from HomeschoolFreeStuff.com:
Homeschooling, Family and Hope
My family has what I believe is a very unique reason for home schooling. It does not have as much to do with religion, sheltering, or a dissatisfaction with the public school system as much as it has to do with teaching the concept of "family". Here is our story:
My family is not "blended", it is more of what I'd call "scrambled"! My oldest two children, 14 and 12, attend a charter prep school which is a combined jr. high and high school. I was very interested in home schooling both of them way back before they even started kindergarden, but their father was not in support of it. So, off to public school they went, and despite a few problems along the way, they have turned out fine. In the meantime, I divorced and remarried. My new husband and I were excited to start a family of our own, but after four years of trying were told we would be unable to conceive. We were both upset, but after a while we decided to become foster parents. During the past seven years, we have foster 12 children from newborn through high school age. The children came from different parts of our town, so we had the opportunity to have experience with most all of the schools in our area. Some were downright awful and others were surprisingly good. But all of them had one particular thing in common: far too many children for the attention of just one teacher. In fact, some of the classrooms were 30:1! However, at the time, foster parents were not allowed to home school children in the state of Arizona, where we live. So, I tried to help with homework or intervene with a teacher where I could. I wished I could home school, but the law just wouldn't permit it.
That all changed with a new "set" of foster children. The State placed two children in our home. They were half-sisters, ages 6 months and 8 years. The six months old was beautiful and cuddly, and appropriate for her age, albeit a bit small. Her sister, Hope, was equally bright and attractive, but had picked up some very nasty habits along the way. Both girls had come from a drug addicted mother, and were drug addicted themselves at birth. Their entire family was like a giant soap-opera, complete with prision sentences and gang affiliations. I believe every family member had been in charge of the girls at one point in time or another while their Mother was in prision, but all lacked the ability to provide a safe, caring home.
Hope was so smart, but did just terrible in school. She was at only a 1st grade level in most areas when she began school with us in third grade. We put her in our local district, like we did the other foster kids. At first she seemed to do very well, and made friends. But she began declining quickly. Her teacher complaned she did not pay attention, she did apply herself and her friendships were deteriorating.
The State had also given my husband and me the opportunity to adopt the girls. The decision to adopt the baby was easy as she was so adorable and bonded to us. But Hope was a different story. She was stubborn, defiant, and difficult at times. Some days she fit in well with us, and others, it was like a foreigner was in our home. She could be very loving and kind, and other days aloof. I just wasn't sure about forever with this one, but yet, when I looked into her eyes, I'd see a little girl desperate for love and a chance for a better future. So, I started praying. And then, listening. And finally, things became much more clear.
I read up on Hope's life experience from the piles of files her social worker had on her. It was no wonder she didn't function well in a family; she had never really had one to learn to function in! To her, parents were people to abuse and abandon you. She felt she had to fend for herself emotionally and physically. She had learned that friends were not people to be revered and cared about, but people to obtain "things" from. She had really only learned to abuse friendships and family members in an effort to survive. School was just a safe haven for her – a place where she could play and be a kid for a few hours until she had to go home and face the dangers of her family. School was not about learning, but about safety. How strange is that to us as home school parents – public school as a safe haven! Then I realized that our house was not much better in some ways. No, we did not abuse her, but we expected her to "fit in" and be loving, yet for 8 hours a day she was away from us. I began to realize that she would be unable to really see what a "Mom" and "Dad" did and how loving relationships and bonds are formed unless she was truly around to see it in action. I placed a call to her social worker to see if home schooling could be attempted. Much to my surprise, the state had reversed its policy and now allowed for home school in certain situations.
That was two years ago. We decided to home school her for fourth and fifth grade. I am happy to report that not only had she caught up to where a "normal" 6th grade student is, she is excelling. The one-on-one attention and accountability she has learned have helped her self esteem greatly. Everyday, we start out with a "life-skills" lesson to teach her some of the things she never learned, such as how to make a friend, how to be honest, how to be diligent, etc. This has made such a difference in her personality – she is no longer sneaky and manipulative, but truly a joy to be around. The beautiful young lady I knew exsisted under that tough exterior is becoming stronger and more confident every day.
We did end up adopting the girls along with another little boy, now age 3, in a beautiful court ceremony on December 20th, 2005. It was attended by all of our family members and many friends who have been very loving and supportive. And one week later….you guessed it! I found out that I was expecting a baby. Little Ethan was born on August 18th, 2006. Yes, the Lord did answer our prayers for a family in a strange way, but we wouldn't change a thing. And I plan on home schooling the three little ones from the start. As for Hope, she is stronger and more confident each day. She wants to attend Jr. High with her two older siblings next year, and we are considering letting her do so. No matter what we choose, she will be able to face each day with the knowledge that she has a family that loves her and cares for her. Now there is something that you just can't learn in school!
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, November 24, 2007
REALITY CHECK
Here is another wonderful letter from Homescholfreestuff...
Reality Check
The other day my daughter was struggling over a simple word... cow. This coming from a little girl whose been reading for quite some time now, I was a little frustrated. Was she kidding me? I informed her I was not going to tell her the word, but she had to sound it out herself. Then came the tears. "Just tell me Mama," she'd whine. I could see she was tired, hence not going to read another word or answer another question without a fight. So, I gave up. I told her we'd finish tomorrow. Maybe in the morning we could sound out that word
This did not sit well with her. She began to whine and whine. If I'd just tell her, she'd be all right. The day just could not go on without me giving in... or so she thought.
Ok, now we're playing tug-of-war. Over what? Over "cow?" I told her how smart she was, how much I loved her, and how she would just have to sound it out for herself or wait until tomorrow for my help. End of discussion.
"Maybe I'm too smart for homeschool!" she cried. Well, to that, I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Maybe you are. Maybe I do need to go ahead and enroll you down the street with the other kids!" The look on her face fell hard. She looked at the floor, tears streaming down her face. Then she turned those beautiful, wet, blue eyes up at me. Through deep breaths and loud sobs she said, "I want you to homeschool me because when I'm a mommy, I want to homeschool my kids, and I want to be like you! If you send me to school, how will I learn to be like you?"
My heart broke for her. I scooped her into my arms and held her close, reassuring her that I don't want to send her away and that I loved her.
I don't think I've ever been complimented like this before by anyone. How humbling was it to hear someone wants to be like me. And not just anyone, but someone who sees me grumpy, unshowered, sassy, and God knows what else! I still cannot believe she sees good in me when I struggle daily to see the beauty God sees.
Oh God help us to remember we're building a legacy, shaping not just our children's future, but the future of our nation as well. "Its amazing the difference one person can make in the life of a child." I heard that a lot when I was an education major. But when I think on it now, I would say, "A parent does more than make a difference in the life of a child; a parent MAKES the life of a child."
Just like our children look to us, I need to focus on Him, trying desperately to imitate Him. My prayer today is to be the bright light in my children's lives that points them to their Savior. Who doesn't want to be remembered as beautiful in the eyes of their children? I know I do.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."Proverbs 11:30
Thank you.
~Jennifer~
Reality Check
The other day my daughter was struggling over a simple word... cow. This coming from a little girl whose been reading for quite some time now, I was a little frustrated. Was she kidding me? I informed her I was not going to tell her the word, but she had to sound it out herself. Then came the tears. "Just tell me Mama," she'd whine. I could see she was tired, hence not going to read another word or answer another question without a fight. So, I gave up. I told her we'd finish tomorrow. Maybe in the morning we could sound out that word
This did not sit well with her. She began to whine and whine. If I'd just tell her, she'd be all right. The day just could not go on without me giving in... or so she thought.
Ok, now we're playing tug-of-war. Over what? Over "cow?" I told her how smart she was, how much I loved her, and how she would just have to sound it out for herself or wait until tomorrow for my help. End of discussion.
"Maybe I'm too smart for homeschool!" she cried. Well, to that, I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Maybe you are. Maybe I do need to go ahead and enroll you down the street with the other kids!" The look on her face fell hard. She looked at the floor, tears streaming down her face. Then she turned those beautiful, wet, blue eyes up at me. Through deep breaths and loud sobs she said, "I want you to homeschool me because when I'm a mommy, I want to homeschool my kids, and I want to be like you! If you send me to school, how will I learn to be like you?"
My heart broke for her. I scooped her into my arms and held her close, reassuring her that I don't want to send her away and that I loved her.
I don't think I've ever been complimented like this before by anyone. How humbling was it to hear someone wants to be like me. And not just anyone, but someone who sees me grumpy, unshowered, sassy, and God knows what else! I still cannot believe she sees good in me when I struggle daily to see the beauty God sees.
Oh God help us to remember we're building a legacy, shaping not just our children's future, but the future of our nation as well. "Its amazing the difference one person can make in the life of a child." I heard that a lot when I was an education major. But when I think on it now, I would say, "A parent does more than make a difference in the life of a child; a parent MAKES the life of a child."
Just like our children look to us, I need to focus on Him, trying desperately to imitate Him. My prayer today is to be the bright light in my children's lives that points them to their Savior. Who doesn't want to be remembered as beautiful in the eyes of their children? I know I do.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."Proverbs 11:30
Thank you.
~Jennifer~
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
SO INSPIRING
I love this letter from Homeschoolfreestuff. It just warms my heart and I hope that when Nikki and Ethan are bigger, they would appreciate the choice we made for them: the choice to homeschool.
From Their Eyes Looking Back
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Parents ALWAYS wonder if they are doing the right things. I do! My parents still wonder too! I think it's part of being a parent. Then to do something courageous like homeschooling, far from the norm, it's scarier yet. When this story came in, I had stop and redo this newsletter! What a wonderful testament to loving and caring parents!
My High School Diploma has finally arrived! Year 2005. What excitement! My mind drifted back to the winter of 1996 when I had just finished my Primary three (Third Grade) final year exams in public school. Little did I know that that would be the last time I sit in a classroom to take an exam and that the next time would be in a lecture hall taking my SATs with people much older than I.
My parents made the important decision that would cause the course of my life to be far different from that of my peers around me. The decision to homeschool me and the rest of my brothers and sisters. Do I regret that they did so? No…. and let me tell you why.
I never had negative thoughts toward homeschooling. In fact, I my first reaction was, great! I finally get to be homeschooled like the rest of my friends. But as I grew older, I realized the host of things I was protected from by being homeschooled. The peer pressure from friends at school that would have a wrong influence on me. The high stress and pressure to succeed, to excel in exams, to be first in class, to get in a good university; I no longer have to face. Instead I learned to study independently, learned to multi-task and schedule my time to include housework, homework, cooking, baking, playing, babysitting, church meetings, and most importantly, my family. Rubbing shoulders daily and taking care of each younger brother and sister have taught me things I never would have experience, had I not been homeschooled.
