Hello from MO! I am just back from our local homeschool convention. (MPE in KC, MO). Why oh why oh why didn’t you send me to stand somewhere there with copies of TOS and info on HSB?
And in other news … I hit the random blogger button this weekend and found my sister-in-law. She lives in CA and I didn’t even know she had a blog! Seriously, what are the odds?
… I got my Spring issue and everyone that saw me reading it today wondered which booth I had gotten THAT at? Thanks again for your seemingly tireless efforts to bring info to homeschoolers everywhere.
—Janelle Bird
Independence, Missouri

I want to thank you for recognizing pastors and missionaries by offering them a free subscription. When I first signed up I thought this was too good to be true— especially to a different country (Canada). I was pleasantly surprised when it showed up in my mailbox! This is EXTREMELY generous and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your magazine. It’s been so encouraging during this first year of homeschooling. Thank you for this gift!
—Rachel
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I received a letter with my last magazine about renewing and I would definitely like to renew my subscription. My husband and I are pastors and not only love the articles and everything in your magazine but we’re truly blessed to receive it for free. TOS is the only magazine that I can’t just flip through … it takes a long time and I go page by page.
I find the articles to be informative, encouraging and a pleasure to read. There is so much information in it, it’s almost unbelievable. Thank you so very much for this wonderful magazine. God bless you as you continue in your calling.
—Kelly Cannon Brooksville, Florida

We graduated our youngest child last Sunday. I will not be renewing The Old Schoolhouse. However, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it—and how much I learned—during the time I subscribed. Thank you for your wonderful magazine. I will definitely recommend it to those still in their homeschooling years.
—Debbie Schade Bushnell, Illinois

A Note of Appreciation
I’m a relatively new subscriber to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, but I would have been a subscriber years ago if I’d known you were out there!
Recently in my travels around the internet, I discovered that there are homeschoolers trying to organize a boycott of TOS et al—Basically because TOS references authors who aren’t everyone’s flavor du jour. Certainly it is well within their rights, and part of free enterprise for them to boycott whomsoever they choose … but … I want to assure the staff at TOS that for every reactionary person on a witch-hunt there are many of us who believe you are doing a fine job!
I’m not on a bandwagon to encourage you to keep OR get rid of any contributors, authors or advertisers. My prayer is simply that you keep doing what you do, influenced by common sense, scripture, and God, not tossed about by the currents. If you kept an author you felt was heretical just because the readership liked him, you’d have lost something more valuable than subscription numbers. Likewise to pull support from an author due to an outcry rather than your own convictions would be selling out.
I appreciate the heart that fills the pages of The Old Schoolhouse: it has such a genuine and personal feel; big city sophistication and quality with a small town heart! Thank you for publishing TOS Magazine and providing a wonderful blogging community.
Thank you also for trusting your readership to think for themselves. I’m grateful you’ve not succumbed to the pressure of those who would like to decide for me what is appropriate for me to read. Not everyone will agree with every author and advertiser on HSB or in TOS. Some might object to Rod and Staff, others to the Pearls, but I appreciate you standing firm!
Seriously, I’ve been in positions similar enough to yours to know that it can sting. Thanks for hanging in there and looking at the bigger picture.
—Dell Tunnicliff
Cheyenne, Wyoming
www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Dell

Dear Dell,
We so love to read letters like this! It’s nice to know there are those of you who appreciate us and support what we are doing here at The Old Schoolhouse. May God bless you abundantly. And, thank you for writing in. You have blessed us all. —Deborah Wuehler

Socialization or Socialism?
Jen,
Your “Socialization or Socialism” article in the latest TOS magazine was wonderful! You articulated very well the thoughts that my husband and I have toward the whole socialization debate. Thanks so much for your hard work!
—Heather Murray

Jen,
I found your blog because of TOS (obviously)!
I loved your “Socialization or Socialism” article! I’ve read it twice now!
Thanks for sharing your gift!
www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/WaitingontheLord

