Alecia Baptiste

Writer, Speaker, Mentor

The Basic Tools of Learning

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Though it’s only March, this is the time of the year when parents begin planning for next school year. We begin researching curriculums. We attend homeschooling conventions. We begin asking our friends questions about what worked for them.

This is also a great time to begin educating yourself, getting new insight and fresh perspective. This is the time of the year, when we renew our vision and purpose for educating. I’ll be honest, this vision is the fuel that enables us to finish the school year strong. There is a wonderful purpose to all of this.Continue Reading

Teaching Active Little Boys (and girls) Without Losing Your Hair

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My children are now ages 18- 10 and homeschooling has greatly changed over the years.  I have no more babies or toddlers running around the house.  Everyone is reading fluently and independently.  Sometimes I forget how challenging homeschooling was in the earlier years.

One particular memory I have is of teaching my youngest son to read.  By this time, I had already taught two children to read so I had my system in place.  One thing you will learn about me, is that I need life to be super simple.  Once I have something that works, no need to change.  I love being creative and spontaneous, but some things just need to work with little thought on my part.Continue Reading

Simple Things you can do TODAY to start Educating your Children

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Over my years of homeschooling, I often meet moms who see homeschooling as this overwhelming venture that is only for “special” parents or ex-teachers.

Believe me, it’s not.

I believe that the major reason many think home educating is this impossible task is because of their own experiences of school.  Many believe home educating  is simply the “classroom”, moved into our homes.  Seriously, not many of us would want to move “school” into our homes.  Home educating  isn’t nor should it be public school at home.

I believe that if more parents knew how simple and fun it can be to educate their children from home, more would try it.  Yes, you can complicate it.  Yes, you can make it stressful.  Yes, you can suck all of the joy from learning.

It doesn’t have to be that way.  It can be inspiring. Simple. And enjoyable.

And you can start today.

Here are a few simple things that you can do  today to start educating your children.  Start today, even if your children are in school.  The most impactful learning happens outside of a classroom anyway!Continue Reading

Celebrate Failure

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Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. Albert Einstein

About 6 years ago I began pursuing my passion for creating art again.  My love affair with art began when I was in sixth grade.  The school I attended required every sixth grade student to take an art class.  Our teacher was Mr. Gianforte, who was better known as Mr. G.  With his instruction and inspiration, I discovered that I could actually draw and I enjoyed it!  I wasn’t born with some amazing artist ability.  My childhood drawings were like the typical kid.  In fact, I didn’t think I could draw at all.

For me, art has always been very personal.  I limited my artistic expression to sketches in my journal, which of course, were never good enough.  I didn’t share my drawings with others because they never met the standard of excellence that I expected of myself.

Yet, I continued to draw simply for pleasure off and on through the years.  I never even considered that someone else might actually enjoy my creative expressions, until one day I felt compelled to join my church’s art team.  It was something I knew I had to do.

But I was terrified.Continue Reading

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