Although homeschooling affords its teenagers a lot of freedoms not otherwise found in a traditional school system, sometimes the walls just feel like they are closing in. “House-a-tosis, (aka too much time spend in the house) can creep up on you and just make you feel a bit bonkers … right? Remember folks, the number one reason that homeschooling rocks is FLEXIBILITY!

Sometimes getting out of the house for a day gives you a little inspiration, or a spark of enthusiasm, reaffirming just why you chose to homeschool in the first place. So think about it … what really interests you, would get you out of the house, AND is also an educational learning experience?

Here are 5 Great Field Trip Ideas for You:

1. Take a Historical/Living History Tour. Reading about history in books can be a bit ho-hum, but experiencing a re-enactment or a living history tour where everyone is in period costume can bring history vividly to life – for child, teen, AND adult. And teens – keep your eyes out for a possible summertime job. Many living history museums employ enthusiastic teens – could be much more fun and rewarding than a job at your local fast food joint!
2. Attend a Murder-Mystery Theater. Put your detective skills to work all while being entertained to the nth degree – your mom or dad will LOVE this idea. Make sure to get as many pre-show details ahead of time, and take paper and a pencil to jot notes with. Write down whatever clues you figure out, the small details that spark a hunch, and the logical progression that your mind undergoes during the course of the thrilling investigation. You can compare thoughts later, and determine how Sherlock-minded you really are.
3. Volunteer-Related Field Trips. A community service “field trip” can be a day or two of both learning and giving. Look for an opportunity that really suits your field of interest, or even a career path that you have been kicking around. These give you a chance to serve and learn at the same time. For instance – if you are an animal enthusiast – volunteer at a vet clinic or animal shelter. Planet Connect is an excellent resource for students seeking internships.
4. Student-Planned Park Trip. It’s spring – what better way to spend it than learning outside in nature? With the internet at your fingertips, downloading trail maps and information about local flora and fauna is easier than ever. You can plan the whole trip from top to bottom, and visit the park of your choice. Start a journal about the things you “might” encounter, then compare in the end to the things you “do” encounter. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
5. Visit a University. It’s even better when you stay overnight and really get the feel and flavor of college-life and the bustle of the students in action. Research the history of the university and be sure to focus on the colleges or areas of your own interest. Be sure to include any sports or extra-curricular activities that inspire you as well. This can be a great way to hype yourself up for the upcoming school year – and motivate you to explore new interests and achieve good results, or even participate in a new sport or activity

Bottom line is, homeschool field trips can be way more fun than their traditional school counterparts. No stuffy, noisy bus rides, no cafeteria bagged lunches, no fighting classmates or high drama of any kind (unless theater is what you are out to see). Best of all, YOU get to plan it – in an area that really interests you – so get your thinking cap on and figure out a way to enjoy the spring while out and about in your world!

Pssst… Here Are 5 Spring Field Trip Ideas Your Parents Won’t Resist!

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” —Alexander Graham Bell

Spring is here! Yet before the urge to put on your swim goggles and head to the beach or off to the mountains on a family retreat strikes too hard, it is best to think ahead a bit toward the upcoming school year. Remember that it will help to reduce any mid to late summer panic attacks as fall approaches, or some critical mistakes in curriculum choices.

So what’s our advice for you? We have a step-by-step guide for “springing” into a successful homeschool year this fall! Get out a pencil and paper, and get off to a great start right now.

Step 1. Review your previous year. What were the highlights and successes? What parts didn’t go over the way you had hoped? Were there any particular issues either you or your child struggled with? Did the curriculum you chose really work for your family, and where could improvements be made in the upcoming year?

Step 2. Identify your homeschooling style. First, think about your child. Is he/she self-motivated or does he/she need extra encouragement? Is he/she a visual learner or more of a hands-on student where lots of demonstrations/labs are necessary? Does he/she learn or study best on the computer? Also think about your own teaching style. Were you comfortable with your knowledge and skills last year, or do you think you could benefit from additional support? All these factors will weigh in to what sort of curriculum you choose for the upcoming year.

Step 3. Determine your homeschool year. Some curriculum come organized for a 40 week schedule. If your homeschooling curriculum doesn’t come with a schedule, it’s best to create one before you embark on your school year. If you follow state guidelines and hold school for 180 days, then you must determine your homeschooling schedule and decide which days will be celebrated as holidays. Be sure to include time in your homeschooling schedule for any final tests and studying for those tests as well.