Unschooling: Education Outside the Box
Dear Paul and Gena,
A friend drew my attention to Nancy Carter’s article “Unschooling—Education Outside the Box” in the Spring 2006 issue of The Old Schoolhouse (p. 80). He commented on the prevalence of favorable articles on this and other less structured (unstructured?) approaches in current homeschool magazines.
Homeschooling, like other movements, has seen its share of trends and fads. A few short years ago, classical education was rediscovered and for a time seemed poised to become the dominant paradigm. Now it appears that unschooling is sweeping the fruited plain. After reading Mrs. Carter’s article, I hope I am not the only one asking, “Is the trend toward unschooling a good thing?”
One of the strengths of homeschooling is the freedom to leave behind the physical, psychological, and philosophical dangers of the government schools, not to mention the stifling rigidity of their administration, scheduling, and methods. (We won’t even bring up their egalitarianism, where everything but Christian faith is equal!)
Traditional Christian schools most often model their own administration, scheduling, and methods after public schools, so homeschoolers frequently find themselves breaking away from the outward forms of schools whose educational philosophies they would otherwise support. The strictures inherent in traditional schools are mostly unnecessary in a homeschool setting. Consequently, many families assume they should adopt some type of unschooling methodology.
Unschooling has various forms, and the variation generally has to do with how far the particular model goes to distance itself from any vestige of traditional administration, curriculum selection, scheduling, method, or accountability.
I would like to suggest that, while some unschooling may simply represent the best in homeschooling freedom, the more radical forms threaten to leave behind what the Scriptures—and experience— have taught us.
In her article, Mrs. Carter reports, “The general philosophy of unschooling holds that children are born with an innate curiosity and desire to learn that is best served by allowing the child to select and direct his own learning.” This description evokes visions of goldenhaired youngsters bounding in slow motion across flowered meadows while simultaneously absorbing the mysteries of the universe with their naturally logical, objective, and unpolluted minds.
In the article titled “Bad Theology” by David Carl (same issue of TOS), he says, “We don’t allow our kids to grow up and then tell us whether they want to eat vegetables or learn to read or take childhood vaccinations. These things are too important! We might give kids the choice of which Happy Meal they want or which toy they would like for their birthday, but for the truly important things in life, we choose for them, and by doing so we teach them exactly how important these things are.”
Thud! So much for the golden-haired meadow dwellers. I would have to admit that I am in Mr. Carl’s camp. Unschooling, if taken to its logical end and thus loosed from biblical moorings, can be a recipe for disaster.
—Mark L. Beuligmann

Mark,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to address your concerns. While my article may have conjured up visions of golden-haired meadow dwellers whose parents fail to protect their children by providing basic guidelines, those were not the images that I discovered as I researched the article.
Even though the parents might allow the child’s interests to direct how learning takes place, the parent was the one who chose unschooling. Unschooling wasn’t something that just happened by default. The parents researched various methods, prayed, purposed to create a lifestyle of learning, and allowed God room to work in their homeschool.
Anything that is loosed from biblical moorings can be a recipe for disaster, but parents of any educational philosophy could fall into that category. As a Christian, I feel that each parent is called to personally choose the methods and materials that will best equip his or her child to fulfill the purpose that God has planned for the child’s life. I know that choosing curriculum or methods has kept many a Christian homeschool mom on her knees. And I’d definitely say that Christian unschoolers could be included in that. Even though they may not be following a certain curriculum or scope and sequence, I’d say that they are striving to follow God, which to me would be a recipe for success rather than disaster.
Homeschooling will of course have fluctuating trends and fads, but the Christian is always challenged to discern God’s best rather than just following the crowd. May all of our schooling be Spirit led, no matter what method we choose.
—Nancy Carter
Contributing Writer

A Tribute to Dr. Ruth Beechick
Hi Gena. The spring issue came yesterday and I am left almost speechless (is there a word writeless?) about the interview. I feel gratified by comments about how my writings helped people see that teaching is not so mysterious after all, as Christine Miller said, I drew “back the veil on the professional educators.” That is exactly what I tried to do back in the beginning, so it is good to read this now.
I also read the rest of the magazine, except I admit to skimming and skipping over the insects. You certainly have pulled together a great set of writers. … Homeschooling has spawned many great writers. And students, too, are producing wonderful articles. It seems that one of the main worries these days is about teaching writing, but that is an unnecessary worry.
Congratulations to all of you on the magazine. I hope I can continue to be of help.
—Ruth Beechick

Dear Ruth,
It was our privilege to present this honorable tribute to you. Your numerous writings and absolute encouragement have been an ongoing, incredible gift to the homeschooling community. So many parents have been repeatedly blessed by your message of “Press on!” You have offered solutions to teaching academics, but even more so, you have told us that yes, we can do this thing called “homeschool.” Unwaveringly, you have sought to help us and have given of yourself in ways we could never repay. Yes, I too hope you will continue to write for the magazine; having you here, speaking at TOS, is a blessing from the Lord. But what do you mean you skimmed over the insects? You sayin’ you don’t like bugs? Hey, you need to come out here, to the South. We’ve got some critters that will impress you!
Thanks, Ruth, for everything.
In Him, —Gena

UK Travels As a military homeschooler in Germany who was looking forward to seeing you TOSers in person, I just cried reading the article in the Spring Issue over the “issues” concerning your visit to Europe. I had a “feeling” that the recent todo concerning the Pearls, discipline, and TOS’s connection to them was behind much of it, but am saddened to find out that it was. (WOW, to go up against Parliament!) I applaud your handling of the matter with Christ’s love, and a heavy dose of grace. Thank you for standing up for your magazine and its standards, and for showing your concerns over the matter so graciously! Blessings to you all (and hope to catch you another time!)
—Becky Thornburg
Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany

