Common Core- Making Everyone ... Common?

I have followed only superficially the topic of Common Core (CC) because foolishly I felt that it only pertained to public schools and to those going through the elementary grades. I know, I know. Ridiculous. 

Today I went to Pearls Homeschool Support Group -and I am going to say right now that I wish that it was at least twice a month and not just once- to listen to Sarah Fowler, District 7 Ohio State Board of Education representative {not my district apparently} talk about CC. I'm going to request her presentation to share because I thought it well put together. 

In the meantime here are a few suggested articles and links she gave:

• What's Good for Bill Gates Turns Out to be Bad for Public Schools, And, actually, bad for Microsoft too, as we learned recently {November 2013}
• Two articles at the Pioneer Institute: The Road to a National Curriculum and Controlling Education from the Top Down
• If you are curious as to what kinds of questions are on assessments through CC this site should give an idea: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers 

And although she didn't specifically recommend this link, I saw it when browsing at Pioneer Institute: What Reporters Think They Know about Common Core  I'm recommending it here because this is important to what is being 'fed' to people. Television and newspapers are big when it comes to 'knowing' what's going on. If we listen to just the reporters, we're going to be missing a lot of the picture. And boy will we be in for a surprise when we see what it is really. 

Common Core is not truly about being a more rigorous curriculum nor about making students think harder. It is about molding them into a particular kind of person. One thing Ms. Fowler pointed out was the benchmarks for CC are supposed to be internationally aligned when in fact they are up to 3 years behind the best. Ah, and I must add this in, because while I do not enjoy proofs in geometry they are fundamental: apparently the core aligned geometry is without proofs. How does that work? 

Another red flag that should have been evident at the start is that there are no research references in CC. Where there would be a footnote with a relevant study pertaining to a practice to be implemented, there is none. Or if I've misunderstood that it at least is not presented in the correct and current format that are expected. 

Right now the state of Ohio has said that they are only implementing CC for math and English but CC is in the process of writing new curricula for social studies. What's to stop them from messing with science and history?

And let's not get started on the database that they (CC) want to implement with 435 different identifiable "points"...

Common Core affects public schools -students, teachers, parents, employers- but it also affects private schools. Ohio, if I understood correctly, is one of the only states {or is it the only?} that goes through the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to private secular schools. That means that whatever standards are adopted for assessments {end of year testing, necessary to graduate} are going to be required in those schools. In order to align to the assessments, the curriculum will have to change. Colleges are going to be using these assessments to admit students. The SAT was changed and I believe the ACT is or will be. And while I was naive about the effect on homeschoolers, it is evident to me now that those assessments will be paramount to homeschoolers being admitted to colleges. Many homeschoolers do not adhere to public school curriculum; one of the beauties of homeschooling. At what point will the government decide that homeschoolers must align their curriculum as well?

{This part I'm paraphrasing big time and totally going off of memory- she said that she'd found three distinct points that it violated and unfortunately, I can't really recall the specifics.} Ms. Fowler also mentioned that really CC is in violation of the constitution which states that the states are free to choose their own curriculum, and the local school districts are free to choose. Apparently there are many who do not know this, or are afraid to go against what is in place. As she said, what teacher knowing their very job is tied to assessments will not use a prepackaged curriculum to fit with those assessments? Another thing is that under the wording of CC, while the school districts may 'change' the curriculum, it specifically states that it means the school may only add to the curriculum, and only in the proportion of 15%. That means that the schools are 85% controlled by the federal government. That is completely against the constitution!

I think I should end here because I do not know more about CC than what I learned today. I have seen the many math sheets floating around facebook, and while I find them to be frustratingly complicated, I cannot say that they are evil. I have also seen the approved reading lists for all grades and while there are many titles that I would not read myself because of the content, I can't say that the whole program should be tossed because of that. No, it is much more than those things. There is something wrong when a big business pays the government to implement a program that is not only faulty, not backed by any research, but not even legal in our country. 

There are many who feel CC will brainwash the students. If by that they mean it will shove everyone into a mold where everyone is the same, I agree. Much of CC, from my understanding is not concerned with the right answers but how much effort is put in. But if that is how we are to be 'graded', on a curve, compared to everyone else's effort, isn't it just trying to make everyone equal and common? There would be no extraordinary. 

Here is one last link that I just came across {via Pioneer Institute I believe}: Common Core Razes Charter School Standards

Just Some Other Thoughts

This is in the "Other Thoughts" section of the upcoming Weekly Barden.

After we went to prayer meeting Wednesday night, I changed the focus of my thoughts here. Pastor talked on Philippians 1:9-11. The portion that was really impacting to me was verse 10: 

“That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (KJV; emphasis mine)

There wasn’t really anything wrong with what I’d wrote before but I could not call it excellent. (I possibly still can’t.) And of course, being human and imperfect, my writing will never be truly excellent. I don’t plan to stop writing just because it doesn’t meet that standard, but there is always room for improvement. 

The thing that really got me was this little train of thought: God doesn’t need to prove why something is wrong; we need to prove how or why it is excellent. If we cannot, then it is not good enough. Does that make sense? 

What does excellent mean in verse 10? In the Strong’s concordance, it is number 1308, diaphero. It is that which is different, set apart, of more value. 

My thoughts in my writing had been around different publications that supposedly are for “Christian” enlightenment. I read a lot of articles, posts, and some print magazines, and am searching for another good print magazine to subscribe. It’s difficult to find something that is excellent. I read things that are by Christians and non-Christians alike; things that are specifically labelled Christian and things that are specifically labelled secular. 

Verse 10 says that ye may approve things that are excellent. It is important (I think) to look back to verse 9, which says Paul prays the Philippians’ love abound in knowledge and judgment. When we reach that point, {is it only when we reach that point?} then we will be able to approve things which are excellent.

Insomnia, High School, Tea Time and CM

This post was written a couple of weeks ago but sat in the draft pile. I'm revisiting it today and posting it. 

I can go weeks without posting and then bam! three posts in a row. Yep, that is what I do. Sometimes, when I have insomnia. Tonight I went to sleep just fine. I woke up half an hour later, heart pounding, sure I forgot to do... something. That's all it took to get me wide awake. Now I want some coffee {that's a no-no at midnight}. And there wasn't anything I'd forgotten to do. It must have been a dream.

So instead I decide to think and hope that will make me tired. Perhaps that's not a wonderful idea for trying to get some sleep because I can think of a lot of things to keep me awake! One thing is high school. Thankfully I'm done with my high school years. Whew! Barely made it out alive! But really, it wasn't that bad. No, I'm thinking of my kiddos. One has just over a year left of high school and the other is just beginning high school. It's got me thinking. 

Have I done enough? Will I do enough the second time around? What is enough? Why do I need to do enough? Ack! I know {think?} the kids have it worse than I do but sometimes I'm {figuratively} chewing my nails with the stress. Each of the question at the start of this paragraph really and truly depend on what they want to do with their lives after high school. One didn't want to go to college, at least not right away; now she's not so sure. The other doesn't want to go to college but wants to join the Marines. For now. 

