I want this at home!
Fencing Lesson
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Friday, November 7, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
What is the best way to homeschool?
So is there a "perfect" way to homeschool? Well, anyone that knows me, knows where I am going with this. For those that don't, let me continue...
YES, there is a perfect method to homeschool! Not what you were thinking I would say?? Hang on a minute and let me elaborate.
My method of homeschooling is the perfect way to homeschool!! It is the only method anyone should use. What is that method and why do I think it is so perfect? Well, it is perfect because my method will fit every learning style, fit into everyone's schedule and fill in any and all educational 'gaps'.
And what do I call this perfect homeschooling method??? Wait for it....
The Whatever Works Method (TM)
Okay, it isn't really trademarked, but I am considering it!!! Seriously though, people get so caught up in the "right" way to do things that they forget that every single solitary child is different. Just because Charlotte Mason worked for your dear friend Susie and her 5 amazing children doesn't mean that it will work for you and your children. Just because Unschooling is the perfect approach for Martha and her boys doesn't mean that it is the perfect fit for you. Find what works for your individual child and for your family and quit stressing over what to call yourself!!
So, at the risk of repeating myself, The Whatever Works Method (TM) is the perfect homeschooling method. Adopt it, Live it, BE it!!!! Hey, maybe I should write a book. Heck, everyone else is!!!!
YES, there is a perfect method to homeschool! Not what you were thinking I would say?? Hang on a minute and let me elaborate.
My method of homeschooling is the perfect way to homeschool!! It is the only method anyone should use. What is that method and why do I think it is so perfect? Well, it is perfect because my method will fit every learning style, fit into everyone's schedule and fill in any and all educational 'gaps'.
And what do I call this perfect homeschooling method??? Wait for it....
The Whatever Works Method (TM)
Okay, it isn't really trademarked, but I am considering it!!! Seriously though, people get so caught up in the "right" way to do things that they forget that every single solitary child is different. Just because Charlotte Mason worked for your dear friend Susie and her 5 amazing children doesn't mean that it will work for you and your children. Just because Unschooling is the perfect approach for Martha and her boys doesn't mean that it is the perfect fit for you. Find what works for your individual child and for your family and quit stressing over what to call yourself!!
So, at the risk of repeating myself, The Whatever Works Method (TM) is the perfect homeschooling method. Adopt it, Live it, BE it!!!! Hey, maybe I should write a book. Heck, everyone else is!!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
To Teach or Not To Teach
Or in other words, The Role of the Homeschooling Parent....
As I have stated numerous times before, I do not consider myself a teacher and don't consider what I do "teaching". Instead I look at my roll in this journey as a 'facilitator'. I am there to guide.
The way I look at it, a teacher is a person that imparts information to their student or students. A teacher studies a subject, learns all they can about it and then instructs others in what they have learned.
This is not what I do. My job is to make sure that my children have the tools and means to learn and accomplish whatever it is they desire and to do so for themselves. A teacher is not required for learning. People learn things all of the time without the benefit (or hindrance, depending on how you look at it) of a teacher.
For an example, let's look at Drake's current topic of choice. He is all about Greek Mythology right now.
So, if I was a teacher I would spend the next few weeks studying and learning everything I could about Greek Mythology. Then I would sit Drake down and tell him everything I learned. After that, assuming he was still interested, we would try to fit in a project or create some artwork. If there was time, assuming there was some lingering amount of interest, we would take a field trip. That all sounds good except for the fact I have made Drake wait two weeks for information he craves right now. Heck, who knows what he will be interested in two weeks from now!!! This is passive learning. Delayed passive learning at that!
However, as a facilitator we would probably skip straight to the projects, art and field trips. We would keep the interest piqued while hunting down every book we can find. We would learn as we go. Drake would read everything he could on Greek Mythology and tell me about what he learned. In essence, Drake becomes the teacher and I, the pupil. Drake has an active role in his learning.
