These are my favorite days of the year. The sun sets early. The chores are completed in the daylight and the nights stretch on before me. It is a little slice of heaven for me to curl up with my laptop, a good book and a little knitting to wile away a Friday night. The only dilemma that I find myself in in is which to do first.
I've been thinking a lot about homeschooling. The face of homeschooling is changing daily. It is hard to imagine that when I started to teach my kids at home, we still received concerned looks from those around us. It was not the 'cool' thing to do. Today, it seems that everyone is schooling at home. They are connecting to their local school systems via the Internet, charting schools online and living, what I would call, the best of both worlds. It seems foreign to me that some kids are 'homeschooled' but attending public school for classes, connect online with the same school for classes and homeschool a couple of others. I guess a swift kick and a hearty, Get with the times lecture is in order here.
The boys (my oldest two) are nearing the end of their homeschool journey. Their life discovery is about to begin. It doesn't seem possible that these grown [young] men standing before me are the munchkins that I started with- how time does fly. Now I am left to debate what I want their final homeschool years to look like, how to successfully settle them in college and how to let go as a mom who has been home for so many years.
I love the thinking and reading based curriculum that I have used for so many years. It has made intellectuals out of my kids. I love that my eldest is reading a leather bound full version of Sherlock Holmes for fun. Is that a little nerdy? Maybe but I am okay with that. It is also smart. I like smart. Are they smart enough to pass the tests necessary to get into college? I think so. I really do. It makes me wonder if I should have taught to the test a little more throughout their school career? I then shoo away the thought- we chose NOT to go that route. Why would I change my mind now? Perhaps it is the thought of college acceptance letters that need to be earned before I am done as their teacher. Interesting what kind of motivator perspective is...
Camo Pants
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Blessed
There school year is closing with the 6 week corn trial that I talked about last post. We finally are getting around to it. It was delayed by the many things that they are involved in. All three kids now have baby goats, sheep and horses. They will get their chickens and bunnies in July. All of the animals keep the kids very busy. I like that. That keeps them occupied. Me too...
Life is good. School this year was great. The kids have grown. I have grown. Homeschooling has blessed me beyond measure.
~Camo Pants
Thursday, March 28, 2013
In the Midst of Chaos
I have figured out that if I had no home schooled children, I would post on this home school blog a lot more often. It is hard to imagine how busy a home school parent is. Tonight I have snuck away, cleaned the kitchen, started the laundry and now sit in the dark- regrouping. That is what I call my type of therapy. I regroup. There is so much that happens between these four walls on a daily basis- I struggle to keep up.
The boys won state with their FFA agriscience project. We are now looking toward Nationals-the best part of this is the fact that Nationals is in Louisville, KY. Yup, sign me up- I will chaperone. I love horse country. So we will run another 3 science trials on their corn plants before June. You know what that means, don't ya? A basement filled with emerging corn plants for 6 weeks! YAY! Thank heavens I love it.
The boys will also compete at the state level in for state 4-H awards. They both made it through regionals. I am excited for them. Loren will compete in the Horse Awards and Jared in Shooting Sports. It is amazing to see them progress so well. It is difficult at times to know what homeschooling is supposed to look like. All that I can do as the teacher is to structure things the way that I think that they should go and then trust that someone bigger than me will take over.
There is so little time for me to focus. Most of the time, I run behind the kids shouting directives that I hope will be helpful. This is a very precarious experiment that I am running here...
In the midst of the chaos- I find that I am blessed.
~Camo Pants
The boys won state with their FFA agriscience project. We are now looking toward Nationals-the best part of this is the fact that Nationals is in Louisville, KY. Yup, sign me up- I will chaperone. I love horse country. So we will run another 3 science trials on their corn plants before June. You know what that means, don't ya? A basement filled with emerging corn plants for 6 weeks! YAY! Thank heavens I love it.
The boys will also compete at the state level in for state 4-H awards. They both made it through regionals. I am excited for them. Loren will compete in the Horse Awards and Jared in Shooting Sports. It is amazing to see them progress so well. It is difficult at times to know what homeschooling is supposed to look like. All that I can do as the teacher is to structure things the way that I think that they should go and then trust that someone bigger than me will take over.
There is so little time for me to focus. Most of the time, I run behind the kids shouting directives that I hope will be helpful. This is a very precarious experiment that I am running here...
In the midst of the chaos- I find that I am blessed.
~Camo Pants
Saturday, March 16, 2013
"Oh, Are You Getting Out?"
So I have been floating around and I have to say that my blogspot is the only one that sports the 'tools.' No matter what I do, I cannot fix this issue. What I really need is a tech guy to move into basement. I think that I could keep him full-time busy. Uggh...
So if you can stand my lack of ability, continue reading. If you can't...I guess it was nice knowing ya!
It is hard to believe that is it the middle of March already. The thought of school ending in 2 short months gives me chills late at night.
"Did the kids learn anything this year?"
"Am I ruining their education by keeping them home?"
Those are the questions that berate me when my weary head finally hits the pillow. Yet, I know in my heart that something is going right here. I have a 15 year old (fairly normal learner,) a 14 year old (severe dyslexic) who shudders at the thought of school and I am convinced will be living in my basement when I am 80 and an almost 11 year old (ESL learner who was adopted from China at the age of 8 years old.) This particular child is still learning how to transfer her allegiance, language, reading and writing from the Chinese way- to the American. Is it any wonder that I lie awake at night?
The kids are so involved outside of the house, sometimes it is difficult to fit school in our schedule. Yet, it is imperative. I did have to laugh though at the doctor last week. Every time we go and see him, we introduce home schooling to him. Every time. He has been our doctor for over 8 years and still asks, "So where do you go to school?"
My kids laugh. "Home school."
"Oh, are you getting out? Seeing other children? Socializing through church?"
I groan inwardly. "Getting out? Seeing others? Socializing?"
They have mastered the art of the reply, "Yes sir. We see other kids and attend our church youth group."
The whole time my eyes are spinning around in my head because in the past month, I have been home for a total of one hour in short one minute chunks. I wish I were kidding. The boys were involved (heavily) in FFA and competed at a state level with their Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team (3 practices a week.) They also completed a college level science experiment and competed at a state level. They ride at the stables 2 x a week, they attend youth group, Jared sings in the youth choir, they are both officers in their 4-H club and are running for 4-H State Awards. Jacie rides horse, swims at least once a week, has therapy and gets with friends between doctor appointments. Whew...yup doc, I think that they are okay socially. I just haven't figured out where to put school among all their socailizing.
I'm tired just from writing it all.
~Camo Pants
So if you can stand my lack of ability, continue reading. If you can't...I guess it was nice knowing ya!
It is hard to believe that is it the middle of March already. The thought of school ending in 2 short months gives me chills late at night.
"Did the kids learn anything this year?"
"Am I ruining their education by keeping them home?"
Those are the questions that berate me when my weary head finally hits the pillow. Yet, I know in my heart that something is going right here. I have a 15 year old (fairly normal learner,) a 14 year old (severe dyslexic) who shudders at the thought of school and I am convinced will be living in my basement when I am 80 and an almost 11 year old (ESL learner who was adopted from China at the age of 8 years old.) This particular child is still learning how to transfer her allegiance, language, reading and writing from the Chinese way- to the American. Is it any wonder that I lie awake at night?
The kids are so involved outside of the house, sometimes it is difficult to fit school in our schedule. Yet, it is imperative. I did have to laugh though at the doctor last week. Every time we go and see him, we introduce home schooling to him. Every time. He has been our doctor for over 8 years and still asks, "So where do you go to school?"
My kids laugh. "Home school."
"Oh, are you getting out? Seeing other children? Socializing through church?"
I groan inwardly. "Getting out? Seeing others? Socializing?"
They have mastered the art of the reply, "Yes sir. We see other kids and attend our church youth group."
The whole time my eyes are spinning around in my head because in the past month, I have been home for a total of one hour in short one minute chunks. I wish I were kidding. The boys were involved (heavily) in FFA and competed at a state level with their Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team (3 practices a week.) They also completed a college level science experiment and competed at a state level. They ride at the stables 2 x a week, they attend youth group, Jared sings in the youth choir, they are both officers in their 4-H club and are running for 4-H State Awards. Jacie rides horse, swims at least once a week, has therapy and gets with friends between doctor appointments. Whew...yup doc, I think that they are okay socially. I just haven't figured out where to put school among all their socailizing.
