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__________________________ IHEN Journal __________________________
> #2.09 September 2002


An e-mail newsletter, published by the INDIANA HOME EDUCATORS' NETWORK


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_____
"IHEN Journal" ©2002, IHEN and respective authors if noted.
All Rights Reserved. Non commercial distribution rights allowed.
See forwarding guidelines [b] at the end of the newsletter.




______________________________________________ CONTENTS__________
> if the pools close, does that mean we'll
> have six more weeks of 90 degree days?
> no rain? this is Indiana, after all.


> [1] LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

> [2] READERS... WRITE... LETTERS
__ you read, you write, we read, we share
__ send your letters to > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com

> [3] LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT! (of IHEN, that is)
__ <>

> [4] INDIANAHOMESCHOOLERS E-LIST DIGEST
__ a monthly sampler from IHEN's "IndianaHomeschoolers" list
__ plus why "IndianaHomeschoolers" is THE list for YOU

> [5] HOOSIER HOMESCHOOLERS ON-LINE
__ unit studies and unschoolers - part 3 of 3

> [6] IHEN COUNTY CONTACTS
__ want to contact a contact? this e-mail's for you.

> [7] OFF THE DEB END by debbie harbeson
__ learning to count... what counts

> [8] POINTS OF INTEREST
__ nhen.org article: when "the press" looks at homeschooling
__ don't blink! new stuff headlines.
__ we've got a winner! she's got a book! it's just that simple.

_____
IHEN Resource Directory:
> [a] CONTACTS
__ who's who; staff and volunteers
__ e-mail addresses
__ [un]subscription instructions

> [b] COPYRIGHTS/DISTRIBUTION
__ forwarding guidelines




[1]
________________________________ LETTER FROM THE EDITOR __________
by debbie harbeson
> IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com


Hello everyone, this is Debbie Harbeson, writing this month as
interim editor. Welcome to the September edition of the IHEN Journal.
Beginning with this issue, we have a new publishing date, which will
make compiling the information easier on those involved. IHEN is
currently looking for an editor for the journal, as well as other new
positions due to our growth. So be on the lookout for what you can do
to help IHEN as it works to help homeschoolers throughout Indiana.

We have lots of good items for this issue. The IndianaHomeschoolers
List Digest shows that the list activity just keeps growing and
growing. A very interesting discussion on the list this month was
about helping a new homeschooler who was having trouble finding local
support for homeschooling. The list turned into that support with lots
of great help, information and support for her. We even had several
people offer to take a road trip and meet with her in person if she
indeed couldn't find someone locally to assist her. As of this
writing, I don't know how that turned out, or even if she will decide
to homeschool, but she was very grateful for all the help list members
gave her in her time of need.

We bring you a new section this month from NHEN (National Home
Education Network > http://www.nhen.org ) about what is happening
nationally with homeschooling. This first article is about
homeschooling and the media, which is especially interesting
considering recent article The "Indianapolis Star" published about
homeschooling in Indiana.

We have the final installment in the three-part series of online
resources of lists to join for various homeschooling styles, and much
more. Enjoy and see you next month.



[2]
______________________________ LETTERS FROM THE READERS __________
> IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com


From: Tammy Hollingsworth
> parentime@comcast.net
Subject: Feedback on IHEN Journal

I would first like to thank all of those who put in so much time and
effort compiling the information and writing the articles for this
informative newsletter. I appreciate all that you have done!

I especially liked the "Hoosiers Online" feature, because of the
narrow focus on specific topics, and the effort to network us with
other homeschoolers. This is a valuable resource to me, and to others
I am sure. I thought I was a real list ferret, but there were things
there I had never heard of, and which I know I would like to get
involved with.

The article on homeschool co-ops, and the "Off the Deep End" was
great too. Should I go on? It was all fantastic!

Furthermore, I appreciated the "hot links" throughout the letter, so
that you can just click and go... having them in the section in which
they're discussed makes it very convenient, and also encourages us to
read on. Especially helpful were the links which had been posted to
the Indiana Homeschoolers list.

Ok, now that I've showered you with complements... are you up for a
little constructive criticism?

This newsletter is an exercise in stamina! I mean, it's LONG! I think
this is in part due to the fact that addresses for IHEN staff,
contacts for IHEN, Etc., are repeated many times. I think the info at
the top was probably adequate; once an address is mentioned, just use
that person's name. Please understand, I think every single link and
address which was included was relevant and of great value; I only
think they each should be written once.

