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 TJ Ed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TJ Ed. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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.
Home Style Teaching
I really enjoyed this book. It goes hand in hand with TJ ED. Raymond and Dorothy Moore were in the public school scene for many years then switched over to the homeschool side. They give so many great ideas for new teachers whether homeschooling or in a public classroom setting.
| Home Style Teaching: A Handbook for Parents and Teachers |
 |
Some key points that stood out to me were:
- "Teaching is using books discretely. It is encouraging people to learn how to think."
- Actual teaching time should probably take no more than an hour and a half; for older children no more than 3 hours,
-"Two principles which child development research clearly supports are one: that the success a child will achieve in learning any particular skill is dependent upon his maturity - his mental, physical, and emotional readiness. Two: That the child becomes competent in a much shorter time when he is older than when he is younger.
- "Dr. Joseph Wepman of University of Colorado says reading failure could be reduced to 2% if we were to delay formal schooling until at least 8 or 9."
I love TJ ED, but because Josh did not learn how to read until he was 18 years old we both feel strongly that teaching our children to read as soon as they are capable is what is right for our family. We are just trying to teach them in a more informal setting; making it as fun and creative as possible. TJ ED philosophy says "no formal schooling until 8 year old". To me that means, keep it simple. Don't expect children to sit for a hour of instruction; it doesn't mean, teach them nothing, no instruction at all. I read to him about 2 hours through out the day, sometimes more. We do sight words and phonics games; he does well with that. It has been just over a week since I have made Benson do any worksheet and today was the first day I pulled out a math and phonics worksheet. We spent about 5 mins. on each one and even that was stretching it a little. I know I will have to be careful to not bombard him with worksheets; it's just so easy to pull one out. We are making progress and I am sure it has helped him to see me box up all his K12 stuff and send it off. We are done with that. This is a new beginning. I thought it might be fun to make ourselves some school shirts. We'll see how that goes.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thomas Jefferson Education
These are notes I took from reading with the purpose of reminding myself of the things I learned and what stood out to me.
Charolette Mason is the Heart of Homeschool Education, TJ Ed is the head of Homeschool Education. Many of the TJ methods are taken from George Wythe, Thomas Jefferson's Tutor/Mentor.
Three Phases of Learning
1. Core (usually ages 0-8)
"Assumptions are made that define the individuals concept to self, family, and beginning's of their broader worldview."
Completely makes since...until children reach the age of accountability. This is such a critical time for them to learn right from wrong, that their parents love them, etc.
"A Child who plays at and practices learning throughout the core phase will approach skills disquisition at the self appropriate time and pace with relish and self-confidence as her aptitude increases..."
2. Love of Learning (usually ages 8-12 )
"Don't worry about incorrect assumptions that will naturally be corrected in the future."
Children will have the desire to learn because they want to learn.
3.Scholar Phase (usually ages 12-16)
New level of personal and academic achievement. Students can study everything under the sun and easily spend 25-50 hours a week of uninterrupted study time; read, write, listen, debate, analyze, and learn.
"If this doesn't happen in their youth, it is difficult to recreate later."
4. Depth Phase (usually 16-22)
"Prepare for oncoming responsibilities and future contributions to society...Great Education means self education, but at some point it must also mean having a great mentor."
George Wythe Method
1. Classics, not textbooks
"...four years of uninterrupted reading."
2. Mentors, not professors
-a plan for each individual student
- Read, writing, 'rithmetic (3 R's) all based on moral classics
3. Inspire, not require
"Inspiring, in contrast to ignoring and forcing, means finding out what the student needs and the creativity encouraging them to engage it on their own - with excitement and interest."
How to Inspire?
1. Set the example.
2. Student needs to understand her options.
3. Give student a choice.
4. Structure Time, Not Content
Ex. Schedule 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Not 1 hour of reading, 1 hour of math, 1 hour of science, etc.
5. Quality, Not Conformity
"When scholars do an assignment either say "great work" or "do it again." Don't give them a grade.
6. Simplicity, Not Complexity
"Keep it simple: Read, write, do projects, and discuss
7. You, not them
"The best mentors are continually learning and pushing themselves."
"We need to read classics to maintain our morality and civilization."
1. Classics teach us Human nature.
2. Classics bring us to face with greatness.
3. Classics take us to the frontier to be conquered.
4. Classics force us to think.
5. Classics connect us to stories.
I read this book a couple years ago before I had made up my mind to homeschool. I am so glad I read it again. This is a book I would like to reread at the beginning of every school year to help me refocus my priorities and remember what educations is all about.
Charolette Mason is the Heart of Homeschool Education, TJ Ed is the head of Homeschool Education. Many of the TJ methods are taken from George Wythe, Thomas Jefferson's Tutor/Mentor.
Three Phases of Learning
1. Core (usually ages 0-8)
"Assumptions are made that define the individuals concept to self, family, and beginning's of their broader worldview."
Completely makes since...until children reach the age of accountability. This is such a critical time for them to learn right from wrong, that their parents love them, etc.
"A Child who plays at and practices learning throughout the core phase will approach skills disquisition at the self appropriate time and pace with relish and self-confidence as her aptitude increases..."
2. Love of Learning (usually ages 8-12 )
"Don't worry about incorrect assumptions that will naturally be corrected in the future."
Children will have the desire to learn because they want to learn.
3.Scholar Phase (usually ages 12-16)
New level of personal and academic achievement. Students can study everything under the sun and easily spend 25-50 hours a week of uninterrupted study time; read, write, listen, debate, analyze, and learn.
"If this doesn't happen in their youth, it is difficult to recreate later."
4. Depth Phase (usually 16-22)
"Prepare for oncoming responsibilities and future contributions to society...Great Education means self education, but at some point it must also mean having a great mentor."
George Wythe Method
1. Classics, not textbooks
"...four years of uninterrupted reading."
2. Mentors, not professors
-a plan for each individual student
- Read, writing, 'rithmetic (3 R's) all based on moral classics
3. Inspire, not require
"Inspiring, in contrast to ignoring and forcing, means finding out what the student needs and the creativity encouraging them to engage it on their own - with excitement and interest."
How to Inspire?
1. Set the example.
2. Student needs to understand her options.
3. Give student a choice.
4. Structure Time, Not Content
Ex. Schedule 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Not 1 hour of reading, 1 hour of math, 1 hour of science, etc.
5. Quality, Not Conformity
"When scholars do an assignment either say "great work" or "do it again." Don't give them a grade.
6. Simplicity, Not Complexity
"Keep it simple: Read, write, do projects, and discuss
7. You, not them
"The best mentors are continually learning and pushing themselves."
"We need to read classics to maintain our morality and civilization."
1. Classics teach us Human nature.
2. Classics bring us to face with greatness.
3. Classics take us to the frontier to be conquered.
4. Classics force us to think.
5. Classics connect us to stories.
I read this book a couple years ago before I had made up my mind to homeschool. I am so glad I read it again. This is a book I would like to reread at the beginning of every school year to help me refocus my priorities and remember what educations is all about.
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