Homeschool 2.0 » Uncategorized

Finis

lynn — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:46:09 +0000

Today was a first day of school unlike any other at our house. That is because today I drove our son to school for the first time. He started high school and I ended our 17-year homeschooling career. Blogging has been thin here as we went through the decision-making process. I will continue to comment on statewide education issues as they come up but apart from that this is it. Blogging has been a blast and I appreciate every one who has read my posts and participated in some lively commenting. Many, many thanks!

Amateurs Can Outdo Pros

lynn — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:22:11 +0000

Thomas Sowell uses homeschooling as an illustration of how experts are not always all they are cracked up to be.

Opening Day! Spring is Near! Go Tribe!

lynn — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:15:29 +0000

We spent the weekend with teenagers at Snow Camp in Big Lake and a night at our own cabin in Willow. It was cold, it was snowing, and our 400′ Willow driveway is unclearable laden with six inches of ice sandwiched by snow. So, we trudged our bags and food from the truck to the house. The lake is still frozen very solidly with no hint of any thin ice. But, spring is near, very near. I know this because today is Opening Day!

That’s right, the Cleveland Indians host the White Sox at newly renamed Progressive Field. It’s 55 degrees in Cleveland right now and it might rain, too. First pitch is 11:05 a.m. Alaska Time. I’m trying to decide whether to subscribe to just the audio or the video, too, from mlb.com. Not too much coverage of the Indians in Anchorage unless they’re playing the Mariners.

Go Tribe!

Lying as a Teaching Tool

lynn — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:07:10 +0000

This from Scott Berkun on why teachers should lie. With full disclosure, lying can cause students to pay attention and spur critical thinking and discussion. Interesting approach.

Farewell to William F. Buckley (1925-2008)

lynn — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:39:56 +0000

William F. Buckley passed away sometime last night and it was sad news, indeed. His philosophy, personality and good humor were foundational for today’s conservatives and the Reagan Revolution.

Personally, I often watched him on Firing Line and, usually, needed a dictionary to look up new words. His vocabulary was incredible even though English was his third language.

Some of my favorite Buckley quotes:

“You cultivate the essential virtues: high purpose, intelligence, decency, humility, fear of the Lord, and the passion for freedom.”

“I’d rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”

“I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth.”

“Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.”

And many, many more.

National Review is one of his lasting legacies. He will be greatly missed.

What Are We Preparing our Kids for?

lynn — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:54:22 +0000

What will the workplace be like in ten years? Twenty years? How do we best prepare our own kids for those uncertainties? Since I graduated college 27 years ago the economy has changed from primarily manufacturing to an information/service economy.

What changes will our own kids see? I really don’t know. But I do know there are some things they need no matter what: integrity, respect, and a work ethic. Which is why we chose to homeschool, to instill character in our kids.

More Google Doodles

lynn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:17:41 +0000

I don’t know why this interests me so much. Probably because I’m artistically challenged. Even though we have Photoshop and Illustrator my skill level does not extend much beyond cropping photos. So, to be able to create these little doodles is very cool. Google Blogoscoped had their own Google Doodle contest and posted their winner today.

And now I know what a Google bot really looks like.

If you’re at all inclined to make your own Google Doodle design read this to perhaps win big bucks.

Intentional Flatulence Banned in Maine Middle School?

lynn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:16:34 +0000

As a mom of an 8th grade boy this got my attention. My favorite part:

"They would do it in science class and other places," said Jordan Tyler. "It’s a natural occurrence, and we all do it 16 times a day."

When questioned where he learned that information, Tyler and the other students all said it was true, though they couldn’t remember where they heard it.

There you have it. All his friends said it was true and so, therefore, it is true. Junior High wisdom.

H/T: ysmarko

Light Blogging

lynn — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:27:07 +0000

Haven’t posted yet this week as I recover from some minor surgery. Publishing my thoughts and opinions while on tylox might be interesting but not very wise. So, we’re opting instead for movie marathons such as the long BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.

Weekend Project: Make a Jet Engine

lynn — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:50:37 +0000

We tried this Jam Jar Jet weekend project from MAKE awhile ago and it was a huge hit with our son and his buddies. Anticipation, fire, noise, an all-around great project. Now it’s been selected as one of the "Best Weekend Projects."

You need simple supplies and don’t forget safety glasses because science is much more fun with an element of danger.

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