We are a family in ministry together. We believe that God has called us to train up our children. Whether that's in ministry, lifestyle, or education, we choose to raise our children with a foundation of Christ with the academic instruction. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0500 Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0500 I've been teaching for a number of years and home schooling for 2 1/2 years now. I know there is a process of teaching, though that I have yet to venture into. More than academically though, I've been learning to teach this through daily living. It's a whole new experience for me. The part of learning/ teaching I hate to get to: Letting them figure it out on their own. What that means is, that my child need to learn to make a mistake. Even fail. What mother wants their child to fail? Certainly not me, but I'm learning to let him fail as he learns. A harder lesson for me, than for him. I have an 8 year old that is beginning to stretch out his wings. It bothers me for three reasons: 1) I'm not old enough to have a child of age to explore independence 2.) I simply have to realize, that although I still am the parent, he needs to learn how to be a decision maker. 3.) I'm used to making a complete decision for him, rather than him make a decision, and I do not want to relenquish control! A prime example of this is this: His dad and he have been making significant changes to his bedroom. They tore down the drop ceiling, hung furring strips, painted the walls, tore down molding, and soon they will be finishing the project by completing the ceiling tiles, replacing and painting the molding and trims. The first major decision is which "theme" to go with in the room. We did 3 weeks of research and internet searching. We had pictures all over the place. I had my preference. I boldly and firmly stated my decision. No go. He had his mind made up too. Not exactly the same as mine. He went with the camo theme. His story, he's in the military in the special ops in the middle of a safari. So his room's walls are an "Expedition Khaki." They actually look really good. He has a plan to put a mosquito net over the bunk beds, paint the trims an off white color, and paint his door and window rolling shades in camoflauge. He has little green army men, tanks, etc. around his room displayed. So far, he's doing great. I wanted to put his desk next to his bookshelf so we could write a sign on the wall that said, "Research center." He wanted his desk over on the other side of the room. I one that argument because well, it didnt' make any sense to do it the other way. But his response was, "Mom, it's my room. Why can't I put it the way I want?" We talked about fluidity and asthetics and soon he came to the conclusion mom was right, but it wasn't the end of our "differences" in the room situation. As I sought guidance through prayer, because I was becoming annoyed... more or less because out of silly things that were not going to make a significant difference, I was losing the battle to his opinion. I believe I've learned this: - Allow my child to try and fail...or conquer. - My way is not always the best... - I may be right, but he may be right too. - I may be right and he needs to learn to trust. - He has an opinion he needs to explore. - He may, through his abstract thought, become an amazing inventor or innovative engineer - I need to teach him how to process his abstract thoughts into practical ways (Ie.. if you have an idea, write it down, draw it out, see if it works on paper, then try it. Think about what he wants to do, think about consequences (positive and negative) then try it. Will it work? Do I need to do something else first?) It's a long teaching curve and process, but it's something that needs to be learned. I may have another Einstein on my hands, or Steven Jobs, or Stephen Speilburg. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/676400/ Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/676400/ I constantly reinforce the flexibility of homeschooling. This week is no exception. As it is Lincoln's birthday, we've chosen to create an entire unit on Lincoln. N-dog loves the civil war and Lincoln was the first president he learned.  So, this week being Lincoln's 200th birthday, I decided to take a break from our 'regular curriculum' and am spending all week on Abe. Even my 3 year old is taking part in our activities, and has recognized Lincoln's face on television, billboards, magazines, etc. Here's how we've adapted every subject to Lincoln: Bible- Since he was known as "Honest Abe," we're discussing honesty and lying and how the truth shall set you free. Grammar- We're writing observations from a book we read. And since we're working on Proper Nouns, we work on writing the proper nouns surrounding Lincoln (S. Douglas, Illinois, Senate, President, etc.) They've copied the Gettysburg Address and now they are working on memorizing it! Reading- N-Dog is reading Abe Lincoln's Hat. It takes a whole different aspect of Lincoln's life! Math- Probably the most simple math we have done, is trying to figure out  in what year Lincoln was born.  We continued to go through our regular math, but every once in a while, I'll find something in the book he's reading to figure out with our math. History-Need I explain? Let's see, Civil War, Gettysburg, Boyhood, etc. (Did you know that he wasn't born in Illinois?) By next Monday, President's Day, the kids will be presenting the Gettysburg Address on video in a costume they are making... tall hats, beards, etc. Science- Since we're on the unit of Animals, this one was easy. We're discussing North American Animals and their different habitats, functions, etc. We've discussed the food chain, and as a result, we've been talking about Lincoln's favorite foods and how (If) they fit in the food chain. Spelling- Grabbing words right out of Abe Lincoln's Hat. It's simple and practical. And the kids are thoroughly enjoying school this week!!!!! Stay tuned next week for video postings as they perform! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/656804/ Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:35:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/656804/ I've been reading several other people's blogs and have been grabbing ideas to implement in our household from everyone. I recently adopted the acronym family meaning. (Each letter of your last name represents a character that you want to work toward as a family. e.g. O= Orderly) That has changed our whole house's attitude toward everything. The kids, my DH and I have really taken this to heart. With their dad working 2 jobs to keep our heads somewhat floating above water right now, it's been stressful on me to be a mom and a dad from 9 AM til 10 PM. It's the way things work right now. And though it could be quite stressful and hair-pulling, this Name Acronym has been an amazing reminder to me, maybe more than my kids.  