African-American Homeschooling Today

2006-12-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Unschooling in the News

Sunday's Chicago Sun Times features a story written by Education Reporter, Rosalind Rossi entitled, "You have to trust that the child will learn"

"Eighteen-year-old Abby Stewart got word this month that she won early admission to elite Princeton University, even though she has never set foot in a high school classroom.

She also wrapped up a huge challenge -- dancing the Snow Queen role in "The Nutcracker Suite" at the Athenaeum Theatre -- largely because she has never set foot in a high school classroom.

Five years ago, frustrated with the pace and depth of a Chicago Public School gifted program, Abby withdrew from eighth grade and entered uncharted territory -- a branch of home schooling often called "unschooling."

Read more about unschooling's success here.

2006-11-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Homeschoolers Content to Take Children's Lead

Susan Saulny of the New York Times interviews an unschooling family in Chicago, Illinois to learn more about this growing trend in homeschooling.

"As the number of children who are home-schooled grows — an estimated 1.1 million nationwide — some parents like Ms. Walter are opting for what is perhaps the most extreme application of the movement’s ideas. They are “unschooling” their children, a philosophy that is broadly defined by its rejection of the basic foundations of conventional education, including not only the schoolhouse but also classes, curriculums and textbooks.

In some ways it is as ancient a pedagogy as time itself, and in its modern American incarnation, is among the oldest home-schooling methods. But it is also the most elusive, a cause of growing concern among some education officials and social scientists."

Read the full story here.

2006-11-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Homeschoolers

The December 2006 issue of Reader's Digest features an interesting interview with Will Smith, star of the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. As an aside, Will mentions homeschooling and gives a picture of their family's homeschooling style.

"RD: Have you ever thought about going back to college?
Smith: The things that have been most valuable to me I did not learn in school. Traditional education is based on facts and figures and passing tests -- not on a comprehension of the material and its application to your life. Jada and I homeschool our children, because the date of the Boston Tea Party does not matter.

RD: When you say you homeschool, do you mean you actually teach them?
Smith: No, we have hired teachers who teach what we feel is important. For example, Plato's Republic -- kids need to know that. Why is that not taught in first grade?

RD: You think kids in elementary school should read Plato's Republic?
Smith: Yeah. You cannot be an American without reading it and Aristotle's Politics. That is what the forefathers of this country read, and they used them to create what I believe is the finest system of government that has ever existed.

RD: So, you don't see any reason to go back to a formal education yourself?
Smith: I know how to learn anything I want to learn. I absolutely know that I could learn how to fly the space shuttle because someone else knows how to fly it, and they put it in a book. Give me the book, and I do not need somebody to stand up in front of the class.

RD: They put physics in a book, but I know I could never be a physicist.
Smith: The first step is you have to say that you can."

You can read the brief article or listen to the complete interview at RD.com The audio is long, about one hour and twenty minutes, but well worth it. Turn it on while you read your email or fastforward ahead 29 minutes to get to the 10 minute discussion on homeschooling.

2006-11-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Real World Science -- Mission to Mars

How would you feel if you packed the car and hit the highway, knowing that your vacation destination would be moving continuously during your trip? As Astronaut Sidney Gutierrez explains, that's the problem mission planners face when sending a spacecraft to Mars. Make real world curriculum connections with classroom problems and activities with Mission to Mars.

2006-11-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Drumming in Fractions
When students tell you, "I don’t need math, I’m going to be a musician!" Introduce them to Ndugu Chancler. Understanding fractions is an essential skill for playing the drums.

"It goes almost without saying that writing and playing music is a highly creative skill. What is easy to overlook in the midst of the glamour and publicity of the recording industry is that musicianship is also a highly technical ability."

Read more by downloading the Movie Guide before watching the 3:00 minute Video.

2006-11-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Seterra -- Learn Geography

Seterra is a challenging geography program with 70 different exercises. Learn about countries, capitals, flags and cities in Africa, Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Australia, using outline map exercises! Examples of exercises: countries in Europe; American states; American state capitals; French cities; cities in Mexico; countries in Asia, etc, etc... Seterra runs in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Swedish. Each exercise has a high score list to keep track of your progress. A colorful and addictive way to learn geography! Requires Windows 95 or Windows NT (or better). Seterra is freeware.

