Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Serendipitous moments
It was a beautiful day yesterday, and while I finished up some school work with their big brother, Sammy and Annie ventured outside with the Alphabet Path books. Although he is only in second grade, Sam reads at a much higher level and enjoys reading aloud to his little sister (and the rest of us). After I suggested that they could build a fairy house also, Annie agreed to join Sammy in the adventures of Mrs. Applebee and Michael.. She wasn't a great audience, as her attention span completely disappeared, which frustrated Sammy (which you will see in a very cute picture below:) In the end, they did enjoy their time together, and my books didn't get too dirty. Here they are. I took the pics through the screen door, so as not to disturb them, which is why the pics are a little "cloudy". The last few pics are ones Sammy took. I think he's got the makings of a great photographer!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Field trip
Since my plans for next year will not include homeschooling, the co-op my sister-in-law and I have created will come to an end. We had a good 3 year run. I am pleased with the work we did with the kids, and the welcome change of pace the co-op offered us on a weekly basis. Having to show their work to others provided external motivation for my children and that was priceless. I believe it improved the quality of their work (and also the timeliness of its completion!)
Having completed our American History studies, we decided it would be a good end-of-year, end-of-co-op activity to visit our local Indian Museum. I was expecting the museum to focus on tribes local to our area, namely the Abenaki. I was wrong! This museum covered all tribes of North America. I was impressed! Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures in the museum, so I only have pics from outside.
Some things we learned about Indians surprised and delighted us. Everything they made, everything, even the most boring, utilitarian item, was decorated. A quote from a young male Indian said that his "mother's hands created beauty all around him." He said that it was her way of showing her love and care for her family. Not just to provide the necessities, but to bring beauty to them in the process. I, also, feel the desire to do this, but I have sometimes felt a bit frivolous in doing so. For sure, we need to be prudent and not go overboard in the quest for beautiful surroundings, which could lead to overspending and materialism, but I now realize that it is a mother's privilege and, yes, duty, to bring beauty into her family's life. If we want to lead our children to Christ, who is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, we must surround them with these very things. Native Americans, who are sometimes portrayed as 'savages' or 'heathens', understood and lived this so well.
Their beadwork was incredible! They used brightly colored, glass, seed beads to adorn their clothing. How much time and love went into this intricate work. I wish I had pictures to show it. We also learned that the beads came from Czechoslovakia, and were traded to the Indians by Europeans.
We also discovered that their philosophies of life were very pro-life and completely compatible with Catholicism! They had deep respect for all life, human and otherwise. If the hunters brought in some food, it was shared by everyone in the tribe: old, young, feeble, those who couldn't hunt and those who did. In fact, if a hunter was seen taking a rabbit or other game for himself, without sharing, he was severely punished. They respected and cared for the weakest among them.
They believed that all living things were connected to each other (of course, they are) and thus, were incredible stewards of the earth and natural resources. They wasted nothing.
They worshiped God as they knew Him. Of course, we, who know the True God, would commit a sin if we adopted the Native Americans' spirituality, but they showed genuine reverence and love for the God they knew.
I came away inspired. We would do well to imitate some of the Native Americans' ways.
Having completed our American History studies, we decided it would be a good end-of-year, end-of-co-op activity to visit our local Indian Museum. I was expecting the museum to focus on tribes local to our area, namely the Abenaki. I was wrong! This museum covered all tribes of North America. I was impressed! Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures in the museum, so I only have pics from outside.
Some things we learned about Indians surprised and delighted us. Everything they made, everything, even the most boring, utilitarian item, was decorated. A quote from a young male Indian said that his "mother's hands created beauty all around him." He said that it was her way of showing her love and care for her family. Not just to provide the necessities, but to bring beauty to them in the process. I, also, feel the desire to do this, but I have sometimes felt a bit frivolous in doing so. For sure, we need to be prudent and not go overboard in the quest for beautiful surroundings, which could lead to overspending and materialism, but I now realize that it is a mother's privilege and, yes, duty, to bring beauty into her family's life. If we want to lead our children to Christ, who is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, we must surround them with these very things. Native Americans, who are sometimes portrayed as 'savages' or 'heathens', understood and lived this so well.
Their beadwork was incredible! They used brightly colored, glass, seed beads to adorn their clothing. How much time and love went into this intricate work. I wish I had pictures to show it. We also learned that the beads came from Czechoslovakia, and were traded to the Indians by Europeans.
