by Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP Sometimes a subject comes up that is so wide-reaching in its impact that it can’t be ignored. As a special educator for more than thirty years as well as a nutritionist, I am always on…
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How to Evaluate a Child
Q. For an evaluation, it says the child must show progress. Since my special needs child is behind in several subjects, will that affect her evidence of progress? A. Being behind in some subjects would be more evident on a…
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“Weather” or Not
by Michelle Crooker This year, Bug and Princess are both studying biology in NOEO Science, sold through Logos Press, and they are currently learning about weather. One of the things I like about NOEO Science is their name. “Noeo” is a…
Read MoreTransferring Credits to Public School
Q. If I decide to transfer my high school student into public school, will they accept his homeschool credits? A. Based on Virginia law, each school district makes its own policies for students transferring into government schools. School divisions are…
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Organizing for Thanksgiving
- By Florence Feldman, www.organizedtimes.com Sometimes the turkey is not the only thing that gets stuffed at Thanksgiving. When making room for holiday company, we stuff our closets, attics, basements, showers, and other out-of-sight spaces with “stuff” we just don’t…
Read MoreCAT-5 Test Change
Q. I understand the CAT-5 survey test is being phased out. Is there another test that covers only what the law requires? A. The TerraNova test is replacing the outdated California Achievement test (CAT). It is published by the same…
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Apprenticeship and Mentorship Making a Comeback
by Mike Cheney In the 250 years since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution when the fragmenting of the family into individual labor units began in earnest, the concepts of apprenticeship and men- torship largely disappeared from the American culture….
Read MorePSAT Changes in 2015
Q. I know the SAT exam is being redesigned, but will the PSAT change, too? A. Yes, the College Board is revising the PSAT/NMSQT test along with the SAT. The new PSAT exam is scheduled to be in the hands…
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Common Teen Struggles
by Maiya Drennen Throughout our lives, different struggles will take their toll on each and every one of us. The teen years, for most of us, are filled with struggle. During them, we’re still learning; still discovering new things; and…
Read MorePamplin Park Homeschool Days
An HEAV-Sponsored Event Location: 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg Date: Friday, November 14, and Friday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $10.50/adult; $9/child age 6 to 18; children age 5 and under are free. Registration: To register,…
Read MoreLearning to Be Wrong
by Kyndra Steinman Does this ever happen at your house? You are teaching a math lesson and ask your student, “What number, plus six, equals fourteen?” “Seven,” he replies positively. “No,” you say, “that’s incorrect.” And the arguing commences… “I…
Read MoreRecords from Public School
Q. Can I get a copy of my child’s public school records? I am not sure what my legal rights are. A. Yes, you may go to your child’s previous school and request a copy of the record from the…
Read MoreHistory to Science
by Michelle Crooker This year Six Hands is studying U.S. History. One of the reasons for this is that he requested to do so, but the other reason is because I really wanted to get out of the ancient world. Between…
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Recognizing Progress
by Kyndra Steinman The other day, we had one of those days when all of the interactions with a particular child go badly. You know–the days when the child in question starts trying to run the world before he’s even…
Read MoreNational Spelling Bee
Q. How do homeschoolers enroll in the 2015 National Spelling Bee? A. Homeschool support groups or co-ops can enroll in the Scripps National Spelling Bee just like other students. Fees are the same for all types of schools whether public,…
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Four Secrets for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
by Daniel Craig The basics of entrepreneurship―responsibility, initiative, and ownership―are essential, not just for Fortune 500 business owners, but also for any young person getting started in life. A generation ago, these basics wouldn’t have been considered unique; today, they…
Read MoreBoys State
Q. Can homeschool students participate in Boys State? A. Until recently, homeschooled students could not participate in Boys State, but through the hard work of interested homeschool parents, they now have the opportunity to be elected to Boys State. Qualified…
Read MoreNature Study
By Michelle Crooker Although we don’t do it nearly often enough, the kids and I enjoy going on nature walks. Six Hands and I go on plenty of hikes with his Scout troop, but there tends to be a difference…
Read MoreK12 Virtual School
Q. Can K12 be used as a homeschooling curriculum? A. K12 curriculum can be used in one of two ways: 1) as the curriculum for a virtual public school at home; or 2) as the curriculum for a homeschooled student…
Read MoreWhat Are Your Goals
by Kyndra Steinmann So, here we are–a month into the new school year for most of us–and I have a question: What are your goals this year? Oh, I know, I know–you want to finish the grade-level-appropriate work, teach Johnny…
Read MorePSAT® Test Registration
Q. Where do I register my high school student for the PSAT®? A. A Homeschooler must register for the PSAT® at the local public high school in the school district in which he resides or another school close by. Some…
Read MoreSummertime Schooling in Southwest Virginia
A Things to Do and Places to Go around the Commonwealth Series – Part 4 – Southwest VA If you have been following my series of Summertime Schooling, that you will know that so far we have covered: Summer Time…
Read MoreNotification Deadline Passed
Q. Is it too late to begin homeschooling now? A. No, it’s not too late to begin homeschooling. Parents may begin homeschooling after the August 15 deadline if they move into a new school division, or if they decide to…
Read MoreDoes Attitude Matter?
by Kyndra Steinmann A question was brought up by a friend after my recent post about getting back into routine: “I focused on attitude almost exclusively, figuring that jobs would be well done if the attitudes were right. For…
Read MoreSpecial Needs and Parents’ Rights
Q. May I remove my preschooler with special needs from school and educate him at home? Are there additional requirements? A. According to the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), school districts must locate, identify, and evaluate children aged 3–22…
Read MoreFinding a Support Group
Q. Now that I’ve started homeschooling, where can I find a support group? A. HEAV has a list of local support groups and co-ops on the HEAV website. Groups are listed by county, city, and region. The list includes contact…
Read MoreSummertime Schooling in Northern Virginia
Things to Do and Places to Go around the Commonwealth Series – Part 3 – Northern VA Welcome back to Summertime Schooling Series. As the end of summer approaches, many people are thinking and planning for back to homeschool, and…
Read MoreThe Mariners’ Museum
Homeschool Day An HEAV-Sponsored Event Location: 100 Museum Drive, Newport News Date: Friday, October 17, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Before October 10: $12/member; $15/nonmember After October 10: $15/ member; $20/nonmember Ages five and under are free,…
Read MoreFrontier Culture Museum
Fall Homeschool Day An HEAV-Sponsored Event! Location: 1290 Richmond Road, Staunton, Virginia Date: Friday, October 3, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Until October 1: $3/student and $5/adult if purchased in advance; $5/student and $7/adult if purchased at…
Read MoreLuray Caverns
Home Educators Week An HEAV-Sponsored Event! Location: 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, Virginia 22835 (970 U.S. Highway 211 West) Date: Monday, November 10, 2014, through Sunday, November 16, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Saturday and…
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