I have "practice scholars"....kids, ages 11- 14yo, just beginning to take responsibility for their own education.   We are still exploring various aspects of a Thomas Jefferson Education.  We have no typical day, except that we do have a core routine of breakfast and chores completed by 8am.  Then I try to meet with the kids to find out what plans they have for their studies that day.  They each have some general and specific goals.

Today, I met with the 14 yo to hear her plan for the week.  This week she's finishing Fahrenheit 451 for our upcoming Family Book Talk and starting Shadows on the Rock  by Willa Cather tomorrow.

She's beginning a journalism class for a homeschooling co-op and feels compelled to continue her studies in grammar and vocabulary.   To this end, she is working through Vocabu-Lit and Warriner's Third Grammar and Composition books.   In reading her core canon  and  related books, she is writing a reflection titled, "Life's Purpose and How to Attain It."

My daughter has a goal to audition for the local youth symphony orchestra, so she has been diligently working on all her scales  and preparing audition pieces. 

Along with her brothers, we are learning Spanish using a self-guided computer curriculum from Rosetta Stone.  They have had fun whipping through the first few lessons.  We have been meeting with a few friends for a Spanish co-op class.  Apparently they have learned a lot more than they realized!

Both the boys have recently finished the last Harry Potter book in preparation for next week's  library book discussion group.  They also both read The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare this week.  I'm using the book discussion questions in the back of A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion for some practice on their literary analysis skills.

We met this morning after they read several selections from their core canon and other related books to discuss the analogy of the Church as a great orchestra.  

It was awesome to see the realization in their eyes  as they came to understand that their small acts of ministry,  sharing their time and talents, are all part of the community faith experience of  the bigger Church.  Their small instrumental  part in the orchestra is necessary to produce  beautiful and meaningful music.   It lead to some very insightful discussions.

Often I am learning right along with my children.

**(a peak into our learning space)**

***My Seven Habits of A Highly Effective School Year***

Related Tags: A Thomas Jefferson Education, education, family

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Posted by westward

The Bronze Bow is on our reading list in a couple of weeks. :) My oldest (10) is taking some responsibility for her own education this year, too. It's gone very well so far. Have a great year!

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Posted by bubbebobbie

Thanks for coming by my blog. I am so glad Tiant did this open hoouse. It is fun meeting new friends.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie

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Posted by Anonymous

Looks like your family has some well-laid plans. How wonderful the children are taking charge of their education! I hope mine will be so competent when they are older. That is the plan! ;)

Jenn
http://jennsnook.blogspot.com

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Posted by writmm

I enjoyed reading your post and how your school is set up! Have a blessed year!

Melissa
www.melissaomarkham.com

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Posted by MitchTyRyanAndJames

Thank you for visiting me! (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dirtmagnets/374139/)

I really enjoyed looking at your workspace (amazing transformation!) and reading your hints for a successful year. Looks as though you have some very inspired, ambitious children...I can only hope that mine will be the same as they grow older.

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