)
I hope you all had a happy and blessed Christmas and that your New Year will be even MORE happy and blessed!!
I just love this Christmas card. I sent these out several years ago and I kept one to frame and I put it out every year. I also scanned it and use it for one of my pc backgrounds.
This is the tree that is no longer in front of our house as it looked on Christmas 2004 after we had 21" of snow. It had grown even more and was far above our roof and spread out even farther in front of the porch. The windows on the left are on the only part of the living room corner windows, on our corner porch, that we could see out of - now we can see out of the front windows, too.I live in a largely blue-collar town. There are no mansions or super affluent people that make up our community. The families that choose to be "traditional", with the daddy as the breadwinner, struggle. Lots of homeschooling families that I know here have had trouble even affording a computer.
In a community like ours, virtual schooling where the government sends a family a computer, pays for internet use, and supplies all sorts of glossy, colorful curricula and even science and craft supplies, is just too much of a temptation.
When our state first began to offer such programs, I can remember the glowing reports of all of the "goodies" that were sent--it was like Christmas! Everything needed was provided, including scissors and craft paper, and seeds for growing things. Mothers who before had been wringing their hands wondering how they were going to afford the Saxon Math series were now almost care-free.
But there was a catch.
Someone has said that nothing in life is truly "free". With all of the goodies and the ease of knowing someone else was in charge came a large price. Instead of worries over buying supplies and curricula, now the mothers had a heavy burden placed on them every day. They had to coerce and nag and bite their fingernails over getting the work done that was required--a whole boat-load of extra fact-cramming and busy-work that made it almost impossible for anyone to have a good life, especially for the mother who had even 3-4 children on different levels. Instead of having their lives simplified, they were complicated beyond comprehension, and their children were being harmed in the process and turned into drones who hated anything to do with "learning".
The most unfortunate thing of all was that most mothers were convinced that this sort of government-sponsored slavery was what homeschooling was all about! Many who were already feeling overwhelmed about teaching their own children became convinced, after allowing the state to muck with things, that homeschooling was impossible and horrid. So, they gave up.
But learning is not a super-complicated thing that only professionals know how to do!
Our children were born to us completely helpless--they could not even hold their own heads up! Somehow, with our encouragement, they learned to walk and talk and feed themselves. Children, even in some of the most impoverished conditions, learn to do these things, unless they are ill or haven't any food to eat.
Why do children learn these things? Is it because they are constantly nagged, or they have been through the right "programs"? No. Children learn these things because they want to and they need to. The parents are there to facilitate and encourage.
Now here is the secret that those who run teaching colleges and publish curricula and make their living on the supposition of universal idiocy do not want you to know:
TEACHING CHILDREN IS NOT DFFICULT--THEY ALREADY WANT TO LEARN!
I once checked out a magazine published for teachers from the library, thinking I could glean something of value for my own family. An article was written therein about teaching composition to middle-school students. I could not believe the amount of verbage it took--paragraph upon paragraph of evidence and studies and then the methodology that took pages to explain. What a waste!
Writing is just an extension of language, another form of communication. When it is taught in this context, it no longer seems mystical or complex. Good writing is learned by reading the good writing of others--with reading aloud, discussion, and application.
The same goes for the other subjects. Math is a sort of communication, it is the communication of the Creator to His creation--that there is order and care. Science is best described as the "thinking of God's thoughts after Him". The wonder of this planet and the universe is the only catalyst needed. Once the appetite has been whetted, a parent need only to watch a child take off like a rocket-ship (and be willing to enjoy the adventure).
Of course, you can't enjoy the wonderful adventure of discovery with your child if every day is prescribed and written down. The time and energy you would normally have to explore and discover is all taken up by the reading of droll, dumbed-down texts, numerous questions to be answered by rote understanding, canned experiments and the like.