Step 4. Identify some yearly goals. What do you want your children to learn in the upcoming year? Do you know what courses are required? (This is especially important in the high school years, as you begin to zero in on what’s needed to graduate and apply for college). Remember that not only do you want your children to learn academics, you want them to absorb critical life skills and experience extra-curricular activities as well.

Step 5. How much time and money do you have? If you don’t have the time to do hands on projects, for example, you would want to look closely at any curriculum you are thinking of buying. And although science projects can be a wonderful learning tool, if you don’t have the extra money to buy the materials needed, then your child can’t learn from them! Finances will also dictate your chosen curriculum, and any extras such as books and materials. Start budgeting early so there are less surprises later! And if you plan ahead, there are numerous ways to save money on supplies .

Step 6. Research your state requirements. In some states, you are required to teach a basic homeschool curriculum, which is just about universally accepted as “standard.” It consists of reading, writing, math, English, American history, the history of your state and, possibly, civics or health. In other states, parents are not required to teach this curriculum, but it is suggested. This core material can be amply covered in two to three hours per day. Over and above this, the parent and the student are free to add whatever they wish to their course of study – another wonderful thing about homeschooling!

Step 7. Identify ways to stay active civically. In any town, the feeling of community is often built around its schools, so in some ways, learning in a public school promotes the feeling of citizenship. Some homeschooled children do not encounter the diverse perspectives in a large community group, and so may become at risk for not easily understanding other points of view. Moreover, when homeschooled children do participate in group situations, it is most likely with other homeschooled families who share similar values, background, and social class. Think of ways to volunteer or interact in your community, and establish a sense of belonging and pride in your town and country – and also appreciate its diversity.

Step 8. Narrow your curriculum choices down. Selecting two or three choices now – well ahead of time – will give you the ability to mull the pros and cons of each over the summer period. Discuss options with your child, and get his or her input as well. Don’t forget to take into consideration 1) areas that he/she is very interested in or inspired by, and 2) areas where extra time and effort is needed to bring your child up to speed. Think in terms of developing their natural strengths but also correcting any basic weaknesses that might prove essential in later years.

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So there you have it! Eight easy steps to get you on course for a fabulous summer break followed by a smooth transition into the new school year come fall. And don’t forget, there is always help whenever you need it!

“Spring” into Fall! How to Set Up a Successful Homeschooling Academic Year NOW

Did you ever imagine that the world of homeschooling could be filled with big game animals, dangerous hunts, and wild adventure on far away continents? Bridgeway Academy student McKenzie Sims of Evanston, Wyoming – and star of the television show “Young Blood” on the Outdoor Channel – tells us firsthand how exciting the life of a homeschooler can actually be with the right opportunities!

McKenzie’s extreme love for the outdoors, animals, and the sport of hunting began on his family’s 90 acre ranch in Wyoming. For the Sims family, hunting is a tradition that they consider a privilege and not a given right. They practice good stewardship toward the land and the care and preservation of the animals that live on it. Hunting together as a family has brought them a sense of unity and pride in their accomplishments. And a homeschool education through Bridgeway is the way they manage to juggle long travel commitments and film schedules!

Here McKenzie tells us of his exciting African safari hunt in his own words:

I became involved with hunting at a young age. At two years old, I was riding horses with my parents as they hunted elk. Once I was old enough to sit in a saddle by myself, my dad would lead my horse in the mountains. I would also go out hunting small game and coyotes. I enjoy both bow and rifle hunting. I enjoy a challenge!

In 2010, I went on my quest to be the youngest kid to complete Africa’s Big 5: the harvest of a lion, a leopard, a cape buffalo, a rhino, and an elephant. I wanted to accomplish this on film in one safari. I knew it was going to be tough and long but I never would have thought it would take 45 days!

I started my adventure in South Africa where I darted (green hunt- no kill) my white rhino and hunted some plains game. When I darted my white rhino, she was put to sleep so the people could check her health and for pregnancy. I spent 7 days there. From South Africa, my dad, cameraman and I flew to Tanzania where I intended on completing my quest and spent 28 days in Tanzania.

When I arrived in Tanzania, we spent the first few days hunting leopard and lion bait. The best bait for lion is cape buffalo. Then I had two of the big five down. During this time, we were also tracking elephants and looked at a lot of them but could not find one legal bull. In Tanzania, there is a specific weight criterion that the tusks on the bull need to be 35 pounds or more. If you shot a bull under that weight you would be penalized by fines and possible jail time. I finally got my leopard on day 10 and I got my third trophy for the big five.

