HEM's Online News - November 2002
HEM-Online-Newsletter by way of Helen H
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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
November 2002
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Welcome to HEM'S ONLINE NEWS! For more information on Home Education
Magazine, read further into 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@....
In the November issue:
~ Lessons at Four ~
~ GEORGE W. ~
~ Ask Carol ~
~ unschooling.com ~
~ Instant Muse ~
~ HEM's Current Issue ~
~ Writing Letters to the Editor ~
~ Bembo's Zoo ~
~ Philharmonic for Kids ~
~ Final Word ~
If you're shopping for the holidays or need to give the grandparents
some ideas, check out our fine advertisers further on in this
newsletter. Grandparents love to know they're helping out with the
kids' education, while you make the choices that suit your family.
And isn't shopping easy online? What did we do without it?
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned
find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no
longer exists. ~~ Eric Hoffer ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
LESSONS AT FOUR
http://home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/196.html
"Should you be concerned if your 4-year-old can only do lessons in
15-minute intervals? Is it as effective to do short lessons
throughout the day or do you need to have schooling for long
uninterrupted periods (1-2 hours)?"
I'm more concerned about the idea of doing lessons with a 4-year-old
than I am about his attention span. While there are times a
4-year-old might be interested in something for 15 minutes, I don't
believe it would happen during a planned,
sit-down-at-the-kitchen-table lesson period. If, during the course of
the day, something comes up that interests him and you study or
discuss it together for 15 minutes, I'd say you had a highly
motivated four-year-old on your hands...
If you want to spend 15 minutes with your 4-year-old, put on a fun CD
or tape of kids music and dance to it. Make animal noises. Get
moving and laughing. Read a book together. Talk about the pictures.
Read it in a funny voice. Act it out together. If he can't sit still
with a book, read to him while he plays with his Lego Bricks? Let him
lead you in a pretend game with his dinosaur toys. Help build a fairy
house under your tree. Construct a castle in the sandbox. Go to the
park, swing as high as you can and slide down the slide.
Go for walks and talk about what you see (language). Stop to examine
small things like spiders or groups of ants (science). Pick up
colorful leaves and stones (small motor development). See how far you
can kick a rock down the street (large motor development). See how
many of your feet you kicked the rock and how many of his (math).
Read the signs you see along the way (reading, spelling and
geography). His attention won't stay on one thing for long. Keep
moving. When you get home, press your leaves in big books, then make
collages with them in the winter (art). Make a display of stones
you've collected and count how many you have (math). Use the kitchen
table only for eating (common sense).
I know parents are eager to start "teaching" their children. (I've
been there.) I'm sorry to tell you it just isn't necessary,
especially at age 4. Oh, sure, there's a large industry perpetuating
itself on the idea that children need professionals to teach them how
to survive in the big, bad world. Nonsense. Children need parents who
follow more than they teach and know how to get out of their
children's way so they can get on with the business of growing up.
It will happen fast enough. You don't want to spend those years doing
lessons at the kitchen table. ~~excerpt from Ask Carol in the
November/December issue of Home Education Magazine ~~
You can read the rest of this column, as well as a couple of articles
and columns from the current HEM 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 in this newsletter, or
visit your local bookseller to get your copy today.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
GEORGE W.
The Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery is celebrating the legacy
of our first president with its traveling exhibit, "George
Washington: A National Treasure." It centers on the renowned
"Landsdowne" portrait saved from auction with a generous $30 million
gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. This exhibit
demonstrates Washington's character of patriotism, heroism and
courage--traits especially important for today's citizens--as it
tours eight major cities across the nation.
Portrait Poster and Teaching Guide: Teachers across America can
request this free kit by internet or phone. It includes a full-color,
museum quality reproduction of the "Lansdowne" portrait of George
Washington by Gilbert Stuart and a 30-page teaching guide. The
comprehensive guide includes lesson plans for grades 2-12 and is
linked to National History Standards. This guide can be used for
teaching elementary students, as well as high school history and
civics classes.
Education materials can be obtained free of charge by calling
1-866-NPG-KITS or visiting the website at:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
ASK CAROL
In addition to editing this newsletter, I write a column for Home
Education Magazine. Now, I don't want to take Dear Abby'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 (this month
is an exception), 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 ~)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
One of the cheapest foods to play with (cooking and otherwise): EGGS.
