Homeschooling

By Kim, August 17, 2010

The Ant Farm

In our MFW curriculum, we were sent an ant farm.  We were to send away for some harvester ants, fill the farm with sand and  observe the life cycle of the ant.  No big deal.  Well, we got the ants…in the mail.

Along with this cheerful notice:  DO NOT TOUCH THE ANTS.  THEY INFLICT A PAINFUL STING. YOU MAY NEED TO VISIT THE ER IF YOU ARE STUNG BY THE HARVESTER ANT.

Wow.  Are you serious, people?  This is what is sent to farm some measly ants?  Well, I don’t think they were joking because the ants were sent in some serious looking glass tubes. 

So, we carefully shook those ants into the ant farm.  Well, Mommy did it.  I told the b0ys that this would not be the time to play tricks on Mommy and Daddy with the ants. 

Look at Jack’s face in the picture….

I probably shouldn’t have said anything at all about tricks.  Not very smart, Mommy.  Not. Smart. At. All.

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By Kim, August 16, 2010

Today a friend prayed for me to have a good day homeschooling.  That’s a very big deal….whether you are a veteran homeschooler or someone like me who is trying my best but has never done this before.  Thank you.

By Kim, August 10, 2010

The Big “C”

What is the big “C”?  Oh, it’s just what every homeschooling family obsesses over.  It stands for “curriculum.”  So, what do we use?  Good question.  It started out that I would use My Father’s World, solely, Monday through Thursday.  MFW covers everything from handwriting, math, science, art, history, Bible, language arts, etc.  P.E.?  Got that covered.  Besides our outside play, we are involved in football this semester.  How’s practice three times a week…for hours?  Yeah. 

I digress.  On Friday, my family will join many other families for Classical Conversations (memory work for my little ones of every significant historical event, mathmatic equations, art appreciation, science….a serious double scoop of learnin’).  www.classicalconversations.com

Presenting timeline cards in a "CC" classroom.

This should be enough.  Right? Right? 

Welllllll….

Will (my oldest) has shown himself to be quite proficient in reading, math, blah, blah, blah….so, it turned out that I needed to supplement his curriculum.  Again!  So, what do I use? 

Here goes:

My Father’s World (boxed set curriculum) for Will, Jack, and George (although George is 3 years old and attends preschool two days a week).  http://www.mfwbooks.com/  It is a combination of Classical and Charlotte Mason methodologies.  I tend to think it is more geared toward Charlotte Mason.  I’m not having to venture out of MFW for Jack. 

first grade materials

Kindergarten materials. Alphabet flash cards. They are beautiful.

I am using Singapore Math for Jack and Will.  I find that it is a very challenging program.  http://www.singaporemath.com/

My dilemma:  Will needs more.  MUCH MORE….

Here is my solution….

I saw these two books at a friend’s house and salivated.  First Language Lessons is a much better approach to teaching English grammar than Shurley Grammar.  I just didn’t like the Shurley materials.  I like a lesson that is to the point.   I especially love the Writing With Ease.  These two sets of materials are from the Classical Education gurus, Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise.  Love. Love. Love.  We’re reciting poetry, ya’ll.  Yay!  First presentation for Classical Conversations?  Got it. 

History?  Geography?  Art Appreciation?

Classical Conversations helps me to fill in the blanks.  Although, I’ve kicked it up a notch.  We will alternate weeks between art and music.  Last week, we studied drawing (five basic shapes/lines).

We learned to draw a bird using the five basic shapes/lines in drawing.

For the weeks we study music, we’ll focus on a composer and just one of his/her works.  This week it was Mozart and his composition, “Eine Klein Nichtmusik.”  We have listened to this piece of music ad nauseum.  We’ve drawn “night” pictures around Mozart’s face.  We’ve added him to our timeline.  We’ve danced to his music (Yes, the boys got downright silly) and we will color his face and cut him out for our “art” folder tomorrow.  I think they know who he is and what he looks like by now.  Ya think?

