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	<title> &#187; education</title>
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		<title>Behavior Characteristics Of Autism &#124; Head Banging &#124; Ear Slapping</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/behavior-characteristics-of-autism-head-banging-ear-slapping/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/behavior-characteristics-of-autism-head-banging-ear-slapping/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:54:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dale Bigelow PhD</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism spectrum disorder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/02/behavior-characteristics-of-autism-head-banging-ear-slapping/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Autistic people can hear high pitch sounds and frequencies the average or non autistic person can't.  As a researcher and autistic survivor, I can state this for a fact, as having  lived with this intense inner ear pain personally.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Jean Genet</div>
<p>Autistic people can hear high pitch sounds and frequencies the average or non autistic person can&#8217;t.  As a researcher and autistic survivor, I can state this for a fact, as having  lived with this intense inner ear pain personally. </p>
<p>When parents see their child either covering or slapping their ears, it&#8217;s usually not an attention getter&#8230;they&#8217;re in pain.  In extreme cases, in order to knock the pain out, they bang their head against a wall.  This is how they try to stop the intense pain. </p>
<p>Since Genet wasn&#8217;t able to verbalize that his ears hurt, his parents didn&#8217;t know he was in pain.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was isolated in my own world where this pain existed. I saw the world from the inside out. I was not able to cross over to a proper reality.&#8221; Genet has surmised that this self isolation was caused by the inability for his brain to  ground to its physical body. </p>
<p>Genet goes on to explain, &#8220;My brain&#8217;s inability to ground to its physical body didn&#8217;t allow me to complete the pathway or circuit into a normal reality. In the world I lived in, I spoke properly, maintained mental focus, emotional balance and  occasionally felt this inner ear pain. </p>
<p>I wasn&#8217;t able to travel back and forth between a normal reality and the only reality I knew, due to this lack of grounding.  I wasn&#8217;t able to create any mental, emotional or physical filters that would protect me from these high pitch sounds. In a normal reality, people  can filter out these sounds, protecting them from this intense inner ear pain. I could not.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;There are two causes why his brain could not ground to his physical body&#8221; states Genet</p>
<p>1) His childhood vaccination&#8217;s preservatives reeked havoc on his brain&#8217;s ability to form proper brain wave frequencies required for this grounding to occur. </p>
<p>2) Things at home, out in a mall, florescent lighting, microwave ovens, TV&#8217;s, computers, electronic equipment, flying in airplanes and driving in a car. The electro magnetic fields of energy interferes with the brain&#8217;s circuitry.</p>
<p>The slapping of ears or banging the head against the wall, 98% of the time isn&#8217;t a rebellious or acting out behavior, they are in intense pain</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>A non-invasive technology has been developed by Jean Genet that grounds the circuitry between the brain the physical body. There has been heralded successes creating a pathway&#8221;back&#8221; to a normal reality and reducing inner ear pain caused by high pitch frequencies. This <a href="http://2-b-well.org/_autism.html">Autism Treatment</a> addresses all Autistic Symptoms. See who has successes with these <a href="http://2-b-well.org/doctors-resp.html">Autism Resources</a></div>
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		<title>Replacing Frustration With Motivation</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/replacing-frustration-with-motivation/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/replacing-frustration-with-motivation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:36:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lauren Tyson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[academic summer camps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[k-12 education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer Camps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen summer camps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/02/replacing-frustration-with-motivation/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA["Our son Cody actually graduated last fall! We were so worried he was going to give up his dream of being a lawyer after the trials and tribulations he encountered with his schoolwork. He's such a bright teen, and we know he wanted to do well, he just got so frustrated. We were afraid to believe that his best effort may only yield a C average. It was hard to determine if the classes were the cause or if he was just a poor learner."]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Lauren Tyson</div>
