Today is a perfect example of learning on the go. We began our day at home with Spelling power a little math and pancakes. At 9:15, I had a Doctors appointment and Sarah read in the waiting room. ( I know, I was shocked too..I fully expected her to be doing handstands in the reception area..but she was reading!) At 10 am we got gas, a snack at the gas station (diet coke and donuts..don't judge) and we're off to the Library.
We will work on more Math until 11:15 when we are off the cooking club. The presentation today is by Madeline who will be presenting on Australia and the kids will make and eat Australian food. In true fashion Sarah will not eat anything but will finish up the donuts that have been sitting in the car, on the way home. I will run an errand during the club and fill my body with lots of coffee (Decaf of course). Cooking club is over at 1:30 and although I always say we will work in the afternoon, it never happens. We arrive home about 2pm , Sarah will practice Piano while scowling and at 5:00 Sarah will serve 5 o clock Mass. I will host my grown up book club at 7 pm where we will discuss Lost and Found..Don't bother reading it was not that good. Of course I am an expert because I read 3 books a week now. So that is our day.
I am counting Cooking club as Social studies and Alter Serving as Religion and Math as Math.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Stargirl
Today we discussed the book Stargirl in our girls book group. If you haven't read it, it is worth the time.
It is about a girl who enters High School after having been homeschooled her whole life. Although Homeschooling is not the main theme of the book, it plays a role. The author accurately gives an account of High School life and it ain't pretty, especially for someone who dresses, acts or looks differently. It was so interesting to hear the girls reaction, most of whom have never been to school. I think the girls accepted that homeschool kids are different. I am not so sure that is the case. I think they are the same but their circumstances require different things of them. I think in a school setting they too would adapt to the environment and act accordingly. Sarah is the same person she was when she was in school;however, she is able to move and speak more freely throughout the day. This freedom breeds some creativity and arrogance that may not have been as apparent in a traditional school. She has less stress I am sure, both socially and academically. I think the environment determines the behavior and kids become who they are at that time of their lives based on the school dynamic or the lack thereof.
So what would you do to fit in? change? lie? abandon your principles or friendships? Honestly I think most people at some time in their lives have gone along with the group so they would not be singled out or embarrassed. How can we expect our children to be so brave as to go against the grain? One way may be to create an environment where being an individual is not ridiculed or ignored but embraced. I don't know if that environment is always Homeschool but I do know that it is not School. I read the book much differently than the girls and I couldn't help thinking of my school years. I felt so sad that it is accepted that this is part of growing up because it absolutely is. Certainly homeschooling can help for those that are fortunate enough to do it, but what about everyone else. Stargirl was truly an individual and not because she was homeschooled but because she was a high school student trying to find her way in an impossible circumstance...high school. In this regard she was just like everyone else.
It is about a girl who enters High School after having been homeschooled her whole life. Although Homeschooling is not the main theme of the book, it plays a role. The author accurately gives an account of High School life and it ain't pretty, especially for someone who dresses, acts or looks differently. It was so interesting to hear the girls reaction, most of whom have never been to school. I think the girls accepted that homeschool kids are different. I am not so sure that is the case. I think they are the same but their circumstances require different things of them. I think in a school setting they too would adapt to the environment and act accordingly. Sarah is the same person she was when she was in school;however, she is able to move and speak more freely throughout the day. This freedom breeds some creativity and arrogance that may not have been as apparent in a traditional school. She has less stress I am sure, both socially and academically. I think the environment determines the behavior and kids become who they are at that time of their lives based on the school dynamic or the lack thereof.
So what would you do to fit in? change? lie? abandon your principles or friendships? Honestly I think most people at some time in their lives have gone along with the group so they would not be singled out or embarrassed. How can we expect our children to be so brave as to go against the grain? One way may be to create an environment where being an individual is not ridiculed or ignored but embraced. I don't know if that environment is always Homeschool but I do know that it is not School. I read the book much differently than the girls and I couldn't help thinking of my school years. I felt so sad that it is accepted that this is part of growing up because it absolutely is. Certainly homeschooling can help for those that are fortunate enough to do it, but what about everyone else. Stargirl was truly an individual and not because she was homeschooled but because she was a high school student trying to find her way in an impossible circumstance...high school. In this regard she was just like everyone else.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
I Hate, I mean Love, No, I Hate TV.
So I have been casually writing this blog for a few months and no one really knows about it, but low and behold, I received a comment, Thank you Linda! I was so excited that I told my husband and he said "You have a blog?". Anyway, it inspired me to write more than one post a month.
