Seasons of Learning

A Little Stress Relief...

2011-09-20T00:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy, long, hot summer...spent all last year planning...yet somehow the new year still snuck up on me. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and kidney failure and has just started dialysis...not doing so well right now. Baby is getting big...my 8 yo is going on 25...school is off to a slow start...and thankfully vacation is just around the corner!

Whoever said the days are long but the years are short was a very wise individual.

Now with all that in mind I think I'm meandering through a midlife crisis. Got to thinking about a bucket list...you know the things you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet...so my little sis and I took some time to hit the gun range this weekend, relieve some stress, and knock an item off that list :) The most fun I've had in a while! First time out, first time shooting...my only goal was to actually hit the target...I think I did alright.

Many other changes around here...painted the kitchen, made new curtains, lost 25 lbs (with more to go), switched from PC to an IMac and so on. Mostly good changes...amidst the not so good ones that I can't control. Such is life.

Fall is here...time to slow down, relax, and enjoy some chili :)

Happy Homeschooling!

OH HAPPY DAY!

2011-07-11T18:02:00.001-04:00

My precious girl first learning that her "wish" to visit the Harry Potter theme park at Universal was going to be granted! What a blessing to see her so happy and excited - LOVE THIS! She has suffered from a refractory seizure disorder for several years and has had a heck of a time. Please keep praying for her!

Bookcase Bliss

2011-06-14T16:18:00.003-04:00

Is it possible to be in love with wood? Wait just a minute before you answer. Now....close your eyes and fashion it into a wall-to-wall bookcase and ask yourself again ;-)

It has been a very long time since we've made any changes or embarked on any redecorating around the house. In fact, we had hoped to move into something a bit bigger, but that isn't in the cards right now, so in making the best of what we have and where we are, I finally got the urge and burst of energy needed to spur me forward into a few "around the house" projects.

The first project took several weeks and a lot of work for dh, but it is finally complete and we ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Here's the story of how it all began:

I had this neat metal bookcase (like the ones you'd see at the library) and I didn't have adequate room to maneuver it around and wanted something that would fit my needs better...thus I was able to negotiate the selling of it in exchange for another custom built bookshelf from dh. That was a pretty good deal in my book, but it gets even better -- as we somehow made a grand leap from a standard bookshelf to a wall-to-wall bookcase! I'm still bewildered as to how that happened quite so effortlessly, but I'm counting it a blessing and you certainly won't hear any complaints from me!

To get started I Googled a few pics, found one I liked, drew up some plans, (yes, I got the easy part here!) and then dh went to work. The results are below...

the plan (done in printshop)

setting the base with pre-built cabinets

building upwards (we used the wall for the back to save cost)

cabinet fronts removed for ease of painting

oh my!

Absolutely Gorgeous!

It holds SO much stuff and cleared up some desperately needed space in our living room. Next, we added some new picture frames, a couple fresh couch pillows to brighten things up, and it feels like new.

I am thrilled with how it turned out and only wish we'd done it years ago!

One project down....and on to the next. We have limited funds for remaining projects and still have a septic tank and dry well to have filled in, so it will be budget conscious means of making things "new" - removing wallpaper, painting, countertop replacment, etc. Fun, fun! Gotta run with it when the mood strikes, hee-hee!

A Simple Prayer

2011-04-20T15:06:00.003-04:00

Lord magnify the beauty of your wonderful creation

for without your splendor, the view is dull

Lord comfort me when I am hurting

for without your solace the pain is overwhelming

Lord humble me when I think too highly of myself

for without you I am nothing

Lord lead and direct my path in all things

for without your guidance I am lost

Lord fill me with faith when all seems in vain

for without that conviction, despair haunts me

Lord grant me wisdom in the day to day of life

for without it, my perception is skewed

Lord shower me with new mercies each day

for without your grace, forgiveness evades me

Lord liberate me from the tendency to judge others

for without compassion, chains confine me

Lord remind me that I am here for a purpose

for wtihout that understanding I wonder aimlessly

Lord let your Word be comprehensible to me

for without your clarity, my vision is impaired

Lord raise me above the depths of my circumstances

for without your promises, reality engulfs me

Lord release me from the limits I place upon myself

for without your sovereignty I stumble and fall

Lord remind me that someday there will be no more tears

for without that knowledge this world is insufferable

Lord dwell steadfast in my heart, mind, and soul

for without your presence I am empty

The sun rises, the sun sets.

The days are long, but the years are short.

More of you, less of me!

Altogether Beautiful

2011-04-17T18:28:00.005-04:00

1. Ten Tiny Toes

2. Hearing the words "I lub you Mommie!"

3. Sitting in the presence of 4 generations of family

4. Watching the birds mingle in the trees and hearing them sing

5. The pink blooms on my dogwood tree

Puzzled? The Pieces Falling Into Place

2011-04-16T17:52:00.000-04:00

PUZZLED?
The Pieces Falling into Place
by David Quine (shared with permission)

Jigsaw puzzles were part of my earliest childhood. It seems that every Christmas our family received a new puzzle and it wasn't long before the card table became a puzzle table. We would spend hours searching for just the right pieces. At first we looked for the easiest ones -- the four corners and edge pieces. But then the work began as we compared pieces in search for just the right one. We were always looking for patterns -- patterns in shape and color. Eventually, all the pieces would fall into place and the picture on the box would emerge onto our card table. I didn't realize how important these yearly puzzles were in my life until I started writing this article. I have always been a person who looks for patterns among things that appear on the surface to have no pattern. Searching for how the pieces of life's puzzle fits together is who I am. Some puzzles are concrete like a jigsaw puzzle, but others are not -- they are abstract. Those are the harder puzzles to fit together.

There is a puzzle I have been thinking about for the past 15 years. It has to do with the emergence of Classical Education into Christian education. It was first seen in the starting of Classical schools and then more recently a flood of classical curriculum and classical co-ops within homeschooling itself. As the author of World Views of the Western World and Starting Points and home school speaker, many years ago I was asked to present a series of lectures at a "Classical Education" convention. However, several weeks after the invitation was given I was told that my materials were not acceptable and I would not be allowed to present after all. At the time I thought this a little puzzling, but let it slide.

But now I understand what is happening. About a month ago the pieces of the puzzle began falling into place. Where do I start? For me there are four pieces to this puzzle and each piece relates to a particular person: Dr. Peter Enns, Dr. Susan Wise Bauer, the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer, and finally, Josh McDowell. All four of these people are considered influential Christian thinkers and teachers. Let's look at each puzzle piece -- analyzing its color and shape to see how they all might fit together. I will put them into the order in which they came to my mind - although we could actually start with any piece.

Puzzle Piece Number 1: Dr. Susan Wise Bauer
In her very popular history series, The Story of the World, Dr. Bauer subtitled her book: History for the Classical Child. Have you ever asked yourself this question: "Is the Classical child a Christian child?" I think this is a legitimate question. In fact, I think it is the pivotal question. When this textbook first became available I was puzzled by the opening chapter: The Earliest People. As I read the first and then the second paragraphs, I was puzzled.There was no mention of the people I was accustomed to thinking of as the earliest people. Where was Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, and where was Noah? They were no where to be found. The first person mentioned is "Tarak . a seven-year-old nomad who lives with her family - almost seven thousand years ago." And then where was the God of the Bible? He wasn't there either -- not until several chapters later. We are first introduced to the gods Ra and Orisis and others. It was puzzling to me.

Puzzle Piece Number 2: Josh McDowell
In a presentation given in March of this year Josh McDowell talked about the 5 Core Beliefs of Christianity:

1 - The Reliability of Scripture,
2 - The Deity of Christ,
3 - Truth
4 - The Resurrection, and
5 - Salvation through Faith

We agree that these five beliefs are at the core of Christianity. In fact, they are the foundation of the curriculum we have written. Our curriculum is considered an apologetic approach to learning where the student learns not only what we as Christians belief, but why we believe what we believe and then how to communicate these ideas to those in our culture. We teach students how to dialogue from a Pre-suppositional Apologetic (Francis Schaeffer and others), from an Evidential Apologetic (Josh McDowell and others) and from a Moral Apologetic (CS Lewis and others).

I was shocked by the statistics that Josh gave at this conference regarding the lack of belief in these 5 Core Beliefs among evangelical born again young people in the church today. His research study has revealed that less than 4% of evangelical born again young people hold all five of these beliefs as true! Less than 4%! That is shocking.

Puzzle Piece Number 3: Dr. Peter Enns
Dr. Enns was a new piece to my puzzle and perhaps the key to putting all the others together. He is a Christian author, teacher, and writer. I hope that I am able to clearly articulate his piece in the puzzle. It was his association with Dr. Bauer that makes his piece so significant and understandable. He is the author of many articles and several books. The one which is the most important for this discussion is Inspiration and Incarnation. The subtitle to this work is Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. This book has caused quite a stir among evangelical theologians and is worthy of your time to read. His thoughts are very important. Please stay with me through this part. To understand what Dr Enns is saying let me share excerpts from a letter written by Dr. Wayne Grudem (2008) to Dr. Peter Lillback, President of Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia, regarding Dr. Enns, who was at that time a professor at Westminster Seminary:

I find the book (Inspiration and Incarnation) to be deeply troubling, for the following reasons:

Enns repeatedly delights in presenting interpretations of the Bible that make it appear more problematic and more filled with unresolved and irresolvable problems than it really is (pp. 72, 79, 92, etc.). He insists on translation options that make Scripture internally contradictory with itself (pp. 92-93), or simply false (pp. 54, 98). He repeats the same kind of anti-inerrancy rhetoric that I heard at Fuller in the 1970s, characterizing belief in the Bible's complete truthfulness as "defensive" or as coming close to "intellectual dishonesty" or as simply "preconceived notions" (pp. 14, 107, 108), but speaking of views that take the Bible as contradictory as "creative," "refreshing," and "listening to how the Bible itself behaves" (pp. 15, 66; see also 73, 108). He frequently represents conservative evangelical scholarship as unreliable and untrustworthy (at least pre-Enns), but, remarkably, he impugns conservative scholarship not by documented quotations but by using undocumented, straw-man arguments (pp. 47, 49, etc.). The overall result of this approach will be to lead readers to distrust both the Bible and much evangelical Old Testament scholarship.

He implies that he thinks there is no difference in the truthfulness we should ascribe to the Bible and to ancient Akkadian stories: "How can we say logically that the biblical stories are true and the Akkadian stories are false when they both look so very much alike?" (p. 40). It apparently does not occur to him that believing the Bible to be the Word of God (as I thought Westminster faculty we expected to do) is a very good reason for saying that the Bible is true, and the Akkadian flood stories are unreliable. He fails even to consider the possibility of God's special revelation to Moses, and of his providential guidance and protection of the truthfulness of the records, so that the Bible's stories of creation and the flood are absolutely truthful, historical and reliable. He gives no indication here that he thinks God was any more involved in the biblical accounts than in the Akkadian myths.

He says that "what makes Genesis different from its Ancient Near Eastern counterparts is that it begins to make the point to Abraham and his seed that the God they are bound to . . . is different from the gods around them" (p. 53). But this is in the context of discussing the category of "myth" (which he opposes to "historical," p. 49), and so the implication seems to be that truthfulness or historical accuracy of the account is not something that makes Genesis different from other Ancient Near Eastern creation myths.

He says that "Genesis - as other stories of the ancient world - thus portrays the world as a flat disk with a dome above" (p. 54). But what is a reader to do with this? We know today that that view is false: the world is not a flat disk. But I do not see how readers then can avoid the implication that they should not believe what Genesis tells them about the world. Genesis according to Enns is simply untrue.

He claims that Hebrew (or an earlier version of written Hebrew) may not have even existed at "the end of the second millennium B.C." (p. 51), and thus implies a chronology that makes it impossible for Moses (died 1400 or perhaps 1180 B.C.) to have written the Hebrew words of Genesis - Deuteronomy (p. 52).

This was the missing piece to my puzzle. I had never seen the connection before. This explains why Dr. Bauer's history series, Story of the World, doesn't include the first eleven chapters of the Bible! What happens to each of the 5 Core Beliefs of Christianity within Dr. Enns framework of theology? Do we maintain the reliability of the Scripture and Truth? What about the other three aspects of these core beliefs?

Puzzle Piece Number 4: Dr. Francis Schaeffer
The final piece of this puzzle explains what we can expect to happen regarding these 5 Core Beliefs of Christianity.

I remembered Dr. Schaeffer writing about the Reliability of Scripture and Truth in his book No Final Conflict, but what did he say? I began reading. He explained that the watershed issue of our generation would be the Reliability of Scripture and Truth and then eventually the other three core beliefs.

"It is my conviction that the crucial area of discussion for evangelicalism in the next years will be the Scripture. At stake is whether evangelicalism will remain evangelical. The issue is whether the Bible is God's verbalized communication to men giving propositional truth where it touches the cosmos and history, or whether it is only in some sense "revelational" where it touches matters of religion. The early chapters of Genesis relate to this discussion, but ultimately the question is not (and cannot be) confined to them: the whole Bible is involved." (Francis A. Schaeffer, No Final Conflict, Introduction)

"We must say that if evangelicals are to be evangelicals, we must not compromise our view of Scripture. There is no use in evangelicalism seeming to get larger and larger, if at the same time appreciable parts of evangelicalism are getting soft at that which is the central core -- namely, the Scriptures..

"We must say most lovingly but clearly: evangelicalism is not consistently evangelical unless there is a line drawn between those who take a full view of Scripture and those who do not.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Final Conflict, Ch. 1

The neo-orthodox position is that the Bible contains mistakes in the areas of history and science, but we are to believe it anyway in the religious areas, that somehow a "religious word" breaks forth from it. The result is that religious things become "truth" inside of one's head -- just as the drug experience or the Eastern religious experience is "truth" inside of one's head.

"Further, it means that the next generation of Christians will have the ground completely swept from under them. It is my observation that those who are taught a weakened view of the book of Genesis by their professors almost always carry it further into the whole Bible and are left really shaken as far as any real basis for their Christianity is concerned. And there is a reason for being shaken, for there is no reason to keep what the Bible says religiously if we have put it in an upper story and thrown away that of which the Bible speaks when it touches history and the cosmos.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Final Conflict, Ch. 2)

CONCLUSION
This is not always easily detected. Think with me for one more moment. Our core beliefs are being undermined in the very curriculum we are using with our children by our own hands! Puzzle Piece #1 omits the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Puzzle Piece #3 gives a theological basis for making that decision, because how can we know for certain that the Genesis story of Creation and the Flood are any more reliable than these other accounts. Puzzle Piece #2 gives a report on state of the evangelical born again young people in our churches. Puzzle Piece #4 explains what is really at stake! When you reject what the Bible says regarding history (including the first eleven chapters of the Genesis) and the cosmos, there is really nothing left. Do you see how all the pieces fit together?

Before we return to my original question, Is the Classical child a Christian child?, let me introduce you to a new magazine entitled IOTA published by The Youth Classics Institute. It "is a new Classically-themed magazine for elementary school students! It aims to introduce Classics and Latin in a fun, informative, and engaging way, and its content is designed and written to fit in with curricula on the ancient Greeks and Romans. Each full-color issue is approximately 25 pages and explores a god, a monster, a historical person, an object from the ancient Greco-Roman world, and Latin words. Students will enjoy the exciting stories, multitude of pictures, interactive games, and varied activities!"

We are encouraged to follow the link to see sample pages of their new magazine for elementary school children. On their web site we are introduced to Demeter, a goddess of classical Greece and Rome. Because she is the goddess of grain and harvest she is seen featured on a cereal box in living color. The lesson explains her importance to farming and the need to worship her. The child is told that the worship of Demeter has its origin in the mysterious worship of the Egyptian goddess Isis. Then the student is asked to complete several activities: 1 - Draw her picture; 2 - Create a new Cereal Box cover featuring Demeter; 3 - Write a speech as if you were Demeter encouraging your worshippers to care for Mother Earth; and 4 - learn the Latin names for several items.

When it comes to a classical education, would there be a more informed voice than Plato who started the first Academy?

The beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression more readily taken.

Harmless? Hmmm. Although I can't imagine any Christian family using such material, I am sure it will seep into our curriculum halls before long because the door has now been opened. Will we walk through it or will we close the door? May I rephrase my original question, "Can a Christian child be a Classical child?"

The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

History Through the Ages Timeline Figures - Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-31T12:27:00.001-04:00

Today is the day!

And the winner is. . .

Stefanie F.
feyerfamhs(at)yahoo(dot)com

(ETA: winner was selected by use of random.org)

Thanks to each of you who stopped by and took time to read my review and be part of this giveaway. It has been my pleasure to share about these wonderful resources with you!

Stay tuned, I'll be doing more wonderful giveaways each quarter of this year including a complete set of the Charlotte Mason Original Series! Want to stay updated? Sign-up to "follow" my blog!

Blessings,

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right!

2011-03-23T20:32:00.004-04:00

Who would have ever expected so much drama and bickering among leaders in the homeschool community? I sure wouldn't have, and certainly not at the level of disgrace that this situation has risen too so quickly.

As of yesterday, the Midwest Convention has uninvited Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis.

http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ken-Ham-Issue-Public-Statement.pdf

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/03/22/kicked-out-homeschool-conferences?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AIGDaily+%28Answers+in+Genesis+Daily+Articles%29&utm_content=FaceBook

Wow, what a shame!

First let me acknowledge that my understanding and comprehension of this situation is limited to the tittle-tattle that has taken place online and been made so public.

In that regard, I am very disappointed in the way each party has approached this situation. The gossip and public discourse is unbecoming to each as an individual and to each as a "leader" in the homeschooling community - and while I am fully aware that these folks certainly have the right to share and voice whatever they choose to on their blogs, forums, FB pages, etc., I can't help but wish someone would have reminded them that along with the right to freedom of speech . . .they also "have the right to remain silent!"

In reading the statements by B. Dean and K. Ham that I've linked above, both perspectives seem divisive and intended to stir the attendees into taking sides. . .and the accusatory comments by both parties intertwined with finger-pointing scripture is disheartening on many levels.

Then there are the blog posts below by Susan Wise Bauer and Jay Wile that incriminate and accuse as well, which no doubt played a role in the current situation and uninvite. . .

Susan Bauer
http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/life-on-the-border/

Jay Wile
http://blog.drwile.com/?p=4602

A great deal of "he said", "she said" and an unfortunate situation all the way around. Nobody wins here!

Furthermore, the way the conference hosts handled themselves in this matter was uncouth and dishonorable. Mr. Ham had been an invited speaker, thus if he had made statements that created concern and needed to be addressed, it should have been done professionally and with discretion. Perhaps a few emails to Mr. Dean (conference host and organizer) expressing dismay might be in order. . .

bdean@midwesthomeschoolconvention.com

Lastly, while I respect Susan Wise Bauer and her right to run her board as she sees fit, her seemingly one-sided pot stirring among her supporters did not strike me as necessary or appropriate, particularly considering the subsequent deletion of posts and threads when things got heated or opinions differed, i.e., support for Ham, disagreement with the Midwest decision. (Yes, some select dissensions remain, but the censorship is palpable.)

