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Wednesday, June 6, 2007

PRACTICAL HOME SCHOOLING

by: James Hunaban

Utilizing practical home schooling methods - The universe has become a jungle of learning. Wherever you turn, you find a new fruit that just has to be passed on to your kid. In the middle of all the knowledge flying to and fro, we sometimes forget to chat and relax with our offspring. A mom who doubles as a tutor needs to leave the tutor behind and neatly become mom for a few hours everyday.

Listen to your youngster. Do not just hear the words, but recognize the emotion too. Many children find it hard to express exactly what they desire. chat to your child about normal stuff and allow him to be ' just a child '. When you talk to your child, as for his opinions. Few things please him more. It further adds kilos to his self - confidence.

Most parents interrupt when their offspring talk. We, as adults, loathe it when someone cuts across our lines. Kids keep mum because they are forced to be quiet when we shut them up. But this is unhealthy and unfair. Allow your youngster to finish and then present your views in a rational style. The child should posses the confidence to confide in you.

Those who criticize practical home schooling say that some parents over - focus on skills while excluding social studies, science, art, history and additional fields that aid children learn their niche in the world.

You may want some special materials to centre on certain subjects - Such as special materials to focus on skill - building. Individual topic materials usually consist of workbooks, sometimes with textbooks, and an instructional guidebook. Many specialist subjects are only available in this form. Special materials are frequently used for math and primary reading.

" All - in - one " curricula, sometimes called " school in a box ", are complete packages covering many subjects, usually an complete year ' s worth. They contain all required books and materials, including pencils and writing paper. Most such curricula were developed for isolated families who lack access to public schools, libraries and shops, or are overseas.

These materials typically refashion the school environment in the home, and are typically based on the equivalent subject - area expectations as publicly - run schools, allowing a manageable transition into school if desired. They are among the most expensive options for the home - educated, but are easy to use and require little preparation. The instructional guides are usually comprehensive, with step - by - step directions. These programs may include standardized tests, and remote examinations to yield an accredited privately - run school diploma.

Student - paced learning - corresponding to All - in - one curricula are learner paced curriculum packages. Often times called paces, these workbooks allow the scholar to progress at an individualized speed. They allow the learner to master concepts before moving on to the following topic, instead of being held back by the speed of the tutor and other students or rushing forward for the same reasons.

By utilizing the materials available and choosing the correct curriculum for your child you will find practical home schooling a rewarding experience for both of you.

PLUS LOANS FROM NEXTSTUDENT ALLOW PARENTS TO HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE

by: Jeff Mictabor

Parents still are in the running to help cover the cost of their children’s college education and can do so with PLUS Loans – Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students. With rates as low as 6.25 percent, parents can borrow up to the full cost of college with a federal PLUS Loan, according to NextStudent, the Phoenix-based premier education funding company.

NextStudent offers PLUS Loans at a rate as low as 6.25 percent when coupled with incentives such as a 2 percent interest rate reduction after the first 48 months of on-time payments and a .25 percent interest rate reduction when borrowers repay their loans through Auto Debit.

PLUS Loan Availability

Parent borrowers cannot be turned down for a PLUS Loan no matter their financial situation, as the PLUS Loans are not based on financial necessity. Up to 100 percent of the cost of college is available to borrowers, less any received financial aid. In addition, PLUS Loans are available throughout the year.

Parents can borrow all of a student’s education costs for the 2006-07 academic year all the way through May 31, 2007. The federal PLUS Loan also can reimburse those parents who already paid tuition and education expenses. Total education costs can include tuition, fees, housing, books and supplies, and transportation.

NextStudent offers a fast and easy preapproval process for all federal PLUS Loan borrowers. In addition, PLUS Loans are eligible for federal student loan consolidation, and the interest on PLUS Loans may be tax-deductible.

Benefits of PLUS Loans

Federal PLUS Loans through NextStudent feature other benefits and incentives, including:

• A 3 percent cash rebate on the remaining principal balance after the first 12 months of consecutive on-time payments.

• Easy Application Process with E-Signature. Online application can be qualified in minutes. In addition, NextStudent’s “second look” is available to borrowers who initially are denied because of unresolved credit issues.

• PLUS Credit Resolution Team: NextStudent’s team has an 87 percent rate of success at resolving borrowers’ credit issues, whereby resolutions result in funded PLUS Loans.

• NextStudent offers various PLUS Loan repayment options that include deferred repayment when a student is enrolled at least half-time at school. PLUS Loans are eligible for federal loan consolidation.

Eligibility

Parents must meet eligibility requirements in order to receive a federal PLUS Loan. To qualify parents must be a biological, adoptive or step-parent of a dependent undergraduate student; a citizen of the United States or eligible noncitizen; and must be able to meet minimum federal creditworthiness standards.

Students of parents applying for federal PLUS Loans also must be citizens of the United States or eligible noncitizens; less than 24 years old as of Dec. 31 of the academic year; and unmarried without dependents.

Typically the federal PLUS Loan repayment term is 10 years. Repayment begins within 60 days of final disbursement, and there are no prepayment penalties.

Federal PLUS Loans are a great way for parents to help their children receive up to the full cost of attending college. Interest rates on PLUS Loans are lower when compared to other consumer loans, and the loans feature excellent terms. In addition, NextStudent offers a host of benefits and incentives that make PLUS Loans the perfect way to pay for college.

NextStudent, http://www.nextstudent.com/, federal lender code 834051, is dedicated to helping students and their families find affordable ways to pay for college. NextStudent offers one-on-one education finance counseling and has a portfolio of highly competitive education finance products and services including a free online scholarship search engine, federally guaranteed parent and student loans, private student loans, both federal and private student loan consolidation programs, and college savings plans.