Thursday, September 1, 2016

2016-2017 Season

Our 2016-2017 MECHE season 

will begin 

September 8 at 7 pm

This year we will continue to have a table each month where you can bring items to sell.  Any items that do not sell will need to be removed by the end of the evening.

We will have a display where you can post upcoming events and announcements.

There will be speakers some months.  

We will have discussion time to learn from and encourage one another.  



September 8 (second Thursday): Road Less Traveled


October 13 (rescheduled to second Thursday):  When Plans Crash with Reality


November 3:  Avoid Common Pitfalls in Homeschooling with special guest Rhonda Wotring


December 1:  Christmas Coffee Celebration with white elephant gift exchange


January 12 (second Thursday): Joy in the Journey


February 2:  Dodging Arrows and Traps


March 2:  Flavors of Homeschooling


April 6:  Balance, Grace and Love


May 4:  Running the Race




Homeschool moms and moms interested in learning about homeschooling: You are welcome to join us any and all months that your schedule allows!  There is not a membership or fee to attend. 

We are a homeschool mom support group.  


Please note: MECHE is not for children other than nursing babies.



Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Watch for updates on 2016-2017

Our MECHE year 

will soon be underway!


Mark your calendar with our planned dates for the year:

September 8 (second Thursday)

 October 6

November 3

December 1 (our Christmas celebration)

January 12, 2017 (second Thursday)

February 2

March 2

April 6

May 4

Watch for details on topics

Coming soon!




We hope you can join us each month as we gather together to learn from one another. We will continue to meet at Paula's home on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. We will finish group discussion about 9.

Feel free to pass the word along to any other mom you know who is homeschooling or even if they are considering it and want to learn more.

MECHE is free and moms are welcome to come to any meeting they'd like.

Note that MECHE is not for children other than nursing babies.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

2015-2016 MECHE Year

Each of us has individual ways of doing things including: how we teach, what we teach, how and what we cook, and family priorities.  Each of our lives looks different and should.  We can learn from each other and help encourage each other.
I Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."

Our first meeting will include introductions, fun and then we will ask each mom to submit a question to our "Learning Basket."  

During each subsequent month's meeting, we will draw a question from the basket and discuss as a group.

December will still be our Christmas Tea and always highly anticipated and hilarious white elephant gift exchange.  

We hope you can join us each month as we gather together to learn from one another.  We will continue to meet at Paula's home on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm.  We will finish group discussion about 9. 
Our first meeting will be September 3, 2015
Then we will meet Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4, March 3, April 7 and May 5.  
Feel free to pass the word along to any other mom you know who is homeschooling or even if they are considering it and want to learn more.  MECHE is free and moms are welcome to come to any meeting they'd like.  
Note that MECHE is not for children other than nursing babies.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

2014-15 School Year

Note:  This isn't a regular blog because we only use it for easy access to the annual schedule and ready information about our moms' homeschooling support group.  Therefore, comments might not be noticed for several weeks...Please contact update@chewv.org if you have questions.  Thanks! 

August 7th:  "Getting Started" Mini MECHE


For new homeschooling moms, this meeting will cover the basics:  the law, the state organization, about HSLDA, etc.  This is the only meeting not held at Paula's house.


August 23rd:  Homeschooling High School Seminar

This special Saturday seminar features Diane Kummer, high school specialist with HSLDA!  It's MECHE's privilege to co-host this event with CHEWV.  See details and registration at chewvconference.homestead.com.  NOTE:  Registration and fee are required for this seminar. Register by August 9th. 

September 4th:  Starting the Year with Some Things You Should Know 


Besides the legal requirements, how-to for assessments, and the basics of getting started (all covered at August’s meeting), what are some things that seasoned homeschool moms would want to share with new homeschool moms?  Come hear a bit of what Beth, Cynthia, and Joan have learned while homeschooling.  Then join in a hearty discussion!  This first night we’ll also get to know one another and give an overview of what to expect at MECHE.  
(MECHE is completely free and open to anyone interested.  Attendance puts you under no obligation whatsoever!  No fees.  No strings.  Just fellowship!) 


