Indeed, there is no place like home. Home is command central for me, being a work-at-home and homeschooling mom.
We’ve been homeschooling since 2009. And I’ve been attending homeschool conventions since 2014. You’d think that I’ve had my fill of conventions, but no. I still look forward to it every year. Especially since we went indie.
I once wrote about Adult Homeschool, and how learning should never stop. It’s the same view I have about attending conventions. And it’s not just about learning from the speakers. It’s about learning from our fellow homeschool parents, networking with them, sharing your best practices, and listening to theirs.
This year’s convention theme is No Place Like Home. And to say that I’m excited is putting it mildly.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Learning Through Family Time
by Gina Guerrero-Roldan
Function Hall 1
How to Build a Homeschool Parenting Community
by Dawn Fung
Function Hall 2
Panel: Government Exams for the Independent Homeschooler
Panelists: Cristina Buen and Eliza Cornejo
Moderator: Laksmi Maluya
Meeting Rooms 2-3
5:00pm-5:15pm
Mini-break
5:15pm-5:30pm
Closing Remarks
Function Halls 1-2
5:30pm-6:00pm
Expo Visit
Function Hall 3
I’m most interested in the homeschooling high school breakout session because yeah, we’re homeschooling high school now.
Our first homeschooler is already a degree holder at 19. After she finished elementary homeschool, she went to a Science high school. Then for the two younger kids, we decided to go independent. It was scary, yes, but we felt that the provider we chose was not a match for us. We were not getting the assistance and direction that was promised to us when we first enrolled with them. So after three years of not feeling good with them, we just didn’t enroll anymore.
So the second and third child were homeschooled independently. We just downloaded the curriculum from the DepEd website and played it by ear from there.
And when I say play it by ear, we were really going at it blind.
But I guess we have done something good.
Our middlechild now has her elementary certification from the Department of Education, and with it came two awards. She was given the Medal for Academic Excellence from the Office of Sen. Ralph Recto, and the Highest Rating Award from the Department of Education District Office. She garnered the area’s highest exam score in her batch.
She’s now preparing to take the certification exam for high school this year.
Meanwhile, our youngest child is also preparing to take the certification exam for elementary. The jury is still out whether he will take the path that our firstborn took – homeschool to 6th grade, then regular Science high school, or take the path that our middlechild took – homeschool all the way through high school.
Whatever he decides, we will just be here to support.
Hence the need to attend the convention. I need fortitude. I need inspiration. And most of all, I need to connect with homeschooling moms who have become friends throughout the years, online.
I hear they are still offering the Early Bird Rate until September 1, so please, if you are homeschooling or planning to homeschool, register now! And if you are reading my blog and you are going, I would love to meet up! We can bond over crochet or quilling during breaks. I’m even thinking about bringing my ukulele!
It arrived! The Celestron PowerSeeker telescope that was to be our Christmas gift to our son is finally here!
It took a long time, but my son has been blessed with patience, so no worries there. We’re celebrating Christmas in March.
I bought it from Amazon in September and was shipped to my sister-in-law’s place in New York. It was to be brought home by my mom-in-law last November, but it was a “pain-in-the-neck to pack”, so it was taken out of its Amazon packaging and put in a Balikbayan box and sent via cargo.
The long wait is so worth it. We unboxed it yesterday, and in my excitement shared the first photo on Instagram.
Because I was working, I didn’t get to participate in setting it up. But father and son had an awesome time bonding over it.
The package came with an instruction manual and the Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software from Simulation Curriculum. According to their website, the Celestron PowerSeeker telescope series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power. Sounds perfect for a 12-year old!
Other downloadables are: Astronomy Basics, Celestial Observing, Telescope Basics and Telescope Maintenance.
The astronomy software is so cool, I think I want to download it to my computer as well. I’m just not sure if the download code can be used on more than one computer. I have not tried it yet but will do soon, when my workload is light.
I took some screenshots of the software from my son’s laptop.
This is the screen that pops when you click on the icon. You’ll see that our location has been set up, along with the date and time. The What’s New dialogue box shows some trivia relative to the present date.
I clicked on one of the icons on the left sidebar and went to find out about the moon. The date changed to the actual date the image being shown was taken.
When you hover your mouse to any of the dots on the screen, it will tell you what that dot really is. Below, you’ll see that my mouse was on Jupiter. The image on the screen is actually moving and it will give you a feeling of being out there.
