Tri-Cities Homeschool Support Group

WHO Seminar: Homeschooling and Public School Alternative Learning Programs--What Are the Issues?

2011-02-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

"Join the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) as they present the issues surrounding on-campus and virtual public school programs currently being marketed to homeschoolers. Janice Hedin and Val Howard, WHO Advocacy Committee members and long-time homeschoolers, will help you understand the differences between these programs and homeschooling, and why it really matters." This seminar is now available online at this link.

Encouragement for Type B Homeschoolers

2011-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

A great blog post!

The Third Wave of Homeschool Persecution

2011-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Important article from HSLDA.

Upcoming WHO Webinar

2011-01-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling and Public School Alternative Learning Programs: What Are the Issues?

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/922430046

Statement of Unity Regarding the Washington Home-Based Instruction Law and Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs

2009-05-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Independent homeschooling, under the Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law RCW 28A.200, clearly places responsibility for all aspects of a child’s education in the control of parent(s) and/or guardian(s). Since the RCW, signed into law in 1985, those who select home-based instruction have consistently been referred to by media, academia and themselves as homeschoolers. These homeschoolers are identified by their choice to take full responsibility for their child’s education and the requirements outlined in the Home-Based Instruction Law.

In contrast, Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs (PSALEP) defined in WAC 392.121.182, are government public school programs where the local school district retains control of student learning. Formation of these escalating programs began in 1996 with the introduction of the PSALEP’s rules by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Of concern to statewide independent homeschool organizations is the blurred distinction between Home-Based Instruction (homeschoolers) and participation in a PSALEP government-defined school. Additionally, troubling aspects involve the marketing of PSALEP’s to already-declared homeschoolers and the use of the Declaration of Intent to Provide Home Based Instruction Form as a marketing tool to solicit enrollment.

Currently, a growing number of public school districts throughout Washington are creating Alternative Learning Programs that target homeschoolers for enrollment and thereby funding. Additionally, existing programs are changing part-time enrollment requirements to necessitate nearly full-time participation, even requesting oversight of education in the home. We believe PSALEPs are redefining and undermining the Home-Based Instruction Law and placing the nature of independent homeschooling in Washington State at risk.

While styles may vary, major Washington State homeschool organizations agree that maintaining the strength and understanding of our Home-Based Instruction Law is vital to the health of independent homeschooling in Washington State. The term “homeschooling” must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child’s education and not identified with a state government-operated program.

This statement is made by statewide independent homeschool organizations:
Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) ~ January, 2009
Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington ~ January, 2009
Christian Homeschool Network (CHN) ~ January, 2009
Washington Association of Teaching Christian Homes (WATCH), March, 2009

and endorsed by additional organizations who choose to clarify their position regarding Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs:

Kohanu High Homeschool - April, 2009
Michelle Braunschweig - April, 2009
Tri-Cities Homeshool Support Group - April, 2009

April Homeschool Conference

2009-04-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP & HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE

April 23-25th, 2009
Overlake Christian Church
9900 Willows Road
Redmond, WA 98052

click here to register and see all information on conference.

14th Annual Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference

2009-03-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Featuring Christopher J. Klicka
from HSLDA

Homeschooling Workshops, Vendor Hall
and Used Curriculum Sale

Friday, March 27, 2009
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 28, 2009
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Valley Assembly of God Church
15618 E. Broadway Ave.
(From Spokane: I-90 to the Sullivan exit, one block south on Sullivan, left on Broadway).

Pre-registration Admission is $10.00 if paid by February 28, 2009
After February 28 and at the door, admission is $15.00

Curriculum Sale
The New and Used Curriculum Sale will be open
at various times throughout the conference.
NO CHILD CARE AVAILABLE

Visit www.valleyhomescholars.org
for Schedule and Registration Information.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-31T11:55:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

The TCHSG Coordinating Team
would like to send our warmest wishes
for a Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year to all!

This is the nativity scene this year
at the Washington State Capitol in the Rotunda.

