Jun. 7, 2007 - "You, not them"
Well, I'm taking advice (again 
) from TJEd, "A Thomas Jefferson Education." The book talks about how YOU, the parent, have to get yourself together, how our children are always watching us so YOU the parent are mentoring your children every day, so get yourself together, so you can be your best, and in turn, mentor and influence your children well.
I am making improvements around here, trying to get our environment to a place of peacefulness and usefulness. I have either PaperBackSwapped or sold probably around 100 books (unfortunately I've bought a ton too, but at least I got rid of twaddle and have some great new books). We have made numerous runs to donate trash bags full of clothes, toys, etc. I'd like to have a yard sale, we still have a jogging stroller plus other things to get rid of that are worth some money, but my DH said he doesn't want to fool w/ a yard sale, so donations it will be. Our homeschool room is still developing as I figure out the best way to organize things and still keep them readily accessible for my children.
I've started my own education, trying to read classic books but I admit I'm kind of sputtering right now. I have so many different books I'm reading, they run the gamut from educating my children, preparing for next school yr, books on behavior/parenting, creativity, giftedness, teaching reading, organization, spiritual growth of children, teaching responsibility to children, ad infinitum.
Its not easy when you take on educating your children. Someone made the comment to me one time, oh, at least you don't have to work. Well, when I'm not eating bon-bons 
I am constantly learning about how to do this schooling thing right. Its not easy. I feel so unprepared, but I also feel the rewards will be wonderfully, fantastically immeasurable. 
So let me get back to my paper and pen, and get some of these ideas out of my head and onto paper.
Comments
Jun. 7, 2007 - Right there with you!
Posted by MOMatHWTK
I need to learn more history, roots words, how to make timelines and daily I need to know more about this bug or that bird. LOL! I have come to realize that the easiest way to teach my children is to learn the material myself so that when the opportunity arises throughout the day I can capture that teachable moment. Good luck to you on your journey in homeschooling.
Jun. 8, 2007 - Yes!
Posted by labellavita
I totally agree! TJEd wants you, the parent to be educated so you can grab a hold of those teachable moments, you can teach your children w/o having to always refer to a book, google, etc. I love that, because I know the topics that I am the most familiar with, have the most fun and life in them for my children, we can be spontaneous and really enjoy it, w/o me worrying about a script (which I never liked) or teaching something wrong.
Thank you for sharing!