I've thought a lot over the years of motherhood and classroom teaching about what is inside a child's mind; what motivates them; what makes learners who seem to be at ease and ones that seem to be at odds. I have no doubt that each child possesses unique gifts and talents. It stands to reason therefore that they will use these gifts and talents differently and that they will also acquire knowledge differently.
Another pondering of mine draws me back to a bygone era of one room school houses. Within these walls small groups of children of varying ages met and learned together. It was a condition that existed across our country and worked very well. This scenario reminds me of what many are trying to accomplish today; small groups of children (siblings) gathering together into one room (their home).
I hope these musings of today find a place to sit upon your 'thoughtful place'.
(a piece written for an LDS home school blog)
Inside my little home school resides a little student that struggles, fusses, refuses, and every once in a while will find some delight in what was learned that day. More often that not it is stressful rather than joyful. More often than not I find myself in a battle to find ways to encourage this student to delight in what she is doing. My test is becoming what I need to be in order to assist this little student of mine to be what she needs to be. I have termed this scenario 'Strength of Character Vs. Strength of Will."
We talk often throughout the Church about the strong will of these latter-day children. We know that they have an incredible mission to perform. We know that in order to accomplish this they must have been given great strength. It goes without saying that this strength has to come out some how when jam-packed into the small body of a child.
We know of the many different learning styles of the children of today and the many labels our latter-day children have been given. I have questioned these labels for years both as a mom and as a classroom teacher. Are the children of today different than I was or others of the generation before? Did we not daydream, imagine and wish to play more than learn? It used to be, when I sat in a desk in a school room that we were all pretty much the same. Oh sure, there were the exceptionally bright ones and the one or two that were trouble-makers. For the most part, we all learned well enough by the methodology applied by the classroom teacher. Yet today, I do feel something is different. I don't have evidence for this, but I do have years of experience as a teacher and a mom trying to encourage a child to delight in their education enough so that they would actually want to learn. And so their will and mind remain in a positive and joyful place to encourage the best learning. Somewhere in between multiplication tables, language arts, and piano lessons there needs to be a small measure of delight -- for both the student and the parent. Learning should bring us joy not tears. It should bless us and provide growth not frustration and tears.
My position is that the most enjoyable learning and the best opportunities for retention comes in times when the student actually desires to learn and/or even teaches themselves. To listen to a child share a tidbit of knowledge is a treasured moment indeed. Its something I wish I could capture and bottle for those days when I've gone over adding 9's for the umpteenth time and continue to see that 'deer in the headlight' expression. Or on those days I wonder what I am doing questioning my ability or my child's.
On one particularly rough day as I plead for help from above it was taught to me that it is not just my gospel educating and spiritual teaching that the Adversary is trying to destroy. He will attempt to destroy and break down any good that can happen during our precious home school time as well. A light went on for me that day as I realized that we are in a battle for every good work we do. It is good works that we are trying to accomplish in our home school. Children may be stronger in spirit today. They may require different methodologies or may be one of the noble and great ones, but more than ever they trying to do what we did in our generation on top of fighting off the grand opposition of Lucifer and his legions in their latter days.
Realizing these principles helped me to prepare myself and my character so that I can embrace the challenge of offering a home education to my children. A firm hold on the principles of 'opposition in all things' and 'agency' help me keep perspective and more fit to meet the battle.
We are a preparedness-minded people and it goes without saying that preparation and order in the home school will help bring about the delight of learning and help soften the moments of frustration. When I bring myself fully to the day, I can help my students bring themselves.
Learning to self-govern is also a key preparatory element. We are taught as members of the Church that we need to learn to control (govern) ourselves, our attitudes, feelings, and appetites. We need to learn and practice reason. Cause and effect lessons are good ways to help children learn to self-govern. If your home school has students with strong natures, structure and a few policies will help keep a spirit of learning in the home classroom.