I'm tired just from writing it all.
~Camo Pants
Sunday, February 24, 2013
A Creeper for a Mother
Jacie is working through some of the issues that come along with being almost 11 years old. Again, it is difficult to imagine that we brought home a little girl and now have a young lady. Time, no matter how hard we try to hold back, moves swiftly forward at an alarming speed. Jacie has a lot of things that she must work through as she develops into a young lady. Not only does she often lose her privacy (because of repeated Dr appts, surgeries and a creeper for a mother...) Okay, so the last one is not true but it is difficult to maintain any semblance of privacy when everyone wants to see and touch your 12 inch scar that runs down your hip. That, of course, requires shucking of the garb that covers it~
For now, I am enjoying the free time that printing has to offer me. It keeps me from having to work to hard.
For that, I am blessed.
~Camo Pants
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Junie B is a Naughty Little Booger
I find myself on the sofa enjoying the quiet stillness that everyone going to bed brings to this house- I couldn't ask for a more relaxing feeling then blogging to the light of my scentsy listening to the sound of silence. Whew! As much as I love being home with the kids, the constant background of bickering can fray these nerves of steel that I possess or is it that I desire to posses...?
We are incredibly busy right now which is not our norm but probably a sign of the age that the kids have hit. As I blogged about last time, the boys are heavily involved in the FFA (future farmers of America) and are really enjoying themselves. They are on a Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team that will compete at the state level in two weeks. This team is amazing, really. There are seven kids on the team- 5 of which had never heard of Robert's Rules of Order until they joined the FFA. The team consists of 2 kids that are adopted and have learning struggles. The first is my Jared who is very dyslexic and has major medical issues. The second is a little gal who is 17 and in the 9th grade She too is home schooled. She was adopted as an older child from an orphanage in the Ukraine, I think.
So this group has worked and worked. They competed in Districts and really did not do well but 2 teams go on to regionals and only 2 competed. At regionals, they did phenomenal. They competed against some of the hardest teams in the state and came out 2nd- so they will compete at state! That is the amazing to this pro-adoption, home school mom! Three of the seven on this team are home schooled. I have attached a pic to this post- enjoy. Jared, of course is the black handsome fella and Loren is directly opposite of him.
The boys are also working on their 4-H State Award papers. This is a 15 page form with a 3 page story, a business letter and a picture journal of their 4-H career. It is a lot of work but oh so worth it. In June, if they are selected, they will go to Michigan State and compete for awards. The boys tell me that the best part of competing for these awards is that they get to 'cut' in the food line past the other 3000 4-H members...Leave it to a boy to think of his stomach first.
Filling out a state award is a lot of work for my resident dyslexic. So it is a lot of work for me as well but I think that it is important for Jared to figure out how to complete a project. Everything that I can do to help him figure out how to compensate for his struggles is worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears- which we are working on drawing!
Jacie has a unique fascination with the Junie B Jones books right now. I keep telling her, "Wow, Jace...Junie B is a naughty little booger."
She replies, "Yes but I sure like her."
She probably sees similarities, as I do...
I love encouraging reading so I continue to invest my time and sanity in Junie B in the hopes that one day someone comes by and swats her little bottom in one of the books. I think that I will be waiting a long time for that one. Anyway, Jacie did read a three line story the other day with some assistance. I was excited. I have to say that homeschooling a dyslexic and an ESL child could put me over the edge some days. I am learning patience though.
I truly love what I am doing here. The kids are learning everyday. For that I am grateful~
~Camo Pants
We are incredibly busy right now which is not our norm but probably a sign of the age that the kids have hit. As I blogged about last time, the boys are heavily involved in the FFA (future farmers of America) and are really enjoying themselves. They are on a Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team that will compete at the state level in two weeks. This team is amazing, really. There are seven kids on the team- 5 of which had never heard of Robert's Rules of Order until they joined the FFA. The team consists of 2 kids that are adopted and have learning struggles. The first is my Jared who is very dyslexic and has major medical issues. The second is a little gal who is 17 and in the 9th grade She too is home schooled. She was adopted as an older child from an orphanage in the Ukraine, I think.
So this group has worked and worked. They competed in Districts and really did not do well but 2 teams go on to regionals and only 2 competed. At regionals, they did phenomenal. They competed against some of the hardest teams in the state and came out 2nd- so they will compete at state! That is the amazing to this pro-adoption, home school mom! Three of the seven on this team are home schooled. I have attached a pic to this post- enjoy. Jared, of course is the black handsome fella and Loren is directly opposite of him.
Filling out a state award is a lot of work for my resident dyslexic. So it is a lot of work for me as well but I think that it is important for Jared to figure out how to complete a project. Everything that I can do to help him figure out how to compensate for his struggles is worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears- which we are working on drawing!
Jacie has a unique fascination with the Junie B Jones books right now. I keep telling her, "Wow, Jace...Junie B is a naughty little booger."
She replies, "Yes but I sure like her."
She probably sees similarities, as I do...
I love encouraging reading so I continue to invest my time and sanity in Junie B in the hopes that one day someone comes by and swats her little bottom in one of the books. I think that I will be waiting a long time for that one. Anyway, Jacie did read a three line story the other day with some assistance. I was excited. I have to say that homeschooling a dyslexic and an ESL child could put me over the edge some days. I am learning patience though.
I truly love what I am doing here. The kids are learning everyday. For that I am grateful~
~Camo Pants
Monday, February 11, 2013
Back in High School
I am in the process of renovating all of my blogs and websites- streamlining everything if you will. Whew! It is a tremendous amount of work but I am loving the results. Check out our ministry page at: www.journeytoathousandtomorrows.com or Jacie's adoption blog at: www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com.
On the school front, we are crazy busy. The boys are involved in FFA contests. They have practices several times a week, they are officers in their 4-H club and are completing a very large science project for Michigan State University through FFA. I feel as though, I am back in high school. These are all things that I was involved in- to a point. I did not ride horse two mornings a week. I did not home school. In that regard, they are blessed because they have a lot of paperwork that they are completing that we can incorporate into their school. For example, Jared spent three hours today writing a one page story (he has two more pages to complete) for his 4-H State Award paperwork and that is just the first part of a ten page required form. He will have to work hard for this because of his intense struggle with dyslexia. I am not certain that I am up to this...
Yet, I am determined that he will have all of the opportunities for success that others have. He will just have to spend the time and I will spend the next 11 days trying to 'clean it up' for him. That in itself is a full time job. It is difficult to help him figure his way through his schoolwork. His memory is good, but he struggles to spell, write and complete math. I am at a loss sometimes how to compensate for that lack. This is my patience project~
Jacie is still trying to learn to read. I am trying to help her to love to read- not just learn. She is beginning to get the hang of it but it is another slow process. Sometimes I feel perhaps I am not pushing her hard enough. Yet, we are going from Chinese to English at the age of 8 (10 now.) Between the ESL and the multiple surgeries, she has had a busy couple of months. Top that with therapy, swimming, horseback riding and 4-H- she is a busy girl. Check out her blog- www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com
I feel as though I am truly a rebel in the home school world- nothing is normal here.
~Camo Pants
The boys working on their FFA science project. They planted 180 plants and did an early planting feasibility study. They will present it in March at MSU.
On the school front, we are crazy busy. The boys are involved in FFA contests. They have practices several times a week, they are officers in their 4-H club and are completing a very large science project for Michigan State University through FFA. I feel as though, I am back in high school. These are all things that I was involved in- to a point. I did not ride horse two mornings a week. I did not home school. In that regard, they are blessed because they have a lot of paperwork that they are completing that we can incorporate into their school. For example, Jared spent three hours today writing a one page story (he has two more pages to complete) for his 4-H State Award paperwork and that is just the first part of a ten page required form. He will have to work hard for this because of his intense struggle with dyslexia. I am not certain that I am up to this...
