Hey all!
Or should I say few.................I think I have about two readers...:) Probably because it has been too much for me to keep up with 2 blogs.
I will no longer be keeping this blog. I have decided to simplify and just blog about our homeschooling on our private blog. I will keep this blog up just for reference.
If you would like an invite just leave me your email address.
Thanks!
Aug 11, 2009
Jun 26, 2009
Summertime-Take it all in
AAAAhhhhh........the warm summer evenings where play, work and learning go hand in hand
Breathe it in.....
And build a clubhouse or two.....
Breathe it in.....
And build a clubhouse or two.....
May 14, 2009
Schooling, how serious does it need to be?
Since my blog is private to some readers, I decided to post this on here too:
I just read my good friend Becky's blog. She is the mother of 8 children and is a wonderful homeschool mom. I have had the privilege of watching her example. She has some great insights on this topic.
This topic has been heavy on my mind lately. Occasionally, I have friends, family, or acquaintances come to my door during "school hours". I know the look all too well. The "why aren't your kids at the table doing 'school work' look.
Does education have to be all that? Does it require homework, multiple choice and fill in the blanks? Just the other day, me and my kids enjoyed going for a walk down our road and played 'I Spy' with a twist: I would spy something, spell out the word and have them tell me what word it was I just spelled. It was fun!
I love watching my boys invent their own machines with scraps of wood and cardboard boxes, contraptions, and experiments in the kitchen. This is education in it's prime!
When I first began homeschooling I set it up just like public school complete with snack time, recess, and PE. I was very adamant about timing assignments and making my curriculum as rigorous as possible. I realized very quickly that this did NOT work. After some time on knees and much pondering on the matter, I realized that these were all the reasons why I decided not to send my child to the public schools. I was missing the mark completely! My first year of homeschooling was the greatest learning curb in my life! I realized very quickly that I wanted something more for my children and myself. I want a lifestyle of learning. I re-found this quote a little while ago:
" We're not trying to do "School at Home." We're trying to do homeschool. These are two entirely different propositions. We're not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we're trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime 7 days each week. The "formal" portion of each teaching day is just the tip of the iceburg. "
--Steve and Jane Lambert ( Five In A Row )
Here is a WONDERFUL article on homework called Kindergarten Cram. If you have a few minutes, it is a great article to read.
I just read my good friend Becky's blog. She is the mother of 8 children and is a wonderful homeschool mom. I have had the privilege of watching her example. She has some great insights on this topic.
This topic has been heavy on my mind lately. Occasionally, I have friends, family, or acquaintances come to my door during "school hours". I know the look all too well. The "why aren't your kids at the table doing 'school work' look.
Does education have to be all that? Does it require homework, multiple choice and fill in the blanks? Just the other day, me and my kids enjoyed going for a walk down our road and played 'I Spy' with a twist: I would spy something, spell out the word and have them tell me what word it was I just spelled. It was fun!
I love watching my boys invent their own machines with scraps of wood and cardboard boxes, contraptions, and experiments in the kitchen. This is education in it's prime!
When I first began homeschooling I set it up just like public school complete with snack time, recess, and PE. I was very adamant about timing assignments and making my curriculum as rigorous as possible. I realized very quickly that this did NOT work. After some time on knees and much pondering on the matter, I realized that these were all the reasons why I decided not to send my child to the public schools. I was missing the mark completely! My first year of homeschooling was the greatest learning curb in my life! I realized very quickly that I wanted something more for my children and myself. I want a lifestyle of learning. I re-found this quote a little while ago:
" We're not trying to do "School at Home." We're trying to do homeschool. These are two entirely different propositions. We're not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we're trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime 7 days each week. The "formal" portion of each teaching day is just the tip of the iceburg. "
--Steve and Jane Lambert ( Five In A Row )
Here is a WONDERFUL article on homework called Kindergarten Cram. If you have a few minutes, it is a great article to read.
Mar 6, 2009
Home is the center of learning
I found this quote the other day and thought I would share:
"The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning-that the father and mother be teachers. . . As prophetic events unfold, one thing is certain: we will all need to teach more within the walls of our own homes. In the Book of Mormon we find some models: 'I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father'(1 Nephi 1"). No doubt Nephi was taught the things of the Spirit-his writings reveal that. He probably was taught practical matters as well, for he was a very resourceful man. Today that son is fortunate whose father teaches him somewhat in all his learning."
