Community Open House is the ticket: Tim Tebow in Memphis!

Registration and Open House

MAY 9TH, 2013

11:30a - 1:30p 

This event will also provide several unique opportunities for your family to get plugged into your community! 

Here's how it works. Choose classes and contact tutors to ensure availability and get on their class list. Then come to The Refuge at 9817 Huff and Puff, conveniently located just off I-40 in Lakeland, on May 9th to finalize registration and meet our tutors as well as these opportunities:
A) Speak with a Homelife representative and get more info about how umbrella schools can serve you

B) Sign up for Memphis Home Education Association sports programs

AND 

C) Get your deeply discounted group tickets to Heartlight 2013 featuring Tim Tebow! 
*We will have a representative on hand to ensure that your church, homeschool organization, youth group or business association has the opportunity to see former homeschooler Tim Tebow at the FedEx Forum in June and hear him share his heart for philanthropy at this annual event raising awareness and support for Memphis' at-risk communities, the homeless and orphan care!*

Click above to get more info and pricing on group tickets for this event 

featuring Tim Tebow!

Don't wait too late to ensure your child's classes for 2013-2014! Community intentionally keeps class sizes small so we can offer the most individualized attention to your child. We still have availability but many classes are filling up.

Need encouragement or inspiration? Click here.

Community wants to partner with you to facilitate your homeschool journey. Our tutors teach what they love and love what they teach. It is our goal to inspire and encourage your child and support the homeschooling family. 

Community is holding Registration and Open House on MAY 9TH, 2013 from 11:30a - 1:30p for the 2013-2014 school year. Here's how it works: 

1) Choose classes. 

2) Contact tutors. 

3) Reserve your student's spot. 

4) Come to The Refuge at 9817 Huff and Puff, conveniently located just off I-40 in Lakeland, on May 9th to tour our facility, meet our tutors, and finalize registration and payment arrangements. 

Don't wait too late to ensure your child's classes for 2013-2014! Community intentionally keeps class sizes small so we can offer the most individualized attention to your child. We still have availability but many classes are filling up.

If you are still considering weekly homeschool classes, including lesson planning, group projects and homeschool-related activities, for your student, you are invited to come see what we have to offer and get all your questions answered on May 9th. No strings, no pressure!

Community is looking forward to a fantastic new school year this fall and we're working hard to meet the needs of the Memphis-area homeschool community!

Need encouragement or inspiration? Click here.

Homeschool Beginners: Quick Tips for Taking the Plunge

Memphis is a big town boasting a thriving homeschool community that spills into the suburban areas from Shelby County to Tipton County. You can find multiple resources if you know where to look for them. Those considering taking the plunge often often don't realize just how large and well organized the Memphis area home educating community is. In the past, it took some years to dig down into this community but these days getting connected quickly is a only couple of clicks away. Community  frequently answers questions about the whos, whats, wheres and hows of homeschooling. In this series, we offer the following quick tips:

"WHERE DO I START?"

Umbrella schools are the place to start for the beginning homeschooler. The most common umbrella schools in the Memphis area include Gateway Christian Schools (specifically, the Total Home-Education Program) and Homelife Academy. From legal requirements and curriculum fairs to seminars and area support groups, you will find many of your questions answered on these sites. These two resources offer planning sheets, detailed info for homeschooling through high school and submitting transcripts. Each provides an excellent place to begin your homeschool research. 

Additionally, a physical support group will get you plugged into other homeschool families. A quick google search for Memphis homeschool support groups will produce plenty of results. 

While you're searching, facebook and Yahoo Groups are handy tools to connect with other homeschool families in the area by using similar search terms. Many of these groups are closed in order to protect the privacy of members and you may need to request membership. These grass roots groups provide forums for everything from info on curriculum to field trip opportunities and are great places to go if you have a specific question that Google just can't answer.

An important component to successful homeschooling is getting plugged in. The new and veteran home educator will doubtless have discouraging days, questioning whether she is up to the task she's undertaken. Communities of other like-minded homeschooling families will keep you both inspired and grounded. Isolation, on the other hand, may drain your motivation or drown your confidence. However, keep in mind that each homeschool support community is unique and you may need to shop around for the best fit for your family.

