Dad’s Den: HOPE, JOY, and PEACE…
I know you’re tired, busy, and maybe just paid off that December credit card balance. Don’t worry. It is March, not early December. So why talk about Christmas? Let me explain. Our family loves [...]
2025 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for Second Place
My Christian Walk, Homeschool Career, and Future Plans By Nate Wales, Second Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship I started homeschooling in fifth grade. Up until then, I was a student in our local [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Madden Family
Parents: Jeremy and Sara Madden Children: Micah, Gideon, Isaac, Samuel, Abigail and Killian Hometown: Hamlin, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. Right now, we [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – February 2026
Reviewed 339 bills beginning January 2025 All PA House members and half of the PA Senate members are up for election in November 2026. Pennsylvania House The Democrat Party continues to retain control of [...]
HSLDA: ELANCO Win Protects Homeschool Freedom Across State
Officials can’t simply invent requirements for homeschooling. Our victory over Eastern Lancaster County School District (ELANCO) last year advanced homeschool freedom in Pennsylvania. This legal battle affirmed that homeschool parents in Pennsylvania are not [...]
An Open Letter to my Homeschooled Tweens
My Dearest Tween, I know this is a weird time in life where you aren’t really my little baby anymore, but you aren’t really an adult either. You have the experience of childhood in [...]
HSLDA: U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee Advances HSLDA’s Home School Bill
On December 11, the Committee on Education and the Workforce for the U.S. House of Representatives passed HSLDA’s bill, H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, sponsored by Rep. Mark Harris (North Carolina). [...]
A Happy New Year Requires Vigilance
Note from the Editor: We are highlighting this situation in New Jersey to keep the homeschool community aware of continued attacks on the parental right of home education. HSLDA Attorney Will Estrada recently pointed [...]
New Year’s Questions for Homeschool Reflections
We get it — it’s a new year, and suddenly, there’s so much to do. There’s talk of resolutions, new planners, fresh goals, and the pressure to “hit the ground running.” But before you [...]
Keeping Focused on Christ During the Holidays
“Come behold the wondrous mystery, in the dawning of the King; He the theme of heaven’s praises, robed in frail humanity. In our longing, in our darkness, now the light of life has come; [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!
Three Ways To Enjoy Holiday Giving
They worshipped Jesus and then presented Him with gifts. The old cliché "it is more blessed to give than to receive" is certainly appropriate for this time of year. For Christians, Jesus coming to [...]
The Infamous Unknown Battle
If I were to ask you to name famous battles, what might you say? Thermopylae… Milvian Bridge...Waterloo… If I asked you to narrow down your famous battles to American history, I imagine you would [...]
Looking Back in Thanksgiving: What Motivated the Pilgrims to Sail to America
Their perseverance, principles, and sacrifice laid the foundations of self-government, freedom, and fair relations. Four centuries ago, a small group of Christian families set sail in a cargo ship to cross the Atlantic. We [...]
Having Deliberate (yet Realistic) Family Devotions
This article originally appeared at everydayhomemaking.com and is used with permission. In a Christian family, God’s Word is the foundation of all other study, so our biblical worldview impacts all learning in subtle ways. But there are [...]
HSLDA: Victory! PA School District Agrees to Follow the Law
The ELANCO School District of Pennsylvania finalized a settlement agreement Monday with two homeschooling families, after the district sent a school official and a school social worker to the families’ homes in September. As [...]
Can We Safeguard our Kids from Abandoning Truth?
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Lately, I'm personally hearing a lot of parents lamenting that [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Wayde Family
Parents: Steve and Ginger Wayde Children: Joel, Asher, Molly, Ruby, Bethany and Luke Hometown: Elizabethtown, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
5 Ways History and Geography Can Be Fun!
There’s no secret about it: I’m in love with history and geography. And why wouldn’t I be? Together, history and geography weave a vivid tapestry that can’t help but draw students in, firing their [...]
Yes, I Homeschool (No, I’m Not a Supermom)
It usually starts in the library or grocery store, on a random morning or early afternoon. A curious stranger notices my children with me and asks, “No school today?” When I reply that we [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Penley Family
Parents: Nate and Jenna Penley Children: Norah (12), Jack (10), Roman (10) and Violet (8) Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
HSLDA: Homeschool Families Sue PA District to Stop Home Visits
Two homeschool families sued a Pennsylvania school district on Tuesday, September 16, after the district ignored a cease and desist letter, sent a school official and social worker to the families’ homes to demand [...]
