tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51907194742122099942024-03-14T02:16:22.952-07:00Haute Homeschoolerphilosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-65121920772511362132017-02-07T08:30:00.002-08:002017-02-07T12:01:02.044-08:00BoyzeI love my 1-on-1 with each kiddo, but my time with the boy was falling a little flat. What do a middle aged woman & 9 year old boy like to do? What will reach his young-man heart? What won't drive me insane? So, we made a list of ideas & decided on modeling clay. Which led to this campsite diorama w/working fire pit! He was so good at the planning of materials & figured out a way to make a fire pit that would work w/o igniting the whole thing. Success!!! What do you do w/your boys? #needmoreideas #imalloutagain #curious #idontBMXorwrestleorbuildlegos<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9kaz9OROrmI/WJn2FkGjYxI/AAAAAAAAAH4/uzPlIRKbSLk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" />
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philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-89383488474084343652017-02-06T21:46:00.002-08:002017-02-06T21:46:59.192-08:00How Curious Education Becomes Curious Life...
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<span class="s1">Curious Education. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Moving from the right-answer result to the adventure of discovery.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Why is the sky blue?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Does the thunder come first or the lightening?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Why do both sugar and water form in crystals?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Is jet lag worse traveling in one direction over another?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How does convection work?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” - Pablo Picasso.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My most childlike curiosity began again when all of the noisy messages about who I was supposed to be and what about me I should curtail or reject came to an abrupt silence. After 41 years, I had finally come into circumstances in life that painfully, wonderfully revealed that the package I was trying to fit myself in, to forge my worth, was a fraud and that it would NEVER be the me, or the love I was searching for. My curiosity was born from simply running out of options for the “right answer” on the deepest level. If the way the world worked on a grand corporate scale was right, then I was content, finally, being a little “wrong” or at least unquantifiable.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sure, I had allowed a very small trickle of curiosity emerge here and there, when something I tried didn’t work or when I was allowed the freedom of not-knowing for one reason or another. When I begun homeschooling/roamschooling my kids, I had to yield to curiosity in order to do my “best” and to do roam schooling “better” and the “right” way. Before I began, I called Harvard and DU and bent the ear of their amazing admissions staff to make sure they were not anti-homeschooling and, in fact, they were “pro”- independent education. The trickle dried up as I solidified my curriculum and began the familiar type A speed train to success, ahead of the trend, above any acceptable existing standards. However, something unexpected happened. With the efficiency we had in place, questions became just a little bit less of a nuisance and more common. I also noticed that the more questions my kids had, the fewer answers I had. It scared me. So, of course I consulted experts, google and anything else i could find that had the “right answer.” As things progressed, I realized that we were covering a wide breadth of information, but I began thirsting for depth myself. I caught myself… asking… questions (gasp)- about little things as we went along. I was sad when the history book came to an end (NERD ALERT!)</span></div>
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<span class="s1">A great example was with Sugar Water & Crystals. My son and I were having breakfast after having just visited the lake shore, watching the newly forming ice crystals reach toward each other across the lake. My son asked why the sugar did not change the color of my coffee the way the creamer did. So, I poured out a bit of sugar on the table so he could see the grainuals. I told him that sugar actually formed into crystals. He said, “like the water?” “yes, huh. I think so.” So, we looked up the molecular structure of sugar on my phone and, lo and behold, there was a water molecule right smack in the middle of the carbon and hydrogen (show slide). Is that why sugar forms as crystals? Do all crystals have an H2O in the middle of their structure? I wanted to see them all on a big spreadsheet. Right then. My son and I had so much fun in our journey along the questions. The fruit of this moment was so rich: Connecting with a 9 year old boy on a superfun, organic level (which is NOT my forte), admitting we don’t know allowed us to run free in the field of what is it? and why? and slide down the delight of if that, then what else is out there? It unveiled humility and faith in the fact that we do NOT bear the burden of being the biggest thing out there and that we are a creative creation of the creator. Wonder was sparked. Curiosity breeds curiosity. So, there in the restaurant we discussed chemistry, humor, seasons, coffee, color, art and laughed a lot. At ourselves and truly experienced delight. Just in existing. We didn’t have to forage for our worth or prove our value. Rigorous academics and rigorous life-lesson. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A curious approach to learning/education is even powerful enough to upend something you have a distaste for, and can suspend a hard prejudice I possessed from the start. I have often reminded myself while instructing my kids that, “If you can learn to learn in a setting you don’t like, from someone you don’t respect, then you can find fun and follow your dreams in anything you do.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I had to try this out, obviously, as to at least reduce the amount of hypocrisy I dish out on a daily basis. Can I be a curious student/person in a situation where I KNOW I know better? Can I even think of a question when I don’t respect someone? Why does my curiosity seem to be directly proportional to my all-powerful assessments? Is it? I began to be more and more curious about the impacts and byproducts of curiosity. Is curiosity dependent on a emotional state to engage?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> I was in a discussion with my husband about a speaker that I honestly think is a joke. I don’t respect his life behind the scenes and really, for me, the proof is in the pudding. So, while my husband, who has been a loyal follower of this person’s work for decades begins to defend his mentor’s benefits, I’ve got my right-answer arsenal ready. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little tete a tete every once in a while? To me, it’s a turn-on and this curiosity stuff is, well, not as sexy. However, my husband could see it coming and, unfortunately, had been actually listening when I shared my discoveries about curiosity. So, he threw the ball back, “Why don’t you try just being curious about him, or at least curious as to why you are so judgmental of him? Ask some questions of yourself or of me or you could do a little more research and see what comes of it?” </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Wait, WHAT?!?! I was so mad and so caught. OK, where were the questions? Blank. Think, think, think. Something simple. Where did he grow up? I could start with that. What were some of his first publications? Has he made any statements regarding his life choices? What are his events really like and why am I so turned off, to the point of anger, at the thought of them? What does that bring out in me? Why so much venom? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I learned, in that brief time, that I softened toward this man, that I don’t even know. I began to feel room for compassion. Empathy. I had more room (at least a little) to release the compulsion to asses and convict. I also had more room for questions to get to know my husband’s value for this speaker’s messages, which brought me into a sacred space with him that I had not wanted to bother with before. Questions. Curiosity. Learning. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">With curiosity at the helm, where do the boundaries of “education” start and stop? I’m not sure. I know that education has to do so much. I love the public schools and their willingness to go into unchartered territory with me has been so exciting. So, maybe it’s not a blanket solution for one type of education - whether homeschool, unschool, public, private, hybrid or online. Wherever the source of our education and whatever stage we are at in life. curiosity can bring a depth, wonder, faith and compassion into our view that can create a movement of life-long child-like learners of ourselves and one another. Yes, there are times to fill in the blank or the bubble or tax form. However, if we can introduce time and space and trust for the questions that lead to more questions, we may just discover who we really are, vs. who the right-answer result focused messages tried to convince us we were. Be careful though. This kind of thinking, at least for me, is a bit of a point of no return. It has introduced a freedom in exploration and discovery and wonder that I am not sure I can relinquish and makes me not so adept at the usual cocktail conversation.</span></div>
philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-54072390051255652702017-02-06T21:45:00.002-08:002017-02-06T21:45:56.584-08:00It's.... so.... brain... damage... is...So, raising kids with intention. It's exhausting.<br />
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An example of this exhausting, brain damaging exercise happened this morning. I am using a website to prepare my daughter for the testing that is required for her. I do not approach test-prep from a topical, line-by-line cram point of view. I approach it from a problem solving, pattern seeking, deductive reasoning, relaxation focus. Tests in life and in any formal setting can trigger emotions - some of them help us to solve problems an focus, some hinder our problem solving skills and focus. So, I wanted to create a situation in which all of those emotions (helpful and hindering) showed up for my kids in practice so that they can manage them when it happens for real. <br />
So, my 10 year old daughter starts with some questions that are often on a cognitive ability assessment. The harder the questions became, the angrier she would become. Not anger at herself - anger at the TEST. It must be wrong. The test must be wrong, the computer must be broken, etc.<br />
Cut to - an AWESOME conversation about character and how we can see "wrong" answers as good news - they are just the next breadcrumb that teaches us about the correct answer. philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-32946921251403133382017-02-06T21:45:00.000-08:002017-02-06T21:45:02.656-08:00Where Do I Start? So Much Blessing....Wow. OK, I want so much to write everything about today because it would encapsulate the blessings and abundance of homeschooling in a way that is almost adequate to convey the supernatural grace and freedom that you can have- even while still living in the world.<br />
Be set apart. <br />
Be holy.<br />
A royal priesthood.<br />
A holy nation.<br />
