Yes, we're still here!

Yes, our group is still here and still meeting! I'm just a little slow to update the blog...

I'll share with you some discoveries I have made during our year of schooling:
1. My son willingly does a small amount of handwriting when it has a battle theme, preferably with lots of blood and daring deeds.
2. Letting older children take control of their own timetables is much more relaxing for the mother (have some phrases prepared just in case: "Oh dear, that's sad to miss your computer turn because you haven't finished your work yet... Oh dear.")
3. Some children seem to want to learn to read, but when it comes down to it dancing and playing the piano are a much higher priority. And that's OK!

And here's our recommended book of the week (year?):
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.

Maryrose Wood obviously has a love of words, just like Ursula Dubosarsky (The Word Spy) and Lemony Snicket (Series of Unfortunate Events). Our family is really enjoying reading this series aloud in the evenings. Unfortunately she has only written the first three in the series so far, so we are waiting with baited breath for the next installment!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Kathy

Book of the week: The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

I have always loved Joan Aiken books. I grew up reading her books, and if you want good quality, well written adventure books for children I would thoroughly recommend her books. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is the first book written in the Wolves Chronicles. It follows the adventure of Bonnie and Sylvia - two courageous young girls, who escape from their wicked governess, with the help of their friend Simon. Click on the links above to read more about the books and about Joan Aiken.



Joan also wrote a series of books for younger readers - the Arabel and Mortimer series, about a young girl and her pet raven, Mortimer, who have hilarious adventures together.

Kathy

Homeschooling Information Seminar

Thinking of Homeschooling?

Come along to our Information Seminar and learn how to educate your children at home!
When: Sunday, 14 November 2010, 3-5pm

Why Homeschool?

Families homeschool for different reasons. Some of these reasons include:
• the educational needs of their children (e.g. giftedness or a learning difficulties);
• time with their children, flexible work/school schedules;
• the freedom to pursue the child's own individual interests;
• a focus on developing their children’s characters in the home environment, whilst focusing on the family’s own values.

Some families reject homeschooling as a possible option because they lack confidence to ‘take it on’. Some parents are not even aware it is an option.

This Seminar is to help parents make an informed decision about this very important aspect of their children’s lives. So, bring along your questions and meet other homeschooling parents who will share their experiences with you.

Topics Include:

• What is home-schooling?
• What about socialisation?
• What curriculum do I use?
• Do I need to be a teacher?
• Homeschooling on a budget.
• Homeschooling older teens
• What about sports?
• Creative ways to meet outcomes
• Specific learning needs e.g. giftedness, dyslexia, ADD etc.
• Homeschooling styles and methods

Drop us a line to register or find out further details.

Awards Day

The Variety Day was a great success. We heard some poetry recitals; watched hilarious home made movies; listened to instructions for how to make bird feeders; viewed model houses, boats, and a huge zoo (complete with Lego zookeepers!).

Our next event is an Awards Day - a chance for families to get together and acknowledge the work the children have done this year - both academically and character-wise. We are using our own special NICHE certificates, but I also discovered this site recently, which allows you to print out certificates with your own wording and pictures.

We are also revving up for our very own Homeschooling Information Seminar, where you can come and find out about homeschooling and talk to people who homeschool their children. More information to follow soon!!

Kathy

Variety Day!

The next meeting for our Tamworth group is a Variety Day. This is a great opportunity for the children to share the things that they have been doing over the last few months - music, art, history projects, etc. The last time we had a Variety day we were privileged to hear lots of music, a poem or two, an amusing home-made mini-movie, and many more fun demonstrations. We're looking forward to the next one!

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to the blog for the Northern Inland Community of Home Educators! We are hoping to keep you up to date with activities around the Tamworth area; provide links to useful educational websites; and provide a support network for those educating their children at home in this region.

Feel free to comment!

Kathy