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  • Opportunity for Homeschoolers: "The Human Body" 2/10/12 - Abby Sullivan 2/3/2012 (0)
  • New to PA - Tish Ricosky 2/1/2012 (0)
  • tutor needed - Ruth Stratton 2/1/2012 (0)
  • Music Lessons - Sarah Burke 1/31/2012 (0)
  • Spring testing... - Cherie 1/31/2012 (0)
  • Greensburg Area: Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest - Dennis G. Jerz 1/30/2012 (0)
  • Biology requirements for PHAA - Brenda 1/30/2012 (1)
  • The Emperor's New Clothes in Trappe & Oreland - Family Stages 1/30/2012 (0)
  • Need an Evaluator in Gibsonia area - Sarah G 1/29/2012 (0)
  • change of address - Gerri Orlando 1/26/2012 (0)
  • getting started - sarah 1/26/2012 (0)
  • Anyone in Monroeville Area? - Lisa 1/25/2012 (0)
  • ID? - Amanda 1/25/2012 (1)
  • 5th GRADE NATIONAL BICYCLE POSTER CONTEST! - Suzan Knott 1/24/2012 (0)
  • Looking for a Pediatrician - Jessie 1/23/2012 (2)
  • testing - Barbara Braun 1/20/2012 (5)
  • Art Classes for Homeschoolers - Jena Robbins Schieb 1/20/2012 (0)
  • Reading Specialist available to tutor in Southern Chester County - Lisa Stoddard 1/20/2012 (0)
  • Play group/ meetup for my 6 yo? - Sarah 1/19/2012 (0)
  • geometry - Tammy 1/18/2012 (2)
  • Should I use K12 or just do it myself? - Sarah 1/18/2012 (2)
  • Oh Scrud! instructions - Libbie Kucel 1/16/2012 (2)
  • law - Cay 1/16/2012 (2)
    • Re: law - SharonM 1/16/2012 (0)
    • Re: law - Nanette Blank 1/16/2012 (0)
  • Home schooling a special needs child - Stacy Peeples 1/13/2012 (0)
  • Moving into PA - Heather 1/12/2012 (1)
  • Bowling for Home Schoolers - Arnold's Bowling Center 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Music Lessons-Earth Music School - Tim Dodson 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Community Apiary at Awbury Arboretum! - Anaiis Salles 1/11/2012 (0)
  • Yikes! Graduation Project!! Can I issue high school diploma mid-year? - Bonnie 1/10/2012 (1)
  • homeschool group in lehigh valley - kerri goodman 1/10/2012 (0)
  • Student Contest Info - Dixie 1/9/2012 (0)
  • Advice on Developing Homeschool program - Ashley 1/8/2012 (0)
  • Seniors - Donna 1/8/2012 (0)
  • Online Arabic Language Classes - Kendra 1/8/2012 (0)
  • PA Study Projecgt - Wendy 1/7/2012 (1)
  • New to Homeschooling - Julie 1/6/2012 (0)
  • Testing a child who cannot read - Lisa Cross 1/6/2012 (3)
  • Question about length of books for reading requirement - Jacqueline 1/5/2012 (3)
  • Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Applications NOW Available - Michele Kittell 1/4/2012 (0)
  • Writing a Research Paper - Dan Hulse 1/4/2012 (0)
  • Health and Wellness program for homeschoolers - Janet Schmidt 1/2/2012 (0)
  • need evaluator - lynn 1/1/2012 (0)
  • 2012 greater pittsburgh homeshcool workshop and curriculum fair - debra 1/1/2012 (1)
  • Homeschooling seems to be going downhill - Dianna 12/31/2011 (0)
  • Reading Specialist available to Tutor your Homeschooler!! - Marie Hawley 12/30/2011 (1)
  • North Penn YMCA Home School Physical Education Program - Margie Washington 12/21/2011 (0)
  • "Special Kids" Camp Expo - January 28 - Holly Henry 12/20/2011 (0)
  • Giving up homeschooling after 18 years - Annette 12/19/2011 (6)
  • Tutoring in English, Writing, and Mandarin Chinese in Philadelphia - Abby 12/17/2011 (0)
  • Carnegie Mellon University Algebra Experiments - Jennifer Ferris-Glick 12/15/2011 (0)
