Vaccine Awareness Week Nov. 1 - 7

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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!

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

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?

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!

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. . .

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!

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

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

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!

"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

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

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

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. . .
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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.
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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.