Some of the additional tips that have helped me is allowing more involvement. Whether that is letting them 'play teacher' to teach back what they have learned. Or in allowing choice in what lessons are done first. As a classroom teacher, I had a flow I liked to follow. Sometimes letting my home schoolers pick the order of the day helped them feel more in charge of themselves and lessons the war of wills.
Allowing natural consequences to occur as they involved with decisions helps teach them about choice and consequence. This also opens up the opportunity to teach the principle of opposition. We aren't always going to have good days. We aren't always going to enjoy the subject matter. Learning to handle stresses in the day or disappointments help strengthen them for days ahead.
I saw a sign the other day that said, "Keep calm -- and carry on." We have one better, D&C 101:16 '..be still, and know that I am God.' In a world of chaos and boundaries out of control one of the most important lessons we are teaching our children is control their will. This is a character trait that will bless them in the years ahead of them. From this strenght comes the ability to step out in faith as they make decisions. It blesses them with a peace beyond their own. It encourages humility as they learn to yield their will.
As mothers of home schoolers we have an incredible opportunity to build our own character as we help to fashion the characters of the precious children placed in our care. We are blessed beyond measure with the choices we have made to home school our children. It won't always be easy to see the blessings, but we all know that the 'witness comes, after the trial of our faith.' Ether 12:6
God, is a fourth-watch God. So be still and be of good character. The powerful will of the latter-day spirit is a necessary asset to the God's plan. We were given the tools we needed to help and teach them. Find strength in that and be immovable.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Ready...Set...Go!
..well almost.
We are still several days away from our actual first day of school but I am so excited about the new course of study for the year I had a 'practice' run. I'm going to do a few more of these and try a few different presentations in order to be sure we are maximizing instruction time. Our school time runs parallel to hours of operation at our little scrapbook store. To avoid frustrating my little student (or being unavailable for classes and customers) a well choreographed plan needs to be chosen. Switching curriculum often causes me a bit of concern as I work out my own management bumps. I will need to stay on top of this course better than the ones of previous years that have had the benefit of work sheet pages for fill in time. Besides my curriculum change, we added piano lessons in this summer and will continue to do so during the school year. (I guess momma better get up earlier!). I'm confident a pattern of ease will soon settle the unsteady feet that waits to begin another year of school.
As I do so, I reflect upon an article I read many years ago (reference/link pending) which set in me an even greater resolve to never shirk, neglect or take for granted the truth that God implanted deep into my soul a desire protect the childhood, youth (and education) of the children placed in my care. This article wrote of the days in the early Church and the efforts the Brethern took to see that LDS schools were established. Obviously they did not survive and I believe the children of the church today suffer the consequences of the choices of the saints at that time. While I do not judge them, for surely their path was a difficult one. One, I have great respect and gratitude for. Yet, I wonder how would the lives of our children been different had there always been schools that were primarily for those who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Oliver DeMille said, ""Education can’t be fixed as long as we believe this basic myth. The myth is that it is possible for one human being to educate another. The fact is that the only person who can fix education is the student." This ideaology has been the basis for my home instruction since the genesis of our home school days. My objective is to try to instill a love of learning in spite of multiplication, fractions, essays and sentence diagrams. I know even in the frustration of the task a sense of value can be felt. I know the more the child believes in what they are doing the more likely they will find desire to learn. The easier it will be for them to accept the bumps on the road to acquiring an education and the less they will personalize the crack or crevice they might encounter along the way. All of this will add up to them teaching themselves and this is where true learning happens.
Each year, my journey in education also continues. A side benefit of being a home school mom is a constant opportunity to channel my purpose with my methods and strive for a result that draws us closer as a family, closer to the Savior and more learned. This year I am particularly grateful for this blessing. As I read about the goings-on in the world around me and realize how serious the attack on the family is becomming I am feeling more concern for my children's children. As secret combinations rally to take the rights of parents away and to compel public education to lesson the indoctrination of parents to children I am even more keenly aware of the intent of the Adversary. Nevertheless, aware I am and as often as prudence warrents I teach, warn, and caution my children. As I present the reasons and purpose for us to be peculiar ('of our own) and to protect our rights to be so I testify that if they are true and faithful to who they are as home schooled children and why they are such, it will arise in them in time the desire, the intent and the ability they will need to defend and protect their rights as parents.
