September-October 2020

MELANATED GOLD HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE September • October 2020

What’s Inside the September/October 2020 Issue?

How to Carve Out Time for Yourself • Homeschooling on a Budget • Why Homeschooling?

Teaching a Child with Dyslexia • Getting to Know Your Child’s Learning Style Traditional School Troublemaker • How to Thrive at Home with the Kids All Day and so much more!

MELANATED GOLD HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE PUBLISHER

Alfrea Riley Moore

EDITORIAL Tamika Johnson Managing Editor

Juina Carter Editor

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Amanda Chambers

On the Cover

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SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Instagram Pinterest

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In this Issue Empower

Encourage

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How to Carve Out Time for Yourself

By Juina Carter

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The Frugal Homeschooler: Homeschooling On a Budget

By Tomekia Latoya

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Why Homeschooling?

By Courtney Dunlap

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Traditional School Troublemaker

By Korrein Johnson

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How to Thrive at Home with Kids All Day

By Nike Anderson

Engage

Educate 17

Homeschool 101

37

Homeschool Spaces

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The Book Shelf

43

Featured Artist- B. Janee’

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Recipes

Teaching a Child with Dyslexia

By Vanessa Young Russell Getting to Know Your Children's Learning Style

By Tannya Morris

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Apple Dutch Baby Pancake Shana Was Here

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Lemon Pepper Wings Terri-Ann's Kitchen

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“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those accomplishments. Its about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It about what you’ve given back.”

Denzel Washington

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MELANATED GOLD HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE

Publisher’sCorner “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.” – Serena Williams Last month, we released our premiere issue, and I am proud to say that things went wonderfully. It humbled me to see the responses of readers who reported that the magazine was “lovely,” “very well put together,” and that the “topics were spot on.” Others shared that they believe the magazine will “fill a void” and “help build a beautiful homeschooling community.”

Many thanks to you all for taking the time to read our magazine! Your thoughts and well-wishes are the fuel that propels us to make even better issues, and we are ready to bring them to you!

The September/October 2020 issue is fantastic! Seven phenomenal homeschooling moms have penned the most beautifully-written, thought-provoking, and encouraging articles.

As always, we will highlight products and services created by our homeschooling families and provide a few recipes to make your days more comfortable.

So without further adieu...

Welcome back to Melanated Gold Homeschool Magazine!

AlfreaRileyMoore

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Our Favorite Things September~October 2020

These candles are fabulous, and a 13-year-old girl makes them. Our favorite scents: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Milk, It’s Your Birthday, That’s Peachy $7-$15

www.kandlesbykierra.com

Our new favorite princess, Nylah, has hit the scene!! She is absolutely adorable and her story is great for all brown girls! $19.99

https://www.princessnylah.com

Your little girl will not mind taking notes or drawing in this cute Little Brown Ballerina Notebook (Customizable) $7.99

www.clevergirlpress.com

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How to Carve Out Time for Yourself

By Juina Carter

My husband and I have homeschooled exclusively for nine years since our oldest son began kindergarten. Repeatedly, a valid concern that I hear from moms considering homeschooling is, “I already cook, clean, run the household, and take care of my kids. Homeschooling will add even more responsibilities.

Would it be possible to have time for myself anymore?” Although my husband and I both work, we’re still able to homeschool, maintain the household, and have time for ourselves. It’s achievable, but it involves lifestyle changes, organization, and delegation to make it work.

Here’s how we do it:

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Create a Vision. First, you

need to create an overarching vision that suits your family’s lifestyle. How will your family function? Will one or both parents work? What are your homeschooling goals? Who will prepare the lesson plans? Who will educate the children? When our family began considering

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homeschooling, we knew that this lifestyle commitment would impact all other areas in our life, so we created a life map that would accommodate homeschooling. Every family will approach this process differently-- some families will designate a stay-at-home parent to solely homeschool, while other families will divide homeschooling duties between parents as well as enlist outside help. In our case, we knew that we both needed to work, so we needed careers and businesses that could be flexible and performed remotely. Once you establish your family’s vision, next, you must implement that vision.

jointly decide which curricula we’ll use to meet our educational goals for that particular year.

Lastly, I finalize the educational plan by supplementing with coop classes, field trips, and other enrichment activities.

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Block Schedule. After the

educational plan is set, I streamline daily operations by automating my schedule. I do this by block scheduling. Block scheduling is a loose, hour-byhour framework that assigns a particular time for each given activity. Unscheduled events undoubtedly will occur, but block scheduling is an excellent way to inform everyone what is supposed to happen at any given time, while also providing Implement the Vision. To transform my family’s vision structure for the day. Within my homeschool block, which coninto reality, my husband sists of several hours, I further and I created an operating plan break down that time by assignand divided tasks to implement ing different subjects every 30 our homeschool program. Each year I create an educational plan minutes, while also including breaks and a lunch period. that outlines the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals for that school year. Once I create the school year plan, both of us

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“Playing to your strengths ensures that your daily schedule runs smoothly.”

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Play to Your Strengths.

Playing to your strengths ensures that your daily schedule runs smoothly. For homeschool instruction, we divided subjects based on our expertise: my husband teaches Math, I teach Language Arts, and we both tackle History (He teaches African and World History, whereas I teach American History). For household duties, my husband cooks dinner and washes dishes, and I grocery shop and straighten the house.