A passive learner retains only a small percentage of the information they are given. When the child takes an active role in learning, then information is internalized, assimilated and understood in a manor no amount of 'teaching' can match.
So to answer the question, to teach or not to teach...
I chose NOT.
As I have stated numerous times before, I do not consider myself a teacher and don't consider what I do "teaching". Instead I look at my roll in this journey as a 'facilitator'. I am there to guide.
The way I look at it, a teacher is a person that imparts information to their student or students. A teacher studies a subject, learns all they can about it and then instructs others in what they have learned.
This is not what I do. My job is to make sure that my children have the tools and means to learn and accomplish whatever it is they desire and to do so for themselves. A teacher is not required for learning. People learn things all of the time without the benefit (or hindrance, depending on how you look at it) of a teacher.
For an example, let's look at Drake's current topic of choice. He is all about Greek Mythology right now.
So, if I was a teacher I would spend the next few weeks studying and learning everything I could about Greek Mythology. Then I would sit Drake down and tell him everything I learned. After that, assuming he was still interested, we would try to fit in a project or create some artwork. If there was time, assuming there was some lingering amount of interest, we would take a field trip. That all sounds good except for the fact I have made Drake wait two weeks for information he craves right now. Heck, who knows what he will be interested in two weeks from now!!! This is passive learning. Delayed passive learning at that!
However, as a facilitator we would probably skip straight to the projects, art and field trips. We would keep the interest piqued while hunting down every book we can find. We would learn as we go. Drake would read everything he could on Greek Mythology and tell me about what he learned. In essence, Drake becomes the teacher and I, the pupil. Drake has an active role in his learning.
A passive learner retains only a small percentage of the information they are given. When the child takes an active role in learning, then information is internalized, assimilated and understood in a manor no amount of 'teaching' can match.
So to answer the question, to teach or not to teach...
I chose NOT.
Friday, September 19, 2008
You know you're a homeschooler when... (Part Zwei)
...you randomly switch to German while typing the title to your blog post! LOL
...you have enough musical instruments to outfit a small band. Seriously, it is not normal (not that I have been accused of that lately) to have as many instruments as I do. I didn't even know I had this many. 2 violins (5 if you count the antiques, but I won't even let the kids breathe on those!), 2 guitars, 3 recorders, pan flute, clay ocarina, 4 drums, 2 tamborines and more hand percussion instruments than you can shake a drum stick at. Although I have no drum sticks! That doesn't even include the mallets and shakers I keep for SLC!!! Playgroups are very noisy at my house!!
...your children do math problems in the layer of dust on the TV screen.
...your 7 year old complains that you don't have enough books. According to Library Thing we have 831 and there about 50 that I am too lazy to enter manually. We, most definitely, need more!!! LOL
...you have dissection tools drying on the window sill.
...a discussion of philosophy with your 7 year old leaves you more confused than you were when you started.
...you introduce yourself to a new person and they go, "OH! YOOOUURRR Ann-Marie." (I swear, whatever you heard, it isn't true!! :) )
...you have enough musical instruments to outfit a small band. Seriously, it is not normal (not that I have been accused of that lately) to have as many instruments as I do. I didn't even know I had this many. 2 violins (5 if you count the antiques, but I won't even let the kids breathe on those!), 2 guitars, 3 recorders, pan flute, clay ocarina, 4 drums, 2 tamborines and more hand percussion instruments than you can shake a drum stick at. Although I have no drum sticks! That doesn't even include the mallets and shakers I keep for SLC!!! Playgroups are very noisy at my house!!
...your children do math problems in the layer of dust on the TV screen.
...your 7 year old complains that you don't have enough books. According to Library Thing we have 831 and there about 50 that I am too lazy to enter manually. We, most definitely, need more!!! LOL
...you have dissection tools drying on the window sill.
...a discussion of philosophy with your 7 year old leaves you more confused than you were when you started.
...you introduce yourself to a new person and they go, "OH! YOOOUURRR Ann-Marie." (I swear, whatever you heard, it isn't true!! :) )
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Great Homeschool Experiment!
