Apr. 4, 2007
A Funny Thing Happened...
I love the flexibility of homeschooling...
My son and I went to a class together last week. It was a class that taught how to make millifiori beads (with Sculpey clay). Since my son has been taking a pottery class, this was something that interested him. He seemed to be even more excited at the fact that we could do this together. But that's not what I want to write about. I wanted to share a couple of funny situations that happened while we were together.
Of course, we got the usual questioner (a retired schoolteacher) who wanted to know if I taught my son at home. I said "yes" and she proceeded to ask me "well, what program do you follow?". hmmmm. That's a tough question for me to answer, because we don't really follow a program. I said, "Do you mean what curriculum do we use?" She responded in the affirmative. So, I proceeded to explain that we use different materials for each class that is taught. That's when I got the blank stare. She looked at me like she thought I didn't know what I was doing. This conversation was really hard for me because everything within me wanted to say, "Don't you realize I have a degree in education and have been teaching in the public school system for several years?" But I didn't...I didn't defend myself because there has been quite a shift in my thinking since then. My philosophy of education has changed so much in the past year. To say anything contradicting that would have been dishonest. But I certainly had my eyes opened to how people continue to perceive a mother who homeschools her child. The wonderful thing that happened though, during that exchange was that a girl that is homeschooled, who was in the class, spoke up and very eloquently talked about her experience in homeschooling and how positive it was...what a blessing this child was :)
Afterwards, my son and I were leaving to eat lunch together and had some laughs over this situation and others. Conversations like:
"Where do you want to go to lunch, son, Quiznos? We could get a sub...you liked the one from the other night, you know, the classic club." "no, mom, it had lettuce on it and I don't really like lettuce on sandwiches. The only thing I like lettuce on is a salad" I said "well, that's good, since that is what a salad consists of!" (I'm not sure why we thought that was so funny!)
and then, when we decide to stop at the drive-thru at Chick-Fil-A , the next conversation begins:
Son says:"tell them I want a chicken sandwich--no pickle"
Mom gives the order: "I want a chicken sandwich--pickle only"
Son says: "no, not pickles only. No pickles"
Mom: "Oops...scratch that. Chicken sandwich--no pickles"
We both laughed at how ridiculous it would be if I had ordered a pickle sandwich--which is basically what I did!
I was wonderful to laugh with my son about these little things. It gives me hope that he will remember these memories most of all when he recalls his homeschool experience and smile at the thought of it.
My son and I went to a class together last week. It was a class that taught how to make millifiori beads (with Sculpey clay). Since my son has been taking a pottery class, this was something that interested him. He seemed to be even more excited at the fact that we could do this together. But that's not what I want to write about. I wanted to share a couple of funny situations that happened while we were together.
Of course, we got the usual questioner (a retired schoolteacher) who wanted to know if I taught my son at home. I said "yes" and she proceeded to ask me "well, what program do you follow?". hmmmm. That's a tough question for me to answer, because we don't really follow a program. I said, "Do you mean what curriculum do we use?" She responded in the affirmative. So, I proceeded to explain that we use different materials for each class that is taught. That's when I got the blank stare. She looked at me like she thought I didn't know what I was doing. This conversation was really hard for me because everything within me wanted to say, "Don't you realize I have a degree in education and have been teaching in the public school system for several years?" But I didn't...I didn't defend myself because there has been quite a shift in my thinking since then. My philosophy of education has changed so much in the past year. To say anything contradicting that would have been dishonest. But I certainly had my eyes opened to how people continue to perceive a mother who homeschools her child. The wonderful thing that happened though, during that exchange was that a girl that is homeschooled, who was in the class, spoke up and very eloquently talked about her experience in homeschooling and how positive it was...what a blessing this child was :)
Afterwards, my son and I were leaving to eat lunch together and had some laughs over this situation and others. Conversations like:
"Where do you want to go to lunch, son, Quiznos? We could get a sub...you liked the one from the other night, you know, the classic club." "no, mom, it had lettuce on it and I don't really like lettuce on sandwiches. The only thing I like lettuce on is a salad" I said "well, that's good, since that is what a salad consists of!" (I'm not sure why we thought that was so funny!)
and then, when we decide to stop at the drive-thru at Chick-Fil-A , the next conversation begins:
Son says:"tell them I want a chicken sandwich--no pickle"
Mom gives the order: "I want a chicken sandwich--pickle only"
Son says: "no, not pickles only. No pickles"
Mom: "Oops...scratch that. Chicken sandwich--no pickles"
We both laughed at how ridiculous it would be if I had ordered a pickle sandwich--which is basically what I did!