TCHSG is offering Transcript Boot Camp!

2008-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Do you want to learn how to build a High School transcript?
Join us for Transcript Boot Camp!

September 27th, 2008
At Kennewick Church of Christ
From 9am to 2pm (bring a lunch)
Cost is $34 per person with 6 participants
(Price drops if have 12; it drops agian if we have 20)

Registration Deadline is September 12th, 2008

We are excited to have Sherrill Fink facilitate this great DVD seminar by Inge Cannon.

The four sessions will cover the following information:
Session 1 - Diplomas, Accreditation, Graduation, Forms & Format, Academic History
Session 2 - Grades, Carnegie Units, Textbook Equivalency & Time Logs
Session 3 - Curriculum Tips, Class Link, Grade Point, Average & Weighted Grades
Session 4 - Extracurricular Activities, Test Scores, Privileged Information, Vital Attachments, Portfolios & Resumes

To register click on Registration Form under "Transcript Boot Camp" at the top of the right sidebar.

For more information about Transcripts Boot Camp go to Homeschool Transcripts

TCHSG Yahoo! Group is OPEN!

2008-07-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

We finished our Yahoo! cleaning!

TCHSG Yahoo! Group is open for posting.

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. :o)

Blessings,
TCHSG Coordinating Team

TCHSG Yahoo! Weekend Closure

2008-07-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

If you have been to TCHSG Yahoo! Group from July 4th - July 6th and attempted to post a message you will have noticed that we are not accepting any posts over the weekend. This is so we can do some house cleaning of the Yahoo Group. We will open back up on Monday July 7th.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

God Bless America!

TCHSG Coordinating Team

Homeschooling Through High School - A Teens Perspective

2008-06-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

TCHSG had a call out to homeschooled teens to write a short letter on what they might tell other parents who are thinking about homeschooling their teen(s). Here is one teens point of view on his homeschooling experience.
Thanks for participating Nate!........

Dear Parents,

My name is Nate, I'm 16 years old, in the 10th grade, have been homeschooled all my life and I do not attend Running Start. I hope to answer your questions about homeschooling for high school to the best of my knowledge. My high school level math is done mostly on my own, by using the Teaching Text Book's Algebra 2 book and CDs. This curriculum is very easy to understand. For science I use Apologia Science's Exploring Creation with Chemistry text book and accompanying CD. Chemistry and Algebra 2 are my favorite curricula because they explain everything so well and they make it fun too. The only thing a parent has to do with these subjects is supervise, grade the work, give tests, and make sure that records are kept. I enjoy homeschooling because learning is so much faster and easier when you don't have distractions like the high schools do.

My social life, on the other hand, is actually better than those who go to the public school. What I mean by this is, I go to the high school everyday for baseball and I get sick and tired of the other players' crude humor and talk that really doesn't need to be said or heard. I prefer to hang out with my church friends, go to AWANA at my church, Sunday School, youth group and 4-H activities. In my opinion, my social life has not been curtailed in any way because I'm homeschooled.

The one thing I would want to say to parents is, your student cannot climb the mountain of success with one step, it takes one little step at a time to climb the academic mountain as your student prepares for college.

Sincerely,
Nate

A Conversation Between Homeschool Activists

2008-06-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

I came across this wonderful conversation between two homeschool activists titled "Homeschool Activism in Washington State". Emilie is from Washington State and maintains the Washington Home Education Network or WHEN website and Annette maintains a blog sponsored by the American Homeschool Association titled Homeschooling and Public School at Home. You can read their conversation on the Homeschooling and Public School at Home blog.

Enjoy!

Oops!

2008-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

While updating the website last week, inadvertently the links on the right side bar were deleted. They will be added as they are found again. Big OOPS! :o)

Blessings,
TCHSG Coordinating Team

The Blessings of Homeschooling the Highschooler

2008-04-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Dear parents,

On behalf of the TCHSG Coordinating Team, we wanted to thank the parents who took the time out to join us on April 8th at our meeting. We hope we were able to answer your questions about homeschooling high schoolers and if you have questions that we did not cover - please do not hesitate to e-mail those questions to us at homeschooltalk@yahoo.com If we don't know the answer, we will certainly find it out and get back to you. We are your support group and our goal is to support you in your homeschooling journey.