Our Classical Conversations Community.<br />
Full. Full of beautiful imperfect women. Families. <br />
Full of a ministry at it's core that most will never hear about in a crafted "message" or devotional.<br />
There is an openness to the Spirit here that I cannot describe and I know that it is unique to this time and this place for this season but my word, my LORD it boasts such glorious beauty and deep joy. It is full of souls being hosted by bodies. It is full of incredibly generous moms that are so giving - first in their time and their talents - but then, even more so, in their willingness to deny their very flesh. We have a community that understands our own flaws of gossip, exclusion, judgement, withdrawal, comparison, envy and doubt. I have never, EVER been more uncomfortable in my LIFE than in the midst of it and yet, because of that, Gods revelation and abundant gifts are that much more acute. <br />
It is an environment where my assessment of things is rendered useless. Isaiah 55:8-9 acquires flesh and I can see and feel that I have no place and no reason to assert any situation - by the mere fact that I am incapable of doing so. <br />
God is God and if we are all in agreement that we are not Him, that we will resist the apple, we will resist control and certainty of all we "see" and "know" - we will then see and know what is invisible and eternal and real - true love.<br />
Our children, in turn, will see the same. They will see the consistency of Hebrews 13:8 and wonder why the world functions as it does on so much conditional, temporal and fickle "love." It really is a bastardization of the term. Our children know when they see the truth in those around them and if they can witness anything true, vs. "religion", their taste buds will change permanently. A taste of true love. Eternal Love from the living water will ruin their palette for any twisted version of love the world will ever offer. So my prayer is this:<br />
For ourselves - may our palette continue to be cleansed and purified by the living water and the bread that was broken for us so that in turn, our families and our sweet children will consider the drastic saccharine that the world has to offer in the same name and spit it out for good.<br />
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If that weren't enough in itself, I find my own inspiration in the academic side of things. I realize that I am absolutely in love with, like have a crush on learning. I don't want to at first, bu tthen, if I just have that 10 seconds of courage, I find that my brain is more agile somehow than before. I am not so distracted. I am not so worried.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-6096599121050115332017-02-06T21:44:00.002-08:002017-02-06T21:44:48.069-08:00What an amazing coupla weeks. <br />
I see so much fruit from homeschooling, I cannot begin to fathom it. <br />
This is our weekly schedule at this point this year:<br />
ah, Ill get to that laterphilosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-7433013507040687072017-02-06T21:44:00.001-08:002017-02-06T21:44:30.478-08:00OK - so, a lot of love and bliss on my last post, but I'm still feeling that way - today - one day later :-).<br />
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I think too, I relish the freedom tat my kids are experiencing in their minds and hearts to explore themselves, explore their faith and learn a stupid amount about what and who is worth their mind share and who/what is NOT. <br />
They are not only learning French, Spanish and robotics, they are learning how to work through jealousy, boredom, laziness and fear. They are also insanely creative and curious people.<br />
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I suppose I could document what they've done - I probably should. I will. But not here. Not now.<br />
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Four years in. I am amazed at how accurate a prediction was of a woman I went camping with this last summer was.<br />
She said that finally, this year, I would stop feeling like I had one foot in, one foot out. She could not have been more right. Also, it's bizarre how proud of homeschooling my kids are.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-14617992687147782422017-02-06T21:44:00.000-08:002017-02-06T21:44:05.391-08:00Haute Homeschooling 101 - A guide to Independent Education <br />
Patience not required.<br />
This is More than a Survival Guide, a Thrival Guide.<br />
Bring me your curious and your thirsty and your scared and your unsure and your broken.<br />
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So, you are curious about "homeschooling" your children? I'm sure there are as many reasons for that as there are stars in the sky. You can read this book and you will not be overwhelmed. You will not need to purchase denim jumpers & lace doily collars. You do not have to hate the system and you do not have to fear the world. You do not have to be naturally patient or naturally gifted at teaching anything. You don't even have to like learning yourself, because that will come later, as a byproduct of the process.<br />
No matter how much prep you do or don't do, you will not find yourself completely equipped. However, you will feel encouraged. Meaning, en-couraged. Infused with courage and hope and curiosity. <br />
Education as it is in the United States right now is suffering for many reasons. There are also many wonderful things about it. For as many articles as there are about apathetic teachers, lack of funds loss of programming, there are incredible teachers out there. There are incredible schools, principles, teacher trainers and the like that eat-sleep-and-breathe their passion for instilling and inspiring creative, critical minds that will be able to research, discover, consume, digest, analyze & teach information. There are wonderful, innovative programs that schools are spearheading to mold young ones into tech-savvy engineers who can take us to Mars and beyond. There is no one-size-fits-all. There is no benefit in condemning a system, only in taking responsibility for a solution. Your unique solutionSometimes, that solution is to approach Education in a far different manner than before. I see the world of education - even mass education - changing. There is a discontent and yet a hesitancy to make the leap into independent education.<br />
Our family opted for homeschooling not from a perspective of where schools were failing - but that we had the flexibility and the curiosity became more exciting than the fear of the unknown and the fear of knowing that I was to be the primary "teacher." <br />
I have never been a "teacher" in a formal education setting.<br />
I NEVER thought I would homeschool - never met a homeschooler before 10 years ago and was ready to drop my kids with a nanny/daycare/whatever so I could then go back to school or work.<br />
finish Journey of going from public montessori to homeschool.<br />
But I started getting the "nudge" - you know, when God is trying to get your attention, it seems that little nudges begin. We met a client that homeschooled. They invited us for dinner. I vowed never to be like that. I met a woman from Africa who homeschooled at the Library - ok, she was awesome. I could homeschool if I moved to Africa. My parents met a family that homeschooled that traveled all over the world. I could homeschool if I traveled all over the world. One of my friends began to homeschool her boys - we've known each other since before we were married. She didn't die after the first year of homeschool.philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-79900387418382736442017-02-06T21:43:00.001-08:002017-02-06T21:43:27.778-08:00Start where you are. Don't worry, Just discover!<br />
Whether you are working full-time, part-time, in the home, out of the home or are home full time with your kiddos. Considering homeschooling does NOT start with a dramatic life make-over.<br />
Just begin turning over shells to see what you find.<br />
Once you are in the process of discovery, the journey you take will uncover itself. I promise. There are women and men who have found inspiration when simply researching homeschooling and they find that that inspiration gives birth to new ideas of how they want to prioritize things and lifestyle, etc. For some women, it's meant beginning a career instead of ending it, for some, it means moving, for some, it means realizing their status quo is perfect for them. Don't worry, just Discover!<br />
Here is a resource list for homeschooling:<br />
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Surviving Your First Year of Homeschooling<br />
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This resource, to me, was a light shining in a huge vast ocean of way too much information. It is not from a specific faith background, so I know it will relate to any of you reading this.<br />
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A second resource that is amazing is to find someone in your area or someone at all that holds an "umbrella school" for homeschoolers. That simply means that you can register with them (give them your name, kids names, and about $50-100) and voila! Your kids are now enrolled in a "Private School" which precludes the need to do any other paperwork with your school district. <br />
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Another amazing resource that is essential for your beginning is the HSLDA website to research the laws in your state. <br />
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http://www.hslda.org/default.aspxphilosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-36568380941339194742017-02-06T21:43:00.000-08:002017-02-06T21:43:18.011-08:00Gobbsmacked Education-Curiosity, Wonder & DiscoveryGobsmacked Education; a<br />
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Crescendo of Curiosity<br />
moving from the right answers into good questions. A homeschool journey of the hippest kind.<br />
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The unlikely journey of a NYC Corporate Career-woman turned homeschool mom. <br />
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I was in New York City working for a major production company in sales.<br />
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Summary of growing up in blended home & satisfaction with public school & husband's satisfaction with private school.<br />
NOT afraid<br />
Faith-filled in a BIG God<br />
I wanted the best when I got pregnant and the best was definitely someone else teaching and me filling in the gaps.<br />
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Preschool<br />
Recession<br />
Kindergarten<br />
Meeting clients<br />
Ginger asking<br />
Meeting more HS-ers out and about<br />
1st grade.<br />
Social nightmare<br />
volunteering<br />
"Colorado" teachers<br />
Grant preschool<br />
Kumon<br />
Talks with Harvard - yes, Harvard.<br />
Thus the birth of Anderson Academy<br />
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1st year. Patience not required<br />
How to live with an extended family who sucked at raising you but thinks you are crazy for homeschooling<br />
How to survive a HS conference w/o a headcovering or a gaggle of kids.<br />
prep but not all in - exit strategy was not to paint anything or let either of us have a desk.<br />
Every minute structured.<br />
So exciting. So fun. So, right.<br />
Social/Structural detox - withdrawl symptoms - the struggle is real, but it's not what you think.<br />
Hurling yourself onto a country road with no cell service in a foreign country where no one speaks<br />
Stages of Culture Shock<br />
- honeymoon<br />
- frustration<br />
- adjustment<br />
- acceptance<br />
