MorningStar’s Home Education News

 Nine year old Caroline Haroldson of Oregon will start her school year like most fourth-graders, the day after Labor Day.  What makes her school year a little different is that she will be traveling across the United States for six weeks on an educational journey. 

But how can she do this?  Easy, home school!

Home schooling allows families to have extremely flexible schedules.  The relaxed home school environment allows home schooling families to take vacations, or in this case an educational journey, any time of the year.  Home schooling also encourages learning to take place outside of the classroom.  This sort of pro-learning attitude has helped guide some of the greatest minds in history, including: Thomas Edison, Leonardo Da Vinci, C.S. Lewis, and Abraham Lincoln.

Another interesting fact is that more tourist destinations, resorts, hotels, museums, and the travel industry in general are reaching out to home schooling families because they often times travel during slower months; just something to consider when your home schooling family plans an educational journey this year.

Read more about Caroline’s journey here.

By Mimi Rothschild

In 2007 it seems as if everyone is close to a child that has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but what exactly is ADHD/ADD?  How do you know if your child is suffering from this disorder?  How do you teach a child with ADD/ADHD, especially if they are homeschooled?

Learn the answers to all these questions and more in the helpful article below which I came across last night.  Please let me know what you think! Thanks!

ERIC EC Digest #E569, September 1998

Defining Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas:

1. Attention span

2. Impulse control

3. Hyperactivity (sometimes)

ADD is a chronic disorder that can begin in infancy and extend through adulthood. It can have negative effects on a child’s life at home, in school, and within the community. It is conservatively estimated that 3 to 5% of our school-age population is affected by ADD.

The condition previously fell under the headings “learning disabled,” “brain damaged,” “hyperkinetic,” and/or “hyperactive.” The term attention deficit disorder was introduced to describe the characteristics of these children more clearly.

Diagnosing ADD/ADHD

According to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., rev., American Psychiatric Association, 1994), to arrive at a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, the clinician must note the presence of at least six of the nine following criteria for either Attention Span or Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.

Attention Span Criteria

Pays little attention to details; makes careless mistakes.
Has short attention span.
Does not listen when spoken to directly.
Does not follow instructions; fails to finish tasks.
Has difficulty organizing tasks.
Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Loses things.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity Criteria

Fidgets; squirms in seat.
Leaves seat in classroom when remaining seated is expected.
Often runs about or climbs excessively at inappropriate times.
Has difficulty playing quietly.
Talks excessively.

Impulsivity Criteria

Blurts out answers before questions are completed.
Has difficulty awaiting turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

Establishing the Proper Learning Environment

• Seat students with ADD near the teacher’s desk, but include them as part of the regular class seating.

• Place these students up front with their backs to the rest of the class to keep other students out of view.

• Surround students with ADD with good role models.

• Encourage peer tutoring and cooperative/collaborative learning.

• Avoid distracting stimuli. Try not to place students with ADD near air conditioners, high traffic areas, heaters, or doors or windows.

• Children with ADD do not handle change well, so avoid transitions, physical relocation (monitor them closely on field trips), changes in schedule, and disruptions.

• Be creative! Produce a stimuli-reduced study area. Let all students have access to this area so the student with ADD will not feel different.

• Encourage parents to set up appropriate study space at home, with set times and routines established for study, parental review of completed homework, and periodic notebook and/or book bag organization.

Giving Instructions to Students with ADD/ADHD

• Maintain eye contact during verbal instruction.

• Make directions clear and concise. Be consistent with daily instructions.

• Simplify complex directions. Avoid multiple commands.

• Make sure students comprehend the instructions before beginning the task.

• Repeat instructions in a calm, positive manner, if needed.

• Help the students feel comfortable with seeking assistance (most children with ADD will not ask for help). Gradually reduce the amount of assistance, but keep in mind that these children will need more help for a longer period of time than the average child.

• Require a daily assignment notebook if necessary:

  1. Make sure each student correctly writes down all assignments each day. If a student is not capable of this, the teacher should help him or her.

  2. Sign the notebook daily to signify completion of homework assignments. (Parents should also sign.)

  3. Use the notebook for daily communication with parents.

Giving Assignments

• Give out only one task at a time.

• Monitor frequently. Maintain a supportive attitude.

• Modify assignments as needed. Consult with special education personnel to determine specific strengths and weaknesses of each student.

• Develop an individualized education program.

• Make sure you are testing knowledge and not attention span.

• Give extra time for certain tasks. Students with ADD may work slowly. Do not penalize them for needing extra time.

• Keep in mind that children with ADD are easily frustrated. Stress, pressure, and fatigue can break down their self-control and lead to poor behavior.

Modifying Behavior and Enhancing Self-Esteem

Providing Supervision and Discipline:

• Remain calm, state the infraction of the rule, and avoid debating or arguing with the student.

