*****************************
Lorraine Curry's
Easy Homeschooling
Eletter
Issue #66 October 2005
*****************************
In this Issue
- Rosetta Stone Review,
Part II by Lorraine Curry
- Be Patient with Your
Daffodils by Barbara Frank
- 9 Simple Strategies
for Home Organization by Karen Fritscher-Porter
- 7 Powerful Ways to Show
Love to Children by Steve Brunkhorst
See new reviews/letters from customers at the Easy Homeschooling
Blog
http://homeschooling.myblogsite.com/blog
See NEW blog. Post and subscribe!
See
our Homeschooling Guides
Antique Books for Homeschooling
Submit your articles! Have something you want to share? Whether unique
homeschooling ideas, strongly held opinions, or even unusual
experiences or views as a Christian, all articles will be considered
for publication. Include graphics or pics if you like. We prefer
shorter articles, and like list articles for how-to subjects.
Type "Article for Eletter" in subject line and send
to:
lorraine@lorrainecurry.com
Family News:
Pvt. Ezra Curry is home for the first time since Christimas!
He will deploy to Iraq the 12th of October. God blessed him with
lots of volunteers to work on his derby car so he can be in a
derby before he returns to Ft. Campbell! (Eli is also working
on his car and planning to enter.) More
about Ezra.
*****************************
Rosetta Stone Review, Part II
By Lorraine Curry
*****************************
 The Rosetta Stone is a great way to become very
familiar with a language. However:
1) No English translation
is included and all is not understandable from context,
although most is. It would be great if they included include
English translations for each lesson in a guide book, as well
as an English-Italian dictionary. Learning would be facilitated
with these translations and dictionary. The other booklets provided
were useless to me, and added to cost of program.
2) I think it would be
more useful if the lessons started with common phrases. I had
to find these elsewhere, such as in my Fodor's travel guide
to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and at Italian language chats,
which, by the way, is great practice, especially if you find
someone there willing to tutor you.
With regular use, especially
daily, Rosetta Stone will produce familiarity and increase vocabulary,
which is a very important part of learning a foreign language.
*****************************
Be Patient With Your Daffodils
By Barbara Frank
*****************************
Pics from Curry Family albums.
 I guess it's only natural for those
of us who have been homeschooling a long time to try to encourage
newer homeschoolers by citing homeschool success stories. It
must come from years of having had to defend ourselves to relatives,
friends and nosy acquaintances who seemed to need proof that
homeschoolers "turn out ok."
Recently, after I spoke
at a homeschool group meeting, a woman came up to me and said
that she thought that the examples I gave of young adults who
had been homeschooled and were now doing very well was nice,
but that she didn't think it applied to her family, because she
doubted that her kids were going to be above average like the
young people I described in my presentation.
True, I had mentioned
the recent triumph of the Patrick Henry College debaters, all
former homeschoolers, over the famed debaters of Oxford University.
I had also mentioned Christopher Paolini, homeschooled teen and
author of the best-selling novel Eragon. But I had also included
my children, one of who is living her dream of life in a large
city and is totally self-supporting, and the other, who is a
junior in college with hopes of entering the ministry after graduation.
I also mentioned a few of their childhood homeschooled friends,
one of whom is now an engineer, another who is an airline pilot,
a third who is doing very well in her college major of biorobotics,
and two others who are urban missionaries.
Apparently, my efforts
at encouraging the moms I spoke to that evening had the opposite
effect on this woman. I've thought a lot about her since then.
At first, it bothered me that she apparently didn't have big
dreams for her children. But since then, I've come to a different
conclusion, and it has to do with daffodils.
If you've ever planted
daffodils in your yard, you know that you plant the daffodil
bulbs in the fall, wait through the winter months, and come spring,
you're rewarded with sturdy green shoots that soon produce lovely
yellow flowers. It's sort of like pregnancy; you know something
is going on that you can't see, and after several months, your
patience is rewarded with something beautiful.
Once your daffodils have
bloomed, however, they shrivel up, as do the green shoots, and
all you have left is some wilted yellow stems drooping in your
garden. Some people cut these down to the ground, but an experienced
gardener will tell you to leave the stems there; they are gathering
energy from the sunlight to feed the bulb so it can produce more
bright yellow daffodils the following spring. So for a while,
you learn to live with the wilted stems, knowing that something
spectacular is in the offing.
And so it is with children.
When they are little, they are irresistibly cute and incredibly
lovable. This goes on for some time. And then they get older.