We also discovered that their philosophies of life were very pro-life and completely compatible with Catholicism! They had deep respect for all life, human and otherwise. If the hunters brought in some food, it was shared by everyone in the tribe: old, young, feeble, those who couldn't hunt and those who did. In fact, if a hunter was seen taking a rabbit or other game for himself, without sharing, he was severely punished. They respected and cared for the weakest among them.
They believed that all living things were connected to each other (of course, they are) and thus, were incredible stewards of the earth and natural resources. They wasted nothing.
They worshiped God as they knew Him. Of course, we, who know the True God, would commit a sin if we adopted the Native Americans' spirituality, but they showed genuine reverence and love for the God they knew.
I came away inspired. We would do well to imitate some of the Native Americans' ways.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Poetry
by Ethan Sweet, age 10IEW U.S. History Writing
(great program)
OK, since I wasn't able to make it big enough to read, here is the text below:
Give Thanks
Stepping excitedly into the fragrant kitchen,
Holding a warm, moist pie,
Greeted by the smiling faces of my loving family.
Savory, succulent, seasoned turkey,
Fluffy, white mashed potatoes,
Slippery, tart cranberry sauce,
Doughy, chewy rolls,
Cause hungry stomachs to rumble.
Loud laughter, clattering silverware,
Enjoying being with family,
Giving thanks to God.
Stepping excitedly into the fragrant kitchen,
Holding a warm, moist pie,
Greeted by the smiling faces of my loving family.
Savory, succulent, seasoned turkey,
Fluffy, white mashed potatoes,
Slippery, tart cranberry sauce,
Doughy, chewy rolls,
Cause hungry stomachs to rumble.
Loud laughter, clattering silverware,
Enjoying being with family,
Giving thanks to God.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Phew!!
I will sleep well tonight! I have just completed the portfolios for all three boys!! The 1st and 4th graders were a snap--probably 20 minutes each. BUT, my 11th grader's portfolio was SO MUCH MORE COMPLEX (high school always is)!! It took me days to complete all the paperwork. I only need 2 signatures, 1 certificate and then I will bring it to the dear, dear ladies at the UPS store to photocopy (so glad I don't have to do this) and mail out. Oh, how happy I am!! I could sing and dance, but I think I'll just go to bed....ah, peaceful slumber. Good night!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
First bit of curriculum planning
My sister-in-law and I hashed out our plans for two of our children who will be making their First Holy Communions next spring. I'd like to thank some online friends who shared their ideas with me. We are really excited to do this "main lesson book" style. I think the children will enjoy it and their notebooks will be a keepsake to look back on. Since I feel like I always "glean"(read: 'swipe') so much from other blogs, I would like to be able to give a little bit back. So, for what it is worth, I have shared our plans below:
First Holy Communion Notebook 2009-2010
1. Ultrasound picture w/bible verse, Psalm 139:13,14 copywork
2. Name Acrostic
3. Patron saints – color pictures and narration (Samuel and Peter)
4. Baptismal certificate and picture of Baptism
5. Seven Sacraments – cut construction paper, glue as ladder, see First Communion Baltimore Catechism pg. 35.
6. First Penance – 10 Commandments – cut out construction paper ‘tablets’, blue into notebook. Glue pre-cut strips of commandments in order on the tablets.
7. First Penance – Steps of Good Confession pg. 41 BC (glue strips in order) Color and glue Gentle Examen for Children (CHC) on opposite page
8. Act of Contrition – illustrate and glue into notebook; make bookmark (see Catholic Heritage Curricula second grade lesson plans)
************** Save page for pix of First Penance**************
TAKE PICTURES OF MASS KIT OBJECTS for next three lessons
9. Mass kit presentation – Set up altar and credence table, take pix of objects, have kids cut, paste and label
10. Mass kit presentation – Consecration I from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
11. Mass kit presentation – Consecration II from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
12.The Weight of a Mass read and narrate, place illustrated narration in book
****Take home Precious Life books and read this week****
13. Precious Life books – draw Chalice and Host picture (narrate child’s understanding of the True Presence depicted in the picture)
14. Passover and Last Supper(This lesson may take 2 sessions)—read stories from a children’s bible and have child narrate back. Point out symbolism and comparisons between:
a. Blood of the Lamb & Blood of the Lamb of God (saved its people)
b. Bread of Freedom becomes Body of Christ (Jesus used unleavened bread at the Last Supper/Passover meal)
c. Freedom from Slavery & Freedom from Slavery of Sin
15. John Paul II’s For the Children – picture of John Paul II holy communion with quote (cut and paste)
16. Anima Christi (prayer after Communion) illustrated
17. Pictures of First Holy Communion with child’s impressions of day
We will be reading the St. Joseph First Communion Baltimore Catechism, Little Nellie of Holy God, and perhaps Bl. Imelda Lambertini (a Windeatt book) to round out the curriculum. What a great way to prepare for the Sacrament!
