Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday Smile
This morning held a special treat for the littles at our house. I heard all kinds of exclaiming! "Mommy! mommy! wook! wook! Mommy come see the CHICKENS! " I peeked out the curtain and saw 2 guinea hens. (the neighbors birds like to go visiting on occasion) :-) I explained to the children that these are not chickens but guinea hens and I showed them a picture in the encyclopedia. I told them what they like to eat and how people use them like "watch dogs" sometimes.
After a little while, Doodlebug said "chickens!" and her sister announced "NO, no! Chickens all gone...gindedenel sens!" (Which translated means "no those are not chickens they are guinea hens"). It's amazing how much little ones can learn, even if they seem too young and can barely talk. They learn more than we realize.
This morning made me smile. I love to homeschool!
Labels: Another Day, Homeschool
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Homeschool Lounge
I just joined the Homeschool Lounge!
Check it out!
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sharing a Bouquet
Marie @ View From The Pews said:
I have the utmost admiration for all mothers who decide to educate their own children at home. What an onerous task and at times a thankless one I should think.
When one looks at the way schools are being run today you have to weep at the absurdity of the Political Correct movement which has infiltrated many schools.
By educating your own children you are arming them to face the world and their future with confidence and a great deal of knowledge that many schools dont teach anymore, such as history.
These mothers are selfless in their devotion to educate their children as it should be done. I am also sure that many of these homeschooling mothers have moments of tiredness, they may feel run down and depleted yet they continue. That is courage. That is selflessness. It is love.
So please all blogger homeschool Mothers accept this bouquet for a job well done. Bravo to you all. YOU deserve it.
Anyone who visits this blog, please pass this Bouquet to All homeschooling Moms.
So, I am passing along the bouquet to all of the homeschool mothers who stop by here. I hope you smile today!
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Is Your Candidate Choice What You Think He Is?
Attention Homeschoolers!
Spunky is back!
She's been writing about the upcoming election choices and is challenging us to really research the candidates.
She has written an entire expose' series on Huckabee. Go check it out at Spunky Homeschool.
Spunky is back!
She's been writing about the upcoming election choices and is challenging us to really research the candidates.
She has written an entire expose' series on Huckabee. Go check it out at Spunky Homeschool.
Labels: Homeschool, News
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Homeschool Giveaway
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Our Curriculum This Year
From the Chrstian Cottage Unit Studies website:
"... a unit study method that is easy on Mom, and fun for the children. Each volume contains 2-week and one-month units planned to include enough science, history, bible, creative writing, literature and fine arts activities for more than one year. They're easy to use, and Christian textbooks can be used as resources. Four levels of fun and interesting activities are planned daily for first through twelfth grades. Lessons are prepared in a one-day-at-a-glance, easy to use format. No Gaps! Ability-leveled vocabulary and main points make mastery measurements a snap! A home education curriculum pre-tested by hundreds of home schooling families."
I purchased my copy of this Unit Study program many years ago...in fact, the cover of mine looks nothing like this slick looking picture you see here. I am returning to this program after a long absence because it is time. I've talked before about the fact that it's ok for families to change their homeschool style and tools as needed. Families grow and change and mom needs to be free to adapt the homeschool as needed.This year I am teaching one high school senior, one seventh grader and one kindergardener along with keeping 2 toddlers happy, so ease of use and adaptability to all ages is important. Honestly, I don't remember why I stopped using this delightful program...I'm sure I had a good reason. :-)
Labels: Homeschool
Friday, August 10, 2007
I Love Homeschool
A happy homeschool moment:
Big Sister teaching Little Guy to write letters.
Big Sister teaching Little Guy to write letters.
Labels: Another Day, Family, Homeschool
Monday, May 14, 2007
Bookfair Fun
We went to the homeschool bookfair on Friday and not only did we survive but we had fun too! :-)
The little girls had lots of sights and sounds to keep them occupied and stayed fairly contented for quite a while.
Little Guy was amazed at all the "COOL! stuff- MAMA!".
His favorite was the science booth with a section of scale model replicas of space shuttles and rockets.
We brought home a space shuttle!
My main objective this time was to show my two oldest what all is out there-homeschool wise.
I think it was a great success! We didn't buy very many things but did grab a few little goodies. DS4 got the space shuttle, DD12 got a new book by Elizabeth Prentiss titled The Flower of the Family (which she has already finished), DS 16 chose a T-shirt he wants to order later, and I got a new tote/book/diaper/purse bag!
