While we have not focused on creative writing at home, my daughter is amazing at creative writing; her essays however leave a lot of room for improvement. What I've noticed with my daughter is that she has difficulty staying on one idea and developing that idea. She is thinking creatively and linearly, if that makes sense. Basically, I'm using The Lost Tools of Writing with her this year. And when brainstorming to complete her ANI chart, she is able to fill it up easily. But when sorting her ideas that are similar and grouping them together, she is weak. She tends to group ideas that flow as if she's telling herself a story. She should instead be grouping ideas horizontally that support each other so that she can add strength to her opinions. I've been thinking about this for a while, and I don't necessarily think it's bad to argue a point in an essay by staying with one idea and rolling with it chronologically; however, my daughter needs to be able to stay on one idea and develop it fully before moving to another. And her ideas must connect logically with real world limitations--something that doesn't have to happen in creative writing because she builds her own worlds. Not sure if this is the exact same problem, but this is our writing focus now. And my daughter is also 13.

I bet he doesn't really believe that homeschooling moms are so incompetent. More than likely, he's just frustrated that some freebies, those which are poorly done, are giving his product a bad reputation. I imagine it would be very frustrating to not have control over how your product is portrayed. It's probably that he's afraid that when others use the poorly done freebies (not the worthwhile ones obviously) that his product reputation will be damaged because the freebies are a derivative of his product. And legally, no one has the right to make derivative works off of his product without his consent. I'm just guessing here because I have never used FIAR, and I don't know the authors behind it nor anything about them. And I don't claim to speak for him or his company. I'm just guessing. Kim, who really needs to go back to lurking and chores (I love reading these boards. They're always interesting, but I am swamped with trying to formally roll my younger son into the mix. He's 6 and he's willful and he's not rolling easily.)

My ancestors include Marguerite, one of the first slaves to sue for her freedom. Her "master" "loved" her and promised to set her free upon his death--her and the children. When he died, his children kidnapped her children as their property. Marguerite went to Cuba and sued for her freedom. She won! After her, all of her descendants were free men of color throughout much of slavery times and were in the Martin Donato Guillory family. Basically, they were part of the creoles of Louisiana. This is part of the family. Here is her son--Jean Baptiste and his wife She was half Italian, one quarter African, and a quarter French. I can trace the French on Jean Baptiste's side to France in the 1500's. Simon Guillory lost in mind in Canada and killed a Priest. The priests have kept the records.

Susan, I don't know what homeschoolers would do without you. You are truly a blessing. Thank you for this forum and all that you have done for the rest of us. I have taken your presence and influence in the homeschool community for granted over the years. All I can is thank you. Kim

I didn't read every post, but I came across this question and wanted to attempt to explain my beliefs. I assume that Wilson gets his beliefs from this scripture below. Correct me if I'm wrong. In this scripture we as Christians are called to be like Christ, even in unjust situations--slavery being one of those unjust situations. The whole focus is about suffering for doing good, just as Christ did. And even though Christ laid down his life for us, those who crucified him were wrong in their actions. So slaves were commanded to behave like Christ even though they were enslaved. A similar situation is when Paul was thrown in Prison. When the prison gates were opened wide due to an earthquake, he did not leave. Because he stayed, the prison guard was led to Christ. However, later in the scripture we see that Paul continued to espouse that he was unjustly imprisoned. The focus of this is all about doing right even though others in authority over you (legitimately or illegitimately) are doing wrong. It does not teach that those in authority are there legitimately.

Wehomeschool, I wouldn't have posted if I had read your comment first. That's exactly what I was trying to say. Kim

It seems to me that the focus is always on the submission of women. But in the church, as I understand it, husbands are called to be servant leaders to the point of death. So the calling for submission is not about the husband's actions, but about the wife's willingness to put her own interest aside. The same goes for being a servant leader. It's about the husband putting aside his interest and sacrificing to the point of death for his wife. Submission on one side; sacrifice on the other. It's a win, win situation that basically calls both parties to not be selfish. Submission for the wife has nothing to do with how the husband acts. Sacrifice for the husband has nothing to do with how the wife acts. It's about both sides dying to self for the benefit of the other.