Boy Scouts and More
Great piece about Scouts—we’ve been in Scouts for four years—still a God-honoring organization!
—S. Saulsbury, Tennessee

I just read your article on Boy Scouting opportunities for homeschoolers. I would like to tell you about a wonderful Christian Scouting group for girls—American Heritage Girls (www.ahgonline.org). AHG was started in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio, by Patti Garibay as an alternative to Girl Scouts. AHG is a Judeo-Christian faith based program that seeks to enhance the Christian values parents are teaching their children at home. All girls between the ages of 5-18 are able to participate. We earn merit badges, do community service work, outdoor activities, Bible study … the list goes on. We just have fun in a safe environment, teaching girls that you CAN have fun and not compromise your Christian integrity.
I hope you will take the time to find out more about AHG and let other homeschool families know about us.
—Susan Glenn, Chairperson, AHG
Troop NC-0001
troop_nc0001@yahoo.com

[To learn more about American Heritage Girls, visit their website at www.ahgonline.org or call 1-800-883-1064.]

Thank you for putting an article in your magazine about Boy Scouts. I am a Boy Scout and a homeschooler. I am a 13-yearold Star Scout. I started as a Tiger Cub Scout and I plan to get my Eagle. As a matter of fact I am writing this letter to complete a merit badge.
I’ve done a lot of things in Boy Scouts that I never would have done otherwise. I know first aid, knots, how to ride a horse, and lots of other cool stuff that I never would have known if I was not in Boy Scouts.
—Josh Williford

Dear Mrs. Williford,
Thank you for your and Josh’s comments regarding my article. Our family also appreciates the BSA’s renewed commitment to traditional values and providing a safe environment for boys. The BSA has stood its ground against the ACLU all the way to the Supreme Court in order to uphold its commitment to “Duty to God” and to oppose the homosexual lobby. The BSA has thereby emerged as an important ally in “the culture war.” Christians would do well to support the BSA with their prayers and finances and, most importantly, with their participation. For more on this subject, check out the book Get Off My Honor: The Assault on the Boy Scouts of America by Christian homeschooled Eagle Scout Hans Zeiger.
—Jay Ryan

Montessori Methods
First, let me tell you how much I absolutely love your magazine! I would like to ask you to think about running some articles on Montessori homeschooling and helpful information on making your own Montessori materials. I am a big believer in the method of Montessori learning—in fact, we sent our children to a Montessori school this year. The more I learn about it, the more I love it and embrace it as a wonderful way for children to learn. We would like to bring our children home to homeschool them next year, and I would like to incorporate as much Montessori learning as possible with them. I have been searching the web for information and am learning a little bit at how Montessori families are doing it in the home. I would just love to see a wonderful magazine like yours do some articles and testimonials on it. Thank you!
—Kris Stedl
Menasha, Wisconsin

Dear Kris,
I am Jennifer Pepito, a contributing writer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. I too have been very excited about what I have read of the method and have worked to incorporate some of Montessori’s ideas into my own home, particularly those relating to helping young children be more self-sufficient and independent learners. Her ideas for teaching reading have also been helpful. We will explore the idea of including information about this method in the magazine or e-news and would love to hear about resources that you especially like. Some of the books I have read and enjoyed have been by Paula Polk Lillard, but I am sure there are many, and any resource that focused on the use at home would be interesting. Thank you so much for your positive feedback and your inquiry. May your efforts be fruitful. —Jennifer Pepito

Your Voice
This Issue’s Question: I’m basically feeling that I “can’t” homeschool my four little children—ages 6, 5, 3, and 2—because they are all extremely high-energy, high-strung, strong-willed types, all four of them! I pretty much envision that I would spend the morning playing and reading with them all, and then do a bit of “academic” homeschooling with the older two in the afternoons while my toddlers napped. When I would find time to cook dinner or wash laundry, I don’t know!
My oldest daughter attended a Christian school last year for kindergarten and excelled; and my son attended the same school for K4 part of the year and excelled during that time, also.
So, my children do well thus far in school, but I prefer homeschooling for so many reasons, obviously! I myself was homeschooled in junior and senior high school. I so much want to homeschool them, but I feel inferior to the task. In large part this stems from living next door to my very pro-public school mother-in-law who is a local principal at an elementary school and has taught or administered all her life in the public system.
I am wondering, therefore, do you have any advice for someone with several little ones so close in age and all strong personality types? Has it been done, that you have ever heard of?
If perhaps you had any advice or thoughts on this topic, I will appreciate them so much.
Meanwhile I wanted to mention to you how very much I loved the first issue of your magazine that I just read, which a friend gave me. It’s comprehensive and practical, such a marvelous and beautiful and encouraging resource! I plan to keep reading, because even if I am not able to homeschool this year, I just know that in a year or so, with my younger ones a bit older, I will at last be able to do so! Thank you and God bless you.
—Margaret V.