A Time to Mourn … A Time to Act
Many of us have been deeply affected by the news of Charlie Kirk’s death. It is a story dominating headlines across the globe. How should we think and act about this, and what example [...]
First Be Fed
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for nearly twelve years. In that time and with my husband’s support, we have spent significant funds on my own education in both theology and counseling. I’ve had a [...]
7 Persistent Myths About Public Education (Learn the Truth)
Certain myths about public education are pervasive in American culture at large, as well as within the church. It’s important that we’re honest about the realities of our society, so decisions are made in an informed [...]
The Core Problem with Educational Standards Today
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege to interact with a wide range of teachers and parents, schools both public and private, charters, co-ops, and individual homeschooling families. I have also seen [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Valle Family
Parents: Angelo & Marie Valle Children: Jonathan (12), Eliana (10), Thea (7) and Riley (5) Hometown: Huntingdon, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. Our family [...]
Top Five Things to Include in Family Worship
All Bible verses that appear are taken from the King James Version. In my previous article, “What is Family Worship?”, I discussed why family worship is so important and why every Christian household should [...]
Adventures in Philadelphia – Part Two
In my first article, I highlighted several must-see stops for your field trip to Philadelphia. Today, I share a variety of activities to help you prepare before you go. While these are designed with [...]
Courtney’s Field Trip Preparation Resource List
Resources to help prepare your children, wherever you may be headed: These titles are suggested for educational purposes, but we have not personally evaluated all the content. Books, videos, and more: Who Was/ What [...]
HSLDA: District’s Homeschool Checklist Leave Parents Perplexed
Very recently several homeschooling families brought to my attention official correspondence of a kind I’d never seen before. Once I reviewed it, I understood why it had left them perplexed. In an effort to [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – July 2025
Reviewed 136 bills beginning January 2025 Pennsylvania House Seventy-eight bills were referred to the House Education Committee. Two of these bills may impact homeschooling. HB 1253 “The School Violence Reporting for Nonpublic Schools” sponsored [...]
We The People – Essay
In previous E-News editions, you may remember seeing a call for submissions to a statewide "We the People" essay contest, which could be entered by individuals or an entire class. We are pleased to [...]
PA Tech School Rejects Combat Veteran’s Homeschool Diploma
When an Army National Guard soldier returned from a tour of duty in Syria, he decided to pursue additional education for a job in the defense industry. A misunderstanding about his homeschool diploma nearly [...]
8 Ways to Bring Back Joy in Homeschooling
Homeschooling is an incredible opportunity to create a rich, personalized learning experience for your children, but it’s not without its challenges. Many families thrive when learning is flexible, engaging, and connected to real life. [...]
Mom Guilt on Trial
Have you seen “The Trial” video created by the Lingokids app? It’s a short video on YouTube that now has over 25 million views all about screen time guilt. (If you haven’t seen it, [...]
PA Mom Shocked by Letter From New School District
When Stephanie Mago-Eagle, a homeschooling mom, moved to a different Pennsylvania school district, she made sure to send in a letter of transfer, according to state law. But the new school district responded by [...]
Convention Corner: Grow as a Family
When most people think of a homeschool convention, their minds jump to curriculum. We love those rows of booths and the opportunity to flip through materials before making a purchase—that alone is worth attending. [...]
Adventures in Philadelphia – Part One
My love for field trips is in my DNA: My mother Colleen, a PA homeschooler in the 80’s and 90’s, was known as “The Field Trip Lady”. One of my favorite destinations growing up [...]
Convention Corner: Navigating PA Homeschooling Laws
Each spring, homeschool families across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to come together for the annual CHAP Convention, and, for many, it becomes a highlight of their educational year. While the vendor hall and displays [...]
HSLDA: Do PA Homeschoolers Have to “Register” with the District? No!
When a family in Bensalem Township School District decided to start homeschooling, they checked the law, filed their affidavit and objectives with the school district superintendent, and thought they were all set. Unfortunately, an [...]
