Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau

Educator, Coach, Life Strategist

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Aug 27 2020

Temporary homeschooling offers lasting benefits

Parents may wonder if short-term (temporary) homeschooling is a good idea. Whether facing a long-distance move, caring for a family member, dealing with a certain trauma, or just wanting a change of pace, will up-ending a child’s education jeopardize their entire future?

These are legitimate worries, especially when decisions must be made rather quickly. Most commonly, parents wonder if there are any real benefits to homeschooling anyway, especially if only for short time. They worry it may be risky, or just plain selfish, to keep a child home when others are somehow managing in the same situation. They wonder if they’re too “soft”, overly protective, or should trust their own instincts when making such a weighty decision on their child’s behalf.

Justifiably, parent concerns include how today’s decision might impact their students in the long term, especially when students are involved in activities, accelerated programs, or nearing graduation. We’ll look at all these issues today, and more. I hope to give a perspective to anyone facing a difficult school choice at this moment, or who wants to share this article with a friend who is grappling with this decision right now.

Homeschooling temporarily offers lasting benefits
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While my professional advice won’t apply to exactly everyone, in most cases, I want you to know that temporary homeschooling can be overwhelmingly beneficial for students, and usually also for their families, too. Not only are the advantages of homeschooling enormous, but the benefits start accumulating on the very first day. Thus, even when only for a short time, say, a few weeks or a few months, the positive effects of short-term homeschooling can potentially impact students for a lifetime. There are very few reasons I can think of for postponing what can be a very positive experience for all involved.

Positive Impacts of Temporary Homeschooling

Positive impacts of temporary homeschooling
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Reconnecting as a unit

During periods of change, there is nothing greater than being surrounded by those you love and who matter the most. The solidarity of a family unit combined with the practical aspects of having everyone in the same place can be invaluable during a crisis, or any time the need for support and understanding is higher than normal. Family and friends often come together to circle its vulnerable members for protection. Tested over centuries, this is especially valuable for children, and should be considered any time a child’s well-being is at stake.

Getting to know your children as students

Too often, often through no fault of their own, parents become disconnected from their child’s experiences outside the home. By working with children not just as kids, but also as learners, parents glean valuable information about what has (and hasn’t) been successful in traditional school settings. Even when issues cannot be addressed at home, they can be brought to a school’s attention at a later date. In either case, children win by receiving needed services, remediation, or a change of environment altogether.

Opportunities to teach life skills

When life gets busy and chaotic during the school year, it leaves little time to teach the practical skills kids really need for their futures. In only short periods of time at home, kids can be taught simple things like cooking, laundry and minor household repairs. And, without a whole lot of effort (comes mainly via modeling and participation) children who spend time with their families gradually learn such valuable life skills as personal finance, health and wellness, team work, child care, and so much more.

Sparking (or fueling) new interests

Homeschooling comes with more flexibility, which usually equates to less rushing to and from meaningless activities. And when time resources are increased, children benefit by finding time to do the things they love to do. Whether it’s discovering a book series or starting a new hobby, time means igniting new passions or practicing existing skills. Extra time also gives parents an opportunity to facilitate a child’s efforts, by providing supplies or just offering praise and support. With minimal supervision, children’s lives are expanded and enhanced with the gift of time, something not always afforded during a traditional “school year”.

Filling in gaps of all kinds

It usually isn’t until we’ve spent a lot of time with someone that we notice what they’re truly like. This is exceptionally true in families who never spend more than a few hours together per week. When students are home — even for a short while – parents tend to observe what they didn’t realize was there. Mending emotional hurts, correcting simple misunderstandings, even noticing educational holes means these can be addressed before sending children off the next year. The simplest of things sometimes make the greatest impact. There is no better use of time than focusing on small problems before they snowball into larger issues later on.

Positive experiences and outlook

I’d be remiss by not listing all the other benefits of short-term homeschooling that are impossible to measure, or even define. While homeschooling doesn’t work for everyone, those who do it tend to look back with much fondness. Pointing to benefits in lots of different areas — from health and well-being, to greater access to resources, to flexibility of lifestyle, to overall contentment – homeschoolers tend to really enjoy the experience, even when it didn’t last forever.

What About The Future?