First Holy Communion Notebook 2009-2010
1. Ultrasound picture w/bible verse, Psalm 139:13,14 copywork
2. Name Acrostic
3. Patron saints – color pictures and narration (Samuel and Peter)
4. Baptismal certificate and picture of Baptism
5. Seven Sacraments – cut construction paper, glue as ladder, see First Communion Baltimore Catechism pg. 35.
6. First Penance – 10 Commandments – cut out construction paper ‘tablets’, blue into notebook. Glue pre-cut strips of commandments in order on the tablets.
7. First Penance – Steps of Good Confession pg. 41 BC (glue strips in order) Color and glue Gentle Examen for Children (CHC) on opposite page
8. Act of Contrition – illustrate and glue into notebook; make bookmark (see Catholic Heritage Curricula second grade lesson plans)
************** Save page for pix of First Penance**************
TAKE PICTURES OF MASS KIT OBJECTS for next three lessons
9. Mass kit presentation – Set up altar and credence table, take pix of objects, have kids cut, paste and label
10. Mass kit presentation – Consecration I from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
11. Mass kit presentation – Consecration II from Home Catechesis Manual, label and glue
12.The Weight of a Mass read and narrate, place illustrated narration in book
****Take home Precious Life books and read this week****
13. Precious Life books – draw Chalice and Host picture (narrate child’s understanding of the True Presence depicted in the picture)
14. Passover and Last Supper(This lesson may take 2 sessions)—read stories from a children’s bible and have child narrate back. Point out symbolism and comparisons between:
a. Blood of the Lamb & Blood of the Lamb of God (saved its people)
b. Bread of Freedom becomes Body of Christ (Jesus used unleavened bread at the Last Supper/Passover meal)
c. Freedom from Slavery & Freedom from Slavery of Sin
15. John Paul II’s For the Children – picture of John Paul II holy communion with quote (cut and paste)
16. Anima Christi (prayer after Communion) illustrated
17. Pictures of First Holy Communion with child’s impressions of day
We will be reading the St. Joseph First Communion Baltimore Catechism, Little Nellie of Holy God, and perhaps Bl. Imelda Lambertini (a Windeatt book) to round out the curriculum. What a great way to prepare for the Sacrament!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Precious Words
Kimberly at Catholic Family Vignettes has been having a difficult time lately, and it is something that is shared by every homeschooling mom at one time or another, I think. Burnout, overwhelm, drowning in a sea of paperwork, self-doubt, anxiety, recrimination and fear. I know I've been there--several times, in fact. In her humility, she shared her raw emotions on her blog, and apparently received much consolation in the form of comments. One comment, in particular, soothed this worried mother's fears and I think these are precious words for all homeschooling moms. Go here and read them.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Why?
A group of area homeschoolers has been meeting in order to try to establish a high school co-op. I recently had a chance to speak with the french teacher at the local high school who is willing to do some tutoring for us. We had a lovely chat. Her family lived in Europe for several years (military) and she was expressing how important having a worldview is, especially for us egocentric Americans!! Anyway, at one point this charming woman posed a question. She prefaced it with the disclaimer that I didn't have to answer if I didn't want to. Then she simply said, "Why?"
Why do we homeschool? This is a question that I have been struggling to put into words. Good, charitable, gracious words. It has been my experience that professional educators become quite defensive and bristly when confronted with a homeschooler. Therefore, I wanted my answer to be, first of all, truthful, but also generous, fair-minded, and inviting. I wanted my words to be a tiny point of light dispelling some of the darkness of the negative things she has no doubt heard about homeschooling. (Talk about egocentric!!)
