You CAN Teach Your Child Successfully

Meet some refreshing common sense in this classic homeschool book by Dr. Ruth Beechick. If you are wondering if and how you can teach your 4th-8th grade child, you will find sound advice on every subject. Sections are included on teaching reading, writing, math, spelling, grammar, history, social studies, science, health, music, art and Bible studies. I personally have found that her advice on teaching spelling alone was well worth the price of the book. She includes spelling word lists for each grade, plus recommendations on teaching spelling by several different approaches. On all subjects, this is helpful advice from a pro. Paperback, 388 pages

Both Happy Homeschooling and More Happy Homeschooling

This book is written from my heart to yours, both to help new homeschoolers get started and to help veteran homeschoolers get some fresh ideas. Nothing we offer generates more positive feedback—especially the article entitled, "The Baby is the Lesson"! (in volume 1). Maybe it is because we all need a little help to keep going, along with some creative ideas, encouragement, and (hopefully) inspiration. Even though I wrote it, I go back and reread it when I wonder if homeschool is really worth the sacrifice. Topics cover social life, schedules that work, child discipline, a 4 year academic plan for making sure you cover everything, the value of memorization work, best books for read aloud time, getting kids to do their schoolwork, how to make grammar fun, what to do with your toddler during homeschool time, father's role in the homeschool, dividing up the chores, preparing for college. . . and much more! Divided into two spiral bound volumes, each containing unique and essential information.

Do these figures tell us how many children are actually abused and neglected?
A. Yes. CWLA believes current child protection efforts must be improved so no further harm is done to children who have already been abused and neglected. Even more important, we believe the only true child protection response will occur when we prevent abuse and neglect in the first place. As with most health concerns, we must not confuse the treatment of the symptoms or even treatment of the disease with finding a cure. A comparable analogy might be our search for a cure for cancer. While we work to improve early detection, and we find quicker and more effective ways to treat cancer, our real goal is to stop it altogether. To date, our efforts in child abuse have not focused adequately on prevention. For example, we provide parenting education only after parents have failed. We provide placement only after children are hurt, and we provide treatment for problems when correcting them has become nearly impossible.

Who are these injured children?

A. In 2002, more than one quarter of all child abuse and neglect victims were age 3 or younger (28.1%); slightly more than half (51.9%) were 7 or younger. More than four-fifths (81.0%) were abused or neglected by their parents, including birthparents, adoptive parents, and stepparents. Evidence suggests that school-aged children may be abused more often but younger children are at greatest risk because they cannot protect themselves or readily seek assistance.

What accounts for the decline in abuse and neglect rates?
A. The reasons for this drop in both the number of children reported and in the number of cases where abuse or neglect was substantiated probably varies from state to state. In some jurisdictions, it may be the result of changes in state policies or procedures for handling child abuse reports rather than an actual decrease in the number of children reported and maltreated. In others, CPS reforms may mean more children are receiving help before they are seriously injured, leading to a real decrease in the number of children hurt by abuse and neglect.

How many U.S. children were reported abused and neglected in 2002?
A. In 2002, state and local CPS agencies received an estimated 2.6 million reports of abuse and neglect for 4.5 million children because family members, professionals, or other citizens were concerned about the safety and well-being of children. (Child Maltreatment 2002: Reports from the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems.) An estimated 896,000 of these reports were substantiated. That is, after follow-up and investigation, officials found reason to believe abuse and neglect had occurred or that the children continued to be at risk of further harm.

What is child protection?

A. Child protection is keeping children safe from child abuse and neglect. This is the foundation on which child protective services (CPS) is established and should always be the first goal of any CPS response. The CPS response begins with the assessment of reports of child abuse and neglect. If CPS determines the child is at risk of abuse and neglect or has been abused or neglected, CPS should ensure the child and his or her family receive services and supports from the public child protection agency and the community