HEM's Online News - February 2003
HEM-Online-Newsletter by way of Home Ed
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HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE'S ONLINE NEWS
February 2003
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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@....
In the February issue:
~ The View from 20 Years Out ~
~ Black History Month ~
~ Questions and Answers ~
~ unschooling.com ~
~ Lincoln Fellowship Contest ~
~ Homeschool Volunteers ~
~ Make Stuff ~
~ Blue Web'n ~
~ Bridge Design Contest ~
~ The Final Word ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
I was watching old Looney Tunes cartoons with Casey last week. A
little baby had crawled away without the babysitter noticing, so it
was up to Tom and Jerry to keep him out of trouble. (Made me thankful
I didn't leave my babies with babysitters, but that's beside the
point.) Anyway, the baby crawls onto a flagpole extended out
perpendicular from the tall apartment building. It looks like he'll
fall for sure, but when he reaches the end, he crawls right around it
and is now crawling back toward the building on the underside of the
flagpole. I was just about to comment "Hey that's not possible!" when
Casey says with a smile, "I just love cartoon physics."
Well, okay then. The learning is everywhere. ~~ Mary Gold ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
THE VIEW FROM 20 YEARS OUT
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/201.html
What then should be the end result of homeschooling? What great goal,
what worthy purpose do we seek in educating our own? What do we know
of our journey's eventual destination, what do we hope for and dream
of for these children nearing adulthood?
Twenty-plus years of homeschooling have only left me right back where
I started: With more questions than answers. These are different
questions, to be sure; they address larger perspectives. Instead of
"How much should I teach my kids about science?" or "Will they really
learn to read on their own?" the questions are now "Do they have a
good grasp of how the world really works?" or "Will they find work
they like doing, and opportunities to spend their time among people
they enjoy being with?"
I have been fortunate to find work I enjoy - communicating with words
and ideas - and to work with people I like - primarily other
homeschooling parents. It feels good to know the work we do with this
magazine makes a difference in the world.
But what of our children? Have we done as much as possible to help
them prepare to take their places in the world, in this rapidly
changing, ever-more confusing and perplexing world? And even now, as
most of them are grown and already working in the larger world, is
there more we - the older and presumably wiser ones - could be doing
to help change things, change society, for the better? ~~ Helen
Hegener ~~
You can read the rest of this article, as well as a couple of other
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.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. Why not take this opportunity to
learn more about African American history by trying some of the
following activities:
* Go on an interactive treasure hunt at
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/BHM/bh_hunt_quiz.html
* Read poetry by Langston Hughes on his birthday, February 1 at
http://www.poets.org/poets/poets.cfm?prmID=84 .
* To celebrate Frederick Douglass's birthday on February 14, read his
fascinating autobiography at
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Literature/Douglass/Autobiography .
* Try your hand at a history crossword at
http://www.infoplease.com/xwords/bhm.html .
* Travel the Underground Railroad with National Geographic at
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/99/railroad .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
"I am furious. My 8 year old is the only homeschooled child, and the
youngest, in his den of fourth grade Boy Scouts. The den mother does
everything in her power to make him an outsider. She's commented on
his limited reading skills in front of him, has scouting papers
distributed in school (meaning we aren't informed about some events)
and pointedly ignores me. That my son is years ahead of the other
boys in math, mechanical skills and simple politeness hasn't come to
her attention. Last week when I picked him up I noticed most of the
scouts were inattentive and rough but she only corrected one
child--mine--for not picking up a paper scrap. My son likes this den
and I don't want to burn any bridges by saying the wrong thing to
this woman. Now what?" ~~ Derrick's mom ~~
"My two children aren't interested in sports or video games like
their friends. My husband thinks I've 'made' our kids too different.
I'll admit that we've had fun learning about ancient history,
philosophy and drama---in fact my son contributes to a web site about
philosophic thought. But he's right, they don't have much in common
with their peers. I don't think they would have been like their
classmates if they were in school either. These are my children's
interests. To what degree do you think we 'make' our children
different?" ~~ Kim Silas ~~
To answer a question, or propose your own question, please write to
Laura Weldon via ReaderResponse@... or Questions &
Answers, c/o Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket, WA
98855. Your responses must meet our deadline of the 1st. Please
recognize that your submission may be edited for length or clarity.
Indicate how you prefer your question or answer signed.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
"It's very difficult to talk to people without making them think.