<p>&#8220;Our son Cody actually graduated last fall! We were so worried he was going to give up his dream of being a lawyer after the trials and tribulations he encountered with his schoolwork. He&#8217;s such a bright teen, and we know he wanted to do well, he just got so frustrated. We were afraid to believe that his best effort may only yield a C average. It was hard to determine if the classes were the cause or if he was just a poor learner.&#8221;</p>
<p>Many parents share this desperate fear: that their son or daughter is unable to excel in school. A variety of factors can exist when pondering a child&#8217;s dissatisfaction with school, but many overlook one crucial question: have they been taught <i>how</i> to learn? The answer seems like an obvious one, and a majority of parents would respond immediately with, &#8220;Of course my teen possesses adequate learning skills. How else would they make it to high school?&#8221; Those same parents may be shocked to discover that many teens have never been formally taught how to study or prepare for an exam. Teenagers lacking those skills become easily frustrated and never understand how easy learning can be with the proper encouragement.</p>
<p>Just because a teenager lacks learning skills, it does not mean that they lack academic ability. A chess player can only excel at chess when they have a defined set of rules and move list. Similarly, teenagers need to learn the ins and outs of studying. After repeated disappointment, it is possible to lose hope and focus, and develop self-defeating attitudes. They begin to convince themselves that school is just not important anymore. As many parents know, this sort of apathy endangers a teen&#8217;s academic future as well as the potential direction of their lives.</p>
<p>Why do teens feel so disconnected from their schoolwork? Motivation may be the key. When a student is unable to relate to what they are learning, a barrier forms between them and comprehension. Teenagers will bore of learning information that they do not see merit in. Unless they find ways to reconnect themselves to the content, they will continue to feel negatively toward learning. </p>
<p>It is a teacher&#8217;s goal to impart information clearly, but how a student organizes and retrieves that information for personal use depends on what set of strategies they use for their cache of data. Students process information in a variety of different ways. Realistically, teachers are unable to cater to each individual student&#8217;s unique learning style. This complicates matters when considering that some students have a more auditory style of learning, while others may be more visual. Ultimately, it may be up to the student to find ways to transform the information they learn into a usable format. </p>
<p>Many students suffer from the same strange phenomenon: learning ceases to be entertaining and their enthusiasm for it dies. They view school as something merely holding them back from doing what they enjoy. What happened to the bright child who skipped with excitement on their way to the library? Where is that talented artist who illustrated stick figure masterpieces with several crayons and a fierce imagination? Those children aren&#8217;t gone, but merely hidden in a shell of indifference and hormones. The creative spark is still hovering in the back of their minds; it needs only to be encouraged to show itself. </p>
<p>One thing that will coax the creative spark from any teenager is changing their view of school. If it is viewed as a forced institution or mandatory responsibility, they will never understand what a place of learning can offer. Rather, school should be depicted as a gateway of opportunity. It is a place that will broaden their horizons and actualize their personal goals and dreams. Academic summer camps help exemplify this image by providing learning and teen life skills in a setting where teenagers feel comfortable. Here, they will gain important traits that will help them in their academic and personal lives, like confidence, self-esteem, and motivation.</p>
<p>Teenagers will learn a wide range of skills at academic summer camps like SuperCamp that will give them a head start on future success. Communication skills, leadership skills, building positive relationships, conflict resolution, creative thinking, setting goals, and problem solving are just some of the things they will develop and master. Conflicts in school and at home will be significantly eased as a result. </p>
<p>The moment a teenager takes ownership for their own learning, is the moment that they uncover an infinitely deep well of potential. Frustration over memorizing, studying, and testing will become a thing of the past.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Have your kids been given the life &amp; <a href='http://tinyurl.com/8cgstr'>learning skills</a> they need to excel in school? To be sure, enroll them in one of SuperCamp&#8217;s grade-specific, highly effective <a href='http://tinyurl.com/6vokjk'>academic summer camps</a> for a fun &amp; enriching summer that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.</div>
