I call this photo I took yesterday, "The View From School."  The mobility of homeschooling has to be one of its more wonderful assets.   We like to do a lot of our homeschooling on a big, soft blanket toasting in the sun. This is the view from under our Jacaranda tree in the back yard. I lay taking photos while my younger daughter read to me from "Frog and Toad Together."

And here is, "The View From School II." The Jacaranda is native to Brazil I believe. The folks who first lived in this house had an obvious love of a variety of beautiful trees. This whole tree will explode with huge purple blossoms come April.

Yesterday, during our lunch break M ran to her room and then back again with a big smile on her face and a book in her hand.  "There's nothing better, " she proclaimed, "than reading a book in a tree!"  "Absolutely!" I said, fondly remembering the tree in the backyard of my own youth that overlooked the baseball field.  I would climb and wedge myself quite safely in a crook where three branches converged.  There were a few "seats" like that in that tree, providing different vantage points for different purposes.  I consisdered that tree a good friend.

This morning the goldfinches were passing through our yard.  Never fear, my Northeren friends.  Seeing the finches means they are on their way up north.  They are not the beautiful, striking yellow when they visit us, but still have their drab, winter feathers.  We love them still and it was fun to see them enjoying breakfast at the finch feeder on this foggy morning.

The ibis were there too at the water's edge.  For some reason they always make me think of the martians from the "Bugs Bunny" cartoons.  The don't really look like them (I know because I did some Bugs Bunny research!), but their profile still reminds me of them.

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Comments

Feb. 23, 2007 - Beautiful!

Posted by SmallWorld

What a wonderful post! This truly captures homeschooling in all its bounty.

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Feb. 23, 2007 - Martians

Posted by Anonymous

The ibis make me think of the martians, too! I am pretty sure it is their hooked beak and their very round bodies. It almost makes me want to squeeze them to see if they squeak. I'm with you on the martian thing, Toe.

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Feb. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by KerryLeighinNC

Thanks for visiting my blog - I really appreciate your comments. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!

I also felt a strong desire to incorporate Charlotte Mason methods into our school - some have worked wonderfully and some have not (or atleast I'm doing them right). I still believe in the ideals of Charlotte Mason, but (as with EVERYTHING, it seems, in homeschooling) I'm finding I have to adjust it or combine it with other ideas to make it work for our family. I'm not opposed to that, though.

I'd love to hear more on your thoughts about how to set up the framework...do you have any ideas about that? I've really enjoyed using Ambleside Online - so I might utilize their literature booklists. I also really enjoyed Tapestry of Grace's history rotation, so I might use that for history. Science is not a big problem as my kids are involved in a science co-op and are naturally curious in this area anyway (the boys anyway - the girl is still pretty young).

I do want them reading some of the classics (both Shakespeare and "nearer" historical classics, as well as, ancient classics). I'm sure I'll save some of this for later, but we've enjoyed reading children's versions now. I'd like to keep doing that...

You know as I type (this is how I think - forgive the randomness) - I'm thinking I need to sit down and write out some lists of things that are absolutely necessary, essential, preferred or optional for what DH and I consider a good education. Yes! That seems like a good starting point. Give me a couple of days to ponder this and check back on my blog. I'll post this there - maybe you can share your ideas as well!

Kerry

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Feb. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by amalapert

I can't imagine a more beautiful school room. ;) Great pics!! I also spent much of my childhood up trees.

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Feb. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I LOVE the second picture. Lovely!

I am glad the birds are coming our way (north) because I am so anxious to see some green on the trees and grass! Some flowers will be wonderful too!

http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/

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Feb. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Sorry, forgot to add my name on my comment!

Randi

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Feb. 24, 2007 - I agree!

Posted by Anonymous

I love your photos on your view when schooling...our favorite times are out in the yard laying on a big quilt reading books together. Thanks for "calling" on me and I can't wait to keep reading your blog too!!

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Feb. 24, 2007 - Forgot to add my name!

Posted by Anonymous

I just posted about your photos/schooling outside :)
Aimee

http://livinglearningandlovingsimply.blogspot.com/

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Feb. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by PlainJane

Hi Nicole,
Thanks for visiting my site. What a beautiful place you have here. Pictures really make a blog and I can see God has richly endowed you with such an artistic flair. Just scrolling down - wow - you do some really great stuff!

What a great reading tree and yard too. I love FL and lived around Ft. Lauderdale for a couple of years - really miss it - but God thought I would preserve better up her I guess. :) You would like our place though - lots of blue birds & barn swallows.

If it is okay with you, I'm putting you on my friends list. I would like to visit your site often.
Blessings to you and yours,
Your New Friend,
Jane in MN

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Feb. 25, 2007 - Hi!

Posted by wadeboysmom

Love your blog! Great pics! I'll be back when I can spend some more time. Thanks for stopping by mine.

Blessings!
Sharity

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Apr. 29, 2007 - lovely!

Posted by cheryl

your photos and expression of your love of homeschooling is wonderful! I wish I lived where there were lovely birds and jaranda trees. how delightful! Thanks for the encouragement and kind thoughts on my blog!

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