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High School

80% Passing Grade: Learning for Mastery

My older children take chapter and lesson tests regularly, and if they get below 80% they fail.  In other words, if they get 79% or less they will redo the material, and I will reteach whatever is necessary. I’ve seen this concept raise eyebrows and meet with disapproval.  But is it really crazy?  Am I […]

On the Seduction of Evil and the Father of Lies

Often, when reading through one of the Omnibus volumes for my teens’ schoolwork, I come across a gem.  Here are two from the study about The Two Towers by Tolkein, written by Douglas Wilson: Tolkein… ‘knows that evil can be soothing and very seductive.  When Saruman spoke, the effect was devastating.  “Mostly they remembered only […]

Magic and the Lord of the Rings

I have issues with books involving magic.  Therefore I have issues with Tolkein, although my family and other people I respect and hang out with greatly admire him.  Miss 15 posted her thoughts recently in “Magic and The Lord of the Rings”  and I am convinced.  I think. So I may try Tolkein again.  But I must […]

“Would You Homeschool My Kids?”

“Would you homeschool my kids?” I’ve been asked that a few times.  This weekend someone asked me again, and I’m glad she was joking.  At least I hope she was. I’m not sure why people ask, but they do.  And my response is usually that it wouldn’t really work.  They can’t expect the results we […]

Review: 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy

There’s one book I always recommend to new homeschooling moms, 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy. But it’s getting old. This summer, a new edition of Cathy’s wonderful book has come out, called 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. It is similar to 100 Top Picks in format and content, but some […]