Well, It is co-op time again. The kids and I are really enjoying it each Wednesday. I am teaching in the preschool with Nathan and Eden. Micah is taking Science and Creative writing-with homework! Jacob has PE and science, and Hannah has Crocheting and PE. She has been working on a pink baby blanket this past week.
Afterward all the homeschoolers go to the bowling alley for a lesson from the manager and a few games(for only a $1.00, free shoes)They all have too much junk food and soda on Wednesday and we feel pretty yucky on Thursday. We'll have to get better about that!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Latest and Greatest
Lately we have been enjoying the new educational material that we have been ordering. It seems every other day, a new package is coming in the mail- very exciting for the kiddos.
Probably the biggest hit has been the math software games (I felt they needed a little boost in that area). It takes them through places in a town where they have to help the clerks in stores and markets. Many real-life everyday concepts are used that show the kids how prevalent and needful math is in real life. The concepts covered involve, reading maps and graphs, geometry, problem solving/critical thinking, all types of weights and measurements, probability, reading bus and train schedules, money, plus all the basic operations. They earn money each time to buy an arcade for the town and gradually as they earn more, get to put new games in their arcade and then manage it. They often have to make repairs on the games, and chart their net and gross income as well. These Atari style games are simple but fun to be sure, and I like that they don’t have a lot of fast flashy color or noise, killing or racing, but involve more problem solving and critical thinking skills. We still have to limit their time on it of course. The two we bought covers K- 5th grade levels.
Nathan got his own software called Charlie the Church Mouse and it covers all K-2 skills. There are 6 different bible story adventures. You start out hearing part of the bible story, then have to do an activity, such as helping David with his sling shot practice. Problems pop up on the screen and you have to click on the right answer and he slings a stone at it. Then after that set of problems, you hear more of the story , then more activities. It is really well done and true to the bible. Eden got a ABC bible verses cd which she enjoys listening to constantly and is always going around singing them. All the rest of us have not been able to help but memorize these simple verses with references too( In KJV). It has been a great tool for all of us. It is also very soothing music and children’s voices , and sets and very peaceful atmosphere in the house, to be always hearing God’s word.
WE haven’t finished Gladys Aylward yet, mostly because the around the world adventure/ missionary book set we ordered came in. 10 titles , such as Amazon, Rainforest, The Outback, Coral reef, Wild West, The Himalayas, Kiwi Islands, etc. These are not only very informative about the whole region, history, flora and fauna, but also glorifying to God as missionaries relate their adventures and spiritual analogies with nature and events. Eden got up very early with me one morning (5:00am) and wanted me to “read” them all. There are simple black and white drawings on every other page that I would skim and tell her about. I think we went through about 7 of them. Her favorites were always the ones with water and fish. She also particularly likes me to “read “ her the Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. Her mind is like a sponge- I’m constantly amazed that her interest level in older topics is so high at age two.
The kids enjoyed reading the Max Axiom science graphic novel about the digestive system. Which is kinda like MacGyver meets Mrs. Frizzle on the magic school bus. We got one to try instead of the whole set and found out sadly, that it is secular like the magic school bus with occasional references to evolution and inaccurate teaching like that. I also bought a 4d puzzle of the digestive system that they really enjoyed putting together. It held Eden’s interest for days until I finally had to put it away as she always wanted to walk around with it and dropping it.
Micah has been using his new prisma coloring pencils extensively as well as doing a few lessons of geometry here and there. He has also been listening to a lot of preaching cds in on Romans, Becoming a Man, and other teachings by Pastor Michael Pearl. And of course enjoying the math software and it’s arcade. It is under his level , but he said it was a good review.
The plastic tubes that their smencils came in soon became test tubes for experiments involving food coloring ( Eden’s legs are still red!) So Jacob and Hannah bought some plastic worm making science kit at the store. Unfortunately they didn’t turn out right because the chemicals were old. But for $2.00 It was still worth the learning experience for them to read and follow directions, mixing the chemicals and observing- then cleaning up there mess ( except for the red food coloring that got left out). I see a chemistry set looming in the future of our ordering.
A friend of ours loaned us the “Sugar Creek Gang” cd set, and we have really been enjoying listening to these Godly stories.
Well that is the latest and greatest!
Probably the biggest hit has been the math software games (I felt they needed a little boost in that area). It takes them through places in a town where they have to help the clerks in stores and markets. Many real-life everyday concepts are used that show the kids how prevalent and needful math is in real life. The concepts covered involve, reading maps and graphs, geometry, problem solving/critical thinking, all types of weights and measurements, probability, reading bus and train schedules, money, plus all the basic operations. They earn money each time to buy an arcade for the town and gradually as they earn more, get to put new games in their arcade and then manage it. They often have to make repairs on the games, and chart their net and gross income as well. These Atari style games are simple but fun to be sure, and I like that they don’t have a lot of fast flashy color or noise, killing or racing, but involve more problem solving and critical thinking skills. We still have to limit their time on it of course. The two we bought covers K- 5th grade levels.
