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.
Showing posts with label Getting Started. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Getting Started. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Curriculum Options
Today was a ruff day. We started off on the wrong note so I had to stop and start again several hours later. The last couple days Porter has been taking really early naps so that has worked well and Grant has been entertaining himself by digging up worms. I am afraid of what will happen when the weather is no longer pleasant. The snow is only exciting for so long. Days like today I rethink everything I am doing. Is IDVA the best way to go? We probably won't do it next year. I keep waiting for these great experience that we just are quite reaching. Most days really are good but, I was talking to a lady the other day who homeschooled all her children, which are now grown. She told me how much they loved homeschooling and when she sent them to public school they begged to come home. I am afraid if I put Benson in public school he would rather stay, maybe not. I feel like we are too busy trying to keep up all the things IDVA requires that I am missing out on the fun teaching moments. My aunt was right, it is like a public school in the home. I want to teach Benson about the things around him that are interesting, like 9/11 for history instead of learning animals that are native to Australia. Language Art Lessons have you read the same story 4 times and ask different questions each time like, "What words would you use to describe Jack?" Seriously? For a kindergartener? Math is frustrating too because we are still taking assessments. How do you make a test fun? It's not! You can't! Things like count to 10, count to 20, make a picture graph, and hammer it into them. Phonics is Phonics. We are caught up on assessments there at least. Give me another week and things will be better. I just need to learn to work the system, teach the objectives, move on, then get creative. The thing that I was struggling the most with before was giving up the state curriculum. I was afraid I would forget to teach him something and I don't have $800 to invest in all the 1st grade curriculum kits. Now, I realize if I forget something, it is very likely he will pick up on it anyway. I am doing my homework and couple people have told me they use several resources from the library. We do have a great library for such a small town. I am still exploring other avenues to find a better teaching method. The government method is not for us.
Day 5
Today was day 5 of homeschooling. Things are already going much better. Day 1, I definitely thought I was out of my mind our 2 1/2 hours turned into 4 1/2. Today I am thinking, why am I doing this again? See, there is some improvement. When I decided to home school, the first thing I did was make a list of reason why I wanted to do this, so I could be reminded when things got a little hectic. I definitely don't think everyone should home school - it's not for everyone, but for journal keeping sake - I though I'd share a few reasons.
1. I love my children. I love the time I spend with them. I love watching them triumph and overcome challenges and being there every step of the way. I have this vision of family unity, which I know doesn't just come from homeschooling, but I want my children to be best friends.
2. I love to teach. I feel like I am 8 years old again playing school with my 3 younger brothers, but it's even better. I got my degree in teaching because I love using this creative element, making lessons fun and exciting.
3. Religious reasons. My intentions are not to shelter my children from all the evil in the world, I know that's not possible. I know of a couple people who were first introduced to pornography at church scout camps. It's inevitable. I hope to teach my children gospel principle along with their school work and help them to be strong individuals who know who they are and what they want and if I can prolong the inevitable even just a week/month/year hopefully they will be able to face challenges with more confidence and make good choices. I have also observed that in areas that are highly populated with LDS people, it can be a detriment. I see it happening often, a youth rationalizes doing something because another Mormon is doing it, so it must be ok. They rely on each other to help them make good choices but when everyone else is walking the fine line, they can't be any worse off then they, so it's ok.
4. Grade inflation and our school district. We have a couple friends who are teacher in our school district and "grade inflation" is the terminology they used. When more then 70% of the student body is graduating with a 3.5 GPA or higher, it makes the teachers look good.. Teachers/Schools don't want to look bad and so the give their students better grades. A personal example...Josh graduated with a 3.5 GPA and didn't learn to read until his senior year. Of course the honest truth is most students will probably turn out just fine, we don't have a horrible school district, but it's not the best.
I am very open to what lies ahead. We are giving it a try because it is something that has always been appealing to me and if doesn't work out or ruins my mother son relationship, then I'll stop and I will be ok with that. I really think that eventually we will put our children in a public school, I'm not sure when, we'll see.
When I tell people I am homeschooling I usually get 2 different responses. One, home schooled children are socially awkward. To that I say, doesn't everyone know someone even in a public school that is socially awkward. I think social awkwardness comes alot from the parents. Most people get over it anyway. Two, We've looked into it. Those responses make me feel better. Surprisingly, a lot of people have looked into it. A book I would highly recommend is "A Thomas Jefferson Education" if you are even thinking about it.
We are going through k12, Idaho Virtual Academy. It is a government funded school so they provide you will all the curriculum you need and we also have to meet the state standards and take the state tests. They have activities on a regular basis for parents, students, and families to help fulfill that "social need."
It is a lot of work, but honestly, everyday is getting a little easier as I am getting the hang of things. Benson is doing great! Something that is really nice is because he is reading already he doesn't have to start at the being of kindergarten learning the letters and sounds. He can go at his own pace. Grant and Porter get to have some bonding time in the morning while I work with Benson or they join us. I still teach piano in the afternoon so I am doing my best to make the most of my time, I'm making alot of crock pot dinners, and saving laundry and cleaning for the weekends.
