Posie can identify the letters m and s.  She can make their sounds on sight.  I have been doing simple Montessori lessons with her using the "100 Lessons" book as a launching pad.  We worked on /m/ until she mastered it.  Then, I added /s/, making sure to review /m/ daily, too. 

Posie enjoys tracing the letters.  I use the homemade felt letters that are glued onto large index cards to demonstrate tracing with fingers.  Then, I write several of the letter that she is learning on a piece of white paper with a pen or pencil.  We trace them with our fingers while making the letter's sound.  Then, I demonstrate to her how to trace them with a colored marker or highlighter.  She can practice all week on several sheets of paper.  Her m's are fairly recognizable.  S is giving her trouble, so she just scribbles back and forth over it while making the /s/ sound.  Being able to correctly trace it isn't my goal at this point.  I'm just building the idea of tracing and writing into her awareness.

Next week, we'll add /a/.  Once she is able to correctly make the /m/, /s/, and /a/ sounds, I will begin helping her learn to spell in a "Montessori" fashion.  She will not only be able to "feel" the letters into words, but will be able to place them in order, trace them on paper, and read them.  If it all goes well, she may even be able to place, trace, or write them on her own.

One of the librarians at the library from which we most frequently borrow told me about LibriVox!  WOW!  What a way to make read aloud time easier on me!  Now I can knit while everyone is listening.....provided we have a better internet provider soon. 

http://www.librivox.org

I am writing more articles lately.  I am shooting for one each week.  I'm using my short and long lists and going back through the shorter articles to develop them more.  I can work on them daily during our writing time.  Do what I do, not just what I say. 

It seems that homeschool parents, myself included, tend to overcomplicate their lives and the lives of their children.  This has been especially true for me over the years with regard to spelling.  I've read the pros and cons of spelling memorization, practice, and alternatively the idea of learning to spell along the way (quite by accident I suppose.)  Sadly, I opted for quite some time to depend on those who suggested our children would just learn to spell by being immersed in the written word. 

Spelling by osmosis worked well for our eldest daughter.  I must admit that she learned to read quite easily as well.  She understands phonics and learned to read and spell with a gadget called the Phonics Desk while I was either trying to drill words into her two older brothers, or sat back and hoped the authors spouting the "easy way" would eventually be proven right.

After a few years with little or no results, I began to look at programs.  One that worked well (when we used it) was If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me To Do It by A.V.K.O.  While this is a well designed program, and it has enhanced my sons' abilities to understand spelling, it does require daily participation with an instructor.  Namely, me.  So, if there are several days where that doesn't happen, they are left hanging.  Hence, the need for self-study which works better anyway.

Guess what?  I went back to the tried and true spelling lists, daily practice, and assessment!  Because we use McGuffey's readers, I have a perfect spelling list available.  I also pull make sure to include the words from Ruth Beechick's The Three R's book and the dolch words from Jan Brett's website.  Once these are mastered, I move onto the lists in Beechick's You Can Teach Your Child Successfully. 

Here's how it works.  I make cards for the week.  I daily invest a minimal amount of time with each child that is working on spelling lists (until they have the hang of self-study.)  We spell each word together four times out loud.  I did this when I was growing up on a nightly basis in order to get ready for my own spelling Friday tests in elementary school.  But, that didn't always mean that I retained the words.  So, with my children, they don't get to check off a word as "mastered" until they've demonstrated that they know how to spell it three times.  Then, the card goes in their own index card box.

This doesn't take much time at all.  I know that some of the die-hard self-teaching advocates might scoff at me for not requiring them to do it on their own.  But, they will when they have developed a proficiency in doing it with me.  At least, that is what the older children in the house how proven so far.  They get a list (or make their own designed for the most part specifically from what they are studying on their own.)  Then, they study it during the week.  Then, they ask me to take a few minutes to see if they can "get 'em right."  I like this teenaged request for my participation in their self-education, by the way. 

Once the littles are showing their ability to actually do this on their own consistently, they will begin their own self-study spelling system as well.  I will have a set number of words that they need to focus on and they can add to it.  Then, weekly they will accomplish more spelling ability on their own.  They'll be fully equipped to learn new spelling words based on their vocabulary development.  It's an awesome ability to have at their disposal.

I'm using the 100 "easy" lessons with a twist during Posie's phonics time.  I'm using the felt letters that I made years ago for Howdy to introduce each sound.  For instance, during the first lesson, instead of using the book to introduce /m/, I'm using the felt letter instead.  I think it will improve the lessons quite a bit.  I never connected the lessons to the letters before with Howdy.  So, this will be a sort of combination effort.  While I'm using a three period lesson format to introduce the letters, they will be done in 100 lesson order instead of alphabetically.

I want to incoporate the sand table using this idea, too.  I may even have her make some scrap book pages of letters in this order, too.  We'll see.  I'm not a big arts and crafts kind of person.  Always wanted to do that with her four older siblings, but never did because of the potential "mess."  I'm ready to enjoy mess the rest of my life now.  So, might as well do it up right, eh?

Posie is enjoying "school."  She demands it.  Heh.  She has no clue that she doesn't live in a typical school setting.  But, she also doesn't realize that she's learning all the time anyway.

She is learning letter sounds with the help of two of her brothers.  The rest of us reassure her when she asks questions, but Howdy and Bubba are in charge of her three period lessons.    They are so excited when she comes to an accurate conclusion!  They feel like they've mastered the lessons all over again.  It's a wonderful thing to behold.

The magnadoodle is giving her fits, so I have asked that they use an old stanby, the sand table.  This will work much better for now.  She is also using felt letters that I made for Howdy when he was her age.  I just never could stand the feel of sandpaper.  If I'm going to make the materials that my children use to learn things like this, it has to be a suitable material for me to tolerate, too.  Heh.

Posie has been asking to "spell" lately.  So, during Howdy's spelling flash cards practice, she participates in the outloud, sing-song routine.  Who knows?  She may actually master spelling before she needs to even study it according to a typical scope and sequence.  Wouldn't that be a joy?!?

Pouring practice, folding practice, and walking the line are going to be introduced next week.  She's been aware of these activities going on around her, but they haven't formally been demonstrated for her to try out for herself.  The time is right.  She'll be able to participate in many more chores before much longer. 