I wanted to see Venus, and an information popped out, saying that Venus is not visible at that time where I am. So I clicked on the button that tells the best time to see Venus from where I am, and as you can see, I will have to wait until tomorrow to try and find it. 🙂
There’s a lot to discover on that software still. All I know at this time is that it is a great tool to plan and execute observing sessions. It will tell us to which part of the sky we should look when we want to observe a particular heavenly body.
Meanwhile, I just let my son discover what other features the software has, and I’ll just wait for his show-and-tell. I’m thinking that the Starry Night will be a perfect complement to his Kerbal Space Program software. He can build the spacecraft that will take him to all the other planets.
Celestron also has a YouTube Channel, if you want to check first their line of telescopes and get an idea of what will best fit your needs.
And I just found out that there is a local Celestron distributor here in the Philippines! I have to find out how to buy from them as they don’t have a shopping cart. Will update this post once I have the correct link to the distributor.
Do you, have questions, comments or feedback about this post? Please leave a reply below, or post them on my Facebook Page.
I was going to write about the upcoming Philippine Homeschool Conference happening on October 7 at the Treston International College today, but just before I logged in, I opened an email from Coursera letting me know of new courses that they think would interest me.
And I got to thinking, maybe I should write something different. Like adult homeschool.
Our eldest child was homeschooled in elementary. Then she moved on to a Science high school. She’s now in college, and doing pretty well. Our two younger children are still homeschooled. Not showing signs of wanting to leave our home academy yet, but each year, I prepare for that eventuality.
Homeschooling our children taught me a lot of things. In fact, I may have learned more from them than them from me. It depends on how one views learning, actually.
I think our approach to homeschooling is more on guiding our kids to be autodidacts. Maybe because I’ve found my happiness in being an entrepreneur without ever taking a formal course on how to become one. I learned on my own. I was in adult homeschool from the time I left my corporate life. And I think it paid off.
Benefits of going to adult homeschool
I’m earning more.
Well, not that much. But more than what I would be earning had I stayed in employment. I’m staying competitive in today’s job market because I am teaching myself new skills. I can offer other services using skills I didn’t imagine I’d know when I was working in a conglomerate. It’s just like, send-more-entries-for-more-chances-of-winning type of thing.
I’m growing my circle of friends.
When I enroll in a course, I make sure that I visit the forums. I meet people from different countries and stay connected with some. Also, with my increasing knowledge base, I become confident in offering new services. In the process, either I find myself serving a new client, or working with a new colleague with a different set of expertise. Either way, these newfound contacts are amazing.
I’m enjoying my life more.
When I learned how to crochet, it was a revelation. I never thought I’m a creative person. But I am. I know that now. I’m claiming it.
When I learned how to set up online shopping carts and websites, you are not going to believe the happiness I felt. Like I was doing the jig in my mind, only to realize I was actually doing the jig, period.
Each time I troubleshoot a site, adding a bit of code here and there, it felt like my chest would burst with pride.
Adult homeschool changed me from being a passive consumer of knowledge to actively choosing what I want to learn. From crochet, knitting and quilling, to affiliate marketing, coaching and coding. And as I learn each new skill, I enjoy the positive feeling that comes with finally doing it on my own. Of becoming a master, later on.
Common Barriers
Time.
I know a lot of people would wonder how I find the time. But the thing is, I don’t. I don’t find time. I make time.
I have a busy work life. My virtual assistance business is busy. I have more crochet projects than I can comfortably handle. We don’t have a househelp. And we homeschool. So when do I get the time to be in adult homeschool?
I make time.
I download the course videos on my phone, and listen to them on the drive to and from the grocery. Instead of being online on Facebook, I’d spend my downtime watching the videos. Or if there is just audio, I crochet while listening to the lecture. And whenever possible, I choose a course that allows a student to finish at her own pace. Or at the very least, something that will not require too many exams.
Cost.
You can do this for free.
Here are my top picks on free education:
Coursera – This is my go-to site. They work with top universities to offer free online classes. I have a few certificates from the courses I took with them.
Khan Academy – I enrolled my kids here, and then I got hooked myself. My favorite part is practicing my math.
Code Academy – There’s free, and there’s PRO. Depending on your needs and your end-goal. For now, I’m staying with free.
Udacity – This is like Coursera, but more on technical courses.
CreativeLive – Needless to say, my favorite section here is the Craft and Maker Topics.
YouTube EDU – This one, I discovered through my son. He found it himself. Told you, he knows more than I do. There’s primary and secondary education, there’s university, and you can also subscribe per subject.
