MorningStar’s Home Education News

 Homeschooling High School Students Excel Using Online Academies

By Mimi Rothschild

If you’re a parent who has thought about homeschooling your high school student then you should consider enrolling them in an online academy.  There are different approaches to homeschooling and one of the best approaches to homeschooling high school students is to enroll them in an homeschooling online academy.

Some parents may be concerned about using a foreign curriculum, but there are online academies, like The MorningStar Academy, that are tailored specifically for Christian homeschooling families.  Homeschooling students in high school can take advantage of all the resources an online academy offers, like teacher help through instant messaging or message boards.  Homeschooling families involved with an online academy can still enjoy the traditional benefits of homeschooling too.

Homeschooling high school students enrolled in an online academy surge ahead of their public school counterparts because they can learn in a flexible environment that is free of distractions, but can still seek help from teachers and have access to hundreds of invaluable resources.  Homeschooling students have already proven to be better students than public school students, online academies only strengthen a high school homeschoolers education.

Online academies take some of the stress of being a full-time teacher off parents by providing curriculums, teacher help, books, worksheets, and access to hundreds of excellent resources.  Homeschooling parents can focus on guiding their high school homeschoolers and instilling good values into them.

When it comes to homeschooling high school students, online academies are one of the best options.  Homeschooling students can receive world-class educations and still receive the benefits of traditional homeschooling.

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 

Math and science are not always the easiest subjects to learn, I wish they were because there are so many fascinating lessons to be learned in both subjects.  While surfing the web I found this excellent list of strategies that will help your student improve in the areas of math and science.  Each strategy includes articles or lesson plans so homeschooling parents can better understand how to apply them into their child’s homeschool curriculum. Below are the different methods scholars use to better understand math and science. 

By Mimi Rothschild

Robert Jacobson, senior editor of eSchool News online, wrote an eye-opening article on virtual schools and discusses how virtual schools could dramatically transform America’s education system. Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education, a new report from Education Sector notes that “Virtual schooling is driving the same sorts of transforming changes in public education as Apple’s iTunes has been producing in the way people collect and listen to music.”

Will virtual schools and online learning save America from public schools current abysmal state? Absolutely! The MorningStar Academy, a private, accredited online academy for home schooling students, is leading America into the new world of online education and preparing students for the Digital Age. The 21st century is much different than the 20th century; therefore, a 20th century approach to education (i.e. America’s public school system, traditional private schools, traditional charter schools) won’t prepare 21st century students for the 21st century workplace.

Home schooling using online academies is considered to be the best of both worlds. Many believe it is the best approach to educating the next generation of lawyers, doctors, teachers, bankers, scientists, engineers, technologists, etc. Because technology is easily accessible, other countries can be more competitive in the global village and evolving workplace. Home schooling online academies will prepare students for the 21st century workplace because students learn within the realms of technology and receive quality educations. Most public schools do not prepare students for the 21st century workplace; they’ve barely prepared Americans for the 20th century workplace and if they continue to operate without significant reform it will be the reason why the American economy cannot compete on a global scale in the years ahead.

To read Robert Jacobson’s article click here.

By Mimi Rothschild

Although it doesn’t seem that the mainstream media is interested in reporting this, a Pennsylvania government-sponsored virtual school recently boasted the following statistic.

We have been notified by the Department of Education that we have once again made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). 21st Century Cyber was the only cyber school to make AYP last year, and is the only cyber school in PA that is not on the academic warning list. Congratulations to our students and staff!

Out of the twelve public cyber charter schools based in Pennsylvania, only one is meeting AYP standards set forth in the No Child Left Behind plan!What a track record! This news comes hot on the heels of the HSLDA’s recent announcement that public virtual schools are performing worse than not only private schools and homeschools, but the very public schools for which they were designed to provide an alternative!

Parents who are considering enrolling their children in a public virtual charter school need to realize that these organizations survive using bait-and-switch offers like free computers and internet connections in order to entice families back into the public school. Students are given the same poor curriculum, the same perverse sense of morality, the same rigidity in teaching methods, and it appears, the same declining academic standards.

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.

By Mimi Rothschild

Many public school districts are trying to make up for the massive hit in attendance as a result of the homeschooling movement by courting homeschoolers with offers to be a part of “cutting-edge” virtual charter school programs.

The problem here is that by signing up for these programs, parents are giving up the control it took homeschoolers so long to achieve, and setting up little public schools in their homes. Parents won’t be able to choose the courses their children take, the content of those courses, attendance, and more.

Think about this. What happens when little Johnny logs in to his classes only to find that today’s lesson will be about how families can be made up of two mommies or two daddies? The freedom to teach traditional Christian values is given up with these virtual charter school programs. You may as well send your kid off to the local public school.

You’re also providing the public school with the money to continue peddling their desperately poor academic standards and moral confusion to children. Why support that if you don’t have to?

The HSLDA has prepared a wealth of resources to dissuade parents from buying into this scam. Click here to read articles about how the government tries to manipulate less-informed homeschoolers. Here is a recent example.

For parents who are interested in online courses, consider online homeschooling programs rather than public schools. They are an inexpensive solution, offering the same type of education without sacrificing academic quality or religious freedom. I’d normally avoid shilling our own services here in the blog, but if it saves one family from buying into the virtual charter school lie, it’s worth it!

By Mimi Rothschild

This recent State blurb reminded me of how many of today’s homeschool moms have chosen to homeschool while holding down full-time jobs. The unfortunate reality is that many parents are unable to make ends meet with just one bread-winner in the household. The structure of our economy has strained families such that mothers have experienced pressure to enter the workplace. Many of these brave and faithful mothers have chosen to homeschool their children despite the difficult circumstances. Here are some helpful tips for frazzled moms (and dads):

Pray pray pray!: Obviously, God will never throw anything your way that you can’t handle. Faith can move mountains and help educate your children.

