Archive for August, 2011

by smanuva123
After this year’s National Spelling Bee, someone asked me, “What kind of a crazy parent has their child spell nutty words all day?” The great kind of parent! The kind of parent that allows their child to follow their interests, EVEN when it involves spelling nutty words all day!

I have had the privilege of speaking to some parents of magnificently gifted teens. Geography Bee winners, Spelling Bee winners, nationally recognized students with outstanding accomplishments. Each parent told me the same thing. There are people “out there” who think they can force their child into excellence. I suppose it’s possible to force a child into excellence. I actually think it’s far more common for parents to ALLOW their child to excel, and then get accused of forcing them.

My friend the National Geography Bee Champion studied geography for fun all the time. She would rather do that than almost anything else,  although she is a very well-rounded kid. She could play a musical instrument, did great in art and science and writing. I have to say that her overwhelming characteristic had nothing to do with academics - she was one of the most charming and well-liked kids I’ve met. Perhaps some people presumed that Mom and Dad were force-feeding her facts, and that led to the unsavory feedback. The people who expressed their objections did not know the child, the family, or the situation.

Not everyone has a child with a burning interest in something. But please understand, some children DO have a deeply rooted longing for….  something nutty. For me, I suffered through a child who studied chess all day. I had another child who studied economics all day. Not every child is like that, I’m sure. But when a child IS like that, then it’s the parent’s job to fan the flames, and encourage them and support them in their interests.

Encouraging the unique pursuits of a child is one of the best parts about homeschooling. It can help them to learn academics, but more importantly it can help them learn about themselves. Do they want to study that in college? Can they make a career out of it? Do they feel “done” with that endeavor, and don’t want to continue? These are great things that kids are learning. It’s one reason why homeschooling can provide the best college and career preparation. As students get these unique and passionate interests, even in things like nutty spelling words, they can better learn about what they  want to do with their life.

And to those of you who DO have a child with a strange or alien interest, take heart! I suffered through it, and I have talked to others who have trudged through it as well. You can do it!

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, helps parents homeschool high school and is a leading internet home school resource helping parents homeschool to college. You can find Lee online at http://www.thehomescholar.com/ and can email her at Lee@TheHomeScholar.com

Article Source: Article Wagon

by Kimberly1m
There are so many beautiful area rugs out there these days you may have a hard time deciding on just one for your home or office space. There are many different places that you are able to buy rugs but a really popular choice these days is to buy online. You are able to find rugs for sale at really good prices and you never have to leave the comfort of your own living room. Going online to find rugs will let you window shop without being harassed by sales people or being pressured into buying something that you are not really sure if it is the right choice for your lifestyle. Another great reason to do online shopping is that you might be able to find a specific color or style you are looking for, especially if you are looking for some cheap rugs that you may not be able to find at a local retailer.
Rugs can serve many different functions in your living area but most obvious is the fact that they are used to cover the floors in your home. With all the modernization going on with the architecture of homes and apartments, many people are looking for more modern rugs instead of the traditional Oriental and Persian style rugs. However, you may like the more traditional feel for your home. The best thing about rugs is that no matter what you are looking for, whether it be large rugs or small rugs, you are sure to find a style that is perfect for you.
Rugs are able to add so much color and warmth to any room that they are added to. Whether it is a funky fluffy rug that is placed in front of your fireplace that you just want to sink your feet into, or a modern pattern that fits the décor in your living area, rugs are always a great way to show off your artistic flare. Rugs are also great for other parts of your home besides just the living area.
Rugs also go well with the office. If you are looking to redecorate your office then going with a traditional rug that has great design and artwork can quickly become the focal point of the room allowing you to decorate around that specific item. If you are looking to redesign your bedroom then placing a warm inviting sheepskin rug beneath your bed might just be the exact thing you need to jump out of bed so you can feel the warmth beneath your feet. Or you may decide on something of more natural material like jute or bamboo. No matter what yours style, whether it is traditional or modern, there is definitely a rug out there for you.

Article Source: Article Wagon

by James P Martin
Living abroad in properties in France will be an excellent experience for their mental, social and cultural development, yet it is still important for your kids to have a good quality education.

There are few different options that you have to choose from when living at your real estate in France. One choice that is actually quite common among expat families living abroad is home schooling their children at their property in France. Home schooling is when the parent designs and delivers a curriculum to a child. There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

Advantages of Home Schooling. You can design the curriculum to suit your child, stimulating them in interesting ways and nourishing their strengths. You have a much better idea of your childs progress than if they were being taught by someone else.

You can home school your child if you move back and forth between properties in France and the UK, without having to disrupt their learning. Home schooling teaches children to work independently and manage their time. Home schooling your child allows you to spend more time together as a family at your property in France. Disadvantages of Home Schooling.

Your children will miss out on the social interaction of meeting other kids in a school environment. You can compensate for this by involving them in community activities or sports, but this can be difficult if they dont speak the language.

Your kids will also miss out on the benefit of learning from many different teachers and from their peers. Home schooling takes a lot of time and planning on your part because you will be a full time teacher as well as a parent. Another possibility is to send your children to a local school in France. There are French schools, or international schools in France where classes are taught in English.

Advantages of a School in France. Going to a local school will let your kids have the chance to make friends in France and feel like a part of the community.

They will find learning the language easier when they are exposed to it in a school environment every day. A school can offer many experiences that you dont have at home, such as laboratory facilities, books, guest speakers, field trips and more.

Disadvantages of a school in france. Your child might find it a struggle to fit in, especially when they dont speak French as their first language. Curriculum is different in other countries, which may result in your childs peers being further or less advanced in a subject than they are, resulting in either confusion or boredom.

Choosing the right schooling option for kids living at properties in France will depend on the needs and personality of your child, and your lifestyle. If you live abroad in your property in France with young children, it is important to have a strategy for their education.

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Article Source: Article Wagon