Thankfully some creative moms have come up with some small or portable ways to create a homework station wherever you have the space:

DIY Seat Sacks
Scissors & Spatulas

These easy to make cute little sacks hang on the back of a chair to keep papers from cluttering up the table.

Over the Door Organizer
A Bowl Full Of Lemons

Put those doors to work & keep homework and craft supplies in over the door organizers.

Portable Homework StationFirst Home Love Life

Create one of these homework stations for each child and stack them up!

Rustic Wood Homework Station
Love Grows Wild

This cute little homework station is sturdy and easy to move from place to place and fits in nicely with a rustic decor.

DIY Mail/Homework OrganizerNoodlehead

This was originally made to be a mail organizer but we love it for storing school forms, homework and other important school related stuff.

Flip Down Desk
Found on Ana White

Chalkboard by day, desk by homework time.  This chalkboard cleverly conceals a flip down desk.

Vintage Library Cart Homework Station
4 Men 1 Lady

This clever little work station now has me scouring the interwebs for a metal library cart.  This cute vintage inspired work station is color coded for each kid.

Homework Study Station
Mom Advice

I could have used this growing up! For the easily distracted kid (or ones who just can’t resist reaching over and poking their brother in the face) this study station keeps the focus on homework and can be folded up and put away when the work is done.

Lazy Susan Work Station
Home Stories A to Z

I’ve seen lazy susans used to store school and craft supplies before but what’s kinda genius about this one is the clever use of magnets so you can still take your jar without having to worry about the buckets flying off. Smart move, mom!

Laundry Room / Homework Station
Teal and Lime

Who says homework or crafts should be done on in a bedroom or an office?
Borrow some space from an unlikely place, like an over sized laundry room for example.

Have any great ideas on how to maximize a small space during homework time?
Any great organization tips? Tell us in the comments below!

Want more?
Check out our
Back to School Survival Guide for Students

The post 10 Homework Station & Storage Ideas for Small Spaces appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

To celebrate the opening the Homeschool Resources Group is hosting an open house Tuesday August 26 1-6pm.
Attendees will be able to register for classes on side, swap curriculum and free chess lessons will be offered.  Seminars will begin at 1pm.

Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) Seminars:

1pm – How to Begin Homeschooling: What You Really Need to Know! This informative workshop will help new homeschoolers get off to the right start by answering many common questions: Am I qualified? How do I prepare? Where can I go for help? How do I teach more than one child? What things should I never do? What are some secrets of success? And more!

2pm – Know the Law: Notifying and Testing Demystified Don’t let the legalese confuse you! Find out what requirements you must meet in order to homeschool, what tests or evaluations you may use, whom you should notify and when, and what to do if you are homeschooling because of your sincere religious beliefs.

3pm – How to Choose Curriculum Get a brief overview of six different teaching methods—from the classical approach to relaxed homeschooling. Hear lots of practical suggestions for choosing curriculum and where to find the resources you need.

4pm – Struggling Learners

5pm – Robotics information Session Interested in learning more about FIRST Robotics?  Starting at age 6 and continuing through age 18, participants master skills and concepts to aid in learning science and technology through innovative projects and robotics competitions, while gaining valuable employment and life skills.  Learn more about this exciting family of programs, and how you can get involved.

The post Homeschool Resources Group and Family Education Center Open House appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends – it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.

Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.

• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.

Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.

• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.

Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.

• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.

Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.

• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.

Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.

• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.

Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.

Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.

• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes – not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!

Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.
For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit www.SylvanLearning.com or call 804-782-2377

Steve Green is the Executive Director and Owner of the Richmond Sylvan Learning Centers, which is the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels with more than 30 years of experience and nearly 800 centers located throughout North America. Sylvan’s trained and Sylvan-certified instructors provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan also hosts MomMinded.com, a blog offering tips and resources from moms and education experts. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.SylvanLearning.com

This Article is Sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond

The post Back to School Survival Guide for Students appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Photo: Marco Nedermeijer

Q. Is homeschooling legal?

A. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the U.S., and homeschooling laws are unique in each state.
VaHomeschoolers explains Virginia’s legal requirements for homeschooling.

Q. Are there families like ours homeschooling?
Sure, homeschooling is not for everyone, but it is for anyone.

There are all kinds of families homeschooling in Virginia – the stereotypes do not apply. We see homeschoolers from a variety of income levels, a range of religious and political beliefs, all ethnicities, and all kinds of family and work situations.

Additionally, their reasons for homeschooling are varied: some want to spend more time with their children, some seek a more meaningful and customized education rather than focusing on test-based minimums, some seek to impart religious or moral values, some want more consistency since they move frequently with jobs or military service, some have children whose needs have not been met in public school, some want a more positive social situation with more mentors per student.