- homesickness<br />
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Fruits:<br />
I know you. I know me - better.<br />
Tracking hours<br />
Efficiency<br />
Pajama school<br />
Naps<br />
Field Trips<br />
Be a kid<br />
Not raised by their peers<br />
Hybrid school - public school/private school/experiences<br />
Looking for my people.<br />
The first year is about having a pulse at the end and following every curriculum plan to a T and seeing the other things you wish you could have fit in but didn't have time and wondering if you are failing in every way. <br />
We are still alive! Others watch as if observing a train wreck.<br />
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Year 2 with 2<br />
Buy a desk - use the shelves.<br />
How to build a curriculum with 2 kiddos<br />
Spelling: really?<br />
Integrating subjects becoming clearer<br />
Curriculum of character<br />
More naps<br />
Field trips<br />
More ballet - Nutcracker<br />
Be willing to look weird<br />
I want to be cool<br />
Finding your people in a collection of islands<br />
Strange encounters of the homeschool kind<br />
Margin for peace when things get hard. Really, really hard.<br />
Confirmation of why you followed curiosity.<br />
Not raised by their peers.<br />
Still looking for my people/learning from all<br />
How to address longing for "school"/romanticism<br />
Where to take your kids to get rid of them for a little while<br />
I think we're going to make it!<br />
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Year 3:<br />
Classical method - where have you been all my life? Falling in lust with socratic circles<br />
Unearthing my own curiosity - hope reborn.<br />
The goal has shifted - right question, not right answer<br />
Revealing Wonder... a heart comes alive!<br />
More ballet, soccer, concussions, broken limbs, volunteering<br />
Efficiency gives a wide berth for play, discovery learning.<br />
Finding your people... No bungee jumping required.<br />
much different getting to know other moms in FRONT of all of your kids.<br />
Resolving conflict with no bus stop gossipfest - how to grow up in 10 days or less<br />
Yes, you still wonder if you are failing<br />
Standardized tests - which one?<br />
Homeschool Brain: You might not be as on-time and on-it as you once were.<br />
Fruit:<br />
`More field trips<br />
`More naps<br />
`more pajamas<br />
`More room for hard and miracles and hormones (yours and theirs)<br />
`You found your people<br />
`They found you.<br />
`Your vocabulary begins to change.<br />
`You ask a lot of questions<br />
`You like talking to your kids<br />
`You notice that you aren't raising clock watchers.<br />
`there is room for serving<br />
`wonder about the bigger picture sparks<br />
`integration of all subjects begins<br />
- reflections of math in music, art in science, writing in history and the soul in all of it<br />
I definitely think we might make it!<br />
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Year 4:<br />
The magic happens<br />
No longer straddling the fence<br />
Conversations of the old way fade away<br />
Gratitude sets in for curiosity, discovery and humility<br />
Wisdom seems to be more available<br />
Peace with the failing and the falling and the feeling<br />
More room for hormones<br />
Academic rigor with a sense of humor<br />
Math still makes everyone scream sometimes<br />
Cotillion<br />
Yes, still answering the socialization questions<br />
People still worry about you<br />
Travelling off-season<br />
Grades - How does that work?<br />
Intentional living resonates in your bones<br />
As they get older<br />
two steps forward... 3 steps back....5 steps forward<br />
what is regular school?<br />
talking to adults is normal<br />
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Year 5:<br />
Time warp... slipping away...<br />
Missing them when they're asleep<br />
Transitioning to hybrid school<br />
Can you work now? Do something? Filling your cup<br />
Friends are critical - supportive diversity<br />
Spreading yourself too thin - with so many fun options - how do you choose?<br />
Serving<br />
I think I like this too much - they aren't your dolls<br />
Middle School training wheels - skinned knees & bad grades<br />
MIT in 6th grade<br />
Mentoring<br />
Still answering the socialization questions<br />
No fear<br />
Independence - turning arrogance to wisdom, folly to self-sufficiency<br />
Start getting a life<br />
Going too fast... did I say that already?<br />
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You can do this...<br />
Living curious<br />
Live in the question<br />
Pregnant with wonder<br />
Don't blink<br />
Labor of love<br />
Love in the unknown<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-9260643906542601972016-04-12T07:42:00.002-07:002016-04-12T07:47:40.406-07:004th Year (almost) Free and Clear - EvolutionSo, here we are. Standing almost completely on the other side of our 4th year homeschooling.<br />
Wow. I remember the words of a stranger telling me last summer that the 4th year was the best, because it is when you and your kids finally have untangled yourselves from the expectations of others and set your own standards. It is the year your kids settle into their own skin and their curiosity has full permission to thrive. I asked her what was magical about the 4th year and she didn't have an answer. It just is.<br />
I can say that is true with all of my being.<br />
My kids went from complaining or fears of missing out on something (esp my oldest) to really embracing the freedom they have. My oldest developed an app this year and tutors 3rd graders in reading and spelling at a nearby at-risk school. She was able to write creatively and challenge herself academically in ways that I never had to introduce.<br />
My youngest also tutors kids in spelling and reading at the same school, he has learned the beginnings of computer coding and realized he is really good at building in robotics. He has finished more history books than you could imagine and memorized over 400 items of History, Math, Science, Latin, Geography, Timeline and English Grammar. He also has a tertiary understanding of those items and can connect the dots to the real world when he sees or hears something that is familiar to him.<br />
More than that, I have seen the character of both kids begin to unfold and blossom. I'm sure that happens everywhere. Isn't it AWESOME that we mature? That, in and of itself is a miracle. That we go through difficult challenges and incredible victories and somehow, the brain utilizes this information to actually transform us. Evolve us. What spiritual person could deny evolution of this kind? How can a faith not make room for evolution as well? God himself designed us to learn, to transform, to evolve and He made us in His image. Hasn't he made everything with that adaptability? Without adaptability, I can't imagine where I would be from one day to the next as a human being, let alone a homeschool mom/entrepreneur. Adaptability is only possible because of how God wired my brain and my heart to work synch. The current situation must become less comfortable that what is required to grow/change (introducing restraint, new thinking, benefit of the doubt are all VERY uncomfortable in situations where they have not been practiced prior). However, once the mind and heart have communicated with the soul, and there is a consensus, to move forward and adapt to a new paradigm, then the magic happens. That is where the Spirit meets the flesh and the world gets a glimpse of LIFE. New life. Re-birth. Every day. Isn't that AWESOME>!><br />
Anyway, at those moments, when I experience that for myself, or, watch it in my kids or friends, I am high. Propelled by the adrenaline, dopamine and every other joy-inducing chemical that God made to fire off when we believe that we are HIS! That we can defy the powers of death and stupid habitual destructive beliefs about ourselves because we are ADAPTABLE. What is also so cool is that our adaptability is not a forced situation. We choose when, where, how much and why we either adapt or we don't. Sometimes we just can't see that there is a need to adapt or, most likely in my experience, I don't adapt because the grief of letting go of expectations is more painful than moving forward - even if it means moving forward to joy.<br />
I have seen my own capacity for love increase or, deepen really... because, finally, my selection for who to love has become much more selective.<br />
I serve many, but love fewer. I have seen that my kids are finding that this is satisfactory to them. I used to see their nervousness if we didn't have plans or people. Now, they read or play or whatever - although the people we love we see all the time :-). <br />
Thank you God. Thank you Jesus for such an incredible year of transition. Evolution. Love. Thank you for the trinity - the tripod- the trifecta that is you and reflected in our mind, body, spirit. Thank you for your gentle clarity. Your kind and patient consistency. For replacing death with a life that gives way to yet more life. <br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-67873992367234523282016-01-26T16:15:00.001-08:002016-01-26T16:21:48.663-08:00The Human Condition: The 532,345th Reason I LOVE Homeschooling!!!Honestly, I cannot imagine the last few years being any more difficult for so many reasons. <br />
NONE of them being homeschool (wow).<br />
In fact, most, if not ALL of the joy, love and miraculous-ness has ALL come as a DIRECT result of homeschooling and what it requires and gives off and gives birth to.<br />
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A daily example - this week, no - even just the last TWO DAYS have been an epic example of the magic that still exists in this horrible world. That God still does provide little miracles of encouragement in just the perfectly weird way that I need it. My faith has been purified of all bullshit. <br />
First and foremost, I've been so amazed by my kids. Just sitting there watching them. They are exasperating little miracles of curiosity, defiance, cuddles, serving, fascination, hard work, laziness, laughter, screaming and everything in between. I've had the priveledge of seeing my daughter grow from a six year old to a 10 year old. I have watched her be a soldier, a girl, a friend, a hero, an inventor, helper and so much more... I have watched my son grow from 4 years old to 8 at home and witnessed his tender heart, his wacky levels of testosterone, his heartbreak, his learning, his getting back up, his voracious appetite for information. <br />
This last week alone, because of homeschool we:<br />
- Got to travel out of town to see a friend in her new house - on a Tuesday night - because we could.<br />
- Got to follow up on a coding project to begin developing Ginger's app, version 2.0 - because we were homeschooling and we had the time and found the resources.<br />
- Got to answer a LOT of questions from dinner guests and learn a tremendous amount of information about their views of education and they are now championing the kids in different projects.<br />
- Had the privilege of visiting a school in Denver that needed books and that visit now has become a weekly date with their Bubbagramps, tutoring at risk kids in reading and spelling.<br />
- Began planning a trip to New Zealand for October to visit another homeschool family.<br />
- During the day, a visit from a window rep became an incredible discovery. He is one of the top 10 youtube videos for card-trick how to's! So, the kids got to see his videos and he was so encouraging of what they were doing at school and they got a free magic lesson, right in their own kitchen!<br />