Duolingo – I have bookmarked this site, but I have yet to try it out. I have once taken a foreign language course in Coursera. It’s called Financial Accounting. So maybe I’ll try this site soon. I might fare better here.
There are hundreds more sites you can learn courses from, absolutely free. The list above are just the ones I have tried out. But if you are really that hungry for knowledge, just go to Open Education Database, or Open Culture. Those sites will give you more than enough choices.
Here’s an example of a video from YouTube that my son watches.
Location.
I’m writing about adult homeschool, remember? So unless you are planning to bring your learning materials with you to the grocery, the doctor’s clinic or to a boring get-together at the beach, your location should not be a problem.
Study in the car, on the dining table, even in bed.
I do all these. But mostly, in my home office. I really like my office. A lot.
So anyway, learning new things can also help beat old-age ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It keeps our brain healthy.
To enjoy learning, here are a few tips.
Adopt a growth mindset. Was it Oprah who said, “What you believe, you become“? Believe that you can learn new things, and you will. One is never too old. I learned crochet when I was forty-something.
Change your idea of learning. Forget the idea that you need to sign up and pay for a class to learn something new. Or that you need a certificate to show that you actually learned something.
Set your goals. Like I give myself at least three goals a year. Migrate a site. Create a pattern. Read 5 books on self-development. Anything. Whatever applies to you, and whatever you think will make you happy and accomplished at the end.
Identify resources. I already shared with you my top picks for my own adult homeschool, so start with those, and add your own.
Ask questions. Your family. Your friends. Maybe reach out to the author of the book you’re reading. Or take on an accountability partner.
Join groups. Start with the people you know. Find people who have the same learning goals as you do. It’s more fun to learn that way. Unless you really are the introvertest introvert.
Put your knowledge to work. Learning crochet is not much fun if you only have one set of hooks. That’s me trying to justify my 4 sets, and another one to arrive soon. But seriously, take some action. Listening to podcasts about health and fitness will be wasted if you won’t even follow a healthy diet or get a good workout once a week.
Share what you’re learning.
I just did.
And I promise to write about the Philippine Homeschool Conference next time. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this one.
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post? Please leave a reply below, or post them at my Facebook Page.
It’s that time of year again. The month when the Philippine Homeschool Conference happens. And this year’s theme is From Roots to Wings.
It’s been eight years. Eight years since we first embraced homeschooling. But I still can’t say that I know what I’m doing. We’re taking this journey one lesson at a time, one year at a time.
We get our support from fellow homeschooling families who selflessly share tips and encouragement in online fora. And conferences, such as this one.
I’ve been to two homeschool conferences, and this year is going to be my third. Some would say, if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to all. Some would ask, “What do you need a conference for? You’ve been doing it for eight years!”
Well, apart from the fact that it’s fun to connect with people who are in the same journey as us, it’s also important to be updated on how the homeschooling environment has been evolving through the years. I’d say that this year’s breakout sessions are even more exciting than last year’s.
Topics are spot on, and speaker line up is quite impressive.
The Ins and Outs of Homeschooling in the Philippines, with Edric Mendoza
Transitioning from Brick and Mortar to Homeschooling, with Jenn Punzalan
Homeschooling the High School Years, with Racquel Guevara
Laying the Foundation in Preschool, with Milona Barraca
Paper and Pen: How “Low Tech” Reading and Writing Benefit Students, with Andrew Pudewa
Transitioning to College, with Ivy and Bernard Marquez
Starting Your Homeschool Journey, with Donna Simpao
The Hows of Interest-led Homeschooling, with Alex Hao
Homeschooling the Special Needs Child, with Jen Bellosillo
Plus, there are exciting activities for the kids, as well.
Write Pretty by Meg and Maddie (8:30am-10am)
Children ages 7 and up will enjoy learning a new skill with fellow homeschooled children Meg and Maddie Barraca.
Handlettering by Maddie (10:30am-12noon)
Join in the hand lettering trend by learning how to write calligraphy. To be conducted by Meg and Maddie Barraca. For children ages 7 and up.
Just Add Water – A Brush Calligraphy class by Marj Liwag (12:30pm-2pm, 4:30-6pm)
Little Miss Printer herself will teach this class for children ages 7 and up.
Inks and Lines – A Tangling class by Marj Liwag (2:30pm-4pm)
Learn about this relaxing art that creates beautiful images from simple patterns.
Challenge Island (8am-10am, 10:30am-12pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm)
Loosely based on the popular show, Survivor, children ages 5 and up will learn collaboration and cooperation the various Challenge Island tasks that they will be given to their tribe. Are they up to the challenge?
