Personal Reflections – 3

I do not consider myself a poet, but apparently as I take this journey of Personal Reflections during our preparations for a new chapter in our life I must be accessing a different part of myself.

An Ode to Old Blue

Old Blue when you were new

You went out to share the news.

Alas, years have passed

Old Blue, your jobs are new:

Preserver of clothing,

And, conserver of fuel.

Now, sadly, with our new

Chapter of life, may you

Rest in peace, Old Blue.

P.S. We have been affiliated with Academy Northwest / Family Academy for 20 years, owned Old Blue for 10 years. As we take our work with us online (Family Academy Online), it seems like a good time to buy a new sweat shirt to share the news: Academy Northwest / Family Academy Online! How many more years will we have to serve families in Family Directed Education? Only God knows!Old

Personal Reflections – 2

After being involved in the lives of missionary children at Evangelical Christian Academy in Madrid, Spain (see photo) from 1979 to 1991, finding my niche in my new home took some time.  I tutored for an organization in Tacoma and taught at Heritage Christian School in University Place. While components of these two experiences were similar to what I was doing in Spain, it wasn’t the same.  While it didn’t need to be exactly the same, it needed to be right for this new chapter in my life. God used these experiences in my life for His glory and for my good.

While Ronnie and I were corresponding long distance, he still owned and operated a Christian bookstore in a retail location in Lakewood.  There had been some opportunity for me to test homeschooling families in Spain, so I imagined that I could offer testing and consultation services through his bookstore once we were married.  Meanwhile, Ronnie looked at his situation and knew that marrying entailed additional financial responsibility. Since he gave great discounts and limited his inventory to books that he believed to be consistent with Scripture, it was not supporting himself, much less two people. Several months before we were married, Ronnie closed his bookstore, but maintained much of his inventory.

During the first years of our marriage, we worked for other people, but eventually God led us to work from our home. In 1994 I became of teacher consultant with Family Academy / Academy Northwest as an independent contractor. Family Academy offers services to independent homeschoolers (Able to Teach class and webinars for parents, 1 day academic classes for students and 3 day Outdoor Schools for families) and Academy Northwest offers learning centers throughout western Washington and beyond – a blend between independent homeschooling and private school. Both organizations promote “Family-Directed Education.” Ronnie continued to manage our finances and eventually we began offering homeschool curriculum, Christian books and neurodevelopmental program supplies.  Along with my increasing responsibilities with families, Ronnie’s work load of keeping track of the finances and selling materials increased.

As a teacher consultant with Family Academy / Academy Northwest the Lord brought many families to me that faced academic challenges. I had earned a Master’s of Art degree in Special Education in 1989 and developed a program for struggling students in Spain.   By 2002, I was looking for more tools to help these students. My Academy Northwest learning center was going well, but I wanted to get to the underlying cause for these challenges and not just supply accommodations. In my search I learned of the neurodevelopmental approach to learning. I began an independent study / internship with the International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists in 2003 which culminated in certification in 2007.

www.familyacademy.org                                             www.academynorthwest.net

www.centerforneurodevelopment.com                       www.ican.org

Follow www.unlockinglearningpotential.com for more Personal Reflections this summer.

Top Five Ways to Deal With Well Meaning Family or Friends Who Oppose Homeschooling

One -It’s Legal

In the State of Washington a parent who is homeschooling independently (regulated under the public school sector) must:

1. Qualify (45 qt. Hrs. of college OR work with a certified teacher equivalent of 1 hr a week OR take a parent qualifying course OR be deemed qualified by Superintendent of Schools).
2. File annual “Declaration of Intent” (ages 8-18).
3. Teach the eleven subjects for Grades K-8 (reading, writing, language, spelling, math, science, health, social studies, history, art and music appreciation and occupational education). Or follow the high school graduation requirements for your school district.
4. Assess annually (standardized or non-test assessment) (ages 8-18).

With Private Extension Program (regulated under the private sector) a parent must:

1. Enroll in program and child meets with the teacher a minimum of 1 hour a week average.
2. Teacher plans with parent and evaluates progress.

For the more information regarding homeschool laws in Washington check with www.washomeschool.org. If you are planning a move or currently live in another state, check what other states require by visiting: www.hslda.org.

Two -It Works

Dr. Brian Ray, PhD has conducted research and compiled research done by others to establish that homeschooling works. These studies have looked at different angles – academics, socialization, cost etc. Students who homeschool score high on standardized tests in contrast to public school students.