- I received an incredible amount of generosity from other homeschool moms who are in the battle everyday and yet find the time and energy to stay centered, give to themselves & their families, love on their husbands & kiddos and retain a HUGE sense of humor and adventure. These women, after 4 years of homeschooling, have finally become my "people." I realize that for the first time, I have far fewer friends in the system than out. These people encourage my husband, my family, my kids, my faith, my hope. They are hands-dirty kinda people. I think to be a hands-dirty person for others, you have to own your shit - especially the kind that scares the literall Hell right out of you. You have to face the shame that makes you puke and then know that it wasn't real... we must face our own fears/needs/dysfunction and with that, sort through all of the self-judgement, shame and etc. that we carry (read:get EVERY Brene Brown book you can and pour over it Slowly, painfully). The goal isn't to get rid of the shame, but just see it for what it is, so that it doesn't prevent you from loving fully. <br />
- What I've learned recently as well, is that homeschoolers have an entrepreneurial spirit. They see what is inefficient and they tighten it up. They see what is interesting and pursue it. They see what needs fixing and they fix it. They see what is toxic and they leave it to it's own demise. We are like kids - always asking "why?" and, we don't stop until we are in an environment that supports that. It models a way of being that rewards our own kids curiosity (much to our exhaustion).<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-89805569161204910172015-05-30T16:27:00.000-07:002015-05-30T16:27:12.128-07:00One More Year, DONE! ishWow - how do I catch up? Not today. Too much to say. <br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-54707428735051953202014-06-30T18:01:00.004-07:002014-06-30T18:10:25.208-07:00End Of Year Bridge Ceremony. Goodbye. Hello.Well, good gracious. It's been an amazing, action packed, life-giving, growin'-up, real-world, root thirsty kinda year :-).<br />
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The first year I homeschooled both kiddos and wow does it take a village. A great village. A God Village. A weird village. A village I never thought I'd want to seek out, let alone use as my life-line.</div>
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Schooling two kiddos on purpose was quite different than schooling one kiddo. Grant is very gifted so, it was easier in that I just took him along for the ride, adjusting his materials/activities as was needed. Ginger excelled in urban planning. She loves that. I think that's awesome!</div>
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I am overwhelmed with the thought of chronicling the year's achievements, setbacks, victories, sweet moments and summation - but I know I must. That reflection is often a glimpse of wisdom that will be needed in the future.</div>
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For now, however, enjoy this video of our end of year ceremony. I am amazed at how excited the kids are, when it's just the two of them and me :-). It is important to me to have a rite of passage. Though our education, per se, is fluid, I want my kiddos to be formally acknowledged for what they've accomplished.</div>
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I need that too - I realized how much I needed to have an offical "last day" when, after this ceremony, I didn't do laundry or clean anything for two weeks (except the occasional shower).</div>
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I needed to dumb down.</div>
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Chill out.</div>
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Veg.</div>
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Meditate.</div>
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Get behind in everything.</div>
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Let go.</div>
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Click below:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UQf9-hv7KA"><span style="color: #990000;">End of Year Bridge Ceremony</span></a></div>
philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-25500935947369654792014-06-30T17:45:00.003-07:002014-06-30T18:02:57.776-07:00Coding: New Literacy Litmus Test. Are your kids ready?<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Click this: <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/media/2014/06/computer-science-programming-code-diversity-sexism-education">Coding for our kiddos - brave new literacy</a> - </span>philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-7344388605784187632013-10-23T08:24:00.001-07:002013-10-23T08:24:19.396-07:00Using FB as ablog....I realize Ive been using Facebook as my blog instead of my blog so, I'm going to work on changing that.<div>I wanted to link my FB post from yesterday.</div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/annemarieanderson01/posts/10151668428421615">https://www.facebook.com/annemarieanderson01/posts/10151668428421615</a></div><div><br></div><div>After said post, we all went on a gorgeous bike ride that ended with all of us dressed in gauze & ingesting ibuprofen ;).</div><div><br></div>philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-53841639746867760972013-10-23T08:19:00.001-07:002013-10-23T08:19:18.467-07:00Rigorous curriculum<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fFCd2uB_KHvxxW6O5hJbsPl4eavsqUZUSmQ4_8AM3lHT6gVUtY6OqiSdyO5tJjDYWOhQp__jaD7NA0-g7kagIltSM9Gk_rQc38ZVMs4ugaB26SmPIFkO8GSXfAfw4m9g-To-r8dMH8g/s640/blogger-image--171132900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fFCd2uB_KHvxxW6O5hJbsPl4eavsqUZUSmQ4_8AM3lHT6gVUtY6OqiSdyO5tJjDYWOhQp__jaD7NA0-g7kagIltSM9Gk_rQc38ZVMs4ugaB26SmPIFkO8GSXfAfw4m9g-To-r8dMH8g/s640/blogger-image--171132900.jpg"></a></div>philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-20504273470182208892013-10-16T07:05:00.000-07:002013-10-16T07:32:25.070-07:00Anderson Academy Hits All Time High Enrollment!<br />
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Ok, so, it's only been 6 months since my last post. I
have a quiet morning where I'm awake early enough to do a blog post, my
Bible study and text a friend because, why just have a quiet morning? <br />
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So, I've been asked, "How is Hauteschooling<i>(I'm going to trademark this so don't run out and do it first, k?)</i> going? " quite a bit lately so, I figured I'd post. I have no idea how it's going :-).<br />
I figure I'll be able to evaluate that in 20 years and if my kiddos aren't in prison and they are making the world a better place than how they found it, SUCCESS! If they land in prison, they'll be safer behind bars, because they'll have to answer to ME when they get out, for all of this crazytown time and energy I spent constructing this homeschool life thing that I never thought I would do. I could have been working this hard for CREDENTIALS for cryin' out loud! or MONEY! You get the idea. It's a spiritual road we're on as well, (Ask me. You'll believe it. Or, at least you'll let me believe it) so, all is not lost for sure. <br />
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To sum up and wander all over the place... here goes (sorry Kate - grammar may suffer pains):<br />
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We had a wonderful summer that was peppered with some very tragic life events. Our community lost a dear friend in the neighborhood and he and his family are always close to my heart and mind and in our prayers. Also, a dear, dear friend has been re-diagnosed with breast cancer and she and her family are daily in our hearts and thoughts as well.<br />
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The kids enjoyed swim team, piano and gymnastics. I did NOTHING for school except for Kumon. Well, ok, so that isn't nothing, it is Kumon. It's every day. However, it felt like nothing compared to the rigor that we were used to. It was wonderful, and we seemed to occupy our time with things that were fun and summer-ish.<br />
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In May, I scheduled a teacher appreciation getaway with a fellow hauteschooler. She and I just got away to Vail for 24 hours, yet it felt like a decade. We saved our pennies and had NO SCHEDULE. Our travelocity just fell in synch (a God thing- ask me - you'll believe it - or, at least you'll let me believe it) and we just happened upon a spa, a restaurant, slept in till 10. Got to breakfast by 11am. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh.<br />
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It was so emotional watching Grant go through his ADORABLE preschool graduation at Cherry Hills Christian School. Wow. He had been there for three years. More than 1/2 his life. That is amazing. The teachers there, Ms. Erin, Ms Sandy, Ms Brueker, Ms. Connor - all transformational in his development and love. Now, he's in my (God's) hands - yikes.<br />
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The kids were enrolled in theater camp after swim team ended, for three weeks, with a big production at the end. I was BLOWN AWAY! It was through Rocky Mountain Theater Camp for Kids and I have never seen anything more put together (and yet w/o caddy competitiveness) in my life. The director seemed to know a LOT about herding cats AND teaching a professional level of production with 5-8 year olds. We are DEFINITELY doing that again next summer.<br />
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We then went to a family camp in August at Trail West in Buena Vista. Another Anderson tradition begun. What an incredibly fulfilling week. Spiritually. Emotionally. Physically. I had no idea what I packed, and it didn't matter. We were just happy as pigs and could do as much or as little as we wanted. So great to just be the 4 of us with a bunch of strangers enjoying the outdoors. Kids so distracted by running in the trees they'd wet their pants. Now, isn't that a great testimony to a good time?<br />
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The school year was fast approaching and I switched to a Classical Education Curriculum (insert minor panic attacks). I had the kids go through academic assessments and both were on target, if not ahead of grade level. Grant continues to prove cognitively gifted (99.9%) and Ginger incredibly so at reading comprehension and problem solving/relationship assessment. <br />
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So, time to revamp the classroom. I am fully committed. Last year, Ginger was using a file cabinet as a desk and we didn't change a thing about what used to be Ryan's office. In early August, I got a wild hair and, after finding old paint in the garage, the dark 70's wood-paneled built-in bookshelves were painted white and my Dad's antique desk was relocated to the family room. I resolved to navigate IKEA successfully (more major panic attack) for supplies and purchased clearance desks from Crate and Barrel. I removed the dark plush rug and replaced it with a white shag and big floor pillows. My desk is a beautiful glass top on top of a white base and our swivel chairs are black and white. Very modern, bright - LOVE IT! I even made a sign with the Anderson Academy crest to make it official.<br />