Nathan got his own software called Charlie the Church Mouse and it covers all K-2 skills. There are 6 different bible story adventures. You start out hearing part of the bible story, then have to do an activity, such as helping David with his sling shot practice. Problems pop up on the screen and you have to click on the right answer and he slings a stone at it. Then after that set of problems, you hear more of the story , then more activities. It is really well done and true to the bible. Eden got a ABC bible verses cd which she enjoys listening to constantly and is always going around singing them. All the rest of us have not been able to help but memorize these simple verses with references too( In KJV). It has been a great tool for all of us. It is also very soothing music and children’s voices , and sets and very peaceful atmosphere in the house, to be always hearing God’s word.
WE haven’t finished Gladys Aylward yet, mostly because the around the world adventure/ missionary book set we ordered came in. 10 titles , such as Amazon, Rainforest, The Outback, Coral reef, Wild West, The Himalayas, Kiwi Islands, etc. These are not only very informative about the whole region, history, flora and fauna, but also glorifying to God as missionaries relate their adventures and spiritual analogies with nature and events. Eden got up very early with me one morning (5:00am) and wanted me to “read” them all. There are simple black and white drawings on every other page that I would skim and tell her about. I think we went through about 7 of them. Her favorites were always the ones with water and fish. She also particularly likes me to “read “ her the Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. Her mind is like a sponge- I’m constantly amazed that her interest level in older topics is so high at age two.
The kids enjoyed reading the Max Axiom science graphic novel about the digestive system. Which is kinda like MacGyver meets Mrs. Frizzle on the magic school bus. We got one to try instead of the whole set and found out sadly, that it is secular like the magic school bus with occasional references to evolution and inaccurate teaching like that. I also bought a 4d puzzle of the digestive system that they really enjoyed putting together. It held Eden’s interest for days until I finally had to put it away as she always wanted to walk around with it and dropping it.
Micah has been using his new prisma coloring pencils extensively as well as doing a few lessons of geometry here and there. He has also been listening to a lot of preaching cds in on Romans, Becoming a Man, and other teachings by Pastor Michael Pearl. And of course enjoying the math software and it’s arcade. It is under his level , but he said it was a good review.
The plastic tubes that their smencils came in soon became test tubes for experiments involving food coloring ( Eden’s legs are still red!) So Jacob and Hannah bought some plastic worm making science kit at the store. Unfortunately they didn’t turn out right because the chemicals were old. But for $2.00 It was still worth the learning experience for them to read and follow directions, mixing the chemicals and observing- then cleaning up there mess ( except for the red food coloring that got left out). I see a chemistry set looming in the future of our ordering.
A friend of ours loaned us the “Sugar Creek Gang” cd set, and we have really been enjoying listening to these Godly stories.
Well that is the latest and greatest!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Winter Blahs
Well, almost two months have gone by since my last update. Partly due to morning sickness, partly due to the holiday season, and partly the winter blahs- which make for a massive procrastination attack!
We have enjoyed having Dad home a lot, and are now trying to get back more into the swing of things; our regular schedule and chores and such.
So I’ll try to summarize a few of the goings on and what the kiddos have been learning and up to.
There have been several different phases of music, art, and magic, lasting about a week or so each. But mostly survival skills and knife throwing have occupied the boys for quite a while. ( I now have a total of two knives in the house- 1 steak, and one large bread knife) Time to buy those throwing knives! We should have purchased these along with the knife and tomahawk throwing dvd.
Dad took the boys camping one weekend ( with their new survival packs and gear) in snow and freezing temps. Would have been a great success if they had been able to find enough dry wood. But they made it through and came back only a little early. It was still a good father/ son time and I’m sure they learned a lot. Dad also spent a couple of days with them building an igloo- big enough for several people to lay down and sit up inside.
We also purchased sleds for them all and took them to a large sledding hill nearby-I even loved it!
We bought Nathan and Eden a magnetic pattern shape learning toy that has different cards of designs. they have enjoyed it. I caught the bigger boys playing around on it making their own elaborate designs, such as mushroom clouds from atomic bombs.( BOYS!)
We ordered and received also The Journeys of Paul Missionary board game, but have not had the opportunity to play it yet.
We ordered them a collection of Adventures in Oddessy dvds, and Eden, a God Made Music dvd but they are not here yet.
The biggest hit has been a typing game for kids that we bought. Even Hannah is learning to type correctly-They are very competitive and fussed over whose turn it was for the first week or so.
