Author Archives: Joan

About Joan

My name is Joan and I'm a lifelong Yorker. Throughout high school and college, I swore I was getting out of here as soon as possible. Now, a few years later, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. I love my town, and I hear every day from readers who love their towns, too. So please, connect with me and let's share what makes life in York County great. I'm here to help you enjoy this place as much as I do!

Learning isn’t just for your kids

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Joan

Being a homeschooling parent doesn’t just mean facilitating your kids’ learning. Especially for unschoolers, the advice often says to look at your own life. What are YOU learning? Are you interested – and interesting? Joan Concilio Otto talks about being a love-to-learn role model.

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Books, wolves and chocolate: Some of our recent regional homeschooling fun

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Joan

Homeschooling mom Joan Concilio Otto shares her daughter’s Buck-A-Book Week fundraising success and some ideas for local trips, including the Wolf Sanctuary of PA and Wilbur Chocolate Co. in Lititz.

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What are your family’s “screen-time” policies?

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Joan

Unschooling mom Joan Concilio Otto shares why a no-time-limits video-game philosophy works in her family – and some of the awesome learning that’s happened as a result.

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Do you know what sensory processing disorder feels like?

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Joan

Unschooling mom and online editor Joan Concilio Otto shares a video and her personal stories dealing with sensory processing disorder and how it affects her 12-year-old daughter, especially during the holiday season.

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A very special version of “The 12 Days of Christmas”

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Joan

12-year-old unschooler Sarah Otto created her own version of the 12 Days of Christmas, complete with castles, Xbox 360s and… lottery tickets?

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Homeschooling through the holidays

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Joan

Unschooling mom and online editor Joan Concilio Otto talks about homeschooling through the holidays – and how relaxing doesn’t mean learning nothing!

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Why I let my 12-year-old daughter dye her hair blue

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Joan

Unschooling mom Joan Concilio Otto let her 12-year-old daughter get bright blue highlights. Would you do the same?

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Smart writing: My 12-year-old daughter wants you to share your similes

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Joan

12-year-old unschooler Sarah Otto wants to hear your simile suggestions. She’s as excited as a kid at Christmastime for them!

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Our family’s best stay-inside projects

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Joan

Unschooling mom and online editor Joan Concilio Otto shares a roundup of some of the activities she and her 12-year-old daughter, Sarah, kept busy with during Hurricane Sandy.

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Encouraging an attitude of gratitude in your family

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Joan

12-year-old Sarah Otto leads her family in an attitude of gratitude with a surprising set of household posters. Find out simple tips to help boost your family’s thankfulness this fall.

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