For this past Christmas, we declared an electronics moratorium. Earlier in the fall, we realized that some of our family habits related to electronics had become detrimental to us all. Temptation to play when school was supposed to be done (or other responsibilities) and saying yes to those temptations had happened.
It was a severe wake up call to all of us that something had to be done. So all the electronics were confiscated. And locked away. We returned to the old school ways of conversation and communication and board games and card games and family time.
It was the healthy reboot that all of us needed.
So when it came time to write a Christmas list, I told the boys to leave electronics off of it. No new iPods, Wii games, DSi games, computer games, apps, et cetera.
To our delight, the older two requested musical instruments. Nate wanted an acoustic guitar and Matthew wanted a keyboard. (Yes, I know it's electronic, but it received an exception.) Samuel just wanted a bunch of Atlanta Falcons' gear.
Christmas morning came around and delight was seen on faces when presents were opened. And then music ensued. Not cacophony. Which could have happened, but music.
Earlier we had tried piano lessons for Matthew, but the instinct and discipline to practice and give attention to detail was not there. Nate had never shown an inclination for music either. I grew up playing the piano and had always wanted that someone in the family would show a love for music. Husband was a trumpet player. Both of us were in school band.
Anyway, there is something to be said for personal discovery and interests. These last few weeks without formal lessons of any kind, both boys have begun to teach themselves. I have enrolled them in a co-op class that will give some direction, but pretty much their afternoons are engaged in practicing, discovering, and creating.
Electronics to a small degree have been phased back in but with a greater appreciation and accountability for their ability to deceive us into wrong habits. Meanwhile, a sweet music is happening with my teens, and I am truly grateful.
The band plays on.
Showing posts with label Homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschooling. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Brain dump, status report, part four....
and now we are alive and well in D.C.
When we set our agenda of all the things I hoped the kids would be able to see and experience, I admittedly called the plan ambitious. Others were calling it "insane." However, when all was said and done, we accomplished a whole lotta' sightseeing. Here's the rundown:
Monday: Scored handicapped parking in front of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Trekked some blocks to the National Archives and although an hour and a half early according to our timed entry reservation, they let us in. Toured through there for around two hours before trekking city block upon city block, over hill and dale, through a sculptures garden, to Capitol Hill where we happened upon a press conference regarding the Supreme Court hearings on healthcare. Saw the protestors in front of the Supreme Court, pointed out the Library of Congress, and then trekked another galaxy into the eating district to stuff our faces with burgers and fries from Good Stuff Eatery. With full tummies, we trekked back to Capitol Hill for our staff led tour of the Capitol. In there almost three hours we saw everything we could, including both galleries and even at the favor of a security guard we were allowed into a press room for a special picture. Home again.
Tuesday: I jumped out of the car in front of the Holocaust Museum to wait in line for about 35 minutes but scored major tickets to the museum for that day. Met the others at the Smithsonian Castle and then on to the Air and Space Museum then the Holocaust Museum followed by lunch followed by the Natural History Museum. Home again.
Wednesday: Scored handicapped parking on Constitution Avenue right next to Constitution Park where we then toured the WWI, WWII, D.C., Korean, Vietnam, and Vietnam Women's Memorials/Monuments. Climbed up the steps into the Lincoln Memorial. Also glimpsed the MLK, Jr. Memorial and the Albert Einstein Memorial (which was blocked off and under construction). Drove by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the White House. That afternoon we toured the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Several exhibits, almost the entire west wing, are under renovation though so not as exciting. Serendipitously we happened into a special MathAlive exhibit in the underground International Gallery that was really neat for the kids. Home again.
Thursday: Traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. Took a wrong turn on the way but ended up getting to view the Iwo Jima Memorial and then made it back to Arlington to not only see a changing of the guard ceremony but also two wreath laying ceremonies. That afternoon we went to the Newseum. Home again.
Friday: Overslept. Gave hugs, kisses, and farewells. Limped to the car with packed bags and thenflew drove home arriving 12 hours and 15 minutes later. Kissed my Sealy Posturepedic and Husband and went to bed.
We didn't get into things like the Pentagon or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which we wanted to do, because they require a 4-6 week advance reservation. However, there is now a reason to go back and all of our main goals were accomplished.
Educational, yes. Exhausting, yes. Priceless, yes. I'm very thankful for how God gave the provision in my friend K, the time, the opportunity, the funds, the weather (it was fabulous!) and in all of the many details.
Here ends the telling of the brain dump, status report edition.
When we set our agenda of all the things I hoped the kids would be able to see and experience, I admittedly called the plan ambitious. Others were calling it "insane." However, when all was said and done, we accomplished a whole lotta' sightseeing. Here's the rundown:
Monday: Scored handicapped parking in front of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Trekked some blocks to the National Archives and although an hour and a half early according to our timed entry reservation, they let us in. Toured through there for around two hours before trekking city block upon city block, over hill and dale, through a sculptures garden, to Capitol Hill where we happened upon a press conference regarding the Supreme Court hearings on healthcare. Saw the protestors in front of the Supreme Court, pointed out the Library of Congress, and then trekked another galaxy into the eating district to stuff our faces with burgers and fries from Good Stuff Eatery. With full tummies, we trekked back to Capitol Hill for our staff led tour of the Capitol. In there almost three hours we saw everything we could, including both galleries and even at the favor of a security guard we were allowed into a press room for a special picture. Home again.
Tuesday: I jumped out of the car in front of the Holocaust Museum to wait in line for about 35 minutes but scored major tickets to the museum for that day. Met the others at the Smithsonian Castle and then on to the Air and Space Museum then the Holocaust Museum followed by lunch followed by the Natural History Museum. Home again.
Wednesday: Scored handicapped parking on Constitution Avenue right next to Constitution Park where we then toured the WWI, WWII, D.C., Korean, Vietnam, and Vietnam Women's Memorials/Monuments. Climbed up the steps into the Lincoln Memorial. Also glimpsed the MLK, Jr. Memorial and the Albert Einstein Memorial (which was blocked off and under construction). Drove by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the White House. That afternoon we toured the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Several exhibits, almost the entire west wing, are under renovation though so not as exciting. Serendipitously we happened into a special MathAlive exhibit in the underground International Gallery that was really neat for the kids. Home again.
Thursday: Traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. Took a wrong turn on the way but ended up getting to view the Iwo Jima Memorial and then made it back to Arlington to not only see a changing of the guard ceremony but also two wreath laying ceremonies. That afternoon we went to the Newseum. Home again.
Friday: Overslept. Gave hugs, kisses, and farewells. Limped to the car with packed bags and then
We didn't get into things like the Pentagon or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which we wanted to do, because they require a 4-6 week advance reservation. However, there is now a reason to go back and all of our main goals were accomplished.
Educational, yes. Exhausting, yes. Priceless, yes. I'm very thankful for how God gave the provision in my friend K, the time, the opportunity, the funds, the weather (it was fabulous!) and in all of the many details.
Here ends the telling of the brain dump, status report edition.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Brain dump, status report, part three...
it was a dark and stormy night....no, wrong novel.
It was actually a partly overcast morning. Perfect for driving to D.C. Which was the plan in place. Leaving Greenville, S.C., at around 8:30 a.m., we were scheduled to arrive in Springfield, V.A., nine hours later. Give or take a bathroom and/or food break.
Digression: along with K's strict instructions regarding packing, she is militant regarding stops. She, therefore, has trained her girls' bladders to expand to greater than normal size while in the car and not expect emptying but every 13 hours or so. I almost kid. On this side of the fence, my bladder needs emptying about every 30-40 minutes. Friends who know us both were overtly calling our planned adventure, "Felix and Oscar Go To D.C."
Knowing the task ahead of me, I had been in training, as in weaning off of water and coffee for the four previous days, so as to prepare myself for the Olympian task ahead. (You think I kid.) By Sunday, I was ready.
Into the SUV we piled, packed to the gills, and plowed off. Food and bathrooms came four hours later because we needed gas. Never have I been more thankful that Chevy has not converted their full-size SUVs to electric/hybrid/whathaveyou vehicles yet or my bladder may have needed a transplant. There are advantages to a car that still needs fuel.
And so it went, all the way to V.A. I hesitate to tell you what time we actually made a nine hour trip in because some of you with mad math skillz will be able to figure out if two trains are going 80 miles an hour and pass a rest stop every 930 miles but do not stop, what time they cross the equator in central standard time.
Anyhoo. Arrival meant another blessed toilet and uncramping our legs. We were staying with my cousin's family so it was also a sweet family reunion for me. The kids, all seven at that point, were immediate BFFs, eager to live happily ever after if it meant no more driving.
I suppose I could regale you with tales of the actual in car time, but my brain has mercifully blocked out those things.
I kid. On the whole spectrum of this temporal life, everyone cooperated, helped out, there were snacks! and only a couple of times did the moms think we would need to chew our ears off for greater world peace and unity.
So ends part three of the telling.
It was actually a partly overcast morning. Perfect for driving to D.C. Which was the plan in place. Leaving Greenville, S.C., at around 8:30 a.m., we were scheduled to arrive in Springfield, V.A., nine hours later. Give or take a bathroom and/or food break.
Digression: along with K's strict instructions regarding packing, she is militant regarding stops. She, therefore, has trained her girls' bladders to expand to greater than normal size while in the car and not expect emptying but every 13 hours or so. I almost kid. On this side of the fence, my bladder needs emptying about every 30-40 minutes. Friends who know us both were overtly calling our planned adventure, "Felix and Oscar Go To D.C."
Knowing the task ahead of me, I had been in training, as in weaning off of water and coffee for the four previous days, so as to prepare myself for the Olympian task ahead. (You think I kid.) By Sunday, I was ready.
Into the SUV we piled, packed to the gills, and plowed off. Food and bathrooms came four hours later because we needed gas. Never have I been more thankful that Chevy has not converted their full-size SUVs to electric/hybrid/whathaveyou vehicles yet or my bladder may have needed a transplant. There are advantages to a car that still needs fuel.
And so it went, all the way to V.A. I hesitate to tell you what time we actually made a nine hour trip in because some of you with mad math skillz will be able to figure out if two trains are going 80 miles an hour and pass a rest stop every 930 miles but do not stop, what time they cross the equator in central standard time.
Anyhoo. Arrival meant another blessed toilet and uncramping our legs. We were staying with my cousin's family so it was also a sweet family reunion for me. The kids, all seven at that point, were immediate BFFs, eager to live happily ever after if it meant no more driving.
I suppose I could regale you with tales of the actual in car time, but my brain has mercifully blocked out those things.
I kid. On the whole spectrum of this temporal life, everyone cooperated, helped out, there were snacks! and only a couple of times did the moms think we would need to chew our ears off for greater world peace and unity.
So ends part three of the telling.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Brain dump, status report, part two...
picking up from last edition, I was in Greenville, S.C., learning tons and hacking greater tons due to an onset of the Bronchitis, Pollen Specialty.