Am I socially inept? unlikely so, with seven siblings and a host of church friends. Am I bitter about missing the opportunity to be educated the same way as every other child in my country or feel ashamed that I'm homeschooled? Rather not, as I have met people who are genuinely interested about my education and there is no stigma attached to me or my family. Am I less qualified to enter a university? Hardly! I know of homeschoolers who enter university without a hitch. Am I less able to find a job? Nil to that too! I found a job as a legal secretary even before I graduated! Has homeschooling better enable me to face the working world? I would definitely say yes! If I could rewind the years and be given a choice, would I choose to be homeschooled? Yes I would, and I'm glad my parents made the choice to travel the road less taken.
--J.H.Y.--
From Their Eyes Looking Back
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Parents ALWAYS wonder if they are doing the right things. I do! My parents still wonder too! I think it's part of being a parent. Then to do something courageous like homeschooling, far from the norm, it's scarier yet. When this story came in, I had stop and redo this newsletter! What a wonderful testament to loving and caring parents!
My High School Diploma has finally arrived! Year 2005. What excitement! My mind drifted back to the winter of 1996 when I had just finished my Primary three (Third Grade) final year exams in public school. Little did I know that that would be the last time I sit in a classroom to take an exam and that the next time would be in a lecture hall taking my SATs with people much older than I.
My parents made the important decision that would cause the course of my life to be far different from that of my peers around me. The decision to homeschool me and the rest of my brothers and sisters. Do I regret that they did so? No…. and let me tell you why.
I never had negative thoughts toward homeschooling. In fact, I my first reaction was, great! I finally get to be homeschooled like the rest of my friends. But as I grew older, I realized the host of things I was protected from by being homeschooled. The peer pressure from friends at school that would have a wrong influence on me. The high stress and pressure to succeed, to excel in exams, to be first in class, to get in a good university; I no longer have to face. Instead I learned to study independently, learned to multi-task and schedule my time to include housework, homework, cooking, baking, playing, babysitting, church meetings, and most importantly, my family. Rubbing shoulders daily and taking care of each younger brother and sister have taught me things I never would have experience, had I not been homeschooled.
Am I socially inept? unlikely so, with seven siblings and a host of church friends. Am I bitter about missing the opportunity to be educated the same way as every other child in my country or feel ashamed that I'm homeschooled? Rather not, as I have met people who are genuinely interested about my education and there is no stigma attached to me or my family. Am I less qualified to enter a university? Hardly! I know of homeschoolers who enter university without a hitch. Am I less able to find a job? Nil to that too! I found a job as a legal secretary even before I graduated! Has homeschooling better enable me to face the working world? I would definitely say yes! If I could rewind the years and be given a choice, would I choose to be homeschooled? Yes I would, and I'm glad my parents made the choice to travel the road less taken.
--J.H.Y.--
Monday, October 8, 2007
ANOTHER LETTER
Another inspiring letter... =D
OH, AND CATS DON'T LIKE TOOTHPASTE
My decision to homeschool was not an easy one. I had never even considered homeschooling before this year, especially since I'm a college student myself! Taking classes again was a dream come true for me, as 10 years have passed since the last time I cracked open a college textbook.
The past five years were years of dramatic change in our family -- my husband's decision to join the military (at 34!), my decision to quit working and spend some much-needed quality time with our two children, and the ultimate goal for both of us to complete our degrees. After looking at all of the alternatives, an online college made the most sense. The idea of setting my own pace, not having to miss a class because of a sick child (or a deployed husband), and reduced tuition for military dependents was too good to pass up! I attended full-time for the first year, then my husband received orders for Korea. One year apart-it just didn't seem fair! He'd only been home a few months after returning from a 10-month tour in Kuwait, and now he was going again. That's okay, I thought, I'm in school, and the kids are in school. It won't be that bad.
Near the end of my son's 5th grade year, I began to ask about the middle school that he would be attending. Several other moms were concerned with sending their children to middle school, and I was worried, too. My son was diagnosed with ADD in 3rd grade, and over the past two years, I had come to realize that his teachers were less than enthusiastic about helping him learn how to focus. Anything that I did at home seemed to disentigrate the moment he walked into school. A dear friend of mine had been homeschooling for four years, and I was wondering if this was the solution to our concerns. After researching (and praying), we discovered a program that fit our son's needs. Beginning the program was easier than I had anticipated, and it gives my son an opportunity every day to be more responsible and more focused on his schoolwork.
Being a homeschooling mom has taught me a few life lessons, as well:
-Taking an hour to relearn math with your son that you learned 20 years ago is priceless. Exhausting, but priceless.
-It's okay if the house looks like a toy store exploded every once in a while.
-A plastic "superbouncer" ball, microwaved for 3 minutes at high, will ruin your microwave. Trust me on this one...
-It takes exactly 114 medium-sized Christmas bows to cover a 80-pound, 11-year old boy.
-Cats don't like toothpaste.
-A cheese puff is small enough to fit up the nose of a 7-year old.
-Don't let your children watch anything on television that you don't mind them telling your pastor after church.
-Cats don't like tape, either.
-The next time you feel like crying, laugh. It's good medicine.
-The greatest lesson a parent can teach is one that involves compassion, kindness and humility.
-Life is not a race; it is a dance. Take the time to hear the music, to dance with someone you love, and to enjoy the moment for all that it's worth.
-With God's help, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
These are some lessons that I've learned over the past few years. Through God, I have learned how to be patient and understanding. I'm still learning, and I know that I have so much more to learn. That's okay, though. I know now that some lessons have to be learned over time, that they can't be taught in a day, or a week, or a month, or even a year. Homeschooling is a lesson in life-every day I find an opportunity to teach my son a life lesson.
My only wish is that he shares these with his children one day. We'll just have to wait and see....
-T.Downey.-
OH, AND CATS DON'T LIKE TOOTHPASTE
My decision to homeschool was not an easy one. I had never even considered homeschooling before this year, especially since I'm a college student myself! Taking classes again was a dream come true for me, as 10 years have passed since the last time I cracked open a college textbook.
The past five years were years of dramatic change in our family -- my husband's decision to join the military (at 34!), my decision to quit working and spend some much-needed quality time with our two children, and the ultimate goal for both of us to complete our degrees. After looking at all of the alternatives, an online college made the most sense. The idea of setting my own pace, not having to miss a class because of a sick child (or a deployed husband), and reduced tuition for military dependents was too good to pass up! I attended full-time for the first year, then my husband received orders for Korea. One year apart-it just didn't seem fair! He'd only been home a few months after returning from a 10-month tour in Kuwait, and now he was going again. That's okay, I thought, I'm in school, and the kids are in school. It won't be that bad.
Near the end of my son's 5th grade year, I began to ask about the middle school that he would be attending. Several other moms were concerned with sending their children to middle school, and I was worried, too. My son was diagnosed with ADD in 3rd grade, and over the past two years, I had come to realize that his teachers were less than enthusiastic about helping him learn how to focus. Anything that I did at home seemed to disentigrate the moment he walked into school. A dear friend of mine had been homeschooling for four years, and I was wondering if this was the solution to our concerns. After researching (and praying), we discovered a program that fit our son's needs. Beginning the program was easier than I had anticipated, and it gives my son an opportunity every day to be more responsible and more focused on his schoolwork.
Being a homeschooling mom has taught me a few life lessons, as well:
-Taking an hour to relearn math with your son that you learned 20 years ago is priceless. Exhausting, but priceless.
-It's okay if the house looks like a toy store exploded every once in a while.
-A plastic "superbouncer" ball, microwaved for 3 minutes at high, will ruin your microwave. Trust me on this one...
-It takes exactly 114 medium-sized Christmas bows to cover a 80-pound, 11-year old boy.
-Cats don't like toothpaste.
-A cheese puff is small enough to fit up the nose of a 7-year old.
-Don't let your children watch anything on television that you don't mind them telling your pastor after church.
-Cats don't like tape, either.
-The next time you feel like crying, laugh. It's good medicine.
-The greatest lesson a parent can teach is one that involves compassion, kindness and humility.
-Life is not a race; it is a dance. Take the time to hear the music, to dance with someone you love, and to enjoy the moment for all that it's worth.
-With God's help, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
These are some lessons that I've learned over the past few years. Through God, I have learned how to be patient and understanding. I'm still learning, and I know that I have so much more to learn. That's okay, though. I know now that some lessons have to be learned over time, that they can't be taught in a day, or a week, or a month, or even a year. Homeschooling is a lesson in life-every day I find an opportunity to teach my son a life lesson.
My only wish is that he shares these with his children one day. We'll just have to wait and see....
-T.Downey.-
Saturday, September 8, 2007
MAKING THE CHOICE
Another beautiful letter... (from homeschoolfreestuff)
Why We Homeschool...
We realized early on that our 4th daughter, now 11, had special educational & health needs. She didn't qualify for headstart.... because we were married, spoke English, etc.!
I dove right into it, though. I home schooled her for preschool. I discovered her weaknesses and strengths. Also, her limitations and short attention span. I taught the same thing several different ways. Teaching became an all day event. Shopping and every day events were learning experiences. "what color is this....", "can you count the ...". She even learned a little sign language.
I enrolled her in traditional school for Kindergarten, and relayed my concerns and informed them as of her learning problems were. I was given a pat on the hand and told, "she is just fine". Last year after a miserable time for her in 5th grade, I told my husband I had certainly had enough. The reasoning behind the way they treated our daughter was, "We are getting her ready for high school". I just wanted to get her through 5th grade with her esteem intact!!
As we prepared for homeschooling this year I started to get really nervous. I thought "Can I really do this well enough so that she can learn?" While I was giving her a few tests to determine her level; I discovered more than I thought I ever would. During the math portion of the test I had to re-teach her common math. Some times a couple of different ways. She felt terrible at first, but after doing 10 tests she started to feel differently. I told her last night that she did 87% on the test; all that was require to place was 50%.
We CAN do this!! We love her. We have more than time invested in her. We couldn't be paid to do what we need to do for her. I will be there in her life no matter what she does. It matters to us. She knows that it matters to us, and I think that makes all the difference in the world to a child.
She had a terrible time with some really mean children. She has remarked to me on more than one occasion that the "homeschool kids are REALLY, REALLY nice! They like me!" How glad I am for her to finally be where she is and not feel less than she is... a funny, bright, friendly girl with a lot of potential.