Yet, I am determined that he will have all of the opportunities for success that others have. He will just have to spend the time and I will spend the next 11 days trying to 'clean it up' for him. That in itself is a full time job. It is difficult to help him figure his way through his schoolwork. His memory is good, but he struggles to spell, write and complete math. I am at a loss sometimes how to compensate for that lack. This is my patience project~
Jacie is still trying to learn to read. I am trying to help her to love to read- not just learn. She is beginning to get the hang of it but it is another slow process. Sometimes I feel perhaps I am not pushing her hard enough. Yet, we are going from Chinese to English at the age of 8 (10 now.) Between the ESL and the multiple surgeries, she has had a busy couple of months. Top that with therapy, swimming, horseback riding and 4-H- she is a busy girl. Check out her blog- www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com
I feel as though I am truly a rebel in the home school world- nothing is normal here.
~Camo Pants
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Finally...
I am very excited to say that I can now post all that I desire on this blog. Prior to today, I was limited as to how much I could post because I was under contract with another blog. So...now my middle child, is fair game for writing. He will be thrilled.
This middle child, Jared is the heart of all of the homeschooling lessons that I have learned. He is the one who stretched me and molded me into the home school mom that I am today. Let me tell you, I did not morph easily. Jared has struggled with school from day one. He is extremely dyslexic. He has medical issues. He struggles. Yet, he is amazing. He is a black child, adopted into a white family. It has not phased him. He is my people person. He has never meant a person that he did not like.
My goals for him are no different than for my other children. I see college in his future. I see a world that does not need to slow down for him. He is going to make it. I am blessed to walk this journey with him.
~Camo Pants
This middle child, Jared is the heart of all of the homeschooling lessons that I have learned. He is the one who stretched me and molded me into the home school mom that I am today. Let me tell you, I did not morph easily. Jared has struggled with school from day one. He is extremely dyslexic. He has medical issues. He struggles. Yet, he is amazing. He is a black child, adopted into a white family. It has not phased him. He is my people person. He has never meant a person that he did not like.
My goals for him are no different than for my other children. I see college in his future. I see a world that does not need to slow down for him. He is going to make it. I am blessed to walk this journey with him.
~Camo Pants
Friday, May 4, 2012
A Woman of Leisure
It is hard to believe that I am lying on a bed, staring out the window at 5 pm. If I were home, I would be bustling around the kitchen attempting to fill hungry bellies or yelling at someone to move whatever piece of random stuff they discarded onto the kitchen table. But I am not.
My youngest and I are living in a rehab hospital right now so someone is cooking and cleaning for me. I have to admit- a girl could get used to this. I am trying to soak in the feeling of being able to walk down, order whatever I want and have someone come and clean up the mess. This does not happen often. I have to say that the food is not exceptional either- thank heavens for the salad bar.
The big question that is probaly going through your head is how are you lying in a hospital and still homeschooling your children? Welllll, the boys are in full control of their school and are responsible for emailing/calling me if they need help. They have been almost completely in charge of their schoolwork for about 2 years now- so everything should be continuing like clockwork.
I have not talked to Jared about his math score for today but he is doing so well right now. He wasn't. At all. He was averaging about a D until I made the penalty for anything less than a B so big that he doesn't dare not try hard. I found that he was bored and giving only half the effort that he should have and thus was missing over half of the problems. Not acceptable in mom's school of hard knocks. Now before you get upset and say, "He doesn't understand the information," I will jump in and tell you that he is running through this particular course for the second time. Yup...it's time he got it himself.
As soon as we are released from here, I am planning to take the kids in the Chicago to see the Mythbusters exhibit which came into the Museum of Science and Industry. I am looking forward to another day spent in the museum district of Chicago. Jacie and I have been going through all of the museums and zoos that the town we are in has to offer. It has been quite fun. Tonight I am checking her out and going downtown to listen to the band in the amphitheater. I think that Jacie will enjoy taking pictures of the building in the city and the many sights that come with being in a different place than normal. I don't think that you can replace that kind of teaching.
I guess I should check in with those boys and make sure that they are not trying to draw blood from eachother.
I am blessed to walk this road.
~Camo Pants
My youngest and I are living in a rehab hospital right now so someone is cooking and cleaning for me. I have to admit- a girl could get used to this. I am trying to soak in the feeling of being able to walk down, order whatever I want and have someone come and clean up the mess. This does not happen often. I have to say that the food is not exceptional either- thank heavens for the salad bar.
The big question that is probaly going through your head is how are you lying in a hospital and still homeschooling your children? Welllll, the boys are in full control of their school and are responsible for emailing/calling me if they need help. They have been almost completely in charge of their schoolwork for about 2 years now- so everything should be continuing like clockwork.
I have not talked to Jared about his math score for today but he is doing so well right now. He wasn't. At all. He was averaging about a D until I made the penalty for anything less than a B so big that he doesn't dare not try hard. I found that he was bored and giving only half the effort that he should have and thus was missing over half of the problems. Not acceptable in mom's school of hard knocks. Now before you get upset and say, "He doesn't understand the information," I will jump in and tell you that he is running through this particular course for the second time. Yup...it's time he got it himself.
As soon as we are released from here, I am planning to take the kids in the Chicago to see the Mythbusters exhibit which came into the Museum of Science and Industry. I am looking forward to another day spent in the museum district of Chicago. Jacie and I have been going through all of the museums and zoos that the town we are in has to offer. It has been quite fun. Tonight I am checking her out and going downtown to listen to the band in the amphitheater. I think that Jacie will enjoy taking pictures of the building in the city and the many sights that come with being in a different place than normal. I don't think that you can replace that kind of teaching.
I guess I should check in with those boys and make sure that they are not trying to draw blood from eachother.
I am blessed to walk this road.
~Camo Pants
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Insert Evil Giggle
The boys have finished their latest papers and we all lived through it. Not that it was without incident...
First, Jared cancelled his whole document, I think I blogged about that last time. Then he copied which is never allowed. Then I took all his books away and made him write it from memory and then drop in his sources. That went a little easier for him. I tell you what- he is so funny. At the end of his paper he wrote: ...thank you mom for the time extension and for the patience to Nottawa Township Library[.] to Loren for not taking the computer from me and I hope that you like it Jared m. K.
I tried to leave everything true to form as he wrote it. My heavens. All I could think was that the end of this 'thank you' it should say, "And I accept this nomination for president of the United States..."
He is so dramatic. Loren on the other hand seems to carry through life pretty low-key. His paper was formatted to the APA style and thoroughly researched and cited. He is so funny.
Having said that, I have thrown a monkey wrench into the works. The next paper is going to switch my overachiever out of his role and place his brother in. Here is what I did (insert evil giggle.) The last paper is a three page paper about themselves. What they feel they are good at, what they want to do with their lives and where God fits into the whole thing. My Jared- thrilled. Loren...? Not so much. He can't believe it. "What can I say mom?" he keeps questioning.
I made it a little tougher because I decided to use a random idea that I read about. In it a public school teacher requires that her students write a six word sentence describing themselves. This intrigued me so I made it the requirement for the first sentence of the boys' papers. You should have heard them sigh...
I do love to incorporate new things into their lives. Things that stretch them just a little. Things that require them to think. What 14 year old boy likes to do that?
I am blessed to have the privilege of being their teacher. It is something that I do not take for granted.
~CP
First, Jared cancelled his whole document, I think I blogged about that last time. Then he copied which is never allowed. Then I took all his books away and made him write it from memory and then drop in his sources. That went a little easier for him. I tell you what- he is so funny. At the end of his paper he wrote: ...thank you mom for the time extension and for the patience to Nottawa Township Library[.] to Loren for not taking the computer from me and I hope that you like it Jared m. K.
I tried to leave everything true to form as he wrote it. My heavens. All I could think was that the end of this 'thank you' it should say, "And I accept this nomination for president of the United States..."
He is so dramatic. Loren on the other hand seems to carry through life pretty low-key. His paper was formatted to the APA style and thoroughly researched and cited. He is so funny.
Having said that, I have thrown a monkey wrench into the works. The next paper is going to switch my overachiever out of his role and place his brother in. Here is what I did (insert evil giggle.) The last paper is a three page paper about themselves. What they feel they are good at, what they want to do with their lives and where God fits into the whole thing. My Jared- thrilled. Loren...? Not so much. He can't believe it. "What can I say mom?" he keeps questioning.
I made it a little tougher because I decided to use a random idea that I read about. In it a public school teacher requires that her students write a six word sentence describing themselves. This intrigued me so I made it the requirement for the first sentence of the boys' papers. You should have heard them sigh...