We talked a lot about the nuts and bolts of homeschooling the high schooler; high school graduation requirements, diplomas vs. GED's, high school time-line, record-keeping, Running-Start etc. but we didn't get a chance to elaborate on the true blessing it is to homeschool the high schooler.

As I shared tonight, this is our fourth year homeschooling and we have a freshman this year. I was terrified at the thought of homeschooling when we started and my friends & family can attest to the fact that I read EVERY book that I could get my hands on about homeschooling. I prayed about it and after 9 mos. of research and interviewing every homeschool family I could (sounds obsessive right?)....we decided that God was leading us down the homeschool path. Fast forward a couple of years... we now had an 8th grader soon to be a freshman so I started AGAIN my research, now about homeschooling the high schooler. The task seemed daunting and the common thoughts cross your mind: Can I really do this? Meaning, how much of Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar do I even remember? Will my teen and I make it through the high school years with me teaching them? Record keeping seemed really scary...and so on. But again I asked myself: "Who is more qualified to teach my high schooler then I am?" I'm their parent and I have their best interest in mind. As a homeschool parent, we'll do whatever it takes to set up our children for success.

Well, we are almost to the end of our freshman year and I have to say...this year has been a true blessing to our family. I look at my boys and feel an overwhelming gratitude for the time that I get with them. I love the conversations that we have while just driving in the car, the live debates about whatever because it's usually the views of two boys against one girl (mom), and the bond that we share because we do spend so much time together. They are growing up into young men and I am extremely proud of who they are and while homeschooling, we as parents have had the opportunity to mold their characters instead of the influences that they would have been exposed to amongst their peers had they been in the public schools. I'm not saying that it's
always easy but it's extremely rewarding. Our children now that they are high schoolers are not with us too much longer....cherish the time and know that you will look back on these years with fondness because you gave them your best. You can do this and you're not alone!

May God continue to bless you and your family.

Warmest regards,

Darlene O'Neil-Servin

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

2008-04-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

TCHSG Tonights Meeting Information:

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

Date: Tuesday, April 8th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Loacation: Kennewick Church of Christ
3926 W. Kennewick Avenue...you can click on the calendar on the right to get driving directions

We will be having a couple of drawings at the meeting:
* A one year subscription of Old Schoolhouse Magazine and
* A copy of Mary Schofield's "The High School Handbook" Junior
and Senior High School at Home
A must read for any parent who is looking for practical advice
about homeschooling a junior and/or high schooler!

There will also be a Curriculum Sale...set up at 5:30pm...open to the public at 6:00pm

Plus coffee and delicious desserts! We hope to see you all there.

Blessings,

TCHSG Coordinating Team

Extended Deadline!!! Contest for Homeschooled High Schoolers!!!

2008-04-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

The Tri-Cities Homeschool Support Group is having a contest that needs
your attention! We are asking you to share with us your candid views
of being a homeschooled high schooler. We will be posting the top
five responses on our blog site and sharing all submissions at our
upcoming meeting titled "The Blessings of Homeschooling High
Schoolers" scheduled for April 8th.

We have numerous parents who are asking themselves the following
questions: 1) Am I qualified to teach my high schooler? Will my teen
and I survive the high school years? 2) What curriculum is best? How
do I teach Chemistry and Algebra 2? 3) Record keeping – is it as
difficult as it sounds? 4) What about the social aspect?

We are asking you (from the high schooler's perspective) "What would
you say to our parents who are wondering if they should homeschool
their high schooler next year?".
Things like:
• Do you enjoy being homeschooled? Pros and/or cons
• Do you participate in Running Start? And if so, what do you
think about it?
• What has been your favorite high school curriculum?
• Do you feel that you miss out on social activities?
• If there was one thing that you wanted a parent of a high
schooler to know about homeschooling thru high school, what
would it be?