"Outstanding content and a straightforward interface make Seterra an oddly compelling geography-quiz program. You can test your knowledge of world cities, capital cities, countries, geographical features, and flags. Most quiz types are broken out by region, such as Australia and Northern Africa. The game gives you a number of chances to guess, color-coding the correct answer by how many times you picked wrong. After three wrong guesses, the correct answer lights up green; when you click it, it turns red. This creates an easy visual representation of which areas you need to study more. The high-score tables provide a subtle but effective spur to learn. We had only two small quibbles: we would have liked a desktop icon option, and sometimes the place names overlap and obscure nearby location dots. Anyone interested in learning more about our world, especially students, can get sucked into Seterra's spell."
--Download.com

2006-11-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Black Families Integral in Homeschooling Movement

Another media outlet has taken notice of the fastest growing segment of American homeschooling -- African-American homeschoolers.

"The numbers of black and white home-schoolers rose about a third from 1999 to 2003 to encompass about 1.3 percent of U.S. black students and 2.7 percent of whites.

Researchers say the number of black parents who are home schooling their children may now be growing even faster.

More than half the students who are home-schooled come from families with three or more children, and more than one-quarter from families making less than $25,000 in 2003, when the nation's median family income was $56,500.

More than half of home-schooled students came from families making between $25,000 and $75,000."

Read what else Leslie Fulbright of the San Francisco Chronicle reported on November 5, 2006 here.

2006-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Cancelling Noise with Dr. Amar Bose

Problem: How do you cancel out all that distracting sound around you that you don’t want to hear when you’re listening to music?

Solution: Use mathematics formulas to prove the engineering is possible to create noise-cancelling headphones.

In 1978, Amar Bose, CEO and founder of the world-renowned Bose Corporation, was frustrated by the inability to hear good music in a noisy airplane cabin. Then he got curious and wondered if there was a way to separate what one wanted to hear from what one didn’t. And the rest is… well, watch this 3-minute movie.

2006-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Gifts for MythBusters Fans

For fun, real-world and hands-on (well, sorta) science check out Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel. And just in time for Holiday Shopping, buy MythBusters gear at the Discovery Store!

It's a tough job separating truth from urban legend, but the MythBusters are here to serve. Each week special-effects experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on three myths and use modern-day science to show you what's real and what's fiction. That's right, they do more than explain how something may or may not be scientifically possible. Through trial and error they actually demonstrate it.

MythBusters gear on sale now!

2006-10-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

How Everyday Things Are Made
From The Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing at Stanford
University...

"If you've ever wondered how things are made - products like candy, cars, airplanes, or bottles - or if you've been interested in manufacturing processes, like forging, casting, or injection molding, then you've come to the right place. AIM has developed an introductory website for kids and adults showing how various items are made. It covers over 40 different products and manufacturing processes, and includes almost 4 hours of manufacturing video. It is targeted towards non-engineers and engineers alike. Think of it as your own private online factory tour, or a virtual factory tour, if you wish."

Check out the Videos Now!

2006-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hands-On Math

Hands-On Math is a collection of resources from The Futures Channel, designed to help teachers engage student attention and bring about active mathematics learning.

Hands-On Math supplies everything you need to deliver dozens of lessons that show students the fascinating real-world value of this subject.

The activities and videos in this kit were created to:

Engage student interest in the topic being studied;
Help teachers create an "active learning" classroom environment;
Help students to gain a sold grasp of mathematics concepts and to master fundamental mathematics knowledge and skills;
Establish a context for the skills and concepts being learned, so as to improve student understanding and retention;
Introduce students to exciting and rewarding career fields in which math and science skills are important.

Learn more at Hands-On Math

2006-10-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling Family to Family

Homeschooling Family to Family is a new bridge to homeschooling. We want to encourage seasoned home schoolers to bring at least one new family per year into homeschooling by reaching out to relatives and friends! Our monthly E-newsletter provides families interested in homeschooling outreach with tips for identifying families interested in homeschooling, suggestions on mentoring, and ideas on other topics. Our web-site materials include downloadable articles and brochures that will help allay a new family's fears. In addition, we are providing DVD's and CD's to local support groups so that their members can easily introduce others to the blessings of homeschooling.

During its first year, HFTF signed up representatives in 9 states, attended 7 major homeschool conventions, and held workshops in several states. With articles about HFTF appearing in every major homeschool magazine this year, Homeschooling Family to Family is connecting with homeschoolers as they begin to reach out to family and friends to advocate homeschooling.

2006-08-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime and the Living is Easy....

Dear Homeschooler:

African-American Homeschooling Today will be on break through the summer. We'll be back online after Labor Day, bringing you the latest in homeschooling news, books, curriculum and more.

Enjoy your family and the leisure of summer :-)

---African-American Homeschooling Today

P.S.
Need a last minute vacation before back to school? Join other homeschoolers from around the nation at the 3rd Annual African-American Homeschoolers Family & Friends Vacation. August 30 - Septemeber 3, 2006 enjoy a trip to Niagara Falls plus camping, hiking, canoeing, homeschool roundtables and more at Rock Point Provincial Park, Dunnville, Ontario Canada.