To compound this imbalance of perspectives, still up for reading one can find. . . the thread and link to Susan Bauer's posts on the issue, along with the thread and link on Jay Wile's post - neither of which are much different than Ham's. And of course, let's not omit the very lengthy thread which she herself started on the scuffle topic, which remains "closed" for further discussion while ever-so-available for your reading pleasure as it contains plenty of ill remarks regarding Mr.Ham as well as her encouragement for folks to support Midwest's decision to uninvite him.

Palpable. I don't think it'd be off the mark to state that it's just wrong to impose bias dialogue in this manner particularly after initiating the topic. I mean, c'mon, if you're going to stir the pot. . .

In closing, the matter is simply sad all the way around. No one is more wrong than another, and as they saying goes. . .two wrongs don't make a right. As leaders in the homeschool community, all parties involved should have conducted themselves with more integrity and tact before unleashing the storm of words that has ensued.

Praying for resolution.

Review - History Through the Ages Timeline Figures and Resources

2011-03-09T17:01:00.001-05:00

Utilizing a timeline adds a unique visual touch to history studies. It is a wonderfully useful adjunct that allows one to glimpse the "big picture" when it comes to chronology and relevancy of all that has past. A timeline can help us remember important dates, events, people, empires, architectural developments, presidential offices and more, while also allowing us to see some of the connections or relationships between these things. What was going on in the world when Shakespeare was writing comedies, tragedies and poetry? Who was President during WWII? Who was living and what was going on when Jesus was crucified? What classic authors lived at the same time? What else was going on during the Industrial Revolution?

History is fascinating. Creating and using a timeline can help make it fun too! Thus, I want to share some of my absolute favorites resources from Homeschool in the Woods that we have used with success and joy in our homeschool.

First, there are the pre-printed sets of wall size timeline figures. These come in four individual packs that cover the various time periods from Creation to Christ, Resurrection to Revolution, Napoleon to Now, and of course, America's History. These sets correspond well with many of the popular history curriculum's! They come pre-printed on card stock, ready for your wall size timeline. Each pack includes a color-coded bar line to assist you in placement and visual distinction of specific time periods. Fantastic for those with adequate available wall space, but you can also use these in many other creative ways as well.

Second, and a top favorite of mine, is the Timeline Figures CD.

This awesome 2-CD set is all-inclusive and gives you the freedom and convenience to print over 1,260+ timeline figures in a size and manner to suit whatever undertaking or design you desire - notebooking pages, coloring pages, cards for games, wall timelines, notebook timelines, history fair projects, science fair projects, topic specific studies, and much more. The images are sorted into over 30 helpful categories, i.e., chronological, alphabetical, topical, authors and literary works, presidents, wars, ancient wonders of the world, explorers, composers, scientists, artists, and more - allowing you to easily find and print just the precise ones you are looking for. Your creativity is the ONLY limit when it comes to this fantastic multipurpose resource!

SAMPLE NOTEBOOK PAGE I CREATED WITH CD

And if you check out this archived post, you'll see the history fair project we created using several figures from the CD as well.

Third, comes the History Through the Ages "Record of Time" Notebook. This hardback, beautifully bound, spiral style notebook, filled with thick, durable, lined pages dating from 5,000 BC to 2,025 AD, is a great resource for organizing and creating a keepsake quality notebook type timeline. I've seen many timeline books - some blank, some boring, some flimsy - but this one stands above them all in every aspect! And if you're like me and think you might struggle with exactly where to "place" all those delightful figures within the book, be sure to check out the ever-so-helpful suggested placement guide!

SIDE NOTE: To my excitement, as I was preparing this post and gathering the links to share, I noticed that there is also a new "Record of Time" Timeline Notebook on CD that was not available when I originally purchased my items. . .so. . . I was wondering, dreaming, thinking. . .who wants to buy this for me? LOL! :)

Last, but not least, be sure to check out the abundance of timeline and timeline related tips and ideas that are to be found on the Homeschool in the Woods website. This alone is worth grabbing some tea and settling down at your computer for a while. It's a literal timeline gold mine! Click this link for free timeline figure samples and visit here see many other freebies from Homeschool in the Woods!

Now, just one last thought. . .I've seen a few posts and chatter about these resources being too expensive, but from my perspective fwiw, as with certain other items I've selected for our children's education, I've found them versatile, high in quality, and worth the investment!

~ BONUS ** FREEBIE ** GIVEAWAY! ~

As an added bonus and gift to my readers and followers here at Seasons of Learning, I'll be holding a drawing on March 31, 2011 for a FREE set of the Creation to Christ pre-printed wall size timelines figures! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post! (Please make sure that I can reach you, because if I can't contact you - you can't win!)

Shhh. . .Don't Speak

2011-03-03T13:25:00.003-05:00

Suffer alone and in silence,

We won't ask, you don't tell

Short simple lessons

Women learn all too well

Not feeling so cheerful?

Kindly keep it all in

No life is perfect

Remain quiet and grin

Hence not a bleak word

Clean house? Yes, you may

Your feelings? How trifling!

Carry on with your day

What's that you say? No. Delete. Delete. Delete.

Oops! I meant "all is well".

Lesson learned? Shhh. . . Don't speak.

Oh Baby! - Arrival, Journey, Updates :)

2011-02-22T16:21:00.004-05:00

This post has been a couple weeks in the making, so please bear with me if it's disjointed or in dire need of editing. Before I could finish typing and sharing one thing, the next popped up. . .so here's a quick attempt to get it all in and posted today. . .

As you can see it's been a while since I've posted, as the last few weeks of my pregnancy had me completely exhausted and I did little more than absolutely necessary during this time, but I'm delighted to share that we were recently blessed (a bit early) with the newest addition to our family!

Having had four normal deliveries, this time around definitely created its own special memories!

The weekend started out fairly typical. . .we went out for dinner on Friday, came home and hung out together. Later as we were getting little man ready for bed, I walked into his room to gather pajama's when I unexpectedly stumbled on his Spidey trike and found myself looking at the floor through tears! I had fallen rather hard, but landed on my hands and knees, so I wasn't too worried about injury to the baby. Plus, I had always read that a fall of this nature rarely caused injury or problems for baby or Mama and once I confirmed this in my "What to Expect" book, I felt reasonably comfortable that all would be fine.

Next day, I was very sore and begun having pain in my upper abdomen. For some reason, I decided to step on the scale to discover that I had gained 13 lbs since my previous OB visit only 12 days prior, thus suddenly doubling my weight gain for the entire pregnancy! Since I had been sick the week before and had barely eaten, I knew this wasn't right.

Concern grew and I decided to visit labor and delivery triage on Saturday evening. They suspected possible preeclampsia. . .checked urine, blood pressure, ran some labs to check liver enzymes, etc.

protein in urine - trace

blood pressure - up when they checked it upon arrival, but went back down before leaving

swelling - I had a good amount of swelling in hands and feet
labs - all was fine
monitoring - fine with adequate movement

dilation and thinning - none

We returned home feeling reassured that all was well.

I had continuing pain in my abdomen on Sunday, which the nurse had thought could be a combination of muscle soreness from fall along with a large baby pushing from inside. Having had large babies before, this seemed a reasonable consideration.

By 5:30 that evening, I had bloody show. Within a hour, regular contractions that were picking up pace. As the contractions continued and grew stronger, we prepared to head out to the hospital. (It was Superbowl Sunday after all and I didn't want to arrive too early and be sent back home!)

I checked in with the on-call OB at around 8:07, then I decided to lay down briefly to see if the contractions would subside. They did not. Shortly thereafter, around 8:30, I had a contraction and felt an unbelievably painful "pop" or "rupture" in my lower abdomen. Assuming it was my water, I got up to check. The blood began to gush and I found myself bleeding profusely and continuously. Dh immediately called 911.

Everything went crazy from there. I was scared beyond words, but tried hard to pull it together after seeing the fearful faces of my girls and hearing them crying hysterically. I screamed for Mom (also not good at hiding her fear) to go out and keep the kids in the other room so that they wouldn't see the blood everywhere or the pitiful scene that had taken over our bathroom! Seeing their fear only exasperated mine and I wanted so desperately not to scare them more and vice versa.

Then I remember dh pacing back and forth in front on the bathroom door, speaking with 911 while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, and saying things like "boot string", "safety pin", "they said don't sit on the toilet", "no, I don't see a head yet".

Those are words I won't ever forget! :-) . . .and never want to hear again, lol!

EMS arrived and I was wheeled out to the ambulance. Mom doesn't get around too well and didn't have time to get in and go with me and dh had to drive and bring the children, so I went on and was transported to the local hospital alone. Not the hospital of my choice mind you, which made me all the more anxious, but the EMT insisted on one, while I repeatedly insisted on another - - a battle I lost as I was obviously not in a position to carry on a debate, but anywho back to what matters. . .

Arriving at the hospital, I was rushed into the trauma unit, where I estimate 20+ individuals we waiting. I think it must have been a combination ER Trauma Unit/Classroom, not sure, not familiar with this hospital's normal emergency staff to patient ratio :) but at that point I didn't care about the audience. Modesty was out the window, I was scared for my life and the life of my unborn baby - and that was priority one. I had lost a lot of blood and contractions were coming hard. I had dilated to 4cm and effaced 75% upon arrival, with the potential for an emergency c-section being discussed as a possible necessity.

They immediately did an ultrasound and I faintly remember the doctor saying the baby was doing okay. My mind must have been nearly numb by then, as the words were so unexpected, so wonderful, so encouraging. . .it took me a few minutes to process them and realize that WE both might be okay!

Further evaluation determined that my placenta had abrupted, but I continued making rapid progress toward delivery and the baby was doing okay, so once everything was stabilized, I was moved to another room, where prepping for delivery continued. (For someone normally terrified of needles and such, I can tell you, not one IV, lab stick, catheter, or stick otherwise, caused me any amount of discomfort. Okay, the morphine helped I'm sure. . .but even so. . .we were moving toward delivery and things were feeling a bit more optimistic at this point.

Moving to a labor and delivery room, the anesthesiologists arrived, providing much needed pain relief none too soon. I was exhausted from the sheer adrenaline of it all. What seemed like the longest night of my life actually covered the span of just a few short hours. Within a very short time, I was 9cm and fully effaced, minutes later. . .ready to push! Having arrived at the hospital somewhere around 9:00 or so, our precious baby was delivered at 12:07am.

Ava Katherine blessed us with her presence nearly five weeks early weighing 6 lbs 14 oz. Being a late term preemie, her breathing was a bit labored and precautions were taken to ensure it stabilized. She spent several hours being monitored in the nursery before we got to spend quality time with her. The NICU nurse came in and shared some concerns over the large amount of blood in her stool, letting us know they were running tests to see if it was her blood or mine, as that would factor into to any next steps they needed to take. Fortunately, it turned out that she had swallowed a large amount of my blood and that it would continue to pass through her stool without any problems.

Ahhh. . .the precious gift of life. The joy of our new blessing. Returning home to my family. Thank you Lord. Thank you.

Continuing our journey. . .Thursday, our second night home, I awoke with heart palpitations and leg pain. Worried about clotting, we returned to the ER. No clots were found, anxiety still most certainly present from the traumatic delivery, but all was well otherwise. They did incidentally find a nodule on my thyroid that I needed to have checked out further, so I had that u/s yesterday and am still waiting for an update. Ugh.

Friday, Ava went for a checkup and was found to have jaundice, so she spent some time at home under phototherapy. Her levels went down, and we discontinued the light.

Monday (Valentine's), she was very lethargic and not nursing more than a minute or two . . .by the time my dh got home from work, she could not be roused or awakened no matter what we tried.

I called the nurse on call at our pediatrician's office (quite frantic by this point) and was instructed to take her to the ER. The nurse called to let them know we were on our way and they took Ava straight back to the trauma room and immediately started an IV and began assessing her and running various tests (CT, Chest x-ray, spinal tap, labs, blood & urine cultures, etc.) During this time of waiting and testing, she was still basically unresponsive (even with all the needle sticks) and began to have brief moments where she would stop breathing.

Ava was moved to PICU around 3:30 am. PICU took very good care of her, watched her diligently, and kept her on IV fluids, as they began an aggressive course of treatment to cover all realms of potentially dangerous issues. (As it was explained to us, they don't wait for the cultures and all the labs to come back because so many things can go from bad to worse very quickly with infants and little ones)

Early results ruled out Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, Group B Strep, Herpes, and many other viruses, but still no answers. . .so. . .as it sometimes works in medicine. . .by process of elimination, consideration of symptoms, and a slightly elevated WBC in her CSF, they suspected that she could possibly have meningitis of some type.

We continued to wait for the cultures to grow and other tests results to come in, and one by one, they worst of the worst possibilities and all other tests that were done came back negative. Cultures (urine, blood, CSF) grew nothing.

Thus, viral meningitis was determined to be the culprit.

Over the few days of our stay she continued to have periods where she was difficult to rouse and feed, but her breathing steadied and remained so, her color began to look better, and she began to wake up more on her own for feedings. Praise the Lord!

Getting her to nurse and stay awake for nursing is still proving a challenge at times, but she is making progress and seems to be doing much better.

We came home from the hospital this last Thursday evening and are continuing to care for her. . .covering her with kisses and prayers and waking and ensuring that she continues to nurse regularly :)

God bless each of you who have prayed for baby Ava and our family! My heart is humbled and grateful to know so many of you brought our baby and family before the Lord in prayer! She is just precious to us and loved immensely!!

Now, to share a bit of this in pictures. . .

Light Therapy for Jaundice

so tiny in Daddy's hands

we celebrated a birthday during Ava's hospital stay, big sis got both of their names on it and added baby booties for baby :)

Yep, pumping milk :)

first bath. . .that woke her up :)

And in closing, I want to express my heartfelt and deepest thanks to my dear sister Sheila and friend Michelle for keeping our friends and family updated and requesting prayer for our baby girl and our family. . .and to my Mom. . .whose help we couldn't have done without! Your love and support has meant more to me than you can imagine.

Just Enough

2010-12-07T16:36:00.007-05:00

There have been many times in my life where I have fretted over a circumstance, situation, or future that I ultimately have little control over. Life happens, storms hit, and often figuring out how to adjust or manage can be overwhelming and leave me indulging in self-pity and depression. Yet, as I reflect on God's goodness and mercy, I am continually awed by His provision of "just enough" in our day to day living and times of specific need.

When we began our journey to find and purchase a home. . .He provided just enough.

When we went from two incomes to one many moons ago. . .He provided just enough.

When my father committed suicide and left me wondering where God was. . .He provided just enough.

When the towers fell and the world seemed to be crumbling before me. . .He provided just enough.

When our daughter's learning difficulties brought new challenges. . .He provided just enough.

When we've had more week or month left than paycheck. . .He's provided just enough.

When we've worried over our dd's Epilepsy and how to pay for her meds. . .He's provided just enough.

When medical expenses have overwhelmed us. . .He's provided just enough.

When the cupboards have been empty and we've wondered how we'll get groceries. . .He's provided just enough.

When my heart ached from miscarrying. . .He provided just enough.

When holidays come around and we have no idea how were going to do Christmas. . .He provides just enough.

When I grow discouraged and feel defeated. . .He provides just enough.

When my faith is weak, when I can't see any hope. . .He provides just enough.

"Just enough" comes in many forms. . .comfort, friendship, a smile from one of my children, encouragement, fresh air, rest, His Word, strength to carry on, simple Christmas lists, opportunity, direction, motivation, humility, charity, sunshine, a song, a phone call, an email, and so on. Yes, many, many forms, yet consistently. . .

. . .just enough.

. . .just in time.

. . .just the perfect measure to remind me who's in control.

Ever grateful for His faithful provision of "just enough".

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7

". . .Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33

"Great is His faithfullness, His mercies begin afresh each day." ~ Lamentations 3:23

Coming Along. . .26 weeks and counting!

2010-12-06T21:05:00.001-05:00

Yes, I LOVE, ADORE, CHERISH the end results of this process called pregancy, and I am SO, overwhelmingly grateful for my precious ones, but the "getting there" is. . .ugh, argh, ick.

Among my many ailments. . .

"morning", no make that ALL DAY sickness that last for many weeks - constantly nauseated or vomiting and have NO energy (ZERO, ZILCH!!) and once I vomit up something, I can't eat it again for years!

my palate becomes very quirkly, NOTHING tastes right

if I brush my teeth, I either throw up or have to rinse with warm salt water to try and get rid of the toothpaste taste

can't stand the smell of anything! (perfume, deodorant, cleaners, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, even foundation, etc.)

alternate between a cold sweat and a "whoa is it hot in here?" sweat

terrible heartburn and indigestion

dry bleeding nasal passages oddly combined and alternating with overproductive mucus causing me to constantly need a garbage can and roll of toilet paper handy. Yes, gross, I know! (A spitting, snotty woman is not attractive.)

can't stand to wear make-up or lipstick during the first 5-6 months, I finally found pure tasteless, odorless petroleum to keep my lips from rampant dryness!

insomnia - even in the early months, I wake up and stay awake for countless hours in the night.

general "I feel awful" on a daily basis

And at this point, my hips and arms go numb at night, which brings me to the aerobic tasks of frequently rolling over!

Then last, but not least, just learned I have gestational diabetes again :(

I'm sure there are many more things that are alluding me at the moment, but of course, I can't remember much when I'm pregnant either!

No, I don't need any cheese to go with my whine, LOL! This too shall pass :)

So, all that to share a pic and news that. . .things are coming along and looking just "beachy" (as in beached whale) here at 26 weeks.

Did I mention. . .I've had a couple of 10 lb babies?

I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!

My Review: Preparing to Homeschool High School DVD 2nd Edition

2010-11-27T10:46:00.001-05:00

You will find that I'm selective in sharing reviews and don't promote or write reviews of products that I don't absolutely believe in. Yet, when I find one with inherent value and worth, I simply can't help looking for ways to shout it from the rooftop! This is one of those times. . .

What parent hasn't questioned their ability to homeschool through highschool and wondered how doing so would impact their child's ability to get into and succeed in college? It can be a frightening undertaking!

Preparing to Homeschool Highschool takes the fear factor out of the equation! Nearly 4 hours and 18 pages of notes later, this DVD delivered exceptional information, encouragement, and empowerment for tackling those high school years!

Lee warmly invites you to grab a cup of coffee or tea as you sit down with her DVD, but I want to enthusiastically add a plea that you also grab a pen and notepad because this presentation is so chock full of information that you'll want to take copious notes from the moment you click "play".

Lee Binz, a.k.a The HomeScholar, skillfully leads you to tackle and release the fears of homeschooling, gear up and prepare with strategies of success, invest in your weaknesses, learn to choose curriculum wisely, and walks you step-by-step through the stages of planning, understanding the typical requirements of each subject, the do's and don't of record keeping and giving grades, the basics of transcripts and determining credits, and helps you make sense of those scary highschool and college tests (PSAT-NMSQT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP).

It is an amazing amount of information, presented in a manner that is easy to understand, leaving you confident that you can do absolutely do this!

As the saying goes "Failing to plan, is planning to fail!". Don't let those highschool years find you clueless and unprepared. This outstanding DVD is a great asset for any homeschool parent who is ready to meet the challenge and embrace the privilege of homeschooling through highschool!

Highschool IS coming. . .will YOU be ready?

Find *Preparing to Homeschool Highschool* along with many of Lee's other helpful resources by visiting her website The Homescholar!

Guest Post - Welcome Joyce Herzog!

