According to statistics, homeschooling in the United States has increased 74% in the last eight years.
Why? We do not believe that it is because of a lack of faith in our public school systems as much as it is a growing desire to see MORE education and more focus on real issues that will eventually effect the home.
We have toured this country for many years teaching and presenting in thousands of schools and have addressed not only hundreds of thousands of school students but their very concerned parents. Disaster preparedness is always an issue that raises more questions than it provides answers. How do I teach it to my children without frightening them? How do I deal with the tough issues after a disaster? Do I allow my kids to see the news of current disasters? How do I involve them in our planning?
We have found that the world of disaster preparedness is a wide world of educational opportunity filled with science, history, social science, mathematics and literature. It is through this new blog that we intend to provide those tips, stories and insights that we have shared as we toured. Stay tuned here for programs, guides and curriculum additions as well.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Are you PREPARING for Back-To-School???

It really does not matter if you are a homeschooler or not, everyone with kids knows it's time to hit the stores looking for back-to-school deals.  Brandi and I are scanning the sales papers almost daily looking for the best buy on notebooks, crayons, pens and books.  Back to School season holds an almost "Christmas-Like" frenzy as the summer comes to a close and you suddenly realize that you have to start that education process all over again.
Like many busy seasons, this one is no different when it comes to forgetting things. The kids school room is a wreck, almost unvisited for two months because of the summer activities. Upon a short investigation, it appears we forgot to fix the work table, forgot to re-stock the paper and there is the ceiling fan that still tilts to one side and sounds like a Cessna taking off... just too much to do this year again...things slipped through the cracks.
We are sure you are all busy and forget stuff too so we thought we would remind you to add disaster preparedness to your back-to-school list.
Have you gone over your safety procedures with the kids for the new school year? When was the last time you had a tornado drill and a fire drill with your little ones?
Have you updated your communication plan and talked to your children about what to do if they become separated from you or should a disaster strike while they are at school?
Make sure your emergency contact information is all updated and make sure your children know who can pick them up or care for them in the event that you cannot.
When shopping for school supplies, pick up items for your Home Disaster Kit so you are well-stocked for the fall and winter months.
You can go to www.Ready.gov for suggestions.

Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it’s important to make a plan to reconnect. Fill out an emergency contact card and put it in your child’s backpack.
If you are not a homeschooler, learn the school’s notification procedures and make sure your emergency contact information is current with them. If you ARE a homeschooler, go over your plans for the home and make sure that you go over them with your "students".
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