P.S.S.
Missed the 3rd Annual African-American Homeschoolers Family & Friends Vacation? Not to worry, buy the t-shirt and other commerative items at Kiduka!

2006-06-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection on Auction at Sotheby's
On June 30, 2006 Sotheby’s will offer at auction The Collection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an astonishing gathering of original documents from the most active years of King’s life -- 1946 to 1968. This Collection comprises the manuscripts, papers and personal library that passed from Dr. King to his family upon his death. The Collection, which includes more than 7,000 items in Dr. King’s hand, will be sold as one lot and will be preceded by a nine-day public exhibition beginning on June 21st in Sotheby’s expansive 10th floor galleries. It is estimated to sell for $15/30 million.

View items on exhibit in New York on the following days:

Wednesday, 21 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, 22 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, 23 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, 24 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, 25 Jun 06, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday, 26 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, 27 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 28 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, 29 Jun 06, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

View the online catalogue at Sotheby's Website

2006-06-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

From our humble beginnings in 1989, to our full-color, full-size catalog of today, Magic Cabin has been guided by the simple notion that children's lives are enriched by ample time for open-ended, creative, imaginative play. We believe in good-old-fashioned make believe and in children's innate need to interact with simple, natural toys and crafts. The words "batteries not included" do not appear in our catalog simply because our toys are "kid-powered." While childhood becomes endangered we pioneer towards protecting this special time in life by conscientiously selecting products that are beautiful and enchanting, sturdy and safe, environmentally friendly and fairly traded, and best of all, FUN.

Check out our Summer Favorites

2006-06-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

In Gilded Age of Home Schooling, Students Have Private Teachers

New York Times Reporter Susan Saulny writes "Growing numbers of families are choosing the ultimate in private school: bringing teachers into their own homes." Read the full story in today's education section of the New York Times...

2006-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

There is a new resource on the Internet for Homeschooling products, articles, free newsletter, free stuff, and more. It is a totally free website and totally dedicated to homeschooling and education. www.HomeSchoolStuff.net

We also have a free bi-weekly contest for parents and educators and the winner wins products. Check it out today

2006-06-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Enter to Win $5,000 Scholarship and Download Free Scholarship Guide!

You can use the $5,000 Scholarship for any College, University, or Education Program, online or offline, to pay for Student Loans, or even give the Scholarship to a Family Member or Friend. Our Scholarship is given away twice per year. The $5,000 can be used for any educational opportunity, including Private High School, GED, Certificate Programs, Associates Degrees, Undergraduate & Graduate School, Distance Learning, Home School, Continuing Education and Career Training. You must be at least 13 years of age and a US resident to enter.

2006-05-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

From Imaginarium.com Toyologists & Amazon.com
Editorial Review

A winner of many international commendations and awards, Quoridor Classic is a near-perfect game. Its objective is clear, not convoluted; the physical game is stylish, sturdy, and well made; and it has broad player appeal--it's great for families with players of varying ages. Quoridor Classic is a fast-moving strategy game that is similar to chess insofar as players move pawn-shaped pieces across the board. The difference is that there are wooden fences one erects to block the progress of and force a different route upon an opponent. The physical blocks are quite effective for discouraging daring moves, and encouraging more competitive players. Players utilize analytical and logistical thinking, as well as math-minded strategy. The game includes four pawn-shaped, smooth wooden pieces that are stylishly stained. The fences are natural wood. The playing board is made of heavy, carved wood that is richly stained and finished. Quoridor Classic accommodates two to four players.

--Diane Beall

2006-05-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Puzzles are not closed problems; they can always be modified or improved to generate a myriad of variants. What's more, they don't require batteries; they are just powered by our own brain cells! To solve the perplexing and tricky puzzles you will find in our site, you need a very high IQ -- not the usual and controversial 'Intelligence Quotient', but the "Inveniens Quaerendo" (Latin, discovering by trying) ability. Intelligence is not what you FEEL or what you KNOW, but a PROBLEM SOLVING SKILL. You can acquire or develop problem-solving skills simply by training yourself at your own pace and relying on your existing knowledge. Remember: "intelligence begins with a piece of paper, a pencil and... a problem to solve!". The ancient Greeks used to say: Αρχη 'ημισυ παντοσ ("Archêhêmisy pantos", starting on a job is half the job done)... So now, try to solve some of our puzzles!