I was wonderful to laugh with my son about these little things. It gives me hope that he will remember these memories most of all when he recalls his homeschool experience and smile at the thought of it.
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Mar. 21, 2007
Common Sense
My husband and I have realized this year how much our son just doesn't know.
Don't get me wrong...he is a child with insight beyond his years. He is a child that has an amazing musical ability. He is so creative...more than he realizes.
But this year we have been able to spend a lot of time getting to know our son and we are realizing how little he uses common sense. In other words, he just doesn't think about the possible outcomes of his choices.
Yesterday, he and I were eating dinner together and he had poured our drinks. He finished his before I finished mine and he indicated that he wanted more to drink. So, I proceeded to pour some of my drink into his. I was in the act of pouring and he slid his glass over. The result...tea poured all over the dining room table. When I asked why he moved his glass, he told me he had apple juice in his glass and he didn't want the two drinks mixed. I can understand that choice to not mix the drinks, but he didn't think through the fact that the tablecloth would be drenched!
This is a slightly mild case of what kinds of situations he seems to find himself in, but you can get the idea!
I would find it very fascinating if anyone could share with me any ways to teach common sense/ life skills to a child that seems to have not developed this yet (he is 14 years old, so I am a little concerned)
Sometimes we ask ourselves, "will he be able to live on his own?" and "how will he make it in life?"
Can anyone relate?
Don't get me wrong...he is a child with insight beyond his years. He is a child that has an amazing musical ability. He is so creative...more than he realizes.
But this year we have been able to spend a lot of time getting to know our son and we are realizing how little he uses common sense. In other words, he just doesn't think about the possible outcomes of his choices.
Yesterday, he and I were eating dinner together and he had poured our drinks. He finished his before I finished mine and he indicated that he wanted more to drink. So, I proceeded to pour some of my drink into his. I was in the act of pouring and he slid his glass over. The result...tea poured all over the dining room table. When I asked why he moved his glass, he told me he had apple juice in his glass and he didn't want the two drinks mixed. I can understand that choice to not mix the drinks, but he didn't think through the fact that the tablecloth would be drenched!
This is a slightly mild case of what kinds of situations he seems to find himself in, but you can get the idea!
I would find it very fascinating if anyone could share with me any ways to teach common sense/ life skills to a child that seems to have not developed this yet (he is 14 years old, so I am a little concerned)
Sometimes we ask ourselves, "will he be able to live on his own?" and "how will he make it in life?"
Can anyone relate?
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Mar. 12, 2007
Great Wolf Lodge
Don'tcha love it when really cool sites for really cool field trips are sent your way? And don'tcha hate it when you can't go? But I thought that someone may be able to enjoy it....so I'm passing this along!
MARCH DISCOUNT FOR HOMESCHOOLERS AT GREAT WOLF LODGE IN WILLIAMSBURG, VA
Please call 1-800-551-WOLF(9653) in order to take advantage of a discount exclusive to the homeschool community, reference code 0307MARC.
Family Suite: includes 2 queen size beds, 1 sleeper sofa, and up to 6 wristbands to the fabulous indoor water park on site, including TWO new water rides...Howling Tornado, and Surf Rider!!!
Dates available:
MARCH 27-$109/per night
MARCH 28-$109/per night
MARCH 29-$109/per night
In addition to the discounted room rate, exclusive to homeschool guests Great Wolf Lodge offers a discount on our virtual reality game MAGI QUEST (game and wand only $14.99/per person, and or if you already have a wand a discount on the game for only $4.99/per person.
Please call by March 19, 2007 in order to reserve your room, space is limited.
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Feb. 25, 2007
HSB Literary Club
You may notice a new button on my sidebar for HSB Literary Club. This is a new club that is beginning in a few weeks. The first book that will be discussed is Ishmael by E.D.E.N Southworth. Jen and Kate came up with this awesome opportunity for fellow bloggers to join in the reading and discussion of a new book.
