Teaching Tips

Music Matters | Dec 17, 2012 by Becky Cooke

Music is considered by many to be the universal language. This time of the year that is most evident. Familiar Christmas songs, secular and sacred, are playing everywhere you go. If you are like me, you are quickly drawn into a song, especially one that is meaningful or catchy. When I think of music, I think of heaven – angels saying (in song?), “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts” around God’s throne (Isaiah 6:3); and the angels who announced Christ’s birth with “glory to God in the highest…” (Luke 2:14). Won’t it be wonderful to some day be a part of that heavenly chorus?

My Child Can Hear But... | Dec 3, 2012 by Krisa Winn

Several months ago I had the privilege of meeting Cheri Moore, a former special education teacher, who has been trained in Dr. Guy Berard’s Auditory Integration Training. She was kind enough to introduce me to Dr. Berard’s book, Hearing Equals Behavior and Dancing in the Rain, by Annabel Stehli. Both books were fascinating reads. Since that time, I’ve told people that I know just enough about Auditory Integration Training or AIT, to be dangerous! With that said, I want to take this opportunity to tell you what I’ve learned, and how it may be helpful to your son or daughter.

Using December Creatively | Nov 29, 2012 by Becky Cooke

The approaching holidays may seem daunting with all the extra preparations and shopping hours to be added to your already full schedule of homeschooling and parenting. Do you feel behind the eight ball, trying to finish the school semester while planning for Christmas? Is your grace tank running on empty? Before falling into the holiday blues, I want to suggest some ways to reorient your vision and to take advantage of your resources.

Need Help Teaching High School at Home? We’ll Come to You! | Nov 26, 2012 by Diane Kummer

Becky and I enjoy meeting many of you when we travel and speak at homeschool conferences throughout the country. We encourage you to support your local conferences and attend them whenever you are able. Likewise, we also take great delight in welcoming many of you to HSLDA in Purcellville, VA where we present high school at home symposiums. But for those of you who are unable to attend those events in person, we’ll come to you!

The Three R’s for Getting Started Homeschooling Kids with Special Challenges | Nov 16, 2012 by Faith Berens

I have recently spoken to many members who are new to homeschooling and have children with special learning challenges. I have also had the opportunity to talk with seasoned homeschooling families who are now sailing into “unchartered waters”, due to facing a recent diagnosis of Autism and Aspergers. To be sure, there are countless families who are in similar “boats” and feeling waves of fear, doubt, loneliness, and quite frankly just overwhelmed and reeling with uneasiness.

Looking for a Challenging Course for a Motivated Teen? Consider AP! | Nov 14, 2012 by Diane Kummer

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and tests are available to homeschooled teens interested in studying a subject in depth and may also be a way to earn early college credit. What are AP courses, how does a homeschooler register for AP tests, and what are the advantages of taking an AP course?

Teaching Study Skills to Teens | Nov 13, 2012 by Diane Kummer

As you prepare your teens for their post-high school plans, take time during your school day to teach study skills. These skills will be helpful whether your teen enters the work force, enlists in the military, or enrolls in a college or trade school. Let’s take a look at some of these important study skills and helpful resources.

What's So Important About IEPs? | Nov 12, 2012 by Krisa Winn

Is there anything more confusing than an IEP? If your child has OR has had one in the past, you know what I'm talking about. It seems like the same thing is stated 2 or 3 times, in 2 or 3 different ways throughout the document- creating a rather large stack of papers. Well, a few years ago, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant, Betty Statnick, addressed this topic. I'm reposting her thoughts for you today. I hope you will find this helpful if you are pondering the question-What’s So Important About IEPs?

Recipe for Teaching Teens | Nov 8, 2012 by Becky Cooke

Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching. Are you trying to keep on track to finish up some last assignments before taking time off to enjoy gathering your family together for a day of giving thanks? You may also be busy hunting down those favorite family recipes to add to your Thanksgiving feast. While looking, I have a recipe for you to help in teaching your teens. I am sure you will think of more ingredients to add, but let me help you get started.

Math- Help! | Oct 30, 2012 by Krisa Winn

Confession- I am not a math person. I came to this conclusion while in high school. I made good grades, but one day my Geometry teacher, who always began each school year by saying, “There are no dumb questions in this class.”; had to hold back spontaneous laughter after I challenged that statement with a sincere question...

Transcript Review | Oct 28, 2012 by Becky Cooke

We are hearing from many of our members with questions pertaining to transcripts. Deadlines for college applications are fast approaching which means transcripts must be completed and attached to these applications. If you are hearing conflicting information on what you can or cannot include, don’t waste your time worrying. Pick up the phone and call us at 540.338.5600 or email homeschool@hslda.org.

Planning the College Visit | Oct 17, 2012 by Diane Kummer

Fall is a great time to plan a college visit. And with that planning comes some questions: What should you be sure to do? What information should you gather? Should you schedule a meeting or just show up? All these will be answered in this blog post taht explains all sides of planning a college visit, by Diane Kummer.

College Application Deadlines Approaching! | Oct 11, 2012 by Becky Cooke

Are you under the gun to get those college applications completed and meet the deadlines?

Organization is the key!

Becky Cooke provides key tips and useful ideas for staying on track with the college application process, and encouragement for keeping calm trusting God's plan.

How Do I Evaluate My Teen’s Writing? | Oct 10, 2012 by Diane Kummer

You’ve given your teen a writing assignment and the composition is completed. Now the sweating begins. I’m not referring to your teen’s sweat glands, but yours! How do you evaluate what your teen has written?

I remember when my children would give me their compositions and I would not know where to begin to critique and analyze them. I could handle science and math – it was easy for me to evaluate their knowledge and progress in those courses. But, evaluating their writing was a different animal. Let me provide you with some tips I learned along the way that may be helpful to you.

Running on Empty?...Resources for Spiritual Strength and Encouragement | Oct 5, 2012 by Faith Berens

I recently spoke with a dear, homeschooling mom, who is teaching a child she suspects may have dyslexia. As I also have a child who struggles (with attention, focus, and math processing difficulties), we both acknowledged that many days can be draining and discouraging. Doris shared how one day she was praying and crying out to the Lord, “Some days I just feel like I am running myself crazy.” She sensed His wonderful Spirit leading “You can either run yourself crazy or run to Me”. Truly,“The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are saved.”

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