Benefits of Home School

        Very often, parents who home-school are shunned and considered completely nuts.  In case that has happened to you,  this information comfort you and help you re-believe that yes, you are doing the right thing.  Who knows better what is best for their child besides a responsible and nurturing parent.
          I have coached parents who home-school their children.  Most  parents for which I have consulted aim to home-school responsibly.  However, their are some whose responsibility aim, falls short of their target.  This articles describes common benefits of responsible homeschooling as well as tips in which a parent who decides to home-school should aim.
          Parents report that the benefits of responsible home-school surpasses all educational experiences.  In this day and time, a great benefit to home-school is a parent’s ability to protect their  children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home.  With the rise of violence in urban schools these days, this benefit probably surpasses all others.  Parents want their children safe.   Home-schooling parents report that the transfer of their own familial values and belief to their children is the most beneficial of their experiences.  Parents report that the ability to address their children’s questions regarding common and  everyday challenges and joys of life is a plus.
            Another benefit is the time taken to address  various other subjects and  building intimate and meaningful relationships with their children.  Most parents appreciate the ability to control what is learned and how is.  Many children find school boring, children who are responsibly home schooled are usually inept to the idea of boredom.  They are better able to entertain themselves with a good book, they usually watch movies more critically, and they usually have no problem creating activities which combat boredom.
            Homeschooling affords parents the opportunity to tailor teaching and learning to suit their child’s particular learning styles. Research shows that teaching one-on-one is the most effective means of imparting knowledge from teacher to student.   It allows parents the ability to provide their children with in-depth and personal attention which is beneficial when faced with subjects and concepts for which they struggle.  Thus, children usually excel in these areas faster than if they were taught in a classroom setting.  Alleviating the typical constraints of a traditional classroom during teaching and learning  has been beneficial to may students entering post-secondary program.  From my experience at coaching families who conduct responsible homeschool programs, these are the areas of content that are usually lacking. However, I say if you can do it, do it, but do it right, and do it consistently.

Why is it Still the Same?

I wrote this on April 22, 2008 when I was principal of Asa Philip Randolph Alternative High School.  It is 2012 and nothing has changed on the streets of Chicago.  Our children are still killing each other.  They have been desensitized and have no regard for human life.  In 2011, the number of deaths among high school students  have risen.   I find it shameful that this reflection still applies today. 

"I live in the south suburban area of Chicago.  I work on the south side of Chicago.  The two areas are 20 minutes apart and not different in any way.  It sickens me to have to admit that this video clip resembles the life of many young people with whom I know and service.  I was trying to get away from it but am now in its midst all over again.  All I want to do is write.   I hate to turn the news on at night for fear I will see a face of another young person gunned down or beat to death by his or her peers.  I leave work early everyday in order to pick up my twins to comfort my own heart.  …and who really cares?


I can’t imagine the pain of the mothers of these children.  I can’t even begin to imagine the dread of their mornings when they have to remember not to wake their child for school.  I can’t imagine what it is like to go home from work to prepare one less plate for dinner.  It is inconceivable that a mother’s child is gunned down in streets, at school, at the bus stop or in the park.  This hurting mother will not see her child walk across the stage of a college.  She won’t be able to beam with pride as she watches her child grow into a productive man or woman.  Her thoughts will be haunted by an imaginary image of her child caring for his or her children.  She has to live with the picture embedded deeply into her mind of her child lying in a casket turning into dust of the ground. 

It is inconceivable that another mother’s child could think they had the right to take another life.  What about that mother?  She has pain too!  Her child killed another.  It was her child too whose life is also wasted.  Her child is also a victim of the streets.   It is her child who rots in a jail cell contending with who knows what.  She is looked down on, frowned on, isolated, ostracized, and snarled at.  Who will show her pity?  Who will have compassion on her other children?  How is she to deal with it?  …and who really cares? 
There were over 30 young people killed  due to street violence last school year and as of today, April 10, 2008 the numbers are up to 22.  Some mornings I dread going to work because the young people I service need so much, some want so little, and many live in utter lack.  Many lack love, guidance, financial means, and spirituality.  My collegues and I around this country who work with inner city youth have limited  resources and usually limited time.  …and who really cares?