~Barbara Craig~
Why We Homeschool...
We realized early on that our 4th daughter, now 11, had special educational & health needs. She didn't qualify for headstart.... because we were married, spoke English, etc.!
I dove right into it, though. I home schooled her for preschool. I discovered her weaknesses and strengths. Also, her limitations and short attention span. I taught the same thing several different ways. Teaching became an all day event. Shopping and every day events were learning experiences. "what color is this....", "can you count the ...". She even learned a little sign language.
I enrolled her in traditional school for Kindergarten, and relayed my concerns and informed them as of her learning problems were. I was given a pat on the hand and told, "she is just fine". Last year after a miserable time for her in 5th grade, I told my husband I had certainly had enough. The reasoning behind the way they treated our daughter was, "We are getting her ready for high school". I just wanted to get her through 5th grade with her esteem intact!!
As we prepared for homeschooling this year I started to get really nervous. I thought "Can I really do this well enough so that she can learn?" While I was giving her a few tests to determine her level; I discovered more than I thought I ever would. During the math portion of the test I had to re-teach her common math. Some times a couple of different ways. She felt terrible at first, but after doing 10 tests she started to feel differently. I told her last night that she did 87% on the test; all that was require to place was 50%.
We CAN do this!! We love her. We have more than time invested in her. We couldn't be paid to do what we need to do for her. I will be there in her life no matter what she does. It matters to us. She knows that it matters to us, and I think that makes all the difference in the world to a child.
She had a terrible time with some really mean children. She has remarked to me on more than one occasion that the "homeschool kids are REALLY, REALLY nice! They like me!" How glad I am for her to finally be where she is and not feel less than she is... a funny, bright, friendly girl with a lot of potential.
~Barbara Craig~
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A REALLY NEAT IDEA
from a homeschooling mom (homeschoolfreestuff).
Encouraging Kids To Learn On Their Own
I think that some structured school for younger kids is very important, but I also think that encouraging kids to learn and explore "school" on their own is equally important.
I keep a cupboard that is right at the kids level stocked with all sorts of school type stuff. I have construction paper, writing paper, glue, scissors and that kind of school stuff in there.
But I add new things in there all the time. I add books that are their level and are about subjects that I think might interest them. I stick fun and educational workbooks or cool new board games in the cupboard. And I add other cool things like bags of fabric scraps, pipe cleaners, empty jars and anything else that I think might get them exploring our world.
The kids know that they can go in this cupboard whenever they want and use whatever they want in it. It is their space. Sometimes that ask for help with projects but most of the time between the three of them (ages 2 to 7) they do amazing things.
We've used fabric scraps for everything from doll clothes to parts of castles. I can't ever seem to keep enough paper in there because they communicate so much with drawings, maps, stories (even just scribbles from the youngest.) It also helps make choosing topics easy for me because they go in the cupboard and come out with something they want to learn!
And it's fun for me to find new things to stick into our big "school box"!
~Renee Canham, Murrieta CA~
Encouraging Kids To Learn On Their Own
I think that some structured school for younger kids is very important, but I also think that encouraging kids to learn and explore "school" on their own is equally important.
I keep a cupboard that is right at the kids level stocked with all sorts of school type stuff. I have construction paper, writing paper, glue, scissors and that kind of school stuff in there.
But I add new things in there all the time. I add books that are their level and are about subjects that I think might interest them. I stick fun and educational workbooks or cool new board games in the cupboard. And I add other cool things like bags of fabric scraps, pipe cleaners, empty jars and anything else that I think might get them exploring our world.
The kids know that they can go in this cupboard whenever they want and use whatever they want in it. It is their space. Sometimes that ask for help with projects but most of the time between the three of them (ages 2 to 7) they do amazing things.
We've used fabric scraps for everything from doll clothes to parts of castles. I can't ever seem to keep enough paper in there because they communicate so much with drawings, maps, stories (even just scribbles from the youngest.) It also helps make choosing topics easy for me because they go in the cupboard and come out with something they want to learn!
And it's fun for me to find new things to stick into our big "school box"!
~Renee Canham, Murrieta CA~
Thursday, August 9, 2007
SIMILAR SITUATION
I am posting this letter from a mom (homeschoolfreestuff). A similar incident happened to us when we were at a playcenter in a mall. This boy, who could not have been more than 8 years old, irritated that Ethan did not want to share his blocks gave Ethan the dirty finger!! You can read about it here (prepared to be shocked). Good thing I was there and good thing Ethan was paying him no heed. But that boy really made my blood boil, that's for sure. So yes, I can relate to what this mom felt.
Socialization, or Avoiding Anti-Socialization
My son was having a birthday, so we decided to take him and a few friends to our local Chuck-E-Cheese. For those of you who haven't been there before, it's a pizza parlor with lots of games and fun things for kids to do.
Needless to say, there were lots of kids running around. Sort of like a an indoor playground.
Everything was going great, everyone was having fun. Then I spotted two bigger kids chasing my child and their friends. I ran over and screamed STOP at the older kids. They turned and began unloading the most amazing set of profanity at me. Words I haven't heard in years. I was floored to say the least.
Okay, I understand that teenagers learn horrible things, but these two kids couldn't be older than 9! Chasing a 5 and 7 year old, spouting language that would make a sailor blush!
I told the manager, and he went over to talk to the two kids. The two kids nodded, and that was it. The manager told me that they would behave. My kids were shocked, but their friends were visibly shaken.
In fact, every time the two kids came into the area my kids didn't notice, but their friends became visibly scared. Clearly, their public school experience taught them how bullies work. Once bullied, you will always be in danger.
My kid's friends couldn't relax after that, so we left. There was no point in staying.
On the way home, I couldn't help but think. Gosh, what an oppressive way to live. If my kids went to public school, they would have to deal with that kind of thing day in, and day out. What a way to live, what a way to learn? So is that socialization, or anti-socialization?
All I can say is thank God for the opportunity to raise and educate my children free from that kind of life.
~IKS~
Socialization, or Avoiding Anti-Socialization
My son was having a birthday, so we decided to take him and a few friends to our local Chuck-E-Cheese. For those of you who haven't been there before, it's a pizza parlor with lots of games and fun things for kids to do.
Needless to say, there were lots of kids running around. Sort of like a an indoor playground.
Everything was going great, everyone was having fun. Then I spotted two bigger kids chasing my child and their friends. I ran over and screamed STOP at the older kids. They turned and began unloading the most amazing set of profanity at me. Words I haven't heard in years. I was floored to say the least.
Okay, I understand that teenagers learn horrible things, but these two kids couldn't be older than 9! Chasing a 5 and 7 year old, spouting language that would make a sailor blush!
I told the manager, and he went over to talk to the two kids. The two kids nodded, and that was it. The manager told me that they would behave. My kids were shocked, but their friends were visibly shaken.
In fact, every time the two kids came into the area my kids didn't notice, but their friends became visibly scared. Clearly, their public school experience taught them how bullies work. Once bullied, you will always be in danger.
My kid's friends couldn't relax after that, so we left. There was no point in staying.
On the way home, I couldn't help but think. Gosh, what an oppressive way to live. If my kids went to public school, they would have to deal with that kind of thing day in, and day out. What a way to live, what a way to learn? So is that socialization, or anti-socialization?
All I can say is thank God for the opportunity to raise and educate my children free from that kind of life.
~IKS~
Thursday, July 12, 2007
MAKING HOMESCHOOLING WORK
This letter is from Homeschoolfreestuff. I really can't picture myself 18 years from now but after reading this letter, I hope that we will too be another homeschooling success story. =D
Words of wisdom from an 18 year veteran!
We have been home schooling now for over 18 years and have had challenges and successes along the way. Let me share a few of the things we find successful in making our home atmosphere more conducive to learning.
1. Keep a smile on your face~ it is contagious.
2. Be up and dressed before your children. (This necessitates going to bed at a decent hour!) How hard this can be when the only quiet time you may have is after the children are in bed.
3. Spend at half an hour a day reading something you like~this accomplishes two things~It gives you a time to enjoy a book and it sets the "reading is fun" example for your children. Make sure that your children honor your "alone reading time" by establishing gentle rules for respect of your time. Perhaps there is some task you may set for them when you read alone. If they are little tell them that after you have your reading time you will spend time reading aloud to them.
4. Have a morning and evening routine and set aside enough time to complete the routine without rushing. Build in a few minutes of "Opps" time. Creating a smooth morning and evening routine in which children can gradually increase their autonomy is very important to their growth and development into responsible youth and adults.
5. Sharply limit television watching. We don't watch it at all during the week and don't encourage it on the weekend. There are many studies about the effects of TV watching (even good shows) on brain waves. It is a completely passive activity requiring little brain processing. Instead encourage physical activity. This increases metabolism, brain functional ability (thinking), and creativity. Do exercises or physical activity with your children.
6. Have frequent family time. We set aside one evening a week for games, fun family activities and just to talk. We try to plan creatively so that it is exciting. One cold winter evening we "went camping and enjoyed a campfire" by clearing out most of the living room furniture, pitching our tent facing towards a blazing fire in the fireplace, toasted marshmallows and sang songs. It is something we all fondly remember to this day. Even our married daughter!
7. Keep a "date night" with your spouse once a week. THE most important thing you can do for your children is to love and respect your husband/wife. Show affection and appreciation for your spouse everyday. If that is not happening now, make it happen. Remember the things which attracted you to your mate and overlook those small shortcomings. They will then overlook yours! A good trade off!
8. Always begin with the end in mind. Think, "What is it I want to accomplish and what is the first step to reach that ultimate goal"?
9. Don't yell.....if you do then someone else is in control!! Instead of conditioning your children to respond after you scream, condition them to respond to a very lowered voice. To do this set the rules and follow through the very first time the rule is broken. They learn quickly with consistency!
10. Keep learning. Always have something you are studying, even if but for 20 minutes a day. That totals over 2 hours weekly! Keep your mind alert.
~D.S.~
Words of wisdom from an 18 year veteran!
We have been home schooling now for over 18 years and have had challenges and successes along the way. Let me share a few of the things we find successful in making our home atmosphere more conducive to learning.
1. Keep a smile on your face~ it is contagious.
2. Be up and dressed before your children. (This necessitates going to bed at a decent hour!) How hard this can be when the only quiet time you may have is after the children are in bed.
