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Leaders e-Newsletter, August 2006
In This Issue A Word from Your Editor With Sharra Badgley From God's Word: Getting Ready for Back to School Leader to Leader: A Helpful Checklist Wisdom for Leaders: Back to School Back-to-School Printables Bulletin Board
A Word from Your Editor Welcome back to the August edition of the Leaders e-Newsletter from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. We hope that you are enjoying a wonderful summertime and that you are getting ready for a great school year! This month in the Leaders e-Newsletter we have several uplifting articles geared for homeschool leaders and their families. Wayne Walker starts us off with a devotional on seeking the wisdom of the Lord as we are planning our school year in "Getting Ready for Back to School." Carol Topp, Homeschool CPA, offers tips for new homeschool organizations in her article, "A Helpful Checklist for Homeschool Organizations Just Starting Out." Be sure to stop in at Carol's Homeschool CPA website if your organization needs information and assistance in becoming a registered nonprofit organization. Teri Ann Berg Olsen concludes with a listing of creative ideas and inspiration to kick our homeschool year off right in her article, "Back to School." We pray that these articles will encourage and support you in your ministry as a leader to your families and homeschool communities! If you have been blessed by the articles in the Leaders e-Newsletter, and if you have any feedback on what you would like to see in upcoming issues, we would love to hear from you! Blessings, Sharra Badgley Editor, Leaders e-Newsletter Sharra Badgley is the blessed wife of Michael and mother to Shaiya and Briyah. They make their home in West Central Indiana. She is a freelance author, serves as editor for the Leaders e-Newsletter, and is the Indiana Homeschool Nations Coordinator for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. Stop in and visit her at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/SBadgley and www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Indiana. Devotional From God's Word: Getting Ready for Back to School    By Wayne Walker "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."    -- Proverbs 9:10 Many homeschooling families prefer to homeschool year-round, and that is a perfectly valid mode of operation. Others of us like to take a break from formal studies during the summer months, and for us August is the month when we either begin our new school year or at least make the final preparations to do so. One reason that such a large number of people homeschool is that just as each subject has its beginning principles and each school year has its beginning time, so we understand that education itself has a proper beginning point: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The prime educational goal of those who wish to train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is not just to fill young skulls with certain information, although instruction is a very important part of the process, especially in the early years. Neither is the goal simply to develop our children's ability to search out and find the information on their own, although this too is a desired step in the process as they become older and more mature. Rather, the ultimate goal is for them to gain wisdom in applying what they have learned so that they can make choices and decisions in their lives that are pleasing to God. We believe that we can accomplish this goal much better by instruction in the home than by sending them to schools where God has been banned. So as many of us get ready for "back to school," looking over those last-minute curriculum choices, making sure that we have all the supplies that we need, and preparing our lesson plans in an attempt to see that all the necessary areas are covered during the upcoming year, it is good to step back for just a few minutes and view the big picture. Are the things that we are doing helping us in that goal of stimulating our children's minds to gain "the wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17)? And perhaps if not, how can we do a better job of accomplishing it? Making sure that God and His will are foremost in everything that we do will surely help to lay a proper foundation for such an education. Wayne S. Walker is a minister, the husband of Karen, and the homeschooling father of Mark and Jeremy. Visit him at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Missouri Leader to Leader: A Helpful Checklist for Homeschool Organizations Just Starting Out    By Carol Topp, CPA 1. Choose a name for your organization. Research the IRS Charities website, the Internet, and your state's Secretary of State's Office to be sure it's not already taken. Visit www.irs.gov/charities/index.html. 2. Choose a group of at least three leaders to form a board. 3. Hold your first board meeting and discuss four Ws--When, Where, What, Who--and two Cs--Cost, Curriculum. Take minutes at the meeting. 4. Together have the board write a purpose statement (or a mission statement and list of activities). Vote to approve it. For more information, read www.homeschoolcpa.com/3.html. 5. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) by submitting IRS Form SS-4. You'll need it to open a checking account. 6. Open a checking account as a nonprofit organization. 7. Run your program! 8. Read up on issues such as     a. Paying Independent Contractors     b. Registering with your state if you do any type of fundraising     c. Pros and Cons of 501c3 Tax Exempt status Carol L. Topp, CPA, is a homeschooling mother of two daughters. She enjoys using her accounting skills to help nonprofit organizations. She and her husband live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her website is HomeschoolCPA.com. Wisdom for Leaders: Back to School    By Teri Ann Berg Olsen Although it still feels like the middle of the hot summer, the beginning of a new school year lies right around the corner. In homes and classrooms across the country, the more relaxed pace of summertime will soon come to an end for many children. Whether you are choosing your homeschool curriculum, sending a child off to school or college for the first time, or seeing your children board the bus with old friends, the end of summer can be a stressful time of year. The days just before a new school year begins are full of anticipation and excitement, as well as uncertainty and apprehension. A transition as significant as the beginning of a new school year can be difficult for children of all ages. Parents can make their children's return to school less stressful with a little advanced planning. Here are some ideas to help prepare for the new school year and ease the transition from summer vacation to classroom education. Ease into a new daily routine at least a week before school starts. Children are used to the casual habits of summer, snacking all day long, going to bed late and sleeping in. The more regimented schedule of the school day may come as a shock to their systems and result in battles the first week of school if they're forced to make a sudden change. Start having your children go to bed early, get up early, dress and get ready by the time they would normally have to go to school. Have them eat a good breakfast and then keep them out of the refrigerator until the same time their lunch will be served at school. This will help set their internal clocks to school time. Tell your children stories about your own school days, like the time you forgot your lunch, or the day you got chased by a dog and fell in the mud on the way to school. Sharing these stories will let your children know that you survived these experiences and can even laugh about them. This may help alleviate their fears, seeing that such tragedies aren't so bad when you look back. Check out some library books to read from now until school starts, and plan some fun educational activities for the remaining vacation days to get your children in the mood for learning. You may also want to help your children set goals for the year, such as making new friends, brushing up on old skills, or learning a new subject. Set aside a special day to go shopping for school supplies and clothes as a family. Let your children choose their own clothes and supplies from the wide variety of styles and themes that are available. This way they can express their individuality, and they will be more likely to enjoy using those items that they had a say in picking out. Although they won't need every supply on the first day of school, try to start your children off well equipped. Depending on what grade they are in, essential school supplies may include pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, highlighters, markers, pencil sharpener, white glue, glue stick, transparent tape, erasers, book covers, folders, three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, assignment pad/planner, construction paper, drawing paper, lined loose-leaf paper, graph paper, scissors, rulers, paperclips, stapler, calculator, wristwatch, backpack, and lunch tote. Even those homeschoolers who are taught all year round will appreciate having a brand new set of school supplies when moving up to the next grade, so stock up now while the stores have everything on sale. Finally, remember that whether you homeschool your children or send them to a public, private, or charter school, you are your child's first and most important teacher. The best way to prepare your child for school is to provide love, support, stability, discipline, and encouragement. Parental involvement has the single most significant impact on a child's educational success. US Subscriptions: 19 FREE GIFTS Whether you are new to our magazine or a long-time subscriber, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine® has an incredible offer that you won't want to pass up! In the past, we couldn't offer the renewing subscribers the 19 free gifts - those were only for new customers. But for a limited time only, RENEWING subscribers get all 19 gifts (over $200 value), too! I'm a new subscriber…what do I get? With your paid two-year subscription to TOS you'll receive: •A 2-year/3-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine •19 FREE gifts for you All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase Online Or, call 1-888-718-HOME Already a subscriber? Renew now and receive: • Two or Three more years of your