I've been wanting a bag that has a place for pictures. I've looked at the ones you can order online that screenprint the photos for you but this is even better. It has pockets that I can fill with photos and I can change them anytime I like.
Here it is:
It says: "Homeschool Mom~ Please don't interrupt me. I'm in the middle of a parent teacher conference!"
And to top off all the fun we met some fellow bloggers:
The famous TC and her two oldest children SouthernBelle and Tyler!
It was fun to actually meet face to face. The kids talked for a few minutes and we discovered we live really close to each other (about 20 or 25 minutes apart). So now the kids are planning to get together. Tyler and Osprey want to have a music session since they both play guitar!
TC was armed with a camera and captured the moment.
Here is a picture of the three of them. ( I pirated it from Southernbelle's site :-0 ---but I don't think she'll mind too much...)
Left to Right:
Osprey, Southernbelle, Tyler
The little girls had lots of sights and sounds to keep them occupied and stayed fairly contented for quite a while.
Little Guy was amazed at all the "COOL! stuff- MAMA!".
His favorite was the science booth with a section of scale model replicas of space shuttles and rockets.
We brought home a space shuttle!
My main objective this time was to show my two oldest what all is out there-homeschool wise.
I think it was a great success! We didn't buy very many things but did grab a few little goodies. DS4 got the space shuttle, DD12 got a new book by Elizabeth Prentiss titled The Flower of the Family (which she has already finished), DS 16 chose a T-shirt he wants to order later, and I got a new tote/book/diaper/purse bag!
I've been wanting a bag that has a place for pictures. I've looked at the ones you can order online that screenprint the photos for you but this is even better. It has pockets that I can fill with photos and I can change them anytime I like.
Here it is:
It says: "Homeschool Mom~ Please don't interrupt me. I'm in the middle of a parent teacher conference!"
And to top off all the fun we met some fellow bloggers:
The famous TC and her two oldest children SouthernBelle and Tyler!
It was fun to actually meet face to face. The kids talked for a few minutes and we discovered we live really close to each other (about 20 or 25 minutes apart). So now the kids are planning to get together. Tyler and Osprey want to have a music session since they both play guitar!
TC was armed with a camera and captured the moment.
Here is a picture of the three of them. ( I pirated it from Southernbelle's site :-0 ---but I don't think she'll mind too much...)
Left to Right:
Osprey, Southernbelle, Tyler
Labels: Homeschool
Friday, May 11, 2007
Does this mean I'm not a rookie anymore?
Today is my official one year blogging birthday! Woooo hooo!
I'm so glad I decided to start this blog.
It's been a year full of new friends and encouragement.
I love blogging!
Thank you for helping make it such a great experience!
Today is the Arlington, Texas homeschool bookfair/convention.
I'll be out having fun with the 5 lambies, showing them around.
It will be their first bookfair ever!
If you're planning on being there look for us. Hubby has to work but said "GO and have fun!" :-)
I'll be the lady stooped under a heavy baby backpack (while my ds16 wears the other one) trying to figure out how to carry all those things I wasn't going to buy and dropping half the contents of my purse while holding up the checkout lines. My bags of purchases will be stacked between my feet. DD12 will be trying to keep DS4 in line and the baby will be happily pulling my hair while trying to climb out of the pack! But I'll be smiling! I hope to see some of you there!
Have a great day!
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations, Homeschool
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Thinking of Public School?
My friend Keri over at A Happy Home posted this article recently...just a little reminder of why our family homeschools.
Mar. 10, 2007
7:41 AM
Thinking of Public School?
It seems to me that any thinking individual would be able to clearly see the ridiculous bias in religion that public schools are soaking in, and in turn are confidently seeking to saturate your children in. It’s been long understood that districts seek to turn your children into devout secular humanists, but with multiculturalism added into the mix it becomes almost laughable if it weren’t downright tragic.
Imagine this. You’ve sent your tender children off on the yellow school bus, imagining a day full of learning to read, practicing math, and engaging in science experiments. This, in itself, is a figment of anyone’s imagination given the consistent rock-bottom test scores that continue to come out. No worries, however, because the NEA will fight any semblance of teacher/school accountability, and if tests won’t become easier to pass, then we’ll just forgo them altogether. Click here to watch a video on just what it is that is passing for math nowadays. Instead of moving forward building bigger and better ferraris, your children have to reinvent the wheels on which the vehicle sits.