Home Education Reason And Research
Common Questions and Research-Based Answers about Homeschooling

by Brian D. Ray, Ph.D. (available in Store on website below)

National Home Education Research Institute

www.nheri.org

Home School Legal Defense Association

www.hslda.org

More and more colleges accept homeschoolers; some even recruit them especially.

Three – It’s Individual

One reason public and even private school does not work for everyone is that we are all different in abilities, interests and learning styles.

1. In homeschooling each family can customize an educational program that fits the family and each child.
2. You can consider learning styles and learning difficulties.
3. You can adjust the schedule according to your family’s needs.

Four -It’s Social

1. The family unit is the ideal place to develop social skills.
2. What kind of socializing do children get in a room of their peers?  Where else in life do we associate with only people our own age?
3. There are many opportunities available for homeschoolers to socialize with people outside the home: homeschool band or choir; YMCA physical education classes; sports teams; church groups; scouts etc.

 

Five – It (Can Be) Inexpensive

 

Because homeschooling is individual, I can only say that it CAN BE inexpensive. If you choose a very structured, “school-like” homeschool, it can be very costly. However, there are ways to do it with less expense. Options are virtually endless.

1. Used curriculum sales.
2. Library Materials / living books.
3. Multi-level curriculum.
4. Field trips  / free places and events, seasonal memberships.
5. Support groups.
6. Homeschool Cooperatives.
7. Internet websites.

Maggie Dail, M.A. has been working with homeschoolers since 1994 through Academy Northwest / Family Academy (www.familyacademy.org). She instructs Family Academy’s online parent training course. She began working with International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists in 2003, becoming certified in 2007. (ICAN – www.icando.org) Now in 2013 she is beginning to work with homeschooling families through Family Academy Online. Maggie and her husband, Ronnie operate Center for Neuro Development. Visit their website www.centerforneurodevelopment.com) where you can find new curriculum items and you can e-mail Maggie for a current list of used items.

Does Your Child Struggle with Learning? You Can Homeschool Your Child!

Over the years I have talked with many families who face learning challenges. They frequently have their child in school because they feel they lack the expertise to meet their educational needs. While working with someone with experience in this area may be helpful at times, do not forget that you are the expert regarding your child. Who knows this child better? You do, of course!

FAQs:

1. Do I need a label? Occasionally, having a label provides direction or funding, but it often limits expectations. For an accurate medical diagnosis, as in a genetic disorder, a label leads to a treatment. If on the other hand, the professional assigned the label because of a list of symptoms / behaviors rather than a blood or other lab test, beware of limiting expectations or using a medical treatment (as in drugs). However, even with a non–medical diagnosis, there may be a metabolic / health component. How an individual’s digestive system works can affect learning. One problem faced by many who struggle is the “leaky gut syndrome.” Until you resolve an issue like this, the struggles will remain. Read To Label or Not to Label: Pros and Cons for Seeking Educational Diagnoses.
2. 2.     After determining if we want to pursue a diagnosis / label, what is the next step? Besides knowing where your child is academically you need to make an inventory of tasks that challenge your child. Finding the underlying cause for these challenges is the key to resolving the issue. For example, if an individual has difficulty using phonics in the process of learning to read, he probably has low auditory processing. When this is true, a simple activity done for 3 minutes, 2 times a day, overtime will develop this skill. Free Auditory Processing Test Kit
3. How do I choose the right curriculum? If you have ever gone to a homeschool convention, such as that of WHO, you know that an abundance of curriculum exists. Further, if you have searched online for homeschool curriculum, you know this to be true. Choosing the right curriculum for your family is a personal choice, but you should consider the following:

• What does my child need to learn?
• How does my child learn?
• How do I teach?
• Can I adapt the same curriculum for all my children?
• Does this curriculum conform to our family’s beliefs and life style?

4.     How should I structure our day? This, too, is a personal family choice; however, many children who struggle with learning thrive on structure. In most cases achievement is highest when you balance structure and non-structure. (Able to Teach by Childs and McAlister – Text for Parent Training Course)

Parents are definitely Able to Teach their children and there are many resources available to guide you in a successful family journey.