Soon they go through a gawky stage; for some it lasts longer
than others. The teeth become too large for the jaw. Bangs grow
out awkwardly. Pimples erupt en masse. Feet seem to double in
length. Hygiene may become an issue, usually right around the
time the sweat glands go into overdrive. In short, our adorable
little ducks turn into ugly ducklings. Like the wilted daffodil
stems, their former glory is just a memory.
(Don't get me wrong;
we moms love our kids every bit as much when they reach the awkward
years as we did when they were beautiful babies. But if we're
honest, we'll admit these can be difficult years.)
Ten years ago, the young
people I mentioned earlier (the engineer, the pilot, the biorobotics
major, the missionaries, and my own two oldest children) were
in a homeschool group together. I can still picture them in the
weekly gym class they attended. Some wore ill-fitting clothes
because they liked them that way. Most were gawky; some (primarily
boys) didn't smell too good, especially after class. All of them
said silly things in an effort to impress each other, while we
moms just rolled our eyes.
I remember them at our
monthly roller-skating events. The boys speed-skated in a herd,
swooping around (and much too close to) their younger siblings,
ignoring the moms scolding them. The girls didn't spend nearly
as much time skating, but whether they were on the floor or off,
they were gossiping, giggling, and primping. I can tell you that
on the surface, there were absolutely no signs of the promising
futures they had ahead of them.
But just as the wilted
daffodil stems absorb energy for the bulb hidden in the ground,
these kids were just coming into their own. Having seen it happen
time and again, I truly believe that homeschooled young teens
are like daffodil bulbs after they first bloom. They may not
appear to be blooming anymore. But inside, they are absorbing
everything around them in preparation for the time when they
burst out into the world. And then, look out, because they will
amaze you with what they can do.
So to the mom who felt
her kids weren't above average, I wish I had said that mine once
seemed pretty average, too. I think the moms of the engineer,
the pilot, the biorobotics major and the urban missionaries would
probably say the same thing about their children. But now that
I've had a chance to think it over, I also wish I had told her
that once they hit the gawky stage, you can't really picture
how well they're going to turn out. But if you're patient, and
you learn to live with "wilted stems" for a while,
you will be pleasantly surprised at what your children will become.
© 2005 Barbara Frank
Barbara Frank is the mother of four homeschooled-from-birth
children ages 12-21, a freelance writer/editor, and the author
of "Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers". To visit
her Web site, "The Imperfect Homeschooler", go to www.cardamompublishers.com.
 Easy Homeschooling Companion 1st edition
"Exhortation, Encouragement & MORE Easy Ideas"
$18.95 Add to Cart
FREE Shipping!
For more info Click Here!
Buy both books and save + FREE bonuses!
*****************************
9 Simple Strategies for Home Organization
By Karen Fritscher-Porter
http://www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com
*****************************
Home organization means
being able to find your stuff when you need
it, not after an hour or more of searching. But home organization
doesn't necessarily mean you're neat or clean. It doesn't even
mean
you're not a pack rat. Home organization just means everything
has a
place and you know where that place is in your home.
Of course, when you practice
"home organization" and "clearing
clutter" together you do inevitably get a neater and more
organized
home. Why? Because you can find your stuff when you need it AND
you're not tripping over your stuff. So instead of allowing yourself,
or your family, to consistently put your shoes in the entryway
(where
you do know their location), you designate another spot such
as a
shoe rack in the foyer closet. That's blending home organization
with
clutter clearing techniques. Here are 9 strategies for home
organization that also may help you clear clutter in your home:
1) CLUSTER LIKE ITEMS
- When you organize an office storage closet
at home or work, put the different types of paper beside each
other
on a shelf. And what goes with paper? Envelopes. Put the different
types of envelopes adjacent to the paper. Adjacent to that you
might
put writing instruments used on paper like pencils and pens.
And so
forth. Organizing holiday ornaments? Keep bins of Christmas supplies
together. Keep bins of Easter decorations together. Then put
all of
these holiday storage bins in one clustered area in your garage
or
attic. You can also use the cluster mindset for toys and sports
equipment.
2) MAKE THINGS CONVENIENT
- This simply means put most frequently
used items toward the front of shelves or on shelves within arms
reach or at eye level of the user (whether that's you, your spouse
or
your children). Put infrequently used items in those hard to
reach
cabinets in corners, cabinets above your refrigerator, in the
attic,
etc. Put shelving or other organizers in convenient places such
as
put shoe racks, umbrella stands and hanging baskets for gloves
in a
closet near the entryway you use most often.