3. Spend at half an hour a day reading something you like~this accomplishes two things~It gives you a time to enjoy a book and it sets the "reading is fun" example for your children. Make sure that your children honor your "alone reading time" by establishing gentle rules for respect of your time. Perhaps there is some task you may set for them when you read alone. If they are little tell them that after you have your reading time you will spend time reading aloud to them.
4. Have a morning and evening routine and set aside enough time to complete the routine without rushing. Build in a few minutes of "Opps" time. Creating a smooth morning and evening routine in which children can gradually increase their autonomy is very important to their growth and development into responsible youth and adults.
5. Sharply limit television watching. We don't watch it at all during the week and don't encourage it on the weekend. There are many studies about the effects of TV watching (even good shows) on brain waves. It is a completely passive activity requiring little brain processing. Instead encourage physical activity. This increases metabolism, brain functional ability (thinking), and creativity. Do exercises or physical activity with your children.
6. Have frequent family time. We set aside one evening a week for games, fun family activities and just to talk. We try to plan creatively so that it is exciting. One cold winter evening we "went camping and enjoyed a campfire" by clearing out most of the living room furniture, pitching our tent facing towards a blazing fire in the fireplace, toasted marshmallows and sang songs. It is something we all fondly remember to this day. Even our married daughter!
7. Keep a "date night" with your spouse once a week. THE most important thing you can do for your children is to love and respect your husband/wife. Show affection and appreciation for your spouse everyday. If that is not happening now, make it happen. Remember the things which attracted you to your mate and overlook those small shortcomings. They will then overlook yours! A good trade off!
8. Always begin with the end in mind. Think, "What is it I want to accomplish and what is the first step to reach that ultimate goal"?
9. Don't yell.....if you do then someone else is in control!! Instead of conditioning your children to respond after you scream, condition them to respond to a very lowered voice. To do this set the rules and follow through the very first time the rule is broken. They learn quickly with consistency!
10. Keep learning. Always have something you are studying, even if but for 20 minutes a day. That totals over 2 hours weekly! Keep your mind alert.
~D.S.~
Monday, July 2, 2007
A HEARTWARMING LETTER
http://www.home-school.com/Articles/phs15-joshuaharris.html
Thanks, Mom & Dad
By Joshua HarrisPrinted in PHS #15, 1997.
I can hardly believe it - I'm leaving home. Three months from now I'll be packing up my little Civic Wagon and saying goodbye to my parents and five younger siblings. I don't think the weight of it has really hit me yet. I'm used to going away on short trips. "See you next week!" This is different. I'm going away forever (at least as far into forever as I can see) to start a new life on the other side of the country.
The move is bittersweet. I know it's God's will and my parents fully support it, but it's still hard. I get teary-eyed over funny things - my little brother barging into my room each morning, coming home from work and seeing my mom framed in the window, chatting on the phone with a friend. The scenes seem to play in slow motion, reminding me that I'm leaving them behind.
You've heard the line before: "You never know what you've got till you lose it." I never realized how true this statement is until now. I've taken so many things about my parents for granted. Lately I've been reflecting on some of the things I appreciate most about the way they raised me. There are three things that I've been especially grateful for recently.
They raised me without television.
My parents both grew up in homes where the television was constantly on. It was on during dinner, it was the background noise throughout the day. When my folks got married they decided they would raise their kids in a TV-free home.
This might seem like a funny thing to be thankful for, and there were times in my life when I wasn't appreciative. I used to long for Saturday morning cartoons and feel out of it when I was the only kid at church who didn't know every sitcom theme song by heart. But my gratefulness for this simple decision has grown over the years. As I look back on the countless evenings we spent reading as a family, that flashing box seems a sorry substitute. Ramona Quimby, Ralph Moody, and the children who visited Narnia kept us enthralled instead.
My parents placed a priority on doing things as a family, things that engaged the mind and allowed us to share life. People ask if the reason for not having a TV was the bad programming. Certainly that's part of it, but the primary problem with TV in their opinion, is not the bad things that are watched, it's the good things you're not doing while you watch - the books that go unread and the stories that go untold. I'm thankful my parents chose books and conversations over television.
They taught me to paddle my own boat.
When I was fourteen I wanted to be an actor. Thankfully, this aspiration was short-lived. But I'll never forget the conversation I had with my dad during this time. I was cooking up schemes to one day be a star in Hollywood, when my father sat me down and said, "Son, I never want you to be in a position where you're going around knocking on people's doors asking to be a part of what they're doing. I don't want you to pursue a career where you're waiting for someone else to give you the 'big break.' If you want to start your own Christian acting troupe, go for it, but I don't want you to be the kind of person who sits around waiting for someone else to make things happen for you."
I'm still discovering the value of this attitude. I wasn't always teachable, but my dad's entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit rubbed off on me. Armed with it I've run head-long into the diverse pursuits of everything from a pen-pal company, to videography, to magazine publishing. All these endeavors stemmed from a simple conviction that I didn't have to wait for my ship to come in, I could pick up the oars in my little boat and start paddling. My dad taught me that.
They were willing to let go.
The move I mentioned earlier is to Gaithersburg, Maryland. For the past year God has been leading me in a new direction. He's been drawing my heart to the local church. So I'm laying down my pursuit of magazine publishing to learn how my gifts can be used in the context of a local body of believers. The pastors at Covenant Life Church will be discipling and training me. It's sort of an "apprenticeship" in ministry. The tough part in all this is that Covenant Life is several thousand miles away from my current home in Gresham, Oregon.
I could not have pursued this venture without my parent's willingness to see God's will done. Our family's comfort is not their primary concern. I'm their son, but first I'm God's servant. That example has been an inspiration. The humility my mom and dad have shown in allowing me to pursue this new direction is equally inspiring. I listened while my father told the pastor I'll be serving under that there are some things he can't teach me. "I believe you can instruct Josh in ways he wouldn't get if he stayed here."
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for raising me in the fear and admonition of the Lord; for modeling by example what it means to serve Him. And finally, for being my cheering section as I set out on this adventure of life.
Thanks, Mom & Dad
By Joshua HarrisPrinted in PHS #15, 1997.
I can hardly believe it - I'm leaving home. Three months from now I'll be packing up my little Civic Wagon and saying goodbye to my parents and five younger siblings. I don't think the weight of it has really hit me yet. I'm used to going away on short trips. "See you next week!" This is different. I'm going away forever (at least as far into forever as I can see) to start a new life on the other side of the country.
The move is bittersweet. I know it's God's will and my parents fully support it, but it's still hard. I get teary-eyed over funny things - my little brother barging into my room each morning, coming home from work and seeing my mom framed in the window, chatting on the phone with a friend. The scenes seem to play in slow motion, reminding me that I'm leaving them behind.
You've heard the line before: "You never know what you've got till you lose it." I never realized how true this statement is until now. I've taken so many things about my parents for granted. Lately I've been reflecting on some of the things I appreciate most about the way they raised me. There are three things that I've been especially grateful for recently.
They raised me without television.
My parents both grew up in homes where the television was constantly on. It was on during dinner, it was the background noise throughout the day. When my folks got married they decided they would raise their kids in a TV-free home.
This might seem like a funny thing to be thankful for, and there were times in my life when I wasn't appreciative. I used to long for Saturday morning cartoons and feel out of it when I was the only kid at church who didn't know every sitcom theme song by heart. But my gratefulness for this simple decision has grown over the years. As I look back on the countless evenings we spent reading as a family, that flashing box seems a sorry substitute. Ramona Quimby, Ralph Moody, and the children who visited Narnia kept us enthralled instead.
My parents placed a priority on doing things as a family, things that engaged the mind and allowed us to share life. People ask if the reason for not having a TV was the bad programming. Certainly that's part of it, but the primary problem with TV in their opinion, is not the bad things that are watched, it's the good things you're not doing while you watch - the books that go unread and the stories that go untold. I'm thankful my parents chose books and conversations over television.
They taught me to paddle my own boat.
When I was fourteen I wanted to be an actor. Thankfully, this aspiration was short-lived. But I'll never forget the conversation I had with my dad during this time. I was cooking up schemes to one day be a star in Hollywood, when my father sat me down and said, "Son, I never want you to be in a position where you're going around knocking on people's doors asking to be a part of what they're doing. I don't want you to pursue a career where you're waiting for someone else to give you the 'big break.' If you want to start your own Christian acting troupe, go for it, but I don't want you to be the kind of person who sits around waiting for someone else to make things happen for you."
I'm still discovering the value of this attitude. I wasn't always teachable, but my dad's entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit rubbed off on me. Armed with it I've run head-long into the diverse pursuits of everything from a pen-pal company, to videography, to magazine publishing. All these endeavors stemmed from a simple conviction that I didn't have to wait for my ship to come in, I could pick up the oars in my little boat and start paddling. My dad taught me that.
They were willing to let go.
The move I mentioned earlier is to Gaithersburg, Maryland. For the past year God has been leading me in a new direction. He's been drawing my heart to the local church. So I'm laying down my pursuit of magazine publishing to learn how my gifts can be used in the context of a local body of believers. The pastors at Covenant Life Church will be discipling and training me. It's sort of an "apprenticeship" in ministry. The tough part in all this is that Covenant Life is several thousand miles away from my current home in Gresham, Oregon.
I could not have pursued this venture without my parent's willingness to see God's will done. Our family's comfort is not their primary concern. I'm their son, but first I'm God's servant. That example has been an inspiration. The humility my mom and dad have shown in allowing me to pursue this new direction is equally inspiring. I listened while my father told the pastor I'll be serving under that there are some things he can't teach me. "I believe you can instruct Josh in ways he wouldn't get if he stayed here."
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for raising me in the fear and admonition of the Lord; for modeling by example what it means to serve Him. And finally, for being my cheering section as I set out on this adventure of life.
Friday, June 22, 2007
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING
Another letter from a homeschooling mom from homeschoolfreestuff.
Customized Homeschooling
Currently my husband and I homeschool our 9 children. We realized early on, (usually within the first few minutes of life) that they were all very different. I knew each one would need to learn according to what suited thier learning techniques and styles.
Well, needless to say, I was taught in the lovely public school system and we all had to learn the same thing at the same time. My kids all have different interests and teaching my daughter about bow season and my son about horses just would not keep them motivated for long.
So to create something they would enjoy and would also learn from, they do a "fact-sheet" every week on something they have interest in. It can be an animal, a vacation spot, or anything they WANT to learn about. They look forward to researching and just plain learning about whatever they choose to write about.