One year I saved egg shells that had broken really cleanly. Washed
them and saved the two halves together in a milk carton. I filled
them with little notes and confetti or little toys, and used super
glue to put them back together. I wouldn't do that now, I would just
use Elmer's on some tissue paper or crepe paper probably. I fear
super glue.
But anyway.... that wasted no food, and the eggs didn't have to be
blown out, and we could break them to get the insides out. That was
when Marty was little. My kids don't much care about Easter egg stuff
any more.
Eggs aren't very expensive, and so when I've had kids want to throw
one at something (the compost pile corner is good ), I've let them.
Like to throw in the road and see how it looks as it dries or, in the
summer, cooks. And I've told them truly and really never throw eggs
at a house or a car, because as it dries it messed up the paint badly.
I remember wanting to cook when I was a kid and rarely having the
ingredients for anything more than maybe peanut butter cookies (which
I think are gross).
Letting kids use real foods is like getting them good art supplies
instead of "school supply" quality stuff. Even if a kid wanted to
experiment with some fairly expensive food, it's cheaper than bought
science kits from an educational supply place. ~~ Sandra Dodd posting
on the unschooling.com message boards ~~
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]
Or visit the email list website at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
INSTANT MUSE
http://www.webcom.com/wordings/artofwrite/inspiration.html
Now that cool weather is here and we're spending more time indoors,
it's fun to turn to our muses and do some creative writing. Instant
Muse offers both a story starter and a poetry generator to give your
muse a jumpstart.
The story starter gives you a list of criteria for your story based
on the main character's sex, the main character's job or profession,
an archetype, a key object or symbol, setting and a theme. For
instance, my story starter gave me the following start: "My main
character/protagonist is a female. My main character is a social
worker. An archetype present in my story is Cain/Able. A key object
or symbol in my story is a feather. My story will be set in a train
station. My story is about mystery."
The poetry generator gives you one line of poetry and you do the
rest, although the site offers some tips to help ensure success. My
poetry start was "In the narrows of idleness the soldiers unfold,"
and it kind of made me think of the laundry languishing in the dryer.
You can send your creations to the Instant Muse contest where you'll
have a chance to be included in The Art of Writing e-newsletter. Or
just do it for fun. (Editor's note: If you decide to enter your
poetry in any contest that promises money, first check it out at the
following website: http://windpub.org/literary.scams . Many poetry
contests are nothing but scams.)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
In the November/December issue of Home Education Magazine, you'll
enjoy articles on how to run a self-directed conference, how one
family dealt with a debilitating illness, homeschooling a special
needs child, placemat learning and more. Columns include: Linda
Dobson finds the gift of flow; Laura Weldon addresses record keeping;
Ann Zeise shops online; and Elizabeth McCullough reviews two new
homeschool handbooks. Other columnists include Larry and Susan
Kaseman, Sandra Dodd, Becky Rupp, David Albert and Carol Narigon. HEM
also offers a popular essay by publisher Helen Hegener, classified
ads, letters and discussion, pen pals and networking, and more.
Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are regularly $32.00 for one
year/6 issues; single issue $6.50. To subscribe, visit our website at
http://home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_introsub.html or send a check to
Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; for orders:
toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email orders@.... MC/Visa
accepted.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
by Christine Webb and Laura Derrick
Your voice really does count, so don't be shy when it comes to writing letters!
Writing letters to the editors of newspapers and magazines is an
important part of keeping homeschooling issues in the public eye.
Letters to the editor columns are often the most widely read section
of a newspaper or magazine, and public policy officials usually
consider them a good barometer of public opinion. You really don't
have to be an exceptional writer to get noticed if you speak from the
heart and focus on expressing yourself clearly.
Here are 6 important tips to get you started:
1.) Be timely - If you are responding to a particular article,
writing immediately will increase the chances your letter will be
printed.
2.) Keep it short - Most newspapers limit letters to the editor to
200-300 words. A brief letter is more likely to be published and less
likely to be edited. Say what you want, but briefly.
3.) Get to the point - Clearly state your subject and try to make
just one main point. If you find you have too much to say in two or
three short paragraphs, consider writing an op-ed (guest editorial)
piece instead. If you have trouble getting to the point, ask a friend
for help.