3) LABEL IT - Invest
in an inexpensive label maker. You'll have fun
labeling items (e.g. home recorded DVD tapes) or labeling places
where items should go so they always get returned to the same
spot.
For example, label specific garage shelf spaces for hand tools
or
power tools. That way nobody in your family will ever forget
where
they got an item they're using and they'll know where its
exact "home" is.
4) DON'T KEEP AN ITEM
IF... - ...you can find it elsewhere. So much
research, forms and other paperwork is easily accessed these
days
through the Internet. Just keep a simple list of Websites and
useful
phone numbers and then you'll always know where to return to
or who
to call in order to access that information again.
5) HANDLE IT ONCE - And
handle it now. That's how the organizing
professionals suggest you handle paperwork, whether it's incoming
mail or something on your home office or work desk. If you can't
handle it now, then put it in a tickler file labeled with a specific
intention (e.g. holiday cards to mail by month, bills to mail
by
week).
6) MAKE IT YOUR SYSTEM
- I once knew a woman who placed labels
inside her kitchen food cabinets. So cans of green beans and
peas
always went on their designated label or row and a can of tuna
went
on its labeled space. When you could see the label that just
meant it
was time to buy more tuna or green beans. Was this a bit over
the top
with detail? Not for her. The system suited her personality.
It
worked for her. Lesson learned: Own your home organizing system.
You
can use other people's home organizing tips but only if they
suit
you, they suit your thought process and they mesh with your daily
routine. You're the ultimate user of the home organization system.
7) BE FLEXIBLE - If your entire home organizing system, or just
part
of it, is not working, change it. Try a different method. Put
something in a different spot. Observe other peoples homes and
work
spaces for ideas. Look at photos in home decorating magazines
for
ideas. Don't be afraid to admit temporary home organization failure
and start again as often as needed. It's okay!
8) BE PATIENT WITH OTHERS
- You know the cliché...you can't change
other people. Unfortunately, that cliché is usually true
though so
many of us choose to learn it the hard way. Don't expect everyone
in
your family to start immediately singing your home organization
tune.
They may never do so. But you can try for compromise and
understanding. And you can make subtle polite requests like "honey,
will you put your shoes in the closet for me so I can vacuum
that
area" or "will you put the car keys here when you get
home so I can
find them in the morning without waking you."
9) GET HELP WHEN NEEDED
- Not everyone is good at clearing clutter,
especially quickly; nor is everyone good at thinking in an organized,
almost analytical, way. And that's okay. But if that's you, consider
calling in a paid professional home organizer (search online
or in
the phone book). Even if you just hire an organizer for a few
hours
or a day, he or she will at least be able to help you brainstorm
about organizing your home in a manner that suits you. Then you
can
take that next step toward home organization on your own. And
keep
stepping until you get it done eventually. You will!
About the author:
Karen Fritscher-Porter writes about home organization at
http://www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com. Visit www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com
to read more than 50 FREE articles containing dozens of home
organization ideas and solutions. Plus subscribe to the FREE
newsletter updating you about the latest home organizing products
sold in stores.
 Easy Homeschooling Techniques3rd edition
"The REAL How-To Guide"
$18.95 Add to Cart
FREE Shipping!
Or buy 3rd Edition Ebook!
$9.50 Add to Cart
For more info Click Here!
Buy both books and save + FREE bonuses!
*****************************
7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children
By Steve Brunkhorst
*****************************
Our children are our
most important legacy to the world. However,
our love is our most important legacy to our children. Here are
seven ways to show love that will help children build sturdy
foundations for the future.
1. Spend Time with Your
Children.
Time is the most loving
gift we can give to our children. It
allows for the mutual exchange of ideas, emotions, actions, and
words that help our children develop and learn to communicate.
Enjoy a toddler's tea
parties as well as a teen's ball games.
Help your children build things and create art. Begin new family
traditions that you can enjoy together each year. Ample time
spent in mutually enjoyable activities will create memories you
will always treasure.
2. Be the Primary Role
Model for Your Children.
Children need examples
to follow. Teach practical values to your
children by modeling those values. Admit when you have made a
mistake and apologize. Model being committed to the ideals you
embrace. Demonstrate the advantage of integrity over peer
pressure.
We teach and influence
children more through actions than words.
We are our children's first heroes; the ideals that we live today
are the ideals that will influence our children throughout life.