Now all my attention was focused on the lion and the allusive big tusker (elephant). In the 18 days we spent looking for the legal bull we could not find one. I was pretty burned out and thought about giving up. Every day we would either see elephants from the road or track in on them but we could not seem to find the right one. On day 19, I got my lion. That is when my dad decided that we needed to come up with a different plan for harvesting my elephant.

My cameraman called a good friend of his in South Africa to help us find a backup plan. Marius told me “There is a permit available at the Timbivati Game Reserve, would you be okay to wait a couple of days for the paperwork?” I of course replied “Marius, whatever you can do to help us I’ll be forever grateful.” In the meantime, I decided to go out for one last day in Tanzania to try for some of the plains game I had not harvested.

Next, we were off to Nairobi to catch a commercial flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. After another short charter flight and a 30 minute drive, we were at Buffaloland Safari’s. This is the place I would be staying and hunting plains game while I finished waiting on all the paperwork and permit to be completed.

Finally, everything was ready for me to begin. As my group arrived at the Timbivati headquarters to pick up our game scout, I was so ready to just find this elephant and get it over with. After driving around which seemed to be a lifetime but was only 3 or 4 hours, we saw lots of elephants but not a single shooter. As my team and I pulled up to a water hole to have lunch, we spotted a big bull in the water bathing himself and drinking.

I was ready to go after this great animal but by law you cannot harvest an animal within one kilometer of water so I had to wait for the bull to walk away from the water. After about thirty minutes, he slowly went out of sight and I began to track him.

Then there he was 30 yards away from me eating on some Keisha tree. My dad just turned around and asked me, “Are you ready son?” That is when I finally completed my big five by harvesting this magnificent bull. His tusks weighed 78 and 83 pounds. I was so happy that words could not explain. All the effort we made to get this quest completed was all i could ask for but being able to make it a success was the icing on the cake.

I want to add that I am able to do all of these amazing travels because of my dad and mom. They have been very supportive of me through all of this. My dad finances everything for me – I am very grateful for all they have done for me.

McKenzie dreams of one day becoming a professional hunter and opening his very own museum to showcase the amazing animals he has come across in his worldly travels. Good luck and happy hunting McKenzie Sims!

Homeschool Student Spotlight: On the Hunt for Big Adventure with McKenzie Sims

The decision for your family to adopt the homeschooled learning environment for your children may have been difficult – or it may have been quite simple. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, more than 2.04 million students were being homeschooled in 2010 – it’s a recognized and valuable educational format that is increasing rapidly with each passing year. And with such increases come a fresh wave of choices in curriculum – which although is both exciting and full of promise, can be a bit confusing and doubt-inducing for parents.

In fact, it can simply be overwhelming for some parents. How in the world can you choose the best home school curriculum for your child when there are so many great materials out there? How can you navigate all the selections and make the most of a limited homeschooling budget? How do you know which type of curriculum will best suit your child’s personality? Homeschooling is all about individuality, options, and tailoring programs to personal needs. So what are your needs?

7 Real-World Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Curriculum

1. Why have you chosen homeschooling?

Sometimes this fact alone will influence the type of curriculum you may be searching for. Perhaps you are looking for a faith-based curriculum that is focused on core values. Some choose homeschooling because of living in a poor demographic area, lack of quality public schools, or a transition to a different culture as a result of relocation. Some families require flexible learning times due to their child’s burgeoning athletic/musical career or hectic travel schedules.

2. What is your own teaching experience?

Some parents have very specific ideas in mind for teaching, and want the freedom to tailor their own program and experiences for their child, having the utmost confidence in their ability. Other parents are a bit hesitant or lack confidence in their natural abilities, and are looking for as much help as possible in structuring a well-rounded curriculum that meet their state’s standards. Be frank about what your own teaching limitations are in order to select the best materials for your curriculum. But also know there is SO MUCH support available for you should you need it in any subject!

3. What motivates your child?

Some children are born with specific talents that are identifiable at an early age – which makes it easy to focus on career goals and structuring a curriculum to further enhance their abilities. (Although sometimes this makes it difficult for them to accept the subjects that are not so pleasing to them, but are necessary for a good foundation nonetheless.) Others need to be stimulated and pushed to find their motivation and meet their educational goals.

