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Michael Phelps has ADD – did you know that?  His mother was able to take what could have been a detriment, and turned it into a huge advantage.  I love this article titled “Michael Phelps’ Mom on How to Raise an ADHD Superstar.”  It states that “Behind almost every ADHD success story is a devoted parent (or two).” Read the article from ADDitudemag.com

Did you read about my newsletter article about the boy homeschool graduate with learning disabilities?  He went on to earn ELEVEN graduate degrees!  Here is the article in USA Today.

I encourage you to find the Superhero within your own child!  My husband has written a series of articles about finding the superhero your own homeschooled children.  Read more!

Step One: Observing Passion

Step Two: Catching Fire

Step Three: Providing Opportunity

Enjoy watching the Olympics!

Blessings,

Lee

Did you know that you can consult with me for free?  This month you can call me on my toll free number, on Wednesdays between 1:00 and 2:00 pm, Pacific Time, and consult for up to 10 minutes for free.  You missed me today, but call me next week!  It’s fun – and free!

Once upon a time, my children went to public school.  In fourth grade, they invited my son Kevin into the prestigious “Academically Capable” program.  We had lots of trouble that year, but nothing so profound as the “Oregon Trail” fiasco.  You may well wonder what could possibly go wrong in an Oregon trail unit study!  Each student was given a family identity, and followed them through the Oregon Trial.  One day the teacher told the students that they might have to fight, steal, or kill in order to get food for their families.  That  evening, my husband and I began to “debrief” Kevin, and explain that there are OTHER options besides breaking the Ten Commandments.  The next day, the teacher again stressed situational ethics.  In the evening, more debriefing.  Poor Kevin, who was only in fourth grade, was so confused by the contradictory messages coming from parents and teacher!  Even after I spoke to the teacher, she still stressed the importance of doing “whatever it takes” to obtain supplies on the Oregon Trail.

That was when we knew we had to homeschool our children.  We could not continue to allow our children to learn messages that contradicted everything our family believes in.

Fast forward ten years.  In the news yesterday was a story about the effect of situational ethics in modern young adults.  Here is a link:

Top Story:

“Law catches up with modern-day Bonnie and Clyde … They stole credit-card and bank-account information from friends, co-workers and neighbors to finance lavish purchases and travel, prosecutors said.”

You have probably seen it on your news as well, since it made the local, national and international news.  Guess what?  The young man in the story – our young “Clyde” – lived five doors away from us in our old neighborhood.  He attended the same elementary school and was in the same “academically capable” program.  His parents are wonderful, caring, and sweet individuals.  On the video clip you can see the street we lived on a few years ago.  We were shocked!

But not surprised…. Why should we expect a better result when the public schools teach children that values are conditional and truth is relative?

Another reason to homeschool through high school!

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Part I
“Three ways to homeschool”
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3917028n

Part II
Why Families Homeschool
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3916700n?source=search_video

Blessings,

Lee
The HomeScholar
www.TheHomeScholar.com

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The media seems to be saying this is THE BIG ONE.Here is a link to the Fox News story, but I’ve heard the same on other news programs.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,335808,00.html

“California parents who don’t have teaching credentials no longer can home school their children, according to a recent state appellate court ruling.”

But here is a summary from a California Homeschool group:
http://californiahomeschool.net/howTo/updates.htm

“The law in California has not changed. This is the opinion of one court. CHN strongly believes this opinion is incorrect, and homeschooling by using one of the alternatives to public school currently available under California law remains legal. The implications of this ruling and possible actions are currently being discussed by CHN, along with HSC, CHEA, Family Protection Ministry and HSLDA. “

And another summary from Homeschool Association of California
http://www.hsc.org/Appellatedecision

My internet friend, Julie, expressed it this way:

“People are getting phone calls from relatives that they are doing illegal activities. I went with my kids to cook a meal for the homeless at our church, something we do once a month, and I was hit up with the questions about legalities. ” and “While leaders are paying attention and being vigilant, it isn’t any reason to panic.”
Julie in San Diego
http://www.livingmath.net/

I know that it is concerning to hear these inflammatory statements on the news, but I don’t think there is a need to panic. It might be a great time to write your own state legislators, and let them know how important homeschooling is to you. It’s a great exercise for kids as well – a good civics lesson. But keep in mind that California law has not changed, and state and national agencies are currently working on the problem. Let’s watch, and keep our eyes on reputable sources. Try to avoid listening to news reports from agencies and people that don’t really know homeschool laws.

Blessings,
Lee
www.TheHomeScholar.com
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We had the pleasure of meeting Caitlin recently at a homeschool event. She is a charming, brilliant, witty and vivacious young lady.