From the Head Teacher's Desk


Wrapping Up the First Week of 4th Grade

As the first week of 4th grade comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the experiences, achievements, and even the challenges that have marked the start of this new academic year for GLL.  It's been a whirlwind of activities, new routines, and lots of learning, and we couldn't be prouder of how Our Guy has embraced it all.

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Let School Begin

As the new academic year begins, it's time to gear up for the adventures and challenges that come with being a 4th grader. From science labs to math projects and a whole lot of reading, this year promises to be full of excitement and learning opportunities.

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The Secular Homeschool

I've been asked about Christian Homeschooling by random people who find out that GLL is homeschooled.  Well, quite frankly, beyond it not being anyone's business, GLL is being raised in a different belief system than the one I hold. It is easiest to simply leave religion our of our school time. That isn't to say I won't help out when needed. We spent a week learning The Lord's Prayer by heart for his Sunday School class. 

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Beyond Grades

In the realm of education, the traditional grading system has long been the standard method of evaluating students' performance and progress. However, in recent years, an increasing number of educators and families have begun to question the effectiveness of this approach, particularly in the context of elementary education. Instead, they are turning to alternative methods that prioritize mastery and holistic learning experiences. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of eschewing grades in elementary homeschooling and focusing on mastery instead.

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Yes, we often are done by 1pm

In the realm of education, homeschooling has emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional classroom settings. With its flexibility and personalized approach, homeschooling offers students like GLL the opportunity to thrive academically while maximizing his time. In this blog post, we'll explore GLL's homeschooling journey, highlighting his dedication, motivation, and the efficiency that allows him to complete his studies by 1 pm most days.

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Homeschoolers Cultivating Etiquette

In today's fast-paced world, where technology often takes center stage and societal norms evolve rapidly, the value of old-fashioned manners may seem like a relic of the past. However, in the realm of homeschooling, there is a growing recognition of the importance of instilling traditional etiquette and social graces in children. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of old-fashioned manners in homeschooling and share practical tips for cultivating etiquette in homeschoolers.

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Education Gaps

Homeschooling has gained popularity for its ability to provide tailored, personalized education experiences. However, concerns about education gaps often arise, prompting questions about the effectiveness of homeschooling in preparing students for academic success. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of education gaps in homeschooling and why there's less cause for worry than commonly perceived.

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Spanning Grade Levels

In the realm of homeschooling, one often encounters a variety of educational philosophies and approaches. One such approach gaining traction is spanning grade levels, where children are taught at different grade levels simultaneously. While this may initially seem unorthodox, it holds numerous benefits that contribute to a rich and holistic learning experience. Let's explore why spanning grade levels in homeschooling can be advantageous:

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The S Word

Socialization is a dirty word in homeschooling circles.  Yes, homeschool kids are socialized. In fact, they are probably better socialized and ready for the real world than those kids stuck in brick-and-mortar institutional school. Let me ask you a question? As an adult, how often are you in setting with people your exact age in years for hours on end five days a week, nine months a year? Is this really the optimal setting to prepare our kids for the world beyond school?

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Testing

C’mon, it’s homeschool. What’s with test after test after test?  Tests cause anxiety, doubt, and in some cases a belly ache.  There is a growing movement in the homeschool community towards testing without a test. In this blog post, I’ll will explore the benefits of alternative assessment methods and provide practical tips on how to effectively evaluate GLL’s learning progress without relying on traditional tests.

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The Trivium

In the realm of homeschooling, there exists a powerful educational philosophy that has been gaining traction for its effectiveness in nurturing young minds - the Trivium. This ancient method of learning, dating back to the Middle Ages, is based on the three stages of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. And for Our Guy, it has proven to be a game-changer in his educational journey.

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Progymnasmata - what is it and how does it help?

Are you looking to take your homeschooling experience to the next level? Have you heard about the incredible benefits of incorporating Progymnasmata into your curriculum? If not, you're in for a treat! In this post, we'll explore how using Progymnasmata can transform your homeschooling journey and help Our Guy reach new heights academically and creatively.

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