The workshops and seminars of the convention lasted from around 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. We had to pick and choose, share notes when one of us attended something different, and decide whether to order CDs or not for the ones we missed all together. In between our workshop choices, we cruised through the exhibit hall with eyes wide open, stopping by the vendors we were familiar with, and being introduced to new vendors for further consideration. I went to bed early every night to conserve energy for the next day.
By Saturday evening, we were done in, believing we had squeezed every possible moment out of a truly rewarding weekend. Part one of the 10 day adventure was now over. Part two to begin in less than 24 hours.
My friend, K, and her girls arrived early Sunday morning. The goal was to fit two adults, five kids, and their assorted luggage into a Suburban for a 9 hour trek to D.C. K's youngest uses a wheelchair so that was taking up one corner. To accomplish this feat, K had purchased large plastic totes for better stacking. Each of us had one large, one medium, and two smalls.
I am not known as a "light" packer. I do like options when it comes to both clothes and footwear. Husband is very used to the assortment of bags that accompany me. He knows that I come from a long line of "bag ladies," and fairly early on he chose not to die on that hill of marriage.
K, on the other hand, could fly to Europe, with her two girls and all of their stuff, for a 12 day trip, with a carry-on. I stand amazed. Holding bags in my arms, but still amazed.
The gauntlet had been thrown. The ground rules were thus: as long as you only use the provided plastic containers, you can take whatever you can fit in them. Well, that meant two sets of clothes for each boy and the rest of the room for me.
I kid. The boys stuff took the medium container, and I took the large container. With two pairs of shoes in the top of the boys' container. I kid not. It was progress, people, trust me. In compensation for my shoes in the top of their container, I packed the two small boxes with food snacks for them. Because when you're dealing with boys-to-be-Husbands-one-day and luggage, the way to their affection for you and your "bags" is food.
Once packed, stacked, and stuffed in, the show of Two Mom, Five Kids, and we left the husbands at home was about to roll.
Here ends part two. You are welcome.
The workshops and seminars of the convention lasted from around 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. We had to pick and choose, share notes when one of us attended something different, and decide whether to order CDs or not for the ones we missed all together. In between our workshop choices, we cruised through the exhibit hall with eyes wide open, stopping by the vendors we were familiar with, and being introduced to new vendors for further consideration. I went to bed early every night to conserve energy for the next day.
By Saturday evening, we were done in, believing we had squeezed every possible moment out of a truly rewarding weekend. Part one of the 10 day adventure was now over. Part two to begin in less than 24 hours.
My friend, K, and her girls arrived early Sunday morning. The goal was to fit two adults, five kids, and their assorted luggage into a Suburban for a 9 hour trek to D.C. K's youngest uses a wheelchair so that was taking up one corner. To accomplish this feat, K had purchased large plastic totes for better stacking. Each of us had one large, one medium, and two smalls.
I am not known as a "light" packer. I do like options when it comes to both clothes and footwear. Husband is very used to the assortment of bags that accompany me. He knows that I come from a long line of "bag ladies," and fairly early on he chose not to die on that hill of marriage.
K, on the other hand, could fly to Europe, with her two girls and all of their stuff, for a 12 day trip, with a carry-on. I stand amazed. Holding bags in my arms, but still amazed.
The gauntlet had been thrown. The ground rules were thus: as long as you only use the provided plastic containers, you can take whatever you can fit in them. Well, that meant two sets of clothes for each boy and the rest of the room for me.
I kid. The boys stuff took the medium container, and I took the large container. With two pairs of shoes in the top of the boys' container. I kid not. It was progress, people, trust me. In compensation for my shoes in the top of their container, I packed the two small boxes with food snacks for them. Because when you're dealing with boys-to-be-Husbands-one-day and luggage, the way to their affection for you and your "bags" is food.
Once packed, stacked, and stuffed in, the show of Two Mom, Five Kids, and we left the husbands at home was about to roll.
Here ends part two. You are welcome.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Brain dump, status report, part one.....
because if I don't blog this now, I will not remember it for later.
Two weeks ago I was preparing for ten days out of town. First, we were attending a Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, S.C. Second, a friend and her two daughters, also attending the GHC, was then to meet me at my mother-in-law's house to pack up and drive to Washington, D.C. We were calling ourselves Two Moms, Five Kids. Until we realized that in D.C. that might sound like a glorification of an alternative lifestyle so we amended with 'Two Moms, Five Kids, and we left the Husbands at home.'
My brain was literally split between three significant areas. The first one being the life and times that still had to be completed before I drove out of town, the life and times at the convention, and the life and times that would exist in D.C. It was truly an eat one bite at a time of the elephant experience.
Compounding the good times was that the superabundant, never before seen, highest levels of pollen ever, event was taking its toll on my allergies and asthma. I realized everyone else around me was breathing much easier because I had become the human filter, sucking up all of the pollen. Gasping, watering eyes, wheezing, sneezing, choking, coughing, and hacking were the seven dwarves of allergy season abiding within my one person.
By Thursday night, at the convention, I was running a fever as the pollen giants had set up residence within my chest, naming their own convention Greater Bronchitis in Greenville. But we pushed on. Because my children need educating and I needed refreshing at the workshops and seminars of the greats in parenting and home education. I heard Carol Barnier, Dr. Kathy Koch, Steve Demme (whom my youngest son with stars in his eyes met, shook hands, and received an autographed biography), Dr. Carl Jobe, Dr. Jay Wile, Diana Waring, Dr. John Rosemond, Mark Hamby, and Adam Andrews.
Inspiration, encouragement, and affirmation for the love of home education abounded, and bronchitis or not, I was grateful to be there. Husband and I, plus the three boys, all took away a great many new things for learning, considering, and doing in this life learning journey.
Ideally, I'd like to run back through my notes and blog some of the things that I learned in my workshops. Realistically, we'll see what happens. The elephant has not been entirely consumed. Yet.
So ends part one of the status report brain dumping edition.
Two weeks ago I was preparing for ten days out of town. First, we were attending a Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, S.C. Second, a friend and her two daughters, also attending the GHC, was then to meet me at my mother-in-law's house to pack up and drive to Washington, D.C. We were calling ourselves Two Moms, Five Kids. Until we realized that in D.C. that might sound like a glorification of an alternative lifestyle so we amended with 'Two Moms, Five Kids, and we left the Husbands at home.'
My brain was literally split between three significant areas. The first one being the life and times that still had to be completed before I drove out of town, the life and times at the convention, and the life and times that would exist in D.C. It was truly an eat one bite at a time of the elephant experience.
Compounding the good times was that the superabundant, never before seen, highest levels of pollen ever, event was taking its toll on my allergies and asthma. I realized everyone else around me was breathing much easier because I had become the human filter, sucking up all of the pollen. Gasping, watering eyes, wheezing, sneezing, choking, coughing, and hacking were the seven dwarves of allergy season abiding within my one person.
By Thursday night, at the convention, I was running a fever as the pollen giants had set up residence within my chest, naming their own convention Greater Bronchitis in Greenville. But we pushed on. Because my children need educating and I needed refreshing at the workshops and seminars of the greats in parenting and home education. I heard Carol Barnier, Dr. Kathy Koch, Steve Demme (whom my youngest son with stars in his eyes met, shook hands, and received an autographed biography), Dr. Carl Jobe, Dr. Jay Wile, Diana Waring, Dr. John Rosemond, Mark Hamby, and Adam Andrews.
Inspiration, encouragement, and affirmation for the love of home education abounded, and bronchitis or not, I was grateful to be there. Husband and I, plus the three boys, all took away a great many new things for learning, considering, and doing in this life learning journey.
Ideally, I'd like to run back through my notes and blog some of the things that I learned in my workshops. Realistically, we'll see what happens. The elephant has not been entirely consumed. Yet.
So ends part one of the status report brain dumping edition.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fun things this Friday....
and the weekend will contain. Brought to you by the letter F.
1. Howling laughter with my homeschool moms' group. Sometimes we actually run an activity for the kiddos, but today the planned activity is about letting them run around so we can sit around and amuse ourselves with the funnies that come from choosing this lifestyle. I'm taking Depends.
2. Birthday lunch with a friend. Not mine but hers.
3. Pizza and movie night with my family tonight. The last couple of weeks we have had other couples over for fellowship, but tonight is all about our own fellowship. Our movie is Invincible.
4. Anticipation of Daylight Savings Fall Back. I may even move all the clocks tonight so we're ready. Who doesn't need an extra hour of sleep?
5. Reading and writing fiction. The October challenge I conducted spurred me to look into a writing course. I had previously downloaded a freebie from Kindle about a MFA in creative writing. I'm slowly working through the exercises and find them excellent for allowing my brain to breathe. A breathing brain is a good thing.
Hope your Friday and the weekend contains some fun, family, friends, and fellowship.
1. Howling laughter with my homeschool moms' group. Sometimes we actually run an activity for the kiddos, but today the planned activity is about letting them run around so we can sit around and amuse ourselves with the funnies that come from choosing this lifestyle. I'm taking Depends.
2. Birthday lunch with a friend. Not mine but hers.
3. Pizza and movie night with my family tonight. The last couple of weeks we have had other couples over for fellowship, but tonight is all about our own fellowship. Our movie is Invincible.
4. Anticipation of Daylight Savings Fall Back. I may even move all the clocks tonight so we're ready. Who doesn't need an extra hour of sleep?
5. Reading and writing fiction. The October challenge I conducted spurred me to look into a writing course. I had previously downloaded a freebie from Kindle about a MFA in creative writing. I'm slowly working through the exercises and find them excellent for allowing my brain to breathe. A breathing brain is a good thing.
Hope your Friday and the weekend contains some fun, family, friends, and fellowship.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Car mechanics 101....
is in full swing this fall. Earlier I wrote about the boys' inherited vehicle from my brother-in-law. The car has been the center of much discussion and many dreams. Some weeks ago Pele came inside from sitting in the car and told me,"Mom, I've seen my future self." "How did your future self look?" "Well, he looks good. A bit taller though."
Be still my heart.
So far they have learned to replace a radiator hose, flush and fill the radiator, refill and recharge the battery, clean the battery posts, replace the air filter, blow out the windshield washer tubes, refill the windshield washer fluid, and, of course, the time honored wash and wax treatment. Husband is the instructor that would make Mr. Miagi proud.
Truly, be still my heart.
I recognize that while teaching the boys these life skills is essential to their maturity, teaching the boys these life skills means they are that much closer to maturity. The bittersweetness presses my heart to a pulp some days. Today I was reminiscing about when I had my first back surgery and from my bed rest position taught my then 10-year-old how to cook grilled cheese sandwiches for his then 9 and 7-year-old brothers. Now that former 10-year-old is the 14-year-old washing and waxing his car.