Once you look into homeschooling, you are sure to find others who are homeschooling for similar reasons.

Q. I want to homeschool this fall. When do I sign up?

August 15, 2014 is the deadline to provide written notice to your school division if you will homeschool in 2014-2015. This is called a “Notice of Intent to Homeschool” (NOI). VaHomeschoolers provides information about how to file your NOI, which is not as hard as it sounds.

If you’ve already been homeschooling, the deadline to file your evidence of progress (testing or evaluation) based on the 2013-2014 year is August 1, 2014.

You’re not really “signing up” for anything the school will provide and you’re not seeking their approval to homeschool – you’re notifying the school that you’re meeting the compulsory attendance law in a way other than sending your child to school. You can also decide later to begin homeschooling mid-year. You don’t need a school division’s “approval” to do this, but here are some helpful ideas for beginning homeschooling once the school year has started.

Q. I have a young child, just transitioning from preschool. How do I know what curriculum to use?
Read a lot about homeschooling to learn the different ways people approach early education at home.

Many people do not use a formal printed curriculum with five and six year olds, preferring a flexible and developmental approach that includes read-alouds, generous creative playtime, arts and crafts, nature walks, gentle learning of letters, sounds, and numbers, and exposure to the world of ideas through field trips, interactive websites, and educational videos.

Others use a Montessori approach, focusing on creating a positive educational environment at home.
Some parents choose a curriculum that does not seem much like a traditional school curriculum, such as Five in a Row or Oak Meadow.

Others choose to use textbooks and workbooks that are used in some schools or closely mirror them. The main thing to know about curriculum is that homeschoolers successfully use hundreds of different curricula successfully, and most if not all homeschoolers change curricula and homeschooling “style” quite a few times over their years of homeschooling. You are not locked in to one curriculum, and the beauty of homeschooling is that you can customize to fit your child’s needs.

Q. Is there any financial help or tax deduction for homeschooling?

A. The cost of homeschooling is completely the parents’ responsibility, and there is no tax deduction for expenses in most states, including Virginia.

Some school divisions may offer “virtual school” such as internet-based curriculum that is provided by the public school. Keep in mind that in Virginia, such a full-time school-provided virtual curriculum and enrollment is still public school, and your child will have to follow school requirements and testing.

This approach to education may be the right choice for your family, but keep in mind, it is much less customizable and flexible, and therefore you won’t get all the benefits of independent home education.
Fortunately, there are many ways to homeschool independently and frugally, especially by using the library and internet extensively and by joining in and contributing your skills to learning cooperatives (“co-ops”).

Q. How can I learn more about homeschooling?

VaHomeschoolers offers a free and comprehensive online Homeschool Guide. Additionally, VaHomeschoolers has a dozen free videos about getting started with homeschooling. If you join VaHomeschoolers, you get a subscription to the professional-level full color print magazine that is written, edited, and photographed by homeschoolers right in Virginia – VaHomeschoolers Voice. The VaHomeschoolers website itself is a wealth of free information that has been tried and tested by real homeschoolers, including a special article for parents of kindergarten-aged children.

Jeanne Faulconer is a popular speaker at homeschooling conferences and community meetings. She has homeschooled her children for sixteen years and is a volunteer and former board member for The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers, also known as VaHomeschoolers. Jeanne also blogs for TheHomeSchoolMom.com. Read more by Jeanne at her website EngagedHomeschooling.com, where you can also learn about her service providing evaluations for annual homeschool evidence of progress.

The post Homeschooling FAQS: Your Questions Answered appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Merre’s homeschooled kids and husband.

Public school, private school, or homeschool! How do you know what’s best for your child(ren)? And for you?

Merre Shepard knew the answer to that question very early for her personal situation – even before she had children of her own!  While attending college, she and her fiancé (now her husband) knew that one day they wanted children. And they also knew that one day they wanted to homeschool them.

Merre decided to obtain her degree in elementary education in preparation for that undertaking. “There was a lot of talk at that time about having to be a certified teacher for homeschooling and we weren’t sure – so I decided to plan ahead,” Merre explains.

Merre now homeschools her four children who are in 2^nd, 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th grade. Like all homeschoolers, she did not make this decision lightly.

“Homeschooling is not for everyone, but neither are public and private schools. It’s a very personal choice and people should not be judged on the choice they make. My husband and I chose homeschooling for a couple of reasons. First, we want to be able to challenge our children at their level at any point in time. This helps us keep them focused and challenged, and avoids boredom which my husband and I both experienced as students.  If my son needs more help in math, we focus on math. If it’s spelling, that’s where we focus. We can guide them as they grow,” she explains.

