Quote from Forum Archives on May 11, 2002, 8:06 am

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

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THE HOPE CHEST:
Ideas and Inspiration for Home Education
Issue #49 part 2
May 2002
Resource Reviews and More
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In this section are three resource reviews which include author
interviews. I gave each of the ladies the same basic questions, but I
trust that you will be blessed by their diverse answers.

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REAL-LIFE HOMESCHOOLING
Book by Rhonda Barfield
Review by Virginia Knowles
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Rhonda Barfield's newest book, Real-Life Homeschooling: The Stories of 22 Families Who Teach Their Children at Home, is just what the title says! The families she chose to interview represent a very diverse cross-section of American home educators. Most were evangelical Christians, but some were of Jewish or other belief systems. I was especially struck with the story of a family who had been home school pioneers in Florida -- to the point of going to jail for it! After this, they worked for the passage of favorable legislation that we Florida home schoolers now enjoy and often take for granted. (I feel like a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants.) There are also tales of a blind mother, a family on a remote Pacific Island, folks who love text books and folks who hate them, a mom who left a prospering legal career to home school her adopted children, home schooling grandmas and much more. It was truly a joy to read this book.
And now, a brief interview with the author!

 

Q. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your books.

At present my husband and I are both writers. Michael writes mainly web articles and press releases for a technical school (in Orlando, Florida) called Full Sail Real World Education. We are both home-based, and our children are home-based. This is a dream come true for all of us.

 

An excerpt of Rhonda's official "bio blurb" reads:
Rhonda Barfield is a professional homemaker, wife to Michael, homeschool teacher and mother of Eric (15), Christian (14), Lisa (12) and Mary (10). She is best-known as the author of three books: Eat Well for $50 a Week (now out of print), Eat Healthy for $50 a Week (to be updated and renamed Feed Your Family for $12 a Day in June of 2002) and 15-Minute Cooking. A fourth book, Real-Life Homeschooling: The Stories of 22 Families Who Teach Their Children at Home, has just been published by Fireside (Simon & Schuster).
Rhonda's books have been acclaimed in dozens of national magazines and newspapers, and she's been a guest on national TV and radio shows, as well as a public speaker at workshops and conferences. (Virginia's note: Do Woman's Day, Family Circle, the 700 Club, MOPS, Focus on the Family, and Christian Financial Concepts ring a bell? That's just a small sample of the huge list she sent me!)  In addition to writing, Rhonda enjoys speaking to groups of all sizes. She has been a workshop leader at the Working Women's Survival Show, the nation's largest consumer show for women, for two consecutive years.  Finally, Rhonda is C.E.O., publicist, secretary and janitor of Lilac Publishing, the Barfields' family business.

Q. What did you have a burning desire to communicate to home schoolers when you wrote Real-Life Homeschooling?

I was sick and tired of reading books and articles that described
homeschooling the way it's supposed to be rather than the way it is.
While it's true that homeschooling is exhilarating, rewarding and
energizing, it's also maddening, frustrating, and draining. Writing that
tends to idealize homeschooling, sets homeschoolers up for failure, and gives those who might be considering homeschooling no hope of ever being able to measure up to an unrealistic standard. My primary goal, in writing this book, was to try and portray what really happens in a variety of homeschools nationwide, day by day, and to also explain the lifestyle, philosophy, worldview, teaching style, curricula, schedule, and more, all in enough detail to accurately paint a real-life
picture. I hoped to offer readers an enjoyable read as well as many
practical ideas, ideas that were entirely do-able because real-life people were implementing them into their lifestyles. I wanted to convey real-life homeschooling to two audiences: first, homeschoolers and prospective homeschoolers; and second, those who are simply curious about the movement. I think homeschoolers tend to minimize their own efforts and glorify others' accomplishments; they need a reality check and the encouragement that comes from knowing that  veryone, at some time, struggles.. Most non-homeschoolers have absolutely no idea of the wonder of homeschooling; I think they picture kids at home sitting at desks and mimicking school schedules and procedures; they need to hear about the options.