October 2nd:  Flavors of Curriculum Styles 


For the first time we’re going to divide into small groups (after our usual welcome and announcements) in order to rotate through four curriculum style groups.  This is the opportunity to hear from moms who use differing ways to home educate.  We know that one size does not fit all, but what sizes are available?  Join us as we cover classical education, traditional, Charlotte Mason, and packaged curriculum choices.   


November 6th:  TBA 


Plans are not yet confirmed...  We'll let you know soon! 


December 4th:  Annual Christmas Tea           


Relax with us for an evening of refreshments, Christmas carols, and our third annual white elephant exchange.  Please bring a wrapped gift to share ($5.00 or less).  Ideas:  recipe with ingredients, favorite book, tree ornament or even a dozen of your farm-fresh eggs!  This is a fun night of fellowship as we kick off the Christmas season! 


January 8th (2nd Thursday):  The S Word           


Socialization – the big worry/accusation/concern.  And its fraternal twin – peer pressure.  Seasoned homeschool mom and grandmother, Jan B, will share about peer pressure (on us moms!), while Mary P shares what she has learned about the socialization of our children.  Perhaps the most common worry about homeschooling, that big S will be brought right out into the open! NOTE:  Since the first Thursday is New Year’s Day, we will meet on the 8th instead. 


February 5th:  Testing           


Not only will you find out what is needed to prepare for the upcoming MECHE test center, but Kim will share all about testing in general.  What are percentiles anyway?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of testing?  Can my kids fail the test?  Do we have to test?  And much more.  Plus we should have plenty of time for your personal questions about testing.  (If time permits, we may even discuss how common core affects testing.) 


March 5th:  Inspiration Time!  Ideas for Math, Science, Language and Everything in Between           


Let’s get practical!  How do you teach the actual subjects?  What if something isn’t working?  This is the night for moms to bring sample curricula for different subjects and share teaching ideas.  Come get a myriad of ideas from moms who have some experience under their belts. 


April 3rd:  Mastery, Spiral Learning, Advanced Classes, and Remediation           


Do you have to know what those terms all mean?  Nope, but the longer we homeschool, the more tools we gain and advantages we learn.  “School” is what we know from our own childhood, but what about “education?”  Join us as Rhonda Wotring offers some ideas that you may not have even considered. 


May 7th:  Rearview Mirror and a Bug-Free Windshield 


Time to assess last year and plan for next!  We’re planning an interactive time at May’s meeting to help us learn from the past and prepare for the future – just in time for conference attendance and summer planning.  (Or just before you take your much anticipated break!)



Saturday, August 24, 2013

2013-14 Schedule

Note:  This isn't a regular blog because we only use it for easy access to the annual schedule and ready information about our moms' homeschooling support group.  Therefore, comments might not be noticed for several weeks...so please contact testing@chewv.org if you have questions.  Thanks! 

September 5th:  Getting It All in Order
Rhonda Wotring & Paula Lemley


            “Where do I fit the time to homeschool into my life??”  If this question seems at all pertinent, you won’t want to miss kicking off the year at the September meeting.  Rhonda Wotring will be sharing some thoughts that God has laid on her heart.  Then  Paula Lemley will share how these things are affecting her own family. Join us for a rich discussion about where homeschooling fits into our lives as we start a new school year!

October 3rd:  Your Questions, Everyone's Answers
Panel of Seasoned Moms:  Jan B., Mary Powell, Becky Price, and Lisa Martinez

            October is your big chance!  What burning question or concern do you have?  Questions ranging from math issues to getting dinner on the table are fair game to ask our panel of homeschool moms.  Anytime between now and the end of September, send a homeschool related question to testing@chewv.org (Kim Kincell) for our panel to address at the October meeting. 

November 7th:  Cup o' Tea & A Legislative Update
John and Edie Carey

             We’re very excited to bring you a double dose of encouragement in November as we welcome John and Edie Carey who will be driving more than three hours to be our guests.  John is CHEWV’s legislative liaison and parttime lobbyist in Charleston and will update us on homeschooling and family issues related to our WV liberties.  Edie is a longtime homeschool mom and much loved encourager of young moms.  She has shared many a cup o’tea along with a word of wisdom.  Please join us as we welcome the Careys to MECHE for the first time!