I am abandoning all "book" work until the end of the year. We will not be unschooling in the traditional sense (can unschooling and traditional be used in the same sentence?). Instead we are going to focus on World Cultures, Science, Music, Art and Foreign Language. All done in a hands-on/out of the box (box meaning house!) way. Reading and math are going to be the big stress points for me. I will have a hard time letting go of structured math. I will still require regular reading but the books will be of their choosing.
Here's to my insanity! LOL
Carey, feel free to comment. I don't want you to explode! :)
Here's to my insanity! LOL
Carey, feel free to comment. I don't want you to explode! :)
Am I Insane????
I have been having an inner battle lately regarding homeschooling philosophy. As I dutifully stick to my lesson plans, I am feeling the draw to just let it all go and unschool. Then I start to wonder if I have totally lost my mind for considering such a thing.
I am NOT a unschooler. The thought terrifies me. Yet, I can not deny that Kyllian is very motivated to learn ONLY those things that he is interested in. If he isn't interested in it, there is no amount of coaxing, discussion or bribery that will make him learn it. Drake will do the work I give him but he would prefer to self teach.
I don't know that I can unschool without becoming a complete neurotic mess. BTDT!!!
I have come a long way in recent years learning to balance (there's that word again!) my need for order and structure. I have my structure in place but I am okay with things changing. I can accept that we may not keep to our schedule. I don't mind spotaneous activities poping up. We will drop everything and go to the park and I don't mind reshuffling the schedule. But I do still always come back to the schedule.
Everytime I inch away from that schedule we (I) end up coming back to it and feeling more bound to it.
Yet, I look at what Kyllian taught himself last year and I am amazed. He taught himself to read. He did it. I can take no credit for it. It was all him. I don't even know when he started reading. He was just reading one day. And I am not talking Dick and Jane reading. The day I realized he was reading was the day he was reading the ingredients off the back of my protein powder jar in the car. I suppose if he can read the word 'phosphorus' then I don't really need to worry about phonics! And he did all of this during the time when he was between dianosises and treatments. What will he manage to teach himself NOW!!!?
I have been having this delima since I wrote our "Mission Statement". (Thanks MDC!) The fourth statement is my hangup!
Oh, and Carey before you ask, NO! You are not allowed to comment!! LOL
I am NOT a unschooler. The thought terrifies me. Yet, I can not deny that Kyllian is very motivated to learn ONLY those things that he is interested in. If he isn't interested in it, there is no amount of coaxing, discussion or bribery that will make him learn it. Drake will do the work I give him but he would prefer to self teach.
I don't know that I can unschool without becoming a complete neurotic mess. BTDT!!!
I have come a long way in recent years learning to balance (there's that word again!) my need for order and structure. I have my structure in place but I am okay with things changing. I can accept that we may not keep to our schedule. I don't mind spotaneous activities poping up. We will drop everything and go to the park and I don't mind reshuffling the schedule. But I do still always come back to the schedule.
Everytime I inch away from that schedule we (I) end up coming back to it and feeling more bound to it.
Yet, I look at what Kyllian taught himself last year and I am amazed. He taught himself to read. He did it. I can take no credit for it. It was all him. I don't even know when he started reading. He was just reading one day. And I am not talking Dick and Jane reading. The day I realized he was reading was the day he was reading the ingredients off the back of my protein powder jar in the car. I suppose if he can read the word 'phosphorus' then I don't really need to worry about phonics! And he did all of this during the time when he was between dianosises and treatments. What will he manage to teach himself NOW!!!?
I have been having this delima since I wrote our "Mission Statement". (Thanks MDC!) The fourth statement is my hangup!
to not be bound to any specific method or educational ideal; instead, facilitating the achievement of these things in the manor in which is best for the individual child.I whole heartily agree with it but I have difficulty balancing it with my need for structure!