'Thought-provoking' is generally considered, even by most unschoolers
I know, to be a good thing. I see nothing wrong with intentionally
arousing a person's curiosity about any subject, including math. It's
not the same as making them sit down and study something that they
are not interested in and have no need for...
One of the most common objections to unschooling that I hear is that
children may not find and develop their true talents if they aren't
compelled to study a wide variety of unrelated subjects. We counter
this objection with the concept of 'strewing,' which is certainly
intended to make our children think. Sure, we're giving them freedom
to think as much or as little as they please about any given topic;
but we're still trying to expose them to as much food for thought as
we can serve up.
Holly was provoked into doing algebra in her head. Now she wonders
why. That's good. It may lead her to wonder if and how other, more
complicated real life problems can be rearranged into simpler
arithmetic expressions, which may lead to an interest in scientific
method, statistics, engineering, economics, or numerous other
math-intensive fields. She just needs Dad to take a breath and think
about what it is she's really curious about and try to develop that
interest instead of doing a memory dump on her." ~~ anonymous poster
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 .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
The Jan/Feb 2003 issue of Home Education Magazine features articles
on surviving tough times, non-school recess, homeschool empowerment,
math renovation and more. From the columnists: the Kaseman's keep
your privacy; Becky Rupp tells folktales; David Albert learns to love
math; Sandra Dodd respects children; Elizabeth McCullough reviews
"Fundamentals of Homeschooling"; and Carol Narigon gets a homeschool
mom's dad off her back. Other columnists include 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.
(http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/201/issuecontent.html)
To mark our 20th year, Home Education Magazine is offering a one year
introductory subscription for $20.00! (reg $32.00)
To take advantage of this price mention HEM Online News when
contacting us. To order write: Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083,
Tonasket WA 98855; call toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email
orders@.... Or use our secure online form at:
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_hemonline.html.
MC/Visa/Disc cards accepted.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
LINCOLN FELLOWSHIP CONTEST
www.gettysburg.edu/academics/cwi/Lincoln_Fellowship/index.htm
The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania invites students in 7th and
8th grade to participate in its annual essay contest, "What the
Gettysburg Address Means to Me." The deadline is March 31, 2003.
Homeschoolers have dominated this contest the past two years with 2/3
of all entries. A homeschool student from MA won in 2001.The prize
includes a $100 cash award and a Gettysburg family vacation package
for four featuring 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, tours, and admission to
many local attractions during the annual November 19th Dedication Day
ceremony marking the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
The featured speaker at this national event, which last year drew
over 3000 attendees, is always a well-known personality. Past
speakers have included Gen. Colin Powell and Gov. Christy Todd
Whitman. Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney, Senior Fellow at the American
Enterprise Institute, former chairman of the National Endowment for
the Humanities, and wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, was last
year's speaker.
The highlight of the experience for the contest winner is the
opportunity to read his or her essay at the annual luncheon of the
Lincoln Fellowship.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HOMESCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=451
I do a lot of volunteer work for the National Home Education Network.
Our motto is "Changing the way the world sees homeschooling." Earlier
this year, as I was preparing a speech for our state conference, it
occurred to me that if the hundreds of thousands of homeschooling
families across the country donated just ten hours each year, doing
nothing but helping to further the public image of homeschooling,
millions of hours would be spent. Can you imagine the result of more
than a million hours, spent in communities across the nation, doing
nothing more than helping the public understand homeschooling and
homeschoolers just a little better? What an incredibly powerful
effect that would have!
So, I am advocating the just-ten-hours approach. Love to write? Write
letters to the editor of your local paper or to national magazines.
Are you a people person? Invite a local reporter to a homeschool
outing and be your charming, outgoing self. You're the organization
queen or king? Volunteer to organize a project or outing for a
homeschooling organization, then find a way to let the community know
about it. Work together with others to spread the message that
homeschooling is a great choice for many families.
Keep track of your hours and let us know, at NHEN, what you've done.
We'd love for your efforts to inspire others. And if you'd like to do
that volunteer work through NHEN, or just want some ideas, contact us
at volunteers@... and we'll be happy to help you get started. ~~
Christine Webb ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
MAKE STUFF
http://www.make-stuff.com
If you're stuck inside a lot because of cold weather and
precipitation, why not try your hand at a new craft? Using the
directions at the Make Stuff website, you can make crystal hearts for
Valentine's Day, mix up some slime, cross stitch a sweet sampler and
find 60 uses each for vinegar, salt and baking soda. You might even
want to let your kids play too!