THE  Timeline

It stretches around our living room.  And, yes, our house is STILL on the market.  I figure if someone wants to look at our house, I can take down the clothesline that stretches around the side wall.  I feel like this is crucial to a great education.  I always had difficulty reconciling events in the Bible with actual historical events written in textbooks.  I also had trouble understanding where in history great works of art were being created….composed.  Mozart lived during the time of the American Revolution.  It’s just nice to see these events as they occurred.  SEE.  IT. 

It’s the beginning of the year.  The timeline will be filled with all kinds of neat stuff by May.  Yes!!!  BTW, Mom, Dad, Will, Jack and George are on the timeline.  It helps to see where you are in this thing called life.  Sooooo, we’ve got our birthdates on here.  I would post a picture of that, but we’re all kinda freaked out by how old we are.  YIKES.

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By Julie, August 10, 2010

One of my favorite things we are doing in our homeschooling curriculum is Color the Classics for music appreciation.   It’s a wonderful program to study composers while listening to their music, learning fascinating facts about them and coloring related illustrations.

Yesterday we learned about Vivaldi while listening to the Four Seasons.  We also had a geography lesson by finding Venice, Italy on the map and learning about canals, waterways and the fact that there are more than 400 bridges in Venice.  (who knew??)

Both my first grader and kindergartener loved this lesson!

I know they learned a little something when, later that afternoon, their little brother was watching Little Einsteins and the older two ran in, announced that the song was by “Babaldi” and that he lived in Little Italy…the same place Mama got her purse in New York.

Hmmm.  I think somehow Catherine mixed up the music lesson with the lesson on where to find designer knock-offs in the Big Apple.

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By Kim, August 10, 2010

The High’s and Low’s of Homeschooling (as I see it today…nine days in):

HIGHS:

Will knows the difference between common and proper nouns.  I actually taught him this.  Yay.

Jack’s handwriting is improving tremendously in just 9 days.

George is learning his letter sounds and can play “ABC Bingo” with Jack sans help.

The boys are playing together in a way that is less combative.  Maybe it’s the “forced” time together?

We’ve read more, as a family, than we’ve ever read before.  Classics.  Even me.  I’m not even reading trash….like US Weekly or OK!.

We are praying with purpose.

LOWS:

It’s the start of a “new normal.”  This may be a “normal” that most people may not or won’t “get.”

Someone assumed that I could change my doctor’s appointment to anytime I wanted because I homeschool.

I miss seeing my other “at home” mom friends as they meet at our “hangout,”  the coffee shop.  It’s almost painful to see FB pictures of them hanging out.  I can’t go.  I’m teaching grammar or math or history.

It’s official.  I’ve gone back to work.  I just don’t get paid.

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By Kim, August 9, 2010

A friend of mine from high school sent me this comment on the blog:

Hey Y’all! LOVE reading your blog :0)
Just thought I’d mention a few things your kids will “miss out on” due to homeschooling:
bullies; peer pressure & head lice….
Good luck to you all!!!

-  Crystal Aucoin

Pretty cool, huh?  Just three more things we didn’t think about.  Head Lice.  Really.  oooooh.  I shiver to think about it.  Yikes.

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By Kim, August 9, 2010

Inside Our Home-School

Julie posted pics of her school at home, so here’s mine.  Keep in mind that I do not have any rooms designated as our “school.”   I’m a kitchen table kind of gal, so that’s where we learn.  In. The. Kitchen.

Our work table

Everyone has their own work box with assigned work for the day.

Behind the cabinet is a plethora of educational stuff.

The timeline. A must in the Classical curriculum. By the end of the year, it will be filled. Today, I think the boys will add their birthdate to this historical timeline. Fun!

No ABC chart in the kitchen, but the clothesline with ABC's look kinda cute as a makeshift valance?

That’s all for now.  More pics coming soon….

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By Kim, August 6, 2010

Just two more reasons I’m glad I’m homeschooling….

1.  I don’t have to worry about other moms calling me to ask me, “Who’s Will’s teacher this year?” or “Who did Jack get for Kindergarten?” or “What are you packing for lunch on the first day?” or “What is Will wearing to school on the first day?”  or blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…

You’d think it was Sorority Rush at Ole Miss.  These parents act like if their son or daughter doesn’t “get” Mrs. Jones for first grade, he/she will be doomed forevah!  No, thank you.

