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The Sociable Homeschooler — Kids & Family
The Sociable Homeschooler

Have you ever wondered how people just like you manage to homeschool their children and apparently love every moment of it? Are you ready to give up the formative years of your children’s lives to a stranger? Do you think homeschoolers are weird? Does the word, homeschool, bring to mind Birkenstocks, jumpers, and hairy legs? Honestly half my family fit the hairy leg stereotype…so who cares? I’m here to help you let go of any pre-conceived notions you may have about home educators. Forget all the excuses ever made under the sun for not homeschooling and listen to my show which is a generous mix of my life as the oxymoron, Sociable Homeschooler, international guests from all walks of life and light hearted views and comments about education and basements. I will also bend your ear with excerpts from my soon to be published book, also entitled, The Sociable Homeschooler, which chronicles many good causes for why my blue eyed cowboy and I chose to go off the deep end hand in hand with God and have everyone talking about us behind our backs and in the end winning them over. Come and be won over on Toginet Radio Live on Fridays, if only to get a weekly taste of Britain.

Latest Episodes:

Is Illiteracy Usurping the American Dream? Norma Simpson Wilt Feb 22, 2013

Show notes

Norma Wilt was a public school teacher for seventeen years. As an individual she tried to change the system and came up against certain individuals who do not necessarily have the welfare of the nation’s children at heart. I am thrilled to welcome her as a guest on my show this week where we will talk about how to create an academic environment in schools and homeschools where our students do not feel inadequate and are inspired to learn. Norma has written, The System Redesigned, This Time for the Children, in which she challenges her readers to return to a time when learning was successful – when all children read. If America’s children are to become literate, compassionate, empathetic, happy and productive members of our society changes must occur now. In the present school system some children are allowed to sit and be less than they are, while others are forced to be more than they can be. In either case they all fall below their natural potential. Join me on Friday at high noon CT, tea at the ready, for a thought provoking look at illiteracy in our country and where it could take us in the future if we don’t take steps to change the present system.

Connect the Thoughts: Steven David Horwich Feb 15, 2013

Show notes

My guest this week has a list of Performing Arts credits to his name. Steven David Horwich started early by winning an Emmy Award at the age of 17 for a piece he wrote, directed, and was featured in. As a writer he's written over 80 works for the stage, many of which have been produced throughout the U.S., Canada, London, and as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia. As a director he's directed over 200 evenings of theater, working with many top stars such as John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Anne Archer and Charles Durning. As an actor, he's performed over 150 roles. As a musician he’s music directed over 50 musicals. But it is as a father that he's the star! Nothing is more important to him than his children, absolutely nothing! It was while homeschooling as a single dad that Steven created a homeschool curriculum for them called Connect The Thoughts. As with all great products CTT stepped outside the small family unit and into the basements and kitchens of homeschoolers around the world. Today more than 20,000 people have benefitted from CTT courses. You won't want to miss the show so grab a cuppa and join me at my new time, High Noon, Central, still on Friday.

The Reluctant Homeschooler: Suki Wessling Feb 08, 2013

Show notes

My guest this week describes herself as a reluctant homeschooler, which makes me laugh because the very nature of the beast surprises many of us in its nascent years yielding various emotions that have us rushing forward enthusiastically or being dragged, kicking and screaming, into the vast arena of home education. Suki Wessling overcame her reluctance and has been writing about homeschooling and gifted children, with an emphasis on serving the emotional and academic needs of unusual learners, ever since. Her book, From School to Homeschool, was published by Great Potential Press in 2012 and serves as an introduction to home education for parents seeking alternative educational approaches for their children. Suki is also a writer of widely published poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. She has worked as a college English teacher, small press publisher, graphic designer, and journalist and joins me on Friday for a well deserved cup of tea.

These Temporary Tents: Aadel Bussinger Feb 01, 2013

Show notes

Finally I have a military homeschooling Mum as my guest this week. It has been three years and God’s timing is slow but perfect and not a little humourous. Aadel Bussinger answered my email with a “yes” after a mutual friend of ours recommended her to me. I scrolled down her “About” page and saw the top of a head of blue hair and wondered, “What’s my picture doing on this website?” Of course it wasn’t me! It was Aadel! I sent her a collage of me with my blue locks as a perfect introduction to myself. How many people in the world have bright blue highlights?! Aadel has been married to her career army man for twelve years and they have three children whom they unschool while moving at the army’s whim! She has a personal blog, writes for Natural Family Day and owns Homeschool Commons where she shares free public domain sources for all who want to partake. Today Aadel is going to talk to us about the whys and wherefores of homeschooling in the military and plug us into some valuable resources to make the whole experience do-able and wonderful with the added benefit of a healthy dose of chillaxing! Don’t miss Aadel this Friday and bring your tea, it will be fun!

