This is a paper I read when I am wondering if we are reaching our FAMILY goals. It encourages me that we are progessing (it's a process) and gives me ideas again. Please see my post FAMILY Goals (posted in Process learning) first as that is what I am referencing.

Faith is First

• Do it first! Read the calendar text first in our morning session and copy a portion in our common place books. That includes mom doing it too. Remember to add a variety of other publications to read while still choosing a portion to copy or dictate. Daily, short, consistent!

Academic,

• Inspire in the Love of Learning stage by following my own interests and developing my skills and knowledge in areas I love learning about like Ron Paul politics, philosophy, gardening/farming, history and living history.

• Be an example of choosing to learn something that is “not fun”, but is hard work and may not be my “forte”. For example – I could do, and show I do, a regular study of stocks and algebra. This would show that it is possible to move beyond our interests into broader academics.

• Present and provide access to a variety of information.

• Once a child has chosen to enter Scholar phase he must accept that the mentor will challenge him on certain things. Yes, he chooses his course of study, but he also has to be willing to hear advice from his mentors that certain disciplines are still necessary for a full education. Our piano mentor has been great for this as well as Rhea Perry is in the entrepreneurial education. http://www.mydadcamehome.com

Articulate,

• We can learn to be articulate by weekly presentations to the family on our “doings”. I can also lead the at home discussions by giving a short presentation on my “doings” or readings.

• Post to our blogs, forums and other online resources.

• Each child should also prepare a presentation about what they do in their public interaction. I present to the public as often as I can so I am the example. I always look for value added information and ways to improve my presentations or interaction.

Artistic,

• Cultural Literacy of Fine Arts and Music Appreciation can be approached and discussed in the Love of Learning phase by exploring. In the Scholar Phase a survey of arts is done. That means we record what we have run across. I must make an effort to find elements of the arts to present in our Cultural Literacy discussions. Good planning in my “Great Expectations” planner is key to providing consistent and varied lessons as well as regular visits to the library.

• I can encourage natural abilities: Adam does nice architectural drawings, and so does Josh. It would be a good idea to encourage them to create portfolios of their drawings, and to get some examples of these types of drawings to examine. For example classics like Leonardo da Vinci and modern classics like David Macaulay. Adam & Hanna both work hard on their piano practice and we are blessed with a great mentor. Miina uses art daily. I could ask her what she needs. Maybe we can explore the card business on eBay.

Athletic

• Find individual and/or family activities that are enjoyable to do and require fitness and training to be able to do properly. For example: paint-balling wars, downhill skiing, horse-back riding, hiking or backpacking into unique areas.

• Follow my own program toward fitness. Remember that I am the example in all these areas. Enlist help and cooperation from each other to support our goals. Maybe others will join me in fitness.

• Farm work needs to be done: Bucking bails, gardening, hauling water (we could dig trenches and put in more pipe lines!) riding out to check cattle. Keeping active when there is work to be done is easy.

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