We often talk about how good homeschooling is for our family – and it is! Even with the bad days, the days full of fights and arguments over how or whether to finish schoolwork, it’s worth it. But as homeschoolers, and indeed, as humans, we also enjoy reaching out to help our local community. It’s through community that our world becomes better, stronger, happier…. pick your adjective. Whereas looking to the government often finds one wrapped in a mound of regulations, our communities’ support organizations are often more responsive and helpful. This is because they are much closer to the problem and can generally respond more quickly. That said, no system is perfect, and every organization can use some help in providing services to the communities they serve.

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Here’s what’s in store for you in Spring

First, we want to thank Anika Russell (she’s only 17!)of TheraPony for the beautiful image of the twins, David & Daniel, that we are using on the cover. They’re visiting with Alvie, an off-track thoroughbred who had recently arrived. We spend as much time as we can helping them out, because they do an amazing and insane amount of work helping care for horses that have been abused, neglected or surrendered by owners who could no longer afford them. They’re in Ramona, California if you would like to help out. Speaking of photos – we love to see things like this, and cannot wait to see what you have to share!

If you’re not sure about whether you even want to volunteer somewhere, Cindy LaJoy is here with Doing Good Benefits All – she gives you the low-down on just how giving back will benefit your family. You may be surprised at what you’ll find, and for another perspective on volunteerism Amy Azevedo has some terrific insight in Why Homeschooled Kids Should Take Volunteer Opportunities.

When your journey with a volunteer organization is coming to an end, it’s best to exit with a bit of grace. Tavia Fuller Armstrong shares wonderful insight on why she is Stepping Down Gracefully and how to retire from your volunteer roles, and to round things out, Tina gives a host of reasons why you should volunteer in Stepping Up to Serve. 

Our editor, Gail, has an interview that will tear at your heart strings. The Wheeler family sold everything they owned and moved from Idaho to Thailand to volunteer full-time rescuing kids who have been trafficked. Read about their work in Human Trafficking: How One Homeschool Family Helps.

We’re so full we had to rearrange a few things, and we’re sitting in anticipation of seeing the first issue of a new year in print. It’s even better than we expected. Yes, the magazine is full and we have to limit ads (but who likes them anyway?), but that means YOU get even more homeschool articles to help you homeschool better.

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Also inside:

• The Working Homeschooler
• The Unplanned Homeschooler
• Teen Marvelous
• Spring into Health with Baby Steps
• Learning Tangent for Kids (get ready for a bunch of silly jokes your kids will love!)
• Book Reviews – My Little Valentine and Drawing in Space
• Review of The Home Scholar’s services
• So You Want to Write a Book? The latest (and last) installment of Cristy Taijeron’s series of articles.
• A new Photography project from Candy Richey
• Why Do Bananas Turn Brown – a preschool science activity with a delicious recipe from new contributors Kristin & Brandon Hendrickson and Megan Riggs.
• More to come!

And let’s talk a bit about Learning Tangent for Kids

• Hannah Beltran shared her experience with Meals on Wheels
• David Nelson submitted a cut-color project and wrote about ring galaxies
• Daniel Nelson shared his best birthday present ever… you’ll be amazed!
• We have a super heroes and villainous villains word search and crossword… 
• And a page full of jokes your kids will love.

We don’t publish everything we receive, but when we do publish a story, those kids receive a free copy of the issue in which they’re published. Send an email to [email protected] with your son or daughter’s work!

And the best part? It’s all part of one subscription, so when you get yours, your kids get a pull-out mini-mag.

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Ready to subscribe? Head on over to our subscription overview to select the best option for your homeschool family. https://learningtangent.com/subscription-options – you can even try one issue before you subscribe. Spring is on pre-sale until the end of January, and you’ll save a few dollars if you order ahead! https://learningtangent.com/shop/store/2017-single-issues

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