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
BLUE WEB'N
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/
BRIDGE DESIGN CONTEST
bridgecontest.usma.edu
The second annual West Point Bridge Design Contest began in January.
Last year several homeschool kids competed successfully and it would
be great if we were represented by more this year. Winners receive
scholarships or notebook computers. If nothing else, the free
software is good for hours of fun. Both my 10- and 17-year-old
created bridges with it, although the contest is only open to kids
ages 13 through grade 12.
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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
Castles, our newest internet-linked history title, will entice and
delight everyone in your family! Browse our new titles list and
enter a drawing for $50 in free books at
http://www.UsborneAmerica.com Email sharonve@... or call
888-474-8499 for personal shopping service. Sharon Vander Ende,
Independent supervisor, Usborne America.
________
GNARLY MATH
gnarlymath.com
GALILEO PROVED THAT LIGHT THINGS FALL AS FAST AS HEAVY ONES in the
same years Shakespeare was writing plays! Read about his experiments,
and look at selections from the first English Dictionary in the
current issue of our FREE math newsletter the Gnarly Gnews --- this
issue dated January, 1599. Subscribe now at http://www.gnarlymath.com
, where you'll discover a moneyback-guaranteed CD-ROM that will show
your kids how easy and fun math can be, and will help you refresh
your own math skills.
_________
THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com
Looking for something to do? Why not: ** Stage a Costume Ball from
the Middle Ages ** Fly Through Human Anatomy ** Take a Virtual Walk
through the Rainforest ** Program a Robot ** Build a Computer Game **
The Resourceful Homeschooler carries great books, science materials
and kits, learning games, and the most interesting software. 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: HENB3
_________
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
If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every
time you want to do something different, to find out what people are
going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a
very strange way to live. ~ Jessye Norman ~
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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
February 2003
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^
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@....
In the February issue:
~ The View from 20 Years Out ~
~ Black History Month ~
~ Questions and Answers ~
~ unschooling.com ~
~ Lincoln Fellowship Contest ~
~ Homeschool Volunteers ~
~ Make Stuff ~
~ Blue Web'n ~
~ Bridge Design Contest ~
~ The Final Word ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
I was watching old Looney Tunes cartoons with Casey last week. A
little baby had crawled away without the babysitter noticing, so it
was up to Tom and Jerry to keep him out of trouble. (Made me thankful
I didn't leave my babies with babysitters, but that's beside the
point.) Anyway, the baby crawls onto a flagpole extended out
perpendicular from the tall apartment building. It looks like he'll
fall for sure, but when he reaches the end, he crawls right around it
and is now crawling back toward the building on the underside of the
flagpole. I was just about to comment "Hey that's not possible!" when
Casey says with a smile, "I just love cartoon physics."
Well, okay then. The learning is everywhere. ~~ Mary Gold ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
THE VIEW FROM 20 YEARS OUT
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/201.html
What then should be the end result of homeschooling? What great goal,
what worthy purpose do we seek in educating our own? What do we know
of our journey's eventual destination, what do we hope for and dream
of for these children nearing adulthood?
Twenty-plus years of homeschooling have only left me right back where
I started: With more questions than answers. These are different
questions, to be sure; they address larger perspectives. Instead of
"How much should I teach my kids about science?" or "Will they really
learn to read on their own?" the questions are now "Do they have a
good grasp of how the world really works?" or "Will they find work
they like doing, and opportunities to spend their time among people
they enjoy being with?"
I have been fortunate to find work I enjoy - communicating with words
and ideas - and to work with people I like - primarily other
homeschooling parents. It feels good to know the work we do with this
magazine makes a difference in the world.
But what of our children? Have we done as much as possible to help
them prepare to take their places in the world, in this rapidly
changing, ever-more confusing and perplexing world? And even now, as
most of them are grown and already working in the larger world, is
there more we - the older and presumably wiser ones - could be doing
to help change things, change society, for the better? ~~ Helen
Hegener ~~
You can read the rest of this article, as well as a couple of other
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.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. Why not take this opportunity to
learn more about African American history by trying some of the
following activities:
* Go on an interactive treasure hunt at
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/BHM/bh_hunt_quiz.html
* Read poetry by Langston Hughes on his birthday, February 1 at
http://www.poets.org/poets/poets.cfm?prmID=84 .