I then once a month have them write a report on one of the fact sheets they wrote about. I have learned so much from them also! Also, We have family time on Friday's where they each read the fact sheets to the younger ones of the family -- and they love it also! The older ones feel so proud and smart ;)!
Hope this gives someone a new fresh idea for their homeschool!
H. Jones
Customized Homeschooling
Currently my husband and I homeschool our 9 children. We realized early on, (usually within the first few minutes of life) that they were all very different. I knew each one would need to learn according to what suited thier learning techniques and styles.
Well, needless to say, I was taught in the lovely public school system and we all had to learn the same thing at the same time. My kids all have different interests and teaching my daughter about bow season and my son about horses just would not keep them motivated for long.
So to create something they would enjoy and would also learn from, they do a "fact-sheet" every week on something they have interest in. It can be an animal, a vacation spot, or anything they WANT to learn about. They look forward to researching and just plain learning about whatever they choose to write about.
I then once a month have them write a report on one of the fact sheets they wrote about. I have learned so much from them also! Also, We have family time on Friday's where they each read the fact sheets to the younger ones of the family -- and they love it also! The older ones feel so proud and smart ;)!
Hope this gives someone a new fresh idea for their homeschool!
H. Jones
Thursday, June 14, 2007
ANOTHER LETTER
Here's another beautiful letter from a homeschooling mom (www.homeschoolfreestuff.com)...
Relaxed Homeschooling: How I Jumped In
When we started homeschooling officially last September, I didn't really know what I was expected to do versus not do with a child at home learning. I had read everything I could get my hands on since the day she was born concerning this topic but to really be doing it was another matter to me. I had taken an introduction to homeschooling class at a nearby church, hoping that my answers would be found there. Not finding satisfactory answers to the questions I had concerning the "right" way to homeschool, I jumped right in with school anyway.
I had been told everything from you wouldn't need to spend anything to some whom spent close to $1,000 per year per child. I also had been told about all sorts of books, lesson plans and other manipulatives that one just had to have to homeschool. I had visited many different households that ranged from an actual schoolroom complete with a library including rows and a system to find books to just a table in the kitchen.
A suffocating feeling began to completely overwhelm me. It made me remember when my daughter was two and a helpful friend gave me a stack of catalogs when I expressed an interest. Being an avid reader, I figured looking through a bunch of catalogs would be fun. That was hardly true as I tried to make sense of all this confusing information.
In the end, I purchased nothing and headed for the library instead. The way I thought, Kindergarten was optional anyway in our state, so I couldn't really mess up something that wasn't even required by law. With a bachelor's degree myself, I figured I had time to learn how to homeschool even if maybe we weren't doing it correctly this first year.
I am really happy that we started this year with no lesson plans, no formal curriculum, and no schedule of how our days would be. I felt that she was just a child and she should enjoy this part of her life. I never wanted to rush her growing up. I felt that today we want our children to know too much, too soon. I saw the other families rushing around and the mothers were so tired. As I was totally enjoying our days this year, I often wondered if we were actually doing school wrong. So, I read more about how to homeschool. It was then that I read about unschooling.
I had never heard anything like this and it was so similar to the way we were doing things. Anything that was learning counted as school for the day. The line that divided our day of actual school and just life was so blurred there was barely any distinction at all. The attendance record I had printed out to keep for her 180 days of school filled up quickly as I realized we were learning all seven days a week. It was in bits and spurts; nothing formal. Some days we would delve far into a topic and others we would just brush the surface of something. But we were learning and that was all it was about in my view. When confronted with some that schooled 4 days versus 5 days a week, I just laughed inside as I again felt the freedom of not having a schedule.
Part of me wondered as we were playing with the garden outside if she was learning what she needed to know when. Fearful that perhaps we weren't doing school correctly yet, I asked around. Finding stressed out mothers was perhaps the biggest shock to me. Homeschooling is supposed to bring freedom into our lives, not stress. I listened and found these same mothers who supported the freedom mentioned as an idea were not able to make it a reality in their own lives.
Again, I found that learning from life naturally is so fun and free. As this year draws to a close in the education realm, I am finding that school for us is really life. I am not comparing myself to others any longer. We've made it through one year and it was fantastic. I wouldn't do anything different. In fact, school for us will never really end one year and take a break. Life doesn't so we shall just go on as we have all year.
Did my child learn all she needed to know with the freedom of unschooling this year? If I were to take inventory of all she has done, I would say her experiences have been great and varied. She has learned how to read, done compound math problems, started her multiplication tables, tried every scientific experiment she can get me to help her with and stretched her creativity with all sorts of art media. She has grown in areas I never expected. The biggest blessing of all has been seeing her desire to learn only grow and multiply. I have never had to force her to learn. She needs a mere guided hand from me. I have come to see that this is what unschooling is all about and we are absolutely having a ball.
-K.B.-
Relaxed Homeschooling: How I Jumped In
When we started homeschooling officially last September, I didn't really know what I was expected to do versus not do with a child at home learning. I had read everything I could get my hands on since the day she was born concerning this topic but to really be doing it was another matter to me. I had taken an introduction to homeschooling class at a nearby church, hoping that my answers would be found there. Not finding satisfactory answers to the questions I had concerning the "right" way to homeschool, I jumped right in with school anyway.
I had been told everything from you wouldn't need to spend anything to some whom spent close to $1,000 per year per child. I also had been told about all sorts of books, lesson plans and other manipulatives that one just had to have to homeschool. I had visited many different households that ranged from an actual schoolroom complete with a library including rows and a system to find books to just a table in the kitchen.
A suffocating feeling began to completely overwhelm me. It made me remember when my daughter was two and a helpful friend gave me a stack of catalogs when I expressed an interest. Being an avid reader, I figured looking through a bunch of catalogs would be fun. That was hardly true as I tried to make sense of all this confusing information.
In the end, I purchased nothing and headed for the library instead. The way I thought, Kindergarten was optional anyway in our state, so I couldn't really mess up something that wasn't even required by law. With a bachelor's degree myself, I figured I had time to learn how to homeschool even if maybe we weren't doing it correctly this first year.
I am really happy that we started this year with no lesson plans, no formal curriculum, and no schedule of how our days would be. I felt that she was just a child and she should enjoy this part of her life. I never wanted to rush her growing up. I felt that today we want our children to know too much, too soon. I saw the other families rushing around and the mothers were so tired. As I was totally enjoying our days this year, I often wondered if we were actually doing school wrong. So, I read more about how to homeschool. It was then that I read about unschooling.
I had never heard anything like this and it was so similar to the way we were doing things. Anything that was learning counted as school for the day. The line that divided our day of actual school and just life was so blurred there was barely any distinction at all. The attendance record I had printed out to keep for her 180 days of school filled up quickly as I realized we were learning all seven days a week. It was in bits and spurts; nothing formal. Some days we would delve far into a topic and others we would just brush the surface of something. But we were learning and that was all it was about in my view. When confronted with some that schooled 4 days versus 5 days a week, I just laughed inside as I again felt the freedom of not having a schedule.
Part of me wondered as we were playing with the garden outside if she was learning what she needed to know when. Fearful that perhaps we weren't doing school correctly yet, I asked around. Finding stressed out mothers was perhaps the biggest shock to me. Homeschooling is supposed to bring freedom into our lives, not stress. I listened and found these same mothers who supported the freedom mentioned as an idea were not able to make it a reality in their own lives.
Again, I found that learning from life naturally is so fun and free. As this year draws to a close in the education realm, I am finding that school for us is really life. I am not comparing myself to others any longer. We've made it through one year and it was fantastic. I wouldn't do anything different. In fact, school for us will never really end one year and take a break. Life doesn't so we shall just go on as we have all year.
Did my child learn all she needed to know with the freedom of unschooling this year? If I were to take inventory of all she has done, I would say her experiences have been great and varied. She has learned how to read, done compound math problems, started her multiplication tables, tried every scientific experiment she can get me to help her with and stretched her creativity with all sorts of art media. She has grown in areas I never expected. The biggest blessing of all has been seeing her desire to learn only grow and multiply. I have never had to force her to learn. She needs a mere guided hand from me. I have come to see that this is what unschooling is all about and we are absolutely having a ball.
-K.B.-
Friday, June 8, 2007
ANOTHER LOVELY LETTER
From a homeschooling mom
Learning When It Feels Right
It's Thursday. Although I told myself early in the week that I would try to do a lot of school early in the week, I have not accomplished the goal I set for our school and myself. Monday we worked most of the day and got off to a wonderful start. Tuesday we had soccer at 1:00, knitting at four thirty and Triad Tapestry Choir at 7:00. So not much school got done that day. Then I locked my keys in the trunk and had to call my husband. It was later when we got home and everyone went straight to bed… with a little prodding. Wonderful Wednesday, our local learning co-op used up Wednesday morning and the afternoon was full of starts and stops. It is Thursday and we skate starting in just a little while. I am over that too so I have to be there.
Somewhere through the week I lost sight of the fact that living is learning. "School" seems so relevant when you plan to get certain things done, and to learn a certain amount, by a certain time. But in our home -- school is life. There is no separation. I am learning to think more in the moment… and I hope I teach my kids this mindset too.
What if we stopped breathing after this breath? Would we have enjoyed the last few moments of our lives?
Be still. Take a moment. Be thankful for everything in life… even trials. What are we supposed to learn from the hard stuff? Just look at all the good things in life. I am so grateful to be with my children, to feel their warmth against me as we lie on the bed and have school. I smell my son's breath as he reads aloud. I think about how his breathe smells… like "puppy-breath"... all sweet and innocent.
Moments before Emme was singing "In Constant Sorrow" from "Oh, Brother!" with a ukulele with one string. It didn't seem to bother her, but it was pretty annoying to my son -- but funny nonetheless.
My son looked up from his math book (the one he hates) and smiled his innocent smile. "Mom, right now my body is surging with energy so much that I think math is not an option for my brain right now."
So I asked what subject could use up all that energy. He said, "Well, Mom I was thinking that if I rode my bike a while, my heart muscle would be activated, my blood would pump harder and get some fresh oxygen -- thanks to my lungs, and maybe the brain could work better… later after it got some fresh blood, what do you think? I might better apply myself. What do you say?
I have learned to appreciate my kids for who they are. My son just plainly told me that his mind was not into what he is doing now so I have learned to trust him. He knows how he feels. I taught him to be honest and here he is doing what I taught him. Another day when I was not so understanding I might scream something about having to get a job somewhere at a fast food place because he cannot do math…. but I decided to trust him and let him have his way… for now.
