In addition to the Duggars, there are lots of great speakers–including Heidi St. John, Dianne Craft, Joel Salatin, Steve and Annette Economides, Andrew Pudewa, Diana Waring, George Escobar, Zan and Joe Tyler, plus many, many others! PLUS, an expanded Exhibit Hall, a money-saving Used Curriculum Sale, tons of information-packed workshops, graduation, teen programs, hands-on demos, Young Entrepreneurs Display, and SO much more.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share/Bookmark

Investigate the Possibilities Science Pack by Tom Derosa

Investigate the wonderful world God has made! Learn with science that is both exciting and educationally outstanding in this Investigate the Possibilities series, a comprehensive science set for grades three to six! The main textbook can be combined with the student journal and teacher’s guide for a complete educational set.

Don’t miss Tom DeRosa’s workshops at the convention!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share/Bookmark

Advent’s 2013 film, Hero, is a powerful depiction of God’s desire to “turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers” by using baseball as an engaging backdrop.

Don’t miss producer George Escobar at the convention!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share/Bookmark

Win a one-hour, private consultation with Kathy Kuhl of Learn Differently, PLUS get a copy of each of her books, Staying Sane as You Homeschool and Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner.

Whether your child struggles, plods on, or gives up, Kathy Kuhl offers encouragement and support. Her goal is to help parents help children learn through consultation and advice on planning; curriculum; support;withdrawal from school; and transition to high school level work, employment, and college.

Visit LearnDifferently.com to learn more.

Don’t miss Kathy Kuhl’s workshops at the convention!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share/Bookmark

IndoctriNation Book & DVD Pack!

Filmmaker Colin Gunn, a homeschool father of seven, produces a documentary field trip of a lifetime. In the award winning DVD, IndoctriNation, Colin and family travel across America in an old yellow school bus exploring the origins and social impact of public-school education.

Gunn joined Joaquin Fernandez and Charles to create the IndoctriNation 376-page companion book, filled with research and commentary that would not fit in the 102-minute DVD. Look behind the comfortable myths of an educational system actively at work to alter your child’s moral values, worldview, and religious beliefs. Learn the history and philosophy of public school education—and discover it is based on neither Christian nor American values. Explore the biblical principles regarding education—and learn who is ultimately responsible for our children’s future.

Don’t miss Colin Gunn at the convention!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share/Bookmark

3.1 Christian Resources: Stories Behind the Hymns

This website is exactly as it sounds! Find the stories behind many hymns we’d recognize easily, as well as stories about the writers. Family devotions aren’t complete without singing praises to God. Learning about the hymns makes them come alive in our hearts and minds. Once you start on this road, you’re hooked! There are many websites that will give backgrounds on hymns and writers along with the music in audio and sheet music form.

www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/index.html

Back to top

3.2 Thrifty Ideas: 50 Ways to Save Money

This blog post presents 50 ways to be frugal in a general category in addition to groupings for groceries, household, personal, and entertainment. There are a few links to other posts too.

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/save-money

Back to top

3.3 Preschool and Kindergarten: Golden Books Online

This small site is probably primarily to make us reminiscent of our favorite childhood books so we’ll buy them from Golden Books for our kids, but there are a few printables related to the books, a few games, and a little more when you have time to explore. You won’t get lost–but you will have an overwhelming urge to dig out your copy of The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown!

www.randomhouse.com/golden

Back to top

3.4 English: The Online Books Page

On this site–a project of the University of Pennsylvania–you will find a list of links to over a million books available online. Parents will wish to screen first, as content and suitability will vary…but we will get you to read today!

http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu

Back to top

3.5 History: Take a History Tour of American Education

You may be surprised by the real history of modern education and its purposes. It began with three good purposes, but those have been sidelined in favor of a fourth–control of the minds of the young. This article contains lots of bullet points and graphics and is a super-quick read. And a MUST read for anyone who pays taxes (funds the school industry–that’s all of us), has children (most of us) or lives on the planet surrounded by the products of the industrial school (uh–all of us).