Well, that's it for now. I really loved the newsletter. Thanks again
for doing all that you do, and know that there are those of us silent
masses out there who read every word.
_____
WOW! Thanks! We would ask Ben (our design and production guy) for a
comment, but we just KNOW it would be too long. :-) -ed.



[3]
_____________________________ LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT __________
by jane casey
> JaneCasey@ihen.org


Hi all! Isn't back-to-school time wonderful? We enjoyed a crowd-free
trip to the zoo this week and suggest you all check out your favorite
attractions before the field trip season starts!

The IndianaHomeschoolers list has been hopping this month! Wow! If
you haven't joined yet, you want to. I love watching a bunch of
homeschool parents share what they know!

We have also had some new faces on the IHEN-Org list, which is IHEN's
working list. We would love to see more of you there.

You will shortly be seeing some "Help Wanted" blurbs popping up on
the different lists. Be watching for these. They are going to be for
all kinds of large and small jobs where our growing organization
needs help.

The new IHEN webpage is coming along nicely, too. Thanks to Ben
Bennett for all of his work on that!

Have a great September!

/s/ Jane Casey, President, IHEN



[4]
_______________________________ INDIANA'S E-LIST DIGEST __________
by debbie harbeson
> DebHarbeson@ihen.org


If you want to go to a specific post, go to our website
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianaHomeschoolers/ and click on
messages in the left margin. Once there, type in the message number
in the "Msg #" search box.

(Numbers refer to message number in the archives at YahooGroups. You
must be a list subscriber to access the archives and files.
Subscription information is below.)

Now for this month's sampler of posts to the list:

> LOCAL AREA RESOURCES:
7185 Suggestion for an inexpensive history field trip to Madison
Indiana
> http://www.visitmadison.org/attract.html
7189 IAHE Region 1 Christian Homeschool Convention Saturday,
September 28th
7251 Delaware County Activities
7271 Marian College homeschool offerings
7286 Montessori Conference in Indianapolis October 19-20
7407 Indianapolis Resources
7430 Fort Wayne area Resources
7465 Muncie Area announcements
7468 New Group forming in Madison County
7490 Hoosier Storytelling Festival October 9th and 10th
7568 Ohio Renaissance Festival
> http://www.renfestival.com/student.html

> STATE RESOURCES:
7097 Offer for Student Photo ID Cards made by a list member
>http://mywebpages.comcast.net/homespunresources/
7194 One tank getaways
>http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=827335&nav=9Tah9hvp

> ONLINE RESOURCES:
7089 Free CD-Rom from Nasa
> http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/Order_Form/order_form.php?mode=order&type=ese_cdrom
7099 Computer discounts for home educators 
> http://www.leah.org/discounts.html
7177 Teach with books and movies online lists
> http://www.classicalhomeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html
> http://www.teachwithmovies.org/age-index.html
7206 Reading and math resources
> http://www.readinglesson.com/dnlds.htm
> http://www.readinglesson.com/mathlesson.htm
7525 A maths dictionary for kids
> http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/

> INTERESTING DISCUSSION THREADS:
* Thread on history, science and math ideas
* Thread on what kids miss by not going to school
* Thread on good places in Indiana to go camping
* Thread on pros/cons of HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)


_____ ABOUT THE IndianaHomeschoolers LIST __________

We believe that the "IndianaHomeschoolers" Networking and Discussion
list is probably one of the better (definately the largest, by
subscriber numbers) statewide e-mail discussion lists going!

And what makes it the best, first source for statewide
homeschooling information and discussion? Our subscribers.

Parents who homeschool are proving every day that Hoosiers are
some of the nicest, most helpful people around. If you aren't
subscribed to IHEN's "IndianaHomeschoolers" e-list, then why not?
It can't hurt, and you might even get the heads up on a really
great "Summer-time Indiana Fishing Hole" from one of our famous
"Off Topic" discussions!! ;-)
_____
Resources:
__ To subscribe to the IndianaHomeschoolers list, send an email to: 
> IndianaHomeschoolers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com



[5]
_________________________ HOOSIER HOMESCHOOLERS ON-LINE __________
by jessica radtke
> jessradtke@yahoo.com


UNIT STUDIES AND UNSCHOOLERS - PART 3

[Editor's note: Jessica's list was very long, so we have broken it up
into sections. This month's focus is on lists dealing with unit
studies and links of interest to unschoolers. This is the final
installment of her work.]


A recent search for more information on a particular educational
"style" led to this month's topic. During my search I found so many
wonderful sounding lists that I just had to pass them along. This
month's "Hoosier Homeschoolers On-Line" features the various e-mail
lists that I have run across that pertain to specific educational
philosophies and curricula. I hope you find something of use to you
and your family!


