learning at http://www.enchantedlearning.com
10. How Stuff Works at http://www.howstuffworks.com
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HEM'S NETWORKING AND DISCUSSION BOARDS
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/wlcm_brds.html
Join us in discussions on topics of interest to homeschoolers at the
HEM Networking and Discussion message boards. Some of the topics
include: For New Homeschoolers, Homeschooling News and Important
Information, State Laws and Regulations, Support Groups and
Organizations, Homeschooling Dads, Homeschooling Teens and Older
Kids, Curriculum Discussions, Homeschooling with Special Needs,
General Discussions About Almost Anything. For information contact
HEM-Boards@....
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TOP 5 PRODUCT REVIEWS for 2001
In most issues of HEM's Online News, I review a new product, video or
book. This month, I've made a list of my top 5 favorite products from
2001. If you'd like to read the original reviews for these products,
you'll find all of the newsletters from the past 2 years indexed on
our website at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/hemnews/main_index.html .
1. Gardening books, "Sunflower Houses: Garden Discoveries for
Children of All Ages"; "Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures for the
Young at Heart"; and "Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots" by Sharon
Lovejoy.
http://www.sharonlovejoy.com
2. Slam poetry video, "Poetic License." (language warning)
http://www.poeticlicense.org
3. Sign language video for young children, "Baby See 'n Sign."
www.babyseensign.com
4. Portable electronic writing tool, Alphasmart 3000.
http://www.alphasmart.com
5. Video series, Families of the World.
http://www.familiesoftheworld.com
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BOOKS!
Check out HEM's online book catalog, with titles by respected
homeschooling authors like Linda Dobson, David Albert, Larry and
Susan Kaseman, Jean Reed and others. Visit our new HEM Online Catalog
at the HEM website:
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/books
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NASA STUDENT PROGRAM TAKES OFF!
Something for everybody seems to be the theme for the 2001-2002 NASA
Student Involvement Program (NSIP). This year's expanded national
student competition was announced today with the release of materials
describing six competitions for students from kindergarten through
grade twelve.
"This year, we really are trying to engage students of all ages,
backgrounds, and interests," says Lynn Marra, the NSIP Program
Manager. "NSIP offers a variety of ways that students--entire
classrooms, teams or individuals--can be part of the NASA team and
conduct hands-on research using some of today's most exciting
technology."
Competitions include:
My Planet, Earth (Grades K-4)--Like NASA scientists, students explore
their ever-changing neighborhoods.
Watching Earth Change (Grades 5-8)--Students play the role of
scientist and apply space technology to better understand the dynamic
planet Earth.
Science and Technology Journalism (Grades K-12)--Students apply their
communication skills to deliver NASA news and information.
Design a Mission to Mars (Grades 5-12)--Students consider how they
might explore the red planet.
Aerospace Technology Engineering Challenge (Grades 5-8)--Students are
introduced to challenges of aerospace technology by building an
aerospace structure.
Space Flight Opportunities (Grades 9-12)--High School students are
provided with the unique opportunity to design and fly space
experiments.
Marra stresses that NSIP is more than a competition, providing an
inquiry-based approach to science, mathematics, technology, and
geography education. "We recognize that teachers are a critical link
in this program...We have worked closely with them to make sure that
NSIP enriches existing curriculum."
Resource guides are available for educators at no cost. All NSIP
participants receive NASA certificates. Exceptional awards include
Space Camp scholarships, the opportunity to fly experiments on the
Space Shuttle or NASA sounding rockets, school presentations,
participation at the national student symposium or student flight
weeks, and an independently funded scholarship.
For more information on NISP, visit http://education.nasa.gov or call
1-800-848-8429.
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AHA Quarterly Journal
http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org
The American Homeschool Association's quarterly online journal is
produced the first of January, April, July, and October. For the
first issue of 2002 send a blank emailing to
[email protected] or visit the AHA website:
http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org
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CALL FOR SUCCESS STORIES
http://www.deebest.com/getpublished.html
Author Dee Best writes: "Have you accomplished something you dreamed
about, overcome adversity, put a great idea into action, or
experienced personal growth and happiness as a result of hard work?
Would you like to share your experience and insight to inspire
thousands of preteen and teen girls?
Due out in fall 2003 from Little, Brown and Company, "The Girls' Book
of Success" will be part of the award-winning series that includes
"The Girls' Book of Wisdom, The Girls' Book of Friendship", and "The
Girls' Book of Love" (coming in 2002).
