Homeschooling Affirmation from a Stranger, Bo Sanchez and Philstar.com ;)

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, a homeschool parent wannabe or a homeschooling newbie like me, I'm sure there will come a time when you will need some homeschooling encouragement. :) Well, let me share how I've been affirmed lately about our decision to keep homeschooling (or rather, God's decision to put homeschooling "in our faces"! LOL!)

1. Affirmation from a Stranger

Last Sunday, the kids, their Papa and I were browsing through a tiangge (OK, what's the English term for this?! LOL!) stall after hearing Mass. One of the ladies there, an elderly woman whom I shall refer to as Curious Lola from now on, overheard Tim talking to me.

Curious Lola (to Tim): Where do you go to school?


Tim (speaking softly): Homeschool. (I then prod him to speak a little louder.)


Me: Where daw? (Loosely translated: She said, "Where?")


Tim (raises his voice, almost shouting in a cheeky manner): Homeschool! 


Me (thinking, "Uh-oh! She might think we have socialization issues!"): Don't shout, Tim.


Curious Lola: Wow! Homeschool! (Turns to me)


Curious Lola: How do you do that?


Me: (I start explaining).


Curious Lola: That's wonderful, etc. etc. 

Well, we actually had a fairly lengthy conversation about homeschooling and one or two other topics (which even included her telling me that two kids was just right and it would be better for us to stop at that. Umm... feeling close much?! LOL!). Hubby even thought that the lady was someone I knew personally, since we talked for so long!

Overall though, I came away encouraged by our conversation. I also felt humbled and honored again that God used little ol' me to share about how awesome (and challenging!) homeschooling can be. Yey! Thank You, Lord!

2. Affirmation from Bo Sanchez

At our recent family outing with the rest of my co-employees, I had the great privilege of talking to Bo and Marowe Sanchez about homeschooling! (Yes, the Bo Sanchez, people! The one who founded Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA) and a whole bunch of other ministries and organizations, and is my "idol-in-a-non-idolatrous-way" when it comes to writing! He's actually one of our company's "big bosses" and, of course, its founder, too!)

So this is how our dialogue went (as far as I recall, haha!):

Bo (making conversation because I stepped into his path {promise, I didn't do it in person! LOL!}): So how are you doing? You're doing good?


Me (rejoicing that my plan to start a conversation with Bo by stepping into his path worked): Great!


Bo: That's good. 


Me: Can I just say that your talk at the Homeschool Conference was so inspiring? A lot of the parents there were really in tears!


Bo: Really? Praise God! (or something to that effect)


*On a separate occasion, right after we had taken a group photo (see below, in case you think I'm making things up, LOL!)

I just got this from one of my officemates. See the lady squatting, with two kids? That's me with Rysse (white hat) and Tim (blue hat). Bo is the one in stripes, with his hands on the little boy (their youngest, Francis) and beside him (wearing black) is Marowe. Hubby is the one to the extreme left, in blue. Hehe!

Bo (referring to our kids): So, are you going to homeschool them?


Me: Well actually, we already are. But we're not enrolled under CFA yet. It's kind of challenging with my work so we're independent for now. We're using CHC, along with other things to supplement it.


Bo: Oh, that's great! That's what we started with. 


Marowe: OK lang yun. Bata pa naman sila eh. (That's OK. The kids are still young, anyway). 


Bo: Yeah, just enjoy it. Make the most of these years! (or something to that effect)


Me: Yes, I know. Thanks!


(I then prompt the kids to say "Thank you" again to their "Tito" Bo. (feeling close, haha! "Tito" is Filipino for "Uncle." They do and we all go home happy.)


Thank You, Lord, for that affirmation! :)

3. Affirmation from Philstar.com


In my post about the 4th Philippine Homeschool Conference, I said I'd share my own thoughts on the conference. Yikes! It's been over a month since the event and I still  haven't done so! (Sorry!) I was reminded to do so when I read this article about it on Philstar.com though, which also affirmed me about our journey in homeschooling:
Home Schooling Produces Achievers 

Of course, aside from these, I've also been getting affirmation from my fellow homeschool parents in our Catholic homeschool support group, ROCKERs and homeschool sites, like this post on homeschool preschool from Simple Homeschool. :) I feel less pressured to do and inspired to just be with my kids. (Special mention here: Mariel of The Learning Basket, thanks for your encouragement!)


