HEM-Online-Newsletter by way of Home Ed

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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
September 2002

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Welcome to HEM'S ONLINE NEWS! For more information on Home Education
Magazine, see the end of this newsletter or visit our web site at
http://home-ed-magazine.com. Send your comments and questions to
editor Carol Narigon at
HEM-Newsletter@....

We think parents and kids should be together! So with this issue
we're running a special to encourage you to do just that--be with
your kids. Our "Don't Send Your Kids to School!" special is available
to HEM's Online News readers and offers a one-year subscription for
only $20.00. Subscribe at:
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_nottoschool.html, or see contact
info near the end of this newsletter.

In the September issue:

~ Turn 'em on, Tune 'em in, Drop 'em out ~
~ Let's Play Games! ~
~ unschooling.com ~
~ Lite Brite ~
~ HEM Networking ~
~ America's Story ~
~ When the Press Looks at Homeschooling ~
~ Time to Practice! ~
~ Unclassified Ads ~
~ The Final Word ~


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I suppose it is because nearly all children go to school nowadays and
have things arranged for them that they seem so forlornly unable to
produce their own ideas.
~~ Agatha Christie ~~

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TURN 'EM ON, TUNE 'EM IN, DROP 'EM OUT
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/195/soroad.html

Turn 'em on. Unfortunately, it seems our schools are better at
turning kids off to learning than they are at turning them on to it.
The problem, as the saying goes, might be too many cooks spoiling the
soup. Children don't get the soup until the federal and state
politicians, county and local politicians, test writers, textbook
publishers, teachers unions, school boards, taxpayers,
superintendents, principals, and teachers all add their own brands of
seasoning. When they're all done, every conceivable kind of learner
-- regardless of taste or appetite -- is served the same unpalatable,
watered-down mix that has only a vague resemblance to the healthy,
natural thing -- real education.

Children are natural learning machines. Turn them on, then get the
heck outta their way! Instead of mental gruel, feed them whole food
for the mind -- real books, and knowledge borne of experience in the
greater world where they will live and work and play -- today, not
tomorrow. Only in freedom to taste the variety of ways to learn that
the world has to offer can a child truly be turned on...

... Once you've got those lean, mean learning machines well fed and
running, it's time to tune in like only a parent can do. You're in a
perfect position to observe, study, and participate. Tune in to what
turns your child on. It might be physics. It might be comic books. No
matter, learning is available from both -- we're in the real world
here.

With clues about what turns your child on, seek out available
resources that build on the excitement and keep the momentum going.
Find information in books and on the Internet, yes, but also check
out videos, television programs, museums, organizations, and, most
importantly, people within the community who share the same passion.
Take an active interest so you can be the very best guide (not
teacher, guide) that money can't buy. Open your own mind to learning
for the pure joy of it and you'll find, along with your child, that
the world is full of interesting things to know. Build up your own
appetite for knowledge, and sit down to partake in that healthy,
natural soup right alongside your offspring.
~~ Linda Dobson in the Sept/Oct issue of Home Education Magazine ~~

You can read the rest of this delicious column, as well as a couple
of articles and columns from the September/October issue at the
address above, but you'll have to get the magazine--the one you hold
in your hands--to read them all! See special subscription information
at the top and end of this newsletter, or visit your local bookseller
to get your copy today.

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LET'S PLAY GAMES!

Worried your kids won't know how to take tests if they homeschool?
You don't have to send them to school for that! These games are like
taking tests, only fun. Test your knowledge on all kinds of topics at
the following websites. Good luck!