  • AP only transcript? - Michelle Borthayre 12/12/2011 (2)
  • HELP! - Katrina Gallagher 12/8/2011 (0)
  • Home School Swim - Rebecca 12/7/2011 (0)
  • moving out of PA - Brenda 12/3/2011 (1)
  • Need an evaluator - michelle ogureck 11/30/2011 (0)
  • Summer Language Camps in the Philadelphia Area - Elizabeth S. Dete 11/30/2011 (0)
  • Forestry Field Day - Carol Lugg 11/30/2011 (0)
  • PHAA transcript request - Ginny 11/28/2011 (1)
  • Homeschool groups near Whitehall, PA? - Nickole Jude 11/28/2011 (1)
  • December Theatre Schedule - Family Stages 11/27/2011 (0)
  • Best & Worst Ways To Teach A Poem - Bruce Deitrick Price 11/26/2011 (0)
  • new to homeschooling - krystle aybar 11/22/2011 (4)
  • Homeschool family move from VA to PA - Kathy B. 11/21/2011 (1)
  • getting a copy of transcipt from PA Homeschoolers - Pam 11/18/2011 (1)
  • The Common Application - JoAnn 11/15/2011 (3)
  • Homeschool Debate Teams - Amber 11/15/2011 (1)
  • help - casandra 11/14/2011 (1)
  • 2012 commencements - Sue 11/14/2011 (1)
  • Online Violin/Viola lessons for homeschoolers - Slapin-Solomon Viola Duo 11/14/2011 (0)
  • School performance of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker - karen miranda 11/14/2011 (0)
  • Enrollment of Homeschoolers in PA - Amy 11/13/2011 (1)
  • Berks County and nearby: RACC hosting open house; interested in HSers! - Diane 11/13/2011 (0)
  • Moving to PA - Nickole 11/13/2011 (0)
  • Environmental Science core experiences at Bethlehem Nature Center - Karen Dolan 11/12/2011 (0)
  • INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION/TUTORING IN ENGLISH/WRITING - Barry R. Greenawalt 11/9/2011 (0)
  • Friends Program - James R. Behrens 11/9/2011 (0)
  • Changing School Districts Mid-Year - Nancy Trauger 11/9/2011 (1)
  • Players of the Stage presents A Little Princess - Beth Barshinger 11/8/2011 (0)
  • Home Schooling Provider - Wilson 11/8/2011 (0)
  • Need of an evaluator - Judy Banks 11/7/2011 (0)
  • IUP Health & Physical Education After-School Activity Program - Janet 11/7/2011 (0)
  • Friends - Carol 11/7/2011 (0)
  • PA Youth Harmony adjudication event - John Cosgrove 11/4/2011 (0)
  • Going from homeschool to cyber school - Sherrie 11/4/2011 (0)
  • Transcripts & The Common application - Barb V 11/2/2011 (0)
  • Transcripts - Missie 10/28/2011 (1)
  • question - Analida Braeger 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Missed a testing - Denise Weaver 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Filling for Jessica Shirk - Brenda Shirk 10/28/2011 (0)
  • Testing & Evaluation - bianca guerra 10/27/2011 (0)
  • testing change - amy mcmenamin 10/26/2011 (0)
  • Parent Workshop: Organizing for Learning - Holly Henry 10/25/2011 (0)
  • Homeschoolers Ski Club --- Come join the fun - Carole Matheny 10/25/2011 (0)
  • HOMESCHOOL DAY at the National Watch and Clock Museum - Janet F. 10/24/2011 (0)
  • individualized instruction in Brookville/Summerville area - melissa kraus 10/24/2011 (0)
  • indiviualized instruction - melissa 10/24/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool band to book for groups - Guy Bilyou 10/21/2011 (0)
  • 10/22/11 - "Fangs! A Spooky Creature Feature" at the Wagner Free Institute of Science - Abby Sullivan 10/19/2011 (0)
  • fayette county-where/to whom send affidavit - register as homeschooler? - Marisa 10/17/2011 (1)
  • transcript - Candace 10/17/2011 (1)