Whereas I used to count the days until certain things would be over--sleepless nights, teething, diapering, potty training--now I am counting the days I have left for filling up their heads and hearts with the necessaries for life. That list seems to grow longer even while my days grow shorter.
Be still my heart, truly.
Be still my heart.
So far they have learned to replace a radiator hose, flush and fill the radiator, refill and recharge the battery, clean the battery posts, replace the air filter, blow out the windshield washer tubes, refill the windshield washer fluid, and, of course, the time honored wash and wax treatment. Husband is the instructor that would make Mr. Miagi proud.
Truly, be still my heart.
I recognize that while teaching the boys these life skills is essential to their maturity, teaching the boys these life skills means they are that much closer to maturity. The bittersweetness presses my heart to a pulp some days. Today I was reminiscing about when I had my first back surgery and from my bed rest position taught my then 10-year-old how to cook grilled cheese sandwiches for his then 9 and 7-year-old brothers. Now that former 10-year-old is the 14-year-old washing and waxing his car.
Whereas I used to count the days until certain things would be over--sleepless nights, teething, diapering, potty training--now I am counting the days I have left for filling up their heads and hearts with the necessaries for life. That list seems to grow longer even while my days grow shorter.
Be still my heart, truly.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Curriculum Round Up at DeeDee's...
ya'll! Come on over here and link up. Every homeschooling mom needs to see how we are all surviving.
Here's our story: We are homeschooling two eighth graders and one fifth grader this year. All boys. And I say "we" with purpose because as the math and science requirements have gone up, Husband's part in the homeschooling has also gone up. Regularly he teaches and performs the science experiments in the evenings. Particularly the ones that involve flames. I would not put it past my scientific abilities to blow up the kitchen. With gusto.
My philosophy with curriculum employs picking those things that fit the individual's learning style and also employing those choices that allow me to teach one subject to two different age groups. A tall order and one that has developed after expensive mistakes. Meaning my third point in curriculum choice is swapping with friends reciprocally those things not in our budget but in our druthers.
Here's the scoop on our choices:
Bible: During the summer we use the Explorer's Bible Study program. We are working through the Words of Wisdom book, specifically in Psalms. From September to May the boys will attend the Bible Study Fellowship school program to study the Acts of the Apostles.
Math: Chess is using the Life of Fred series. He has already completed Pre-Algebra II with Economics and is now working through Beginning Algebra I. We utilize both the textbook and the Home Companion book which splits the text chapters into daily manageable lessons. Honestly, we gambled a bit on the LOF series. Chess has a mind for math but not always the incentive. Repetition brings out his obstinacy. LOF with its engaging stories and grounded in life context math problems has him doing lessons even just for fun. Who woulda thunk it? Not me. But I am thrilled because he now owns his own motivation in math.
Pele is using Math U See, the Zeta series. He is almost finished and will be moving into the Pre-Algebra series. Math has been an ongoing challenge for Pele and MUS has allowed him to grasp the concepts. While I will not go so far as to say that he enjoys math, he is more confident in being able to figure out the answer because he understands the why and the how of it.
The Chairman is using Saxon 6/5 with some MUS Epsilon on the side. My quarrel with Saxon is the lack of mastery work on certain concepts (ie. fractions) and the repetition of more minor concepts. The spiral staircase approach does not fit my boys' brains and learning styles. We will finish this book out with him and probably move him to the LOF middle school series. He is patterned after his big bro, Chess, when it comes to math.
Science: Chess and Pele are thick in the midst of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science, lab experiments and all. I'm using the Sonlight Schedule Plus which is a gift from heaven for putting the material and experiment supply lists into daily tasks.
The Chairman is finishing up Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. I order from Netflix for PBS specials on the animals and have also streamed the David Attenborough Wildlife specials too. The Chairman likes to yell creation truth at Sir David when he makes his evolutionary statements--which is good for my soul. Next he'll work on Sonlight's Health, Medicine and Human Anatomy series. He has also requested as an elective the Answers in Genesis book "Our Planet Earth." He loves science so we spend a little bit more here.
History: Chess and Pele are using BJU's United States History for 11th grade. We've split the one year program into two years and supplemented with additional resources and videos. (Maybe this deserves its own blog post.) When they finish they will each have earned one high school credit for history.
The Chairman is working back through the Veritas Press cards Explorers to 1815. He was only in 2nd grade when his older brothers did these so this was his year for repeat. There is enough content overlap between his history and the older two so we can share the same reading and video resources.
Writing: Institute for Excellence is our choice here. Chess and Pele are using the U.S. History Based Writing Lessons, Volume I. The Chairman is using the Level A Student Writing Intensive.
Literature: I took the suggestions from the Sonlight American History 8th grade list for our literature selections. Combined with living books that cover our history era, explorers to 1815, we have tons to read.
Typing: Mavis Beacon computer program.
Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone Spanish and Latin from the Roots Up vocabulary cards, Volume II.
I take the stagger approach with our subjects. Starting in September we will add in these:
Grammar: Older two will finish the third season of Analytical Grammar. My youngest will use a Spectrum Language Arts book for review. I don't want to start him on AG until the 7th grade. I'm considering using the AG, Mechanics book (focus on punctuation) since he has already completed AG, Jr. (intro to parts of speech and diagramming).
Geography: Trail Guide to U.S. Geography for all three. We'll split this into two years to overlap with our history study.
Electives: Chess has chosen a computer programming series and Pele is creating an animation, graphic arts curriculum from library and internet resources. They both spend time on these subjects individually. The Chairman will work on his geology choice.
That's it. What was I thinking? I'm still in the trenches figuring it out. But what an adventure, huh?
Here's our story: We are homeschooling two eighth graders and one fifth grader this year. All boys. And I say "we" with purpose because as the math and science requirements have gone up, Husband's part in the homeschooling has also gone up. Regularly he teaches and performs the science experiments in the evenings. Particularly the ones that involve flames. I would not put it past my scientific abilities to blow up the kitchen. With gusto.
My philosophy with curriculum employs picking those things that fit the individual's learning style and also employing those choices that allow me to teach one subject to two different age groups. A tall order and one that has developed after expensive mistakes. Meaning my third point in curriculum choice is swapping with friends reciprocally those things not in our budget but in our druthers.
Here's the scoop on our choices:
Bible: During the summer we use the Explorer's Bible Study program. We are working through the Words of Wisdom book, specifically in Psalms. From September to May the boys will attend the Bible Study Fellowship school program to study the Acts of the Apostles.
Math: Chess is using the Life of Fred series. He has already completed Pre-Algebra II with Economics and is now working through Beginning Algebra I. We utilize both the textbook and the Home Companion book which splits the text chapters into daily manageable lessons. Honestly, we gambled a bit on the LOF series. Chess has a mind for math but not always the incentive. Repetition brings out his obstinacy. LOF with its engaging stories and grounded in life context math problems has him doing lessons even just for fun. Who woulda thunk it? Not me. But I am thrilled because he now owns his own motivation in math.
Pele is using Math U See, the Zeta series. He is almost finished and will be moving into the Pre-Algebra series. Math has been an ongoing challenge for Pele and MUS has allowed him to grasp the concepts. While I will not go so far as to say that he enjoys math, he is more confident in being able to figure out the answer because he understands the why and the how of it.
The Chairman is using Saxon 6/5 with some MUS Epsilon on the side. My quarrel with Saxon is the lack of mastery work on certain concepts (ie. fractions) and the repetition of more minor concepts. The spiral staircase approach does not fit my boys' brains and learning styles. We will finish this book out with him and probably move him to the LOF middle school series. He is patterned after his big bro, Chess, when it comes to math.
Science: Chess and Pele are thick in the midst of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science, lab experiments and all. I'm using the Sonlight Schedule Plus which is a gift from heaven for putting the material and experiment supply lists into daily tasks.
The Chairman is finishing up Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. I order from Netflix for PBS specials on the animals and have also streamed the David Attenborough Wildlife specials too. The Chairman likes to yell creation truth at Sir David when he makes his evolutionary statements--which is good for my soul. Next he'll work on Sonlight's Health, Medicine and Human Anatomy series. He has also requested as an elective the Answers in Genesis book "Our Planet Earth." He loves science so we spend a little bit more here.
History: Chess and Pele are using BJU's United States History for 11th grade. We've split the one year program into two years and supplemented with additional resources and videos. (Maybe this deserves its own blog post.) When they finish they will each have earned one high school credit for history.
The Chairman is working back through the Veritas Press cards Explorers to 1815. He was only in 2nd grade when his older brothers did these so this was his year for repeat. There is enough content overlap between his history and the older two so we can share the same reading and video resources.
Writing: Institute for Excellence is our choice here. Chess and Pele are using the U.S. History Based Writing Lessons, Volume I. The Chairman is using the Level A Student Writing Intensive.
Literature: I took the suggestions from the Sonlight American History 8th grade list for our literature selections. Combined with living books that cover our history era, explorers to 1815, we have tons to read.
Typing: Mavis Beacon computer program.
Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone Spanish and Latin from the Roots Up vocabulary cards, Volume II.
I take the stagger approach with our subjects. Starting in September we will add in these:
Grammar: Older two will finish the third season of Analytical Grammar. My youngest will use a Spectrum Language Arts book for review. I don't want to start him on AG until the 7th grade. I'm considering using the AG, Mechanics book (focus on punctuation) since he has already completed AG, Jr. (intro to parts of speech and diagramming).
Geography: Trail Guide to U.S. Geography for all three. We'll split this into two years to overlap with our history study.
Electives: Chess has chosen a computer programming series and Pele is creating an animation, graphic arts curriculum from library and internet resources. They both spend time on these subjects individually. The Chairman will work on his geology choice.
That's it. What was I thinking? I'm still in the trenches figuring it out. But what an adventure, huh?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Oh hie unto the curriculum...
fair we go. Time to share what I was thinking back in May when the purchases were made. We school year round so we started in June. Maybe my comments now will have some benefit of hindsight. We can hope.
This post is part of the 3rd Annual Not Back-To-School Blog Hop.
We are homeschooling two eighth graders and one fifth grader this year. All boys. And I say "we" with purpose because as the math and science requirements have gone up, Husband's part in the homeschooling has also gone up. Regularly he teaches and performs the science experiments in the evenings. Particularly the ones that involve flames. I would not put it past my scientific abilities to blow up the kitchen. With gusto.
My philosophy with curriculum employs picking those things that fit the individual's learning style and also employing those choices that allow me to teach one subject to two different age groups. A tall order and one that has developed after expensive mistakes. Meaning my third point in curriculum choice is swap with friends reciprocally those things not in our budget but in our druthers.
Here's the scoop on our choices:
Bible: During the summer we use the Explorer's Bible Study program. We are working through the Words of Wisdom book, specifically in Psalms. From September to May the boys will attend the Bible Study Fellowship school program to study the Acts of the Apostles.