4.) Make it snappy - Use humor, facts, or a personal viewpoint to add
interest to your letter. Encourage your children to write from their
points of view as well.
5.) Have it proofread - Nothing makes a worse impression than poorly
written pieces. Any editor will tell you that having someone else
proofread your work is much better than doing it yourself. Polish it
up and then ask a friend to check for grammar or spelling mistakes,
rambling sentences, unclear points and other writing issues.
6.) Identify yourself - Give your name, address and phone number so
the newspaper can contact you to check facts or verify that you sent
the letter.
Find links with more tips for writing to the media, suggestions for
writing op-ed pieces, and information about writing letters to the
editor at http://www.nhen.org/main/default.asp?id=76 .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
BEMBO'S ZOO
http://www.bemboszoo.com
This is the coolest alphabet site I've ever seen. You have to have
Flash, and it takes forever to load, but it's worth the wait. Knit or
eat while it's loading. The first time you'll get a cute line of
alphabet to play with, but that's not the good part. When you click
on the letters, which all make real animal noises, the letter will
transform into a sophisticated artistic rendition of an animal whose
name starts with that letter. This is truly an amazing abecedary.
(Note: Go to this website before you show it to your kids, so you can
play with it first. This is the voice of experience.)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
PHILHARMONIC FOR KIDS
http://www.nyphilkids.org/main.phtml?
Many philharmonics offer special educational programs to
homeschoolers as well as the public schools. Some will come to your
group with a variety of programs. Other times they give special
performances during the day or on weekends that are open to
homeschoolers. If you're planning a visit to the philharmonic near
you, check out this site and help your kids become familiar with what
they may see and hear there. Sponsored by the New York Philharmonic,
the site offers a composers gallery, news, an instrument storage
room, make your own instrument, a composer's workshop and more. It's
not a site with a lot of bells and whistles, but it will make your
visit more interesting. Even if you're not planning an evening of
classical music, this site is worth checking out.
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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
UsborneAmerica.com
Internet-linked history and science books, and a wonderful series on
drawing. Want science projects you can do with materials you already
have at home? Check out Big Book of Experiments! Shop online and
earn FREE books at: http://www.UsborneAmerica.com. For personal
shopping
service, e-shows or e-book fairs, email SharonVE@... or call
888-474-8499 toll free. Sharon Vander Ende, Independent Supervisor,
Usborne
America.
________
GNARLY MATH
gnarlymath.com
MATH PROF WRESTLES HIPPOS IN HIS KITCHEN! Greek geometer Euclid
living in Australia! Talented turtle is expert in Algebra! Burglars
arrested for faulty math! Read all about it in our FREE hilarious
math newsletter, the Gnarly Tabloid (whoops! I mean, Gnews).
Subscribe now to the Gnews, download free examples of our
moneyback-guaranteed CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math, refresh your own
math, and show your children how easy and fun Algebra, Geometry,
Trig, Topology, and Probability can be, all at
http://www.gnarlymath.com
_________
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. Materials to involve, inspire
and support independent learners of all ages!
_________
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
teaching essential skills and strategies ensuring reading success and
confidence. Outstanding fast results! After just five 20-minute
animated, interactive episodes, children read their first Headsprout
book. Act quickly! For a limited time you can try out Headsprout
Reading FOR FREE!
http://www.headsprout.com Please enter the promotional code: HENP11
_________
THE GREAT WORD RACE
TheGreatWordRace.com
Are you getting ready for the holidays? Give the gift that gives
back. The Great Word Race is a board game that challenges your
spelling skills to race to the finish. You'll never believe spelling
can be so much fun! This colorful new board game is like playing
Scrabble but it's a lot more fun. Special playing cards enhance your
ability to build words throughout the game. We'll even gift wrap
your game and send it with a card to that favorite someone.
http://www.TheGreatWordRace.com
_________
HomeSchool FreeStuff
HomeschoolFREEStuff.com
Every week this FREE email newsletter brings you FREE curriculum,
resources, lesson plans, unit studies, interactive online studies and
more! It's even FREE to subscribe! Because Everyone Deserves A Treat
Once In A While!
http://www.homeschoolfreestuff.com/html/home.asp?adid=26
_________
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FINAL WORD
http://www.millan.net/funp/60/momdictionary.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
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
Copyright 2002
HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
November 2002
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^
Welcome to HEM'S ONLINE NEWS! For more information on Home Education
Magazine, read further into 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@....
