Welcome to the Family Homeschool Circus!

Looking back on our 14+years of homeschooling, I realize much of it was/is spent trying to meet expectations that were unrealistic.

When we started homeschooling in the early 1990's we subscribed to the top homeschool magazines of the day "Teaching Home" and "Practical Homeschooling". Also, looking for support as a SAHM we got others that viewed our choices a "the best" and most Godly. In all these magazines, a "day in our life" was a regular feature. EAch issue was a diary-like article of a homeschool family's daily life. The feature family had it all together...schedule, curriculum, church, family, etc. In their homes, they did more before noon than most people do in 3 days. The picture painted by these SUPER families came across to the average reader as THE GOAL, something to reach for, to strive towards. Let's face it, when you have no idea what you are doing, or what to expect, you look to the experience and expertise of those who have gone before. The same was true for us with homeschooling.

In brief the feature family was: large-least 4 children; baked their own bread, raised livestock for milk, eggs, and meat unless they were vegetarian which meant they ate only organic stuff; ran a business from home where all the children old enough to have a "job" helped out; housework and the like were all divvied out and done properly without complaint on the part of the "doer"; and the biggie....all the children were at LEAST 3 grade levels above the average, gladly, and managed to maintain this pace in only a 3-4 hr. slot of time each day.

There is a saying about if you tell people something is so enough times they'll believe it...well...I swallowed this all....hook....line...and sinker.... I set my standards so high that failure was not just probable it was sure.

At 2-3 we started drilling phonics, planning on the children (3 of them at the time) to be reading well about grade level by kindergarten. Imagine how shocked I was when they failed. At times I was mad at THEM for failing.

Then there was math....simple right??? Wrong!!!! No math geniuses here either.

On every subject they were failing, WE were failing. We knew they were not imbeciles (no offense intended) so what WAS the problem. I've always believe if you don't set a goal you'll hit it everytime.

Each year we'd strive for success (like the magazine families) and each year ended with us failing to meet the mark. This went on for years before I realized that the "feature family" in hte magazine must be the unusual one, not us. As I began to meet REAL people who homeschooled I learned that they were struggling iwth the same things we did. There was nothing wrong with us, we just need to reasses our goals, and make them more attainable. Essentially, we needed to set goals that were realistic for who we are, and for our lifestyle. (I forgot to mention the battles over vegan foods, and organic stuff and wanting to homestead-mind you at the time we lived in Queens NYC with not even a balcony-where were we supposed to do that stuff!)

Another eyeopener was taking the classroom school mentality out and replacing it with a tutorial style school. A.C.E. in my opinion is excellent in assisting you to do this. Their curriculum may not be as advanced or full or challenging as others BUT give them credit for creating something that is easy to use and student oriented rather than teacher orientated.

Understanding that children learn different ways, even in the same family, relieved much stress as well.

The biggest thing I learned was "LOok not on the things of others" and it is not wise to compare ourselves among ourselves.

Each family is a unique creation of God. He knows what our family needs, what it is capable of in the realm of spiritually, physically, (I forgot that the feature families were all musical family's who traveled singing and playing for Jesus sake.)emotionally and mentally. Some families can "do it all" and nothing suffers for it. For other families the slightest variant in their routine gets them off track for weeks.

Would I like to be among those feature families who have it all together? In some ways yes-but that is pride speaking. In some ways no-failing along the way would hinder others. So, as difficult as some days, weeks, months and years, have been, are or will be, I have accepted that this is who we are. We are ourselves. We can look to ans aspire to grow and expand and strive to go further, but ultimately, we will only go as far as God allows us anyway.

My wishes and dreams were alway very simple....raise children who love God and desire His will FIRST, and who upon graduation can read, write and do arithmetic SECOND. Would it be nice to have a few excell academically? Honestly? Yes! BUT only if they are doing it because God wills it and they will use that ability and talent for Jesus sake.

The show must go on!

Goals

Goals! Goals! Goals! That is a catchword in the homeschool circus isn't it? THere are times when I wonder if we will ever achieve ANY of our goals beyond the "3 r's".

It seems like we never get to the extra's that are fun for us. For instance...candlemaking, soapmaking, papermaking, chocolate, coal, etc....because we are forever pressing forward to meet the laws requirements. It is so easy to get caught in the trap of fulfilling the legal stuff that people, OUR children, their hearts and spirits get lost in hte scuffle of it all. That is what I struggle with. I don't want them to grow up and resent being homeschooled or missing out on fun stuff that other people had time for and we didn't.