Math: Chess is using the Life of Fred series. He has already completed Pre-Algebra II with Economics and is now working through Beginning Algebra I. We utilize both the textbook and the Home Companion book which splits the text chapters into daily manageable lessons. Honestly, we gambled a bit on the LOF series. Chess has a mind for math but not always the incentive. Repetition brings out his obstinacy. LOF with its engaging stories and grounded in life context math problems has him doing lessons even just for fun. Who woulda thunk it? Not me. But I am thrilled because he now owns his own motivation in math.
Pele is using Math U See, the Zeta series. He is almost finished and will be moving into the Pre-Algebra series. Math has been an ongoing challenge for Pele and MUS has allowed him to grasp the concepts. While I will not go so far as to say that he enjoys math, he is more confident in being able to figure out the answer because he understands the why and the how of it.
The Chairman is using Saxon 6/5 with some MUS Epsilon on the side. My quarrel with Saxon is the lack of mastery work on certain concepts (ie. fractions) and the repetition of more minor concepts. The spiral staircase approach does not fit my boys' brains and learning styles. We will finish this book out with him and probably move him to the LOF middle school series. He is patterned after his big bro, Chess, when it comes to math.
Science: Chess and Pele are thick in the midst of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science, lab experiments and all. I'm using the Sonlight Schedule Plus which is a gift from heaven for putting the material and experiment supply lists into daily tasks.
The Chairman is finishing up Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. I order from Netflix for PBS specials on the animals and have also streamed the David Attenborough Wildlife specials too. The Chairman likes to yell creation truth at Sir David when he makes his evolutionary statements--which is good for my soul. Next he'll work on Sonlight's Health, Medicine and Human Anatomy series. He has also requested as an elective the Answers in Genesis book "Our Planet Earth." He loves science so we spend a little bit more here.
History: Chess and Pele are using BJU's United States History for 11th grade. We've split the one year program into two years and supplemented with additional resources and videos. (Maybe this deserves its own blog post.) When they finish they will each have earned one high school credit for history.
The Chairman is working back through the Veritas Press cards Explorers to 1815. He was only in 2nd grade when his older brothers did these so this was his year for repeat. There is enough content overlap between his history and the older two so we can share the same reading and video resources.
Writing: Institute for Excellence is our choice here. Chess and Pele are using the U.S. History Based Writing Lessons, Volume I. The Chairman is using the Level A Student Writing Intensive.
Literature: I took the suggestions from the Sonlight American History 8th grade list for our literature selections. Combined with living books that cover our history era, explorers to 1815, we have tons to read.
Typing: Mavis Beacon computer program.
Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone Spanish and Latin from the Roots Up vocabulary cards, Volume II.
I take the stagger approach with our subjects. Starting in September we will add in these:
Grammar: Older two will finish the third season of Analytical Grammar. My youngest will use a Spectrum Language Arts book for review. I don't want to start him on AG until the 7th grade. I'm considering using the AG, Mechanics book (focus on punctuation) since he has already completed AG, Jr. (intro to parts of speech and diagramming).
Geography: Trail Guide to U.S. Geography for all three. We'll split this into two years to overlap with our history study.
Electives: Chess has chosen a computer programming series and Pele is creating an animation, graphic arts curriculum from library and internet resources. They both spend time on these subjects individually. The Chairman will work on his geology choice.
That's it. What was I thinking? I'm still in the trenches figuring it out. But what an adventure, huh?
This post is part of the 3rd Annual Not Back-To-School Blog Hop.
We are homeschooling two eighth graders and one fifth grader this year. All boys. And I say "we" with purpose because as the math and science requirements have gone up, Husband's part in the homeschooling has also gone up. Regularly he teaches and performs the science experiments in the evenings. Particularly the ones that involve flames. I would not put it past my scientific abilities to blow up the kitchen. With gusto.
My philosophy with curriculum employs picking those things that fit the individual's learning style and also employing those choices that allow me to teach one subject to two different age groups. A tall order and one that has developed after expensive mistakes. Meaning my third point in curriculum choice is swap with friends reciprocally those things not in our budget but in our druthers.
Here's the scoop on our choices:
Bible: During the summer we use the Explorer's Bible Study program. We are working through the Words of Wisdom book, specifically in Psalms. From September to May the boys will attend the Bible Study Fellowship school program to study the Acts of the Apostles.
Math: Chess is using the Life of Fred series. He has already completed Pre-Algebra II with Economics and is now working through Beginning Algebra I. We utilize both the textbook and the Home Companion book which splits the text chapters into daily manageable lessons. Honestly, we gambled a bit on the LOF series. Chess has a mind for math but not always the incentive. Repetition brings out his obstinacy. LOF with its engaging stories and grounded in life context math problems has him doing lessons even just for fun. Who woulda thunk it? Not me. But I am thrilled because he now owns his own motivation in math.
Pele is using Math U See, the Zeta series. He is almost finished and will be moving into the Pre-Algebra series. Math has been an ongoing challenge for Pele and MUS has allowed him to grasp the concepts. While I will not go so far as to say that he enjoys math, he is more confident in being able to figure out the answer because he understands the why and the how of it.
The Chairman is using Saxon 6/5 with some MUS Epsilon on the side. My quarrel with Saxon is the lack of mastery work on certain concepts (ie. fractions) and the repetition of more minor concepts. The spiral staircase approach does not fit my boys' brains and learning styles. We will finish this book out with him and probably move him to the LOF middle school series. He is patterned after his big bro, Chess, when it comes to math.
Science: Chess and Pele are thick in the midst of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science, lab experiments and all. I'm using the Sonlight Schedule Plus which is a gift from heaven for putting the material and experiment supply lists into daily tasks.
The Chairman is finishing up Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. I order from Netflix for PBS specials on the animals and have also streamed the David Attenborough Wildlife specials too. The Chairman likes to yell creation truth at Sir David when he makes his evolutionary statements--which is good for my soul. Next he'll work on Sonlight's Health, Medicine and Human Anatomy series. He has also requested as an elective the Answers in Genesis book "Our Planet Earth." He loves science so we spend a little bit more here.
History: Chess and Pele are using BJU's United States History for 11th grade. We've split the one year program into two years and supplemented with additional resources and videos. (Maybe this deserves its own blog post.) When they finish they will each have earned one high school credit for history.
The Chairman is working back through the Veritas Press cards Explorers to 1815. He was only in 2nd grade when his older brothers did these so this was his year for repeat. There is enough content overlap between his history and the older two so we can share the same reading and video resources.
Writing: Institute for Excellence is our choice here. Chess and Pele are using the U.S. History Based Writing Lessons, Volume I. The Chairman is using the Level A Student Writing Intensive.
Literature: I took the suggestions from the Sonlight American History 8th grade list for our literature selections. Combined with living books that cover our history era, explorers to 1815, we have tons to read.
Typing: Mavis Beacon computer program.
Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone Spanish and Latin from the Roots Up vocabulary cards, Volume II.
I take the stagger approach with our subjects. Starting in September we will add in these:
Grammar: Older two will finish the third season of Analytical Grammar. My youngest will use a Spectrum Language Arts book for review. I don't want to start him on AG until the 7th grade. I'm considering using the AG, Mechanics book (focus on punctuation) since he has already completed AG, Jr. (intro to parts of speech and diagramming).
Geography: Trail Guide to U.S. Geography for all three. We'll split this into two years to overlap with our history study.
Electives: Chess has chosen a computer programming series and Pele is creating an animation, graphic arts curriculum from library and internet resources. They both spend time on these subjects individually. The Chairman will work on his geology choice.
That's it. What was I thinking? I'm still in the trenches figuring it out. But what an adventure, huh?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
It will be okay...
is the motto a fellow homeschooling friend and I have promised to say to one another when we feel as though we would rather be thrown to the lions than have to explain nouns once again.
"It will be okay." Just vague enough to apply to how I will muddle through physical science and she will view smeared slides under a microscope for biology. Just specific enough to remind ourselves that a child will one day successfully remember math facts and grammar facts without causing gray hairs to sprout from our chins with the effort of teaching them.
"It will be okay." Okay because our efforts to homeschool are bigger than the academic facts. Okay because our family's educational goals do matter. Okay because our failures show us God's grace and our successes show us God's grace. Okay because God is our principal and His word gives us principles for this work. (Remember the difference between "-pal" and "-ple"?)
"It will be okay." For the days when nothing is okay. I'm cranky and burned out from the minute my alarm blares morning news. The shower is not hot enough and needs scrubbing to boot. The boys are slow to get up and the cat has barfed in the hallway. The laundry from yesterday didn't get switched to the dryer and is now sour but breakfast is burning so I'm too distracted to ask someone else to do it. The morning devotion points out my inadequacies and I send an arrow prayer for forgiveness when I really should give 40 minutes in the closet.
"It will be okay." For when the day goes from bad to worse. No one understands their math, most of all me. Science can't be completed because I don't have a 2 liter bottle for the experiment. History bears down upon us in a real life vignette of the colonists (boys) seeking independence while England (me) is considering new taxes and Coercive Acts. Writing is a disaster because apparently spelling and neatness do count. Typing and Spanish cannot be done because the computer has imploded with the blue screen of death.
"It will be okay." When I fall into bed at night and wonder if I can ask the school bus to stop here in August and soak in a bathtub of bubbles until then. When I groan before the Lord that this job is truly too hard. When I remember that quiet time for me today was more about not hearing my own voice than theirs because I really am sick and tired of myself and the naval gazing.
"It will be okay." His response to me in His word. His response to me that what He has given to me to do, He has provided for me with Himself. Not another curriculum or a formula or a new way to teach fractions. Not a method or improved philosophy or innovation for Latin roots. Not more time or patience, smarter kids or a smarter mom. Not anything but Him will make the difference in the doing of the task.
I'll remember again He gently leads those that have young, and that's me, baby. Praise the Lord, it will be okay.
"It will be okay." Just vague enough to apply to how I will muddle through physical science and she will view smeared slides under a microscope for biology. Just specific enough to remind ourselves that a child will one day successfully remember math facts and grammar facts without causing gray hairs to sprout from our chins with the effort of teaching them.
"It will be okay." Okay because our efforts to homeschool are bigger than the academic facts. Okay because our family's educational goals do matter. Okay because our failures show us God's grace and our successes show us God's grace. Okay because God is our principal and His word gives us principles for this work. (Remember the difference between "-pal" and "-ple"?)
"It will be okay." For the days when nothing is okay. I'm cranky and burned out from the minute my alarm blares morning news. The shower is not hot enough and needs scrubbing to boot. The boys are slow to get up and the cat has barfed in the hallway. The laundry from yesterday didn't get switched to the dryer and is now sour but breakfast is burning so I'm too distracted to ask someone else to do it. The morning devotion points out my inadequacies and I send an arrow prayer for forgiveness when I really should give 40 minutes in the closet.