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		<title>Miele Vacuum Cleaners &#8211; Product Review of the Miele Vacuum</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/miele-vacuum-cleaners-product-review-of-the-miele-vacuum/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/miele-vacuum-cleaners-product-review-of-the-miele-vacuum/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:17:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyson Fiddle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miele Vacuum Cleaners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[miele vacuums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vacuums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/miele-vacuum-cleaners-product-review-of-the-miele-vacuum/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With some of the most dynamic and practical vacuum cleaning solutions in the market, Miele vacuum cleaners really do stand out in a crowd.  You can find the complete range of Miele Vacuum cleaners here at Banks Vacuum Super Stores. Having the largest selection of vacuum cleaners, Banks is the worlds largest vacuum cleaning dealer, with hundreds of models and deals, for you to choose from. If you are looking for the best Miele vacuum cleaners for your domestic needs you, have come to the right place, here at Banks you will not be disappointed with a range and variety. So be sure to go through the complete range of Miele vacuum cleaners, to find exactly what you are looking for.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Tyson Fiddle</div>
<p>With some of the most dynamic and practical vacuum cleaning solutions in the market, Miele vacuum cleaners really do stand out in a crowd.  You can find the complete range of Miele Vacuum cleaners here at Banks Vacuum Super Stores. Having the largest selection of vacuum cleaners, Banks is the worlds largest vacuum cleaning dealer, with hundreds of models and deals, for you to choose from. If you are looking for the best Miele vacuum cleaners for your domestic needs you, have come to the right place, here at Banks you will not be disappointed with a range and variety. So be sure to go through the complete range of Miele vacuum cleaners, to find exactly what you are looking for.</p>
<p>The Miele S4 Galaxy series vacuum cleaner is a good standard pick. This is a simple to understand and use vacuum cleaner, with a power control ranging from 200 to 1,200 watts of power. In order to control the suction, you can adjust the rotary dial, and set it to your needs with ease. This Miele Carina vacuum cleaner is powered with a 1,200 watt Miele Vortex motor, which is enough power for you to complete you daily cleaning routine with comfort. The filter system included in this model is the popular Miele Sealed System, making it a great choice for your home.</p>
<p>The next in the Miele Vacuum cleaning S4 series is the Miele Antares Vacuum cleaner. This is another impressive Miele vacuum, the motor and functions on this model are standard to the S4 series. This model comes with a thermal Cut-out indicator and electric power display as well. It has a striking cleaning radius, covering nearly 30 feet, more than enough operating space for cleaning-up. It has a safety shut off on over heating making it reliable and safe. The Miele Antares vacuum is easy to carry around, making it a convenient and practical option to look in to.</p>
<p>Then we have the Miele plus Canister vacuum with Electric Head, which is a good pick for a floor plan covering around 2,000 square feet. This model comes with a powerful motor with an output of 1,200 watts off power, and increased Air flow coming in at 118 CFM, which allows this model to run efficiently and complete its tasks in no time. The Miele Plus comes with a pre-motor filter, and an advanced electro static filter, allowing it to perform at maximum cleaning efficiency. The Miele plus Canister is an option worth considering. </p>
<p>Yet another vacuum form the Miele S4 series, the Miele Luna is fit with a standard S4 series motor and active HEPA filter bags, giving it superior filtration ability, and it also comes with two Intensive clean dust bags for added value. It has a dust bag change indicator, which tells you exactly when you need to replace your dust bag, so that you do not have to worry about it. The Miele Luna Canister Vacuum cleaner provides good value for money, and you can see the complete range here at Banks.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'><a href="http://www.banksvac.com/browse.cfm/2,22.html">Miele Vacuums</a> are without a doubt the best vacuums money can by. With http://www.banksvac.com, you can most certainly afford <a href="http://www.banksvac.com/browse.cfm/2,22.html">Miele Vacuum Cleaners</a>.</div>
</div>
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		<title>How Piano Lessons Benefit Children</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/how-piano-lessons-benefit-children/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/how-piano-lessons-benefit-children/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:19:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>A Nutt</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[band]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guitar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music store]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[piano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Piano Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/how-piano-lessons-benefit-children/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It's a rare parent who wouldn't love their child to take piano lessons. We've all heard of child geniuses like Mozart who began playing and composing at a very tender age, and who wouldn't want their little one to have that same opportunity?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by A Nutt</div>