UNIT STUDIES

"This list is for families who use The Weaver Curriculum for
homeschooling. We discuss ideas for the different units, resource
books that we use, and tips for teaching with Weaver."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/u-weaver/

"This is a great place for you Konos users old and new to visit and
exchange ideas."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KonosSupport/

"A list for parents who use the Five in a Row curriculum with their
children -- plus a little more. :) This list focuses on incorporating
FIAR with other educational approaches (Charlotte Mason, Classical
Education, etc.) or other curriculum programs (Konos, unit studies,
PUO, etc.)."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FIAREtc/

"A place to discuss and share FIAR and B4FIAR ideas and experiences."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fiar/

"This is a list for anyone using Before Five in a Row, Five in a Row,
Beyond Five in a Row, and/or Above & Beyond Five in a Row. The
official FIAR website is
> http://www.fiveinarow.com/"
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FIAR_Friends/

"This is a list where we put together unit studies as a group. We
pick a topic every two weeks and members send information to the list
on that particular topic. At the end of that unit collection, the
information is organized into a printable unit for members use. These
unit studies include Bible References, Learning Objectives,
Vocabulary, Reference Books, Living Books, Movies, Websites,
Activities, Worksheets, Games, Writing Assignments, and Evaluation
Ideas."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unit-safari/

"This is a list for homeschoolers who are using unit studies to teach
their children. You may discuss the unit studies you are using or ones
you have used in the past. Please feel free to post all free unit
studies that you come across on the web. You may discuss units, ask
questions or make comments. Anyone who makes up their own unit
studies and would like to share the information here, please do so."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YourUnitStudies/

"This list is to help members homeschool with a unit studies
approach. We pick a topic and everyone sends information for that
topic. We rotate between a generica topic and a liturature unit. This
is a NON-religious group."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hsunits/


FOR THE UNSCHOOLING/SELF-LED LEARNING FAMILIES.

"This list and the Unschooling.com site were created and are still
supported by Home Education Magazine:
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com"
[This list gets my personal vote for best unschooling list, but it
is very high volume. -jr]
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom/
Web site: > http://www.unschooling.com

"Unschooling is the art of using a child's natural curiosity to guide
learning. Join us and learn more about this."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschooling/
> http://www.homeschoolzone.com/unschooling/

"This is the 'Radical Unschoolers List'. It is for all families,
regardless of religious affiliation, choosing to unschool their
children."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RUL/
Web site:
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/3405/Naturallearning.html

"What is holistic education? Its a term used for educational
philosophies that seek to reach children on all levels,
intellectually, socially, spiritually, and physically. Wether you're
interested in community based education, montessori, waldorf, reggio
emilia, enki, charlotte mason, free schools, or unschooling this is a
place to pool resources."
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HOLISTIC_LEARNING/

--
Next month, more of course. If you have or know of an on-line
resource that you would like to see listed in the "Hoosier
Homeschoolers On-line" portion of the IHEN Journal, send the
information to Jessica Radtke at: > jessradtke@yahoo.com



[6]
_______________________________________ COUNTY CONTACTS __________
> by b. b. bennett & marla james


The new news about our IHEN County Contacts is, we have one easy to
use e-mail address for anyone interested in getting in touch with an
Indiana Homeschooler close by. Write to > CountyContacts@ihen.org and
you'll get an answer.

The all volunteer IHEN County Contacts are already helping new
homeschoolers answer questions about homeschooling in Indiana... and
so far, the system is working very well. Most people have good things
to say about how quickly IHEN County Contacts have responded with
helpful information.

We're also developing the contacts pages of the web site to better
serve people looking for local homeschoolers. If you know someone who
is interested in homeschooling in Indiana, and they don't know where
to turn, why not give them the County Contact address? Or better yet,
pass on the newest homeschooling URL in Indiana > http://www.ihen.org.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN IHEN COUNTY CONTACT?

Easy: Join our IHEN Organizational Committee group, then ask how to
become a county contact. Ask for Marla James, our Coordinator for the
IHEN-CC's, and she'll fill you in on the requirements.