I gave up TV for lent so I have a little extra downtime. I've read about 4 books so far. Makes you think, how much TV did I watch? And speaking of TV..It is for sure my nemesis. Sarah would rather watch TV than do anything..it is like a drug to her. I sympathize because I love it too but it is bad, really bad, specifically because we watch bad TV. Dance Moms and Real Housewives and MSNBC are my vices and I feel so guilty that I have somehow passed this onto my daughter. Her addiction is in the form of the Disney Channel, and you know those little starlets are just one step away from celebrity rehab with Dr Drew. I have tried limiting it to one hour a day, and man that hour goes fast. I have to admit it is a challenge. There are theories that kids with ADHD should not watch much TV. Unless you are watching Nova, no kid should watch more than an hour a day. It is like gluten, everyone feels healthier without it , but ooh I do love a good breadstick.
During the day, the TV never comes on before 3 o clock and that I do stick to. While Homeschooling, it is nice that it is never part of the conversation. I know that sounds kind of lame but it's all I got. I know a lot of parents have similar issues with video games of which we have none. Yep, no Wii , no X Box..nothing, I like to keep our TV clean and simple. Just a box with 125 choices..I am a purist for sure.
So for the next 32 or so Days I will sacrifice..It is the very least I can do..You know. Is it true that Sundays are not part of Lent.?.Never-mind I think I know the answer...
I gave up TV for lent so I have a little extra downtime. I've read about 4 books so far. Makes you think, how much TV did I watch? And speaking of TV..It is for sure my nemesis. Sarah would rather watch TV than do anything..it is like a drug to her. I sympathize because I love it too but it is bad, really bad, specifically because we watch bad TV. Dance Moms and Real Housewives and MSNBC are my vices and I feel so guilty that I have somehow passed this onto my daughter. Her addiction is in the form of the Disney Channel, and you know those little starlets are just one step away from celebrity rehab with Dr Drew. I have tried limiting it to one hour a day, and man that hour goes fast. I have to admit it is a challenge. There are theories that kids with ADHD should not watch much TV. Unless you are watching Nova, no kid should watch more than an hour a day. It is like gluten, everyone feels healthier without it , but ooh I do love a good breadstick.
During the day, the TV never comes on before 3 o clock and that I do stick to. While Homeschooling, it is nice that it is never part of the conversation. I know that sounds kind of lame but it's all I got. I know a lot of parents have similar issues with video games of which we have none. Yep, no Wii , no X Box..nothing, I like to keep our TV clean and simple. Just a box with 125 choices..I am a purist for sure.
So for the next 32 or so Days I will sacrifice..It is the very least I can do..You know. Is it true that Sundays are not part of Lent.?.Never-mind I think I know the answer...
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Are you smarter that a fifth Grader?
I thought I would write a blog to chronicle our first year of homeschooling but it has been more difficult that I anticipated. Finding time to shower everyday is a challenge.. much less blog. I vacillate between being a rock star parent/teacher and the certainty that I am destroying my last child. Clearly I lay somewhere in the middle.
We are in a routine and I am at the point of evaluating some of the curriculum I have chosen. Realizing that I can discard what isn't working even though I paid good money for it. It's like eating that last bit of food at a restaurant when your jeans are screaming at your mouth to stop. I cant, I paid for it! I am also realizing that much as there are days that Sarah doesn't want to work, there are days that I don't either. Unfortunately, they aren't the same days. I do have new respect for teachers and I think their job is impossible. How can you do for 30 kids what I am having trouble doing for one? The answer is they don't
Homeschooling is not perfect, just better.
I am learning a lot about myself as well. I learned that I would rather spellcheck than actually put an apostrophe in any word. I learned that I learned very little when I was in school. I learned that I am not smarter than a fifth grader and that my fifth grader is. I learned that almost everything you need to know can be found through khanacademy.com for free. I have learned that education is no great mystery and there are no shortcuts. The line is blurred between knowledge and intelligence and the capacity to learn is infinite. I believe that discipline, habits and motivation are often disguised as intelligence when if fact we are all smart if we choose to do certain things. The difference between gifted and average is not in the IQ but the desire to learn. It may take some more time to master a concept but so what. Are we racing?
We are in a routine and I am at the point of evaluating some of the curriculum I have chosen. Realizing that I can discard what isn't working even though I paid good money for it. It's like eating that last bit of food at a restaurant when your jeans are screaming at your mouth to stop. I cant, I paid for it! I am also realizing that much as there are days that Sarah doesn't want to work, there are days that I don't either. Unfortunately, they aren't the same days. I do have new respect for teachers and I think their job is impossible. How can you do for 30 kids what I am having trouble doing for one? The answer is they don't
Homeschooling is not perfect, just better.
