This is so inspring. Michelle Stone is so passionate and would perhaps be considered on the extreme side but there are so many truths. It is, I think, 2 1/2 hours long but well worth the time.
Warning: If you are not even possibly considering Homeschooling don't watch it because it will make you feel guilty.
Click here to watch Celestial Education
I am curious to hear some feed back.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Giving Tree
This last week we read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
It seemed like there were plenty of activities that would go along great with this book but, I think I just lost the ambition because I got sick of reading it 5 times.
The boys climbed trees but it didn't last long because it was so cold outside. It probably would have been funner if we had done this in the spring.
The boys also made puppets to narrate the story. I had them watch a couple youtube videos so they would better understand puppet shows and the different possibilities.
I thought it would be fun to make an apple pie
or learn about boats or have them make a boat
but, like I said, I lost ambition and the weather wasn't cooperative. There is a great lesson to the story - that I loved.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
More Relaxed
Last week at our homeschool group Mrs. Hana taught the kids about matter: solids, liquids, and gas. I thought my boys were probably a little too young for the lesson, but they loved it and I have looked for other ways to apply it and discuss it at home. For gas, she gave each of the children a balloon which they put 2 tbs of Baking Soda in, then a water bottle filled 1/4 full of vinegar then once you dumped the soda into the vinegar the gas, CO2, filled the balloon. Then we made ice cream and she explained how it starts off as a liquid. She gave everyone their own bag and quickly it turned to a solid. The children loved it. We also talked about the first Thanksgiving and pilgrims. I think every time we meet it inspires a love of learning and rejuvenates us for a while.
I feel like I have relaxed quite a bit lately with our routine and somehow Benson has still learned amazing things. This last week he got burnt out with reading again so I just stepped back and didn't force anything. Well, almost everyday he has gotten a Dr. Seuss Book and will read for a good 10 min. on his own. He is completely capable so I really struggle to not push him when he gets burnt out. I also pulled out a Math CD my mom had given me a few years ago and I have been putting it on every morning and Benson can now Count by 10's, he knows the months of the year, and tonight he counted to 300 hundred. (I told him if he wanted to keep counting he should try counting in his head.) We've spent a week learning about dinosaurs, now we are learning about pilgrims, and next week we are going to learn about the solar system.
I have had all theses ideas lately that I still don't know how to organize. I love the combination of history and the scriptures which is why I love "The Four year Plan". I love the idea of units but I also know I need to be flexible and not get frustrated if we take a detour. Then I had this idea that maybe I could do FIAR with the scriptures. Then it felt like I was preparing a Sunday school lesson. I still like the idea, but I don't think I will focus our entire curriculum around the scriptures. Then I had the idea of Rowing the suggested "Classics's" list from TJ Ed. I think we will try that for a while.
I often feel guilty because I feel like I should be doing more homeschooling "stuff" but he is learning. Sometimes I think it is too easy (at least at this point, I'm sure it won't last forever) but he is already exceeded Kindergarten requirements. I feel like everything I do is just part of being a mom. I am enjoying the journey.
Do you remember Pizza Hut Book It's? They still exist and you can do it as a homeschooler. Is that cool or what? As a parent you set the requirements and if your child meets them, he can receive a personal pan pizza every month. The deadline was sometime in Sept. but they said as long as they still have packets left you can enroll. We just signed up about 2 weeks ago. I am excited to do this.
Things I have to remind myself of often:
Inspire a love of learning
"Teach the [people], not the curriculum" - Elder Holland
"Structure time, not content" - TJ Ed
I also decided I am going to start taking the boys to an indoor swimming pooling in I.F. once a month for a little swimming lesson. We went yesterday and they had so much fun. Where my parents in AZ have a pool and we have a ditch right in front of our house I hope they will be able to learn how to swim well...and it's good exercise.
I feel like I have relaxed quite a bit lately with our routine and somehow Benson has still learned amazing things. This last week he got burnt out with reading again so I just stepped back and didn't force anything. Well, almost everyday he has gotten a Dr. Seuss Book and will read for a good 10 min. on his own. He is completely capable so I really struggle to not push him when he gets burnt out. I also pulled out a Math CD my mom had given me a few years ago and I have been putting it on every morning and Benson can now Count by 10's, he knows the months of the year, and tonight he counted to 300 hundred. (I told him if he wanted to keep counting he should try counting in his head.) We've spent a week learning about dinosaurs, now we are learning about pilgrims, and next week we are going to learn about the solar system.