• Have pre-established consequences for misbehavior.

• Administer consequences immediately, and monitor proper behavior frequently.

• Enforce classroom rules consistently.

• Make sure the discipline fits the “crime,” without harshness.

• Avoid ridicule and criticism. Remember, children with ADD have difficulty staying in control.

• Avoid publicly reminding students on medication to “take their medicine.”

Providing Encouragement:

• Reward more than you punish, in order to build self-esteem.

• Praise immediately any and all good behavior and performance.

• Change rewards if they are not effective in motivating behavioral change.

• Find ways to encourage the child.

• Teach the child to reward himself or herself. Encourage positive self-talk (e.g., “You did very well remaining in your seat today. How do you feel about that?”). This encourages the child to think positively about himself or herself.

Other Educational Recommendations

• Educational, psychological, and/or neurological testing to determine learning style and cognitive ability and to rule out any learning disabilities (common in about 30% of students with ADD).

• A private tutor and/or peer tutoring at school.

• A class that has a low student-teacher ratio.

• Social skills training and organizational skills training.

• Training in cognitive restructuring (positive “self-talk,” e.g., “I did that well”).

• Use of a word processor or computer for schoolwork.

• Individualized activities that are mildly competitive or noncompetitive such as bowling, walking, swimming, jogging, biking, karate. (Note: Children with ADD/ADHD may not do as well as their peers in team sports.)

• Involvement in social activities such as scouting, church groups, or other youth organizations that help develop social skills and self-esteem.

• Allowing children with ADD to play with younger children, if that is where they fit in. Many children with ADD have more in common with younger children than with their age-peers. They can still develop valuable social skills from interaction with younger children.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., rev.) (DSM-IV-R). Washington, DC: APA.

Suggested Reading

Bender, W. (1997). Understanding ADHD: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Parents. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall.

Fiore, T. (1993). “Educational interventions for students with attention deficit disorder.” Exceptional Children, 60(2), 163-73.

Gardill, M. (1996). “Classroom strategies for managing students with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.” Intervention in School and Clinic, 32(2), 89-94.

Hallowell, E. (1994). Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood through Adulthood. Tappan, NJ: Simon & Schuster.

Hartmann, T. (1993). Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception. Novato, CA: Underwood-Miller.

Reeve, R. (1996). A Continuing Education Program on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.

Rief, S. (1997). The ADD/ADHD Checklist. An Easy Reference for Parents and Teachers. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.

Robelia, B. (1997). “Tips for working with ADHD students of all ages.” Journal of Experiential Education, 20(1), 51-53.

Schiller, E. (1996). “Educating children with attention deficit disorder.” Our Children, 22(2), 32-33.

Contact your local school psychologist, examiner, or personnel in charge of assessment and diagnosis in your school district for specific information and local programs.

Copyright ©1996-1998
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/go/http/www.eric.ed.gov/

By Mimi Rothschild

The MorningStar Academy is proud to announce that graduating senior Melissa Pettignano’s first book, entitled “Suzanne Lantana” is now available to the public. “Suzanne Lantana” “is about a young, full of life girl that has gone through many things a pre-teen would go through all the way up to being a teen. The biggest one is loosing her aunt Arlene T. Babakitis on Sept 11th 2001 in The World Trade Center. This book is a collection of short stories. Stories that have meanings and teachings for young girls who can relate. If not relate can understand.”

Melissa exemplifies the home school education to the fullest. Home schooling allows students to pursue their interests and encourages a love of learning. Melissa pursued her passion for writing and telling stories. Home schooling also allows parents to customize and tailor their children’s education to meet their learning styles. These are only two home schooling benefits, but they show why home schooling is statistically proven to provide a better education than public schooling.

Melissa is currently writing her second book and will be on a book tour this summer.

To find out more about Melissa Pettignano’s “Suzanne Lantana” or to buy it click here.

By Mimi Rothschild

Hello all, this is a short post, but I thought I’d share this great article I read. Duane Sheppard, a retired educator with almost three decades of experience in the public school system, wrote a compelling article on home schooling and home schooling’s increasing popularity. I find Mr. Sheppard’s article to be extremely fascinating because he gives home schooling such high marks even though he worked for almost thirty years in public schools.

Mr. Sheppard recently watched his home schooling grandson graduate. He notes that home schooling is not a new trend. “Though it may seem like a recent trend, home schooling is nothing new. George Washington, Queen Elizabeth, Theodore Roosevelt and Sandra Day O’Connor were home schooled. However, a couple of decades ago, this option still seemed like a fringe choice.” He meticulously documents home school’s progress, home school’s tremendous success, reasons to home school, and home schooling benefits.

I urge everyone to read this article and also write a comment about your home schooling experience. Tell me why your family chose to home school and what it has been like so far. I’d also love to hear from people who are considering home schooling their children.