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2 months in, working our tails off. I am struggling a bit (constantly tweaking), because of our schedule. I am in three different studies for my own enrichment and theirs (believe me, you would yourself if you had these two in your hands), Ginger takes ballet downtown 4 times a week (1st year in The Nutcracker) and I want Grant to have his own thing (he has soccer, but it's not really engaging). So, when Ryan wakes up this morning, unbeknownst to him yet, I'm going to chat about Grant going to Jiu Jitsu Mondays, Weds and Thursdays and even Saturdays when he doesn't have a conflicting soccer game. That way, I can drop him off and Ryan can pick him up and he's not coming downtown with me three days a week. I am just feeling for the poor kid having to wait with us at the restaurant around the way.<br />
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I am also really divided about pulling out of a morning activity next semester - but I want the kids to just have a down day where they are not rushing around and yet aren't bored. I want one day where we just do school in the morning and then we play. That's still up for discussion. I refuse to give up our CBS Bible study. That I know.<br />
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The kids are in the Options program through Cherry Creek School District - which I love - I think that is still a great thing, until we get into a Classical Conversations Community (group that meets once a week doing the same curriculum I am). They go to art and science at the neighborhood school, Carl Sandburg, then piano at the neighborhood teacher's house - it's a hilarious circus of an education.<br />
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I love the hybrid of public/private/homeschool/athletics. The kids get exposed to a LOT of different situations that they never would have exposure to otherwise. In any given week, the kids are in the urban environment, rural, purely homeschooled kiddos, neighborhood friends, adults, babies, church, unschoolers, earthers (read: Boulderites), grandparents, etc.<br />
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We have so many people in the kids' lives on a consistent basis, I hope that this schedule printout gives some a better idea of how often the kids are with the<i><b> same</b></i> friends, to really build that ever-important "socialization" piece I keep hearing about. Mommy time is anytime during "school" that I'm freaking out and need a break - all day Friday is M-I-N-E. Also, hubbs has sponsored many mommy vacations (ie silent retreat, trips to NYC, etc).<br />
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I think what I have to surrender more and more is what other people think. I do admit though, I'm grateful for feedback (postitive and otherwise) - I need to keep in check the why behind what I'm doing, and aim for the balance.<br />
To answer the most common feedback: <br />
"So, when are your kids around other kids?" (every day)<br />
"You need a break from each other (that's why you look so tired)." (The rest of a laborer is sweet and, we do get breaks from each other)<br />
"How long are you really going to DO this?!?!?!" ( I don't know)<br />
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I know those conversations happen with everyone. No matter what the situation. Other people mean well, but sometimes words are tougher to overcome when you have such high stakes - so much weight on your shoulders - with anything you are doing.<br />
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Things I haven't done well: getting to the gym, getting to the gym, getting to the gym.<br />
Balancing fun time with Grant.<br />
Ginger has decided to take a back seat to her brother's enthusiasm in answering questions and settling in to "getting by" - but, the good news is, I can address that now, instead of her slipping unnoticed through the cracks, in the back of the classroom. There IS no back of the classroom. <br />
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Miracles I've seen this year:<br />
I still see God in all of this. (Ask me. You'll believe it. Or, at least you'll let me believe it)<br />
I see more God in my son and daughter. (Ask me. You'll believe it. Or, at least you'll let me believe it)<br />
Grant and Ginger becoming better and better friends.<br />
I haven't died.<br />
The kids haven't died.<br />
I haven't had any wine for lunch.<br />
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What I need: To get to the gym :-). Find my gluteus muscles again, so I can walk like a normal person. Finish my real estate website/app thing. Make another app for homeschooling. Get to the gym.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-22155975965419480812013-05-09T21:01:00.002-07:002013-05-09T21:07:30.679-07:00Floating In Space after - a GREAT Year!<span style="color: #e69138;"><u><b>ALL DONE!</b></u></span><br />
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Well, we supposedly had our last day of school a few weeks ago. WHAT A YEAR!<br />
We not only survived, but it went so quickly and we all seemed to enjoy it - not that it was without dark days and darker moments, but we really moved through those (at least I hope - I'll tell you when we're in therapy). <br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><u><b>SECOND SEMESTER</b></u></span>- Thumbs Up! <br />
I haven't written since November, so, to sum up the second semester....<br />
We did not seem to take a 2 week Christmas break. I had scheduled time for one... but, even the day after Christmas, the kids were wandering around and so we easily fit in 5 hours of learning "school." So, by the time our vacation to visit my parents came around (2 weeks from Jan 24th - Feb 8th), we were well into our second semester curriculum and ready for the change. I decided not to bring ANY academically focused learning materials (other than an ipad to get us through the long flights and long layovers :-)). I needed a break from an intense six month school year. St. Lucia with my mom and 2nd dad Winston was awesome and full of learning w/o any kind of "trying" to teach. Aaaaaahhhhh... local language, culture, food, the second best open air market in the world, beach, hermit crabs, watercolor... on and on. That was just the first few days. Then, we were on the boat for 3 nights together. All together. 6 of us. 400 sq feet. A (loud)toilet that you pump out. Baths off the side of the boat. LOVELY!!!! The kids slept in their births and were sound asleep before any of us. Mom cooked amazing meals and taught the kids how to tie knots with the lines in the cockpit.<br />
They jumped off the boat into the water, up and down, up and down - drove the dinghy around, went to the beach, visited a fort from the 1700's that detailed the 14 separate French & British battles for the island. We played games, read books. We then moved to the more Euro-chic side of the island where we heard so many different languages, met many of Island Girl's friends and had a lovely room with a view of the ocean and the most magical sunsets I've ever seen. Swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming! We'd walk through town, meet others or just keep to ourselves. The perfect time. So Cherished.<br />
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Back to reality and hit the ground running.<br />
- MOST importantly, as a result of her independent Bible studies and just hangin' out time - Ginger had come to the conclusion that she and God were meant to take the next step and she was baptized in our hot tub in February.<br />
Her favorite scripture was in Acts - the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch. It was an incredible process to witness. We'd just point her to scripture and it came to life for her.<br />
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- We switched Ginger from one public school enrichment (meaning a one-day-a-week homeschool programme) to another and it made all the difference in the world! There were women there who I connected with more easily and many of the kids were part of the CBS that we went to on Wednesdays - more community! Also, I realized that there was a world out there that was homeschooling for reasons that were different from mine, but a bit more similar than the other enrichment we'd been going to. BONUS - We have access to their whole school district's curriculum store and their online Rosetta Stone passcode for only $25!!!! So, we've started French. Her enrichment had a precious daddy daughter dance and other fun actvities for the kids - participate fully in Ameritowne, etc<br />
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- I found an html coding website curriculum for free. SWEET!~ www.codeacademy.com<br />
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.After a few months, I realized, the last day of curriculum was approaching - already 180 days of rigorous curriculum accomplished by the middle of April... <br />
What does that mean? That means that we completed the 2nd grade curriculum as well as other activities/classes.<br />
That was exciting for about 5 minutes. <br />
Then, I became a bit panicked - what now? The last day of school in mid-April? What are we going to do? Eat, sleep and stare at each other? I am so used to my former life. The fun part of the last days of the year - field days, Popsicle days, Teacher Appreciation Days, maybe I'm supposed to fill in the last month before memorial day with those?<br />
The good news is, we still have Grant's preschool, Ginger's enrichment, Kumon every day, French, HTML coding, reading, piano, ballet 2x's a week and Jiu Jitsu. OK - I feel a little better.<br />
But what do we "call" those things? Not "school" - so, what is it? Learning?<br />
It's weird to celebrate the last day of school and still continue education - but I'm sure that I did this last summer - didn't we have things to do other than watch TV after swim team?<br />
I just can't remember them. I feel so uncomfortable, uneasy. I want to know that my kids education is the best in the whole world (so silly). I want to know, for certain, that after all of the planning and teaching and talking and praying and shepherding and guiding and playing and driving - is it working? Are they the most developed, intellectual, spiritual, grounded, fun, healthy kids on the planet this year? I fight the voice that says "failure" if they're not. Will she remember anything?<br />
I am grateful that Grant's preschool and Ginger's enrichment have field day activities coming up. It sounds ridiculous, but that stamp of tradition eases the transition for me.<br />
Anywhoo... so I guess it's a transition time from Spring to Summer and I am having an awkward time of it.<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><u>SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE YEAR:</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">How do I know it was a "good" year? I don't really - if I look to anything tangible - but it was such a huge risk and I see so much richness because of it,- spiritually - intellectually - I guess that's all I should "look" for as kudos?</span></span><b><u><span style="color: purple;"> </span></u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
I have noticed some annoying thoughts/doubts like, "I'm using so much energy and taking so much time and money just to help my kids, in my home - it seems so selfish and limited." I wonder if I could do more for more people and if that isn't much more noble than what I'm doing? Then, the question - am I in a race for nobility (which includes humility, not pride), or am I following the path that was so clearly laid out for me?<br />
<br />
I genuinely would love to have some kind of credentials - partly so I can say that I have credentials - but I feel the pull to really be qualified in some way shape or form on the academic/neurological side of things..... ? I'm reading books on development - but may look into a correspondence course of some kind so I can plug into that more.<br />