We will be choosing five of these submissions to post on our blog and
if you are one of those five, you will win a $25.00 gift card.

Guidelines:
• Please write your submission in a letter format. "Dear
parents,….."
• Deadline is Saturday, April 11th...Extended Deadline!!!!
• E-Mail your submissions to: homeschootalk@yahoo.com
Subject Line: Advice on Homeschooling High Schoolers

Parents – if you have a high schooler who is homeschooled, please
encourage your high schooler to take the time to pass on their
insight. We have a need in our homeschool community for input and
guidance regarding homeschooling thru the high school years. As a
parent - if there was one piece of advice that you could pass on, what
would it be?

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Blessings,

TCHSG Coordinating Team

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

2008-04-03T14:11:00.001-07:00

TCHSG Upcoming Meeting Information:

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

Date: Tuesday, April 8th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Loacation: Kennewick Church of Christ
3926 W. Kennewick Avenue

We will be having a couple of drawings at the meeting:
* A one year subscription of Old Schoolhouse Magazine and
* A copy of Mary Schofield's "The High School Handbook" Junior
and Senior High School at Home
A must read for any parent who is looking for practical advice
about homeschooling a junior and/or high schooler!

Plus coffee and delicious desserts! We hope to see you all there.

Blessings,

TCHSG Coordinating Team

The Language House...Open House!

2008-03-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Language House is having an Open House!

The Language House has these classes to offer....
Mandarin Chinese
English: Composition and Grammar, Essay Writing and Publishing
French
Hebrew
Latin
Russian
Spanish

With early registration in process from now through April 20th, please consider joining us this

Saturday
March 15th
between 10:00am-12noon

Come talk to our wonderful teachers, see the classroom, and
get answers to all of your questions!
RSVP is appreciated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or if you would like to RSVP

Inland Northwest Homeschool Winter Conference

2008-03-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Featuring Reb Bradley
from Family Ministries in Sheridan, CA

Homeschooling Workshops and Curriculum Sale

Friday, March 28, 2008
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 29, 2008
7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Valley Assembly of God Church
15618 E. Broadway Ave, Veradale, WA (near Spokane)

(From Spokane: I 90 to the Sullivan exit, one block south on Sullivan, lefton Broadway).

Pre-registration Admission is $10.00
Admission at the door is $15.00

Curriculum Sale

The New and Used Curriculum Sale will be open at various times throughout the conference.
To reserve a table contact VHS

No Childcare Provided

Reb Bradley, father of 6, is a pastor who ministers to the Body of Christ at large. Reb has been a radio counselor and talkshow host, and as a writer and national conference speaker he works diligently to strengthen the modern Christian family. He conducts seminars and teaches extensively on issues related to marriage, fatherhood, child training, and single Christian living. Reb is most noted for his book Child Training Tips: What I wish I knew when my children were young. Reb and his wife, Beverly, have taught all six of their children at home, with three now grown and three still at home.

Beverly, Reb's wife and mother of 6, devotes herself to raising her children, and allows time to disciple wives and mothers according to Titus 2:4-5. She is a powerful communicator, and a popular keynote speaker at women's gatherings. Committed to teaching the Word of God without compromise, she speaks with sensitivity, humor, and biblical wisdom in addressing issues related to motherhood, marriage, and home schooling. Her frank, transparent style leaves her listeners challenged, yet hopeful in their walks with Christ. Many, in fact, have described Bev's ministry as "absolutely life-changing."

In addition to having Reb Bradley as the main speaker at the conference, Beverly Bradley will be
conducting workshops. We will also have local area homeshcoolers present workshops.

2008 Conference Registration form
Curriculum Sale Information
Workshop Descriptions and Schedule
Local Hotel Information

For more information please contact Valley Home Scholars.