Finally, a real Montessori atmosphere instead just head knowledge.  We're all loving it!

WOOHOO!  Howdy did an excellent job on his schoolwork this morning.  He got math out of the way first.  He's working on subtraction facts and completed all but one problem correctly in record time!

Spelling went well.  I think he's ready for a test.  He has a stack of index cards about an inch thick and I think he'll be able to get them all right!  I will go over them one more time tomorrow and then ask him if he's ready.  He can guage whether, or not he wants to wait until Friday.

He's reading smoothly in his reader.  I think the spelling practice has helped his reading quite a bit.  I'm hoping to help him push through this reader before Thanksgiving and then start the next one right after.  That way, he may be able to get through the next one by spring break and then onto the booklist.

His handwriting during grammar is improving.  He really didn't like the way he wrote his name on his hunting license, so he's motivated to improve it now!  He is understanding punctuation fairly well, but still forgets some capitalization rules.  This will come with time.

What a good day for Howdy!

That I CANNOT do this without GOD!

That I DON'T even want to attempt it without Him anymore!

That I LOVE homeschooling days when I don't have any comparisons of the children to each other or myself to others going through my head!

That it can be as cheap or expensive as I make it.

That I am thankful for a variety of ways to teach and to learn as they all fit into the mix at some point, even for just a short time.

"Your lack of effectiveness has everything to do with your multitasking."

-Dave Crenshaw

from The Myth of Multitasking

"It is often our rush to label and treat that crystallizes a process into a problem." 

-Donna Bryant Goertz

from Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful

While RC gives us the simplicity we crave and builds the foundation we want for our children academically, I have floundered in the keeping of our home over the years.  I'm using a modified routine now that includes the simplicity of RC for "the books" and also structures the rest of our life.  This way, things are beginning to really shape up around here. 

Our schedule doesn't look as simple as the three r's routine of RC because I have reading time broken down into subjects for the older kids in order for them to feel they are covering more ground.  Even though they were doing this while it was just listed as reading, they are better able to manage the time it takes to get books read!

I think I'll post each of our "schedules" as time permits.  I'll note books each of the kids has to read, too.  That way, those who aren't using the RC curriculum can see that they can use the routine without printing out books.  We still use books not on the list along with those we print out from the CDs and public domain.

Whew!  It's getting smoother.

While putting a book back together to loan to a friend, I ran across some missing pages to another book.  Pages 31-34 of Learning in Spite of Labels, by Joyce Herzog had been gathered up with the pages of the book I needed to repair.  I remember when LSL finally fell completely apart.  What a wonderful book.  I was so sad when I finally decided that it was time for it to depart from this world.  But, I'm so glad that these pages remained hidden in our house "for such a time as this." 

On page 31, Herzog questions whether learning disabilities actually exist.  She reminds, "learning disabilities has been defined and therefore it exists.  Yet diagnosis is merely a judgement call based on compairing one child with an 'average' child on several issues."  To me, that means that if no comparisons are made, no disabilities exist because you are helping an individual with their God-given abilities to develop them to their fullest potential.  She goes on to say, "yet all people can learn given the proper environment for learning and the appropriate (for them) methods and materials."

Herzog shars that she felt confident that she "could teach any student almost anything if" three things existed.  These three would be a cooperative student, enough time, and the ability to control the environment in which the student could learn.

I like the little poem she includes on page 33. 

School treats all the same,

gives all the same,

produces all the same.

Education is

preparing your child

to live out the

individual and personal

calling of God.

!!!!!!!!!!  WOW   !!!!!!!!!  That's so powerful to remember!

She insists that "if you take school home, you might as well keep your children in the system.  If you don't educate your child, no matter where he goes to school, you will lose hime to the world.  Education begins in the heart.  Education begins in the home."

When Herzog questions what is really important, it makes the reader take notes!  Here's her list of things to remember when considering what each child needs:

To:

"Know the Bible

Build Character

Know God

Cover Subjects

Learn Basic Academics

Deal Constructively with Conflict

Be Prepared for Adult Living

Have at Least One Highly Developed Skill

Be "Educated"

Be Culturally Literate

Be a "Good Sport"

Be Good at Sports

Exhibit Normal Behavior

Have a Relatioship with God

Have a Relationship with Family"

Now, I'm not sure a child HAS to be good at sports, but the rest of the list is fairly agreeable.

"Plan his education to develop the most important things first.  Do not spend a lifetime teaching academics and neglect developing the spiritual nature of your child."

I'm so glad God saved these few pages for me to find this a.m.  He always finds ways to remind me of the truth about His children!

We met Mr. Smith last week during a speech and debate seminar.  He writes a column twice each week in a local newspaper.  He shared of list of his favorite types of books that offer inspiration for writing, including speech preparation.

His first book suggestion was John Bartlett's Book of Quotations.  It seems to be updated/revised.  So, the newer, the better.  Mr. Smith encouraged the use of quotations to provide examples of time tested truth and impact.

He also mentioned that a book of anecdotes is quite helpful.  He defined the word anecdote as "hitherto unplublished information."  He read an example to demonstrate how little known information about historical characters can draw the listener/reader into the piece and capture their attention.  Books of humor are, in his opinion, another resource for keeping the audience captive.

His favorite resource was, of course, the Bible.  He said that much study prepares us to be effective in all areas of life and inspires us to make an impact on those around us through speeches, writing, and wisdom during debate.

Mr. Smith has found that having history and/or social studies type books around offer the chance to share cultural and historical examples which can relate to a variety of people.  So, he encouraged them to be a part of a personal library that he highly recommended starting at an early age.  He also stressed the need to add to this library throughout the course of a lifetime.

Being a member of the Toastmasters Club of Victoria, and other clubs in the past, he shared that he has developed confidence, been inspired, and actually improved his life by learning how to speak in public.  He felt that "content trumps style" when considering what to include in a speech. 

Poetry was also suggested as a resource for inspiration and the its inclusion in speeches adds impact and beauty.  Figures of speech are also enlightening as many have their beginning in the Bible.

He helped the audience understand the difference between metaphors and similes by sharing two examples.

A metaphor would be to say, "God is our fortress." 

A simile would be to say, "God is like a fortress." 

Both of these can be used in good writing to cause the listener/reader to ponder truth.