So, if your children aren’t learning academics, what are they learning? How about the five pillars of Islam? How about being given the opportunity, for extra credit of course, to dress up like a Muslim? Even if you are unlikely to have a “really, great teacher” (as so many children seem to have in their parent’s eyes) who actually uses a textbook, you will find requirements such as the one “...in the Byron Union School District in California, where students were instructed to "become Muslims" was "cultural education.".
So, continuing our example, let’s just say that you’ve bought into the notion that lessons like this, expounded for the majority of your child’s waking hours every day, will still somehow foster a love for God, family, and country (after all, your sweet child does get an hour of Sunday School every week). As your baby graduates high school, you’d maybe like to buy an advertisement in his high school yearbook, wishing him well. This you will be allowed to do, as long as you don’t offend anyone by saying anything as humiliating as “May God bless your life.”
The ironic thing to me is, by this time your child will be so indoctrinated with the religion of pacificism and multiculturalism and feminism and hate-America-ism that he really won’t care a spit about what you put in his yearbook, as long as you are not in any way offering a “desecration of Allah." .
No Christian child belongs in a public school. That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Mar. 10, 2007
7:41 AM
Thinking of Public School?
It seems to me that any thinking individual would be able to clearly see the ridiculous bias in religion that public schools are soaking in, and in turn are confidently seeking to saturate your children in. It’s been long understood that districts seek to turn your children into devout secular humanists, but with multiculturalism added into the mix it becomes almost laughable if it weren’t downright tragic.
Imagine this. You’ve sent your tender children off on the yellow school bus, imagining a day full of learning to read, practicing math, and engaging in science experiments. This, in itself, is a figment of anyone’s imagination given the consistent rock-bottom test scores that continue to come out. No worries, however, because the NEA will fight any semblance of teacher/school accountability, and if tests won’t become easier to pass, then we’ll just forgo them altogether. Click here to watch a video on just what it is that is passing for math nowadays. Instead of moving forward building bigger and better ferraris, your children have to reinvent the wheels on which the vehicle sits.
So, if your children aren’t learning academics, what are they learning? How about the five pillars of Islam? How about being given the opportunity, for extra credit of course, to dress up like a Muslim? Even if you are unlikely to have a “really, great teacher” (as so many children seem to have in their parent’s eyes) who actually uses a textbook, you will find requirements such as the one “...in the Byron Union School District in California, where students were instructed to "become Muslims" was "cultural education.".
So, continuing our example, let’s just say that you’ve bought into the notion that lessons like this, expounded for the majority of your child’s waking hours every day, will still somehow foster a love for God, family, and country (after all, your sweet child does get an hour of Sunday School every week). As your baby graduates high school, you’d maybe like to buy an advertisement in his high school yearbook, wishing him well. This you will be allowed to do, as long as you don’t offend anyone by saying anything as humiliating as “May God bless your life.”
The ironic thing to me is, by this time your child will be so indoctrinated with the religion of pacificism and multiculturalism and feminism and hate-America-ism that he really won’t care a spit about what you put in his yearbook, as long as you are not in any way offering a “desecration of Allah." .
No Christian child belongs in a public school. That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know
We've been educating our children at home for twelve years now. During this time I have come to realize that others may hold expectations of me and my home and family that are unrealistic, simply because they lack the practical knowledge of what it means to homeschool. I came across the following at Preschoolers and Peace and just had to share it with you. It describes so much of life in a homeschool home:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know • Jan. 10, 2007
If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:
1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.
2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is...read the rest here...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know • Jan. 10, 2007
If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:
1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.
2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is...read the rest here...
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
I just found this great link over at Alasandra -- a fun blog to read!
You probably already know how tired I get of people thinking that gov't should control or regulate homeschooling...
I absolutely weary of trying to explain this to people...but this was a wonderful little satire on the subject!
What if gov't decided to control your family eating? Think about the great, interesting and healthy (NOT!) menu options they already offer for school lunches all across the nation! Yippee! Wouldn't that be something!?
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
State Allows Growing Trend of Eating At Home
by Angela Paul
After much heated debate on the house floor, legislation was passed today to allow a growing number of families to cook meals for their families in their homes. The children must have annual physical examinations to assure proper growth and weight gain. Attempts to require weekly meal plans and monthly kitchen inspections were voted down.