<p>It&#8217;s a rare parent who wouldn&#8217;t love their child to take piano lessons. We&#8217;ve all heard of child geniuses like Mozart who began playing and composing at a very tender age, and who wouldn&#8217;t want their little one to have that same opportunity?</p>
<p>While you may be thinking about investing in a piano and lessons for your children, it&#8217;s also a big expense. Most people want to be sure they are doing the right thing if they are going to spend the money and that is precisely the point of this article. Here you&#8217;ll find a number of reasons <a target='_blank' href="http://www.merriammusic.com/">piano lessons</a> are beneficial for children.</p>
<p>Boost coordination: In order to make music sound like it should, children will need to have full control over where their fingers go and how they move. As the piano lessons get more complex, they will need to coordinate both hands to play a piece, something that is very useful in other areas of daily living.</p>
<p>Increase math skills: It&#8217;s no secret that music and math are connected, but did you know that many children find it easier to tune into music, and then end up being better at math because of it?  Piano  lessons could easily help your child who is struggling with math in school, though this shouldn&#8217;t be the only reason to take lessons.</p>
<p>Language and thinking skills: Music is basically a foreign language. Kids have to translate the strange marks on those bars of music and turn them into a smooth-flowing song. This can actually enhance the area of the brain that processes new languages . . . also easing the way for your little one to pick up another language like French or Spanish in the future.</p>
<p>Sense of pride: Too many children these days have a low self-esteem, so anything you can do to encourage them is great. When a child participates in a piano recital or graduates to the next level of piano books, his self-esteem will also improve. There&#8217;s nothing better than seeing a thrilled youngster, with his eyes glowing as he recounts how he won a ribbon for his piano playing.</p>
<p>Develop a lifelong skill: Playing piano is much like riding a bike. When children take lessons while young, they develop musical skills that will last them a lifetime. They may not stick to the piano . . . in fact, many kids end up moving on to other musical instruments with piano as their base instrument. However, you&#8217;ll be setting your child up to be successful in musical endeavors forever. Even if he doesn&#8217;t become a rock star or a famous pianist, it&#8217;s always good to have a skill like this where you can sit down at a party and entertain!</p>
<p>Enhance concentration: With kids these days being diagnosed with ADHD left and right, an activity that not only enhances concentration ability but makes it interesting and a challenge is an activity you want your kids in. Piano lessons will provide that option and while small children might start out with just 15-20 minute lessons and practice times, they will soon be able to practice for longer and longer periods of time, as their attention span lengthens. This obviously has benefits in many areas, not just on the piano.</p>
<p>Piano lessons are an excellent investment. Your child doesn&#8217;t have to be a musical prodigy for you to get your money&#8217;s worth, though you could end up surprised by his aptitude for piano. There are so many different benefits that make this a worthwhile thing to do for your children that it would be a shame to miss out on it because you don&#8217;t think your little one will do well enough.</p>
<p>Enhance concentration: With kids these days being diagnosed with ADHD left and right, an activity that not only enhances concentration ability but makes it interesting and a challenge is an activity you want your kids in. Piano lessons will provide that option and while small children might start out with just 15-20 minute lessons and practice times, they will soon be able to practice for longer and longer periods of time, as their attention span lengthens. This obviously has benefits in many areas, not just on the piano.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Music School offering piano, voice and <a href="http://www.merriammusic.com/">guitar lessons Mississauga</a> and the GTA area. Visit our music store to find new and <a href="http://www.merriammusic.com/storeHTML/pianos.php?sec=7">used pianos</a>.</div>
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		<title>An Affordable Homeschool  &#8211; The Logical Option to Private School</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/an-affordable-homeschool-the-logical-option-to-private-school/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/an-affordable-homeschool-the-logical-option-to-private-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:58:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jenny Rantoul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable home school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable home school alternatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable home school options]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable homeschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable homeschool options]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable homeschool programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeschool]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/an-affordable-homeschool-the-logical-option-to-private-school/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Of course you want the very best for your children.  That's why you are scared to death to send them to a public school with its corrupting influences like drugs, promiscuity, and violence.  While you don't want to turn your back on public schools, your child seems to be getting lost and is floundering.  Private school would be a great option " but who can afford it?   No wonder affordable homeschool alternatives are being considered by more and more parents.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Jenny Rantoul</div>