By dividing tasks based on our strengths, we don’t struggle and waste time in areas that we don’t excel. It also frees up time because we aren’t responsible for everything.

overtime pay. I calculated the cost of working overtime, versus staying home and cleaning the house. Additionally, the housekeeper usually cleaned our home within 3-4 hours, whereas I would spend nearly all day cleaning our home from top to bottom. My analysis convinced my husband that hiring a housekeeper, as opposed to losing a day of overtime pay, and exerting my time and energy cleaning the house, was a great investment and time saver.

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Your Kids Can Help Too!

Speaking of delegation, use your kids! Children as young as two years old can perform household chores. There are plenty of chore charts that list age-appropriate chores for Delegate. If you have the children. Put your kids to work! means, hire help. I utilize My 12-year-old wakes up indeour local laundromat that pendently and fixes breakfast offers a wash and fold service for himself and his 8-year-old because 1) laundry takes up brother. After breakfast, they valuable time that could be better spent on homeschooling, begin their homeschool assignfield trips, or work projects, and ments ― my oldest sets a timer for 30 minutes for each subject 2) I hate laundry! Once I was able to outsource laundry, it was to help them stay on task.

My boys also have housea no-brainer for me. hold chores. The oldest washes

I also outsource house cleaning. Our housekeeper deep and puts away dishes, takes out the trash, and prepares some cleans our home monthly. Inimeals. The youngest straightens tially, my husband wasn’t keen the entry hallway, sets the table, on hiring a housekeeper. He thought that it wasn’t necessary and sweeps underneath our barstools after meals. Both boys to hire a housekeeper because are responsible for cleaning it would be cheaper for me to clean the house myself. To con- their belongings, room, and hovince him otherwise, I conduct- meschool area. When each famed a cost-benefit analysis: years ily member contributes to house ago, I worked a job that offered maintenance, it allows you more personal downtime.

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Be Flexible. Lastly, be flex-

ible. Some days, you may not accomplish everything on your schedule. Some days will be a field trip day, or a sick day, or a mental health day.

And that’s okay. Embrace the fact that it is your homeschool and household, and not anyone else’s. If you need time to yourself, prioritize it, even if that means you won’t accomplish every task that day. However, if you consistently do not achieve your daily goals, re-evaluate your schedule to make sure that you haven’t packed too many activities into one day. It’s okay to re-create a new schedule that works better for your family.

In conclusion, homeschooling is meant to be flexible and suit the entire family’s needs, which also includes carving out personal time for yourself.

Juina Carter is a wife and mother of two boys. As a homeschooler, she founded a local homeschooling group, Learning Adventures, that organizes field trips and shares educational resources and opportunities. She also creates educational materials for purchase at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Frugalummi Professionally, Juina is an immigration attorney with her own solo practice. In her spare time, she organizes an annual thirty-day fundraiser drive to feed a community in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa.

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7 Ways to Carve Out Time For Yourself Create a Vision Implement the Vision Block Schedule Play to Your Strengths Delegate Your Kids Can Help Too! Be Flexible

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The Frugal Homeschooler: Homeschooling On a Budget

By Tomekia Latoya

here are many myths when it comes to homeschooling. One of those myths is the belief that it is too costly to homeschool your children. Now, before you jump in and say, “But it is!,” let me explain. Yes, homeschool can be expensive and costly, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many ways to homeschool your children effectively, no matter the size of the budget that you set for yourself. Wait, did I just throw in a word you’re not familiar with using?

Throughout our homeschool journey, our budget has been $300 for the year, and we have yet to go over that limit so far. If I do, then I know I either need to adjust my limit or see where I can cut costs.

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Use what you have.

Before we go buy out the bookstore, we take an inventory of the books and supplies that we have around the house. Taking a little time and some creativity, you can use books that you already have to create lessons about Create Your List. Create a list of supplies that subjects your children are you will need, as well as interested in. If you have any books for each child. Keep in notebooks that only have a few used pages, discard the mind to only put things that used pages. Now you have a you need on your list. There few notebooks to start with. will always be time later Doing inventory before going when you have a little extra cash to buy a few extra things shopping will save you time that you want the children to and money.

Let’s introduce 6 tips to being have. It’s all about “Needs vs.

Wants.” For example, I don’t There is Notha frugal homeschooler. include printer paper, nor ing Wrong with expenses such as attending Create a Budget.

Second-hand Books. homeschool conferences in The first thing you need If you are a younger sibling, my budget.

We use printer to do is create a realistic then you may be familiar paper for everything around budget that works for you and with second-hand things. the house, not just for homeyour household. Look at all Would you believe me if I told school.

A conference is someexpenses, and even your savyou that I got a biology textthing I choose to participate ings, to see how much funds book for eight bucks from an in, so I wouldn’t take those you can spend monthly and online used book store? funds from our homeschool yearly towards homeschool. budget.

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“There are so many ways to save a few coins.”

There are so many ways to save a few coins. Take advantage of low cost used books. If you have a used bookstore in your city, check them out and don’t forget to stop by their freebie bin. No used bookstore in your city? No problem!

There are multiple used book stores online that can ship directly to you.

and see what they offer for your child(ren). Check out sites like Typing.com for typing practice or Memrise for your languages. Khan Academy offers a full curriculum for multiple grades and subjects.

These are just a couple of examples, but there are many more.