#2.  When my husband comes home from work….I’m “OFF DUTY.”  I mean it.  I’ve spent from dawn to dusk, doing all of the household things I usually do PLUS I’ve educated our children.  I need quiet time.  I need time to myself, so I don’t lose my everlovin’ mind.  In fact, my husband asked me tonight if I could help him get the kids in bed.  I said, “NO.”  I shut the door to our bedroom.  I locked the door.  I told him that when the children were down for bed, he could come in….but, he’d have to give me the password.  I’m taking a bath.  I’m getting on my computer and vegging out.  I may read a book.  I may stare out into space and drool.  I don’t know.  What I do know?  It’s his time with the boys.  Do I feel guilty at all about this?  Absolutely. Not.

By Kim, August 5, 2010

Some things I’ve learned about homeschooling….in just one week:

#1  People act really wierd when you tell them you are homeschooling.  Seriously.  I’ve determined that when you tell someone this, they begin to question their own choices regarding their child’s education.  Frankly, I don’t think that most homeschool parents really care about what everyone else is doing.  It’s a personal choice.  Like whether you like Coke or Pepsi.  What is good for one family, may not be good for someone else.  I certainly don’t think someone should homeschool that doesn’t want to do it.  My choice to homeschool is not an indictment of your educational choices for your family.

#2  Every homeschool group is different.  I feel like I’ve hit the homeschool support group lottery.  These women are nice.  There’s not a denim jumper in sight.  It is a hodgepodge of people with a variety of reasons they homeschool.  Someone has a son who likes to be in plays.  Someone else likes to travel with her family at the drop of a hat.  No homeschool family is like another.

#3  Even well-meaning people misunderstand what it is you do.  So, I need to take my children shopping for shoes in the morning.  School officially begins for our county this Monday.  My family has been in school for a solid week.  No big deal, right?  Well, it is a tax-free weekend and my boys want some cool Sketcher sneakers.  I have a coupon for $15.00 off a purchase of $75.00 or more at a local shoe store.  I need to get there when the doors open.  I asked my mother to go with me.  She suggested we go in the afternoon, since I “need to keep those children on a school schedule.”  Welllllll.  Yes, we do need to stay on a schedule.  We’ve managed to do it for a week.  However, I think we can take an hour to get some shoes.  I began to feel guilty and thought my mother had a point.  Maybe I should try to model my home like a real schoolroom, right?  Right?

No.

If we don’t go, then we’ll probably miss out on the shoes that the boys want and I’ve got this coupon.  THEN….it hit me.  We’ve been “doing school” without all the needless “filler” that comes with being in school.  Because we homeschool, I don’t have  time wasted in: lining kids up to various activities, announcements in the morning, programs in the gym to send kids off to sell cookie dough for the PTA, programs to raise money for tuition assistance programs…or days off for teacher planning/parent conferences.  Bottom line:  I can afford to take one hour away from teaching my children and buy my kids some shoes tomorrow.

#4   I have learned more about my boys’ abilities in one week than I would have known otherwise.  Jack is ready to read, but is not ready to sit in some classroom and write.  Jack can only handle lessons in very short spurts.  He is brilliant, but was not mature enough for Kindergarten.  If I could send Jack to school and know that some teacher would teach him reading and math skills….but go slow on handwriting, that would be an answer to prayer.  However, most teachers have classrooms of twenty to twenty eight (so, I’ve been told) children in a classroom.  I barely have enough time to spend with my three boys.  I cannot imagine that a teacher would have the time to spend with Jack.  Will is another mystery.  Will was a decent reader in Kindergarten.  However, his teacher did not send a request to the school librarian for him to take part in the AR program, despite my suggestion.   She thought Will needed more practice reading in very boring pre-primers.  I took matters in my own hands and provided Will with more interesting literature in an advanced grade level.   In just this one week of homeschooling, Will has tested out of his first grade reading material.  It is a good dilemma.  I am certainly not trashing his old school.  In fact, Will is very advanced, I think, due to the superior education he received at his former school.  It’s just that Will is my son.  He is my responsibility to educate.

