Carnival of Homeschooling: Yearbook Edition

Welcome to the 96th Carnival of Homeschooling. If you don't know what a carnival is... let me explain. A Blog Carnival is a showcase of memories (articles that we bloggers call "posts") from around the net on a group of blogs which share similar interests. There are carnivals for all sorts of things (cats, finances, poetry...). This carnival is put on BY homeschoolers FOR homeschoolers. Each host has their own style and sometimes uses a "theme" to write the carnival. I like themes... so I usually use them when I host the carnival on my blog. This week's theme is high school yearbooks. I happen to be a photo nut... and I thought it would be fun to see what some of my favorite bloggers looked like in their yearbook days. A few of the photo submissions you see here are current photos of bloggers (we won't hold it against you that you are young enough to be our CHILDREN).

Take some time and visit each of the links below. You might go blind if you try to do it all in one sitting. Bookmark this post and come back with a cup of coffee when you have a free moment. You'll be amazed at the talent, inspiration, wit, and information that each blogger has to offer the homeschool community. Each week there's a new carnival of homeschooling, so be sure to check Henry's blog to find out where the next carnival will be located. He also has information as to how you can enter one of your posts in the mix.

Be sure to 'sign my yearbook' below after you read through the carnival! In other words, leave a comment and let me know you stopped in!

CLASS FAVORITES

Every year in schools around America some lucky guys and girls will be chosen to represent their class in some form or fashion. Maybe they have the 'best smile' or the 'coolest car'. For whatever reason, they may be the 'most popular' or 'geekiest'. Maybe they have an outgoing personality or make the best grades? Here are a couple of gals who have a special spot in our homeschool yearbook for their contribution to this week's carnival. They are our brightest of the 'Class of 2007'. Isn't it nice to know that your students don't have to compete in the rat race at public school to be the most beautiful or best dressed? In homeschooling, we get to focus on things that matter much more than our cars or our clothes. We get to focus on learning... and then we can all share the title of 'best smile'!

Class Favorite
God Has a Plan for Your Homeschool... Heart of Wisdom Blog

Quotes from 'Heart of Wisdom':
'Encouragement for homeschoolers. God promised to strengthen and equip us; to guide us in every situation; to meet all our needs; and never to leave us. He has consistently kept these promises...'

Most Popular
Happy 18th Birthday!... SuperAngel

The ever popular Amanda Dixon turned 18 recently. Looks like she has quite a few fans at Homeschool Blogosphere High. If you haven't signed your name in her 'yearbook', hop over to her 18th birthday post and sign your name on the Mr. Linky!

Best Dressed
School Update... Adventures in Daily Living.

Suzanne is our 'best dressed' senior at Homeschool Blogosphere High. Check out her comfy denim and soft cotton Ts. Are those Vans tennis shoes, Suzanne? Tell us how you keep up with the trends in homeschool fashion!

Debate Winner
Public Schools: Where You Don't Get What You Pay For... Barbara Frank

Summary of Barbara's Debate: Homeschoolers continue to prove that when it comes to education, spending money does not guarantee success.

Teacher's Pet
101 Ways to Add Spice to Your Homeschooling Days... Lunablog.net

April of Lunablog.net is the homeschool teacher's favorite assistant: A smorgasbord of ideas for new and experienced homeschoolers. Bookmark for those days when you need a little creative inspiration!

Class President
Attaining an excellent education... Principled Discovery.

Dana of Principled Discovery was elected hands-down our favorite political winner at Homeschool Blogosphere High. Her senior thesis is on pursuing excellence in education (of course).

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SCIENCE FAIR

Our 2007 science fair contestants put their brain-power to the test as they display some serious scientific method madness. Enjoy browsing the aisles full of fancy field trip reviews, perspicuous projects, exciting experiments, objective observations, logical lessons learned and more! These stellar students of science are all tied for a blue ribbon ticket at the fair. Stop by their booth to let them know what a great job they have done. All our judges give them a 10!

Contestant 1: Science Field Trip
St. Louis Science Center... Lady Bugs, Laughter & Life

Kim Davis shares her review of a fun-filled outing that is sure to spark your science-enthusiasm. She has a bunch of photographs to go with the project that you should be sure not to miss as well.

Contestant 2: Observations Galore!
NASA Open House and 90th Anniversary... Little Blue School.