I do love to incorporate new things into their lives. Things that stretch them just a little. Things that require them to think. What 14 year old boy likes to do that?
I am blessed to have the privilege of being their teacher. It is something that I do not take for granted.
~CP
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Salt and Pepper Shakers
It seems that I often start my blogs by saying, "It is so quiet in here and I am enjoying the time by myself."
You probably don't think that I really have kids much less homeschool them...
It is true though, it is quiet here AND I am enjoying my time to myself. The three oldest are at youth group and Jacie is downstairs watching a movie. I marvel at how much I enjoy these couple of minutes to reconnect with myself and sit for a breather. It is so different having the boys (and our exchange student) old enough to attend a 'teen' function. Does that make me sound sentimental...? It should. I am. It seems like just yesterday those boys were little. I called them my salt and pepper shakers...A matched set- now they tower over me.
They have grown into quite the young men.
You know how I blogged last week about the middle son's attempt at a paper? Well, guess what...? Yup, you guessed it. Papers are due TODAY. This paper is supposed to be four pages long with four sources about a historical event. He chose the Civil War and set about to work on it a couple of days before the deadline. Let me insert here that he knew about this for a month...
Anyway, he worked pretty hard at it, got up and left it on the computer without saving and...well, need I say more? He lost everything. I have done that and can feel his pain BUT am not out to teach him that he can quit so I said, "Man, that stinks. I guess you better start over."
He promptly went down and plagerized an entire page of a book. I made him start over again. Today, he must have figured out that extensions were out of the question because he got himself up at 6 am. I cannot explain to you how significant that is. I have described him as my lazy daisy before- he is...
I have not seen a copy of the finished product. We'll see if he hits the deadline. That poor kid. Everything seems to go wrong for him in regard to school. More than anything, I want him to learn to work around his own abilities in order to be successful. I know in my heart he can do it but it is difficult to watch.
My oldest son did compete in the Horse Quiz Bowl that he was preparing for. He had a hard day. I have to tell you that he is incredibly shy and worries what others think of him a lot. Amidst his hard day- he took 2nd place and will be going to state this month. I was proud of him for taking the chance and making a good showing out of a difficult day. He is amazing to watch when he sets his mind to something.
Jacie has finished her surgery and is awaiting her rehab. You can read about her journey @ http://www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com/
I am blessed.
~Camo Pants
You probably don't think that I really have kids much less homeschool them...
It is true though, it is quiet here AND I am enjoying my time to myself. The three oldest are at youth group and Jacie is downstairs watching a movie. I marvel at how much I enjoy these couple of minutes to reconnect with myself and sit for a breather. It is so different having the boys (and our exchange student) old enough to attend a 'teen' function. Does that make me sound sentimental...? It should. I am. It seems like just yesterday those boys were little. I called them my salt and pepper shakers...A matched set- now they tower over me.
They have grown into quite the young men.
You know how I blogged last week about the middle son's attempt at a paper? Well, guess what...? Yup, you guessed it. Papers are due TODAY. This paper is supposed to be four pages long with four sources about a historical event. He chose the Civil War and set about to work on it a couple of days before the deadline. Let me insert here that he knew about this for a month...
Anyway, he worked pretty hard at it, got up and left it on the computer without saving and...well, need I say more? He lost everything. I have done that and can feel his pain BUT am not out to teach him that he can quit so I said, "Man, that stinks. I guess you better start over."
He promptly went down and plagerized an entire page of a book. I made him start over again. Today, he must have figured out that extensions were out of the question because he got himself up at 6 am. I cannot explain to you how significant that is. I have described him as my lazy daisy before- he is...
I have not seen a copy of the finished product. We'll see if he hits the deadline. That poor kid. Everything seems to go wrong for him in regard to school. More than anything, I want him to learn to work around his own abilities in order to be successful. I know in my heart he can do it but it is difficult to watch.
My oldest son did compete in the Horse Quiz Bowl that he was preparing for. He had a hard day. I have to tell you that he is incredibly shy and worries what others think of him a lot. Amidst his hard day- he took 2nd place and will be going to state this month. I was proud of him for taking the chance and making a good showing out of a difficult day. He is amazing to watch when he sets his mind to something.
Jacie has finished her surgery and is awaiting her rehab. You can read about her journey @ http://www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com/
I am blessed.
~Camo Pants
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A Neurotic Book Sniffing, Dictionary Reader
You may be wondering if I still homeschool or if I have sold the children to the gypsies and admitted myself to the nearest home for the bewildered- unfortunately, I have to admit: no and no. I am still at home and the children are still here to torture me. Which they are very good at.
At this time, I am trying to recover my family from Jacie's recent surgery- not an easy ordeal. You can read about it in her blog: www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com
As for school, the boys are working independently through their studies. With the surgery under our belt, I can now focus on getting them back on track and working on their third paper (which is due in 2 weeks.) I am certain that they have forgotten about the paper and assumed that I have forgotten as well. Nope. I giggle at the thought of telling them on Monday that the due date still stands. Is that mean to giggle about something of that nature...? Probably but I give myself a little leave to be evil since they are teenagers now and routinely torment me. The problem for the kids (boys especially because they are older) is that I am a book sniffer. I love books. I am the type of person who loves to skim a dictionary for pleasure. One of my favorite times recently was when I had to go to the bookstore and replace my worn out dictionary. I figured that it was time since it had been split in two pieces for over 10 years and was missing the middle three pages. Anyway, I had such a great time getting a new one that I bought several.
So my children are being taught by a neurotic book sniffing, dictionary reader who loves fact. I almost pity them. Did I tell you that I also suffer (slightly...) from perfectionism as well? AND I assume that my desire for the pristine is universal to all of my children~
So the middle prisoner, oh I mean child, in my school is my dyslexic, laid back underachiever- well, not in this house. I hold him to the same standards that I hold the others to and amazingly, he is able to man up to the requirements and meet them. I had to laugh though at his attempts last month. On the exact date that his paper was due, he stayed up half the night finishing it. Then when he was done, he brought me his paper without the sources cited page. I handed it back to him and said, "Uhhmm... I think that you are missing something."
He hemmed and hawed around until he figured out the missing component and then went downstairs to get it. He came back up and handed me a wadded up piece of paper that he had obviously retrieved from the garbage can. To which I wordlessly handed back to him. He said, "What is wrong?"
I replied, "I do not accept your paper as you have turned it in."
Then he got mad. I said, "This is not optional. You must fix this paper within 15 minutes or you will receive the pre-determined punishment (losing video games until the end of the school year.)"
He walked away and returned with a newly printed, fresh copy of the trash can paper and life resumed. Can you say, "Wow?"
If it gives you any idea of the sheer differences between the two boys, Loren turned his in a day early, thoroughly collated.
Jacie and I do her school together. I am not certain which way she leans- whether she is a Loren or a Jared. I do think that her concentration is not up to par but the poor kid has had many distractions in the last few years... It is hard to know where to take her educationally. I was planning to go to the homeschool convention in May. We do all of our shopping for school books that day for next year but now Jacie and I will be in Grand Rapids for rehab through that time. I do not know at this point what I will do to get what I need.
I love the materials that the kids picked last year. They are really into figuring out what they want and need. I, of course, offer guidance but I want them to explore areas that are fresh and enjoyable. How many kids can say that when they studied WWII, they read about the artillery (in detail), the weaponry (in detail) and personal journals. What an amazing way to learn.
Loren continues to teach himself piano. He researched self-teaching piano curriculum and settled on Master Piano. He really enjoys the teacher. I think Jared will start Master Drums in the fall. Hopefully it is as effective. Both boys are learning Japanese. They hope to use it when they go with their aunt and uncle to her [home] country in the future. Jacie continues in Chinese though she has not done it since her surgery. I have a hard time carrying her up and down the stairs as she cannot walk since her surgery.
I am blessed to be part of the lives of my children daily and continue to watch in amazement at the grace and happiness they possess. This is truly a gift.