  • Mark Milovats Invites your child to perform at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh 11/27/11 - Eliabeth Dames 10/16/2011 (0)
  • PEGASUS Poetry Contest for PA students - Ann Gasser of PPS, Inc. 10/15/2011 (0)
  • Virtual homeschool - Carla 10/14/2011 (0)
  • Bucks County Community Wellness Day Sat Oct 15th - Community Wellness Day 10/13/2011 (0)
  • Wilson Reading Tutor Collegeville Royersford Limerick Pennsylvania - Jill Vettori 10/12/2011 (0)
  • Lackawanna County Learning Clinic - Dr. Kristin Bewick 10/11/2011 (0)
  • innovative teaching tool: Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. - jennie 10/10/2011 (0)
  • FREE Master Class with Taylor 2 Dance! - The Palace Theatre 10/10/2011 (0)
  • pa laws and high school - jane 10/9/2011 (0)
  • Kutztown University Offers Free Reading Testing on Oct.. 15th & Nov. 19th - Dr. Cathy Walkovic 10/9/2011 (0)
  • Looking for HS Band Near Sunbury - Caroline Owens 10/3/2011 (0)
  • ? about HSing in PA - Abby 10/2/2011 (3)
  • Tutoring/Enrichment K-6 - Lori Seekely 9/29/2011 (0)
  • Public School Sports - James 9/28/2011 (1)
  • Math Tutor - Appa Hardner 9/28/2011 (0)
  • Reading Tutor Serving Philadelphia's Main Line - Marie Hawley 9/24/2011 (0)
  • New historical fiction novel that might appeal to homeschoolers - Douglas 9/24/2011 (1)
  • Writing Workshops Available, Susquehanna Valley - April Line 9/23/2011 (0)
  • National Merit Scholarship - Diana Francesca/parent 9/21/2011 (2)
  • National Merit Scholarship - Diana Francesca/parent 9/21/2011 (0)
  • Fall Classes at the Butler Art Center! - Michael R. Rehm 9/19/2011 (0)
  • English Tutoring - Westmoreland County - Colleen Raymond 9/19/2011 (0)
  • Non-profit theater class information in Wallingford, PA - Susan Wood 9/19/2011 (0)
  • Question about Gifted IEP - Lisa C. 9/18/2011 (2)
  • Used Book Sale at GreenTree Library-Strong Children's Section - Mary Lou Pacella` 9/18/2011 (0)
  • cello lessons - Dr. Eleanor Christman Cox 9/17/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool Enrichment classes at North Hampton Community College in Bartonsville PA - Nikki Sajudin 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Harrisburg, PA Social Group - Rebekah Mallonee 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Spanish lessons/academic tutoring - Cindy Hayko 9/16/2011 (0)
  • Kidsfit classes at Crossfit Pottstown - Rob Matthews 9/16/2011 (0)
  • GPA - Sandy Newman 9/15/2011 (1)
  • Celebrate Citizenship and Constitution Day! - Alyssa 9/15/2011 (0)
  • Home-school students invited to Drexel to see interactive science exhibits - Maria Zacharias 9/15/2011 (0)
  • Home School Friends - Elizabeth Erikson 9/15/2011 (0)
  • York Area Drama Camp AUDITIONS less than a week away!! - Michelle Robinson 9/14/2011 (0)
  • Tumbling and/or Cheerleading Classes - Xtreme Tumble and Cheer 9/13/2011 (0)
  • Health and Physical Education - Janet 9/13/2011 (3)
  • FREE Practice SAT Test Saturday 9/24 (Kaplan) - Tim Tobitsch 9/13/2011 (0)
  • Don't Miss York Area Homeschool Drama Camp!! Registration Deadline Extended - Michelle Robinson 9/11/2011 (0)
  • Swimming lessons and dance lessons in Phoenixville - Nick 9/11/2011 (0)
  • Home school speech and debate - Pam Hopkins 9/10/2011 (0)
  • Wilson tutor available for 19525 and surrounding areas - Joan 9/9/2011 (0)
  • Need Voice lessons in South Fayette Area? - Juli Wright 9/8/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing Sites - Charleen White 9/8/2011 (1)