By sharing these moments of affirmation with you, I hope to encourage you, too, dear parent reading this! :) Or, if you have words of affirmation you'd like to share with me (and others), please feel free to leave a comment. 


Thank you and God bless you and your family! ;)

Bo Sanchez's Catholic Filipino Academy is starting their High School Program! :)

Guess what? The Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA), founded by Bo Sanchez, already has a HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM! :) Awesome, huh?! They're launching it this year and will have an orientation session for parents on April 24. :) Something to consider when our kids start high school — though we've got a couple more years down the road to go! (We're still undecided re: homeschooling or progressive schooling though! Our deadline is before the end of this month! YIKES! Prayers please, friends!)

Image source: shutterstock.com

It's nice to know though that there are more and more options being made available locally for homeschoolers, especially on the high school level! Hurray for CFA! :) If you have kids of high school age or know parents who do, perhaps you'd like to try homeschooling them! Go to the CFA High School page here to read more about it. :)

You can also call CFA at 7259999 for more information. :)

God bless y'all! :)

Novena to God's Love - by a fellow Catholic homeschooling parent

NOVENA TO GOD'S LOVE
by Bo Sanchez, fellow Catholic homeschooling parent and founder of the ONLY Catholic Filipino homeschool provider, Catholic Filipino Academy


Today, I receive all of God’s love for me.
Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s universe.
Today, I open myself to Your blessings, healing, and miracles.
Today, I open myself to God’s Word so that I become more like Jesus every day.
Today, I proclaim that I’m God’s Beloved.
I’m God’s Servant,
I’m God’s Powerful Champion,

And because I am blessed,
I will bless the world,
In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.
---------------
Praying for blessings upon us all! ;-) 

Bo Sanchez on the 10 Core Principles of Homeschooling (and MORE!)

HAPI and its upcoming events :-)

The Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), which was formally launched last year during the 3rd Philippine Homeschool Conference, is a non-profit organization for homeschooling families led by a team of dynamic, creative and committed individuals (including my friends and fellow Catholic moms Martine and Ate Rita of CFA). Currently, HAPI's core group is chaired by Edric Mendoza, Chairman of the Philippines’ first recognized Homeschool provider, The Masters’ Academy (TMA), and the U.S. HSLDA's official representative to the Philippines. 


The letters of HAPI also stand for its objectives:
H – ype

One of HAPI’s main goals is to correct misconceptions on homeschooling and to provide the right information on what it really is. By God's grace, HAPI has so far been able to provide the Department of Education with facts and proof that show that most, if not all, homeschoolers are at least 2 levels higher than the regular students, as far as academic achievement is concerned. Hopefully, this will open DepEd's people's minds to accept homeschooling not just as an alternative learning system, but to consider it just like any other school.

A – pproval Seal

HAPI hopes to make its approval seal as a standard seal that will be placed on products and services that are homeschool-friendly. (Incidentally, the Catholic Homeschoolers Summit that we at Pure Passionistas are planning this year already has a HAPI seal! Yehey! Please do pray that it will become a reality this August!) 

P – artnerships & Perks

Being a member of HAPI means you will be entitled to discounts in selected bookstores and other shops, plus additional perks on the field trips you are planning. :-) I really commend the HAPI team for this aspect, since I am all for the frugality and practicality of homeschooling myself! :-)

I - nformation

HAPI aims to provide reliable and helpful information to assist all types homeschooling families, including independent homeschoolers. Yipee! :-) So even if we decide to go with US-based curricula like CHC or Five in A Row we will be able to get useful, relevant info from HAPI. :-)

Other benefits of being HAPI members include DepEd updates on important policies that affect the homeschooling community, information on accreditation procedures, directory of homeschool providers, support groups and services, HAPI calendar of Events, and free downloads.

In line with its goals of promoting homeschooling among Filipino families, HAPI has organized some exciting events for homeschoolers and wannabe homeschoolers and parents who are curious about homeschooling. 

1. THE HAPI ROADSHOW
The first leg of this was held on March 26, at McDo Hill in Alabang, and targeted mainly homeschoolers from the South. It was the first among 2 road shows lined up to rally homeschooling families and inform everyone about what HAPI is all about. 