Repitition was stressed as part of a good piece.  By using a thesis statement, topic sentences that flow from that thesis, and a conclusion to wrap it up, repitition is easily mastered.

Pauses were his suggestion for dramatic effect and he tied his example to pauses in music that capture the listener's attention and cause them to wait for more.

Vocabulary development, in his opinion, was an absolute must as part of speaking and writing pursuits must be in a state of constant improvement.  He also mentioned that this helps those who strive to make an impact on individuals, their community, and the world.  It causes people to listen to what you have to say.  It strengthens the "voice."

Journaling was his final resource shared.  He showed his journal that has covered decades of his thoughts.  It included an index by date and topic!  It was truly amazing.  He encouraged all of us to journal in order to have one resource of inspiration that is ongoing and can be a record of growth and development and an aid to prayer.

He was a joy and an inspiration!

I found this info. on the Rod and Staff Books website earlier today.  It has a simple list of courses for a highschool diploma.  I think it's nice.  I'm sure some would argue that it isn't enough.  But, for one of our children it is more than enough and is a refreshing way to look at all he will have accomplished by graduation.  While we may not use the books suggested since we use quite a bit of RC's list, the framework suits his needs well.  He does plan to eventually use CLEP tests to prepare for college level studies.  But, that will be some time in the future. 

http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/list/High_School_Courses/

It is so nice to find a path for each child!

Howdy will need to invest more time on his subtraction facts.  We'd "checked off" that he knew them well.  But, he's needing to speed them up.  So, it's back to daily review before his math lesson.  He uses flash cards, speed drills, and oral practice to get these cemented into his brain.  I'm going to help him focus on this for the next two weeks.  He needs to regain his speed in order to make math time more fun.

Addition is a piece of cake for him!  YEAH!!!!!!  He's also working on multiplication and will soon add division facts to his drill time.  He's doing well in his math book, but really needs speed in order to get farther faster.  He is enjoying Rod and Staff and the idea of self teaching.  So, speed will give him an added incentive to continue pushing ahead.

Howdy will begin Easy Grammar:  Daily Guided Teaching and Review for Grade 2 (2/3) in June.  I'm planning on him using EG5 after that and then EG+.  There's no need for a yearly grammar book.  He'll implement what he's learned in this first book through daily writing with my suggestions for improvement.  I've looked at various levels and think that the three I've chosen will suit him fine. 

Easy Grammar!

We're enjoying Daily Grams and Easy Grammar Plus.  We do them right after spelling.  It's working well for the three oldest.  I haven't started with Howdy, yet.  He'll do the beginners 2/3 Daily Grams beginning in June. 

It's really neat that most of it is actually a reivew for them.  Even though we've only had incidental grammar or off and on formal lessons using Serl's books, they really know quite a bit.  It makes them feel secure in their ability to learn without being "taught."  Smarty Pants (PLURAL!)

Scooter has about one year left of what most call "school."  He has quite a load to tackle, but it isn't insurmountable.  He's ready for the work involved and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the task. 

It's amazing how time flies!  It seems like he was just little bitty a week, or so ago.  SNIFF.  He thinks that's silly.  But, it's true from my perspective. 

But, maybe my mom thinks that about me? 

I'm working on a chart for my younger children.  It will be an "at a glance" overview of how I plan to use RC with them over the next several years.  Our older children have enjoyed the simplicity of our routine and have come to embrace my desire to utilize it even more with their little siblings.  Though they didn't get in on RC from very early on, they can see that it will be an even bigger blessing for Howdy and Posie in the coming years.

I will start with a simple chart for Howdy.  I've already written about what I plan to have him learn in previous posts.  But, as a reference point, a chart will be handy for me in that I won't have to get online to go back through and reread my "notes to self."  Heh!  Or, maybe I should just use my new printer and print out all the wonderful plans thus far.  heeheehee.

No, a chart will be a good thing to post on the fridge.  It will be an encouragement to him, too.  And, with Posie coming up behind, I'll be able to add/delete according to her needs.

It's nice to have been homeschooling for a dozen years.  It gives plenty of time for me to look back and learn from mistakes and do things with younger children that weren't done with older ones.  It also affords an opportunity to revisit the things that were enjoyed and worked well with the older children, knowing they just might be even more fun with the younger ones. 

The practicality of Beechick's book, The Three R's comes to mind when planning for learning fun for our younger children.  The first few times around, it either didn't seem to be "enough," or I was just in "over achiever" mode with some of the kids.  I pushed a couple of them to the "breaking point," and made things difficult for them for years.  It may have been a result of comparision between our family and other homeschooling and schooling families I'm ashamed to say.  But, I also didn't realize the simple accuracy of focussing on reading, writing, and arithmetic.  That change in focus has made a huge difference in our home. 

So many times I made things harder for our older three.  I rushed them through lessons in phonics and math trying to "get on with it."  They either got it or didn't.  The "didn't" part is the mistake.  Home education became nothing more than school.  Mastery wasn't acheived, but grades were instead a part of their lives.  What a difference several years of learning can make. 

Without worrying about learning early or late, there is no need for grading.  "Getting on with it" isn't on my radar screen.  It's a matter of timing.  When they are capable of the next thing, they move on by themselves.  With reading, writing, and arithmetic in their pockets, the other subjects are naturally easier to learn.  They are learned quickly and with enthusiasm.  Learning is a blessing instead of well, a curse.

Simple ideas from Beechick, our simple RC routine, and simply enjoying our children are such a blessing.  I'm thankful for my older children's forgiveness.  They are learning so much from my mistakes and my willingness to ask for forgiveness.  They can see by my example that learning requires parents to be patient with their children and for children to be patient with their parents. 

"The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit."  Ecclesiastes 7:8

This verse has meant different things to me over the years.  But, now, it is a blessing to me to know that my children can have patience with me.  Though I thought I was patient, I was not always an example of it to them.  They can see me patiently waiting for their little siblings to "click."  They, too, patiently have waited for me to "click."  It's as if homeschooling has come full circle in our home.  They are close to being fully prepared to understand the joys and frustrations of parenting.  Some day, they will hopefully be much more patient with their own children. 