favorite homeschool magazine and 19 FREE gifts (valued at over $200)! All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase! Or, call 1-888-718-HOME The first 3,000 two-year or three-year new subscriber or renewing your two or three year subscription, you will receive (by USPS mail) NINETEEN free homeschooling gifts. But you don't get four gifts - you get 19! And yes, even the shipping is paid for - and you are not required to buy anything again - EVER. Click Here to View the FREE Gifts (US Residents Only) Back-to-School Tips for Parents • Preschool: In the rush of school preparations, don't overlook your preschoolers. Give them a special treat while you pique their interest in books, reading, and learning with board books and picture books. In addition, you can give them an opportunity to be part of a group of children, such as at a playground. Children need to know how to take turns, make compromises, approach other children, obey those in authority, and be nice to others. You'll be helping them get ready for school in a roundabout way! • Elementary School: Create a phone chain with the names and phone numbers of your child's teachers and the parents of his or her classmates. This serves as a valuable telephone directory for the school year. It's a quick and easy way to share information about early dismissals, field trips, etc. Everyone on the list can be responsible for calling the next person on the list. • Junior High/High School: Make an effort to get to know your child's circle of friends. Write down their phone numbers in case you ever need to get in touch with them. Make sure your teenager has a healthy quick energy snack to get them through their after-school activities. • College: Care packages are a great way to show your child that you're thinking about her. A few of her favorite goodies will make her feel closer to home. A phone card will not only encourage your child to keep in touch but will give you peace of mind knowing that she can get in touch when she needs to. International Subscriptions: 19 FREE GIFTS Whether you view your subscription as a gift for yourself, a homeschool conference delivered to your door, a professional journal, or simply a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with other homeschool families around the world, subscribe now to insure that you are in the first 2,000 and receive this incredible International Subscription Homeschool Gift Pack! One-Year International Subscription: Receive four issues of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine delivered directly to your door and 19 FREE gifts from our generous sponsors. Subscribe now! Only $38! 2 or 3 Year International Subscription: Receive eight issues of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the 19 free gifts, AND our Secrets of Successful Homeschooling e-book! Subscribe now! Only $69 for 2 years and $83 for 3 years! These special offers will expire soon, though. Subscribe or renew today so you don't miss out on this opportunity! Three easy ways to subscribe! Subscribe online Call 1-888-718-HOME Mail your order to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC PO Box 10 White Pine, TN 37890 Click Here to View the FREE Gifts (International Residents Only) Back-to-School Tips for Kids Every student should have his own study space. Choose a place that is quiet and well lit. Any size desk or table will do as long as there is room for reading books and writing. Your study space should be shielded from the distractions of siblings, television, and other activity. Sit in a comfortable chair. Keep pencils, pens, paper, a dictionary, and other necessities close at hand, but keep your study surface clear and uncluttered. Hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door or on the back of your chair. Set aside a regular study time to make it easier for you to concentrate. Begin with the least enjoyable tasks first to get them out of the way, then breeze through the easier assignments. Make a set of flash cards to help you learn facts on almost any subject. All you need is a pack of index cards or 3 x 5" scratch paper. Write a math formula, science term, or vocabulary word on one side of a card; then write the answer or definition on the other side. Just making the card will help you remember what's on it. Test yourself by reading each card and answering aloud before you check the other side. You can also have a friend or family member quiz you. When you borrow library books, treat them as if they were treasures. Books are expensive, so don't damage or lose them. Keep them clean and protected, and bring them back on time for someone else to use. There's only one way to get good grades, and that's by studying and applying yourself. Cheating is obviously wrong, and when you cheat on schoolwork or on a test, you're only cheating yourself out of learning the material, not to mention the humiliation you'll feel if you're found out. Did You Know? In early Colonial days there were no public schools. Children learned from their parents at home. The first schools in New England were called "dame" schools. They were run by women, often widows, out of their homes. These women would do their sewing, knitting, and weaving while the students recited their