May. 15, 2008 - educational gaps
As homeschooling moms we often worry about gaps in our children's/student's education. I have recently discovered a HUGE gap in my own understanding of history.
I am somewhat of a history buff and love to read about Ancient Civilizations and Early American/Colonial History, however, I've never been especially interested in Modern History...until now.
I've been reading a book about a missionary woman who was in Papau New Guinea when It was taken over by the Japenese military during WWII. It is an interesting story, except for the fact that I had no stinking idea what was going on! What does Papua New Guinea have to do with WWII? Wasn't Hitler at war with the rest of Europe? How do the Japenese fit in with all this? Where is New Guinea anyway? Why are there so many Europeans there...isn't it part of the Asian islands? Huh? Good grief!! 
All of my questions began to drown out the story for me because I simply did not understand how it all fit together. I decided to put the book away and begin a mini-unit study I titled, "WWII ~ What the heck was it all about? Who exactly was involved?...and Where is New Guinea, anyway?" 
I'm happy to report that with the help of maps, globes, atlases and The Story of the World vol.4, I now understand!!!! It all makes sense! What a relief! I can finish my book now... and I can relax; If my kids do have gaps in their education at graduation time, they can always fill them in later!
Sigh! Here's to lifelong learning! 
Comments
May. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by StillHisGirl
I am the same way!!
Scott's grandparents were missionaries in the Philippines during WWII and were taken prisoner by the Japanese. Scott's dad was born in a POW camp. Cool, huh? Yet the Japanese in the Philippines with no Germans confused me. :)
May. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
That is so awesome! A couple of weeks ago, my husband did school with the kids while I gave a seminar at a local college. He read "Meet Thomas Jefferson" to them and was so interested that, the next day, he checked out a huge biography of TJ from the library. I just love the desire for more knowledge that is sparked in all of us through homeschooling!
May. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jess4him
LOL... you totally made me laugh out loud. But I completely know what you mean! My poor husband is *always* answering questions about history, science, or the old testament for me. Other than his, "uh, Jess, shouldn't you have learned this in like, 2nd grade" comments, he's actually a really good teacher and never makes me feel *too* stupid.. haha. Way to go on learning more about WW11- although, I also have NO idea what papa new guinea has to do with it, or where it's located. Maybe I should tackle that one too. I sure love the history channel - hehe
May. 24, 2008 - Hey,
Posted by dixiefiddler
Hey Mrs. Debbie,
Thank you for your comment and your prayers! I appreciate then sooo much.
Love you,
Sarah
May. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
Debbie--I answered your question on my blog but in case you don't go back to look--YES, my husband is a botany professor at UT. BUT--I am the one who does the gardening around here!
May. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
Sorry, Deb! I can be very thickheaded sometimes!! ;-) Of course you know that!!
