What's in Practical Homeschooling #65?

FEATURES

• Like "The Sound of Music"? Meet the singing von Trapp Children -- grandchildren of "Kurt" in the movie and find out how they combine homeschooling with a demanding schedule of public appearances.
• Ever ask yourself, "Should I change curriculum?" Jennifer Thieme shows you how to make this decision with confidence.
• Four simple steps that can make your "classical" homeschool tasks much easier
• "Day at Our House" diaries from a Nebraska family and from a family that lives in "Spam Town, USA"

SUCCESS STORIES

• 2005 National Geographic Geography Bee winner is homeschooled.
• And another homeschooler takes second place at the 2005 National Scripps Spelling Bee, while knowing all the definitions of the words as well! Find out how many of the other finalists were homeschooled, too.

COLUMNS

• M.I.T. graduate Bill Pride explains how to get your child ready for high school math
• Janice vanCleave, the Science Lady, explains why a metal boat floats but a metal ball sinks * Teaching science to preschoolers? Yes! Get ready for great adventures that involve your whole family! By Melissa Morgan, co-author of Homeschooling on a Shoestring * Are you a bunch of random cosmic mistakes, or did Someone intelligent design you? (Hint: It wasn't E.T.!) By education expert Sam Blumenfeld * Social workers and homeschool parents: it hasn't always been a happy meeting of the minds. New legislation passed by Congress should help change that. By Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel Christopher Klicka.
• More help for developing fluent handwriting. By Michael Maloney, founder of the Quinte Learning Centers in Canada and winner of the Canada Post National Educator Literacy Award.
• How to help others (and build your resume) by volunteering. By Kristin Hamerski, Miss Alaska National Senior Teen-Ager 2004, winner of the Spirit of Youth Award, and First Lady Volunteer of the Year 2005.

NEWS

• Textbook reform pioneer Mel Gabler remembered
• What do today's mothers think about motherhood?
• Sources for modest swimwear
• Online courses: how many people are taking them?
• A new type of scholarship scam

HOT PRODUCT REVIEWS

• Another book by award-winning writer (and PHS reviewer) Tricia Goyer
• Are we living in "Serious Times"?
• A book about what to do if your kids rebel
• So you've homeschooled your Christian child all the way up to college. Now what? HSLDA founder Michael Farris has some thoughts on the subject in his new book.
• Math. Fun. Is this possible? Two words: "Janice VanCleave."
• A beginning sewing book. . . for boys!

SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

• Here's a real find: a series of deceptively simple products that solve common learning problems and make teaching basic school skills easier. Need help with comprehension, math, grammar, spelling, reading, study skills, and writing? Bonnie Terry might have you covered.

PLUS...

• Contests for subscribers
• Envelope Gallery of homeschooled kids' art
• Ads with special offers