Nan, You're one of my favorite posters and I loved this post as well. We probably didn't go far enough in the thread. Because of your post, I've actually been having a conversation with myself about what "dumbed down" means. I've not figured it all out, but I am thinking about it. As for parents being sensitive, my post about the hurt toes was my attempt to give voice to the parents I know who aren't so confident. If I only read this board, my opinion of homeschooling parents would be that the mothers are super knowledgeable and confident. I just happen to hang out with some homeschooling moms that aren't as confident. I hope you continue to post as before. You posts are always helpful and deep--deeper than we sometimes want to go, but need to go. Kim

I totally agree with this. We really don't need experts or retired homeschooling parents telling us how to educate our children. We're not teaching curricula, we're teaching our kids. Unfortunately, so many parents are afraid or overwhelmed or overtaxed by life that they need help. And that's okay too. We participate in a co-op because of my daughter. I live in a neighborhood devoid of children. I attend a church full of pre-teens and toddlers. I have one teen daughter, and no nieces her age. If we didn't join a co-op, my daughter would have no girl friends her own age--not one. For me, it's definitely worth it to attend one day a week. But there's no way I would give over control of my daughter's education. That's the reason I homeschool. Hopefully, more homeschooling parents will feel empowered to decide what's best for their children rather than making decisions out of fear.

I understand why some have sensitive toes. Some parents are just not so confident when it comes to teaching their kids at the high school level, but these same parents are more afraid of their public school options than of failing their kids academically. I'm blessed to live in a "safe" neighborhood, but I know that some parents are schooling their children and are protecting them from drugs, gangs, and other high school extracurricular activities. In fact, one of my cousins volunteers at the public school her daughter attends, and the stories she told me made my jaw drop. And the school she's at is not in the inner city. So even this conversation about "dumbed down" materials probably makes these parents fearful that they're using these dumbed down materials. Even those of us who are fairly confident in our abilities have moments of doubt. I know some of these parents live in that place of doubt. It's probably because I'm at a co-op where I see these fearful parents that I'm sensitive to their concerns. They constantly thank those who are teaching high school classes for helping them give their children the kind of education they don't believe they can. And these parents love their children. Kim

One of my dear friends participated in this activity at her local church before she moved. They took shifts, and she sat in adoration from like 2am to 3 am one night a week. She said that on those days she felt more energetic than the rest of the week. She absolutely loved it.

In response to myself only, after rereading my short response, I must correct myself and say that I don't find comfort in the relationship, but in Jesus. It might sound the same, but I don't think it is. Because it's not my relationship to Christ that comforts me, but I find comfort in Christ. Don't know if that makes sense. And this is only about me, not what other Protestants find comfort in or what Catholics find comfort in. Just me.

As a Protestant, I'd say that I find comfort in my personal relationship with Jesus.

I've thought about this problem for a long time, and while I, of course, haven't completely identified the heart of the problem, I think the reason black kids don't do well is also a result of the low expectations of the parents as well. I base this on conversations with my friend who is a school teacher and her experiences. Sometimes honor students who are black don't push to be in AP classes because they think that's something for a special group of students and they aren't privy to participate. It's not just the teachers that causing the problems. Racism and it's impact are extensive. (Anyway, I'm off for doctor's appointments.)

I believe that statement refers to the fact that black children don't typically perform as well as other non-black students in public schools. Some believe it's because the performance expectations that some teachers have for black students are so low.

I've not heard statements like these, but I do feel caught in the middle. My dh is white; I am black. In fact just this weekend I was telling my dh how I felt caught in the middle of cultures. I feel the need to prepare my kids for both cultures, and I'm constantly explaining little differences. I want them to be prepared. I'm sorry that you had to hear those ignorant comments. I know that hurt. There are just no words to make it better. I am sorry. But I think most people are not like that. At least that's what I tell myself. Actually, I feel the need to shelter my children from the feelings of anger that some blacks have toward whites. These are mostly older members of my family that have experienced racism during their youth. While I want my children to know about the past, I don't want them reliving it. Kimberly

I'd start with a conversation about why it's important, and then tell him that this is what we're going to expect from now on. When he forgets, as all kids do, I'd gently remind him. Our kids were little and so we didn't have the conversation, but we still have gentle reminders. I am from the South and when I was little it was the cultural norm. It's a dying tradition, but we still see the value of it. I've read the criticisms of some of the posts about the use of sir and ma'am, and those that criticize it miss the nuances that go along with the words. They're just words, like any other. I can say "yes ma'am" and put some one in their place at the same time. I can say the same two words and imply undying gratitude at the same time. I can say the same two words and say I love you with all my heart (to my mother, of course) at the same time. They're just words, but there is a lot of tradition and culture wrapped up in those words.