Yes, there are times when a little rote learning can be valuable, but not as an all-encompassing program. The teaching of facts should be likened to handing out tools that a skilled craftsman, the child, can use to create and discover further. Rote learning should never become the end, but the means. We should not be so much concerned with turning out children who can win at Trivial Pursuit as much as we should be concerned with raising children who can take the information in any situation, analyze it, and come up with wise conclusions and solutions.
I do not write theory here; I myself have seen the proven examples, and not just among my own children.
But the public schooling industry, and it is a great part of our economy, does not want you and I to know just how simple teaching and learning really is. Just think of how many meetings and conferences would have to be canceled. Whole political commmitees would have to be disbanded. We would see a lot of educational phd's flipping burgers, and whole educational supply industries woud go belly-up.
Besides all of this, those who desire power over our population would be the saddest of all, because people of America would once again, as in the crazy times of our inception, realize just how many choices they have, and would develop the intestinal fortitude to pursue those choices. I personally believe that it would allow Chrisitanity to return once again as the underlying foundation of our Republic, as parents would be allowed to pass on their Judeo-Christain values in a personal way to the next generation.
But you won't read this in the leaflets sent out to entice you. They will act as your friend, and say how they understand that you feel unsure and intimidated. But they are not friendly. They only wish to use your own fears to convince you that you can not do it on your own.
But, with God's grace and help,
YOU CAN!!!!!!
Jan. 5, 2009
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #16 ~ !/5/09
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
|
FOR TODAY... Outside my window...grey, dreary, COLD day. But it IS a day that the Lord has made, so I will rejoice & be glad in it! I am thinking...that this is a week of 'back to normal' and life will take on it's regular pace. I am thankful for...the safe and blessed delivery of my friend's sweet baby boy on Saturday morning! This is my dear friend whose husband was killed in a motorcyle accident back in July. This baby is SUCH a miracle - it had TWO tight knots in it's umbilical cord and is perfectly normal!! One of the nurses told her that certainly the Lord let her husband watch over that baby to make sure it got here. Please keep her - and their (now) 4 children in your prayers. From the learning room...Back to school today! On the plate are: Bible, American Gov't, Composition, Life Skills, Marine Biology and Nature Journaling/Art; gym will resume on Thursday. From the kitchen...simple soup and sandwiches...or maybe salad for lunch; chicken breasts, snap beans w/almonds and garlic/rosemary roasted potatoes for supper. I am wearing...jeans, burgandy shirt, blue 'house socks'. I am creating...by tearing down. We will be taking down our Christmas tree and other decorations today. Boohoo! I am going...to the grocery and the bulk food store this afternoon. I am reading...Bible; reading through DD#1's schoolbooks and doing some extended planning...that I DIDN'T get done while on Christmas Break! I am hoping...that an important appointment for DD#2 goes VERY well for her tomorrow. I am hearing...Glenn Beck on the radio and the girls walking around up-stairs. Around the house...putting things back in order after the Christmas decorations come down, laundry, homeschool... One of my favorite things...newborn baby fingers and toes. A few plans for the rest of the week: homeschool, gym, THURSDAY IS DD#1's 21st B-DAY!!! Practicing the 4 songs that DH & I will be singing at my mom's church on Sunday. Here is a picture thought I'm sharing...
In light of DD#1's 21st b-day...wasn't this just yesterday?!?! Read and enjoy other Daybooks by clicking on:http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 29, 2008
Christmas Eve Picture
Posted in Family News from the WOLFpack
|
Here's a picture our pastor took of us at church on Christmas Eve. (WOW! Do I need a haircut!!
If you would, PLEASE keep us in your prayers. Sunday was our last day at the church we have worshipped and served at for the past 12-1/2 years. It's a 70-mile round trip and we feel that the Lord is leading us to serve closer to home. We have a few churches 'on the list' to try, please pray that we will be sensitive to the Lord's leading and land where HE wants us. Thanks. Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 29, 2008
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #15 ~ 12/29/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
|
FOR TODAY…
Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 22, 2008
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #14 ~ 12/22/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
|
FOR TODAY...