  • Professor Phineas T. Boggs & His Incredible GOBAC Time Machine (York Area Homeschool Drama Camp) - Michelle Robinson 9/7/2011 (0)
  • What is the PHAA school code for AP exams? - Sandy Newman 9/6/2011 (3)
  • Math Tutor with BA Mathematics degree - Martin Cohen 9/6/2011 (0)
  • Having trouble printing test application - Lisa 9/4/2011 (2)
  • K-12 Tutoring Support from Certified Teacher - Amy 9/4/2011 (0)
  • Home School Options: Art Education - Victoria Quiroz 9/1/2011 (0)
  • Do missionaries home on furlough have to follow homeschool law? - Jacqueline 8/30/2011 (0)
  • vo tech and homeschooling - Karen 8/30/2011 (0)
  • speech - judson c. sears 8/30/2011 (0)
  • Sullivan, Bradford, Tioga, Lycoming and Wyoming Counties: Spanish and College Prep Courses Available This Fall - MissB 8/30/2011 (0)
  • French tutoring offered - Cordelia Cayten 8/30/2011 (0)
  • assesments for special needs children - Katie 8/29/2011 (1)
  • Correction: York Area Homeschool Drama Camp Multiple Child Discount - Michelle Robinson 8/29/2011 (0)
  • $$$ DISCOUNT OFFERED for Multiple Children Enrolled In York Area Homeschool Drama Camp - Michelle Robinson 8/29/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing - SAH 8/27/2011 (0)
  • co-op classes in State College - Laura 8/26/2011 (0)
  • Spanish and College Prep Courses - Bradford/Sullivan/Lycoming Counties - RSnavely 8/25/2011 (1)
  • Fall Testing - SAH 8/25/2011 (0)
  • PSAT score on transcript - Sandy Newman 8/25/2011 (1)
  • Private piano lessons - Heidi Griffith 8/25/2011 (0)
  • Extracurriculars - Dan 8/24/2011 (1)
  • fall vs. spring testing for 3rd graders in pgh - Patti T 8/24/2011 (1)
  • Praise for Homeschoolers - Bruce Deitrick Price 8/23/2011 (0)
  • Lancaster Science Factory Offers Homeschool Classes! - Lauren Schaller 8/23/2011 (0)
  • tutoring - Michelle 8/23/2011 (0)
  • FS Sonlight Cores 300 and 400 complete postage paid. - Sherry 8/23/2011 (0)
  • FREE Pennsylvania Project - Wendy 8/23/2011 (0)
  • Free Montessori albums - Paula Kline 8/22/2011 (0)
  • Reading classes for those students who struggle with dyslexia, reading comprehension, spelling, or writing - Debra Gingrich 8/22/2011 (0)
  • Reading classes for those students who struggle with dyslexia, reading comprehension, spelling, or writing - Debra Gingrich 8/22/2011 (0)
  • York Area Homeschool Auditions Less than 1 Month Away - Michelle Robinson 8/21/2011 (0)
  • Fall 2011 testing in Lancaster - Marybeth 8/21/2011 (0)
  • New to homeschooling, Help! - Jennifer Gipson 8/21/2011 (1)
  • Additional Homeschool Classes offered at Ambler YMCA - Angela Townsley 8/20/2011 (0)
  • home school curriculum available - Lorraine Daddario 8/19/2011 (0)
  • Christiana Homeschool Academy...any others? - Gretchen 8/19/2011 (0)
  • Rental Space Available - Leslie Fick 8/19/2011 (0)
  • 2011 York Area Homeschool Drama Camp - Michelle Robinson 8/18/2011 (0)
  • Pollinator Power! A program of the second annual Philadelphia Honey Festival - Abby Sullivan 8/18/2011 (0)
  • Auditions for Children of Eden - Holly 8/17/2011 (0)
  • Fall Testing - Christy 8/16/2011 (0)
  • College Board Exams - ACT - Trish 8/15/2011 (1)
  • end of year portfolio - Wendy 8/15/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool Band - Cathy Taylor 8/11/2011 (0)
  • Christian Homeschool Phys Ed Classes - Nathan Rosentrater 8/10/2011 (0)
  • Should I be worried - Theresa 8/8/2011 (3)