www.johntaylorgatto.com/historytour/history1.htm

Back to top

3.6 Homeschool: Free Curriculum Planner

The “Little Learning Lovies” website has a 40-week and/or full year curriculum planner free to download. Get it while it’s available; we don’t know how long it will be there. If the offer has expired, do look around because there is quite a bit free for the downloading! Look for “Free!” at the bottom of “Categories” in the left sidebar. Also, at the time of this writing, a farm-themed memory game is free to download. Whatever you get free, you will need to go through the registration for new customers (or log in as a returning customer if you are), add the item(s) to your cart, and complete checkout. It will not charge you anything as long as it shows $0.00 as the cost.

www.littlelearninglovies.com/LZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=236

Back to top

3.7 Homeschooling: Free Download in May – Homeschooling for FREE & Frugal

Download a free copy of Homeschooling for FREE & Frugal/Saving You Money for the Homeschool Life! That one won’t need much explaining either! The e-book has over 60 pages of resources, thoughts from fellow homeschooling families, practical tips drawn from their real life experiences, and encouragement as you pray for wisdom to squeeze a bit from the budget for “just one more book.” Ha!

www.freehomeschooldeals.com/free-ebook-homeschooling-for-free-frugal

Back to top

Share/Bookmark

2.1 Peace Officers Memorial Day – United States – May 15

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week are commemorated in the United States. Peace Officers Memorial Day is May 15 annually and Police Week is the calendar week in which the Memorial falls. Discuss with your family what you can do to thank law enforcement officers in your area for their service. Fallen Firefighters are honored each October, which is Fire Prevention Month.

Back to top

2.2 Rain Barrel Workshop – Newport News – Register by June 7

Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
739 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 1009
Newport News, VA

Saturday, June 8, 2013, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50/barrel; students age 12 and older may participate with you; kindly do not bring anyone under age 8. Price includes the workshop and hands-on rain barrel construction, the barrel itself, and use of the tools needed. You will take a completed rain barrel home with you at the end of the workshop. No childcare is provided; while children or teens are allowed, please be mindful that work space is limited. Pre-register by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 7; enrollment is limited.

Join the VCE Newport News Master Gardeners and Water Steward Volunteers in learning about the benefits of utilizing a rain barrel in your yard and garden with this hands-on workshop. At the end of the session you will have built your own rain barrel to take home with you, so be prepared to get dirty!

See the website for more information; to register or ask questions, contact Mary Wright at mbwright@vt.edu or 757-591-4838.

www.nnmastergardeners.org

Back to top

2.3 Young Writers’ Workshop in the Valley – Winchester – June 27 and/or 28

Shenandoah University, Brandt Student Center
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA

Thursday and Friday, June 27 and 28, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $65/day or $130 for both days; includes a book autographed by that day’s featured author. Recommended for interested and motivated writers who are in rising grade 5 through 12. First come, first served. Register online or mail in the form found at the second link.

The Northern Virginia Writing Project in the Valley has scheduled two workshops this summer at Shenandoah University. Students will work with a published author in the morning and then choose a genre session in the afternoon where they will work with project staff. Class size is small, with an average of ten students to one teacher/consultant.

See the website (first link) for more information, or contact youngwriters-valley@hotmail.com.

www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaID=235977&viewonly=1

http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1104169690218-132/2013+Summer+YWW.pdf

Back to top

2.4 Volunteers Wanted: Henricus Historical Park – Chester – Ongoing

Henricus Historical Park
251 Henricus Park Road
Chester, VA

Volunteer at Henricus Historical Park to help bring 17th-century history to life!

Volunteers are needed in several areas including gardens and horticulture; the 1611 English Citie and Virginia Indian Site (civilian and military impressions); animals and habitats; visitor center and gift shop; and with special events.

Volunteer benefits include complimentary family admission to the living history museum, a 15% discount in the gift shop, an invitation to the site’s special events, the opportunity to make new friends and bring history to life for thousands of people each year, experience interacting with a wide variety of members of the public, and an important reference for college or business applications.

Read much more about volunteering on the Henricus website. To request a volunteer application, please contact staff at henricus1611@aol.com or 804-748-1611.

www.henricus.org/volunteers.asp

For more information about joining the all-volunteer Henricus Militia, please visit their website.

http://henricusmilitia.com

Back to top

2.5 History and Science Camps – Multiple Locations and Dates

Be sure to check the museums and historic sites in your area if you are looking for a unique day camp that fits your children’s interests or expands their horizons. Read the refund policies as your needs could change. Register early, as spaces are usually limited.