In the November issue:
~ Lessons at Four ~
~ GEORGE W. ~
~ Ask Carol ~
~ unschooling.com ~
~ Instant Muse ~
~ HEM's Current Issue ~
~ Writing Letters to the Editor ~
~ Bembo's Zoo ~
~ Philharmonic for Kids ~
~ Final Word ~
If you're shopping for the holidays or need to give the grandparents
some ideas, check out our fine advertisers further on in this
newsletter. Grandparents love to know they're helping out with the
kids' education, while you make the choices that suit your family.
And isn't shopping easy online? What did we do without it?
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned
find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no
longer exists. ~~ Eric Hoffer ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
LESSONS AT FOUR
http://home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/196.html
"Should you be concerned if your 4-year-old can only do lessons in
15-minute intervals? Is it as effective to do short lessons
throughout the day or do you need to have schooling for long
uninterrupted periods (1-2 hours)?"
I'm more concerned about the idea of doing lessons with a 4-year-old
than I am about his attention span. While there are times a
4-year-old might be interested in something for 15 minutes, I don't
believe it would happen during a planned,
sit-down-at-the-kitchen-table lesson period. If, during the course of
the day, something comes up that interests him and you study or
discuss it together for 15 minutes, I'd say you had a highly
motivated four-year-old on your hands...
If you want to spend 15 minutes with your 4-year-old, put on a fun CD
or tape of kids music and dance to it. Make animal noises. Get
moving and laughing. Read a book together. Talk about the pictures.
Read it in a funny voice. Act it out together. If he can't sit still
with a book, read to him while he plays with his Lego Bricks? Let him
lead you in a pretend game with his dinosaur toys. Help build a fairy
house under your tree. Construct a castle in the sandbox. Go to the
park, swing as high as you can and slide down the slide.
Go for walks and talk about what you see (language). Stop to examine
small things like spiders or groups of ants (science). Pick up
colorful leaves and stones (small motor development). See how far you
can kick a rock down the street (large motor development). See how
many of your feet you kicked the rock and how many of his (math).
Read the signs you see along the way (reading, spelling and
geography). His attention won't stay on one thing for long. Keep
moving. When you get home, press your leaves in big books, then make
collages with them in the winter (art). Make a display of stones
you've collected and count how many you have (math). Use the kitchen
table only for eating (common sense).
I know parents are eager to start "teaching" their children. (I've
been there.) I'm sorry to tell you it just isn't necessary,
especially at age 4. Oh, sure, there's a large industry perpetuating
itself on the idea that children need professionals to teach them how
to survive in the big, bad world. Nonsense. Children need parents who
follow more than they teach and know how to get out of their
children's way so they can get on with the business of growing up.
It will happen fast enough. You don't want to spend those years doing
lessons at the kitchen table. ~~excerpt from Ask Carol in the
November/December issue of Home Education Magazine ~~
You can read the rest of this column, as well as a couple of articles
and columns from the current HEM 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 in this newsletter, or
visit your local bookseller to get your copy today.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
GEORGE W.
The Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery is celebrating the legacy
of our first president with its traveling exhibit, "George
Washington: A National Treasure." It centers on the renowned
"Landsdowne" portrait saved from auction with a generous $30 million
gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. This exhibit
demonstrates Washington's character of patriotism, heroism and
courage--traits especially important for today's citizens--as it
tours eight major cities across the nation.
Portrait Poster and Teaching Guide: Teachers across America can
request this free kit by internet or phone. It includes a full-color,
museum quality reproduction of the "Lansdowne" portrait of George
Washington by Gilbert Stuart and a 30-page teaching guide. The
comprehensive guide includes lesson plans for grades 2-12 and is
linked to National History Standards. This guide can be used for
teaching elementary students, as well as high school history and
civics classes.
Education materials can be obtained free of charge by calling
1-866-NPG-KITS or visiting the website at:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
ASK CAROL
In addition to editing this newsletter, I write a column for Home
Education Magazine. Now, I don't want to take Dear Abby'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 (this month
is an exception), 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 ~)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
One of the cheapest foods to play with (cooking and otherwise): EGGS.