Adventures in PA: Coal and Steel
Last fall, our family went through a period I would call “unplanned unschooling” as a result of prolonged and severe illness. While our focus academically was less on math and science and more on [...]
The Christian Home: 6 Tips for Family Worship
The inspired Scriptures were written to be read. Moses, inspired by the Spirit of God, instructed parents: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in [...]
Convention Corner: Homeschooling…Where to Begin?
Starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming. The freedom to choose your own path is exciting—but it also means navigating a sea of unfamiliar terms and educational philosophies. Classical? Charlotte Mason? Unit studies? Unschooling? [...]
Pendulum Swings as Opponents of Homeschooling Escalate Attacks
An Urgent Message from HSLDA President, Jim Mason What’s happening in Illinois may be the harbinger of a threat that could come to your state soon. Legislators in Springfield are moving toward enacting major restrictions [...]
A Million Monday Mornings: 5 Steps to Peace
Some seasons feel like an endless loop of Monday mornings—exhausting, overwhelming, and full of never-ending tasks. Whether it is homeschooling, work/gigs, parenting, or just the daily grind, those "Monday" feelings can creep in and [...]
Convention Corner: Keeping Records and Making Memories
Homeschooling is a journey filled with both requirements and rewards. As parents, we must track progress and maintain records that meet state regulations, but we also want to preserve the meaningful moments that define [...]
Stuck Homeschooling
Secretly, I don’t like homeschooling at the moment (not as in this exact minute “this moment”, but as in this time in my life “this moment”). I’m not sure if it’s this particular season [...]
2024 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for First Place
Before and After By Sarah Hamilton, First Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship My dad stomps into my room announcing that it’s morning, and I groan myself out of bed. It’s co-op day, so [...]
HSLDA: PA School District Violates Homeschooler’s Privacy
We have previously written about our work defending homeschooling families in Pennsylvania from school districts that demand sensitive medical and immunization records. While the law in this area is grey, we can now point to a [...]
Side by Side in PA: The McGrady Family
Parents: Scott and Suzanne McGrady Children: Elizabeth (13) and Luke (11) Hometown: Childs, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. We (Scott and Suzanne) both [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – January 2025
Reviewed over 402 bills from December 2023 through December 2024 Reviewed over 11 bills beginning January 2025 Pennsylvania House Eleven bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these bills address homeschooling [...]
2024 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for Second Place
CHAP Scholarship Application Essay By Seth Allen Lanford, Second Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship As the audience applauded, I walked back to my seat from the drum cage in which I had just [...]
My 5 Big Takeaways from the 2024 Midwinter Conference
As the 2025 Midwinter Conference fast approaches, I was reflecting on what was discussed at last year’s conference. In 2024, I attended my first Midwinter Conference. Not knowing what to expect when I walked [...]
Cultivating Confidence with Homeschool Support
One of the most frightening things about pursuing homeschooling is traveling the road alone. Anxiety and doubt are the biggest joy-stealers homeschooling parents can wrestle with, and they come when we are at our [...]
HSLDA Intervenes Again on Behalf of PA Homeschoolers
“Merry Christmas, Send Us Info, or You’re Referred to the District Magistrate!” On the ninth day before Christmas, numerous homeschool families in Penns Valley Area School District received a letter from the school district [...]
First Day Jitters
I have always been a nervous person. No matter how much I pray and prepare, that “butterfly feeling” is present in my stomach. I will never forget how nervous I was as a child [...]
The Ugly Side of Picture Books
From a young age, children are bombarded with messages vying for both their attention and their hearts. The Cat in the Hat claims, “we can have lots of good fun” and Wild Thing Max [...]
HSLDA: An Update for Pennsylvania Homeschool Families
“My school district is asking for proof of immunizations, as well as proof of doctor and dental visits for my children. What should I do?” Without doubt, this is the single biggest question we [...]
Christmas Box: A Fun New Tradition for Your Family
The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to kick it off than with a meaningful family tradition? For the past few years, my husband and I have made a “Christmas [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – December 2024
Over 387 bills have been reviewed since January 2024. Pennsylvania House The House of Representatives is in recess until January 7, 2025. Four bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!