“And we also have spiritual reasons for wanting to mentor, teach, and guide our children through their learning years at home. Teaching our children at home allows us to instill our personal values in their educational process throughout their growth years.”

Why Homeschool?

Merre emphasizes that people choose homeschooling for different reasons.

According to the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers website, many homeschoolers “would still choose homeschooling no matter what changes are made in the school system.” They strongly believe that the educational process for their children is best delivered in the home environment. But others might move to public schools if the school systems made changes to their liking.

Speaking with Merre and other homeschoolers made it clear that most all of those who homeschool enjoy the flexibility, creativity, and exploration that come with homeschooling.  Merre says it suits her lifestyle well, especially since she and her husband have moved numerous times in the past – “We just move the schoolroom with us!”

What About Socialization?

As Merre says, homeschooling is not for every parent or child. But once the decision is made, there are many ways to socialize with other kids and activities.

“You set your own schedule so you actually have to be careful not to over-socialize,” Merre laughs.

“It takes some diligence but it can be balanced. Our children are involved in lots of social activities and events. They participate in co-op classes for homeschooled kids, participate in field trips, enjoy speech and debate with other students, and are involved in LifeSmarts, travel soccer with the Richmond Kickers, homeschool Varsity soccer through Spirit athletics, cotillion, and the National Beta Honor Society. This gives them a great balance of academics, socialization, and a well-rounded experience.”

Who Can Homeschool?

In Virginia, parents do not need permission to homeschool. But they must notify the local superintendent of their school district of their intentions. They must also meet certain criteria and children must successfully complete standardized year-end tests to proceed to the next grade level. Homeschooling parents must provide a general curriculum and evidence of progress of the child’s academic progress each year.

There are more than 32,000 homeschoolers in Virginia today, compared with about 9,600 in 1994. That’s almost as many students as the Norfolk Public Schools according to a recent article in Progress Index.

With so many parents opting to homeschool, it’s easy to engage with others and share teaching responsibilities.  For example, one of Merre’s children joined a group of students taught by another mom who has her doctorate. She taught the small group of students Biology and Chemistry in her kitchen. They learned much in this casual, small-group environment and now her daughter is interested in possibly becoming a nurse or other healthcare professional. They’re heading to the University of Virginia this weekend to learn more about their programs.

From UVA, they’ll head to NC for a summer camp focused on science experiments and public speaking. Merre’s son and daughter will participate in CSI, Mock Trial, Psychology and Physics Camps at Landry Academy.

It’s Not Easy

Merre emphasizes that homeschooling is not easy.

And sometimes it is way too hard!

Once her daughter reached the level of learning that led into Calculus, she decided it was time for her to enroll in a Pre-Calculus class at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. She has taken Calculus and Spanish for community college credits.

“Homeschooling is about listening and understanding the different seasons of your life. It’s about knowing the best approach to teach your children in an environment where they will learn and pursue their passions at the same time so that they enjoy learning. Every year we have to step back and take a look at each child and what they need. My husband and I assess their strengths and weaknesses as we plan each year’s curriculum,” Merre says.

Merre and her husband made the decision for one of her sons to attend public school for a year of elementary school. “It was the right time for him to do this and he did well. We were pleased with the education he received. The next year, we moved him back home for school and it has worked out well. It’s just all about changing with a child’s needs, like changing with the seasons.”

Making a Decision and Getting Help

Merre points out that “there are a plethora of resources for homeschoolers” including great online resources and group events.

The upcoming homeschool convention in Richmond, VA is an excellent resource too. Parents can attend a session to understand more about homeschooling if they’re not sure whether or not it’s right for them.  It is a free session held Thursday June 6, 2013.  In addition, there are dozens of vendors to meet, and resources to browse and review at the event.

“The most exciting thing about homeschooling to me is that we have the freedom to decide what’s best for our family. Whether it’s public, private, or homeschool, we are fortunate to have this freedom.”

Merre also emphasized that it’s important not to judge others about their decision.

“It’s like me driving a Chevrolet, while someone else drives a Honda or a Ford. Neither of us is wrong – it’s what suits our personal situation best. There’s no good or bad way to help our children learn. It’s about helping them learn the best way possible for the individual child and the family’s situation.”

More Information

Source: http://heav.org/convention

The 2013 Virginia Homeschool Convention, “Home Education: A Bountiful Harvest”, is scheduled for June 6-8, 2013 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Special guests are Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Click here for details.

We’d love to hear what our readers think about homeschooling vs. public and private schools. Leave us a comment below.