We also purchased the Homesteading for Beginners , vol. 2 dvd. And Hannah and the youngers have enjoyed making some of the things they show you on that.
We have received the packets for the kids in India that each of us sponser and our kids have written their first letter to them, while learning a lot more about India.
Some friends of ours sent us a cartoon dvd series of missionary biographies that are amazing and we are really enjoying. We save them for movie night on Wednesdays. We have Gladys Alyward, Amy Charmichael, Eric Liddil, Perpetua, Jim Elliot, William Tyndale, John Bunyan, and Richard Wurmbrand. The series is called Torchlighters put out by Voice of the Martyrs and I recommend them to everyone!
This has started us reading the Gladys Alyward biography together. I read it while having an atlas near to show them any countries or places mentioned. A little mini geography lesson. I stop and explain many new vocabulary words and questions the kids have , or have them repeat back to me what is going on. They seem to be enjoying it so far. We usually only can cover one chapter per sitting due to all the discussion.
James read to them a book on Leif Erikson the other evening and it has sparked an interest in the Vickings, Norway, Greenland, and Newfoundland( where the Puffin birds are- mentioned by Leif in his writings) More geography and history.
Hannah just learned all the months of the year in order in one sitting using some Montessorii style cards. I plan to get a color printer to print out more of this kind of thing and file folder games of course. We have made several lately; the kids having to color them first . Easy way to earn a buck .
Micah is using the new Geometry Teaching Textbook with dvds. He has done several lessons every day for the past week , and loves regaling us with what he is learning. Who says you have to have Algebra first? He is also into b boxing and mixing on the computer with some music software.
This is all I can remember right now, besides all the teachable moments of everyday learning. For example, while driving, Hannah wanted to know how the GPS knows where we are. Great discussion on maps, longitude, latitude, satellites, etc.
We have instituted a new chore system with different zones and set times to helo clear up the chaos and clutter a little. It seems to be going well so far. Now that mom is feeling a little better and more motivated and inspired- more learning is starting to transpire again-Thank the Lord!
We have enjoyed having Dad home a lot, and are now trying to get back more into the swing of things; our regular schedule and chores and such.
So I’ll try to summarize a few of the goings on and what the kiddos have been learning and up to.
There have been several different phases of music, art, and magic, lasting about a week or so each. But mostly survival skills and knife throwing have occupied the boys for quite a while. ( I now have a total of two knives in the house- 1 steak, and one large bread knife) Time to buy those throwing knives! We should have purchased these along with the knife and tomahawk throwing dvd.
Dad took the boys camping one weekend ( with their new survival packs and gear) in snow and freezing temps. Would have been a great success if they had been able to find enough dry wood. But they made it through and came back only a little early. It was still a good father/ son time and I’m sure they learned a lot. Dad also spent a couple of days with them building an igloo- big enough for several people to lay down and sit up inside.
We also purchased sleds for them all and took them to a large sledding hill nearby-I even loved it!
We bought Nathan and Eden a magnetic pattern shape learning toy that has different cards of designs. they have enjoyed it. I caught the bigger boys playing around on it making their own elaborate designs, such as mushroom clouds from atomic bombs.( BOYS!)
We ordered and received also The Journeys of Paul Missionary board game, but have not had the opportunity to play it yet.
We ordered them a collection of Adventures in Oddessy dvds, and Eden, a God Made Music dvd but they are not here yet.
The biggest hit has been a typing game for kids that we bought. Even Hannah is learning to type correctly-They are very competitive and fussed over whose turn it was for the first week or so.
We also purchased the Homesteading for Beginners , vol. 2 dvd. And Hannah and the youngers have enjoyed making some of the things they show you on that.
We have received the packets for the kids in India that each of us sponser and our kids have written their first letter to them, while learning a lot more about India.
Some friends of ours sent us a cartoon dvd series of missionary biographies that are amazing and we are really enjoying. We save them for movie night on Wednesdays. We have Gladys Alyward, Amy Charmichael, Eric Liddil, Perpetua, Jim Elliot, William Tyndale, John Bunyan, and Richard Wurmbrand. The series is called Torchlighters put out by Voice of the Martyrs and I recommend them to everyone!
This has started us reading the Gladys Alyward biography together. I read it while having an atlas near to show them any countries or places mentioned. A little mini geography lesson. I stop and explain many new vocabulary words and questions the kids have , or have them repeat back to me what is going on. They seem to be enjoying it so far. We usually only can cover one chapter per sitting due to all the discussion.
James read to them a book on Leif Erikson the other evening and it has sparked an interest in the Vickings, Norway, Greenland, and Newfoundland( where the Puffin birds are- mentioned by Leif in his writings) More geography and history.
