| I'm your diner waitress -julie You'll find me dishing up homeschool favorites, hot off the grill, at your friendly neighborhood Homeschool Diner! Interested in what I do in my "spare" time? Well, I keep busy... I'm a mom, a homeschooling parent (since 2000), and a freelance technical writer and developmental editor. I am also a scientist at heart (and by degree) and an artist, when I get the chance. What I really love the most, though, is being a mom. Even though it's "pro bono" work it is, by far, the most rewarding job I've ever had. I also love all things "retro", as you may have noticed from the theme of this website. I'm very involved in the global homeschooling community. I am active in "real-life" local and regional homeschool groups. I also participate in many online homeschool support groups--local, state, regional, US, UK and in many other countries around the world. I love teaching homeschool co-op classes on a variety of topics. I moderate several online homeschool forums, and I present workshops at both homeschool and gifted education conferences. I enjoy writing about homeschooling. I have written newsletter articles for several local and state non-profits. I have also written and self-published a series of children's books about homeschooling, titled "I Learn at Home". The first book, "Today's Lesson: Japan" is available for purchase on this website, three others are in various stages of creation. I consider myself a life-long learner, and I see homeschooling as a wonderful way to instill a love of learning in our children. I firmly believe that those who enjoy learning, want to acquire new skills, and aren't afraid to tackle new technologies will find their way in life, no matter what educational or career path they are on. Homeschooling encourages all of these qualities in a student. A great benefit of homeschooling is that we parents get a second education, while teaching our children. (I have to say, I find that many subjects are much more interesting this time around.) When I'm researching a new topic, and I find a valuable resource, I love to share it with others. I have passed along these little resource "gems" for years, in e-groups, newsletters, and homeschool-related articles. I'm looking forward to filling up this website with those treasures, too, so that even more parents can explore them and share them with their children. I don't believe homeschoolers should have to pay a subscription fee before they can find helpful information. I heartily agree with this quote from Margaret Fuller, who is briefly described at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Fuller , "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it." In general, we homeschoolers are a very giving group of people. We're willing to help each other out, to give advice when asked, resource suggestions where possible, and moral support whenever we are able. I think this willingness to share our time and knowledge is what ties together the homeschooling community... which, happily, includes families all over the world! I hope you find something here at the Homeschool Diner that you can take home and give a try -- some "carry out" so to speak ;-) Stop by your friendly neighborhood Homeschool Diner any time -- we're open all night. |
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| Copyright 2005 Julie Shepherd Knapp |