I guess that's another reason that children are such a blessing.  With each new child, God offers another chance for us to "grow up."  It's amazing that He has a simple plan for parenting.  If we'd only follow His design instead of our own, things would be so much easier.  I know that Jesus reminded us that His yoke was light.  Why did I burden myself with some imaginary homeschooling weighted burden instead?  I'm thankful that He encouraged authors like Beechick and homeschooling fathers like Robinson to write about simplicity that makes the burden light.

KISS!

Howdy's math books came yesterday!  It made me very sad.  They are just what Bubba should have used way back.  I let others talk me in and out of various math curricula even when I knew in my heart that Rod and Staff is what he should've been using.  It is simple and sweet on the pages.   It's just plain old basic math with plenty of drill and practice.  It offers wonderful Scripture verses to be memorized, too.  I will be using them for Howdy's handwriting.  I will have Bubba do this, too. 

Repenting about this has made things better.  Asking for Bubba's forgiveness helped us both be happy about the years of frustration as we can see that he has learned much about how to help his little brother become diligent.  He had to push through some very tough struggles, but gets to enjoy tutoring his brother with me with sweet resources that will encourage him now more than ever.  He uses R&S grade 8 right now and can appreciate that Howdy will have a better foundation than he had earlier on. 

Thank You, Jesus!

Howdy won't be using Sequential Spelling.  He's very capable of using AVKO's adult literacy program, If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me To Do It right along with the others.  So, I won't have two spelling times with the kids, but one!  YEAH!

I threw out so much stuff yesterday!  It made lots of room in the file cabinet.  I'm going to keep printed books in manilla folders when they are not in use. 

I shredded almost all of the TM papers, saving only a few of them to go over and then chunk.  One piece of paper that I saved was printed off the internet on March 19, 2002.  It was from http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_wisdoms_7_pillars_of_true_ed.htm.  That's part of Barb Shelton's website. 

The part that stuck out to me was a verse and a comment.

"Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

"What does this have to do with 'education'?  Absolutely everything!  The above three verses in James 1:2, 3, and 4, are a perfect illustration of 'God's School of Life.'  What usually happens in the typical homeschool 'when we meet various trials' is we avoid them, go around them, tell the kids to 'knock it off and just get your schoolwork done!'  Right?  We are entirely missing the point, missing the opportunity-the invitation, actually-to disciple, and truly educate our children.  Whatever the Lord is bringing our way, whatever trials we meet, that is what is truly needed at that moment."  Barb Shelton

I'm keeing this page through my blog as I've actually done this in the past and want to have a reminder to refer to when I feel like avoiding, going around, or just getting something done without really learning in the situation.

Counting it all joy, joy, JOY!

I'm learning how to use our new duplexing printer today.  Quite challenging!  I've actually printed one book, two-sided, but did it "by hand."  I sent another from the RC disc set to "print all," but it didn't print on both sides.

ACK!

Once I get the hang of it, I will be SO HAPPY!

We've been trying to find a balance between self-teaching and learning together.  A balance of the two is going to make a huge difference in our days.  While much of the childrens' learning is done on their own, there are a few things that we enjoy learning together.

Our morning Bible study time helps get the day off to a good start.  Studying a portion each day seems to keep everyone focussed on those traits that define love.  It's so easy to lose sight of these if we just jump right into "school."

Brain Gym stretching and a bit of exercise are necessary for each of us to stay physically fit.  These don't take a lot of time or much effort as long as we set a specific time to do them.  I know I feel better when we eat healthy foods, drink plenty water, enjoy the sunshine, and move around throughout the day.  The kids feel better, too.  Daddy even said today that he will quit drinking Dr. Pepper if I will make sure to eat right for my blood sugar levels to stay balanced!    I think I have the easier task!

The kids are doing math on their own, for the most part.  I do still work with Howdy and Posie.  Bubba requests help from time to time.  Scooter and Sis do one, two, or more lessons in their chosen math curricula most days.  Scooter is completing ClassMates and will follow up with Jacob's.  Sis is sticking with Saxon. 

Spelling together has been a family improvement project.  A.V.K.O. is our resource for this improvement.  While we could continue with McGuffey's and individualized spelling, AVKO demonstrates patterns of which the kids can remind each other and it can be done together quite quickly and easily each day.

We're adding the study of grammar to our together time, too.  Easy Grammar is our choice for this project.  Serl's books laid a good foundation.  But, they are wanting a grammar with a "key" in order to check their progress. 

Writing is another part of our daily routine and seems to be getting better with practice.  Posie is going to start using our Montessori felt letters.  Howdy is using copywork as a time to practice his handwriting skills.

The rest of the day is devoted to reading various books.  Some are assigned; others are chosen by the reader.  Howdy has some read-to-Mama time each day and is getting better with practice.  I plan to stick fairly close to the RC reading list that is organized by reading level for his reading assignments. 

I'm hoping to learn how to use our new HP Officejet Pro 8500 printer this week.  It will speed up our printing process and make things run more smoothly around here.  YEAH!

Final answer, Rod and Staff Grade 3:  Exploring Arithmetic!  He will build to 2 lessons daily as soon as possible in the hope to complete Grade 4 by the end of May '10.  Then, 5 and 6 by end of May '11.  That will put him finishing 7 and 8 by end of May '12 and then he can complete Jacob's Elementary Algebra and Geometry by age 14 or 15.  That's a reasonably great plan for Howdy!  Thank You, God!

My sister and I are starting to use Brain Gym exercises with our children before we begin our studies each day.  We hope to see improvement in their learning abilities and attention spans.  Who knows?!?  We may even see improvement in our own abilities and attention spans. 

I'm planning to use them at various times throughout the day, too.  I'm going to make large index cards with the exercises for specific subjects with pictures of the actual exercise so we can focus just a few exercises before math, spelling, and writing.  Then, before reading practice, the ones that still read to me will have a set of exercises.  Those who do their reading on their own will have a different set.  It will fit easily into our RC routine as we have blocks of time for the 3R's.  At each change of study, we can "refocus" through a few movements and get some exercise throughout the day while we get our studies and chores completed.

They're simple, short, and to the point.  Vision therapy is involved for at one, but I think it will improve my vision as well.  I hope to remember to blog about the results as I notice them....oh, memory skills have a set of exercises, too.  Heh! 