<br />
Is the academic challenge strong enough? Coherent/cohesive/comprehensive enough? Is it enough? Am I enough? Am I building character? I have observed that my kids will definitely see our need for a savior because of my example = yikes. Thank God God is God.<br />
<br />
I love taking time with my kids. Knowing my kids. Learning US History was awesome (I just typed that and it looks like I'm lying - but it really was). To walk with so many people through their stories, on a quest to worship and live with fervor and freedom at any cost, in extremely perilous circumstances... that was so inspiring and passionate!!!!!!! I actually liked the history more than science - VERY weird for me.<br />
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Learning my daughters learning style and realizing the puzzle of translating a concept from my brain, through the filter of my learning style to my teaching style to her brain through her learning style. woa... at least we both speak English. <br />
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Grant was AWESOME to have in the classroom. I thought he'd just want to go play in the basement - but he liked some of the curriculum more than Ginger or I did and so we just incorporated him into the drill. I have a notion that doing Kumon has greatly aided in his getting used to "studying" concepts and solving puzzles.<br />
<br />
I loved to learn. I also love seeing the improvements in myself and my daughter.<br />
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Ginger and Grant's relationship is transformed. Truly. No other way to describe it.<br />
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We fit so much in.<br />
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There are limitless resources out there and so many educators willing to help. We may even go to the high school next fall to start French classes!<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><u><b>WHAT HAVE I DONE TO FUEL MYSELF THIS YEAR?</b></u></span><br />
<br />
- TAKING THE STEP - The fact that we took this step was truly invigorating. To follow a path that, in my own mind, was ludicrous, but was so clearly from God, is the most transcendent thing I've EVER done (save reading the Bible for the first time). The intense learning curve and prep itself fueled me. This was a huge mountain to climb and I really enjoyed the prep for it, the emotional challenge, spiritual growth, physical demands and time with my kids. I loved to learn the academic factoids around every corner, googling the google resources that are out there for roam school kids, confronting my own arrogance & judgements to humble myself before the God that brought me here in the first place :-).<br />
<br />
I also have to thank all of my family and friends for the surprising amount of support. The ratio of support to discouragement was surprisingly high and I cannot tell you what a lovely thing that was. I was prepared for the worst - who knows what some were saying behind closed doors (I was saying it about myself) - but I felt so supported. THANK YOU!<br />
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DIGGING DEEP - Involving myself in CBS (community bible study)! Their curriculum is AWESOME and you can't beat it for my kids. I get deep spiritual (nonbiased) insight and the kids have built amazing friendships in a short amount of time (THANK YOU KRISTIN NISONGER!) In fact, I have to post a part of the CBS mission statement:<br />
" Since its inception the philosophy of Community Bible Study has always been that it is every person's Bible study, available to all. Each man, woman, youth, and child will be so cared for and loved that all will feel comfortable in their class regardless of background, education, church involvement, ethnicity, or economic status. Our desire is to build unity in the midst of diversity in our community."<br />
The whole thing is awesome, but I loved that part of it.<br />
<br />
MA GIRLZ - Girls nights/day outings - this has been great. Who doesn't need girl time?<br />
However, there has been a shift. I find I need to focus on things that are a little more rejuvenating and less of an "escape." I find that I'd like to do something at the gym or a dance class. I'd looooove to learn how to really play the guitar. I can putz around, but not really play. <br />
<br />
PLAY DATES - Had play dates with friends' & their kids. I'd say I had two moms that I particularly clicked with who had kids schooled at home and who clicked with my kids. Those times have been very encouraging to me and my little ones as well.<br />
One was a freshmen homeschool mom like me and one was a vet.<br />
I particularly enjoyed it because they have such a great way of discussing/sharing things about their deep convictions, but somehow without judgement. We are different enough in our approach to life that it is fun to learn from our conversations. Our quest was the same, to honor our spiritual convictions in our behavior and conversation. It was nice to have someone to hold me accountable to that. My inertia always is in the direction of hypocrisy.<br />
<br />
MEDITATION - YIKES! I scheduled a time to have a silent prayer retreat in June - by myself. I'm terrified. I may come home after 2 hours instead of 2 days. We'll see what God has for me. I've been taunted with this idea for the last 4 years.<br />
<br />
FREE DAY! - I made sure that the kids had an enrichment on the same day for the same amount of time and that was off limits to schedule for work or anything in particular. I had my Fridays to look forward to and they were sacred. A friend of mine volunteered her time on those days and I felt bad for not doing the same - again - selfish? I wasn't ready for that it felt - but, for what? Still wrestling with what to do on my free days. Most of the time I'd just have coffee or lunch w/friend & play tennis. It was nice, but not that rejuvenating most of the time - though the coffee time with friends was fab.<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><u><b>WHAT DID WE GET THROUGH THIS YEAR?</b></u></span><br />
Most days at home (not enrichment days) we were at it from 8:30 or 9:00 - 2:00 or 2:30. <br />
Prayed<br />
Ginger studied and was led to baptism in February <br />
Completed studies of both Deuteronomy and Hebrews <br />
Adventures in My Father's World curriculum - US History<br />
3 Units in Rosetta Stone French<br />
Html coding basics - tags, images, links<br />
Wrote 5 kids books for school<br />
Advanced 2 levels in Kumon Reading & Math<br />
Completed 2.5 levels of Singapore Math curriculum<br />
Completed 2 units of Spelling Power<br />
Completed study of 50 states (facts, maps, history)<br />
Completed study of the US from exploration to Abraham Lincoln's presidency<br />
Compiled a US Notebook with summaries of each reading assignment in History and a fact sheet for each state.<br />
Learned 10 Patriotic Songs and their origin<br />
Learned Tchaikovsky and his music as well as attended Swan Lake & The Nutcracker Ballet<br />
9 months of Colorado Ballet Academy lessons and advanced a level<br />
Painted, drew, crafted, created, wrote, illustrated, molded, constructed, sewed, sang...<br />
Private lessons in piano for 9 months and in quite a few recitals<br />
Appeared in walk-on role for The Nutcracker downtown at Ellie Caulkins<br />
Read countless books and has 3 more to finish the Little House book series <br />
Played a lot of cool educational apps/typing/coding/writing/drawing/etc.<br />
Science Matters enrichment camp & science experiments at home<br />
50+ slumber parties with her brother in their rooms and adopted little baby "cousins' who play together.<br />
Visited parts of the world they hadn't before - including Orcas Island and St. Lucia<br />
Participated in Brownie Troop 62231 - went to Camp and earned a LOT of patches/badges/etc.<br />
Saw the Van Gogh Exibit at the DAM - WOWOWOW!!!<br />
Studied Art History and classical techniques with private professional artist. <br />
I don't know if I'm forgetting some things... <br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><u>WHAT I WOULDN'T DO AGAIN?</u></b></span><br />
hmmm... thinking about that.... must reflect ...<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><u>WHAT I WILL DO IN THE SUMMER?</u></b></span><br />
swim team... tennis... friends... sleep... eat... dirt... camp... family camp... research a plan for next year :-).<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><u>WHAT TO DO WHEN MY SON STARTS KINDERGARTEN AT ANDERSON ACADEMY (YIKES!) IS THAT THE RIGHT THING? </u></b></span><br />
I'm so emotional about Grant leaving his preschool - all of his teachers were seriously angels - ministering spirits to my sweet and incredibly challenging toddler. God has used that village in miraculous ways for my little boy who is now a big boy and with an emerging gentle spirit. He's so sweet with little ones and I see his love for his sister - it's amazing. At least he'll have CBS and enrichment as well as Jiu Jitsu. <br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><u><b>WHAT IS THE DEAL FOR NEXT YEAR?</b></u></span><br />
TBD - so far, I know we'll be doing Options Enrichment, CBS, Kumon, Jiu Jitsu, Ballet & Piano.... Singapore Math, Spelling Power, Rosetta Stone French, Codeacademy.com, Art classes... Not sure about history/language arts/science. Possibly Classical Conversations... I also want to help them start something that benefits others in the community - to take a leadership role in mobilizing one of their interests and making it a real-life thing. I'm also interested in developing a robot of some kind - either through the legos robotics or the old fashioned way. We'll see.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-73324323927019561162012-11-17T07:47:00.001-08:002012-11-17T07:52:32.709-08:00"Teachable Moments" - they're EVERYWHERE!OK - now that I have a little bit of a brain (feels like it's been the first three months after having a baby)... I think I can keep this updated a little more often but I have some catching up to do.<br />
<br />
What I see in homeschooling that is vastly different than what happens when you're not privately tutoring your kids, is that there are a billion "teachable moments" in any given lesson. Opportunities to teach something that may or may not have to do with the subject at hand, that would have never been detected. It's exhaustingly fulfilling.<br />
<br />
Mainly, I am referring to character lessons. Opportunities to talk about things that will build a foundation for a lifetime. Diligence, hard work, tools to help fight the temptations of laziness, boredom, discouragement, impatience, challenges, envy, etc. I can stop the lesson and talk about (hopefully with the fruits of the Spirit) things that are applicable to everything. Such as, working at something that isn't "interesting" or doing your best handwriting when you are sick of handwriting or finding something interesting in a story that was poorly written or paying attention when you're tired, or how your mind feels different/learns differently if your body is sitting up straight or loose like a noodle. how your heart lifts when you are smiling vs. when you are frowning. That your thoughts create your experience. I can see first hand the eyes glaze over when we've maxed out the amount of information capable of being ingested. We can take a break and review the info later (i.e. learning facts about the different states/colonies) in a way that is more fun. My mom pointed this last one out - that if a child in school tunes out/gets distracted - it's not really noticed.<br />