A. Theodore Tuttle
(Ensign, Nov. 1979, 27)
"The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning-that the father and mother be teachers. . . As prophetic events unfold, one thing is certain: we will all need to teach more within the walls of our own homes. In the Book of Mormon we find some models: 'I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father'(1 Nephi 1"). No doubt Nephi was taught the things of the Spirit-his writings reveal that. He probably was taught practical matters as well, for he was a very resourceful man. Today that son is fortunate whose father teaches him somewhat in all his learning."
A. Theodore Tuttle
(Ensign, Nov. 1979, 27)
Feb 5, 2009
Good idea for homeschool groups
We have a homeschool group that meets once a week. Each mom takes a turn teaching ( or being in charge). We rotate turns and it's not too strenuous because there are about 8 families that get together. This has been a wonderful asset to our homeschooling. It provides a "social" day for the kids. Actually, I have to admit, as would all us moms, It serves as a "social" day for us too. :)
We mostly go on field trips to the nature center, the museums, the local factories and fire departments, bakeries, etc. Sometimes we have lessons at one another's' homes. Some of the funnest ones have been the most simple ones. For instance, one mom taught us all about rocks. This was very cool and educational. Also, very inexpensive.
In the past we have emailed or called to let each mom know what was going on that week. As of recently, we started a private blog for our group. This has been great! I wish I could give you a link to see what we do on there, but it's Private, so I will just have to explain. We have a blog roll of all the families who have blogs. We also have links to some of our favorite educational/homeschool websites. We post on there regularly to keep us all updated on the latest homeschool group activity or local happenings. It's also a great way to know about things that are going on at our local college, theaters, museums and libraries.
We mostly go on field trips to the nature center, the museums, the local factories and fire departments, bakeries, etc. Sometimes we have lessons at one another's' homes. Some of the funnest ones have been the most simple ones. For instance, one mom taught us all about rocks. This was very cool and educational. Also, very inexpensive.
In the past we have emailed or called to let each mom know what was going on that week. As of recently, we started a private blog for our group. This has been great! I wish I could give you a link to see what we do on there, but it's Private, so I will just have to explain. We have a blog roll of all the families who have blogs. We also have links to some of our favorite educational/homeschool websites. We post on there regularly to keep us all updated on the latest homeschool group activity or local happenings. It's also a great way to know about things that are going on at our local college, theaters, museums and libraries.
Jan 10, 2009
Highly Recommended
Have you ever NOT known someone personally but felt a deep connection with them from something they have written or said? Gene R. Cook is this to me. I love all of his talks I have heard and all of his books I have read.This book is especially my favorite. I have read it now about 3 times over and listened to the audio CD's about 4. (I know, I'm a repetition girl. I like to watch my same favorite movies over and over again too. :) And read my favorite books time and time again.)
I recommend this book to everyone! Whether you have little ones or teens. I want to say this without sounding too dramatic, but this book has really played a major part in how I parent.
This is a MUST READ for every LDS parent.
Jan 7, 2009
Not trying to do 'school at home'....
I found this quote shoved in the back of my journal the other day. I thought I would share.
" We're not trying to do "School at Home." We're trying to do homeschool. These are two entirely different propositions. We're not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we're trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime 7 days each week. The "formal" portion of each teaching day is just the tip of the iceburg. "
--Steve and Jane Lambert ( Five In A Row )
My first year of homeschooling was the greatest learning year of my life! I tried my hardest to keep a rigorous curriculum for my kindergarten-age child. I tried so hard to make our homeschool day like a regular school day complete with recess, and PE. I learned very quickly that this was exactly what DID NOT WORK at home. It seemed so stressful and those nights I would go to bed feeling overwhelmed and I'm sure my child felt the same way. This lasted for only a week or so, before I had to really re-evaluate. the question came to my mind, "Isn't this part of the reason why you are homeschooling?, because you want something different for your children?" It was so simple! I'm not trying to mimic school at home! I don't want that! I instantly realized that homeschool was an entirely different thing. I wanted a lifestyle of learning!
