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written by Samantha

Preparing for a New School Year

by Samantha on August 12, 2010

in organization, planning

As a mother, and particularly as a homeschool mother, I often feel like all I do is prepare.  I prepare countless meals, prepare to leave the house to go on field trips or swim meets, and prepare for school.  I have often thought that I spend more time preparing to do something than I spend actually [...]

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Reflections on a New School Year – Academics

by Samantha on August 9, 2010

in curriculum, elementary school, evaluation, high school

As summer quickly speeds past, back-to-school time hovers right around the corner.  During the summer, I spend a lot of time thinking about what worked well and not so well in our homeschool the previous year.  What do I want to change for the new school year?  What do I want to keep the same?  What [...]

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Homeschooling Through High School – Unexpected Questions

by Samantha on June 10, 2010

in high school, socialization

Like a competitive swimmer poised to step up onto the starting block for an important race, my daughter is poised to step up to the starting block of a different kind of course – the high school years. When we started homeschooling over 7 years ago, not everybody that we knew was supportive of our decision [...]

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A Well-Stocked Reference Shelf

by Samantha on April 14, 2010

in high school, language arts, media, middle school, social studies, study aids

One of my goals for my children is self-sufficiency in their schoolwork. Now, many things we do together. I am also always available if a child is stuck or needs help. Having said that, though, one of my primary goals for my children is to teach them how to find the information they need. As an [...]

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Homeschool Portfolios

by Samantha on March 3, 2010

in elementary school, evaluation, high school, homeschooling administrative topics, how to, middle school, organization

It’s getting close to that time of year again – assessment time! In Ohio, we have the option of standardized tests or having a portfolio review of our children’s work by a certified teacher.  I prefer portfolio reviews.  Putting together academic portfolios of my children’s schoolwork allows for:

Reviewing and relishing all that we have learned during [...]

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