Lower case i

You may have noticed the i in my blog name instruction is lower case. There is a reason for it. X had trouble distinguishing an uppercase I with a lower case l so I purposely made it lower case. 

Future

X is currently in 7th grade so we have time before finalizing any decision. I've known since starting our journey that I would at the very least homeschool through the 8th grade. We were unsure about high school due to college reasons. X has consistently said he wants to continue homeschooling through graduation. I enjoy research and have been looking into his options.

X is unsure about college but I don't want to hinder the possibility. Of course, the easiest choice would be to attend public high school to earn a diploma and guarantee the possibility of college. Or so you would think. I don't want him to HAVE to endure the difficulties he has in the past for something he MIGHT be interested in. Otherwise, it is in our best interest to make sure he takes the SAT and request a letter of completion from the superintendent at the end of 12th.

IMO avoiding TASC (formerly GED) is our goal and TBH shouldn't be necessary because he would have earned his diploma. There is also potential for attending an international (Canada) choice if he were to desire. We've discussed taking a trade and that might be the route he chooses.   

Freedom From Religion Foundation

The FFRF offers a badge to atheist boys and girls who write an essay. This is due to the boy scouts treatment towards atheists and not allowing them to join. Apply for the badge here https://ffrf.org/outreach/freethought-badge

They also offer several scholarships for high school seniors, students of color, college students and graduate students. Follow the link for the needed form https://ffrf.org/outreach/ffrf-student-scholarship-essay-contests

National Home Education Legal Defense

http://www.nheld.com/ is the only sort of alternative I've found for H$LDA. I'm unwilling to support HSLDA. They founded Generation Joshua which states they are for "traditional marriage" HSLDA sister organization HSLDA PAC contributes funding for Generation Joshua. By joining HSLDA it would be accepting their anti-LGBT "values". Something I do not agree with.

Where I find events

We visit the nature center often but where do I find other things to do?

The local newspaper(s)
Facebook events
Websites of places we've previously visited
Surrounding town and/or county links
Word of mouth
Bing searches (I use bing because you can accrue points and redeem for gift cards)

Where do you find activities?

Resources

Text to speech https://www.naturalreaders.com/ Speech to text https://talktyper.com/ Guide https://www.worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study.aspx App www.grammarly.com Pizza Hut http://www.bookitprogram.com/homeschool/default.asp Lesson plans http://www.teachwithmovies.org/ Understand what you read http://rewordify.com/ 4th graders https://www.everykidinapark.gov/?fbclid=IwAR3yh-YcSnX2wwb1iRh72w3YgkBCxVHrBo1stwPnsmpvqz4IHPpOD1RLZbs Diploma https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/homeschool-diploma-templates/?fbclid=IwAR3HD3vb4kv0KGMhx_kHbjfGpNBtcpAIEfvlkBoXSjENLvNOK-DTmNblkWc k-6 https://feedback.sixflags.com/rts/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR345XUhUP1emtKszvGWrxbSnLZPr_3nHx-R5HCNJoNlkjNFfZZoOy-PpmE

Homeschool history day

This annual event was a blast! The list of presentations is as follows: Mount Vernon, Laura Ingalls Wilder, The history of the Yankees, Mr. Rogers, Jane Goodall, George Lucas, and King Tut. Followed by a potluck lunch and a visit to a historic cottage. I'm excited for next year.

What secular means to me

Secular homeschooling seems to be a gray area. Some think that neutral = secular. I disagree. As an atheist family, we teach evolution. We do not believe in a young earth. We do not homeschool for religious reasons. We do not use religious materials.

Connections

Over the summer I found out the local (religious) co-op has ceased. I guess the woman leading the group didn't think she could do it anymore and others were too busy to take over. I finally feel like there is a spot I could fill! I asked for advice from other groups and was told that the work is worth it. However, a woman from a nearby area asked about starting one in a much larger town than my own and was told good luck. I feel like I'm still new to the homeschool game compared to all these seasoned parents. I'm also unsure if I'd have any interest because my plan would be secular... I'm just going to put a pin in it for now since I've found a wonderful group that I currently travel to meet. 

Summer

July is my favorite month. Although I might be biased because it is my birthday month after all. The 4th is my favorite holiday. Anyway, summer is finally here so I'll be taking a break until September. Happy summer!

Time4Learning June 2018 Giveaway via SecularHomeschool.com

http://www.secularhomeschool.com/content/1710-june-2018-giveaway-time4learning/ 6 chances to win.

Surgery

X broke his arm and had to have it set with a pin.

Emmetropia

X had a routine eye exam with results of perfect 20/20 vision or emmetropia. Only 25% of the population has this. They dilated his pupils and he has healthy internal eyes. The doctor even discussed possible growth with puberty and that some teens experience squinting and blurred vision as they get taller. I love real world learning.

Secular Eclectic Academic Homeschool Convention 2018

A secular homeschool conference! 
When July 12-15th
Where Atlanta, GA

Secular clubs

Find families just like you

https://campfire.org/
https://navigatorsusa.org/
https://www.bpsa-us.org/
https://www.campquest.org/