Read Duane Sheppard’s article here.

By Mimi Rothschild

Parents are dramatically pulling their children out of public schools to homeschool them instead. According to the National Center for Education Statistics the number of homeschool students in 2003 is up 29 percent from 1999. Just imagine the increase of homeschool students in America now in 2007.

Parents are discovering the benefits of homeschooling their children as public schools continue to be plagued with violence, drugs, bullying, and an overall failing approach to educating students. Some parents are still apprehensive about homeschooling their children, most often because of the homeschooling myths that public schools have been feeding the masses over the years.

Ruth Olson of Newsweek sat down with Laura Derrick, president of the National Home Educator’s Network to discuss issues on homeschooling for high school students. Derrick tackles some of the theories non-homeschoolers have about homeschoolers, talks about her own experience with homeschooling, and why so many students are leaving the public schools to be homeschooled instead. Here is an excerpt:

What are some of the issues they face? I know for a lot of kids, high school is kind of their social life, that period of their life where they’re finding their boyfriend or girlfriend and hanging out with buddies and stuff.

“Right. And that’s very important. I mean, there is a long period of growth and maturation that happens during that time that is partly fueled by those social interactions, and teens really do need those; it’s not just something that’s nice to have. We see what happens when they’re deprived of that. For most homeschoolers, that’s not an issue. I know that’s the perception from outside the homeschooling universe, and homeschoolers actually laugh about it, because most of us, we call ourselves carschoolers because we’re in the car so much. There are, unfortunately, some parents who do isolate their kids more than is probably good for the kids. Those kind of parents come in every walk of life and across the board, unfortunately, and some of them do exist in the homeschooling world, too. But the vast majority of families really do get out and do a lot. So I don’t see that as being a problem that’s really related to homeschooling so much as it is to parenting.”

I think all of our MorningStar Academy’s parents and homeschoolers will find the complete interview to be quite fascinating. I would love to know what you think of the interview and if you agree with Laura Derrick or not.

Read the complete interview with Laura Derrick here.

By Mimi Rothschild

I was overjoyed to read an article in the Boston Pilot that served as a pretty good introduction to the joys and advantages of homeschooling. Professor Michael Pakaluk is a professor of philosophy in Cambridge, Mass. who has chosen to homeschool his 16-year old daughter. He provides the following excellent list.

1. It’s efficient.
2. It’s inexpensive.
3. Homeschooling tends to develop good habits of reading.
4. Homeschooled children more easily become friends with their parents.
5. Homeschooling requires that the father play the role that he really should play in his children’s education.
6. Unity of studying and religious belief.
7. Homeschooling tends to foster a lively patriotism.
8. Homeschooled children can enjoy the innocence of childhood longer.
9. Homeschooled children socialize better.

I found the fourth point to be especially interesting. How many teenagers do you know that have healthy, loving relationships with their parents? Now, I’m not talking about parents who give their kids everything they want and allow them to walk all over them. I’m talking about good parents who are still able to claim that they are best friends with their kids. My teens and I have a wonderful relationship that exists because of homeschooling. Sure there are moments of antagonism and times that I must exact punishment, but for the most part, my kids and I enjoy each other’s company.
This may be one of the most coherent, simple, fair, and effortless defenses of homeschooling I have ever read. It is free from propaganda tactics or cheerleading for home education. Everyone considering homeschooling should check out the full article.

By Mimi Rothschild
I’ve been meaning to post about this Georgetown Times article for some time now. This particularly unbiased piece showcases how four moms are choosing to give up their career dreams and more to stay at home with the kids.

By joining up with the Georgetown Area Home Educators, this group of women is standing firm in their call to bring Kingdom Education to their children.

Hagmayer doesn’t understand why people disagree with home-schooling, saying it is not a new practice. Before the federal and local governments decided to regulate education, everyone home-schooled their children, she said.
“We’re not inventing anything new, Hagmayer said. “We’re just going back to the basics.”

What a surprisingly true statement. Many public school administrators have this backwards idea that homeschool parents are doing rejecting the longstanding institution of the public school. In actuality, the public school is an institution in its infancy. Homeschooling is a tradition that has been passed down from generations since the beginning of time, really. To think that homeschool parents are entering uncharted waters by pulling their kids out of the public school is quite naive.

I’d also like to call attention to the article’s mention of the women giving up their career dreams. We live in a me-oriented culture. Self-actualization is the name of the game. After all, do we moms want to look back on our lives and regret that we didn’t go for that career in the thick of the rat-race? This mentality not only flies in the face of everything we know from God’s Word, but it also opposes our natural inclinations. Life is a time to invest in other people. Christianity is built on the concept of you-orientation.

A good example is marriage. Why are so many marriages ending in divorce? The simple answer is that our society reflects a me-culture, but marriage is a you-culture institution. Marriage can’t work in me-culture because marriage is one big sacrifice!