Work with your supervisor: He or she might not budge, but it is most definitely worth a try to try to gain some leeway. Maybe you can come in an hour late and stay an hour late or have an extended lunch break to check on the kids. Perhaps you can even telecommute for part of the day. As technology increases, an increasing amount of employees are working from a home office.

Homeschool on weekends/nights: Flexibility is one of the greatest aspects of homeschooling. There’s no reason your homeschoolers can’t do their lessons while you are there to help.

Enroll in a co-op: Most cities and even small towns have a network of homeschool parents that meet for educational purposes in co-ops. You’re not in this alone. Enlist the help of other mothers. Parents can take turns teaching larger groups of children in a classroom setting. Feel free to check out The MorningStar Academy Co-op Program to learn more.

Hire a part-time tutor: When you can’t be there to teach, why not hire someone who can? You’d be surprised how eager college students are. Tutoring will give them experience with teaching as well as some extra spending money. In return, you get peace of mind, knowing that your homeschoolers are getting the help they need.

Enroll in online courses: Understandably, many of the parents who homeschool with The MorningStar Academy are either single or working mothers. Our online academy provides a way for students to be taught without constant parental supervision. Our teachers are on call throughout the day for help with coursework. This is an ideal solution for busy parents who wish to give their children a great education but can’t always be at home.

By Mimi Rothschild

Free Range Learning is a term I’ve been hearing tossed about in the homeschooling world for some time. Regardless of its connotation, I love the sound of the term. It implies learning without boundaries.

Some unfortunate souls have the misperception that homeschoolers are stuck in a jail-like building, as if they stare teary-eyed out the window at the lucky kids catching the school bus in the morning. On the contrary, to the homeschooler, the world is a classroom. It is in fact the public school student who is forced into a cell-like classroom confined by rigid strictures and stifling monotony. There are many ways to take advantage of the limitless nature of homeschooling. Here are just a few:

Libraries: This one’s pretty obvious. Area libraries are a wealth of information. Most have high-speed internet access in addition to plenty of print materials. Taking full advantage of your local library can really supplement your homeschoolers curriculum well.

Museums: Another no-brainer. Museums offer kids a visual and sometimes hands-on supplement to their learning. If you live in a rural area, plan a weekend trip to the closest city and go museum-hopping. Many museums have a “just for kids” section that will provide hours of fun learning. Older homeschoolers will also be enriched by the regular exhibits.

Colleges: Why not have your high schoolers take a college course or two in a particular area of interest? It’s a great way to expose them to an environment that they will most likely transition to in the near future. If you have a family friend that is currently enrolled in a college, you can even allow your child to spend a weekend with that friend. They will get a taste of dorm life and even attend the same classes. This is also a great way to supplement your homeschooler’s search for the right college.

Friends and Relatives: Last year, I set up an assignment for which each of my homeschoolers interviewed my parents about their experiences during World War II. Not only was it an engaging and informative history lesson, it was an unforgettable bonding experience that they will no doubt carry with them long after my parents have passed. I would encourage you to think creatively about what your homeschoolers could learn from family friends. Perhaps you have a friend who is a farmer that they can shadow for a day. Maybe a friend has just given birth, and you would like your daughters to learn how to care for a newborn baby. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination.

The Internet: Having 24/7 access to the internet will give your homeschoolers an enormous edge over public school students. If your students have a question, encourage them to find out for themselves on the computer rather than instantly providing the answer. This will cultivate essential web-browsing skills and will also build an innate desire to explore and learn on the web. Here are some helpful hints to guide your search for knowledge on the internet.

Field Trips: There are plenty of untraditional places to visit that aren’t generally considered places of learning. Get together with other homeschool families to plan field trips to factories, historical sites, conservatories, zoos, and more. Every once in a while, you can all head out to an amusement park just for fun.

By Mimi Rothschild

Given the rise of the internet over the course of the last few years, homeschool parents no longer have any excuse to feel isolated. I have become particularly interested in the vast array of homeschooling blogs out there. For the uninitiated, a blog is short for “web log.” It’s a website used to post thoughts and opinions; not unlike an online journal. Readers can then post comments and even develop deep relationships with likeminded homeschoolers. Reading the thoughts, prayers, concerns, and stories of other homeschoolers can be so edifying. Isn’t it comforting to know that there are other parents out there with the same struggles and shortcomings that you have?

Here are just a few blogs devoted to homeschooling. I am confident that you will find their content to be both a valuable resource as well as an interesting read. A word of warning: bloggers are opinionated folks, and their beliefs might not always line up with yours. Feel free to add your comments, but don’t get offended!

Camp Homeschool is a blog written by a former high school science teacher dedicated to “unschooling” her four children.

Danielle Bean is a hilarious blog written by a Catholic mother. Her most recent post covers the solemn funeral accompanying the death of Caramel, the death of her family chicken.

Spunky Homeschool, written by a mother of six, deals with Christian homeschooling. Her husband Steve, founder of Liberty Financial Planning, maintains a blog dedicated to helping Christians serve God though responsible financial management.

Check out Wordpress or Blogspot for an extremely user-friendly set of tools necessary for starting your own blog. Help our community grow by adding your two cents. There’s always more room in the blogosphere for helpful hints and funny anecdotes. Sharing your joys and concerns with your fellow homeshcoolers is not only beneficial for the reader, but the writer. Homeschoolers are up against the world and should stick together. Blogging provides us with a convenient way to communicate and develop meaningful relationships.

If you’re feeling especially progressive, why not encourage your kids to start a blog? It will help them develop their writing abilities, enable them to communicate with other homeschoolers, and provide a way for them to gain valuable computer skills. You could even make it a team effort by starting a family blog.