Back to top

Share/Bookmark

1.1 Tri-Cities Home Educators Used Curriculum Sale – Colonial Heights – May 23

White Bank Park on Conduit Road
Colonial Heights, VA

Google “White Bank Park” to see a rough map. See the second link below for written directions.

Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no admission charge. No childcare is available.

Shop at the annual Used Curriculum Sale at White Bank Park. Playground and picnic areas are available!

See the first link for general information about the Tri-Cities group and the second link for information about the sale. Contact Jan McMillan at tcheleader@gmail.com with questions.

www.homeschool-life.com/sysfiles/member/index_public.cfm?memberid=512

www.homeschool-life.com/sysfiles/member/events/events_view.cfm?memberid=512&public=1&private=&eventid=952253

Back to top

1.2 Free: New Charlotte Mason Magazine – Online – Current Issue Available Now

Miss Mason was a 19^th- and early 20^th-century educator in England who empowered parents to teach their own children. This valuable resource will aid any homeschooler or parent who wishes to enrich his children’s educations–and it’s free! See this online magazine, along with all the other resources, accessible in the upper left sidebar of the webpage when you open the link.

http://charlottemasoneducation.com/index.html

Back to top

1.3 The Teaching Home – End-of-School-Year Activities

See suggestions from The Teaching Home for ways to wrap up the 2012-2013 school year and celebrate another successful year of home education, and then change gears as we head into summer. The “pioneers” of homeschooling a few decades ago had to pay for these magazines; now today’s generation of “settlers” can benefit. Don’t miss it!

www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter278.cfm

Back to top

1.4 Classical Conversations Information Meetings – Multiple Locations and Dates

Information meetings will give an overview of the classical method of education and the Classical Conversations (CC) programs: Foundations (K4-6th), Essentials (4th-6th), and Challenge (7th-12th). CC provides classical academic support for homeschool families.

Below are the upcoming local meetings. Actual meeting agendas may vary; please see the CC website (last link) for a comprehensive description, or the provided contact information for questions.

There is no cost and no childcare is available. Contact the person listed for each meeting to RSVP; for more information; and for the address, if not supplied. See the CC website for more about them and their program in general.

Chesapeake, VA

Tuesday, May 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Virginia Beach, VA

Thursday, May 23; Monday, May 27; Monday, June 10; Thursday, June 13; Thursday, June 20; and Tuesday, June 25; all from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Suffolk, VA

Tuesday, June 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To register or to get the locations or other information regarding meetings in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, contact Patsy Couch at mkcouch@cox.net or 757-630-5634.

Ironbridge Baptist Church
10900 Ironbridge Road
Chester, VA

Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Home of Program Director
Please contact for address
Chesterfield, VA

Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information about the Chester and Chesterfield meetings, contact Angela Pyle at ClassicalHomeschool@icloud.com.

Branders Bridge Road Area
Please contact for address
Colonial Heights, VA

Monday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Rhonda Kester at RhondaKester@gmail.com.

www.classicalconversations.com/info-meetings/monthcalendar/2013/05/03/24

Back to top

1.5 CHESS Open Registration for New Families – Centreville – May 30-August 1

Centreville Home Educators Support System (CHESS)
15100 Lee Highway
Centreville, VA

Registration opens Thursday, May 30 and ends the morning of Thursday, August 1, 2013. New students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to register for the upcoming 2013/2014 school year. There is no cost to register; tuition fees and textbooks depend on classes chosen.

See the website for information on CHESS, classes offered, descriptions, costs, and registration; if needed, contact Tara Taylor at admin@chessclasses.org or 703-753-1901.

www.chessclasses.org

Back to top

Share/Bookmark

A. The homeschool law does not require you to keep your children’s work or maintain academic records. These are private documents and you are not required to submit these records to the superintendent. Of course, you can keep grades, plan books, projects, pictures, and work samples for your own personal records as long as you like.

The law DOES require you to keep a copy of your children’s immunization records, or a letter from your doctor referencing a reaction to immunizations, or a signed affidavit stating your religious exemption to immunizations.

