14
WBM
letters to the editor
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Renovating a historic cottage
We would love to hear from you!
EMAIL:
2info@wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com
MAIL:
P.O. Box 1110, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Letters to the editor may be edited
for clarity.
SHOPPING LOCAL, SAFELY
Farmers markets open for business
BE LIKE SANIYA
Wilmington’s next basketball superstar
FOREVER FAMILY
From fostering to adoption
Kudos
I just took a moment to peruse your
August issue.
It’s beautiful. Bravo!
— Randall J. Williams
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Fish Story
Loved your article about “The Fish
Lady” (July WBM). It was a delightful
read about a delightful lady but I wish she
had shared her story found in her recipe
book about the first time she cooked fish.
She didn’t know you were supposed to
scale it first. Yum yum.
Thanks for a wonderful look at local color.
— Suzanne Harper
Wilmington, NC
• TEACHING AT HOME
SEVEN ESSENTIAL HABITS OF A GREAT
HOME-SCHOOL PARENT
By Kristin Reeser
LAST YEAR, home schooling constituted only 3.4 percent of
education in the United States — a mere 2 million chil-dren.
However, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,
home schooling has become a new, unlikely trend. As
families are challenged to ensure a quality education amid raised
health and safety concerns, many are turning to this alternative method.
To clear up any misconceptions, this is not public school at home
or cyber school, which many families will also be doing this fall. In this
type of home school, the child’s parent is responsible for providing
school instruction. It requires filing a notice of intent with the state
and following compulsory attendance laws.
Operating a home school can be a challenging but rewarding
endeavor for those ready to take the plunge. That said, every first timer
likely wonders, “How can I become the great home-school parent I’d
like to be?”
I certainly asked that question, but now, as I prepare to begin my
third year, I’ve reflected on seven essential habits that great home-school
parents practice.
UNDERSTAND YOUR “WHY”
Beyond the pandemic, reflect on your family’s motivations for
home-schooling. What does it mean for you? What potential benefits
do you and your child expect? Great home-school parents clearly
understand why they choose to home-school. You may have
an informal checklist in your mind but take the extra
step and write it down — maybe into an official mission
statement.
Big companies and organizations understand there
is power in identifying “your why.” You are not building a
company, but you are building a school! A well-defined,
strong purpose behind it can help solidify your level of
commitment. A great home-school parent knows “your
why” will become an anthem for the good days and an
anchor for the more challenging ones. In other words,
it’s what keeps you going.
september 2020