Charity Water: Stacie Zellmer Jan 25, 2013

Show notes

Stacie Zellmer is joining me today to talk about the importance of clean water in the world, something we take for granted and waste without thinking! Imagine spending several hours a day, every day, walking with a container to fetch the family’s water. Imagine drinking or cooking with this water that looks and tastes dirty. Imagine going without water, not being able to drink your 64 ounces a day, not being able to turn on a tap, let it run to heat up before stepping into your morning shower for as long as you like! Stacie works for a company that is moving towards providing clean water to millions of people globally. She has degrees in Economics and International Relations from Wheaton College and experience in India where she helped frame an International Justice Missions' community engagement strategy. Stacie returned to New York to assist in finding innovative ways to involve schools and faith groups in Charity: Water's mission. Join me on Friday for a cuppa and a chat about what we can do to be a part of this unique outreach.

A Star Barista: Malia McNeny Jan 18, 2013

Show notes

My daughter, Malia McNeny, is returning this week to talk to me about the dream job that is helping her to achieve her dream career! Malia has just returned from a year in England where she finished off her formal training in the performance arts and is now embarking on the competitive and financially unstable phase of her future. Her clever choice of a job that will help foot the bill ensures that she will never be too far away from a pay check or a good cup of Joe. Ever since she was young she has wanted to work at the local coffee shop. The fact that we did not take the children out for something we could easily reproduce at home may have had something to do with her burning desire to one day work as a barista and blend, brew and sample to her heart’s desire. Join us today with your favourite cuppa to hear how Malia’s skills at making star coffees translates internationally and allows her to finance the pursuit of her career on stage no matter where she is in the world.

Who Are Magnitsky & Yakovlev? Kim de Blecourt Jan 11, 2013

Show notes

My guest this week is Kim de Blecourt, author of, Until We All Come Home, published by Faith Words last November. Kim spent over 13 years in corporate human resources and was a corporate trainer. I discovered her on Twitter and have spent many hours delving into the world of adoption using her blog, Nourished Hearts, as my springboard. I have happened upon an enterprising and remarkable community of people whom Kim seeks to encourage and inspire through her sensitive writing. In the forefront of her ministry is the specific issues caregivers face with children who come from “hard beginnings.” The latest sequence of events that have resulted in Russia placing a ban on Americans adopting children from their country is seen as a political power struggle among nations that will affect those in most need, the orphans. Join us this Friday for a heartwarming and true conversation that will call us to think again about what it means to be a Christian in our world today.

Less Class More Learning: Larry Farris Jan 04, 2013

Show notes

What does your twelfth grader need to know? It may be less than you think! Can you help your high schooler answer the questions, “Where are you trying to go and why?” While schooling at home how can less class mean more learning? Do you know the secret to making money? Listen in this week for the answers to these questions and more when Larry Farris joins me for an energising talk after the family, relaxing, chilling stress-free Christmas break! What better time than to look towards the future and help our children discern the path they will follow with the Lord. Larry and his wife homeschooled their three children while traveling around the States in their RV. Pop a pod in your Keurig, get a biscuit or two and come and enjoy, before you are tempted to pack your older children off to the public high school.

New Year With Friends: Laura, Walter, Shannah, Luke & Jennifer Dec 28, 2012

Show notes

This is the last show of 2012 and in it you will be treated to some different ideas about preparations for the New Year from more of my friends whom I’ve met during the past three years. There are thoughts about giving back, the fleetingness of time and living with presence, purpose and joy. You’ll hear meditations on letting go of perfection and enjoying family. There’s looking back with gratitude, remembering that life is what happens when making other plans and insights into the lighter side of the celebration with games, noise makers and rejoicing. 2013 brings with it the knowledge that God is not finished with us yet. Sit down with a special coffee and a biscotti and join me for some different voices guiding us towards a Happy New Year.

Christmas With Friends: Robert, Gretchen, Sandy & Daniele Dec 21, 2012

Show notes

Merry Christmas to you all! I invited a few of my friends from past shows to talk about what this holy season means to them and their comments ranged from mistletoe and eggnog, blessings and surprise announcements to our internal need to adore someone, the doctrine of the incarnation and shifting priorities. Join me this week and share a hot chocolate and truffle while we listen to the meaning of Christmas for a few people who have drawn close to us over the years.

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