Janice Hedin Scholarship

2008-02-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

In honor of her years of dedication to ensuring homeschoolers can achieve their dreams, the Washington Homeschool Organization proudly announces the establishment of the Janice M. Hedin Scholarship

"For the Homeschoolers of Washington State"

Students who have homeschooled in Washington State, in accordance with RCW 28A.200 Home-Based Instruction Law, have the opportunity to win a college scholarship. Washington Homeschool Organization will award the Janice M. Hedin Scholarship to homeschoolers as follows: first place - $500, second and third place - $250 each.

Theme: "Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination"

Eligibility:

1.. Washington State Homeschool Seniors who intend to enroll in a post-secondary technical college or university in 2008.
2.. The student's family must be a member of WHO and have been a member during the student's senior year (or the year prior to beginning Running Start.)
3.. Selection will be determined by financial need, academic preparation, work experience, community service, essay by the student and telephone interview of finalists.
Application: please submit the following:

1.. Completed application form
2.. Selection criteria statement, written by student or parent, 500 words or less
3.. Student essay of 500 words or less
4.. One letter of recommendation from a non-family member
5.. Copy of Declaration of Intent for senior year (or year prior to beginning Running Start)

Application must be postmarked no later than March 1st, 2008.

Send completed application and all required documents to:

Janice M. Hedin Scholarship Committee
Washington Homeschool Organization
6627 S. 191st Pl, Suite F-109
Kent, WA 98032

Finalists will have a telephone interview with a member of the scholarship committee. Student essays on homeschooling become the property of Washington Homeschool Organization, and may be printed on the WHO website or in the WHO's News.

Red Alert for WA Homeschoolers

2008-02-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

Red Alert for WA Homeschoolers

Dear Friends of Christian Heritage,
Please read the following legislative Red Alert from Christian Homeschool Network (legislative liaison organization for Christian Heritage). This alert describes legislation introduced earlier this week which is potentially dangerous to our Washington State homeschool freedoms.

No action is needed at present, but please stay tuned! And please fervently pray with us for God’s protection on our abilitiy to legally continue discipling & educating our children at home.

Serving Christian Homeschoolers for God’s Glory,
Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington
www.ChristianHeritageOnline.org

RED ALERT...

ATTENTION ALL HOMESCHOOLERS AND SUPPORTERS:

Monday evening CHN was made aware of a bill that would repeal most of the education code, which would include the home-based instruction laws. After much discussion with the prime sponsor of the bill Senator McAuliffe, who is also Chair of the Senate Education Committee, we were able to propose a simple solution to exempt the homeschool laws RCW 28A.200 the home-based instruction law, RCW 28A.225.010 the part of the compulsory attendance law which allows for home-based instruction and RCW 28A.195.010 which allows for homeschooling under private school extension programs. Not realizing that this would be so simple, Senator McAuliffe quickly agreed to make these changes to her bill!

Anticipating that a bill like this may be introduced this session, CHN began discussions last year with other state leaders at CHN’s State Support Group Leaders Summit. We all discussed what we need to do to prepare and how best to protect the homeschool laws. Thankfully, this helped us to be ready, when speaking with Senator McAuliffe, to present a reasonable, simple and united solution. Also, this is why we asked you to write your legislators in the fall asking them to protect the homeschool laws. Your actions helped us to gain support from other lawmakers on this issue.

As some of you may remember there was a similar bill in 2001 which also would have repealed the education code including the homeschool laws. At that time due to the opposition of homeschoolers this bill died in committee.

However, at that time many homeschoolers seem to be confused as to what are the homeschool laws versus what laws affect homeschooling. Many of us say “don’t touch our law” but we have not defined what that means. Click here to see a document CHN prepared for state homeschool leaders to help clarify what we mean by the “homeschool law” and help us all to be united on this issue.

CHN passed out a similar document to the Senate Education Committee at the February 6th hearing so that they, too, would be better informed on our laws. We followed up with many senators on the Education Committee and they showed their support for our proposed changes and agreed to take us out of the bill!