For those who missed this, watch out for the next one scheduled on April 9 at the Medela House. Details below: 

• Program starts at 10am
• Registration fee: Php50
• Scholastic Books will be having a Book Sale! :-)
• Anybody can sign up for membership. HAPI annual membership fee is Php500 for the principal member and Php250 for the supplementary members.Road show registrants are entitled to FREE MEMBERSHIP valid until December 2011.

2. THE 1ST HAPI HOMESCHOOLERS FAIR

This event will feature the homeschoolers’ talents in live performances, artwork exhibits, and more, and will also be an opportunity for book exchanges among homeschoolers. 

3. THE 1ST CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOLERS SUMMIT, A HAPI-APPROVED HOMESCHOOL EVENT 

Spearheaded by Pure Passionistas
This is the tentative logo :-)

August 13, 2011, 8am-6pm

Program includes Holy Mass, Exhibit, 2 Main Sessions and 1 Workshop, Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary

4. THE 2011 PHILIPPINE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE 

October 22, 8am-6pm

Venue: TBA

This provides a venue for equipping and personal interaction among homeschooling families.

Hope to see you around, homeschooling friends and families! :-) Let's continue to pray for one another and promote the benefits of homeschooling to others!

Bo Sanchez's Catholic Filipino Academy

Photo from CatholicFilipinoAcademy.com

2 weeks ago, I was able to attend the Parents' Orientation of the Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA). Hubby had an ocular inspection to go to for an event, so he couldn't make it. Despite that, it was a doubly blessed day because I got to hitch a ride and exchange homeschooling stories with Teacher Mommy Blessie and her hubby Neil, and also meet other Catholics who had homeschooled, are still homeschooling and are thinking of homeschooling their kids. It was nice to be at the Lighthouse Building, where all the ministries of Bo Sanchez are housed. It sort of felt like being "home" in a way - most of those present were so accommodating and nice.

Here's a brief summary of how things went:

For starters, Ms. Rita Yokingco, Vice-Directress of CFA, talked about the background, whys, hows and benefits of homeschooling in the first session called "Homeschooling Discovery Time." Although hubby and I had already bought the DVD copy of the Parents' Orientation last year, it was nice to hear everything in person. Ms. Rita shared about her own homeschooling experiences, as she homeschooled her own kids for 9 years. Her eldest, who just finished college, is now working together with her at CFA. Cool huh?

Next, one of the moms on the CFA team, Rissa Espinosa, shared about their homeschooling life. I really liked the fact that she and hubby Rene were equal partners in homeschooling their kids - he taught their son, and she taught their daughter. Kind of like the times of our ancestors right? The men would teach the boys to hunt, the women would teach their daughters to gather food, cook, sew, etc.

The last part of the Orientation had Teacher Dad Rene Espinosa talk about "What Is CFA?" He basically described how homeschooling under CFA would be like - the grading system, number of hours to put in a day (usually 3 hours), days per week for homeschooling (Mondays to Thursdays, according to him), etc. He also said that all parents who choose to homeschool with CFA will have parent-coaches assigned to them. I liked this concept a lot, since I personally feel that I (and hubby) would need LOTS of coaching! (Mostly because I am very unorganized! LOL!)

After the Orientation proper, there was a Question and Answer segment. Out of the Q & A, I was able to glean the following cons of homeschooling with CFA:

1. CFA has no activities yet for older children who will be transferring from regular school to homeschool. Some parents were concerned about this, as their kids would miss their school friends. However, Ms. Rita said that they would seriously consider putting up activities for such kids (usually from the higher grades).

2. CFA is affiliated with Power Kids Academy which is based in Bulacan. For parents who have kids who are athletes or competitors of different activities (like dancing, singing, art, etc) representing the National Capital Region (NCR), switching to CFA may be a difficult choice. In such cases, parents who are still convicted to homeschool their kids may want to consider other homeschooling institutions such as The Linden Tree Institute, which implements the homeschool curriculum of Kolbe Academy, a Catholic school based in Napa, California. Others may also want to try The Master's Academy (TMA), but this is under CCF (Christ's Commission Fellowship), a non-Catholic Christian Church.