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There are so many ways to save a few coins, and these Who Doesn’t Like a 6 tips are just great starting Freebie? There is no points. Homeschooling is only such thing as a useless a costly experience if you freebie. You’ve come across them, I’m sure. Whether you’re make it one. If you choose to go the expensive route, that’s on a blog site, Pinterest, or even Facebook, freebies come fine, but know that using the excuse that homeschooling is across your path. Take advantage of all internet free- too expensive is just that—an excuse. You can homeschool bies, even if you don’t need no matter your financial them at that moment. You situation. never know if and when you could use it in the future.

Create a folder on your desk- Tomekia Latoya, of The top for any homeschool free- Cultivating Mom, is a homeschool coach providing homesbies that you come across; chool moms with reliable simply download and place resources and tools so they them in that folder for safekeeping. It is like creating your can educate their children with confidence. The Cultivatown archive of home- school ing Mom continues to grow resources. into a community for homesUse Free or Low-cost chool moms, allowing them to not only get the assistance Online Resources. they need on their homesThere are plenty of chool journey but also to be a websites dedicated to safe space and support group homeschooled students and for them to be themselves To find them, simply search with no judgment.

Google. Look at various sites

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HOME-EDUCATING AND ENRICHMENT WITH

CrossLearning and Dr. C

CURRICULUM & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Whether you are in need of a curriculum or development of an existing program, we are here to help you plan the best educating and enrichment options for you and your child.

RESOURCES & IDEAS CrossLearning has plenty of ideas and tools that can elevate your evolving lessons and facilitate interest.. From language arts to STEM, we can help.

WHY ENRICHMENT? Even if you are not homeschooling, your child can benefit from a boost. Extra time spent on an activity or in a subject can raise confidence.

It can also open him or her to new areas of interest.

WHY CrossLearning?

CrossLearning recognizes that children have different learning styles and varied interests.

This philosophy fuels everything that we do.

We also realize that you, as an educator, need to be comfortable with the material.

CrossLearning is here to connect with you to make sure that both you and your child are on the right path.

ABOUT ME As a college professor, homeschool mom, information literacy tutor, and former 2nd grade teacher, I started CrossLearning as a way to share my professional experience with parents and educators so that children can flourish.

WWW.CROSSLEARNINGEDUCATION VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @CROSSLEARNING

contact us at CrossLearning@gmail.com

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Why Homeschooling?

By Courtney B. Dunlap

A

fter seven years of homeschooling, I still am asked from time to time why did my family choose a non-traditional educational path for our children. It’s fodder for most of my conversations when first making someone’s acquaintance. I can almost preemptively play out the scenario word for word in my head. I know what to expect when the topic turns to the four beautiful brown babies, my husband and I are raising and how we are educating them.

I do not say this with disdain, but rather with intrigue. Even in 2020, the unfamiliarity that most people have with the concept of choosing to bear the sole responsibility of your children’s education, rather than “entrusting something like that to the professionals,” is mind-boggling. Nevertheless, I do not mind engaging these sorts of questions. In fact, I enjoy it. It’s an opportunity to shed light on the unknown while simultaneously re-invigorating my passion for doing that, which I love.

So why exactly did my husband and I

choose to embark on this homeschooling journey in 2013? When we decided to take the plunge, my oldest was preschool age, and my third youngest was still in-utero. The city in which we were living at the time did not have the best track record in terms of their public education offerings. It remains true to this day that we have many, many talented friends who are dedicated teachers in this same school system. Yet, we found fault not with them, but the school system itself.

We did not trust that our babies would fare well in a school system riddled with problems such as sneaky politics, systemic racism knit into the fabric of the school system, and barriers to access and quality instruction overall. We also take our call very seriously to shepherd our children and pour Gospel nutrients into their little souls. We wanted our voices to be the loudest our children heard during such formative years as we echo Biblical truths to them while they develop and grow. This way, when they are released into the world at large, they will be able to love

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“I take pride in the fact that the decision I timidly agreed to so long ago, is now my greatest joy and honor.” and see people the way God sees them. It’s our desire for our children to interact with the culture in a way that displays character, integrity, and justice. So, it is for these reasons that we chose to homeschool. The funny thing is, homeschooling was actually my husband’s idea! I was staunchly against it, if not curiously skeptical about it at the onset. I, too, would often doubt my own capabilities to educate my children. My misconception was that because I hadn’t received a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, there was NO way that I could carry this mantle.

I laugh now at the fact that I shed many real tears and uttered the words too many times to count, “My kids are going to be illiterate, and it’s going to be all my fault!”. My empathetic spouse’s encouragement and unshakable belief in my abilities, spoke volumes to soothe my insecurities. I also had the benefit of being in relationships with several older, seasoned women who also, many years prior, walked the same road on which I was about to embark. They consistently gave me words of affirmation, boldness, and an urgency to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could really do this!

Their backing was precisely what I needed in a world of skeptical onlookers, some of which were loved ones who simply didn’t understand. They love my kids and me and want the best for my family, but couldn’t wrap their minds around the fact I would be my children’s teacher. That was fine because I resolved in my heart to be okay with the fact they did not understand. I consumed as many blogs, books, and workshops concerning this topic to be pointed in the right direction. I joined local and national homeschooling groups on Facebook, consisting of like-minded women and families. I also made sure the loudest voices in my own ears were the ones

who had either gone before me or were on the same path.

