Creating Safe Spaces for Learning: Addressing Bullying and Discrimination in Schools
Schools, intended as havens of knowledge and personal growth, can sadly fall short of this ideal for students. Bullying and discrimination, in particular, are significant issues in educational institutions, and can cast long shadows over students’ learning and development. Read on to explore the negative effects of bullying and discrimination, the importance of creating safe learning environments, and how homeschooling can be a viable solution to ensure a supportive educational setting. The Prevalence of Bullying and Discrimination in Schools Bullying and discrimination remain pervasive issues in the digital age, affecting students across the nation each year. These behaviors manifest through physical, verbal, and cyber avenues, targeting...
Overcoming Homeschool Burnout: Tips for Parents and Students
Homeschooling, while offering flexibility and personalized learning experiences, can — like all forms of education — sometimes lead to feelings of exhaustion and frustration. Both parents and students can experience what's commonly known as homeschool burnout. But what exactly is burnout, and how can families navigate these challenges? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at burnout and its impacts on the homeschool environment, as well as how to recognize burnout and bounce back from it. What Is Burnout? Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when individuals feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable...
Why Community Service Is a Key Part of Education and Local Development
Community service is more than just a requirement for high school graduation or a line on a resume. It is a transformative experience that shapes the education of students and contributes significantly to the development, betterment, and growth of local communities. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of service learning and how student community service translates into far-reaching benefits for the students themselves and their communities. What Is Service Learning? Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It allows students to engage in projects that serve the community while enhancing their academic understanding and personal growth. Johns Hopkins University...
Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students Facing Adversity
Developing a growth mindset – particularly in students facing adversity – can be the key to unlocking students’ full potential. Here’s a closer look at the growth mindset, why it’s so beneficial for students, and how teachers, educators, and parents can help children and teens develop it. What Is a Growth Mindset? Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and the right kind of encouragement. This is a contrast to a fixed mindset, where people believe their talents and abilities are innate gifts and unchangeable. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges,...
The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in a Homeschool Environment
Education is about so much more than academic performance. It’s how we shape our children to be resilient, empathetic, and self-aware individuals. This is where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes into play. SEL is a crucial part of education that deserves its time in the spotlight. Today, let’s take a closer look at SEL and its importance, as well as some techniques for promoting SEL in homeschool environments. What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)? SEL is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is...
Embracing Diversity: Meet Georgia’s Friendliest Campus for Students on the Autism Spectrum
As an educator, I knew my son was language delayed when he was in the Mother's Morning Out program and his teachers couldn't understand what he was saying. Only his family (well actually it was only his older sister) could understand his needs. He was later diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum and Written Expression Language Disorder. I pulled him from public school in 2013 and built a homeschool learning team for him that included an Orton-Gillingham Tutor, a Montessori Math Tutor, a Biology professor from Spelman College, and I joined every WWII field trip that I could find (because he was immersed...
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: A Closer Look at Challenges and Solutions
Education is of the utmost importance. It equips our children, our communities, and our world at large with the knowledge and skills necessary to be resilient, equitable, and future-ready. Yet education can be hindered or even denied for LGBTQ+ students. Research reveals that, for these students, “the vast majority experienced harassment or assault during in-person school, and many heard school employees use homophobic language.” A student survey from the 2021-2022 school year showed that more than 80% of nonbinary or transgender students “cited depression, stress, or anxiety as obstacles to learning.” In this article, we’ll explore the pressing need for enhanced understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for...
Summer Reading Readiness: The Key to Fluency and Comprehension
Summer Reading Readiness: The Key To Fluency and Comprehension Books wield incredible power. They can transport us to new worlds, impart knowledge and wisdom, and connect us more fully to each other and the world around us. Reading teaches, entertains, and empowers us all. During the summer months, students have extra time to dive into the world of books and harness these benefits. This is particularly crucial for those in rural areas, where resources may be limited, as summer reading programs can be a vital tool in maintaining and improving literacy rates. In this article, we'll explore why summer reading is so essential, how to promote...
Graduation Denied: How Issuing Your Own Homeschool High School Diploma Can Help Your Child Stay on Track
The traditional high school experience may not be for everyone. Some students may struggle to keep pace, while others may face unique challenges that make on-time graduation challenging. Reasons can range from personal or familial circumstances and learning disabilities, to simply needing a more flexible schedule. Whatever the reason, if your child is struggling to graduate on time, they are not alone. In the 2019-2020 school year, 14% of US students did not graduate high school on time. In the state of Georgia, there were even more high schoolers (16%) that did not meet the traditional timeline. Not graduating on time can present many challenges for...
From Public School to Homeschool: How to Transition Smoothly
The transition from public school to homeschool can be accompanied both by excitement and eagerness, as well as fears and frustrations. You might be thinking that these feelings are felt solely by the parents, but often, the students experience this same mixed-bag of emotions as they make the big transition, too. After all, the homeschooling experience is drastically different than what they have come to know and expect each day. Giving yourself and your child grace through the transition phase is paramount for setting yourselves up for success as new homeschoolers. While it may seem like you should jump right in on day one, often...
- 1
- 2