"It will be okay." For when the day goes from bad to worse. No one understands their math, most of all me. Science can't be completed because I don't have a 2 liter bottle for the experiment. History bears down upon us in a real life vignette of the colonists (boys) seeking independence while England (me) is considering new taxes and Coercive Acts. Writing is a disaster because apparently spelling and neatness do count. Typing and Spanish cannot be done because the computer has imploded with the blue screen of death.
"It will be okay." When I fall into bed at night and wonder if I can ask the school bus to stop here in August and soak in a bathtub of bubbles until then. When I groan before the Lord that this job is truly too hard. When I remember that quiet time for me today was more about not hearing my own voice than theirs because I really am sick and tired of myself and the naval gazing.
"It will be okay." His response to me in His word. His response to me that what He has given to me to do, He has provided for me with Himself. Not another curriculum or a formula or a new way to teach fractions. Not a method or improved philosophy or innovation for Latin roots. Not more time or patience, smarter kids or a smarter mom. Not anything but Him will make the difference in the doing of the task.
I'll remember again He gently leads those that have young, and that's me, baby. Praise the Lord, it will be okay.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thinking through curriculum....
in all of its many angles is the primary direction of my days. We are year round homeschoolers for the most part. Certain subjects are practiced every day: Bible, reading and math. If they are using their stomachs, then they are to use their brains.
Trust me, they are using their stomachs.
For the sake of records though, we start on or around June 1st. This year we'll actually start May 30th because starting in the middle of the week grates on my compulsive nerves. Which means that we usually finish our 180 days around the end of February or at least by the middle of March. All things after required attendance revolve around the finishing of curriculum.
With our curriculum fair the first part of May, I then have about two, sometimes three weeks, to plan the next year's schedule. Here are some of the improvements and changes I have noted for our 2011-2012 year.
1) It has taken us two days short of infinity to finish our 7th grade science. The blame rests with me for that one. I like to stagger our subjects and I started our science too late in the year for its depth and requirements. The older two will not really get a break from their science this year, virtually finishing one book and beginning right away the next. Hopefully though, that will mean not so much pushing through to the end.
2) The first year of junior high type classes threw me for a loop. I did not spend enough time previewing the courses last summer before launching us into them. This year I am taking time each day to read through the lesson plans and make some notes about what I need to do for preparation of myself and the boys.
3) The planner options now available to homeschoolers could compose a course in themselves. In past years I have used the free printables off of Donna Young to build my own planners. I still use several of Donna Young's forms. Her resources are truly some of the best if you are starting out and need an idea of where and how to start. Last year I used The Well Planned Day published by Home Educating Family Magazine.
This year I took a more techno plunge and purchased The Old Schoolhouse Planner. I like the idea of being able to save it in multiple files so that the older two can check their assignments and keep up with some of their own records. The sheer breadth of forms that this planner offers really does take over 800 pages. I am not printing all of those pages but do like that I can choose to print what I need as hard copy in my little hands.
4) My older two boys are eighth graders this school year. In Georgia I do not have to keep grades or note credits until high school. However, I know myself and have decided to use their eighth grade year as my practice year for high school. I will start keeping track of these records this year for practice and planning purposes. I want to use this year as my learning curve for next year's requirements.
5) My youngest tends to slide under the radar when he sees my attention so greatly diverted by the older two's more demanding curriculum. Realizing that this year has motivated me to change how I approach both them and him. While I am giving them more freedom with their courses and schedules, I am requiring him to work one on one with me.
Those are some of the changes I am implementing for this year's school year. May 30th is awful close and I do not want the year to be awful. Therefore, recognizing my own weaknesses in how I have planned our schedule or course choices or even am choosing to teach a program is the first step in making the necessary changes for the benefit of our family.
Home education is so much bigger than mere curriculum.
Trust me, they are using their stomachs.
For the sake of records though, we start on or around June 1st. This year we'll actually start May 30th because starting in the middle of the week grates on my compulsive nerves. Which means that we usually finish our 180 days around the end of February or at least by the middle of March. All things after required attendance revolve around the finishing of curriculum.
With our curriculum fair the first part of May, I then have about two, sometimes three weeks, to plan the next year's schedule. Here are some of the improvements and changes I have noted for our 2011-2012 year.
1) It has taken us two days short of infinity to finish our 7th grade science. The blame rests with me for that one. I like to stagger our subjects and I started our science too late in the year for its depth and requirements. The older two will not really get a break from their science this year, virtually finishing one book and beginning right away the next. Hopefully though, that will mean not so much pushing through to the end.
2) The first year of junior high type classes threw me for a loop. I did not spend enough time previewing the courses last summer before launching us into them. This year I am taking time each day to read through the lesson plans and make some notes about what I need to do for preparation of myself and the boys.
3) The planner options now available to homeschoolers could compose a course in themselves. In past years I have used the free printables off of Donna Young to build my own planners. I still use several of Donna Young's forms. Her resources are truly some of the best if you are starting out and need an idea of where and how to start. Last year I used The Well Planned Day published by Home Educating Family Magazine.
This year I took a more techno plunge and purchased The Old Schoolhouse Planner. I like the idea of being able to save it in multiple files so that the older two can check their assignments and keep up with some of their own records. The sheer breadth of forms that this planner offers really does take over 800 pages. I am not printing all of those pages but do like that I can choose to print what I need as hard copy in my little hands.
4) My older two boys are eighth graders this school year. In Georgia I do not have to keep grades or note credits until high school. However, I know myself and have decided to use their eighth grade year as my practice year for high school. I will start keeping track of these records this year for practice and planning purposes. I want to use this year as my learning curve for next year's requirements.
5) My youngest tends to slide under the radar when he sees my attention so greatly diverted by the older two's more demanding curriculum. Realizing that this year has motivated me to change how I approach both them and him. While I am giving them more freedom with their courses and schedules, I am requiring him to work one on one with me.
Those are some of the changes I am implementing for this year's school year. May 30th is awful close and I do not want the year to be awful. Therefore, recognizing my own weaknesses in how I have planned our schedule or course choices or even am choosing to teach a program is the first step in making the necessary changes for the benefit of our family.
Home education is so much bigger than mere curriculum.
Monday, May 16, 2011
There is only so much....
algebra that a girl's brain can take. And this girl's brain took all she could in 8th grade. Which was apparently during the medieval ages.
Sheesh. The last four, count them 1-2-3-4 otherwise known as 2x = 4 or 5x-6 = 4, hours of my life were just spent pounding algebra into the brain of my oldest. Whose brain is a great deal more malleable than mine.
Unless of course malleability is determined by the functions of diligence to show your work and accuracy to neat handwriting and attention for detail to focus. There's a set for you, Mrs. Surles.
Anyhoo, I feel a bit giddy at having that part of my purgatorial day over and done. I've locked the boys out of the house until I can gather my thoughts again from the far reaches of the x, y, z graphing slope down which all my brains have slid into one mushy pile.
I am believing with the best of Positive Thinking (otherwise known as the function of Mom's New Curriculum Choice Deniability Clause) that today's angst and pounding are the direct result of changing his math curriculum. In truth, he has taken to it and I have not had to ask him one day yet to do his math. Instead, finding that he is getting up and getting to it on his own.
Yeah, self motivation. Here's the rub. The character traits that have always needed working on still need working on even when there is new and improved self-motivation. The hope being that the self-motivation variable will positively affect said other character traits. Maybe I need to think of today as a review lesson for the both of us. A day to identify the shortcomings quickly and before they become overbearing burdens to us both.
His tendency to overlook the decimals is not that different from mine to overlook the dusting. His penchant to do it in his head instead of writing it down is not that removed from my prayers on the go instead of on the knees.
I think he's learning. I know I am. Home education becomes more about the heart than the head on the best days.
Sheesh. The last four, count them 1-2-3-4 otherwise known as 2x = 4 or 5x-6 = 4, hours of my life were just spent pounding algebra into the brain of my oldest. Whose brain is a great deal more malleable than mine.
Unless of course malleability is determined by the functions of diligence to show your work and accuracy to neat handwriting and attention for detail to focus. There's a set for you, Mrs. Surles.
Anyhoo, I feel a bit giddy at having that part of my purgatorial day over and done. I've locked the boys out of the house until I can gather my thoughts again from the far reaches of the x, y, z graphing slope down which all my brains have slid into one mushy pile.
I am believing with the best of Positive Thinking (otherwise known as the function of Mom's New Curriculum Choice Deniability Clause) that today's angst and pounding are the direct result of changing his math curriculum. In truth, he has taken to it and I have not had to ask him one day yet to do his math. Instead, finding that he is getting up and getting to it on his own.
Yeah, self motivation. Here's the rub. The character traits that have always needed working on still need working on even when there is new and improved self-motivation. The hope being that the self-motivation variable will positively affect said other character traits. Maybe I need to think of today as a review lesson for the both of us. A day to identify the shortcomings quickly and before they become overbearing burdens to us both.
His tendency to overlook the decimals is not that different from mine to overlook the dusting. His penchant to do it in his head instead of writing it down is not that removed from my prayers on the go instead of on the knees.
I think he's learning. I know I am. Home education becomes more about the heart than the head on the best days.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sometimes writer's block...
must be conquered by writing. Stream of consciousness if need be. Hold on to your coffee cups, the stream of my consciousness is often more like a Class IV rapids ride.
Attended the Georgia Home Educators Conference this weekend. It was three jam packed days of relaxation, tension and wild excitement. All without a denim jumper. Big scores for the weekend were seeing my teens (hold me tightly) attend the Teen Track and enjoy most of it. I'll take what I can get.
Big score number two was getting to shop early on Thursday night. We bought everything we needed that night so the next two days were spent exploring curriculum choices for the future and finding great deals at the used book fair.
We were able to hear Todd Wilson, funny man with penetrating insights; Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis man unafraid to take a truth stand; and picked up CDs on Voddie Baucham, godly man who challenges families to take truth stands. We also listened to some speakers discuss changes in education and how home educators can prepare their children now for a changing college/job market.
All along we've said that we can only take one year at a time. I'm realizing though with high school on the near cusp, that while we can still switch midstream if necessary, we can not wait to look for the paddles after we are in the boat and downstream. So we are doing prep work now, planning for the homeschooling of high school and prepared to adjust if needed.
Our off time was spent with friends and family. Vitafamiliae showed up and while we all now hate Atlanta traffic, we did finally meet and eat together, laughing our way through much of the night.
For me the best thing about homeschool conferences is the mutual encouragement that comes from such gatherings. Standing in line or eating at a table together or while sitting in a workshop, you are able to hear and discuss with other moms and dads the curriculum, learning styles, learning struggles, time management and general humorous incidents that occur in the journey of home education. Since homeschoolers do not have PTAs, this is the closest we get. And not bad either.
There's the deal. I'll post again later on our curriculum choices.
Attended the Georgia Home Educators Conference this weekend. It was three jam packed days of relaxation, tension and wild excitement. All without a denim jumper. Big scores for the weekend were seeing my teens (hold me tightly) attend the Teen Track and enjoy most of it. I'll take what I can get.