If you are one of the many in the Memphis area considering taking the plunge, or even taking a dip, into home education, rest assured that the resources and support are in place in the homeschool community. 

The heart of Community is to support and facilitate home educating families and we would be happy to answer your questions OR direct you to the resources that can!

Homeschooling High School: Our Family's Journey

Reposted from our former website. Thanks for your inspiring story and the encouragement to tackle high school, Susan!

by Susan Ragle: Homeschool Mom, Community guest blogger, Support Group Leader, Disney Addict

"Ten years ago this summer, my family began our homeschool journey. Today, we are the proud parents of a college graduate student, Lauren, and a wonderful 11th grader, Katy."

So there I was back in 2003, at my first homeschool conference, unsure of what to do. I was afraid. “What if I mess up?” You know this question; it is a question we all ask ourselves. But, we felt led to homeschool our daughters, so I dove in head first. I had done my research and knew what curriculum I wanted to buy. I went to the first conference and joined everything in site (HSLDA, MHEA, and Bartlett-Wolfchase). I purchased all new curricula from Bob Jones University. We had decided to leave Katy in the public school system and homeschool Lauren through high school and then pull Katy out and homeschool her from sixth through high school. Things have a way of changing, as you will see. Then it was time to homeschool. We had a good first year; a test year. It was a year for Lauren and I to get used to being together virtually all of the time. We leaned things about our chosen curriculum and how we wanted to change things up for the following year. We also learned that French was not her favorite language and this prompted a change to Latin (which comes in very hand for her chosen field). You see, Lauren had decided at age 11 that she wanted to be a doctor. In our minds, we always thought “MD”. Turns out God meant PhD as you shall see.

In our second year to homeschool Lauren was able to join Bellevue’s Victory Marching Band (as she had several years of band experience in the public school setting) and she also became a member of Eta Chapter of the National Homeschool Honor Society. She was also very active in Girl Scouts. Throw in academics on top of all that, and she was one very busy girl. I just have to laugh when people ask me about homeschooling and socialization. I will tell you now; our girls were/are way more active as homeschoolers than they ever where as public school students.

Junior year saw an addition to our homeschooling activities; we pulled Katy out of the public school system and went ahead and brought her home. She had a horrible third grade year at the local elementary school and we could just not send her back. So, we laid done some rules and for the next two years, I homeschooled both girls. Lauren’s junior year also showed us something significant. We enrolled her in Crichton College as they had a program for homeschool high school students to come and participate in their chemistry lab. I knew I could not do this at home, and wouldn’t you know – this is where Lauren fell in LOVE with chemistry. So she knew her what her college major would be, though we still did not yet know her path. It was just a simple thing of me driving her down to that college once a week for a lab class and she KNEW.

Senior year for Lauren continued to be busy. She started taking the ACT her junior year and continued for a couple more times her senior year. She even took the SAT once “just to see what it is like.” She started her college applications that fall. One of the things I had her to do for a “class” her senior year, was to research for college scholarships and to apply for the ones she qualified for. When Christmas got close, she had several offers from the colleges she applied to (six) and narrowed her decision down to two. Then ultimately it came down to receiving full scholarships at the University of Memphis.

Lauren graduated with honors with MHEA in 2007. In 2011, she graduated with honors from University of Memphis – a four year Biochemistry degree for $10 (Those science fees that last semester were killer!). She now is graduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing her doctorate in Bio-Organic Chemistry – and they pay her! I could not have dreamed for it to be any better. Who knew 10 years ago this is where she would be?

Now we are training up Katy. Katy has discovered a love of bowling (she comes from a long line of bowlers on her dad’s side) and she bowls on the MHEA Varsity team. She loves her youth group and does as much with them as she can. She is my artistic child. So, for Katy, we are looking into schools with art programs. This summer she attended a week-long art camp at Freed- Hardeman University (right now her #1 choice university) and absolutely LOVED it! She is all about creativity and takes amazing photographs. Katy will also be doing dual enrollment this year. This is something we did not do with Lauren because at the time it was still too new, untried, and pricey.