  • Ballet Classes in Mt. Airy/ Homeschoolers Welcome! - Cynthia 8/8/2011 (0)
  • Central PA 2012 Graduation Ceremony - Janae 8/8/2011 (0)
  • Speech requirements for high school - Brenda 8/7/2011 (2)
  • 2012 graduation - Susan 8/5/2011 (1)
  • Art Instructions and P.E. curriculum for Homeschoolers - New Freedom Art and P.E. at PSC 8/5/2011 (0)
  • The Artist Within Art Studio Field Trips - Jennifer Urbanek 8/2/2011 (0)
  • New to home schooling... - Ann 8/2/2011 (3)
  • Help understanding the law please.... - Lee 8/2/2011 (2)
  • PSAT, ACT, and SAT - Trudi 7/28/2011 (3)
  • Daytime Music lessons - Central Penn Music 7/27/2011 (0)
  • Vaccine - Sharon 7/27/2011 (1)
  • AP Lit books for sale =--used last year with Mrs. Inspektor's class - Leslie Chaverin 7/26/2011 (0)
  • Sign Up for a Kaplan SAT Prep Course! - Tim Tobitsch 7/26/2011 (1)
  • FREE Practice SAT Tests Sat. August 6 & Sat. August 27 - Tim Tobitsch 7/26/2011 (0)
  • Health & Physiology Requirement - Mark 7/26/2011 (0)
  • legal status of post-mandatory age homeschoolers - CE 7/25/2011 (2)
  • Baierl Family YMCA Home School Art Gym and Swim Program - Ashley Kuban 7/23/2011 (0)
  • re: ap latin vergil - Julie 7/22/2011 (1)
  • Hearing screening tests - Christa 7/21/2011 (1)
  • Kids Martial Arts Training - Master Mary DeStolfo 7/20/2011 (0)
  • high school transcripts....detailed - Nanci 7/20/2011 (0)
  • Pedaling the Planet K-8 group/assembly program - Lisa Primerano 7/18/2011 (0)
  • selling Teaching Textbooks sets - Suzanne 7/18/2011 (0)
  • what is 7th grade? - jackie 7/18/2011 (1)
  • Private Voice Lessons - Patricia Rowell 7/18/2011 (0)
  • K-12 ESL Specialist & HS English & History - Jo Abrams 7/17/2011 (0)
  • Music tutor for Gideon Study Center - Laura Miller 7/15/2011 (0)
  • 2nd year French tutor for high school students - Laura Miller 7/15/2011 (0)
  • Phildelphia portfolio pick-up - Theresa 7/14/2011 (4)
  • PHAA conference - Nanette Blank 7/14/2011 (0)
  • Online Reading Tutoring Available - Michael Stearns 7/13/2011 (0)
  • Wilson tutor available for 19525 and surrounding areas - Joan 7/11/2011 (0)
  • School has requested more materials for documentation.... - Bonnie 7/10/2011 (1)
  • Diploma from MN will is not accepted by PA trade school. HELP. WHAT CAN I DO? - Daniel Andrews 7/10/2011 (0)
  • Reading and math tutoring available. Certified/experienced teacher. - Megan Miller 7/9/2011 (0)
  • Mandarin Chinese - Appa Hardner 7/8/2011 (0)
  • Computer Science - Appa Hardner 7/8/2011 (0)
  • Available Literacy Coach\Certified Reading Specialist - Jackie Wright 7/7/2011 (2)
  • FREE Practice SAT Test this Saturday (Kaplan) - Tim Tobitsch 7/7/2011 (1)
  • High School at Home conference - Bonnie 7/6/2011 (0)
  • Online Driver Education - Dennis Conwell 7/5/2011 (0)
  • Maximum age under Act 169 - Jan 7/2/2011 (0)
  • 5 Host Families Needed Now for Girls! - Jennifer Keating 7/2/2011 (0)
  • Photos in my potfolio by mistake, seek their rightful owner (Philadelphia School district) - Sylvia S. Duggan 7/1/2011 (0)
  • PA Homeschoolers Newsletter - Kathy 6/30/2011 (1)
  • ? too late - colette 6/30/2011 (1)
  • Extracurricular classes for bright kids! - C-MITES 6/28/2011 (0)
  • Physics B Materials for Sale - Jeanne Pricer 6/28/2011 (1)
  • Guitar Teacher - Scott Labenski 6/27/2011 (0)
  • Resources for homeschool parents - Gail 6/26/2011 (0)
  • Reesources for homeschool parents - Gail 6/26/2011 (0)
  • Homeschooling Items for Sale - Shanti 6/25/2011 (1)