2010-11-18T09:56:00.001-05:00

Today's guest is speaker and author, Joyce Herzog. Joyce's passion is helping people learn the way they learn best! You can visit her on the web here to learn more about what she has to offer including Learning Without Labels, Luke's Lists, Timeless Teaching Tips and more!

~ Goals and Goal Setting ~

A parent recently wrote, “We seem to bounce around and never feel we have accomplished anything. Can you help?” Here is my answer: You have already taken the first steps toward a solution. You have recognized that there is a problem, verbalized it, and asked for help. I’m impressed. From here on, it gets easier.

One of the best motivators is seeing progress. It is impossible to see progress unless you set achievable and measurable goals. Not every skill can be so charted, but it is important to chart some goals in order to see movement. Without such goals, it is more likely that learning will be unfocused and unrecognized. That often leads to a feelings you are experiencing of being stalled and ineffective.

You are feeling a need for some structure in your life and homeschool. That doesn’t mean that you should switch to a regulated curriculum or begin to bring school home. On the contrary, such a major jump would probably be so restrictive that you would bounce back in reaction. It’s better to just set some long term and short term goals.

In the academic areas, get a scope and sequence from a reputable curriculum publisher (or look at my own Luke’s School List). This is a list of skills or concepts covered, usually grade level by grade level, listed in order presented. It is available at no cost from most curriculum publishers. World Book Encyclopedia also publishes one online. There are also books which give an idea of what can be taught at each grade level - or what must be covered in the elementary grades, middle school ages and high schools. Though I personally resist too much restriction by age and grade level since God made each of us so unique, I have also written a mini-book on SIMPLIFIED Homeschool and Recordkeeping which contains a scope and sequence for kindergarten through sixth grade. Use one of these as a guide to choose some topics to approach in the coming months.

It is not always possible to determine ahead how long the study of a given topic will take, but it is helpful to have a sequence so that you can be gathering materials for future studies when you notice them. Keep a drawer or a file cabinet ready to organize these finds so they’ll be ready when you are. Keep note also of library books which address the topic, questions that come up that you’ll want to research, and articles you come across in magazines or on the internet. Jot down ideas for possible field trips. I find that sometimes under pressure, these ideas remain hidden in the vast recesses of my brain, but when I least need them they are jumping out, ready for attention. Keep future topics in the front of your mind and jot down the ideas as you find them and file them immediately. They will start you thinking in the right direction long before deadlines threaten.

It is also helpful to involve the children in goal setting. Ask their opinion when choosing topics, methods of study, and the manner of showing effort and progress. Be willing to compromise where possible, but remember that you are ultimately the one held responsible for their education.

In a given study, make a list of skills to be mastered, facts to be memorized, jobs to be done, or books to be read. Turn the list into a chart ready to date, mark off, or award a sticker when the job is done or the skill is mastered. Seeing the chart fill up is very rewarding and keeps efforts directed. Do allow diversions when they are important; just add them to the chart so you can still see progress and direction. The important thing is to structure a way to document accomplishments. You might make a chart per month, per quarter, per semester or even per year… Probably for most of us monthly or quarterly is best.

Another way to see progress is to have the children make an informal record of their present level of development, and repeat the same activity every three to six months. I often had my children list ten words they could spell, write a story or paragraph and make up and solve one problem for each aspect of math they were familiar with (addition, subtraction, decimals, money, fractions, etc.). This gave me a running record of their handwriting, spelling, and math and, indirectly, their reading level as well. Perhaps a better evaluation of their reading would be to have them list three of the best books they have read since the last time they did this. Be sure they put their name and date on this paper! Keep them in sequential order, most recent on top, in a section of the child’s portfolio and refer to them occasionally. You will be amazed at how easy it is to see maturation and skill in this simple way.

Some progress can be best recorded through taking photos. Photograph large projects, presentations, and field trips. Then have the children enter the photos in an album and add captions. These will be great for recordkeeping, reminiscing and sharing with interested friends and relatives. Writing captions provides meaningful opportunity for practicing handwriting, improving spelling, and formulating thoughts into sentences and paragraphs. And it’s more fun than an assignment for the sake of an assignment.

Setting goals and posting them in front of you keeps you directed and goal oriented. I find sticky notes invaluable for keeping current goals in the front of my mind. I love to write “DONE” on top of goals, and even enjoy discarding the stickies when I complete all the tasks on them. You might prefer to date the stickies and keep them in your child’s portfolio. Whatever way you choose, the key is to keep goals in the front of your mind so that they do not become neglected and forgotten before they are finished. No one finishes everything he starts, but you can always make improvements by setting goals, keeping them in front of you, and charting progress on a regular basis.

Guest Post - Welcome Lee Binz!

2010-11-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

Our guest today is Lee Binz, aka The HomeScholar. If you don't know who she is YET, then I am delighted to have the pleasure of introducing her to you! Lee has graduated 2 sons from homeschool and both are successfully attending the colleges of their choice with scholarships. Lee is a wealth of information and support for homeschooling during the high school years and I know you will find her sharing encouraging and empowering!

Homeschool Highschool: Four Years - Four Goals

It can be overwhelming. After years of happily homeschooling young children, parents look at high school and suddenly panic. Record keeping, transcripts, courses, credits, and tests! Those things are challenging, I'll admit, but they really aren't a matter of life and death. They are just discrete, manageable tasks that you can complete one at a time. When you strip away all the fluff and meringue, you are really left with just one major goal each year. There are only four key goals in the four years of high school.

Freshman Year: Think about College

During freshman year, all you have to do is think about college. Students vary, and teens will often change their minds. College seems like a long way off, too! But when you begin high school thinking about college, then life for the next four years will be much easier. College preparation allows for maximum flexibility. No matter how many times your child changes career plans, you will be ready for anything. Thinking about college can help if your child goes to college, of course. However, if your child does not go to college, no harm is done. You simply end up with a well educated adult, ready to take on the world.

Think about college by learning how to homeschool high school. Take classes and read books that will help you learn about course selection and record keeping. Begin to talk with your child about college preparation. Focus on core subjects like reading, writing, math, history and science. Teach your child at their level and they will be very well prepared in 4 years. Don't worry about the past or the future, but today keep doing what works. Seek help and guidance if you need it.

Sophomore Year: Prepare for College

Sophomore year is the time to prepare for college. Your homeschool should still remain the same warm and loving learning environment it has always been. Preparing does not mean transforming your happy homeschool into a military academy or Socratic classroom. Instead, the best preparation will occur when you continue to use what has worked for you in the past. Move forward with the curriculum that has been working, and make adjustments with the problems you identify. Keep forward momentum with confidence.

Within the context of your family school, prepare for college by taking two specific steps in sophomore year. First, begin a foreign language if you haven’t already. Colleges like to see two or three years of a single foreign language in high school. For homeschoolers, it may be a source of great fear, and some put it off. Prepare for college by making sure you begin a foreign language in sophomore year. Second, prepare for college by taking the PSAT for fun. This is the first college admission assessment test, and it will help your child prepare for college. The PSAT will put your students name in front of colleges that want homeschoolers! It’s a thrill to receive mail from a college, and can encourage parent and student alike.

Junior Year: Find a College

The focal point of junior year is finding some colleges where you want to apply. Although you could quickly choose by throwing darts on a map or only looking only close by, I don’t advise it. Sure, you've chosen a college, but it could be a disastrous choice. An unsuitable college and a mismatch with your family values is a very expensive mistake. Instead, choose colleges with a step-by-step approach.

To achieve your goal of finding a handful of appropriate colleges, the first step is to go to a college fair. Similar to a homeschool convention, it’s a quick and easy way to learn a lot about many colleges in a short amount of time. Step two is taking the PSAT in October of junior year. Step three is taking time to visit colleges during the year, so you can eliminate poor choices from your list. The fourth step is taking the SAT or ACT in the spring, which can help you determine the right college fit academically and financially.

Senior Year: Apply for College

During senior year, the main goal is completing college applications. Applying early for college can improve your chance of admission and financial aid. Just like Tax Day on April 15th, college application deadlines are immovable, inflexible, and have financial consequences. In addition, applying for college is not at all like applying for a job at McDonalds! It takes a lot of time, and there is a lot of work involved.

Applying for college will require long and thoughtful essays. Letters of recommendation will take time to acquire, even from willing and helpful writers. The application itself is quite complex and takes a while to complete. Each application must include your homeschool records: a transcript, possibly a reading list, and perhaps course descriptions as well. For best results with maximum financial aid, apply early and often. Apply for a handful of acceptable colleges, carefully watching deadlines and following the fine print. Applying for college doesn’t end with admission. It continues with additional correspondence regarding financial aid. It’s a prolonged task, but worth the effort.

Dramatic Changes

Each year of high school your child will mature by leaps and bounds. As a newborn is dramatically different from a four year old, it is also true that a freshman will barely resemble a high school senior. Children grow up so fast, and mature very quickly over the four years of high school. Be prepared for anything, so your children can attend a college that will meet their family and career goals. Focus on the one goal for each year of high school. Don’t get lost in the details, and don’t worry about the future, just focus on the task at hand.

Freshmen think about college, sophomores plan for college, juniors find a college and seniors apply to college. Have a great year THIS year. Next year you can work on the next goal, but for now just focus on the one step before you.

Copyright © 2010 The HomeScholar (www.TheHomeScholar.com). Text may be reprinted without permission if used in full, including the bio box (below) and this copyright, except for use in a book or other publication for rent or sale.

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar helps parents homeschool for high school and is a leading internet home school resource helping parents homeschool to college. You can find Lee online at http://www.TheHomeScholar.com.

P.S. Be sure to check back next week to read my detailed review of Lee's DVD - "Preparing to Homeschool Highschool".

Guest Post - Welcome Malia Russell!

2010-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

Today's guest is Malia Russell, mother of 5, homeschooler for a decade, and director of Homemaking 911.

I had the pleasure of attending Malia's *Marriage 911* Workshop a while back, and was encouraged by her gentle, truthful sharing in this area, thus I am delighted to have her share this blessing with you as well!

~ Marriage 911 – A Workshop for Women ~

12 Principles to Redeem Your Marriage

For years our marriage limped along- some good times, some bad times and some downright terrible times. About ten years ago I suddenly became aware that what I thought about marriage was unbiblical and flat out damaging. Through reading the Bible, mentoring and prayer, I realized I had responsibilities as a godly wife. By doing these things,whether or not I really felt like it, and whether or not my husband was doing anything different, I would lead a life pleasing to the Lord. As an amazing bonus, the power of the Holy Spirit has completely transformed our marriage into one of mutual respect, love, passion, and a genuine friendship. I recently shared the following workshop at a local conference and am pleased to offer it absolutely free to Tina's readers. There is no catch, no newsletter sign-up required, and no cost to you.

You can download this workshop from our store at the following link:http://store.homemaking911.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=44

When you check out, use the coupon code: SOL911

*Offer is good one month from today!*

It is my prayer that this workshop will be a blessing to you and your family.

Happy Homemaking!
Malia Russell

http://www.homemaking911.com

Visit Malia at her website - Homemaking 911 for inspiration, encouragement and practical help in your roles as a godly wife, mother, homemaker or home educator. Be sure to check out some of her other great resources while you are there!

Guest Post - Welcome Susan Lemons!

2010-11-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

My first guest this week is Susan Lemons, author of Homepreschool and Beyond. Susan, a homeschool mother of four, brings to you a wealth of information on homeschooling in the early years with a focus on relationship, routine, readiness, and reading aloud. Today she delivers a practical dose of wisdom on maintaining balance as Moms. . .

Goals for the Balanced Mom ~

This is a list of goals I am going to post on my fridge this year. I hope they will help me become a more balanced mom. Maybe they'll help you, too.

1. Relationships come first. I'm going to work on building stronger relationships between my children and the Lord; myself and the Lord; my children and myself, as well as between siblings. (Make the main thing the main thing.)

2. Character: I'm going to help my children develop Godly character and habits through example, training, reading, and discussion. Specific goals: I want to emphasize loving others, being considerate of others (the Golden Rule), working cheerfully, and consistent obedience.

3. Routine: Settling in to a simple daily routine of what comes next will help me accomplish my daily goals and keep me sane. I'm going to work at being more consistent and sticking to all my routines this year, including my homemaking routines.

4. Readiness: I am going to observe my children carefully, watching for signs of readiness and emerging skills/abilities. I want to encourage without pushing.

5. Reading aloud: This year I want to double the amount of time we spend reading aloud. We are going to read chapter books after lunch, and before bed. Books on my reading list: Charlotte's Web, Mouse and the Motorcycle, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, A House Inside Out, Mr. Popper's Penguins, My Father's Dragon, Misty of Chincoteague, Encyclopedia Brown, various animal books written by Thorton Burgess, Kildee House, and more.

6. The fun stuff: This year I want to make sure to allow enough time for play, art, music, science play/experiments, and the other "fun stuff". My goals are to provide art for my children at least two days a week, learning games three days a week, and music five days a week.

7. Play: I'm going to make sure my children get plenty of outside play---everyday, if possible. I'll encourage their play by playing with them and by providing play props (cardboard boxes to make a city, sidewalk chalk, bouncy balls, jump ropes, etc.)

8. Nature: I’m going to spend more time outside doing nature study with my kids. We'll start in our own backyard with the book, One Small Square: Backyard, and then move out from there.

9. Academic goals: Our general academic goals include continuing to grow a simple a base of knowledge about the world; reviewing past concepts learned; developing a large vocabulary; lengthening their attention spans, and mastering the three R’s.

10. Friday School: Friday school is going to be special and different from the other days of the week at our house. Fridays are set aside for life skills (housework), field trips, park days, nature walks, messy art projects, socializing (having friends over to play or do school projects together), and so on.

11. Eternal perspective: I aim to keep an eternal perspective, remembering that there is NOTHING more important I could be doing with my time right now than staying at home and teaching my children. I will remind myself that what I am doing has eternal implications.

If the Lord tarries, our "daily grind" may have implications for hundreds of years to come. Even if the Lord comes back soon (which I fully expect), our lives will have influenced other eternal souls (our children.) May He find our lives pleasing to Him. May He see that our children know Him. I hope to be able to stand before the Lord someday, unashamed of what I have taught my children--through word and through deed.

© 2010 Susan Lemons all rights reserved. Used with permission. You can read and learn more by visiting Susan at her blog Homepreschool and Beyond.

Guest Week at Seasons of Learning!

2010-11-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

This week I am excited to be hosting a special "Guest Week" here at Seasons of Learning!

I have invited a select few of my favorite authors and/or speakers to share a guest post here for my readers in hopes of blessing you by way of encouraging and helpful, relevant information for the homeschooling family!

We'll have topics covering preschool to highschool and everything in between. So be sure to check back each day to see who'll be sharing their passion and expertise with us!

Wedding Day!

2010-11-12T13:24:00.002-05:00

Yep, "wedding day" for one of my own precious children! My oldest "baby" was married in October! (and of course, I would have undoubtedly had pictures up much sooner but blogger and my dial-up have become incompatible, argh!)

But back to the joyful event. . .It's hard to believe she is all grown up and has a family of her own now. Seems like just yesterday, I held her in my arms for the first time. Sniff, sniff. . .

Aside from a slight bit of rain that prevented us from getting any outdoor photos on the beautiful landscape of the church, it was a blessed, perfect day. Dd strived for well-done wedding on a reasonable budget and planned every detail down to table settings, candles, and every decoration elsewhere. She chose wonderfully for catering, cake, dj, photographer, etc. It was a huge undertaking and she managed it flawlessly.

Well, I could continue to babble on, but as they say "a picture is worth a thousand words", so I thought I just share a couple. . .or perhaps, a select few more than a couple!

The beautiful bride!

all my girls

the gals at her side

me and my beautiful girls
(wow! they are all growing up so fast!)

little man all decked out

oh, please don't rain!

I don't know, it wasn't me!

junior maid of honor

flower girl and ring bearer (my grandson)

ring bearer

the walk down the aisle

still walking. . .

pastor and couple

maid of honor (my dd's best friend since they were tots)

and flower girl

all the girls

I now pronounce you husband and wife!

goofing off for the camera :)

bride and groomsmen

the happy couple and maternal grandmother

ring bear (he was hard to capture for pic's that day!)

bride and maid of honor

bride and junior bridesmaid

bride and flower girl

the crew (and our very own "wedding singer"!)

hubby, me and the happy couple

hubby, me and the beautiful bride

the family

Mamma and the girls

my precious girls!

Mamma and my girls again :)

be nice :)

the cake

And just a few of the handmade adornments. . .

vases for bridal party table

flowers that adorned the aisle

flower girl basket, gift boxes, flowers for bridal party

corsage

boutineer

May the Good Lord bless them with a lifetime of love and happiness and may they always remember to cherish one another!

Vaccine Awareness Week Nov. 1 - 7

2010-11-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

The ever growing list of recommended vaccines should raise a red flag of concern for every citizen, particularly when so many of them are directed at our children. No doubt it's a very profitable market and an area that each of us should strive to be educated in. Thus, I thought some of you might be interested in learning more during this designated vaccine awareness week.

National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) site link. . .

http://www.nvic.org/

A link on Hep B in infants to get you started. . .

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...-at-birth.aspx

And an informational PDF. . .49 doses of 14 vaccines before age 6?

http://www.nvic.org/Downloads/49-Doses-PosterB.aspx

How to Legally Avoid Unwanted Immunizations of All Kinds pamphlet. . .

http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/Immunization.pdf

Ask 8 Questions. . .

http://www.nvic.org/Ask-Eight-Questions.aspx

Please pass this information or a post link on to your friends and loved ones.

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 5

2010-11-01T17:17:00.000-04:00

This one chapter could have easily made a small book on it's own accord! Covering just about every subject imaginable - it was chock full of ideas, suggestions, and encouragement for teaching your children and I'm convinced I couldn't do it justice by trying to sum it up with a simple post - so. . .instead, I thought I'd pull some of the key ideas and points that focus on the subject of reading and narration.

This issue is dear to my heart as my own dd has endured an arduous battle in learning to read and learning in general. Though I feel we are definitely coming up the mountain now and can see the sun shining - the road has been steep and wrought with frustration and tears. As a parent, the anguish of watching your child struggle with something that comes so easy to most, is at times unbearable. The mother in you wants so much to fix it, to make it all better - you know - like the magic we have when kissing boo-boo's and hurts away. Life's just not fair sometimes - is it?

Anywho, off my soapbox. If you're one of those people who skip around in books - this is the place to start!

". . .if you find yourself struggling to mold your child to a book, try reversing priorities. It's the child you are teaching, not the book. bend the book, or find another, make the studies fit the child." Ruth Beechick, You Can Teach Your Child Successfully, 1993

"In concentrating exclusively on teaching the child how to read, we have forgotten to teach him to want to read. . " Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook, 1985

"The most important role you play as your children's reading teacher is not just teaching them to read - it is making each individual child feel successful as a reader." pg. 93

Some of their ideas include offering lots of praise and encouragement, focus on what he/she is doing well, don't push - just keep reading aloud to them, practice a little each day, make a variety of books available, audio books, choose readers that will stimulate their appetite for real books and more.