Mathematics:  Is God Silent? by James Nickel has been put on our required reading list for highschool math.  It is EXCELLENT!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The Life of Lafayette by Henry C. Watson

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

David Crockett, Scout by Charles Fletcher Allen

Howdy is just about "there."  It's exciting!  He's ready for a list of things to study on his own and together with the rest of us. 

His read aloud time will include McGuffey's Primer which will be quite easy for him.  He will also read many of the Bailey books from the RC discs.  It just depends on how indepth I'm going to have him go with the disc booklist.  I have several lists from which to choose that are also great.  I may just refer to each of them for whatever seems to be "the next" book when he is close to the finish line with one he's reading.  Taking the suggestion from Ruth Beechick, signs, food labels, rules and directions, newspaper articles, ads, and other everyday items are on his list of things to read each day.  All the "extra" subjects will be covered during his reading time.  I'm not planning on textbooks or workbooks unless he requests them.

As for writing, I want him to begin writing letters to a friend.  This will impress upon him the need to be neat and careful in his writing and spelling.  I want him to include a bit about the things he's learning in his letters.  Some of this will be based on copywork.  The rest can be dictated to me and then copied in his letter.  This will familiarize him with the thought process part of writing.  I didn't do this very early with the older kids, but I think it will help him be better at writing at an earlier age. 

I may even assign topics for him to write about in his letters (and make copies of them before they are mailed.)  In this way, he will have practice in writing descriptions, narrations, explanations, and may even be able to do a bit of simple reasoning. 

I want to focus on capitalization from the beginning.  The older kids seem to go back and forth on using caps. where they aren't supposed to and forget to use them when necessary.  EEK!  It may be a "style" issue, but I don't consider it stylish to make these kinds of mistakes after twelve years old anymore. 

I'll need to work on the uses of periods, commas, and colons.  I'm not sure that we'll get to semicolons very soon.  Apostrophes and quotation marks will need to be learned fairly early I'd think.  The rest can wait for quite a while unless the opportunity presents itself during a letter. 

His handwriting needs only a little encouragement to become fairly neat for a boy of his age.  As long as he writes small letters, he's fine.  But, putting handwriting paper in front of him means a mess.  He must just have fine motor skills that need to be technically tiny. 

He needs a bit more time with the "very next spelling list" before using the fourth grade list in Beechick's YCTYCS!  I do plan on him having to be able to spell the words in McGuffey's lessons, too.  Why not?  It's only beneficial.

I'm not going to put too much stress on grammar at this point.  Informal lessons will suffice for the next several months.  Once I see that he's ready for adding another "subject" to his day, I will begin Emma Serl's Primary Language Lessons.  It has suited our family well.

Math facts are beginning to be exciting for him!  He loves timed tests and tries to beat his best time.  I want to continue this and work on an informal basis for a bit longer.  Even though it's on the shelf, I'm not set on Saxon for Howdy.  I really think Rod and Staff is more suited to his needs at this point.  He understands number property and abstract/concrete meanings of numbers.  He can handle most series meaning questions orally using increments of 1, 2, and 10.  We need to go over the difference between odds and evens and I may talk with him about prime numbers, too.  I don't think we'll get to "perfect" or "friendly" numbers at this point unless he just seems more "mathy" than the other kids were at his age.    Who knows?  If the drought ends with several days of rain, we may get around to it.  We'll hopefully get to word problems before Christmas. 

I do want to coninue with fractions.  He understands the basics of 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.  Measurement is a concern, too, as he likes to work on building projects and needs to become more familiar with this instead of just "winging it."  He's fairly comfortable with time using digital and face clocks.  So, I think I'm going to use this knowledge as a management strategy and get him a watch so that he can become more diligent and independent with his studies when they aren't part of a family discussion.

These family discussions will revolve around a monthly topic that everyone will be learning about together.  Sounds ridiculous, I know, but we need the time together with topics "in common."  We're starting with Proverbs and character traits that develop wisdom.

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

Proverbs 4:13

While self-teaching is very worthwhile and very effective, it leaves a little to be desired.  My children want interaction with me while we study.  I want interaction with them while we study.  We can continue with our routine and also be involved with each other during the learning process.  After all, Jesus was involved in discipling his followers.  He didn't just tell them to "go read The Book."  He modeled it for them.  He discussed it with them.  He challenged them to understand it by explaining it to them in ways that strengthened their strengths AND their weaknesses.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields btter returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." 

Proverbs 3:13-18

Proverbs is the book that most Bible reading folk connect to the study of wisdom.  When I read it, it sounds as if a teacher is TEACHING a student.  It doesn't sound like directions from a book to a reader.  It seems like more of an active teaching situation than a person off to the side only there to remind the student to keep reading until they "figure it out for themselves." 

I've finally found a balance between self-teaching and teaching.  I can see how the whole process of having my children go through this time has been beneficial for all of us.  They have learned to study on their own and we've learned that we need each other in order to make sense of everything.  We all have different gifts and abilities to understand in different ways.  That makes the puzzle of a family fit together.  Being isolated while studying has felt more like each puzzle piece laying away from each other on a table than each piece coming together to make a pretty picture.

We've learned to study quietly.  That's a huge blessing from self-teaching.  It requires patience, kindness, humility, self-control, and love to not distract someone else while they are reading, or working on math, or trying to write words on paper.  Those habits of charity work well in a home where study is a daily necessity.  These abilities make any form of learning a happy one as they are just plain old decent manners.  We can continue this peaceful atmosphere even as we do study some subjects together.

While I encouraged the children to learn on their own, I did find it frustrating for them and for me at times when I knew just one little story or hint would make things "click."  I'm looking back thinking that maybe, just maybe, that was "provoking" them to anger in a way.  Why would I want this in my children?  Jesus wants me to build my children up, not tear them down through frustration.  He said, "feed my sheep."  I feed my children good meals.  Sometimes they eat them with a spoon.  I'm not sure that "spoon fed" is a bad thing after all.    Teaching is a form of feeding after all.

Discussion used to play a huge role in our days before I began insisting on almost total self-teaching.  I will say that self-teaching does provide freedom for the teacher at almost every level....except the self-discipline.  In order to insist on self-teaching, you must be self-disciplined enough to require it.  There is very little discussion during the day.  It's basically an "end of discussion" situation as the "teacher" becomes a "monitor" and just reminds the "student" to "go read the book."  This is very beneficial in teaching the self-discipline that it takes to complete a task, dreaded or enjoyed.  But, it doesn't allow for discussion.  Discussion is what teaches evaluation.  Our children need to be able to evaluate things.  The best way to do this is to be able to discuss them.