Lydia has 'Fun, fun, fun 'til her Daddy took the supersonic wind tunnel away!'

Contestant 3: Solar Project
Our Solar Project... Alasandra

Field notes from Alasandra's project: 'How our solar fountain worked, design flaws we discovered and the advantages and disadvantages of using solar power. (No sun = No power).'

Contestant 4: Blazes and Bionomics
Calofirnia Chapparal - a Fire Inspired Science List... The Not Quite Crunchy Parent

MC shares some interesting speculation on the California chaparral ecosystem and finds time to do research during their 'school break' due to a prolonged fire-drill. She says of her project, "I used the fires in our area to teach a lesson on biology, ecology and global warming."

Contestant 5: Moment in Space History
How cool is a view of the Space Shuttle and ISS from the back 40?... Corn and Oil

Synopsis by Susan: 'Information about how to see the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station in the night sky is provided.'

Contestant 6: Model Rockets
Model Rocket Engines and Resources... Po Moyemu--In My Opinion.

Silvia submits a grade-A project on model rocket engines and shares her resources and links for future rocket science fanatics. Be sure to look over her specs and check out her link for the "Beginner's Guide to Rockets".

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MATH CLUB

President of the Math Club
Multiplying in Parts and the Standard Algorithm... Homeschool Math Blog

In Maria Miller's own words: "It's not enough just to be able to go through the motions of the algorithm of multiplication"... We "need to understand the 'why', which is based on multiplying in parts. That idea is very needful in everyday life and later in algebra (distributive property)." You go girl!

Vice President of the Math Club
I couldn't resist...... Let's play math!.

Denise shares her lighter side with a very cute cat poster. Every classroom has to have a really cool poster, right? Be sure to check out her learning links as well. This math club whiz even has a few grammar tips up her sleeve. Just what is a 'World Famous Random Kitten Generator' anyway???

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GEOGRAPHY BEE

World Class Winner
Today's Lesson - Countries Of The World... Consent Of The Governed.

Don't miss Judy Aron's You Tube Animaniac video link to "Countries of the World". Judy is going places (lots and lots of places) for Homeschool Blogosphere High... and she's taking us all with her!

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SPORTS

Martial Arts
Tai Kwando: Physical Education and Something More... Ragamuffin Studies.

Elisheva shines as HBH's star Tai Kwando martial arts marvel. She's setting and working towards winning goals and aiming for the stars. We are proud of her efforts. Be sure to stop over and read about the confidence and personal benefits that physical training can add to your educational experience.

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UIL TEAM TRIUMPHS

Star Journalist
Another Hanna Levin Piece in the Media... The Thinking Mother.

Clip from Christine's winning article: "Homeschooling is an inevitable component in the media as part of Hanna Levin's book tour to promote her new book, 'God's Harvard' about Patrick Henry College, a college created specifically for Christian Homeschoolers.'

Amazing Authors
"Chicken Soup for the Homeschooler's Soul?"... Apples of Gold Ministries

Lisa Bertolini voted class writing whiz! Here's what she has to say: "We are attempting to encourage Chicken Soup for the Soul to create a Homeschooler's Soul book. We're asking who would consider writing a story, and/or purchasing the book, in hopes that they'll see the interest among our fellow homeschoolers."

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HISTORY FAIR

Bringing History to Life
History with Primary Sources... Percival Blakeney Academy

Sebastian of Percival Blakeney Academy shares several great online resources for using primary sources when studying history.

Links to the Past
Best Homeschool History Find Ever!... Nerd Family Things.

Yearbook Photo caption: 'NerdMom proudly displays her pocket protectors and pushes up her black horn-rimmed glasses as she grins for the camera. She's in the limelight today because she has found a truly amazing history tool to share with her classmates. "Horizontal Linkage of People and Events!" she shouts as she holds up her new book for all of us to see.'

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FIELD TRIPS

Cape Cod Coolies
Nature Walks: Why Cape Cod Was a Good Choice... Teaching Tommy

Lisa shares her classes experience with their nature walk at Cape Cod. Special Ed has never gotten any more special! You won't want to miss the details for this class trip, so stop over on Lisa's page to find out more about how they are learning better than they ever could in public school.