In either of those cases, I need to make sure that I turn out responsible, communicative, reliable little adults. Ack! again. How much of that really comes from a high school 'education'? Doesn't that really come from living life in reality? {Oh, and I don't really consider public schools 'reality'. How often will you find a job or any situation outside of K-12 when you are stuck in a room with everyone pretty much the same age? Really.}

Tea time? Ah, speaking still of high school, I've decided to add in Tea Time to our Friday morning routine. We do Round Table {perhaps you've read my posts about it} each morning and we all love to have some warm tea {with some yummy 'biscuits'}, so I figured we could combine it with artist study. I think I'll need to find some more teas on our next shopping trip. Do you have any favorites? The kids both really like peppermint; it goes very fast here.  

{Side note: we have started our tea time routine. It's on Friday's and we do whatever comes to the table. This week we will be reading aloud from Eragon. *affiliate link}

And still with high school: CM. Charlotte Mason. Let's see if I can say this right. I am enamored with the CM method; infatuated with it. But I'm having a time of getting it 'right'. In the younger years it seemed like it was easier in a sense but in high school I feel like I'm not doing enough, yet I know I'm not supposed to be doing too much. My dd is almost and adult {yikes, that's a sobering thought!}; she needs to have these skills under her belt by now. I've put forth the question to those on the AO forum, which you can read here {you may have to register to see it?} to get an idea of how others of high schoolers deal with this. So far there are two detailed answers in the thread; both very good and encouraging answers. {Since then, I think there have been a couple more replies.}

I wrote a post on Saturday that talks about how our high school days are coming along. Good and not so good. 

I've been reading about CM for a few years now, mostly from blogs like Amy's, Michelle's, Barb's, and of course, AO. Just yesterday while looking at Willow Tree Community School's website, I found a link to Charlotte Mason in the Bluegrass. It's a great website! 

Of course, all of that to say: I still don't have it figured out. My dd doesn't want to go to college- still. And I'm okay with that. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. 

Midnight Mutterings: The Living Page & Baptists

Uh oh. Is this an indicator of how my week will go? I certainly hope not! It is after midnight and I am awake with a nice headache. The same headache I went to bed with at 9:00 pm.

It's not been a totally negative experience, however. I have been reading over at the AO forum, and a bit here and there in my new book, The Living Page by Laurie Bestvater. *affliate link* I also got 'caught up' in Towards a Philosophy of Education, Volume 6 of Charlotte Mason's Homeschooling Series. It's been so long since I have read in it but I am going to the CM book study on Tuesday night in Akron, and I needed to have at least read the assigned portions. When I said I got 'caught up' it doesn't mean I can now say I have read all that way through the work. No, I just skipped ahead. I still have over 100 pages to read to really be 'caught up'. But as I was skimming through the pages to get to where we are now, I was tempted more than once to read from random points.

Oh and back to The Living Page. I am only on page 8 and I know I will love this book. I already wrote my name in the front. I often resell books I get so hesitate to write in any.

And since I am awake and I have determined, no matter how half-heartedly, to write more than just one post a week, I figured there's no time like the present. For the remainder of the post, I'll share what I 'learned' in church today. We made it to Sunday School and stayed on through the luncheon.

For Sunday School, Pastor talked about what makes a Baptist a Baptist. Apparently he started this series last week when we weren't there. It sounds like we would have enjoyed it. Anyhow, this week he covered the autonomy of Baptists. Our final authority, actually our only authority, is the Bible; God's Word. There was no single individual in the early church that people went to for the 'laws'. It is the same today with Baptists; they decide together and may even bring in a 'sister church' to help if needed. But the decisions are based on the Bible. Some verses Acts 6:1-4; 13:1-3; 15:5-28 (selected).

Another reason we don't have an individual in charge is because we are a priesthood of believers with Jesus as our High Priest. We have a direct line to God; we do not need to go through saints or a priest. Verses: 1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16.

We have only 2 ordinances that were modeled and commanded by Jesus and instituted in the early church: full immersion baptism and Lord's Supper. Verses: Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

And finally (for today's portion), we believe in free-will and choice. Or as Pastor put it "Individual Soul Liberty". It just means that no matter how much we want to, we cannot make someone do or decide something. We all are responsible for the choice that we make. We have the liberty to make the choice but we also have the rewards or consequences of the choice. Verses: Romans 14 (selected); 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2.

At the start of Sunday School he listed only some of the "Baptists" there are today- some include (he read them too fast for me to write them all down; going by memory- short list!):

Evangelical-Free Baptists

Seventh Day Baptists

Baptist Universalists

Independent Fundamental Baptists

Overall, it was very interesting. I'm looking forward to next week. 

I was going to share what was talked about at the luncheon but I think my headache is gone enough that I can sleep now. And my eyes are drooping *wink*

The Educated Mother

I've not said this to many people so you may not know. In January I will be attempting my Master's Degree. It will be fro Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning. And let me tell you- I have a lot to learn! I know that learning is never done. Never. 

I am actually not looking forward to going back to school. Learning for the sake of learning I like and do. Learning to be certified in something, well, that stresses me out more. I generally like to know a little bit of this and a little bit of that. As time goes on though, I realize I need a little more {okay fine- a lot} knowledge in a more specific area to be of use in 'society'. Oh, don't get me started on the worth of mothers, and stay at home mothers at that. I already agree. However, we all make choices and those choices influence other aspects of our lives. I made choices that I must literally pay for; that requires paying employment. 

The plan: to continue to homeschool my teens, perhaps get a substitute teacher position {easier said than done, I'm sure}, and pursue my MEd. I've recently checked out two books from the awesome Ohio library system {love Ohio!}: Educational Psychology and Applying Educational Research. There is one other book that will be required for my two classes that start in January, but so far, I cannot locate the book. It is called Walking with God in the Classroom: Christian Approaches to Learning and Teaching. I'd like to read that book much more than the others; especially more than the first book. 

I would really really like to attend a school that is specifically geared toward Charlotte Mason method. The last 4 years, that's what I've been focusing on in terms of teaching and learning. I'm going to have to learn about other methods and systems. Not that that is a bad thing; I am sure I will take away much good from it. I just worry that it will seep into my brain and I'll stray from CM. I love CM. Truly. 

When I started this post, I had a different direction it was going to go. Apparently it wasn't set in stone. I'm sure that the preceding paragraphs are because that's what's most on my mind. What I wanted to write about stems from reading the CM PR articles lately. The most recent titled "The Influence and Teaching of the Educated Mother." I've read it twice now and as much as CM and CMers might disapprove, I will read it again. It was a good article. 

This was written at a time when education for girls was not as well established as it is today. The focus was different also for girls than boys. It had made large strides from the beginnings of public education but it still was not as it is today.

"What is education?...I should venture to say its first and prime object ought to be to make women think, and that all education which does not tend to make thinking easy and natural fails of its object and is not educaiton.
True education should train the intellect, establish principles, and regulate the heart.
Who, then, is the educated mother? The educated mother is pre-eminently a woman who thinks, and the results of her regulated thought will be seen in the daily administration of her home."

This article, I think, really puts the educated mother into focus. 

"The educated mother should have some plain ideas of life as it really is. Reality, not ideality, should be the watchword with which she starts her life-work...Happy the mother who can herself superintend the home life of her infant children, but if not able to do this, let her take great pains in the choice of nurse and companions."

What drew me to the article in the first place were the words 'Educated Mother' because I think it is important to be an educated mother, homeschooling or not. 