In all the examples you’ve just read, it’s easy to see how the benefits earned by homeschooling temporarily should never be lost, even when children go back to traditional school. Any possible inconveniences or schedule disruptions are usually more than outweighed by the lasting impacts of being home, even if just for a little bit. Knowing how successful homeschool graduates tend to be, there is no need to worry about doing it for a short length of time. If anything, it should be a boon to both student and family.

Regarding concerns over educational outcomes, it’s important to remember that educational content is recycled and revisited many times before students ever graduate from public schools. What that means is, there’s very little chance students won’t get to make up “lost” material before they’re through. And older students, especially those nearing graduation, are very well-practiced and capable of producing work in short periods of time, not to mention exceptionally resilient over many years of functioning within the same system under fluctuating circumstances. It’s highly unlikely a brief period in which students missed classroom lessons will make any difference at all.

Yet, time spent with a family, whether it’s shoring up relationships or mending wounds, can’t ever be replaced. All that said, if temporary homeschooling is what your family needs at this time, you have permission to do so without guilt, and without excess worry about the future.


Are there ways that homeschooling has positively impacted your family — even if you only did so temporarily? Please share a COMMENT to encourage more of my readers. And, thank you, for all you do for your children and family, no matter what form of education you choose.

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Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA/Tampa, H.E.R.I., HECOA, Start Homeschooling Summit, Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT, Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: elementary, graduation, high school, middle school, scheduling, support

Mar 10 2018

The shift parents of all high schoolers need to make

I know you’re short on time. Which is why I try, through these articles, to give you quick and easy information you can really use. Without a lot of stories and fluff you don’t.

Who has the time? You’re a homeschool parent. There’s a lot to think about.

I get that.

So, real quick, I want to share an important idea. It’s one you might not be familiar with, since it’s one not everybody remembers to tell you.

It’s a shift you need to make if you’re homeschooling high school.

It’s a crucial shift for college-bound students especially.

First, the backstory.

The one where your teen needs to finish a boat load of requirements before graduating high school, if they want to be successful, that is. Which I agree with. They have to. I write about those requirements on this web site quite a bit (start here if you’re not sure what I mean).

Your student really does need all that stuff, especially if they’re college bound. It’s pretty much assumed that all applicants will show up with them. Your student could be at a serious disadvantage if they don’t.

Now, here’s the shift.

There’s actually more to high schooling than just requirements. It’s easy to forget that we’re in the thick of day to day learning. But, it’s important for success, so you have to work this stuff in, too. The shift is about making room in your schedules and prioritizing all this other stuff, too.

I’m talking about stuff like volunteering in and around the community; working community service projects, whether short or long term; having outside interests, maybe in clubs or groups or classes; leadership activities, like Eagle projects or being on the board of a student-run organizations; and anything else that is different from what goes on in the classroom.

It might be a hobby or a part-time job. It might be interning somewhere or helping with a family business. It might be caring for a family member or helping with routine child care around the house.

Basically, everything besides regular coursework is the stuff I’m talking about. It’s the other half of high schooling that many people forget.

Here’s a visual:

1/2 academics + 1/2 everything else = 1 high school experience

Or, probably more accurately for some families, this:

3/4 academics + 1/4 everything else = 1 high school experience

The exactly proportions are up to you.

Why is that stuff important, you ask? How is your kid supposed to have time for some of that?

Valid questions.

With creative scheduling and lots of parental support it can be done. All that driving around town, waiting endless hours for your kid to finish, shopping for supplies, and stuff like that. When you’d rather be doing something else, anything else, and sometimes it’s boring as heck, plus the house is a wreck and there’s nothing for dinner, but you’re doing it for your kid. Those kinds of things.

And it’s important for those college interviews, where your kid will get asked about stuff exactly like this. Interviewers want to know about coursework, true, but because lots of students apply with the same grades and the same coursework, it’s the stuff that can help your student stand out.

Plus, it’s fun. It’s needed. It’s important for your teen’s well-being. Who wants to be trapped in the house or seated by the computer all day anyway?

It’s important for scholarship committees that specifically seek applicants with certain areas of interest, beaucoup volunteer hours, and passions that lie outside the mediocrity of traditional high school coursework.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?

The shift is to give as much attention to coursework and requirements in high school as you do all this other stuff. I know it’s easy to forget , so let this be a reminder to incorporate “outside” things “inside” your home education program.