* To celebrate Frederick Douglass's birthday on February 14, read his
fascinating autobiography at
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Literature/Douglass/Autobiography .
* Try your hand at a history crossword at
http://www.infoplease.com/xwords/bhm.html .
* Travel the Underground Railroad with National Geographic at
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/99/railroad .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
"I am furious. My 8 year old is the only homeschooled child, and the
youngest, in his den of fourth grade Boy Scouts. The den mother does
everything in her power to make him an outsider. She's commented on
his limited reading skills in front of him, has scouting papers
distributed in school (meaning we aren't informed about some events)
and pointedly ignores me. That my son is years ahead of the other
boys in math, mechanical skills and simple politeness hasn't come to
her attention. Last week when I picked him up I noticed most of the
scouts were inattentive and rough but she only corrected one
child--mine--for not picking up a paper scrap. My son likes this den
and I don't want to burn any bridges by saying the wrong thing to
this woman. Now what?" ~~ Derrick's mom ~~
"My two children aren't interested in sports or video games like
their friends. My husband thinks I've 'made' our kids too different.
I'll admit that we've had fun learning about ancient history,
philosophy and drama---in fact my son contributes to a web site about
philosophic thought. But he's right, they don't have much in common
with their peers. I don't think they would have been like their
classmates if they were in school either. These are my children's
interests. To what degree do you think we 'make' our children
different?" ~~ Kim Silas ~~
To answer a question, or propose your own question, please write to
Laura Weldon via ReaderResponse@... or Questions &
Answers, c/o Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket, WA
98855. Your responses must meet our deadline of the 1st. Please
recognize that your submission may be edited for length or clarity.
Indicate how you prefer your question or answer signed.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
UNSCHOOLING.COM
http://www.unschooling.com
"It's very difficult to talk to people without making them think.
'Thought-provoking' is generally considered, even by most unschoolers
I know, to be a good thing. I see nothing wrong with intentionally
arousing a person's curiosity about any subject, including math. It's
not the same as making them sit down and study something that they
are not interested in and have no need for...
One of the most common objections to unschooling that I hear is that
children may not find and develop their true talents if they aren't
compelled to study a wide variety of unrelated subjects. We counter
this objection with the concept of 'strewing,' which is certainly
intended to make our children think. Sure, we're giving them freedom
to think as much or as little as they please about any given topic;
but we're still trying to expose them to as much food for thought as
we can serve up.
Holly was provoked into doing algebra in her head. Now she wonders
why. That's good. It may lead her to wonder if and how other, more
complicated real life problems can be rearranged into simpler
arithmetic expressions, which may lead to an interest in scientific
method, statistics, engineering, economics, or numerous other
math-intensive fields. She just needs Dad to take a breath and think
about what it is she's really curious about and try to develop that
interest instead of doing a memory dump on her." ~~ anonymous poster
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 .
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HEM'S CURRENT ISSUE
The Jan/Feb 2003 issue of Home Education Magazine features articles
on surviving tough times, non-school recess, homeschool empowerment,
math renovation and more. From the columnists: the Kaseman's keep
your privacy; Becky Rupp tells folktales; David Albert learns to love
math; Sandra Dodd respects children; Elizabeth McCullough reviews
"Fundamentals of Homeschooling"; and Carol Narigon gets a homeschool
mom's dad off her back. Other columnists include 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.
(http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/201/issuecontent.html)
To mark our 20th year, Home Education Magazine is offering a one year
introductory subscription for $20.00! (reg $32.00)
To take advantage of this price mention HEM Online News when
contacting us. To order write: Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083,
Tonasket WA 98855; call toll-free 1-800-236-3278; email
orders@.... Or use our secure online form at:
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/ORD/_hemonline.html.
MC/Visa/Disc cards accepted.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
LINCOLN FELLOWSHIP CONTEST
www.gettysburg.edu/academics/cwi/Lincoln_Fellowship/index.htm
The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania invites students in 7th and
8th grade to participate in its annual essay contest, "What the
Gettysburg Address Means to Me." The deadline is March 31, 2003.
Homeschoolers have dominated this contest the past two years with 2/3
of all entries. A homeschool student from MA won in 2001.The prize
includes a $100 cash award and a Gettysburg family vacation package
for four featuring 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, tours, and admission to
many local attractions during the annual November 19th Dedication Day
ceremony marking the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
The featured speaker at this national event, which last year drew
over 3000 attendees, is always a well-known personality. Past
speakers have included Gen. Colin Powell and Gov. Christy Todd
Whitman. Mrs. Lynne V. Cheney, Senior Fellow at the American
Enterprise Institute, former chairman of the National Endowment for
the Humanities, and wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, was last
year's speaker.