With Katy, I was a little more adventuresome with our curriculum choices and as the years have passed and we have had her tested each year, I see where I might need to tweak some areas (personally, a good reason to test) and have tried several different curricula. Even with just two years left, we have made some major curricula changes for this coming year. I am really thinking outside the box.

So what did we do? How did we train up these amazing young women? I really feel like at times we did a lot, and other times, not much at all. We put God first. He is the one who got us here, He is the one who has helped us all along the journey, and He is the one that has made all of this possible.

Backstory: John

This Backstory is a personal one. As a young teen, I had the opportunity to peek into this Homeschool and form some organic conclusions about the whole business. Neither high-minded nor philosophical, John's mother simply determined to do her best by her son, often declaring, "I don't do this for my health. I just do what I gotta do." She set about the task of giving him the foundation he needed after casting about only to find the alternatives lacking. John, a bright, energetic and earnest boy turned dedicated family man, builds firmly upon that foundation as a father of three of his own boys and husband to high school sweetheart, Naomi, with whom he resides in New York state. Recently, John managed to get himself inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society while simultaneously supporting his family working full-time with at risk teens and carrying a full college class load pursuing a degree in social work. And, in his spare time, he does a little mission work in Alaska. His hard work pays tribute to his homeschooling roots and his story still inspires me to keep going.

Be encouraged and inspired.

When did your homeschooling begin and how long were you homeschooled?

I was homeschooled 1st through 12th grade.

How would you characterize the teaching/learning style of your parent's home?

My mom used every resource available to her to make my schooling the most effective. To give it a modern term, she cut and pasted curriculum to suit my educational strengths and focus on my weaknesses.

What was your favorite area of study?

I am a self proclaimed nerd who loves knowledge that is useless in everyday life unless you are playing trivia or need to phone a friend on a game show. I loved world history, classic and modern literature and every kind of mythology I could get my hands on.

What was the best part of homeschooling?

I loved the flexibility of the schedule and how seemingly mundane activities could be turned into a lesson. I am the type of person that, if subjected to monotony, will go crazy. Homeschooling turned the world into my classroom.

What do you wish had been different in your homeschooling?

Honestly? Nothing. I loved the education that I received and feel that had I been enrolled in a traditional school, I would have failed at that point in my educational career.

How did your peers view you as a homeschooler?

For the most part, my peers were fellow homeschoolers. The few who weren't thought it was "cool" and envied my ability to sleep in on week days.

How do your peers view you as a former homeschooler?

When I first enrolled as a college student in New York state, I got the impression that here homeschooling is viewed negatively as it is usually reserved for delinquents. Other than a few questions, I am now judged by my abilities rather than my educational background.

Do you feel you missed out on anything as a homeschooler?

My parents plugged me into anything and everything to provide me with the social component that was missing from not being in traditional school.

How did homeschooling shape you into the person you are today?

It imparted in me a life-long love of learning. I regularly and willingly subject myself to literature, old college textbooks and documentaries because "it's interesting". Homeschooling made learning fun and made me want to continue learning. 

Thank you for sharing your Backstory, John!

- HJ 

You Were The First Teacher.

"There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent." 

Mahatma Gandhi

We didn't say it, Gandhi did, although most parents would agree. Who prioritizes the best interests of children higher than their own parents? There are fine educational facilities as well as excellent teachers to be found but neither can replace the inherent influence of a child's first teacher. You taught him to eat, talk, walk and more and all during his first few years of life. You encouraged, admonished, facilitated and trained, delighting at each milestone and accomplishment and, only in your absence, could the magnitude of your presence be measured. You were the first teacher. Your choices then led to now and you are as valuable to them as ever. Never let anyone tell you differently!

Keep up the good work, homeschool parent. You got this.

Thinking of starting on your own homeschool journey? Contact us here and we will be happy to share resources and answer questions. It is our heart to encourage homeschool families. 