It’s been two more since I looked into the eyes of number 20 the day before he was shot down in that school parking lot.  Now he is a number, 20.  Now he is an empty chair.  Now he is a deleted record.  Now he is blended into the imagination of all who knew him.  It is more difficult knowing who he was and what his goals were.  He made me hopeful that our young people could turn their lives around; that they could infact transform their lives and improve its quality.   We smiled at each other as I analyzed his transcript and he could see clearly that his graduation could be near.  I had the opportunity to show his mother kindness.  I felt the gleam in her heart as she too saw hope for her son.  I watched him turn over a new leaf and get to school on time.  I watched his teacher’s delighted smile as she hung his completed work on her board.   I listened to his teacher encourage him.  I smiled with her as she said good things about his work.  I fear the demise of yet another one.  …and who really cares?
However, I remain optimistic that I and my colleagues will be able to touch some with patience and kindness.  I am optimistic that our time with some will be beneficial to them at some point in their lives. This video, though a click of a fictitional movie, is an accurate depiction of the life many young people actually lead every single day.  Some are afraid.  Others are unusually fearless.  I cry for our children.  Help me pray for them.   Touch one while you can … and who really cares?"

What can parents do about the rising drop out rates?

America’s drops out rates are still rising and African American youth have still have the highest drop rates.  Students reasons for dropping out of high school are they don’t have a sense of belonging, classes are not interesting, they are not motivated and simply don’t have incentive enough to try.  Parents are not involved in helping these young people and keeping them motivated enough to keep trying.  Parent involvement in keep and starts from the time our children are infants.  There are ways parents can keep children in school. 

A child does not decide to drop out of school overnight.  Usually, it’s something he or she has been thinking about for a while.  As a parent, you can take steps to prevent your child from dropping out.  But it’s important to start early.  Your child is never too young to be encouraged, listened to and loved. 

For parents who have infants and toddlers be a good role model.  Your baby learns by watching you.  It is important to hold and hug your child often, as it is good for both of you.  A healthy baby has a head start on learning.  It is important that your child learns to eat a healthy diet even in infancy.  You are helping your child develop life long habits.  Most importantly, you need to be a model for reading.  Make books available in the house.  You can purchase plastic and hard cardboard books so your child can touch and manipulate.  Lastly, read to our child everyday and let him see you reading, and he will mimic you.

If you have preschoolers, you can teach your child about the world around you go to the grocery store, part, museums, and library together.  Don’t be in a hurry.  Give your child time to learn and grow.  Turn the television off and give your child a picture book, coloring book, and drawing paper. Let your child help with simple tasks like putting toys and clothes away.  Talk to your preschooler, congratulate and applaud any small accomplishment.  You are providing them with opportunities to feel successful. 

Parent with children in kindergarten through third grade can be active in the child’s school.  Make sure your child goes every day.  Make going to school habitual.  Get to know the teachers and talk to them about your child regularly.  Continue reading to your child and ask her to read to you.  Make sure your child has plenty of playtime with other children and learns to share.  Always make time to listen, its one of the most important things you can do.  And again applaud your child for the small things he does.  You are still providing them with opportunities to know what success feels like. 

When your child is in fourth to eighth grade you need to remain actively involved.  Ask about your child’s day at school and ask about homework.  Be ready with praise for a job well done.  We build our children’s self esteem by applauding them for their accomplishments, no matter how small or large.  Make sure that homework is done and correct.  Meet your child’s friends and supervise them carefully as they interact with your child.  Visit the school often and if you think there’s a problem at school, talk to the teachers and principal immediately. 