"The educated mother must, however, be much more than a nursery machine and a technical instructress. Realising that the children of to-day will rapidly develop into individuals keen to learn and be taught, she will always be alive to the necessity of cultivating her own mind, and the work of self-education and improvement will go on for her while life lasts...It is a painful spectacle, that of a mother who has allowed her children to outstrip her as thinking beings, and can no longer keep pace with them in their pursuits and interests."

The last sentence there has pricked my mind and stayed with me since I first read it. There've been times when I tell others that my kids are above me in one subject area or another {most often and likely math} and it only somewhat bothered me. It bothered me more than I cared to admit to myself! I've gone through the same areas that they are now, and I did well enough with them at one time. Why not now as well? I am not beneath my kids in intelligence or knowledge, why should I pretend {or allow myself?} to be? Here is another thought on that:

"She recognises she can keep her children's confidence, some of whom are probably cleverer then herself, only by habits of thoughtful interest in all which concerns humanity."

There are a few other good points in the article, if you'd like to read it. She talks of habits and practicality, and at the end modesty. Another that I appreciated is on keeping our children's confidence in 'intimate' matters so that they will not be led to their peers for guidance and/or advice. 

School and In General -the Bad and the Good

It's not Friday so it's not a weekly wrap-up but it feels like there needs to be an update. For some reason, I don't know why.

Today is Thursday- not Monday although it's felt like it all day. Week 4 and...but... I feel like it's week 29! I'm not at burnout but I feel a tad whelmed. Yes, that's probably the best word for it. I'm not quite overwhelmed. There just doesn't feel like there was any rest. We've not gone all gung-ho into school again and we did have almost 2 months off from last year to this year.

Too much on my plate? Too much on their schedules? Too much... something? Not enough of something else? I just cannot put my finger on it!

In this post, I'll share what's been good ... and I'll be honest and share what's been not so good.

First, let's just get the not so good out there. As homeschoolers {oh gee, let's face it: as parents} we all have hours, days, or even weeks and months when things are just not going so well. It's not good to just pretend that everything is peachy. It's not healthy!

Chores... not getting done as well as they should. That goes for the kids and myself. Although I did get the table cleaned off ...for a chemistry experiment that didn't happen.

And although the table got cleaned off...the stuff just migrated to different spots.

As

I was going to take a photo of the kitchen area and then thought better of it. It's a little scary at the moment...but the dishwasher is running. There is hope.

Attitudes...they are lacking to put it nicely. We have a little 'helper' on our whiteboard but uh, I'm not sure he's visible enough and obviously not vocal enough to help us when we need it.

Lee has contemplated making Mr. Awesome and Mr. Negative badges for us to wear when we are being one or the other.

Inconsistency...I think this is mostly my doing. However, both kids know what they need to do and know how to do it. We're all responsible for ourselves. Sloppy school work, sloppy chores, incomplete tasks, etc. Constant works in progress!

Computer issues... it's been awhile so I'm mostly used to it by now. It's just getting old. Next month some time my internet contract is up, so I'm considering no more home internet. That means much less computer usage. I don't know if that's a good or not so good thing. Another on my list of things that overwhelms me. 

And finally, things that are somewhat beyond our control: unavailable resources for school. Fox has been doing German since last school year and Lee wishes to continue with Latin. I had resources -free for Fox, have to purchase for Lee- for both of these. Now the German resources aren't doing what we need them to do. It's looking like I will need to purchase a program. And for Lee, I don't have the funds yet to purchase her next Latin level! She's just about done with her math as well. The next level will need to be procured ASAP. It's always tough when we can't provide something. I don't want to short-change their education. It'll come together, I know, but in the meantime it's one of the things adding to my feeling of 'overwhelmed'. 

Now for the good! It's good to end on a positive note. 

I'm very happy {still} with our school choices. The curriculum at Ambleside Online is very challenging but interesting at the same time. Both of the kids, although not always, are enjoying their books. I honestly couldn't say without asking right at the moment which books are their favorites. But it's evident when they do their readings and narrations that they are 'getting it'.
I had a website through weebly that I'd compiled books from AO/HEO that are Kindle Ready but AO has updated their site recently to include a lot of the links {or better ones} that I'd found. I'm going to be giving up that site and the work that it entails. It was a sporadic source of income for me but I'd been changing the links to free sites as much as possible. That caused a drop in revenue. I won't get rid of the site -the address- but it's focus will probably change.  I did renew my domain name here at blogger but... I may be switching it all to the weebly site. I won't pay for a domain name again, I don't think. I'm still in the 'considering' stage. 

I've been doing really well with THM and am at the lowest I've been since I was in my early 20s. I don't want to go much lower and need to work on strength and endurance now. This morning's breakfast was a THM recipe: Trim Healthy Pancakes. I tweaked the recipe to include garbanzo bean flour as well as oats. Some of our dinner meals have als been THM and for the most part, acceptable to the rest of the family. Absolutely NO cooked radishes in any of the dishes that are meant for the entire family. It's been firmly requested by dear hubby.

Speaking of radishes! that's the only thing that has grown in our garden this year. It's quite discouraging that nothing else has BUT it hasn't really bothered me enough to fit in my list of overwhelming things *wink*.

I am hoping the cool weather will be good for the broccoli that is still in the garden. It hasn't grown large enough to even produce any florets. It's still warm enough, I think that it could still give us some good produce. It remains to be seen.

As silly as this may sound to others who are followers of Christ: I have just recently come to the understanding -true, in my heart as well as my head- that prayer before a decision is necessary. I may have a delayed understanding but the light bulb has finally come on and wow! it's bright! The way the light bulb was turned on? My Mary Kay Director prayed for me, on the phone, before I took her challenge to sell 25 items to get my business going.

I did not pray before I made the decision to rejoin Mary Kay. I did not pray when I signed up for a website. I did not pray when I first put myself out there that I'd made the commitment. And the result? Nothing. I got nothing. So what happened after prayer? I am 10 items closer to my 25 item goal, and I feel more peace about the endeavor. I believe prayer works but senselessly I've not been utilizing it very well. In this business aspect or other aspects of my life. It's a work in progress but now that the light is on, I hope to keep it shining.

I've been studying my Bible more consistently and it's amazing how much I missed by trying to make sure I got it read in a year. I am enjoying it. I'm not pressured to get it in and mark off the day's reading. I've started a notebook with my studying. Following a chronological schedule still, I'm not concerned about what day I'm supposed to be on. I'm learning what God has for me to learn from his Word. Someday I'll even be able to think of verses off the top of my head for situations and circumstances (Deut 6:7? teach them diligently unto thy children...talk of them when you sittest in your house...when you walkest by the way...when you liest down...and when you risest up- how'd I do? I'll have to look!).

And I think I will leave this post on that note. I started this post with the feeling of heaviness; I feel relieved. I write my blog posts for a number of purposes: to get the words out of my head, to reflect on our homeschooling and life in general, and to possibly help others if even a small way.

Only a Few Days Left...and "It" Starts Again!

...school. That's what "it" is. 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links. See full Disclosure/Policies.**

I spent one full week planning it all out. I've written posts about it; here and here. Oh yes, and here. It's barely mentioned in the first part of this post as well. It's all 'down on paper' and ready to go. 

But am I? I feel like I still have all that planning left to do. Perhaps I should get it all out, double-check it and then tack it up so I can see it; make myself feel better. 