4. What are your child’s limitations?

In an ideal world, your child would be brilliant in math, excel in reading, and write beautifully, eager to set out on each task after a full morning of chores and exercise. In reality…. Well, not so much. Nobody is perfect at everything, and that is both o.k. and natural. Identify your child’s weaknesses (and strengths – because you will want to focus on those areas to in order to prepare for a successful career) and list them according to importance. Ask yourself – is this weakness something that MUST be corrected in order to provide a building block for future learning? Learning what to let go, and what to focus on correcting is critical to building a solid curriculum.

5. What is your child’s individual learning style?

The one subject we don’t often study – our own individuality – is one that is truly intrinsic to all other academic subjects! How our brains process information and adapt to new learning situations is definitely worth discovering – and it may take some trial and error before your figure it out. Homeschool curriculums can vary from traditional textbook/lecture styles, to highly interactive hands-on activities, to online social forums with immediate feedback from teachers and other students. That’s the sheer beauty of it. Look into the definition of different learning styles and see if you can identify with one or more that may fit your child.

6. What are your priorities right now?

Know that these priorities will change from semester to semester, or year to year, but think long and hard about your goals TODAY. Of your options to place focus on, what are building blocks that other learning depends on? For example, time limitations may force you to choose between spelling and math for your ten-year-old son, so ask yourself – which skill or subject is needed as a foundation for his other learning? The spelling may be picked up in other little ways, through games, other subjects, reading books, etc., but will he be able to move on to the next topic in math without being proficient at division with remainders?

7. What are your own limitations right now?

Be honest with yourself here. How are your current finances? Are you crunched for time with athletic schedules or outside work with little time for lesson preparation? Don’t ignore these very real and commonplace circumstances just because you’d like to be able to do lots more. You’ll only get frustrated and down on yourself. What could be a limitation for you (for example little time for lesson preparation) could in fact become a great benefit to your child (becoming a proficiently independent learner). The best homeschool curriculum for you right now may not be the one that “looks” phenomenal, yet takes up too much of your time to prepare for adequately. If you go with a curriculum that you are not capable of enacting, you will not be benefitting your child at all.

Choosing a homeschool curriculum that best fits your family’s lifestyle, your child’s educational needs and learning style, and your own limitations as a teacher and parent is often a daunting task. But know that your curriculum can always be changed if it doesn’t go as well as you had originally hoped. And there are plenty of resources out there to help you along the way!

How Do You Build a Homeschool Curriculum That Best Suits Your Child?

Most of us today would agree that the traditional school system is flawed. Percentages show that public schools are struggling to produce an even moderate trickle of motivated students ready to embrace higher academic learning. Drop-out rates, poor grades, and lack of enthusiasm in general are still the norm in many districts – and money woes including severe economic budget cuts are not helping matters. The past few decades of education have been coined as the “Industrial Age” of learning, where students are assembly-lined through the educational process, often burning out along the way.

Enter the picture: a new wave of learning where each student has his or her own customized plan that excites them and has them looking forward to returning to school each day. If you haven’t heard of the concept of Mass Customized Learning (MCL) you can imagine it as simply this: instruction is tailored to each student’s individual needs and motivating interests – at their particular learning level. The use of technology helps make this mass customization possible through personalized digital learning.

According to Beatrice AcGarvey and Charles Schwahn, co-authors of the book Inevitable: Mass Customized Learning, MCL means for a student that:

“Every day when I go to school, I am met at my individual and personal learning level, I am able to learn in my most powerful learning modes, I am motivated to want to learn with content that is of interest to me, I feel a sense of challenge, I am successful, and I look forward to returning to school tomorrow.”

Sound familiar to you? Homeschoolers may be getting the benefits of MCL already – through the customized learning resources and curriculums already available at their virtual fingertips. Students are engaged in learning when they are met at their individual learning level, when they are allowed to learn through one of their favored modes, and when they are allowed more access to content that is of most interest to them. A tailored homeschool curriculum is all about the customized learning process – just without the mass!

But even parents who homeschool need to face the fact that our own children are growing up in quite a different world then we did. They have been immersed in a digital age from infancy, and they think and learn differently as a result. Our own teaching styles may need to reflect this. According to Schwahn and McGarvey, we should consider this about our children:

• They have learned to manipulate technology early and have never been afraid of it
• They are controlling markets and their cultural environment … the world is listening to their desires and giving them what they want
• They expect immediate digital interaction; they no longer accept one-way broadcasts
• They not only consume information but also create information, and in the future they will transform organizations, politics and inevitably education
• They are empowered outside of school through their digital know-how

Are we – both parents and teachers – ready to embrace all forms of technology and utilize them to help our children learn faster, better, and in a style that they find both personally pleasing and motivational? Yes!

