One Mother’s Homeschool Talking Points
by Krishyon Young

People often pepper me with Homeschool questions. In short order, rationalizations roll smoothly from their lips as to why they “can not possibly” homeschool their children. It is expected that I will soothe their conscience with a sweet, “Well, perhaps it’s not for everyone”.  One day I did not oblige. Instead of a polite nod, I volleyed.  With every concern given, I countered; for every excuse she lobbed, I sent back a positive twist.  She finally gave up, or gave in you might say, as she is now in her eighth year of homeschooling.

Schedules & Homeschool Burn-out
by Mary Spinks

A common question from new homeschoolers is what schedule to keep. If you have decided to unschool, this question doesn't arise to the same degree.  For those with more structured approaches, what schedule to keep is an important question. Most people end up doing what works for them, but this usually takes some time and experimentation to figure out.  It may also require some rationalization of what constitutes 'school' for those whose states require attendance records.  Some homeschoolers keep to the current public school schedules.  Some homeschool in the mornings; some in the evenings.  Some homeschool a varying number of days in the week.  Some take off in the Summer.  Some take off whenever they feel like it. Some homeschool year-round.  There are so many viable alternatives and variations, and you can have a lot of fun experimenting with them.

Acts of Enclosure
by David H. Albert

I dimly remember learning about British enclosure laws. I believe it was during my last year at junior high school (all right, it was a pretty advanced class.) It had something to do with putting up fences to keep cows inside the farm, and prevent sheep (or was it goats?) from roaming over the “village commons”. I think I got that confused at least once, because the lords of the manor wanted to graze their own sheep on the commons so they could make money off the wool.

Missions and the Family: Homeschooling in the Field
by Shirley M.R. Minster, M.S. Ed.

More missionary families are choosing to educate theirchildren at home so that the family unit remains intact. Grandparents are concerned that their grandchildren continue to receive a qualityeducation once overseas. Mission boards are concerned about the parents.Will they still be able to focus on the job they were sent to do? Thisarticle answers these very real, very understandable concerns in apractical manner.

The Healing of the Day
by Jon Remmerde

            Through the winter, my job taking care of the water system inlets for the city of Bend, Oregon put little demand on my time.  I noted air and water temperature, wind direction and speed in the morning, checked the intakes to be sure the screens were clear, and phoned in a report to the city offices. Because it took little time, my job paid me little, but we had the very nice house far up the mountain at the intakes to live in, provided as part of the job.

Motivating Your Teenager 
Kathryn L. Stout, B.S.Ed., M.Ed.

Frequently, students are willing to complete academic assignments without too much protest until becoming teenagers. As the work becomes more demanding, it’s likely that earning good grades or pleasing parents isn’t a good enough reason to wade through all that’s required. Frustrated, parents may urge students on with the “good jobs require a good education” mantra. But unless your teen has a job in mind, that’s too abstract. So, let’s make it personal.

Teaching and Learning

Family Life and Parenting