Are the kids ready? Well, probably not if you ask them but by their actions and behaviors, yeah they're ready. Actions speak louder than words, remember? Our school day isn't strict and regimented. We don't start at a precise time, work on a subject for an allotted time and then move to the next. Our breaks aren't planned into the day necessarily. But there is still a routine that school provides. We have school hours from 9am to 4pm. They may not like it but they do like it. They do better with it. It helps with self-discipline; knowing you have something that you have to do and cannot do other things until it is complete.

I also just thought that one of my goals for this coming school year was to get the kids' school books read before they started. That's a real hoot! I've finished two of Lee's books (Character is Destiny and Evaluating Books) and am about 1/2 way through one of Fox's (The Case for Christ).

The first month of school will actually amount to about 2 weeks because we'll start after July 4th (Fox is in a parade with the Young Marines that day so it'd be hours out of the day anyway). When I made that decision, silly me, I didn't realize it fell on a Thursday and we could have had school the other three days. The third week of July we will be out of town for much of it. Another week gone. Then the last week includes Fox's birthday (holiday for North Laurel School *wink*). The "official" number of days for school in July = 12. The 'field trip' the third week of the month might be considered school; we are visiting the Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. Quite educational! We will be going camping overnight that week also. Another educational experience. So, I could squeeze 4 more school days out of the month. If I were really wanting to push it and count more, the Fourth of July Parade could be counted as well. But I'm not really that concerned with number of days of school. In Ohio I am required to cover 900 hours for school. E.a.s.y...

Having put this down here, for some reason, I feel much more relaxed. I'm still going to double-check my plans to see if there is anything important I missed and/or need to alter. Otherwise we're good to go!

Hommerin’ the Leather by J. J. Wainwright

It isn’t a book but an article submitted to The Parents’ Review, and found in Volume 2, 1891/2. I’ve been helping Ambleside Online out in one of only two ways that I know of; I’ve been typing up entries of the Parents’ Review so that they can be accessible online for others to read.

Today I ‘claimed’ this article to type up, “Hommerin’ the Leather” by J. J. Wainwright, and was so taken by it that I wanted to share. I won’t put the article here since it will be online soon –here is the article–but wanted to give some bits of it and my thoughts.

Now, I’ve never been to Greece, or Hawaii, but I often hear in a joking manner that there are ‘business hours’ in those places that we don’t find here in the US. They go something like “we get up around 9 and might open our store at 10 but if we are running late, it could be 11, etc.” {Don’t quote me on that!} It’s a laid back attitude, I gather. Nothing wrong with that.

The article I typed up though has a very good point though about this ‘laid back attitude'. Wainwright relays a story {“o’er true tale”} of him as a boy, and the gentleman who was hired to make the family’s bluchers, or boots. This leather worker was good at his work, as far as I can gather. But he was so…very…slow. The boots were never done when they were promised to be done. Inquiries into the status of the boots often resulted in a run-around on the leather worker’s part. He was always “thinkin’ on hommerin’ the leather.”

He relates another account of Jack and Ollendorf, two fellow workers who are vying for the same position. One stipulation of obtaining the position is that Jack needs to learn the Spanish language. Jack is like the leather worker and doesn’t ever move past the thinking stage, whereas Ollendorf, from Germany, has already mastered quite a few languages, and other goals, in less than year. Ollendorf has learned Spanish. Jack has not. In a few years, Ollendorf will be very successful and farther advanced than Jack, and Jack will be right where he was before.

The ‘moral’ of the story: do more than just think –act! Put forth genuine effort. Get an idea of what it is that you want to do or where you are wanting to go and work towards that goal. I am so guilty of always “thinkin’ of hommerin’ the leather” that I rarely even get the leather out, or the hammer. My first thought, honestly, was that I want my son to read the article {it is definitely kid friendly} and then I thought “Yikes! I’m guilty of being like Jack; always ‘thinking of…’ and not doing.”

So now I’m going to, not just think about, get my list of goals out and start working towards making them reality.

Intentional

Adjective: Done on purpose; deliberate.

Synonyms: deliberate - willful - purposeful – intended

Here it is almost August and I’ve found my word for the ‘year’. Perhaps that should be for the school year.

Angie of Petra School gave me this word. She might not have known it before reading this –because I’m sure she reads my blog! {LOL} She mentioned it in passing pertaining to when they start their school day. It’s stuck with me since then. It got me to thinking about my intentions and how ‘intentional’ am I really.

We started school July 9th, 2012, but this is our second week off already since then. And next week will be no school either. I don’t think one week of school, three weeks off will be a good schedule for the year. We’d never get anything done!

But it’s not just about the schooling. It’s about all that I do. There are things I like to do that just suck my time and resources but result in very little. I would say they at least give me satisfaction at the time but not too terribly much. I just do them to fill my day. The thing is, I’ve got plenty to fill my day with without those! Plenty.

So here’s to being intentional. And I’m starting right away. First I’m being intentional with my blog posts –setting up my blogging schedule along with making sure I have quality content. That is a start.

Finishing up Week 32- Updating Progress & Some Thoughts

It is Thursday of "week 32” but really, it’s only technically the end of week 31 because of our missed days. I’m not splitting hairs. When we get to May 18, 2012, we’re done. *I* need a break.

We have finished with school by between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm this week which is excellent. It’s been a really good week. We get started no later than 9:00 am and sometimes as early as 7:30 am {but that’s a real rarity!}.

For Lee:
Bible: Judges 1-3; Romans 15-1 Corinthians 1; Psalm 139:1-12; Esther commentary (finished Matthew Henry commentary and an article; writing a ‘report’)
Math: Life of Fred Advanced Algebra Lessons 30-32
English: Screwtape Letters (page 52 of the study guide; Letter #20; Excellence In Literature (Unit 3- Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court; Mark Twain author profile, new chapter headings & Yankee ‘report' on technology versus tradition); History of English Literature chapter 58
Gov’t/Civics/Citizenship: Whatever Happened to Justice? chapter 42; Francis Bacon’s “Of Innovation” (this took two weeks to get through)
History: Western Civilization pages 453-457; Galileo online ‘activity’; Queen Elizabeth’s speech to the Spanish Armada; Death’s Duel
Current Events
Foreign Language: Latin review through lesson 20; Greek Level 5, Lessons 34 (she’s dragging it out because it is the last of the level and we don’t have the next one yet)
Art/Composer Independent drawings of a seal and a vase (working on realistic drawing, shading); Bierstadt (On the Saco); Beethoven

For Fox:
Bible: Joshua 13-15; John 18-20; Romans 12:1-14; Saints and Heroes rest of Cromwell and Bunyan; Who Am I? #26
Math: Saxon Algebra 1 Lesson 13-15
Science: Murche’s Science Reader VI chapter 51; Creek Edge Press Task Card #15 (motion: flying); The Sciences (263-284); The Story Book of Science (chapter 52); Amazing Science DVD; The Sea Around Us (to page 56)
English: Jensen’s Grammar Lesson 34-37 & Test 7; The Iliad (chapters 6-8); Pictures in Cursive (penmanship and Art Study); The Age of Fable (Druids); The Bronze Bow (page 27, #14a in the study guide; chapter 8)
History: The Story of the Romans chapters 31-48; Around the World in 180 Days (researching for ‘report’)
Foreign Language: Latin review through lesson 20; basic German (found a children’s book and he’s trying to pick out words)
Art/Composer Bierstadt (On the Saco); Beethoven

That is the ‘update’ part and now here are the comments. Deep breath…exhale… being a teacher is hard work! Being an actual teacher. I have at quite a few points in this homeschool journey *not* been an actual teacher; I’ve let the kids do their own learning. By that I mean I told them what they would be covering, what pages to read and let them go. Come find me when you’re done. Might I say {of course I may} that while that does indeed foster quite independent learners, it does not necessarily create well learned independent learners.

