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Home : Getting Started : Setting Up Your Home School
Benefit List for THSC Association Members Join THSC Association, and one of the great benefits you will receive is free legal assistance with problems such as school district's interference with your home schooling.
THSC Association Resource Order Form Print this form to purchase resources such as the THSC Association Handbook for Texas Home Schoolers via fax or mail or click here to use the online store.
Calendar of upcoming events in Texas
Texas Home School Support Groups Regional groups affiliated with THSC
Some Curriculum and Resource Providers Exhibitors at the most recent THSC State Convention and Family Conference
Articles to Help You Get Started
THSC encourages all home schooling families to join a local support group. Home school support groups are made up of family units which teach their children at home. Local groups differ in many ways but are usually designed to provide various activities for home schooling families.
Mary James gives good advice to beginning homeschoolers.
Home Schooling - the Great Adventure Article for those new to home schooling from THSC Association Handbook for Texas Home Schoolers
Article for those new to home schooling from Texas Home School Coalition REVIEW magazine
Often parents considering home schooling are barraged with a lot of “truths” that, in reality, may not be so. Mary James addresses many of the statements made by well-meaning friends and/or family members.
THSC president Tim Lambert on America's past, including the current legal situation
Different Philosophies of Home Schooling
What Should Your Child's Classroom Look Like? A home classroom offers a learning environment that can never be found in a public school.
If you teach a child to read, to write, to work with numbers; train him in character; and give him a love of learning, he can then educate himself.
A Complete Education--What Is It? "...many of today’s educational and legal experts vociferously decry intermingling religious instruction in education. Two centuries ago, our Founding Fathers confronted and confounded the arguments of similar critics.”
Articles to Help You Keep Going
Organization
Holly Urbach describes the techniques she uses in her home/school to allow her to accomplish her daily goals.
Are clean closets a requirement? Maybe not, but it's good advice for the beginning of the homeschool year.
Miscellaneous Topics
Entertainment: Handle with Care Have you ever thought about entertainment as a kind of fuel that should be handled carefully? If not, you should. Media plays a large part of what fuels the hearts and minds of our generation.
Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Older Children Teaching our older children is already a challenge. However, what do we do when our preschooler says, “I want to do school, too, Mommy”?
Where Do the Stories Come From? John Erickson says "I am not alone in thinking that a great deal of popular entertainment in modern America is toxic. Does it matter? Should a writer care whether his stories make readers better or worse, strong or weak, sick or healthy? I think it matters. That is why, for me, writing is a vocation, not a job."
Many moms who are committed to doing the best with their children flounder in building a foundation. The distraction of school demands gets in the way of spiritual and life goals.
Let us not forget to raise our sons to serve Christ, to serve their wives and children, and to serve their communities. If we do this, we will have truly moved beyond mere schooling.
Our lives are not our own. Neither are our children’s. Our children are God’s children, and we are merely stewards.
We will do more harm than good by pushing our child in the area of academics. Save the workbooks for later and spend time playing with games and puzzles and exploring the world.
The Hidden Dangers of Video Gaming What do you do if you have a child who is into digital gaming? There is no simple answer. Taking the PlayStation out of the living room is much easier than taking it out of your child’s heart.
A Hurricane and Home Schooling Whatever storms rage in your life, cry out to the Lord to do what you cannot accomplish. The storm may not be pleasant, and you may not desire a repeat experience, but He is able to carry you across and prevent the leaning trees in your life from falling.
How Important Are Sports to Your Family? An informed, deliberate decision is crucial to family togetherness. So, avoid the knee-jerk reaction and make a decision that works for everyone, for that season!
The question every parent must ask is simple: are my children learning how to learn or are they simply learning to conform to a system?
"What Type of Curriculum Did You Use With Your Children?" Becky Preble spent much of her time in the early years of home schooling researching various educational philosophies and asking the Lord how He wanted her to educate her children.
Maintaining Balance Without a Counterweight Home schooling can be a challenge for any family, but single parenting adds another element to life’s equation that can make maintaining balance between the various areas in our lives even more challenging.
One day while gazing enraptured upon a picture of a lighthouse, Diana Waring suddenly saw how applicable this lighthouse poster is to home schooling families.
Read twelve important principles that Paul Terrell and his wife have gleaned from fifteen years of home schooling.
Everything I Know I Learned in Home School Melody Gillum says, "When I look at that diploma from UT, I am proud of the work it represents; but I know it was just the beginning of learning. When I look at my children, I am thankful for the work God has done; I know they are my real diploma."