3. Listen to Your Children.
A child's message is
one of his or her most essential gifts. We
build self-esteem in children when we show interest in what they
have to say. Children need to communicate their pride of
accomplishment as well as their needs.
Get down at eye level
with very young children and listen with
your eyes, ears, and heart. Listen most of all to the feelings
conveyed through a child's eyes and expressions. If you listen
to
your children deeply, they will grow up listening deeply to you.
4. Provide Your Children
with Loving Discipline.
Children need guidelines
and safe boundaries without being
constrained unnecessarily. They need to learn the value of being
accountable for their choices and actions.
Let your children know
that you disapprove of hurtful actions but
will always love them as sons and daughters. Loving discipline
enables them to recognize the best in other people. It allows
children the freedom to explore the world safely and reach their
highest potential.
5. Give Your Children
Encouragement.
Encouraging words are
powerful emotional deposits of confidence
and self-esteem. Verbally acknowledge your children's special
talents and accomplishments. Catch your children doing something
great, and tell them what a great job they have done.
Children need to know
that we recognize and support their hopes
and dreams for the future. Encouraging children to grow mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually provides the foundation for living
a
balanced life.
6. Share Your Experiences
with Your Children.
We each have valuable
stories to tell, unique maps of our journey
through life. These stories tell how our reactions to events
created the life we are living now. Sharing the benefit of your
experiences " the roadblocks and rewards " is a very
loving way
to guide your children.
Your children may face
many of the situations you faced. Your
experiences can help them make informed decisions and avoid
unnecessary mistakes. Among the most worthwhile possessions that
we can someday leave for our children are journals filled with
the stories that shaped our lives.
7. Love and Support Your
Children Unconditionally.
Love is an unconditional
gift from the heart; it is not a reward
for good behavior. Let your children know that you will love
and
support them in any situation. This message creates a sturdy
bond
of trust. Your children will grow to feel safe in coming to you
with any problem they face.
Children need the freedom
to make decisions, try new things, and
learn that life requires
personal responsibility and persistence.
They need the freedom to fail and learn from mistakes without
being judged. Unconditional love helps them to acquire the
decisiveness and resiliency required to become successful.
If you could sum up all
of our children's needs, hopes, and
expectations in one word, that word would be love. We share love
when we play a central role in our children's world of learning
and discovery. Our legacy of love will have a guiding influence
upon our children and grandchildren for many generations.
© Copyright 2005
by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional
life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of
Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine
bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring
thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal
life. Get the next issue at http://www.AchieveEzine.com
**********************************************************
Reprint Information for Lorraine Curry's articles. You
are welcome to use ANY articles from this newsletter or from
our site by Lorraine Curry (not book chapters) ONLY if you also
use byline (By Lorraine Curry) and the following:
Lorraine Curry is the
author of the 5 Star Easy Homeschooling books. See more articles,
FREE copywork, subscriptions, ebooks and much more at
http://www.easyhomeschooling.com/homeschooling.html
*****************************
We accept contributions
1) PayPal to easyhs@cornhusker.net
2) Send credit or debit card info, incl.
exp. date.
3) Send check or money order.
God's Gardener
PO Box 95
Boelus, NE 68820
easyhs@cornhusker.net
Phone 308-996-4497
Fax 308-996-9104
*****************************
We have provided over
65 issues of FREE homeschooling and homemaking information. Each
issue has involved much time and work, we also have invested
uncounted hours into our site with its many free resources.
Contributions are not
tax deductible. A portion of all contributions will further the
work of other Christian ministries, especially evangelism.
THANK YOU for your continued
support, both financial and otherwise!
To subscribe or unsubscribe
Send a blank email to:
easyhomeschooling-eletter-request@easyhomeschooling.net
Type Subscribe or Unsubscribe in subject line.
==============
Link to our helpful resources!
Use code below for you link. Use any of our articles anywhere,
adding the following link in your html code or similar in print
publications.
<A HREF="http://www.easyhomeschooling.com/homeschooling.html">Easy
Homeschooling
Buy both Easy Homeschooling books for only $32.00!
Save $5.90!! FREE shipping too! Add to Cart
Order BOTH BOOKS and get the following FREE bonuses!
Love and Friendship by Jane Austen ebook!
Two Short Pieces by Charlotte Bronte ebook!
Childhood Stories of Famous People PDF by Ann Tatum!
Free project from Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers by Barbara Frank!
| 