Big score number two was getting to shop early on Thursday night. We bought everything we needed that night so the next two days were spent exploring curriculum choices for the future and finding great deals at the used book fair.
We were able to hear Todd Wilson, funny man with penetrating insights; Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis man unafraid to take a truth stand; and picked up CDs on Voddie Baucham, godly man who challenges families to take truth stands. We also listened to some speakers discuss changes in education and how home educators can prepare their children now for a changing college/job market.
All along we've said that we can only take one year at a time. I'm realizing though with high school on the near cusp, that while we can still switch midstream if necessary, we can not wait to look for the paddles after we are in the boat and downstream. So we are doing prep work now, planning for the homeschooling of high school and prepared to adjust if needed.
Our off time was spent with friends and family. Vitafamiliae showed up and while we all now hate Atlanta traffic, we did finally meet and eat together, laughing our way through much of the night.
For me the best thing about homeschool conferences is the mutual encouragement that comes from such gatherings. Standing in line or eating at a table together or while sitting in a workshop, you are able to hear and discuss with other moms and dads the curriculum, learning styles, learning struggles, time management and general humorous incidents that occur in the journey of home education. Since homeschoolers do not have PTAs, this is the closest we get. And not bad either.
There's the deal. I'll post again later on our curriculum choices.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring break for....
homeschoolers is a weird thing as regards scheduling. Basically, you take a spring break whenever you want. Some families try to match with a local school system schedule while others try to avoid that scenario at all cost. This year with Easter falling so late into April, even the school systems seem to be confused as to when is the best time to take the break.
We chose this week because it worked out with the Bible study schedule I teach. The boys initially were all excited about the break thinking that it meant no lessons at all and sleeping in until noon.
Um, hi. I'm your mom. Have you met me, yet?
I have redone the breakfast time to afford them some sleeping in and I told them that their school work would be only clean up type stuff, a field trip and some review work. Yesterday's first task was to clean out the school boxes into the usual three piles: save for next year, recycle and sell at the used books sale. I was pleasantly surprised to see all that was accomplished and other items still available for next year (which translates into saved pennies at the upcoming convention).
Today's task was a quarterly science test for the older two, which means that the end of general science is in sight. While those two were working on their test, I flew through 16 lessons of math with the youngest, testing his concept mastery and noting which items still need review.
That may be my most favorite thing about homeschooling--the ability to concentrate the learning and not spend repetition on concepts already understood. Huge savings all around in both time and money, not to mention frustration. Interested students make better learners than bored students.
Tomorrow involves a field trip with friends and the end of the week will probably be rounded out with some play dates for the boys, school planning for me and a visit from dear friends. Our homeschool convention is around the corner and nothing makes me happier than to have the lists together and ready.
I guess you could say that our spring break is a staycation type. We're good with that. Learning to take a breather from the regular is restive. The week doesn't have to involve travel to be interesting nor great expense to be enjoyable. We chose homeschooling to get our family out of the rat race. I suppose spring break should also reflect those choices.
What does your family choose for spring break?
We chose this week because it worked out with the Bible study schedule I teach. The boys initially were all excited about the break thinking that it meant no lessons at all and sleeping in until noon.
Um, hi. I'm your mom. Have you met me, yet?
I have redone the breakfast time to afford them some sleeping in and I told them that their school work would be only clean up type stuff, a field trip and some review work. Yesterday's first task was to clean out the school boxes into the usual three piles: save for next year, recycle and sell at the used books sale. I was pleasantly surprised to see all that was accomplished and other items still available for next year (which translates into saved pennies at the upcoming convention).
Today's task was a quarterly science test for the older two, which means that the end of general science is in sight. While those two were working on their test, I flew through 16 lessons of math with the youngest, testing his concept mastery and noting which items still need review.
That may be my most favorite thing about homeschooling--the ability to concentrate the learning and not spend repetition on concepts already understood. Huge savings all around in both time and money, not to mention frustration. Interested students make better learners than bored students.
Tomorrow involves a field trip with friends and the end of the week will probably be rounded out with some play dates for the boys, school planning for me and a visit from dear friends. Our homeschool convention is around the corner and nothing makes me happier than to have the lists together and ready.
I guess you could say that our spring break is a staycation type. We're good with that. Learning to take a breather from the regular is restive. The week doesn't have to involve travel to be interesting nor great expense to be enjoyable. We chose homeschooling to get our family out of the rat race. I suppose spring break should also reflect those choices.
What does your family choose for spring break?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
You think I've given....
Up blogging for Lent. Don't you?
Nope. Just trying to keep living busyness at a dull roar. Everyone is well. And growing. The height count for last week was 5'6", 5'4", and 4'3". Publix loves to see me walk in the door.
We finished our school attendance requirements so now we finish the curriculum and plan for next year. That has soaked up a good bit of my free time recently. I have decided to practice high school for their eighth grade year in transitional stages so we do not all lose our minds at actual high school.
That sentence sounded great in my head but do not ask me to 'splain it now.
Enjoying the 12 days of Spring and now preparing for the 322 days of summer. Seeing everything that doesn't fit the boys brings nostalgia in like a steamroller. Yesterday they were all wearing overalls so I could heft them up by their back straps to keep them out of danger and mischief and mischievous danger. Hefting them anywhere now would cause another back surgery.
I am about to end another year of Bible teaching. This year of Isaiah has been incredible. Nothing like it. The Lord has been amazing as always. Summer break is always needed but I do miss the regularity of teaching weeks.
Which is why I'm dipping my hand again into some more whole foods type things. Our experiment today was to modify the PW cinnamon rolls a bit. I met with a friend to turn her kitchen into the Cinnabon factory. I had to leave for a fish fry before the final results but last I heard she was running the kids off before they ate every one. I'll get my taste later.
And that would be the news. For now. Maybe I'll blog again before March close. And then again, maybe not.
Cheers!
Nope. Just trying to keep living busyness at a dull roar. Everyone is well. And growing. The height count for last week was 5'6", 5'4", and 4'3". Publix loves to see me walk in the door.
We finished our school attendance requirements so now we finish the curriculum and plan for next year. That has soaked up a good bit of my free time recently. I have decided to practice high school for their eighth grade year in transitional stages so we do not all lose our minds at actual high school.
That sentence sounded great in my head but do not ask me to 'splain it now.
Enjoying the 12 days of Spring and now preparing for the 322 days of summer. Seeing everything that doesn't fit the boys brings nostalgia in like a steamroller. Yesterday they were all wearing overalls so I could heft them up by their back straps to keep them out of danger and mischief and mischievous danger. Hefting them anywhere now would cause another back surgery.
I am about to end another year of Bible teaching. This year of Isaiah has been incredible. Nothing like it. The Lord has been amazing as always. Summer break is always needed but I do miss the regularity of teaching weeks.
Which is why I'm dipping my hand again into some more whole foods type things. Our experiment today was to modify the PW cinnamon rolls a bit. I met with a friend to turn her kitchen into the Cinnabon factory. I had to leave for a fish fry before the final results but last I heard she was running the kids off before they ate every one. I'll get my taste later.
And that would be the news. For now. Maybe I'll blog again before March close. And then again, maybe not.
Cheers!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Hot topics at the house...
these days, for the boys, includes The Two Towers. Namely, how long will it take me (Mom) to read through it before they can watch the movie. We read, discussed and viewed Fellowship of the Ring in January/February.
To which I reply: I'm working on it. Work with me. Target is end of March.
Second hot topic is how many more days do we have of school? My boys ask this question because we start in June and they know that February/March means the end of counting days is near. Not that they are sending in those attendance reports, mind you.
What they conveniently forget is that the end of curriculum is still required and usually, not always, but in some subjects, takes us through April.
Third hot topic for them is their latest Lego movie project. This has become such a big area of interest for them that I'm considering making it an official piece of their curriculum. I know this can be done but I'm investigating more of the particular "how" of the task.
Which leads me to the adults' hot topic. The wheres and hows of homeschooling high schoolers. And with that the development of transcripts and individual learning tracks.
The older two will only be eighth graders this June, but I already sense the pressure of the coming years. And I'm not just talking about the rising cost of groceries for these guys. Husband and I are seriously discussing what our lives will and must look like to be able to provide an excellent high school education. The task is an overwhelming thought at times.
But I know that our Lord specializes in neutralizing overwhelming circumstances. I am heavily depending upon that truth. Added to the facts of our research for homeschooling high schoolers, I am encouraged by the number of choices and resources that exist today.
For us, the thought process must begin now and not so much in the "we'll decide in the summer" realm.
I'd love to hear from any readers that are all ready homeschooling high schoolers as to things we should be considering. I'll be writing these out as they percolate through my brain.
To which I reply: I'm working on it. Work with me. Target is end of March.
Second hot topic is how many more days do we have of school? My boys ask this question because we start in June and they know that February/March means the end of counting days is near. Not that they are sending in those attendance reports, mind you.
What they conveniently forget is that the end of curriculum is still required and usually, not always, but in some subjects, takes us through April.
Third hot topic for them is their latest Lego movie project. This has become such a big area of interest for them that I'm considering making it an official piece of their curriculum. I know this can be done but I'm investigating more of the particular "how" of the task.
Which leads me to the adults' hot topic. The wheres and hows of homeschooling high schoolers. And with that the development of transcripts and individual learning tracks.
The older two will only be eighth graders this June, but I already sense the pressure of the coming years. And I'm not just talking about the rising cost of groceries for these guys. Husband and I are seriously discussing what our lives will and must look like to be able to provide an excellent high school education. The task is an overwhelming thought at times.
But I know that our Lord specializes in neutralizing overwhelming circumstances. I am heavily depending upon that truth. Added to the facts of our research for homeschooling high schoolers, I am encouraged by the number of choices and resources that exist today.
For us, the thought process must begin now and not so much in the "we'll decide in the summer" realm.
I'd love to hear from any readers that are all ready homeschooling high schoolers as to things we should be considering. I'll be writing these out as they percolate through my brain.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Some weeks ago...
I decluttered my reader subscriptions and was on the quest for fresh material. I do not remember how exactly but I came across the Five J's. She writes primarily about her homeschooling journey and features great resource material for homeschoolers on her site. I have enjoyed going through her archives and would definitely call myself a new fan.
Five J's recently posted a question from a commenter on how you homeschool when Mom is ill. She invites readers to comment with suggestions or links to help that mama out. I left a comment but thought I would address the question further on my own blog.
I have not been ill per se but having two major back surgeries in three years while homeschooling three boys has not been without its challenges. The process has not been without its blessings either.
Three years ago I had two sons in fourth grade and one in first grade. When we realized that January that I had back trouble, I did not think at first about the effect on our homeschool. Until the doctor put me on bedrest. For weeks. Combined with the medications to control the pain and swelling that all featured dizziness as a prime side effect, then I began to worry about our homeschooling.