With two very different, yet related individuals, perhaps it is not realistic to expect the characteristics of one to be present in the other just because it is present in the first. {You think?} I have a motivated self learner and I have an unmotivated student. At no point will I say that I never have issues with my motivated self learner {msl} and never will I say that my unmotivated student {ums} doesn’t surpass my expectations. Both of those scenarios do happen.

This week and the previous week of school have shown me the above two paragraphs even though I did know this already somewhere in my head. I started planning for the next school year this month {really planning, not just figuring out that I *might* use ‘this’ or *might* cover ‘that’} and it took me a good two weeks to get it all out on paper. You’d think {or is it just me} that it should be much more simple since my curriculum is already written at Ambleside Online.

Sometimes {just some} I think it’d be easier to plan for a classroom of 20+ students! With only two kids {and yet so different} I can, and have to really, individualize my planning. This is a good thing, don’t get me wrong. But just because I did it such-and-such way with #1 doesn’t mean I can get by with doing that same thing with #2. And now that they are getting into more detailed histories, sciences, thinking, I have to know what it is they are reading and talking about. I have to be able to hold a conversation with them in whatever subject they are going through. I am their teacher. Actually, I am their facilitator.

Being a teacher doesn’t mean that I am giving them the ‘facts’ and that they must regurgitate them. That isn’t how learning works. They must {and I must as well} be able to look at the ‘facts’ that are supplied to them and be able to critically think about what they are hearing/reading/seeing, form their own thoughts about them and then be able to explain why they agree or disagree. They also need to be able to see when a ‘fact’ is in reality not a fact. I want them to be able to say, “I don’t see it that way and this is why…” or “No, that is incorrect and here is why…” and to not just be like sheep, following the crowd.

My brain is getting more of a workout than I can really recall it ever getting! Even when I was in undergraduate classes! A lot of the things we are covering now are at the same level and in some cases, above that. Of course some things I just never learned in the first place, so I am learning as well. Today for a change, with our Latin review, the kids quizzed me. I did very well {way better than they thought I would, so they said}. It surprised me and I liked it.

These past two school weeks have really made me appreciate the way we do school. I have a lot of pre-reading to get done before next school year but I am so looking forward to being in the 8th and 10th grade all over again- as a teacher but really as a facilitator –and a student.

Thinking Out Loud… Exams

As I get older it seems that ideas, concepts, are more difficult to grasp and the ones I had before, they are forgotten. Hey, I’m not old…but the phrase “use it or lose it” is definitely ringing true for me.

I almost feel that I need to start at the beginning! Forget that Bachelor of Arts hanging on my wall, start me back at elementary school. Or so I feel some days. Today is one of those days.

I’m looking back at my kids’ school work to get a good idea of where they are and where they need to go from here; trying to recall the beginning of the year is a chore. Also I want to make ‘exams’ for them this term and each term afterwards. In order to make those exams worthwhile I need to know recall what has been covered in the first place.

Here is where I’ve been reading to give an idea of what to have on the exams: http://www.amblesideonline.org/library.shtml#pneuexams 
And here: http://www.amblesideonline.org/ExamPNEUIIIandIV.shtml

Preparing these are giving me the impression that I need to keep somewhat more detailed records of what we cover, rather than just book titles and page numbers. I am looking forward to making these because I will get to review the information myself. It never hurts to go over it again…and again. Does it?

I have a lot of Charlotte Mason reading still to go before I get this all down. Good thing I consider myself a ‘life-long learner’.

He’s My #1 ...but often comes in second

The theme this trip (3/20) on the Blog Cruise is: How do you make time for your spouse?

Does that title sound weird? It does to me because the number one person in my life is my dh. He is the one person I turn to first when all goes wrong- or right! He is the first I want to share my time with and all that entails. But even though he is my #1…he often comes in second.

I think that many will understand what I mean by that. He has to work and sometimes I have to work. We go about the day time apart, sometimes 6 days a week. And we have two kids that I homeschool (he supports me morally *wink*). So how do I make time for my husband?

With homeschooling, my days are spent like this:

• Get up at 6:30-ish, kiss hubby good bye.
• Make coffee –that is a must.
• Check emails, facebook, work on posts for this blog
• Wake kids up
• Get the kids going on school
• Work and/or work on things I’ve committed myself to –such as book or product reviews, contributing educational materials for homeschoolers, looking for new/different/recent things pertaining to homeschooling
• Do more with the kids –school and/or outdoor stuff, shopping, etc.

So that is how my day generally goes (with more details and variations than I can even think of at the moment). But this isn’t about that. When my hubby comes home around 6:30- 7:00 pm, I am there to greet him at the door with a hug and a kiss. He is the only one I can see right then.

It doesn’t matter how my day has been; I give a smile –willingly and without hesitation. Even if I am feeling poorly, he gets a hug, smile and a kiss. It helps me show him that he is my #1 –even if it feels to both of us that he has to come in second sometimes.

Another way I make time for him is to make sure that the evenings are spent either as a family or just the two of us. I have all day with my children –only a few hours are spent with just my husband. I try very hard to get all of my computer activities done before he gets home and limit it on the weekends.

And finally a way that I make ‘time’ for him is to make a meal that he enjoys. It makes me focus on him and if I tell him beforehand (which I don’t always do –some surprises are good) he knows I am thinking of him; it makes him feel special.

He likes to spend time in the garage tinkering and working on his ‘toys’ (cars, bikes, etc) and sometimes gets lost in it. I make the effort to go to him, just to be there. Because I have all day at home, I can do the things I want to do almost whenever but I understand that he has a limited hours in the week when he can do the things he enjoys. Spending time with him wherever he is, is a way I make time for him.

How do you make time for your spouse?

What’s My Purpose?

I get up each morning about 6:30 am {sometimes it’s closer to 7 am} and promptly feed the cat. After I start my coffee, the computer is turned on. I really love the early morning although I am *not* a morning person. I cannot seem to actually function until about 10 am.

I open my email first, then the TOS homeschool review crew forum, and facebook. In that order. The TOS homeschool review forum generally takes the most time but my email seems to get full quickly. Facebook is really just a time leech, but almost every day there are at least two verses that I can read that someone else has posted {yes, that does make me feel better}.

Breakfast, if it isn’t just coffee, is generally made around 8 am. By this time my kids are starting to stir. I can hear their beds creak as they stretch and turn over. I know they are contemplating whether they should get up or wait until I tell them to get up.

It would be great to say that I have the kids’ schedules all planned out –for the week –before the day starts {well, before the week starts would be even better to say} but it isn’t true always. This morning I had to quickly put together ds’s day. The rest of the week is still blank but for Bible reading and his verse.

All that to say, I have a routine {of sorts} and it is comfortable.