One year I saved egg shells that had broken really cleanly. Washed
them and saved the two halves together in a milk carton. I filled
them with little notes and confetti or little toys, and used super
glue to put them back together. I wouldn't do that now, I would just
use Elmer's on some tissue paper or crepe paper probably. I fear
super glue.
But anyway.... that wasted no food, and the eggs didn't have to be
blown out, and we could break them to get the insides out. That was
when Marty was little. My kids don't much care about Easter egg stuff
any more.
Eggs aren't very expensive, and so when I've had kids want to throw
one at something (the compost pile corner is good ), I've let them.
Like to throw in the road and see how it looks as it dries or, in the
summer, cooks. And I've told them truly and really never throw eggs
at a house or a car, because as it dries it messed up the paint badly.
I remember wanting to cook when I was a kid and rarely having the
ingredients for anything more than maybe peanut butter cookies (which
I think are gross).
Letting kids use real foods is like getting them good art supplies
instead of "school supply" quality stuff. Even if a kid wanted to
experiment with some fairly expensive food, it's cheaper than bought
science kits from an educational supply place. ~~ Sandra Dodd posting
on the unschooling.com message boards ~~
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]
Or visit the email list website at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
INSTANT MUSE
http://www.webcom.com/wordings/artofwrite/inspiration.html
Now that cool weather is here and we're spending more time indoors,
it's fun to turn to our muses and do some creative writing. Instant
Muse offers both a story starter and a poetry generator to give your
muse a jumpstart.
The story starter gives you a list of criteria for your story based
on the main character's sex, the main character's job or profession,
an archetype, a key object or symbol, setting and a theme. For
instance, my story starter gave me the following start: "My main
character/protagonist is a female. My main character is a social
worker. An archetype present in my story is Cain/Able. A key object
or symbol in my story is a feather. My story will be set in a train
station. My story is about mystery."
The poetry generator gives you one line of poetry and you do the
rest, although the site offers some tips to help ensure success. My
poetry start was "In the narrows of idleness the soldiers unfold,"
and it kind of made me think of the laundry languishing in the dryer.
You can send your creations to the Instant Muse contest where you'll
have a chance to be included in The Art of Writing e-newsletter. Or
just do it for fun. (Editor's note: If you decide to enter your
poetry in any contest that promises money, first check it out at the
following website: http://windpub.org/literary.scams . Many poetry
contests are nothing but scams.)
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
In the November/December issue of Home Education Magazine, you'll
enjoy articles on how to run a self-directed conference, how one
family dealt with a debilitating illness, homeschooling a special
needs child, placemat learning and more. Columns include: Linda
Dobson finds the gift of flow; Laura Weldon addresses record keeping;
Ann Zeise shops online; and Elizabeth McCullough reviews two new
homeschool handbooks. Other columnists include Larry and Susan
Kaseman, Sandra Dodd, Becky Rupp, David Albert and Carol Narigon. HEM
also offers a popular essay by publisher Helen Hegener, classified
ads, letters and discussion, pen pals and networking, and more.
Subscriptions to Home Education Magazine are regularly $32.00 for one
year/6 issues; single issue $6.50. To subscribe, visit our website at
http://home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_introsub.html or send a check to
Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855; for orders:
toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email orders@.... MC/Visa
accepted.
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WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
by Christine Webb and Laura Derrick
Your voice really does count, so don't be shy when it comes to writing letters!
Writing letters to the editors of newspapers and magazines is an
important part of keeping homeschooling issues in the public eye.
Letters to the editor columns are often the most widely read section
of a newspaper or magazine, and public policy officials usually
consider them a good barometer of public opinion. You really don't
have to be an exceptional writer to get noticed if you speak from the
heart and focus on expressing yourself clearly.
Here are 6 important tips to get you started:
1.) Be timely - If you are responding to a particular article,
writing immediately will increase the chances your letter will be
printed.
2.) Keep it short - Most newspapers limit letters to the editor to
200-300 words. A brief letter is more likely to be published and less
likely to be edited. Say what you want, but briefly.
3.) Get to the point - Clearly state your subject and try to make
just one main point. If you find you have too much to say in two or
three short paragraphs, consider writing an op-ed (guest editorial)
piece instead. If you have trouble getting to the point, ask a friend
for help.
4.) Make it snappy - Use humor, facts, or a personal viewpoint to add
interest to your letter. Encourage your children to write from their
points of view as well.