~Camo Pants
At this time, I am trying to recover my family from Jacie's recent surgery- not an easy ordeal. You can read about it in her blog: www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com
As for school, the boys are working independently through their studies. With the surgery under our belt, I can now focus on getting them back on track and working on their third paper (which is due in 2 weeks.) I am certain that they have forgotten about the paper and assumed that I have forgotten as well. Nope. I giggle at the thought of telling them on Monday that the due date still stands. Is that mean to giggle about something of that nature...? Probably but I give myself a little leave to be evil since they are teenagers now and routinely torment me. The problem for the kids (boys especially because they are older) is that I am a book sniffer. I love books. I am the type of person who loves to skim a dictionary for pleasure. One of my favorite times recently was when I had to go to the bookstore and replace my worn out dictionary. I figured that it was time since it had been split in two pieces for over 10 years and was missing the middle three pages. Anyway, I had such a great time getting a new one that I bought several.
So my children are being taught by a neurotic book sniffing, dictionary reader who loves fact. I almost pity them. Did I tell you that I also suffer (slightly...) from perfectionism as well? AND I assume that my desire for the pristine is universal to all of my children~
So the middle prisoner, oh I mean child, in my school is my dyslexic, laid back underachiever- well, not in this house. I hold him to the same standards that I hold the others to and amazingly, he is able to man up to the requirements and meet them. I had to laugh though at his attempts last month. On the exact date that his paper was due, he stayed up half the night finishing it. Then when he was done, he brought me his paper without the sources cited page. I handed it back to him and said, "Uhhmm... I think that you are missing something."
He hemmed and hawed around until he figured out the missing component and then went downstairs to get it. He came back up and handed me a wadded up piece of paper that he had obviously retrieved from the garbage can. To which I wordlessly handed back to him. He said, "What is wrong?"
I replied, "I do not accept your paper as you have turned it in."
Then he got mad. I said, "This is not optional. You must fix this paper within 15 minutes or you will receive the pre-determined punishment (losing video games until the end of the school year.)"
He walked away and returned with a newly printed, fresh copy of the trash can paper and life resumed. Can you say, "Wow?"
If it gives you any idea of the sheer differences between the two boys, Loren turned his in a day early, thoroughly collated.
Jacie and I do her school together. I am not certain which way she leans- whether she is a Loren or a Jared. I do think that her concentration is not up to par but the poor kid has had many distractions in the last few years... It is hard to know where to take her educationally. I was planning to go to the homeschool convention in May. We do all of our shopping for school books that day for next year but now Jacie and I will be in Grand Rapids for rehab through that time. I do not know at this point what I will do to get what I need.
I love the materials that the kids picked last year. They are really into figuring out what they want and need. I, of course, offer guidance but I want them to explore areas that are fresh and enjoyable. How many kids can say that when they studied WWII, they read about the artillery (in detail), the weaponry (in detail) and personal journals. What an amazing way to learn.
Loren continues to teach himself piano. He researched self-teaching piano curriculum and settled on Master Piano. He really enjoys the teacher. I think Jared will start Master Drums in the fall. Hopefully it is as effective. Both boys are learning Japanese. They hope to use it when they go with their aunt and uncle to her [home] country in the future. Jacie continues in Chinese though she has not done it since her surgery. I have a hard time carrying her up and down the stairs as she cannot walk since her surgery.
I am blessed to be part of the lives of my children daily and continue to watch in amazement at the grace and happiness they possess. This is truly a gift.
~Camo Pants
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Mumbling Gibberish
Today is the type of day that makes me feel blessed that I am able to stay at home with the kids and home school. If for no other reason, these (semi) quiet mornings when I get up before everyone else to allow myself a little space for thinking. There is only one person in this whole world that I agree with completely and I like to touch base with her on occasion.
School for us has been going steady. Jared is finally progressing in math. It almost brings tears to my eyes to write this. I have struggled so long and hard with math for him. I finally found his motivator. If he does not do well (misses more than 4) he cannot play any video games until he 'brings that score up.' Little did I know that this was the way to go. The kid works harder on math than I have ever seen. One point for mom.
The oldest is focusing on Horse Quiz Bowl. He loves random facts and cannot wait to compete in the competition this weekend. It has been fun to quiz him. I think that he will do well. He is very competitive so I have been talking to him about focusing on having fun- not worrying. The sun will rise again and set again if he doesn't win. That is such a hard concept to learn. He is also running for a State Award in horses. This required that he write a three page story, formal business letter, ten page activities log and three page picture collage. For a 14 year old, that is a lot of work. He did it quickly and well. I was impressed. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether the kids are behind, ahead or right with their peers. It seems that he is doing alright.
We took the kids into the Lego Store, American Girl Place and the aquarium. It was really fun. The kids learned a lot. I love hands-on learning. Not only was the aquarium a great learning tool- the Lego Store has upgraded and moved. It now has a pretty cool computer aided design program that the children can access. The kids seem to love it. They create their lego design on the computer and then build it. We are planning a trip back to Chicago in April and will hit the Museum of Science and Industry- Mythbusters are coming in. We will also make the trek to the Lego Store again. It is a tradition for us!
I have been struggling in the area of not comparing my kids to the other kids. As the boys are now attending Youth Group functions- there is constant opportunity for me to see them interact with the other kids and see their weaknesses. I remind myself that I see their strengths as well and they do have many. Just in the last couple of days, I have had to work hard to see my kids for exactly who they are and respect that in them.
Homeschooling has been such an amazing journey for our family. I think it is one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Believe it or not, we knew that we would home school when our oldest was about 18 mths old- that was before the middle son was adopted and long before Jacie was a 'twinkle' in any one's eye. That seems like a lifetime ago.
My duties keep calling- literally. They keep walking into my room and talking to me which makes it difficult to form coherent sentences. I had better sign off before I start mumbling gibberish and rocking back and forth. Hope that all is well for you.
~CP
School for us has been going steady. Jared is finally progressing in math. It almost brings tears to my eyes to write this. I have struggled so long and hard with math for him. I finally found his motivator. If he does not do well (misses more than 4) he cannot play any video games until he 'brings that score up.' Little did I know that this was the way to go. The kid works harder on math than I have ever seen. One point for mom.
The oldest is focusing on Horse Quiz Bowl. He loves random facts and cannot wait to compete in the competition this weekend. It has been fun to quiz him. I think that he will do well. He is very competitive so I have been talking to him about focusing on having fun- not worrying. The sun will rise again and set again if he doesn't win. That is such a hard concept to learn. He is also running for a State Award in horses. This required that he write a three page story, formal business letter, ten page activities log and three page picture collage. For a 14 year old, that is a lot of work. He did it quickly and well. I was impressed. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether the kids are behind, ahead or right with their peers. It seems that he is doing alright.
We took the kids into the Lego Store, American Girl Place and the aquarium. It was really fun. The kids learned a lot. I love hands-on learning. Not only was the aquarium a great learning tool- the Lego Store has upgraded and moved. It now has a pretty cool computer aided design program that the children can access. The kids seem to love it. They create their lego design on the computer and then build it. We are planning a trip back to Chicago in April and will hit the Museum of Science and Industry- Mythbusters are coming in. We will also make the trek to the Lego Store again. It is a tradition for us!
I have been struggling in the area of not comparing my kids to the other kids. As the boys are now attending Youth Group functions- there is constant opportunity for me to see them interact with the other kids and see their weaknesses. I remind myself that I see their strengths as well and they do have many. Just in the last couple of days, I have had to work hard to see my kids for exactly who they are and respect that in them.
Homeschooling has been such an amazing journey for our family. I think it is one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Believe it or not, we knew that we would home school when our oldest was about 18 mths old- that was before the middle son was adopted and long before Jacie was a 'twinkle' in any one's eye. That seems like a lifetime ago.
My duties keep calling- literally. They keep walking into my room and talking to me which makes it difficult to form coherent sentences. I had better sign off before I start mumbling gibberish and rocking back and forth. Hope that all is well for you.
~CP
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Life in the Hangman's Noose
This picture is a great indicator of how my home school days go...
I had to laugh when Jared came up wearing the hangman's noose- obviously his brother got ahold of him! When I told them to work on their knot tying- I didn't mean on each other.
I had to laugh when Jared came up wearing the hangman's noose- obviously his brother got ahold of him! When I told them to work on their knot tying- I didn't mean on each other.