Yesterday –or was it the day before? –I started reading my Bible again. You may recall I said I would read the Bible in 90 days. Well, I did not. I got stuck in Proverbs {after I’d read Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon- a bit backward, eh}. So I’d decided to use my Christmas gift KJV Study Bible to get back into reading my Bible every day. I’m beyond reading it in a set time frame- I just want to read it.

I’m in Isaiah now, chapter 8. But what really struck me this morning as I read is I do not say, “Here I am, Lord; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

At church on Sunday, in adult Sunday School, we read 1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” We did go through all of the verse but what I keep thinking about is ‘strangers and pilgrims’.

If we are strangers and pilgrims it means we do not belong here. This is not our home. But I’ve become so comfortable here. There is nothing wrong with having things –but could I live without them? I wonder if my comfort with the things of this world have made me less likely to say, “Lord, here I am, send me.” I will be honest though, I’ve never said that in the first place. {I could say that homeschooling is a time when I said it, or when I’ve submitted to my husband even though it went against what *I* wanted…but I mean something big –like in Isaiah’s case}

I don’t mind living with less- I never had much growing up and it’s only been the last few years that I’ve felt like I have the ‘luxuries’ {that is a relative term, I’m sure}. Anyway, my point is- what is my purpose? I am to bring glory to God through my very existence. But just ‘being’ feels like so little to be ‘doing’ for God. The trees and rocks themselves proclaim God’s glory- and they cannot talk or move!

*Gulp* In Sunday morning service, the pastor talked about Paul’s willingness to participate in Jesus’ suffering as well as the great benefits. That is what I feel I need to be ‘doing’. But the thought of suffering isn’t appealing to me at all. I do not want discomfort. That is why I do not say “Here I am, Lord; send me.” Which brings me back to my original question – what is my purpose? It’s been on my mind every day for days now. I’m very glad that it’s been lain on my heart but I will admit that I’m nervous to hear what the answer is –what it is that I’m meant to do.

I feel something is on the horizon. I trust God in all things {that quickening of my heart at the thought of change doesn’t mean I don’t trust} and will continue to trust him in this as well.

Sticks and Stones…and Words

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.

Chant that a few times and we’re good. We are protected from the worst that can be hurled at us. {No we’re not.}

Stress, anger, and a myriad of other emotions can make us say things that we wouldn’t otherwise say {although we may think them}. Once they are out, they cannot be taken back.

After a few days of being tried {attitudes- rudeness- and repeat}, I said something to one {or both, I can’t recall} of my kids to make them stop. Thought nothing of it. The look on their faces was of dejection and hurt feelings but I felt justified because now there would be some peace. They would stop and see that they were misbehaving.

The day went on after that without a hitch; attitudes improved {outwardly} and work was done.

Later that night *I* was the one being annoying, continuously, even though I knew that it was bothersome. I just kept at it; the reason why I am unsure of now. But those words that I had said in anger and frustration earlier to my children were said to me.

Slap. It was a slap. Not physical of course but the pain it caused was just as real. I didn’t dare say how it felt since I had brought it upon myself, I knew. The tone that it was said to me was different than when I had practically yelled the words. His tone held pleading and tiredness.

It was only two words but I will never say them again to my children. I almost wish that they had been said to me sooner so that I could have felt the pain they inflicted.

I relayed this experience to both of my children and you know what they did? They did not say, with satisfaction, “You deserved it.” They did not look at me with smugness from my finally getting a taste of my own ‘medicine’. No.

They were so sweet. The look on their faces was of understanding. They knew how it felt. I think they were also relieved that now I knew, too.

Words can hurt. Deeply.

There Is Absolutely No Advice in This Post

In light of the New Year, there’s new resolutions. New goals… All admirable, to be sure. Weight loss, drawing closer to God, more organization, friendlier demeanor, better housekeeping, more activities outside the home, better person, etc. {Yada, yada, yada.}

How are your goals coming along?

I’ll share some of how my goals are shaping up {lol, weight loss is one of mine- no pun intended- well, wait, sure let’s leave the pun}.

Mine aren’t.

I’m so far behind with my goals. As in…I never started them. It seems there is a wall, or no it’s more like a bubble that I am in, that is preventing my being able to get started, let alone complete, my goals.

My very first goal of the New Year was is still to draw closer to God. Yet I’ve not said a prayer since before Christmas. Exhale. I’ve said it. It’s been eating away at me for quite a while now. Now that I’ve made the goal {not quite the same as commitment is it?}, then I can’t even do as I had been doing. What’s with that??

And my bed gets made about 4 out of 7 days in the week. But I’m thinking, in my mind, that not being able to say a prayer is a little more important than making my bed. My routine of getting up at 6:30 am and going to bed by 10:00 pm has also been wonky lately.

I’m totally at a loss here.

This was something that started about Thanksgiving time. I felt the need, the urge and desire, to start some new ‘traditions’ {like our thankful tree} and to be …well, better about things.

But now I feel empty.

It isn’t visible by looking at me. The same routines I had before {besides my bed time and wake time} are in place. I shower almost every day, even wear makeup and ‘fix’ my hair generally {some days I just like to forget about all that}. The dishes are done just as often and we’ve {finally} gotten back to the school routine. It is something that I feel inside- or don’t feel- that is different.

I want to be so much more. And I’m failing.

I’m writing this and not really sure what good it will do but for the getting it out. I’ve expected to feel some sort of rush of relief after typing it…and I don’t. I’m going through the motions but waiting for something. Of course I cannot have if I do not ask for it in the first place. (1 John 5:14; Luke 11:9)

But what if I ask amiss? (James 4:3)

What do I even ask for?

Tonight we have prayer meeting at church and I am going…but I’m not sure how it will go. Perhaps it is a first step in the right direction…maybe it’s just a step.

God is Faithful- Do I Have Faith?

Today was one of those Sundays when I really didn’t want to go. It was one of those Sundays when I’m really glad that I did go.

We missed last Sunday {forget why} but I gather that the ‘theme’ for the next few Sundays is about faith. Last week was about Grow In, Grow Up, Grow Out; pastor gave a quick recap. Today was titled Faith for the Growing. Here are some things I picked up:

Ultimately, faith begins where man’s power ends. It is when the “possible” becomes “impossible” that we see what kind of faith we truly have. Many have “faith” but what do they have faith in? If it isn’t in God, then their faith is misplaced and worthless. An example that Pastor gave is when we pray for someone who is ill to the point that only a miracle can heal them, we pray for the doctors to have wisdom and for God to touch that person with his hand; to heal them. However, when the doctors say there is no more they can do, we often stop praying for healing and instead shift to comfort in their last days. Why do we stop praying for healing when the doctors say there is nothing else they can do? God is able to do anything!

There is no glory for God in what is humanly possible. The glory is when he does the impossible. And he does it all the time.

The scripture we read from for today was 1 Samuel 14:1-23. This is about Jonathan fighting against the Philistines with faith in the Lord. Jonathan knew that it looked impossible to fight the Philistines but with God there are no restraints. There is nothing God cannot do.

God can and does that which seems impossible to our minds- what is impossible for us. However, if we do not have faith that he will do it, he won’t do it. If we do not believe he will, he will reward us with the faith we have placed in him- we see no miracles; the impossible remains impossible. When we believe that which he can do is when we see the great works. Jesus said in Nazareth that no prophet is honored in his own country and he did not do miracles for the people to see (Matthew 5:53-58). They did not have faith in him and therefore that was their reward.