Answer 6 trivia questions on a variety of topics. Questions change
periodically. The Cyber Camp at World Book's site offers some
interesting projects as well. You can click on it from the same page
as the trivia game.
http://www2.worldbook.com/students/trivia_quiz.asp

Merriam-Webster changes their word game every day and you can try the
ones in the archives. If you love words, you'll spend a long time at
this site. (I should know.)
http://www.m-w.com/game

I love National Geographic. You can play games and explore the world
on their website for days and not see it all. This trivia game tests
your knowledge of...what else?...geography.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/ax/newquizstart.html

Are you as virtuous as Benjamin Franklin? Take this test that's based
on Ben Franklin's self-improvement program. You'll find other
interesting activities for getting to know Ben better in this area of
the PBS website.
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/exp_virtue.html

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ASK CAROL

In addition to editing this newsletter, I write a column for Home
Education Magazine. Now, I don't want to take Ann Lander's place, but
I will take those thorny questions and problems you struggle with and
try to give you some options or information that might help you.
Although I don't answer the questions in this newsletter, I do answer
them in every issue of HEM, the original print version where
homeschoolers have found support for over 20 years. A couple of them
are online (http://www.home-ed-magazine.com), but most 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 too stupid and you're the only one who has
your particular problem (probably not true). So, don't be shy; don't
procrastinate; send me your questions. I even have a special email
address: askcarol@... . Of course, I don't promise I
can answer every question in the magazine (especially if you don't
send one!), but I try to respond to each one, whether I use it for a
column or not. Don't wait! (~ CN ~)

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UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com

I thought I would share an update. I had struggled with deciding to
support my dd (daughter) in going back to school this year. She's
been begging to go for about a year. (She is 10.)

Well, here are some of the things she described after 1 week at school:

The teacher was BORING.

The class work was BORING. "All we do is sit at desks all day and
read a book or do paperwork."

She even asked if it would be that boring next week, and her friends
said, "Yes, but we just have to deal with it." That's the first
honest thing they've told her.

Recess was BORING.

The kids were "weird" or "mean and bossy."

The food sucked.

The cafeteria aides chased the kids out before their lunch period was
over. (Like after they'd only been eating for 5 or 10 minutes.)

The bathroom privileges, while flexible this week, were going to
change: next week they can only go when they get to school and at
lunch. (I pity the girls who get their period for the first time!)

The librarian wouldn't explain how to play a particular game (the
kids who've been there all these years already knew how to
play)...and so she was the only one who didn't get a prize. This
librarian also knew she was homeschooled and told me she thinks there
is a "right" way to homeschool...BLECH.

To her credit, my wonderful daughter DID stand up to the cafeteria
aids and told them that she had until 1pm to finish eating, to which
they replied that she "had a point."

I am so glad she came back home. ~~ Koolaidmom, unschooling.com
message board (edited for publication) ~~

Unschooling.com offers a free monthly newsletter, message boards, an
email list and more just for unschoolers. To subscribe to the email
list send a blank email to:
[email protected]
To subscribe to the newsletter, go to:
http://www.unschooling.com/networking/newsletter/index.shtml

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LITE BRITE
http://www.sfpg.com/animation/litebrite.html#

Remember Lite Brite? We always ran out of the black paper and we
never had enough of the little lights to do the pictures we wanted to
do. Not so with the online version. You have as many of the 8 colors
of lights as you want and you never run out of paper. It's not really
as exciting as seeing the lights light up, but it's still fun to play
with. Why not try some math games too? Color every third dot a
different color from the rest and see what the pattern looks like.
Then try 2s and 4s. See if you can make up a game for 2 players. Get
creative! This website is fun for any age.

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HEM NETWORKING

HEM Networking is an email list for homeschoolers who want to network
and discuss issues with other homeschoolers. You can join at the
Yahoo! Groups website:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/HEM-Networking or send a blank
email to
[email protected] .

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AMERICA'S STORY
http://americaslibrary.gov

A subscriber wrote to recommend this website and I'm passing it along
to you. America's Story, sponsored by the Library of Congress, offers
games, biographies, geography, history and more in the following
areas: Explore the States, Jump Back in Time, Meet Amazing Americans,
Join America at Play, and See, Hear and Sing. Kids and adults
approximately 10 and up will appreciate this site most.