Side by Side in PA: The Boozer Family
Parents: Andrew and Jenée Boozer Children: Joseph (5), Hannah (3), Sarah (18mo) and Josiah (8wk) Hometown: Lake Ariel, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
Adventures in PA: Take A Ride Back Through Time
The Ma & Pa Railroad (www.maandparailroad.com) located at 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd, Airville, PA 17302 actually stands for the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad. It is an authentic circa 1900’s railroad that originally connected [...]
From Moses to SCOTUS: Journal Traces Foundations of Homeschool Law
Where did the foundational ideas supporting the legality of homeschooling come from? HSLDA Senior Counsel Will Estrada explores this question in the most recent edition of the Liberty University Law Review. Drawing from his experience [...]
Christian Unschooling is Not an Oxymoron
A lot of people hear the phrase “Christian unschooling” and assume it’s an oxymoron. This is because when they hear “unschooling,” they assume “unparenting” — a complete lack of boundaries. Or, in biblical terms, [...]
Homeschool Co-Op Trials: Spreading the Word, The Website & Official Registration
Spreading the word was easy and effective. We had a flyer on the announcement page at church, and I created a Facebook and Instagram page for the co-op. I heard from many families just [...]
Why We Homeschool
Dear CHAP, Thank you for your dedication to homeschoolers and homeschooling! There have been many times I questioned if the next year would be my last year for homeschooling. I now no longer question; [...]
#Field Trip Fails
By now, you might think (thanks to the bias of the internet) that every single one of my homeschool field trips is a smashing success. A magical memory. An internet illusion. So, to dispel [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – October 2024
We have reviewed over 398 bills from December 2023 through September 2024. Pennsylvania House The House is presently in session. Eighteen bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these bills address [...]
No Excuses
She was crying again. This time it was about spelling. Last time, it was about math. Before that, it was about writing. It’s always something with her. Her emotions are always at the surface, [...]
HSLDA: Defending Homeschool Freedom in Multiple (PA) Districts
Pennsylvania continues to be a hotbed of extra-legal activity. During the age of sail, the “doldrums” were equatorial waters in the summer when ships would often be becalmed, sometimes for weeks at a time. [...]
School is Back! Getting All Your Ducks in a Row
Whether you’ve been back to school for a while or just started, it is important to start strong! We usually have the most energy when we begin—and it is key for our students’ success [...]
Casting Call: Director Dads Needed
Note from the editor: Dads, don’t miss this piece. I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Ben at some length at the 2024 Mid-Winter Conference in Lancaster. His message to fathers is [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – September 2024
Reviewed over 376 bills from December 2023 through August 2024 Pennsylvania House The House has not been in session and will reconvene on September 23, 2024. Ten bills were referred to the House Education [...]
Roadmap to Success: Preparing Your Child for a Career in Technology
Curiosity is inevitable in children, and trying to suppress that natural yearning for knowledge is more often than not the wrong decision. There is a very real dichotomy of risk and benefit to technology: [...]
Yes, You Can Homeschool (Keep It Simple, Sister!)
Many Christian parents have ruled out the idea of homeschooling without even seriously considering it. Their expectations of what homeschooling requires – in terms of time, money, materials, and/or knowledge – has intimidated them [...]
Sticks in the Mud: 7 Ways to Get Stuck on Outdoor Education
It used to be all about keeping children clean and safe. All of the guidance to teachers and parents was aimed at eliminating physical risks to children. But then studies began to show that [...]
10 Ways to Keep Homeschool Interesting
Back in the day of sailing ships, sailors dreaded hitting the doldrums. As they were nearing the equator, the winds would often drop, and the sailors would find themselves drifting—no wind in their sails; [...]
Creativity Started At Creation
"Try to grasp the essence of what the great artists, the serious masters, say in their masterpieces, and you will again find God in them." —Vincent Van Gogh Colorful crayons—ramrod straight and pristine in [...]
When My Kids Launch, What’s Next For Me?
I’m in the stage of homeschooling life where my fellow homeschooling moms are chatting and texting with me about the next stages for their kids. My oldest has “launched,” and my middle child is [...]
Vacationing With Children At the Beach
As a homeschooling family, our yearly trips to the beach included much more than sunbathing, playing in the sand, and tackling the waves. We did some fun planning before the trip. Here are some [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – July 2024
Reviewed over 350 bills from December 2023 through June 2024 Pennsylvania House Twenty-two bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these bills address homeschooling issues. On June 24, 2024, the Education [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Hameed Family
Parents: Abbas and Michelle Hameed Children: Asher (9) and Grace (7) Hometown: Denver, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics: Something that makes our family [...]