We are still several days away from our actual first day of school but I am so excited about the new course of study for the year I had a 'practice' run. I'm going to do a few more of these and try a few different presentations in order to be sure we are maximizing instruction time. Our school time runs parallel to hours of operation at our little scrapbook store. To avoid frustrating my little student (or being unavailable for classes and customers) a well choreographed plan needs to be chosen. Switching curriculum often causes me a bit of concern as I work out my own management bumps. I will need to stay on top of this course better than the ones of previous years that have had the benefit of work sheet pages for fill in time. Besides my curriculum change, we added piano lessons in this summer and will continue to do so during the school year. (I guess momma better get up earlier!). I'm confident a pattern of ease will soon settle the unsteady feet that waits to begin another year of school.
As I do so, I reflect upon an article I read many years ago (reference/link pending) which set in me an even greater resolve to never shirk, neglect or take for granted the truth that God implanted deep into my soul a desire protect the childhood, youth (and education) of the children placed in my care. This article wrote of the days in the early Church and the efforts the Brethern took to see that LDS schools were established. Obviously they did not survive and I believe the children of the church today suffer the consequences of the choices of the saints at that time. While I do not judge them, for surely their path was a difficult one. One, I have great respect and gratitude for. Yet, I wonder how would the lives of our children been different had there always been schools that were primarily for those who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Oliver DeMille said, ""Education can’t be fixed as long as we believe this basic myth. The myth is that it is possible for one human being to educate another. The fact is that the only person who can fix education is the student." This ideaology has been the basis for my home instruction since the genesis of our home school days. My objective is to try to instill a love of learning in spite of multiplication, fractions, essays and sentence diagrams. I know even in the frustration of the task a sense of value can be felt. I know the more the child believes in what they are doing the more likely they will find desire to learn. The easier it will be for them to accept the bumps on the road to acquiring an education and the less they will personalize the crack or crevice they might encounter along the way. All of this will add up to them teaching themselves and this is where true learning happens.
Each year, my journey in education also continues. A side benefit of being a home school mom is a constant opportunity to channel my purpose with my methods and strive for a result that draws us closer as a family, closer to the Savior and more learned. This year I am particularly grateful for this blessing. As I read about the goings-on in the world around me and realize how serious the attack on the family is becomming I am feeling more concern for my children's children. As secret combinations rally to take the rights of parents away and to compel public education to lesson the indoctrination of parents to children I am even more keenly aware of the intent of the Adversary. Nevertheless, aware I am and as often as prudence warrents I teach, warn, and caution my children. As I present the reasons and purpose for us to be peculiar ('of our own) and to protect our rights to be so I testify that if they are true and faithful to who they are as home schooled children and why they are such, it will arise in them in time the desire, the intent and the ability they will need to defend and protect their rights as parents.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Methodology Implementation
This is the year I typically begin to implement my preferred methodology of 4r'ing (research, reason, relate,record) into my children's home school program. By 4th grade they can usually compose well-crafted thought and enjoy reading enough to engage in it. Here is where learning becomes more fun and less about getting the foundation established.
In the beginning I start with Abeka, not because it is the best -- but because it works. I've used it in a variety of classroom and home settings enough to know. I've used it with very bright children and those who struggle. It still works. Every year when I purchase their curriculum I wonder if I'm stuck in a rut and missing something else that could be of great value. I usually know when I'm ready to move on. This year was no exception. I do not like 'fill-in-the-blank' education and this is a lot what you get from Abeka, however, the phonics program works. So now that we are reading well, on our own and aggressively. Now that there is a good grammer/language foundation. We are ready to progress.