One of the words we've chosen to use in our acronym is "united." Instead of, "That's not my job this week!" or "But I didn't make this mess!" I have been asking the kids if their last name is DuBose. If they answer in the affirmative, they must realize that being united means working together as a team and doing what they need to do to help us out for our event for the night. I was flustered the other evening when after taking the baby upstairs to get our night clothes on, I returned downstairs to popcorn scattered throughout the floor and clothes that I had just folded strewn out unfolded everywhere. "But Mom!" I was at my wits end. A half an hour after their bed time, they were still up finishing our movie night. I shut the movie off wanting to scream and yell. My response, however, surprised the kids (and me) I simply asked them if they were DuBose's. They looked at me as if they wanted to say, "Not tonight!" I gengly affirmed them that I do not eat off their dishes, I do not dirty up their underwear, I am not the only person to use the toilet, yet I clean all these things. And though I may ask for help, many times I do them after they have gone to bed, for I am a DuBose and I love my family. Therefore, I do my part as mother and wife, tto be a DuBose. There was no argument. Everyone pitched in like it was the ninth inning and the second out. (Cuz at 8:30 at night, it was!) They worked like angels. They worked peacefully and diligently and what harmony we had right before bed. It was so peaceful. Tonight is date night, and although its too cold to go outside and leave the house with two sick babies, we will be taking the time to spend with each one of them. I have to run an errand, however, before date night commences, so I'm leaving behind a list of TEAM ACTIVITIES...things that need to get done before I return. I'm sure that after a long day of school and play, they'll work well together.  Dad will be here tonight coaching us and encouraging us (Encourage is another of the DuBose words) as he leads the team to a victory so we can celebrate tonight. I can't wait. I'm so thankful that God has been speaking to our family about our attitudes and how we treat each other. Our house has been full of such peace lately. I'm so thankful for that. So, go Team!!!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/645877/ Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:34:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/645877/ Our new school year was off to a rough start. On the day I preferred to start our lessons, I had a doctor appointment first thing in the morning. I received two phone calls from my husband (not the usual teacher, but substitute and principal) about locating a certain activity or usual process. Upon my arrival, not only was my house in disarray, but the kids (and their ring leader) were running around the house giggling and laughing. When questioned their response...." It said "chill time" on the schedule! " (Chill time = snack, get up and run around to get the energy out,) Chill time, however was supposed to be preceded by "Clean up " a time slot that evidently was omitted. My husband left for work. One hour later, and a house still in shambles, our borders arrived. They were only staying the night, but it was enough to cause excitement that emitted through the house. If we were to put our school on the delays/closings scroll on the local stations, it would have said something like this: DuBose School of Excellence- closed due to maintenance problems. So we shut it down. Today was a bit better, but we're still getting accustomed to our new schedule. Hopefully, it will go better tomorrow. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/642001/ Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:32:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/642001/ Here's a poem I wrote after an interesting morning! Enjoy! The Grinch who stole my Brain By Lisa J. DuBose   Twas the week of Christmas And all through our home The kids were excited In a large place to roam.   Preparations being made Decorations are hung Cookies all baked And carols all sung   School’s become fun For math’s in the baking Art’s in creating The gifts we are making   Science is watching The snow fall down And learning that water Is frozen around   History lies In the memories we make The Bible stories In the morn as we wake   But reading, O reading We must read on Not the classics, just stories But their brains were all gone!   What is this word, Mom? What’s t-h-e? And how do you say A-N-D?   I can’t remember Is it should or “sh-ow-d” Oh my! It is all A great big gray cloud!   O-F- is it of Is it off or for? Reading Amelia Bedelia What a bore what a snore!     The Christmas Grinch Has stolen my brain! I cannot read anything I shouldn’t complain!   The excuse that I have Is a sad one but true The Christmas Grinch stole My brain! Woo- Hooo! ---------------------------- http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/635509/ Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:31:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/635509/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/630066/ Tue, 9 Dec 2008 15:46:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/630066/ As we tighten our belt to make monthly financial responsibilities, we felt in our hearts to do something different for Christmas this year. This year for Christmas, instead of spending a ton of money on the 9 cousins my family would have to purchase for, we've decided to make gifts. One of these gifts, could potentially last a lifetime. The other, fun little things that might make their room brighten up while they are still small. Both projects will require a lot of time. Both projects, will require a lot of artwork. So, for the next, well, until we finish the projects,  our main goal for school is to finish the gifts. There will be math for measuring, science in the experiments, and art all around. We'll continue to write, but they will keep a journal of their progress on their gifts. We'll continue to read, and it will probably be related to American history and how each holiday began in the United States as well as around the world. There will be Bible...everyday. We will talk about giving, responsibility, love, missions, and the advent, all related to how we should perceive these days we call the holiday season. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to home school my children. I'm so blessed to be able to say I teach my kids. I love my job! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/625797/ Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:31:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/625797/ A couple of weeks ago, there was an accident in my family. I decided to go help take care of this particular family member. That required me and my 4 children to, at a moment's notice, pack up and leave the state leaving my husband and the house behind for an unknown amount of time.  I had several lessons planned for schooling, but now, we were having to adjust them, to make them more mobile and accessible. Instead of packing heavy history books, science kits, and all the tools that go along with it, I packed the easy stuff. I ran to our church to make copies of worksheets, printed out fun pages of holiday stuff, grabbed some light relevant reading book, lots of blank notebooks, our handwriting books, and found lots of colored pencils and crayons that would last til we made our 5 hour car ride to our destination. I found a great CD to listen to on the way  which was really nice so I didn't have to scroll through all the inappropriate radio stations I was sure to hit. Before getting to our relative's home, I explained to the kids that we were there to help her, not hinder her. We would not make her house a mess, we would continue our daily routine as if we were in school at home, and help her with the chores around the house. That little talk made a big difference when we got to her house. The kids were very respectful and didn't mind doing their school work. What made it nice, was that they took turns reading to her, as opposed to me, for their reading time, so she was able to enjoy their progress in education as much as I had been. So the lesson plans that I had ready will eventually resume, but we had so much fun with the lesson plans on the go, that they may remain quick and easy through the holiday season.  Crafts, science, history, language arts, reading, math, and spelling can all be learned through different mediums. Its not necessarily the publisher of the curriculum, but the concepts they are learning. My kids learned a lot through this time and experience...not just academically, but how to serve. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/625790/ Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:15:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/625790/ I love that homeschooling allows for so much flexibility. We are able to take advantage of every important opportunity that comes and make lessons out of it. Yesterday, our history/social study lesson, for example, allowed us to vote.  I took my children with me into my polling corridor and showed them how to vote. The why of the vote, we had already addressed. The who we vote for came naturally for my kids through discussion of our personal values and morals came into play. The what  of the vote was easy... we're voting the President in. The when of the vote came as we looked at the calendar and discovered which Tuesday (and always a Tuesday) we vote. Papa Bear had explained the importance of voting to my kids already and so they were aware of how vital our vote was. Today, the first full day after the results, we created an entire cross-curricula unit. Here's what we did: Bought 2 newspapers- 1 local, 1 national (50 cents a piece) READING-Located where in the newspapers the election results were, an electoral map, and our local election results. SOCIAL STUDIES/ CIVICS- Discussed the importance of the popular vote and electoral votes MATH-Created a pie graph based upon the electoral votes for each candidate AND the undeclared votes.         AND     Created 2 bar graphs - 1 for the popular votes and 1 for the electoral votes WRITING PROCESS- ORGANIZATION OF THOUGHTS- Cut out important information regarding the election, including the electoral maps, stats, name of the newspaper and date, etc. We glued them onto a piece of paper creating a collage of the election and placed these in our history notebooks. AMERICAN HISTORY- We determined which numerical president Obama would be and why this election was so historical SCIENCE...THEORIES AND DEMOGRAPHICS- Upon looking at the electoral map, we discussed and theorized why, though there was more red on the paper,  the blue party won the election School was a blast today. The kids loved it and there wasn't a whole lot of preparation on my part either. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/615055/ Wed, 5 Nov 2008 13:32:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/615055/ I closed the door behind me, picked up the cell, and called my mom. "I don't know how you did it," I said with a little tear in my eye and a hiccup in my throat. She laughed...with me, as she knew what I had just done. It was a weekend my oldest son had been looking forward to for a year and a half. He was now in second grade and old enough to go... PK retreat. The whole way to the campground, we reviewed our expectations.... Be respectful of your counselor, enjoy yourself, brush your teeth, change your underwear everyday, eat whatever is given to you, be responsible, participate in discussions and chapel, love people who may not choose to love you... and the list goes on. He reminded me that he was very aware of these, as they are a daily part of his discipline, but still, I would not be there for those subtle reminders, should he need one. He signed himself in, proving his independence, got his room assignment and then looked at his father. We all helped him carry his belongings to his cabin... little brother had the pillow, little sister had the sleeping bag, and he carried his bag. When we met his counselor, I gasped, at his youthfulness. I wondered how well such a young man could take care of a bunch of little 7 and 8 year olds, but he was there, and I was once his age taking care of the same, so I had confidence in his confidence. After his dad had laid out his sleeping bag, we'd kissed him, and given him his final "reminders," we all turned around and left. It was over. He was there, and we were leaving. My baby was growing up. We picked him up yesterday afternoon. What a joy it was to see him! He spoke of his adventures all day. All the things he learned and did! All the lessons he had been introduced to, the new activities he'd never experienced, and the new friends he had loved.  I thank all the counselors and leaders for allowing such a ministry to our precious children. I know he has come back with a special touch in his life, and it meant so much for him to broaden his horizons and explore new territory. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/611102/ Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:47:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dubosefamilyfliers/611102/