Schedules never work for us. We have tried over and over again to plan all this out and for whatever reason it never happens....I feel like the ringmaster of a circus, and that is NOT what I thought I signed up for when I became a homeschooling mom.

Perhaps it is simply pride that stresses me. Or comparing ourselves with others. Each family has to find it's own niche and pitch their tent where it fits for them.

Discontentment and frustration are born from coveting the life and things of others. Our pride is hurt when we fail. Even though God hates even a proud look, we still have that in us.

Each school day has to be approached as a fresh start, and given to God to orchestrate the events of the day. Not that we shouldn't plan things, but we need to be sensitive to God's leading and trust Him that when little Sam cuts his finger God allowed it for a reason, and when math takes 2 hrs. when we think it should only take 20 min. God knows that too. Maybe it was just to keep us a parents humble.

Homeschoolers tend to come off to other Christians, and the world as proud of what they do. Sometimes we wear our homeschooling like a merit badge on our puffed out chest. We forget that God led us to homeschool, and enables us to do it. Our haughty spirit is just what the enemy will use to discourage families who God is convicting about homeschooling. They might just be "turned off" by our attitude and refuse to obey God. They will give an account yes, and they will be sorrowful and wrong, but so will we.

Let's be sure to give honor to the LORD for His part in schooling our children at home.

Remember, Pride cometh before a fall..

This is not what I signed up for

This was written several yrs ago during a bad time of schooling....

Sometimes motherhood is not what it seems like it was supposed to be. Have you ever sat down and wondered when the JOY will come?
When that little baby is first placed in your arms joy just overwhelms you. For many months, years after it is the same things. But somewhere it begins to wane. And Motherhood is less joyful. The days are filled with school, chores, discipline, refereeing, etc.
You wonder if something is wrong with you. You think, It must be me! You feel horrible, but don't know what to do about it, or who to turn to.
You try to seek the LORD and plead for divine intervention, you pray for peace of mind, and wisdom and it all seems vain.
Once again our school year has lacked to fun and joy I thought homeschooling would be. All the neat stuff we plan seems to be pushed aside to get to the 3 r's. Not much else besides life at home, church, and school is done. No clubs or extras happen and it is driving us nuts.
I think this is called BURN OUT! My life seems consumed not with simply being a wife and mother, which is enough by itself.
Oh no! Homeschooling consumes me.
It seems like my days consists of getting everyone to their lessons, asking repeatedly did you finish math? Are you done your Science?
If I don't check up on them at regular intevals some of them would skip math or spelling totally.
Then there is the noise level. It seems like they have to shout all day and to get their attention to be quiet I have to be louder.
Plus, all I feel like I do is sit and wait around day after day for lessons to be done. It doesn't bother them to listen to mouth noises from their brother or sister, but the moment I type a word or take up my crochet hook, it is just too distracting and they will sit and do nothing but watch me work.
I've been schooling now for over 15 yrs. My goals have always been to raise children who can manage a check book, write a decent letter, read fairly well, but supremely Love the LORD first.
That alone is asking alot. So I suppose if we ONLY accomplish those things, we will have succeeded and JOY will be mine, after it is all said and done.
Thanks for visiting. Til Next time, bye

Dreams, Drudgery, Dread

When did homeschooling go from a dreamy idea to drudgery?

In the beginning of homeschool, my aspirations were high. With all my heart I believed that homeschooling was a dream come true for us, that it would bear fruit of love for learning and school. Pictures of us laughing and joking, and trying to do fun projects filled my head.  My dream was for it to be a delightful time of creating memories we'd all treasure for our entire lives.If only my children cooperated my vision might have been a reality. Then of course there is the law and the fear that comes from hearing "its the law".  My lofty dreams started to crack, the crevices grew and grew, until all my dreams were shattered.

Dreams turned to drudgery. School became an unpleasant task that was required by law. We worked to fulfill the legal requirements, no more fun and games. There was no time for projects, and no money for field trips or extra curriucular activities or classes.  Bear in mind that this all took place gradually over several years.