Learning Through the Summer
The following is an interview of David Stelzer by the Old School House. TOS: How do you ensure your children are learning through the summer? David: Children are always learning, and I think we [...]
Homeschooling Over the Summer
The school year is wrapping up for nearly everyone. The weather is warm, graduation parties are happening, and public-school kids are invading the parks at alarming rates. Maybe you have been done homeschooling for [...]
Choosing Your Homeschool Co-op Format
I have felt the leading of God, prayed and waited for answers, and everything is a go. I am set to start full throttle come September 2024 with a functioning homeschool co-op at my [...]
Title IX Ruling Protects Homeschool From Federal Overreach
A federal court of appeals ruling last month protects nonprofits (including private schools and homeschools) from federal overreach in the context of Title IX regulations. Schools that receive government money have to abide by [...]
Convention Corner: Why We Do What We Do
I’ve recently taken an interest in the post-exilic prophets. It is both a saddening and encouraging time in the history of God’s people. A passage from Nehemiah struck me particularly as it applies to [...]
In Memoriam: Those Who Gave All
Every year, Memorial Day is set apart to remember the fallen soldiers of the United States Military. We often spend this day around family and friends, cooking out and enjoying the day off as [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – May 2024
Reviewed nearly 300 bills from December 2023 through April 2024 Pennsylvania House Eleven bills were referred to the House Education Committee. None of these bills address homeschooling issues. Year to date total shows 221 [...]
Convention Corner: Finish Your Year Strong
Over the years we’ve been homeschooling, I have learned there are several ways to finish your year (that is, if you happened to take a summer break). Perhaps you year-round homeschoolers have a different [...]
The Family That Stays Together Stays Together
“You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You [...]
10 Ways Dads Can Help With Homeschooling
I remember watching the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era. It was amazing to watch Michael Jordan play. He was a dominant force, there’s no doubt. But as good as he was, he [...]
Convention Corner: Grow Your Community
There are many homeschool influencers and experts whom I enjoy watching on YouTube, listening to their podcasts, or reading their books. I’ve gleaned so much information to apply to our homeschooling. I’ve been encouraged [...]
What is Family Worship?
This is the first of a series of articles dedicated to family worship. All Bible verses that appear were taken from the King James Version. Have you heard of family worship? This article will [...]
Trending: More Homeschool Freedom
Some in the national media are calling for increased homeschool regulations. We think that’s a bad idea, and more and more legislatures agree with us. Homeschooling’s amazing growth in recent years has attracted the [...]
Starting IS the Hardest Part!
"But, I can’t homeschool!" I whined to an experienced homeschool mom at church. She smiled sweetly and assured me that the kindergarten level of school only involved learning to read, to write, and to [...]
Convention Corner: The Importance of Gathering
As we celebrated our risen Savior yesterday with our church family, I recalled the Spring of 2020. The shutdown was in full swing, everyone was staying home to “slow the spread,” and churches were [...]
My Journey Starting A Homeschool Co-Op
Starting to homeschool can be a daunting feeling, but starting a homeschool co-op WHILE you begin your homeschooling journey can paralyze you on the spot – which is what happened to me. The funny [...]
Play School
There are so many reasons why we homeschool. Good education, quality time with our children, individualized instruction, flexibility, and even God-centered learning are just some of the reasons that may come to mind. We [...]
What is AI? And Should Homeschool Parents Care?
Let’s take a closer look at how it works. It’s not often that a new technology captivates the attention of the world in the way that artificial intelligence (AI) has this past year. ChatGPT [...]
The Family That Stays Together Stays Together
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. [...]
Convention Corner
Why do you homeschool? Is it a biblical conviction from the day you first found out you would be a parent? Is it a result of Covid? Is it fear of violence in the [...]
Adventures in PA: Sweet Times on the Ohio
There are many beautiful views of the Ohio River in the area. Last fall, prompted by rumors of an art gallery featuring Impressionists, we embarked on a discovery tour of some Ohio [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – as of January 2023
United States House of Representatives The 118th Congress (2023-2024) Republican leadership has reelected Virginia Foxx of North Carolina as Chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee. Other members will be appointed in days to [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!