#5  You can homeschool anywhere….

In my curriculum, an “Exploration Day” is scheduled into our week.  It is a day to do science experiments, take nature hikes, write about or sketch pictures of things we see in nature.  It has been 105 degrees…in the shade.  We have had heat advisories due to the excessive heat and humidity.  So, I took the children to a museum today for our “Exploration Day.”  The boys looked at skeletal systems of various animals and we took in a show at the Planetarium.  It was very educational.

Will sketches a red tailed hawk.

#6  Homeschooling = Freedom.  I am a libertarian at heart.  I don’t like anyone telling me what to do.  I can think for myself.  I like the freedom to choose my child’s curriculum.  I appreciate the fact that if my son can read at a higher level, we can move up.  I also like that if my child struggles, we can work through it…together.  There’s no government agency telling me what they need to do for my child.  There’s my soapbox speech.  There.

More observations coming soon….

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By Julie, August 4, 2010

A peak inside our school!

I’m using a very eclectic curriculum…a mix of classical education and Charlotte Mason.     I’ll post my curriculum list soon.  For all one of you who might be interested.

We have a room upstairs at the end of the playroom that is the perfect classroom….bookshelves and everything.  It’s just perfect!  Except that it stays around 130 degrees up there this summer.  So I moved our classroom to a small space under the stairs.  It’s perfectly cozy until we can go back upstairs and not pass out from heat stroke.

This morning was our first day!  I wasn’t sure what to write on the chalkboard….Welcome Back didn’t seem appropriate since they’d just been in there before bed the night before.  Welcome to School seemed a little strange…so did Welcome Home.  So….in keeping with our southern heritage….

We had a great day!  And to top it all off…a package arrived from my fellow Mommy, Esq. and school marm in an envelope illustrated oh so appropriately.

Happy School Year, y’all!

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By Kim, July 30, 2010

I can now say that I’ve officially homeschooled for two days.  It isn’t so bad.  I’m using a boxed curriculum (all subjects offered with one program) called My Father’s World.  It is a blend of Classical Education with Charlotte Mason.  It is a very gentle program with short succinct lessons.  MFW is definitely a good fit with my very active boys.  We’ve been so busy, that all three of the boys have taken naps in the afternoon.

Time is moving slower.  I think this is directly related to the fact that we called our cable provider and have removed the televisions from our home.  The house is quieter.  We go outside more.  I hear more pretend play coming from the upstairs playroom.  We are reading loads of books.

My kitchen looks like a schoolroom.  We are cutting and gluing and coloring and writing and drawing and yada, yada, yada.  I even ordered a supply of ants from an educational supply company for our ant farm.  Well, I did want to farm.  Right?

I think it is going well.  I’m waiting for the bottom to fall out.  I’m not a pessimist, but feel a little cautious with any self-congratulatory behavior at this point.  I’ve never done this before.  Homeschooling, that is.

Baby steps, people.  Baby steps.

By Kim,  July 21, 2010

I’M FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm good with hanging out....but, homeschooling? Really?

Whoever said that homeschooling was a good idea must have been nuts.  That would be me….so, there you go.

So, I’ve read about it for years.  I have a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I am only a couple of classes short (if that, even) of a Masters of Education.  I have a law degree.  I am licensced to practice law.  I have taught Sunday School on and off for years.

What is the problem?

This:

And this…..

And this….

There’s just so much STUFF.   AND I don’t feel like I have ENOUGH.  I visited a friend last night who had some awesome copywork, math workbooks, and a latin primer that I lusted after.  (Yes, I’m now one of those freaky homeschool moms who lust after curriculum).  I started rethinking my boxed curriculum.   If you don’t homeschool, let me tell you a little secret:  HOMESCHOOLING IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It’s not about grabbing some McGuffy primers from 1865 and some slates to teach “cipherin’.”  If it can be imagined, it is out there.

I think my fear is that I won’t teach my boys everything there is to know in their respective grade level.  I want to cover all the bases, and this may not happen.