About 3 years ago it got worse. We all openly admitted that we DREADED each morning because it meant..you guessed it...another day of school.  Making matters worse was that due to many long distance moves and unplanned renovations in our home, academically we slipped behind, slowly. Little by little, year by year, until our present situation, where we are grade level wise almost 2 yrs. in arears. 

Can we turn to tide?  Will we ever delight in schooling?  Knowing it is God's Will for our family doesn't make us enjoy it. Maybe it should, but we can't seem to muster that up yet.   It is one of the new goals though...to turn dread to delight....but we need Divine Wisdom from the LORD to do it. He has promised it to us....  "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that fiveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him." James 1:5  

If your homeschool has become a slough of despond and dreaded drudgery, join us in praying for God to turn it around for us, and let us delight in HIS will, in this no matter how difficult the path may be.

 

Things have been so hectic here that I barely have time to breathe.

Since I'm not busy enough already, we started school on July 17th. We eased into it by doing only a few subjects for the first 2-3 days. This week is our first week of complete school days-meaning doing all the main subjects.

Over the years we have used many methods and curriculums-A.C.E, Christian Light (Mennonite), ABEKA, Alpha-Omega; plus piecemeal of misc. textbooks from secular and christian publishers. This is our 3rd year using LANDMARK FREEDOM Baptist curriculum  http://www.landmarkbaptistchurch.org/modules/lfbc/htmls/

The price is comparable to ACE and A/O. It is self-instructional as well. Each subject is divided into weekly lessons which a clearly noted, and there are weekly and quarterly tests. My children feel very happy when they do 2 days lessons in one. But the big benefit for anyone with children of differing ages and grade levels is there is no lesson planning for Mom or Dad to do. It is all there for you. Of course you can skip or modify as you like, we do. 

 

SPANISH-LANDMARK has an excellent spanish course which is different from others we looked at.  The goal of theirs is to teach you to WITNESS-PRESENT THE GOSPEL in spanish. The first lesson begins with learning verses in Romans in spanish.  I'd recommend this to adults living in areas with many spanish speaking people. There is no better way to get someone's attention than to speak to them in their native tongue when they don't expect it.

Sometimes we've bought or sold books on the biggie auction empire site, but with recent changes in policies, again, more and more we have looked for an alternative. This is when I found www.homeschoolbid.com  (Please tell them that Bobsruby20 sent you.)

Home-school bid allows you to sell teachers editions/keys, plus the texts. They also allow the sale of other items, non-school things. Check them out if you are looking for a specific item. It's anotherchoice at least in the auction site scene.

In the future I hope to clear my shelves of books we don't need/use. Not sure if I'll do that here or on an auction or what.

Oh, as for the LANDMARK, this yr. we are using the books with the younger ones, but doing 3-4 weeks in the books, and 1-2 Unit studies to break up the monotony.

That is a big problem for me last yr. We tried so hard to "FINISH the book" that that became our focus instead of truly learning the material and enjoying the journey-like when you travel and have to be there by _____________ time, and you didn't really allow enough time in the first place. You get so caught up in speeding to your destination you miss the scenery and majestic beauty along the way.

 

Our children grow so quickly. And I am learnign the hardway that I have already missed alot, and I dont' want to miss too much more. So if I am absent from posting here, that is why. I'm slowing down and enjoying the trip, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the photo-ops. 

 

Please don't miss the golden opportunities set before you each day.

Find YOUR OWN way

When we started homeschooling in 1990, I had very few ideas of what to do. Wasn't homeschooling simply doing school at home? With that definition in mind, that is what we did, did school at home, in school-like fashion.

This was a recipe for disaster, only I didn't know that then. School is very restricted and set up to deal with multiple children in the same grade at one time. Much time is wasted on busy work, boring students who know the material at hand, and stressing those who don't get it.

What a shock it was when we could whiz through all the subjects and extras like music and art in a few hrs-like 3-4; not 6-7.

The bigger problem wasn't getting it done, it was getting it done and being happy afterwards. Force-fed learning doesn't work. That is what schools do.

In my naive brain I believed if I just told the children what to do, they would obey and do it. Was I ever wrong! They can't be trusted, even now, at 17, they need to be checked up on, so just imagine what they didn't do when they were 7!

When the traditional ways and means didn't work for us, I started to look for what did. My guinea pigs, ooo, I mean children, were in for trial runs of programs, methods, etc.