I've seen that education has become a matter of knowing how to answer questions.  I, however, want my children to learn how to ASK the right questions in order to find out.  Abraham Heschel considered this very situation.  He said, "The truth, however, is that the valid test of a student is his ability to ask the right questions.  I would suggest that we evolve a new type of examination paper, one in which the answers are given-the questions to be supplied by the students." 

I've noticed something about asking adults questions (especially those who should be able to provide answers).  They become very uncomfortable if they weren't first aware of the possibility of being questioned.  It's as if they weren't warned there'd be a test.  Heh.  This means to me that knowing how to ask the right questions will be very helpful for my children.  They will begin to recognize whether, or not, someone is prepared to offer them advice that they should follow.  They'll be able to discern whether, or not, they should do more investigation on their own concerning such things as health, finances, career choices, and more.

I truly feel that I am to impress upon my children what is right and what is wrong.  I don't want to leave it to authors that I may or may not have read to get the job done.  I really think guidance and direction should be more than a "redirect" back to a book, no matter how "classic" it is or what year it was printed.  While it is convenient and has been a necessary measure to have the children realize that I have many tasks to take care of in a day and need them to be at least somewhat self-reliant, I no longer think it right to have them "fly solo" for days and weeks on end.  If I am to demonstrate the difference between right and wrong to them, I first must be willing to admit when I've made an error in judgement.  It is the parents' responsibility to pass on this knowledge to their children through discussion from sun up 'til sun down.  We've chosen to educate our children at home for this very reason.  Handing them over to a list of authors without discussion is no different than handing them over to a school system without participating in any of their classes.

I have been able to train and discipline my children through this whole self-teaching process.  I have been able to train them to stay on task.  I have been able to develop the discipline it takes to finish a book.  These are very valuable lessons that could not have been learned in our home without a time of "self-teaching" taking place.  They have been able to see that it truly does benefit them to struggle through a difficult task.  But, it we still long for balance.

The memorization of math facts has been a crucial factor in providing our children with the basic tools they need to succeed in math.  This wouldn't have happened without researching RC and self-teaching.  I just wasn't concerned about memorization.  This idea transferred to spelling, another area that wasn't a concern for me as a "trained" teacher.  Improvement in spelling has been another blessing from self-teaching.  Yet, our life depends on having scheduled, structured times and times that need to be more spontaneous without causing anxiety or upset.  The self-teaching model insists on rigor.  While this is not a bad thing in itself, if taken too seriously, it causes tension in the home.  We need joy in our home.  We want a sanctuary setting, not a military institute.

Time is what we have.  Time is what we need.  It takes time to be different.  It takes split seconds to conform.  In order to be different, we need to talk to each other and encourage one another with reasons for that difference.  Merely reading about people, places, and ideas doesn't build each of us up as well as discussion and instruction. 

We also enjoy hands on learning.  I think Jesus recognized the value in this type of instruction.  Or, He wouldn't have used it at Passover.  He used the same "teaching methods" as His Father.    I want to use those methods.  I want to demonstrate my love for my children by showing them, telling them stories, asking them questions, and answering their requests.

I want to sing with our children more often.  I miss that.  I used to sing with them when they were young.  I still sing with our littles, but haven't with the older ones in recent times.  I think that should change now.  Singing lightens the mood.  It lifts our spirits.  Now is not a time to be moody or sad.  This is a great time to be singing God's praises about all we are learning, all we have learned, and all we will learn about Him and the beautiful blessings He has provided.  We can be thankful all the time for His provision.  It should just be a commonplace attitude in our home. 

Taking study seriously has been a benefit of self-teaching, but it has lacked the back bone of purpose that I should have discussed more frequently.  If we are to do everything "as unto the Lord," then I have to demonstrate this in my attitude to the children by making their questions genuinely important to me.  I shouldn't leave them to possibly flounder on their own.  They look to me for instruction and encouragement, just as I look to my Source for answers to life's questions.  Modeling this will help them to rely on Him, too.

Finding a balance between dependence and independence is a challenge.  But, I suppose it is a wonderful act of love to show the kids that being dependent on God brings the blessing of independence in a world so full of every form of slavery.  It brings hope when all you can do is trust Him to know better.  It brings reassurance when all you can do is trust Him to provide.  An air of freedom can be found that provides an independent way of thinking about life in general.  This is what I want for our children.  They will be independent by knowing who they are in Christ while depending on Him!  That's the model I want in our studies.  I can only provide that by balancing study and discussion.  There is value in both.  So, we will enjoy asking questions and learning together about the answers.  It truly demonstrates how study is a wonderful act of worship.  He is our Source of learning and provided the opportunity, skills, and resources for us to use to know Him and appreciate His creation, a gift for us from which to learn.

Rearrange the furniture in the "schoolroom." 

Weed through some books and keep only those that are necessary or loved.

Take a nap with Posie.

Enjoy the cooler air.

Knit.

Print some math facts timed tests out for Howdy for next week.

I found a very helpful printing suggestions list for RC users at http://users.gobigwest.com/rosegate/estimate.html.

We are planning on the purchase of the printer suggested as soon as possible.  We have been using an HP printer, but the ink costs are becoming more than we can handle.  As we plan to continue using RC for the duration, we have chosen to finally listen to the advice of those who've made the switch to a duplexing printer that uses toner.

I hope to be able to blog about what I learn using this printer once it is purchased.  I've noticed that there are many options.  I'm hoping to choose the least expensive and have success with it.

We're changing the scenery in our house.  We moved away from a "schoolroom" years ago to studying any and everywhere.  We're going back to the schoolroom again.

I'm not sure how it will all work at this point.  We are kicking around several ideas as we don't have enough desks or tables to use right now.  But, we're looking at our options.   

We can move Sis' desk from her room into the schoolroom.  That would give us two desks and chairs.  A card table can come in from storage for another spot.  But, we're still two short and need an area for Posie, too.  I'm looking for a small table with at least two chairs. 