Over time, I grew in my confidence to homeschool my children. The times in which I doubted and still sometimes doubt today (though fewer and far between), I go back to my original “why.” As the years have passed, I see the fruit of my “why.” I see the beauty of children who have a pure love for learning. I experience the delight of students who face difficulties only to persevere to the end and reap the sweet victory of accomplishment.

Daily, I instruct apt pupils who are hard workers, intelligent, creative, inquisitive, and eager to master that which they are studying. I am rewarded with kids who try their best, even if their best might not “measure up” in a traditional school setting. For me, that is enough. I take pride in the fact that the decision I timidly agreed to so long ago, is now my greatest joy and honor. In all actuality, one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world today is my family’s homeschool journey!

It may sound cliché, but homeschooling truly is my dream job! But without knowing my “why,” I would be lost without this gift.

Courtney B. Dunlap is the first-time author of The Rumble Hunters, a bedtime adventure that takes children on an unforgettable journey to hunt a mysterious sound. The Rumble Hunters celebrate Black and Brown children as heroes of their own adventures! Courtney and her husband are entering their eighth year as homeschoolers and have four children. Follow Courtney’s homeschool adventures at www.abletoteachhomeschool.com. The Rumble Hunters can be purchased at www.courtneybdunlap.com. Courtney is on Instagram @courtney_b_dunlap.

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HOMESCHOOL HOMESCHOOL

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Q A

Is there a difference between homeschooling and stay-at-home (virtual) learning?

The short answer: Yes. In order to fully understand the differences, let’s consider the similarities. In both experiences, the student is engaged in learning outside of the traditional school setting. Both methods require parents/family members to make adjustments in the daily lives of their families.

Now for the differences...The significant difference between homeschooling and virtual learning is the primary responsibility. In homeschooling, the parents/guardians assume full responsibility for the student’s education.

They create curriculum, assess learning needs, create learning experiences, etc. With virtual learning, the teacher(s) provide the primary oversight for learning, though there is still a requirement for parental/adult involvement.

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Homeschooling allows for learning to be tailored to each student’s learning needs and interests. With virtual learning, unless the student has special academic accommodations, learning is not individualized.

The curriculum for virtual learning is determined by academic leadership, often based upon the attempt to standardize education. In the homeschool setting, parents/guardians create an overall learning experience based upon student’s needs/interests/learning style.

Virtual learning typically involves computer time, whether that is structured class time or work done on apps/programs. Homeschooling can be accomplished with minimal computer use. It just depends on what works best for the student/family.

Neither method is entirely superior to the other, and both can be beneficial to the student. In this challenging time, it is vital to remember that families are doing the best that they can under strange circumstances. Regardless of whether we homeschool or attend virtual school, our team at Melanated Gold Homeschool Magazine stands ready to assist you in having a phenomenal school year!

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@kyreescandystop info@kyreescandystop.com 7 year old Kyree is the CEO of Kyree’s Candy Stop. Kyree’s Candy Stop is an online candy store that specializes in assorted candy cups filled with fun candy classics for the true candy lover. It is the goal of this ambitious candy king to use his Candy Stop as a way to expand his love for candy into a full service candy vending machine empire. Support Kyree by purchasing one of his candy cups or candy bags today!

www.kyreescandystop.com

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Looking for a Book Recommendation?

Check the Bookshelf!

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Bubble Kisses Vanessa Williams

The Steam Chasers Dr. Doresa Jennings

A young girl adores her goldfish, Sal. But Sal is no ordinary pet: while she can’t fetch a ball or curl up on a lap, she can give bubble kisses that transform the girl into a mermaid and transport her to a world of underwater adventures. There, beneath the sea, they play, sing, and dance with other mermaids. The catchy, breezy, rhymed tale is perfect for bedtime, and the book includes a CD plus a link to a digital download.

What seemed an ordinary homework assignment turned into a life changing adventure for Shar, Terrence, Ebony, Akiya, Marcus, and Chase as they take a scavenger hunt through town finding the contributions Black Americans have had to our everyday lives in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Age Range: 3-8 years old

Age Range: 8-12 years old

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Piecing Me Together

Bedtime Inspirational Stories 2

Renee Waton

L.A. Amber This book highlights the achievements and stories of notable black leaders who made history from the eighteenth century to today. The stories in the book include those of political activists, scientists, artists, musicians, inventors, and athletes.

Every single one of these individuals overcame adversities and changed the world, building a way for others to live better lives.

Age Range: 8-12 years old

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Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities.

Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.

MELANATED GOLD HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE

Age Range 12 and up

Through Our Own Eyes: A Journey Into African American History

By Joseph Edelin

The quest to find a history curriculum that presents a realistic, accurate perspective can be daunting. Through Our Own Eyes: A Journey Into African American History by Joseph Edelin is a fantastic resource that makes learning our history engaging! This book chronicles history from the earliest documented ancestors to the Civil Rights Movement.

The lessons in this book are short but filled with a wealth of valuable information.

After reading a passage, students are challenged in various ways, including short answer questions, creation of a poem or rap, researching topics and presenting findings, drawing a comic strip, building a pyramid, and so much more! Edelin enhances this educational experience by providing links to supplement videos and incorporating math and science elements to draw cross-curricular connections.

The intended age range for this book is 11 years to 18 years old.

Through Our Own Eyes: A Journey Into African American History is available for purchase on check out on Amazon.