These moms are choosing to follow a different path, and in the end, they’ll be more fulfilled. Investing in a child is the most fulfilling act in all of human behavior. Why do we bang our heads against walls trying to get rid of this gift!

By Mimi Rothschild
How would you educate if money was not an issue? Would you send your children to the most prestigious school in your city?
According to a recent Bloomberg article, many of Manhattan’s movers and shakers are no longer relying on outsourcing the education of their children. Whether they hire expensive private tutors for homeschooling or allow their children to educate themselves in an “unschooling” format, these upper-crust families are realizing that their children are too important to leave their education in anyone’s hands but their own.

“The growth of home schooling in Manhattan is part of a national trend. From 1999 to 2003, the number of kids being taught at home soared 29 percent to 1.1 million, according to the most recent survey by the U.S. Education Department. The city requires parents to create a teaching plan and to have students’ academic progress evaluated under state regulations.”

I think this is a fascinating development. For one thing, it blows the popular perception of homeschoolers being a bunch of rural hillbillies trying to escape from society. These are some of the most influential people in the city. They are choosing to homeschool, not for religious escapist reasons, but because they strongly feel it is the best academic environment for their children. Although they can afford to send their children to $30,000 private schools, they are forsaking this luxury.

“Leon Potgieter, who runs the 300-employee New York City office of Stamford, Connecticut-based consulting firm Towers Perrin, said he and his wife, Barbara, can afford any school for 9-year-old twins Luke and Sarah and 6-year-old Hannah. They chose home schooling because they decided that Barbara, 41, a physicist and computer scientist, could do a better job. Potgieter, 44, teaches the history lessons when he gets home from work.”

Again, these are not the uneducated right-wingers at which the mainstream media would point the finger. These are well-educated, urbane parents. Many of these homeschoolers have gone the “unschooling” route.

“While their peers are in school, Caroline and Jessica have the run of the town, to join clubs, visit museums and take classes. Caroline learns English in a teen book club, history from DVD documentaries and science at the American Museum of Natural History.”

That kind of freedom is what makes homeschooling so attractive to the rich. Why put restrictions on your child’s learning when you have such amazing resources all over the city of which to take advantage?

By Mimi Rothschild
Dana Hanley’s recent post on the Homeland Stupidity blog chronicles the tragic murder of a young homeschooled boy at the hands of his own adoptive parents. He was starved, beaten, and generally neglected before eventually succumbing to their daily torture.

East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows is currently promoting the increased regulation of homeschooling to prevent tragedies like this from happening.

Meadows fails to realize two key truths. First, increasing regulation among homeschoolers will do nothing to prevent abuse cases like this from happening. If parents want to abuse their children, they will find a way to do so in order to keep it out of the public eye. Secondly, this type of violence is far from unique to homeschooling. Public school students around the country unfortunately suffer from similar abuse, and little is done about it in the public school. In fact, the homeschooled student in question was enrolled in public school for a time and nothing was done to prevent his murder. As commentor Christine points out, the child had social workers assigned to him even after leaving the public school.

The unfortunate death of a child should not prevent millions of healthy homes from enjoying the freedoms of homeschooling. Increased regulation will accomplish nothing other than extra red tape and hurdles for well-meaning parents to go through.

Christian homeschoolers, please pray for your homeschooling

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By Mimi Rothschild

No sooner had I written yesterday’s post about the hidden evils of charter schools did I come across this saddening article on World Net Daily.

In Anchorage, Alaska, what must be the least government-regulated state in the country, a program called Interior Distance Education of Alaska, or IDEA was recently launched. The program offered “free money” to parents in exchange for control over their children. After a long, hard-won battle to achieve independence from the state, homeschoolers are now giving it up voluntarily.

I can see why this temptation exists. The whole concept of an online charter school makes perfect sense in such a rural area. A lot of these families live completely isolated in the Alaskan frontier.

“Why not use online technology to tap into a market that no one else in public education was serving: the homeschool student? And thus IDEA was born. The plan was to entice homeschoolers with a package of goodies, including computers, access to instructional resources, assistance from certified teachers, guidance from a network of field representatives who are also homeschooling parents, plus a cash allotment for non-religious educational materials.”

There are alternatives to looking to the government. Essentially, the government is offering what The MorningStar Academy offers, but without the religious freedom. Parents of Alaska, realize that there are alternatives out there.

“Naturally, the leadership of APHEA is not very happy with this development. As Christians, they prefer to see homeschoolers totally independent of the state when it comes to the education of their children. And they predict that over time, the state will impose more and more regulations over what the enrolled homeschoolers can do to be eligible for the cash allotments.”

That’s how the government works. Hopefully, these home educators will not give up too many of their freedoms before realizing that they are buying into a lie.