I haven't read the story, so I can't (at this time) speak on the story line, but I have heard good things about it and am looking forward to finding out for myself. I will try to post my thoughts on the story in the near future.
So, if you find yourself seeking to discuss a good story with fellow friends here, I would encourage you to go over to HSB Literary Club and join in the conversation.
Hope to see you there!
I haven't read the story, so I can't (at this time) speak on the story line, but I have heard good things about it and am looking forward to finding out for myself. I will try to post my thoughts on the story in the near future.
So, if you find yourself seeking to discuss a good story with fellow friends here, I would encourage you to go over to HSB Literary Club and join in the conversation.
Hope to see you there!
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Feb. 24, 2007
Yoga and Autism
I came across an article this evening that was very interesting. It discusses how a program to connect the exercise of yoga and children with disabilities is providing a calming experience.
It has been my experience that children with autism (and also other disabilities) can carry a lot of tension. This program can be one way for them to have the opportunity to relax and maybe give them some skills to manage their own feelings of tension.
It has been my experience that children with autism (and also other disabilities) can carry a lot of tension. This program can be one way for them to have the opportunity to relax and maybe give them some skills to manage their own feelings of tension.
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Feb. 8, 2007
Conference in Asheville, NC
What's happening in NC this weekend?
The 2nd Annual Home Educator's Winter Conference! Click here for a schedule and conference info.
I was really encouraged by last year's conference. Check it out if you are in the Asheville, NC area this Saturday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
The 2nd Annual Home Educator's Winter Conference! Click here for a schedule and conference info.
I was really encouraged by last year's conference. Check it out if you are in the Asheville, NC area this Saturday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Jan. 30, 2007
From a Mother's Eyes
Homeschooling my child is teaching me so much...about myself. I am learning how patient I really am. I am learning how I learn effects how I teach. I am learning how much I enjoy seeing something "click" in my child's mind. I am learning the depth of my love for my child.
Are there challenges? Yep...every day! Today there has been an ongoing "issue" in regard to trust. I am thinking that if he was in the local high school this year, I would probably be oblivious to what is going on in his heart. But I am not oblivious...I certainly don't know all of his heart, I only see the outside appearance of what is going on. Only God truly knows his heart. But I am able to see signs that I never saw before...signs that show me what I need to question and when I need to question them.
I am blessed to have a beautiful child. He has his own challenges and struggles, but I am so fortunate to guide him toward the One who has taken on those struggles for him and will give him the tools necessary to live a victorious live in Christ.
Pray with me that he will acknowledge his struggles and completely turn from them and into the arms of Jesus. My prayer is that my child will pursue a life filled with the blessings of God and be able to see himself as Christ sees him.
Isn't this the "core" of a mother's prayer?
Are there challenges? Yep...every day! Today there has been an ongoing "issue" in regard to trust. I am thinking that if he was in the local high school this year, I would probably be oblivious to what is going on in his heart. But I am not oblivious...I certainly don't know all of his heart, I only see the outside appearance of what is going on. Only God truly knows his heart. But I am able to see signs that I never saw before...signs that show me what I need to question and when I need to question them.
I am blessed to have a beautiful child. He has his own challenges and struggles, but I am so fortunate to guide him toward the One who has taken on those struggles for him and will give him the tools necessary to live a victorious live in Christ.
Pray with me that he will acknowledge his struggles and completely turn from them and into the arms of Jesus. My prayer is that my child will pursue a life filled with the blessings of God and be able to see himself as Christ sees him.
Isn't this the "core" of a mother's prayer?
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Jan. 24, 2007
Different Learners
As someone who has worked with children that have Autism, I have seen them endure many challenges. Most of the challenges that I have seen them face are those that can be seen by the person on the outside. In other words, it is obvious that there are needs and what those needs are. I say most because there are children that have the challenge of Autism, but their challenges are created from within and therefore would not be seen as a need.
Here is an article about a program to help autistic children remain calm during periods of anger and frustration.
Here is an article about parents seeking an alternative to harsh treatment of their child with special needs.
There is much talk about Autism and what research should be done to explain it. Here is an interesting article about some current research.