I won't lie. I was feeling really bad that Benson wouldn't get the first day of school experience: wearing his new backpack, riding the bus, meeting his teacher, meeting new friends, coming home from school with a plate of warm cookies. That was a big deal. I always thought the first day of school was so exciting, but then I realized, it wears off. I don't remember any of my first days of school and in 10 years he won't remember all the kids in his class or what he wore, or who was on the bus, but he will always have memories of his family. So I did my best to make the first day special so, Tuesday night we had a back to school party. Josh started his classes Monday and Benson was starting Wednesday. We made a cake and played games. When Josh had to leave for an hour to help with a service project I apologized as we were playing hi Ho Cherrio that it was kind of a boring party and Benson said, "No, it's perfect!" That melted my heart and made me feel better about all the things I felt like I was depriving him of.
What it boils down to is, as mothers we are just doing our best to be the best mothers we can. Every mother wants what is best for her children. There is no right or wrong way.
P.S. Did you know that poop travels at the speed of light? This morning by the time I had Porter on the changing pad there was poop on my shirt, poop on my pants, poop in the high chair, and poop on the carpet!
1. I love my children. I love the time I spend with them. I love watching them triumph and overcome challenges and being there every step of the way. I have this vision of family unity, which I know doesn't just come from homeschooling, but I want my children to be best friends.
2. I love to teach. I feel like I am 8 years old again playing school with my 3 younger brothers, but it's even better. I got my degree in teaching because I love using this creative element, making lessons fun and exciting.
3. Religious reasons. My intentions are not to shelter my children from all the evil in the world, I know that's not possible. I know of a couple people who were first introduced to pornography at church scout camps. It's inevitable. I hope to teach my children gospel principle along with their school work and help them to be strong individuals who know who they are and what they want and if I can prolong the inevitable even just a week/month/year hopefully they will be able to face challenges with more confidence and make good choices. I have also observed that in areas that are highly populated with LDS people, it can be a detriment. I see it happening often, a youth rationalizes doing something because another Mormon is doing it, so it must be ok. They rely on each other to help them make good choices but when everyone else is walking the fine line, they can't be any worse off then they, so it's ok.
4. Grade inflation and our school district. We have a couple friends who are teacher in our school district and "grade inflation" is the terminology they used. When more then 70% of the student body is graduating with a 3.5 GPA or higher, it makes the teachers look good.. Teachers/Schools don't want to look bad and so the give their students better grades. A personal example...Josh graduated with a 3.5 GPA and didn't learn to read until his senior year. Of course the honest truth is most students will probably turn out just fine, we don't have a horrible school district, but it's not the best.
I am very open to what lies ahead. We are giving it a try because it is something that has always been appealing to me and if doesn't work out or ruins my mother son relationship, then I'll stop and I will be ok with that. I really think that eventually we will put our children in a public school, I'm not sure when, we'll see.
When I tell people I am homeschooling I usually get 2 different responses. One, home schooled children are socially awkward. To that I say, doesn't everyone know someone even in a public school that is socially awkward. I think social awkwardness comes alot from the parents. Most people get over it anyway. Two, We've looked into it. Those responses make me feel better. Surprisingly, a lot of people have looked into it. A book I would highly recommend is "A Thomas Jefferson Education" if you are even thinking about it.
We are going through k12, Idaho Virtual Academy. It is a government funded school so they provide you will all the curriculum you need and we also have to meet the state standards and take the state tests. They have activities on a regular basis for parents, students, and families to help fulfill that "social need."
It is a lot of work, but honestly, everyday is getting a little easier as I am getting the hang of things. Benson is doing great! Something that is really nice is because he is reading already he doesn't have to start at the being of kindergarten learning the letters and sounds. He can go at his own pace. Grant and Porter get to have some bonding time in the morning while I work with Benson or they join us. I still teach piano in the afternoon so I am doing my best to make the most of my time, I'm making alot of crock pot dinners, and saving laundry and cleaning for the weekends.
I won't lie. I was feeling really bad that Benson wouldn't get the first day of school experience: wearing his new backpack, riding the bus, meeting his teacher, meeting new friends, coming home from school with a plate of warm cookies. That was a big deal. I always thought the first day of school was so exciting, but then I realized, it wears off. I don't remember any of my first days of school and in 10 years he won't remember all the kids in his class or what he wore, or who was on the bus, but he will always have memories of his family. So I did my best to make the first day special so, Tuesday night we had a back to school party. Josh started his classes Monday and Benson was starting Wednesday. We made a cake and played games. When Josh had to leave for an hour to help with a service project I apologized as we were playing hi Ho Cherrio that it was kind of a boring party and Benson said, "No, it's perfect!" That melted my heart and made me feel better about all the things I felt like I was depriving him of.
What it boils down to is, as mothers we are just doing our best to be the best mothers we can. Every mother wants what is best for her children. There is no right or wrong way.
P.S. Did you know that poop travels at the speed of light? This morning by the time I had Porter on the changing pad there was poop on my shirt, poop on my pants, poop in the high chair, and poop on the carpet!
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