Oh, and Carey before you ask, NO! You are not allowed to comment!! LOL
Monday, September 1, 2008
Pics of the new arrangements
As you will see, there are still a few things that need a home, but for the most part everything is put away. All of the books are in the house but the paper is still in the Florida room. Ultimately I would like to bring all of that in as well. I will have to figure out where it will fit first. The paper is easier to replace than the bo
oks!!
Science, History, German, Sign Language, Math and Lapbooks by the front door.
Reading, Art, Music, Folk Lore, Dover Coloring Books and art supplies by K's desk.
My new meditation space and sewing table in FL room.
Misc lapbooking supplies, tools, science equipment, etc.
Workout space, anybody need light dumbbells?
oks!!Science, History, German, Sign Language, Math and Lapbooks by the front door.
Reading, Art, Music, Folk Lore, Dover Coloring Books and art supplies by K's desk.
My new meditation space and sewing table in FL room.
Misc lapbooking supplies, tools, science equipment, etc.Workout space, anybody need light dumbbells?
My homeschool room is history
:(
I just found wet carpet in my homeschool space!!!!!! So we have spent the last 2 hours rearranging the house. WooHoo!
I had been considering the move anyways but this wasn't exactly the way I had in mind. Not to mention I never would have done it when K was home. The chaos of rearranging is not his thing! LOL
I will post pics for all you junkies when I am finished.
ETA: I seriously need to post something positive soon.
I just found wet carpet in my homeschool space!!!!!! So we have spent the last 2 hours rearranging the house. WooHoo!
I had been considering the move anyways but this wasn't exactly the way I had in mind. Not to mention I never would have done it when K was home. The chaos of rearranging is not his thing! LOL
I will post pics for all you junkies when I am finished.
ETA: I seriously need to post something positive soon.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Our Mission Statement
A recent thread on MDC asked us to write a mission statement for our homeschool. Here is what I came up with...
The Mission Statement of the Winding Paths Academy
I will strive to provide the following things for my children throughout our journey:
First, I used the word 'facilitate' deliberately. I have never seen myself as a teacher. Instead, I see myself as a facilitator to learning. It might be a minor distinction to some, but it is important to me. To me the word facilitator allows me the joy of joining them on their journey instead of "overseeing" it.
Second, 'grok' is a Heinlein reference. If you haven't read the book then what the heck is the matter with you!!! Go pick it up. Or ask to borrow it; I have 2 copies (at least!)
The Mission Statement of the Winding Paths Academy
I will strive to provide the following things for my children throughout our journey:
- to facilitate an education where the ability to locate, understand and utilize needed information is a more important skill then the ability to regurgitate a bunch of facts and figures.
- to facilitate an education that allows for the development of the skills and knowledge needed to be the adults they desire to be.
- to facilitate the exploration and 'grok'ing of the wider world.
- to not be bound to any specific method or educational ideal; instead, facilitating the achievement of these things in the manor in which is best for the individual child.
- and most of all, to allow the freedom to develop and grow and be the person they are meant to be.
First, I used the word 'facilitate' deliberately. I have never seen myself as a teacher. Instead, I see myself as a facilitator to learning. It might be a minor distinction to some, but it is important to me. To me the word facilitator allows me the joy of joining them on their journey instead of "overseeing" it.
Second, 'grok' is a Heinlein reference. If you haven't read the book then what the heck is the matter with you!!! Go pick it up. Or ask to borrow it; I have 2 copies (at least!)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
You know you're a homeschooler when...
This thread was just started on MDC and there are some really great responses.
Here were mine...
...you have quill pen and vile of india ink in your pen cup.
...you have a chicken mummy on display.
...you can't eat dinner at your dinning room table because you don't want to disturb the science experiment.
...you have a jar with eggs from a mystery bug on the kitchen counter.
...you have a microscope in the kitchen and the slide making supplies have a home in the spice rack.
...you have a curtain of homemade chain mail from your medieval study last year.
...you have more computers than people but still seem to fight over them.
