Comments for Oak Meadow | Exceptional Homeschool Curriculum

Comment on The Benefit of Traditional Tales – Part Two by Sarah Antel

Sarah Antel — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:29:32 +0000

A very helpful and excellent summary of the importance of traditional tales. Nice work, Leslie and DeeDee!

Comment on Addressing Concerns About Homeschooling by Karla

Karla — Sun, 21 May 2017 20:37:59 +0000

I think it’s important to note that some of these questions are asked out of curiosity and simply making conversation. For instance, at the grocery store we often get the day off/school holiday question. Instead of saying “They don’t go to school” I simply answer “We homeschool.” I’ve only gotten smiles or shrugs or “Oh really?” and otherwise positive reactions. In fact, there are a number that say “It’s so great that you homeschool your kids” or “I know someone who home schools.” If we shy away from those questions, who knows what opportunities we may be missing out on.
We often get the “What grade are you in?” and I think this is just one way others engage with children. They usually give a blank look, and I say that “They’re homeschooled and we don’t really go by grades… but she’s about third grade-ish” or whatever.
I recently started seeing a doctor and have appointments 3x/week. I often bring my kids and the topic of homeschooling came up. He asked, “Why do you homeschool?” He was simply curious, but not to argue the point. I could have started preaching at him about my ideals, what’s wrong with The System, but I just listed a few things that came to mind.
I don’t think we need to immediately be defensive, but yes, there are those who are judgemental. I think we can say this about many parenting choices, though!

Comment on 14 Tips for Working from Home and Homeschooling by Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:58:17 +0000

I work full time from home, and also homeschool my 2 special needs kiddos. I would add, make time to laugh.
When things get overwhelming – find the humour, it really helps put things in perspective!

Comment on Planning for Success: Using a Weekly Planner to Find the Rhythm in Your Homeschooling Life by Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:09:01 +0000

Thank you to DeeDee Hughes for this bit of wisdom:
“Once you get in the habit of spending a bit of time each week planning and setting a schedule, the weight of all that responsibility is lightened. You don’t have to worry about forgetting something important because you’ve already made a plan to include everything you want to get done.”
I love that the planner can offer peace of mind! So true!
Thanks!

Comment on What I wish I’d known before our two decades of homeschooling by Tristan RowLee

Tristan RowLee — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 20:31:46 +0000

I love the advice to read back over your journals when hard days and weeks come! I also love to look back to the same month the year before. It is hard to notice just how much progress and growth we and our children make in the day to day grind, but when we look back a year and see what we and they were capable of doing and what we can do/know/love/understand now it is amazing to see the change and growth.

Comment on What I wish I’d known before our two decades of homeschooling by Laura

Laura — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:55:38 +0000

I needed this. We’re tackling 1st grade with our 7 year old. He hates to write but loves math, it’s fun to see his strengths, and I feel like with Oak Meadow working through his weaknesses will be doable and help him grow.

Comment on What I wish I’d known before our two decades of homeschooling by Catherine Howard

Catherine Howard — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:53:34 +0000

You have reminded me what true education is all about. Thank-you!

Comment on What I wish I’d known before our two decades of homeschooling by Penny

Penny — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 16:28:11 +0000

Well said! We are 13 years in and I can completely agree with what you have written. This will encourage so many – thank you for sharing!

Comment on What I wish I’d known before our two decades of homeschooling by Deb