Children came later in life for me. So I have learned not to have pre-conceived notions about what the days hold, or what I need to get done. I allow myself to revel in each moment and to appreciate the fact that I get to be with my most favorite students and that they will learn what they need to know… when their brains are ready.
-Anita Shaver-
Learning When It Feels Right
It's Thursday. Although I told myself early in the week that I would try to do a lot of school early in the week, I have not accomplished the goal I set for our school and myself. Monday we worked most of the day and got off to a wonderful start. Tuesday we had soccer at 1:00, knitting at four thirty and Triad Tapestry Choir at 7:00. So not much school got done that day. Then I locked my keys in the trunk and had to call my husband. It was later when we got home and everyone went straight to bed… with a little prodding. Wonderful Wednesday, our local learning co-op used up Wednesday morning and the afternoon was full of starts and stops. It is Thursday and we skate starting in just a little while. I am over that too so I have to be there.
Somewhere through the week I lost sight of the fact that living is learning. "School" seems so relevant when you plan to get certain things done, and to learn a certain amount, by a certain time. But in our home -- school is life. There is no separation. I am learning to think more in the moment… and I hope I teach my kids this mindset too.
What if we stopped breathing after this breath? Would we have enjoyed the last few moments of our lives?
Be still. Take a moment. Be thankful for everything in life… even trials. What are we supposed to learn from the hard stuff? Just look at all the good things in life. I am so grateful to be with my children, to feel their warmth against me as we lie on the bed and have school. I smell my son's breath as he reads aloud. I think about how his breathe smells… like "puppy-breath"... all sweet and innocent.
Moments before Emme was singing "In Constant Sorrow" from "Oh, Brother!" with a ukulele with one string. It didn't seem to bother her, but it was pretty annoying to my son -- but funny nonetheless.
My son looked up from his math book (the one he hates) and smiled his innocent smile. "Mom, right now my body is surging with energy so much that I think math is not an option for my brain right now."
So I asked what subject could use up all that energy. He said, "Well, Mom I was thinking that if I rode my bike a while, my heart muscle would be activated, my blood would pump harder and get some fresh oxygen -- thanks to my lungs, and maybe the brain could work better… later after it got some fresh blood, what do you think? I might better apply myself. What do you say?
I have learned to appreciate my kids for who they are. My son just plainly told me that his mind was not into what he is doing now so I have learned to trust him. He knows how he feels. I taught him to be honest and here he is doing what I taught him. Another day when I was not so understanding I might scream something about having to get a job somewhere at a fast food place because he cannot do math…. but I decided to trust him and let him have his way… for now.
Children came later in life for me. So I have learned not to have pre-conceived notions about what the days hold, or what I need to get done. I allow myself to revel in each moment and to appreciate the fact that I get to be with my most favorite students and that they will learn what they need to know… when their brains are ready.
-Anita Shaver-
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
PERSEVERING
Another heart-warming letter from a homeschooling mom...
I'm Crazy to Do This, But I'd Be Crazier Not To!
By Hilary Lynch
I woke up with high hopes. It was a spring day and I longed to have a satisfying day of school, especially with my second daughter, Amiel, then aged six. Although we hadn't been officially schooling for very long, things had not gone well, and I was hoping that spending some longer quality time together would make the difference in helping her learn to read.
We had been spending time for several weeks going over letters and sounds. Even though in many ways she seemed ready for reading, and said she wanted to learn, unfortunately, each time I'd work with her we would both end up frustrated and in tears. She would cry out, "I don't understaaaand!" and I, in turn, would – again! -- try to control my frustration at her seeming inability (or was it just refusal?) to understand what I thought was a simple instruction. So, I was hoping today would be different. It was, but not like I thought it would be.
By 11 am, the all-too familiar routine was well under way. My explanation; her explosion. My repeating the basics; her becoming withdrawn and pushing my arm away. All I wanted was for her to focus on what was in front of her and say the blend, "fr, frog" and we could finish. All she seemed interested in doing was some craft project, a project I had hoped to use as a reward for some -- even a little – progress this morning. "After we do this one lesson," I said as I tried one more time to help her gain some mastery over this phonics lesson. But she never did finish the lesson and say "fr, frog." We both just kept getting more and more frustrated, and we both ended up feeling like failures. Me as a teacher, and her at reading. I gave up. Sure, go do the craft. Do whatever you want to do! I give up! Who cares about developing the character trait of discipline anyway! It was hopeless! Is this what home schooling was all about? Misery?
What was I doing homeschooling? I am crazy to do this! Do you realize I am doing this by my own free will? What sane person willingly puts themselves in a position where they have to face such an ordeal day in and day out? I am crazy to homeschool! As Amiel spent a few minutes with some glue and paint doing her craft project (not the one I had planned, but she was happy), I peeled some carrots for lunch, trying to compose myself. After a few minutes, she cleaned up and went off to play, happy as a clam. I was feeling a little more ready to face teaching again, so I went to check on how my older girl was doing with her schoolwork. Then a little miracle happened. It wasn't a big miracle, but it was one nonetheless. I came into the living room to see Amiel with all her stuffed animals lined up in a row, along with an old set of plastic refrigerator letters and phonics flashcards. "Now this one says, 'f' and this one says, 'r,'" she said as she pointed to the pictures. Each of her smallest of students was participating in the lesson that I had so futilely tried to teach just a few minutes ago. Here she was, teaching phonics to her animals when half an hour ago she was in tears!
I thought for a moment. No one had asked her to do this. She was teaching because she loves to teach, and she was learning as she did so. Where else but in homeschool could this happen? Where else could my dear, sweet Amiel have the freedom to learn things in her own unique way? Where else but in homeschool could she re-energize in her own way, and take the initiative to internalize the lesson in a way that she enjoyed and was meaningful to her? Homeschool was the very best way for her to learn!
In hindsight, there is much I would do differently. I have learned so much about my daughter, about myself, and about what being a good teacher means. One of the main things I have learned is that we have a great opportunity as home schoolers. Where else could we learn so much about ourselves and our children? About what makes us – both her and me -- excited, or feel like a failure? Where else could we learn so much about the grace of God that can transform even frustration into appreciation of each other's uniqueness? Where else but in home school? True, I am crazy to home school. It IS hard work. But I can honestly say that for us the blessings of home schooling far outweigh the crazies – hands down!
~Hilary Lynch~
I'm Crazy to Do This, But I'd Be Crazier Not To!
By Hilary Lynch
I woke up with high hopes. It was a spring day and I longed to have a satisfying day of school, especially with my second daughter, Amiel, then aged six. Although we hadn't been officially schooling for very long, things had not gone well, and I was hoping that spending some longer quality time together would make the difference in helping her learn to read.
We had been spending time for several weeks going over letters and sounds. Even though in many ways she seemed ready for reading, and said she wanted to learn, unfortunately, each time I'd work with her we would both end up frustrated and in tears. She would cry out, "I don't understaaaand!" and I, in turn, would – again! -- try to control my frustration at her seeming inability (or was it just refusal?) to understand what I thought was a simple instruction. So, I was hoping today would be different. It was, but not like I thought it would be.
By 11 am, the all-too familiar routine was well under way. My explanation; her explosion. My repeating the basics; her becoming withdrawn and pushing my arm away. All I wanted was for her to focus on what was in front of her and say the blend, "fr, frog" and we could finish. All she seemed interested in doing was some craft project, a project I had hoped to use as a reward for some -- even a little – progress this morning. "After we do this one lesson," I said as I tried one more time to help her gain some mastery over this phonics lesson. But she never did finish the lesson and say "fr, frog." We both just kept getting more and more frustrated, and we both ended up feeling like failures. Me as a teacher, and her at reading. I gave up. Sure, go do the craft. Do whatever you want to do! I give up! Who cares about developing the character trait of discipline anyway! It was hopeless! Is this what home schooling was all about? Misery?
What was I doing homeschooling? I am crazy to do this! Do you realize I am doing this by my own free will? What sane person willingly puts themselves in a position where they have to face such an ordeal day in and day out? I am crazy to homeschool! As Amiel spent a few minutes with some glue and paint doing her craft project (not the one I had planned, but she was happy), I peeled some carrots for lunch, trying to compose myself. After a few minutes, she cleaned up and went off to play, happy as a clam. I was feeling a little more ready to face teaching again, so I went to check on how my older girl was doing with her schoolwork. Then a little miracle happened. It wasn't a big miracle, but it was one nonetheless. I came into the living room to see Amiel with all her stuffed animals lined up in a row, along with an old set of plastic refrigerator letters and phonics flashcards. "Now this one says, 'f' and this one says, 'r,'" she said as she pointed to the pictures. Each of her smallest of students was participating in the lesson that I had so futilely tried to teach just a few minutes ago. Here she was, teaching phonics to her animals when half an hour ago she was in tears!
I thought for a moment. No one had asked her to do this. She was teaching because she loves to teach, and she was learning as she did so. Where else but in homeschool could this happen? Where else could my dear, sweet Amiel have the freedom to learn things in her own unique way? Where else but in homeschool could she re-energize in her own way, and take the initiative to internalize the lesson in a way that she enjoyed and was meaningful to her? Homeschool was the very best way for her to learn!
In hindsight, there is much I would do differently. I have learned so much about my daughter, about myself, and about what being a good teacher means. One of the main things I have learned is that we have a great opportunity as home schoolers. Where else could we learn so much about ourselves and our children? About what makes us – both her and me -- excited, or feel like a failure? Where else could we learn so much about the grace of God that can transform even frustration into appreciation of each other's uniqueness? Where else but in home school? True, I am crazy to home school. It IS hard work. But I can honestly say that for us the blessings of home schooling far outweigh the crazies – hands down!
~Hilary Lynch~
Sunday, May 20, 2007
TEACHING MANNERS
from homeschool free stuff:
Mixing In Some Manners
I know that a lot of homeschoolers out there also have younger children so I have a few tips for the little ones(some of the things can also be applied to older children,too).
As parents not only do we want to teach reading and writing, but we also want to teach our children good manners, when my daughter was younger we played "The Manners Game". I would take a piece of paper( either regular or construction) and cut it in half, then I would make a line horizontally down the middle and then draw a few lines vertically so to make about eight boxes for a chart. At the top I would write Manners Game and then we would hang it on the fridge. Whenever I saw my daughter having good manners ( saying thank you or please, picking up her toys after she played with them, etc.), I would give her a sticker to put in one of the boxes on the chart. When all eight boxes were filled up she was then able to pick out of The Treasure Box ( a box I made that had little goodies in it). She loved playing this game and it really helped her learn to have good manners.
