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Gearing Up for the Spring Semester

~Debbie Slaughter, www.a-million-skies.com

Well, the holidays are almost over and for me that means planning for the Spring semester of home schooling.

Just as I do in the summer, this is the time of year that I take a step back and evaluate what we're using, what's working and what's not, evaluate our schedule (or lack thereof), and revamp anything that needs revamping.

I often buy something new in January; something to keep the days fresh, as we head down the road to May. I also toss out anything that's been mundane, too tedious, dumb, or just plain not working for us. In other words, we start fresh for the new year.

Keep reading.

Legacy of Freedom

Watch THSC's Newest Video

Watch this video to take a historical look at the freedom that we do enjoy in Texas and the way that battle has been fought. And then join this effort to protect those very freedoms by becoming a member of THSC Association.

Also, feel free to check out all of the Membership Benefits you will receive when you join THSC.

Around the Web

Martha Stewart Winter Crafts for Kids

How to Grow an Herb Garden

Math Playground

Removing the Blinders
(Or, Being Present in the Moment)

~Julie Blackmon
© November THSC REVIEW

The daily routine: the well-thought-out family schedule and lesson plans with coordinating family menu that all good home schooling moms should create—not only should but must create—in an attempt to avoid missing even the tiniest opportunity to teach, clean, cook, budget, exercise, organize, and make more plans, right?

The daily striving to be "that wife," (or "that mother," "that teacher"; you know the one I am talking about) . . . the one who gets up early to complete her Bible reading and prayer time way before anyone else . . . the one who prepares healthy meals and snacks for the day, in advance, so as not to interfere with the academic needs of her children . . . the one who continually tidies the house and never, ever has a load of laundry unfolded, in case the need arises to be the perfect hostess for unexpected visitors who may show up on her doorstep . . . the one to whom we all should measure up, right?

But consider what happens when those honorable, admirable, even prayed—over schedules, lesson plans, menus, and goals become the driving force behind your family's daily experience in a negative way—when helpful tools become what dictate your daily actions, words, and attitude.

Read the rest of the article.

Parents Concerned about Recent Violence Consider Home Schooling Options

~Jennifer Bauer, Click2Houston

Ryan Kilgore taught elementary school for five years before having children of her own and making the decision to stay home. But she isn't only a stay-at-home mom.

She's also her kid's teacher.

"Since I was a public school teacher I saw what was going on behind the scenes," Kilgore said. "I knew I didn't want my children in public school.

Kilgore and her husband, who is also an educator and teaches math at the college level, decided to homeschool. She teaches 5-year-old Carli and 3-year-old Quinn for about four hours a day. They do it mainly for religious reasons but said there are other benefits.

"They don't have to deal with peer pressure," Kilgore said. "They don't have to deal with violence.

Read the rest of the article.

Events Around Texas

January 19 - Dr. James Dobson presents Building a Family Legacy Conference
February 28, April 3, May 2 - THSC Capitol Days
February 4, April 8 - Houston Children's Museum
March 20 - Bob Bullock Museum
April 20 - Texas State Home School Track and Field Championships

Dr. James Dobson in San Antonio
Attend for Free

On Saturday, January 19, Dr. James Dobson will be teaching at Cornerstone Church, San Antonio.

Event Schedule:
7:30 a.m. - Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - Doors Open

9:00 to 1:30 p.m. - Sessions with Dr. Dobson (Lunch included)

Sessions include: Bringing up Boys, Legacy, and Bringing up Girls

RSVP today!

THSC Resources and Member Benefits

REVIEW Magazine

Check out the electronic version of the THSC REVIEW Magazine.
Sign up for our free print edition of the THSC REVIEW.

This magazine has encouraging articles written by those who have been there/done that to help you in this great adventure of home schooling!

THSC Handbook

Are you new to home schooling and need answers to your many questions? Do you want to start the new year off better informed?

The THSC Handbook is full of answers to frequently asked questions and many helpful resources.

Purchase your 2012-2013 Handbook now. Discounts are available for bulk orders.

A Merry Heart Doeth Good

Do you have a funny, home school-related anecdote you'd like to share? We'd love to publish it
(limit 750 characters)! Please include your name and where you live, then mail it to THSC.

He has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

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The articles in this newsletter reflect the freedom of home educators in Texas to choose from a wide variety of home school philosophies and teaching methods. Opinions and attitudes expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Texas Home School Coalition. THSC does not endorse or advocate any one method or philosophy. The board encourages each home educator to seek God's will in determining what is best for him, his school, and his students.

Publication of advertisements does not signify endorsement of items or services offered.