No action is needed at this time. However, we wanted to make sure you were aware that this is a potentially dangerous bill and we all need to be informed and ready to take immediate action if necessary.

We all need to stay diligent in monitoring this bill. Please contact us immediately if you hear anything. You can reach Scott and DiAnna Brannan at our home telephone (253) 639-3325 or via e-mail at chnow@msn.com.

This has been a fast session and this bill is moving very fast as well. It was introduced on Tuesday, had a hearing Wednesday morning, and could be voted out of committee today (2-7-08)—which means it could go to the Floor for a vote soon.

We will keep our Legislative Activity Page updated as necessary and will keep you posted on the progress of this bill.

Our status in Washington State must stay at RED ALERT until this bill passes or the legislative session has ended.

FYI- As soon as CHN heard about this bill they alerted Christian Heritage, Home School Legal Defense, Family Academy, and the Washington Homeschool Organization. Thank you Christian Heritage for immediately alerting your prayer chain. Your prayers greatly sustain us and are very much appreciated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

See Senate Bill SB6929.

To learn more about this bill read the Senate Bill Report. This report clearly states that it is not the intention of this bill to repeal the homeschool law.

Preserving homeschool freedoms for today and tomorrow!
Christian Homeschool Network
www.CHNow.org

We are able to continue our work as a result of your gifts. It takes a large amount of financial resources to maintain a presence in Olympia each session, put together an annual newsletter, research and prepare reports, make thousands of copies, and maintain a website and a free e-alert system.

We sincerely welcome your financial support, which is the lifeline God uses to allow us to exist. We do not have any financial grants, or other sources of income to provide for this work. We pray that you will consider helping with this great mission. Your participation will help us preserve our homeschool freedoms today and for future generations.

To support our efforts monetary gifts to CHN are appreciated; however as with all political lobbying organizations they are NOT tax deductible, but nevertheless remain vital to our continued efforts on behalf of homeschooling. Please make checks payable to: CHN, 10638 SE 236th St., Kent, WA 98031 Or become a member by joining us today.

This information is not intended to be and does not constitute the giving of legal advice. Before making any decisions that could affect the legal status of your homeschool program contact Home School Legal Defense Association www.HSLDA.org for advice.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone has a Knowledge filled Happy New Year!

What's happening in January...

Planning Meeting for the Spring Teen Dance
Planning Meeting for 2008 Graduation

If you have any questions regarding these events please feel free to email us at homeschooltalk@yahoo.com

Homeschooling through the Holidays

2007-12-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it’s December already?! Time seems to move faster and faster with each passing year. This 2007 season marks my 14th Holiday Season as a homeschooling Mom. During that 14 years our holidays have run the gamut from calm and peaceful to crazy and ‘Mom’s having a melt-down’ hectic. Ultimately I have learned that the Christmas season is a unique, God given opportunity for the homeschooling family. If we take advantage of it we will reap many academic, spiritual and ‘real-life’ blessings that don’t come our way everyday.

If you are currently going through the ‘pulling your hair out’ or ‘having a melt-down’ experience, there is hope! You can transform your holiday season into a peaceful yet purposeful season. It will require a little uninterrupted Mom time. This can be tricky, but with a little effort you can make it happen. Have older kids watch the young ones, assign silent reading or room cleaning chores with the understanding that you are not to be disturbed until the timer dings. If your children are all very young it might mean nap time or quiet time with a stack of picture books. Sitting the little tykes in front of a good video is also an option – this is important and it will be worth it.

Now, let’s take a breather and re-evaluate! When your home is stressed things aren’t working!! To fix it requires studying the situation and making some changes. So grab a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage), some paper, a pencil and your calendar and then sit down where you can do some good thinking. Ask your heavenly Father to guide and bless you through this process. Do a few deep breathing exercises. Now you’re ready.