"But your efforts at giving your children the 'ability' to read will be in vain if you do not also give the 'desire' to read." pg. 100

~ Notice the theme - child centered learning, instilling a love of reading. ~

"If you want your children to have a heart for reading, then they must see that you have a heart for reading. . . .The best way to create a desire to read in your children is by modeling a genuine interest in a wide range of reading materials. . ."pg. 100

Pg 104 outlines numerous reasons to keep reading aloud to a reader: emphasis, insight, vocabulary, variety, discussion, appetite, comprehension and togetherness. (all defined in greater detail).

What often happens is that as our children get older or begin reading on their own, too many of us tend to stop reading aloud to them and deprive them and ourselves of the continuing benefit and relationship that can grow from this special "together time".

Narration is another subject they delve into that supports the reading process.

"Narration develops language skills in the ability to express whole thoughts and sentences well before the ability to write is developed." pg. 105

"As knowledge is not assimilated until it is reproduced, children should "tell back" after a single reading or hearing; or should write on some part of what they have heard." Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, 1925

Pg 106 goes on to give several ideas for inducing a narration. (I can't tell you all the good points, you have to read it yourself!)

This just scratches the surface of chapter 5. The scope of information is broad - ranging from academics, to the arts, to field trips, to library excursions and more - you'll find lots of tips and ideas that will guide you toward home-centered learning.

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 4

2010-10-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

Teaching Models. . .Learning at Home, Naturally

This chapter focuses on giving your child(ren) a designer education via the literature approach - picking and choosing the best resources and methods that fit your own families needs.

"The Home-Centered Learning method, which is rooted deeply in the Living Books and Life Experiences method credited to Charlotte Mason, will liberate learning in your home and free you to become the teacher God designed you to be and the parent your children need." pg. 57

This is a leap that is hard for many families to take. When I started hsing, my approach was somewhat haphazard, thus I quickly opted to try the traditional textbook approach mainly because *I* needed the security of having it all laid out for me. That only lasted maybe 2 months before I came to the conclusion that I was quite capable of pulling together the best resources for my children and our family and that I didn't have to stick to the "standard" school of thought when it came to education. Homeschooling gives us all a wonderful freedom to get to know our children, their interests, their needs - and we'd be remiss to take a particular path just because it was comfortable for *us*!

The chapter continues by delving into the numerous approaches to homeschooling by summarizing the method and it's strengths - though the CM method receives the loudest accolade hands-down!

I immensely appreciate the contribution and ideas that CM delivers to education - the value of the child as a person, the respect for the parent, etc. And while I feel I'm continually moving in the right direction, it is still difficult to fully recondition my own mind-set to that which is so unfamiliar in our times and so contrary to the "norms" of today's society. If you're a product of ps, you know what I mean.

I think it was John Taylor Gatto's book "Dumbing Us Down" that talked about what the schools really teach us and what the unspoken agenda reveals. A must read. Didn't you learn to be subordinate in school? To talk only when spoken to? To not disrupt the schedule or lesson with your own ideas or train of thought? To do the same thing everyone else was doing? To follow the leader? Hmmm....something to think about.

Contrary to such. . .

"For this reason we owe it to every child to put him in communication with great minds that he may get at great thoughts; with the minds, that is, of those who have left us great works; and the only vital method of education appears to be that children should read worthy books, many worthy books." Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, 1925

". . In the nature of things then the unspoken demand of children is for a wide and very varied curriculum. . .Children no more come into the world without provisions for dealing with knowledge than without provision for dealing with food. They bring with them not only that intellectual appetite, the desire of knowledge, but also an enormous, and unlimited power of attention to which the power of retention (memory) seems to be attached, as one digestive process succeeds another, until the final assimilation." Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, 1925

CM was way ahead of her time (and ours). IMHO, the world doesn't give kids that much credit anymore and certainly in some educational settings children are not viewed as born persons, but as vessels to be filled and drilled with facts and bits of information that can be later recited as a means of validation to their intellect and being. Are we intelligent if no one affirms our knowledge? Are we worthy if no one notices or appreciates what we have to offer? Isn't validation from others like oxygen to our very being at times? It's kind of sad how society works on that level in many ways, but I can't help but ponder the peculiar questions that come to mind.

Moving on. . .

"Charlotte Mason encourage what she called "masterly inactivity" as a teaching methodology. She believed that adults do not really teach children anything, and may even hamper their natural desire to learn by making them dependent upon textbooks and teachers to tell them what to think." pg. 63

Ouch! Now there's a line to share with dh when he questions whether or not your doing enough. LOL!

"It is not merely that the child is to be [someday] the possessor of a marked and distinctive individuality, and that therefore he is to be honored for his possibilities in that direction; but it is that he already is [now] the possessor of such an individuality, and that he is worthy of honor for that which he has and is at the present time." H. Clay Trumbull, Hints on Child Training, 1890

Does this bring to mind the ole' familiar question - "What are you going to be when you grow up?" hee, hee - kind of funny isn't it? Doesn't that question unwittingly imply that as a full person - you are "yet to be"? That your contribution, your value, is not yet truly recognized?

Okay now this statement got my goat a bit. . .

"Home education should not be relegated to a 'temporary' location in your home. The not-so-subtle message to your children is that what they are studying must not be that important if it must be done quickly between meals on the kitchen counter or dining room table. However, when an entire room or area is 'permanently' dedicated to home education, it speaks volumes to your children that their learning is so important you want to give them a special place for it" pg. 73

Now, now - they are stepping my toes here. We make due with what we have, as I know many families do. In fact, we value home education so much that it has taken over our entire home, not just a nook or cranny. Sit at the kitchen table and I'll give you a spontaneous visual lesson on the whiteboard, walk through the hall and you see the world (map that is), journey to my room you'll find my "teacher's lounge", visit the bathroom. . well you get the idea. Not too subtle a message for the kids - I hope! Anywho, that bit of sarcasm aside, I just thought this statement needlessly heaped guilt where none need be heaped!! Education is not a "place" -even in the home.

Well, enough of my rambling. I hope these highlights are enough to convince you what a great resource this is! If you read only through the quotes and scripture in the sidebar sections, you'd still find immense value and richness that will open your eyes to "educating the wholehearted child".

I could go on, but then you wouldn't have to read it yourself! :-)

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 3

2010-10-04T15:53:00.002-04:00

Education. . .Strengthening Your Child's Mind

"Your child is not just a soulless brain that needs to be filled up with facts by a teacher, but a person in relationship with you and God, who has eternal value, dignity, and purpose because he or she is made in the image of God." pg. 43

When I started homeschooling and began to use materials that included God's hand in creation, science, history, etc. It really opened my eyes to how dry, void and empty my own education had been without these concepts at the core of all that I learned. I am learning so much along with my kids and feel all the richer
for it.

It often seems that the world lacks value for heart of the child. Everything is rush, rush, rush, do more, be better, success is material, popularity is a milestone, money is the key. It saddens me. I can't figure out if I'm just getting older and thus my perspective has changed or if it was this way even when I was young. Does it seem like more and more people live vicariously through the successes/stature of their children and feel like more or less of a parent accordingly?

I thought this chapter reiterated the importance of a child knowing "how" to learn. The Clarkson's focus on developing this ability via these seven mental muscles: habits, appetites, language, creativity, curiosity, reason, wisdom.

habits - of attention, excellence, orderliness, truthfulness, self-control, diligence

appetites - for literature, living books, art, music

language - print rich environment, limited TV

creativity - provide tools, free time, imagination, guidance, model

curiosity - a thirst for knowledge

reason - dialogue, problem solving, opinion formation, thinking

wisdom - discernment, understanding, prayer, stewardship

I find myself weak in the training of habits. In fact I probably unwittingly nurture to the contrary by giving in, not expecting obedience the first time, failing to follow through and I could go on, but why self-deprecate? lol! It takes unwavering diligence and perseverance to "train" your children in the manner the Clarkson describe and I'll admit I sometimes (okay often) feel I fall short here.

As I was reading last night, I contained my irritation that arose from my husbands constant channel surfing. He didn't watch anything for more than a minute or two. I wondered to myself, if this was a good example of how we actual train ourselves to be inattentive and unfocused? These days we have video games, 50-60 channels, internet, ipods, cell phones, etc. It's a constant busyness - a world infracted by an epidemic of multitasking :-) What ever happened to good ole down time? or as my father would have called it - peace and quiet!

Anywho, this quote was certainly food for thought:

"A love of reading is an acquired taste, not an instinctive preference. The habit of reading is formed in childhood; and a child's taste in reading is formed in the right direction or wrong one while he is under the influence of his parents; and they are directly responsible for the shaping and cultivating of that taste."
H. Clay Trumbull, Hints on Child Training, 1890

Well how's that for laying a burden at your feet? I remember my older sister was an avid reader and my parents would literally nag her for reading - saying she "always had her nose in a book", like it was a bad thing. Lucky me, I wasn't an avid reader then :-) but as an adult when I think back to the message that sent
- their attitudes and behavior fostered a disdain for books, not a love. Don't worry though - she kept reading! I think it was her escape by then. I wish my parents would have know and been able to pass on what a blessing and adventure reading could be - I might have journeyed to Orchard Valley with Jenny Wren or to the barn with Wilbur and Charlotte long before I was "this many" years old. lol!

I have to agree with Trumbull's quote and propose further - that not only in literature, but in many other aspects of life, we either cultivate a love and interest for something - OR we, by lack thereof, leave it dormant in the imagination where it may never be ignited.

"We have never been so rich in books. But there has never been a generation when there is so much twaddle in print for children." Charlotte Mason, Home Education, 1935

Oh, don't you think Ms. Mason would just fall out of her chair at what's available today? Hmmm. . .enough said.

"Don't be stingy on your library - have as many books at home as you possibly can. Leave them at strategic reading spots throughout the house." pg. 48

Noble idea and one I encourage, but honestly some kids need something a little less subtle - don't they?

"There is definitely a link between vocabulary and intelligence.The best ways to increase your child's vocabulary is to read good books aloud. " sidebar pg. 49

I concur! Between reading good literature to my children and taking in the wisdom-filled posts I encounter , my own vocabulary has expanded.

Well in the closing remarks the lesson was brought home - our children are apt to do as we 'do", rather than do as we "say". Likewise we set the pace for learning. . .

Do your children see you reading for pleasure? Do they see you choosing television programs that are beyond mediocre? Do they see you using your creativity? Do they see you seeking God's wisdom?

"One of the extra benefits of home educating is that it restores to the whole family the excitement and pleasure of learning - fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons all learning and growing together. . .God never meant for learning to become a burden, either for children or for parents. He meant it to be a natural, enjoyable part of family life." pg. 55

Are you finding joy in the journey?

And finally, (yes, I'm almost done!)

"The child must think, get at the reason-why of things for himself, every day of his life, and more each day than the day before. Children and parents both are given to invert this educational process. The child asks 'Why?' and the parents answers, rather proud of this evidence of thought in his child. There is some slight show of speculation even in the wondering of 'Why?' but it is the slightest and most superficial effort the thinking brain produces. Let the parent ask "Why?" and the child produce the answer, if he can. After he has turned the matter over and over in his mind, there is no harm in telling him - and he will remember it - the reason why. Every walk should offer some knotty problem for the children to think out - "Why does that leaf float on the water, and this pebble sink?" and so on. Charlotte Mason, Home Education, 1935

A gentle reminder that we should not be too quick to provide what our kids can or should seek, think about and learn on their own accord.

Walk Thru History Project 2010 - "Rudiments of America"

2010-09-21T17:09:00.000-04:00

Our local homeschool group organizes a "Walk Thru History" each year and we finally jumped in to participate back in the spring. It was a nice way to cover a bit of American History, while also giving the girls an opportunity to work together to meet a deadline and complete a "project". Our theme was "Rudiments of America" - covering Presidents, Charters of Freedom, and a few other noteworthy events and people that helped shaped our nation.

With the exception of the Presidents photos which came from the Whitehouse website, most of our pics were selected from our Homeschooling In the Woods Timeline Figures CD Collection. (This is a fabulous resource and useful for much more than just timelines!)

All in all, the girls had a great time doing their project and were very pleased with the finished product. All of the participants did a fabulous job and I was very impressed with the knowledge and creativeness of our homeschoolers!

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 2

2010-09-19T09:24:00.000-04:00

Discipleship. . .Shaping Your Child's Heart

Wow - so, so much to absorb! Accordingly, I've upgraded chapter one's analysis from
"It's carries a heap of conviction, a spoonful of guilt and a dash of inadequacy." TO "a mountain of conviction, a bucket of guilt and a cup of inadequacy"! Thank goodness, I don't live next door to the Clarksons, lol!

This chapter - "Discipleship: Shaping Your Child's Heart" - guides you through the concept of *training* your child via the five heartbeats of obedience, discipline, love, protection, and direction.

It is convicting in that it causes me to consider my goals from a biblical perspective: training vs.educating our children, guilt bearing as it shines a *bright* light on so many areas of need, and of course the last cup poured out to reveal my many inadequacies as a parent!!

"What does God's Word have to do with education? Everything!. . . .When you begin to think about how your children learn, you must start where God does. . .with the heart." pg. 25

And here again, the quotes and scriptures in the sidelines are perfect compliments:

"He who knows how to teach a child, is not competent for the oversight of a child's education unless he also knows how to train a child." H. Clay Trumbull, Hints of Child Training, 1890

". . .Training a child's will is bringing such influences to bear upon the child that he is ready to choose or decide in favor of the right course of action. . .The final responsibility of a choice and it's consequences rest with the child, and not the parent. . .Merely to force one's will into submission to the other is. . .an injury to both the one who forces and the one who submits." H. Clay Trumbull, Hints of Child Training, 1890

I thought this was parallel to God's authority over our own lives - He leads not by force, but through loving guidance and the teaching of His word, he still allows us the freedom to make our own choices and bear the consequences thereof.

When I considered the veracity of all that was laid out before me in this chapter, I had to sadly and reluctantly confess that I am much more confident in my ability to "teach" from an academic standpoint than to train from a "spiritual" standpoint. I myself, am still in need of training :) and I found myself humbled - as a wife, a parent, and a person.

So when they close out the chapter with . . ."your children will want to become only as mature as you are willing to become. Jesus taught, - "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher" Luke 6:40. You can be sure I was brought to my knees in prayer.

Lastly, I share these quotes as food for thought:

"Parents, do you wish to see your children happy? Take care, then, that you train them to obey when they are spoken to, - to do as they are bid. . .Teach them to obey while young, or else they will be fretting against God all their lives long, and wear themselves out with the vain idea of being independent of His control." J.C. Ryle, British minister and author, from The Upper Room, 1888

"How many parents there are. . .who are readier to provide playthings for their children than to share in the delights of their children with those playthings; readier to set their children at knowledge-seeking than to have a part in their children's surprises and enjoyments of knowledge-attaining; readier to make good, as far as they can, all losses to their children, than to grieve with their children over those losses. And what a loss of power to those parents as parents, is this lack of sympathy with their children as children." H. Clay Trumbull, Hints of Child Training, 1890

Yes, so much to absorb ;-)

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 1

2010-09-18T10:53:00.000-04:00

Home Education. . .A Step of Faith Toward Home

This book is just packed full of info. . .hmmm, where to start? Okay, how about chapter 1, lol!

First, I love the layout of this book - the related quotes, scriptures, and interesting tidbits that are in the margins offer a nice mini-break while reading the longer passages. A couple that stood out that were in line with part of the Beechick book I mentioned about learning and knowing "how" to learn:

"He is educated who knows how to find out what he doesn't know." George Simmel, German Philosopher

"Therefore, teaching, talk and tale, however lucid or fascinating, effect nothing until self-activity be set up; that is, self-education; the rest is mere veneer laid on the surface of a child's nature. Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, 1925

The Clarkson's definitely hold very strong religious beliefs about homeschooling and offer up numerous reasons and scriptural support for their beliefs. Even as someone who has already chosen to homeschool, I found this chapter somewhat heavy. I guess in part because of the reality that it delivers as they speak about being willing to accept the limitations and sacrifices of homeschooling, as well as valuing the eternal and becoming a servant like Jesus, giving up our own lives for our children. The cost of ministry, the cost of lifestyle, the cost of commitment. It's carries a heap of conviction, a spoonful of guilt and a dash of inadequacy. Ugh.

Certainly being a parent is already a huge task and when you add a commitment to be solely responsibility for your children's education, it seem monumental. This chapter lays they out very well with contrasting charts examining homeschooling vs. ps in the areas of academic/education, socialization, and teacher-child relationships.

One thing this chapter makes clear is that homeschooling is not easy, nor should it be entered into lightly. However, once that decision has been made, the Clarkson offer up encouragement and assurance that you CAN do it and that, YES, you are qualified!

I liked the note at the end of the chapter that acknowledged the fact that even the best and most solid reasons and arguments for homeschooling, will not carry you very far *on their own*.

"When you're up to your eyeballs with children, housework, home business, activities, responsibilities, bills, broken appliances, car trouble, and you-don't know-the-troubles-I-seen, those nicely reasoned arguments are going to ring pretty hollow. When you are pushed to the limits, only a tested and seasoned faith will take you beyond." pg. 22

And one last quote I enjoyed:

"I would rather my child had a limited education and access to limited educational resources, and yet learned by basking in the atmosphere of someone who had true pleasure in the books that were pursued, than that he should go to some well-equipped and soulless situation where, theoretically, he could 'learn' at optimum speed." Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (For the Children's Sake, 1984)

Challenging, Inspiring reading! If you'd like to learn more about the author and their ministry visit: Wholeheart Ministries

Introducing. . .Chapter by Chapter

2010-09-17T19:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in almost a month, but if you read the end of my post on July 27th, you probably have a good idea why. Sickness with this pregnancy has been MISERABLE and overwhelming. I am praying daily to feel "normal" again - you know. . .a day without nausea and vomiting. Ugh.

Anywho, I want to introduce a new series I'll be doing here on my blog called "Chapter by Chapter. In these posts I will be sharing highlights and summaries from some of my favorite homeschooling and parenting books "chapter by chapter". I'll begin with Educating the Wholehearted Child, as I've read this one a few times and have some thoughts prepared to share (plus a newly revised edition is due out this year and I'll be rereading that soon too!). I'll continue with For the Children's Sake, followed by Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit, then perhaps A Mother's Heart, and we'll go from there. If you'd like to read along and share your thoughts via the comment link, I'd love to hear from you.

If you have books to suggest, please share those as well! You can see some of my favorites by clicking the "Homeschool and Parenting Favorites" on the homepage.

Veritas Press History and Bible Cards - Keepfiling.com Status Update!

2010-08-25T19:41:00.000-04:00

I know some of you have probably tried to order the fabulous mini-binders from keepfiling.com and found that they were out of stock, so I had emailed Ken at Keep Filing to let him know about the creative use that us homeschoolers have found for the binders, which likely caused the unexpected depletion of inventory, and he has taken a most admirable step to have these flow in by air to meet the demand and desires of those waiting on them!

So. . .if you are one of those folks, please read the email update below and respond to Ken with your interests. (and of course, please pass this on to any Classical Conversations groups or others who may need this information as well!)

Want to know what creative use I'm referring to? Visit this post. . .

http://seasonsoflearning.blogspot.com/2010/06/veritas-press-history-and-bible-cards.html

EMAIL UPDATE FROM KEN AT KEEPFILING.COM . . .

Hello,

You are receiving this e-mail as you had requested to be informed when the Keepfiling Mini Ring binder for 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 paper would be back in stock.