Fortunately we had started school in June and taken a 12 month approach. Our first help was in being able to think through how to accomplish 180 days in 12 months instead of cramming those days into a much tighter 9 month schedule. We were over two-thirds finished and were able to take some days off when my treatment or medication plan required much more sleeping than teaching.
Our second help was in having willing family and friends to come into our home and take care of the daily needs like meals and laundry and housecleaning. I realize that moms struggling with chronic illness may not have regular help but I would encourage them to consider using the idea of a mother's helper or even monthly housecleaning help if that's in the budget. During more intense periods of illness perhaps your church or a group of friends could provide that week's meals. With both surgeries we truly experienced the mercy of friends and family.
The third help was the queen size bed. Seriously. Since I was on bedrest, I literally had to be in bed, almost flat on my back. We turned our downstairs guest room into the "sick" room and that is where we did our school. The boys would bring their workbooks, papers, journals, notebooks and textbooks into the bed with me. I would read aloud and together we discussed the material. I gave oral tests instead of trying to keep up with all of the papers. Problems were worked in notebooks instead of on the whiteboard. The boys had independent work they kept up with as well and then one at a time I would go over those studies with them.
Since individual attention for each boy was one of our key reasons for homeschooling, my forced bedrest actually drove home the point of why that time was so valuable.
Fourth, I depended on my most excellent homeschooling friends and support group for helping with taking the boys on field trips. They didn't get to attend every possible opportunity but even if I had been up to full health, that would not have fit our lives either. All in all, they ended the year with excellent results and we finished all of our curriculum successfully with our yearly goals.
This time around the boys are of course three years older, making them two 7th graders and a 4th grader. The level of responsibility that they can take is greater, their understanding of all that is going on is greater and their ability to work independently is greater. But we have still depended upon some of these same helps with this surgery.
Homeschooling while ill required a very close look at all of our priorities. Simplicity from the beginning made refining choices later an easier task.
At one point I worried about the overall effect of having a "sick" mom in their lives during these years. However, as God has shown His faithfulness in all of these events, He has particularly blessed the boys with growth, maturity, deeper compassion, a truer willingness to help, eyes to see what is needed and a heart to meet the need along with a sweet thanksgiving for what they have been given.
Do not misunderstand me, they are not saints. But Husband and I are blessed to see them taking affliction in stride and understanding that the Lord has the right to send difficulty as well as blessing. Receiving both from His hand helps us know more about how sweetly He intervenes in our lives with provision and grace.
Five J's recently posted a question from a commenter on how you homeschool when Mom is ill. She invites readers to comment with suggestions or links to help that mama out. I left a comment but thought I would address the question further on my own blog.
I have not been ill per se but having two major back surgeries in three years while homeschooling three boys has not been without its challenges. The process has not been without its blessings either.
Three years ago I had two sons in fourth grade and one in first grade. When we realized that January that I had back trouble, I did not think at first about the effect on our homeschool. Until the doctor put me on bedrest. For weeks. Combined with the medications to control the pain and swelling that all featured dizziness as a prime side effect, then I began to worry about our homeschooling.
Fortunately we had started school in June and taken a 12 month approach. Our first help was in being able to think through how to accomplish 180 days in 12 months instead of cramming those days into a much tighter 9 month schedule. We were over two-thirds finished and were able to take some days off when my treatment or medication plan required much more sleeping than teaching.
Our second help was in having willing family and friends to come into our home and take care of the daily needs like meals and laundry and housecleaning. I realize that moms struggling with chronic illness may not have regular help but I would encourage them to consider using the idea of a mother's helper or even monthly housecleaning help if that's in the budget. During more intense periods of illness perhaps your church or a group of friends could provide that week's meals. With both surgeries we truly experienced the mercy of friends and family.
The third help was the queen size bed. Seriously. Since I was on bedrest, I literally had to be in bed, almost flat on my back. We turned our downstairs guest room into the "sick" room and that is where we did our school. The boys would bring their workbooks, papers, journals, notebooks and textbooks into the bed with me. I would read aloud and together we discussed the material. I gave oral tests instead of trying to keep up with all of the papers. Problems were worked in notebooks instead of on the whiteboard. The boys had independent work they kept up with as well and then one at a time I would go over those studies with them.
Since individual attention for each boy was one of our key reasons for homeschooling, my forced bedrest actually drove home the point of why that time was so valuable.
Fourth, I depended on my most excellent homeschooling friends and support group for helping with taking the boys on field trips. They didn't get to attend every possible opportunity but even if I had been up to full health, that would not have fit our lives either. All in all, they ended the year with excellent results and we finished all of our curriculum successfully with our yearly goals.
This time around the boys are of course three years older, making them two 7th graders and a 4th grader. The level of responsibility that they can take is greater, their understanding of all that is going on is greater and their ability to work independently is greater. But we have still depended upon some of these same helps with this surgery.
Homeschooling while ill required a very close look at all of our priorities. Simplicity from the beginning made refining choices later an easier task.
At one point I worried about the overall effect of having a "sick" mom in their lives during these years. However, as God has shown His faithfulness in all of these events, He has particularly blessed the boys with growth, maturity, deeper compassion, a truer willingness to help, eyes to see what is needed and a heart to meet the need along with a sweet thanksgiving for what they have been given.
Do not misunderstand me, they are not saints. But Husband and I are blessed to see them taking affliction in stride and understanding that the Lord has the right to send difficulty as well as blessing. Receiving both from His hand helps us know more about how sweetly He intervenes in our lives with provision and grace.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
An average homeschool....
day post is about as sure 'nuff a way to jinx an average homeschool day as purposefully not feeding anyone breakfast, missing my morning coffee and handing out 44 math problems just for the fun of it.
But why live safely? Isn't life too short? Joie de vivre the goal? Carpe diem the point?
I'm out of cliches here. That and I've been very interested in the Simple Homeschool series going on about what a homeschool day in the life looks like for all types of families, age ranges and homeschooling methodologies. Last week in the comments the editors invited readers to link up their stories.
Umm. I missed that deadline. Fortunately I have a blog. A ha! So I can submit my own entry in my own sweet forever.
It was a book with this type of feet on the ground information that was part of my research and reading prior to our own transition. Reading all of the differentness in each family's day gave me the courage to join the movement knowing that I did not have to cookie cutter our lives to "make it work". I also gain tremendous insight from others in reading how they handle a particular subject or teaching time. Ideas abound, and I don't mind at all running beside with my hands open to catch particular ones.
Presenting {fanfare flourish} A Homeschool Day in the Life of A Complete Thought:
5:00 -- 6:00 a.m. I get up to get my head together through prayer and Bible study. I also use this time to listen to music, think through the day before the questions begin and even write a little bit. *(Since my back surgery I have greatly modified this earliness and am just starting to work my way back. Baby micro steps.)
6:30 a.m. Boys' alarms go off. They do morning chores such as pet care (guinea pigs and cats), bedroom straightening (beds, bathrooms, stray clothes), household chores (opening blinds, sweeping, unloading dishwasher, setting the table). *(Baby micro steps again per previous note. We are all working back to this goal.)
7:00 a.m. Breakfast. I try to cook our breakfast most days. Thursday or Sleep In Day is the exception where everyone can fend for himself/herself.
7:30 a.m. Family devotions. We do various things here but Husband leads unless he has a super early morning. This year he has been reading out of the chronological Bible through the gospels, giving a real thorough look at what each book says about Jesus' time on earth.
8:00 a.m. Bible. The boys work on their independent Bible lesson. They are studying Isaiah this year.
1) History. We are currently using the Mystery of History Vol. III, The Renaissance, Reformation and the Growth of Nations. This was the period of history we completed three years ago with Veritas Press. However, this period is massive and repeating it has not really had us "repeating" all that much. MOH includes so many more historical figures and places that on some days I wonder if we won't be repeating this book to get everything in.
Our lesson involves my reading the material and the boys narrate a la Charlotte Mason style what they heard. Discussion and working on the MOH worksheets is also included.
2) Geography. We chose the Trail Guide to World Geography by Cindy Wiggers. She has the program set out in four days of questions but we usually do two days at a time, which means that we do geography twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays. Friday is for our mapping work. We use Uncle Josh's Outline Map Collection on CD-Rom and print as needed.
3) Language Arts. I am using a book called Figuratively Speaking to teach literary terms and devices. This book includes examples from literature, exercises for practice and suggestions for writing and advanced practice. In our reading aloud time at night, as these examples come up, we'll stop and discuss how the author used the literary device in the story. Again, this is a two to three times a week exercise. The other two days of the week the two older boys work on their Analytical Grammar Review and Reinforcement.
4) Writing and Vocabulary. The older two boys are working through the Institute for Excellence in Writing program. My youngest is working through Wordly Wise Book 4 and also is doing a unit study on Farmer Boy.
5) Math. This subject I should label Splitsville. For several reasons. One, my understanding of math went splitsville around 4th grade and has always been a struggle for me. Two, my oldest son's competency with math went splitsville with my being able to help him about 4 years ago. Three, no one around here is on the same math program requiring three splitsville types of approaches. And four, after any especially strenuous lesson, we all go splitsville from one another to separate rooms for recuperation.
That being said, the math must be done because I'm not balancing anyone's checkbook later when they are (please, Lord) gainfully employed young men. We have plugged along at it and, praise the Lord, Husband has the head for math that he did not marry. My oldest is working on a Saxon Algebra program. The second is working in a Math U See program and the youngest is using Teaching Textbooks right now.
6) Science. We love Apologia. The two oldest boys are using both the textbook and CD-Rom for Exploring Creation through General Science. Using both types of media matches their individual skill sets. My youngest is working through Land Animals of the Sixth Day.
7) Spanish. We use Rosetta Stone.
8) Art study. A couple of years ago I won an art grant for some high quality prints. We put one of these up on our school room wall and study it throughout the week noting artistic details like color, shadows, proportions, shapes, techniques and so on. On Friday we discuss the artist and the context for the painting.
9) Read alouds. As a family we spend about an hour a day reading aloud from either a living history book or a classic literary work that we discuss. Right now we are reading through The Fellowship of the Ring.
I started out with times beside everything and then realized you might actually want a realistic view. The only stated goal times are those up until 8:00 a.m. After that, it is work until you are done. Recognize, adapt and overcome with flexibility that you may take longer on one subject today than tomorrow or with boy #2 today and boy #1 tomorrow and boy #3 the next day.
We do break around noon for lunch. Everyone has a quiet time of at least an hour after lunch, some days two hours, and then the afternoon may involve finishing up school work. We also utilize Netflix, the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel for educational videos. Every two weeks we go to the library for the next infusion of reading material.
Homeschooling is both exactly what I thought it would be and not at all like I thought it would be. Hence, life. I do not regret our decision to make this choice but remain very grateful for how God is allowing these days to be used of Him in my life and in the boys' lives.
