So in thinking about how to add value to this community, and my YouTube videos, I've been making a running list...I thought I'd share it with you all since it is the first of a new month, and you may be curious where my head is at, and what you can look forward to (or possibly contribute to):

Here's the list so far! I'll be adding to it as I go, but this is just the stuff I jotted down today. If something looks like it's of particular interest, or you have something to share, please tell me in the comments! That will help me prioritize!!

YouTube/Locals Ideas

Read along with me/Chapter a day 
(I read and summarize or pull key takeaways from the book, post here in writing AND make a video for those who really hate to read/want to listen on the go, Zoom discussion about the book at the end for supporters only)

• John Taylor Gatto
  • Dumbing Us Down
• Blake Boles (one or two of the following)
  • The Art of Self-Directed Learning
  • Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School
  • College Without High School
• Gaad Sad
  • The Parasitic Mind
• Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
  • The Coddling of the American Mind

Challenging School Assumptions FAQ Answer Session (video, could be Zoom too)

• What if they don’t learn the right things?
• What if they don’t want to learn anything/do anything?
• What if my kids need structure?
• How will they learn to function in the “real world?”
• What if I don’t know enough/can’t teach them?
• How do they prove to colleges, employers they know enough?
• How will they make friends/learn social skills?
• What will I say to my spouse/in-laws/friends and other naysayers
• SOME schools are good (private, charter), aren’t they?

Homeschool How-to

• How to get started
  • Readiness questionnaire
  • What type of learners(s) do you have?
  • What type of schedule works for your family?
  • What style of home-based learning is best for your student(s) and family?
    • Charlotte Mason
    • Classical
    • Ecclectic
    • Montessori
    • Unschooling
    • Thematic
  • Legalities
    • State regulations/requirements
  • College Prep
    • Academic distribution
    • Grading systems/GPA/Portfolio
    • Record-keeping
  • Socialization
    • Co-ops
    • Clubs
    • Accountability systems and coaches
    • Extracurriculars/Sports
    • Volunteerism
    • Employment
  • Choosing curriculum
    • Start with the student
      • Learning style, interest level, structural needs, readiness level
      • Goals for the course (graduation/college prep requirement, job skill, passion)
    • Read reviews/Solicit reviews in HS communities (caveat, don’t obsess)
    • Use free-trials to your advantage for online sources
    • Test-drive teaching styles, subjects on Outschool
  • Budgeting
    • Assess support needs and associated costs and resources FIRST
      • Childcare / What age are you OK leaving them alone, are they responsible, can you invest in security/monitoring system w/video etc.
      • Accountability
      • Special needs supports
      • Check state/city for resources available for education (grants, tax breaks)
      • Ask if you can use work pretax savings for the childcare component
      • Check ADA and other sources for info. about entitlement from the district if you have IEP or 504 plans
    • Technology needs
      • For middle and HS kids, have as up-to-date a device or system as budget permits
        • Broadband
        • laptop or tablet
        • security/parental controls
        • Camera/mic for zoom classes and/or video making
          • get refurbished if you can
        • Check software compatibility with OS, give preference to those that work on all platforms
        • Printer
          • B&W laser is better and more cost-effective
    • Books/Materials
      • Buy used books
      • Get a library card
      • Order in bulk, buy at price clubs for pens/paper, etc.
    • Testing
      • If your state requires, research when/where to get tests, opt for lowest cost
    • Parental support
      • Join FB groups, support groups, interest groups for parents not just kids
      • Ask questions of experienced homeschoolers, BUT trust yourself and your child

Wisdom
1. Rome wasn’t built in a day
2. It’s OK to take a break
3. Don’t recreate school at home
4. Make rules that support your children and your family
5. Work backwards from the life they want (this is for grades 8-12)
6. Make time for rest and fun
7. Be gentle with yourself; you are giving your children the gift of an education centered around THEIR LIVES!

Resources

• Books
• Websites
• Forums
• Platforms
• Software
• Shopping
• Curricula
• Materials

Voices of Reason series

Meta-skills series

• Critical thinking
  • Argument
    • Fallacies
• Philosophy
• Digital citizenship
• Communication skills
  • DBT
• Wellness
  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • CBT


    Profiles in Learning
• Interviews with successful homeschoolers
  • Parents
  • Kids all grown up
• Interviews with people who succeeded in spite of school
• Interviews with other influencers


Reinventing Teaching

• Career changing for school teachers
  • Facilitator
  • Mentor
  • Tutor
  • Edupreneur
  • Curriculum developer
  • Coach
  • Thought Leader/Influencer
  • Outdoor Guide/Club or Extracurricular Experience Designer