We have in the past months received a huge interest in the Keepfiling mini binder and matching sheet protectors. This has resulted in a run on our inventory for an item that in the past was just moving slowly.

Now due to delays with the production and the fact that this item comes from overseas we are taking the very unusually step to have some binders and sheet protectors flow in by air service. To be quite honest it cost an arm and a leg and half the farm -so to speak.

We are taking this unusually step as we wish to be a responsible small company that takes action. We also feel that we can’t have all you kind people waiting for our product too much longer.

Our Mini binders and sheet protectors are estimated to be finished on September 9 and we hope to have them in our hands, estimated: Sept. 13 to 15th.

As it is so extremely expensive to ship the mini binders (takes lots of space) I kindly ask you to return this mail and just indicate how many binders you may need and in what color. We won’t hold you to it an estimated number is perfect. It is just so we have an indication of the initial need so we can fill the present orders + some, as more binders will follow by ocean weeks later. We have 3 colors as you may know:

Snow white
Lime green
Red

It is realized it is an unusually step this e-mail but again we wish to service our community in the best possible way and work with you in the best possible way. As a small company we feel we have this opportunity.

Kind regards,
Ken – keepfiling. com ken@keepfiling.com

PS: Even if you do not wish to place order for this item at present a “zero” as responds is highly appreciated as well.

PSS: More information will follow also on-line where we will open up for pre-ordering in the coming days.

Our Curriculum 2010 - 2011

2010-08-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

These are our tentative curriculum choices for 2010 - 2011! We start each morning together with Bible Story, Devotion, Poetry Memorization and Memory Verse. Below are the resources we've selected for the upcoming year. (of course, as always, it remains perpetually subject to change.)

8th grader:

Starting Points Worldview Curriculum w/ IEW's Starting Points Writing Lessons
Apologia Physical Science
Saxon Algebra 1/2
Megawords
First Form Latin (Memoria Press)

2nd grader:

First Language Lessons
Saxon Math 3
Apologia Elem. - Zoology I
All About Spelling
Prima Latina (Memoria Press)

Both

Mystery of History I & II
Art - I Can Do All Things (Stebbings)
Bible - Vos Bible Stories
Poetry - IEW's Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization
Classical Music Studies (using the Opal Wheeler's biographies)
Lots of literature!

I'd love to see what others are doing. Leave me a comment or link if you've posted them on your blog!

How's Your Vision?

2010-08-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

Being a mother and being able to stay home with my children is unquestionably a priceless privilege and a blessing. Yet, even knowing these things in my head and my heart, there are days when I grow tired, when I'm exhausted, when I'm weak, when I'm empty, when I feel I have nothing left to give, when I dream of days to myself, when I feel my kids got the short end of the stick in me for a Mom, and when I question and wonder if God *really* knew what he was doing when he entrusted me with so much.

Have you been there? Have you been down in the valley where the fog was so dense you lost clear vision?

As I have been preparing for the upcoming school year by researching curricula, making selections, chatting on yahoo, mentoring to others, creating new schedules, and perusing the many catalogs, God impressed upon my heart that I was missing something - not just "something" but a most important something - renewing my vision.

Busyness can sometimes masquerade as productiveness, and our vision for our families, our children, ourselves - can become clouded by responsibility, duty, mundane, routine, "ought-to's" and "should have's", leaving us overwhelmed and defeated - forgetting to bring things back into focus. Focus, in light of His Word.

In "A Mother's Heart", Jean Fleming paraphrases 1 Corinthians 13. . .

If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all for my interior decorating, but do nothing to show love for my family - I'm just another housewife.

If I'm always producing lovely things- sewing, art; if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family - I am nothing.

If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school, and drive in the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family - I gain nothing.

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and ties shoes - over and over again. Love it kind, though tired and frazzled. Love doesn't envy another wife, one whose children are "spaced" better or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests. Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother. Love doesn't scream at the kids. Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted today - sew, read, soak in a hot tub. Love doesn't lose my temper easily. Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating. Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good. Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children.

And then there's this beautiful paraphrase for homeschool Moms by fellow blogger Misty Krasawski. . . (in fact, I printed this one off for my notebook this year!)

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and teach my children Latin conjugations, Chinese and Portuguese, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal, and no matter what I say, they will not hear me.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know my children’s bents and God’s plan for their lives, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and am the keeper of the teacher’s editions and solutions manuals, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, and even keep up with my giant piles of laundry and dishes, but do not have love, I am nothing, even if all the people at church think I’m Supermom.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and my formal dining room gets turned into a schoolroom and our family vacations look more like educational field trips, and if I surrender my body to be burned, never having time to get my nails done, put makeup on or even take a bath, but do not have love, it profits me nothing, because all my family cares about is the expression on my face, anyway.

Love is patient with the child who still can’t get double-digit subtraction with borrowing, and kind to the one who hasn’t turned in his research paper. It is not jealous of moms with more, fewer, neater, more self-directed, better-behaved or smarter children. Love does not brag about homemade bread, book lists, or scholarships and is not arrogant about her lifestyle or curriculum choices. It does not act unbecomingly or correct the children in front of their friends. It does not seek its own, trying to squeeze in alone time when someone still needs help; it is not provoked when interrupted for the nineteenth time by a child, the phone, the doorbell or the dog; does not take into account a wrong suffered, even when no one compliments the dinner that took hours to make or the house that took so long to clean.

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness or pointing out everyone else’s flaws, but rejoices with the truth and with every small step her children take in becoming more like Jesus, knowing it’s only by the grace of God when that occurs.

Love bears all things even while running on no sleep; believes all things, especially God’s promise to indwell and empower her, hopes all things, such as that she’ll actually complete the English curriculum this year and the kids will eventually graduate, endures all things, even questioning from strangers, worried relatives, and most of all, herself.

Love never fails. And neither will she. As long as she never, never, never gives up.

Jean Fleming goes on to say, "When I realize God calls me to actively teach my children, I view my teaching responsibility more seriously and keep alert for anything that will help me in my teaching - for learning opportunities. Instead of the dry taste of duty, I find a sense of encouragement, excitement, and challenge."

"For most of us the ability to recognize and use everyday happenings to teach our children doesn't come naturally. It is a skill that must be developed and honed. Like most skills it requires conscious, diligent effort if we are to realize our potential as teachers."

"If our commitment to our role as a mother languishes, this may be true not because the job is too small or unchallenging but because our vision is too small. Our dreams for our task may be thin and weak. We fail to hear God's call and miss the broad scope of the possibilities before us. We focus instead on the routine activities and demands - changing diapers, potty training, cleaning up messes, telling the kids for the fifth time not to slam the door - and miss any sense of a higher calling"

As the new school year approaches, take time to get quiet, to get alone with God, and to pray over and ponder the question we began with. . .how's your vision?

May we each come away refilled, refreshed, renewed and ready to carry on!

~ Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18 ~

Here I Am!

2010-07-27T21:25:00.000-04:00

I went for an early ultrasound last week and baby measured at the expected age and size and they were able to pick up a heartbeat (we could even see it fluttering on the screen). Thought you'd enjoy baby's first pic :) Yep, that tiny little spec. . .

I've been extremely tired and nauseated - and just about every smell makes it worse - deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc., and I won't even touch on the hormones. This only usually last until about 20 weeks for me :) Keep those prayers coming!

Gearing Up. . .

2010-07-24T11:20:00.000-04:00

Today is devoted to getting my house, school stuff in particular, organized! I've had "stacks" taking over way too many corners of my home and with the hectic pace of summer, it's starting to drive me batty! Have you heard the saying "chaos in your environment equals chaos in your life" - well, that's my theory anyway, so I've got to get a handle on the chaos, lol!

I'll probably have a better chance of accomplishing that goal, if I get off this computer :) so I just wanted to pop in and share of a couple binders I use to help me organize the "paper monster" of school. One is our "Our Home Education Resource Notebook" - in this one I keep just about anything related to homeschool - ideas I come across, assessment forms, scheduling tips, high-school helps, basically anything I need or want to keep for reference. The second notebook is exclusive to "literacy". I have one dd who has had significant struggles with learning and this notebook has helped me organize anything and everything to do with her areas of struggle. I jazz up the covers and spines with scrapbooking stuff, and add "tabs" as needed.

You can use binder to help organize your school and life in any creative way you imagine! I also use this binder method for insurance forms and bank statements and even have one just for crock pot recipes.

If you have a favorite method or tip that helps you stay organized, please share a link to pic's on your blog! I love to see pictures!

Empty Nests? Bah-humbug!

2010-07-04T20:59:00.000-04:00

The other night we attended a Community Independence Day Freedom Celebration at our former church (one we went to for close to 15 years) and we run into quite a few couples that we've known for years but haven't seen in a while, and we hear gloating upon gloating about "empty nests". My dh and I teased that we'll not have that experience in our lifetime, lol! Here we were with all our bundles of joy ranging from almost 2 up to age 22, grandson included!

So the real funny moment came when. . .wait for it. . .wait for it. . .the next day we learned we are expecting again! I just had to smile :)

Empty nests? Bah-humbug! That's what we have in our tree after the Robin's eggs hatch and the birdies fly away!

Please join us in prayer that this pregnancy goes well and that this baby develops healthy and strong! We've been through 2 miscarriages in the past nine months, and it's nervewracking to have that in the back of my mind, while trying so hard to be positive and know that God is in control!

Baskets & Books

2010-06-24T17:07:00.002-04:00

I've been admiring these Pottery Barn baskets for a few years now, but recently my window shopping love affair finally mades its way to actual purchase when I realized that PB was redoing their baskets - and that this 12-inch square version, along with the basket liners I really liked were all being discontinued. ACK!

Luckily, with a little footwork, I was able to track down the baskets I wanted and even got the liners at a discounted rate. Thus, I opted to do a bit of a basket makeover to my school shelf space to help me get a little more organized for the upcoming year. Plus, since my school room and kitchen share space, we often cover this shelf and use the top as a "buffet table" when events and parties necessitate, so now the baskets make hauling all those books and manipulatives out quite a bit easier! YEAH!

You can see the "before" picture here if you want to compare it to the "basket accessorized" look. :)

Ahhh. . .baskets. . .they're really not just for dirty laundry :) Hee, hee!

P.S. Just in case you were wondering. . .that plastic thing hanging on the lower left side of the board is a small shower caddy w/suction cups that houses the dry erase markers and eraser and keeps them out of baby's reach!

Book Chatter - Fahrenheit 451

2010-06-23T12:07:00.001-04:00

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

After some chatter about this one on another list, I decided to pick it up and add it to my 2010 list. (This one was a relatively short read, easy finished in a day or two.)

I've realized as I have begun to read some of the picks on my mental "I've always wanted to read that" list, that the actual book title often offers a surprisingly different notion of what one might imagine the book to be about. This is such a book.

Fahrenheit 451 - the temperature at which book paper catches fire and burns.

Isn't that clever? Bradbury has a unique way of writing and at times I found myself lost in details, however, this is a well-crafted science fiction work and I think the overall point of the book was easily discerned not only in the content, but also in the foreword as Bradbury writes. . .

"It has to do with books being burned without matches or fire. Because you don't have to burn books, do you, if the world starts to fill up with nonreaders, nonlearners, nonknowers? If the world wide-screen-basketballs and - footballs itself to drown in MTV, no Beattys are needed to ignite the kerosene or hunt the reader. If the primary grades suffer meltdown and vanish through the cracks of ventilators of the schoolroom, who, after a while, will know or care?"

And in the text. . .

"The sun burned everyday. It burned Time. The world rushed in a circle and turned on its axis and time was busy burning the years and the people away, without any help from him."

The relevancy of the book to our culture today is uncanny. With so much technology and drive for material things, people are SO busy that they don't have time for what's really important. Not only the loss of attention to books, and the possibility that "a book in hand" might someday be a thing of the past, but the sheer busyness of life that keeps us from getting to know one another, from taking time to share and pass on stories to our children, and from really engaging in life - life that creates family bonds and friendships that exists beyond the realm of passive entertainment and material attainment.

If nothing else may it encourage us to redeem the time that burns away beneath us as we rush through day after day.

I could go on. . .but you'd probably drawn your own connections better by reading the book!

Starting Points. . .Where Our Thinking Begins!

2010-06-13T18:05:00.004-04:00

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. . . 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

I can't recall a time that I've ever been as excited about a curriculum as I am now about using Cornerstone Curriculum's Starting Points with my dd this year. As I began to inquire and research in an effort to decide between this and Omnibus, I repeatedly felt drawn to Starting Points and found confirmation after confirmation that my prayers were being clearly answered through the sharing and responses I received from others. . .along with the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) direction of the Holy Spirit.

Learning alongside my child as we strive to strengthen the foundation of our faith is about as exciting as it gets from my viewpoint and I firmly believe that this will be a life-changing and enlightening experience for us. Seeing God at work already keeps me on the edge of my seat with joyful anticipation as we venture forth to find Biblical answers to these seven worldview questions that lead down a path of profound and reflective truth-seeking - and that we as Christians should have a concrete and substantiated response to.

1 - What is God like?

2 - What is man like?

3 - What is the universe like?

4 - What is the cause of evil and suffering?

5 - What is the basis of ethics and morality?

6 - What happens to man at death?

7 - What is the meaning of life and history?

Because we are "living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (Phil. 2:15), it's vital that we base our thinking upon the Biblical Worldview. Scripture is unchanging, yet it's message and words are unique and personal to each of us! Our world today has turned away from absolutes. Principles that once made up the foundation and underpinnings of our country are now floating in a sinking boat somewhere on a vast sea of gray. Thus, rather than surrender to the onslaught of merciless waves with our hands in the air, Starting Points stands out as a life preserver, ardently desiring to provide a fighting chance for ourselves, our youth, and our children to rise above the undercurrents of decline and decay that continue to assault our families, our communities, our country, our world, and our Christian faith!

A spiritual relationship nurtured feebly or built misguidedly on emotional appeal makes for a weak faith that will impede our spiritual growth and hinder our efforts to live the abundant and full life God has for us. Such disadvantages limit our appreciation and grasp of who HE is, but also limit our appreciation and grasp of who WE are in HIM! Developing a Biblical Worldview serves to give one the solid foundation needed to weather the peaks and valleys of life, the questions of good and evil, the questions of life and death, along with the aptitude to discern and reprove the declining moral state around us, the pervasive culture of anything goes, and the insidious one who seeks to destroy and devour.

In the wise words of Charlotte Mason: (CM Original Series)

"But let their zeal be according to knowledge. Lay the foundation of their faith. [Details of individual opinion matter less than] that they should know fully in Whom they believed, and what are the grounds of their belief. Put earnest, intellectual works into their hands. Let them feel the necessity of bracing up every power of mind they have to gain comprehension of the breadth and the depth of the truths they are called to believe.

There is a horror of great darkness abroad, Christianity is on its trial; and more than that, the most elementary belief in, and worship of, Almighty God. The judgement to come, the resurrection of the body, the life everlasting, - these fundamental articles of Christian faith have come to be pooh-poohed; and this, not only among profane persons and ungodly livers, but amongst people of reputation both for goodness and wisdom."

Wow!. . .isn't it amazing that words written so long ago, are yet so relevant and fresh today?

And from Susan Shaeffer Macaulay: (For the Children's Sake)

"The young person should not be left to base his Christian faith on the inadequate foundation of "emotional appeals". On the contrary: our minds can look full into the face of basic questions, and the implications of Christianity can - and do - stand firmly as reasonable. . . .Mind is on our side. It is liberating, wonderful, and produces healthy growth. We don't have to keep our Christianity in a little compartment labeled "faith". If fits reality. There are good answers, good reasons. The light of truth shines brightly."

And finally, I will close with a few more choice words from Charlotte Mason:

"Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child, the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe, - the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable and most happy-making."

I hope my enthusiasm for this message and this curriculum is contagious. I hope this posts causes you to think, to question, to measure your time, to rethink your academic goals, to evaluate your own walk, and to carefully consider the quality of the many options you have available to you! What's the eternal value? What will be the measure of success? What's the bottom line goal? What's the main thing?

May we all be diligent in our efforts and responsibility to prayerfully and wholeheartedly reconcile our most important task with the minutes, hours, and days that remain. Remember, children don't wait!

P.S. Now with all that food for thought, should you find Starting Points to be impressed as keenly upon your heart as I have, then I invite you to join us at the new Starting Points Yahoo Group!

Veritas Press History and Bible Cards

2010-06-10T10:22:00.001-04:00

I got this fantastic idea from another Mom who does Classical Conversations and I just LOVE IT! Instead of laminating and cutting ALL those cards, (a task I was dreading) I purchased these neat little binders and protective covers for them. Depending on how you want to factor the cost of laminating, time for cutting, etc. I think the price was fairly comparable.They are easy to put together, easy to store, easy to pull out when needed! You can flip through it like a photo album or pull out just the ones you want to focus on.

Each mini-binders comfortably hold about 80 each, so I have four binders total for BOTH the history and Bible sets altogether. The spine also has a plastic insert section for you to label the binder, along with a circle shaped "finger" slot that makes them easy to pull off a shelf!

I purchased the 5.5 x 8.5 sheet protectors and the same size mini-binders from this place - Keep Filing (www.keepfiling.com). I'm sure you can probably get them elsewhere, but at the time of research, this was the least expensive place and the ones I liked best!

As far as the cards themselves. . .they are a great resource for homeschooling families. Plus I think the visual aspect of being able to lay them out when showing the timeline of things is very helpful to children (and adults, lol!). The cards all have a short bit of information on the back and then lists several other resources to refer to for more in-depth learning on that event, person or subject. Plus each individual Veritas Cards packet also comes with a sheet that list those resources which will give you more information on a particular story, person, or event, and even tells you how many times a particular resource is referred to, as well as its priority as it relates to the set. Some resources are used only once in a single series, some as much as more than twenty. This allows you to *buy* only the most important ones and borrow/skip the others as it fits your needs so that you can make the most of these cards!

Blog Showcase - A Multitude of Mercies

2010-05-30T10:24:00.001-04:00

Having gained so much inspiration and encouragement from this particular blog - one of the few I visit regularly - I wanted to share it here for those who may not have discovered it yet!

From Monday's Multitude of Mercies to Thursday's Taming of the Tongue, Trisha offers up a wonderful balance of challenge, encouragement, recipes, and laughter, mixed in with an array of wisdom found in her narratives of intentional living and finding joy in the everyday. A self-confessed "pathological picture taker", avid book reader, and humble sinner saved by grace, this homeschooling mother of seven (soon to be eight) strives to live every moment to the glory of God!

I think you'll enjoy sharing in her unpretentious Multitude of Mercies.

Wilson Reading System vs. Barton Reading & Spelling

2010-05-27T10:32:00.003-04:00

I know many homeschooling parents are often looking at these two Orton-Gillingham (OG) based programs and wondering about the differences, so I thought I'd share these details for those who may be interested in hearing some thoughts on the two different programs. Either would work well for a student with dyslexia, provided they are implemented with fidelity. These are tools - and to be most effective, they must use as directed!

Barton and Wilson are both OG programs and both have their positives, however, they are at very different ends of the spectrum in both price and guidance. I will just list a few differences I can think of right now. . .

Barton is much more expensive, but the lessons are scripted and you get more support in the form of DVD training for each level and the ability to email Susan if you get stuck or have a question.