COUNTY CONTACTS TO DATE

You can find out who is where by going to our County Contact page on
the web. If you don't see a Contact in your county.... Well, you know
what to do.
_____
Resources:
__ IHEN County Contacts web page:
> http://www.ihen.org/IHEN_Contacts/IHEN_CCs/
__ IHEN County Contacts E-mail Address:
> CountyContacts@ihen.org
__ Marla James, IHEN-CC List Moderator and County Contact Coordinator
> IHEN-CC-Owner@yahoogroups.com
__ Subscribe to the IHEN Organizational Committee List
> IHEN-Org-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com



[7]
_______________________________________ OFF THE DEB END __________
by debbie harbeson
> DebHarbeson@ihen.org


LEARNING TO COUNT

When I first started homeschooling, I had to withdraw my kids from
the government school they were attending. The school corporation
sent me an attendance form to turn in at the end of the year showing
that we had 180 days of school attendance.

I looked at the form and wondered what this meant for us as a
homeschooling family. We are here every day, aren't we? Even as a
brand new homeschooler, I could see that it would be possible to have
a school day on weekends, summer months and other days government
schools were out. But as time went on and I began to see how learning
involves much more than just textbooks, my questions resurfaced as to
what would count as a school day. Or, maybe more importantly, what
wouldn't count.

For example, on days when my kids were sick, they still read lots of
books or watched programs on Discovery or History channel. Does that
count?

We were outdoors a lot, taking hikes in the woods, talking,
questioning, drawing, observing, and riding bikes. Does that count?

We took vacations and trips where we did a wide variety of activities
and learned all sorts of interesting things. Does that count?

What about the days my daughter was outside helping my brother build
a deck in the back of our house? She helped design, plan, measure,
cut, and hammer. She discussed the business of construction. Does
that count?

What about the days my son helped his father at his computer
business? Does that count?

My kids volunteered with our church youth group, at the Louisville
Science Center, and with other community organizations. Does that
count?

But then I found that this question did not go away on days that were
spent more traditionally using textbooks. On those days, I generally
wondered whether my kids had done enough to consider it a school day.
However, there were those days when we did so much that I wondered if
we could count the day as two because so much learning happened.

What is the real purpose of this attendance sheet? Is it really about
actual education and learning? I came to the realization that the
attendance law was really only intended for institutional school
accountability where the child had to be in a certain location for
"school" to happen. For homeschoolers, it can happen anytime and
anywhere in any varied number of ways.

Eventually, I quit focusing on whether a particular day was a school
day and relaxed in the knowledge that my kids were learning, growing,
accomplishing goals and easily managing the 180 days of "school"
required by Indiana law. It took me a while, but I finally learned to
count.



[8]
____________________________________ POINTS OF INTEREST __________


_____ NHEN - NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION NETWORK __________
> http://www.nhen.org


WHEN "THE PRESS" LOOKS AT HOMESCHOOLING
by Laura Derrick, NHEN

"When the National Home Education Network first began doing media
work, every article with something positive to say about
homeschooling seemed like a little baby step forward. But for each of
those encouraging articles, there were also the ones we dreaded, those
that gave misinformation, or painted a very skewed picture of who
homeschoolers are and what it is that we do all day..."

Laura mentions several different articles that are beginning to show
a shift in reporters' attitudes toward homeschooling. She writes, "A
year ago we had only glimpses of these kinds of media pieces. Now it
really seems as if the tide might finally be turning toward a much
more interesting coverage of homeschooling. A lot of credit should go
to the many homeschoolers who have opened up their lives, and
sometimes even their homes, to journalists, so that the world might
see beyond the statistics and the contests to the heart and soul of
homeschooling."

Read the entire article at the NHEN website.
> http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=397


>> ------------ IHEN.org: AN AMAZON.COM ASSOCIATE ------------ <<

Buying from Amazon.com helps IHEN help Hoosier Homeschoolers.
[click the link below to visit the IHEN.org Books Home Page]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thealternated-20
&path=subst/home/books.html

>> ------------------- AdManager@ihen.org -------------------- <<


_____ DON'T BLINK! NEW STUFF IN A NUTSHELL __________
by ben bennett
> BenBennett@ihen.org


Random new stuff headlines:


THE NEW IHEN WEB SITE IS OPEN. GRAND OPENING WILL BE SOON
> http://www.ihen.org


HELP WANTED NOTICES "WorkSheets" COMING SOON TO THE IHEN-Org LIST
If you're interested in helping out as an IHEN volunteer, the place
to network is the IHEN-Org list. We're also looking for helpers and
editors for the newsletter. If you're interested in working on the
newsletter or writing. You know who you are. Write them. Nuff said.
> IHEN-Org-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com


NEWSLETTER LOOKING FOR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
Know someone who might want to advertise in the newsletter and on the
web site? We're considering offering limited advertising space. Write
for more information.
> AdManager@ihen.org


_____ IHEN POST TO WIN CONTEST __________


WE HAVE A WINNER!

