Do you remember the phrase, “My way or the highway.” Popularized sometime in the 70’s, it has morphed, spread, and seems to characterize all of life now. The “us vs them” way of looking at things along with the accompanying lack of civility and vitriol in public discourse seems to be here to stay. With…
Hello Home Schoolers, It’s been a while since I’ve posted something. Now that things are quieting down around Basic Skills, I do have something. The cultural shift we’re seeing is huge. I don’t think it’s something we’re going to see change as much as we wish once “the other guys” are in office politically. The issues we’re…
Friday’s Supreme Court decision was followed by a barrage of posts, tweets, and TikTok and YouTube clips. Expected for such an historic decision. I was both surprised and not surprised by the vitriol and over-the-top intensity by what I read and viewed. Many of the clips and pictures featured hysterical, angry women using over-the-top profanity…
Hello Home School Families, I wanted to let you know that the Oregon Department of Education will not be extending the deadline to complete achievement testing this year. The last day to complete testing is August 15. While many home schoolers test their children annually at the end of the school year, the rules in Oregon require,…
Before cancel culture, there was… cancel culture. Years ago, I was visiting with a graduate of the school where I was teaching and serving as a part-time principal. After graduation, he had gone on to attend a well-known Bible School in Canada. I asked him how he liked it. Overall, he was positive except for…
Hello Home School Families, Now that spring is here, I wanted to make you aware of the various testing opportunities, both in-person and remote, available to you this year. First, the in-person group achievement test dates and locations are shown below. We’re pleased to offer quite a few new locations this year. To sign up,…
During World War 1, King Constantine of Greece was openly benevolent toward Germany. Because he refused to support the allies, he was replaced by his second son, Prince Alexander. According to plan, the new prince ruled in a manner that benefited France, England, and the United States. Greece itself was able to expand its territories….
Dear Basic Skills Readers, The following is a guest post written by Susan Leckband, Executive Director of Help Elevate Learning Processing, Inc. Good insights on the relationship between a child’s learning style and choosing the right curriculum! A great many homeschool parents come to our facility with the question “Why doesn’t my kid remember this?…
Now that we’ve reached the end of the second week of January, how are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Doing OK? Not so good? If you’re one who has stepped up to the challenge, here are seven suggestions that will tip the scales in favor of you continuing and succeeding. I’ve adapted the suggestions from one of…
I’ve been writing about Tim Ferris’s five morning activities. Here’s a recap: One) Make Your Bed Two) Mediate Three) Hang I like what he’s written. You can read my thinking about these first three routines by clicking the links above. His final two activities go together. Morning routine number four is to make a cup…