Instagram @projectujimallc Website: www.project-ujima.com

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Despite our best intentions, stuff happens!

When accidents occur, having a well stocked home first aid kit, will be invaluable! The items listed are suggestions based upon recommendations from Redcross.org and Mayo Clinic.

Please use this list as a guide, not a substitute for medical attention, when needed.

Pictured above: Top Row (left to right): Digital thermometer, First Aid/CPR/AED Manual latex free gloves Second Row: Band-aids (assorted sizes), Rolled gauze, Alcohol-free cleansing pads Bottom Row (left to right): Elastic wrap bandage, triangular bandage (sling), hot/cold pack, bandage tape, cotton balls Not pictured but useful: rubber tourniquet, eye shield/pad, syringe/medication cup/spoon

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Pictured above: Top Row (left to right): Finger splints, tweezers, scissors Second Row (left to right): water, hand sanitizer, petroleum jelly Third Row (left to right): Benadryl, Neosporin, Eye wash, Peroxide, Alcohol prep pads Bottom Row: Cortizone cream, Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen Not pictured but useful: Aloe Vera gel, anti-diarrheal/antacids, cough/cold medicine

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Teaching a Child with Dyslexia By Vanessa Young Russell

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hen I first started teaching my daughter in pre-K, I immediately noticed that she was struggling with learning letters. Her brother had learned his letters and sound by age two from watching episodes of Super Why in the car on the way to Nana’s house once a week. I knew he was advanced, but she was four going on five and would be entering kindergarten without the basics. I figured she’d pick up reading as we moved along.

I started my daughter with Horizons for reading and phonics, since my son had done so well with it. However, she struggled, cried, and hated it. I switched her to Lifepac since it was slower paced. She didn’t make very much progress, and I noticed that she was mirroring some of her letters and numbers when she wrote them. Sadly, I began to consider sending her to public school and ending our homeschool journey, but I thought I should research dyslexia first.

After realizing my daughter was dyslexic, I did tons of research to figure out the best way to teach her. I discovered that I needed a curriculum that incorporated multi-sensory learning. I chose All About Reading and MathUSee because they required little to no prep, which was important since I was also teaching my gifted son, who required a much more demanding curriculum. It was discouraging to watch her continue to struggle, but at least she loved her

curriculum. She was timid and read so quietly that I had to strain my ears to hear her. But she was making progress, so I knew I had made the right decision.

There were still bad days, and my daughter could sense my frustration. On the tough days, she’d tell me, “Thank you for teaching me.” Her positive attitude motivated me to be a better teacher. As the year progressed, I noticed that my daughter became more confident and proudly read aloud, even if she was wrong.

Whenever she made mistakes, I would ask her if that sounded right, and she would correct herself. My daughter and I also became more aware of her abilities. She went from mirroring her handwriting on accident to doing it on purpose to demonstrate the fact that she could do something unique. I also began to notice other positive traits, such as her exceptional empathy, her ease at adapting to new situations, and her attention to detail when creating models.

Teaching a dyslexic child can be such a joy. Although we still have our tough days, I know the decision to homeschool was the best possible decision for us.

Vanessa Young Russell is a stay-at-home mom of two who has been homeschooling for three years while running a small business of handmade knit and crochet items (vanessacrochets.com). She also helps her husband run his dog training business.

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Home For CHOICE: We’re Stronger Together Tommia Hartsfield: Founder/Executive Director

If home is where the heart is, then that’s where the mind should grow as well. Home for CHOICE began as family of educators seeking to change the way our children are taught. We had many ideas, but they all led us back to the barriers that exist within brick and mortar schools across the country. From limited parental involvement to misidentification of adolescent behavior, the traditional school system has given the word “FAIL” a whole new meaning. After 3 years of trial and error, we’ve finally reached a revolutionary FAIL, or as our sister in Christ would say, “First Attempt In Learning”, that will redefine how academic excellence is achieved and perceived.

The one thing that makes the largest impact in learning is “Choice”. Children, and the families that raise them, have very little input when education is concerned. Yes, there are a variety of resources available for them to choose from, but that variety is still controlled by an entity and not the recipients of the resources. Students are given special needs classifications for being energetic, when the real solution is to accommodate their needs with something special. Home for CHOICE has found a way to eliminate the barriers and empower families across the country.

Home for CHOICE is the first, Black owned and operated, non-profit online Homeschooling cooperative to provide resources, support, guidance, and access to parents and guardians across the country. We assist with researching, implementing, and organizing Customized Action Plans (CAPs) for parents who know how to teach their children, but don’t know where to start or end. We offer tutoring and collaboration sessions for parents and scholars who just need a second set of eyes. We also have an interactive Social Emotional Learning program that is designed for all ages to assist with self-exploration and understanding while incorporating the word of God at a level that all people can understand. We want to put the power of education where it was meant to be, and that’s in the home.

Connect with us on our website www.homeforchoice.org or social media: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HomeforCHOICE/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/HomeForCHOICE1 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/home_for_choice/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTRKfX5JqrJORVbVRCgQeSw/featured

Home For CHOICE

“Christianity, Outreach, Innovation, Community, Empowerment”

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 27

Getting to Know Your Children’s Learning Style

By Tannya Morris

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hen I first started the homeschooling journey, I approached as if it was the standard school environment. I followed a strict nine to four, Monday through Friday format, and scheduled each class accordingly. I reasoned that my child needed to accomplish and prove that she was learning “appropriately,” and participating in “real” school. I bought into the hype that homeschooling was not comparable to public school. After observation, I realized that this approach did not work for us.