For me, the PROS of homeschooling with CFA, based on the Orientation as a whole, are as follows:

1. CFA already has a manual of sorts for parents who will be homeschooling their kids, complete with lesson plans and suggested activities. Sort of like a homeschooling for dummies handbook. (Which is very beneficial to a disorganized mom like me!)

2. As previously mentioned, CFA has parent-coaches. I like the thought of having someone to "mentor" and guide us, and pray for us, during our homeschooling days.

3. CFA focuses on three important aspects: learning, work and service. I LOVE THIS PART! I truly believe that success is not only defined by high grades - these won't get you into heaven!

4. CFA's staff and parents were very supportive and encouraging, especially when I brought up my concern about homeschooling on a single income (a mission worker's one at that!) in the future. "I'd like to believe that God will make a way for you" said Rene. Ate Rita said this (and I almost cried!) "God will bless your conviction and decision. It will not be easy, but He will provide." Aaaww... *sniffs*

5. CFA has weekly activities where the kids can gather and meet their "classmates"/"schoolmates." Also, they have special sessions on the Sacraments, and gatherings like "UN Day" and Christmas parties.

6. CFA has regular outreach activities too - this is the "service" part. Kids learn how to serve others, just as Jesus served His disciples. In this day and age of "Look out for yourself" and materialism and greed, kids need to know what is important and essential.

7. CFA is relatively cheaper than HAP (Homeschool of Asia Pacific). Although we are not choosing to homeschool for economical reasons, this is definitely a plus factor, especially for frugal moms like me!

8. And last but not the least on  my list of PROS, CFA was founded by Bo Sanchez, my personal "idol" when it comes to Catholic parenting and living in general. It's partly because of Bo's books and teachings that I have begun to pursue the dreams I have in my heart.

You may be wondering then: Will we be using CFA soon for homeschooling Tim and Rysse?

Well, to be honest, we are still discerning about that. We are looking into Catholic Heritage Curriculum too for now. Some families I've met online are using this and have nothing negative to say about it at all so far! We still need to see how we can work this out though since CHC is based in the US. If ever we do choose to go with CFA, we might just get their Special Reading Program first (for only P8,000!). We are of the belief that once a child knows how to read, all forms of literature can be their "teacher"! Books, magazines, newspapers, educational websites - everything can be a learning tool for the child who reads! (As of now, Tim can only read some three-letter words :-)

Anyway, please do pray for us as we continue to discern what's best for our kids. Thanks! Be blessed y'all!

P.S. If you want to read about real-life homeschoolers who are with CFA, here is a list of blogs that may be of use to you:

Homeschooling Kiddos - http://www.homeschoolingkiddos.blogspot.com/
Raising Filipino Boys - http://www.raisingfilipinoboys.com/
Homeschooling in China - http://zeksantos.i.ph/blogs/zeksantos/2010/03/10/q4-progress-report/
Filipina At Home - http://www.filipinaathome.com/2010/06/beginning-homeschooling-our-experience/
Teacher Tita (Aunt) Edel - http://edelramilo.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-first-quarter-homeschool-experience.html

P.P.S. I would highly suggest to all parents who are considering homeschooling to attend the Parents' Orientation in person! CFA is conducting orientations on the following dates: March 3, 2011, March 18, 2011, April 7, 2011. at the 1st flr., Lighthouse Bldg, #60 Chicago St., Cubao, Q.C., from 9:00AM-12:00NN. For reservations, pls contact Rita Yokingco at 5336097.

Catholic Filipino Academy Orientation Schedules

Reposting this announcement on Catholic Filipino Academy's Facebook page:

Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA): To all those who are interested in homeschooling their child, CFA is conducting orientations on the following dates: February 3, 2011, March 3, 2011, March 18, 2011, April 7, 2011. at the 1st flr., Lighthouse Bldg, #60 Chicago St., Cubao, Q.C., from 9:00AM-12:00NN. For reservations, pls contact Rita Yokingco at 5336097, or e-mail cfainquiry@gmail.com.

Feel free to e-mail me at teachermamatina@gmail.com too if you have any questions about homeschooling! HOME is COOL - HOMESCHOOL! :-)

P.S. Watch out for the 1st Philippine Catholic Homeschoolers Summit, en event especially for Catholic families who are homeschooling or considering it! Coming soon! A project initiated by Pure Passionistas!