IHEN, just for the heck of it, decided to give away a free copy of
the Tamra Orr's excellent book, "A Parent's Guide to Homeschooling"
and by gum, we did it!

We took a random drawing from all the posts to the
IndianaHomeschoolers list for the month of August, and a post by list
member Chris Delnat was at the top of the list. She should be getting
it soon! What did she say when she found out she was our lucky winner?

"I didn't even know you were having drawings. I'm lucky and didn't
even know it. Thanks."

Well, you're welcome, Chris! Let us know what you think of the book!

As of this writing, there isn't a contest planned for September, but
you never know what will strike our fancy as Summer turns to Fall.



|END - See you next month and daily on the IndianaHomeschoolers list!|



[a]
______________________________________________ CONTACTS __________
> who's who; what's where at IHEN


> http://www.ihen.org


_____ IHEN JOURNAL STAFF __________

MANAGING EDITOR: Debbie Harbeson > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com
EDITOR: > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com
DESIGN/PRODUCTION: Ben Bennett > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com
PUBLISHER: Peach Grove Press/eMedia > PGPress@aol.com

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: > IHEN-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS: > PGPress@aol.com
SUBMISSIONS: > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com

WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS - PRESENT AND PAST:
__ Ben Bennett > BBBennett@aol.com
__ Jane Casey > jccasey@mindspring.com
__ Debbie Harbeson > Dtomboy@insightbb.com
__ Marla James > aktundra@whiteduckwebdesign.com
__ NHEN > http://www.nhen.org
__ Betty Malone > bmalone444@hotmail.com
__ Jessica Radtke > jessradtke@yahoo.com
__ Joe (Coach) Stull > chess@thewordsofeternallife.com


_____ IHEN VOLUNTEERS, STAFF, OFFICERS __________

SEND MAIL TO THE IHEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS/OFFICERS
> IHEN-Directors@yahoogroups.com
__ Jane Casey, President
__ Deb Harbeson, Vice President

IHEN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE E-MAIL:
> IHEN-Org@yahoogroups.com

COUNTY CONTACTS COORDINATOR: Marla James
> aktundra@whiteduckwebdesign.com

E-LISTS AND RESOURCE LISTS COORDINATOR: Jessica Radtke
> jessradtke@yahoo.com

IHEN's "IndianaHomeschoolers" E-LIST MANAGERS:
> IndianaHomeschoolers-Owner@yahoogroups.com
__ Benjamin Bennett
__ Debbie Harbeson

IHEN'S PERSONAL CHESS TRAINER: Joe Stull
> chess@thewordsofeternallife.com


_____ IHEN E-MAIL LISTS __________

The Indiana Home Educators' Network invites you to subscribe to
"IndianaHomeschoolers," our statewide, open e-mail list for
networking with homeschoolers across Indiana. IHEN moderates other
lists you might be interested in joining. Go to our web site for a
complete list of IHEN's e-lists and moderators.
> http://www.ihen.org/IHEN_Contacts/


_____ [UN]SUBSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS __________

To keep up with the latest news and information about the IHEN, all
you need to do is subscribe to our free newsletter, the "IHEN
Journal." Simply send an e-mail to the following address
> IHEN-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and become part of this
network of homeschoolers helping homeschoolers!!

If you would like to be unsubscribed from the "IHEN Journal." please
e-mail > IHEN-News-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Subscribe
UNsubscribe



[b]
_______________________________ COPYRIGHTS/DISTRIBUTION __________
> forwarding guidelines


Copyright (c)2002, Indiana Home Educators' Network (IHEN), ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED. All materials not marked as copyrighted by the
author/creator is copyrighted by IHEN. No *portion* or *part* of this
publication may be used for commercial purposes without permission in
writing from IHEN and/or the creator/author. Send permission requests
by e-mail to > IHEN-News-Owner@yahoogroups.com.

"IHEN Journal" is a free monthly newsletter published by the Indiana
Home Educators' Network (IHEN). Subscribers are welcome to reprint
and/or distribute "IHEN Journal" for nonprofit use as long as the
newsletter is distributed in its entirety, including copyright
notices and subscription instructions. Thank you for supporting home
education in Indiana.


|IHEN|


____________________________________________________________________
The "IHEN Journal" is distributed by Peach Grove Press/eMedia
Web: > http://www.AltEdNet.org/PGPress | E-mail > PGPress@aol.com

... in partnership with the Alternative Educators' Network.

"All Parents are Educators.
What are You Teaching YOUR Children?»"
AEN

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