Something all of us deal with when we have little ones is potty training. My daughter loved when everytime she went potty on the "Big Girl Potty" she was able to pick out a sticker and display it on the fridge( I don't know what it is about little ones and stickers, but they just get so excited about them), she would be so excited to put her sticker on the fridge and then when Daddy came home she would be so proud to show him all of the stickers that she had earned. This idea really motivated her to go on the "Big Girl Potty".
An idea that really motivates my daughter is when I take a 12x12 piece of paper(cardstock works great) and at the top I write "When Heavenly (my daughter's name) is a good girl she gets to go to the park (or sometimes I put she gets to go somewhere fun). I then make a chart of several boxes on the paper, maybe 20 or 30 and then I leave a spot on the paper at the bottom open because she loves to draw a picture of us going to the park or somewhere fun at the bottom ( this also reminds her of what she is looking forward to when she sees the picture she drew). When she has good manners or picks up her toys or obeys right away, etc., she gets a sticker to put on the chart and when it is all filled up we then plan a day to go to the park or the museum or library or somewhere fun. She really enjoys this ( you can also use the chart the other way, if she doesn't obey, sometimes she gets a sticker taken off the chart, so she really tries to keep her stickers on her chart). This idea can also be used with older children as incentive for doing their schoolwork.
Happy Homeschooling,
Jaime Hughes
Mixing In Some Manners
I know that a lot of homeschoolers out there also have younger children so I have a few tips for the little ones(some of the things can also be applied to older children,too).
As parents not only do we want to teach reading and writing, but we also want to teach our children good manners, when my daughter was younger we played "The Manners Game". I would take a piece of paper( either regular or construction) and cut it in half, then I would make a line horizontally down the middle and then draw a few lines vertically so to make about eight boxes for a chart. At the top I would write Manners Game and then we would hang it on the fridge. Whenever I saw my daughter having good manners ( saying thank you or please, picking up her toys after she played with them, etc.), I would give her a sticker to put in one of the boxes on the chart. When all eight boxes were filled up she was then able to pick out of The Treasure Box ( a box I made that had little goodies in it). She loved playing this game and it really helped her learn to have good manners.
Something all of us deal with when we have little ones is potty training. My daughter loved when everytime she went potty on the "Big Girl Potty" she was able to pick out a sticker and display it on the fridge( I don't know what it is about little ones and stickers, but they just get so excited about them), she would be so excited to put her sticker on the fridge and then when Daddy came home she would be so proud to show him all of the stickers that she had earned. This idea really motivated her to go on the "Big Girl Potty".
An idea that really motivates my daughter is when I take a 12x12 piece of paper(cardstock works great) and at the top I write "When Heavenly (my daughter's name) is a good girl she gets to go to the park (or sometimes I put she gets to go somewhere fun). I then make a chart of several boxes on the paper, maybe 20 or 30 and then I leave a spot on the paper at the bottom open because she loves to draw a picture of us going to the park or somewhere fun at the bottom ( this also reminds her of what she is looking forward to when she sees the picture she drew). When she has good manners or picks up her toys or obeys right away, etc., she gets a sticker to put on the chart and when it is all filled up we then plan a day to go to the park or the museum or library or somewhere fun. She really enjoys this ( you can also use the chart the other way, if she doesn't obey, sometimes she gets a sticker taken off the chart, so she really tries to keep her stickers on her chart). This idea can also be used with older children as incentive for doing their schoolwork.
Happy Homeschooling,
Jaime Hughes
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
FROM A HOMESCHOOLER
My Senior Year of Homeschooling
Editors Note: The following story is in it's original, unedited, beautifully written format!
I didn't start homeschooling until 12th grade, so unfortunately I was only able to enjoy the privilege of homeschooling for one year. I never really liked school, but it wasn't until late in high school that I seriously considered other options. I was an A student, but I hated having everything spoon-fed to me at school and the one-size-fits-all approach. I wasn't fond of the school atmosphere, and the overly controlling, institutionalized environment at school especially frustrated me. While some discipline is certainly necessary, students are not criminals or dogs, and don't deserve to be treated as such. I wanted to learn and grow in an environment where I would be challenged, valued, respected and loved, something that is sadly lacking in many public and private schools.
I had several friends who were homeschoolers, and it seemed ideal for me. After much planning and research, we had a family discussion. My parents had been very opposed to homeschooling before, but they knew how stressed out and frustrated I was in school and were willing to let me do it. You can't imagine the joy, excitement, and relief I felt when they gave me permission to homeschool!
During my senior year of homeschooling, I re-discovered the joy of teaching myself and exploring the "real world". I took some correspondence courses for academic subjects and continued taking the language class I loved at the high school. Aside from that, I went wherever my interests led me, to painting, pottery, baking, writing, nature, planning a small business, and the history and architecture of our city. I spent more time doing the volunteer work I love. I made good use of the public library, the Internet, and other resources. I'll take self-directed learning over spoon-feeding any day!
One thing that I want to say to teenagers and their parents is that it's never too late to homeschool. As I've mentioned, I started in 12th grade. A few people I've met think that homeschooling is mainly for elementary and middle school age children and that if you haven't started by then it's pointless, which simply isn't true. From my own experience and that of others, high school can be one of the best times to homeschool because by that age you've acquired the basic skills needed to learn independently by teaching yourself. At times I have been criticized for choosing to homeschool instead of "sticking it out for one more year", but I wouldn't trade that one year of homeschooling for anything!
I'm thankful that I was able to homeschool because it allowed me to re-discover my passion for learning, something that I was losing because of all the pressures at school. Just by living your life you are learning, and I will be learning all my life. That love of learning has motivated me to start a small business, learn another foreign language, and take on many other challenges with ambition. I am now in my early twenties. If I have children of my own someday, I definitely want to homeschool.
-N.G.-
Editors Note: The following story is in it's original, unedited, beautifully written format!
I didn't start homeschooling until 12th grade, so unfortunately I was only able to enjoy the privilege of homeschooling for one year. I never really liked school, but it wasn't until late in high school that I seriously considered other options. I was an A student, but I hated having everything spoon-fed to me at school and the one-size-fits-all approach. I wasn't fond of the school atmosphere, and the overly controlling, institutionalized environment at school especially frustrated me. While some discipline is certainly necessary, students are not criminals or dogs, and don't deserve to be treated as such. I wanted to learn and grow in an environment where I would be challenged, valued, respected and loved, something that is sadly lacking in many public and private schools.
I had several friends who were homeschoolers, and it seemed ideal for me. After much planning and research, we had a family discussion. My parents had been very opposed to homeschooling before, but they knew how stressed out and frustrated I was in school and were willing to let me do it. You can't imagine the joy, excitement, and relief I felt when they gave me permission to homeschool!
During my senior year of homeschooling, I re-discovered the joy of teaching myself and exploring the "real world". I took some correspondence courses for academic subjects and continued taking the language class I loved at the high school. Aside from that, I went wherever my interests led me, to painting, pottery, baking, writing, nature, planning a small business, and the history and architecture of our city. I spent more time doing the volunteer work I love. I made good use of the public library, the Internet, and other resources. I'll take self-directed learning over spoon-feeding any day!
One thing that I want to say to teenagers and their parents is that it's never too late to homeschool. As I've mentioned, I started in 12th grade. A few people I've met think that homeschooling is mainly for elementary and middle school age children and that if you haven't started by then it's pointless, which simply isn't true. From my own experience and that of others, high school can be one of the best times to homeschool because by that age you've acquired the basic skills needed to learn independently by teaching yourself. At times I have been criticized for choosing to homeschool instead of "sticking it out for one more year", but I wouldn't trade that one year of homeschooling for anything!
I'm thankful that I was able to homeschool because it allowed me to re-discover my passion for learning, something that I was losing because of all the pressures at school. Just by living your life you are learning, and I will be learning all my life. That love of learning has motivated me to start a small business, learn another foreign language, and take on many other challenges with ambition. I am now in my early twenties. If I have children of my own someday, I definitely want to homeschool.
-N.G.-
Thursday, May 10, 2007
FREE FREE FREE
Another beautiful letter from HomeschoolFreeStuff...
Home Schooling
Truly FREE
~By Kristan Mikala~
Note From The Editor: This was a writing assignment prompted by these HomeschoolSoup newsletters. It was written by a 15 year old homeschool student. Aside from it being one of the more touching messages I've ever read, consider it a powerful open letter to all children and parents thinking about homeschooling.
As a student in almost every sense of the word, I have experienced many different types of teaching. The worst of all were the styles in which you were so boxed in you felt you couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't do anything. The best was that rare wildflower of learning, homeschooling. In homeschooling, you are FREE; FREE to learn, FREE to be yourself. You needn't worry about what your peers think of you, you needn't worry about whether this or that teacher does or doesn't like you, you only worry about whether there's something you forgot to remember to learn. In the fields of your mind, you choose what you plant. You don't need someone to do it for you because you want to learn. No one can force you to do what you are already doing. There may be rows you'd rather not hoe, but for the sake of your future you do it anyway. You look forward to tomorrow, and you know that even if you aren't completely prepared, you can and will make it, because you can and will learn how to. Saying 'the sky's the limit' is untrue, because you can reach beyond. There are many things only you can understand because others aren't willing to learn. They won't open their minds unless someone does it for them, and some things can only be learned voluntarily. Some things can only be learned if one knows how to learn and loves learning itself. Some things can only be experienced with open eyes. Hiding from the world, and even from themselves, many cannot understand that.
How can you revel in the glory of the sunrise if you won't wake up?
How can you marvel at the beauty of a flower if you won't stop and look?
How can you breathe the fresh sea air if you won't leave your house?
How can you find if you won't seek?
You can't.
Neither can you reach your full potential if you limit yourself by closing your mind to knowledge. So open your mind. Shake yourself FREE of the tangling cords around you, hindering you from truly living. Shake yourself FREE and fly into the blue sky that expands with every new thing you learn. Soar into your ever-growing horizon, and learn what it is to be truly FREE.
~Kristan Mikala Age:15~
Home Schooling
Truly FREE
~By Kristan Mikala~
Note From The Editor: This was a writing assignment prompted by these HomeschoolSoup newsletters. It was written by a 15 year old homeschool student. Aside from it being one of the more touching messages I've ever read, consider it a powerful open letter to all children and parents thinking about homeschooling.