Disciplining Your Child

The Catholic Filipino Academy held a parenting seminar on "Disciplining Your Child" last September, and the expanded outline of the seminar was recently published online. Here is the link to download or read it: http://catholicfilipinoacademy.com/uploads/Oct2010.pdf

Hope this helps parents everywhere who have been struggling with how to discipline their kids (that includes yours truly! You'd know this if you are friends with me on Facebook! hehe) Hubby and I are both guilty of not being inconsistent in how we discipline Tim, and many times, we have been more physical with him than we should have (this is me publicly confessing our parental sins, people!). I only pray that God will mold our hearts and break them if needed, so that we can become the parents Tim (and Rysse) deserve. It is really true what was said at the 3rd Philippine Homeschool Conference: "parenting is heart work and hard work!" We need to be reminded of this always! Especially since Kuya Tim is turning out to be a very strong-willed little boy.

It's always encouraging to know that whenever we have struggles like these with our kids, God's grace is more than sufficient for us! I personally want to thank God for leading me to chat with Teacher Mom Josette the other day - her reminder that prayer, regular participation in the Sacraments, and adoration can really change one's way of dealing with the others around her, especially one's kids. This advice came at the perfect time, when I was beating myself up over how I had failed to use gentle discipline on Tim. Thank You Lord for such divine appointments! :)

HAP's Bev Alarcon on Homeschooling (MOMents TV Show, Net 25)

I blogged about Homeschool of Asia Pacific (HAP) in a previous post. Since we are discerning about starting Tim on a more "formal" curriculum next year, HAP and Bo's CFA are among our top choices, since HAP has both Catholic and Christian-biased programs. Here is a video of HAP's resident teachermom/owner, Beverly Santos-Alarcon, as featured on Net 25's MOMents show.

Homeschool of Asia Pacific Orientation - Live and Online

For all you parents out there who may be considering HOMESCHOOLING, here is a review based on an orientation we attended, conducted by one of the newest homeschool providers in the Philippines: Homeschool of Asia Pacific or HAP. Their website is at http://homeschoolofasiapacific.com.

It's a relatively new homeschool and hubby and I were able to attend the free orientation about a month ago at Eastwood Cybermall. The directress, Mrs. Bev Alarcon, and her husband have been homeschooling for about 3 years. At the live orientation, there were about 4 other couples present with us, and one single lady who was attending in her aunt's behalf. There was also a fellow Catholic mom (I'm not sure if the other parents there were all Catholics), Liza, who has been homeschooling her kids for EIGHT years, using the Catholic Heritage Curricula or CHC from the US. (You can read about Liza's homeschooling journey at their multiply site: http://hofach.multiply.com/).

Anyway, Mrs. Bev's live orientation was quite informative and there was time for question and answer afterwards. Prior to the orientation, each couple/person there (except us, she seemed to have overlooked us) had the chance to introduce themselves and share why they were considering homeschooling. A lot of the parents cited stress on their children as the main reason. Some even had their kids undergo psychiatric care because of the stress they got in school! Gosh, kids these days!

On our part, we came away from the orientation further affirmed of our conviction to homeschool. Although hubby and I did not decide to use HAP as our homeschool provider (I have emailed Mrs. Bev some questions that I preferred to ask her privately and am still waiting for her reply) at least we know that we have other options aside from Bo's Catholic Filipino Academy or CFA. Actually, Mrs. Bev had shared that they had previously homeschooled with CFA but found some regulations that were not agreeable with her and her hubby. As for us, we also went to CFA's office (about a week or two before we attended HAP's Orientation) to inquire about their curriculum. The next parents' orientation is scheduled for next school year, so we were advised to purchase the DVD of the orientation for P50.00. (I'll blog about it in  a separate post). Anyway, we were also advised to enroll Tim next year, when he has already turned 4 (on October 10 this year).

Currently, hubby and I are still deciding on WHEN exactly to start and WHAT MATERIALS we will be using.

If you are interested to know more about homeschooling, specifically with Homeschool of Asia Pacific (HAP), you can check out this SlideShare Presentation that Mrs. Bev uploaded online (she is a web developer too, so the HAP website is VERY informative):

LATEST HAP ONLINE ORIENTATION

View more presentations from Bev Alarcon.