Q. How did writing this book change your life?

First, by causing me to seriously reconsider areas I've taken for granted for some time, such as a very comfortable, but somewhat rigid, homeschooling schedule. I've become more flexible and open.
The unschoolers in the book taught me to relax enough to give my children the chance to make more choices. In doing so, I found my kids to be more responsible than I would have ever guessed. For example, in the past I had always assigned each one a project to complete for each of our history unit studies. When I started allowing them to choose their own projects, all four have consistently done something more difficult, demanding and time-consuming than I would have assigned. Their talents have emerged in unexpected areas and through unexpected methods. The stories about homeschool teens and graduates were immensely helpful in giving me insight on what's ahead and how to prepare for it, though not in the ways I would have expected. In the chapter titled "A Homeschooler Goes to College", for example, Brian (the interviewee) urges parents to give their teens more room and more choices rather than to push them hard academically. Not that everyone should follow Brian's advice (or anyone else's profiled in the book, for that matter), but his comments made me think. Rethinking things, especially for homeschoolers, was something I hoped to spark in those who read the book. But I didn't expect it to happen to me, and especially on such a deep level!
The overwhelming majority of those I interviewed said they relaxed
considerably in their homeschooling through the years. This would be my own word of encouragement to homeschoolers: RELAX!
Homeschooling is difficult, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. If
you're feeling overwhelmed, RELAX! Re-evaluate what you're doing, think of creative solutions, ask your spouse and friends for ideas, get your children's input, implement some solutions. Then RELAX until the next time there's a problem, and repeat the solving process, and RELAX again.

~~~

Rhonda's books are available from all major booksellers. The publisher web site is www.simonsays.com.

You can read the first chapter of the book at:
http://www.simonsays.com/excerpt.cfm?isbn=0743442296&areaid=33

Rhonda's web site is: www.lilacpublishing.com/

You've got to visit this site! It has tons of neat stuff on it, including
articles like: 5 Easy Ways to Save On Groceries, Healthy Eating On A Budget, Kid's Clothing For Next To Nothing, Save Big On Summer Fruits And Vegetables, Back-To-School Savings, Helping Your Child Handle Money, Organize Your Attitude, Take Control Of Your Finances, The Friendly Neighborhood Swap, 15-MINUTE COOKING: A Time And Money-Saving System, Cheap Summer Fun,  Homeschooling As A Money-Saving Choice, Get Organized
For Homeschooling, and The Myths that Keep Americans in the Hole.

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PATCHWORK PRIMERS:
VOLUME 1 - AMERICAN DREAM
A Unit Study Homeschool Curriculum
Book by Sharon Wilharm
Review by Virginia Knowles
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I have to tell you that I came across Sharon's book in a roundabout way. Mardy Freeman, the author of Children of Character, had sent me a web site for an Internet based book publisher to use for printing services. When I went to the site, they had a list of the book projects they had done, and Sharon's was one of them. I clicked on her web link, liked what I saw, and contacted her. The rest is history! She sent me a review copy of Patchwork Primers and graciously agreed to an interview. Here we go with that first, and then the review.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am 35 years old, and have been married to Fred for the past 11 years. We own and operate the Florida Antique Mall. Our daughter Brittany is 7 (about to turn 8 next month). I am a native of Florida, and currently live in DeFuniak Springs. I graduated from University of West Florida with a B.A. degree in elementary education, and taught at a private Christian school. I began freelance writing 9 years ago. (Sharon lists a gazillion magazines and newspapers that have published her articles.) I am the children's director at Southwide Baptist Church, and have also directed children's choir and taught VBS. I am chairman of the Walton County Junior Miss Scholarship Program, and have been an Acteens director, and also director of the Parables drama ministry.

 

Q. Describe Patchwork Primers and tell us where we can buy it.

Patchwork Primers is a unit study approach to homeschooling. Volume 1 is geared for grades 2-4, but families are currently using it with children as old as 6th grade and as young as kindergarten. It is based on American History from the Native Americans through the Civil War, and includes math, language, science, history, geography, spelling, music, art, P.E., Bible, penmanship, recipes, and special events. It also has science fair projects, book reports, a research report, and writing an original picture book. Subjects are all integrated, and subjects progress in a logical manner rather than a random approach.

 

Volume 2 will be available this summer. It is based on inventions and
discoveries. It includes math, language, science, history, spelling,
music, art, P.E., Bible, penmanship, and special events. It is geared for grades 3-5. It is a little more in depth than Volume 1. It also includes science fair project, book reports, research report, and scientific method experiments.

