Subject: Newsletter: Homeschool Conventions; Common Core, Practical Math, more

The Everyday Educator
12 March 2013
In This Issue
  • Letter from Janice
  • Common Core Standards Answer
  • Archive: Homeschool Conventions Made Easy
  • Resource focus: Chenier's Practical Math!!!
  • Contests and awards for students
  • Subscription information: Make changes here!
"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground,
put some responsibility on their shoulders."    ~Abigail Van Buren
Dear Friend,  

  Convention season is here! I'm in the throes of getting ready to go, and as always, wondering whether it's even remotely possible to make it. We always do, but this time there's been all sorts of exciting things to make it more challenging–my laptop in repair for all of last week; an astonishing number of "have to do it right now" tax and administration details; Common Core Standards inquiries (see links below); and of course, book, slide, and handout updates endlessly. 

Despite it all, I'm looking forward to being in Greenville, SC, this weekend, and hope I'll see some of you there. I'll be speaking on how to educate yourself for homeschooling, how classic literature can help you teach worldview, how to teach writing, what to read and why, and transcripts as a marketing tool. Perhaps one of those topics would be helpful for you.
   
Meanwhile, I hope your school year is going well. 


Blessings,

Janice Campbell
Is the Common Core a Trojan horse?
Where do we stand on the Common Core Standards? 

Many homeschool writers and publishers have received inquiries as to whether our curricula will be changed to meet the government's Common Core Standards (CCS). 

We do not plan to change Excellence in Literature, as it is a college-prep course of study, taught with specific goals and methods, and we believe it exceeds the standards as it is. 

I don't consider myself an alarmist, but I think anything like this needs to be approached with caution. One disturbing thing I've read about the CCS is that it is linked to a national student database that contains a great deal of personal and family information. I haven't studied this in depth at this point, but for those of you who are wondering what the fuss is about, you can find more information in this article at the National Review
From the Archives


Spring and summer are prime time for homeschool conventions, which means
that those of us who go to a lot of conferences will see many people
wandering the aisles, looking dazed. If you’re planning to go to a
homeschool conference this year, I have a few tips to make it the
highlight of your homeschool year, rather than a daunting challenge. Read more...
Resource Focus for the month of March
Chenier's Practical Math Dictionary and Application Guide

I never thought I'd be offering anything to do with math, but here I am–possibly the most non-math oriented person in the world–ridiculously excited over the amazing math resource I've found. It is simple, practical, and useful, with absolutely no fluff or busywork! 

My only regret is that I didn't find this while my boys were young. That's okay, though-- they will appreciate and use them as adults, too. These are the only math resources I've found that are USEFUL whether you're a student, a tradesperson, or a homeschool parent. I think you'll like them as much as I do!
Join me at the conferences this year! 
Kicking it off this week, I'll be at the first of the
Great Homeschool Conventions (GHC) over the weekend.

Here's the schedule through May:
  • GHC: Greenville, SC, Booth 807:  Thursday-Saturday, March 14-16
  • VAHomeschoolers: Richmond, VA: March 22-23
  • GHC: Cincinnati, OH, Booth 1402: April 4-6
  • TAP2013 (Technologically Advanced Publishing): Las Vegas, NV: April 8-11
  • MACHE: Frederick, MD, Building 9, Booth 14: April 26-27
  • Ghostwriters Unite: San Diego, CA: May 3-5
  • INCH: Lansing, MI: May 9-11
  • ENOCH: Edison, NJ: May 17-18
  • NCHE: Winston-Salem, NC, Booth 25: May 23-25
  • The Old Schoolhouse Online Expo: May 28
  • TPA: Wichita, KS, Booth 42: May 31-June 1

As you can see, we'll be in a lot of places this spring. I hope we can be a blessing to you. Please pray that our strength holds out for all of this! When doors open, we walk through, and are grateful for the opportunity, but this is most packed May we've ever experienced. I'm thankful, and look forward to meeting you. Please stop by the Everyday Education Booth to see us.

Events and Contests
Although we aren't able to screen all the contests that come across our desks, we are sharing them here so you'll be able to check them out yourself. Contests can be a useful motivational tool, so be sure to check them out!
John Randolph Foundation Scholarships
Through the generosity of individuals, local businesses and corporate
foundations, John Randolph Foundation is proud to offer the following
scholarships to local students and teachers.
Only a few days left to enter!
Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program
The Kohl's Cares® Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who help make their communities a better place to live.
The National Children's Book of the Year Award Contest
is open to anyone who is interested in being a published children's book author.  Last year, we received more than 1,000 entries in the contest and saw some really great manuscripts!  If you would like more information about the National Book Award Contest, call the NAESP Foundation at 800-386-2377 or download an entry form here.
Ladimer Creative Writing Contest
Creative Writing Contest FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS
CLASS OF 2011 & 2012
 Link to PDF Ladimer.com is especially excited to offer young writers the opportunity to showcase their creative talent. We are sponsoring a contest for high school juniors and seniors. Participants will have their short stories read on-line by a wide audience, and the winners will be awarded scholarships, gaining the attention of college administrators.  Second submissions no later than April, 1, 2013.

National Student Writing Contest - March 2012
This is the FREE national, monthly writing contest hosted by StageofLife.com.  Writing Contest Prompt:  
When have you applied the phrase "No Fear" in your life?
Visit the website! www.Everyday-Education.com

Have you "liked" the Excellence in Literature page on Facebook yet? We'd love to connect with you there!

If you haven't yet seen the new Excellence in Literature website, I think you'll enjoy it. If you're using the curriculum, you'll find that we've hosted many of the context resources on the site, organized by level so you can easily find them. Even if you're not using EIL, you'll find good resources for literature and history study, including source documents, poetry, and more. I hope the new site makes using EIL even simpler!

Be sure to check the Taking Time for Things that Matter blog for weekly (usually) updates. www.Janice-Campbell.com

You'll find posts on entrepreneurship, microbusiness, and marketing at Do What Matters, Make it Pay. www.DoingWhatMatters.com

If you work with words, or want to, you need to get "The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work With Words," a free newsletter from the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors at www.NAIWE.com.

*SAT, CLEP, AP, and PSAT/NMSQT are registered trademarks of the College Board and/or National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which are were not involved with the production of this email.

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