Dyslexia is another disorder that can be hidden very well, but it can play an important role in social development of a child with this challenge.
If you have a child with ADHD, this resource can be helpful to create organization and help with focusing on the task assigned.
These articles are taken from a non-homeschooling source , but could be applied to your homeschool environment or could help you in gaining more knowledge even if not from the same perspective.
All children are created differently. We can learn so much from them, if we just take the time to listen and allow them to teach us.
Here is an article about a program to help autistic children remain calm during periods of anger and frustration.
Here is an article about parents seeking an alternative to harsh treatment of their child with special needs.
There is much talk about Autism and what research should be done to explain it. Here is an interesting article about some current research.
Dyslexia is another disorder that can be hidden very well, but it can play an important role in social development of a child with this challenge.
If you have a child with ADHD, this resource can be helpful to create organization and help with focusing on the task assigned.
These articles are taken from a non-homeschooling source , but could be applied to your homeschool environment or could help you in gaining more knowledge even if not from the same perspective.
All children are created differently. We can learn so much from them, if we just take the time to listen and allow them to teach us.
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Jan. 16, 2007
1st Annual Homeschool Fair and Book Sale
My friend, Lisa, has put together an awesome gathering this weekend in Johnson City, TN. The 1st annual Homeschool Fair and Book Sale will be taking place from 9am to 2pm this Saturday. If you are in the area, come out and join in the fun. There will be time to learn about a variety of topics to help with homeschooling your child, a chance to check out some new curriculum choices and best of all, an opportunity to fellowship with others on the same journey.
So, check out the link and make plans to come. It sounds like a wonderful time and I'm sure our family and yours will be blessed.
So, check out the link and make plans to come. It sounds like a wonderful time and I'm sure our family and yours will be blessed.
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Jan. 5, 2007
See It and Sign It
I tutor a child with Autism each Friday afternoon. He is such a joy to work with.....and he is just beginning to communicate at age 10. It is so awesome to see the improvement over the months. One of his means of communication is sign language. He is learning very quickly how to communicate in this way. I found a sign language game over the holidays called See It and Sign It! that I purchased for him as a gift for Christmas. Today, we were able to play the game and I was really impressed. It comes with a DVD explaining each word and letter that is presented throughout the game. It is a board game with many variations of play-- 6 different games can be played.
I loved it, this child loved it and my son loved it as well. In fact, he asked if we could buy one for our family! If you are looking for a fun way to learn sign language, I would recommend this game to you. It is amazing how quickly kids pick up on the signs and you never know, they may be in a situation where having the knowledge of sign language will enable them to have a conversation with someone who only uses their hands to talk!
I loved it, this child loved it and my son loved it as well. In fact, he asked if we could buy one for our family! If you are looking for a fun way to learn sign language, I would recommend this game to you. It is amazing how quickly kids pick up on the signs and you never know, they may be in a situation where having the knowledge of sign language will enable them to have a conversation with someone who only uses their hands to talk!
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Dec. 26, 2006
Unschooling
I came across an article this evening about unschooling.
Overall, it is very positive and an interesting read. It was actually from a link through an organization that is usually very pro-public school. So, I was encouraged to see them post a positive article about a homeschooling method.
It focuses on some unschooled children that are creating some incredible success stories-- one being accepted to Princeton. It also focuses on children that choose not to go to college, but are equally successful.
Hope you enjoy the read!
Overall, it is very positive and an interesting read. It was actually from a link through an organization that is usually very pro-public school. So, I was encouraged to see them post a positive article about a homeschooling method.
It focuses on some unschooled children that are creating some incredible success stories-- one being accepted to Princeton. It also focuses on children that choose not to go to college, but are equally successful.
Hope you enjoy the read!
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Dec. 22, 2006
Christmas Cookies
No, not those kind of Christmas cookies. In fact, I could use some peanut butter fudge about right now!
Let me share my experience this week:
My posts have been non-existent lately, not for lack of desire, just the fact that I have been unable to log in to my account. So, I haven't really commented on other blogs because I would be forced to be "anonymous". Silly, I know...
I encountered a problem though, and I thought I would share it, because someone else may be having the same issue. I was unable to log in- I checked my username and password to make sure I was entering those correctly, but I kept getting error messages. Today I received notification that my password had been manually reset. Finally, I thought, I would be able to log in after 12 days of waiting. But alas, no can do!
