A homeschool dad and college professor has a designed an accounting course for high school homeschoolers called Professor in a Box. Lectures, homework problems, and tests are all included. The course is taught on the level of an introductory college course. 

If you need a chuckle, we suggest you read Todd Wilson’s book, Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom.  Every once in a while it’s a good idea to take a lighthearted look at the serious business of homeschooling.  Todd helps you do this while providing familiar examples to which we all can relate.  As the subtitle relates (Showing Dads How to Meet the Needs of Their Homeschooling Wives), the book’s ultimate aim is encouragement.

Many colleges require incoming freshman applicants to submit two letters of recommendation.  Although a homeschool parent may choose to write a letter of recommendation, in some cases colleges will require the letters of recommendation be written by someone other than a parent.  For this reason, taking a couple of outside classes at some point during your teen’s high school years will give you good sources for these letters.  Be sure to give the letter writer plenty of lead time (at least 2 – 3 weeks) and choose someone who knows your teen’s academic abilities well.  Follow the college’s instructions regarding the letter of recommendation process.   Tips for your teen and the letter writer may be found on the College Board website.  http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/apply/college-applications/21360.html and http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/teacher-tips  

Teaching your teens about purity with a godly view towards sex is an important issue.  Generations of Virtue offers resources including books, movies, audio books, jewelry and other items appropriate for a wide range of ages (5 - 25). 

If you are looking for an innovative study of biology, Biology 101 may be for you. Timberdoodle describes this resource as suited for students who:

1. Would benefit from an overview before an intense biology study.

2. Struggle with textbook learning but readily learn via discussions.

3. Are not college-bound but need the basics of biology.

They go on to say that with initiative, Biology 101 can also be used as a full-blown accredited biology course. Towards that end a printable PDF file with a 12-page Course Accreditation Program booklet is included on disc 4.

Recently we were made aware of Drexel University’s Math Forum. This site provides free help from college math students to understand concepts you or your teen is having difficulty understanding.

Securing financial aid to help with the college bills may be an unfamiliar process for you. A helpful resource to assist you in understanding the various sources of federal funding available is the website, Funding Education Beyond High School provided by the US Department of Education.  The website also provides a link to state financial aid information for all 50 states. 

Is your student interested in creative writing or perhaps looking for help with writing college application essays?   Does your student need one-on-one assistance in improving his writing skills?  Some of Patrick Henry College’s brightest undergraduates and graduates would love to help. PHC mentors work with you and your student to develop better writing skills.  They can assist with school assignments, give students writing exercises and tips, or edit papers.  PHC mentors work with your student via email, phone, or mail,  so you can take advantage of this program from wherever you live.  PHC mentors charge $10 per hour for their services; however, need based scholarships are available. To learn more about the program or to receive an application, visit http://phc.edu/writingmentors or email mentorshipcoordinator@phc.edu.

As your teen looks forward to his post high school plans, the US Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics website provides information to help him investigate various careers from A to Z.  It provides answers to questions such as: What is the Job Like, How Do You Get Ready, How Much Does It Pay, How Many Jobs Are There, and What About the Future?

If your high schooler has an interest in astronomy, the Classical Astronomy website is a wonderful source of materials. The textbook used for the course, Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy, includes many field activities.  According to the site, completing all assignments will equal a ½ credit of high school science. Don’t miss the Sky This Month feature of the website - an animation of the night sky during each month of the year. 

Why not bless your husband this Father’s Day by giving him a book that will encourage him in his leadership role as a father?  Possibilities include:  The Strength of a Man by David Roper, Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens with Study Guide by Paul David Tripp , or Interviewing Your Daughter's Date by Dennis Rainey.

First prize is $1,000! Jonathan Friesen, a homeschool author, is sponsoring a writing contest for teen and young adult writers. The deadline for entries is October 31, 2008. For more information and submission guidelines go to http://www.jonathanfriesen.com .

On July 18-19, 2008 in Front Royal, VA, Blessing God’s Way is having a conference for mothers and daughters of all ages at New Hope Bible Church. Check their website for possible conferences in your area.