  • Graduation Ceremonies - Kim 6/24/2011 (0)
  • Alpha Omega Curriculum for sale - Marcia Hartman 6/23/2011 (1)
  • when to join PHAA?? - B 6/23/2011 (1)
  • Theatre Camps and Family Shows - Family Stages 6/20/2011 (0)
  • Did anyone videotape the Western PA PHAA Graduation Ceremony? - Lynn Kasprzyk 6/17/2011 (0)
  • Western Pennsylvania PHAA Graduation at Penn State - Lynn Kasprzyk 6/17/2011 (0)
  • 17 year old graduating - Kathy 6/16/2011 (3)
  • HUGE assortment of school (mostly science) books - Ronni 6/16/2011 (0)
  • cyber charter and evaluators question - Kathy 6/15/2011 (1)
  • Initial Documentation - Jill 6/14/2011 (1)
  • Homeschool evaluator NEEDED - Evelyn 6/14/2011 (1)
  • free evaluations in Pgh? - Marie 6/13/2011 (0)
  • required medical entering homeschool as 4th grader - Angela 6/9/2011 (0)
  • Lower Dauphin SD - Steph 6/9/2011 (1)
  • Diploma - Amanda 6/8/2011 (1)
  • Homeschooler graduating with High School graduation. - Valencia 6/8/2011 (1)
  • private tutor? - Laura 6/6/2011 (2)
  • Adult Mentor Needed for Summer Field School (June) - Michele Kittell 6/3/2011 (0)
  • son turning 8 yrs old middle of school year - B 6/2/2011 (3)
  • Question re: PHAA membership and graduation dates - Annette 6/2/2011 (0)
  • Art Class - Lola Schantz 6/1/2011 (0)
  • AP Physics student feedback? - Ava 5/29/2011 (1)
  • credits - Wendy 5/28/2011 (0)
  • Summer Spanish Tutoring - Mrs. Young 5/27/2011 (0)
  • nfinished course - Teresa 5/27/2011 (0)
  • 12 Grade portfolios - Teresa 5/27/2011 (2)
  • where do I begin - tammy 5/26/2011 (0)
  • Used Curriculum Sale, June 3rd - Mount Pleasant - Dana McQueen 5/26/2011 (0)
  • Summer Tutoring/SAT Preparation - Matthew Kamibayashi 5/23/2011 (0)
  • online writing programs you would recommend? - Linda 5/23/2011 (1)
  • Getting District to pay for Dual enrollment for your student - Mrs. Powers 5/23/2011 (4)
  • Portfolio requirements/New to HSing - Lucinda 5/21/2011 (2)
  • High School Speech Requirement - Karen Doll 5/20/2011 (0)
  • High School Speech Requirement - Karen Doll 5/20/2011 (0)
  • For Susan or Howard: Homeschool Evaluator Requirements - Karen Doll 5/20/2011 (1)
  • Free Homeschooling Magazines - Karen Doll 5/20/2011 (2)
  • looking for a person to do end of the year evaluations. - Valerie 5/19/2011 (0)
  • AP Online classes - Mithilesh Vidyarthi 5/16/2011 (0)
  • Day / Church School or Accredited School options of PA law - Amy 5/14/2011 (0)
  • 8th Grade CAT Test - Robin 5/13/2011 (0)
  • photo ID? - Madelyn 5/13/2011 (0)
  • prom greensbsurg next week tickets? - chuck 5/12/2011 (0)
  • Homeschool? Public School? Cyberschool? Critical decision for 10th grade education - Helen Heveran 5/12/2011 (3)
  • Volunteer for a Therapeutic Riding Program! - Rebecca 5/11/2011 (0)
  • Is a homeschooled high school student entitled to attend their local district's technical/trade program? - Nan 5/11/2011 (1)
  • RECEIPTS FOR HOMESCHOOL MATERIALS - Annette 5/6/2011 (0)
  • Beginning Kindergarten Homeschooling in September - Rachel 5/5/2011 (2)
  • Looking for teachers for a group of students - Patti Achee 5/4/2011 (0)
  • Concerned about children not being properly homeschooled - Concerned 5/4/2011 (4)
  • Homeschooling in Hard Times - Kathy 5/4/2011 (1)
  • Certified PA teacher and reading specialist looking to tutor/teach home-schooled children - Meghan Marcello 4/30/2011 (0)
  • AP Online courses - DMartin 4/29/2011 (5)

