W E L C O M E
to my little corner of the web
(or cobweb in the corner, in my case!)
Brightpath Education Center
is the name of our school in sunny South Carolina.
I'm a homeschooling mom with two very bright students to keep me on my toes!
Here they are, intent on a science experiment we did recently about magnetism:
One example of how homeschooling has worked for us
is the way these two have learned to play chess.
We got The Kids Book of Chess and Kids' Chess Set when Drew was 6.
Little by little he learned the game, read the book,
and has now taught little brother Noel to play.
We keep the board and pieces on the coffee table or nearby so they can play anytime.
And they often do, with skill and in a spirit of fun.
They usually end a game with these words: "You win; want to play again?" :o)
Cool Fact:
Sports fans knew
him as Jim Thorpe,
but his Native American
name was Wa-Tho-Huch,
or Bright Path.
For Christmas one year
we decided to extend
the season a bit
and at the same time learn
about the
Twelve Days of Christmas.
We came up with a neat "study"
built
around the song and the meaning behind the song.
We had so much fun, I'm sure it will be a family
tradition from now on!
Check out the details on our
Bright Ideas eBoard
by clicking on the note titled
12 Days of Christmas
While there, you can see what we do for
Easter
"Come wander with me, she said,
Into regions yet untrod;
And read what is still unread
In the manuscripts of God."
~Longfellow
We all like discovering things together
and WE 
BOOKS!
Every day we look forward to and enjoy our "Family Read-Aloud" time,
which is usually at night. We'd like to recommend some books we've especially enjoyed.
They were just as interesting at age 4 as they are now.
Every one of them kept us on the edge of our seats
and panting for more;
if not, I wouldn't take time to tell you about them! ;o)
VISIT OUR BOOKSHELVES PAGE.......
As for me, I'm constantly going over the book
Wisdom's Way of Learning by Marilyn Howshall.
This book has been life-changing for me and for our family's
"Lifestyle of Learning."
To learn more about this approach, how to order the books and newsletters,
how to join the wwol discussion list and more...
please visit this Lifestyle of Learning page.
"Your word
is a lamp to my feet
and a light
to my path."
-Psalm 119:105
Being a teacher isn't my only role, however! I'm also a "crafter extraordinaire"
(all the
best intentions, lots of unfinished projects!)
I've recently discovered a hidden love for needlework, embroidery mainly!
I now have on my "back burner" plans to make a "Crazy Quilt" square.
I've added beading to my list, as well as
polymer clay,
wire art,
knitting....
...the list goes on and on!
Lately, one of my creative outlets has been making greeting cards for family and friends
on different occasions. I like using various materials to create collage effects.
You can see what I've done so far in my humble, little
Card Gallery
graciously hosted by
And visit the new message board
for Card Artist Talk at
PaperTown
Of course, talking about crafting is almost as good as being up to your elbows in glue and paint!
When I want to compare notes with some of the best crafters in the world, I go to the Forums at
That Home Site
and if needed, there are places to talk about
Decorating, Homeschooling, Organizing, Cleaning Tips,
and tons of other topics! Ummm... Martha-- "it's a good thing!" ;o)
I love to ORGANIZE, but with so many interests and homeschooling besides,
it can get pretty tricky. It's good to have a little support, encouragement and sharing
of good ideas! That's why the OnTrack discussion list was formed. If you'd like to join us
in working out our special challenges, just fill in your email below:
So what are the Brightpath students up to these days?
The boys are now 6 and 11 years old.
They just moved up to yellow belts after starting Tae Kwon Do classes.
Back to fishing since summer is here! and of course, swimming, too;
also a little tennis.
Noel completed a year of Tap & Jazz and performed wonderfully in his June recital;
Drew continues his REAM method of learning to draw (we certainly named him right!);
they both keep up with the chores and taking care of 4 kittens;
they enjoy photography and making their own magazines;
and as always, Legos --Their most recent working contraptions:
a Lego paper crimper and a Lego candy machine!
Two busy boys!
See Noel's Page
See Drew's Page
Visit our
Bright Ideas eBoard
for a potpourri of our school and family activities, thoughts, recipes and more! :o)
Would you like to share some of your favorite books, ideas, links?
Please take a minute to sign the guestbook.
Favorite Homeschooling Sites
Wisdom's Way of Learning/Lifestyle of Learning
"The Swap" Homeschool Curriculum and Forums
An Organized Home: Home's Cool! Get Organized for Homeschool
The Happy Homeschooler
Scholastic Network Home Page
Homeschooling Daily
Our Home Our School
Home Crusaders Homeschool Site
Family Unschoolers Network
Natural Learning
Medic Mom's Headquarters
Unconventional Ideas
Abecedarian Academy --Homepreschool
Homeschool Oasis
Crafting Links
Stamporium
Marilee's Games & Activities Links
Jewelry Crafts Magazine Bead & Clay Projects
Gifts in a Jar
Make Stuff
Crazy Quilt Central
Libby's Corner of the Mansion (roomsful of needlework help!)
Crazy Quilts: History, Technique, Images & Inspiration...
Making Friends
Karen Elaine's Virtual Art Gallery
Karonimo Art Resources
Paper Paradise Home Page
Yasutomo & Company
Red Castle Inc.
"Cooties! Cards"
Organizing Links
Sidetracked Home Executives Official Online Site
An Organized Home Club: 21 Days to S.H.E.
Getting Organized
1 2 3 Sortit's Table of Contents
The New Homemaker: Resources for the Domestic Renaissance
Voluntary Simplicity & Simple Living Resource Guide
Organizetips.com
Some of the best graphics here come from
A very special "thank you" goes to my friend
(((
Medic Mom)))
for designing the great Brightpath logo at the top of the page
and for being such a dear, dear friend!
Need A Smile From The Word today?
Click!