I am learning a lot about myself as well. I learned that I would rather spellcheck than actually put an apostrophe in any word. I learned that I learned very little when I was in school. I learned that I am not smarter than a fifth grader and that my fifth grader is. I learned that almost everything you need to know can be found through khanacademy.com for free. I have learned that education is no great mystery and there are no shortcuts. The line is blurred between knowledge and intelligence and the capacity to learn is infinite. I believe that discipline, habits and motivation are often disguised as intelligence when if fact we are all smart if we choose to do certain things. The difference between gifted and average is not in the IQ but the desire to learn. It may take some more time to master a concept but so what. Are we racing?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
So Far
Wow, writing a blog is much harder than expected. It was intended to chronicle our home school journey but we are so busy I rarely get a chance to write, so on this blog I am just going to list some of the fun stuff that we have done so far: Updated may 2012
biweekly cooking group
biweekly science club
monthly book club
home school rock climbing
tour of Danada equestrian center
Tour of veterinary clinic
visit and tour Old St Pats Catholic church
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
Sci Tech museum in Aurora
Field Museum
Creative writing workshop
Trip to Boston (freedom trail)
Trip to Providence RI (RISD art museum)
Trip to Madison WI ( Capitol, Chazeem Art Museum and Veterans museum)
Homeschool Skate
Microsoft Tech class
Brunswick zone Home School Bowling
Math class at learning vine (weekly)
All shook up Play at pheasant run
Waubonsie valley planetarium (stories of Orion)
Annie (CYT)
Dupage Engineering expo
Piano lessons
Swim team
Gymnastics
Dance class
Trip to Springfield Illinois
Geothermal tour of Sherman Hospital
tour of maple syrup facility
Feed my Starving children volunteering
Babysitting class and certification
Drama and improv class
Apple store field trip, digital advertising
biweekly cooking group
biweekly science club
monthly book club
home school rock climbing
tour of Danada equestrian center
Tour of veterinary clinic
visit and tour Old St Pats Catholic church
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
Sci Tech museum in Aurora
Field Museum
Creative writing workshop
Trip to Boston (freedom trail)
Trip to Providence RI (RISD art museum)
Trip to Madison WI ( Capitol, Chazeem Art Museum and Veterans museum)
Homeschool Skate
Microsoft Tech class
Brunswick zone Home School Bowling
Math class at learning vine (weekly)
All shook up Play at pheasant run
Waubonsie valley planetarium (stories of Orion)
Annie (CYT)
Dupage Engineering expo
Piano lessons
Swim team
Gymnastics
Dance class
Trip to Springfield Illinois
Geothermal tour of Sherman Hospital
tour of maple syrup facility
Feed my Starving children volunteering
Babysitting class and certification
Drama and improv class
Apple store field trip, digital advertising
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
To Focus or not to focus
We are into November and still getting our sea legs but we are learning sooo much. I do mean we. Everyday I am struck by how much Sarah knows and how little I do. I am discovering my own weaknesses (Science) and identifying Sarah's strengths (Math). Together we are learning, laughing, reading arguing and growing.
We have joined a few groups and have fallen into the over scheduling trap and realize we need to pull back a bit. After all, we are in school. Sarah has a great capacity to learn while seemingly not focussing at all. it is very amazing and unexpected. While standing on her hands..I do mean standing, she can retain a ton of information. It is true that everyone learns differently and I don't mean slower. Sarah's mind works so fast that it is hard to keep up sometimes. I am constantly amazed at what she retains. Everyday is a new experience.
We have joined a few groups and have fallen into the over scheduling trap and realize we need to pull back a bit. After all, we are in school. Sarah has a great capacity to learn while seemingly not focussing at all. it is very amazing and unexpected. While standing on her hands..I do mean standing, she can retain a ton of information. It is true that everyone learns differently and I don't mean slower. Sarah's mind works so fast that it is hard to keep up sometimes. I am constantly amazed at what she retains. Everyday is a new experience.
Monday, October 10, 2011
a lifestyle
We are 7 weeks into this journey and I have to say that it is more than just an education, it's a Lifestyle. My (our) life is much more structured and because of the schooling schedule it forces the rest of my life into a pretty strict schedule. All this is very good for Sarah and me.
There are days, many days, when I feel like we didn't get enough accomplished and then I look at the lesson plan and realize..hey not so bad. I am understanding that you don't have to be doing a worksheet or sitting still to really be learning. As the weeks go by, I am becoming marginally more relaxed. I am hoping that I can begin to have a little more fun with it because I know that is possible. As a child i never thought learning was fun. I thought of it as a necessary evil..just get through it, pass the test, get it over with. The content was never important or interesting to me. I want Sarah to not just go through he motions of learning but to really enjoy and understand. I don't want it to be a waste of time. Hopefully this new way of learning will spark an interest in us both.
There are days, many days, when I feel like we didn't get enough accomplished and then I look at the lesson plan and realize..hey not so bad. I am understanding that you don't have to be doing a worksheet or sitting still to really be learning. As the weeks go by, I am becoming marginally more relaxed. I am hoping that I can begin to have a little more fun with it because I know that is possible. As a child i never thought learning was fun. I thought of it as a necessary evil..just get through it, pass the test, get it over with. The content was never important or interesting to me. I want Sarah to not just go through he motions of learning but to really enjoy and understand. I don't want it to be a waste of time. Hopefully this new way of learning will spark an interest in us both.
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