If your child is in high school, you are not finished yet.  High school students need as much monitoring and motivation as younger children.  Make sure that school comes first with your child.  Don’t allow him to miss school.  Check his attendance and homework.  Ask about classwork.  Praise his for even the small successes.  Listen when your high schooler talks about the school day.  Help your teenager balance school, work, and social life.  Ask about her dreams and her goals.  Show your teenager the connection between school and reaching those goals.  Teenagers need space, but make sure they know that you’re always there for them. 

Remember, a child who loves learning will learn to love school.  Help your child.  Read, explain, and take every teachable moment.  Take every moment as an opportunity to teach your child that a good education is a sure way to a better life.  As a parent, it is our responsibility to make sure that our children do not become one of the million students who drop out of school every year in America.  We have a responsibility and we cannot drop the ball until our children are successful. 

Raw Kale Salad Recipe

Kale belongs to the Brassica family, a group that also includes cabbage, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. Choose kale with small leaves as they will be tenderer and offer a sweeter taste. Make kale leaves a regular addition to your salads. A sautéed side dish of kale, onions, and garlic drizzled in olive oil is second to none.   Though we can find Kale in stores most of the year, they are in more abundance between mid winter and early spring.  The rich green leaves are rich calcium, lutein, iron and Vitamins A, C & K.  It has far more beta-carotene than broccoli and lutein.  It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants and helps to boost detoxification enzymes.   This information is taken from:  http://www.antioxidants-guide.com/health_benefit_of_kale.html

Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 or 3 bunches of finely chopped dark green Kale leaves (remove stems & tough leaves)
• ½ cups chopped fennel bulb
• 2 carrots (shredded)
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (finely chopped)
• ½ cup chopped green olives
• 1/.2  cup finely chopped onions and garlic to taste

Dressing:   
Soak your greens in this mixture or use a balsamic dressing

• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• *1/4 tsp Braggs liquid Aminos
• 1/8 tsp raw sugar or sugar substitute
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, adds a cheesy taste) 
• 1t dulse or spirilina flakes (seaweed to add more nutrition)
• 1 to 2 tsp chili powder to taste (optional, if you have spicy taste buds, if you decide to use chili powder you may not want to use fennel.)  

Process:
Marinate the chopped Kale in the dressing you prepared or in balsamic dressing for a few hours at room temperature, so the acids in the dressing break it down, and soften it making it fully digestible.  The kale really transforms after marinating. 

Note: 

*Bragg Liquid Amino is a Certified NON-GMO liquid protein concentrate that comes from healthy soybeans, and contains essential and non-essential amino acids.  If you use Braggs Liquid Amino in recipes, chances are you won’t need to add salt.  Keep this mind so you don’t ruin a recipe with to much salt flavor.   As an occasional alternative, try Coconut Amino. 

There are many nutritional benefits of Coconut Amino.  It is described as the “building blocks of protein,” amino acids are vitally important to human health. They contribute to the repair and rebuilding of muscle tissue, help to enhance overall brain and nervous system function.  They also assist in boosting the immune system and physical energy levels.

Power Walk

Because I have trained my mind to hate exercise, when I think of it my thoughts are always those of dread. I constantly forget that there is hope for people like me who are not fond of exercise but understand the need for it. My memory was refreshed today. I have been forgeting to do my POWER WALK.

Don't have time to exercise today? Got at least 10 minutes? Try this quick and easy daily power walk to get your metabolism moving.

First, warm up your body and wake up your metabolism. Begin with a couple of diaphragmatic breaths: Inhale deeply to the count of 1; hold the breath to the cound of 4; then exhale to the count of 2. Breath in this manner for 3-5 minutes.

Next, inhale through your nose to the count of 4 and exhale to the count of 4 through your mouth. Repeat this breathwalk for 5 minutes continuously.


For more information on the power walk go to: www.breathwalk.com or ask your exercise instructor.