The post Homeschooling: Is it Right for You and Your Child? appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Click Here to visit our Richmond Homeschool Guide for a comprehensive list of local homeschooling resources!

submitted by Richmond mom  Tisha McCuiston

It’s that time of year again: I’m getting e-mails and calls from friends wanting to know about this homeschooling thing. I have a lot to say about homeschooling, but here’s the first: It isn’t what it used to be or what you might think it is.

My son and daughter started off in school. We loved the school, the teachers, the classmates, but my kids had needs that weren’t being met, so we decided to take a year off and try homeschooling. I’ll admit it: I was worried. I totally bought into the myth that all homeschoolers are the Duggars from 19 Kids and Counting. I was sure we wouldn’t fit in and doubtful we’d make it through unscathed. Maybe I was about to doom my kids to a life of wandering the earth, friendless and socially inept.

Luckily, I was completely, 100 percent wrong. We jumped in, then looked around and found ourselves surrounded by homeschooling families who are, on the whole, very…normal. Now that I’m here myself, what do I wish I had known from the beginning?

What About Socialization?

This is the number one question every homeschooler gets asked—over and over and over. Here’s the deal: Socializing happens as much or as little as you choose. We’re out there daily for park day, game day, art class, dance class, sports, and every kind of field trip you can imagine. The homeschool groups we’re active in (more on that later) organize holiday and birthday parties, teen hangouts, and even dances. Richmond is aswarm with homeschoolers—more than four thousand strong, according to the Virginia Department of Education—and social opportunities. The real problem is saying no before you max out your calendar.

But What About Education? How Will They Learn?

There’s an amazing amount of curricula out there for every kind of homeschooler, but our learning isn’t limited by our curricula. We also leave plenty of time to learn what the kids are interested in learning. My friend Jeanne calls this child-led learning “going down the rabbit hole.” If children are interested in learning something, I promise you there are no limits to how much they absorb. That’s when true education takes over.

But I Could Never Do That!

Here’s where I offer the caveat: Homeschooling is not for everybody. It’s a tough job, and you never really clock out. Bringing your children home and being with them—really being with them, day in and day out—is a huge undertaking. Making sure everyone is learning what they need and getting to the next destination can make you feel more cruise director than mom: “And to your left, you see the French Revolution…” It’s tough, tiring and often chaotic, but if you love learning new things and sharing them with your children, if you’re up for adventures, the unexpected and that supernova light in their eyes when they get it, you just may be a homeschooling mom in the making.

I Want to Learn More, But I’m Clueless and Totally Overwhelmed!

Join the club. We’ve all been there, and you’re not alone. If you take away only one thing from my rambles, let it be this: Join homeschooling groups to find folks for you and your children to connect with. South of the James Homeschoolers is my family’s personal favorite. I have to go sappy on you for a sec: These women keep me going. They answer every silly question I have; their children are my kids’ buds; they are my friends for life. They are some of the strongest, wisest women I have ever met.

Curious? That’s how it always starts…

Links to the Homeschooling Rabbit Hole

Here are some groups I currently belong to; most are on Yahoo!:

South Of the James—Find their group contact at http://www.homeschoolrichmond.com/groups/groups.htm

Richmond Area Homeschoolers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Richmond_Area_Homeschoolers/messages)

Chesterfield Home Educators of Virginia (CHEVA) (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CHEVA/?yguid=301411311)

Homeschool Mom’s Social Club (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HMSC/)—I love these gals, but since baby came I have yet to break away to hang out. I miss them!

There are also numerous co-ops and classes out there, and the benefits are multi-fold: My kids choose classes on subjects they love and meet new people, and we all get a little break from each other. Co-ops and classes are also great to cover subjects I’m not comfortable teaching or feel like the kids would be better served learning from someone else. Here are a few:

Westminster Academy (http://www.westminsteracad.org/index.html)

Chesterfield Christian Academy ( http://www.cca4u.org/)

The Athenian Academy  (http://theathenianacademy.com/Home.html)

ArtHaus (http://www.arthausrichmond.com/)—We love their great homeschooling classes)

Marr Science (http://www.marrscience.com/Marr_Science/Welcome.html)—My daughter can’t get enough of Sandra’s fun teaching style and hands on classes!

Mathnasium (http://www.mathnasium.com/midlothian)—The extra tutoring is a life-saver when math is over my head!

These are just the tip of the iceberg. To delve into the sea of opportunities, you’ll want to check out Virginia’s statewide homeschool organizations:

• The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VaHomeschoolers) (http://www.vahomeschoolers.org)
• Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) (www.heav.org).

Their sites abound with information on homeschooling and both offer annual conferences in Richmond. HEAV’s conference is upon us this weekend (June 7-9); VaHomeschoolers’ next conference is March 22-23, 2013.

The post Richmond Homeschooling 101 appeared first on RichmondMom.com.