The boys are also working on their second paper of the year. I am a little bit of a task master about writing because I believe that it is important to be able to express yourself verbally and on paper. Their first assignment was on an animal. It was 5 pages long with 5 sources (1 Internet, the rest books.) They really did well. Jared is VERY dyslexic so I am still trying to figured out some of his paper. I will proofread it and give it back. Then they will have 2 weeks to fix it and return. Their second paper is a little easier- 3 pages, 4 sources. It is about something in science. I am curious what I will get in return. I love that fact that we are able to work on writing in a relaxed format in order to learn it and still like it- that was one of my goals when choosing my teaching style. I really wanted the children to gain a love for education. They also just completed the Novel in One Year Curriculum and are looking forward to the Sci-fi one (second year.) They will start that as soon as I get my ducks in a row and order it. Man, teachers today...
This is black history month and since Jared is black- I had tons of information to use for him. It is such an interesting part of our home school- having such cultural differences among the 3 children. Our exchange student offers another cultural experience. No wonder we have been called (jokingly of course) The United Nations Clan.
Jacie is still working through her reading and basic writing. As I said earlier, it is very important to me that she enjoy reading so I am taking it slow. I do a lot of reading to her like I did with the boys. It is harder for her because the boys grew up listening to me read, visiting book sales and spending long afternoons buried in books. She did not. Having been here only 1 1/2 years and turning 10 in April has brought a different scenario to the table. Truthfully, it has stretched me as a teacher. I have to admit, I got comfortable with the 2 boys and knew how to get the best from them. In the past 1 1/2 years, she has changed homes, changed countries, changed cultures, changed languages, had 2 major surgeries...need I say more. Just reading it makes me tired. I think that is why I am so happy that we chose to homeschool her- she has so much more time to focus on learning in an informal way.
On the whole- this little family that I have been blessed with is growing and developing. I couldn't ask for more- it is such an interesting journey.
~Camo Pants
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Crazy...? What Do You Mean?
I have neglected this blog long enough...
It is sad to say that I have been homeschooling for over 3 months (we start in October) and am just jumping back onto the band wagon. What can I say? I live a very charmed and busy life. Ughh... makes you want to gag, doesn't it?
The truth is. I have been blogging elsewhere and simply did not keep up. The good news...? I did keep the kids fed and watered through the summer so they are still available as fodder for my blogging obsession. I have decided that I blog simply because I am a talker and being talker does not mesh well with being a homeschool mom. The only people I talk to on a routine basis...? My plants. Okay, I realize that might sound a little crazy but hey- I don't get out much!
The kids are doing fantastic. Really. The boys are tall and strong. They bicker all of the time. Pretty normal stuff I would say. They are currently working through 8th and 7th grade, with a little room for interpretation... When Loren went to the homeschool convention to choose curriculum, he went with his old favorites: Saxon Math, Easy Grammar, etc. Jared on the other hand, decided that he wanted to try everything from a different company. That is so indicative of their personalities. Jared is my fly by the seat of his pants guy- Loren, exactly the opposite. Perhaps that is why I have the number for the local pysch ward on speed dial...
I am amazed at Jared's change in ability from last year though. If you remember, he is severely dyslexic. VERY. I have had to be very creative in my homeschooling techniques and patient. Ahhh, patience. I wish I had been born with that virtue. This year he has really taken responsibility for his schooling. I love to watch him grow in that manner. Speaking of growing...he is growing and growing and growing. We are not certain how tall we are looking at (in the finished product) but wowsers.
Loren is simply a nice guy. He gets up before all of us (me included) and does much of his work independently. He likes the quiet. He is currently the Vice President of his 4-H Horse Club and was elected Club Sportsman. He also serves as Reporter for his other 4-H club. All of this from a certified introvert. I think that socially- he is just fine. He is incredibly able and will require me to step up my A game in order to keep up with him. He is 14 years old and runs three days a week. He works out on the bike and weights the other 3 (one day of rest.) He is quite simply one of my best friends (all 3 of my kids are, actually.)
Jacie is our little princess. Her story can be followed at: www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com.
She is now about 89% (lol, I couldn't resist...) fluent. She does not read yet but we are working toward that and alphabet memorization EVERYDAY. She is an excellent writer and loves to copy things. She is starting to read the BOB books but is completing that by memorization instead of actual reading. I am looking to start her on the Dick and Jane books next week. That is what I used for Jared and it seemed to work. He did not read until he was 10 years old either. She does well on conceptualizing math. What an interesting journey we have been on with her. She will have surgery in March for her legs and will probably stop school for the year at that time.
The other day, someone said to me, "I can't believe that you homeschool. I couldn't do it. My kids would drive me crazy."
"Oh, mine do," I replied. I should have gone one step further and told them its the crazy that makes my life (and home) exactly what it should be. I am blessed to be at home with my children. I thank God for the opportunity everyday.
~Camo Pants
It is sad to say that I have been homeschooling for over 3 months (we start in October) and am just jumping back onto the band wagon. What can I say? I live a very charmed and busy life. Ughh... makes you want to gag, doesn't it?
The truth is. I have been blogging elsewhere and simply did not keep up. The good news...? I did keep the kids fed and watered through the summer so they are still available as fodder for my blogging obsession. I have decided that I blog simply because I am a talker and being talker does not mesh well with being a homeschool mom. The only people I talk to on a routine basis...? My plants. Okay, I realize that might sound a little crazy but hey- I don't get out much!
The kids are doing fantastic. Really. The boys are tall and strong. They bicker all of the time. Pretty normal stuff I would say. They are currently working through 8th and 7th grade, with a little room for interpretation... When Loren went to the homeschool convention to choose curriculum, he went with his old favorites: Saxon Math, Easy Grammar, etc. Jared on the other hand, decided that he wanted to try everything from a different company. That is so indicative of their personalities. Jared is my fly by the seat of his pants guy- Loren, exactly the opposite. Perhaps that is why I have the number for the local pysch ward on speed dial...
I am amazed at Jared's change in ability from last year though. If you remember, he is severely dyslexic. VERY. I have had to be very creative in my homeschooling techniques and patient. Ahhh, patience. I wish I had been born with that virtue. This year he has really taken responsibility for his schooling. I love to watch him grow in that manner. Speaking of growing...he is growing and growing and growing. We are not certain how tall we are looking at (in the finished product) but wowsers.
Loren is simply a nice guy. He gets up before all of us (me included) and does much of his work independently. He likes the quiet. He is currently the Vice President of his 4-H Horse Club and was elected Club Sportsman. He also serves as Reporter for his other 4-H club. All of this from a certified introvert. I think that socially- he is just fine. He is incredibly able and will require me to step up my A game in order to keep up with him. He is 14 years old and runs three days a week. He works out on the bike and weights the other 3 (one day of rest.) He is quite simply one of my best friends (all 3 of my kids are, actually.)
Jacie is our little princess. Her story can be followed at: www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com.
She is now about 89% (lol, I couldn't resist...) fluent. She does not read yet but we are working toward that and alphabet memorization EVERYDAY. She is an excellent writer and loves to copy things. She is starting to read the BOB books but is completing that by memorization instead of actual reading. I am looking to start her on the Dick and Jane books next week. That is what I used for Jared and it seemed to work. He did not read until he was 10 years old either. She does well on conceptualizing math. What an interesting journey we have been on with her. She will have surgery in March for her legs and will probably stop school for the year at that time.
The other day, someone said to me, "I can't believe that you homeschool. I couldn't do it. My kids would drive me crazy."
"Oh, mine do," I replied. I should have gone one step further and told them its the crazy that makes my life (and home) exactly what it should be. I am blessed to be at home with my children. I thank God for the opportunity everyday.
~Camo Pants
Sunday, July 31, 2011
My Mother Made Me
I remember when my son was about ten. He was at a 4-H meeting and a reporter took a photo of him for the local newspaper. Underneath that picture, the reporter wrote these words, "Loren said that he does 4-H because his mother makes him."
I was abhorred. I couldn't believe it. How could my precious boy tell all of the world that I forced him to participate. I came up with the answer though. He told them that because it is the truth. It was never a question of whether he would participate- it was a given. I hear so many children say that they don't want to do things. They aren't interested. As a homeschool parent one of my life goals is to raise interested children. I want them to desire to learn. I want them to seize opportunities that come their way. I truly think it is one of the most important gifts we can give our children.