Hannah just learned all the months of the year in order in one sitting using some Montessorii style cards. I plan to get a color printer to print out more of this kind of thing and file folder games of course. We have made several lately; the kids having to color them first . Easy way to earn a buck .
Micah is using the new Geometry Teaching Textbook with dvds. He has done several lessons every day for the past week , and loves regaling us with what he is learning. Who says you have to have Algebra first? He is also into b boxing and mixing on the computer with some music software.
This is all I can remember right now, besides all the teachable moments of everyday learning. For example, while driving, Hannah wanted to know how the GPS knows where we are. Great discussion on maps, longitude, latitude, satellites, etc.
We have instituted a new chore system with different zones and set times to helo clear up the chaos and clutter a little. It seems to be going well so far. Now that mom is feeling a little better and more motivated and inspired- more learning is starting to transpire again-Thank the Lord!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Unschooling-Unchristian?
I had a homeschooling friend tell me a while back that after thoroughly researching unschooling, she decided that she could not do so because “ A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. " Actually the whole verse states: Pro 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. That is fine and good. Just because God leads one family a certain direction doesn’t mean he will necessarily lead every family the same way. Only God knows the particular training and circumstances each child will need to fulfill his will for their lives. I judge no one.
Perhaps she was nicely trying to show me the “error of my ways”, I don’t know. At any rate, I have since prayed and given much thought to this verse. I am quite convinced my children are not left to themselves. (Just ask them!)
Firstly, this verse, when taken in context is clearly talking about moral training and duty and perhaps even gross neglect- not necessarily the choice of academic style.
Now admittedly, I sometimes wish that I could leave them to themselves for even 30 minutes (for a break), but the truth is they do still need constant supervision (even my 14 year -old). If you are a parent with more than one child, you know that seldom is there a 10 minute time frame when there is not some infraction committed that needs judged, corrected , discussed, and brought to light of God’s truth. This of course, is very time-consuming and tiring, but absolutely necessary to the Godly training of children. We strive to not allow any bad habits of character, especially those hurtful to others, to be formed or to remain, thus searing young consciences and leading them even further down a path of destruction. It takes much diligence, truth be told. We never throw up our hands and say, “ Whatever! Let them fight it out!” Some may disagree with this, but we have seen that children when left to themselves to work out their disagreements will resort to the flesh, and the world’s way of solving problems. That is, the one that is strongest calling the shots. And they are usually not mature enough to put themselves last and do the righteous thing (unless having been thoroughly, and painstakingly trained for many years to do so.) Most often the strongest uses his strength or cunning to get his /her own way. Manipulation. Many cruel words are spoken and fuel keeps getting thrown on the fire until perhaps if not arrested, tempers can flare so hot the disagreement becomes physical. This certainly is not healthy for either or the relationship. Now, the temptations to deal with are triple. Unforgiveness, revenge, unrepentance, future judgementalness, not to mention developing ungodly behavior patterns where one child is continuously victimized emotionally and left helpless in their anger to the forming tyrannical bully, leaving neither to be able to restore their relationship to God or each other. It is a huge trap of Satan that I see them fall into over and over. We try hard to address and correct every cruel or unkind word spoken, every manipulation, and every unforgiving, unrepentant and angry attitude.
However, this is not what I was going to write about. Back to unschooling and children left to themselves. Now I cannot vouch for other unschoolers, but we do not allow our children to call the shots, make their own schedule, or all their own choices. They do not have unlimited free time to do whatever they will. We know that even a small amount of time allowing it makes them extremely willful and unsubmissive, complainy, and uncooperative. This environment allows for self to have full reign making them extremely self-centered and self-motivated. This would be very counterproductive to the Godly training we strive for.
No, our children have a basic daily schedule, that while not set ridgedly in stone, allow for a fairly consistent time frame for their day. They know what to expect, and what is expected of them and this gives them a certain amount of security and flow to our lives. We wake at around the same time daily. They have an hour to be fed, rooms/beds straightened, and dressed. (This includes teeth hair, different clothes-particularly undergarments, deodorant , etc. You may laugh, but this actually is asked every day, and takes quite a bit of training for 6 children of various ages.) They then must gather in the living room for family devotion and prayer time. This of course, is more training in simply being attentive and still ( especially for the younger ones) and we hope for participation. Next, we have a 30 minute cleaning spree we call “morning chores” usually assigned for a 3 week period. By then, if all goes well and there are no major crisis (injuries, fights to work through, spills or general devastation) They have an hour or two before lunch to pursue their own interests and learn about whatever they will. They know that this is more academic learning time and not movie time unless it is educational. All time, every day is learning in some way or another; the character training being more of a priority. But we have found that other “academic “ learning falls naturally within the flow of our daily schedule in certain places. Or you might say that they are free to learn in that way when it doesn’t interfere with set times of meals and chores. All this of course, is flexible to a degree. I mean I am not going to cut off the flowing juices if they are in the middle of a project that they are very excited about , or doing MATH( which is rare enough) just because it is bedtime. After lunch, the next time marker is 4:30 when any remaining chores must be finished before dad returns and we have family suppertime at anywhere from 6:00-7:00 depending on when dad gets home. After meal clean-up, that we do as a family, they usually have some time to play read, or finish whatever interest or project they were doing. A lot of times we read as a family, ( last night, Dad took them for a walk in the snowy night-cause mom was not feeling well.) Then we usually join for devotion/prayer led by Dad. This is also a time for everyone to reconnect and share with dad all of their day. So we have found that this relaxed structure with certain daily landmarks works well for us.