Click here and
scroll down to
April 13, 2099
Reunited Press
to read the full post.
You probably already know how tired I get of people thinking that gov't should control or regulate homeschooling...
I absolutely weary of trying to explain this to people...but this was a wonderful little satire on the subject!
What if gov't decided to control your family eating? Think about the great, interesting and healthy (NOT!) menu options they already offer for school lunches all across the nation! Yippee! Wouldn't that be something!?
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
State Allows Growing Trend of Eating At Home
by Angela Paul
After much heated debate on the house floor, legislation was passed today to allow a growing number of families to cook meals for their families in their homes. The children must have annual physical examinations to assure proper growth and weight gain. Attempts to require weekly meal plans and monthly kitchen inspections were voted down.
Click here and
scroll down to
April 13, 2099
Reunited Press
to read the full post.
Labels: Homeschool
Monday, December 18, 2006
Today's Assignment: Photos - part 2
Sorry I wasn't back sooner. I got sick and then the weekend came, and then we had some computer problems. Everything seems to be working again and I feel better.
I said I would post the kids captions and tell you what the photos are.
Photo 1: "Weather Worn"
This is a close -up of our picnic table. :-)
Photo 2: "A Bug's Eye View"
Grass close-up.
Scripture: "And God said, 'See I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed, to you it shall be for food.' Gen. 1:29
Photo 3:"A study of Rust"
Close-up of our lawn trailer. :-)
Scripture: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matt. 6:20
Photo 4:"A Happy Flower Garden"
Scripture: "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Photo 5: "Ivy Corner"
"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now or until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
I said I would post the kids captions and tell you what the photos are.
Photo 1: "Weather Worn"
This is a close -up of our picnic table. :-)
Photo 2: "A Bug's Eye View"
Grass close-up.Scripture: "And God said, 'See I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed, to you it shall be for food.' Gen. 1:29
Photo 3:"A study of Rust"
Close-up of our lawn trailer. :-)Scripture: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matt. 6:20
Photo 4:"A Happy Flower Garden"
Scripture: "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Photo 5: "Ivy Corner"
"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now or until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Labels: Homeschool
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Today's Assignment: Photos
Today's Homeschool Assignment: Photos
Go outside and look for anything that you find interesting . Photograph it the best way you can...try to make it interesting for others to view.
Go outside and look for anything that you find interesting . Photograph it the best way you can...try to make it interesting for others to view.
These first three photos are Osprey's work (16 yo DS).
He was in the mood for close-ups. :-)
Can you tell what they are?
Leave a comment with your best guesses!
Answers posted tomorrow.
These next two photos are River Girl's work (12 yo DD). I think she did a great job of working on composition and arrangement! She even gave black and white a try.
I'm proud of their morning work. Part two of the
assignment is to give each photo a caption and a
scripture verse. I'll print each photo out and leave
blank space at the bottom of the page for this.
Hopefully, I'll get to post their captions tomorrow.
Labels: Homeschool
What Bird is This?
This last Sunday we had a little newcomer to our back yard. As some of already know, we love watching animals, especially birds. So when this little creature was spotted outside the dining room window we all gathered around and oohhed and aahhhed and observed. Of course, out came the giant book of Birds of North America so we could identify this one.
We still aren't sure because we've never seen one of these around here...but we believe it to be a common snipe. Any one else care to comment or tell us about this cutie? It's been hanging out with us and feasting on bugs and other delectable treats all week.
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Cleaning Helps for Kids
• Nov. 15, 2006 -
I just recently purchased Zone Cleaning for Kids...I highly recommend it! We haven't had much time to use it yet but I can see how helpful it will be. I also purchased the Clean N Flip one...it focuses on a basket system for the children to use in their own rooms. Simple and easy to use. Check it out!
Sunydazy
I just recently purchased Zone Cleaning for Kids...I highly recommend it! We haven't had much time to use it yet but I can see how helpful it will be. I also purchased the Clean N Flip one...it focuses on a basket system for the children to use in their own rooms. Simple and easy to use. Check it out!
Sunydazy
Labels: Homeschool, Household Helps
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Summer Activities Ideas
Need summer ideas?
I got this info from Annette at Discipling for the Kingdom. (Thanks!)