" We're not trying to do "School at Home." We're trying to do homeschool. These are two entirely different propositions. We're not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we're trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime 7 days each week. The "formal" portion of each teaching day is just the tip of the iceburg. "
--Steve and Jane Lambert ( Five In A Row )
My first year of homeschooling was the greatest learning year of my life! I tried my hardest to keep a rigorous curriculum for my kindergarten-age child. I tried so hard to make our homeschool day like a regular school day complete with recess, and PE. I learned very quickly that this was exactly what DID NOT WORK at home. It seemed so stressful and those nights I would go to bed feeling overwhelmed and I'm sure my child felt the same way. This lasted for only a week or so, before I had to really re-evaluate. the question came to my mind, "Isn't this part of the reason why you are homeschooling?, because you want something different for your children?" It was so simple! I'm not trying to mimic school at home! I don't want that! I instantly realized that homeschool was an entirely different thing. I wanted a lifestyle of learning!
Jan 3, 2009
Keeping Mom Organized
I recently made me this binder to keep myself a bit more organized when it comes to homeschooling. And, with it being a new year, it is the perfect time to re-organize and re-evaluate. This is kind of a modge podge of ideas all squished together. Some of the ideas I got from homeschool mom, Diane Hopkins, home organization tips, calendars that work , and fly lady . But I found what works best for me. And so I will share my version of "Mom's planner"....
First:
I got a three ring binder and used some craft paper to make it recognizable amidst all of my kids' other three-ring binders. (This is where you can get creative and color-coordinate according to your style. I probably would have gone with a more fresh look, but since I am on bed-rest with this pregnancy and can't get out much, I just used what I had in our homeschool closet.)
Second:
I made a section for Mom's goals. This is where I keep a record of my thoughts and plans throughout each day.
I found this cool goal organizer in the back of one of my homeschool books by Diane Hopkins. I think it was either Happy Homeschooling, or I Love Homeschooling. Here is a link to her site if you would like to purchase her book. ldfr.com
Third:
I made a section for my calendar. This is a must for me! We meet twice a year as moms to plan out our homeschool group activities and each mom needs a calendar to keep track of who is in charge that week. I also include the other families ' phone numbers , addresses, kids ages, etc. in this section.
Fourth:
My favorite section! I have an idividual section for each of my children. This is where I write down ideas and inspiration for each one. I include what we are working on and also their goals. For example:
My oldest has a more vigorous agenda each day unlike my 4 yr. old. So, I have to keep better track of his progression and where he is either progressing or staying stagnant. My youngest is learning how to write all kinds of short words. I have a list in there of all the words he is learning to spell so we can work on them and help ingrain them in his memory.
I also include a Book of Mormon reading chart in each of their sections. We read from the illustrated Book of Mormon reader and also the Old and New testament readers as well as the D&C illustrated reader. The boys love looking at the pictures ! (this does not include the family scripture study. We do that later with Daddy.) I think that this is an essential part of any LDS homeschool family. After all, isn't this part of why we homeschool in the first place? Because study of the scriptures is not included in the public school systems curriculum.
Fifth:
The infamous misc. section. This section could get crazy if you let it. (if you're anything like me :) ).
I try to just include my favorite articles that I like to re-read.
And Viola!!!! There you have it! A planner for mom!
First:
I got a three ring binder and used some craft paper to make it recognizable amidst all of my kids' other three-ring binders. (This is where you can get creative and color-coordinate according to your style. I probably would have gone with a more fresh look, but since I am on bed-rest with this pregnancy and can't get out much, I just used what I had in our homeschool closet.)
Second:
I made a section for Mom's goals. This is where I keep a record of my thoughts and plans throughout each day.
I found this cool goal organizer in the back of one of my homeschool books by Diane Hopkins. I think it was either Happy Homeschooling, or I Love Homeschooling. Here is a link to her site if you would like to purchase her book. ldfr.com
Third:
I made a section for my calendar. This is a must for me! We meet twice a year as moms to plan out our homeschool group activities and each mom needs a calendar to keep track of who is in charge that week. I also include the other families ' phone numbers , addresses, kids ages, etc. in this section.