Now granted, there are times, that if I used my eyes only, it would appear that they weren’t doing much learning- and I will start to give nudges, ideas and suggestions or sit down with a child to play a learning activity- try to get the juices flowing. But I try not to worry and trust God ; these times usually don’t last very long. I’m starting to see that people naturally learn large amounts in spurts (I do as well) and then the brain needs time to digest and rest from academic learning. As long as we can still see and gauge tangible improvement /advancement, and most importantly a desire and love of learning, we are satisfied. We trust that God will equip, lead and guide them for His purpose in their lives.
Another negative remark I have heard about, is the statement that God is a God of order and structure and therefore unschooling can’t possibly be His will. But whose order? God’s order is not necessarily our idea of order, and certainly not society’s idea of when and what every child should learn. Every child is as unique as God’s plan for their individual lives, and only the Holy spirit knows what and when they are ready for something. We allow God the freedom to do this, and truly, I don’t see how He could otherwise. We have since seen an excitement and joy for learning, even the basic academic subjects, return slowly to the children. They are all reading many more books on various subjects (unprompted) and best of all their talents and gifting and callings are becoming apparent. We still feel confident that this is God’s will for our family.
Perhaps she was nicely trying to show me the “error of my ways”, I don’t know. At any rate, I have since prayed and given much thought to this verse. I am quite convinced my children are not left to themselves. (Just ask them!)
Firstly, this verse, when taken in context is clearly talking about moral training and duty and perhaps even gross neglect- not necessarily the choice of academic style.
Now admittedly, I sometimes wish that I could leave them to themselves for even 30 minutes (for a break), but the truth is they do still need constant supervision (even my 14 year -old). If you are a parent with more than one child, you know that seldom is there a 10 minute time frame when there is not some infraction committed that needs judged, corrected , discussed, and brought to light of God’s truth. This of course, is very time-consuming and tiring, but absolutely necessary to the Godly training of children. We strive to not allow any bad habits of character, especially those hurtful to others, to be formed or to remain, thus searing young consciences and leading them even further down a path of destruction. It takes much diligence, truth be told. We never throw up our hands and say, “ Whatever! Let them fight it out!” Some may disagree with this, but we have seen that children when left to themselves to work out their disagreements will resort to the flesh, and the world’s way of solving problems. That is, the one that is strongest calling the shots. And they are usually not mature enough to put themselves last and do the righteous thing (unless having been thoroughly, and painstakingly trained for many years to do so.) Most often the strongest uses his strength or cunning to get his /her own way. Manipulation. Many cruel words are spoken and fuel keeps getting thrown on the fire until perhaps if not arrested, tempers can flare so hot the disagreement becomes physical. This certainly is not healthy for either or the relationship. Now, the temptations to deal with are triple. Unforgiveness, revenge, unrepentance, future judgementalness, not to mention developing ungodly behavior patterns where one child is continuously victimized emotionally and left helpless in their anger to the forming tyrannical bully, leaving neither to be able to restore their relationship to God or each other. It is a huge trap of Satan that I see them fall into over and over. We try hard to address and correct every cruel or unkind word spoken, every manipulation, and every unforgiving, unrepentant and angry attitude.
However, this is not what I was going to write about. Back to unschooling and children left to themselves. Now I cannot vouch for other unschoolers, but we do not allow our children to call the shots, make their own schedule, or all their own choices. They do not have unlimited free time to do whatever they will. We know that even a small amount of time allowing it makes them extremely willful and unsubmissive, complainy, and uncooperative. This environment allows for self to have full reign making them extremely self-centered and self-motivated. This would be very counterproductive to the Godly training we strive for.