Crochet Along with Crafted Crafts by Marge Aberásturi (7am-6pm)
Marge Aberásturi of Crafted Crafts will welcome children ages 6 and up in her booth for beginning crochet lessons. Additional P250 fee for yarn and hook. Hey, this is me!
MEET THE ART MASTERS by Likhang Bata Creativity Center (7am-6pm)
Likhang Bata Creativity Art Center’s classes are a fun way to introduce the art masters to the children. The classes will be held in Likhang Bata’s booth the whole day.
SAFSOF SPORTS PLAY AREA BY TOPMnl (7am-6pm)
Let your kids move and play in our indoor sports play area! Crawl under arch gates. Swing your club in mini golf. Topple the cans with the soft catapult. Play bowling. Practice targeting skills with the Multi Ring Toss. All using SAFSOF safe rubber foam sports toys. For kids ages 3 years to 12 years.
SMILE TODDLER PLAY AREA (7am-6pm)
Children ages 1-3 will enjoy the various activities prepared by SMILE Group in the Toddler play area.
Looks like fun, right?
I assure you, it is! Especially if you drop by my booth!
Here’s how you can ensure that your registration runs smoothly…
How sweet it is to be loved by you! Thank you, The Learning Basket duo!
I am beyond thrilled when I received this email yesterday from Sanne of The Learning Basket.
Here’s the full email, no edits.
Dear Marge, Mariel and I would just like to thank you for all the help that you gave us from the setting up of The Learning Basket Shop to the integration of the Affiliate Program. Working with you was such a breeze. You knew exactly what we wanted and you were able to follow through. To say that you work quickly is an understatement. We look forward to more projects with you! From (former haha) IT folks who could’ve just done it themselves, we are happy that we chose you for these projects. Thank you! Thank you! Sanne www.thelearningbasket.com
Inspiring you to be your child’s first and best teacher Shop pre-loved children’s books by the best authors and illustrators
In case you’re wondering what the fuzz is all about… well, I set up The Learning Basket’s shop back in May last year. And like any other shop I created in the past, there was no fanfare. But I do love these ladies. I just don’t post much about my projects in particular. I just talk about my glorious WAHMlife all the time. 🙂 I love working with clients who simply tell me what they need, and give me the freedom to go about fulfilling that need.
Then again last month, they wanted to know if I could help them set up an affiliate program for their shop. Just at that period in my VA life that I was seriously considering giving more focus on doing affiliate marketing and helping others do it, too. I’ve been immersed in it for years, and so many business owners in the Philippines are still not taking advantage of having their market reach multiplied a thousand-fold by simply setting up an affiliate marketing program.
You can read more about their affiliate program here. This is an opportunity to spread the word on the importance of reading, of being our children’s first ad best teacher, and top it with an opportunity to earn extra by simply talking about it. If you’re someone who’s active on social media, by all means, sign up and be an advocate of reading. I promise, this is something that you will be proud to share.
And on another note, if you are a business owner who wants to bring your business to the next level, do let me know! I can set up your affiliate marketing program, too!
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post? Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
26/365Challenge: Today’s a happy day! Never thought much about Valentine’s day. It’s not a day I got used to celebrating, but my son changed that for me.
Three days ago, he asked me if we still have origami paper. But unfortunately, we’ve run out. So next he asked If I have colored papers. And I gave him what’s left in the ream that I bought last year. I knew there’s something he’s trying to follow on YouTube, but I’m not one to go where I’m not invited, so I just let him be. I would hear him getting frustrated. And I would just shush him and say, “Patience, Jude.”
Then yesterday, he finally admitted that he could not finish it all by himself. He needed someone to hold the folded paper with two hands, while he used his hands turning the paper to its shape. When I commented that it’s looking good, he said, “It’s for you, Mommy.”
By afternoon, he asked me if he could borrow my glue gun. He needed it to attach the wire stem to the leaves and the flower.
Again, he was frustrated. He’s not used to using a glue gun, and it hardens before he could attach. So his dad finally offered to help him. We don’t normally offer to help. We have to be asked. That’s what we teach them. Figure things out by themselves, and ask for help when they can no longer do it on their own.
So Daddy showed him how to simply use the white glue and roll the paper around the wire.
And this is where it is now, holding that special space on my lap table which also serves as my crochet project table. The crane is from my middlechild. I wonder what our firstborn will have for me this Valentine?
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post? Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
Or you can be my writing challenge partner. Send me a topic that you want me to talk about.