To study the current situation, establish your school days and your break days on the calendar (use pencil for now as these may change). Next, on a piece of paper, list the school subjects or assignments you are trying to cover during your chosen school days. Then, list each holiday activity, project or event that you plan to do or participate in during this holiday season, whether on school days or break days, with the estimated time required for each. For our purposes you will want to include packing and travel plans if you are making a trip, as well as Christmas shopping or writing a family news letter. You have just created what we will call your “to do” list. Now look at your calendar and your “to do” list. Does it look like you can fit it all in? Note that some of your projects may be spread out over a number of days. If it looks like the two will work together with out any trouble, assign your assignments, projects and activities a day and time and write them in with pencil. Then your good to go! If, on the other hand, it looks like you’re in for days of a headaches, knots in your stomach, hyper-ventilating or heart palpitations, you have a problem. It’s called overcommitment; trying to do too much; overestimating your ability in the time available.

Good news! This is fixable! The answer is simple. You either need more time or less to do. Since God has already set our time as 24 hours in each day, so the only option left is planning less to do in the time allotted. Simple, right? But I didn’t say easy. Cutting down on our list of things to do can be difficult. But one of the blessings of homeschooling is that you are in charge and your ultimate authority is the Lord. So with His help you _can_ do this. Below I have listed some tips to keep in mind as you are down sizing your “to do” list. As you read through these, mark out less beneficial items on your “to do” list _with confidence and conviction_.

Tip #1: As a homeschooler you get to choose when to take your breaks. You might get more bang for your time buck by spending any where from a whole month to one week focusing exclusively on holiday items. Bring the books back out after the new year. Or maybe you need to switch to light duty schooling and fill in the extra time with holiday items.

Tip #2: Remember that there are only so many hours in each day. For _each_ item you _add_ to the day, _one_ item must _go_!! If you add a cookie decorating project you must take out one school item of similar time value. Even on your break days don’t over estimate how much you can accomplish in the time you have been given.

Tip #3: Pare down your holiday list. Look at each item and ask yourself - “Is this item something I really want to do?” If the answer is yes, leave it on the list. If the answer is no, ask yourself - “Why am I doing it?” If the answer isn’t a good one, then mark it off your list. “Is this item a realistic activity or project for our family at this time?” (If your kids are at the age where you can’t go to the bathroom without a flock of children joining you, this probably isn’t the year to take on a project that requires your undivided attention or the children’s ability to monitor themselves for any length of time.) If not, you can always reserve it for the future.

Tip #4: Prioritize the items on your holiday list by using #1 for the most important, #2 for the second most important, and so on. Be willing to let the least important items go or put them on a list for next year.

Tip #5: Consider the ‘instead’ principles. Instead of doing a worksheet on measurements we will use measuring cups and spoons to actually measure ingredients as we make Christmas cookies. Instead of doing a math page we will calculate the mileage from our house to grandma’s house, determine how many gallons of gas this will take and the cost. To incorporate geography we will us a map to plan our stops to fuel up, get food, or stay in a motel. Instead of writing a paragraph for our language arts assignment we will each write a portion of our holiday letter to send to family and friends. For art have the children help with Christmas wrapping, from decorating your own paper, to putting on the ribbons, bows and name tags. For listening comprehension to oral reading skill and literature there are many classic picture books and great works that we can all take turns reading together. There are endless possibilities.

Tip #6: Don’t forget that this season presents a wonderful opportunity to teach some life altering lessons of the heart that will far out weigh any academic lessons they might learn in the next 3 or 4 weeks. Wow, when you look at it that way, the education your providing your kids, without the books, is the best education possible. This is educating the whole child!

Tip #7: Stay flexible! Keep tabs on the tone of your home and make changes as needed. Remember, your working for a peaceful, Christ centered, holiday season.

Tip #8: Assign older children to teach younger children while you take care of other things. For example – older child reads to younger child, older child explains math to younger child. This is a good time to stretch upper elementary and middle school skills by having them work on their own in an area, like math, reading the lesson and doing the assignment with out you. Check their work later to see how they did.