Gradually we found that %%%% was great for Math, but **** was better for english. For Science we managed unit studies nicely, but not as well for history.

Schedule was another flaw for us. Even though we are organized down to cans in a line with the labels all facing front in store-like fashion, for school, we are not that way at all. Trying to mimic those magazine families who by Noon are finished all the housework, yardwork, school, cooking and sewed a dozen dresses for good measure led us on a trip to discouragement. For us it was and still is unrealistic to be in school by 9am. We are just getting to breakfast most days.

This is what I mean by finding YOUR OWN way. If your family can follow a strict schedule or is more regimented in routines that is wonderful. I admire you and wish we could dothat. BUT the most IMPORTANT thing is for EACH family to find what works for them.
If your husband works nights, it might better to get the whole family on his schedule, and school at night.

My husband is a night-owl. He is almost never asleep before Midnight. Consequently our family is on a different cycle. Even the younger children don't hit the hay until 9:30pm or later. Usually we don't rise until at least 8-8:30am.

Instead of a schedule we have a routine. This works well, for us and we fall into a loose schedule that is flexible for us.

What works for one homeschool family may not work for you. Find what works for you and stick to it. You'll be more relaxed and happier.

This week we completed our 45th day
This is a milestone for us. Usually we are lagging behind something terrible
This year, so far, has not been without it challenges. Usually I try to do some writing at the computer while my children do their bookwork.
Well, this is a huge mistake in our house. They children will actually sit and stare at the computer screen watching me type. TYPE!!!! Not play computer games.
Not watch movies, or even listen to music. But simply typing in WORD.

It is very suffocating in the sense that I literally sit and do nothing while they work.

But I think I've come up with a viable solution. LONGHAND! Yep! Writing with a real pen on...hold on...paper! Yes, they do still make that stuff. This way I can get something done in between checking
math lessons and giving spelling tests.

Another problem has been consuming me is free time. It seems like my days are all school, and cooking.
Yesterday was the last straw. I was ready to check tests and edit logs when it dawned on me that school for the day was done. That is where I was making a huge mistake
The children would finish and I didn't. Now I will do all checking and recording during the time the children do their lessons and when they are through for the day, so am I.
At least that is the plan, for now. I am just so tired of eating, sleeping, and breathing school, school SCHOOL!!!!!!
Am I alone in this? I don't think so. Many of us won't admit our true feeling about hs. We know God wants us to do it, and that makes it a "non-complainable topic"
Yeah, we'll gripe about the childrens attitudes, dawdling, and carelessness, but our own attitude is locked behind a closed door never to be acknowledged. We act as like if we ignore it , it doesn't exist or it will simply go away.
Many moms are burnt toast. We have just been at it so long, doing the same lessons, repeating all the drills and phonics and fractions and ..... We need a change from the rut we are in academically, but our children aren't up to it.
What IS a mom to do???? We need to set aside a wee bit of time for NONschool thinking, reading writing and talking.
We tend to get into this habit of making everything we do eachday count as school. We don't just go and bake cookies, it has to be a math lesson with some science thrown in for good measure.
A trip to the zoo or park arent' just a nice day out of the house to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and bask in the delight our children see and feel. OH NO! We spend the entire trip trying to figure out how to count it for school and all the joy goes out of the day.
Yes, we have to keep records, and log our lessons, and such, BUT there are times when we need to, WE MUST stop being a "homeschool mom" and just be "Mommy" to our children. We have to lay aside our chalk and eraser, the books and pens and paper and enjoy.
If there is one thing you get out of this today it is that you ENJOY you CHILDREN and ENJOY being a MOTHER.
Ask yourself this: why did/do I homeschool?
Was it to be closer to your children and to spend time with them because you know 18 yrs will just slide by and before you know it they will be married and on their own?
Was it to excell academically or spiritually or both?
Was it to avoid the trouble the traditional schools have, and did you begin on this journey with the best interest of you child at heart?
If you answer yes to these, even just one, but you still feel weary when the alarm rings and you realize it is another school day, can you answer this? What happened?
What REALLY sapped you of your joy? What has sidetracked you?
For myself, it has been a combination of things. Mostly trying to fulfill the laws of our state and always feeling that extra pressure for them to do well so no-one can ever mock them for being homeschooled.
When hs Moms get burnt out we sometimes resent our children for taking so much of our time. We don't mean to, but it happens. If that is the case with you, confess it and forsake it. Then make plans to prevent it from happening again.
That might mean writing, or reading, or sewing or cooking, taking classes or .....you fill in hte blank. Do something that is personal to you and alleviate the burnt toast syndrome that plagues many hs moms.
To quote an old ad that will date me....."Calgon take me away" should be a weekly experience for you.
It doesn't need to be a bubble bath, but that might be just what is needed.
Moms need to take care of ourselves bcz our children need us. They need us to be in good spirits. Bad attitudes are contagious. So be a carrier of joy and happiness, and transform you days.