So, I took a breath, sent a pleading look up to heaven and began. I told her that when we first chose homeschooling, our oldest daughter was in pre-school. It was a positive, pro-active choice for us. We did not pull our children out of "evil public school" because of some problem. We did not 'default' to homeschooling because we had no other viable option (i.e. no good Catholic schools in the area) We felt called to a particular lifestyle that would enable us to share our faith intimately with our children daily. We felt the need to live a lifestyle that would enable us to have a deeper, stronger family bond. It was important to keep the children close to us, to form their characters, to strengthen them in love, so that one day they could go into the world and bring the light of Christ into it. We believed the best way to do this was to homeschool them. But, in the end we chose to homeschool because we truly believe God called us to it; and He continues to call us to it. (I keep checking!! ;))
Now, don't get me wrong. In my most uncharitable moments (of which there are plenty!) I can run down the litany of the public school's shortcomings with lightning speed. And do NOT get me started on SOCIALIZATION!!!! Socialization is one of the reasons to choose homeschooling!!! If the key to proper socialization is putting a child in a group with 25 kids his own age so they can learn how to interact, then all public school kids would be perfectly socialized! The truth is good socialization consists of the values, manners and behaviors a child is taught, normally at home, with regard to respecting himself and others.....but I digress (see I told you not to get me started on socialization!)
I have heard homeschooling called a "cop-out" and a choice some people make because something else (perhaps a strong father/leader) is missing in their family life. I am offended by both assertions. Families homeschool for varied reasons, and we all know that homeschooling is not perfect...no educational choice is. But the fact of the matter is, homeschooling is hard!! To take on this incredible responsibility, to sacrifice a second income, personal time, career, is most assuredly not a cop-out. Homeschooling is not the "easy way out".
Homeschooling can be likened to a greenhouse. When we start seeds, we make sure they are protected from sun, wind, and harsh elements. Now, we could say that these plants need to learn to live in the "real world". They are not meant to live always in a greenhouse. God designed them to be planted in fertile ground and bear fruit and beautify His creation. What happens when we put those plants in the ground too soon? This is exactly what we are doing with God's most precious creations, our children. We are not sheltering them from the real world....we are preparing them for it!
We were made by God to know, love and serve Him in this life and to be happy with Him in heaven forever. It is our responsibility as parents to raise our children to know, love and serve Him also. There is no greater responsibility than this. For me, this means I teach my children to think about life. I want them to be able to see this world and the things in it through the eyes of Truth. I do not want them to be able to recite a list of dates of WWII events....I want them to understand why WWII happened, what in our human nature contributed to it, why good people did not oppose Hitler, and how we can try to make sure it doesn't happen again. I want them to see the structure of a cell or other biological concept and wonder at the beauty and order of God's creation. I want them to be thinkers. In order for this to occur, they must be grounded in the Truth. Truth is one, God is Truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." How can I entrust such a vital task as the formation of my children to an institution that cannot even utter the name of the Author of all Truth?
In the end, there are as many reasons to homeschool are there are families who are homeschooling. It is not a perfect situation, I am not a perfect mother and my children are not perfect. I am not endowed with an abundance of patience...or peacefulness....or perseverance. What I do have is love. This side of heaven, there is no one who is more invested in or who loves these children more than Scott and I. Our deep love for them means we willingly give of ourselves to prepare these precious souls to become all that He created them to be. Homeschooling is about Love. That is "why".
Why do we homeschool? This is a question that I have been struggling to put into words. Good, charitable, gracious words. It has been my experience that professional educators become quite defensive and bristly when confronted with a homeschooler. Therefore, I wanted my answer to be, first of all, truthful, but also generous, fair-minded, and inviting. I wanted my words to be a tiny point of light dispelling some of the darkness of the negative things she has no doubt heard about homeschooling. (Talk about egocentric!!)
So, I took a breath, sent a pleading look up to heaven and began. I told her that when we first chose homeschooling, our oldest daughter was in pre-school. It was a positive, pro-active choice for us. We did not pull our children out of "evil public school" because of some problem. We did not 'default' to homeschooling because we had no other viable option (i.e. no good Catholic schools in the area) We felt called to a particular lifestyle that would enable us to share our faith intimately with our children daily. We felt the need to live a lifestyle that would enable us to have a deeper, stronger family bond. It was important to keep the children close to us, to form their characters, to strengthen them in love, so that one day they could go into the world and bring the light of Christ into it. We believed the best way to do this was to homeschool them. But, in the end we chose to homeschool because we truly believe God called us to it; and He continues to call us to it. (I keep checking!! ;))
Now, don't get me wrong. In my most uncharitable moments (of which there are plenty!) I can run down the litany of the public school's shortcomings with lightning speed. And do NOT get me started on SOCIALIZATION!!!! Socialization is one of the reasons to choose homeschooling!!! If the key to proper socialization is putting a child in a group with 25 kids his own age so they can learn how to interact, then all public school kids would be perfectly socialized! The truth is good socialization consists of the values, manners and behaviors a child is taught, normally at home, with regard to respecting himself and others.....but I digress (see I told you not to get me started on socialization!)