Wilson is much less expensive, but the lessons are not scripted and the support not quite so readily available (okay, well there's my fabulous reading group that has other Wilson users to network with - but help from the company can be a few days coming if you need it) If you purchase the Deluxe Kit (and this full set is what *I* recommend to parents starting with Wilson) it does come with everything you need including a set of "Overview Training DVD's" that I think are excellent for getting the gist of the program and developing a deeper understanding of the dyslexic learner.

(Do not confuse Wilson Reading System with Wilson Fundations. These are different programs.)

Barton does a better job of covering accented vs. unaccented syllables and explaining why this matters.

Barton teaches a student how to actually "use" a spell checker, Wilson just recommends the use of one.

Barton jumps into syllable division as it simultaneously begins to introduce syllable types (I think this can be overwhelming for some dyslexic kids - too much too soon. Level 4 is particularly meaty in that sense.) But so long as you take whatever time the student needs to "get it", it should be fine I reckon!

Barton does a better job teaching syllable division using the tiles. I love the tiles for this!! Wilson does do this with the sound cards, but the instruction for *you* is not quite as explicit as it is in Barton.

Wilson has plenty of practice via the workbooks and readers. The readers offer practice in words, sentences, and stories, plus the children get to chart their own progress which I think is very motivating. I personally believe this review and controlled text practice is vital! IMHO, Barton is short on practice and review in this respect.

Barton does a better job of incorporating "sight words". Wilson has them listed in the "rules" book, but there is really no reference to them in the lesson plan, nor much guidance for introduction and mastery of these words as you progress through the levels.

Wilson offers much more dictation practice, including sounds, words, nonsense words, and sentences for each step along the way. Again, I think this consistent and repetitive practice is essential!

Barton ultimately goes into much more advanced concepts if you go through ALL of the levels.

Barton seems to introduce material at a much faster pace (could possibly be too fast for some children). Wilson is more purposeful in scope and sequence, but slower overall in pace (often good for the dyslexic learner, but harder for the Mom who wants to hurry up and get through it!)

Important Note: Barton levels maintain a high resale value, however, be sure to buy an extra set of tiles upfront if you plan to resell it! The levels are cumulative and aside from level one, you will need the tiles from the previous levels as you progress through the program. If you buy used, make sure it has tiles included!

Anyway, those are just a few things to consider, I invite others to jump in and share what their experience has been with one program or the other via the comment section below!

Here are some additional comments from a couple other members on my "Heart of Reading" group. . .
********
The Wilson materials are great when I need more practice materials...I agree that Barton doesn't offer enough practice sometimes. Wilson doesn't explain things as well, and the Barton tiles are more fun than the cards. One thing I love about the Barton is that you don't have to use the script. The summaries in the side columns are fantastic. I also like the hand motions. My students really like the hand motions, too.
********
Just a reminder that Barton has extra practice sheets on their website. You need a password to access them. Just email Susan and you'll get one quickly. There is also an awkward little games section on their website, but kids are so use to bells and whistle type games that they aren't as much fun. The only thing I hate about the Barton DVD's is Susan's monotone. UGH! I could never tutor like that. I am all about upbeat and positive!
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Hope this information is useful to someone! To see my review of All About Spelling click here AAS Review.

A Glimpse of His Glory

2010-05-26T16:19:00.001-04:00

We've had some breathtaking evening skies lately. . .the kind that make you long for *His* glorious return and leave you feeling like you've seen a tiny glimpse of heaven!

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Revelation 1:7

Sing with me now. . ."Blue skies smiling at me, nothing but blue skies do I see. Bluebirds singing a song, nothing but blue skies from now on. . ."

May all our days be filled with the light of His glory!

Turtle Tales

2010-05-25T18:18:00.060-04:00

Saturday morning as me and Sassafras headed out for our Mother-Daughter day, we came across a lone little turtle in the middle of a very busy road. By the time we realized what it was, we had passed it by. We quickly maneuvered to turn around as we prayed repeatedly that it wouldn't be run over before we got back to it! Luckily, it was still sitting in the middle of the road, head held high, completely oblivious to the peril it was in! So, I got out and picked it up, placed it on the passenger seat of the van as my sweet little "city girl" screeched with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, shouting "oh my gosh, it's just like animal rescue!" It was adorable!

We were both tickled to be part of this turtle's lucky day and to see up close one of the many precious creatures God has blessed our earth with! Plus, I think it likes us :) (Yes, I know, those of you who experience the atmosphere of country life every day, must think us comical to be so animated over a turtle, LOL! but remember. . .not much excitement of this kind happens in suburbia!

Anywho, it is sitting in it's temporary habitat (a baby pool with grass, plants, and water) and we plan to release it a local pond when our homeschool groups meets for our Summer Fun Day in early June.

In the meantime, my kiddo's have had the opportunity and motivation to learn to use the internet to identify the turtle, learn about it's habitat and eating habits, and enjoy the oh so hilarious bonus tidbit - "little turtles" make "big poo" ;-)

Hey. . .what's this thing?

Cheese. . .and turtle :)

The "official" greeting from behind, lol!

Ruff! Ruff! I'm NOT afraid of you! (okay, maybe a little!)

Aren't I gorgeous?

Notice the protective glove, lol!

Warmed up enough to sit and draw it!

My Poetry - "TODAY"

2010-05-16T17:40:00.002-04:00

If you've been hanging around here a while, you might have realized that I like to tinker with poetry here and there :) "Today" is a short piece I finished up this weekend. I hope it brings you reflection and encouragement to make the most of the opportunites you have "TODAY"!

TODAY
It's wonderous how time goes so fast
What was almost here, is now the past
The days behind will not return
Lessons they bring must be swiftly learned

Strive forth to expand your comfort zone
In all you do, make His will known
Aspire to brighten the world around
Give voice to prayers that need a sound

Endeavor to bring someone a smile
Extend a hand, go the extra mile
Be not restrained by judging glance
Generously live and laugh and dance

Each morning brings His mercies new
God's plan engendered just for you
Possibilities wait around the way
Embrace the time that is today.

Open the Eyes of My Heart

2010-05-14T15:55:00.003-04:00

"Hardness of heart evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things."
(source: http://net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=heart)

Ouch! Isn't that a powerful statement? As much as I like a good debate, I couldn't find any room for one here. This was recently shared by someone on one of my groups, and I was immediately driven to reflection and prayer. . .Was God speaking to me? . . .be careful what you ask :)

". . .we have a major heart problem against which we will have to struggle our entire lives. . .Our heart is false - it tricks or deceives us into thinking that our desires are pure, that we want what we want because it is good and God approves. Every man's way seems right in his own eyes. . .even when it leads to death. Our heart trouble is hereditary: it had its origin at the fall. "

"Even though believers have been given a new heart, so our thoughts and desires are changed, we still struggle with the remnants of our old nature. Every day we have choose whom we will love most: God or ourselves (and the gods we create). The difficulty of these choices is compounded because our hearts deceive us into thinking that acting in some sinful way is the best or perhaps the godliest course of action."

(excerpts from: Idols of the Heart - Elyse Fitzpatrick)

"The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9

I know from personal experience that when my heart is not in the right place, it contributes to the sins outlined above and taints my thoughts and words - creating a divide that hinders both my spiritual growth and relationships.

It is an age old battle that has the potential to either move one forward with God's Grace, or to stop one cold amidst a puddle of guilt, regret, and regression.

I realized long ago that in my flesh I will never be "good enough" and that my actions as a Christian will always come under judgment and scrutiny by someone, somewhere - no matter how hard I strive. It is *my effort* instead of *my reliance on God* that can easily misguide me. Thankfully, I know that there is but one judge that matters and it is my heart's desire to be right with Him - to accept that however flawed a human I may be here on earth, I have a divine appointment with a divine Savior that keeps me looking up and pressing on! He knows my heart full well.

Hardened and wayward hearts are softened and renewed with prayer, mercy, forgiveness, and the strength and promises of God's Word!

Each day, I choose to accept God's Grace and continually plow forward. May He cultivate a humility in me that will keep open the eyes of my heart!

"And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:23-24

The Joy of Mother's Day

2010-05-10T09:25:00.001-04:00

I know Mother's Day is suppose to be a celebration of Mom, and I'm okay with that, lol! Each year, it is such a blessing to see my family take such care to go overboard to show me that I'm special to them. Instead of being a day just focused on me, it's a day that has me praying and thanking God for the immeasurable blessing of my family. Being a mother is an honor. Having my precious children is a blessing. Having a husband who loves me amazing. Knowing God thought enough of me to give me such bountiful measure in these precious ones is priceless.

So. . .earlier in week, the girls starting asking what I wanted for Mother's Day. This is their investigative research on behalf of their father. They find out, pass it on and then SURPRISE :) Okay, truth be told, these girls are not good at keeping secrets! They unwittingly drop hints and offer telling smiles at every turn. It's so adorable that they "think" they've really pulled something off! Dh takes it with a grain of salt and a grimace, as he knows I always find out ahead of time what's planned.

Enjoying all that leads up to it, they always make it such a special time for me. My oldest dd called me Saturday, and she and my grandson took me out to lunch. Then Sunday, dh and the other children went and got me my favorite lunch items, fixed me and my own Mom a steak dinner, and gave me my favorite perfume as a gift. It was a perfect day! A perfect day to count my blessings, knowing that I'm SO lucky to have these precious people in my life!

Thank you God for the privilege!

Developing Fine Motor Skills

2010-04-30T09:47:00.006-04:00

Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements which occur e.g., in the fingers, usually in coordination with the eyes. In application to motor skills of hands (and fingers) the term dexterity is commonly used. Fine motor skills, are skills that involve a refined use of the small muscles controlling the hand, fingers, and thumb.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine_motor_skill)

One of my children had a great deal of difficulty developing the fine motor and hand-eye coordination skills necessary for so many routine, daily things most of us take for granted! Children don't come with manuals and when difficulties surface it's often hard to discern what to do and how to respond. This is just one area where we've "been there, done that" and I'm glad to share our tips!

Here is a compilation of a few activities and ideas for developing fine motor skills and motor coordination –

— there’s a product called Theraputty - this can be used for squeezing, rolling, pinching, etc. You can also hide little things in it for her to dig out (buttons, pennies, screws, etc)

— Beads ‘n Baubles stringing set (available from Rainbow Resource) or any stringing kit will do!

— lacing boards, lacing letters, etc.

— play with clay and/or Playdough – for letter, roll in snakes, balls, pinch with forefinger and thumb, squeeze, etc.)

— nuts and bolts (screwing them on and off)

— pegs and pegboards (available from Learning Resource and teacher stores)

— pop-on beads (Walmart carries a kit in the craft dept.)

— geoboards (create a design and have child recreate on their own)

— paddle boards (the ones with the ball attached)

— using yarn and noodles (the kind with a hole) have her string the noodles on the yarn

— draw a variety of lines on paper (straight, zig-zag, curved, etc) and have child cut along the line

— put a jacket or shirt with snaps or buttons onto a pillow and have the child practice these skills

— take shoestring out of shoes (or use an old pair) and have child practice lacing them up (tying could be practiced this way as well)

— big exercise ball (any dept. store) these are great for all kinds of activities

— clothes pins (my dd used to like to clip them all over my clothes and then take them off - sometimes we used a timer for added fun) or you can tie up a string or clothesline for her to clip them on.

— throw a ball back and forth (start with a bigger one and work your way down to a racquet ball or tennis ball or bean bag) I had my dd call the motions out loud i.e. catch, toss, catch toss or throw, bounce, catch, etc. . - this helped!

— toss games (where you have to get the bean bag through the hole) Oriental Trading carries them or you can improvise - cut a hole in a cardboard box, use a bucket, hulahoop, or anything else that can serve as a target! You could also tape a paper plate to the door and draw a bullseye on it for a target.

— Legos! (the smaller ones that snap together)

— Cheerios – have the child pick up the cereal pieces one at a time and put them in a cup or bowl. Use Cheerios and yarn for stringing.

— craft beads - (the ones with hole in the center) – Have the child move them from one saucer (or shallow container) to another using tweezers.

— Lay out five/six pennies to the right and left of a shallow dish (or use 10/12 pennies placed in an upside down L position with the dish centered between the upper part), have the child simultaneously pick up one from each side and put into the container.

— Using a plastic needle, thread and popcorn, make popcorn strings for fun.

Note: some of these have very small parts, so please use caution and keen supervision when working with a child who tends to put things in his/her mouth!

Now that you have some ideas to get you started, I'm sure it will stir your creativity :) If issues are severe, persistent, or warrant further attention, you may want to consult with an Occupational Therapist for evaluation, advice and/or therapy.

Midwest Homeschool Convention

2010-04-26T17:14:00.007-04:00

Wow! Can I just say that again? Wow! Miss a year, miss a lot. I attended this convention the first two years, but then skipped in 2009 because my little one was still nursing. Boy, did things change! What started out as a small, cozy convention with a load of great speakers turned into a massive, unbelievably huge convention of home school families galore, with even more great speakers mind you!

I have to admit, my first thought upon arriving at the Duke Center and seeing the masses, was "This is way too much, I want to go home - sniff, sniff!" But after collecting myself and getting over the initial shock of the change in size and venue, I was able to carry on with my heavy duties of shopping and sitting back listening to awesome speakers :)

It's quite hard to decide who to go see with so many great folks to choose from, but I opted for three (or rather time, schedule, location and capacity limited me to three) - Andrew Pudewa (I'd never miss the chance to hear him!), John Rosemond (after his first workshop, I was hooked and went to the rest of his), and one other, whose name eludes me (sorry!).

Oh, but Tim Hawkins had to be *my* weekend highlight! I laughed until I cried. (and I really needed to laugh!) He was funny and entertaining from the minute he took the stage and had a delightful, disturbing sense of humor that I could have giggle to for hours! Whoever thought of adding this awesome break for the attending families deserves a gold star! I'd go back just to see him!

Shopping - wow again! There were SO many vendors it was difficult to give them each adequate consideration. Instead, I found myself "waiting" to buy this or that so I wouldn't have to lug it all weekend (or in case I found a better deal, lol!). Then I missed out on a few deals :( But overall, an excellent selection of vendors, and even many new ones to consider!

Some of the sessions were very spread out, and often classes were full to capacity, so other than the enormous size (which may or may not be a negative depending on your personal preference) these were the two biggest drawbacks.

Overall, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Pregnancy Update II. . .

2010-04-02T17:33:00.004-04:00

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Each one is priceless and wholeheartedly appreciated.

Unfortunately, I did get my lab results back today and the pregnancy is not progressing appropriately. Please continue to pray for us as we grieve through the forthcoming stages of this process and the loss of this precious addition to our family.

I wrote this poem after our first loss to miscarriage in November and feel it is befitting once again to share and remember that it is only "until then".

Until Then. . .
For a time much too fleeting
You grew in my heart
I never imagined
Your soul would soon part

In the blink of an eye
My plans were displaced
But I know God’s are greater
and I cling to His Grace

You weren’t meant for this earth
You’re too precious for this
So I’ll see you in Heaven
And you’ll know Mommy’s kiss

With each breath, I release you
But I’ll hold you again
My angel - this is not good-bye
It’s only, until then. . .

Sweetest Blessings,
¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ .•´ -:¦:-Tina ~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´*

Pregnancy Update. . .

2010-03-30T11:56:00.003-04:00

I went for an ultrasound yesterday and measured almost 2 weeks smaller than I should have. OB said it doesn't look good (and with the dates I know - it's improbable). I had HCG levels drawn and will again tomorrow, with another follow-up ultrasound scheduled for next week.

Miracles do happen. . .right?

And these are the days of our lives. . .

2010-03-21T12:30:00.002-04:00

Wow! It's amazing how fast time slips away. Life has been busy. We've recently learned we are expecting again and I'll be going for an early ultrasound next week to see how things are going. I find myself a bit more anxious after the miscarriage in November, but I know I have to lay it at God's feet and trust Him. We are all very excited about this blessing and addition to our family!

My Mom is in the hospital recovering from surgery for spinal compression that was causing her to limp so bad she could barely walk. Recovery is going very well and so far, her walking seems to have improved. The neuro wasn't sure if it would reverse the damage already done, but felt it was needed to keep it from progressing to the point of her becoming paralized. I pray that it does both - heal and prevent!

I finished Animal Farm and loved it! I'll post it under "book chatter" when I get the chance. Right now, I'm breaking from my posted "reading list" to take in some homeschooling books. I've been a bit tired and discouraged and am hoping to find some rejuvination within the pages :) I'm currently reading "A Biblical Home Education" and "When Children Love to Learn". But honestly, I'm most excited about the newest edition of "Educating the Wholehearted Child" due out anytime and I can't wait to get my hands on it! This is my all time favorite homeschool book!!

Okay, signing out and off to visit Mom :)

Blessings,
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ .·´ -:¦:-Tina ~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*

Book Give Away - and the winner is. . .

2010-03-01T14:34:00.003-05:00

drumroll please. . . Jessica @ Established Work !

Congratulations Jessica! I hope you'll love this book as much I as do! Let me know how to get it to you and I'll ship your book out asap!

Thanks to everyone who participated! Happy 1st day of March!

Book Chatter

2010-02-24T12:59:00.003-05:00

# 4. The Shack - Wm. Paul Young

I finished The Shack this past weekend. It wasn't anywhere near the same dense reading of Crime and Punishment, nevertheless, it took me just as long, lol! Truth be told, I almost stopped reading it altogether, and considered returning it to the library unfinished. . .but please read on. . .

I have mixed feelings about this one and will try to share my thoughts and some highlights. I found the first few chapters and the overall story very interesting, but felt ambivalent about the way God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were portrayed. While I understood the message the author was trying to deliver, the means still left something to be desired for me personally. I found I had to move beyond that hurdle to allow myself to fully receive the message and blessing of this book. So after pushing past this with some hesitancy, I am thankful to have read it to the end! The book deals uniquely with some powerful issues when it comes to Our Heavenly Father and our faith and understanding of Him. It attempts to address the questions that many of us struggle with from time to time - issues of evil in our world, God's control. and sometimes seeming passiveness of unfathomable tragedies, pain, and injustice.

I hope that these poignant quotes will speak to your heart and have you picking this one up soon!

These read as if spoken by God -

"In your world the value of the individual is constantly weighed against the survival of the system, whether political, economic, social, or religious - any system actually. First one person, then a few, and finally even many are easily sacrificed for the good and ongoing existence of this system. In one form or another this lies behind every struggle for power, every prejudice, every war, and every abuse of relationship. The "will to power and independence' has become so ubiquitous that it is now considered normal."

"You try to make sense of the world in which you live based on a very small and incomplete picture of the reality. It is like looking at a parade through a tiny knothole of hurt, pain, self-centeredness, and power, and believing you are on your own and insignificant. All these contain powerful lies. You see pain and death as ultimate evils and God as the ultimate betrayer, or perhaps, at best, as fundamentally untrustworthy. You dictate the terms and judge my actions and find me guilty."

"Together, you and I, we have been working with a purpose in your heart. And it is wild and beautiful and perfectly in process. To you it seems like a mess, but to me, I see a perfect pattern emerging and growing and alive - a living fractal."

"Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in a relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you are."

". . .if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again."

Wow! And this is just a few highlights! There are really some powerful points in this book and it has left many with much food for thought.

I'd love hear from others who have read it, and encourage those who haven't!