If you are a girl or woman with a true story of success, please
e-mail it to cate@... or send it to Dee Best Communications,
P.O. Box 7035, Redwood City, CA 94063 (keep a copy for your records).
Need ideas for what to write about? See the list of questions below.
Stories should be 200 to 400 words each and written in the first
person (e.g., "I did such and such."). Poems (10 lines or less are
best) are also welcome. The deadline for submissions is February 1,
2002."
Details for girls or women interested in submitting a story (or poem)
are at the website above.
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HEM ONLINE NEWS UNCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this
newsletter, please contact the editor at
HEM-Newsletter@....
________
USBORNE -- Love kids, love books?
UsborneAmerica.com
Win $50 in books by registering at our online shop -- free monthly
drawing! 50 new titles for spring -- see our gorgeous Encyclopedias
of World Geography, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Greece. Art Books,
science, cool new phonics, and website design how-tos. Earn free and
discounted books with purchases and online eshows. Introduce these
books to your community and earn books and income. SharonVE@...
or call 888-474-8499 toll free. Sharon Vander Ende, Independent
Executive Supervisor.
________
GNARLY MATH
Gnarlymath.com
CROSS-EYED, BROCCOLI-EATING ELEPHANTS are featured in our free
hilarious math newsletter, the Gnarly Gnews. The new issue also tells
how 10-year-old Karl Gauss immediately computed the sum of the
numbers from 1 to 100. Subscribe at http://www.gnarlymath.com, and
download free examples of our CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math. If you'd
like a refresher course in Algebra, Geometry, Trig, or Probability,
or if you want to give your kids a fresh and exciting outlook on
math, try our moneyback-guaranteed CD today.
_________
THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com
Attention unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers! The Resourceful
Homeschooler carries great books, science materials and kits,
learning games, and the most interesting software. Gift certificates;
search service. AND here is your opportunity to clear some shelf
space! List or consign your surplus or used homeschooling materials.
Store credit available for consignments. Visit
http://www.resourcefulhomeschooler.com or call (877) 523-0494. Great
materials for independent learners of all ages.
_________
LEARNING SKILLS FOR LIFE
iKnowthat.com
What does your child need to succeed? Lifelong learning skills.
Experts say that's what our children will need to keep up in
tomorrow's rapidly changing world. Now there's a powerful new
web-based community that can help your child develop such
meta-learning skills. Try it risk-free at:
http://www.iknowthat.com/com?CO=01HEM01
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GIVE YOUR CHILD THE HEADSPROUT READING ADVANTAGE
Headsprout.com
Headsprout Reading is the fun, Internet-delivered beginning reading
program that will give your child a real advantage by systematically
teaching essential skills and strategies ensuring reading success and
confidence. Your child will really enjoy our fun, animated,
interactive episodes. After just five 20-minute episodes, children
read their first Headsprout books. Act quickly. For a limited time,
Headsprout Reading is available free at: http://www.headsprout.com.
Please enter the promotional code: HENA2
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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
With the January/February 2002 issue of Home Education Magazine, we
welcome A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling's Ann Zeise
(www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling) as one of our columnists. Ann has
given generously of her time and expertise over the years, and I know
you'll enjoy her column titled "Do You Yahoo?"
The January/February issue also features articles on Grapes in the
Freezer, Chocolate chips and Blue M&Ms, Sub-VERSE-ive Poetry, an
ultimate field trip, an epiphany and more. From the columnists: the
Kaseman's review "Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the
Homeschooling Movement"; Becky Rupp solves mysteries; David Albert
speculates about Standaristas; Sandra Dodd slays the Math Monster;
and Carol Narigon (that's me) gives advice on the learning to read.
Other columnists include Barbara Theisen, Peter Kowalke, Linda
Dobson, and Laura Weldon.
Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are $32.00 for one year/6
issues; single issue $6.50. Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083,
Tonasket WA 98855; for orders: toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email
orders@.... MC/Visa cards accepted. DON'T MISS IT!
_________
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FINAL WORD
A great homeschool story from your choice of websites!
http://www.homestead.com/barbooch/MrPointyNose.html
http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/Position/Drennan.html
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Thanks for reading HEM's Online News! Pass it on to your friends! To
subscribe, visit our web site at
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/wlcm_hemnewsltr.html or send an email
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See you next month!
Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
HEM-Newsletter@...
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine