High School in America
There was a column in the Washington Post yesterday by a college professor outlining his student’s general lack of literacy. Today there was a column by the Post’s education writer about how uncommon overachieving high school students are. Any chance the two are related? In his column, Michael Skube shares everyday words his students don’t know. On the list are impetus, ramshackle, lucid, advocate, derelict, … Continue reading High School in America
Blogging the bible on Slate.com
I was off line when this started, but Slate.com’s David Plotz has a running series of posts about reading the bible which you may want to check out. Mr. Plotz is Jewish, but not particularly observant and like many people, Jewish and Christian, had never really read the bible beyond what was covered in religious education classes or referred to in pop culture, sermons and … Continue reading Blogging the bible on Slate.com
I’ve got an itch I need to scratch
Recently, my 11 year old has been giving me fits. I don’t think it’s anything real unusual for a kid his age and it is particularly understandable considering the challenges and changes our family has had to face in the past year or so. Basically he’s been lazy, selfish and somewhat surly as of late. Of course we’re dealing with these things and I think … Continue reading I’ve got an itch I need to scratch
The Homeschool Diner is Open!
My friend Julie, a smart, resourceful homeschooling mom has just opened the homeschooldiner.com. It’s a website devoted to spreading the word about homeschooling, helping people find materials, methods and curriculum which will work best for them and their child(ren). In our circle, Julie is the queen of info and always knows the best websites, resources and activities out there. If you or someone you know … Continue reading The Homeschool Diner is Open!
Speaking of preparing for a new school year
In our house we take a pretty relaxed approach to schooling. Not quite strict unschooling, but much closer to that than to “school at home”. However, it has always been my plan that we would gradually ramp up to a more formalized approach as the kids got older so that they would be sure to cover math through calculus, world and American history, learn a … Continue reading Speaking of preparing for a new school year
Way cool
Over on msn.com, one of the highlighted stories scrolling across the top of the page is about the blogs of 4 teachers preparing to start a new school year – 2 looking forward and 2 starting retirment. One of the 2 teachers looking forward to the new school year of a HOMESCHOOLING mom named Tanna. Blog here. I think it’s way cool that a mainstream … Continue reading Way cool
I’m Back!
Well, OK, so a “few days” turned into 3 months, but I was real busy, ya know. We moved into a new house on April 30th which is far enough out of town that we can’t get cable or DSL and our old computer is so rickety that we couldn’t even get the CD Rom to read an AOL start-up disk. (Donations in support of … Continue reading I’m Back!
Stuff to look at
I’m sure all my faithful minions are heartbroken that I haven’t been blogging more this week, but packing must continue. So in the meantime, I’ll direct you to some fun stuff to look through: The Pig’s Tales: A 4th grade teacher blogging about life, school, kids and an outrageously terrible principle. I recommend starting here and wandering through older posts (the stuff on her main … Continue reading Stuff to look at
Let’s go to the carnivals!
I’m still busy packing, so I’m not going to have much time to post over the next few days (which doesn’t mean I won’t indulge anyway!), but I wanted to let everyone know that the Carnival of Homeschooling is up over at the Common Room. The Carnival of Education is up over at Education Wonks. Browse, mingle, talk among yourselves, have fun! Continue reading Let’s go to the carnivals!
Forbes magazine on why your kids should think about skipping college
Over on msnbc.com they have an article from Forbes Magazine titled “Five Reasons to Skip College” which I think every parent and teen should read. The article points out that while there is a correlation between a college degree, particularly from a top school, and earnings, this should not be taken to be a causative relationship. If you’re smart and ambitious enough to get into … Continue reading Forbes magazine on why your kids should think about skipping college
The Upside Down World 