Your teens will thank you for this, by the way. They’ll appreciate your slight de-emphasis from lessons, grades and assessments, and the opportunity to delve into other areas of their lives. They’ll be better for it in the long run, too. You all just don’t realize it yet.

To your success,

Have you read my “Top Ten High School Fears” series? If not, find it right here.

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA/Tampa, H.E.R.I., HECOA, Start Homeschooling Summit, Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT, Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

Check out Marie-Claire’s new book for Florida home educators HERE.

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: high school, lesson planning, middle, middle school, organization, schedule

Jan 30 2018

25 Great YouTube Channels for Students

People have long watched YouTube for entertainment. But, as the amount of educational content keeps growing, YouTube is increasingly becoming a valid learning tool for today’s students.

For myself, YouTube is one of the first places I go to learn something free. I see and hear of its benefits from families I work with throughout the year. I imagine a not-too-distant future in which people learn directly from YouTube and similar platforms, and no longer need anything else. Strange as it seems, a world without the need for books or organized curriculum may not be very far away.

I spent this morning trying to recall some of the YouTube channels my family really enjoyed over the last few years. I created a list of some of our favorite channels, and added several I recently discovered on my own. With so much content, it wasn’t easy choosing only 25 channels to share with you. Once you begin watching, you’ll probably find others that appeal to you, too. Stick with a couple of topics, or branch off as you desire. Sometimes, following rabbit trails and discovering new things can be part of the fun.

To protect your students, I must suggest you preview all videos first. Then, enjoy some of my picks with your students this year.

My Top 25 YouTube Learning Channels

in alphabetical order, each opens new window

Brain Bubble TV

Crash Course

Finding Stuff Out

Geography Now

How It’s Made

It’s OK to be smart

Life Noggin

Minute Earth

Minute Physics

Mythbusters

National Geographic

Nova PBS

Numberphile

Periodic Videos

Popular Mechanics

SciShow

Smarter Every Day

Sick Science!

TED-Ed

The Backyard Scientist

The Brain Scoop

The Slow Mo Guys

Timeline – World History Documentaries

Today I Found Out

Veritasium

Know of a great learning channel I missed? Add a COMMENT for my readers.

And SHARE with friends, will you? Other parents want to hear about this!

Happy viewing!

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT,Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

Check out Marie-Claire’s new book for Florida home educators…it’s on Amazon HERE.

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: classroom resources, curriculum, e-course, elementary, free, freebies, high school, lesson planning, middle school, online, saving money, unschooling

Nov 14 2017

Struggling with times tables? These tools can help.

May contain affiliate links

Students of all ages sometimes need help learning “times tables” or other math facts. While this can be inconvenient, it’s not at all uncommon, so I urge parents not to worry.

When math facts seem to be taking a while, it’s a good idea to step back and try other ways to approach it before moving on.  Since all children are unique, finding the right system could take a couple of tries…but the facts will come (take heart, eventually…) either thru learning, rote memorization, some other way that makes sense to the student, or all of the above.

Here’s a short list of products, printables and services to try:

  • a basic “times table” you can print from your desk top (see photo of my desktop, above, for examples)
  • Times Tales book and/or DVD system, purchase required, free sample download
  • Learn Math Fast system teaching basic math facts, counting money; free online samples and placement tests
  • MobyMax free and subscription based math practice online for grades K-8
  • Xtramath free practice in basic facts, requires a login; resources for students, parents and teachers
  • Fun4TheBrain’s  Alien Munchtime Game Free online game for younger students, olders may enjoy, too
  • Master Math free middle school math instruction using videos, worksheets and self-grading quizzes
  • Multiplication dot com free practice with math facts, requires a log in, resources for students, parents and teachers
  • Instructables free instructions for learning times tables using fingers and hands
  • Quick Study Laminated Guide quick reference sheet available for purchase
  • Multiplication Wrap Ups hand-held learning tool available for purchase
  • Times Tables the Fun Way book of stories and rhymes
  • Multiplication War card game available for purchase
  • Multiplication Rap CD available for purchase
  • Schoolhouse Rock videos found free on Youtube
List of products to teach multiplication “times tables”:

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For math facts, there’s almost always a method, tool, or product that resonates with each unique student. For us, homemade games, visuals, rhymes, and all kinds of silliness worked well, too!

If you’ve had success with a method not listed here, please leave a COMMENT so my readers can give it a try.