"At the time the Hank story aired on national television, I had never heard the term “worldview” and did not even realize that I had one. Or that the television people had one. Or that our worldviews might be very different."
Why should any home educator—beginner or veteran—attend a conference? You may have overlooked some particular rewards of being part of your local or state event.
Is it possible to stay true to the Christian worldview in the political process when so many others adhere to postmodernism? Absolutely! Todd Kent gives a few simple principles to keep in mind.
Cherie Isett encourages home school parents to let their children seize the day (Carpe diem)! Or, in her son Nicholas’s beloved play on words, “Seize the carp!”
For Mary James, there is only one reason that she is homeschooling. She knows that God has called her to teach her children at home.
Can I Homeschool and Work, Too? Holly Urback shares some ideas and strategies she uses to manage home, school, and extra-curricular activities while holding a job.
Just as the Air Force is a vital link in our country's defense, so THSC is to our home school freedom. The Texas Home School Coalition Association has been called the air force of the Texas home school community.
Each time we as parents choose to seek God’s guidance and put our families first, we are making a difference in the lives of our children.
Danial Lassiter tells how he began the SPCHEA home school tennis team.
At some point in our lives, most of us look back and wonder if we have chosen the right path. When I look back, however, I find the roads not taken are distant and vague, so it is the paths I have taken upon which I choose to reflect.
It is so easy to be tempted away from your home and away from your commitment to home schooling, especially if you are facing financial need. But if you know that God has called you to home school your children, listen to Him carefully.
When you look at my family—when you look at any home schooling family—please look at the real picture. We are all normal, struggling families with problems and mud-caked play shoes that you cannot see.
Marilyn Rockett believes that homeschooling gives us the freedom to run, to choose the best regardless of what others are doing, to live an amazing life of faith in the Lord, Who gives us strength to run and Who picks us up when we fall.
Leslie Aune discovers being a friend and finding our role in God’s kingdom is not something that has to be done all in one day.
Mary James lists and dispels ten of the most common misconceptions about home schooling.
The Changing Face of Home Schoolers Can you identify a home schooler? According to Mary James, there is no longer such a thing as a stereotypical home schooler, even on the hallowed ground of a home school convention.
David Quine's passion is to teach and encourage parents to build their lives and their children’s lives upon the biblical worldview.
Are Our Children Prepared to Stand Before Kings? We want our children to have an impact, to be able to “stand before kings,” so to speak. My question is this: Will they know how to behave when they get there?
Leslie Aune discovered that her children are great mirrors. They mimic how we live, reflecting our lives to us.
I Hate Math, So Why Do I Have to Learn It? Dr. Fred Worth believes that the most important reason for learning mathematics is that it helps develop the ability to think.
You Can Prevent and Correct Dyslexia Sue Ellen Haning believes that some learning differences are more involved than others, but when the parents and students are dedicated to working consistently and correctly, the results are phenomenal, and the dyslexia goes away!
Reading ... the Glue That Binds Sheila Campbell encourages parents to read to children of all ages to build both reading skills and family memories.
How We Teach Changes Brain Size The results of an experiment showed that increased environmental enrichment created “brains that were larger and heavier with increased dendritic branching".
Deep Roots Make for Strong Wings Dawn Irons
deals with questions asked by well-meaning friends: “What about
socialization?” “You can’t shelter them forever!” “How will they
live in the ‘real’ world?” Joyce Burges gives tips for getting started, using what she calls The Five Ps of Home Education: Parenting, Patience, Preparation/Planning, Progress, and Purpose.
Sheila Campbell encourages homeschooling parents to link arms (and perhaps hearts, too) with others who follow the same calling. Support groups have much to offer, not the least of which is support.
Teaching the Right-Brained Learner Half of our population learns in a right-brained way. Wade Hulcy explains why parents should make every effort to help kids like these learn to their fullest potential
Homeschooling Through Life's Difficulties "Home schooling is hard without problems, but what does one do when the problems get big enough for you to ask the question, “Should I keep homeschooling?”
Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment? Sue Ellen Haning says that we are often too ready to adjust our children’s attitudes from time to time, but maybe we need an attitude adjustment when faced with homeschooling challenges.
If your child has learning diffficulties, perhaps you need to consider a vision evaluation.
Pat Harrell learned a lesson about allowing his children the chance to become independent.
Travel Flexibility: A Home School Dividend Enjoy popular travel destinations when the crowds are gone.