Tip #9: If you have high schoolers they may not feel comfortable taking time off from school at this point – they are after all on a time schedule. Be sensitive to this fact and allow them to determine their schedules as much as possible. But, you can let them know that you will not be available to assist them from this date to this date. So if they think they will need help they can talk to you before or after that time. This helps them practice planning ahead, being an independent learner, and scheduling. If they get stuck, they can put it away until after the new year, when you will help them figure it out. They won’t get too far behind; and you can quickly get back on track.

Now that you have down-sized your ‘to do’ list, your ready to line out the date and time for each assignment, project and event on your calendar (in pencil to allow for flexibility). You can begin implementing this schedule tomorrow. Now you’re ready to relax and enjoy your family during this holiday season. Remember Mom, you set the tone for the home. If you are stressed, the home will be stressed. If you are at peace; enjoying the season, your home will be at peace; enjoy the season.

~ May God bless you and your home with a

Wondrous Christmas & and Blessed New Year

Sammie Russell - TCHSG Coordinating Team Member

Welcome!

2007-08-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new website of the Tri-City Homeschool Support Group!

We are thrilled to have the new site up and running and excited for you to see what we’ve been up to.

A few notes on the new site and what you can expect to see in the coming months:

Links to various sites and timely homeschool information.
There will be daily/weekly posts here with information about the latest homeschool events in the area and information about upcoming homeschool events.
This site will be a continual newsletter of sorts with information and inspiration. We will highlight homeschool issues and questions, share/comment on the numerous curriculum's now available and various homeschool styles.
As the year rolls along, we will also talk about: Running Start, Testing, homeschooling high schoolers and many other topics.
We will have homeschool parents and teens as guest writers.
Schedules and topics for our TCHSG meetings will be posted here also.

The TCHSG Yahoo group will still be used for parents to stay connected and communicate with one another. This site’s format will be to have more specific conversations about local and national homeschool topics.

Items that are coming up:

TCHSG Kickoff Meeting September 11th at 7pm. Mark your calendars! You can click on the link to the right to go to our calendar under "TCHSG Calendar". Then click on September 11th on the calendar to get driving directions.

Declaration of Intent to Homeschool forms due by September 15^th.
On the right side bar under "Homeschooling in Wa State", you will find a link to the DOI that you can print off. Under "Local Superintendent's Offices" you will find where to take your DOI.

Great Expectations will be offering A Framework for Homeschooling September 21-22. It will be located at the Richland Church of Christ. Click on the "TCHSG Calendar" for detailed information.

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So, have a seat, kick up your feet and take a look around. Please send us a comment on what you think and share with us what else you would like to see added to this site. We would love to hear from you…this site is for you!

Blessings,

Your TCHSG Coordinating Team

Tri-Cities Homeschool Support Group

WHO Seminar: Homeschooling and Public School Alternative Learning Programs--What Are the Issues?

Encouragement for Type B Homeschoolers

The Third Wave of Homeschool Persecution

Upcoming WHO Webinar

Statement of Unity Regarding the Washington Home-Based Instruction Law and Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs

April Homeschool Conference

CHRISTIAN HERITAGEFAMILY DISCIPLESHIP & HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE

14th Annual Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

TCHSG is offering Transcript Boot Camp!

TCHSG Yahoo! Group is OPEN!

TCHSG Yahoo! Weekend Closure

Homeschooling Through High School - A Teens Perspective

A Conversation Between Homeschool Activists

Oops!

The Blessings of Homeschooling the Highschooler

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

Extended Deadline!!! Contest for Homeschooled High Schoolers!!!

"The Blessings of Homeschooling High Schoolers"

The Language House...Open House!

Inland Northwest Homeschool Winter Conference

Featuring Reb Bradleyfrom Family Ministries in Sheridan, CA

Homeschooling Workshops and Curriculum Sale

Curriculum Sale

No Childcare Provided

Janice Hedin Scholarship

Red Alert for WA Homeschoolers

Happy New Year!

Homeschooling through the Holidays

Welcome!

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP & HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE

Featuring Reb Bradley
from Family Ministries in Sheridan, CA