Reference Desk www.refdesk.com dictionaries, encyclopedias etc
Almanac web site for children

Fact monster www.factmonster.com k-12

Learn french online at www.parlez-vous.org

User friendly library online www.libraryspot.com

Mythology, folklore and legends www.pantheon.org

Learning Spanish? Check this out www.espanole.org

The blue grammar Book http://www.blogger.com/www.grammarbook.com

The Write Site lang. arts and journalism http://www.blogger.com/www.writesite.org

General Chemistry Online http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101

General Chemistry Online http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101

Detailed Biology studies http://www.blogger.com/www.biology-arizona.edu

Physics interactive tour http://www.blogger.com/www.colorado.edu/physics/2000

Geography Help

Geography help online at http://www.blogger.com/www.geographia.com

Fizzics Fizz;e

Fizzics Fizzle! Put the sizzle in physics http://library.thinkquest.org/16600/

Singing Science Songs and Help

Science Learning Network

www.sln.org

Singing Science Records, Old Fashioned melodies and music

US History Buggs

U.S. History buggs all grade levels www.ushistory.org

Fifty States lessons http://www.blogger.com/www.50states.com

Educational Links

Free Online Thesaurus www.thesaurus.com

Over 3000 free lesson pages http://www.lessonplanspage.com/
Free worksheets and printable units at www.schoolexpress.com

Guides to keyboarding or for us old fogies...TYPING http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/itech/keybo/keydx.htm

Need tutorial help?? http://journals.aol.com/_do/www.tutorialfind.com

Snowy Saturday Update from early 2008

Quick Update on Snowy Cold Saturday
Well, we are definately headed for the deep freeze.
It is good for homeschooling bcz what else can you do?
We are up to day 120. This is really early for us. Usually we are scurrying at the last second to squeeze days in.
Aside from some subtle sneakiness from one child, they are all doing well.
Above said child has tremendously improved from last year at this time, so what's to complain about.
Thanks for stopping by. :-X

Water Cycle Video by NASA

check out this water cycle video from nasa.... very cute JPL.NASA.GOV: Multimedia
Enjoy the video and hopefully your children will get the info.

Ring! Ring-ring! Ring ring ring

Does the ringing of bells at regular intervals take you back in time? Does the hollow sound of metal slamming bring back memories of rushing to class? There is always the aroma of chalk dust, chicken soup at 9am coming from the cafeteria-it was always fish or pizza on Friday, right? to whisk you to an earlier time (of your life).

So many sights, sounds, and scents are associated with the
180 days a year
average 6 hrs. a day
12 yrs. not counting kindergarten

nearly 13,000 hours, or 2,160 days, ALMOST SIX years, spent within the confines of the traditional school setting. Is it any wonder why so many of our habits, ideas, quirks, pet-peeves, fears, and irrational thougths and ideas are connected to school daze? I do mean DAZE.

Attending the traditional school, especially any public funded school, is a whirl of activity, a see-saw balance of good, needful educational stuff, and the politically correct-anti-God anti-authority garbage, that does nothing but confuse the heart, and take the mind off what needs to be learned. 'Nough said.

The joy of what our family, and maybe yours, is doing with homeschooling, is we can by-pass all the garbage, and worthless stuff we were forced to endure, and focus on what is important to us.
We have the hope of instilling in our children the 3 R's with the Biblical/religious beliefs and political slant that we believe in.

Homeschooling gives us an irreplacible gift, one that is stolen away by the traditional school. That gift is T-I-M-E. Think back to all those hours YOU spent in school. Do you think your life today, your goals, your ideas, but MUCH MORE importantly, do you believe your RELATIONSHIP(S) would be better, if you had the opportunity to learn people skills at home?
This might not apply to those who come from broken or dysfunctional homes, but then again what is a dysfunctional family? All families have their faults, and dysfunctions somewhere.