The benefits of customized learning – and the vast resources available through homeschool curriculums and online learning opportunities – are as follows:

• Each student can learn anything they choose at any location from world-class experts using the most transformational technologies and resources available to enhance their personal interests and life fulfillment
• Each student has his/her personal learning needs met every hour of every day
• The opportunity to learn at an individual’s optimum rate of speed—to advance as far as time and motivation allow
• The elimination of fear of failure and boredom when students have more input in determining what and how they learn
• Learning opportunities in a number of formats that focus on interaction, involvement, and relevance
• Technology-based learning that closely matches the natural learning activities available in gaming activities and social networks

So will Mass Customized Learning become the wave of the future – and permeate the traditional school system? Our motivated homeschooling families are figuring out the amazing MCL formula already … so let’s hope so for a better future for all children through customized learning plans.

Is Mass Customized Learning the Wave of the Future?

To many teens, attending the high school prom is considered a crowning moment of glory in your youthful history – a time of romance, good times, flirting, dancing, and dreams come true. On an exit poll, I would strongly wager that the general consensus is – “not so much.” Homeschooled teens have an even bigger dilemma with many questions attached – can I even attend a prom if I wanted to? How? Who with? Where?

If you do decide that prom is an experience that you just don’t want to miss, know that there are several options available to homeschooled kids. Prom does not have to be off limits. And it could be fun – and not the awkward social situation you would hate to find yourself stuck in. Chances are – if you are homeschooled – you are already pretty good at planning, organization, and researching. And we have three excellent starting places for you to look into!

Top 3 Prom Options for Homeschoolers

1. Go with a Public School Friend. Or just call and find out what your local public school policy is. Most schools allow their students to bring a “date” who is not part of the school district – you just need to be asked by someone who is. Some schools have “out of district” forms to fill out first, so be sure to check out the requirements. It’s also very mainstream for two girlfriends or guys to go “stag” together, so you may not even need a traditional “date.” Just go together and enjoy the fun and music!

2. Regional Homeschool Proms. There may be more out there than you realize! There are many homeschool chapters or area groups who have begun organizing formal functions for homeschooled students. Hop online and search the internet or contact your local chapter for information on the events closest to your area. Then get a group of friends to join you and have a blast!

3. Organize Your Own. Actually, it may not be as difficult as you think! Not to mention the fact that such a leadership achievement would look fabulous on a college or job application. If you are a motivated individual – as many homeschoolers are – you CAN make your very own prom happen without costing a bundle. Get on Facebook and start a page! Raise some money, have everyone chip in, and perhaps even get some donations for your cause – sometimes a community building, church, or fire hall will donate the use of their facility.

Whatever your ultimate decision – to prom or not to prom – just know that homeschooled teens DO have options. Talk to your parents, talk to your friends. And if you do decide to skip it altogether – that it’s really just not your thing – then good for you. There are many others out there that feel exactly the same way. Life is full of social activities to enjoy!

Proms and Homeschooling: To Prom or Not To Prom?

It is a valuable lesson for children to understand that community service means so much more than merely fulfilling course requirements or sharpening up a college resume. Truly, there can be no real community without the service of its individual members. And nothing can prepare our children or teens to go out into the world with a wide range of understanding as to the way a community functions as a complex whole than individual personal service, and the leadership skills necessary for success in the adult world.

Service also builds a sense of value and self-esteem. It teaches compassion and empathy for the plight of others. According to developmental psychologist Marilyn Price-Mitchell, “research shows that civic engagement promotes higher academic achievement and develops many skills , including critical thinking, organizing, and planning. It also helps young people form an identity, an essential role of adolescence. But all volunteer jobs are not created equal and finding the best experiences for teens can be challenging.” She offers some very good suggestions for talking with your tween or teen about community service and its benefits on her site, www.rootsofaction.com.

So where to begin? Let’s look at some of the varying categories of community service. Hopefully we can give you a few ideas to discuss with your homeschool student and tweak their sense of excitement!

Environmental

1. Young Homeschooler. Set up a seed or plant exchange in your neighborhood. Make invitations and mail them. Come together and plant your treasures in a location where everyone can see and enjoy your efforts. Elect the youngest member of your family to be the “energy watchdog” to make sure that all lights, t.v.’s and appliances are shut off when not in use.