We love to answer questions of perspective homeschool moms and dads, no strings attached! 

The Dreaded Book Report, Part 2

This post appears as an April 2013 article for MHEA's newsletter, News and Views.You can read Part 1 here.

The Dreaded Book Report, Part 2: Older Student Edition

Heather Jones

Let’s be honest. Again. High school students can be extremely challenging, particularly when it comes to a subject they do not prefer. As in life, there comes a time in education when we must do what we'd rather not but we can strive to keep it appealing. Let's throw out the poster board and worksheets and get these students engaged in literature!
Here are 8 updated ideas on yesteryear’s “book report” for the middle or older student:

1. Read the same book as a couple of fellow students (or siblings) and dramatize a favorite scene from the book. Write a script and have several rehearsals before presenting it. A group project allows each student to utilize his particular set of skills and talents.
2. Create a "cube" by including different elements of the novel or nonfiction book on each side. This is particularly effective with biographies or mysteries. A great and free resource can be found here.
3. Keep a diary as the story's main character, including events from the book and/or the character's thoughts and feelings. This project is great for the solitary, creative type.
4. Create a blog based on the novel, including picture, videos, or summaries of the book as well as character sketches and other literary elements. Allow the kinesthetic student to organize this as he or she likes.
5. Create a Cast List for the film version of the book. Discuss what a casting director is and have students make a dream cast list including photos and descriptions of each actor and why each is perfect for the part. This list can include ANY one they'd like, even friends and family.
6. Prepare a meal or dish based on the book or a character from the book. Allow the student to be creative and provide the supplies and gentle supervision necessary.

Find more homeschool resources and inspiration here. 

7. Create a book trailer, similar to a movie trailer, using video and actors. You can find many examples of this online. This activity also can provide the opportunity for the musically inclined to write and produce a theme song. (There is great value in production experience and even a Dr. Seuss book, for example, would provide excellent material for this activity!)
8. Write an alternate ending to the novel. This activity allows the introspective student to have creative control as well as exercise writing ability.

As high school students tend to enjoy spending time with peers, any activity that can be done in small groups will likely be more valuable to them. Allow them the use of technology or other innovative mediums to complete projects and enhance enjoyment. 

There is no hard and fast rule preventing schoolwork from being fun, even in the upper grades. What students enjoy, students remember.


Heather Jones is a homeschooling mom of 4, including a homeschool graduate. With 3 boys, 1 girl, special needs and every learning style represented in her home, she finds home the most efficient place to educate with passion. Heather has worked as a graphic designer, a librarian and currently tutors homeschoolers in literature and humanities at Community Homeschool Tutorial.

2013-2014 Registration and Open House

Community wants to partner with you to facilitate your homeschool journey. Our tutors teach what they love and love what they teach. It is our goal to inspire and encourage your child and support the homeschooling family. 

Community is holding Registration and Open House on MAY 9TH, 2013 from 11:30a - 1:30p for the 2013-2014 school year. Here's how it works: 
1) Choose classes. 
2) Contact tutors. 
3) Reserve your student's spot. 
4) Come to The Refuge at 9817 Huff and Puff, conveniently located just off I-40 in Lakeland, on May 9th to tour our facility, meet our tutors, and finalize registration and payment arrangements. 

Don't wait too late to ensure your child's classes for 2013-2014! Community intentionally keeps class sizes small so we can offer the most individualized attention to your child. We still have availability but many classes are filling up.

If you are still considering weekly homeschool classes, including lesson planning, group projects and homeschool-related activities, for your student, you are invited to come see what we have to offer and get all your questions answered on May 9th. No strings, no pressure!

Community is looking forward to a fantastic new school year this fall and we're working hard to meet the needs of the Memphis-area homeschool community!

Need encouragement or inspiration? Click here.

Backstory: Daniel

“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Daniel provides our next Backstory interview. He is #4 in a tight-knit brood of 5 formerly homeschooled siblings and each has taken their own unique path. Daniel is now an accomplished engineer as well as a proud papa. His family knows the trials and the joys of home education and has inspired many along the way. I personally witnessed the values his parents instilled in him and their family and was touched when Daniel took the time as a teenager to mentor one of my young sons. That's just the kind of success this homeschool family produced and herein lies the evidence.