Time is a precious commodity that once lost can never be regained. Homeschooling gives us time with our children, and in return, our children gain time with their parents. Instead of the teacher getting the pleasure of hearing a child read their first word, the homeschool mom or dad has another "first" to record, lovingly in his/her book of memories.

Overview of Learning styles

Overview of Learning Styles


Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Using multiple learning styles and “multiple intelligences” for learning is a relatively new approach. This approach is one that educators have only recently started to recognize. Traditional schooling used (and continues to use) mainly linguistic and logical teaching methods. It also uses a limited range of learning and teaching techniques. Many schools still rely on classroom and book-based teaching, much repetition, and pressured exams for reinforcement and review. A result is that we often label those who use these learning styles and techniques as “bright.” Those who use less favored learning styles often find themselves in lower classes, with various not-so-complimentary labels and sometimes lower quality teaching. This can create positive and negative spirals that reinforce the belief that one is “smart” or “dumb.”
By recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use techniques better suited to you. This improves the speed and quality of your learning.
The learning styles are:
Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical). You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal). You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal). You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Why Learning Styles? Understand the basis of learning styles.
Your learning styles have more influence than you may realize. Your preferred styles guide the way you learn. They also change the way you internally represent experiences, the way you recall information, and even the words you choose. We explore more of these features in this chapter.
Research shows us that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn. Researchers using brain-imaging technologies have been able to find out the key areas of the brain responsible for each learning style. For example:
Visual. The occipital lobes at the back of the brain manage the visual sense. Both the occipital and parietal lobes manage spatial orientation.
Aural. The temporal lobes handle aural content. The right temporal lobe is especially important for music.
Verbal. The temporal and frontal lobes, especially two specialized areas called Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas (in the left hemisphere of these two lobes).
Physical. The cerebellum and the motor cortex (at the back of the frontal lobe) handle much of our physical movement.
Logical. The parietal lobes, especially the left side, drive our logical thinking.
Social. The frontal and temporal lobes handle much of our social activities. The limbic system (not shown apart from the hippocampus) also influences both the social and solitary styles. The limbic system has a lot to do with emotions, moods and aggression.
Solitary. The frontal and parietal lobes, and the limbic system, are also active with this style.

http://www.xanga.com/Titus2Mentor/671967873/the-heart-of-the-matter-place-mats.html



We are going to do these tomorrow.

School days, school days grand old golden rule days......

Does anyone ever sing that anymore??? Maybe it is because we are all programmed to see rules as restrictions instead of guidelines for life.

Just look at society in general, there are NO real rules. Drive by a funeral home and check out how the mourners and those who are coming to pay their "respects" are dressed. I almost pointed my fingers at some "mourners" on more than one occassion, different people to be sure, because they emerged wearing jeans with the inseam at their knees, athletic style tank tops, cut off shorts...and the girls...oh dear! Even a MINI DRESS would have been more proper.

Watch the guests leaving a wedding and you'll see the same casual attire. No one wants to dress, really. It is commonplace in our area to go to the mall and see girls in pajama bottoms, tank tops (at least 2 sizes too small), uncombed hair, and fuzzy slippers on their feet. The new one was seeing the plus size, over 50, mama strut into the mall weaing shorts with the waistband tucked under here sagging belly, and her top baring her navel. HELLO!!! Hasn't anyone ever heard of a MIRROR!!!!!

Is it any wonder students fail, can't concentrate etc with all the crazy styles they wear these days. And just think, if they are dressing as I described for a solemn event, what do they wear for school???? Guys can't help but think the way they do, and the girls want the attention.

Golden rules no longer apply to schools, or anything else. A friend showed us a video clip from high school, public school. The children had their desks facing each other, were talking, and horsing around, oblivious to others in the room. I thought this was BEFORE class. Total shock: this was IN CLASS. Hmmmmm

Rules are not to inhibit us. They help us respect other people. They make us more pleasant to be around. They give us a framework of right and wrong. Even if you don't agree with a rule, it shouldn't be done away with. Most people don't want to go the speed limit, even with soaring gas prices, but we obey the law bcz there are consequences if we don't. And it isn't just getting a ticket, how 'bout accidents, how 'bout death...not just your own, but maybe your passengers, or a pedestrian, or someone in the car you plow into at 80MPH.

