Dec. 28, 2009 - Classical Education ~ New Year Thoughts
Happy New Year's everyone! I hope your holidays were infused with memories. There is always a sigh of relief that comes after Christmas Day as you realize that the hustle and bustle is over for another year.
Now it is time to think about the beginning of a new year. I always feel that New Year's is similar to the first day of the school year. There is a sense of anticipation of the plans you have for the New Year as well as their being a sense of newness. You can let go of any negativity that happened during the last few months and start all over again in January. You can start with a fresh slate.
The New Year is a time to take stock of all that has happened in the first part of the school year. Are you happy with the results? If you are not happy with how the last few months have played out then take time to think long and hard as to why, exactly, things are not working.
Is the problem with your curriculum? Is it too workbook-y for your child? Is it too teacher-intensive for you? Does it meet your child's learning style, as well as your teaching style?
Is the problem with your schedule? Is it too rigid, too time-intensive? Or is it too relaxed to the point that you aren't getting anything done? Maybe a rhythm-type schedule would work better for you. Many homeschoolers start their learning time first thing in the morning. Maybe that doesn't work for you. Maybe starting later in the day, even in the afternoon would work better for your family. After starting school in the morning for 5 years, our family has started our learning time after lunch and that has worked so much better for us
The problem might just be with your philosophy. It just might be that the way you are educating your child resonates with you but not so much with your children. I found myself in that situation. A Classical Education resonates so strongly with me. I know that if I could be educated over again, I would love to be educated in this manner but it doesn't work for all of my children. So I have spent this last year trying to think if it is possible to achieve a happy medium. So far, it isn't working very well, but I am not giving up.
I want to encourage you if you are having difficulties in your learning time, to take the next few days and think deeply as to what exactly is the problem. Then slowly try to come up with some solutions. These ideas might not work, so be ready to go back to the drawing board and fool around with more ideas. It is very much a trial and error process but once you hit pay dirt, it is so rewarding for both yourself and your children.
Julia lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband, homeschooling their 3 children (10,8,6) and is attempting to give them a Classical Education. You can read more at her blog.
Dec. 24, 2009 - No Homeschooling, No Christmas for the Johansson Family
As you celebrate Christmas this year, please remember all the parents who are still fighting for their right to homeschool, and for parents who have had their children taken from them by force without just cause because they homeschooled their children--like the Johansson family of Sweden. This Christmas we can rest easy knowing that the gifts that we bought for our children will help further their education or offer a new way for your family to have fun together. The Johanssons have been denied Christmas with their only child, and so much more.
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB
Dec. 24, 2009 - Communication Corner ~ Last Few Days of my Video Countdown to Christmas!
I've done this each year for a few years now. These are the final days of my Video Countdown to Christmas that started on December 15th. Each day I'm uploading an inspirational or comedic video that shares the spirit of Christmas with my readers. Check it out on Communication FUNdamentals!
And Merry CHRISTmas everyone!
Dec. 23, 2009 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I want to share a couple of video clips which I located on YouTube...they are from a Public Television show that I have seen many Decembers over, titled, "Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe." These two clips share my favorite parts of the show. I love the peacefulness, the simplicity, and the picture of the family generations coming together. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe ~ Part 9
Rick Steve's Christmas in Europe ~ Part 10
May God bless you and your families as you focus on the beauty of God's plan for His children, and all that "Emmanuel" means to you.
~Lori
Dec. 22, 2009 - Baby goats!
Last night we had three baby goats born.
When we saw them we think they were just a few minuets old. 
They are so tiny. 
We also picked up a pig for my brothers 4-H project.
Me and my bro. Zach have lambs for 4-H too.
Our dogs.
Other animals we have here are:
More goats,
Chickens,
Cats,
and our horse.
Merry Christmas!!
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