Nature Walk
Before Nature Walk Routine... Water into Wine: Vino per Tutto

Dawn and Matt (Homeschool Blogosphere High school sweethearts) share some nature walk goals for the class of 2007. They report that the first week went really well, the second week not so good. They also share some tips for the future... leaving "no child inside".

Nature Walk, page 2
Homeschool Adventure #2Play the dad? No, be the Dad!

Also by Dawn and Matt... a VIDEOcast of their first nature walk of the year at a local nature park.

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LEARNING MOMENTS

Always a Lesson
13 Things You Didn’t Know Were Educational... Mom Is Teaching.

Summer finds a way to learn in and out of school settings. Way to go, HBH cheerleader!

When School Projects Fail
My Cat's Butt Glitters in the Sun... Day by Day Homeschooling.

Dawn Adams is our class clown here at Homeschool Blogosphere High. She grins as she tells the yearbook team about her essay on school project setbacks, "I wasn't sure if 'butt' would be offensive so I thought I'd submit this and see." She said she would understand if we didn't use her entry for the yearbook, 'butt' how could we resist??? There's something just warm and fuzzy (and green... and sparkly?) about cats, isn't there?

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DRAMA CLUB

Encouraging Pretend Play... About Homeschooling

Beverly Hernandez is our HBH Drama Queen. She even tutors fellow acting students on the side. She offers her advice back stage: "As homeschool parents, we can
encourage pretend play even past the early stages of childhood by providing resources that spark children's imaginations. Here are some printable kits to encourage pretend play."

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TAKING NOTES

Ideas in My Head... Homeschool Daze Blog

Julee, the sophomore class favorite, muses about ABA therapy and contemplates how she can incorporate some of the systems into her homeschooling. She shows us how step-by-step and mastery are important in her notes.

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FUTURE SO BRIGHT ~ HBH MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Thinking and Logic
Thinking Games... All Info About Homeschooling

Patti Miller shares some brain-boosters in our advertisement pages at the back of the yearbook. See how smart you really are! Everyone loves a mind-bending pop quiz.

Contests and Awards
This week, Kelly, at Pass the Torch, is hosting two giveaways for awesome homeschooling products -- a Career Expedition Boardgame and a Think It, Ink It story-writing book!

Getting Smarter Conference
Learning & The Brain Conference: discount for SharpBrains readers... SharpBrains.

Alvaro Fernandez has ideas on how to raise his class IQ! He shares, "this conference is for educators on emerging research on Learning and The Brain". He has info for students about special registration discounts. Meet him in the hall by the office after school.

College Prep
Is It All About Going to College?... Homeschool2.0 Blog

Lynn, our HBH Valedictorian shares about college and the future for other homeschoolers in her graduation speech. You can find a copy of it on the linked page of the Homeschool Blogosphere 2007 yearbook.

Preparing for Life After Graduation
Money and the Importance of Education... Why Homeschooling

While academics are important, Henry Cate (a Stanford Scholarship winning Honors Student) reminds us that students "need to learn there is more to being successful in life than just having an education."

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CREATIVE WRITING - REPORTS - HOMEWORK

Book Worm
Book Report Forms"... Homeschooling Journey

Annette Berlin is our Creative Writing blue ribbon winner. She shares some struggles with writing book reports in a structured and organized format. Her class has had success with book report forms. "That’s why we frequently used book report forms." she tells the yearbook crew. She even shares ideas on how to "make your own customized book report form."

Penmanship Perfection
Handwriting Without A Workbook... The Educational Life.

Jacci is a penmanship pro. She has some excellent tips for her fellow students that are sure to make your handwriting process painless and enjoyable. Pretty soon you'll be looking forward to time with your pen and lined paper like she does!

List Making
8 Reasons To Love Homeschooling... Our Family Village.

Jo, one of our very own Yearbook Staff members and a UIL Journalism competition winner, shares her heartfelt list of why she loves homeschooling.

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ATTITUDE

Here in the world of homeschooling, we place a special value on our student's character and attitude. Many of our faculty are believers in moral success as well as academic success. We believe in building the whole student... the heart and not just the mind.

Learning Patience
Super Mom, er, Grouch... Seeking Rest In The Ancient Paths

Jacque, our Homecoming Queen, shares with honesty that even though she's got a lot of popularity, she still has days when her personality needs improvement. Her candid words are an inspiration to all of us: "I have always hated it when someone asks me those 2 ominous subjects about homeschooling: 'How do you do it?' and anything about patience." I'm sure she's learning some positive lessons. Just look at the homecoming mums that adorn her homecoming gown! Someone out there thinks she's great!