The saddest part is that we also do not dress up for church anymore. I'm not advocating donning wedding attendant level clothing, but khaki and denim skirts, t shirts, polo shirts, are pushing the envelope the other way. We need to dress as daughters of the king. If you were invited to meet a Queen or King, or the President, in person, would you throw on your everyday outfits--hoping no-one will notice the pills, stains, etc OR would you buy a new dress, sew a new one, or peruse the local thrift store for something special???? If you'd go to alot of trouble, so to speak, to meet another man/woman, why wouldn't you do the same to honor the LORD? SUNDAY BEST was a "rule" for reason. When you look better, dress your best, it is reflected in your smile, your eyes shine, and you might even have a little spring in your step because you don't have to think about the stains, or fuzzy pills, dressing up takes your focus off thinking about what people are thinking about you, in a bad way. (I realize this can go the other extreme w/young girls/teens especially, but the practical mammas among us need to take stock of how we look and how we make our HUSBANDS look.) A married woman who can afford better and chooses to wear shabby/shoddy, ugly, drab, worn,....first of all makes her husband look like he doesn't manage the family finances well and therefore is unable to provide for her and any children, and second your husband should keep his eyes on YOU, so your task is to dress in manner that keeps his eyes and thoughts on your, that he can't keep his eyes off you. Forget your figure flaws, and dress in colors your man likes, put on some pretty prints, or bright colors. All those drab colors, keep them for gardening, scrubbing floors, etc, but put on your lovely clothes, BUY or MAKE some if need be. The grand old days of women dressing feminine is gone, and we need to revive it in the body of Christ. ,

Lapbook by Joy

Lapbooks and Notebooking

Recently I posted about how we are implementing more of Charlotte Mason's methods for school. I was quite pleased earlier today to find a www.currclick.com This is a wonderful site. Not only do they sell books and products to help make notebooking and lapbooking much easier, they have FREE downloadable files. This is such a blessing.

Last year when we discovered lapbooks, it renewed joy in our school. It allows the children to learn and study while creating something that will be treasured for years to come. They will be able to show it off to visitors in our home, and share it with their own children, if the LORD tarries. Besides increasing their memory and retention of information, it pushes their curiosity button, and stimulates their creative natures. My children are extremely artistic. I am constantly amazed at the interesting things they make, the pictures they paint or draw, and more recently their writing has taken on a new depth. It's a blessing.

We are looking forward to having fun doing more lapbooks or notebooks over this school year.

Even if you don't think you can do this, I assure you you can. If you NEED to stick to the lesson plans or a text book to keep your sanity and keep your children from getting off track, let me encourage you to take even a week to do a short study and make a lapbook. It only took us making one and we were hooked. My chidlren were so excited when I showed them some examples online that they made some on their own!!!!

Archaeology "Dig" and Nature Study

Archaeology "Dig" and Nature Study

Rock Collecting-Edible Rocks

Science Fun:
Edible "Rocks"It's official... I've heard of almost everything now! Here's a great way for teaching about three different kinds of rocks ... and making a unique snack at the same time.

Please note: take note of the ingredients listed and be aware of possible food sensitivities and allergies of the children involved.

Edible Rock Recipes:
Igneous Rocks
1 can evaporated milk (6 oz.)1 1/2 cups sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup chopped nuts1 1/4 cups tiny marshmallows1 1/2 cups chocolate chips1 teaspoon vanilla
Grease an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch pan. Combine evaporated milk with sugar and salt in a saucepan. Bring to aboil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring for 5 - 9 minutes. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients and stir gently. Pour into prepared pan. Let cool. (Refrigerate) 1 pan (8 x 8) makes 30 1 inch squares.

Metamorphic Rocks
1/2 cup shortening or margarine1 cup brown sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla1/2 cup chopped nuts1/2 cup well-drained crushed pineapple1 egg, beaten1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup flour1 teaspoon soda1 teaspoon salt
Cream the shortening and the sugar. Add the beaten egg and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix. Stir in the fruit and the nuts. Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Bake for 7 minutes at 375 degrees. Note: Chocolate chips, coconut, wheat germ, etc. can also be added.