December 5th:  Annual Christmas Tea

        Join us for food, music, and a fun gift exchange.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so remember that the intent of the gift exchange is *gasp* to steal! That’s right; we mean to keep you from holding on too tightly to those material possessions! Come be merry as we start the season off with a smile. (Please bring a less than $5.00 gift. Ideas: homeschooling book, homemade bookmark, Starbucks coupon, small candle, homemade apron, or the spices for your favorite casserole. No, your gift does not have to be new and doesn’t have to be store-bought.)  This is the night for relaxing fellowship in the spirit of the Advent Season.     

January 9th*:  Sample This!
Jo Ann Duffield
*Note:  This is the 2nd Thursday to avoid the holiday busyness of New Year's

         As we start back to school after the holidays, our thoughts inevitably turn to testing and assessments.  Although MECHE provides a wonderful test center, portfolio review is also a good option.  We are privileged, then, to welcome JoAnn Duffield (from the Parkersburg area) to come share about the portfolio option and samples of work that we might want to keep.  Even if you test, we think that Jo Ann will be encouraging and provide many ideas (including record keeping) for your school!  With many years of homeschooling experience, JoAnn has graduated two of three children.  She and Dwayne were previous CHEWV board members and continue to minister in their local community of Palestine.

February 6th:  Time to Test!  (Plus a nutritional bonus!)
Joelyn Richards & Nina Rudmann/Kelley Richman


        The first portion of February’s meeting will be for Nina and Joelyn to prepare us for the test center.  Kim will also be on hand to answer any questions about IOWA testing changes.  Afterward we will welcome Kelley Richman back to share further with us about nutrition related to learning.  Kelley is always a gentle speaker and knowledgeable about food, family, and the art of learning.  As the mother of eight children, she has certainly been there, done that!  Besides, we might learn a few tricks that will land us better prepared test-takers!


March 6th:  Fly on the Wall
Panel of younger moms:  Michele Ballard, Cynthia Cox, Lydia Gwaltney, Lorisa Markle & Carole Werner 


             In my early years of homeschooling, I often wished I could be a fly on the wall in other homeschools.  How did other moms do it?  What was their homeschool like?  Was I measuring up??  I wasn’t so sure I was many, many times!  So for March we have asked five of our younger moms to share how they homeschool and what their challenges have been.  “Where are you now and how did you get there?” will be the focus question for Cynthia, Lydia, Carole, Lorisa and Michele.   Join in discussion with these moms who will openly share about their own experiences in the trenches.

April 3rd:  Five Loaves and Two Fish...or One Student and One Mom
Jonathan Board


            Jonathan Board, homeschool and law school graduate, has graciously agreed to come share with us again in April.  Jonathan’s public school teachers predicted that he would never be able to learn well academically, but the Lord had other plans!  As a former dyslexic student, Jonathan will share his amazing testimony of what God can do through a dedicated homeschool mother! 

May 1st:  Looking Forward to It!
Rhonda Wotring

           Time to turn our thoughts toward next year!  What has worked this past year?  What needs tweaked?  Rhonda Wotring will come share with us about curriculum planning and help us explore the different options for the challenges and privileges ahead.  Former homeschool mom, portfolio reviewer, and curriculum advisor, Rhonda’s gentle manner is sure to calm your heart and prepare you for a sweet summer of planning.  The evening will include lots of time to ask questions and discuss with one another.




      

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

2012-13 Schedule

Momma Bear, Momma Bear, what do you see? 
September 6:     Jocelyn Oldland

I’m personally excited to have Jocelyn share with us during our first meeting of the year. Her presentation will be about finding, embracing, and supporting our family’s vision as we homeschool. Jocelyn is wife to Bill and Momma to seven little cubs.

The Fruit of our Labor 
October 4:     Panel of Graduates

We have invited a group of homeschool graduates to share with us about their own experiences. And then we hope to have a robust Q&A season together. We’ve decided to invite all females since we’re a women’s group (perhaps we can do this another time with families?), but we’ve chosen confident young women who are willing to let you “pick their brains” and ask hard questions. (If you have a question you would definitely like addressed and want to send it in advance, please email it to Kim.)