Will I do a great job this year?  Will my children learn?

I am freakin’ out, people!  It doesn’t mean I don’t want to homeschool.  I just think I’ve believed the myth that only “paid teachers can teach.”  AND can you believe that I’ve bought into this?  Me?  The libertarian?  Well, yes I have.

I think that right along with planning the school year, I better write down some positive affirmations on a sticky note and post them on my bathroom mirror.  I’m serious.  I know it’s hokey, but I have got to get rid of this myth playing through my head.

My kids will learn….because they can….and because I’ll be an awesome teacher.

Now, if I can just say it over….and over….and over. 

By Kim, June 14, 2010

My First Homeschool Expo

We planned to attend this Expo with the hopes of buying our prepackaged SonLight curriculum.  I had talked to a SonLight advisor over the phone (best customer service around) and was very excited about seeing the books up close and personal.  We were not prepared for the Expo…..at all. We entered the door and was met by a family of Mennonites exiting the building (don’t see that everyday).  I had to remind myself that this is a HOMESCHOOL Expo….not the Vesta Home Show.  I’m looking at curriculum, not Ralph Lauren paint colors.

Boy, was I overwhelmed….

Curriculum to the left.....

....and curriculum to the right.

My first thought was that I shouldn’t have brought my children….or my husband?  However, I was glad that I did.  As we walked around.  It was plain to see that not all learning aids are created equal.  My children were drawn to some things (like any science experiment) and could care less about other things (like the guy trying to get us to join a wilderness troop for boys).

My husband attended a workshop on the role of fathers in homeschooling.  I think this topic is definitely needed.  It’s one thing to agree, as a couple, to homeschool….but it is another thing to implement what it means for Mom and Dad to work as co-educators.

I’ve heard from veteran homeschool moms who’ve said that the Expo can help you make up your mind about curriculum, books, etc.  I love the Charlotte Mason/Classical philosophy, but didn’t know how to best implement it.  I really wanted a pre-prepared curriculum with lesson plans.  I don’t want to think this first year, but I want the freedom to go on field trips, do an unexpected science experiment, dissect an owl pellet….you get my drift.

Well, I walked and walked.   I have to tell you that I loved the Rod and Staff booth.  It was manned by a Mennonite woman dressed in her “plain clothing” …complete with bonnet.  My husband said that I just like the “atmosphere” of the booth.  I think I did, but I digress.

My children are registered for Classical Conversations on Mondays, so I needed a four day a week curriculum to complement the memory work that they will do for CC.  I went over to SonLight and took a look at the lesson plans:  Read  Chaper 4 of this book, read Chapter 7 of this book, read this book aloud….etc.  My boys would beg to go back to school if I had to read to them that much.  My whole Charlotte Mason philosophy says teach in small segments, no twaddle, real literature, move around, take nature walks.  Do I really want to invest in over $1000 in curriculum then hate it?  Do I?

The curriculum has to fit your lifestyle, learning styles of your children…

I took a look at My Father’s World and really liked what I saw.  It even advertises that it is a combination of Charlotte Mason and Classical.

Yay!

I think I found what I am looking for.  Wow.

Best part?  It’s a third of the cost of SonLight.  My husband was thrilled.  My children liked the materials.  I  plan to supplement the math with Singapore Math and get Handwriting Without Tears for Jack because he needs the fine motor skills.  There is even a preschool program for George.  He can “do school” with us…..on the days he doesn’t go to his preschool program (OK, I’ve got to crawl before I walk, people).

I can't help it. I have this fascination with Rod and Staff, the Amish, and Mennonites. It's all those Beverly Lewis novels I read.

If there's free cotton candy....Jack is all over it.

George had enough. He was more than ready to go home.

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By Kim, May 27, 2010

Could I actually be…..excited?!

Every time I question whether or not I am doing the right thing by homeschooling, I get a little hint from above that this is the right way for us to go.  Dare I say, that I could truly be excited about the fall? And I’m liking these other moms in my homeschool group, too.  Here are some positive things that happened for us in the last two weeks:

1.   We went on a field trip to see Oliver! at a local playhouse, starring one of the (most awesome) kids in our homeschool group.  Jack was totally enthralled!!!!  Poor Will had to stay home because he had strep throat.  However, Jack and George got a taste of the theater and LOVED it.