The highlight of the experience for the contest winner is the
opportunity to read his or her essay at the annual luncheon of the
Lincoln Fellowship.
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
HOMESCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=451
I do a lot of volunteer work for the National Home Education Network.
Our motto is "Changing the way the world sees homeschooling." Earlier
this year, as I was preparing a speech for our state conference, it
occurred to me that if the hundreds of thousands of homeschooling
families across the country donated just ten hours each year, doing
nothing but helping to further the public image of homeschooling,
millions of hours would be spent. Can you imagine the result of more
than a million hours, spent in communities across the nation, doing
nothing more than helping the public understand homeschooling and
homeschoolers just a little better? What an incredibly powerful
effect that would have!
So, I am advocating the just-ten-hours approach. Love to write? Write
letters to the editor of your local paper or to national magazines.
Are you a people person? Invite a local reporter to a homeschool
outing and be your charming, outgoing self. You're the organization
queen or king? Volunteer to organize a project or outing for a
homeschooling organization, then find a way to let the community know
about it. Work together with others to spread the message that
homeschooling is a great choice for many families.
Keep track of your hours and let us know, at NHEN, what you've done.
We'd love for your efforts to inspire others. And if you'd like to do
that volunteer work through NHEN, or just want some ideas, contact us
at volunteers@... and we'll be happy to help you get started. ~~
Christine Webb ~~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
MAKE STUFF
http://www.make-stuff.com
If you're stuck inside a lot because of cold weather and
precipitation, why not try your hand at a new craft? Using the
directions at the Make Stuff website, you can make crystal hearts for
Valentine's Day, mix up some slime, cross stitch a sweet sampler and
find 60 uses each for vinegar, salt and baking soda. You might even
want to let your kids play too!
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
BLUE WEB'N
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/
>From the website: "Blue Web'n is an online library of 1700+<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
>outstanding Internet sites categorized by subject, grade level, and
>format (lessons, activities, projects, resources, references, &
>tools). You can search by grade level, broad subject area, or
>specific sub-categories. Each week 5 new sites are added." All I
>can add is that this site offers a huge list of educational
>websites. Don't try to see them all at once!
BRIDGE DESIGN CONTEST
bridgecontest.usma.edu
The second annual West Point Bridge Design Contest began in January.
Last year several homeschool kids competed successfully and it would
be great if we were represented by more this year. Winners receive
scholarships or notebook computers. If nothing else, the free
software is good for hours of fun. Both my 10- and 17-year-old
created bridges with it, although the contest is only open to kids
ages 13 through grade 12.
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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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USBORNE
UsborneAmerica.com
Castles, our newest internet-linked history title, will entice and
delight everyone in your family! Browse our new titles list and
enter a drawing for $50 in free books at
http://www.UsborneAmerica.com Email sharonve@... or call
888-474-8499 for personal shopping service. Sharon Vander Ende,
Independent supervisor, Usborne America.
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GNARLY MATH
gnarlymath.com
GALILEO PROVED THAT LIGHT THINGS FALL AS FAST AS HEAVY ONES in the
same years Shakespeare was writing plays! Read about his experiments,
and look at selections from the first English Dictionary in the
current issue of our FREE math newsletter the Gnarly Gnews --- this
issue dated January, 1599. Subscribe now at http://www.gnarlymath.com
, where you'll discover a moneyback-guaranteed CD-ROM that will show
your kids how easy and fun math can be, and will help you refresh
your own math skills.
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THE RESOURCEFUL HOMESCHOOLER
resourcefulhomeschooler.com
Looking for something to do? Why not: ** Stage a Costume Ball from
the Middle Ages ** Fly Through Human Anatomy ** Take a Virtual Walk
through the Rainforest ** Program a Robot ** Build a Computer Game **
The Resourceful Homeschooler carries great books, science materials
and kits, learning games, and the most interesting software. Visit
http://www.resourcefulhomeschooler.com 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
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: HENB3
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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
If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every
time you want to do something different, to find out what people are
going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a
very strange way to live. ~ Jessye Norman ~
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Carol Narigon, Newsletter Editor
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Mark and Helen Hegener, Publishers of Home Education Magazine