I have had all theses ideas lately that I still don't know how to organize. I love the combination of history and the scriptures which is why I love "The Four year Plan". I love the idea of units but I also know I need to be flexible and not get frustrated if we take a detour. Then I had this idea that maybe I could do FIAR with the scriptures. Then it felt like I was preparing a Sunday school lesson. I still like the idea, but I don't think I will focus our entire curriculum around the scriptures. Then I had the idea of Rowing the suggested "Classics's" list from TJ Ed. I think we will try that for a while.
I often feel guilty because I feel like I should be doing more homeschooling "stuff" but he is learning. Sometimes I think it is too easy (at least at this point, I'm sure it won't last forever) but he is already exceeded Kindergarten requirements. I feel like everything I do is just part of being a mom. I am enjoying the journey.
Do you remember Pizza Hut Book It's? They still exist and you can do it as a homeschooler. Is that cool or what? As a parent you set the requirements and if your child meets them, he can receive a personal pan pizza every month. The deadline was sometime in Sept. but they said as long as they still have packets left you can enroll. We just signed up about 2 weeks ago. I am excited to do this.
Things I have to remind myself of often:
Inspire a love of learning
"Teach the [people], not the curriculum" - Elder Holland
"Structure time, not content" - TJ Ed
I also decided I am going to start taking the boys to an indoor swimming pooling in I.F. once a month for a little swimming lesson. We went yesterday and they had so much fun. Where my parents in AZ have a pool and we have a ditch right in front of our house I hope they will be able to learn how to swim well...and it's good exercise.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Color Experiment
This was a simple and basic science experiment we did and the boys were so intrigued by it.
red + yellow= orange
blue + yellow = green
red + blue = purple
The boys made their predictions and I had Benson right now the results. Then we mixed all the colors together and got brown. They thought it was so cool in the end that they could drink it. 
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Co-op and Curriculum
Our homeschool co-op has met twice now and is working out well. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday every month and the children all seem to get along. On the 1st Wednesday Ms. Hana starts with some cute songs, Ms. Carolyn does math with abacus's, Ms. Melody does arts & crafts, I do a read -a -loud, and the other Ms. Tiffany does science. The 3rd Thursday is for field trips and this month we are going to the pumpkin patch.
These are the cute crafts Ms. Melody had for the children made of egg cartons.
I feel like I am getting the hang of things more and more even though I am constantly mixing things up to keep it interesting.
For Phonics we are using a variety of things: Reader Rabbit Reader's, sight word "Go fish", sight words around the house, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (we took a break from it for a couple months but there are a few lessons left that I think will be beneficial) and we just start using McGuffy Eclectic Readers. For writing we are using Handwriting Without Tears.
For Language Arts we started a journal. I have Benson re-site a particular event or retell me a story and I write down what he tells me, then he gets to illustrate the story. Later I have him read his journal to his dad and it is amazing the words he reads all because he knows what it is supposed to say. I also read to him everyday (The goal is 2 hours a day).
Math consists of everyday events or sitting down for 5 minutes and having him add beans or other objects. (Right now we are working on addition.)
History and language arts are blended right now. I read books to him about an historical events. If the weather cooperates, I want to do a unit on American Indians because Josh's dad has real tee pee that would be fun to set up after we learn about it. I want to plan out units for the rest of the school year but I have yet to do this.
Science, I just ordered a book called Mudpies to Magnets. I am excited to start this book for children. I think a little bit of science will help break up the mundane work.
Next Year, 1st grade:
We will continue to use McGuffy Readers for phonics and spelling.
I am really excited about the abacus curriculum I found. This will be a great Montessori approach to math.
I will use The Four Year Plan as a reference to tie in Language Arts, History, Science, and Religion.
With History I also plan to use The Story of the World, Book 1
Language Arts, I will continue to use journaling and the Library
It is so overwhelming all the resources that are out there. These are ones I found that I think will all tie together. Phonics and spelling is the only thing that should feel like "work" everything else should be fun. This is why I like the hand on approach of the abacus curriculum. Benson won't even know he is doing math. Science will feel like we are playing. History and Language Arts should be an enjoyable time for reading. It all makes sense in my head. Hopefully it will in real life.