This is a card we received that I especially like. Merry Christmas, dear blog friends! Read other Daybooks at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 19, 2008
OHIO ~ NO CHANGE in 08 School Regulations
Posted in Legislation
|
December 17, 2008 Ohio--No Change to 08 School Regulations Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, We are pleased to be able to share good news with you. After the legislatively mandated 5 year review of the regulations governing non-chartered, non-tax supported schools, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has told HSLDA that it will not recommend any changes to the regulation and that therefore the State Board will not be making any changes. For nearly twenty years some parents have formed non-chartered, non-tax supported schools for the purpose of complying with Ohio's compulsory attendance law. This practice, which is distinct from homeschooling under OAC 3301-34, was virtually unchallenged for many years until in 2005 the ODE began informing certain individuals that they could not form a school under the regulation. Between 2005 and 2008 HSLDA represented hundreds of families in negotiations and hearings over this and related issues. While these hearings have not been completely resolved, it does now appear that ODE is not going to be making any changes to the current regulation and many HSLDA members have been officially listed on the ODE's 08 schools list. Further, during this year's regulation review process, HSLDA provided commentary to the ODE on why the regulation should not be changed.
Many states have several approaches for parents to comply with the compulsory attendance laws including the formation of a private school. HSLDA believes in the freedom for parents to select among as many options as possible when making decisions about educating their children. In Ohio, we're pleased to report forming a school to privately educate children under the 08 regulation is still an approach for those who qualify. We thank each and every one of you who commented on the regulations, and who work with us to support educational freedom in Ohio. It is a privilege to serve you! Sincerely, Michael P. Donnelly, Esq. http://hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=5935 .This testimony is available at |
Dec. 17, 2008
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #13 ~ 12/17/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
|
FOR TODAY...
Don't know what year this was, but when I saw it on a public domain, I just had to up-load it! Read other Daybooks by clicking on: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 10, 2008
What Have I Done?...
Posted in Of Interest...
|
I've seen this on Homeschoolblogger's sisterchicksteph's blog and momto4beauties' blog and I thought I'd give it a whirl. If YOU take the time fill out these questions, let me know so I can read yours! This things I have done will underlined. (P.S. - Don't know why some of these came out red - it won't let me change it! :-/) Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< 1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you could afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyworld/land (I've been to BOTH!!) 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying manits 10. Sang/played a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch-hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you were not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping (I wasn't a Christian until I was 23! :-/) 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a homerun 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance (I rode in the ambulance when our little girl died - saddest and scariest ride of my life) 47. Had your portrait painted (does a chalk and pencil portrait count?) 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater (I went to my first walk-in theater when I was 9 or 10 and not again until I was a teen. My girls have been just the opposite!) 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Gotten flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platettes or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helecoptor 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (as a baby in a stroller - don't remember it) 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the changing of the guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcyle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House (in the same stroller as the Lincoln Memorial) 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury (I was summoned but didn't make the cut! Ha!) 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved-one 94. Made a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person (and Davey Crocket's gun - Ol' Betsy!) 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (been to Salt Lake - didn't swim) 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee |
Dec. 8, 2008
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #12 ~ 12/8/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
|
FOR TODAY...
Visit other Daybooks by going to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 3, 2008
The Trap of Virtual/Charter Schools
Posted in Homeschool
|
OH MY WORD!! I just read one of the best blog posts on the trap of Virtual/Charter schools that I've read in a long time (and didn't write myself! HAHA!!). This came from http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com. She is the mother of 14 w/#15 on the way and has homeschooled them all. I HIGHLY recommend her blog - full of wisdom and grace. I'm posting her entry about Virtual/Charter schools below and request that not only YOU read it, but link it to your own blog, or copy/paste it onto your own blog (and give her the credit, of course) and tell everyone you can to read this. It's excellent! Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< Virtual Schooling tuesday, dec. 2, 2008 |
Dec. 2, 2008
Attention Stargazers!!
Posted in Homeschool
|
Got this from my Farmer's Almanac e-newsletter...
|
Sky Watch