Both volumes include hands on games, activities, projects. They are based on topics rather than specific books so the user determines which resources to use to cover the topic. This allows for more freedom than most unit studies. All topics can be found in living books, library books, online resources, or encyclopedias.
For more informatiion, check out the website at www.patchworkprimers.com

On the website is a scope and sequence, sample lesson plans, frequently asked questions, and a link to a special message board just for Patchwork Primers users and others interested in the curriculum.

Patchwork Primers is available directly from the website at
www.patchworkprimers.com or by ordering from Florida Antique Mall at 850-892-7282.

Q. What was your burning desire to communicate when you were writing Patchwork Primers, and how did writing this book change your life?

I love the unit study approach, but I live in a small town with a small
library and I was unable to do most unit studies because I didn't have
access to all the books required. Also, I like to be consistent in my
studies. I don't like to study horses one day and electricity the next. I
like to take a subject and build upon it for awhile. When I couldn't find
a unit study that worked for me, I wrote my own. We began using it at the beginning of the school year, and for the first time since we've been homeschooling, we found something that worked for us. I know that Patchwork Primers is not for everyone. Some people need someone to hold their hand and tell them exactly what to do. I don't want that. I just want someone to give me ideas of how to make homeschool the best possible.

Patchwork Primers appeals to the creative types. The former teachers, the moms who have known since they were pregnant that they wanted to homeschool, the ones with high hopes for their children, who don't want to be stuck with a textbook or workbook approach.  I have had a wonderful time writing Patchwork Primers. I have learned so much as I've researched topics, trying to find ways to tie in all the subjects. I've learned about people I never knew existed. I've learned about events in history that are often overlooked. I've tried to bring out facts that the kids wouldn't likely learn elsewhere. I've tried to come up with creative ways to demonstrate those facts, to present them in a way that the kids will remember them. Whenever possible, I've tried to include fun games and projects, but at the same time included plenty of written work for families to include in their portfolios.

Q. Do you have any words of encouragement to share with home educators?

Homeschooling can and should be a fun adventure for both parent and
child. It's a chance to learn together, to bond in a special way and to
make memories to treasure for a lifetime. I don't know of many people who treasure workbook pages from their childhood, but almost everyone has some special project that they have kept through the years that they remember especially well. My goal is to provide as many of those special learning experiences as possible.

~~

 

Virginia's notes: I enjoyed reading through Patchwork Primers. It's
obvious that Sharon has done her research, which will save home school moms lots of prep time. There are six units of six weeks each. These include: Native Americans, Early Explorers, Colonization of the New World, Colonial Life, New Nation and Civil War. For each week, Sharon provides background information, loosely related hands-on activities for all school subjects, and a list of supplies needed. Each unit also has simple comprehension tests. There are also spelling lists (with spelling activity suggestions) and timed math tests in the book. She does not include specific recommended titles of books to read, or answer keys for the tests. Though there are math activities and timed drills, you will probably still want to use a math book. I think that Patchwork Primers is most suitable for use by moms who want some structure and suggestions (but not a rigid plan), who want to be intimately involved in their children's education, and who don't mind searching out resource books at the library. The activities are very "doable" with easily obtained supplies. I know I will be referring to this book often as we do our American history studies this coming year.

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GOD'S GIFT OF LOVE
Book by Betty Howard
Review by Virginia Knowles
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This is another book I stumbled across because of Mardy Freeman.
Actually, this is a little more embarrassing of a story. As many of you
know, Mardy started publishing her own e-mail newsletter a couple of
months ago, and at my suggestion, transferred her mailing list over to
Associate.com. When she sent her first message via this list server, I
was so touched by the article that I hit the reply button and sent a
heartfelt response sharing a few of my struggles in life at the moment.
Little did I know that Mardy had unintentionally set the list to
unmoderated discussion instead of announcements only, and my candid remarks made their way into 130 homes. Oops! (It's a good thing I edit my own e-mail before hitting Send!) Anyway, in the ensuing hours, I made my acquaintance with a few of these lovely folks, and one of them is Betty Howard, the author of God's Gift of Love.
So, without further adieu, here is my interview with Mrs. Betty Howard!

Q. Tell us about yourself and your family.