Today we made scarecrow necklaces out of a peppermint for the head, a box of raisins for the stomach, tootsie rolls for arms, smarties for legs, and raffia for the string. The boys enjoyed it.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Homeschool Styles
I found this on the Idaho Falls Homeschool Association Website and thought it was kind of fun to read over. Right now we would probably fall under the Eclectic Style. What about you?
Homeschooling Styles:
Every homeschool looks different from the next because each family is different fromt he next. Still, you will often see similarities between homeschools based on their chosen education al method. Below are a list of different educational styles or theories that are popular in homeschooling. This is by no means an all inclusive list, but we have tried to hit the most popular. If you have additional resources or information you'd like to add, please send it to us.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason Education:
Charlotte Mason was an educator during the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The Charlotte Mason method puts an emphasis on the use of nature studies, narratives, and "living books" rather than textbooks.
For more information about the Charlotte Mason method (Often you will see it abreviated as CM on the internet) , you can check out these sites:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/
http://amblesideonline.org/
There is a local support group for those using the CM method, if you would like to be put in touch with them, please e-mail us and we will help get you in touch with them.
Classical Education
A classical education is actually a process of training the mind with the goal of teaching a student how to think, reason, and argue clearly and persuasively. A classical education also develops independent scholarship, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning through its three-part process. There are some excellent books and websites that delve deeper into the process and the hows and whys of a classical education. Here are some to get you started:
Books:
A Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson
Websites:
www.welltrainedmind.com
http://www.foundationsacademy.org/
Distance Education:
Distance education is using a school to monitor and guide your child's homeschooling.
In Idaho, there is a public school distance education program that you can enroll your children. We will try to find someone who can give a review of it, but in the meantime, you can read about it here:
http://www.idahoidea.org/Main/Default.aspx
Eclectic:
Those who choose an eclectic style choose each part of their curriculum based on what they feel will best benefit their child in that subject. Generally these people will draw from a vairety of homeschooling styles. For instance, our family considers ourselves eclectic. We use a combination of Classical and Charlotte Mason theories for Language Arts, Montessori style for Math, Classical for History, for science we use a curriculum that doesn't fit well into any theory, combined with some lapbooking... etc. Rather than ascribing only to one theory, we use what we think will work best for each subject for our child. The negative to be eclectic is that you do have to do some work to make it all fit together nicely and not seem disconnected.
Montessori:
The Montessori method is similar to the educational method used in Montessori schools worldwide. It is based on the method developed by Maria Montessori.
Montessori is a hands on, child centered curriculum that emphasizes creating a rich environment for the child, using high quality materials, and allowing him/her to learn through guided investigation.
Here is a website that can offer further information:
http://www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html
Thomas Jefferson Education:
Thomas Jefferson Education:
“Find a great leader in history, and you will nearly always find two central elements of their education—classics and mentors.” -Oliver Van DeMille
Thomas Jefferson Education is based on the education of some of the greatest leaders in history, from Lincoln and Washington to Joan of Arc and Abigail Adams. However, the education of Thomas Jefferson and the teaching of his mentor, George Wythe, set the prime example.
Jefferson Education begins with 3 phases of learning.
(Ages given here are only rough guidelines.)
Core Phase (from birth to 8 years old)
Children in Core phase are learning their family values and routines. They are forming good family relationships and learning the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. Academics are not pushed on children at this age but are also not withheld if the child wants to play at them.
Love of Learning Phase (8-12 years old)
When a child has learned the lessons of Core Phase, they will naturally move into a Love of Learning Phase. This is when children dapple with learning and get a feel for what is out there. The focus is on Love more than learning. Parents should set the example of learning lots of different things but should not prescribe the content of their child’s pursuits. In this phase, children gain many of the skills they will need later to help them gain an education, such as reading or languages.
Scholar Phase (12-16 years old)The Scholar phase is dependent on the foundational phases that come before it and follows naturally when the child is ready. This is the time for students to come face to face with the greatest thinkers from all generations. Scholar Phasers spend about eight hours a day in deep study of the classics from all subjects and are guided by a mentor.
In Oliver DeMille’s book A Thomas Jefferson Education, he outlines six fundamental things that form the core of great mentoring:
1. Use the classics
Jefferson spent four years in uninterrupted reading of the classics of all subjects.
2. Personalize
Each student has a personalized study program designed around his or her individual goals and needs.
3. Keep it simple: Read, Write, Discuss
Students read the classics, write about them, and discuss them with their mentor.