can the Christians here start praying? I've been on the side lines watching this thing between SWB and Ken Ham, and it's sad. But this is an issue between Christians. Christians who disagree with one another, but who all have the same Holy Spirit living within them, talking to them, guiding them, convicting them, admonishing them, and leading them. Instead of bickering, can the Christians start praying? There's power in prayer. We know it. And we're not enemies and we shouldn't let the enemy get involved in our homeschooling. (And I'm not talking about Ham.) Prayer changes things. I've seen God fix so many big and little things in my life. Can we start praying? Instead of posting negative things about Mr. Ham, can prayers be posted instead? The Holy Spirit is living in him too. Remember, Christianity is for those people steeped in sin and we're all sinful and guilty, working out our sanctification everyday. Prayers for peace and for restoration and forgiveness. God says to test Him and see how good He is. Why not try?

I've seen this in church: Pastor stops and asks, "Is the baby okay? He sounds unhappy?" The mom quickly stepped out. No one's feelings were hurt. But to be more direct, I'd add, "Maybe he needs a walk out in the hallway. That always worked for mine. Please don't worry, we'll have handouts that you can pick up later to cover the section you missed."

Thank you! Kimberly

I'm investigation Starting Points. Does it have writing instruction in addition writing assignments? Thanks in advance!

This is one of the reasons that I like The Lost Tools of Writing. The program initially teaches the 5 paragraph essay format, but before that it begins with a question. Whether so and so should have done _________ Then Andrew has you brainstorm answers to the question. I know I'm not explaining this well. We used this program for ever bit of a month before we joined a co-op and we didn't finish. Instead my daughter is doing creative writing. But when co-op is over, we're going to spend the summer, myself and my two older kids, going through the program. But the premise is that children begin with a question from literature or history and then answer that question for themselves--from their own brainstormed proofs. This is the invention that is missing in the programs that are all about imitation. Others who've actually used the program for longer than a month can give you a much better answer. And I'm sorry I sound incoherent. I'm a little sick today. Kimberly Here's a link to Karenciavo's explanation of The Lost Tools of Writing.

Hi, I write curriculum because I love to do it. I have always loved all things education, and once I started homeschooling my kids, ideas of what I wanted for them to use started coming to me. I couldn't help but start putting things together. However, I don't have books flying off the shelves. That takes money that I don't have and time that I don't have. So for now, I write material for my kids to use, some of which I haven't published yet, when I have the chance. I have 4 kids--12.5, 11, 7.5, and 5.5. And they're all doing work. And I must sit with the younger two for their lessons, and I'm involved with the work of the older two as they need me, which is all the time. So that leaves me very little time to actually put resources together. But I love doing it, and I do it for the pleasure. Initially, I gave away a bunch of e-books for free. But I was just trying to be nice and help folks out with resources. As for how my books are sold now, mostly people stumble across my website--I assume because I very rarely advertise. I just don't have the time to advertise and construct new material. Kimberly Btw, I do have my website in my signature. But I do that in an effort of full disclosure. I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to quietly advertise my wares when I post here. If anyone knows that I should do different, please let me know. I appreciate these boards very much and don't want to break the rules.

Serrapeptase is amazing. It's a natural anti-inflammatory. Because of it, my morton's neuroma is gone without surgery. It works. However, there are people who are allergic to it. I take huge amounts and give it to my kids whenever they're coming down with a cold of some sort, but it gave my mother a rash. If you do try it, check with a doctor first and start off with small doses. Kimberly

I haven't read the other posts, so forgive me if this has already been suggested. I would start a journal where the two of you write together, back and forth to each other about various topics or work together on a creative story. You could discuss ideas and techniques collaboratively rather than taking her at a pace that's too fast or too slow. Or you could take picture books that she adores and make up new stories using the techniques that the author used, learning that way, trying to use ing words or vivid descriptions. At this age, it doesn't need to be planned and organized. Let her identify the elements she likes. I think it's utterly amazing that she has the fine motor skills to do what she's doing, many kids can narrate lots of material, but can not sit down and write even a paragraph at that age--none of my kids, for sure. I would not use a formal writing program of any kind with her at this age, but I would let her write as much as she likes. Hope this helps