Category Archives: Homeschooling

Why STEAM education is Dangerous

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:00 — 18.0MB)

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STEM is science, technology, engineering and math. It was heralded as a step forward, after low American scores. More recently art was added. So STEAM is all the rage. Wait. What? While we are celebrating, now for years, something we did very badly, and still do even worse…. what is missing. What is being hidden? Watch out.

This is dangerous. See why. Come to your own conclusions. Join me through a few stories for a fun ride. With an ending realization that History and Civics, done well of course, should be the center of education. That is what is being left out.

Why has History been so very neglected? What has been the result? If there is an intention behind it, what would that be?

How can you correct it?
For more on the history of Homeschooling judicial decisions in Texas, see the Texas Homeschooling Coalition

Also: Hot News: World History Institute, inspired by the work of Marshall Foster to show how the Bible, the Reformation, and good history line up for a better world today, is working on High School curricula. I’m sure it will be great. In the meantime, get *The American Covenant* as reading or curricula, in either newer or older version.

HALF PRICE SALE ON HOMESCHOOL INTRO PACKET

Understanding Testing for Grades, Placement, Aptitude, and College Entrance

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:23 — 17.3MB)

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Today we talk about Testing for Grades, Placement, Aptitude, and College Entrance. I find that many people don’t understand the difference between criterion based and norm-based testing. In this way, they do not understand the scores.

Also, almost no one understands how random and arbitrary grades are. Even the standardized tests (either criterion or norm-based) have been re-centered much lower. No one has much motivation to talk about this, however.

Secrets revealed on how to find placement tests for purchasing homeschool curricula. Explanations given to allay concerns of homeschooling parent about their children being behind or being competitive in college entrance. Of course, it is helpful to understand how these tests work, but in general, home educated students are far ahead. And most college admissions clerks know that by now.

How to Start Homeschooling AFTER Child Has Been in Government Schools

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:30 — 18.8MB)

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Once again, I interrupted my planned flow because I was seeing so many questions on Facebook in the homeschooling group. My heart goes out to well meaning mothers who are just beginning the journey, but I just couldn’t answer everyone specifically. So, here goes. How should you start homeschooling after you have already started your child in a public (really, government) school? Important question.

First, do your own homework. Know what you are doing so you don’t get into trouble. Then make a plan. Then consult an attorney (which might be as easy as consulting the information you are given when you join Texas Homeschool Coalition or Home School Legal Defense Association.) Then, formally withdraw your student, via letter. Do not be intimidated. Don’t allow yourself to be lied to. You now know the law and you now have a plan. Then, your child might need some decompression time. Do not replicate that from which you are fleeing.

Then, once you launch, you will be so very happy! Homeschooling is so very much fun! It is so very much easier — at least for children who learn differently — what a delight!

When Do I Start Homeschooling My Child?

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:29 — 22.1MB)

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I am seeing this question over and over again on xy. OH! This tears at my heartstrings! I try to respond as helpfully as I can. I just am not on xy very much. Clearly, these mums are trying to do their best. They don’t even know the right questions. Okay, so maybe that is just the quick way of saying it. Oh, maybe.

Okay, here is the deal. You start teaching your child as soon as the child is. When you start introducing academic stuff like letters is what they probably mean. The answer to that is about four, when the child is asking for it!

Oh gosh, I have a whole series on how to teach reading. So very very important. I have a book review on Alex Newman’s *Crimes of the Educators.*  Even if you don’t agree 100%  with Mr. Newman’s thesis, look, you have got to admit, he is onto a problem.  Sight reading doesn’t work. Never has.

Most curricula are 2D paper. (This is also wrongly assumed because we are brainwashed about what school is supposed to be, but anyway…)   So, it doesn’t teach reading. You can’t just shove paces at a kid and expect the kid to do well in reading. But between “read to you kid” and “send them to school” not much has been done on helping students read, or parent know how to teach reading.

Check out my “When The Road to Reading Gets Rocky” series in the store here, and just prevent problems. (And btw, have fun with learning; do not reproduce boring, deadly school.)

(Also look for more coming book reviews on Youtube.)

If you want individual coaching on how to homeschool, check out www.orgstrat.net and contact me. If  you want testing for school readiness and we can meet somewhere (mostly Texas), same. If you want to consider starting a school, see www.teachachildchangeanation.org