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LIBRARY LOVE-AFFAIR

Where would we be without our library at Homeschool Blogosphere Academy? In our school halls, you will find that all our faculty are just as bad about browsing the aisles as the students are. Some of the Homeschool Blogosphere High students are nearly tripping down the stairs over each other because they won't put down their books. This school is a bookworm's paradise. Homeschooling tends to bring out the 'reader' in you.

Life Without Libraries?
Better Than Christmas... ... Life Without School

Becky, our library aide, shares her winning UIL creative writing short story: "Better than Christmas". In it she tells of a far away land (New Jersey) where the libraries shut down for six long months! Her story sounds like a horror film in the making! Be sure to visit her page of the yearbook to find out why the libraries were closed.

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THANKSGIVING BREAK AND HOLIDAYS

Sweater Weather at Last!
Autumn!... The Homeschool Way

Betsy shares some wonderful schoolish fun for fall.

Christian Holiday Inspiration
Thinking Christianly: Honoring Christ During the Holidays... C h r y s a l i s

E-mom, our Christian Student Union President, shares her team project for October: Lectures on "How to keep a Christian worldview in focus during Halloween." She shares quotes by Dr. James Dobson and links to creative alternative resources and articles with the union and the crowd in attendance.

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WALKING TO SCHOOL

It is nice to be AT school when you wake up. Our classes don't loose any time in line, outside the bathroom, or waiting to be seen by the school nurse. Our student teacher ratio is way down... just a handful to one (and in some classes, 1 to 1!). Each student in our schools has the added advantage of never needing a medical permission slip, either. There's no excuse for missing the bus... because there isn't a bus. It is also nice to have an "off campus" policy that is so liberal. Lunch time is a breeze with mom always available to either cook or drive you to Mc Donalds on a whim. How about a picnic after 4th period Math Class? No problem. Our schedule and our school location is very flexible.

Keeping a Green Hour
The Heart of Harmony - Only Going for a Walk... The Heart of Harmony.

Our FFA Sweetheart, Barb-Harmony-Art-Mom shares in the beauty of the good 'ol outdoors. She has made nature her friend by spending a little time outside with her class each day. Follow some of her suggestions to clear your thoughts and marvel at God's creation. The sunshine is sure to improve your mood (and brighten your day).

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CAFETERIA CRITERIA

Want Fries with That?
The Freshman 15... CampusGrotto.

Ted Reimers shares some health tips with our freshman class.

Time for Healthy Eating Before Class?
How To Cook Hearty Breakfast Muffins With Time To Spare... HowToMe.

HowToMe is a super Home-Ec student who has some wonderful recipes and tips for making the most out of your morning meals. She shares some hints with us in our yearbook interview: "Mom shared a breakfast muffin recipe with us that we’ve really enjoyed. It can be made ahead in large or small quantities and then frozen. This is easy and delicious!"

Time for Tea
Planning a Children’s Etiquette Tea Party... Tea Party Girl.

Tea Party Girl is our Etiquette class helper. She helps in teaching her classmates how to sip tea with style. Be sure to drop in on her tea party during Home-Ec class.

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

FFH
Farm Boys at Work... Along the Crooked Path

A day of homeschooling on a small farm is not complete without daily farm chores! This is a peek at what the 'Harvest Kids' club are doing to learn about farm life.

Story Reading Time
Family Fun Night: The Ransom of Red Chief... Higher Up and Further In

The Reading Club shares a class favorite that is sure to have you in stitches. LindaFay, their club leader says, "O. Henry is an old friend of ours and visits at least once a year. Come and eavesdrop on the last visit..."

Future Homemaker of America Hero
Can Ya Tell?... Amusing Reflections of a CoutryGirl

Jocelyn Dixon won FHA-HERO recognition for her hard work in the state level. In her acceptance speech, she shared the following meaningful advice: "As Homeschoolers we should really be giving off a warm sense of the home... where we are brought up... where we learn. We should be defined. People should be able to tell us a apart. We are different... training our children to be well socialized, well-mannered, and capable to get along with anyone in the loving care of the home." Way to go Jocelyn!