So, after doing some troubleshooting, my husband suggested that maybe it was a cookie issue.
I removed all HSB cookies, entered my info and it worked this time!
So, if you are still having issues logging on, you might try this.
I know it relieved a lot of stress for me....I hope it helps someone else as well!
I do want to add that I am so appreciative of all the hard work that is going into fixing some of these issues from the tech side of things. I am sure it is not an easy task to tackle issues, answer emails, update everyone... So, I thank you HSB for your hard work and I will be praying that God will give you the wisdom you need to complete this very large task!
Christy :)
Let me share my experience this week:
My posts have been non-existent lately, not for lack of desire, just the fact that I have been unable to log in to my account. So, I haven't really commented on other blogs because I would be forced to be "anonymous". Silly, I know...
I encountered a problem though, and I thought I would share it, because someone else may be having the same issue. I was unable to log in- I checked my username and password to make sure I was entering those correctly, but I kept getting error messages. Today I received notification that my password had been manually reset. Finally, I thought, I would be able to log in after 12 days of waiting. But alas, no can do!
So, after doing some troubleshooting, my husband suggested that maybe it was a cookie issue.
I removed all HSB cookies, entered my info and it worked this time!
So, if you are still having issues logging on, you might try this.
I know it relieved a lot of stress for me....I hope it helps someone else as well!
I do want to add that I am so appreciative of all the hard work that is going into fixing some of these issues from the tech side of things. I am sure it is not an easy task to tackle issues, answer emails, update everyone... So, I thank you HSB for your hard work and I will be praying that God will give you the wisdom you need to complete this very large task!
Christy :)
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Dec. 7, 2006
The River Nile
For World History, we are using The Mystery of History by Linda Lacour Hobar. I was excited about using this curriculum from the beginning and my excitement hasn't changed. It is very easy to follow and it includes activities after each lesson with an emphasis on each age category. (younger, middle, older)
Last week, we were studying the land of Egypt and the activity was to make a sheet cake with a diagram of the Nile River on top using peach and blue icing, with selected places that we had studied placed along the river.
So, I thought I would share a picture of our finished product.
Even after all the work he put into it, he didn't waste any time being the first to try a piece of the cake!
Has anyone else had a positive experience with this curriculum? I would love to hear your thoughts...
Last week, we were studying the land of Egypt and the activity was to make a sheet cake with a diagram of the Nile River on top using peach and blue icing, with selected places that we had studied placed along the river.
So, I thought I would share a picture of our finished product.
Even after all the work he put into it, he didn't waste any time being the first to try a piece of the cake!
Has anyone else had a positive experience with this curriculum? I would love to hear your thoughts...
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Dec. 1, 2006
Cohesion
It is funny how, when you least expect it, your child will say something to you that was what you needed to hear that day.
During the seemingly mundane task of completing our next subject in science class, my son made a very intuitive statement (which is so out of character since he is such a concrete thinker).
Currently, we are doing a study on water for Physical Science class. Yesterday we were studying the definition of water's cohesion.
The definition states: Cohesion is the phenomenon that occurs when individual molecules are so strongly attracted to each other that they tend to stay together, even when exposed to tension.
So, what does my teenage son say? "Oh, that's just like you and daddy. You stay together, no matter what."
I had to stop reading at that point. I was totally amazed at this 14 year old boy stating such a lovely thought. I think I said "wow!" at least 10 times. What was even more amazing was the fact that he notices the way that my husband loves me and he notices how I love my husband. I pray that this carries over into his own relationship with his future wife.
And to think I could have missed this moment if he were at the local high school. People, they don't teach this stuff in public school! It can only be found in the relationships that are formed with your child, at home. It is worth so much more than any school could offer. Not just for what I received out of this moment, but the reality of what his mind is consuming. As I stated before, it was exactly what I needed to hear that day and I believe my response to him was what he needed as well--judging from the huge smile on his face.
During the seemingly mundane task of completing our next subject in science class, my son made a very intuitive statement (which is so out of character since he is such a concrete thinker).
Currently, we are doing a study on water for Physical Science class. Yesterday we were studying the definition of water's cohesion.