Have you heard or read the saying about leading home schoolers being like trying to “herd cats”? Trying to work with a group of individual home schools for the sake of a field trip can be just as frustrating.
Holly Williams Urbach discovered that being home more often unleashes creativity in your children.
Judi Lynn Gann learned a lesson in patience from a butterfly.
At the end of the year, moms question whether they have passed or failed. Becky Preble found a way to see God's evaluation.
Kathie O'Brien decided to get acquainted with Harry Potter. She shares her Bible research in hope that her article will help parents discern how intimate they want their families to become with the very popular child-wizard, Harry Potter.
Mary James says, "I for one, am so very thankful that I took the road less traveled by, for that surely has made all the difference! But I am also thankful that while this road is less traveled, it is not untraveled."
Linking the Generations Through Home Schooling According to Marilyn Rockett, "No, it does not take a village to raise our children, but it is closer to God’s design when we link the generations for the task."
Can You Afford Not to Homeschool? Larry Arnold researched what a homeschool mom is really worth.
And We Thought We Were Through... Lynn Johnson shares the delights and difficulties of homeschooling her grandchild.
Children must be raised in godliness before they can be "salt and light".
Sally Clarkson discovered that it is easy as a home schooling parent, always under the burden of “am I doing enough?” to hear only Christ’s exhortation to “go” while missing his invitation to “come.”
Being Image Bearers in the Twenty-First Century Christians must be exhibiting to the culture the existence of God. David Quine gives suggestions for developing the character of God in our children.
Brown v. Board of Education: Legacy and Challenges February is Black History Month in the United States. THSC is pleased to feature this insightful article by a home school father and the founder of Minority Homeschoolers of Texas.
Pat Hurd that our children, when trained and educated in the proper context, can make a difference in the course of our nation's future.
Home Safety for Home Schoolers It makes good sense to take insure the safety of your family at home. Dan O'Brien suggests some easy and inexpensive safeguards.
An Elected Official's Perpective on Home Schooling Texas Comptroller Susan Combs supports freedom for home schoolers in both rural and metropolitan areas of the state.
How Can You Begin Homeschooling? Start! The best way to begin homeschooling is to activate the five-letter word, START. Jessica Hulcy shows parents how to set goals and choose curriculum.
A child's difficulty with handwriting may mean that he is experiencing a need for fine motor development.
Ten Things Children Learn from Owning a Business Teaching children about business is one way to bring all of their learning to a focused project. This is one area in which their talents and interests can take center stage, while providing some monetary rewards seasoned with good ol’ fashioned hard work.
Have you ever wondered by God doesn't seem to be answering your prayers? Marilyn Rockett shares a faith-building experience.
Home School Grandparents: Making a Difference Larry Arnold writes about the impact—positive or negative—that grandparents can make in their grandchildren’s lives. He gives examples of good and bad grandparents from the Bible and encourages all of us, regardless of our age or stage of life, to consider what kind of grandparents we want to be.
"Mathematics is the key to understanding all the sciences, engineering, and business. Do it right, and you can have real success; do it wrong, and it can result in spectacular failures."
An amazing home school family conference, with extras such as an exciting field trip to a working ranch, discounted tickets to popular area attractions, and engaging entertainment by popular children's author John Erickson, makes for a perfect family vacation!
How would you like to be part of the largest informal education program for young people in the United States? Look into 4H!
Unit Study: A Texas Home School History Want to have a fun history class while teaching your children about some modern day history that directly impacts their lives? There’s nothing like a little role-playing to help our students understand what the home schooling pioneers went through and what a special privilege it is to home school in Texas.
Belles and Rebels Masquerade Ball Three home school graduates decided to introduce the home school community to Civil War times through a first-time-ever, home school Civil War ball.
What? Daydream? I Have Planning to Do! Sue Ellen Haning discovers the value of daydreaming as she makes her lesson plans.
Sometimes it is necessary to change from one curriculum to another in order to meet the needs of your children.
Moral Code for School Children, 1925 Take a look at old-fashioned standards that are still appropriate for modern children.
To Serve or Not to Serve; Jury Duty is the Question Several times a year, the Texas Home School Coalition gets calls from home schooling moms who have received summons for jury duty and want to know how to avoid having to serve.
Are you trying to do too much? See what happened when Jessica Hulcy took stock of her life-all because of Oprah!