Outstanding FHA Leader
The Greatest Job in the World... My Home Sweet Home

American Home Economics Association recognizes Dawn of My Home Sweet Home for her outstanding leadership in homemaking. Dawn shares a job description that is fit for a queen... queen of the home-economics class, maybe! She's our very own Homeschool Blogosphere High FHA sweetheart.

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TO THE BEAT OF THEIR OWN DRUM

Individuality
Of Equality, Value, and Birthday Parties... Life Nurturing Education

Renae Deckard, voted "Most Likely to be President" by her Senior Class, says in the HBH school paper, "This article examines how fairness may not celebrate our unique individuality".

Which World is the Real One?
Our World, by Marjorie... The Life Without School Blog

Marjorie shares a thought provoking essay in the school paper that was too good for our yearbook journalists to leave out. Here's her brief summary: "We homeschoolers know well that some people think we are sheltering our kids from 'the real world.' On the one hand, I say 'you're right' and I feel that it's part of my job as a parent to do just that. On the other hand, I wonder which world is the real one."

Tomorrow's Leaders... or not?
Define the government, Don't be defined by it: 10 ways schools shape students.... Cultureslave

An award-winning UIL paper by Cultureslave has the halls abuzz with discussion about institutionalized school vs. homeschooling. The article examines how schools undermine democracy by defining the children who will one day define the government... or will the government define them?

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TROUBLE AT THE BUS STOP

Every school has their fair share of trouble makers. Admittedly, they were fewer in past decades it seems... but there has always been a secret (or not-so-secret) smoking area, the famed outcast group, or someone caught skipping school (or worse). Even in homeschooling, there may be a few behavioral write-ups... however, skipping school is much harder at home when your MOM is the teacher. Below, Homeschool Blogosphere High discusses some touchy subjects about problems that parents need to be aware of:

Too Easy to Get
"Is My Son Addicted To Internet Porn?"... by Dr. Scott Davis

Dr. Scott Davis, the HBH resident doctor on duty shares some tips and warning signs for parents to watch out for.

Babies with Babies
Middle school girls and Sex... Notes From A Homeschooling Mom.

Hall monitor Andrea presents another good reason to continue homeschooling in her article for the HBH school paper.

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YEARBOOK STAFF

Inspiration for the Spirit and HSBA Awards
Thursday Thoughts...

Dianne of Bunny Trails is one of our featured writers at the exclusive journalism team for Homeschool Blogosphere High School. She shares a devotional twice a month there. She and her HSBA team members (listed on their website sidebar) have some great information in the advertisements to follow... be sure to read to the end!

Graduating Life
Wisdom From the Back of My Yearbook... Sprittibee

Sprittibee shares a journey through the yearbooks of her past. Join her for some wit and wisdom... and Truth.

The High Cost of Good Press
Sprittibee and Kevin are voted HBH's 'Most Unlikely Couple' (a prep and a punk... go figure!). However, they have been together for nearly 16 years! Hopefully Kevin will forgive Sprittibee for staying up past 3AM to bring you this edition of the HBH 2007 yearbook (otherwise known as the 96th edition of the Homeschool Carnival). "Heather, I'm moving this computer out of the room. I can't sleep with you clicking away on the keyboard." he was quoted as saying just before he headed off to sleep across the hall. Sometimes journalists have to pay heavy prices to meet deadlines.

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SPONSORS

This year's Homeschool Blog Awards are only days away from starting! Be sure to start taking notes and preparing to nominate your favorite homeschool blogs. Nominations will begin on November the 5th and last through the 17th. That gives you two weeks to get your nominations in. Be watching the HSBA website as rules and information are posted in the days to come. Voting will begin in early December. Winners will be announced before Christmas holidays begin. Prizes will be mailed after the first of the year. We thank our sponsors who have donated prizes for this year's awards and hope that you will all join us there!


Note to readers: This is a spoof on yearbook terminology and none of the high school awards above are real. Please email me if you find a broken link. Thank you for your submissions and photos. Please spread the word on your blogs and use the graphic I emailed you if you can. Thanks again for a fun carnival.


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Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Learning, Yearbook, Fun, Journalism, Science, Homeschool, Elementary, Field Trips, Kids, Teaching, Lesson Plans, Life, Children, Parenting, Carnival, Math, Christianity, Fall, Awards, Education, Carnival of Homeschool, Blogging, Blog Carnival, Behavior, Opinion