If there is ‘nothing happening’ in my life, is it because God isn’t working- or is it because I am not having the faith I need to see his great works? Definitely some food for thought for me. I have been feeling…out of sorts lately and even if I am not exactly sure why, this is a good place to start looking, I think.

Here are some verses that deal with God’s faithfulness:

• Psalm 32:8 {worry}
• Philippians 4:19 {needs}
• Hebrews 13:5-6 {‘do it yourself’-er}
• 1 John 1:9 {guilt}
• John 5:24 {doubt}
• Isaiah 26:3 {fear, panic}

A few years ago someone had told me that when we worry we are fairly telling God that he is not good enough to help us with whatever it is that we are worrying about. Today Pastor said pretty much the same thing. When we worry we are in essence telling God that we do not believe that he will do as he has said. We do not have faith when we worry.

I have faith but I do not rely on it as often as I should. My faith has not been tested as some have been. We are spoiled in life and faith. Our faith and constancy in life is rarely severely tested causing us to struggle with the smallest, most insignificant things (paraphrasing from today’s sermon).

My favorite verse today is Hebrews 13:5-6 (KJV);

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (emphasis mine)

It’s Been A Good One! Here’s To Another Good Year

2011*************In terms of so much, 2011 has been quite a good year. In specific blog terms, it’s been fairly good. There have been quite a few book reviews, TOS Homeschool Review Crew posts, some neat giveaways and many many life in general posts. Fortunately, I also had a lot of photos on my blog.

This month, unfortunately, my computer was struck with a virus that wiped out all of my personal files and photos. All of our homeschooling files are gone. All of my personal, review and random photos and images are gone. But also this month I found out my degree was awarded from Eastern Oregon University and I was hired at H & R Block as a Client Services Professional. 

Although it is sad that my computer has been compromised (it still doesn’t sound right), it is only one small thing in the larger scheme of things. Even if I do not get those things back, it is okay. Life goes on.

I planned to do a recap of my blog…but not of the year, of the entire life of my blog. This blog started under the url www.northlaurelhome.blogspot.com in February 2010 and was switched to www.nlfamily.net around October 2010. I figured the shorter url would be easier to remember (for me as well as others!). My blog reached 50 followers between August and October of 2010; 100 followers in April of this year. There are now 175 followers- I’m very grateful for all those who follow.

Here are a few of the most popular posts (over the life of my blog):

• Downloading Books onto the Kindle for PC
• Up and Coming- And Going!
• Kindle Collections Manager
• Posting from My Kindle
• Our School Room and Not Back to School Hop

It seems there is a trend… (hint: Kindle lol)

And more specifically of this year on the blog {and in our life}. It started with a New Years’ post. It is interesting to look back on our school plans. It also started with reflections on what Jesus’ transfiguration gives us, the opportunity if affords {I think I had forgotten it…}. Fox used k12.com for the remainder of the 2010/2011 school year {and it didn’t go well, in my opinion}. In February, probably due to my research for my senior project, I reflected on sustainability and Christianity. I posted more about my Kindle {much more lol}. Lee started her first real job! {Fox also acquired a job in March} In March I reapplied to the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and made the choice to use my blog for revenue. April brought about more responsibility by the kids for their own school schedules. I posted a tutorial on how to make your own notecards and envelopes in May and June. We moved from Wyoming to Ohio in September. In June and again in November, I reflected on homeschooling, what I expected and why I do it.

When I sat down to write this post, I tried to think back to the months of this year and what happened when. I can’t recall very much. I’m very thankful now that I’ve put it down on my blog. I am sure, though, that even though there has been much recorded here, it isn’t even a small portion of what’s really been going on in our lives. It has been a very good year.

I’d love to share photos but … sigh, I have none. Here is a post that has a few Christmas photos. We put lights up on our front window (inside) as well as the tree {it is a fake tree- gasp- with built in lights}. My dh put lights on his truck also. That is a first in all the 16 years I have known him to get so excited about Christmas. We have a good life here in Ohio and I am hopeful that the next year will be a good one as well.

Have a wonderful remainder of 2011 and here’s looking forward to a wonderful 2012!

WWAT Days # 74 & 75- Math and Science Woes

Will not forget, will not forget… I keep almost forgetting! I think I need to set an alarm for this or something.

Lee:
Bible: Reading (Deut 17; Acts 16); Verse (Colossians 3:1-8); MC; Mark Commentary
Math: Life of Fred Beginning Algebra (Lessons 88-89) {she’s such a smart girl! She asks for ‘help’ but I think I am just a sounding board to see if she is right lol}
History/Geography: A Man for All Seasons (finished today and gave a narration over the entire reading); Heritage History Classical Curriculum (narrated)
Language Arts: History of English Literature (chapter 44, narrated)
Foreign Language: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek (Level 4 to lesson 17); First Form Latin (Lesson 23 worksheet 3 & 4)
Gov’t/Economics/Civics/Logic: Utopia
Science: – {Still don’t have it all figured out- she has been reading the book World of Science quite often on her own but I have to get something figured out fairly quick}*
Composer Study/Hymn: He Hideth My Soul 

Fox:
Bible: Reading (Deuteronomy 6; Luke 14); Verse (Titus 3:4-7)
Math: ck-12 Grade 6 (lesson 10.1 & 10.2) {we are working on reviewing ‘pre-algebra’ for now and will move along to the grade 7 book from ck-12.org, I think we have been going to fast with him for math}*
History/Geography: Heritage History Classical Curriculum (narrated); Ohio Study
Language Arts: NaNoWriMo; Hobbit (chapter 16)
Foreign Language: First Form Latin (Lesson 23 worksheets 3 & 4) {gasp! only 13 more lessons!}
Gov’t/Economics/Civics/Logic: -
Science: The Sciences (Physics {lenses}; narrated); Murche’s (lesson 31; narrated)
Composer Study/Hymn: He Hideth My Soul

I feel like I’ve missed a day of recording somewhere (there is a chapter in Bible reading missing from my records…hmmm). But I don’t know.

*<<That little mark means I have something to say about what I put that mark by. For Lee’s science I am currently at a loss. She can continue with the Biology that we’ve been using but it is a lot of work that she really doesn’t need to do. Perhaps I am just being too lenient. I want to use nature study more in place of her science text book but I still cannot get it down. Not sure why- we go for walks and look at the nature around us but the journal part or taking it further than just the casual is difficult. I had found a blogger who is doing a more living books approach to science and it looks good but I can’t spend any more money on school for a few months. And I really don’t think I can in good conscience let science slide that long. Perhaps- maybe- I will just put Lee in with Fox for science. We could do read alouds and then have discussions/narrations. The book I mentioned earlier, World of Science, has over 60 experiments at the back so we could work on those. It is geared more for younger ages/grades than she is but she would like it.  Although Lee was/is studying biology, I see no real reason why she has to at this point. Who decides that anyway?? Argggg… Hm. I think that is what I will do. For now. Thanks for helping me through this

*Now for Fox’s math we have switched to going. backward. In order to move forward I think it is very necessary to fill in the holes that somehow were left from previous work. I will point out that although we have loved Life of Fred math books, there simply isn’t enough review for Fox. I’m not saying they are not good books because I still think they are. Lee is continuing on in Beginning Algebra with only minimal difficulty {who said math is always easy?!} and we will continue with LoF with both of them. Just as soon as we catch those missing bits for Fox. To do that we are looking elsewhere for the moment. I found a book at the library, Pre-Algebra DeMystified, that I’ve been looking through. Haven’t used it yet, though. What we have been using is ck-12.org. I can’t vouch for their credibility other than they are written by teachers and those ‘in the know’. The books are creative commons so they are free for all to use. They can be downloaded to the computer and printed out. So far Fox seems to be doing well. They have about 30 problems for each lesson {and the lessons aren’t too boring}. Right now he is working on area, surface area and volume. I **think** we will move onto the 7th grade book after finishing with the geometric problems in the 6th grade book. And depending on how he does with the second book will determine if I move him on to Beginning Algebra by Stanley Schmidt (LoF). By then Lee most likely will be on to Advanced Algebra. Fox had mentioned that he really would have liked to have a Home Companion for the Pre-Algebra books; it would have helped we think.