lessons. Children who lived on southern plantations were often instructed by private tutors. Quakers and other religious groups had their own church schools. The push for government-controlled public education began in the 1830's-40's. The first state to begin forced schooling was Massachusetts in 1852, and mandatory schooling gradually spread outward from there. Nowadays education is a big business, yet at the same time a national trend toward private, charter, and homeschools is taking us back to our educational roots. Fun Fact: In Australia, the school year begins in January. In Japan, the school year begins in April! Back-to-School-in-a-Box Give one of your homeschooled friends or siblings a personalized school kit in a reusable plastic storage box. Items to include (some are optional depending on the student's age): 1 pen, 2 pencils, a pencil eraser, portable pencil sharpener, 10 crayons, 3 different-colored highlighters, 1 black marker, safety scissors, a mini stapler, paperclips, mini phone/address book, memo pad, reinforcement rings, glue stick, ruler, small calculator, pocket dictionary, book mark, pocket tissue pack, package of antibacterial wipes, energy bar, a film canister with spare change, and a note of encouragement. Make a Personalized Pencil Case You will need: a potato chip canister with lid (Pringles brand), supplies to decorate it (colored construction paper, fancy wrapping paper, fabric scraps, contact paper, stickers, paint, buttons, beads, etc.), and glue. Instructions: Wash out the can using soap and water; dry completely. Decorate the outside of the canister. You are only limited by the supplies you have and your own imagination. Be creative! (If desired, have an adult punch a hole on each side of the top of the can. Poke the ends of a ribbon or string through the holes; knot it on the inside to create a handle.) Back-to-School Times Make your own back-to-school newspaper. Interview friends, siblings, and parents to find out what they did over the summer and what they hope to accomplish this year at school. Remember that a good newspaper story always answers the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. You can write your articles by hand or on a computer. Illustrate your paper with pictures or cartoons that you draw or with computer clip art. If you have a camera, you could take pictures to go with the stories. Think of a name for your newspaper and write it across the top of the first page in big, bold letters. Make up catchy headlines for all of the articles. You may also want to include an advice column, joke corner, weather report, or classified ad. Make copies of your newsletter, staple the pages together, and hand them out to family and friends. Back-to-School Printable Projects Download and print projects such as school calendars, class schedules, report covers, photo cards, reward books, lunch box notes, and more! Teri Ann Berg Olsen is a home educator, librarian, and author of "Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom." An AFHE member since 1995, she and her husband have always homeschooled their children. In addition to serving as resource coordinator for the Knowledge House Learning Resource Center, Teri is the leader of Desert Hills Christian Homeschoolers and Arizona State Coordinator for The Old Schoolhouse® magazine. Visit her blog: www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Arizona and website: www.knowledgehouse.info. Back-to-School Printables    Compiled by Sharra Badgley As you prepare for the upcoming school term and get organized for a great school year, here are a few helpful links that include homeschool organization forms, calendars, planners, and fun printables for your children. Back to School Printable Activities homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/schoolprint.htm Homeschool Resources www.donnayoung.org/ Oklahoma Homeschool www.oklahomahomeschool.com/forms.html The Homeschool Mom www.thehomeschoolmom.com/ Worksheets from the Busy Teacher's Filing Cabinet www.busyteacherscafe.com/worksheets.htm Back to School with EdHelper.com www.edhelper.com/Back_To_School.htm Free Worksheets from School Express www.freeworksheets.com/ Bulletin Board TOS now offers an array of e-Newsletters to meet all of your homeschooling needs! Have you enjoyed this issue of the Leaders e-Newsletter? If so, TOS has added several new e-Newsletters to guide and encourage you during your homeschooling journey. Be sure to stop in to see which ones are best for you and your family! Click here for more information!! Contributing Writers Needed! Are you a seasoned homeschool leader who would like to encourage others in leadership? Please consider joining the contributing writer's panel for the Leaders e-Newsletter. Send an email to Leaders@TheHomeschooMagazine.com if you are interested. Thank you for reading the Leaders e-Newsletter this month. We'll have more articles, inspiration, and practical tips for you next month. You may forward this e-Newsletter to your friends in its entirety. If you have any comments, please email me at Leaders@TheHomeschooMagazine.com with your feedback. I would love to hear your recommendations on how to make this resource even better.

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