I've known the Lord since childhood, met my husband at church and married him when he was in his senior year of medical school (he retired from medicine last Thanksgiving). The Lord blessed us with three daughters; the oldest two are married and they and our two sons-in-law have given us 11 grandchildren, (14 years old down to 2 years). All the school age children are and have been home schooled from the beginning of their education. Our youngest daughter is single, lives at home and is working as a teacher's assistant in a special ed class in a Christian school.  I have a degree in education, have taught Bible for many years, had a weekly radio talk show for 11 years during the 1980's trying to educate the Body of Christ on humanism. Admittedly, I encouraged parents to get their children out of the public schools and encouraged all Christians to become informed of the Christian form of government given us by our founders and to get involved in the political arena lest we lose our freedoms.

Q. Describe your book and tell us where we can get it.

God's Gift of Love, Elisabeth and her Cousin Mary tell the Stories of their Sons' Births, is a commentative narrative, by which I mean a commentary in story form. I've taken the verses from Matthew & Luke that have to do with these births and with a lot of research as to Jewish laws and customs, have tried to have these two women give accounts of these births from their view points.
Having 11 grandchildren in home school, I wrote the book with them in
mind. By the way, I "kind of" wrote them into the book by introducing
myself as "Beth, Elisabeth's childhood friend"... in the early part of
the book. Then when Elisabeth is grandmother age, her friend is too. I
then proceed to describe Beth's (my) grandchildren one at a time.
The book is really intended for everyone; from families to individuals. I
see the godly lives of these two women, their love for the Lord and
submission to His will are examples to all of us today. It is also
another way to look at the familiar Christmas story and respond to the
Lord with praises for that time and for the two unlikely women that He
sovereignly chose to use. For those who live near Orlando, the book can be purchased at Long's Bible and Book Store, the book store at First Baptist church of Orlando, Love's Book Store on Michigan and at the Holy Land Experience.

 

You can also order directly from my company, The Good News Connection.

 

Web: www.thegoodnewsconnection.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Street Address:

 

  The Good News Connection,Inc. 
  2875 S. Orange Avenue
  Suite 500-2500
  Orlando, FL 32806-5455

Q. What was your burning desire when you wrote this book?

I wrote the book because I believe the Holy Spirit gave me a love and
concern for Elisabeth who must have gone through decades of heartache before becoming a mom. I became her "self appointed press agent" because I believe she has a story of faith for 21st century Christians. Her story encourages us to keep praying and keep believing inspite of circumstances that change, because God never changes and nothing is impossible for Him. I have been blessed to hear of the positive comments from people who have read the book. One woman told me she read it 3 times in one week! A couple of others have told me they couldn't put it down and was sorry it
had to end. (I plan to write a sequel in the near future.) So it gives me
great joy to know that this is another way I can keep teaching the Bible and never know just how far it will go.

Since the writing of the book, I have developed a presentation of
Elisabeth where I dress in Biblical dress and give her life from a first
person perspective. My husband, Bob, sometimes joins me as Zacharias. We basically cover almost all of Luke 1. It is such a JOY to see the expression of insight and encouragement of the faces in our audience.

Q. What would you like to say as an encouragement to home schooling families?

It would be such a joy for me to be able to speak to all home schooling
moms to encourage them. Sometimes the magnitude of what God has called them to may be overwhelming but I believe the Lord is pleased with their sacrifices and efforts at providing what they believe is best for their children. At one home school moms' meeting where I gave my Elisabeth presentation, I had about 3 moms come up to me afterward (a couple of them with tears welling up in their eyes) and told me they were planning before the meeting to stop home schooling soon, but had changed their minds after the presentation. P.T.L.!

And now, a few words of review from Virginia!

I enjoyed reading Betty's beautiful book. It is very reverently
researched and written, and would be a tremendous blessing to a teen age girl who is looking forward to a future family, or to a mother who needs a little extra encouragement as she raises her own children. I especially appreciated the four appendices about Biblical courtship and marriage customs, how to set up a notebook to pray for your child or grandchild, school study suggestions, and Scripture references.

Here is a little excerpt, the first paragraph of chapter 6:

"For three months Mary stayed with Elisabeth. They talked of the Lord, and His marvelous works, for many long hours, sometimes late into the night with a myriad of questions as to what all this meant. Sometimes Zacharias, upon overhearing their questions, would interject on his writing table some words of encouragement or understanding from the Scriptures. This interchange and time of searching was exactly what was needed by both women who were now central characters in this part of God's plan for the ages. Before this time, who wold have thought that these two women; one an aged barren wife and the other a young engaged teen, would be so used by God?"