Fourth:
My favorite section! I have an idividual section for each of my children. This is where I write down ideas and inspiration for each one. I include what we are working on and also their goals. For example:
My oldest has a more vigorous agenda each day unlike my 4 yr. old. So, I have to keep better track of his progression and where he is either progressing or staying stagnant. My youngest is learning how to write all kinds of short words. I have a list in there of all the words he is learning to spell so we can work on them and help ingrain them in his memory.
I also include a Book of Mormon reading chart in each of their sections. We read from the illustrated Book of Mormon reader and also the Old and New testament readers as well as the D&C illustrated reader. The boys love looking at the pictures ! (this does not include the family scripture study. We do that later with Daddy.) I think that this is an essential part of any LDS homeschool family. After all, isn't this part of why we homeschool in the first place? Because study of the scriptures is not included in the public school systems curriculum.
Fifth:The infamous misc. section. This section could get crazy if you let it. (if you're anything like me :) ).
I try to just include my favorite articles that I like to re-read.
And Viola!!!! There you have it! A planner for mom!
Dec 31, 2008
Dec 12, 2008
Parents, whatever you are doing, return home.
I was reminded of a quote that I read a long time ago.
"Remember to keep your family responsibilities as a priority. There will be many who will want to encroach upon your responsibility to teach and provide activities for your family. Never forget that yours is the primary responsibility, and that your ultimate success in all other endeavors will be in direct proportion to the attention you give these divinely appointed relationships." (See D&C 88:119)
Have you ever had the wonderful experience of cuddling up with your little ones and reading or telling them a story?
My most happy moments are those when I am with my family. I love the individual time as well as the group time. I am seeing that as my children get older the temptation to send them here and there, to lessons, to sports, and to whatever the world has to offer is getting stronger. I feel so strongly to keep them at a minimum. Yes, lessons and sports can be very important supplements for helping to raise our children, but let's not forget the most essential things. Home is the best place for mom, dad and the children to be. Especially young children who are so impressionable. Working, learning and playing together will teach them the most important lessons in life. Time with your children is your most valuable gift to them.
Parents, whatever you are doing, return home.
Dec 11, 2008
Christmas Projects
My boys love to paint!
I got this idea from a Martha Stewart Living magazine. Of course, hers looked a bit different. She used pieces of wrapping paper glued on the clothespins. We decided to put a spin on the idea and paint them. The boys did a great job and had lots of fun doing it!
We used ribbon instead of small rope/jute.
There it is, all finished and ready for lots of Christmas cards!
Here's another fun clothespin card holder idea:
marthastewart.com
I got this idea from a Martha Stewart Living magazine. Of course, hers looked a bit different. She used pieces of wrapping paper glued on the clothespins. We decided to put a spin on the idea and paint them. The boys did a great job and had lots of fun doing it!
We used ribbon instead of small rope/jute.
There it is, all finished and ready for lots of Christmas cards!
Here's another fun clothespin card holder idea:
marthastewart.com
Dec 10, 2008
Attitude is everything!
I can't tell you how many times my children and myself have been asked "oh, is school out today?"
I have learned a very important lesson since we began homeschooling and that is, 'attitude is everything!'
I have a good friend that I knew when my oldest was just 2 or 3 years old. She had a fun, big family and always had just the right answers when asked about homeschooling. Once, while meeting her at our local grocery store, we were chit-chatting by the cashier about our next homeschool group activity. The cashier overheard us and asked very skeptically why we would do such a thing? She continued to tell us about people she knew that homeschooled and how socially backwards they were, how they dressed weird, etc., etc. etc. Well, me being very young, impressionable and a bit easily swayed, broke out in a hot sweat, was unable to respond intelligently and felt a bit inadequate as a mother and a person on the whole. Luckily, my dear friend was there to save me. She responded simply and confidently and I may even add, very lovingly, "Oh, no! You are so mistaken. Homeschooling is the most wonderful thing in the world! We are so blessed to live in a country where we can do this. It is wonderful and it works for our family. "
Well, the cashier woman was speechless! I expected a big debate, but no! She respected my friends' answer and left it at that. I was amazed to say the least. Here I had been humming and hawing when people asked me if we homeschooled. I never answered like that before. I didn't have the confidence that she had........yet. I was trying to be an "in-the-closet" homeschooler. I learned that I had to be confident in my decision, and let others know my confidence.