2. Teen Homeschooler. Start a local environmental club. Work together and pool ideas such as building trails, building wildlife habitats and bird boxes, plant trees, or start a children’s nature garden complete with labels and learning lessons.

Senior Citizen

1. Young Homeschooler. Have your child pick an art project, organize the materials, and then visit a nursing home or an elderly neighbor or shut-in. Let your child lead the project with the senior(s), and take pictures of those you have visited as a parting gift. If you can’t physically visit, you can always do the project at home, and then mail it with a hand-written letter from your child.

2. Teen Homeschooler. Organize a neighborhood “helping hands” program for your local seniors – involve and motivate other friends, family members, and teens as well! There are ALWAYS tons of jobs that need to be done, especially in inclement weather – picking up groceries or prescriptions before a snow storm, and shoveling snow or mowing grass are always excellent choices. In a healthy community, the young and able should always respect and aid the elders whenever possible – without need for compensation.

Special Needs Children or Adults

1. Young Homeschooler. Take some toys to the cancer ward of a children’s hospital. Although some may find it “depressing” it is an important lesson that health is a gift no matter what your age, as is the strength and dignity to deal with whatever challenge a family is dealt. Compassion learned at a young age is invaluable.

2. Teen Homeschooler. Visit a rehabilitation center. Learn about patients with special needs. Volunteer to help – sometimes dealing with special needs individuals takes training and patience – both of which are important in all aspects of life.

Houses of Worship

1. Young Homeschooler. If you are not already involved with a church or house of worship, contact one locally and I am sure they will be wonderfully appreciative of any volunteer efforts, no matter what your faith may be. Nursery room and bible school help are often very much needed and appreciated!

2. Teen Homeschooler. Youth Fellowship is often an excellent and welcome place to hone your leadership skills and do good for others at the same time. Offer to teach a bible school study class – or a series of them depending on how many volunteers you get – and make sure that you include fun activities that the youngsters are not likely to forget (you’ll even have fun yourself!)

Animal Welfare

1. Young Homeschooler. Make cards or flyers by hand with your child, and start a community drive to collect food and supplies needed for a local animal shelter. Go door-to-door if necessary and deliver your collections personally.

2. Teen Homeschooler. Organize a neighborhood feral cat watch, and get involved with a safe-capture & spay/neuter program through your local animal shelter. Many clinics will spay/neuter ferals for re-release at no cost, if someone is willing to take the time to safely catch them in a special trap, deliver them, and then re-release them after the procedure. Feral cats do NOT lead easy lives, so reducing the overall population by just a few animals can save hundreds of kitties from suffering down the road.

There are quite a few additional community service ideas available for you to peruse online. Whatever you decide to pursue, remember to:

• Find a topic or cause that truly interests and motivates your children, and works well with their individual personalities.

• Make sure that the project is attainable with your current resources and timeframe.

• Once a project is selected and started, see to it that it is then followed through to fruition. A completed service, done well, will be the ultimate satisfaction for your child or teen.

And who knows – you may set off a chain of events that can change lives in ways you never even expected!

Community Service Ideas for Your Young (Or Not-So-Young) Homeschool Student

Once again another month has slipped by. The main event this month was SPRING BREAK! It was a much needed two weeks rest after some very intense classes. We finished our Philosophy class on a Friday and left the next morning at 4 am to drive down to the Phoenix area. Sixteen hours later, we were pulling into our Aunt and Uncle’s driveway. We spent the next 3 days writing our final paper that was due for Philosophy class. After that, spring break had officially started!

Soaking Up the Sun

Our mom flew in and stayed with us almost the whole time, which was very nice. It was also wonderful to be able to catch up with our cousins who we hadn’t seen in almost 3 years. The weather was absolutely beautiful (in the mid 80’s each day) and so we spent a good amount of time out by the pool soaking up the sun. Leah was the only one brave enough to actually go swimming. One would think the water would be warm, but we were sadly mistaken! One would also think that two weeks would be plenty of time to obtain a great tan, but again, when you are pasty white like me, apparently it takes longer. At least my almost transparent skin is now a nice shade of off-white!

Fun Around Town

There were plenty of other fun things we did while there. We visited with friends who had moved to Phoenix last summer, went to dinner with staff from JHBC who were also in Phoenix on break, hiked Squaw Peak, and went to Walmart! While some may not consider Walmart much of a highlight, when you live 1 ½ hours from the closest one, you get pretty excited for the small things in life, like toothpaste on sale for $1.30!