This year we will move completely away from workbook language and grammer. I've gone to my stash of books and pulled out a couple that I think we can easily develop a good grammer core with. Well begin with parts of speech and move in to sentences, punctuating, agreements, clauses, etc. I will begin the little basic drills in Daily Grams. Its a good language starter. They are short lessons and give structure. I can have the student start on this while I get a lesson set up. It is incremental and doesn't interfere with more invovled lessons I will be doing in the basic year's course.
Our history will change significantly this year too. In fact, this is a new book that I haven't used, but have spent a lot of time reviewing. The basic text: A Child's History of the World. I like the basic structure of this book. I think the author's feeling that there is a need to super simplify is not as crucial as he believes. Some of his tone seem's a little too immature for the age level. I'll work with that as well as the Christian concepts that are not in keeping with the restored doctrins of the LDS faith.
I'm still searching for someting that will work for me for science. This would be my difficult area. With only having one day at home, Monday. This is our 'weekend.' We homeschool on Saturday because we are at our shop that day. I need a curriculum that isn't too lab-driven. This is a bit difficult considering the subject itself. I will continue to pray and search. It will work out.
Math: Math-U-See Gamma. Yes! On to multiplication! My kids have loved the change to this curriculum and while I am sur there are others out there that work and maybe even better. This one does too. So why rock the boat. We enjoy the DVD classes with Mr. Demme too.
We have a solid piano course working for us now that I am excited about. Music is a very important part of education and I can already tell this is helping tremendously
Art was successfully implemented via classes at my store. Corrinne has done well there. I'm going to look for some of my drawing programs I have in my supply area to add to this year's course of study. It might work well for days when she needs a de-stressor or I'm a little of course for whatever reason. They do happen and its good to have something light - but productive.
Now I am on to find me a good reading list for the year.
In the beginning I start with Abeka, not because it is the best -- but because it works. I've used it in a variety of classroom and home settings enough to know. I've used it with very bright children and those who struggle. It still works. Every year when I purchase their curriculum I wonder if I'm stuck in a rut and missing something else that could be of great value. I usually know when I'm ready to move on. This year was no exception. I do not like 'fill-in-the-blank' education and this is a lot what you get from Abeka, however, the phonics program works. So now that we are reading well, on our own and aggressively. Now that there is a good grammer/language foundation. We are ready to progress.
This year we will move completely away from workbook language and grammer. I've gone to my stash of books and pulled out a couple that I think we can easily develop a good grammer core with. Well begin with parts of speech and move in to sentences, punctuating, agreements, clauses, etc. I will begin the little basic drills in Daily Grams. Its a good language starter. They are short lessons and give structure. I can have the student start on this while I get a lesson set up. It is incremental and doesn't interfere with more invovled lessons I will be doing in the basic year's course.
Our history will change significantly this year too. In fact, this is a new book that I haven't used, but have spent a lot of time reviewing. The basic text: A Child's History of the World. I like the basic structure of this book. I think the author's feeling that there is a need to super simplify is not as crucial as he believes. Some of his tone seem's a little too immature for the age level. I'll work with that as well as the Christian concepts that are not in keeping with the restored doctrins of the LDS faith.
I'm still searching for someting that will work for me for science. This would be my difficult area. With only having one day at home, Monday. This is our 'weekend.' We homeschool on Saturday because we are at our shop that day. I need a curriculum that isn't too lab-driven. This is a bit difficult considering the subject itself. I will continue to pray and search. It will work out.
Math: Math-U-See Gamma. Yes! On to multiplication! My kids have loved the change to this curriculum and while I am sur there are others out there that work and maybe even better. This one does too. So why rock the boat. We enjoy the DVD classes with Mr. Demme too.
We have a solid piano course working for us now that I am excited about. Music is a very important part of education and I can already tell this is helping tremendously
Art was successfully implemented via classes at my store. Corrinne has done well there. I'm going to look for some of my drawing programs I have in my supply area to add to this year's course of study. It might work well for days when she needs a de-stressor or I'm a little of course for whatever reason. They do happen and its good to have something light - but productive.
