Read posts written by Jena

Jena began homeschooling in 1994. Her son received a full ride scholarship to the University of Chicago, and her oldest daughter begins college in 2010. The youngest started public school as a high school freshman.

a mom's education

Motivating Learners in Your Homeschool

by Jena
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Some days everyone wants to sit on the couch and watch TV. That’s when we homeschooling moms start to panic. They are supposed to be LEARNING! In my 16 years of homeschooling, we had plenty of “unproductive” days, and here are a few things I learned: 1. Adjust your expectations. Concentrate on your child’s attitude [...]

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a mom's education

Homeschooling and Socialization: How to Answer the Socialization Question

by Jena
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We’ve all been there. A well-meaning friend, relative or neighbor nods, smiles–then here it comes: “Homeschooling sounds great, but what about socialization?” In my article, The Socialization Question, I dive deeply into the subject, but for now, I want to give you some  practical advice on how I’ve learned to answer the inevitable questions. 1. [...]

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a mom's education

What About Public School?

by Jena
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I know this is a homeschooling website, and I’m a homeschooling mom, but that free education option down the street looks awfully tempting sometimes. I homeschooled my first two children all the way though high school graduation, but that last little bugger–she just HAD to go to public school. Can homeschooling and public school education [...]

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Uncategorized

How to Study Your Favorite Country

by Jena
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As unschoolers, we like to let our kids follow their interests and develop their giftedness. We let them explore and discover, and we offer suggestions and guidance. But once in awhile, some direct, concentrated school-like activity is fun. That’s what this post is all about. Here is a one-week unit study on the country of [...]

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field trips

Volunteering is Serious Business

by Jena
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We blame it on Little House on the Prairie. After reading the entire series, we promised ourselves we’d find time to volunteer at a nearby living history museum. In the summer of 2006, we traveled back in time to become a farming family in 1845. We learned to bake a pie over an open fire, [...]

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methods & philosophies

Curious about Unschooling?

by Jena
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Did you know that at least 100,000 kids in the US are considered “unschooled?” And after Good Morning America’s segment on unschooling last week, outraged educators and concerned grandparents are linking arms. But what’s the truth? What’s it like to be unschooled? What are those parents thinking?! As a mom of three unschooled kids, including [...]

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