2006-05-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Beat Boredom and Inspire Kids' Imaginations with Affordable Crafts from Oriental Trading Company!

Over 25,000 fun products for every occasion -- scrapbooking, beading, party themes, vacation bible school and more!

2006-05-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Kaiso!: Writings by and about Katherine Dunham

Celebrate the life and times of the great American dancer, Katherine Dunham which ended Sunday, May 21 at the age of 96 years old.

A Touch of Innocence: Memoirs of Childhood

Katherine Dunham: Black Dancer

2006-05-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the Homeschooling Dad and Just in Time for Father's Day!
Enjoy five of Discovery's most extreme titles in this specially packaged DVD collection – yours for only $10 when you spend $50 or more.

Extreme Engineering: City in a Pyramid & Transatlantic Tunnel
Witness the virtual majesty of the Shimizu Mega-City Pyramid – a yet-to-be-built city in Tokyo, Japan that will stand a kilometer tall and provide housing for up to 750,000 people! Plus, see the latest development in modern rail engineering: a 300-mph, magnetically levitated train that travels beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

I Shouldn't Be Alive: Escape from the Amazon & Kidnap in the Killing Fields
When four young men decide to explore the headwaters of the Amazon river, they think they're in for the adventure of a lifetime. But when a heated argument erupts and the group breaks up, the remaining hikers find themselves lost and alone in a hostile jungle. Then, witness one man's struggle to outwit his Khmer Rouge captors in Cambodia.

Comet Impact
Watch as state-of-the-art animation and stunning location photography bring one of NASA's most spectacular missions to life, providing a first-hand look at the collision between the Deep Impact probe and comet Tempel 1. Follow the entire journey of the doomed probe, from its initial design to the extraordinary challenge of building a spacecraft that's intended to be smashed to pieces.

Xtreme Martial Arts
See the world's legendary fighting styles in an entirely new way, as a unique graphic technique that allows for "in-the-body" animation of joints and muscles illustrates the basic principles behind muscular torque and leverage – creating fighting and sparring scenes unlike anything you've ever seen.

Top Ten: Tanks & Bombers
Expert opinions, audience polls and technical comparisons are used to rank the top ten tanks and bombers of all time in categories like firepower, fear factor and historical impact. From rolling behemoths like the German Panzer to the technological superiority of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, witness the best in mechanized warfare.

2006-05-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

Looking to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors? Here's a great activity for homeschooling groups or individuals -- Hike For Discovery!

Hike For Discovery is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's new adventure fundraising program that prepares people, from beginners to seasoned hikers, to experience a natural wonder in a special way. As a program participant, you'll receive everything you need to be ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Hike For Discovery provides:
Professional training and coaching support
Clinics on hiking and climbing techniques, hydration, nutrition, CPR, first aid and equipment.
The fun and camaraderie of training and traveling with a group.
Transportation, lodging and social events during your trip.
In return, you'll raise funds for lifesaving cancer research and services for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

We'll give you lots of support for your fundraising efforts including your own personal Web fundraising page!

Dates for Hike For Discovery and the participating chapters are listed below. Please be aware that because specific space is allotted to each chapter they cannot send people on different chapter's hikes. Travel dates vary by chapter. Your local chapter will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can lookup your chapter on our chapter finder.

May 11 - 14
Washington/Alaska (Seattle Area)
Georgia
Greater San Francisco
Eastern Pennsylvania

May 18 - 21
Northern New Jersey
Silicon Valley
Westchester/Hudson Valley
Long Island
South Florida
Central Pennsylvania

June 1 - 4
Illinois
Michigan
National Capital
North Texas
Central Ohio

Learn more...

2006-05-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

African Heritage Symphonic Series III

"This is the final release in an outstanding three-CD series devoted to twentieth-century composers of African descent. It presents four works by living composers working in the mainstream of contemporary music. Michael Abels (b.1962) wrote "Global Warming" in 1990, not long after the Berlin Wall fell. It reflects both environmental and international warming, incorporating folk music from various cultures. David Baker's (b. 1931) "Cello Concerto" is lyrical and jazz influenced. "Essay for Orchestra" by William Banfield (b. 1961) is from a larger work for percussion and orchestra, a blend of jazz influences and 19th Century Romanticism. The structure of "Generations: Sinfonietta No. 2 for Strings" by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (b. 1932) is "somewhat autobiograhpical" representing the composer's family relationships. It combines folk melodies, dances, and the B-A-C-H idea in what David Hurwitz called "a Bartókian synthesis." The program notes, written in an engaging style by Dominique-Rene de Lerma, provide a thorough introduction to the work of all four composers."

--- Curator, African American Heritage & History