Convention Corner
Studying science in the deep, dark cold of winter opens up a whole new opportunity often overlooked by the textbook. While winter often seems to be silent, bland, and dead, the reality is that [...]
When Kids Make Different Choices
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 Planned or unplanned, written or not, we all have goals for our kids. Why do parents do that? [...]
Homeschooling and Civic Education
This past week, I had two encounters that have made me stop to reflect on the value of homeschooling. In the first encounter, I was chatting about education with a friend of mine, who [...]
Convention Corner
By the time you read this, the happy chaos that is Christmas is likely past, and the dreaded winter blues might be settling in. The walls of your home might feel like they are [...]
Adventures in PA: Flood, Folly & Fate – A Visit to Johnstown, PA
We recently visited Johnstown, PA, where we learned about its historic flood. On May 31, 1889, due to a series of bad decisions and unfortunate events, a dam 14 miles upriver from Johnstown failed [...]
Legislative Perspective: Birth Dates and Homeschooling
Unless you are hoping your school district will send your child a birthday card, most parents would be on solid ground politely saying “no” if they demand a birth certificate or birth date. Under [...]
Qualifications and Steps to Becoming a Homeschool Evaluator in Pennsylvania
If you would like to become an evaluator, there are a number of ways to do that listed in the PA Home Education law: Licensed clinical psychologist School psychologist Pennsylvania certified teacher with two [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – as of December 2022
The 2021–2022 Legislative session concluded at midnight on November 30, 2022. Legislation Senate Bill 996, “Act Providing for Parental Rights”, was sponsored by Senator Mastriano. This bill was placed for second consideration. Second consideration [...]
“The Twelve Days of Christmas”: Could It Be a Catechism?
It has long been recognized that a simple Christmas carol has the power to instruct, remind, and inspire. For centuries historic churches have worshipped using a unique holiday service called Lessons and Carols to [...]
The Monolingual Parent’s Guide to Creating a Free Foreign Language Course for their High School Student
I am a polyglot and self-proclaimed language nerd. I am proficient in Spanish, can communicate in German and Brazilian Portuguese, am familiar with American Sign Language (ASL), and know a few words and phrases [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Croad Family
Parents: Jason and Renee Croad Children: Gavin (12), Eli (10), Holden (8), Lydia (6), Joy (3) Hometown: Hummelstown, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. [...]
Is It a Holiday Activity or Schoolwork? How Our Seasonal Traditions Can Actually Build Executive Functioning Skills
Soon after Thanksgiving, my thoughts turn quickly to Christmas; family traditions, decorations, and preparations could be difficult to balance while still homeschooling well. However, a mindset switch to viewing these activities as educational and [...]
Adventures in PA: The Local Edition
Patrons ride the model train around the Mars Train Station. This summer, we imagined pioneer life moving west with the railroads in Laura Ingalls Wilder's fabulous Little House series. In the ensuing [...]
Ten Easy Steps Make STRESSLESS Holidays
A homeschooling mother has more to do on most days than almost any human on the planet must accomplish. Then the holidays arrive! Disorganization adds stress and frustration to what should be a happy [...]
An Open Letter from the Primary Homeschooling Parent
Dear support spouse, You came home to see me frazzled and asked what had happened. I couldn’t put it into words at this time, but this is what I should have said. A summer [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – as of October 2022
Pennsylvania is in the heart of election season. Our United States Senate race has been described as ground zero for the battle to control the US Senate. A vigorously contested governor’s race, all the [...]
CHAP Alert: Legislative Summary for SB 996
My friends, this is a quick analysis of Senator Mastriano’s Senate Bill 996 that he introduced earlier this year. It was referred to the State Government Committee in the Senate; no votes have taken [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!
A New Lens for Old Books
Do you know the experience when you sit in the chair at the optometrist, with several little lenses changed in front of your eyes to find the right strength of lens for you to [...]
Doug Mastriano Addresses Homeschoolers with “Your Life Matters”
“Take heart, God has a beautiful call on your lives.” - PA Senator Doug Mastriano Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano and his wife, Rebbie, encouraged a packed room of homeschool parents at the 2022 CHAP [...]