4. Apply lessons to life
Constantly involve students in applying the things they are learning. Jefferson was present for Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech and was profoundly affected.
5. Only accept quality work
When students do an assignment either say, “great work,” or, “do it again.”
6. Set the example
The best mentors are still learning. They read the classics and study hard.
Books to read:
A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders For The Twenty-first Century by Oliver Van DeMille
Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning by Oliver DeMille and Rachel DeMille
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion by Oliver DeMille, Rachel DeMille, and Diann Jeppson
These books can be purchased online at: http://www.classicbooksandgifts.com/content/tjed
Web sites to visit:
www.TJEdOnline.com
www.gw.edu
www.tjed.org
www.classicbooksandgifts.com
Unit Studies:
Families that use unit studies for homeschooling, study one theme in depth at a time. Within that theme they learn about history, science, reading, writing, etc.
Many people using other theories also use unit studies.
Unschooling:
Unschooling is a completely child directed method of learning. Unschoolers use no curriculum, the children learn skills and topics as they desire to learn them, based entirely on their interests.
For more information about unschooling, go to http://www.unschooling.com/ .
Virtual Academies:
Those who choose a virtual academy work with teachers who present part or all of the curriculum online. Often there are projects and homework done off line, but the major communication between school and home takes place online.
Idaho has a public virtual academy run by K12, you can learn about it at
http://www.k12.com/idva/
Waldorf:
We are fortunate to have a leading expert in Waldorf homeschooling in our area. She offers a curriculum as well as a lot of information regarding Waldorf homeschooling on her website. She wrote the following description of Waldorf homeschooling for us:
Waldorf is a method of education that meets children developmentally where they are at each stage. The method is the only one of its kind, looking at the child as a thinking, willing and feeling being. The Waldorf method has been practiced in schools for nearly 100 years and has been available as a homeschooling method since the 1970's when mothers really started thinking about meeting the needs of their children in a very holistic and spiritual way. Waldorf appeals to all religions and is cross-cultural, it aims to educate children to be of this world but not worldly. Many methods seek to fill a child with knowledge, Waldorf instead draws forth and enhances what the child knows in a holistic and reverent manner.
Melisa Nielsen Waldorf inspired consulting, curriculum, radio & more! www.alittlegardenflower.com
They can also put you in touch with local Waldorf support.
Every homeschool looks different from the next because each family is different fromt he next. Still, you will often see similarities between homeschools based on their chosen education al method. Below are a list of different educational styles or theories that are popular in homeschooling. This is by no means an all inclusive list, but we have tried to hit the most popular. If you have additional resources or information you'd like to add, please send it to us.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason Education:
Charlotte Mason was an educator during the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The Charlotte Mason method puts an emphasis on the use of nature studies, narratives, and "living books" rather than textbooks.
For more information about the Charlotte Mason method (Often you will see it abreviated as CM on the internet) , you can check out these sites:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/
http://amblesideonline.org/
There is a local support group for those using the CM method, if you would like to be put in touch with them, please e-mail us and we will help get you in touch with them.
Classical Education
A classical education is actually a process of training the mind with the goal of teaching a student how to think, reason, and argue clearly and persuasively. A classical education also develops independent scholarship, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning through its three-part process. There are some excellent books and websites that delve deeper into the process and the hows and whys of a classical education. Here are some to get you started:
Books:
A Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson
Websites:
www.welltrainedmind.com
http://www.foundationsacademy.org/
Distance Education:
Distance education is using a school to monitor and guide your child's homeschooling.
In Idaho, there is a public school distance education program that you can enroll your children. We will try to find someone who can give a review of it, but in the meantime, you can read about it here:
http://www.idahoidea.org/Main/Default.aspx
Eclectic:
Those who choose an eclectic style choose each part of their curriculum based on what they feel will best benefit their child in that subject. Generally these people will draw from a vairety of homeschooling styles. For instance, our family considers ourselves eclectic. We use a combination of Classical and Charlotte Mason theories for Language Arts, Montessori style for Math, Classical for History, for science we use a curriculum that doesn't fit well into any theory, combined with some lapbooking... etc. Rather than ascribing only to one theory, we use what we think will work best for each subject for our child. The negative to be eclectic is that you do have to do some work to make it all fit together nicely and not seem disconnected.