<p>Of course you want the very best for your children.  That&#8217;s why you are scared to death to send them to a public school with its corrupting influences like drugs, promiscuity, and violence.  While you don&#8217;t want to turn your back on public schools, your child seems to be getting lost and is floundering.  Private school would be a great option &#8221; but who can afford it?   No wonder affordable homeschool alternatives are being considered by more and more parents.</p>
<p>The economic conditions today are pressing in on more and more families.  Many parents don&#8217;t make enough to cover the necessities of life, much less luxuries.  Fortunately, when considering an at home education, this does not present much of a problem, because there are many affordable home school options.  </p>
<p>Nest eggs aren&#8217;t what they used to be with plunging domestic and international markets and  minimal savings rates.  Affordable homeschool programs are an excellent way for parents to provide a quality education for their children and prepare them for college.</p>
<p>Before you think that an at home education is a bad compromise, think about this.  Affordable home schools offer an excellent education, with home students consistently achieving high scores during standardized academic tests. </p>
<p>One of the beautiful things about educating at home is the flexibility it offers your child.  Affordable homeschool courses can be tailored to the talents of each child in your family.  Both parents can with sit down with each of their children  and determine the best curriculum.  While their education will share some basic subjects,  how great to give each child the freedom to excel in areas that best develop their passions and skills?</p>
<p>There are certainly many advantages for the family when they choose to educate their kids at home. Not only is it affordable, home schooling can provide more flexibility and control over family time and learning schedules. It also  relieves children from facing humiliation brought on by incorrect answers, worrying about peer acceptance and the other pressures that take the fun out of learning in a public school.</p>
<p>Parents:  Don&#8217;t be surprised by the education you get along the way.  I have discovered many subjects that I struggled with in school are now much easier to comprehend.  I&#8217;m not afraid of math anymore!  Our affordable home school program  has helped us find great new activities that we enjoy doing together as a family.   Our children are getting a great education but still have rich social lives.  The difference is  we now know who they are with and  supervise their activities  This gives my husband and me great peace of mind.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Take a look at the program that transformed math into a great game for my daughter and much easier to teach for me: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/9fg32b">Make Your Math More Fun!</a>. If you see your child in trouble and unhappy at a public school, finances do not have to hold you back from giving them a good education. There are affordable homeschool options at: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/a4tomv">The Secular Home School Information Blog</a>.</div>
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		<title>How to Handle Homeschool Nay-Sayers</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/how-to-handle-homeschool-nay-sayers/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/how-to-handle-homeschool-nay-sayers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:50:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Isabel Allen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/how-to-handle-homeschool-nay-sayers/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone will run into at least one person, maybe more, who will tell them that they shouldn't homeschool. The decision to homeschool often isn't popular, and isn't an easy one to make. Dealing with homeschooling nay-sayers will have to be dealt with ahead of time, and the choice in how your child is educated is entirely up to you.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Isabel Allen</div>
<p>Everyone will run into at least one person, maybe more, who will tell them that they shouldn&#8217;t homeschool. The decision to homeschool often isn&#8217;t popular, and isn&#8217;t an easy one to make. Dealing with homeschooling nay-sayers will have to be dealt with ahead of time, and the choice in how your child is educated is entirely up to you.</p>
<p>Regardless if you have a Bachelor of Arts in Education or not, one of the quintessential arguments of a homeschooling nay-sayer is that you&#8217;re not qualified to teach your own child. I say poppy-cock to this argument! You have already been teaching your child since birth, if you&#8217;re a parent. Why wouldn&#8217;t you or your spouse be qualified to teach your child how to read or do math, if you could teach them how to talk, walk, and use the restrooms themselves?</p>