2.  We had a great time at our homeschool group’s version of “field day” which is called Novelty Olympics.  The kids (including little brothers) got to participate in all the relays, water balloon fights, and fellowship.  Fun was had by all.

3.  I talked to a fellow homeschool mom about her month long journey to teach her kids about history (by touching and feeling history) to Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, St. Louis, San Francisco, and many other spots along the way.  I was utterly amazed and inspired by her.  Wow.

So what did I learn?  My little ones are going to learn quite a lot by observing and participating in things right along with their older sibling.  “Multiage groupings” are commonplace.  Kids just play with kids.  It’s nothing to see a 6 yr. old playing with an 8 yr. old.  In traditional school, this doesn’t happen much.  The homeschool community is generous to a fault.  I can learn so much by asking questions.  I am inspired by these people….parents and kids.

I think our family is going to like homeschooling. 

Jack at Oliver! He is now fascinated by Charles Dickens. Pretty neat.

Even little brothers can participate in the Homeschool Olympics!

Go, Will, Go!!!!! Fun times....

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By Kim, May 14, 2010

House Rules….by God

Need some House Rules?  Get tired of feeling so arbitrary in handing out punishments….ur, uh…I mean, consequences?  Our pastor just finished a series on “Godly Parenting” and made the comment that our children should understand that the rules in your home do not come from you, but from God.  Hmmmmm.  I’ve tried that whole, “Jesus is watching you” bit. I don’t think they care.  What do the boys understand?  Charts.  It’s simple, but oh, so effective.

Here is the “If-Then Chart” from Doorposts.  Incredible.  Awesome.  You can make up your own consequence or they’ve got some for you to cut out and paste.

Go to doorposts.com

It is truly a great investment.  Nice for scripture memorization.  I’m starting to memorize more, myself.   However, I’ve used it from the get-go and I haven’t even had time to laminate the thing.

OOPS!  Now, I need to put someone in isolation for hitting.  Thou shouldn’t hitteth thy brother…..

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By Kim, May 14, 2010

I’m scared….

I’ll be truthful.  I am terrified about next year.  I mean really freaked out about homeschooling. I will be homeschooling my oldest two boys in the fall.  My reasons for homeschooling are long and complicated and I don’t plan to hash them out here.  What I will tell you is that I am already missing my son’s school. My oldest son, Will, attends a fantastic school.

I love Will’s school.  I am sad to leave it.

It’s just that simple.  So, my reasons for homeschooling are not in some way a reflection of how we felt toward the school.  I loved the staff, teachers, headmaster, students, parents….the whole kit-n-kaboodle.

Yet, I know, if I don’t give homeschooling a try….I’ll always wonder.  I don’t like thinking about “what if’s.”  So, there.  I think what bothers me the most is that I am one of those people who resist change.   I like routine, as long as I have some freedom within the routine.  Does that make sense?  Hope so.

My son attends a small private Christian school.  The school, as a whole, is not small.  Will attends a satellite campus that houses the lower grades.  This school is by no means the most expensive in our area, yet it is not the least expensive.  It has a solid reputation and is well-known for its evangelical tradition.  He has gone there for Jr. K and now, Sr. K.  First grade will be “attended” in our “homeschool.”  No more uniforms, no more book bags, no more selling cookie dough for fund raisers, no more teacher gifts, no more cupcakes eaten at a desk, no more signing permission slips….no more.  Like I said, my reasons for homeschooling next year are complicated. I promise to elaborate on the main blog page….later….after I shed these last few tears.

For now, just let me wallow in missing Will’s school.  By this time next year, I may be singing a different tune.  We are taking homeschool one year at a time.  We’ll see how it goes.  Until then….

On the first day of Sr. K, when Will wanted to walk ahead of me and Daddy...and little brothers. That's one confident kid!

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Will in front of the high school football team.

First day of school, 2009, for everyone....Will, Jack and George