Your Answers
I have four strong-willed, intense and very energetic children, all born within 5 years. The real issue is whether or not God is calling you to homeschool your rambunctious brood. The answer will take prayer and trust on your part for God to show you clearly. He will equip you for every good work he calls you to do (Hebrews 13:21).
If you are called then mother-in-law doesn’t matter. You will stand with Him in confidence against criticism because you are being obedient to Him. You let Him deal with her.
Now for the practical day to day with four crazy kids. I won’t tell you it’s easy as pie. But as I shape their characters, God is shaping mine. I am learning to look to Him for the help. I have instituted training time to practice sitting and listening skills. Also the older ones can help entertain the younger when you teach the middles. The other kids can also learn to play quietly nearby or within earshot.
Look into a literature-rich curriculum such as Sonlight where you can combine ages together for certain subjects. Yes, it can be done!
—Kim St. John
Peoria, Arizona www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Allthingsnew

A year ago in March I was feeling on top of the world home schooling our then four year old. He was doing great, just about reading, and I was already planning and ordering my stuff for the next year. In May we were pregnant with our third baby and for me, when I am pregnant I am severely sick. Good-bye ideals, hello puke bucket. I had a hard time bouncing back and I was crushed when the school year came and I was still sick or overly tired and we couldn’t do school. We were doing [well] if we got in one good day of school a month!
A year later as I look back now, we have hardly touched the stuff I had bought a year ago, the house was never clean and our schedules went out the door. We have to repaint the house because a 5- year-old boy and a very busy 2-year-old boy painted it with mud (I guess that will make a great homeschool project). But, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on January 15th, whom we all love and adore. My 5-year-old can make oatmeal, put it on the table and dish it up for us. Along with numerous other life skills that he HAD to learn, somewhere, he learned how to read, can add and subtract in his head (I can’t even do that) and can write his letters and numbers. The icing on the cake was (besides our baby girl): I recently bought my 2-year-old boy a shirt, we put it on and he looked down and said, “A star.” (Huh?!?) How did he know that? I don’t know, but it sure blessed my socks off!
What I just described to you is the heart of home schooling, a family that had to pull together to make something work and somehow the kids did learn. So, first of all, you need to catch the heart of home schooling. It’s all about family, enjoying your family, and somehow the kids will learn. I can’t tell you how, but they do.
Secondly, don’t mistake strong willed for independent learners. I have a book titled There Are No Problem Horses, Only Problem Riders. I find this to be true with children as well. When my children and I are butting heads, I step back and assess the situation. I ask myself what am I doing or NOT doing that is causing this. Too often I am the one in the wrong. My son is an independent learner; he wants to learn his way, by himself. There is nothing wrong with that, I am like that myself. … The best way to learn is to make mistakes (that could be why he learned so much this year, Mom was out of the way!). So, you can’t control your children. GOOD! Just guide them and train them and allow them to make mistakes. Your house may seem like it’s going to fall down around you at times, but if it is built [well] it will stand!
Thirdly, how does your husband feel about this? Does he support you and is backing you 100% in this adventure [because] you’re not alone and they are his kids too? Those days when I was really discouraged and I thought I was destroying my son’s life (and was worried what the neighbors were thinking), it was good to have my husband to lean on and have him say that he was just happy that his kids were at home where they belong. Plus, he was a huge help. He not only had to clean out the puke buckets but he read to the kids at least two hours before he went to work, after he got home and on the weekends. He is a contractor so his work is physically exhausting. Let’s hear it for the DADS!! So, when those pesky critics start sizing you up and assessing your children, they won’t be such a bother if you know your husband is standing behind you. Know why you are doing what you are doing. Check out No- GreaterJoy.org to learn more about child training. They have a free newsletter that comes every two months that has greatly blessed us. Check out Debi Pearl’s CD on homeschooling ideas and book, Created To Be His Help Meet (also buy one for your mother-in-law while you’re at it).
I highly encourage you to give it a try. You’re missing out on some of the greatest years of your life and the most trying! A friend of mine says it is the hardest job that you’ll have to do but it’s the most rewarding. And it is, and I am just beginning!
—DeLyssa Davis
Lewiston, Idaho

If any of you experienced homeschoolers have any advice for our next issue, please visit our website’s “Your Voice” section at www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com or write to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Publisher’s Office, Attn: Readers Helping Readers, PO Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615.