Altogether Beautiful. . .

2010-02-18T22:31:00.003-05:00

watching my daughter blush with excitement and surprise as her boyfriend knelt down to propose

empty laundry baskets ;o)

the amazing assortment of books available via the free public library

snow. . .fresh, crisp, white, bright snow

laying next to my husband and holding hands as we drift to sleep

Eclectic Erudition - How do you homeschool?

2010-02-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

Raise your hand if you want to be put in a box? I'll bet you didn't raise your hand, did you? Over the years, I've taken a close look at many of the "methods" of homeschooling and have found that each has it's share of pros and cons. There is much wisdom to be gleaned from the array of resources put out by those who have gone before us, but that doesn't mean that there is a right or wrong way to homeschool. It also doesn't mean that you have to select "one" way of homeschooling and hold fast to it. There are as many creative and fruitful ways to homeschool as their are individuals in the world!

I have found that what works for us is an eclectic style that allows us to selectively and prayerfully choose that which fits each child's needs - methods, ideas, curriculums, activities, tools, resources, groups, etc. This multifaceted approach also leaves us free to discard, without guilt, that which doesn't work for us, no matter how "great" it might be for someone else!

I like to refer to our style as "Eclectic Erudition". So throw in a dash of Charlotte Mason, a sprinkle of Beechick, a flair of classical, a touch of delight-led learning, a lot of room for the individual, and you have a eclectically erudite style that is broad and comprehensive, yet works with your family, your needs, your goals!

Still trying to figure out your own philosophy? May I suggest a few good books for reading, a notebook and prayer. As you journey through the various methods of homeschooling, jot down the "best of the best" ideas and make a list of what you'd like to incorporate into your homeschool. Being Eclectically Erudite is about utilizing your own handpicked sundry options to gain knowledge and wisdom in one's lifestyle of learning!

Below are just a few of many reading options, but they are some of my favorites and those which I have found most helpful over the years.

Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay Clarkson
The Three R's and You Can Teach Your Child by Ruth Beechick
For The Children's Sake - Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
The Charlotte Mason Companion - Karen Andreola
The Well-Trained Mind - Susan Wise Bauer
Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit - Teri Maxwell

Education isn't about a particular method or curriculum oer se. It's about nurturing and developing the mind, spirit and body so that we make know God, live appreciatively, participate wholeheartedly, worship freely, love generously, learn continuously, serve fervently and persevere astutely.

Life is a journey of perpetual learning and keeping God at the head of the class will help guide us and keep us on the right path!

Book Giveaway - "For The Children's Sake"

2010-02-12T12:04:00.002-05:00

With so many blogs and so little time, I wanted to do something creative to encourage folks to stop here for a visit. Blogging sometimes feels like typing into the cyber abyss, yet it is my hope that you will find something of value here and that I, in turn, can find motivation and purpose for continuing! So. . .

On March 1st, I will be giving away a copy of one of my favorite homeschooling books "For The Children's Sake" by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. To enter, you must be registered as a "follower" on my blog and leave a comment on any one post you find helpful or interesting! Be sure to search the "categories" sidebar for other topics.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

Creating an Annual Portfolio (or Keepsake Notebook :) in 3 Easy Steps!

2010-02-03T10:16:00.002-05:00

Whether or not you are required to maintain an annual portfolio, it is a neat way to maintain records for yourself and it makes for a wonderful resource for reminiscing about the school days gone by! How many times do we wonder if we're doing enough? If our children are making adequate progress? A portfolio helps alleviate those fluctuating concerns and self-doubts because you have the evidence in front of you. Children love to look through them as well!

If the term "portfolio" doesn't strike your fancy or sounds too official, then "keepsake notebook" is an alternative name that you may consider using instead :)

The most important tip for maintaining a successful portfolio/keepsake is to start at the beginning! By that I mean get the binder ready first. (I prefer binder as opposed to plastic tub, because it's makes for a nice book to flip through). Once the binder is ready and in place, it's much easier to add your child's work and to keep it organized along the way. Trying to tackle this project at year end with a stack of papers glaring at you is daunting and overwhelming. This first step will have you prepared to build it as you go! So let's look at the process step-by-step. . .

Step 1
Get the binder ready. I find that a one inch binder is sufficient, but you have to remember that you don't need to keep EVERY item! A good sampling of each subject showing progress along the way is sufficient.

I like to get the binders with the clear plastic insertable covers so that I can personalize them. I get scrapbook materials and create a jazzy cover and spine.

Step 2
The next step is to create tabbed dividers for each subject. Decide what subjects or categories you want to divide your notebook into and then prepare your tabs.

Some examples or suggestions tabs might be. . .

Bible
Math
History
Science
Language/Language Arts
Handwriting
Spelling
Reading Log
Art/Music
Field Trips
Miscellaneous
Student Records (this can include an assortment - attendance, progress reports, report cards, certificates, standardized testing results, a list of resources/curriculum used, notice of intent, accomodations if your student has learning disabilities, etc.. You may also choose to place this section in the beginning of the notebook, instead of behind a tab)

*If your state has required subjects that you must teach, you may wish to print that page from your state's Dept. of Education and include that in your notebook.

Step 3
Add to it as you go! Now that your notebook is ready to fill, all you have to do is select the work you wish to showcase and place it behind the appropriate tab. Now, again, I realize some of us might be inclined to keep every sheet our precious children do, but it is truly not necessary. Keep a handful of things from each subject that will help showcase the child's progress.

A few additional tips. . .

Tip #1 - a bit of scrapbooking in the end of the notebook is a nice way to display photos, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia that remains from field trips, science and history fairs, co-ops, etc.

Tip #2 - clear page protectors are a good way to protect those extra special pieces of work. You can also you these for writing assignments - I put the final draft on top, then hide the rough, edited drafts behind it.

Tip #3 - include a picture of your child taken at the beginning of the year. You can place it on the front binder cover, or create an "All About Me" page to place in the very beginning of the notebook. (print this on cardstock and leave a space for the picture!)

When I first decided this was the method I wanted to use, I had a couple years that I combined together. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Figure out what will work for your family and get creative!

Okay, that's my scoop and below are a few pics! If you have more to add or share, please leave a comment below!

Cute scrapbooking packets are available in many places - Walmart, Target, Big Lots, Dollar Trees, Archiver's, etc. Your creativity is the limit.

I don't know if you can tell from the pic's, but these have the 3-d scrapbooking stickers to give it a bit of depth. We intentionally left an open space on the green cover to add a picture, when I finally get around to developing them!

Spines makes them easy to locate on the shelf!

Homepreschool and Beyond (new book!)

2010-02-02T21:53:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share this new book that was authored by another home school mom that I have been on a list with for several years now. She always has great advice on taking advantage of real life, natural learning opportunities and taking care not to push our youngest ones to academic "schooling" before they are ready!

You can get a glimpse via the link below now, and Susan hopes it will be available on Amazon sooner!

Homepreschool and Beyond: A Comprehensive Guide to Early Home Education by Susan Lemons

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=930292&event=CS#curr

I hope you'll check it out!

The Struggle To Read

2010-01-29T21:57:00.010-05:00

It is my prayer that this will be taken in the earnest and sincere manner that it is intended. Over the years, I’ve noticed a troublesome trend among homeschooling parents when it comes to accepting and understanding the learning differences we observe or suspect in our children. It begins with an email post by a frightened and desperate parent seeking guidance for their struggling reader and ends with one or more parents posting an encouraging and comforting story of how their “late bloomer” suddenly started reading at the age of 10 or 11. The initial parent, who was secretly hoping for this kind of assurance, is heaving a sigh of relief that there is not something “wrong” with her child and that her teaching is not to blame. She eagerly decides that maybe it’s not really a problem after all. Time goes on.

These types of exchanges occur often and I always wonder to myself. . . What if the child doesn’t suddenly begin to read someday? What if the child has a real issue that could be effectively remediated with early intervention, saving him years of struggle and injury to his self-esteem? What if this well-intended advice causes a parent to delay helping this child? What if he continues to struggle with reading for several more years or even worse, the rest of his life? What if?

These encouraging and well-meaning exchanges, though heartening and uplifting, leave too many necessary questions unexplored at a vital period of development when intercession can be most valuable and effectual. In many cases there is a distinct difference between what parents want to hear and what parents need to know when confronted with a child who struggles with the essential skill of reading. I want to address some of those things here.

Certainly there are children who learn and retain information more efficiently as they grow and mature. However, the cost of the “wait and see” approach carries a risky and substantial price tag if it doesn’t pan out. In fact, research has repeatedly confirmed the importance of early intervention when it comes to future reading success. When you consider the substantial illiteracy rate in our country, one cannot help but deduce that the majority of struggling readers do not overcome their battle without concerted, diligent effort and specialized instruction. Parents who refuse to acknowledge or consider that their child may have a learning difference that requires prompt attention may be unwittingly doing a disservice to their child.

One reason I believe parents tend to ignore or set aside reading problems is for fear of what it might mean. Certain “labels” are frequently used to describe children who learn differently or require a alternate mode of instruction. Some carry negative connotations, some allow us to avoid terms that seem more obscure or frightening to us: dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, phonological disorder, reading delayed, learning disability, ADHD, right-brained learner, visual-spatial learner, hands-on learner, late bloomer, etc. Misconceptions abound with each, but parents are wise to do their homework and not let these misconception lead to guilt or denial that keeps then from taking the steps necessary to help their child learn. Remember, a label is only important to the extent that it helps you determine the unique needs of the child and provides you with clear direction for meeting those needs. It does not define who the child is!

Parents should also be conscious of the huge emotional cost of not being able to read. Children who struggle are keenly aware their difficulty and undoubtedly notice that other children their age are doing something that does not come easily for them. It impacts their life and thoughts in ways that they may be unable to articulate, but rest assured they know. It is not something to be ashamed of and it is not something that should be whispered about behind their back - leaving the child to wonder if he’s fundamentally flawed. Think about it like this, if his vision was impaired you’d get him glasses - if he had a cavity, you get him a filling - if he skinned his knee, you’d get him a bandage. A need is simply a need. Our efforts to protect or shield them can sometimes unwittingly leave them filled with insecurities, self-doubt and a decreased interest in all things academic. Talk to your child. Your honesty, compassion and belief in him will lighten the load for both of you and smooth the path ahead.

All children can learn to read, but all children do not learn the same way. God created each of us different from head to toe and that includes our minds, our processing speeds, and the way we learn. Parents need to know that reading difficulties are not indicative of low intelligence! In fact, the majority of child with learning differences have average to above average intelligence and are often gifted in many other ways. The early action of a parent can mean the difference between slow, steady progress and lifelong impaired reading. Homeschooling gives you the advantage and freedom of being able to tailor instruction to the specific needs of your child in a one-on-one setting, providing maximum results and minimal frustration all the way around. Take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Current research denotes that there are five components to effective reading instruction: phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Phonological awareness is a broad term that includes phonemic awareness. In addition to phonemes, phonological awareness activities can involve work with rhymes, words, syllables, and onsets and rimes.

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds--phonemes--in spoken words

Phonics is the sound-letter connection

Vocabulary is the stored database of words that the child understand and use properly

Fluency is reading with speed, accuracy and proper intonation

Comprehension is the ability to understand and make sense of what is read.

Each components builds upon and adds to the previous, however, phonemic awareness, which falls under the umbrella of phonological awareness, is considered the most significant factor in determining future reading success. This skill, which comes naturally to most, sometimes alludes others in the absence of direct, explicit instruction.. Fortunately, this foundational skill can be taught effectively in a little as 20 minute a day with great results. Phonemic awareness is ground level work and sometimes it is necessary to go back to the beginning before you can forge ahead. I like to compare the process of teaching reading to the act of building a house – you must have a solid foundation to build on, lest you labor in vain. Don’t be afraid to step back.

As you work with your child to improve his own reading, remember to make reading aloud part of each instructional day. Again, research tells us that a child who reads 20 minutes a day reads an average of 1.8 million words per year. A child who begins reading at age 7 versus a child who begins reading at age 10 will have an enormous advantage when it comes to vocabulary, word recognition, fluency and even writing and spelling. The more a child reads a word, the more in becomes of part of them. Reading improves reading. For children not yet reading on their own, reading aloud and audio books, while they follow along in the printed text, provides a rich and rewarding avenue for continuing language development. Each exposure to written and auditory language embeds and reinforces the patterns of language into the memory of the child. This increased knowledge transfers to many areas of learning. Success breeds success.

As a final word of encouragement - remember to lavishly love, accept, and nurture your child as a unique, wonderful creation of God. Foster a love of reading as you go forward hand in hand, confident that there is joy in the journey and a light at the end of the tunnel.

For more information on resources or teaching reading, please visit

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeartofReading

Additional support and resources for homeschooling families teaching struggling readers ~

Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - by Judith R. Birsh

Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding & Spelling Instruction and Words - by Marcia K Henry

Phonemic Awareness in Young Children - by Marilyn Jager Adams

A Mind at a Time and The Myth of Laziness - by Mel Levine

Reading Reflex and How to Increase Your Child’s Verbal Intelligence - by Carmen McGuinness

The ABC’s and All Their Tricks - by Margaret Bishop

Recipe for Reading - by Frances Bloom and Nina Traub

McCall-Crabbs Standard Test Lessons in Reading (hardback – Five Volumes in One)

Sounds and Letters for Readers and Spellers - by Jane Fell Greene
http://www.sopriswest.com/

The Victory Drill Book - by August Enderlin

Phonemic Awareness Activities for Early Reading Success (Grades K-2) - by Wiley Blevins

Teaching Phonics and Word Study and Phonics from A to Z - by Wiley Blevins

How To Teach Spelling - by Laura Rudgrinsky and Elizabeth Haskell

Six-Way Paragraphs (3 levels – introductory, middle and advanced) - by Walter Pauk

Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction - by Isabel Beck

All About Spelling http://www.all-about-spelling.com/ Give your child a solid start to spelling!

http://www.epsbooks.com/ – Excellent resources for language instruction – Megawords, How to Teach Spelling, Writing Skills series, The Language ToolKit, Explode the Code (I strongly recommend using the parent guides in order to get the most out of the “. . .Code” series books!)

http://www.greatleaps.com/ – a unique and effective resource for improving fluency.

http://www.orton-gillingham.com/ Sensational Reading Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers (K-2 and remedial)

http://www.ganderpublishing.com/ – Lindamood-Bell's LIPS and Visualizing and Verbalizing Comprehension Program

Prayer Plus Planning Equals Progress!

YES - You can do this!

A Mother's Grief

2010-01-28T23:16:00.001-05:00

A Mother’s Grief

Gaze into the sparkling eyes of your gift from above,
Consider the hopes and dreams you have for them
Feel the fullness of love and devotion in your heart
Then imagine. . .

Imagine watching your child try so hard to fit in, but never finding acceptance in this world.

Imagine what it’s like to see other kids completely ignore them or make fun of them at every opportunity.

Imagine that your child hasn’t any friends that call or want to get together.

Imagine your child never being invited to parties or having anyone to invite to their own.

Imagine your child asking day after day to call “someone to play with”, with their efforts never reciprocated, their calls never returned.

Imagine your child being left sitting on a sidelines because the performance or game mattered more than the person.

Imagine their heart aching and your comfort too small.

Imagine the anguish that turns to dull numbness.

Imagine your eyes filled with tears that won’t dry.

Imagine a mother’s grief. Imagine.

I’m often burdened by the state of our society when I hear stories of children suffering cruelty at the hands of their peers, even to the point of taking their own lives. A young girl in our community took her life a couple years back after being the victim of vicious online insults and cruelty. The photos of her beautiful, smiling face still haunt me. What a tragedy that must tear at the very heart of God our Creator. Friends, this should not be.

Imagine a mother’s grief.

Today, I pose the questions. . .can you think of a Mom or child who needs to see God’s love in others? Who needs to see God’s love in you? Maybe it’s the child who annoys you, speaks a bit to crassly, watches t.v. shows you don’t approve of, gets too rowdy, acts kind of strange, etc. I’ll bet God is bringing someone to mind right now and it is my prayer that God will show you ways to minister to that family. May God use you to make a difference for someone. May He speak and act through you in ways that matter for eternity.

Remember. . . To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

The Importance of Reading Aloud

2010-01-27T19:00:00.001-05:00

This is a synopsis of information found on the DVD "Nurturing Competent Communicators" by Andrew Pudewa of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. It was sooo wonderful, I thought I'd share some of the highlights as it pertains to reading and language development.

The first and foremost key point was the extreme importance of reading aloud to your children, no matter their age!! Andrew talked about how children get to a certain age and parents slack off and stop reading to them. In opposition of this practice, he earnestly emphasized the importance of reading aloud to your children daily - even to the extent that if you're not doing it - drop a subject to make room!!

Andrew elaborated on why this is so important - sorting through the main sources of language acquisition and communication sources for our kids: peers, media, family, books (in that order). Then he walked through each of those means and what they contribute or don't contribute to correct and sophisticated language patterns.

He talked about how memorization (poetry in this case) neurologically grows the brain and also briefly touched on the issue of writing by noting that children "can't get out what's not in there". That's where the storage of rich language patterns plays an essential role.

I guess the gist of it is the understanding of how great literature, rich language, and even poetry memorization provide a "template of language" and store "correct and sophisticated language patterns" that the child can retrieve for future communications of all modes.

I had an epiphany last year on this very issue, which was probably sparked by something I read. Even so, I made a deliberate effort to immerse my dd in great literature through both read alouds and the frequent use of audio books - and in my own experience, the difference was amazing! Honestly not just in "her" language development, but my own as well. Now, I don't purport this as a cure for learning/reading issues, but it's certainly a stepping stone that should not be missed for any learner. What tends to happens when children struggle with reading, is that they get less and less exposure to "the good stuff"- you can equate this to the "Matthew effect" - the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

No doubt, Andrew's wisdom will certainly give me pause next time I'm tempted to reach for the shortest story or skip a line, page or paragraph in a race to "get done"!

Forgive me for being so long winded, I guess you can tell that I enjoyed watching this DVD :-) I took away a renewed love and reverence for reading to my children as well as continuing to read for myself! I hope that this will encourage you to keep reading to you and yours too!

This and other great resources are available from The Institute for Excellence in Writing via the link below -

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/

"Sew" Excited!

2010-01-25T10:12:00.010-05:00

I got a new sewing machine for my - cough, cough __th birthday and I'm "sew" excited! I don't have any real talent when it comes to sewing, but I can measure, iron a crease, and sew a straight stitch, and with those few basic skills I enjoy making my own curtains and a few other things around the house. Perhaps what I lack in talent, I make up for in the creativity department!? That's what I like to think anyway :)

These are the valances I made for my dd's room. We found a color and fabric we liked at Walmart, unfortunately it was in the form of tab-top curtains. So. . .if you know the cost of fabric these days, you'll appreciate this creative stretch. We bought the tab-top curtains for the sole purpose of harvesting the fabric. We cut off the tab-tops, cut the trim, then used the fabric for the valances. I then bought the pink polka dot ribbon and made little bows to dress them up and pull some of the colors from their comforter. All in all, it was fairly easy and they turned out nicely!