This is a great list of ideas for summertime nature study and fun.
Check it out at this link:
http://www.backyardnature.net/101/summer.htm
.
• Jul. 5, 2006 - Thanks!!
Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy
Thanks for the great link -- I am going to check it out!!
Blessings! ~Beckie
I got this info from Annette at Discipling for the Kingdom. (Thanks!)
This is a great list of ideas for summertime nature study and fun.
Check it out at this link:
http://www.backyardnature.net/101/summer.htm
.
• Jul. 5, 2006 - Thanks!!
Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy
Thanks for the great link -- I am going to check it out!!
Blessings! ~Beckie
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Carnival of Homeschooling
For the Birds - 25th Carnival of Homeschooling
Just a reminder...be sure to visit this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling. It's being hosted by Homeschool Buzz. There are plenty of inspiring articles to help you fly. Enjoy!
Sunydazy
Just a reminder...be sure to visit this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling. It's being hosted by Homeschool Buzz. There are plenty of inspiring articles to help you fly. Enjoy!
Sunydazy
Labels: Homeschool
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Country Drives are School Too
Yesterday I took my 3 year old son and the babies for a drive on the local country roads. I was hoping to induce some naps. ;-)
I confess to being an unschooler at heart. I find any excuse I can to load the children into the van and drive a country road with the windows down, so we can experience a little nature (I love hiking but it's a bit more difficult right now with the twins). We have a couple of favorite routes. Yesterday we took the one across the highway from our neighborhood. The gravel road circles an old horse ranch. One particular young horse ran to the fence and followed us around the corner.
The heat was high and the noise from the cicadas was beginning to grow. They get louder as the temperature increases. The midday temperature has been hovering around 100 degrees lately. We continued down the dusty road toward the creek.
I love to cross the muddy boggy creek bottom. We spied our old friend the blue crane, also called the blue heron, there yesterday. He'll usually stand still looking like a stick unless we stay too long. Then he'll fly into the nearby trees and shrubs for cover.
Next we went over the railroad tracks and by the cemetery. There are plenty of newer homes on the old road, many built of brick. To me they look a little out of place, like city houses that have been misplaced. I am partial to the old homestead on the left. The house is big and white and a little 'lumpy' looking. :-) It's probably been there for 60 or 70 years. It has personality, character and a sense of history. It's not really pretty...exactly... but it's homey looking. It's surrounded by screened porches, shady trees and old clotheslines. I can envision myself there- presiding over laundry on laundry day and sending the children out for fruit from the old peach trees...(sigh) ...maybe someday.
We passed the homestead and slowly cruised by the llama farm where all the llamas were avoiding the heat of the day by cozily cushing in the sheds and munching. Down the road a bit more, past the patch of Indian Blanket wildflowers there was a small herd of black cows crowded under the trees lining the fence.
On this road one can see an occasional snake slithering and a tarantula tiptoeing here and there...not today though.
As we neared another creek I slowed down so we wouldn't frighten away any wildlife.
We stopped on the bridge and watched quietly. A small turtle was sunning himself and the dragonflies were darting all around us catching mosquitos in their feet 'nets'. By this time the cicada's songs were reaching deafening heights! Summer is definitely here!
As we turned towards home I noticed the many butterflies fluttering and I spotted the pretty purple of thistles and the bright red of a passing cardinal. Rounding one of the corners there was a cluster of towering sunflowers nodding their cheery heads as we went by.
Yes! This is school! This is life! This is what God gave us to enjoy! I can't wait for another day and another drive.
Sunydazy
• Jun. 13, 2006 - wish I were there
Posted by 5boys2girls4now (65.30.25.146)
Thanks for encouraging and bringing peace to my spirit today. I enjoyed riding with you on your drive in the country. Thanks for posting a comment on my blog, I will be sure to add you to my friends list and will try to visit often. Jenny
• Jun. 13, 2006 - I'm so there...
Posted by seekingtheoldpaths (67.142.130.15)
I love stuff like this drive. Whenever my kids get a chance to experience real life "in the middle of a school day", I remind them what a blessing homeschooling is. I remind them that they would be missing this if they were stuck in a classroom all day. How tragic that would be. I believe just like you said, that this *is* school, too-especially if you're talking your way through it (think Deuteronomy 6). What a life! These are the times you'll look back on, *and never regret*. Blessings, Julie
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.14.83)
What a lovely day of learning. Continue to enjoy the journey! God bless, Tammy
• Jun. 21, 2006 - Sounds very relaxing...
