Category Archives: Handcrafted Education

Our Kids Need Us To Teach by Farrar William As my kids have gotten older, they’ve naturally become more independent. For high school, some days they stalk off with their computers, online classes, and textbooks, confident in their assignments as they head to their rooms to stick on their headphones and get work done. Wow, I think to myself. I am so awesome. My kids really have this homeschool thing down. And then I go to check their work. Oh, maybe we do not have this homeschool thing down. It’s not that bad, though I have to admit that one of my boys …

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Advice for Joining Park Days Park  days, kids running around playing with friends. You, sitting with other parents chatting about kids and homeschooling. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it! Get there early! It’s much easier to get to know a person or two at a time as they start to show up than it is to come in after everyone is already sitting and chatting with their longtime friends. That goes for your kids, too. Let people know you’re new and feel free to ask questions, but understand that this is prime social time for parents and kids alike. They most likely …

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I’ve been leading a class that I created called Making Through History for almost two years, and it has been one of the best teaching experiences I have ever had. The class explores history and the humanities through the art and invention that expressed the values and aspirations of people in a specific time and place. These days STEM/STEAM education is all the rage, and we are told that our children can’t be prepared for the future without it. While I agree that technology and science literacy are essential to navigating the new economy, I would also argue that it …

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We all have hopes and dreams for our children: values we hope they develop, a vision for the world we want to one day see in their future, and our children’s place in helping to achieve that vision. When I imagine the traits I want my children to develop and embody, empathy, kindness, and compassion come to mind.  Incorporating service projects into your secular homeschool journey is a great way to promote these.  This is a hope that they will view the world through a broader spectrum of ideas, philosophy, and understanding than I had the guidance or opportunity to …

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As our homeschooling journey comes to an end, it feels bittersweet. I am proud of the person my son is growing into, yet reaching homeschool graduation means we close a chapter that has been so meaningful in our lives. I know it can be hard to see the end of the journey when you’re still on the path, so I would like to share with you my thoughts on what it means to receive an education handcrafted to focus on a learner’s strengths, challenges, and passions — something all homeschoolers gift their children. Dear Homeschooled Students You have been raised …

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Blair’s 15 most popular essays covering a wide range of topics. Homeschooling, Education, Travel, Service Projects, & of course Science! toc eclectic collection   The Renaissance of a Handcrafted Education   Handcrafted Gift, A Graduation Gift   travel, service and worldschooling An Eclectic Collection of Essays 1   Confessions of a Classical Unschooler   Science   30 Travel Tips from a Worldschooler The Benefits of Secular Eclectic Academic Homeschooling   A Handcrafted Education – The High School Years   How Science Is Best Learned   Helping to Save the World Choosing a Service Project The Best Method to Use for …

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As the parent of a special needs kid, the last thing I ever expected to feel when we began  our homeschooling journey was relief. But that’s what we got. As the single mother of a child with nine different diagnoses, I don’t use the word, “relief”, lightly.

Spring and summer may get all the glory in your garden, but if you’re looking for more reasons to stay outdoors late into the fall, planting a fall garden might just be the thing. Grab the kids, your garden tools, and start planning your fall garden now!

How many of us have felt like a homeschool failure at one point or another? It’s almost always because we’re comparing ourselves or our kids to someone else, which is always a mistake. But how do we turn that around into feeling like a homeschool success? Simply by achieving our goals. Ok, I admit achieving goals isn’t really all that simple. Experts say over and over again that if you want to accomplish something, you need to set goals.  But simply setting goals isn’t enough. Writing our goals down on paper is a great start. But goals must be matched …

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The transition from school year to summer and back again can be as varied as homeschool families themselves.  As a homeschool parent, I’ve noticed some interesting trends around these transitions times. In our homeschool, we don’t have an abrupt change from school year to summer break, which makes the transition easier and gives all of us more time to adjust to a slower tempo. We look forward to our summers because we can get outside more, play at the park, ride bikes, swim, and play in the sprinkler, all things that are kind of difficult to do in deep snow or …

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Kids in middle school are experiencing an explosion in brain activity and connectivity. They go from the black and white, concreteness of earlier childhood, to deeper thinking. They’re really yearning for big questions and ideas. They desire more challenge, but how do we get the level of challenge right?

Filled with vendor coupons, articles from speakers, and clickable links, this Free Magazine is like a virtual trip to the convention, through the vendor hall, and so much more. Issue 1 of the new SEA Homeschoolers Magazine. secular homeschool convention, secular homeschool, homeschool magazine You can check out vendor websites, speaker bios, get more information about convention talks, sessions, and events, and learn about places to visit in Atlanta. There are several new endeavors starting at SEA Homeschoolers this year. This biannual magazine is one of them. Each magazine will be chock full of articles and information about products and …

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Secular Homeschool Podcast from SEA Homeschoolers This fall SEA Homeschoolers will be launching an exciting new secular homeschool podcast! We are looking forward to sharing thought provoking conversations about homeschooling, secular academics, innovative education, and other interesting topics from the secular homeschool community and beyond. Watch for more announcements soon. Would you like to be a guest, or do you know someone who would be a good guest, on our new secular homeschool podcast? We are lining up guests to interview. If there is a guest you would like us to invite, or if you are interested in being a …

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Summer is the perfect time for field trips where the whole family can learn together out in the world! The hustle and bustle of the school year has slowed, and many of us are doing a little homeschool-lite in between pool time and popsicles. I've gathered seven of our favorite summer field trips that will make your summertime learning into memorable experiences for the whole family. These field trips and resources are available across the country. Check out the links included to find one near you! 1. National Parks Become a Junior Ranger this summer or take part in some …

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By Kathy Oaks author of Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits While some people flock to homeschool conventions, others wonder if they are really worth the time and expense. As homeschoolers sometimes it seems like we’re barely staying ahead of the game, and trying to fit in one more thing can feel impossible. Here’s why making the effort to go to at least one homeschool convention a year is really worth your time. At Homeschool Conventions You Will Meet Awesome People First and foremost, conventions are about people. They’re organized by people, attended by people, and have workshops led by people. When …

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