Here's another creative idea. I have a beautiful floral comforter that I refuse to give up until I find something I love more or it completely falls apart, lol! Of course, when I purchased it on clearance they did not have any matching valances, so what I did was buy an extra king size bedskirt and used that small amount of matching fabric to make some ruffled rod toppers :)

I don't care much for the typical shower curtains available in stores, so I make my own for here as well. I bought this fabric during a vacation several years back - it's a good quality fabric that works well for the bathroom.

Lastly, these are my current kitchen curtains. Again, nothing fancy, I'm a straight stitch gal, but this comes in particularly handy for this room because we have french doors and windows of varying sizes, plus finding something that fits the french doors and isn't sheer is near impossible. Again, this is a little thicker fabric which we can pull back for light during the day and close for privacy at night.

I LOVE color and designs - can you tell?

I've made a couple other simple things - pillow covers, night gowns for the girls, etc., so even though my talent here is limited, it comes in handy enough.

Book Chatter

2010-01-24T15:54:00.003-05:00

3. Crime and Punishment

It has taken me about two weeks, but I finally finished Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky). It feels like an accomplishment to finally be able to mark it off my list! It was a very dense book and an enduring read. I found I had to push myself through this one, particularly in the beginning. The Russian names were tricky, not only in pronunciation, but in that several of the characters were often referred to by another name. Fortunately, the version I had (Everyman's Library) offered some helpful tips for pronunciation, a historical chronology, and an appendix to help you understand some of the unfamiliar terms, such as "yellow pass". I have to admit, I'm not convinced I fully understood all of the literary elements of this book, so I might have to check out Cliff's Notes to help bring it together for me and enable me to better understand the consequential value of this classic. Even so, I read it, I enjoyed the story, and I'm finished with it! YEAH!

Also during these last couple weeks, I was able to watch the film version of "To Kill a Mockingbird" with Gregory Peck. I enjoyed watching the movie and being able to see the differences between the book and film, but once again, the book wins out - hands down!

"The Shack" is up next.

A Peek at Our School at Home

2010-01-14T15:29:00.006-05:00

Just as homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so do our work spaces for school at home. Whether it be the kitchen table, the extra room, the basement, the couch, or the car - opportunities for learning and teaching are everywhere! This is precisely why I have stuff everywhere, lol!

I do strive to keep things organized, and most of the time I can locate what I'm looking for (which one may attribute to organization, memory, or a little of both), either way I aim to have things accessible because I tend to be an "out of sight, out of mind" person. So with that said, I thought I'd share a few pic's of our designated and communal areas that we utilize in our learning adventures.

This is our main area (a.k.a the kitchen :) where we have a good size table, wall length book shelf, and a large magnetic whiteboard from Staples (LOVE THIS!). After endless searching and not finding what I had in mind, I designed this shelf to fit my needs for this particular space and my dh graciously put in the hard work to bring it to fruition! (Go honey, you rock!)

This is a secondary area in our small "resource room" in the basement. It houses our manipulatives, extra items, additional shelves and another magnetic whiteboard. . .

These table and chairs make-up a craft/work area in our resource room. . .

These are a set of 3 wall mounted bookshelves that we have in each of the children's rooms. I opted for this style to make them visible and accessible. They were built out of pine and brush painted white. (I aim to decorate them someday :)

This is our game shelf. After years of having them strewn all over the house and stuffed in various closets, this has been a huge help for keeping them organized!

Now I want to add a disclaimer. . .I did a little (okay, a lot) of picking up before taking these shots and made an extra effort to blow away a few dust bunnies that had taken up residence. A lifestyle of learning can be messy sometimes, so remember to keep the main thing the main thing, and don't sweat the small stuff!

Book Chatter

2010-01-10T16:17:00.001-05:00

This week I started and finished two books on my 2010 reading list!

1. Of Mice and Men
This was a warm, slightly disturbing story of friendship, loneliness, compassion, and loyalty, that was captivating from beginning to end.

After reading the book, I decided to rent the movie version to compare notes. The version I watched was produced in 1992 and featured Gary Sinise and John Malkovich as the lead characters. I was pleasantly surprised at their endearing portrayals of George and Lennie and felt the movie did a good job bringing the story to the screen.

With that said, I'd definitely recommend the book first!

2. To Kill A Mockingbird

Loved this one! A revealing, sincere look at prejudice, social class, honor, friendship and family. Told from the perspective of a young, spunky, mature beyond-her-age young girl named Scout, I found it hard to stop reading once I had begun.

On to the next book!

Sharing a S.I.P.

2010-01-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

Scripture:
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Insight:
When I read this passage, my experience reminds me of its truth. There have been many times where I have responded to individuals and situations without fully thinking it through and weighing my words carefully in the light of God's Word. Forgetting to err on the side of grace and think beyond myself has allowed me to partake of more humble pie than I care to mention. Sharp, unkind words sting. They provoke and put others on the defensive, erecting walls in place of relationships.

Conversely, when our heart's desire is to honor Christ in all we say and do, the outflow of that desire is that it becomes easier to speak words that convey compassion and care for others. I once heard it said, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt".

Life if full of opportunities to practice this scripture. Just this week there was a unpleasant situation between someone I know and their neighbor - which did not go well. I found myself praying over this situation and wondering how differently it might have been if one of the individuals involved had set out to keep the peace and to respond with kindness to the other's irritation. There IS wisdom in God's Word, and the more we meditate on it and spend time with the Lord, the easier it becomes to call upon it and apply those principles when our words and tone are tempted to detour.

Prayer:
Father God, I pray that I would remember to take time to pause before speaking, so that I may respond to irritating situations with a soft word that demonstrates love and promotes peace. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart, that all of its splendor may illuminate and guide my thoughts before they become spoken words that can't be retracted.

Altogether Beautiful. . .

2010-01-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

snuggling up with a cozy fleece blanket and a good book

playing peek-a-boo with my baby boy

looking at my family around the dinner table and realizing how lucky I am

hearing my mother say she's proud of me

the tranquility of the early morning

Book Chatter - official kickoff!

2010-01-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

This year I hope to find more time for pure reading pleasure. I'm constantly reading "how-to's", "self-improvement", "devotions" and "homeschooling" books, but I want to expand my reading into other genres. To kick-off my adventure, I've selected a few classics to start the year with -

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (finish!)
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Tales from Watership Down by Richard Adams

Reading glasses - check.
Bookmark - check.
Night lamp - check.
Comfy chair - check.
Quiet time - umm, we'll see:)

If you have a book to suggest, I'm looking for more titles to add to my 2010 reading list, and would love to hear from you!

2010 - Living Abundantly and Purposefully!

2010-01-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

As we took down the Christmas tree and decorations today, my husband commented about another year being gone and casually posed the question "what did we accomplish?". It was certainly a question to ponder, but since we were in the midst of working and not prepared for deep contemplation, I quickly replied with "we survived!" and "we're still alive!". We had a good chuckle and continued.

Life is hard and sometimes the storms can be relentless. The pressure on families can certainly make getting through the days, weeks, and months more like a breathtaking feat than anything else. Thus, as I later pondered my dh's question, I realized that I've let too many days go by without being purposeful in the precious time I've been given, and I was reminded that God's Word tells us that Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly.

We will always have struggles in this life, yet, it is up to us to choose to meet those obstacles with a heavenly perspective, guided by the Word of God, which offers us continual hope and fresh opportunity to renew our hearts and our perspective that we may not allow ourselves to be knocked down and out with every gust of wind hurled our way! So, with these thoughts, my quest this year is to honor the gift of Christ by striving to live life abundantly and purposefully! Abundant joy, abundant gratitude, abundant forgiveness, abundant grace, abundant mercy, abundant peace, abundant love, and abundant time in His Word - and in all things purposeful.

I'll be sharing my endeavor and Bible Study reflections throughout the year in posts titled "Sharing a S.I.P."

Scripture
Insight
Prayer

So. . .here's to you, to me, to us - as we venture into another year of possibility!

Christmas Party 2009

2009-12-21T17:09:00.000-05:00

Each year we have a little "Christmas Party" for our home school. We invite Grandma, big sis and her little one, and spend a few hours of down time together enjoying Christmas music, crafts, pizza, - and sharing memories. (Sometimes I buy "craft sets", other times we brainstorm or pull ideas from the internet). I also fix each of the them a small holiday treat bag :) Below are a couple pic's from this year!

A few of our crafts. . .

My gang. . .

Out-of-Door Life for Children

2009-12-16T23:27:00.000-05:00

This is my personal summary from a section of the Charlotte Mason Original Series -

Out-of-Door Life for Children (Summary)
Charlotte Mason Volume 1 Part II

“Never be within doors when you can be rightly without.”
“. . .perhaps a mother’s first duty to her children is to secure for them a quiet growing time, a full six years of passive receptive life, the waking part of it spent for the most part out in the fresh air.”

Charlotte Mason believed that spending four, five, or six hours outdoors per tolerably fine day, (preferably together, not “sent out” alone), to be absolutely best for the children. This time should be spent with some method, but not unwittingly hindered by the perpetual cackle of his elders! For physical and muscular development, two hours should be spent in vigorous play and at some point a lesson or two gotten in.

“At the same time, here is the mother’s opportunity to train the seeing eye, the hearing ears, and to drop seeds of truth into the open soul of the child, which shall germinate, blossom, and bear fruit, without further help or knowledge of hers.”

Send them on an exploring expedition:

• Direct them – “find out all you can about ________”

• Have them describe in detail what they have seen or observed: color, shape, texture, size, directions, position, etc.

• Provide the name of things and anything you have tell about it ‘once’ a child has offered a considerate description and details of his own observations.

“This is all play to the children, but the mother is doing invaluable work; she is training their powers of observation and expression, increasing their vocabulary and their range of ideas by giving the name and the uses of an object at the right moment – when they ask, “What is it?”, and What is it for?” And she is training her children in truthful habit, by making them careful to see the fact and to state it exactly, without omission or exaggeration.”

Picture Painting (mental imaging):

• Have him look upon a landscape or setting in nature, then close his eyes and describe what it was that he saw before him, fully and in detail.

“At first the children will want a little help in the art of seeing.”

This help can be provided by the mother modeling the process and pointing out in detail things that they see together:
• the trees reflecting in the pond
• the dew upon the leaves
• the Cardinal perched upon the branch
• the blue sky with soft, white clouds
• the squirrel scurrying up the tree

* It is worth noting that developing the skill of mental imaging lends greatly to reading comprehension in later years when mental images are formed from hearing or reading words in print.

Children should learn:

• Names of flowers, the manner of flowering – a head of flowers, a single flower, a spike, etc.
• Name of plants and ability to describe – leaf shape, color, size, growing from root or stem
• Names of trees – he should pick out a half a dozen in their winter nakedness and observe them throughout the year.
• Names of birds and ability to recognize them by their distinct features, song, habits, etc. Look for nests and eggs. (but leave them undisturbed)
• The delight of observing living creatures – “. . .they should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they learn something of the habits and history. . .”
• from “things”! “The child gets knowledge by means of his senses.” Seek to put him in the way of things worth observing. (sights and sounds of the country, natural objects – twigs, pebbles, creeks, etc.)
• Rough classification at first hand – petals, leaves, roots, sepals, trees that keep leaves all year round, trees which lose them in autumn, creatures with a backbone, creatures without, and so on.

• Geography ~

• terms and ability to identify geographical concepts around them: plain, meadow, mountain, hill, field, pasture, lake, stream, swamp, brook, etc.
• weather variables: temperature, clouds, rain , snow, and hail
• distance - inches, feet, yard (various short distances around the home can be measured with steps and pacing)
• direction
• (first step is to make children observant of the progress of the sun). Sun rises in east and sets in west, hotter hours when sun is overhead, cooler hours in morning and evening with a low sun.
• street direction, town direction, wind direction, direction in which his house faces
• introduce to a compass and area boundaries

“The power to classify, discriminate, distinguish, between things that differ, is amongst the highest faculties of the human intellect and no opportunity to cultivate it should be let slip. . .” (this speaks to natural, relative opportunities, not of textbook directed)

Mother and Teachers should know about nature ~
“. . .that she may be able to answer their queries and direct their observations.”
“. . .the children will adore her for knowing what they want to know. . .”

Children should keep:

• a calendar of “firsts” – first oak tree, first tadpole, first ripe strawberry, first hike, (when and where), etc.
• a nature journal – each day’s walk and outdoor experience gives him something new to enter

The Mother must refrain from too much talk, though it is occasionally permissible to:
• point out some loveliness in coloring or grouping in landscape or in the heavens
• rarely and with reverence point out an object not only as a beautiful work, but a beautiful thought of God that we have the privilege of enjoying.

Games (physical development)

Nature provides for optimum development of muscular tissue. When weary of outdoors play, let the younger ones nap in the sweet air and awake refreshed. Let the older children play, run, shout, and move! Allow them to exercise their physical bodies as well as their lungs and voices. Sing, skip, hop, dance, jump rope, play tennis, climb, chase, etc.

Final thoughts:

Children should be dressed appropriately for outdoor excursions. (less an otherwise delightful time be spoiled for mother and child by the need to be overly concerned with soiling his clothing)

“Meals taken al fresco are usually joyous. . .” Enjoy snacks, tea, breakfast and/or lunch outdoors when weather conditions permits. Sit under a tree, put out a blanket, breathe and treasure the value of fresh air. Children love “picnicking”, but even the smallest delight can be taken outdoors!

Take advantage of weather and seasonal changes. A winter walk can be fertile in observations. A rainy day exploration (Wet Weather Tramps) can be refreshing and fun! (no one has ever melted from a little rain :)

The habit of attention is developed through the “out-of-door life”. Nature provides us with limitless opportunity for learning and exploring. Remember to just “be” outside with your children. Observe alongside them. Hold their hand, run, shout, and enjoy the freedom and vitality that is found is the great outdoors God has blessed us with.

“Intimacy with Nature makes for Personal Well-Being. . . .the least of the benefits of this early training should confer on the children; a love of nature, implanted so early that it will seem to them hereafter to have been born in them, will enrich their lives with pure interests, absorbing pursuits, health, and good humor.”

Recommended Resources:
A Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock
Nature Series - Christian Liberty Press
Usborne Complete First Book of Nature

Something So Precious

2009-12-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

As I shared in my recent post "Until Then. . ." we suffered the loss of our expected blessing #5 through a miscarriage in early November. It has been an emotional time and in many ways I felt that some of our family and loved ones took our loss lightly, figuring and pointing out that we could always "try again". I know no one meant to be hurtful, but obviously, it left me feeling a bit downhearted and alone in my grief.

To my surprise and to my delight, I received the MOST precious gift a few days ago from my older sister. She mailed me a card and an ornament that arrived unexpectedly, yet at just the perfect time (you know, the time when you are most unlovable, but most in need of love)! The card was poignant and the ornament breathtaking. It's a sweet baby ornament with an adorable little hat and wings, and on the back of the wings was written our last name along with baby #5 and his/her "heaven date". (see pic's below)

I sobbed and sobbed! There really were no words for how touched and overwhelmed I was by this gesture. It has to be the most precious thing anyone could have done to help us memorialize our loss so thoughtfully and meaningfully.

It's currently hanging on my tree and just warms my heart each time I look at it.

A humbling, beautiful reminder of something so precious!

Reading and Spelling Q & A

2009-11-25T11:53:00.000-05:00

Question 1:
I understand that the consonant needs to be doubled in little, giggle, etc to keep the first vowel short (lit-tle, gig-gle). But in the word “i-ci-cle”, what keeps the second i short? Same in au-di-ble. Or are these just one of those exceptions to the rule (i.e. Jail word?).

My Answer:
i can make the short i or schwa sound in unaccented open syllables - as in pre-si-dent, au-di-ble, in-ci-dent, multiply, editor, dignity, imitate, etc.

Question 2:
On words like flammable and terrible, why two m’s and r’s there?

My Answer:
There is an extension of the doubling rule - if the last syllable is accented and is a 1-1-1 syllable, the final consonant is doubled if the suffix begins with a vowel.

The final consonant is not double if:
- the final syllable is not accented
- the last syllable is accented, but it does not end in a consonant after a vowel
- the suffix begins with a consonant

admitting, forgotten, excelled

The accent is a bit tougher on the two particular words in question and they don't exactly fit the extension of the doubling rule like the other examples. . .

terr is a latin root - latin roots usually get the accent

flame is the root of the word flammable - thus that is the syllable that would have the accent and you would double the consonant before adding the suffix.

Have a question related to spelling and reading? Email me or post it as a comment and watch in the coming weeks for your answer!

Altogether Beautiful. . .

2009-11-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

a day without seizures

giving the baby a bubble bath and watching him splash

tossing out the paper stacks that invaded my file cabinet

looking out the french doors at the woodlands behind us

watching the children run to meet dh when he arrives home from work

Seasons of Learning

A Little Stress Relief...

OH HAPPY DAY!

Bookcase Bliss

A Simple Prayer

Altogether Beautiful

Puzzled? The Pieces Falling Into Place

History Through the Ages Timeline Figures - Giveaway Winner!

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right!

Review - History Through the Ages Timeline Figures and Resources

Shhh. . .Don't Speak

Oh Baby! - Arrival, Journey, Updates :)

Just Enough

Coming Along. . .26 weeks and counting!

My Review: Preparing to Homeschool High School DVD 2nd Edition

Guest Post - Welcome Joyce Herzog!

Guest Post - Welcome Lee Binz!

Freshman Year: Think about College

Sophomore Year: Prepare for College

Junior Year: Find a College

Senior Year: Apply for College

Dramatic Changes

Guest Post - Welcome Malia Russell!

Guest Post - Welcome Susan Lemons!

Guest Week at Seasons of Learning!

Wedding Day!

Vaccine Awareness Week Nov. 1 - 7

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 5

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 4

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 3

Walk Thru History Project 2010 - "Rudiments of America"

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 2

Chapter by Chapter - Educating the Wholehearted Child Ch. 1

Introducing. . .Chapter by Chapter

Veritas Press History and Bible Cards - Keepfiling.com Status Update!

Our Curriculum 2010 - 2011

How's Your Vision?

Here I Am!

Gearing Up. . .

Empty Nests? Bah-humbug!

Baskets & Books

Book Chatter - Fahrenheit 451

Starting Points. . .Where Our Thinking Begins!

Veritas Press History and Bible Cards

Blog Showcase - A Multitude of Mercies

Wilson Reading System vs. Barton Reading & Spelling

A Glimpse of His Glory

Turtle Tales

My Poetry - "TODAY"

Open the Eyes of My Heart

The Joy of Mother's Day

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Midwest Homeschool Convention

Pregnancy Update II. . .

Pregnancy Update. . .

And these are the days of our lives. . .

Book Give Away - and the winner is. . .

Book Chatter

Altogether Beautiful. . .

Eclectic Erudition - How do *you* homeschool?

Book Giveaway - "For The Children's Sake"

Creating an Annual Portfolio (or Keepsake Notebook :) in 3 Easy Steps!

Homepreschool and Beyond (new book!)

The Struggle To Read

A Mother's Grief

The Importance of Reading Aloud

"Sew" Excited!

Book Chatter

A Peek at Our School at Home

Book Chatter

Sharing a S.I.P.

Altogether Beautiful. . .

Book Chatter - official kickoff!

2010 - Living Abundantly and Purposefully!

Christmas Party 2009

Out-of-Door Life for Children

Something So Precious

Reading and Spelling Q & A

Altogether Beautiful. . .

Eclectic Erudition - How do you homeschool?