Let’s consider the process we partake in when we place our children into a “normal” schooling setting. Our children are taught the basics by the parent, and then we send them to school at the age-appropriate moment. (The process rings truer if your

child began public school first, before homeschooling.) They get placed in the “school program.” All children are expected to learn the same curriculum, at the same time, and the same way. There’s not an opportunity to freely drink, eat a snack, or go to the bathroom.

The expectation is for them to sit still and do the work. Any child that is not learning at the same pace is labeled and placed into a “special” plan.

How do the school administrators assess and determine which children to separate?

They use standardized testing methods to determines their answers.

But what is standard?

Our children are not standard.

They are unique. I decided to put the “standard” schedule away and just watch. At the time, my child had difficultly with tests and quizzes, so we

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would test verbally. I wanted to know if she was ingesting the information. It didn’t matter how she relayed the information back to me. I limited the amount of testing we did.

With these changes in focus, my child became happier and more engaged. We still used a written schedule, but it wasn’t stringently enforced. I discovered that she was demonstrating how she learned as an individual. In some cases, we learned together and adjusted as we discovered new ways of learning.

Soon, I learned that there are actual titles for each aspect of learning, as well as many learning styles that branch from these four main styles. The V.A.R.K. style of learning is an acronym that stands for: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic.

“I am also a Kinesthetic learner.”

Your child may fall predominately under one singular method and have small combinations of the other methods. A child that has more than one equally dominant method would be referred to as multi-modal. Life, in general, is multi-modal. So, it is recommended that while teaching your children, expose them to each method in a small portion while intertwining with their predominant method.

A more in-depth analysis of each style of V.A.R.K. can be found on varklearn.com. Being familiar with the different learning styles is a great way to begin. You should always trust your instincts. Your knowledge of your child does not need to be formalized. You can aid in your own self-discovery by merely paying attention.

Currently, I am homeschooling two of my children.

Both have different learning styles based on the V.A.R.K. model. One child is considered a Read/Write learner, which means that she learns best through words, taking plenty of notes, and reading avidly. She controls her environment’s organization by making use of sticky notes, cork boards, and whiteboards.

My other child is a kinesthetic learner, which means

that she is a tactile learner.

She learns best by using a hands-on approach and by moving around. She is not told to sit still or stop tapping her pencil; instead, she chooses to move around. Sometimes that involves the use of sitting on a giant bouncing ball while at her desk or standing at her desk to do assignments.

Getting up frequently and taking breaks is no longer a hindrance because they can move at their leisure for water, snacks, or bathroom usage.

Take the time to learn your child a bit before you jump right into the schooling aspect. Younger children learn better through play, but sometimes so do teens. Choosing a different approach does not mean that lessons won’t be learned.

Daily, I am still learning about my children’s learning abilities and the ways they absorb knowledge. It is fascinating! We went to the Farmer’s Market for the first time. One daughter proceeded to read the map and figure out which location she wanted to visit ahead of time. My other daughter looked around from the moment she entered the door, bouncing on her toes with excitement. She ran from storefront to storefront.

She touched, squeezed, and rubbed, and even bounced

on a mattress in the furniture store! Our last stop included a produce stores. I noticed my daughter staring intently at a cactus leaf, seemingly entranced: Me: What is wrong?

Her: Mom, is it weird that I have the strange desire to touch it? (still staring) Me: (proceeds to touch said cactus leaf) Ouch!

Her: Why did you do that?

Me: ‘Cuz I wanted to touch it. (shrugging)

I am also a Kinesthetic learner. We finished our trip and made our way home to remove the cactus prickles from my finger. The children got to practice basic first aid on Mommy, which is a homeschool health class win!

Tannya Morris is a married, homeschooling mom of two.

She has four children, two sets of twins (17-year-old girls and boy/girl 13-year-old). She attended the University of Delaware, and majored in English, with a minor in Communications. Over the years, she has been involved with the local Head Start by helping, teaching, training, and enriching the parents and staff through their learning of government mandates of the program.

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 29

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SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 31

Traditional School Troublemaker

By Korreain Johnson

“I hope you have one just like you.”

T

hese are the words often said by parents to their challenging children. Although my mother never said these exact words to me, she would often say something similar like “Wait until you have a child.” This phrase was a warning that justice would one day be served when I had to endure the same trials with a child of my own.

So what did I do that left my mother weary and hoping for me to get a taste of my own medicine? Well, I was the child who consistently came home from school with notes from the teacher.

I was the child with my desk pushed in a corner away from other students, who was sent to sit in the hallway and even sent to the office. I often lost recess time and sat alone in embarrassment during a silent lunch sentence. But what exactly did I do?

I talked!

My mother was a strict disciplinarian. When she received a phone call from school or when I shamefully presented her a letter from my teacher, she handled things the old school way, leaving me with a sore behind.

When I think back on my elementary school years in public and private school, my main issue was talking. Overall, I was a good kid. I made good grades, loved my teachers, got along with my classmates, and tried to be a helper and a leader whenever I could. Even at home, I rarely got into trouble. Truth be told, 85-90% of the spankings I got as a child were because I talked excessively in school.