To your success,

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT,Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: classroom resources, elementary, free, high school, math, middle, middle school, struggling learners

Oct 09 2017

When to take the SAT or ACT (specific advice from the parent of high scorers)

Many people think taking the SAT/ACT is a 12th grade thing. I remember that was my mindset when I was a high school senior, too.

If you get anything out of this article, it should be that waiting until 12th grade to take the SAT or ACT is a bad idea. In fact, since scores take a while to process, it can cause your student to miss an application deadline and ruin his/her chance of getting into the college. No joke.

If you get anything else out of this article, it should be that SATs and ACTs are not the kind of tests you wait until 12th grade to think about. Students who take these tests without practice and without experience may not do well. They might, but taking the tests multiple times often results in higher scores. Why take that chance?

It’s so much better to start planning early.

Success on the SAT / ACT means planning early…9th grade isn’t too soon.

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Time and Preparation

In my professional opinion, which matches the opinions of many other experts in this field, SAT and ACT test taking requires time and preparation. Preparation, when done right, that spans all four years of a high school education; and preparation, that if ignored, can harm a student’s chances of getting into college and receiving scholarships.

The purpose of this article is to give you a workable plan, one you can use to plan your student’s high school testing experience. It is based on my research, what I learned thru my own childrens’ successes, and what I’ve seen via the families I work with (comparing those who listened to this advice, and those who didn’t).

Are there other ways to plan SAT and ACT testing? Of course. But, if you’re looking for advice from a the parent of high scoring students (we’ve even had a “perfect” here and there), read on.

SAT/ACT planning. Advice from a parent of high scorers.

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The Plan:

Grade by Grade Recommendations

for SAT and/or ACT Testing

—————————————————————————————–

9th Grade

Research and preparedness 

  • Begin conversations about college.
  • When in doubt if a student is college-bound, assume yes.
  • Learn the names of each test, the cost, the registration process, and browse test schedules.
  • Offer high school courses that target the specific subject areas covered on each test.
  • Begin researching colleges and universities, programs and careers, and requirements.
  • Involve student in every step (in later grades, this should be student-led).

10th Grade

PSAT in the fall

Actual test in the spring (optional)

  • Continue all 9th grade activities.
  • Register for fall PSAT at your local high school. Take it for learning and practice.
  • Target which test(s) to study for. Purchase study workbooks. Find sample tests online.
  • Start studying in the spring, a little every day or week throughout the rest of the school year.
  • Register for an actual test in the spring. Don’t send scores; use for learning and practice.
  • Plan for intense study over the summer.

11th Grade

PSAT in the fall

Test in the fall

Test in the spring

Test in late summer (optional)

  • Continue all 9th grade activities, paying special attention to strengthening areas of weakness.
  • Take PSAT in October (for National Merit eligibility and additional practice)
  • Purchase updated materials for newest test(s) as needed. Use only reputable materials.
  • Continue regular studying. Take practice tests (actual previous tests).
  • Use classes, workshops, tutors, or other help if necessary.
  • Decide which test (SAT or ACT or both) seems most appropriate for the student.
  • When looking at test-optional colleges, discuss the possible impact of skipping tests altogether.
  • Create online account with test provider(s). Explore college planning tools available there, too.
  • Decide if writing portion of test is necessary (check with colleges).
  • Decide if subject tests are needed (check with colleges).
  • Test in fall
  • Unless a perfect score in fall, test again in spring.
  • Plan summer test if necessary.
  • Send best spring (or summer) scores to colleges of choice.
  • Continue intense studying if needed.

12th Grade

Early fall testing (optional)

  • Continue all 9th grade activities.
  • Test again if scores will process in time for college deadlines.
  • Make sure best and highest scores are sent to colleges of choice (or all if super-scored).

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As you can see, it’s all about 11th grade. That’s why it’s so important to use grades 9 and 10 wisely for preparation and practice. This is exactly what I recommend, and almost exactly the schedule my children followed before each received lots of acceptance letters, lots of free tuition and lots of great scholarships. If you need help with this, I’ve linked some articles, below. If you still need help, I’m available.

To your success,

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT,Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

You might like:

SAT, ACT and the new CLT exam

Core 16 and other high school information

Written by Marie-Claire · Categorized: Homeschool · Tagged: college, high school, lesson planning, middle school, record-keeping, scheduling, testing, time management

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