Back to Wyoming

All too soon, it was time to pack up the car and head home. We joined the caravan of JHBC staff that was heading back to Wyoming, and we had a great trip, though it took 19 hours! The trusty Swagger Wagon complained a bit and stalled once on the road, but compared to our trip out to Wyoming last August, this was a walk in the park! We praise the Lord for a wonderful time of refreshment and are ready to dive in to the last 8 weeks of class.

Time Flies

It is so hard to believe our time here is almost over. This school year has sped by way too fast. As I look to my plans for the future, the Lord has provided me with an exciting opportunity. I have been asked to join the staff here at JHBC for the next school year. They are in need of a cook in the kitchen and help in other areas as well. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to accept the position. Though this was not part of my original plan, I feel confident that the Lord has directed this move and I look forward to serving in this way. I am so thankful for the amazing way He has lead me down this road that I would never have imagined on my own. Leah and Rachel’s future plans are still undecided at this point, but we trust the Lord will direct them as well.

So we will savor these last few weeks as students and look forward with anticipation for what the future holds! We will continue to keep you posted until graduation in May. Thank you so much for “tuning in” each month and all the encouragement so many of you have sent our way. God bless!

About the Author, Sarah Klase

Sarah Klase is an Advisor Assistant at Bridgeway Academy and has decided to embark on a 1-year creation studies adventure at Jackson Hole Bible College in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sarah, 27, holds an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and fell in love with JHBC 3 years ago when she visited the campus with one of her sisters. This year Sarah and her two younger sisters decided to take a year out of their lives to experience an amazing adventure complete with cross-country driving, interesting field visits, archeological digs and more! Tune in each month as Sarah blogs about her travels, experiences and learning’s.

Spring Break – Sarah’s Creation Adventure

“I want to be one of the greatest soloists in history.”

No indecision, no second thoughts – Bridgeway homeschooling student and violinist Kitsho Hosotani began playing his instrument of choice at age four because he knew, instinctively, it was his dream to be the best.

His recent orchestral debut with the Fox Valley Symphony in Illinois was a resounding success. A review touted Kitsho as “charming those in attendance with a masterful skill of the instrument.” The review went on to laude his gifted command of the violin, particularly his articulate precision in bowing and his pristine clarity throughout the piece.

It’s remarkable Kitsho Hosotani is merely age 11. And his passion for the violin and his musical accomplishments only continue to grow, along with his skills in PR and marketing. Visit his webpage to learn of upcoming soloist events Kitsho will be featured in, or even listen to him wield his magic  on YouTube!

Although Kitsho began homeschooling only recently, he feels that it is definitely the right choice for him. “When I have a performance or competition, I can balance the amount of homework by setting it aside for the next day without worrying about having to catch up immediately.” The ability to organize and strategize by adjusting his curriculum around intensely busy practice sessions or his travels is a marvelous boon to his advancing career in music. And this form of organization is a life skill all students can certainly benefit from!

When asked if he feels he is missing out on anything by homeschooling, Kitsho avidly responds “No, not at all! Most public schools do not let students work at their own pace , they just move ahead and ahead without pause.” Mischievously, Kitsho adds, “Plus there is something very lucky that homeschoolers don’t necessarily have … students collapsing in sweat!” Kitsho also enjoys bike riding, tree climbing, and reading the Harry Potter series.

Kitsho offers some advice on conquering nervousness in front of a large crowd. “When people become nervous, it can cause them to panic, especially if they are unprepared. So be prepared! But when nerves happen, it is useful to keep in mind that you must only focus on what is important and ignore what is not.”

When asked for words of advice for other students who want to set goals and reach them, Kitsho mentions that it may be a waste of time “looking” for extreme goals. But if you have a certain goal within you, and your schedule gets very hectic, you must be willing to give up something in return for achieving that goal. It’s a give and take. Kitsho also advises students not to put a limit on themselves. This is not to say that all hopes and dreams are achievable. But if you give yourself a limit early on, you may not ever become aware of what you can truly accomplish.

Kitsho also mentions the importance of remaining humble. The reason why most young students come so far in their goals is in large part due to those who support them — parents, teachers, and mentors. When asked of future goals, Kitsho replied, “My goals are definitely certain. I want to be one of the greatest soloists in history.” But with the wisdom of one much older he adds, “I cannot see into the future. Of course I will try to continue with this goal, but failure can happen. If so, I will aim for other goals. Life has many opportunities.”

Congratulations on your achievements Kitsho Hosotani, you are quite a role model for other Bridgeway Homeschooling students!

