4Real Home Education seeks to provide encouragement and support for Catholic home educators who design their own curriculum and course of home studies. Posts here emphasize the Church's Liturgical Year, living books, nature, beauty in art, music, and natural methods of learning.

Flexibility is the key for this homeschooling mother. Alternating textbooks with other materials allows one to tailor the school schedule to life's little realities.

To assure that all high school graduates possess those minimum skills and that knowledge thought necessary to function in society, each qualified nonpublic school shall administer at least once in each school year, a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measure selected by the chief administrative officer of such school, to all students enrolled and regularly attending the eleventh grade. The nationally standardized test or other equivalent measurement selected must measure competencies in the verbal and quantitative areas. Each qualified nonpublic school shall establish a minimum score which must be attained by a student on the selected test in order to be graduated from high school. For one year after the testing, all records shall be made available, subject to G.S. 115C-174.13, at the principal office of such school, at all reasonable times, for annual inspection by a duly authorized representative of the State of North Carolina.

While some autistic individuals are very artistic and do most of their communicating via painting or drawing, others are less drawn to the typical art activities. For these people we have to be a little more creative and brainstorm a little to find interesting and altered ways of taking part in art. Here are a few ways to help the reluctant autistic person to delve into art.

A group for Charlotte Mason Mom's using the curriculum outline suggested in Karen Andreola's summer of 93 Parent's Review titled, "A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of Six", and also trying to complete the Kindergarten Skills list as described in Catherine Levison's book, A Literary Education.

Homeschooling offers special challenges (as well as blessings) to those who have only one student. Find help and camaraderie in "HOOville." HOO = Homeschooling Only One.

If your children could tell you what they really want to do for vacation, you might find out that your meticulous plans to keep them occupied this summer is all for naught.

Surprisingly, many families that homeschool year round experience homeschool burnout far less than those that take the summer off. The pressure to finish the year's curriculum within a specific time frame can become quite stressful. Take advantage of the summer months to finish up on formal schooling and fill in gaps while adding fun, hands-on learning. When we strive to develop a lifelong love of learning within the family, year-round homeschooling becomes the norm.

Homeschooling is no joke. It’s commitment and dedication, it’s trial and error. Homeschooling many is a whole different creature. There are different learning styles, interests, strengths and weaknesses. We are going to talk about what is most important when homeschooling many children, and some tips for special situations.