I suggest you also keep the original score report from each yearly standardized achievement test. You may also want to keep a copy of your yearly Notice-of-Intent form and a signed verification that the superintendent’s office received your NOI form (return/receipt). Although this is not required by law, you may find it good to have these documents for reference if there is ever a question.

Share/Bookmark

3.1 Christian Resources: Bible Based Homeschooling {on a Budget}

This website has loads of free or inexpensive resources on all aspects of family and homeschooling topics.

http://biblebasedhomeschooling.com

Back to top

3.2 Thrifty Ideas: Free Online – May Issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Remember to take advantage of the generosity of our friends at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and see the current issue of this well-known magazine. There is sure to be something for everyone. And don’t forget to claim your free subscription to SchoolHouseTeachers.com–brought to you by TOS–when you register for the convention!

www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/201305/#pg1

Back to top

3.3 Preschool and Kindergarten: World Book’s “Typical Course of Study”

The writers of World Book Encyclopedia have compiled a general list of what they think children in preschool and kindergarten should learn. Such a list for this age group is often reassuring, as it consists mainly of normal household tasks (dressing himself, putting away toys) and the most basic academics (understands big and little, has books, and is read to daily). If an area of learning has not yet been mastered, it is easy enough to go ahead and introduce it, remembering each child develops at his own unique rate.

www.worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study

Back to top

3.4 Family Loss: The Grieving Mother

If you or any other woman you know is a grieving mother, please consider this warm, reverent, and comforting page within “Raising Arrows.” It tells the story of Emily Sophia who passed into the arms of Jesus at seven months of age. There are several links to solid resources which may help ease the burden of a woman who has lost a child–at whatever age. Many share your pain; may God be with you and give you peace.

www.raisingarrows.net/the-grieving-mother

Back to top

3.5 Art: Free Art Resources

Check this section of Free Homeschool Deals for free art resources. Don’t leave this subject out of your curriculum because you aren’t an “artist.” This is certainly an area in which you can learn right along with your children!

www.freehomeschooldeals.com/tag/art

Back to top

3.6 English: Free Study Guide – The Hiding Place

Use The Hiding Place as your search term in the website search box to find a free study guide to the classic book by Corrie ten Boom (or click on the link below). After you finish the book study, view the film with family members who are, in your judgment, ready for this emotional story that contains factual WWII violence. You can download or print the study guides. By the way, did you see Corrie’s quote in Section 5, “Worth Repeating”?

http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Hiding_Place_Summary/Hiding_Place_Study_Guide01.html

Note: some books on the site may not be suitable for your family.

Back to top

3.7 History: Hillsdale College Constitution and History–New Courses and a Podcast

Hillsdale College offers several free college level courses on the U.S. Constitution and history (manageable for younger students with adult guidance). Now those courses are joined by a podcast just one minute long. Anyone can find room to squeeze that in to learn as an educator and/or for students middle school age and up. Check their website and a previous HEAV item for more information.

http://online.hillsdale.edu/

http://heav.org/blog/2012/10/13/cool-sites-october-17-2012/#3.7?utm_source=Update+10%2F17%2F2012&utm_campaign=October+17&utm_medium=email

Back to top

3.8 Gardening: Growing Wisdom YouTube Channel

This Massachusetts gardener has absolutely marvelous ideas, tips, and projects–even a lovely bird video–that may interest you. The whole family can get involved. Your editor watched a neat project to build a relatively inexpensive greenhouse for year-round growing, using rebar, heavy plastic, thin flexible piping, sand bags, and bags of soil ready for use. See the bird and greenhouse videos at the second and third links. Get growing!

www.youtube.com/user/growingwisdom?feature=watch

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaQHEtngJlE

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=am1Tso2l3kc

Back to top

3.9 Homemaking Outside: Five Easy Ways to Spring Clean the Outside of the House

Whether you are selling or staying–or rent or own your home–here are five easy and fast ways to improve the outside look of your house. Start with a power wash; read more in the short article.

www.citibank.com/womenandco/article/5-easy-ways-to-improve-your-homes-curb-appeal.jsp

Back to top

Share/Bookmark