I went home and told my husband about what had happened at the grocery store. We decided that from then on we wanted to be more confident in our decision and to respond with a good attitude.
Go ahead, try it. The next time someone asks if you homeschool or why your kids aren't in school, just respond with a great attiude "Yes, we homeschool, and it's the greatest thing in the world!". You'll see, they will be speechless and continue on with whatever it was they were doing. ;)
I have learned a very important lesson since we began homeschooling and that is, 'attitude is everything!'
I have a good friend that I knew when my oldest was just 2 or 3 years old. She had a fun, big family and always had just the right answers when asked about homeschooling. Once, while meeting her at our local grocery store, we were chit-chatting by the cashier about our next homeschool group activity. The cashier overheard us and asked very skeptically why we would do such a thing? She continued to tell us about people she knew that homeschooled and how socially backwards they were, how they dressed weird, etc., etc. etc. Well, me being very young, impressionable and a bit easily swayed, broke out in a hot sweat, was unable to respond intelligently and felt a bit inadequate as a mother and a person on the whole. Luckily, my dear friend was there to save me. She responded simply and confidently and I may even add, very lovingly, "Oh, no! You are so mistaken. Homeschooling is the most wonderful thing in the world! We are so blessed to live in a country where we can do this. It is wonderful and it works for our family. "
Well, the cashier woman was speechless! I expected a big debate, but no! She respected my friends' answer and left it at that. I was amazed to say the least. Here I had been humming and hawing when people asked me if we homeschooled. I never answered like that before. I didn't have the confidence that she had........yet. I was trying to be an "in-the-closet" homeschooler. I learned that I had to be confident in my decision, and let others know my confidence.
I went home and told my husband about what had happened at the grocery store. We decided that from then on we wanted to be more confident in our decision and to respond with a good attitude.
Go ahead, try it. The next time someone asks if you homeschool or why your kids aren't in school, just respond with a great attiude "Yes, we homeschool, and it's the greatest thing in the world!". You'll see, they will be speechless and continue on with whatever it was they were doing. ;)
Good advice
This is a homeschool mom that I have never met, yet LOVE to read what she writes. Her advice seems so seasoned, tested, tried and true. She just recently started a blog of her own. Here is her address:
http://dianehopkins.blogspot.com
I hope you all enjoy too!
http://dianehopkins.blogspot.com
I hope you all enjoy too!
Dec 5, 2008
Santas Beard Countdown Craft
Here is a link to a fun countdown to Christmas.
http://crafts.kaboose.com/santa.pdf
http://crafts.kaboose.com/santa.pdf
Nov 24, 2008
Staying on Task
Does anyone else have extremely artistic children like I do? This can be a wonderful thing! They can spend hours just sitting and drawing, in complete focus and concentration. They draw and paint lovely pictures, many of them frame worthy. It could come from my grandmother on my fathers side who is an artist, or me, their very right brained mother herself, or maybe just a talent that they have both just naturally picked up on since birth. I don't know for sure. But, along with this great ability to be totally engrossed with drawing from their imagination, comes much non-focus while attempting to accomplish other tasks such as their math work or vocabulary. I thought to myself many times, maybe it's because the worksheets are too tedious for their genius minds :) or maybe because I need to teach them math and spelling in a different way other than worksheet style. Yes, perhaps to really ingrain these problem solving lessons in math and vocabulary I need to come up with a different approach, but, at the same time, I want my children to be able to finish a task whether it is 'their style' or not.
My boys have memorized the little poem
"Stick to your task til it sticks to you,
beginners are many, but enders are few."
So, in conclusion,
I decided that yes, it is wonderful to have artistic children, But when it is math time it is math time. When it is reading time, it is reading time. When it is feed the dog time, it is feed the dog time. This is called responsibility. I want my boys to be able to begin and complete a task in a timely manner.
When my oldest now does his math worksheets, he is timed and if I see a 5 with a tail coming out of it or a 3 with eyeballs, he knows that that means he has to begin again from the beginning.
Simple as that.