I have heard homeschooling called a "cop-out" and a choice some people make because something else (perhaps a strong father/leader) is missing in their family life. I am offended by both assertions. Families homeschool for varied reasons, and we all know that homeschooling is not perfect...no educational choice is. But the fact of the matter is, homeschooling is hard!! To take on this incredible responsibility, to sacrifice a second income, personal time, career, is most assuredly not a cop-out. Homeschooling is not the "easy way out".
Homeschooling can be likened to a greenhouse. When we start seeds, we make sure they are protected from sun, wind, and harsh elements. Now, we could say that these plants need to learn to live in the "real world". They are not meant to live always in a greenhouse. God designed them to be planted in fertile ground and bear fruit and beautify His creation. What happens when we put those plants in the ground too soon? This is exactly what we are doing with God's most precious creations, our children. We are not sheltering them from the real world....we are preparing them for it!
We were made by God to know, love and serve Him in this life and to be happy with Him in heaven forever. It is our responsibility as parents to raise our children to know, love and serve Him also. There is no greater responsibility than this. For me, this means I teach my children to think about life. I want them to be able to see this world and the things in it through the eyes of Truth. I do not want them to be able to recite a list of dates of WWII events....I want them to understand why WWII happened, what in our human nature contributed to it, why good people did not oppose Hitler, and how we can try to make sure it doesn't happen again. I want them to see the structure of a cell or other biological concept and wonder at the beauty and order of God's creation. I want them to be thinkers. In order for this to occur, they must be grounded in the Truth. Truth is one, God is Truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." How can I entrust such a vital task as the formation of my children to an institution that cannot even utter the name of the Author of all Truth?
In the end, there are as many reasons to homeschool are there are families who are homeschooling. It is not a perfect situation, I am not a perfect mother and my children are not perfect. I am not endowed with an abundance of patience...or peacefulness....or perseverance. What I do have is love. This side of heaven, there is no one who is more invested in or who loves these children more than Scott and I. Our deep love for them means we willingly give of ourselves to prepare these precious souls to become all that He created them to be. Homeschooling is about Love. That is "why".
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Celebration!!
Friday was the last day of homeschool for Ethan and Sam. It was a gloriously beautiful day, warm, su
nny, breezy so we celebrated with a trip to the "wiber", as Annemarie calls it. The boys enjoyed catching some crayfish and "accidentally" falling in--Sammy was the most blatant offender! Just look at that smile! Annemarie got soaked and was a bit too brave about being in the river. She thought it was very funny to "sail" her tiny pink crocs down the riv
er until one got away from her and brother Isaac had to save it. I hope he will always be her "hero". Phoebe, our labradoodle, was more doodle than lab!! She looked like she wanted to go in the water, but was too timid to take the plunge. Isaac and Ethan took it upon themselves to plunge her! She was unsure, but kept wagging her tail. College-girl Lexi was staying on shore trying not to get wet. After drying off, we took a trip to our favorite ice cream stand, Wade's Place, for a scoop or two. It was a great way to put a period (or exclamation point) at the end of our official school year.
nny, breezy so we celebrated with a trip to the "wiber", as Annemarie calls it. The boys enjoyed catching some crayfish and "accidentally" falling in--Sammy was the most blatant offender! Just look at that smile! Annemarie got soaked and was a bit too brave about being in the river. She thought it was very funny to "sail" her tiny pink crocs down the riv
er until one got away from her and brother Isaac had to save it. I hope he will always be her "hero". Phoebe, our labradoodle, was more doodle than lab!! She looked like she wanted to go in the water, but was too timid to take the plunge. Isaac and Ethan took it upon themselves to plunge her! She was unsure, but kept wagging her tail. College-girl Lexi was staying on shore trying not to get wet. After drying off, we took a trip to our favorite ice cream stand, Wade's Place, for a scoop or two. It was a great way to put a period (or exclamation point) at the end of our official school year.
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