Our options are the 4' tables from Sam's.  More card table/chair sets could be purchased....but what would we do with all the chairs that come with them?  Building some sort of built in desks may run too much money, but they'd be sturdy.  I'm not sure what it will look like once it's finished, but we do know we're starting the move into this room this week.

I need to empty the file cabinet of all things unrelated to the kids' study materials and organize it for them.  I plan on putting the printed books in envelopes as before and will keep them filed by the alternative book list numbers that has them ordered by reading level.

All other books will need to fit on two small sets of bookshelves.  One set will hold reference and non-fiction books, the other will hold all fiction.  I don't know that I will label them with call numbers or anything like that, but I will have an organized plan for the shelves by next week's end. 

I'm thinking the ref/non-fic shelves will be categorized with labels.  The fiction books can just be alphabetized by author's last name.  Or, as most are historical fiction, I may order them chronologically. 

All CLEP resources will be kept in one place.  Headphones will have a specific home, too.  This will reduce search time.  The kids only use headphones for times when they use the computer or listen to a cd/dvd lecture for writing, CLEP or something that ties in with math, history, or science.  They are rarely on the same topic.  If they are, the headphones don't need to come out.  They can listen to it together.

Lots to do.  I better get started.

I had to save my recent post from the RC4JC e-group.  I want to have it around as a reminder to myself not to slip up on REQUIRING an education instead of INSPIRING only self-indulged learning. 

I've read TJEd and some of the Demille's newsletters and older writings. I read
them on our way OUT of unschooling. It's nice in theory to encourage your
children to learn what they want to learn, when they want to learn it. But, at
some point, it can come back to bite you when they are in their teen years and
wish they had done more with a mountain of unlearned information sitting in
front of them. That's where I am with two of our kids. It's no fun to try to
explain your way out of not holding them accountable once you realize that you
should've required more than inspired. I'd like to put up a smiley for that
cute remark, but it's not a time to smile.

I will smile when I tell you that IF you have followed this advice and your
children haven't chosen to be inspired to learn all the things they didn't feel
like learning while they were only focussing on their interests, they still have
time to do it with the RC methods, using the curriculum, OR NOT. ;0)

Some of the time spent learning only what they wanted to learn was enough
"ammunition" against them to prove that self-teaching DOES WORK, and DOES WORK
WELL! They are experts in their fields of interest and have learned to focus
their attention on what is in front of them. They just have to learn to
translate that into studying things that are outside their interest.

Depending on the subject(s), you may have to encourage the use of materials that
include more than just independent study of written pages (math, for example).
There are resources out there that do help students young and old go through
material much quicker when they "think" they are behind and need to move at a
faster pace. You have to know your child or have them translate their "ideal"
learning environment to you. I'm willing to risk saying that it will most
likely look like an RC environment as discussed in the course of study (with or
without sugar or tv). ;0) Quiet, focussed study with few distractions, plenty
of paper and pencils, good books written by experts in the extras, and good
food, water, and exercise/rest all help my kids learn what they need to learn
(whether they like what they're learning, or not).

I think the best part of TJEd is not the use of great literature, but inspiring
the kids to find their passion. I no longer agree with them only focussing on
their interests because it just leaves out too many things that can actually
strengthen their abilities to pursue their passion in the long run.

Finding a balance is key. Having the 3R's in place makes the pursuit of
interests much easier in the long run. And, requiring things of our children is
realistic as they will be required to do things even in their own areas of
interest that don't particularly inspire them.....laundry and bathroom duty come
to mind as a mom. ;0)

Some things that have helped in our transition:

The Pre-Algebra Classmate with Ms. Gruber aids in getting all pre-algebra concepts mastered in a hurry if there are gaps or whole concepts missing in mathematics education.  Yes, it would seem a crutch to RC purists because it is instructor based.  But, it has been a life saver/time saver for me as a mom who had too many children to turn into self-directed learners all at the same time.    It gave our oldest time to transition from me being his teacher to him studying on his own with/without an instructor.

Staying on top of the printing of books from the cds, OR requiring an alternative until I have more ink to do so is essential in keeping the flow of our routine moving smoothly.

Math facts practice at any age old enough to identify numerals and understand the concept of what they represent is a MUST!

Taking the time to get phonics skills in place for the next one ready to make the move to independence has been key in keeping me focussed on making a full transition to the RC independent lifestyle that I want for our children.  Howdy will be able to be completely on his own with very rare help from me before summer begins, maybe even sooner!

Having an RC schedule with a hint of a MOTH routine has been instrumental in making sure that chores and school get done.  With a 33 month old running around learning right behind us, we have to make sure her needs are met.

Ruth Beechick's spelling lists from You CAN Teach Your Child Successfullly have been a great tool for the oldest to "catch up" in the spelling department.  They use the lists in a self-teaching way at a specific time each day.  They continue practicing a section of the list until they are certain that I can call them out and they can spell them with 100% accuracy.  It is amazing the amount of improvement a list can make for a determined teen!  AVKO is our backup for one of our children who needs to "see" spelling patterns.  That is Mom-involved, but for only a short time.

As for afternoons and weekends, I'm "inspiring" them to read what they want, when they want.  That allows for a bit of the TJEd type ideal to come into play and feeds their passions.  I read what I want when I can, so this is their time to do that, too.

I'm so encouraged by what our three youngest are being allowed to do through self-teaching that the older two weren't given early on in this homeschooling adventure.  We've all learned from past mistakes and are slowly, but surely moving on in a much better, even easier, direction than the idealistic impossibilities of "Jeffersonian" unschooling.  While President Jefferson had a mentor and was encouraged to follow his interests as varied as they were, he was also required to learn the skills that would allow him to "bloom where he would eventually be planted." 

I'm thankful that our children are still in our garden where we can tend to their needs before they are mature plants.  Instead of being undernourished, they are now getting all the "nutrients" a solid 3R's education provides.  They are being empowered to grow into adults whose passions can be fueled by the ability to learn using the tools that pave the way.

This may sound harsh to TJEd proponents.  But, I came away with a sense of, "but what about those things that we haven't covered that they don't 'feel' like learning?"  There is mention of being a good reader and learning to write, but what about math and science?  Those things are good foundational tools for future learning.  Math is especially significant if science is to ever be pursued.  I'm sticking with the RC format for this very reason.  We are not concerned that a specific science curriculum be studied until after their math skills support a scientific pursuit.  Mathematics mastery will provide them with the means to understand science much easier than those who learn it "when they're supposed to" whether they understand the math behind it, or not.