5.) Have it proofread - Nothing makes a worse impression than poorly
written pieces. Any editor will tell you that having someone else
proofread your work is much better than doing it yourself. Polish it
up and then ask a friend to check for grammar or spelling mistakes,
rambling sentences, unclear points and other writing issues.
6.) Identify yourself - Give your name, address and phone number so
the newspaper can contact you to check facts or verify that you sent
the letter.
Find links with more tips for writing to the media, suggestions for
writing op-ed pieces, and information about writing letters to the
editor at http://www.nhen.org/main/default.asp?id=76 .
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BEMBO'S ZOO
http://www.bemboszoo.com
This is the coolest alphabet site I've ever seen. You have to have
Flash, and it takes forever to load, but it's worth the wait. Knit or
eat while it's loading. The first time you'll get a cute line of
alphabet to play with, but that's not the good part. When you click
on the letters, which all make real animal noises, the letter will
transform into a sophisticated artistic rendition of an animal whose
name starts with that letter. This is truly an amazing abecedary.
(Note: Go to this website before you show it to your kids, so you can
play with it first. This is the voice of experience.)
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PHILHARMONIC FOR KIDS
http://www.nyphilkids.org/main.phtml?
Many philharmonics offer special educational programs to
homeschoolers as well as the public schools. Some will come to your
group with a variety of programs. Other times they give special
performances during the day or on weekends that are open to
homeschoolers. If you're planning a visit to the philharmonic near
you, check out this site and help your kids become familiar with what
they may see and hear there. Sponsored by the New York Philharmonic,
the site offers a composers gallery, news, an instrument storage
room, make your own instrument, a composer's workshop and more. It's
not a site with a lot of bells and whistles, but it will make your
visit more interesting. Even if you're not planning an evening of
classical music, this site is worth checking out.
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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
UsborneAmerica.com
Internet-linked history and science books, and a wonderful series on
drawing. Want science projects you can do with materials you already
have at home? Check out Big Book of Experiments! Shop online and
earn FREE books at: http://www.UsborneAmerica.com. For personal
shopping
service, e-shows or e-book fairs, email SharonVE@... or call
888-474-8499 toll free. Sharon Vander Ende, Independent Supervisor,
Usborne
America.
________
GNARLY MATH
gnarlymath.com
MATH PROF WRESTLES HIPPOS IN HIS KITCHEN! Greek geometer Euclid
living in Australia! Talented turtle is expert in Algebra! Burglars
arrested for faulty math! Read all about it in our FREE hilarious
math newsletter, the Gnarly Tabloid (whoops! I mean, Gnews).
Subscribe now to the Gnews, download free examples of our
moneyback-guaranteed CD-ROM Solid Gold Gnarly Math, refresh your own
math, and show your children how easy and fun Algebra, Geometry,
Trig, Topology, and Probability can be, all at
http://www.gnarlymath.com
_________
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. Materials to involve, inspire
and support independent learners of all ages!
_________
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
teaching essential skills and strategies ensuring reading success and
confidence. Outstanding fast results! After just five 20-minute
animated, interactive episodes, children read their first Headsprout
book. Act quickly! For a limited time you can try out Headsprout
Reading FOR FREE!
http://www.headsprout.com Please enter the promotional code: HENP11
_________
THE GREAT WORD RACE
TheGreatWordRace.com
Are you getting ready for the holidays? Give the gift that gives
back. The Great Word Race is a board game that challenges your
spelling skills to race to the finish. You'll never believe spelling
can be so much fun! This colorful new board game is like playing
Scrabble but it's a lot more fun. Special playing cards enhance your
ability to build words throughout the game. We'll even gift wrap
your game and send it with a card to that favorite someone.
http://www.TheGreatWordRace.com
_________
HomeSchool FreeStuff
HomeschoolFREEStuff.com
Every week this FREE email newsletter brings you FREE curriculum,
resources, lesson plans, unit studies, interactive online studies and
more! It's even FREE to subscribe! Because Everyone Deserves A Treat
Once In A While!
http://www.homeschoolfreestuff.com/html/home.asp?adid=26
_________
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FINAL WORD
http://www.millan.net/funp/60/momdictionary.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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See you next month!
Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
HEM-Newsletter@...
Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine
Copyright 2002