Now fast forward to today…

Not only did I end up having one child just like me, but I ended up with three vibrant, outgoing girls. My oldest is exceptionally expressive and talkative. When I look at her, I see a reflection of me and everything I was as a six-year-old girl.

The only difference is that she rarely gets into any trouble at all. I believe that has to do with the fact that she’s homeschooled.

From my very first year of school, I have always been known as the girl who talks too much. Not only did I talk too much during class, but I also had a “voice that carries” as my teachWhat about Socialization? ers would delicately describe it. I would attempt to whisper to a classmate while the teacher wrote on the board. My voice would boisterously car When people find out that I homeschool my ry itself to my teacher’s ears. Eventually, I would children, many of them ask the infamous queshave to carry myself to the principal’s office. tion: what about socialization?

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“Homeschooling truly is a treasured privilege for our family.”

Somehow other parents, relatives, and even random people at the grocery store are extremely concerned about the social lives of homeschoolers.

They fail, however, to see that most children in traditional schools rarely have authentic socialization. I often remind them of a statement that many teachers have said over the years in class: “We are not here to socialize.”

Traditional schools can be deceiving in appearance. If a child is surrounded by numerous children their age, obviously they are socializing, right? Well, let’s look back at my experience with school. I was an extremely social child, but every attempt that I made to socialize with my classmates, I was punished for it. I was surrounded by many children to engage with. Still, any time I tried to talk to them, I was removed from the social stimulus and isolated. The only time I was really allowed to talk was if the teacher decided to call on me that day. As soon as I had answered her question, I was to be silent again. Lunchtime was mostly spent eating. Recess was the time used to burn off energy. So, when exactly is a child allowed to socialize in traditional school without having the small window of social time revoked?

Not only did traditional school leave little opportunity for authentic social experiences, but an otherwise well-behaved child was made to feel like a disrespectful nuisance. My need for social stimulation led to “trouble,” which led my mother to discipline me. I was made to feel like a bad child because I was sent to the office and regularly spanked for just wanting someone to talk during my seven hours of schooling.

daughter is not required to being silent for hours, nor is she at the risk of being punished for talking. She is allowed to talk as much as she needs to feel close to us and everyone she meets every day. And since she can socialize as much as she needs to, she typically isn’t disruptive or off task when it’s time for her to work.

Even at six years old, my daughter Jazilyn can see the beauty and freedom that homeschooling has offered her. After telling her what I endured in the traditional school setting, she said, “School sounds horrible. How can I learn if I can’t talk about anything? I remember what I talk about. How can you show people you love them if you only talk to them a little bit? My teacher would think I’m bad because I would talk.”

Homeschooling truly is a treasured privilege for our family. My children get the opportunity to learn at their own pace with a tailor-made education. They are also allowed to thrive as human beings with more needs to fulfill than academic ones. I consider it a great blessing that my girls can create bonds with our family, friends, and others without being punished for satisfying a basic human need.

Korreain Johnson is a wife and the mother of three beautiful girls. Korreain graduated from Wayne Community with an associate’s degree in Elementary Education. She later transferred to East Carolina University, where she received a bachelor’s in English. Korreain worked as a second-grade teacher before starting her family.

Currently, Korreain homeschools her three girls.

She also teaches online and helps other homeschool parents on her YouTube channel, Homeschool and Chill.

T.G.I.H: Thank God I Homeschool

Fortunately, my little mini-me never had to endure those feelings or treatment. She has the freedom to express herself and be heard. My

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 33

How to Thrive at Home with Kids All Day Written by Nike Anderson “How do you cope with being stuck at home with your kids all day, every day?”

T

hat’s a question I get asked often in one form or another. My honest answer is I really don’t consider being home with my kids all day as being stuck. Being together is all we know; it’s like second nature to us.

I’ve been a stay-at-home parent since I first became a Mommy ten years ago. We’ve homeschooled for six of those ten years. It’s a lifestyle for us that’s been established by a series of effective routines and practices.

However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t know the struggle. Spending a considerable amount of time with anybody is bound to have its challenges. I know what it feels like to want to lock yourself in the room and cry.

In fact, the reason I can write this is because I struggled to adjust to the realization that I’d be homeschooling my kids and, therefore, wouldn’t get that “break” from my kids that public school parents get.

Homeschooling is hard, especially now with all the new restrictions on extracurricular activities. If you’re new to homeschooling this year, please know this isn’t all that home education has to offer. The term “home” is just a suggestion. Pre-COVID, homeschool families used the world as their classroom through travel, sports, cooperatives, field trips, and other adventures. These days, we’re all stuck at home a bit more. But don’t despair, I want

to share some methods I’ve used to thrive as a home school mom who hangs out with her kids all day.

1

Practice the First 15. Did you know that

how you spend your first fifteen minutes upon waking sets the tone for the day?

Yep, just fifteen minutes can change the trajectory of your life. That’s powerful! There are many ways to practice the First 15, such as praying, meditating, exercising, reviewing todo lists. Whatever you do, make sure it leaves you feeling equipped and motivated to take on your day.

2

Establish a Solid Routine. Many stud-

ies contend children thrive and exhibit positive behavior when they know what’s expected of them. However, a solid routine is not just for the children’s sake; it truly benefits the entire family. Routines are essential for family resilience during crises and improve sleep patterns and overall health.