Posted by Anonymous (24.18.92.128)
It sounds like a perfect afternoon drive, I have to go google what a cicada is, not sure we have them in Washington. :) You even taught me something on your drive!! Tonya
I confess to being an unschooler at heart. I find any excuse I can to load the children into the van and drive a country road with the windows down, so we can experience a little nature (I love hiking but it's a bit more difficult right now with the twins). We have a couple of favorite routes. Yesterday we took the one across the highway from our neighborhood. The gravel road circles an old horse ranch. One particular young horse ran to the fence and followed us around the corner.
The heat was high and the noise from the cicadas was beginning to grow. They get louder as the temperature increases. The midday temperature has been hovering around 100 degrees lately. We continued down the dusty road toward the creek.
I love to cross the muddy boggy creek bottom. We spied our old friend the blue crane, also called the blue heron, there yesterday. He'll usually stand still looking like a stick unless we stay too long. Then he'll fly into the nearby trees and shrubs for cover.
Next we went over the railroad tracks and by the cemetery. There are plenty of newer homes on the old road, many built of brick. To me they look a little out of place, like city houses that have been misplaced. I am partial to the old homestead on the left. The house is big and white and a little 'lumpy' looking. :-) It's probably been there for 60 or 70 years. It has personality, character and a sense of history. It's not really pretty...exactly... but it's homey looking. It's surrounded by screened porches, shady trees and old clotheslines. I can envision myself there- presiding over laundry on laundry day and sending the children out for fruit from the old peach trees...(sigh) ...maybe someday.
We passed the homestead and slowly cruised by the llama farm where all the llamas were avoiding the heat of the day by cozily cushing in the sheds and munching. Down the road a bit more, past the patch of Indian Blanket wildflowers there was a small herd of black cows crowded under the trees lining the fence.
On this road one can see an occasional snake slithering and a tarantula tiptoeing here and there...not today though.
As we neared another creek I slowed down so we wouldn't frighten away any wildlife.
We stopped on the bridge and watched quietly. A small turtle was sunning himself and the dragonflies were darting all around us catching mosquitos in their feet 'nets'. By this time the cicada's songs were reaching deafening heights! Summer is definitely here!
As we turned towards home I noticed the many butterflies fluttering and I spotted the pretty purple of thistles and the bright red of a passing cardinal. Rounding one of the corners there was a cluster of towering sunflowers nodding their cheery heads as we went by.
Yes! This is school! This is life! This is what God gave us to enjoy! I can't wait for another day and another drive.
Sunydazy
• Jun. 13, 2006 - wish I were there
Posted by 5boys2girls4now (65.30.25.146)
Thanks for encouraging and bringing peace to my spirit today. I enjoyed riding with you on your drive in the country. Thanks for posting a comment on my blog, I will be sure to add you to my friends list and will try to visit often. Jenny
• Jun. 13, 2006 - I'm so there...
Posted by seekingtheoldpaths (67.142.130.15)
I love stuff like this drive. Whenever my kids get a chance to experience real life "in the middle of a school day", I remind them what a blessing homeschooling is. I remind them that they would be missing this if they were stuck in a classroom all day. How tragic that would be. I believe just like you said, that this *is* school, too-especially if you're talking your way through it (think Deuteronomy 6). What a life! These are the times you'll look back on, *and never regret*. Blessings, Julie
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.14.83)
What a lovely day of learning. Continue to enjoy the journey! God bless, Tammy
• Jun. 21, 2006 - Sounds very relaxing...
Posted by Anonymous (24.18.92.128)
It sounds like a perfect afternoon drive, I have to go google what a cicada is, not sure we have them in Washington. :) You even taught me something on your drive!! Tonya
Labels: Another Day, Homeschool
Friday, June 2, 2006
Sharing the teaching
Sharing the teaching
We've started something new lately that I'd like to share. My dear friend (who is a cousin by marriage) and I have both been homeschooling for many years. We've both been through all the metamorphosis: One year something works for one of us, the next year the other one tries it. We've mixed and matched and played musical homeschool curriculum through the years. Recently we both have settled into a familiar pattern and realized that what we use matters not. As long as learning remains a joyful experience and real books are available, learning will take place.