<p>Besides being &#8220;unqualified,&#8221; other nay-sayers will tell you that teaching a child is too difficult. What I find even more difficult is the thought of having to teach with 18-20 five and six year olds several subjects all in one day. That is a difficult job; teaching one child to read is not. You can do it!</p>
<p>Another argument you might hear if you&#8217;re trying to decide if you want to homeschool is that the children need socialization. Well, I don&#8217;t know about you, but I&#8217;m not sure I want my children to learn all of the things they learn at school. Of course, all of the lessons aren&#8217;t given by the teachers. Many are learned as the result of being with other children.</p>
<p>To this argument, I say that 95% of the children in public schools are less socialized than homeschooled children. Homeschooled children can deal with their peers and can carry on intelligent conversations with people of all ages. Public schools are artificial and create not true to life societies. It just doesn&#8217;t happen, and it won&#8217;t happen, that there won&#8217;t be a time at any point in your life that you&#8217;re not going to deal with people of all ages.</p>
<p>These are just a few of the comments that you&#8217;ll likely hear as you are researching the possibility of homeschooling your child. All I can say is that it&#8217;s okay if you don&#8217;t know everything you&#8217;re told you need to know. Take that as an opportunity to learn right along side your child. Since you want what is best for your child, you will be giving them the opportunity to learn at their own pace and concentrate on the things they are interested in learning.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Click here to learn more about how to <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6exyjz">homeschool</a> your child.</div>
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		<title>Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:44:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lauren Tyson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[academic summer camps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[k-12 education]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[learning techniques]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cramming facts into a memory bank is not conducive to easy absorption or future retrieval for the brain. Without organization, learned information can become meaningless, boring, and easily forgotten. It is imperative that students utilize study techniques that will effectively aide the brain in processing and grouping together learned information in a retrievable format. Students with proper study skills will recall facts more quickly and accurately and will subsequently have an easier time taking tests or organizing a paper.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Lauren Tyson</div>
<p>Cramming facts into a memory bank is not conducive to easy absorption or future retrieval for the brain. Without organization, learned information can become meaningless, boring, and easily forgotten. It is imperative that students utilize study techniques that will effectively aide the brain in processing and grouping together learned information in a retrievable format. Students with proper study skills will recall facts more quickly and accurately and will subsequently have an easier time taking tests or organizing a paper.</p>
<p>SuperCamp, one of the leading academic summer camps worldwide, provides crucial learning and life skills that will help guide campers ranging from grades 4 through 12 to academic success. For any learner, a significant gap can form between subject matter and student if the learning method isn&#8217;t approached intuitively. SuperCamp equips students with a repertoire of valuable study skills and advantageous techniques that work specifically with their individual learning pattern. </p>
<p>A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960&#8242;s that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.</p>
<p>How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn the page horizontally. This gives you room to spread outwards. Since it is important to always be aware of the big picture, your first addition to the page should be the main idea of the subject at hand. As an example, consider the life cycle of a plant. You could choose to simply write this in the center of the page, but it would be more beneficial to the learning process if a picture is included that will signify the topic, like a quick sketch of a plant. From there, draw branches stemming from the main idea that represent important points: how a seed germinates, where a plant gets its nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and the pollination of flowers. Each point can be paired with a picture and at least three different colors should be used throughout. </p>
<p>The use of color stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain &#8211; additionally, it captures and holds the Mind Mapper&#8217;s attention. The pictures paired with words will help the brain form associations that can be easily recalled at a later date. The final product should resemble the many branches of a tree surrounding a central idea. The more unique your mind map is, the easier it will be to retain the information! </p>