Montessori:
The Montessori method is similar to the educational method used in Montessori schools worldwide. It is based on the method developed by Maria Montessori.
Montessori is a hands on, child centered curriculum that emphasizes creating a rich environment for the child, using high quality materials, and allowing him/her to learn through guided investigation.
Here is a website that can offer further information:
http://www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html
Thomas Jefferson Education:
Thomas Jefferson Education:
“Find a great leader in history, and you will nearly always find two central elements of their education—classics and mentors.” -Oliver Van DeMille
Thomas Jefferson Education is based on the education of some of the greatest leaders in history, from Lincoln and Washington to Joan of Arc and Abigail Adams. However, the education of Thomas Jefferson and the teaching of his mentor, George Wythe, set the prime example.
Jefferson Education begins with 3 phases of learning.
(Ages given here are only rough guidelines.)
Core Phase (from birth to 8 years old)
Children in Core phase are learning their family values and routines. They are forming good family relationships and learning the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. Academics are not pushed on children at this age but are also not withheld if the child wants to play at them.
Love of Learning Phase (8-12 years old)
When a child has learned the lessons of Core Phase, they will naturally move into a Love of Learning Phase. This is when children dapple with learning and get a feel for what is out there. The focus is on Love more than learning. Parents should set the example of learning lots of different things but should not prescribe the content of their child’s pursuits. In this phase, children gain many of the skills they will need later to help them gain an education, such as reading or languages.
Scholar Phase (12-16 years old)The Scholar phase is dependent on the foundational phases that come before it and follows naturally when the child is ready. This is the time for students to come face to face with the greatest thinkers from all generations. Scholar Phasers spend about eight hours a day in deep study of the classics from all subjects and are guided by a mentor.
In Oliver DeMille’s book A Thomas Jefferson Education, he outlines six fundamental things that form the core of great mentoring:
1. Use the classics
Jefferson spent four years in uninterrupted reading of the classics of all subjects.
2. Personalize
Each student has a personalized study program designed around his or her individual goals and needs.
3. Keep it simple: Read, Write, Discuss
Students read the classics, write about them, and discuss them with their mentor.
4. Apply lessons to life
Constantly involve students in applying the things they are learning. Jefferson was present for Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech and was profoundly affected.
5. Only accept quality work
When students do an assignment either say, “great work,” or, “do it again.”
6. Set the example
The best mentors are still learning. They read the classics and study hard.
Books to read:
A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders For The Twenty-first Century by Oliver Van DeMille
Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning by Oliver DeMille and Rachel DeMille
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion by Oliver DeMille, Rachel DeMille, and Diann Jeppson
These books can be purchased online at: http://www.classicbooksandgifts.com/content/tjed
Web sites to visit:
www.TJEdOnline.com
www.gw.edu
www.tjed.org
www.classicbooksandgifts.com
Unit Studies:
Families that use unit studies for homeschooling, study one theme in depth at a time. Within that theme they learn about history, science, reading, writing, etc.
Many people using other theories also use unit studies.
Unschooling:
Unschooling is a completely child directed method of learning. Unschoolers use no curriculum, the children learn skills and topics as they desire to learn them, based entirely on their interests.
For more information about unschooling, go to http://www.unschooling.com/ .
Virtual Academies:
Those who choose a virtual academy work with teachers who present part or all of the curriculum online. Often there are projects and homework done off line, but the major communication between school and home takes place online.
Idaho has a public virtual academy run by K12, you can learn about it at
http://www.k12.com/idva/
Waldorf:
We are fortunate to have a leading expert in Waldorf homeschooling in our area. She offers a curriculum as well as a lot of information regarding Waldorf homeschooling on her website. She wrote the following description of Waldorf homeschooling for us:
Waldorf is a method of education that meets children developmentally where they are at each stage. The method is the only one of its kind, looking at the child as a thinking, willing and feeling being. The Waldorf method has been practiced in schools for nearly 100 years and has been available as a homeschooling method since the 1970's when mothers really started thinking about meeting the needs of their children in a very holistic and spiritual way. Waldorf appeals to all religions and is cross-cultural, it aims to educate children to be of this world but not worldly. Many methods seek to fill a child with knowledge, Waldorf instead draws forth and enhances what the child knows in a holistic and reverent manner.
Melisa Nielsen Waldorf inspired consulting, curriculum, radio & more! www.alittlegardenflower.com
They can also put you in touch with local Waldorf support.
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