The definition states: Cohesion is the phenomenon that occurs when individual molecules are so strongly attracted to each other that they tend to stay together, even when exposed to tension.
So, what does my teenage son say? "Oh, that's just like you and daddy. You stay together, no matter what."
I had to stop reading at that point. I was totally amazed at this 14 year old boy stating such a lovely thought. I think I said "wow!" at least 10 times. What was even more amazing was the fact that he notices the way that my husband loves me and he notices how I love my husband. I pray that this carries over into his own relationship with his future wife.
And to think I could have missed this moment if he were at the local high school. People, they don't teach this stuff in public school! It can only be found in the relationships that are formed with your child, at home. It is worth so much more than any school could offer. Not just for what I received out of this moment, but the reality of what his mind is consuming. As I stated before, it was exactly what I needed to hear that day and I believe my response to him was what he needed as well--judging from the huge smile on his face.
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Nov. 28, 2006
Where's the Freedom?
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sub in the school that I taught in last school year. Steve subbed for me while I was gone! :) It was the first time that I have been teaching there since I left in June. I have to say that I am looking at situations with a brand new set of eyes! I would like to share what I encountered.
I knew that some changes had been made to the system of security in the school since the national school shootings that occured a few months ago. I had heard that all staff were required to wear name tags and that the outside doors had to remain locked during the instructional day. I also was aware of the fact that the administration had told the students that if they saw anyone in the building without a name tag, they were to report them to the nearest teacher/administrator. Yeah, now the students are helping to police the schools. I have a whole set of issues about that as well.
This is what I saw yesterday:
Upon arriving to the school, I was asked to give the secretary my car keys so that I could acquire a name badge. I was told that when I returned the badge, I would be able to have my car keys. OK? Where is the trust? I worked for this same school for a total of 6 years. But hey, I realized they are trying to be a safe school and needed to be consistent across the board. So, I handed over my keys with a smile :)
Then, during the instructional day, the maintenance crew came in to adjust the classroom door. Actually, they created a lock on the door that when you closed the door, it automatically locked. And the teachers are required to keep the door locked at all times. The teacher that I subbed for is an assistant in a class with students of severe/profound disabilities. There will be many times when the teachers/assistants are required to be out of the room (follow a wandering child, frequent bathroom breaks, class changes, more breaks, more wandering children). So, if the teacher is out of the room, she will need to keep a key at all times and unlock the door each time. Does there seem to be something wrong with this picture? The line of thinking with this action is to protect the students and teachers from any outsiders coming in for the purpose of harming them. It seems like they're creating some sort of institutionalized protection system....it reminded me of a prison!
This was just really sad to see...I am beginning to see the ps in a whole new light and am trying to see how I fit in, even in a substitute capacity. Honestly, it was very difficult to be there. Not with the students or with the teachers, but knowing that the public school system has reduced itself to a method of keeping bad people out and therefore limiting the freedom of the people "inside".
I'm not sure that is something I want to be a part of...
I knew that some changes had been made to the system of security in the school since the national school shootings that occured a few months ago. I had heard that all staff were required to wear name tags and that the outside doors had to remain locked during the instructional day. I also was aware of the fact that the administration had told the students that if they saw anyone in the building without a name tag, they were to report them to the nearest teacher/administrator. Yeah, now the students are helping to police the schools. I have a whole set of issues about that as well.
This is what I saw yesterday:
Upon arriving to the school, I was asked to give the secretary my car keys so that I could acquire a name badge. I was told that when I returned the badge, I would be able to have my car keys. OK? Where is the trust? I worked for this same school for a total of 6 years. But hey, I realized they are trying to be a safe school and needed to be consistent across the board. So, I handed over my keys with a smile :)
Then, during the instructional day, the maintenance crew came in to adjust the classroom door. Actually, they created a lock on the door that when you closed the door, it automatically locked. And the teachers are required to keep the door locked at all times. The teacher that I subbed for is an assistant in a class with students of severe/profound disabilities. There will be many times when the teachers/assistants are required to be out of the room (follow a wandering child, frequent bathroom breaks, class changes, more breaks, more wandering children). So, if the teacher is out of the room, she will need to keep a key at all times and unlock the door each time. Does there seem to be something wrong with this picture? The line of thinking with this action is to protect the students and teachers from any outsiders coming in for the purpose of harming them. It seems like they're creating some sort of institutionalized protection system....it reminded me of a prison!