 

Maggie Dail, M.A. has been working with homeschoolers since 1994 through Academy Northwest / Family Academy (www.familyacademy.org). She instructs Family Academy’s online parent training course. She began working International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists in 2003, becoming certified in 2007. (ICAN – www.icando.org) Now in 2013 she is beginning to work with homeschooling families through Family Academy Online. Maggie and her husband, Ronnie operate Center for Neuro Development. (www.centerforneurodevelopment.com)

Achieve 1-2 Academic Years in 8-12 Weeks with Fast ForWord

Academy Northwest and Family Academy Online will be making Fast ForWord available beginning early in 2013. Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord develops and strengthens memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing – the cognitive skills essential for reading. By strengthening these skills, we see improvement in a wide range of critical and reading skills such as phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, decoding working memory, syntax, grammar, and other skills necessary to learn how to read or to become a better reader. In over 250 studies, research indicates that learners can see achievement gains of 1-2 years in as little as 8-12 weeks. While Fast ForWord is a literacy based program, studies that monitor progress in other areas of the curriculum confirm that it also improves other areas because Fast ForWord teaches one how to learn. Fast ForWord is definitely based on the now, well accepted concept of neuroplasticity that extends throughout life. Interactive activities of this program follow the important concepts of short, frequent, intense (i.e. full focus) that distinguish neuroplasticity. Fast ForWord is a learning accelerator with recommended protocols of 30, 40 or 50 minutes 4-5 times a week.

Those who would benefit from Fast ForWord include:

1. Beginning Learners.
2. Struggling Learners.
3. English Language Learners.
4. College-bound Learners.
5. Learners preparing for GED and college entrance exams.
6. Any Learner.

For more information contact us at mdail@academynorthwest.net or (253) 581-1588 or (www.scientificlearning.com).

Dr. Mercola interview’s Scientific Learning’s founder, Dr. Michael Merzenich: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/12/09/brain-plasticity.aspx?e_cid=20121209_SNL_Art_1

Homeschooling in High School: How to Get the Most Out of a Good Planner

So, you plan to home school a high school student. Many parents have home schooled successfully through the lower grades but start to get nervous as high school approaches. While there are additional considerations, you can continue to home school successfully throughout high school. Unlike previous generations, we have a multitude of resources at our disposal. In this article, I will confine my comments to the elements and use of a good planner.
Parents and students that home school will find general and home school planners in abundant supply. Your first task is to find the right planner for your family. Consider these elements:

•  Instructions on the use of the planner especially regarding high school including graduation requirements.

•  Brief plan for 4 years of high school.

•  Place for goals, objectives – long term (whole year); short-term (semester / quarter); weekly and daily.

•  Record of hours spent on specific courses ( Generally 1 credit = 180 days x 50 minute sessions = 150 clock hours.)

•  Forms to plan individual subjects / classes – i.e. required assignments, materials, grading criteria.

• Place to record what has been accomplished.

• Format that is easy to follow.

•  Physical or digital – your preference.

Now that you have researched the possibilities and you have the chosen planner, you need to use it. For some, using a planner is difficult and for others it easily becomes your constant companion. Whether you are working with an organization which will validate the work done or if you will produce your own home school transcript, keeping records is essential. At the beginning, you and your child will need to work together on completing the necessary record of the work accomplished. Gradually, you will turn over the responsibility to your child and you will be more of a coach who looks it over from time to time.

•  At first, plan with your child and meet at least daily around the planner.

• Gradually, your child will take the responsibility and you will be the coach, meeting less and less frequently.

• If at any time during this gradual transition, your child fails to follow through, do not be afraid to step back a little and stay on that step for longer before trying to take the next step. The amount of supervision and the length of time it takes for independence to be established vary from individual to individual.

•  For those who have trouble, begin with a small portion of the planner and gradually add more tasks.

•  Using pencil rather than ink allows for plans to change – which is so common in life.

•  Making general plans, talking about more specifics and recording the information should occur before the beginning of a class (often in the fall, but could be anytime you begin a new course of study).

•  As time goes on fill in with more specific information.

• Have the planner handy during study time so that changes can be made or actual work can be documented.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Candice Childs and Diana McAlister of Academy Northwest / Family Academy have produced the following resources:

Homeschooling the High Schooler (a complete how to guide)

High School Your Way (a planner for high school students)

Teaching My Own (a planner for elementary students)

http://www.familyacademy.org/Resources/ParentResources/tabid/122/Default.aspx

Academy Northwest  – an accredited school that champions “family-directed education.” http://www.academynorthwest.net

Family Academy offers – Able to Teach to parents who home school or want to home school http://www.familyacademy.org