NPR's Profile of an "Unschooler"

Check out this interesting look at the life of an "unschooler," featured on NPR. 

We've never been complete unschoolers, but we've allowed a lot of freedom of choice to our kids.

I was both embarrassed and pleased when my children (then elementary aged) informed someone that "we didn't do school at all this year."

What a compliment; the things we learned and did in the name of learning didn't feel like school!

Fabulous Freebies

If you've got time to search the web, you can find some fabulous free materials and information for educators.  

If you don't have time, start here!  I'm interested in your feedback, and your suggestions for more free sites.  Let's help each other out!

Curriculum Freebies:

Homeschool Freebie of the Day

Oklahoma Homeschool ("Recession-Proof Your Homeschool" has lots of free curriculum sources.)

Simply Charlotte Mason (Introduces you to the Charlotte Mason Method, the art of "gentle learning" and in-depth study methods that will enrich your home and your child's education.  Some freebies included.)

A Homeschooling Mom's List (A very complete post, from the "Well-Trained Mind" blog.  You might enjoy exploring the rest of the site, too.)

Encouragement:

Alpha Omega Publications

Click on "homeschool resources."  You'll have an opportunity to sign up for their newsletters, free.  I especially love, love, love the "Daily Focus" devotions.  They offer refreshment and encouragement every day.

Free E-Books:

Project Gutenberg

Librivox

Fictionwise (a Barnes and Noble company)

readprint.com

This is just a short list.  I'd love to read about your favorites, too.

Welcome!

Welcome to "The Savvy Homeschooler" blog!  Whether you're just curious about homeschooling or smack dab in the middle of it, I hope you'll come back often and participate in discussions.

The goal: To create savvy homeschoolers, and encourage established homeschoolers. I want you to know your options, your opportunities, and your rights. 

I've been educating my kids at home for almost 15 years.  That ought to be enough experience to qualify me as an expert; yet sometimes I feel like I'm still learning. 

We chose homeschooling for three main reasons: 

• We wanted to set our own pace.  My kids are quick learners in a lot of subjects, and need to explore them freely.  Some subjects are mastered in record time, but they need a slower pace in other subjects. Only homeschooling provided that flexibility.

• Public school would take up too much of my kids' time.  We get more schooling done in a few hours at home, or with tutors.  This frees them to explore other interests in depth, or just for fun.

• We wanted freedom to explore ideas and philosophies in creative, eclectic ways, while including open discussion and validation of our Christian beliefs.

It's been great for our family, building relationships and good memories.  However, we've also endured battles and missed opportunities.  Here are things I'd like to do in this blog:

• share some of what we learned through trial and error;

• ease the way for those just starting out;

• encourage people who are actively homeschooling;

• alert you to opportunities and freebies; 

• discuss education philosophy and proposed regulations; and 

• share homeschool successes, including the work of some talented students I know.

Please stay tuned, and comment on the posts with your own suggestions, experiences, and questions.  I'm looking forward to this time with you!