No, our children have a basic daily schedule, that while not set ridgedly in stone, allow for a fairly consistent time frame for their day. They know what to expect, and what is expected of them and this gives them a certain amount of security and flow to our lives. We wake at around the same time daily. They have an hour to be fed, rooms/beds straightened, and dressed. (This includes teeth hair, different clothes-particularly undergarments, deodorant , etc. You may laugh, but this actually is asked every day, and takes quite a bit of training for 6 children of various ages.) They then must gather in the living room for family devotion and prayer time. This of course, is more training in simply being attentive and still ( especially for the younger ones) and we hope for participation. Next, we have a 30 minute cleaning spree we call “morning chores” usually assigned for a 3 week period. By then, if all goes well and there are no major crisis (injuries, fights to work through, spills or general devastation) They have an hour or two before lunch to pursue their own interests and learn about whatever they will. They know that this is more academic learning time and not movie time unless it is educational. All time, every day is learning in some way or another; the character training being more of a priority. But we have found that other “academic “ learning falls naturally within the flow of our daily schedule in certain places. Or you might say that they are free to learn in that way when it doesn’t interfere with set times of meals and chores. All this of course, is flexible to a degree. I mean I am not going to cut off the flowing juices if they are in the middle of a project that they are very excited about , or doing MATH( which is rare enough) just because it is bedtime. After lunch, the next time marker is 4:30 when any remaining chores must be finished before dad returns and we have family suppertime at anywhere from 6:00-7:00 depending on when dad gets home. After meal clean-up, that we do as a family, they usually have some time to play read, or finish whatever interest or project they were doing. A lot of times we read as a family, ( last night, Dad took them for a walk in the snowy night-cause mom was not feeling well.) Then we usually join for devotion/prayer led by Dad. This is also a time for everyone to reconnect and share with dad all of their day. So we have found that this relaxed structure with certain daily landmarks works well for us.
Now granted, there are times, that if I used my eyes only, it would appear that they weren’t doing much learning- and I will start to give nudges, ideas and suggestions or sit down with a child to play a learning activity- try to get the juices flowing. But I try not to worry and trust God ; these times usually don’t last very long. I’m starting to see that people naturally learn large amounts in spurts (I do as well) and then the brain needs time to digest and rest from academic learning. As long as we can still see and gauge tangible improvement /advancement, and most importantly a desire and love of learning, we are satisfied. We trust that God will equip, lead and guide them for His purpose in their lives.
Another negative remark I have heard about, is the statement that God is a God of order and structure and therefore unschooling can’t possibly be His will. But whose order? God’s order is not necessarily our idea of order, and certainly not society’s idea of when and what every child should learn. Every child is as unique as God’s plan for their individual lives, and only the Holy spirit knows what and when they are ready for something. We allow God the freedom to do this, and truly, I don’t see how He could otherwise. We have since seen an excitement and joy for learning, even the basic academic subjects, return slowly to the children. They are all reading many more books on various subjects (unprompted) and best of all their talents and gifting and callings are becoming apparent. We still feel confident that this is God’s will for our family.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Higher Standards
The Lord is drawing us to higher standards in our educational choices for our children. Basically, if it is not from a Christian source, it is not for us. Yes, that even means no National geographic or other educational dvds from the library. This is kinda hard as you can imagine; we depended on the library for a lot of our resources. We haven’t completely weaned off from the library yet, and sometimes we bend our own rule- but we are trying. There are still a few decent selections (diamonds in the rough )there, but they are getting increasingly harder to find and all the junk one has to wade through to find them! There are so many great Christian based resources/curriculum out there (not free of course) we need not worry about not getting great educational material. This new standard is forcing us to invest more money into the really good stuff out there, which is a good thing. The kids are excited to each get to choose some new, dvd, game, book, manipulative, or science kit each month. Dad and I are excited too! First on our list will be Diana Warings Ancient Civilizations package.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Another Week At A Glance
Yep, another update so soon. As I said, when it rains it pours! The kids have been getting quite a few lessons with Dad lately. He is always sharing with them some new and interesting thing, usually a video on the computer. This past week they learned/watched how cornflakes were made, about immigration and world poverty, and Eugenics. He also gave them a lesson on making coffee, which developed into where electricity comes from, and different types of energy, which also led to a lively discussion about what happens to people when they get electrocuted or struck by lightning. We then took them down to the laundry room to show them all the processes for doing all the laundry (I admit, I had been keeping this chore to myself-well actually Nathan was my helper and knows how to do it all.) German machines are different. They studied and talked about condensation, and about the electrical and plumbing lines down there as well. James is planning some survival excursions in the forest for next spring and a scavenger/treasure hunt using coordinates and a compass. I think we are going to take the kids on a letterbox adventure at a castle nearby. The homeschool group had planned it and then had to cancel- so we might do it as a family. Should be fun- that is right up Jacob’s alley.
Learning time with dad is a wonderful treat, as he doesn’t get to do it as much he’d like because of work. The kids are very responsive.