My take on RC vs. TJEd may be biased in that I have focussed more time and attention to the RC Course of Study than to the Demille's books and other resources.  But, we've found that RC is providing such an increase in ability for our children that I have no plans to search for anything else.....unless it would be a cheaper way to PRINT!

I'm going back to having conferences with the kids once a week.  Simple routine.  One kid, each day of the week, will mean five conferences a week.  But, it will keep them more accountable for what they are to learn each week.  It's not so much an accountability program as it is an encouragement opportunity. 

Monday-Scooter

Tuesday-Bubba

Wednesday-Sis

Thursday-Howdy

Friday-Posie

Simple.  Short.  Timely.  Productive.  Inspirational.  Loving.  Hopeful.

One of the realities of self-teaching is that it can be a "lonely" pursuit.  Not only do there seem to be few homeschooling families who share the belief that once the 3 R's are in place, their children can learn for themselves, but the kids also miss the interaction with their teacher, Me.  Our children feel isolated by the fact that their homeschooled friends tend to have situations that simulate those that attend school.  Whether it's a mom or dad that outlines things for them and teaches each subject, or a co-op class(es), or even a video school, they all tend to be taught instead of being encouraged to learn.

Scooter lost it last night saying that he needs a teacher as he just can't learn everything on his own.  He gave very thought out reasons in an attempt to support his argument that self-teaching doesn't work. 

1.  Lack of self-discipline.

2.  Poor spelling skills.

3.  Slow reading rate.

4.  Frustration with math, not being a "math person."

5.  Not having someone telling him to keep studying and what to study for that matter.

I reminded him that he has his schedule, his to-learn list, and the rest of us following our schedules as a way to instill the self-discipline it takes to carry out his plan.

I reminded him that I can't learn to spell for him.  He has his lists.  He has a dictionary.  He has a great vocabulary.  He has spellcheck on the computer when he gets stuck.  He also has the option of daily AVKO lessons that we can go back to if he feels it necessary.

I reminded him that the way to increase speed as far as reading is concerned is to read MORE and read MORE FREQUENTLY.  He has loads of reading to do.  (He reads on an almost constant basis as I reminded and frequently carries on conversations with family and friends based on what he has read.)  I think that the long list that still sits at his desk is the reason for this to be listed as part of his argument.  He feels like there is so much to learn and that he is "running out of time."  Hence, he feels that he lacks the speed to conquer the mountain of information he'd like to read within then next year, or so.

I reminded him that I was told that I, too, am not a "math person."  But, I still had to learn math.  Even the higher math that he is groaning through was required for a diploma when I attended public school.  Whether, or not I have ever knowingly used it, doesn't mean that he won't need it or use it in his future.  He must continue I.C.E., if nothing else.    While this didn't sit well with him, he knows that a couple of things that he is interested in require much higher math than he has ventured into and that means buckling down and getting on with it.  Leaving him to feel like there is another mountain to climb.

I reminded him that I voluntarily encourage him throughout the day to focus.  I reminded him that I do discuss the things he's currently learning (as well as with the other four of his siblings.)  I encouraged him to look at it as his job.  I also reminded him that the longer he focusses on what he hasn't studied, yet, he won't be studying.  Therefore, it's in his best interest to leave the fretting regretting behind and move on to climbing those mountains.

The conversation sounds cheery in print.  It was anything, but.  There were frowns, raised voices, and cranky words from both sides.  We both apologized.  Some of this situation is actually the result of our lifestyle as we have a family business, lots of animals and gardening responsibilities, neighbors, relatives, and friends that request help frequently, and bodies that need rest at least every once in a while.  This is coupled with the fact that many months and years have passed with Daddy having to work away from home for extended periods of time.  So, some of the time in the "middle years" was filled with things that don't appear to be formal education.

However, all these things have been a huge education.  I reminded him of all the things that he can do that other young men his age cannot and would not.  I reminded him of his strength and courage in difficult circumstances which are things that those boys don't yet dare to dream of and should long for at this point in history.  I reminded him that the interests he pursues are learned beyond expertise.  All of which points to the fact that SELF-TEACHING DOES WORK, and WORKS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL! 

He smiled and said he'd give it his best shot today, but "can you make sure that the other kids don't bother me tomorrow so that I can really learn a lot, Mom."    "Sure, Scooter.  If that will help you, I'll make sure that it happens." 

I cried myself to sleep, partly from the exhaustion of trying to be brave enough to let my children continue to learn well on their own and partly from the exhaustion of not letting myself become a mommied crutch for him to use and let himself off the hook.  It's a strangely difficult situation to be in as a mother of a young man.  I want to pick him up and help him and do it for him so it won't "hurt."  Hurt him is exactly what doing it for him would do. 

I am reminded of a note in the Robinson Curriculum Course of Study.  "...most of life is actually spent in a self-teaching situation.  Adult life is not a series of spoon-fed lessons administered by all-knowing teachers and programmed workbooks."  Welcome to the adult world, Scooter.   

http://www.insectman.us/

Howdy has become engrossed in collecting butterflies and moths.  Posie has been enthrawled with the study of insects for quite some time.  Howdy mentioned that he wants to begin a collection.  I am hoping that he will mount some pretty specimens that we can hang in the hall in pretty frames.  It's been a dream of mine to have insects and wildflowers all over the hall walls.  I've just been waiting for the entomologist to arrive.  Maybe, just maybe, Howdy and Posie will be the kids to help me get it done!  They seem to be quite the entomologists!

April 1st will begin Howdy's venture into self-teaching!  WOW!  I can't believe he's already at this point so fast!  I am using the list of books that have been arranged by reading level which can be found at http://www.my.homewithgod.com/joyfullight/booklevel.htm.

I hope to post about his favorites and if there are any changes to the order in which he reads his list as a future reference for when Posie is ready to begin. 

McGuffey's Primer

McGuffey's First Reader

Nursery Rhymes

McGuffey's Second Reader

The Tale of Jolly Robin

The Tale of Solomon Owl

The Tale of Paddy Muskrat

The Tale of Reddy Woodpecker

The Tale of Chirpy Cricket

The Tale of Old Dog Spot