So those are my thoughts for those two subjects. Otherwise, I think things are going well. This is week 4 of this ‘rotation’; next week is a break week. We have been dragging since last week though. I am totally confused by this. We’ve been doing really really well with the 4 weeks on, 1 week off. It has kept the burnout at bay but this past week and the beginning of this week has been torturous for all of us. It is a struggle to get started; struggle to keep going; struggle to finish. Many days things are left unfinished. I am looking forward to the break next week. There are only 3 weeks of school after that before Winter break for us. Let’s see if we can keep it together those weeks!

Day #69-71 (WWAT)

I am determined to keep track of our school year this year! Determined- even if that means I lump the days together. I will get it put down.

Lee:
Bible: Reading (Deut 15 & 16; Acts 14); Verse (Colossians 3:1-6); MC; Mark Commentary
Math: Life of Fred Beginning Algebra (Lessons 84-86
History/Geography: A Man for All Seasons; Heritage History Classical Curriculum; Western Civilization (reviewing the chapter); Ohio Study
Language Arts: NaNoWriMo; Everyman; History of English Literature (chapter 43)
Foreign Language: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek (Level 4 to lesson 13); First Form Latin (Lesson 22 quiz; Lesson 23 worksheet 1 & 2)
Gov’t/Economics/Civics/Logic: Whatever Happened to Justice? (chapter 27); Utopia
Science: – We are going to be doing something different starting next week (don’t have it all planned out yet)
Composer Study/Hymn: A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers (Intro to Classical period and starting Haydn),  Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

Fox:
Bible: Reading (Deuteronomy 4 & 5; Luke 12); Verse (Titus 3:4-7)
Math: Algebra the Easy Way (page 70, last four problems; page 71-73); random review problems {working to find where the ‘gap’ is that is causing such frustration}
History/Geography: Heritage History Classical Curriculum (wrote about the Spartans); Ohio Study
Language Arts: The Age of Fable (still in chapter 34- Sybaris and Crotona & Egyptian Dieties); NaNoWriMo; Hobbit (1/2 of chapter 15); Carl Sandburg (biographical info and reading/listening to more poems)
Foreign Language: First Form Latin (Lesson 22 quiz; Lesson 23 worksheets 1 & 2) {gasp! only
Gov’t/Economics/Civics/Logic: Young Marines
Science: The Sciences (Physics {still}); The Storybook of Science (chapter 25); Murche’s (lesson 29)
Composer Study/Hymn: A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers (Intro to Classical period and starting Haydn),  Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

Lee and I talked some today about what her plans are for the future. Yes, she is only 15 but it never hurts to have a path or goal. She was wondering out loud if she really needs to go to college. I say ‘no’. It is not a need. And especially if what she wants to do doesn’t truly require a degree (if she wants to be a doctor- yes! she’d go to college!). There are so many opportunities that don’t necessarily happen when in college or at college or because one went to college. She can do just about anything without a degree as long as she is motivated enough to learn and go after it.

With that discussion came a change in the choices I’d made for her subjects. Since she does not plan to major in a biological field (not science at all in fact), she can do just fine with a non-biology major course load. She doesn’t need the AP biology class. If she doesn’t plan to go to college at all (and that isn’t decided yet) she definitely doesn’t need that much biology. I am not trying to cheat her- I’m trying to let her focus on what she wants to do. No point (in my opinion- like I need to put that in there lol) in stressing her out when she is a teenager- there’s plenty of time for that as an adult!

What About the Rest of Us??

We read often about homeschoolers that are engaged in outside activities; whose high schoolers have part time jobs and still excel in their studies; daily nature walks that result in wonderful discoveries; 5-year olds that can speak fluent French.

Then, we homeschoolers who do not manage to make nature walks even a weekly activity, who struggle with English grammar and take a year to get through a foreign language program {we didn’t even think about a foreign language when they were five}, who cannot imagine their high schooler getting a part time job because we are still focusing on making sure they can do the every day tasks around the house… What about us?

I was talking with a mother who homeschools on Sunday before church and while our conversation did not center around homeschooling, it really made me aware of the things they do in their day that differs greatly from what we do in ours. This mother {and her 12 year old daughter} were spouting off the names of numerous flowers that I had no idea what they were talking about. They participate in many musical activities {at a famous orchestral center perhaps} and we are barely getting into music appreciation, let alone actually playing instruments or actively singing. I won’t lie; it made me feel inadequate.

When we first began at the church we attend now, which was the end of September, we talked with the pastor about what they do with homeschooling. I know what curriculum they use and of course it’s different than what we use but I found myself comparing {bad, bad} my children’s progress with their children. Their 15 year old is advanced in math; my daughter, also 15, is right on schedule. Their science for their 3rd and 4th graders includes a lot of fun, hands-on activities; for both 7th and 9th grade, our science is quite lacking in the ‘fun’ department.

I know that our homeschooling family is not the only family (or perhaps it is just me as a parent) that feels our experience could be so much more- if it were more like those other homeschoolers.

There is nothing wrong with my homeschool. There is nothing wrong with my kids and there isn’t anything wrong with me as a teacher. {haha…dd said, jokingly “Keep telling yourself that.”} We are just different. Sometimes watching those other homeschoolers, I get the feeling that I am not doing all that I can. But all families are different.

Some families have more in the way of finances than others; that dictates a lot of what can be purchased in regards materials and curriculum as well as the opportunities that are available. Some families have more support, whether it be family members, other homeschoolers, church family, etc. People learn differently and teach differently; we make our choices {about the above curriculum, opportunities, etc.} based partially on this.

It really is never good to compare. We are all different. Bottom line. What works for one family may not work for another. This post at ChildlightUSA at first made me feel no better- but after reading it more than once {I have to do that quite often}, it did make me feel better.

My children are unique; I am unique; our learning and experiences will be unique. It doesn’t mean that my children will become ‘ordinary’ and although they may not be what some would label ‘gifted’ or ‘exceptional’ {labels, schmabels} I like what Jennifer Gagnon says:

“Just as our body types are unique to each of us, so is our heart, soul and mind. I would argue that each child has special needs and is gifted.”

The photo I added to my post is what my ds was focused on this morning before school started. There is an invasion of Bionicles, Hero Factory and Ben Ten… well, we have fun even if we don’t get all the other things fit into our day… {I will keep telling myself that}

What about you? Do you ever feel that your homeschool doesn’t quite ‘measure’ up to others? What do you do when you have those thoughts?