New Year--Same Problems? By Christine Field
The last time my husband and I fought, we didn't have a fight. We had a difference of opinion. Similarly, when my editor tells me to make major changes to something, I can look at it as butchering, or I can see it as improving. (And I am so grateful for editors who know far better than I do!)
The things that concern us about homeschooling can be viewed as problems or challenges. Psychologists call this "reframing." By putting a different frame around something, we can change its overall effect.
I have teenagers. This time of life is exhilarating and frightening. I can choose to look at it as an awful time, or I can picture each of my precious teens in a frame surrounded by these words: loved, accepted, cherished.
I have a daughter with a learning disability. Her brain can be seen as abnormal, or just wired differently. Her frame says, "Capable, hard working, creative."
My son is a busy guy with some unusual interests. Some would say he is a bit odd. I prefer to see him as "Energetic, creative, fun."
Sometimes when I look at myself, I see inadequacy, fear, and weariness. I am so glad that when God looks at me, He sees me through a frame that says, "Loved."
How will you frame your new year in your homeschooling? Same old same old? Or a chance to explore a little more, love a little deeper, and follow God a little closer, individually and as a family?
Free Download Offer
My friend, Dr. Matthew Glavach, sent me this notice of a special offer for TOS readers:
My company, Glavach and Associates (StrugglingReaders.com), is offering a free download of a recently developed program for phonics, spelling, and reading skills for students in grades 2 through adult. The program, "88 Word Sort Patterns" (86 pages), can be duplicated for individual classroom or home use. The hardcopy version of the program sells for $20.00, but a download version is available for limited time at no cost. There are no other purchases required.
Thank you,
Matthew Glavach, Ph.D.
www.StrugglingReaders.com
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Lifeway Homeschool Message Board
 As many of you know, Lifeway is associated with Broadman & Holman, publisher for Homeschool Methods by Paul and Gena Suarez and my own Homeschooling the Challenging Child. They have launched a message board just for homeschoolers, and I get to moderate it!
Come join the conversation! I'll see you there!
Quick Tip: Use Graph Paper!
Graph paper has uses you may not have considered. Keeping columns in a straight line in order to do calculations can be a challenge for our children. Use graph paper to help keep the columns straight. You can find some nice graph paper--free--at www.DonnaYoung.org. Click on Math on the left of the screen. This graph paper even has multiplication facts printed around the edge.
(She has tons of great stuff on her site. I really like the triangular flash cards.)
Check it out!
Share Your Ideas!
Got a quick tip or idea to share? We are looking for real parents to share their ideas for loving, living, and learning with their special learners. If you would be interested in submitting a paragraph telling an idea or sharing a gem you've encountered, contact me at christinefield@sbcglobal.net.
Thank you to everyone who has sent their stories! Many have been blessed by your sharing
About Your Editor
Christine Field practiced law for eight years before becoming a full-time Mommy. She and her husband live and homeschool their four children in Wheaton, Illinois, where her husband, Mark, serves as Chief of Police. Three of their four children are adopted, one through a private adoption and two from Korea.
She is the author of several books, including Coming Home to Raise Your Children (Fleming Revell, 1995), Should You Adopt? (Fleming Revell, 1997) A Field Guide to Home Schooling (Fleming Revell, 1998), Life Skills for Kids (Harold Shaw/WaterBrook, 2000), Help for the Harried Homeschooler (Harold Shaw/WaterBrook, 2002) and Homeschooling the Challenging Child (Broadman & Holman, 2005). Her next book, written with her husband Mark, called Homeschooling 101, will be published by Broadman & Holman in Spring 2007.
She serves as a correspondent and Resource Room columnist for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. Her articles on life skills have appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine and Single Parent Family.
To contact her about your special learner, or to have her speak to your group or conference, you may email her at mailto:christinefield@sbcglobal.net or visit her website at www.HomeFieldAdvantage.org.
Her mailing address is:
The Home Field Advantage
PO Box 261
Wheaton, IL 60189-0261
Visit her blog at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/christinefield.
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