Be encouraged and inspired.

When did your homeschooling begin and how long were you homeschooled?

I started on my homeschool journey in 4th grade and continued until I graduated.

How would you characterize the teaching/learning style of your parent's home?

I largely worked and studied on my own. Reading aloud at a self-paced level is how I picked up the most from my studies. I generally attempted to get schoolwork done sooner rather than later but there were times when my parents had to step in and give me that extra push in order to keep me up to date on the subjects I didn't particularly enjoy.

What was your favorite area of study?

I always enjoyed the arts, drawing, painting and even creative writing. Word play like in Shakespeare is something I still enjoy.

What was the best part of homeschooling?

Setting my own pace. I think everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses so understanding what you need to spend more or less time on is important to develop a good sense of priorities.

What was the most unique part of your homeschool experience?

It sounds silly but [I enjoyed] being able to decide what I wanted for lunch and cook it for myself everyday.

What do you wish had been different in your homeschooling?

We all have regrets we wish we could change but I don't think any of mine are drastic enough to warrant the wish for a change.

How did your peers view you as a homeschooler?

Most of my peers were homeschoolers so there was little in the way of negative feedback.

How do your peers view you as a former homeschooler?

To be honest, it doesn't come up that often. When it does, most of them are surprised that I am so well adapted to society, having spent the majority of my primary years as a homeschooler. 

Do you feel you missed out on anything as a homeschooler?

I'd be lying if I said no but I do feel like I would have missed out on much more if I hadn't been homeschooled.

How did homeschooling shape you into the person you are today?

I would say that it helped to create an understanding that we are in charge of making the future, not just executing it. It helped me understand that I have to know where I want to go in my studies and how I want to further my education.

Thank you for sharing your Backstory, Daniel!

- HJ 

Backstory: Josh

Next in our Backstory series, meet a homeschooled grad who carries on the family tradition by overseeing his own son's education. Additionally, he just happens to be a missionary, a 3rd degree Black Belt in Shotokan, a competitive body-builder and encourages me weekly as my pastor! Your turn...

Be encouraged and inspired.

Josh is a homeschool grad who has lived and served as a missionary in 4 countries and most recently planted a thriving church in Maracaibo, Venezuela with his wife, Carolina and son, Caleb. As a karate competitor, he is an All American National Champion and member of the US team in '92. In 1994, he was given the body building title of Mr. Mississippi in the teenage division. Josh answered a call 3 years ago to return to Memphis as pastor of The Love of Christ Church. He loves our city and desires to honor God by honoring the cultural diversity in Memphis.

How would you characterize the teaching/learning style of your parent's home?

In the earlier days, I was instructed more "hands on". By 7th or 8th grade, I was making my own schedule and was a bit more self-governed with parental supervision and testing.

What was the most unique part of your homeschool experience?

Being able to travel with our karate competitions.

What do you wish had been different in your homeschooling?

I (NOW) wish my father had taken a more active role in the supervision.

How did your peers view you as a homeschooler?

My peers at the time were friends in church and colleagues in karate. There were no problems.

How do your peers view you as a former homeschooler?

Most are surprised to find out that I was homeschooled. Once they do find out, they typically express that they wish they had that on some level. 
Do you feel you missed out on anything as a homeschooler?
Around 9th grade, I wanted more social interaction and, at the time, (in the 1980s) there weren't many homeschoolers.

How did homeschooling shape you into the person you are today?

I believe I learned a lot about life, tenacity, initiative and responsibility because of my parents' choice to homeschool me. I believe that all of who I am that's positive is due to God's grace and, within that paradigm, it's much more attributed to my parents' philosophy of overall childrearing than homeschool, per se. However, as a homeschooling parent myself, I believe the best way I can have the greatest influence and shape my child is by being the chief overseer of his education.

Thank you for sharing your Backstory, Josh!

- HJ