Spring is Here!
What a wonderful time of year - SPRING! Even when the weather doesn't exactly reflect the season (we had snow a few nights ago!) there is no denying that the school year is wrapping up. I pray that this gives you a sense of relief as well as accomplishment. Homeschooling is a demanding job that comes with a variety of emotional and social pressures. Seasoned homeschoolers have taught me that the times we wonder whether our children are learning anything are the times that they are likely learning the most. Perhaps you were distracted with illness, a family crisis, or little ones that kept you from finishing what you had set out to accomplish. Be encouraged!! When we keep our priorities in line and care for those needing our time and attention, God will bless our efforts. Remember the old cliche - more is caught than taught. Math and science are secondary to the character we instill in our children. Good character lays the foundation for better learning - learning that is well rounded and attached to purpose.
Spring is also linked to cleaning house! This includes the classroom. As you finish with the resources you used this year, set them aside to list on TLPSH. Books that are gathering dust on your shelves may be an affordable answer to another family's needs. Listing on TLPSH is easier than you may think - and there are no listing fees! Read the Selling Tips page to maximize visibility and increase sales. Activity on the site is increasing as we approach the summer buying season. So make room on your shelves and add $$ to your book budget by selling the old and making room for the new.
Chances are you know a number of homeschooling families and are perhaps a member of a homeschool group or coop. To maximize sales, include a link to your listings in associated emails and newsletters. Pull up any one of your listings on TLPSH and look for the line that says "View Active Auctions." You'll find it right under your username toward the top of the listing. Click the link and copy the url. Use this under your email signature, on your own website, and on blogs and newsletters. If you need ideas for an email or would like a copy of the TLPSH logo, visit the Toolbox Page for ready-made blurbs.
As most of you know, TLPSH began in response to eBay's policy changes regarding the sale of teacher edition books on their site. While this change has been in effect for over a year, many homeschoolers remain unaware and vulnerable to eBay restriction or suspension. Lukewarm enforcement of this change has made it difficult to get the word out. TLPSH has a concise explanation of this policy change that you are welcome to forward to your unsuspecting friends.
Thanks to all of you for making TLPSH the favorite homeschool auction site! As always, you are welcome to contact me with questions or feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.