The Key to your Child’s Brain May Be in the Grocery Store
November 1:     Kelley Richman

Can home-made meals make teaching easier? We will explore the many ways food affects kids’ thinking and incremental steps for getting healthy meals on the table three times a day. Kelley is home educating kid #6, #7, #8 and #9, (first 5 have graduated) and still learning new ways to get her houseful to eat healthier. Besides being mom to nine children ;-), Kelley serves on the CHEWV board with her husband, David, who is administrative director.

Annual Christmas Tea
December 6

Come join us for food, music, and a fun gift exchange. This year we will be soothed by seasonal music including a few carols together, and then Mary will share a Christmas sentiment. But don’t get too serious about the evening, because the intent of the gift exchange is to steal! That’s right; we mean to keep you from holding on too tightly to those material possessions! Come be merry as we start the season off with a smile. (Please bring a less than $5.00 gift. Ideas: homeschooling book, homemade bookmark, Starbucks coupon, small candle, homemade apron, or the spices for your favorite casserole. No, your gift does not have to be new and doesn’t have to be store-bought.)

Some Wisdom with a Smile
January 3: Jan B.

 The B's were one of the families who fought for the original right to homeschool in WV and were founding members of the CHEWV board. Jan and her daughter Lydia shared with us last spring and their talk was so well received that we’ve asked Jan to share with us again. Here’s what she plans to discuss: As a new year dawns, let's re-evaluate ourselves, our goals and our motivations. Life is a balancing act that can quickly change for the good, or the bad. So who are we using for our example? Can prioritizing help us in organizing and scheduling our life and the life of our families? All home schooling Mommas are incredibly busy… Let's take a fresh look at ourselves and be encouraged to continue on.

Testing Prep/Titus 2 Older Mom Part 1
February 7:  Nina & Joelyn/Kim

During the first half hour or so, Nina and Joelyn will prepare us for the test center in early March. Then we will change gears as Kim shares some of her thoughts about child discipline and mothering.  What would an older mom of grown daughters want to share about raising little ones?  That's what Kim has been thinking on for over a year.  After finding out recently that Michele Scherer has been thinking along the same lines, Kim is going to share some of her heart in February and then Michele will share in April.

Totally Off Broadway
CHANGED TO MARCH 14:   Homeschoolers and Graduates

Who could best spoof homeschooling? Those who’ve been immersed in it. If you dare, come join us for skits that are sometimes a bit too close to the truth! Written, directed and performed by a group of our older homeschoolers, this is an evening that we don’t want televised!

Titus 2 Older Mom:  Part 2  
April 4:  Michele Scherer
See description for February above.  Michele has graciously agreed to come share with us about child rearing from her own experience raising two sons and a daughter.  Michele was part of the original MECHE moms several years ago and many of us fondly recall her sense of humor and down-to-earth wisdom.  Michele not only has three grown children of her own (her youngest will graduate this year), but she also works in Tuesday School at her church, the Church of Christ.

Helping Your Husband Homeschool
May 3:  Melissa Wotring

After a dozen years of struggles, failures, and successes as a homeschool wife, Melissa has learned to use homeschooling to build her marriage. Her husband, Ken, heard that she might have an opportunity to speak, and he insisted that she share a few secrets with you. (He is sure your husbands will thank him.) Come hear the secrets of a mother of nine who keeps her husband happy!

Details

WHEN: We meet from September through May, usually on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7. We recognize that your first evening responsibilities are to feed and care for your husband and little ones, so we are a bit casual in our arrival and may not officially start until 7:15 or so. Please try to arrive, eat, and be ready for the bell :-) by then!

WHERE: Again, we will meet at Paula's. Email Cynthia or Paula for directions.

SNACKS: Paula has graciously offered to provide finger foods for everyone. Please feel free to nibble as you arrive!

HOW: Just come. We have no fee and no strings. We do ask for no children to attend (other than nursing infants) so we can freely discuss all homeschooling issues.