As a student in almost every sense of the word, I have experienced many different types of teaching. The worst of all were the styles in which you were so boxed in you felt you couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't do anything. The best was that rare wildflower of learning, homeschooling. In homeschooling, you are FREE; FREE to learn, FREE to be yourself. You needn't worry about what your peers think of you, you needn't worry about whether this or that teacher does or doesn't like you, you only worry about whether there's something you forgot to remember to learn. In the fields of your mind, you choose what you plant. You don't need someone to do it for you because you want to learn. No one can force you to do what you are already doing. There may be rows you'd rather not hoe, but for the sake of your future you do it anyway. You look forward to tomorrow, and you know that even if you aren't completely prepared, you can and will make it, because you can and will learn how to. Saying 'the sky's the limit' is untrue, because you can reach beyond. There are many things only you can understand because others aren't willing to learn. They won't open their minds unless someone does it for them, and some things can only be learned voluntarily. Some things can only be learned if one knows how to learn and loves learning itself. Some things can only be experienced with open eyes. Hiding from the world, and even from themselves, many cannot understand that.
How can you revel in the glory of the sunrise if you won't wake up?
How can you marvel at the beauty of a flower if you won't stop and look?
How can you breathe the fresh sea air if you won't leave your house?
How can you find if you won't seek?
You can't.
Neither can you reach your full potential if you limit yourself by closing your mind to knowledge. So open your mind. Shake yourself FREE of the tangling cords around you, hindering you from truly living. Shake yourself FREE and fly into the blue sky that expands with every new thing you learn. Soar into your ever-growing horizon, and learn what it is to be truly FREE.
~Kristan Mikala Age:15~
Thursday, April 26, 2007
A HEART-WARMING STORY
A wonderful letter from homeschool free stuff...
Why I Homeschool...There's more to learning than you think!
I struggled over the issue of homeschooling for years. I thought about it, and prayed about it, and thought about it some more. I finally decided two years ago that after my children finished that year in public school, we were going to give it a try. My children now are 11, 8, and 4.
Our first year, which would have been last year was at times rewarding, hard, easy, amazing, and not so amazing. I learned a lot about my kids and myself last year. For some reason though, I felt so compelled to follow the public school setting. You know, the same schedule each day, and every day. I felt that all of the material had to be covered by the end of the year. I was so overwhelmed and just didn't have it together. Now don't get me wrong, it was still rewarding, and I have always loved being home with my children.
This year however, I decided to do things differently. I decided to not stress over whether or not everything got completed for everyone each day. I realized that last year, I had missed out on a lot of opportunities to answer important questions from my children. Whenever they asked a question that didn't pertain to our lesson I would tell them that we would talk about it later. Then of course I would forget. I missed so many opportunities last year to talk to my children. For that matter, I guess public school would have been no different.
This year has been wonderful. Obviously we're not always happy and bouncing off the walls, but we have had a great year. The struggles haven't been so bad. I have learned so much more about my kids. When my daughter and I are doing math and she wants me to explain to her about how people and animals reproduce, (thanks to her guinea pig who just had a baby. She's only eight, thought I would have more time to have to talk about this subject.) , who cares about the math! When my son is doing language and decides that he wants to learn more about the creation of the earth, well then forget the language. I have realized this year that there is so much more to learning than just textbooks. I have been able this year to teach so much more "eternal learning" than just "school stuff". These are opportunities that I would have missed out on had they been in public school. I wouldn't trade my homeschooling experiences for the world! What a privilege to be able to "raise and teach" our children ourselves. Our society has definitely lost touch with this; being seen as a duty or chore and not the privilege that God intended it to be.
-Christa E. Wilkinson-
Why I Homeschool...There's more to learning than you think!
I struggled over the issue of homeschooling for years. I thought about it, and prayed about it, and thought about it some more. I finally decided two years ago that after my children finished that year in public school, we were going to give it a try. My children now are 11, 8, and 4.
Our first year, which would have been last year was at times rewarding, hard, easy, amazing, and not so amazing. I learned a lot about my kids and myself last year. For some reason though, I felt so compelled to follow the public school setting. You know, the same schedule each day, and every day. I felt that all of the material had to be covered by the end of the year. I was so overwhelmed and just didn't have it together. Now don't get me wrong, it was still rewarding, and I have always loved being home with my children.
This year however, I decided to do things differently. I decided to not stress over whether or not everything got completed for everyone each day. I realized that last year, I had missed out on a lot of opportunities to answer important questions from my children. Whenever they asked a question that didn't pertain to our lesson I would tell them that we would talk about it later. Then of course I would forget. I missed so many opportunities last year to talk to my children. For that matter, I guess public school would have been no different.
This year has been wonderful. Obviously we're not always happy and bouncing off the walls, but we have had a great year. The struggles haven't been so bad. I have learned so much more about my kids. When my daughter and I are doing math and she wants me to explain to her about how people and animals reproduce, (thanks to her guinea pig who just had a baby. She's only eight, thought I would have more time to have to talk about this subject.) , who cares about the math! When my son is doing language and decides that he wants to learn more about the creation of the earth, well then forget the language. I have realized this year that there is so much more to learning than just textbooks. I have been able this year to teach so much more "eternal learning" than just "school stuff". These are opportunities that I would have missed out on had they been in public school. I wouldn't trade my homeschooling experiences for the world! What a privilege to be able to "raise and teach" our children ourselves. Our society has definitely lost touch with this; being seen as a duty or chore and not the privilege that God intended it to be.
-Christa E. Wilkinson-
Thursday, February 22, 2007
TEAR-JERKER
This is a really lovely letter. I hope someday my kids will be like this too...
My Helper
One night, we were getting ready for our evening routine. The kids were in bed, and I was getting ready to read from our nighttime book. My 3 year old daughter Gina started to grumble, "I want to read something different tonight."
Then my 5 year old son Mikey chimed in, "Mommy, I know what to read, I'll go get it!"
"Okay", I said. I wanted to see what he had in mind.
So he ran out to where we keep all our homeschooling books. A few moments later MIkey came running in and jumped into bed. He brought a counting book.
He blurted out, "Mommy, I want to teach Gina counting, she always gets it wrong."
"Okay you can.", I said. Without a blink they jumped into bed together and snuggled up. Then I began to witness one of the most joyous moments of my life.
I watched as my 5 year old son began reading to his little sister and proceeded to teach her how to count. "Now Gina, do you see this, that's a...", he began.
I almost started to cry right there on the spot. I had to fight hard to keep from crying. I knew it would really confuse them. So I just sat quietly and soaked up the moment.
It reminded me of one of the most important reasons I homeschool. It's not just me teaching my child. It's all about the bonding and family. When one child teaches another, their knowledge deepens, and thier love grows, and I cry some more!
-J.N-
My Helper
One night, we were getting ready for our evening routine. The kids were in bed, and I was getting ready to read from our nighttime book. My 3 year old daughter Gina started to grumble, "I want to read something different tonight."
Then my 5 year old son Mikey chimed in, "Mommy, I know what to read, I'll go get it!"
"Okay", I said. I wanted to see what he had in mind.
So he ran out to where we keep all our homeschooling books. A few moments later MIkey came running in and jumped into bed. He brought a counting book.
He blurted out, "Mommy, I want to teach Gina counting, she always gets it wrong."
"Okay you can.", I said. Without a blink they jumped into bed together and snuggled up. Then I began to witness one of the most joyous moments of my life.
I watched as my 5 year old son began reading to his little sister and proceeded to teach her how to count. "Now Gina, do you see this, that's a...", he began.
I almost started to cry right there on the spot. I had to fight hard to keep from crying. I knew it would really confuse them. So I just sat quietly and soaked up the moment.
It reminded me of one of the most important reasons I homeschool. It's not just me teaching my child. It's all about the bonding and family. When one child teaches another, their knowledge deepens, and thier love grows, and I cry some more!
-J.N-
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
ENGAGING MINDS
This is an interesting - and very helpful - letter from a parent...
Engage Their Minds, And They Will Learn
Get the children involved.Do a unit study that they get to choose an example is one child may pick Jaguars to study, another Flowers. Take them to the library and pick out the books they want to read on the subject. Let them pick out a paragraph they liked in a book and use it for copywork, grammar lesson, dictation and spelling/vocabulary list. Make math word problems out of the subject too. Let the kids use their imaginations and let them help plan with you. Make it easier on yourself and let them have fun learning in the process.
D. MCGlamery
Engage Their Minds, And They Will Learn
Get the children involved.Do a unit study that they get to choose an example is one child may pick Jaguars to study, another Flowers. Take them to the library and pick out the books they want to read on the subject. Let them pick out a paragraph they liked in a book and use it for copywork, grammar lesson, dictation and spelling/vocabulary list. Make math word problems out of the subject too. Let the kids use their imaginations and let them help plan with you. Make it easier on yourself and let them have fun learning in the process.
D. MCGlamery
Thursday, February 8, 2007
BREATH OF FRESH AIR
After I read this letter from Cathi, I suddenly felt relieved. Sometimes, when a day is about to end, I panic and think, "What did the boys do today? Did they do something educational? Did I just let them laze the day away? Should I have let them do more activities?" I know, I can get really crazy with things like this. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. But after reading this letter, I know I'm on the right track. My boys are healthy, happy and eager to learn. They love to read, they love to learn new things and they are full of energy and life. What more could I ask for at this time in their lives?
.....
First Things First
Posted by Cathi in HI
You asked, "shouldn't I be doing more to prepare my 4-year-old for school?" What you are doing now is much more important than any academic curriculum. Please relax and know that you are laying the foundation for many years of enjoyable and successful home schooling by concentrating on character, discipline, and order during these early years. If you wait two years to begin any formal education and just work on developing obedient, cheerful children and a spirit of cooperation in the family, you will be light years ahead of the family who begins academics at age 4 but has little control over the children.
Rest in the season in which God has placed you. Do all the research necessary for you to make good decisions about academics, but please don't "jump the gun" and shortchange the current season.http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/early.htm#readiness
.....
First Things First
Posted by Cathi in HI
You asked, "shouldn't I be doing more to prepare my 4-year-old for school?" What you are doing now is much more important than any academic curriculum. Please relax and know that you are laying the foundation for many years of enjoyable and successful home schooling by concentrating on character, discipline, and order during these early years. If you wait two years to begin any formal education and just work on developing obedient, cheerful children and a spirit of cooperation in the family, you will be light years ahead of the family who begins academics at age 4 but has little control over the children.
Rest in the season in which God has placed you. Do all the research necessary for you to make good decisions about academics, but please don't "jump the gun" and shortchange the current season.http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/early.htm#readiness
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