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    PA Homeschoolers

    [ See archived messages ]

    		•

    Magazine

    Valentine's Day Special: Staying in Love Even While Homeschooling
    Bonnie Gonzales, 2/9/2010

    Bonnie Gonzalez is a homeschooling mother of three, the teacher for one of our AP Psychology online classes, and an experienced longterm family and marriage counselor. You'll be hearing from her soon about the research projects her online AP students have completed as part of their course work, and where to find helpful resources for psychology study.

    It’s 6:30 in the morning.  The alarm goes off.  Your feet hit the floor and ever so briefly you look back at your husband who is still curled up under the covers.  You think to yourself, ‘wouldn’t it be nice just to spend a few minutes of cuddling time with him?’

    But, alas, you have a full day ahead of you.  The kids are already up eating breakfast, your lesson plans for the day are still waiting for their final touches, or rather they haven’t been done at all, and you haven’t graded the math papers from yesterday.  So, off you go to a day of English, math, social studies, history and science.  And, as if that wasn’t a full meal, you sprinkle it with volleyball practice, a dentist appointment – or two – and your weekly co-op.  Perhaps you will have time for your husband later, after dinner.  It might happen, but it’s not likely.

    Does this sound like you?  The harried homeschooler always thinking of the kids, rarely thinking of your marriage.  Well, you're not alone.  As a marriage and family counselor and a homeschooling mom of 14 years, I can definitely tell you – you are not alone.

    Far too often, I see the fall-out from well meaning homeschoolers whose marriages have taken a back seat to unit studies, co-ops and Mom’s Night Out.  What about couple's night out?  Does your marriage really have to suffer if you homeschool, or are there some tools that you can use to “grow” your relationship as well as growing your children?

    Before you scoff at the idea of using these tools and see them as just one more thing to add to your busy schedule think about this fact:  one in every two marriages ends in divorce, and that goes for homeschoolers as well.  So, let’s explore some quick but meaningful things you can do to change your relationship.

    First, recognize that it is not my responsibility to change or exchange my spouse.  (All right!  Now we are talking, something I don’t have to change or teach! )  Instead if something is wrong, it is up to me to change my response and my mind set.  Your marital happiness and capacity to change the flavor of your marriage rests solely in your hands.  You can’t change others, you can only change yourself.

    Second, learn to balance your load.   Identify the five most important parts of your life.  You can do this by answering the question:  I am a ____________.  Come up with your 5 top responses.  Now look at them.  Recognize that your life will not be full until you focus some of your time on all of them.  If we focus most of our energy and effort on just one or two of these areas, and something goes wrong, it will leave us feeling extremely low.  The next time you have “one of those days” with the kids and feel like quitting, think about how much energy you are putting into the other 4 areas.  Focusing time and energy into your marriage will allow you to survive the bumps in the road of the noble profession you have chosen.    Life is about working on all five areas!

    Third, work on communication.  When I say this, what I really mean is work on the quality of your communication.  Communication occurs on five levels.  Marital communication should occur at level four and five frequently.  The fourth level is when we say what we are feeling.   It may be scary to open up this way, but it is only when we do that we can reach the deeper levels of loving and being loved that all of us desire.  One of the healthiest questions you can ask your mate is “What are you feeling right now?”

    Level five communication is where we reveal our needs.  To risk at this level of verbal intimacy we must feel secure.  Asking for help or a hug after a long day, or before we even start our tasks builds communication intimacy into a relationship.

    Fourth, work through conflicts together.  Most of us dislike and try to avoid conflict, especially with our spouses, but working through conflicts properly is the key to staying in love and staying married.  Conflicts happen because there are power and control problems in the home.  Although I could give you a list of “fighting rules” that would aid in conflict resolution, I would rather give you the master key to resolving conflicts – keep your anger levels low by resolving conflicts daily.  “Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.”  Address the issue as quickly as you can and do so by clarifying and attacking the problem not the person.

    Finally, practice keeping a “positive” balance in your relationship.  Find those things that energize your spouse and give them.  Identify things that energize you and share them with your spouse.  Make a list of behaviors, and words that drain the relationship and try to avoid them. 

    Keep in mind that homeschooling is a season in your life.  Soon the kids will be grown and you will be facing a relationship that you have either cultivated or neglected.  Using some small but meaningful tools can help you insure that your marriage will remain secure through all of the seasons of your lives -  even if you decide to help homeschool your grandchildren. 

      

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