...you calculate the cost of the bookcase into your book purchases because you know you are out of room in the bookcases you have already.
...you have the supplies of a scrapbooking goddess but that is the last thing you would consider using them for. Your lapbooks take precedence of those silly family photos!! LOL
Here are some of the one's that other people posted but also pertain to us...
...your librarians not only know you and your family by name, but you have your own shelf for reserves.
...getting your rainbow resource order is better than christmas. (I'm actually not a big Rainbow Resource fan. So let's replace RR with Amazon. I know it is unnatural for a HSer to not like RR but I never was normal! LOL)
...I wake up in the morning late. ( I am SOOOO not a morning person. Maybe if I went to bed earlier...hmmm... no that can't be it. ;) )
Okay, feel free to add to my list!
Here were mine...
...you have quill pen and vile of india ink in your pen cup.
...you have a chicken mummy on display.
...you can't eat dinner at your dinning room table because you don't want to disturb the science experiment.
...you have a jar with eggs from a mystery bug on the kitchen counter.
...you have a microscope in the kitchen and the slide making supplies have a home in the spice rack.
...you have a curtain of homemade chain mail from your medieval study last year.
...you have more computers than people but still seem to fight over them.
...you calculate the cost of the bookcase into your book purchases because you know you are out of room in the bookcases you have already.
...you have the supplies of a scrapbooking goddess but that is the last thing you would consider using them for. Your lapbooks take precedence of those silly family photos!! LOL
Here are some of the one's that other people posted but also pertain to us...
...your librarians not only know you and your family by name, but you have your own shelf for reserves.
...getting your rainbow resource order is better than christmas. (I'm actually not a big Rainbow Resource fan. So let's replace RR with Amazon. I know it is unnatural for a HSer to not like RR but I never was normal! LOL)
...I wake up in the morning late. ( I am SOOOO not a morning person. Maybe if I went to bed earlier...hmmm... no that can't be it. ;) )
Okay, feel free to add to my list!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Holy Organization Mermaid Man!!!
I have been on a sort and label rampage lately. If it doesn't move it has been stuffed in a box and had a label slapped on it. Here are some of my victims....
First would be our paint supplies and Dover Coloring Books. (Have I mentioned that I have a problem when it comes to Dover Coloring Books??)
Next we move on to scrapbooking and lapbooking paper and supplies.
This would be what happened to all the various office type items, glues, tapes, scissors, etc.
And lastly, our everyday curriculum.
PS. Sorry for the Sponge Bob reference. I can't help myself. I probably should get out more!
First would be our paint supplies and Dover Coloring Books. (Have I mentioned that I have a problem when it comes to Dover Coloring Books??)
Next we move on to scrapbooking and lapbooking paper and supplies.
This would be what happened to all the various office type items, glues, tapes, scissors, etc.
And lastly, our everyday curriculum.PS. Sorry for the Sponge Bob reference. I can't help myself. I probably should get out more!
Friday, April 25, 2008
All Decisions are FINAL!
Famous last words! Nevertheless, I have made my decision on curriculum next year.
Math – Math Mammoth - We will actually use a bunch of eclectic stuff but the main bulk of the curriculum will come from here.
Vocab – Wordly Wise
Spelling – Sequential Spelling
Grammar – Simply Grammar
Writing – Writing Strands
Science – Real Science 4 Kids
History – Cartoon Guide to the Universe - We are just continuing on through the summer into next year.
Art – Artistic Pursuits
Music – Nine Note Recorder Method
German – Rosetta Stone
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Journey of a Peanut and Jelly Sandwich
Here is some of the info from our co-op today.
Peanut Butter
- 60% of all peanuts used to make peanut butter are grown in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, with 50% of the entire peanut crop being grown in Georgia.