I can give you a list of things that I have made my children do- things that they have not wanted. They are better people for it. I am certain of that. I am not into torturing my children. I do not desire them to suffer. Yet, I have no issue with them squirming a little. They must learn how to handle themselves in all circumstances. For all of you who do not know me, I consider my children some of my best friends. I would do anything for them. Anything. Including pushing them out of their comfort zone.
I have a child who is an introvert. I have one who is an extrovert. I am not certain what the last one is- perhaps a hairball...?
The introvert I push to talking to others. The extrovert I push to hold back (periodically.) The hairball? Well, I just let her be a hairball. I make my kids do a lot of things. I am their teacher. Period. By staying at home and teaching them, I know them well. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I would be failing them terribly if I did not help them become all that they are intended to be.
The little ten year old truth teller? He is the most involved in 4-H. He loves it. He is also my introvert. You would not know it if you met him though. He is able. He is willing. He is thirteen. The reason that he is all of these things? His mother made him try.
~Camo Pants
I was abhorred. I couldn't believe it. How could my precious boy tell all of the world that I forced him to participate. I came up with the answer though. He told them that because it is the truth. It was never a question of whether he would participate- it was a given. I hear so many children say that they don't want to do things. They aren't interested. As a homeschool parent one of my life goals is to raise interested children. I want them to desire to learn. I want them to seize opportunities that come their way. I truly think it is one of the most important gifts we can give our children.
I can give you a list of things that I have made my children do- things that they have not wanted. They are better people for it. I am certain of that. I am not into torturing my children. I do not desire them to suffer. Yet, I have no issue with them squirming a little. They must learn how to handle themselves in all circumstances. For all of you who do not know me, I consider my children some of my best friends. I would do anything for them. Anything. Including pushing them out of their comfort zone.
I have a child who is an introvert. I have one who is an extrovert. I am not certain what the last one is- perhaps a hairball...?
The introvert I push to talking to others. The extrovert I push to hold back (periodically.) The hairball? Well, I just let her be a hairball. I make my kids do a lot of things. I am their teacher. Period. By staying at home and teaching them, I know them well. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I would be failing them terribly if I did not help them become all that they are intended to be.
The little ten year old truth teller? He is the most involved in 4-H. He loves it. He is also my introvert. You would not know it if you met him though. He is able. He is willing. He is thirteen. The reason that he is all of these things? His mother made him try.
~Camo Pants
Friday, July 15, 2011
I Love Summer Break
It has been a long time since I posted on this blog because we are summer break. I love summer break but I have been missing those lazy fall mornings that allowed for school work, reading and private pursuits. I know the time will be on us soon. I will then miss the hot, exhausting days of summer. I have been keeping the kids' journey in my other blogs, The Summer in the Garden (http://www.thesummerinthegarden.blogspot.com/) and Journey to a Thousand Tomorrows (http://www.chinaforasister.blogspot.com/).
The oldest two will be heavy hitting their 4-H projects soon. It takes a lot of supervision but I enjoy the outcome. That makes it worth it for me...kinda.
All of the kids went to camp. They were gone for three days. THREE DAYS of freedom and guess what I did? Yup, you guessed it. I mowed the lawn, did the laundry and kept up on the dishes. Then I went to the store and bought all of the foods that they like so that I would be ready for them to come home. I think I am crazy. I should have been lounging by some pool and sipping margaritas.
The kids won't start school officially until October- though I make them do all kinds of posters and notebooks, demonstrations and performances and showing at the fair. Let's hope that all of the work pays off and they will grow up to be interesting and engaging adults who are able to handle themselves with poise.
I will try to keep up on this blog. Thanks for the interest~
~Camo Pants
The oldest two will be heavy hitting their 4-H projects soon. It takes a lot of supervision but I enjoy the outcome. That makes it worth it for me...kinda.
All of the kids went to camp. They were gone for three days. THREE DAYS of freedom and guess what I did? Yup, you guessed it. I mowed the lawn, did the laundry and kept up on the dishes. Then I went to the store and bought all of the foods that they like so that I would be ready for them to come home. I think I am crazy. I should have been lounging by some pool and sipping margaritas.
The kids won't start school officially until October- though I make them do all kinds of posters and notebooks, demonstrations and performances and showing at the fair. Let's hope that all of the work pays off and they will grow up to be interesting and engaging adults who are able to handle themselves with poise.
I will try to keep up on this blog. Thanks for the interest~
~Camo Pants
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Done...and Ready for Fun
We are done with school for this year. I couldn't have better news to tell...
I love this time of year because the organized portion of the kids' schooling is complete and we can get to the real learning opportunities. We are actively involved in 4-H and have already gotten in the pigs. The chickens will be coming in a month and the fair- four months. We have a lot to do before then.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is spend time outside. I wait for it all winter and I can barely be convinced to come inside at all. I hope that the children pick up my love for the out-of-doors. I want them to love the feel of the dirt in their feet as they plant seeds. I want them to feel the heat of the sun on their face and sweat on their brow and still love to go out in it. For that reason, I am beginning another blog soon. It is called Summer in the Garden and its focus will be on my relationship with each of the children. It has been a year since we adopted our youngest and the journey has been interesting. Unfortunately, there are times on that journey that I lost connection with everyone in order to keep walking forward. So, my focus of this summer and this particular blog is a basic relational focus. This summer I will spend time with the children- really focusing on them and their specific personalities and needs. It is a stretch for me because I am geared to be an independent and I really like the freedom. Yet, I think this is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. The boys are thirteen and home for the summer. The youngest is beginning to really settle in and understand the world around her and I am not working outside of the home.
Check it out. I should have it up and running very soon. www.thesummerinthegarden.blogspot.com
Looking forward to keeping that blog and developing the relationships that are the most important to me.
We went to the home school convention last week. It was very cool. The oldest two have played a major part in picking what they studied and this year was not different. They enjoyed picking their reading materials and were able to choose math, history, grammar and writing. They chose different curriculum, of course. I knew that they would because their learning styles differ so greatly. I don't mind as long as they commit. They are studying typing, novel writing and Swahili as well. It should make for an interesting year. The youngest was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people crowded into the vendor hall. She was in a wheelchair and could not get around well. Though difficult, it was not impossible. She chose to study about knights and we found the neatest castle building kit. It is put out by Klutz and is building cards. She built a castle when she got home and started her Writing Curriculum, Draw, Write, Now. Her brothers both worked through it and enjoyed it greatly. Then I put all of the materials away and in October- we will pull them out again. Hopefully they are new to her. Every year the boys love their materials so much that they want to read them on the way home. It was no different for her.
I am looking forward to the sunshine on my face as I blog through the summer-
~CP
I love this time of year because the organized portion of the kids' schooling is complete and we can get to the real learning opportunities. We are actively involved in 4-H and have already gotten in the pigs. The chickens will be coming in a month and the fair- four months. We have a lot to do before then.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is spend time outside. I wait for it all winter and I can barely be convinced to come inside at all. I hope that the children pick up my love for the out-of-doors. I want them to love the feel of the dirt in their feet as they plant seeds. I want them to feel the heat of the sun on their face and sweat on their brow and still love to go out in it. For that reason, I am beginning another blog soon. It is called Summer in the Garden and its focus will be on my relationship with each of the children. It has been a year since we adopted our youngest and the journey has been interesting. Unfortunately, there are times on that journey that I lost connection with everyone in order to keep walking forward. So, my focus of this summer and this particular blog is a basic relational focus. This summer I will spend time with the children- really focusing on them and their specific personalities and needs. It is a stretch for me because I am geared to be an independent and I really like the freedom. Yet, I think this is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. The boys are thirteen and home for the summer. The youngest is beginning to really settle in and understand the world around her and I am not working outside of the home.
Check it out. I should have it up and running very soon. www.thesummerinthegarden.blogspot.com
Looking forward to keeping that blog and developing the relationships that are the most important to me.