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WHEN THE PRESS LOOKS AT HOMESCHOOLING
http://www.nhen.org

"When the National Home Education Network first began doing media
work, every article with something positive to say about
homeschooling seemed like a little baby step forward. But for each of
those encouraging articles, there were also the ones we dreaded,
those that gave misinformation, or painted a very skewed picture of
who homeschoolers are and what it is that we do all day..." ~~ Laura
Derrick ~~

Laura mentions several different articles that are beginning to show
a shift in reporters' attitudes toward homeschooling. She writes, "A
year ago we had only glimpses of these kinds of media pieces. Now it
really seems as if the tide might finally be turning toward a much
more interesting coverage of homeschooling. A lot of credit should go
to the many homeschoolers who have opened up their lives, and
sometimes even their homes, to journalists, so that the world might
see beyond the statistics and the contests to the heart and soul of
homeschooling." Read the entire article at the NHEN website:
http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=397

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TIME TO PRACTICE!

Many kids start music lessons in the fall. If you or your child need
practice learning notes and music theory, check out the Java music
theory tutorials at http://web1.hamilton.edu/javamusic . Fun for
people of any age with an interest in learning music, this site can
really help you master music.


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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@....

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HomeschoolFREEStuff.com

Every week this FREE email newsletter brings you FREE curriculum,
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USBORNE
UsborneAmerica.com

New science and art books for spring and summer are in...several new
series to engage and delight your children and you. Shop online and
earn FREE books at: http://www.UsborneAmerica.com. For personal
shopping service, email SharonVE@... or call 888-474-8499 toll
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GNARLY MATH
Gnarlymath.com

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http://www.gnarlymath.com .
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THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com

Attention unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers! Looking for
something to do? The Resourceful Homeschooler carries great books,
science materials and kits, learning games, and the most interesting
software. 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.
Materials to involve, inspire and support independent learners of all
ages!
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TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ! TRY ONLINE LESSONS NOW FOR FREE!
Headsprout.com

Headsprout Reading is the fun, Internet-delivered beginning reading
program that will give your child a real advantage by systematically
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book. Act quickly! For a limited time you can try out Headsprout
Reading FOR FREE!
http://www.headsprout.com Please enter the promotional code: HENL9
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THE GREAT WORD RACE
TheGreatWordRace.com

When was the last time your children enjoyed playing a game, and you
were happy they were playing it too? Welcome to The Great Word Race!
Players of all ages will enjoy playing this colorful new educational
board game that challenges your spelling skills. Visit our website
and check out the "How to Play" page for complete instructions.
Remember your family and friends for holidays and birthdays!
Additional payment methods coming soon. Thanks for all your last
month's orders.
http://www.TheGreatWordRace.com
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FREE ONLINE VEGETABLE GARDENING TRAINING FOR HOMESCHOOLERS!
growfood.com

Get world renowned Dr. Jacob R. Mittleider's 'Mittleider Basics
Course' free at www.growfood.com. Go to Online Education section and
enjoy. Books, Natural Mineral Nutrients & CD ROM's also available.
Also, look at the Garden Master CD, with $70 in Mittleider gardening
books and manuals and a great program to take your children through
every step of the gardening process. Took 3 years & $100,000 to
create and costs only $29.95. Look in Products under Garden Master.
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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com

The Sept/Oct issue of Home Education Magazine features an interview
with David Pink, articles on getting the school out, unschooling as a
job, a barn raising and more. From the columnists: the Kaseman's
connect with other homeschoolers; Becky Rupp visits dinosaurs; David
Albert wears a silver dress sword; Sandra Dodd deschools; Elizabeth
McCullough reviews "Creative Homeschooling for Gifted Children;" and
Carol Narigon (that's me) volunteers. Other columnists include
Barbara Theisen, Ann Zeise, Peter Kowalke, Linda Dobson, and Laura
Weldon. HEM also offers a special essay by publisher Helen Hegener,
classified ads, letters and discussion, pen pals and networking, and
more.

Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are currently $20.00 for our
"Don't Send Your Kids to School!" special (regularly $32.00) for one
year/6 issues: http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_nottoschool.html.
A single issue is just $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.

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FINAL WORD

http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/humor/142.htm

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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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new one.

See you next month!

Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
HEM-Newsletter@...
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine