Articles by Amanda Bennett
- The Power of Homeschooling -- Empowering, enlivening, energizing – all words that bring to mind a sense of power and energy – invigorating. The power of homeschooling is all of that and more for our generation as parents, the generations that we are teaching, and many yet to be born....
- Kids, Money and Business -- Important Lessons Along the Way -- While we have had more than our share of fun money-making ventures when the children were small, we are working now to prepare them for a successful life as adults, with academic preparation as well as providing a sound and practical financial education...
- Family Traditions -- For Today and Tomorrow - Traditions are so important in families – the sense of security and love that is felt when observing traditions as a family will stay with our children for the rest of their lives...
- Enjoying the Harvest -- I'm writing this today to share some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years of homeschooling -- the importance of enjoying each moment of harvest in our lives, whether it is the accomplishment of a child finally learning to tie their own shoes, the excitement of reading their first book all by themselves, the time "they" point out how pretty the trees look, and many other times where the end product slowly but surely peeks out in the midst of daily life.
- Giving Thanks -- This is the time of year that the warm weather is waning, you begin to notice the smell of burning leaves and ripening apples. The clear cool breeze is on your face first thing in the morning, and the children have new energy and interest in the season. Autumn is here and isn't it beautiful? A time for harvesting, canning, preserving and getting stocked up for winter - and the perfect time for reflecting on the many things for which we should be thankful.
- Christmas: A Study of Love -- From the preparation and celebration of harvest and Thanksgiving to the last day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, there is a wonderful feeling of caring and sharing everywhere, and as homeschooling families, we can take this time to learn, prepare our homes and our hearts, and share with others throughout the year. (Includes activity and resource suggestions for studying Christmas.)
- From My Rearview Mirror -- What a decade this has been! In addition to all that has happened in America, these past ten years have been spent by our family as a homeschooling family – a novel and not-always-positive label ten years ago...
- Taking Care of the Caretaker -- Just as important as the care of our families is the care of ourselves. In this article, I encourage and explain my ideas from my own experiences. In these times of trials and stress, it is so important to send time on yourself and your own mental and spiritual well-being.
- Head For The Ocean -- The ocean was the topic of the very first unit study that I attempted because it was just a short walk from our door and the children were enamored by the beach and the water. They have always been so curious about the things we would find or see on the beach. Using a scope and sequence, I could also see that the older children needed to cover several of the items that related to the ocean in their current level of study. I had a new baby with severe colic that was soothed by long beach walks, two fascinated and eager students anxious to leave textbooks and busywork behind, and a huge field trip arena at our doorstep - the Atlantic Ocean!
- Interests of Our Children -- Creativity is one of those things that I can't discuss enough, and yet it is also one of the most suppressed traits that we have. At birth, human children have an insatiable curiosity about their surroundings. Over the first 4 years or so, we encourage this creativity, to the degree that we have time to nurture -- limited by our own pre-programmed lives. Then, as "school" begins, the student is told what to do, what to think and where to color within the lines. We begin to squelch his desire to investigate independently and be different -- we encourage uniformity and competition in pre-defined areas of attainment.
- Learning About Computers -- Our children deal with computers in a very relaxed manner, much as we do with calculators. Our parents were awed at the power of those first electronic calculators, as we are absolutely amazed with the things that computers can do for us. Computers have played a part in our children's young lives already, and will have even more impact in the future.
- Mom, What Is A Veteran? -- This article provides teaching ideas and information about Veterans Day, written for parents and teachers who want to help children understand patriotism, patriots, and the importance of our veterans and their efforts.
- Science: Making It Fun -- I would like to address the importance of science to your children's education, and it is one of my favorite topics! There is no better way to turn on a child's curiosity and imagination than with science, yet there is no greater fear among most homeschooling parents than the mention of SCIENCE. (CompuServe's Christian Homeschool Forum - Online Conference transcript)
- Summertime Fun -- Over the years, I have found that by keeping the learning process going, casually, through the summer has some valuable benefits. Summertime learning can help keep their thinking skills honed, reading interests and ability don't go through the throttle up and down that is typical in a structured school calendar, and it helps direct their activities in more beneficial areas of fun AND learning.
- Unit Study 101 -- There had to be a way to capture their natural interests to open up the path to deeper learning and understanding - better retention. After reviewing the various curriculum options available and talking to many other homeschooling families that I knew, I decided to try the Unit Study approach.
- Ways to Liven Up Winter at YOUR House -- As we move into the midst of winter,the winter doldrums begin and symptoms of cabin fever appear. Like many families, we tend to read more, work on home and craft projects, and of course, our learning continues full speed ahead. I thought you might enjoy a few suggestions to help you with your family's studies, as well as enjoying the season.
- The Basics
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