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I can also see a lot of teachable moments for me. All of the above apply and some others. My ego pops up everywhere. That Jesus is more importantly reflected in my actions more than my words and my words confuse my kids' faith if my actions are impatient and rude. I've learned that my apologies are more frequent than my actions are like Jesus. I've learned that church can be our classroom more than anywhere in the world. That our classroom can be mobile. Should be mobile.<br />
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I also have a rich fantasy life - that we'll somehow become independently wealthy and be able to travel all over and I'll grow dreadlocks or, more likely, shave my head (thinning hair). <br />
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I see that Ginger and Grant's relationship has changed DRAMATICALLY. There is no longer the need to jockey for social achievement at school for Ginger, which was at many times the focal point of the day for her. So, now there is so much more time and energy spent hanging out and playing/learning with her brother. Grant is no longer a nuisance that she has to deal with in between school. He is becoming an ally. They have sleepovers in her room 4 or 5 times a week. A few weeks after they started this, Ginger came to me and said, "Wow - Grant is so much fun to play with when I'm not being mean to him! I've got to change."<br />
That was a day I'll never forget.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-83621964160251495972012-11-16T20:45:00.003-08:002012-11-18T10:03:31.792-08:00New Wineskin Can Be Itchy & Uncomfortable...SO SAD - I had written a post about the last 13 weeks and closed the window before I had saved it. BUMMER!<br />
OK so, start again. My Dad, the writer, always says writers rewrite and my Mom the painter paints the SAME painting 10 times if she doesn't like it. So, I guess I can rewrite once and not complain too much.<br />
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Our family took an incredible vacation to Orcas Island in August before we started school. It was beyond refreshing and gave me a chance to do quite a bit of prep for school as well as just relax. <br />
<br />
The first day of Anderson Academy was August 17, 2012 - at Ginger's request.<br />
It was the first day of the neighborhood school and Grant's first day at Pre-K. So, there it was. I had done a lot of prep for this semester and then went backwards in prep for the months, weeks then days. So, I had listed on our white board many many things to do, as well as the time I thought it would take us - and the classroom looked awesome :-).<br />
Ginger came bounding downstairs in her jammies and decided that would be the unofficial school uniform! Love it. <br />
I was nervous and felt like an impostor; however, I've practiced the "fake-it-till-ya-make-it/sink-or-swim" combo many times before and it seems to work wonders when your actual confidence bails on you. Anywhoo - we had a great day and I had everything planned so that we could be done with "school" by the time we went to pick up Grant.<br />
Ginger was - and is - so eager to do school - it's a bit bizarre. I fully expect she's still in the honeymoon phase, but she's been sure about this for the last three years. Who knew? I have asked her if homeschool is what she expected and she just says, "yea. well, I didn't know what to expect." Even on the darkest days (my side as a teacher - yikes) she's never looked back. <br />
<br />
Day 2. August 18, 2012.<br />
We decide to have a playdate with her friend Kayla from preschool cause she hasn't started school yet and because now, "we can." I took Ginger, Grant & Kayla to the pool at the gym cause the neighborhood pool wasn't open during the early part of the day anymore. It was deserted. I thought I would love that, as then it is so much easier to keep track of the kids and we are "beating the system." it was lonely. It was weird. I started to feel my heart beating faster and I felt my breath becoming shallower. What in the world am I doing?<br />
Enter in desperate dramatic thought -<br />
"I am without the community I had in the neighborhood"<br />
"No chit chat at drop-off, library duty, room mom stuff - nothing. Isolation. I'm weirder."<br />
"what am i doing to my kids? There's no one to play with here... their friends are all in SCHOOL somewhere!" <br />
"I don't know if the kids still need backpacks? "<br />
"I suck at this!"<br />
"What about my life?"<br />
<br />
I backpedalled all the way down the rabbit hole.<br />
Then, when it was time to go home, Ginger's friend said it must be nice to homeschool because family is so nice. That was weird.<br />
I was sinking into culture shock. I felt like I was living someone else's life and yet saw my other choices as antiquated. I've drunk the koolaid but still miss/remember the taste of what was. New wineskin is itchy and irritating and unfamiliar.<br />
<br />
Day 3. I'm now adapting a routine. 8:00pm(night b4), put kids to bed - 8:45, lesson planning for the next day. Prep white board, supplies, books, etc. I firmly believe that if you put in an enormous amount of work into anything to begin with - the payoff down the road is well worth it and you've built a solid foundation. So, I work for an hour or two each night at the beginning - just to cover my bases and research the different methodologies each of our curricula required.<br />
<br />
Day 3 goes remarkably smoothly. I chose a math curriculum that I love and started behind a couple of levels so that Ginger would feel confident with the lessons and that I would be able to catch up to my own adjustments before tackling newer math concepts with her.<br />
<br />
Now, day whatever, ending week 13. It is amazing how smooth the transition has been, considering that I don't fit in anywhere and don't know what's happening around me. The time flies by and the certainty only increases. I don't enjoy the pain of discovering my shortcomings in such technicolor - but it allows me to finally be aware of them, which is the beginning of growing beyond them, or, embracing how God made me. How God made Ginger - and Grant.<br />
<br />
I have experienced that our family is somehow more of a family. This I cannot explain except I realized that sometimes during the beginning of homeschool I wanted to shut down - something scared me about the intimacy of it. The stillness of it. The we're-together-all-the-time part. After a few weeks, it hit me. I have compartmentalized my life since I can remember. Especially as it had to do with family - because it was sometimes painful without purpose or resolution. Now, with my own family, I have done some of the same. It's not that my boundaries are gone now - those will always be healthy - but the defenses are exposed for what they are and wholly unnecessary. Anyway - I'm thinking out loud as I go - so, I'm not sure of the coherence of this....<br />
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I have realized too that I am more of an introvert than I once thought. There is a peace in simplicity of action and mind. God is much more integrated into our lives as well. A spiritual experience instead of a spiritual appointment.<br />
<br />
So many things to discuss... So many unexpected gifts from this... this... hard... work....<br />
<br />
I will post again soon - but to sum up:<br />
This is EXACTLY where we are supposed to be. Confirmed ad-nauseum.<br />
Uncomfortable. Lonely. Scary. Stupid. Irritating. Miraculous. Oh yea, and, we're learning a LOT academically - VERY rigorous - incredible resources out there of all kinds.... funny how that seems like an aside compared to everything else we're learning :-).<br />
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Pictures coming lata -<br />
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philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-26339882655238212162012-06-06T21:17:00.000-07:002012-06-06T21:17:56.799-07:00(Begin Where You are)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Chapter 5 Begin Where You ARE! Who you ARE!</span><br />
<br />
Begin homeschooling with a curriculum and structure level that you are COMFORTABLE with!<br />
<br />
"When you consider homeschooling as learning without school, you realize that all parents have been homeschooling their children since birth."<br />
- Begin with your strength as expert on your child.<br />
- don't look for the "perfect" method - it will only discourage you and your kiddos<br />
- Homeschooling should ALWAYS be comfortable - especially at the beginning - so, where you are RIGHT NOW is the most comfortable (Ginger will be taking Art & Music at the neighborhood school so she can have some of what we have RIGHT NOW)<br />
- Being comfortable makes it a lot easier to tinker with homeschooling until it fits your family's lifestyle.<br />
- THERE ARE NINE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO HOMESCHOOLING:<br />
<br />
1) Traditional School At Home - online government or private institutions with similar structure - but can be under any philosophy - Core curriculum, Waldorf, Montessori, etc. It has the same vocabulary as institutional school, which your child may have just left.<br />
- this is also more useful in states with stricter accountability laws<br />
- Children will be at the same academic level as age peers if they return to public school<br />
- ready-made curriculum provides a starting point<br />
- keeps the family on track with regard to grade-level content if they alter the hours/days/months of the public school calendar<br />
- Easy way to satisfy state legal requirements<br />
<br />
2) Classical Education<br />
- The classical method is based on a revival of the educational approach called the trivium, a three-part process of literally training a child's mind.<br />
- Preparation for College academics<br />
- to study history in chronological order<br />
- to use original source books in teaching<br />
- to study the trivium (Grammar Stage, Logic Stage & Rhetoric (Poetic) Stage)<br />
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3) Charlotte Mason<br />
- Core Knowledge accompanied by fine arts<br />
- Use of "living books" (classical literature) in lieu of textbooks<br />
- narrative summaries of learning in lieu of written tests and exams<br />
- creation of a "Century Book" which serves as a timeline and an organizational center where information gleaned from reading, field trips, and other sources is placed into "the big picture"<br />
- copy work<br />
- Reasons for Charlotte Mason - If your child is an avid reader<br />
- Provides plenty of attention to fine arts, classical music and literature<br />
- promotes concentration<br />
- focuses on what child knows, not on what the child doesn't know<br />
- enriches parents' education at the same time<br />
<br />
4) Unit Studies<br />
Theme or topic-based and use as starting points anything from historical eras to good books, science topics to cultural expiration. Learning occurs within a framework provided by the topic, and study of the topic incorporates literature, science, social studies, art, music and more.<br />
- cuts down on lesson-prep with multiple age kiddos<br />
- allows time to study a topic in depth<br />
- offers guidelines w/o the rigidity of a curriculum<br />
- easily blends child's and adult's learning interests<br />
- often reveals 'side learning trips' that the child might not have discovered otherwise<br />
- good fill-in when life circumstances get crazy, such as a new baby, moving, or illness.<br />
<br />
5) Eclectic<br />
- Do whatcha wanna do :-)<br />
- inexpensive<br />
- easy to incorporate kids natural interests<br />
- frees one to do "real-life"<br />