<p>Laying strong groundwork at an early age is extremely important for a student when developing their study skills. A student able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be more excited about learning and can consequently set a trend for the rest of their lives. SuperCamp graduate, James Ohnoki, felt Mind Mapping was a major turning point in his academic career. He became a more interactive learner as a result and used the technique many times to help him connect visual elements to learned content. He particularly enjoyed the drawing and coloring aspects of Mind Mapping because it gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.</p>
<p>Just as James Ohnoki discovered, the learning techniques students develop at SuperCamp will transform them into more interactive learners for the rest of their lives. It can effectively bridge the gap between a student and his or her coursework and start them on the road to academic success. Armed with learning techniques like Mind Mapping, students will find this path to success remarkably easier to traverse.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>SuperCamp&#8217;s <a href='http://tinyurl.com/9yahu5'>teen summer camps</a> have been improving the lives of kids and teens for over 27 years. Enroll your kids online and receive your free copy of &#8220;10 Easy Ways to Study&#8221; to improve their <a href='http://tinyurl.com/9pcgph'>study skills</a> today.</div>
</div>
<div class="shr-publisher-42"></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Finding Others Who Homeschool in My Area</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/finding-others-who-homeschool-in-my-area/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/finding-others-who-homeschool-in-my-area/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:53:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Isabel Allen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eductation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeschooler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeschooling]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/finding-others-who-homeschool-in-my-area/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you first start thinking about homeschooling, you probably wonder if you'll be the only one in your area. However, with the ever increasing number of homeschooling families, that is not likely. Finding other homeschoolers, however, may not always be easy. You just need to know where to look.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Isabel Allen</div>
<p>When you first start thinking about homeschooling, you probably wonder if you&#8217;ll be the only one in your area. However, with the ever increasing number of homeschooling families, that is not likely. Finding other homeschoolers, however, may not always be easy. You just need to know where to look.</p>
<p>Homeschoolers are likely to be found at local churches. Many homeschoolers are Christians but it certainly isn&#8217;t a requirement. You might consider attending a couple of services to see if the local church has homeschoolers if you don&#8217;t currently attend services.</p>
<p>Besides churches, another place to find a homeschooling family would be the public library. Many homeschoolers use the library as a source for learning materials. Go to the library and see if you find children there during normal school hours. If you find children, most likely they are homeschooled and a parent is sure to be nearby. You could also ask the librarian if she knows of any homeschoolers. Most likely she will because they will be some of her best patrons.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll probably run into at least one homeschooling family at the park during school hours, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Or they might be picking up some leaves for a nature book, or finding things to use in a school project. In any case, a great place to find homeschoolers is the local park.</p>
<p>You might find a homeschooling family at the grocery store while you&#8217;re doing your own shopping. Many homeschoolers use real life circumstances to teach rather than just depending on books. So, if you see children standing around the meat freezer with calculators, it&#8217;s likely they&#8217;re doing comparison shopping for their math lesson.</p>
<p>The Internet is another place to find homeschoolers in your area. Try doing a search on one of the common search engines for &#8220;homeschool groups (your city).&#8221; If that doesn&#8217;t work, expand your search to include your county and then your state. Since there are homeschoolers in every state of the union, surely you&#8217;ll find someone close by. On the outside chance that you don&#8217;t find anyone locally, don&#8217;t give up. You can still find support online through any number of Yahoo homeschooling groups.</p>
<p>When searching for homeschooling families locally, don&#8217;t be afraid to approach a family that you see out and about during school hours. Most homeschoolers are used to being asked why their children aren&#8217;t in school. They probably won&#8217;t be offended and asking questions is a great way to meet new acquaintances. Keep an eye out for them; you may find there are more homeschoolers in your area than you first thought.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Click here to find tips on <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6exyjz">homeschooling</a> on the internet.</div>
</div>
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		<title>Academic Summer Camps Sharpen Teen Study Skills</title>