Sedimentary Rocks
1 1/4 cups crushed flake cereal1 1/2 tablespoons sugar1/2 cup margarine
Melt the margarine. Mix with the cereal and the sugar. Press into an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan.
1 cup chocolate or butterscotch chips 1 1/4 cups coconut 1 cup chopped nuts 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
Sprinkle the chips over cereal layer. Sprinkle the coconut over chips. Sprinkle the nuts over coconut. Pour condensed milk over the layers. Bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees. ------- Edible Rock Recipes by Cindy Downes. For more recipes and other "fun stuff", check out her website at http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/funstuff.html

www.easyfunschool.com/

Guinea Pigs or Homeschool Method Trials

I am not an expert of homeschool methods. Have read books on how children learn and I have a basic understanding of the differences. But my poor children have been guinea pigs because during the course of our continuing adventure of schooling at home, we have tried many, many things. What affect this has had on our childrens academic successes and failures is unknown. By pain and pleasure, and $$$$ and cents, we decided what to keep or continue, and when to cut our losses and try something else. My vision for homeschool was a fun adventure of loving, living and learning. That's what all the books and magazines told me. And I believed them! The first days of official schooling, when we had to begin reporting to the board of education in New York City-Queens, were joyful, thrilling, and the first of many hours, days, weeks, years, of time and memories, happiness, and expectancy. Within a short time I lost sight of our goals-rearing our children to be Godly men and women who desire to serve the LORD with all their hearts, and could can read, write, and balance a checkbook, Curriculum tends to take control. Spontaneous learning left the building! Much to my dismay, my smart children turned into idiots overnight. It was like school, in and of itself, sapped them of their ability to think, understand, obey. My dream of smiling children skipping, laughing, and learning became a nightmare of tears, and dread. I questioned my own sanity. What had I gotten us into? How would this EVER work? That's why we experimented so much with methods. I wanted my children to LOVE school. You have no idea how many times I wished that I could have been homeschooled. My parents, and I had never heard of such a thing (1970-1980). Everyone had to go to school somewhere, right?

When we started on this journey, the only curriculum companies I'd heard of, for Christian materials, were ABEKA, BJU, and ACE. ACE was our top choice because I was familiar with it from my 4 years of high school. I had the added benefit-privilege of monitor training when I was in school, so I knew the "how tos" and had practiced as well. To this day ACE is my favorite curriculum. Some will point to it and say ...... but I stand by my choice. Unfortunately, between our children being miserable doing it, and the expense for 3 children (and we wanted a dozen or more) we realized it was above our means. Somewhere the homeschool magazines came into my hands and WOW what a shock to know how many companies, methods, ideas, etc were out there. This was the mid-1990's, before most people had home computers or internet. Now you can obtain almost anything you like, for your preferred method, for the cost of a printer, paper, ink, and a good internet connection. The hardest part is deciding what to print!

As I started to explore other methods, we adopted copywork. The idea of learning grammar, punctuation etc. by copying anothers writing appealed to me for two reasons: one, it was written perfectly, and two, this was a simple way to expose them to cultural writing that many of us never read.

We also did nature journals/diaries, and journaled often for language arts. One year we did narratives of every book I read aloud for Science and History.

Each of our children have struggled with learning addition and subtraction facts, multiplication tables, and other important mathmatical information. It never occurred to me to implement copywork into our math studies. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a blog singing praises to Charlotte Masons methods, and this Mom asked the question: If we use copywork for other subjects, why not math? She pointed out that drill sheets and flash cards reinforce errors because the child has to come up with the answer, therefore each time he/she writes or says the wrong answer, the error is cemented in his/her mind, even though the child is told the correct answer immediately afterwards. This got me thinking too. So today I searched for, and found, very nice multiplication table which are easy to read and copy. I printed out one copy each for my 3 students, on their favorite color paper, and placed in 3 prong folders. They've been cautioned not to let anything happen to their new books.

I hope this is helpful to other homeschool moms and students who are ready to scream and shout, or pull their hair out or quit. I've been there numerous times, I had entire school years that I wanted to give up...but I am here to say, inspite of all the trials, struggles, fights, tears, anger, frustration etc IT IS WORTH IT!

Help Me Clear My Shelves

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year old David's comment.

Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the disk over his heart.
'Listen', she said...........'What do you suppose that is?'

He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest.

Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, 'Is that Jesus knocking?'