They also love to listen to preaching or teaching tapes while we are driving as a family. We just started Diana Warings History Alive series- it is truly fascinating, always prompting lots of questions and discussions. We are ordering her Ancient Civilizations package next month- can’t wait!
Friday, Jacob self initiated doing a lesson of math out of his Abeka textbook (instead of using all the myriad of manipulatives and games we have-hmmpf! go figure!) I guess I won’t get rid of all those textbooks after all- they keep getting them out and using them! He had the lesson completed (which was 100%) before everyone had even finished breakfast and getting ready for the day. I think he actually enjoyed it too! I told him it was like detective work, using the clues to solve a problem or mystery. He checked out some Hardy Boys books at the library yesterday. I think he is taking a break from the Circle Trilogy. He has also been writing in his detective journal.
Micah and Jacob made some cool, elaborate paper blow guns that they had learned how to do on youtube. They have quite a bit of force and distance- had to buy a lot more tape yesterday. Micah even attached an ammo box full of shrapnel on his and Jacob’s has a scope.
Nathan and Hannah have worked in their vtecs quite a bit this week, doing some of the games they hadn’t learned yet. Nathan is surprising me more and more with how many letters and sounds he knows. He goes around sounding out words all the time. The other day he was attempting to write words- he knew what they said, anyway. His favorite thing is when it is his turn to sleep with me, and we draw letters on each other’s backs. This is something I have always done with all the kids, sometimes with shaving cream on their backs while bathing. If I’m not mistaking the signs, he will show a real interest in reading soon. He and Eden did some painting this week, and made noodle necklaces and then painted them for the letter N. (I had a hard time keeping Eden from eating them later.) He drew some fabulous drawings of cats, tigers, zebras and other animals with quite a bit of detail, which would be something a much older child than 4 would do. I was quite amazed. He and Hannah got some new puzzles, and they were very excited to do them. Nathan only required a little help. His was a polar bear, and Hannah’s was a horse of course. Nathan picked out several books from the library of various animals, and even a large, thick animal encyclopedia. He also got some books on space and some magic school bus books. These he loves because when he was younger we had a few MSB videos.
Eden is going through a book phase. She has to carry a few around with her EVERYWHERE she goes. Upstairs, downstairs, to the potty, to the car, to bed-gets kinda annoying actually, especially when she screams when they are out of her sight, she drops them, or she thinks that someone is taking them. (We are working on her screaming habit.) She chose a couple at the library yesterday, and every person in the family had read them to her twice I think before the day was done. She barely let go of them to have them checked out. And what a fit she threw at bedtime when I wouldn’t let her sleep with them! Still, I’m glad she is taking an interest in books. She also goes around trying to sing her ABCs and sounding out words like Nathan does. I’m pretty sure she is just mimicking though-but maybe not, she is quite bright, and quite a drama queen! Her favorite thing is having me sing every song I know to her when it is her turn to sleep with me. And playing duck duck goose! She has also taken to wanting to give me massages lately and always wants someone to scratch her back. What a toot she is!
Hannah completed her doll and is so proud! This past week, she has been reading and drawing a lot! Quite frequently she asks me to help her spell some word, so I know she is writing too. Mostly I have been reading On the Banks of Plum Creek, which we just finished and she is so anxious to start the next one that we checked out from the library yesterday. She just loves this book series! I plan to buy her the whole set for her very own soon. Jacob and even Micah also conveniently shows up and hangs around for most of the readings and pretends to not like it by making fun of it a lot. (Jacob got mad one time when we read a chapter without him- and oh how he loathes Nellie Oleson being mean to Laura! That’s the hero in him.) They all go around quoting the books frequently. It has been a lot of fun and great learning!
And what has our aspiring writer been up to? A lot, as usual. When Micah is not working on his book, he is playing guitar, yo-yoing, making weapons out of paper, watching ed. youtube videos or reading. He has also independently been working in his math and grammar books this week. He went to a German church service with his German friend the other evening and was quite moved by the beauty and music. He also allowed me to read some of his book, which is quite fabulous and we had a long discussion about developing character, using similes, and plenty of 5 senses description to help the reader really be there. I was privileged, that he asked me to be his editor! He must have thought I knew what I was talking about. It is great to see him so motivated about writing. His talents and potentials seem to be unlimited. He is also after only two days of yo-yoing, an amature professional- amazing all of us with his death-defying tricks. I say death- defying, because he has come close to whacking a few of us in the head a couple of times. Still, he’s good!
Well, they will be trickling down from the bedrooms soon, so I should go start breakfast.
Learning time with dad is a wonderful treat, as he doesn’t get to do it as much he’d like because of work. The kids are very responsive.
They also love to listen to preaching or teaching tapes while we are driving as a family. We just started Diana Warings History Alive series- it is truly fascinating, always prompting lots of questions and discussions. We are ordering her Ancient Civilizations package next month- can’t wait!