No I do not do this all the time. If he wants to turn his 5 into a monster or add eyeballs to his 3's any other time during the day, that's fine with me. If he wants to add arms, legs and mustaches to the guy in the newspaper or the program at church, I'm cool with that. The point is, I want my boys to be able to begin and end a task in a timely manner.
Boston H. Henke
My boys have memorized the little poem
"Stick to your task til it sticks to you,
beginners are many, but enders are few."
So, in conclusion,
I decided that yes, it is wonderful to have artistic children, But when it is math time it is math time. When it is reading time, it is reading time. When it is feed the dog time, it is feed the dog time. This is called responsibility. I want my boys to be able to begin and complete a task in a timely manner.
When my oldest now does his math worksheets, he is timed and if I see a 5 with a tail coming out of it or a 3 with eyeballs, he knows that that means he has to begin again from the beginning.
Simple as that.
No I do not do this all the time. If he wants to turn his 5 into a monster or add eyeballs to his 3's any other time during the day, that's fine with me. If he wants to add arms, legs and mustaches to the guy in the newspaper or the program at church, I'm cool with that. The point is, I want my boys to be able to begin and end a task in a timely manner.
Boston H. Henke
Nov 1, 2008
I am Divinely Qualified!
I have had many mothers tell me "I could never have the patience to teach my own kids, it would be a fight the whole time." or "I don't feel qualified to teach my own children." I would listen to their reasons and then ask myself the same questions after our visit was over. "Was I really qualified? Was I kidding myself thinking that I had enough 'experience' under my belt? Did I have more patience than other mothers?". I admit, it took me a little while to figure out the answer to these questions. At that time I was asking the Lord a different question on what to do with my oldest child who is incredible creative and gets side-tracked easily. I was struggling with helping him to concentrate and finish a job to the end. When I finally received my answer on what to do about it, I also received another answer at the same time to the question I asked myself above. I received my answer to the question about my son. Therefore I was Divinely led! I am Divinely qualified to teach my child! The Lord chose ME. Not anyone else. I am a co-creator of spiritual offspring. I do not need to have years and years of college credits or degrees. I do not need to have lesson plans and lectures comparable to the great orators of time. I am my child's greatest mentor and example. I had been called and set-apart the moment my child entered my womb to guide, direct, teach and inspire. The Lord chose ME! No one loves my child as I do. Who then could be a better teacher? I am Divinely Qualified. What other qualification could I need?
I repeat the plea of Bishop H. Burke Peterson, "Mothers, catch the vision of your call!"
I repeat the plea of Bishop H. Burke Peterson, "Mothers, catch the vision of your call!"
Oct 23, 2008
Build Your Own Puppet Theater!
We built this puppet theater one day after learning about ventriloquism. We found many websites with different patterns and ideas, and liked this one best. It is made of PVC pipe and black fabric. I found the fabric at Wal-mart in their $1 section. I was thrilled at my find! I bought 8 yards (all that was left on the bolt) and spent a whole $8! A great deal for such a project! I went to our local construction store and bought the PVC pipe, T's and elbows for around $10 to $20 dollarss. I actually can't remember the exact amount. It was a while ago and my pregnancy brain has not been remembering anything well these days. :)The kids and I also attempted our own puppets, but I think we (me) needed a little help on this one. But it was fun trying to figure out how to get yarn hair to stay on the heads, and how to make the mouths open just the right way. This was pretty tricky, and in the end we decided to just save up and order some already-made, really cool ones from a magazine.
A side view. As you can see, there are two levels so you can sit in a chair behind the very back curtain and reach your hand to the front one.One nice thing about this one is that you can disassemble it when you are done with your puppet play. Just remember to mark the poles with a marker before hand.
Aug 18, 2008
Things I want my Boys/Girls to learn in Homeschool
A while back, after reading an article by one of my favorite homeschool mothers, Diane Hopkins, I decided to make a list of the long term goals I wanted my boys to accomplish and long term values for them to learn and shape their character by. After moving into our new house, and finding myself wanting to de-junk so desperately, I did a thorough organization of the new library in our home knowing that this room would be the most used and loved room in the house. I got a huge box and started throwing away anything that I considered "junk". I found I had wasted a lot of money on needless things for our homeschool, but found that when I would come across a favorite lesson book or reading book, I would treat it like gold, unfolding the bent pages and hoping it would last many more years for the next children to use. I imagined their little minds getting lost in these great books like mine did when I was a young girl. I imagined the journeys they would embark while reading Treasure Island, Little Women, The Indian in the Cupboard, Little House on the Prairie, and Louis L'amour's extensive collection as I unpacked the books and set them in their new place on the bookshelf.