- The largest peanut butter manufacturing plant in the world is Smucker's in Lexington, KY. (approx. 383 miles from Atlanta, GA)
- Once made and jarred in Lexington, KY, the peanut butter then travels to the super market in Lake Mary, FL (approx. 838 miles)
and Jelly
- The largest maker of grape Jelly in the US is Welches. They have manufacturing plants in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Washington and their corporate head quarters is in Concord, MA. (We will use the Lawton, MI location.)
- Welches uses two types for grapes. Concord Grapes are grown in Concord, MA (approx. 879 miles from Lawton, MI) and Niagara Grapes are grown in and around Niagara Canada. (approx. 411 miles from Lawton, MI)
- Once jarred in Lawton, MI, the jelly then travels to the super market in Lake Mary, FL (approx. 1191 miles)
Sandwich
- Grain is grown in the US in the Great Plains States. (We will use Omaha, NE for measurement purposes) Grain is also imported from China, Greece and Turkey among other countries. (We will use China for measurement purposes)
- Grain grown in the Great Plains and grain grown in China are both shipped to the baker in Orlando. (1428 miles from Omaha, NE and 6257 ocean miles from China to a port in Los Angeles, CA and another 2513 miles from LA to Orlando)
*************************************************************************
So in total, the ingredients for our Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich have traveled 13, 900 miles. Not including the gas used for the cargo ship (I couldn't find info on that) and based on the average semi truck getting 6.5 MPG, our PB&J has used 1176 gallons of fuel. That is equivalent to 78.5 tanks of gas in the average American car (average gas tank holds 15 gallons).
Peanut Butter
- 60% of all peanuts used to make peanut butter are grown in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, with 50% of the entire peanut crop being grown in Georgia.
- The largest peanut butter manufacturing plant in the world is Smucker's in Lexington, KY. (approx. 383 miles from Atlanta, GA)
- Once made and jarred in Lexington, KY, the peanut butter then travels to the super market in Lake Mary, FL (approx. 838 miles)
and Jelly
- The largest maker of grape Jelly in the US is Welches. They have manufacturing plants in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Washington and their corporate head quarters is in Concord, MA. (We will use the Lawton, MI location.)
- Welches uses two types for grapes. Concord Grapes are grown in Concord, MA (approx. 879 miles from Lawton, MI) and Niagara Grapes are grown in and around Niagara Canada. (approx. 411 miles from Lawton, MI)
- Once jarred in Lawton, MI, the jelly then travels to the super market in Lake Mary, FL (approx. 1191 miles)
Sandwich
- Grain is grown in the US in the Great Plains States. (We will use Omaha, NE for measurement purposes) Grain is also imported from China, Greece and Turkey among other countries. (We will use China for measurement purposes)
- Grain grown in the Great Plains and grain grown in China are both shipped to the baker in Orlando. (1428 miles from Omaha, NE and 6257 ocean miles from China to a port in Los Angeles, CA and another 2513 miles from LA to Orlando)
*************************************************************************
So in total, the ingredients for our Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich have traveled 13, 900 miles. Not including the gas used for the cargo ship (I couldn't find info on that) and based on the average semi truck getting 6.5 MPG, our PB&J has used 1176 gallons of fuel. That is equivalent to 78.5 tanks of gas in the average American car (average gas tank holds 15 gallons).
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Drake: the crocheting fool!
I am not sure whether to be proud or scared for my yarn stash! LOLNot to mention we have been fighting over the same pattern book from the library all day.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The newest member of our family...
Here is our, yet unnamed, 2 year old ball python.
ETA: I think the boys have settled on Nagini for the name. For those of you living under a literary rock, Nagini is the name of Voldemort's snake in Harry Potter.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Can O Worms
The boys and I went out to the Worm Farm on Wednesday.
We brought home one of these,
Filled it with the bedding provided,
Added a box of these,
And ended up with this.
Aren't they cute? Okay maybe cute isn't the right word. :) But they are cool!
We brought home one of these,
Filled it with the bedding provided,
Added a box of these,
And ended up with this.
Aren't they cute? Okay maybe cute isn't the right word. :) But they are cool!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)