Homeschooling Violinist Extraordinaire: Kitsho Hosotani

“Tell me and I may forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.”

~ Chinese Proverb

As a homeschooling parent and teacher, I am sure that by now, you have figured out this one major truth in education: there is so much more to teaching a child than merely covering the appropriate curriculum. Even as adults, after years of learning “practice” – at a dry boardroom lecture, could you fully focus and grasp every aspect and angle of the presentation? And then move on to recall it, and use it appropriately and creatively in future applications? If you can, I would be enormously surprised – you may just be a genius WITH the added benefit of a photographic memory!

Even the best of us fall prey to our daily routines; and we trudge through them without really looking around us. There are lessons to be learned (easy ones without the involvement of online research and complicated curriculums), and these are the life lessons that can really stick with a child as he grows to adulthood.

Such lessons can be found in three basic ways: through taking note of events in the natural world around us each day, through something known as Observational Learning, and through active involvement in experiencing our world’s history. Let’s take a look at how we can incorporate all three into our daily learning!

The Natural World

Professor of Outdoor Education at Idaho State University, Ron Watters, tells us “I have been in education all of my life, and I’ve always believed that for the learning process to be effective it has to be related to life experiences.” He believes that spending time outdoors, immersed in nature and observing it through each one of our senses is vital for both physical and mental development.

Throughout the entire course of history, children learned, played, worked, and grew – largely out of doors. It has only been recently that we have transitioned to a more sedentary lifestyle, behind the computers, the televisions and the desks. How do we turn this around in today’s academically competitive world? Is participation in sports really enough? Dr. Watters firmly believes the answer is NO.

Experiencing the outdoor world as a family can jump-start the learning process by doing, as well as building bounds. It reduces stress, and increases mental and physical well-being. Even if you are just walking outside with your child – think like a naturalist. Why did that particular butterfly alight on that species of flower? Is it migrating? When will it lay its eggs? What is the lifecycle of that butterfly? The questions become endless, and the excitement built by experiencing that butterfly firsthand is untouchable within the classroom walls.

Observational Learning

According to Wikipedia, Observational learning (also known as social learning or modeling) is a type of learning that occurs as a function of observing, retaining and replicating novel behavior executed by others. Observing a particular behavior does not mean that you automatically adopt that behavior, but that your brain files it away for later use.

This can be applied to teaching by watching how other people, strangers, friends, celebrities, or national leaders react to various situations — then discussing outcomes. It can stimulate logical thinking, creative strategizing, and the visualization of differing outcomes to situations should a different tact be adopted. In a sense, it can lead to an “exponential” form of brain power – and one that can be invaluable in the academic or business world.

Observational learning can also have behavioral consequences – negative modeling can produce a not-so-healthy response if your child decides they want to give it a go as well. Of course, all parents have experienced this issue at one point or another! Just make sure the unpleasant consequences of certain behaviors, should you happen to observe them, are a large part of your discussion as well!

Historical Learning

History is ripe with lessons for children to draw and learn from. It also has a tendency to be as dry as the Dustbowl period of the 1930’s. Kids can quickly tune it out – they can’t visualize it, so they don’t grasp it. So how can we make history come alive for them?

According to Kate Kelly, of America Comes Alive , effective storytelling skills by the parent or teacher are essential in generating excitement and a feeling of history being “real.” You need to find correlations in little things from our world today and relate them to the past.

“Children can learn about the past at almost any age; they just need to have the story be told in a way that they can understand it,” says Kelly. “If you’re re-attaching a button to one of their shirts and your child is watching, you might note that in your grandmother’s day, her mother had to MAKE clothes for the family — store-bought clothes were too expensive.”

Kelly also feels that there is nothing more compelling than when kids can identify with children of another era. For example, Lewis Hine (1874-1940) documented the plight of children at labor. His work with a camera was so persuasive that it eventually led to changes in child labor laws. You can visit this excellent resource for bringing history to life for your child at HistoryPlace.com – on this site, your student can get an excellent idea of what their fate might have been if they had lived seventy-five or one hundred years ago. This may help them to appreciate all the opportunities afforded to them in today’s world.

The World As A Classroom

Remember to keep your feelers up for any little teachable moments that may come up during the course of the day. Take time to get outside the house, observe and investigate your surroundings, discuss events that are happening in today’s world as well as the amazingly rich history in our nation’s past. You might find that you are learning and absorbing just as much as your child!

Look, Listen, Learn. The World Around You as a Homeschooling Teacher!