Mommy and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Homeschool Day
I was introduced to the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, written by Judith Viorst, and I thought to myself, “Some days really do feel that way.” Then another [...]
Find joy in encouraging others: Be a Mentor
What a terrible week. No one likes their schoolwork. It takes all day. I can’t get a meal on the table. Laundry is piled on the floor. I’ve been a frustrated, mean mom all week. [...]
2022 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for Second Place
The essays for 2022 focussed on the students' homeschool journeys and hopes for their futures. Here is the essay of the first place winner, Daniel Parry. My Homeschool Experience By Jacob S. Peters, Second [...]
2022 CHAP Memorial Scholarship Given for First Place
The essays for 2022 focussed on the students' homeschool journeys and hopes for their futures. Here is the essay of the first place winner, Daniel Parry. My Homeschool Experience By Daniel Parry, First Place [...]
A Grandfather’s Personal Homeschooling History
It was 40 years ago when my wife approached me to suggest that we educate our children at home. My response to my wife’s suggestion was surprise because in 1982, homeschooling was virtually unknown, [...]
Adventures in PA: Transit
Trains . . . planes . . . automobiles. If your children are like mine, they have an innate fascination with transportation systems, a fascination that has prompted our latest adventure to learn about [...]
We Pursued the Apprenticeship Option
Our three homeschool-graduate children all benefited from hands-on work in fields of their interest while in high school. They had the advantage of a father that was self-employed in general contracting, but that fact [...]
Middle School Math with Imagination!
Learning new tricks Returning to teaching after ten years of homeschooling was a challenge. The pace was much faster in every way. But the struggle that some students had with middle school math was [...]
Homekeeping Rhythms
Maintaining a tidy and functional home seems almost impossible with children. Years ago, my house was always disgusting. I would clean desperately for hours if I knew someone was coming over, but if a [...]
A Family Shares About Receiving a CHAP Foundation Scholarship
Living in the time amidst social issues and moral decadence creates a worrisome to us as conservative parents. Children are a blessing from God and we as parents are required to steward our role as [...]
Budding Botanists
"We love being outside!" my children exclaimed when I called time to return home after a morning at the local botanical garden. Their declaration would soon prove not only true but impactful in the [...]
Comparison of Home Education Methods
No two home education methods are exactly the same. Below are brief descriptions of a few of today’s most popular home education methods. Enjoy! CLASSICAL (with the Trivium) The classical method of teaching children [...]
Side by Side in PA: The Foster Family
Parents: Tim and Sarah Foster Children: Dulcinea, Lily, Carmen, Samantha (Sam), Jade, Carrie Hometown: New Oxford, PA Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics.We are a second-generation [...]
CHAP Legislative Update – as of July 2022
Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee Read and reviewed 102 pieces of proposed legislation this term. Twenty bills have been submitted to the committee since our last update. One of interest to homeschoolers is SB 1230, [...]
Adventures in PA: A Train Lover’s Delight—Altoona, PA
We recently took a vacation to the Altoona area and visited both Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum. I remember being enthralled by Horseshoe Curve as a child—at the sheer size and speed [...]
The 2022 CHAP Convention: A Great Source of Encouragement
We were happy to see so many of you come out to support fellow homeschool families by attending the 34th Annual CHAP Convention. We have heard from many families that it was a blessing [...]
The Prayer Closet: The Sons of Issachar
For many years now, I have been praying that God would make me like the sons of Issachar who understood the times. You can read about them in 1 Chronicles 12:32. I’ve always been [...]
Connections: Snapshots of PA Homeschool Groups – July 2022
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy Participation in homeschool groups provides opportunities both for learning and leadership. As a new academic year is approaching, read about these four homeschool [...]
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM!
Oh yes, we ALL scream for ice cream! This whole story started with a couple of newlyweds who began a marriage in a new town/state, knowing no one. As newlyweds, our jobs led us [...]
Legislative Perspective: The Birthday Lawsuit
A lawsuit over a birthday? A south-central Pennsylvania school district recently demanded that homeschool families submit proof of the age of the homeschooled children. As I was helping the family respond, I checked on [...]
Center Stage
Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present creative artwork and photography from several Pennsylvania homeschool students!