- by accident - instead of planned lessons<br />
- easy way to start with early years kids<br />
- children develop an enthusiasm for learning<br />
- helpful for kids who've had a difficult time in school<br />
- didn't like paying for curriculum that they didn't end up using<br />
<br />
6) Interest (Child) Initiated or Unschooling<br />
- "Unschooling: The process by which a person acquires specific and nonspecific skills and information as determined by the needs and interests of the person(s) doing the learning and by methods suited to, and chosen by, those doing the learning."<br />
- an extension of printing their children as honorable and joyful, full time work (OK, is this a little hokey?)<br />
- it mirrors the way many adults go about leaning something they want to know<br />
- can nurture both learning styles and interests at the same time<br />
- allows for the most efficient, accurate learning in all arenas<br />
- had previously observed how much their children were learning simply by asking questions and receiving answers.<br />
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7) School Sponsored Homeschooling programs<br />
- has similarities to homeschooling co-ops<br />
- potentially makes it easier to receive needed special education assistance<br />
- accountability levels are low<br />
- attending classes fills socialization needs<br />
ability to pick and choose what to learn at home and what to learn at school<br />
- to fill in perceived gaps in education due to personal constraints on time, ability, or other life circumstances.<br />
<br />
8) Independent Coop Learning Situations<br />
ILC's are fee of government regulation, free to be what-ver those who create and utilize them want them to be.<br />
- get together with other homeschool families learning similar things or different<br />
- creates a community of support for parents and kids<br />
- interaction with other children<br />
- combining funds to reduce costs of lessons to individual families<br />
- offers choice of classes that might be unavailable otherwise<br />
- parents have learned how to come together and blend their different approaches to learning<br />
<br />
9) Online Learning - a K-12 or other private online curriculum<br />
- Childs ability to research any subject of interest<br />
- information available at all times, day or night<br />
- availability of wide range of opinions/approaches on topics<br />
- child enjoys using the computer<br />
- programs are convenient, as they can cover an entire curriculum.<br />
<br />
one of the "takeaways" was that I will probably combine a few of these approaches...<br />
<br />
another quote was from a homeschool parent " We are convinced that a prepackaged curriculum is the most comfortable way to start homeschooling your first year. After that, you can start to loosen the structure - " I liked this because I am worried about what i'm doing - and it takes away a lot of stress to know what you are going to do when you wake up in the morning.<br />
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OK - I was also just futzing around and found the following - </span><br />
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Check out some of the amazing homeschool/unschool opportunities there are - These are just a couple that I found on the web at first blush<br />
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http://unschooladventures.com/?page=trips<br />
http://www.hscconference.com/main.html<br />
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The CHEC conference in Colorado seems like it offers great break-out sessions but the demographic will be interesting I think, based on the speakers.<br />
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There is a conference on Educational Technology every year for teachers and professionals and I'm DYING to go - but, until then, I found out that there are standards for teachers, students & curricula that we may want to pay attention to as homeschoolers so that our kids enter the new tech job market ahead of the curve: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx<br />
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To get ready for the upcoming conference, and selecting our curriculum, we had Ginger go through an assessment test this week through a professional Childhood Education Counselor (PhD) so that we would know what "grade" to start her, for what subject, get an idea of her potential (IQ) her strengths, weaknesses, areas of interest and learning styles. It ain't cheap, but I am so excited to have that information under our belt when solidifying curriculum in the coming weeks. I know that there are some online assessments you can give your kids for free/cheap as well. <br />
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Ginger had so much fun at the assessment that she said, "mom - when are we going to GET to WORK on homeschooling?"<br />
To which I replied, "that's the great thing, honey - you don't need a bell to tell you when to start learning. It's all the time!"<br />
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We'll have Grant go through the assessment next year, or, whenever he's ready to come home for school.<br />
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I need to get reading glasses - :-) g'nite!<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-10795478336305443012012-05-20T20:50:00.003-07:002012-05-20T20:51:08.604-07:00LAST DAY at school... "Think It Through, Please!"So, I've been swallowed up by "life" and haven't posted for a while. <br />
However, a momentous occasion occurred two days ago and I DON'T want that to pass me by completely unnoticed. <br />
Ginger attended her LAST DAY at the institution. Wow. This is a H-U-G-E step for our family!!!!!!<br />
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However, I tried to be as low key as possible with the drop off and etc. Ginger doesn't do well with goodbyes and I also just wanted to think of it as a natural progression - as this decision has been so gradual, we're all quite used to it by now...<br />
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Anywhoo - I was curious to see how Ginger fared on her last day of school. It's 2:03pm, I'm sitting in the carpool line, waiting for my sweet little one. I see hundreds of kids pouring out of school - many of them with bouquets of flowers. 5th grade graduation, I assume. <br />
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I had read on the website that there was going to be a "walk" at 1:45pm for the kids who were graduating AND/OR were not returning to Sandburg next year. I wrongly assumed (isn't that redundant?) that I would be contacted regarding Ginger walking with those kids if they were to include her and I purposefully did NOT request her inclusion for two reasons.<br />
She is 1) returning to the school for Art classes once a week next year anyway and<br />
2) she is the ONLY 1st grader in her class NOT returning - so, how would it feel to be singled out as a SIX YEAR OLD - waving goodbye to your friends, during the graduation theme song???!?!?!?!?! I think that might introduce drama where there was none necessary.<br />
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Anyway, I am in the car, looking for Ginger - I see her little head bob around the corner. She's holding flowers and bawling her little eyes out. I exit the car (which is against the rules) and come up to her - scooping her up in my arms. I didn't have to ask what was wrong.<br />
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I have nary a kind word to say about the decision to include Ginger in the 5th grade graduation/1st grader not-continuing walk - "Think It Through Please" - is about the best I can come up with.<br />
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My parents were amazed at the shortsightedness of the faculty - especially when they know so much about the kiddos psyche at that point. <br />
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The good news: 1)She was over it in about 10 minutes after I reminded her of a birthday party we were going to straight away. 2) She was still excited not to be going back full time. 3) Above all, it royally confirmed that, as a mom, I have the luxury and responsibility and honor of thinking through things, praying for wisdom and discernment about the appropriate processes for my family - especially at this tender age.<br />
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<br />philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-62644976857470791112012-05-07T20:56:00.001-07:002012-05-07T20:56:08.072-07:00Italy & other travelYummmmm...philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0Vice Consulate of Italy 7325 South Jackson Street, Centennial39.582078 -104.942931tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-33439601214975758052012-04-30T13:55:00.000-07:002012-04-30T19:37:23.568-07:00Expectations: The Silent DreamkillerI have realized from my own attitudes that, gone undetected, expectations will kill your dreams, destroy the ability to find gratitude and sew seeds of deep bitterness & attitude of victimization. A lethal recipe for a poison that will steal the life and light from any moment or relationship that you hold dear.<br />
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I am realizing that I have to beg for exposure of my undetected expectations about homeschooling. I have to suspend them as I see them. <br />
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I think I'm more afraid of what is unseen - but isn't that also where truly walking in faith comes in? Be sure of what you HOPE for and CERTAIN of what you CANNOT see.<br />
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Huh>philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190719474212209994.post-65443633258393488222012-04-28T11:03:00.000-07:002012-04-28T11:04:15.948-07:00Unsolicited Confirmation Always Feels GoodI am so grateful for being able to process this journey, one day at a time. It's a fascinating process. I have seen over the years and, especially after I have committed to homeschooling, that I continue to follow breadcrumbs of confirmation that I am walking the path God has led before me, including my family. <br />
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On a few occasions, just this week, there were things that made it clear that Ginger could really thrive if given more dynamic opportunities that are now open to us.<br />
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My parenting has been so much less about the box and getting us into it.<br />
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My mind has opened up to a lot of brainstorming that I've not previously given myself permission to explore.<br />
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I can't wait to hang out with her. Chat more.<br />
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She's a naturally inquisitive person - so there is no telling where we will go!!!<br />
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I met and connected with other homeschool moms who I see will be kindreds at least in this arena.<br />
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So, that's that for that.<br />
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It's a beautiful day - my son is back in his not-so-self-controlled-self. Ugh. Going to be a long few weeks until it cycles out of him again.<br />
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Enjoy today. Accept love. Live in and through Grace. Take responsibility. You are beautiful.philosochichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07403302478179858941noreply@blogger.com0