		<link>http://a1parentinginfo.com/academic-summer-camps-sharpen-teen-study-skills/</link>
		<comments>http://a1parentinginfo.com/academic-summer-camps-sharpen-teen-study-skills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:59:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lauren Tyson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[academic summer camps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[k-12 education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning techniques]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://a1parentinginfo.com/2009/01/academic-summer-camps-sharpen-teen-study-skills/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is often difficult for students to absorb and store information for future retrieval when it is not organized in a meaningful way. Memorizing a collection of dry facts, better known as cramming, does not allow a student to effectively retain information. When proper study techniques are utilized, the brain processes learned information more quickly by grouping it into a usable, retrievable format that can be accessed at a later time. To enhance this process, adding a fun and inventive twist onto a learning technique will help hold a student's interest and make it ultimately more effective.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Lauren Tyson</div>
<p>It is often difficult for students to absorb and store information for future retrieval when it is not organized in a meaningful way. Memorizing a collection of dry facts, better known as cramming, does not allow a student to effectively retain information. When proper study techniques are utilized, the brain processes learned information more quickly by grouping it into a usable, retrievable format that can be accessed at a later time. To enhance this process, adding a fun and inventive twist onto a learning technique will help hold a student&#8217;s interest and make it ultimately more effective.</p>
<p>Pairing intuitive learning techniques with a student&#8217;s natural creativity is just one of the reasons why SuperCamp remains a leader in academic summer camps around the world. Students, ranging from grades 4 through 12, will leave camp armed with a repertoire of critical learning and life skills necessary for success in their academic career. Bridging the gap between course work and student will be remarkably easier when they are equipped with a wide range of study skills and advantageous techniques that cater specifically to their learning style. </p>
<p>A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960&#8242;s that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.</p>
<p>How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn the page horizontally. This gives you room to spread outwards. Since it is important to always be aware of the big picture, your first addition to the page should be the main idea of the subject at hand. As an example, consider the life cycle of a plant. You could choose to simply write this in the center of the page, but it would be more beneficial to the learning process if a picture is included that will signify the topic, like a quick sketch of a plant. From there, draw branches stemming from the main idea that represent important points: how a seed germinates, where a plant gets its nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and the pollination of flowers. Each point can be paired with a picture and at least three different colors should be used throughout. </p>
<p>Color in Mind Mapping stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain and captures-and holds-attention. Pairing a word with a corresponding picture helps the brain form associations that can be easily recalled later. Every Mind Map should be unique in shape and construction. Some will include many larger branching points with few details, while other, more complicated topics will fill the page with supporting details surrounding the central idea. The more unique the Mind Map, the easier the information will be to retain!</p>
<p>Laying strong groundwork at an early age is extremely important for a student when developing their study skills. A student able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be more excited about learning and can consequently set a trend for the rest of their lives. SuperCamp graduate, James Ohnoki, felt Mind Mapping was a major turning point in his academic career. He became a more interactive learner as a result and used the technique many times to help him connect visual elements to learned content. He particularly enjoyed the drawing and coloring aspects of Mind Mapping because it gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.</p>
<p>As James learned at SuperCamp, effective techniques can help a student transform his or her study habits and leap over seemingly insurmountable hurdles once they utilize those learning techniques on a regular basis. The road to academic success does not have to be a difficult one when methods like Mind Mapping are at every student&#8217;s disposal.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>SuperCamp&#8217;s <a href='http://tinyurl.com/9yahu5'>teen summer camps</a> have been improving the lives of kids and teens for more than 27 years. Enroll your kids online and get your free copy of &#8220;10 Easy Ways to Study&#8221; to enhance their <a href='http://tinyurl.com/9pcgph'>study skills</a> today.</div>
</div>
<div class="shr-publisher-31"></div>]]></content:encoded>
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