This was just really sad to see...I am beginning to see the ps in a whole new light and am trying to see how I fit in, even in a substitute capacity. Honestly, it was very difficult to be there. Not with the students or with the teachers, but knowing that the public school system has reduced itself to a method of keeping bad people out and therefore limiting the freedom of the people "inside".
I'm not sure that is something I want to be a part of...
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Nov. 23, 2006
A Day For Giving Thanks
Today as you recall the happenings and festivities that have taken place... making pumpkin pie and roasting a turkey, hearing your children playing, having a lively conversation with your family and friends, watching football, sharing stories of Thanksgiving Days that have passed...take the time to pray for this family and remember how thankful you are for the family and friends that God has given you.
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Nov. 16, 2006
Change is Good
I am so glad we decided to change the math curriculum we were using for our son. We were using Teaching Textbooks when we started the school year. I will say that it is an absolutely wonderful program. The authors present the material in a way that is both humorous and clever. It just wasn't working for our son. He needed something more "hands on".
So, we decided to switch to Math U See.
Wow! What a difference! Our son has even vocalized that math is his favorite subject! Today we recognized that he really enjoys using the blocks to work his math problems. It was so incredible to see him enjoy doing math problems again.
So, if you have a kinesthetic learner and your math program isn't working for you, you may want to try this program. It has changed our son's perception of math!
So, we decided to switch to Math U See.
Wow! What a difference! Our son has even vocalized that math is his favorite subject! Today we recognized that he really enjoys using the blocks to work his math problems. It was so incredible to see him enjoy doing math problems again.
So, if you have a kinesthetic learner and your math program isn't working for you, you may want to try this program. It has changed our son's perception of math!
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Nov. 14, 2006
Everybody's Talking About It
My husband's Christmas CD, that is!
Gena, Tia and Dena have all written posts about his CD, so I thought I would do the same. It truly is a wonderful CD and is so nice to play as you are decorating the tree, drinking egg nog and fellowshipping with friends and family. You can listen to a few tracks here.
If you wish to purchase a CD, you can go to The Old Schoolhouse Store. The CD is called Christmas Solitude by Steve Sensenig. I am so very proud of him!
You will be blessed!
Christy :)
Gena, Tia and Dena have all written posts about his CD, so I thought I would do the same. It truly is a wonderful CD and is so nice to play as you are decorating the tree, drinking egg nog and fellowshipping with friends and family. You can listen to a few tracks here.
If you wish to purchase a CD, you can go to The Old Schoolhouse Store. The CD is called Christmas Solitude by Steve Sensenig. I am so very proud of him!
You will be blessed!
Christy :)
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Nov. 3, 2006
Classroom Without Walls
It's so nice to read a story of a family "thinking outside the box" with their children's education. Even nicer is the fact that it is being done about 30 miles away from my home. In this time of hearing negative press about homeschooling and about those who think differently than others regarding education, it is nice to hear a positive story about a family working together.
Take time to read the article. You will be inspired!
Take time to read the article. You will be inspired!
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Nov. 2, 2006
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
We live in a college town, and although traffic can be hectic at times, there are still some perks to living here. The university has a performing arts program and at times the students living in the county can go to a performance at a reduced rate.
Today, there was a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, LA. It was a great experience. We were able to obtain great seats in the front row and were so blessed to witness the musical ability on the stage. The instruments included in the performance were : saxophone (my personal favorite), trombone, trumpet, piano, banjo, bass and drums. If you like jazz, it was definitely a must-see! Since our son is interested in taking jazz guitar lessons next semester, this was a great opportunity for him as well.
Check out their website, they may be coming near you!
Today, there was a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, LA. It was a great experience. We were able to obtain great seats in the front row and were so blessed to witness the musical ability on the stage. The instruments included in the performance were : saxophone (my personal favorite), trombone, trumpet, piano, banjo, bass and drums. If you like jazz, it was definitely a must-see! Since our son is interested in taking jazz guitar lessons next semester, this was a great opportunity for him as well.
Check out their website, they may be coming near you!