Friday, Jacob self initiated doing a lesson of math out of his Abeka textbook (instead of using all the myriad of manipulatives and games we have-hmmpf! go figure!) I guess I won’t get rid of all those textbooks after all- they keep getting them out and using them! He had the lesson completed (which was 100%) before everyone had even finished breakfast and getting ready for the day. I think he actually enjoyed it too! I told him it was like detective work, using the clues to solve a problem or mystery. He checked out some Hardy Boys books at the library yesterday. I think he is taking a break from the Circle Trilogy. He has also been writing in his detective journal.
Micah and Jacob made some cool, elaborate paper blow guns that they had learned how to do on youtube. They have quite a bit of force and distance- had to buy a lot more tape yesterday. Micah even attached an ammo box full of shrapnel on his and Jacob’s has a scope.
Nathan and Hannah have worked in their vtecs quite a bit this week, doing some of the games they hadn’t learned yet. Nathan is surprising me more and more with how many letters and sounds he knows. He goes around sounding out words all the time. The other day he was attempting to write words- he knew what they said, anyway. His favorite thing is when it is his turn to sleep with me, and we draw letters on each other’s backs. This is something I have always done with all the kids, sometimes with shaving cream on their backs while bathing. If I’m not mistaking the signs, he will show a real interest in reading soon. He and Eden did some painting this week, and made noodle necklaces and then painted them for the letter N. (I had a hard time keeping Eden from eating them later.) He drew some fabulous drawings of cats, tigers, zebras and other animals with quite a bit of detail, which would be something a much older child than 4 would do. I was quite amazed. He and Hannah got some new puzzles, and they were very excited to do them. Nathan only required a little help. His was a polar bear, and Hannah’s was a horse of course. Nathan picked out several books from the library of various animals, and even a large, thick animal encyclopedia. He also got some books on space and some magic school bus books. These he loves because when he was younger we had a few MSB videos.
Eden is going through a book phase. She has to carry a few around with her EVERYWHERE she goes. Upstairs, downstairs, to the potty, to the car, to bed-gets kinda annoying actually, especially when she screams when they are out of her sight, she drops them, or she thinks that someone is taking them. (We are working on her screaming habit.) She chose a couple at the library yesterday, and every person in the family had read them to her twice I think before the day was done. She barely let go of them to have them checked out. And what a fit she threw at bedtime when I wouldn’t let her sleep with them! Still, I’m glad she is taking an interest in books. She also goes around trying to sing her ABCs and sounding out words like Nathan does. I’m pretty sure she is just mimicking though-but maybe not, she is quite bright, and quite a drama queen! Her favorite thing is having me sing every song I know to her when it is her turn to sleep with me. And playing duck duck goose! She has also taken to wanting to give me massages lately and always wants someone to scratch her back. What a toot she is!
Hannah completed her doll and is so proud! This past week, she has been reading and drawing a lot! Quite frequently she asks me to help her spell some word, so I know she is writing too. Mostly I have been reading On the Banks of Plum Creek, which we just finished and she is so anxious to start the next one that we checked out from the library yesterday. She just loves this book series! I plan to buy her the whole set for her very own soon. Jacob and even Micah also conveniently shows up and hangs around for most of the readings and pretends to not like it by making fun of it a lot. (Jacob got mad one time when we read a chapter without him- and oh how he loathes Nellie Oleson being mean to Laura! That’s the hero in him.) They all go around quoting the books frequently. It has been a lot of fun and great learning!
And what has our aspiring writer been up to? A lot, as usual. When Micah is not working on his book, he is playing guitar, yo-yoing, making weapons out of paper, watching ed. youtube videos or reading. He has also independently been working in his math and grammar books this week. He went to a German church service with his German friend the other evening and was quite moved by the beauty and music. He also allowed me to read some of his book, which is quite fabulous and we had a long discussion about developing character, using similes, and plenty of 5 senses description to help the reader really be there. I was privileged, that he asked me to be his editor! He must have thought I knew what I was talking about. It is great to see him so motivated about writing. His talents and potentials seem to be unlimited. He is also after only two days of yo-yoing, an amature professional- amazing all of us with his death-defying tricks. I say death- defying, because he has come close to whacking a few of us in the head a couple of times. Still, he’s good!
Well, they will be trickling down from the bedrooms soon, so I should go start breakfast.
" I'm So Proud of You!"
The other day Eden( age 2) was mimicking how Nathan has been sounding out words. ex. b b b ball. She thought it was a great game. She made the d sound three times, then yelled out Dog! I thought I would join in and encourage her and said d d dDad! She clapped her hands and said, "Good! I'm so proud of you! You did it!" I quickly realized that she was being the teacher teaching me phonics!
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