We went to the home school convention last week. It was very cool. The oldest two have played a major part in picking what they studied and this year was not different. They enjoyed picking their reading materials and were able to choose math, history, grammar and writing. They chose different curriculum, of course. I knew that they would because their learning styles differ so greatly. I don't mind as long as they commit. They are studying typing, novel writing and Swahili as well. It should make for an interesting year. The youngest was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people crowded into the vendor hall. She was in a wheelchair and could not get around well. Though difficult, it was not impossible. She chose to study about knights and we found the neatest castle building kit. It is put out by Klutz and is building cards. She built a castle when she got home and started her Writing Curriculum, Draw, Write, Now. Her brothers both worked through it and enjoyed it greatly. Then I put all of the materials away and in October- we will pull them out again. Hopefully they are new to her. Every year the boys love their materials so much that they want to read them on the way home. It was no different for her.
I am looking forward to the sunshine on my face as I blog through the summer-
~CP
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Summer in the Garden
I have been diligently 'thinking' that I need to post on this blog. Is that enough?
We are nearing the tail end of our school year. I am so excited for the summer months. I know that we will relish the break. Daily, the boys seem to finish bits and pieces of their assignments. I know that they are feeling freer by the day. I am.
I am finally collecting their papers this week. Friday night by dinner time, I must have them in my hot little hand or the consequences are huge. So big I won't mention them here. I haven't really played a part in these papers other then assigning them and collecting at the end. I am trying to see where each of them are in their ability. I know that I am getting one about the history of the video game and the other about mummies. The joy of having boys...
Jacie has been working on a little different version of school. She does a puzzle or activity. Then she and I go out and work in the garden. We finish by reading books. Right now we are reading about plants and flowers. She doesn't have a lot of patience and does not understand all of the words so I am still reading her first grade books. This will change soon I think. I am trying to keep reading light and fun because she seems to not enjoy it. I want to take care of that so that she can develop a life long love of it. One thing that will help, I think, is that I am making required 'quiet time' this summer. In it she can read or sleep but no TV, video games or toys. I bet she chooses to peruse the many books on her shelf.
I am trying something a little different for the summer, I hope. I have dubbed it, "The Summer in the Garden."
All of the children will participate in outside activities (esp. gardening) on the days that we do not have other plans. We will work together and play together during the first three hours of the morning. I am hoping that it will encourage them to get their hands deep into the dirt and discover things. I am also hoping to connect with them all on a deeper level myself. I think that this is the way to do it. My oldest two are thirteen. They are still home, not working yet and I want to enjoy it. I am hoping to have a slower summer than we have had in awhile. For several years, we have had major undertakings occur through the summer months. This year we have some but none with the intensity that marked other years. The plan is that I will blog the journey of this summer. You know plans...
It is always bittersweet to see the end of a school year come because I normally think about what I should have done different but I have to admit, this year I am just looking forward to the break. I feel no guilt, just relief.
I love where I am today, I hope that you do as well.
~Camo Pants
We are nearing the tail end of our school year. I am so excited for the summer months. I know that we will relish the break. Daily, the boys seem to finish bits and pieces of their assignments. I know that they are feeling freer by the day. I am.
I am finally collecting their papers this week. Friday night by dinner time, I must have them in my hot little hand or the consequences are huge. So big I won't mention them here. I haven't really played a part in these papers other then assigning them and collecting at the end. I am trying to see where each of them are in their ability. I know that I am getting one about the history of the video game and the other about mummies. The joy of having boys...
Jacie has been working on a little different version of school. She does a puzzle or activity. Then she and I go out and work in the garden. We finish by reading books. Right now we are reading about plants and flowers. She doesn't have a lot of patience and does not understand all of the words so I am still reading her first grade books. This will change soon I think. I am trying to keep reading light and fun because she seems to not enjoy it. I want to take care of that so that she can develop a life long love of it. One thing that will help, I think, is that I am making required 'quiet time' this summer. In it she can read or sleep but no TV, video games or toys. I bet she chooses to peruse the many books on her shelf.
I am trying something a little different for the summer, I hope. I have dubbed it, "The Summer in the Garden."
All of the children will participate in outside activities (esp. gardening) on the days that we do not have other plans. We will work together and play together during the first three hours of the morning. I am hoping that it will encourage them to get their hands deep into the dirt and discover things. I am also hoping to connect with them all on a deeper level myself. I think that this is the way to do it. My oldest two are thirteen. They are still home, not working yet and I want to enjoy it. I am hoping to have a slower summer than we have had in awhile. For several years, we have had major undertakings occur through the summer months. This year we have some but none with the intensity that marked other years. The plan is that I will blog the journey of this summer. You know plans...
It is always bittersweet to see the end of a school year come because I normally think about what I should have done different but I have to admit, this year I am just looking forward to the break. I feel no guilt, just relief.
I love where I am today, I hope that you do as well.
~Camo Pants
Friday, April 22, 2011
Still in Existence
I love this kind of day around my house. It is raining outside and the kids have decided (so far) to play nice...
Jared cracks me up. I cannot get him to accomplish much without my assistance in regard to homeschooling. He wants to do his computer work but doesn't care about his math, grammar and piano. So, MT (Mean Teacher) strikes again. I have now made a rule that he cannot do anything on computer until all of his written work is done. Ugghh.. You would have thought I ripped is legs off and asked him to run a marathon. What a turkey. Get this, the master of procrastination decided that he had to teach Jacie piano and learn how to play the electric guitar...all in one morning. MT said, "No way!" and has become the bad guy again. Is it any wonder that when nighttime rolls around, I am the first in line to hit the sack?
Having said all of that, Loren and Jacie are building Legos together and it is kind of cute. Jared is completing the dreaded math and I am blogging my life story to all of you. Jared cannot understand that he is not allowed to join in the building of Legos because he wasted all of the morning 'learning the finer arts of guitar...'
Life is complicated when you waste, avoid and argue. It makes me tired as well.
I am excited that he has finally decided to pursue his guitar things. He wanted the guitar over two years ago and it has collected dust since. So, though his timing is off, I am helping him incorporate it into his daily regime. He is also an excellent singer and is beginning to work on his song for the fair. This will be the first time that he has sang in public. I never wanted to push him into it so I listened and watched... Now he is almost thirteen and decided that he loves it. He should, he is good. When he first came, at 23 months old, a lady stopped me in the store and said, "Do you know that your son has a perfect rhythm?"
She could hear him humming to the background music. I didn't even realize that there was background music...Of course, I had two 2 year old boys in a cart, in the Walmart so the fact that we all made it out alive was a huge plus. How times have changed. The boys are now thirteen. The issues have changed but are still in existence. Their mother has changed but thankfully is still in existence as well. Hehehe.
The truth? I wouldn't change a thing.
Hope all is well on your home school journey.
~Camo Pants
Jared cracks me up. I cannot get him to accomplish much without my assistance in regard to homeschooling. He wants to do his computer work but doesn't care about his math, grammar and piano. So, MT (Mean Teacher) strikes again. I have now made a rule that he cannot do anything on computer until all of his written work is done. Ugghh.. You would have thought I ripped is legs off and asked him to run a marathon. What a turkey. Get this, the master of procrastination decided that he had to teach Jacie piano and learn how to play the electric guitar...all in one morning. MT said, "No way!" and has become the bad guy again. Is it any wonder that when nighttime rolls around, I am the first in line to hit the sack?
Having said all of that, Loren and Jacie are building Legos together and it is kind of cute. Jared is completing the dreaded math and I am blogging my life story to all of you. Jared cannot understand that he is not allowed to join in the building of Legos because he wasted all of the morning 'learning the finer arts of guitar...'
Life is complicated when you waste, avoid and argue. It makes me tired as well.
I am excited that he has finally decided to pursue his guitar things. He wanted the guitar over two years ago and it has collected dust since. So, though his timing is off, I am helping him incorporate it into his daily regime. He is also an excellent singer and is beginning to work on his song for the fair. This will be the first time that he has sang in public. I never wanted to push him into it so I listened and watched... Now he is almost thirteen and decided that he loves it. He should, he is good. When he first came, at 23 months old, a lady stopped me in the store and said, "Do you know that your son has a perfect rhythm?"
She could hear him humming to the background music. I didn't even realize that there was background music...Of course, I had two 2 year old boys in a cart, in the Walmart so the fact that we all made it out alive was a huge plus. How times have changed. The boys are now thirteen. The issues have changed but are still in existence. Their mother has changed but thankfully is still in existence as well. Hehehe.
The truth? I wouldn't change a thing.
Hope all is well on your home school journey.
~Camo Pants
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