Providing children with a Catholic education was considered so important to Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants that parishes built the school BEFORE the church. A lot has changed but Mary Ellen and Ginny remind us that one thing that has NOT changed is the serious obligation of Catholic parents to give their children an authentic Catholic education. Today they discuss how homeschoolers can best fulfill that obligation.

Show Notes:

Years ago, providing children with a Catholic education was considered so crucial that parishes built the school BEFORE the church. What changed? Well, lots, but today, Mary Ellen and Ginny remind us that the one thing that has NOT changed is the serious obligation of Catholic parents to give their children an authentic Catholic education. They also discuss how homeschoolers can be best equipped to fulfill that obligation.

Parents are required to give their children a thoroughly Catholic education – period.

So, what does this mean for homeschoolers?

1. Catholic materials have to be the default choice.

· There are a few legitimate reasons to use non-Catholic materials – a special needs child, could be one of them.

· Money can be a factor if you truly cannot afford a Catholic option.

2. Content is a critical issue in reading, science, and history.

· Books should teach the Catholic Faith and give examples of the saints.

· Christian books can be downright anti-Catholic.

3. It is imperative to teach the extraordinary accomplishments of faithful Catholics.

Holy Mother Church is often portrayed as anti-science. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Some sources are quick to bring up Galileo but neglect to mention that:

· It was Catholic cleric Nicolas Copernicus who first identified the sun as the center of our solar system.

· Augustinian Monk Gregor Mendel founded the field of genetics.

· Louis Pasteur, founder of bacteriology, was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary daily.

· Seismology is often called the Jesuit science because of the order’s contributions.

That’s why you need a Catholic program!

4. Your parish CCD program, even the best-intentioned of them, is Catholic-lite.

They cannot and do not replace daily religious instruction in your home. Thirty hours a year just does not cut it. And it includes a minimal Catholic history of accomplishment.

A Great Catholic program we love:

• Seton Home Study School

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Society of Catholic Scientists

Notes from Social Media

Beth from Illinois wants to know:

How much time is typically spent on kindergarten? My second child is on the way, and I am overwhelmed by the idea of managing a school schedule with a new baby at home.

Best advice: Don’t sweat it. Maybe an hour to two during the day can be split up. Be flexible using baby’s naptime or downtime. Now, as they start to crawl and walk, things get challenging. You’ll find more about that in our episode, The Secret of Teaching with a Toddler in the House.

Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? You may have bought a few books, read a few blogs, and followed a few Instagram accounts. It can be really hard to say, "We are doing this!" and jump in. Well, fear not: Ginny and Mary Ellen have helped thousands with their clear and simple practical advice, along with a generous helping of good humor.

Listen now at the link below!

https://www.setonhome.org/podcast/

Program Notes:

How Do I Get Started?

Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? Have you dipped your toes in? You may have bought a few books or read a few blogs. It can be really hard to jump in and say “We are doing this!” Ginny and Mary Ellen have a few things to consider that might help you take the plunge.

So, if you think you should homeschool, we agree and have a few tips to help you get started.

1. Check out the laws in your state.

· HSLDA is an excellent resource for state rules. See the link in Resources below.

· Discreetly check out the compliance your local school district requires.

· Look for local Facebook groups.

· Veteran moms are an excellent resource for the ins and outs of reporting.

· If you withdraw from public school, sending a letter stating you will homeschool is standard.

· Provide the minimum of information. Too much information can cause trouble.

2. Start with a boxed curriculum.

· In the first year, you might be more relaxed if you are enrolled somewhere.

· It's straightforward; you know all the bases are covered.

· As you gain experience, you can pick and choose or write your own.

3. Get organized.

· Start getting your house in order.

· Be ruthless and get rid of everything not serving your family.

· Set up a system to easily plan your meals, tidy up, and grocery shop.

· Record a phone message: "Schools in session. I'll return your call after dismissal."

4. Get routines started.

· Envision your daily routine and rhythm.

· Establish play times, chore times, nap times, and bedtimes.

· Schedules will make your first year of homeschooling much less stressful.

5. Make a Plan.

· Decide on your start date, vacation days, and end date.

· Plan a few field trips and art projects.

· Get a teacher planner for each child.

6. Time outside your home.

· Use good judgment in choosing activities.

· Your first year is not the time to jump into outside activities.

· Those activities will be available in the second semester or even next year.

· Time may be your greatest asset, be a miser spending it in your first year.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

Notes from Social Media

Maria and Carrie posted on the podcast's FB page asking for tips on how to teach spelling.

There are two keys to successful learning: repetition and multi-sensory. Kids who struggle with spelling should write them 5 or 10 times each. They see them, and the words go into muscle memory when they write them. Even better, say them and spell them as they write them. Book b-o-o-k Book. Make it fun by letting them write words on a whiteboard or the patio floor using sidewalk chalk. Before they test, have students march up and down, repeating the words and their spellings several times.

Who says Catholic homeschool students can't enjoy school spirit and connection with their fellow students? Not Seton Home Study School!

Seton has an online forum, Catholic Harbor, to provide just those things and more. Listen to learn more!

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Draper Warren Bio:

Draper Warren is the Director of Admissions at Seton and the Admin of Catholic Harbor. He is a Seton alumnus and graduate of Christendom College. He has worked at Seton for over 25 years, earned an MBA, and is currently completing a doctoral degree in educational leadership at Marymount University.

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Show Links:

https://www.setonhome.org/student-life/catholic-harbor/

https://www.catholicharbor.com