Should I Homeschool Again Next Year? Zan Tyler gives specific steps to help us make the decision about continuing to homeschool each year.
Discover Your Child's Natural Talents Becky Preble reminds us to look diligently for our children’s natural talents and help them to see them, too.
Lyndsay Lambert encourages mothers who are further into their home schooling journey to encourage younger or less experienced moms.
In My Opinion: Matching and Exceeding A home school mom holds herself to a higher standard and encourages all of us to do the same.
Home school graduate Lindsey Hurd illustrates how learning to truly understand what we read can help us continue growing intellectually, morally, and spiritually. She gives us a tool in the book How to Read a Book.
Are You a "Happy Home Schooler"??? It is not uncommon for new home schooolers to stand in awe of veterans. The greatest service you can do for the newbies among you is to let them know that you not only understand their struggles but also totally relate! Be real! Read one veteran’s account.
Have you ever marveled at those in the older generation who take on amazing tasks when others are preparing to retire? Raye Pearson shares her adventure of homeschooling her grandchildren.
Sometimes home educators may feel confident in their direction, only to hit a sudden bump in the road. Does that bump signal failure?! Not necessarily. Use your freedom to explore what makes your child “tick.” It can take you on a curious adventure that may take you to a surprisingly positive destination!
For home school parents, sometimes it is easy to get so engrossed with the “job” at hand that they neglect the ministry—and lose their joy. Well-beloved author Mary James tells about her awakening to the fact that this was happening in her home school.
What about socialization? Occasionally this old, tired question rears its bothersome head. People tell home schoolers that their children won’t be normal. In this article, Sheila Campbell has an answer that encourages parents to take another look at normal social skills.
Are We Overprotecting Our Children? Parents often wonder whether they are doing the right thing when they decide to educate their children at home. Whether their reasons are educational, moral, or protective, socialization is still an oft-raised issue. Take heart! Your children will survive—and may well rise up to call you blessed. Lyndsay Lambert offers exhortation and encouragement.
Hear from a Home Schooling Graduate: Home What? Many home schoolers remember the days when people looked puzzled when they were told of families who were teaching their children at home without benefit of the educational experts. Leah Driggers, a home school graduate, shares her experience.
Sometimes parents find themselves learning valuable lessons even as they teach their children academics. Home school mother Sue Ellen Haning shares what her students taught her.
Do you feel overwhelmed with the stress of the academic grind? That is normal, but make sure you do something about it. In this May 2003 THSC REVIEW magazine article, Marilyn Rockett suggests that home school moms need to take a break now and then. Public school teachers do it, so why can’t you?
Feel overburdened with academics? You are not alone. Sometimes, in our desire to give children the best education possible, we forget why we started homeschooling.
Multigenerational Home Schooling Are you equipped with all the necessary curricula and supplies? Don’t forget one important resource: the grandparents!
The Information Highway Can Be the Instruction Highway Home school parents sometimes find lesson planning a little overwhelming. However, Internet classes can now provide a new opportunity to mesh old-fashioned subjects with modern technology.
Sally Clarkson explains how to tailor your class to meet your students’ needs and make learning fun.
You, Too, Can Have the Perfect Home School! Lyndsay Lambert offers words of wisdom and encouragement for those home schoolers who feel insecure in their home schooling because of the fit for public viewing, perfect home school families they see.
A home school mother of five gives some organizational tips for “making it work.”
But It Looked So Good at the Bookfair... As home educators begin the season of shopping for next school year, there will be many things that call out to weary, or excited, shoppers. Patsy Arnold offers words of wisdom.
Home educators take many routes to success in their home schooling careers. One mom has written an article about how her family took a detour from the original route and how it prepared them for things to come.
Sally Clarkson examines the question,” Am I abusing my children by not spending time in real school activities?” The answer will be an encouragement.
Homeschool Convention Season in Full Swing Samuel Blumenfeld, long recognized as an education expert and proponent of home schooling, writes about the benefits of home schooling and home school conventions.
THSC’s Lyndsay Lambert offers some ideas that will help you get the most out of your home school convention experience.
Lesson Plans for the disOrganized Author Kristy Keating offers organization tips for the not-so-organized that helped her as she planned lessons for teenaged sons.
It is a good thing to be willing to pitch in and help your fellow home schoolers as well as your support group leaders – but at what cost? Whether just beginning or regrouping, it is good to take everything into account.
Computer and Online Home Schooling As printed in THSC Association Handbook for Texas Home Schoolers
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Setting Up Your Home School