Any questions?
But why live safely? Isn't life too short? Joie de vivre the goal? Carpe diem the point?
I'm out of cliches here. That and I've been very interested in the Simple Homeschool series going on about what a homeschool day in the life looks like for all types of families, age ranges and homeschooling methodologies. Last week in the comments the editors invited readers to link up their stories.
Umm. I missed that deadline. Fortunately I have a blog. A ha! So I can submit my own entry in my own sweet forever.
It was a book with this type of feet on the ground information that was part of my research and reading prior to our own transition. Reading all of the differentness in each family's day gave me the courage to join the movement knowing that I did not have to cookie cutter our lives to "make it work". I also gain tremendous insight from others in reading how they handle a particular subject or teaching time. Ideas abound, and I don't mind at all running beside with my hands open to catch particular ones.
Presenting {fanfare flourish} A Homeschool Day in the Life of A Complete Thought:
5:00 -- 6:00 a.m. I get up to get my head together through prayer and Bible study. I also use this time to listen to music, think through the day before the questions begin and even write a little bit. *(Since my back surgery I have greatly modified this earliness and am just starting to work my way back. Baby micro steps.)
6:30 a.m. Boys' alarms go off. They do morning chores such as pet care (guinea pigs and cats), bedroom straightening (beds, bathrooms, stray clothes), household chores (opening blinds, sweeping, unloading dishwasher, setting the table). *(Baby micro steps again per previous note. We are all working back to this goal.)
7:00 a.m. Breakfast. I try to cook our breakfast most days. Thursday or Sleep In Day is the exception where everyone can fend for himself/herself.
7:30 a.m. Family devotions. We do various things here but Husband leads unless he has a super early morning. This year he has been reading out of the chronological Bible through the gospels, giving a real thorough look at what each book says about Jesus' time on earth.
8:00 a.m. Bible. The boys work on their independent Bible lesson. They are studying Isaiah this year.
1) History. We are currently using the Mystery of History Vol. III, The Renaissance, Reformation and the Growth of Nations. This was the period of history we completed three years ago with Veritas Press. However, this period is massive and repeating it has not really had us "repeating" all that much. MOH includes so many more historical figures and places that on some days I wonder if we won't be repeating this book to get everything in.
Our lesson involves my reading the material and the boys narrate a la Charlotte Mason style what they heard. Discussion and working on the MOH worksheets is also included.
2) Geography. We chose the Trail Guide to World Geography by Cindy Wiggers. She has the program set out in four days of questions but we usually do two days at a time, which means that we do geography twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays. Friday is for our mapping work. We use Uncle Josh's Outline Map Collection on CD-Rom and print as needed.
3) Language Arts. I am using a book called Figuratively Speaking to teach literary terms and devices. This book includes examples from literature, exercises for practice and suggestions for writing and advanced practice. In our reading aloud time at night, as these examples come up, we'll stop and discuss how the author used the literary device in the story. Again, this is a two to three times a week exercise. The other two days of the week the two older boys work on their Analytical Grammar Review and Reinforcement.
4) Writing and Vocabulary. The older two boys are working through the Institute for Excellence in Writing program. My youngest is working through Wordly Wise Book 4 and also is doing a unit study on Farmer Boy.
5) Math. This subject I should label Splitsville. For several reasons. One, my understanding of math went splitsville around 4th grade and has always been a struggle for me. Two, my oldest son's competency with math went splitsville with my being able to help him about 4 years ago. Three, no one around here is on the same math program requiring three splitsville types of approaches. And four, after any especially strenuous lesson, we all go splitsville from one another to separate rooms for recuperation.
That being said, the math must be done because I'm not balancing anyone's checkbook later when they are (please, Lord) gainfully employed young men. We have plugged along at it and, praise the Lord, Husband has the head for math that he did not marry. My oldest is working on a Saxon Algebra program. The second is working in a Math U See program and the youngest is using Teaching Textbooks right now.
6) Science. We love Apologia. The two oldest boys are using both the textbook and CD-Rom for Exploring Creation through General Science. Using both types of media matches their individual skill sets. My youngest is working through Land Animals of the Sixth Day.
7) Spanish. We use Rosetta Stone.
8) Art study. A couple of years ago I won an art grant for some high quality prints. We put one of these up on our school room wall and study it throughout the week noting artistic details like color, shadows, proportions, shapes, techniques and so on. On Friday we discuss the artist and the context for the painting.
9) Read alouds. As a family we spend about an hour a day reading aloud from either a living history book or a classic literary work that we discuss. Right now we are reading through The Fellowship of the Ring.
I started out with times beside everything and then realized you might actually want a realistic view. The only stated goal times are those up until 8:00 a.m. After that, it is work until you are done. Recognize, adapt and overcome with flexibility that you may take longer on one subject today than tomorrow or with boy #2 today and boy #1 tomorrow and boy #3 the next day.
We do break around noon for lunch. Everyone has a quiet time of at least an hour after lunch, some days two hours, and then the afternoon may involve finishing up school work. We also utilize Netflix, the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel for educational videos. Every two weeks we go to the library for the next infusion of reading material.
Homeschooling is both exactly what I thought it would be and not at all like I thought it would be. Hence, life. I do not regret our decision to make this choice but remain very grateful for how God is allowing these days to be used of Him in my life and in the boys' lives.
Any questions?
Monday, September 20, 2010
My two oldest sons...
are in seventh grade. Which means that the schoolwork requirements have been greatly ratcheted up. By steep inclines equal to Mt. Everest.
Often when it is discovered that I home educate, other moms will say, "I'm just not smart enough to do that."
Well, news flash: I am not smart enough either. In fact, the motto that has kept me going for almost four years now is "One day smarter". And in this house, sometimes it literally means, "One hour smarter".
Algebra was no fun when I did it in 8th grade. It is still no cake walk. General science and its principles of Superposition are still things I have to wrap my brain around. I am an English major but adjective and adverbial clauses can still get twisted up in this 40+ year old brain. The difference I remind myself of is that if they were in a traditional school setting, I would still have to be wrapping my brain around those concepts when helping the boys with homework.
And it would be homework and classwork assignments that I did not have the option to pick, study and be prepared for when they had trouble. I would still have to deal with the "I am not smart enough" principle.
Endpoint: being not smart enough is not reason enough for our family to not home educate. In our case, it has become one of the reasons we do home educate. The boys are still learning tough subjects but in the comfort of our home, in the flexibility that our lifestyle requires and loves to enjoy, and with the not smart enough Mom wearing her comfy clothes.
Often when it is discovered that I home educate, other moms will say, "I'm just not smart enough to do that."
Well, news flash: I am not smart enough either. In fact, the motto that has kept me going for almost four years now is "One day smarter". And in this house, sometimes it literally means, "One hour smarter".
Algebra was no fun when I did it in 8th grade. It is still no cake walk. General science and its principles of Superposition are still things I have to wrap my brain around. I am an English major but adjective and adverbial clauses can still get twisted up in this 40+ year old brain. The difference I remind myself of is that if they were in a traditional school setting, I would still have to be wrapping my brain around those concepts when helping the boys with homework.
And it would be homework and classwork assignments that I did not have the option to pick, study and be prepared for when they had trouble. I would still have to deal with the "I am not smart enough" principle.
Endpoint: being not smart enough is not reason enough for our family to not home educate. In our case, it has become one of the reasons we do home educate. The boys are still learning tough subjects but in the comfort of our home, in the flexibility that our lifestyle requires and loves to enjoy, and with the not smart enough Mom wearing her comfy clothes.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Oops, wrong way....
I heard yesterday almost two dozen times. I was having some routine x-rays done and the sweet little technician was trying her best to position me on the table. She would put me in perfect position on the table and then try to move the table so that the light for the x-ray camera (is it a camera really?) would capture the necessary picture.
Every time, save one, she moved the table the wrong direction. If left was needed, she went right. If right, then left. If up, then down. If down, then up. And every time she moved the table the wrong way, she would sweetly say, "Oops! Wrong way."
Honestly, it made me giggle. Really giggle. So much so that I would drop out of form and we'd have to start all over.
She was a dear, and kept apologizing for the extra table riding I was enduring. I told her it made the whole event memorable.
With our homeschooling this week, the first couple of days were, um, challenging. We have chosen to work on school year round for the purpose of taking small breaks throughout the year. To a great degree that helps each of us avoid the jet lag effect of leaving break and re-entering routine. However, our last break was a bit longer than most and the jet lag and re-entry for each of us has been more difficult.
Monday and Tuesday highlighted the challenges with attitudinal issues that called for drastic re-adjustment, across the board. (Translation: get your underdrawers out of a wad and get on with yourself to the responsibilities.)
By Wednesday I was considering either another break or breaking into something. Like a big ugly cry. Having to get these x-rays done became a diversion that illustrated where my re-adjustment really needed to happen.
Having myself in perfect position for teaching is of no use if I keep going the wrong way. My wrong way was my attitude and response to the boys' wrong way attitudes. It is only the Light from above that rightly identified my wrong way. Confessing that, praying about that, putting on a new attitude in a quiet time this morning, doing that, not only has allowed me to laugh with the boys this morning for school, but has seen all of our attitudes and responses get back on the right way.
Makes the morning memorable for the right reasons. The Lord is good and gracious to those who trust in Him. And He is gently patient while we are still learning to do so.
Every time, save one, she moved the table the wrong direction. If left was needed, she went right. If right, then left. If up, then down. If down, then up. And every time she moved the table the wrong way, she would sweetly say, "Oops! Wrong way."
Honestly, it made me giggle. Really giggle. So much so that I would drop out of form and we'd have to start all over.
She was a dear, and kept apologizing for the extra table riding I was enduring. I told her it made the whole event memorable.
With our homeschooling this week, the first couple of days were, um, challenging. We have chosen to work on school year round for the purpose of taking small breaks throughout the year. To a great degree that helps each of us avoid the jet lag effect of leaving break and re-entering routine. However, our last break was a bit longer than most and the jet lag and re-entry for each of us has been more difficult.
Monday and Tuesday highlighted the challenges with attitudinal issues that called for drastic re-adjustment, across the board. (Translation: get your underdrawers out of a wad and get on with yourself to the responsibilities.)
By Wednesday I was considering either another break or breaking into something. Like a big ugly cry. Having to get these x-rays done became a diversion that illustrated where my re-adjustment really needed to happen.
Having myself in perfect position for teaching is of no use if I keep going the wrong way. My wrong way was my attitude and response to the boys' wrong way attitudes. It is only the Light from above that rightly identified my wrong way. Confessing that, praying about that, putting on a new attitude in a quiet time this morning, doing that, not only has allowed me to laugh with the boys this morning for school, but has seen all of our attitudes and responses get back on the right way.
Makes the morning memorable for the right reasons. The Lord is good and gracious to those who trust in Him. And He is gently patient while we are still learning to do so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)