I came across a folder that had written on it, "Things I want my boys and girls to learn in homeschool". I opened it and found the list I had made years ago when my oldest was still a baby. This was more than gold to me. I am so glad I had kept this folder. I thought I would share with you some of the things I wrote down that were important to me.
1. He has a strong testimony
2. He is respectful of authority and his elders
3. He can read very well
4. He is socially at ease
5. He has a positive influence on others
6. He knows how to find information that he doesn't know
7. He can accompany hymns on the piano
8. He can mend his shirt/pants if needed
9. He can build his own home when the time comes
10. He holds doors open for women and children
11. He can iron his own shirt
.
.
20. He can change the oil in a car, fix a flat tire, charge a battery
21. He can find a stud in a wall
22. He can speak another language
23. He reads his scriptures daily
24. He can make and accomplish personal goals
25. He is willing to serve and help others
26. He can cook at least three meals (other than from a can)
27. He is honest
.
.
40. He has a thorough understanding of his American History and Family Heritage
41. He is a leader
and it goes on and on.
For Her:
many of the same things are repeated for her, but I did jot down some different things that I thought were important for girls to know
1. She has a strong testimony
.
.
20. She can cut hair
21. She can bake bread
22. She can sew clothing if needed
23. She can tie and bind a quilt
24. She can make a bottle
25. She knows what to do for a fever, rash, and a cold
26. She can bottle and preserve food for her family
.
.
and the list goes on and on as well
I am so glad I wrote these things down, and more importantly, found them again. It helps remind me of the things I need to put in priority when I set out each day to teach and train my children. What a blessing it is to be able to teach my children! I learn something new every single day!
I came across a folder that had written on it, "Things I want my boys and girls to learn in homeschool". I opened it and found the list I had made years ago when my oldest was still a baby. This was more than gold to me. I am so glad I had kept this folder. I thought I would share with you some of the things I wrote down that were important to me.
1. He has a strong testimony
2. He is respectful of authority and his elders
3. He can read very well
4. He is socially at ease
5. He has a positive influence on others
6. He knows how to find information that he doesn't know
7. He can accompany hymns on the piano
8. He can mend his shirt/pants if needed
9. He can build his own home when the time comes
10. He holds doors open for women and children
11. He can iron his own shirt
.
.
20. He can change the oil in a car, fix a flat tire, charge a battery
21. He can find a stud in a wall
22. He can speak another language
23. He reads his scriptures daily
24. He can make and accomplish personal goals
25. He is willing to serve and help others
26. He can cook at least three meals (other than from a can)
27. He is honest
.
.
40. He has a thorough understanding of his American History and Family Heritage
41. He is a leader
and it goes on and on.
For Her:
many of the same things are repeated for her, but I did jot down some different things that I thought were important for girls to know
1. She has a strong testimony
.
.
20. She can cut hair
21. She can bake bread
22. She can sew clothing if needed
23. She can tie and bind a quilt
24. She can make a bottle
25. She knows what to do for a fever, rash, and a cold
26. She can bottle and preserve food for her family
.
.
and the list goes on and on as well
I am so glad I wrote these things down, and more importantly, found them again. It helps remind me of the things I need to put in priority when I set out each day to teach and train my children. What a blessing it is to be able to teach my children! I learn something new every single day!
Jun 8, 2008
Hello there!
I am asked on a regular basis, "Why do you homeschool?", "Where do you go for resources?","What curriculum do you use?", "Could I borrow some of your homeschool books?".
So, I decided to put up a blog full of homeschool articles and information. I hope this is of help to any newbie or seasoned homeschool family.
Enjoy!
So, I decided to put up a blog full of homeschool articles and information. I hope this is of help to any newbie or seasoned homeschool family.
Enjoy!
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