Ok...enough about our background. We have started sharing a couple of 'classes'. I agreed to teach a Christian charm/etiquette/personal care course for young ladies to her 3 daughters and my oldest daughter. She agreed to teach science to the same.
I am so excited about this because I don't relish doing science experiments and when it gets left up to me the experiments tend to get neglected. I can always think of something else we could do. :).
Yesterday she spent an hour with the girls and they did some wonderful experiments demonstrating force, motion, friction, and inertia. We are using a printed curriculum as a jumping off point. I learned a bit more about science just listening in occasionally. The rest of the time I was bouncing one of the babies.
I took about 30 minutes for our little 'finishing school' class during which time we had lots of giggles. I plan to touch on lots of fun subjects including: grooming, what not to wear, what to wear for special occasions, walking, talking, sitting and standing like a lady, how to allow someone to help you with your coat and chair and doors, eating and restaurant manners, what fabrics go together, choosing hairstyles, and diet and excercise. All of this will be in light of being Christians who bring honor to the Lord.
We are using a printed curriculum as a starting point for this also. I like this subject so I'll be adding lots of fun things as we go along.
I'm so excited about this arrangement because it allows each person's passion for a subject to rub off on the young ones. I also like the fact that we're doing this with dear friends and relatives...no trust issues to worry about.
I don't know how long we'll be doing this but I hope for a long time...and maybe we can expand it to include a few other things...I love literature and art and music...anybody want to volunteer to help me with math? My oldest is sweet not to criticize my lack in this area but I think he sees it. I can't really answer any of his questions in a clear way without using the teachers book and even then I have to wade in a little at a time with lots of "uuuhhm.... I thiiink.... you... should probably... do thiiis" thrown in.
He always gets it and then later explains it to me. :-) Hurray for homeschooling!
Sunydazy
• Jun. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.11.60)
That's sounds like a great idea and a fun way to teach and learn. Being with friends makes everything more enjoyable. God bless, Tammy
We've started something new lately that I'd like to share. My dear friend (who is a cousin by marriage) and I have both been homeschooling for many years. We've both been through all the metamorphosis: One year something works for one of us, the next year the other one tries it. We've mixed and matched and played musical homeschool curriculum through the years. Recently we both have settled into a familiar pattern and realized that what we use matters not. As long as learning remains a joyful experience and real books are available, learning will take place.
Ok...enough about our background. We have started sharing a couple of 'classes'. I agreed to teach a Christian charm/etiquette/personal care course for young ladies to her 3 daughters and my oldest daughter. She agreed to teach science to the same.
I am so excited about this because I don't relish doing science experiments and when it gets left up to me the experiments tend to get neglected. I can always think of something else we could do. :).
Yesterday she spent an hour with the girls and they did some wonderful experiments demonstrating force, motion, friction, and inertia. We are using a printed curriculum as a jumping off point. I learned a bit more about science just listening in occasionally. The rest of the time I was bouncing one of the babies.
I took about 30 minutes for our little 'finishing school' class during which time we had lots of giggles. I plan to touch on lots of fun subjects including: grooming, what not to wear, what to wear for special occasions, walking, talking, sitting and standing like a lady, how to allow someone to help you with your coat and chair and doors, eating and restaurant manners, what fabrics go together, choosing hairstyles, and diet and excercise. All of this will be in light of being Christians who bring honor to the Lord.
We are using a printed curriculum as a starting point for this also. I like this subject so I'll be adding lots of fun things as we go along.
I'm so excited about this arrangement because it allows each person's passion for a subject to rub off on the young ones. I also like the fact that we're doing this with dear friends and relatives...no trust issues to worry about.
I don't know how long we'll be doing this but I hope for a long time...and maybe we can expand it to include a few other things...I love literature and art and music...anybody want to volunteer to help me with math? My oldest is sweet not to criticize my lack in this area but I think he sees it. I can't really answer any of his questions in a clear way without using the teachers book and even then I have to wade in a little at a time with lots of "uuuhhm.... I thiiink.... you... should probably... do thiiis" thrown in.
He always gets it and then later explains it to me. :-) Hurray for homeschooling!
Sunydazy
• Jun. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.11.60)
That's sounds like a great idea and a fun way to teach and learn. Being with friends makes everything more enjoyable. God bless, Tammy
Labels: Homeschool
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