3

Block Schedule. Breaking the day into

manageable parts is a great antidote to feeling overwhelmed. You can start with morning, afternoon, and evening blocks and decide what you’d like your family to do during those hours. For instance, mornings from 8-12 can be designated for schoolwork, afternoons from 12-4 can be fresh air and creative play, and evenings from 4-8 can be a

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“Be intentional about recognizing when you need a moment to yourself to regroup throughout the day.” time for leisure and winding down.

4

Establish Your Lifelines. Chances are

your children have favorite activities like gaming, coding, watching YouTube, or maybe even reading. Reserve those activities for moments when you need to schedule a break into your day. I call them lifelines because whenever my boys do these activities, it’s a guaranteed free hour or two for me to get other things done.

5

Recharge Often. Many moms are go-

ing about their day running on empty, waiting until the very end of the night to recharge. Be intentional about recognizing when you need a moment to yourself to regroup throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be long—a brief prayer in your bedroom or quickly reciting that motivational quote you’ve got hanging in your office can be all the recharge you need to take you through the next few hours.

6

minutes or five hours, as long as you establish a habit of putting self-care into your agenda.

A quick five-minute call with your bestie. Ten minutes of drinking your morning coffee in peace. A twenty-minute walk. A thirty-minute devotional. Catch my drift? Remember, selfcare allows us to give our family the best of us, not what’s left of us.

Nike Anderson is a wife, boy mom of two, and homeschooler living in Middle Georgia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their children for six years. Aside from managing her home, Nike runs a blog called The Homeschool Genius, where she empowers other moms to homeschool with confidence and purpose. She is also a business owner, M.Ed., and educational resource author.

How to Thrive at Home with the Kids All Day

Get Outdoors. Sit on your porch with

your favorite book while your kids play in the yard. If you don’t have a porch, sit on a picnic blanket or go to the local park. It’s magical. Somehow the shouting of wound-up children is more bearable when four walls do not confine it. Sunshine and fresh air will also boost everyone’s health and mood. Even if the weather isn’t great, have everyone put on their rain/snow gear and jump into puddles or make snow angels. If you don’t have rain/ snow gear, invest in some, so that weather conditions don’t restrict your outdoor time.

7

Schedule Yourself In. Set aside time

Practice the First 15 Establish a Routine Block Schedule Establish Your Lifelines Recharge Often Get Outdoors Schedule Yourself In

just for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s five

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Looking for inspiration for your homeschool space?

The fantastic homeschooling families on the following pages have graciously shared their homeschooling spaces with us!

We would love to see your homeschool spaces!

Email a picture to admin@melanatedgoldhomeschool.com to be featured in an upcoming issue.

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Shayla Epps (facebook.com/shayla.epps) 38 � MELANATED GOLD HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 39

Shoney Eyster (facebook.com/shoney.atkins)

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By: B. Janee’ Age: 11

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 43

Where Kids Are The Chefs And Parents Are The Assistants

ADD COOKING TO YOUR

HOMESCHOOL

CURRICULUM The Step Stool Chef is dedicated to building kid leaders through cooking Follow us @STEPSTOOLCHEF for tips, cook alongs and recipes LOVE US! LIKE US! SUBSCRIBE!

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To learn about our products, visit

WWW.STEPSTOOLCHEF.COM

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SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 45

Apple Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe/Photo: Shana Was Here

Ingredients For the Pancake: 6 large eggs 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 3 tbsp butter Powdered sugar for dusting Apple Topping:

Instructions 1. To make the pancake: Heat oven to 425.

2. Combine eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and cinnamon in bowl and mix with blender.

3. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat. Once melted and starting to bubble, pour in pancake batter. Put into the oven and bake until puffed and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Apple Topping: While pancake is baking in oven, melt butter in skillet. Add apples, cinnamon, sugar, salt and lemon to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples are tender.

5. Once the pancake is done, remove from oven. Pile the apples on top. Dust with powdered sugar.

2 medium apples, peeled & sliced 1 tbsp butter 2 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp lemon juice Pinch of salt

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SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2020 47

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe /Photo: Terri-Ann’s Kitchen Ingredients

Method

2 lbs chicken wings

1. In a clean bowl season the chicken wings using the ingredients under the chicken seasoning list and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge or overnight.

For seasoning use 1 tsp. oil 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tbsp. lemon pepper seasoning 1 tsp. chicken seasoning 1 tsp. green seasoning (optional) 2 cups vegetable oil for frying (can also use a deep fryer) For batter use 1 cup. plain flour ¼ cup corn starch/flour ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. chicken seasoning

2. Prepare the batter when you are ready to fry the wings by combining all the ingredients under the batter section.

3. Heat oil into a frying pan for 3 minutes on a medium heat and fry the wings for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure that the pan isn’t overcrowded as this may cause the wings to become soggy. These wings can also be made in a deep fryer and the same frying time will apply.

4. After the wings have all been fried, place on a wire rack to drain off the excess oil.

5. Combine the melted butter and extra lemon pepper into a small bowl. Using a brush, lightly brush the top of the wings or they can also be tossed into that mixture.

6. Garnish with extra black pepper and/or parsley flakes and serve whilst hot for best results.

½ tsp. lemon pepper seasoning ½ tsp. paprika ½ tsp. parsley For brushing on the top when cooked use:

3 tbsp. melted butter 1 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning

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Website: https://melanatedgoldhomeschoolmagazine.com Email: admin@melanatedgoldhomeschoool.com Phone: (615) 200-0245

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