Now I am on to find me a good reading list for the year.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Blog Moving - School Starting - Random Musings
I'm supposed to be in the final stages of curriculum planning right now, but I seem to be more involved in blog hopping than anything. (I'm fascinated with a few cooking blogs and anything cupcake). In one of my blog surfing moments I ran across something that caught my full attention; A discusson regarding the power of duplication as it is related to training children.
The concept speaks truth to me as a parent. As a young mom (and even in my pre-mom stage) I spent a lot of time thinking about what to do and not to do once I became a parent. It isn't too difficult when your children are infants, but as they begin to move the task becomes more difficult and dauting. This continues to increase as the child's skills increase. The more independent thought and action the child possesses the more will be required of you. Because children imitate what they see, you and your parenting skills are on the constant scope. Everything you do and say, everything you don't do or say sends a message. The particular blog relates that all you have to do is 'watch your behavior.' Have you ever listened a young child at play and overheard something you wish you hadn't? Confirmation! Imitation is not always going to flatter us as parents. If I want my child to grow up well, I have to behave well. I will continue to ponder this truth.
This takes me to another blog that left me with a point to ponder on.
These teachings, from Luke 6:45
" A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
I love the principle here of 'treasuring in our heart.' I desire a heart that brings for that which is good. In order to obtain this worthy desire I need to control the thoughts and feelings that govern what is in my heart. Charity comes to mind quickly as a corrective tool. When thoughts and feelings become uncharitable often the heart will become the receptical of 'evil treasures.' The term charity has been my mantra for a good long while in my home, but as I ponder these principles and connect them I see a clear path to how to be that charitable person I desire to be. Often as I struggle to become what I know I need to become I find that the concept is clear while the execution is what elludes me. The more I study the principle and find ways to develop them, the less ellusive they are for me. A mighty change of heart is a daily project. Not that I'm of a mean nature in any way. I am a mom trying to run a home and bring up chldren righteously before the Lord in these last days. It makes sense that in order for that to happen, I have to be righteous before Him as well.
More musings later.....
I've got to get back to refining curriculum for the new school year and finish setting up this blog so that I can record a bit more of my journey with homeschooling.
The concept speaks truth to me as a parent. As a young mom (and even in my pre-mom stage) I spent a lot of time thinking about what to do and not to do once I became a parent. It isn't too difficult when your children are infants, but as they begin to move the task becomes more difficult and dauting. This continues to increase as the child's skills increase. The more independent thought and action the child possesses the more will be required of you. Because children imitate what they see, you and your parenting skills are on the constant scope. Everything you do and say, everything you don't do or say sends a message. The particular blog relates that all you have to do is 'watch your behavior.' Have you ever listened a young child at play and overheard something you wish you hadn't? Confirmation! Imitation is not always going to flatter us as parents. If I want my child to grow up well, I have to behave well. I will continue to ponder this truth.
This takes me to another blog that left me with a point to ponder on.
These teachings, from Luke 6:45
" A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
I love the principle here of 'treasuring in our heart.' I desire a heart that brings for that which is good. In order to obtain this worthy desire I need to control the thoughts and feelings that govern what is in my heart. Charity comes to mind quickly as a corrective tool. When thoughts and feelings become uncharitable often the heart will become the receptical of 'evil treasures.' The term charity has been my mantra for a good long while in my home, but as I ponder these principles and connect them I see a clear path to how to be that charitable person I desire to be. Often as I struggle to become what I know I need to become I find that the concept is clear while the execution is what elludes me. The more I study the principle and find ways to develop them, the less ellusive they are for me. A mighty change of heart is a daily project. Not that I'm of a mean nature in any way. I am a mom trying to run a home and bring up chldren righteously before the Lord in these last days. It makes sense that in order for that to happen, I have to be righteous before Him as well.
More musings later.....
I've got to get back to refining curriculum for the new school year and finish setting up this blog so that I can record a bit more of my journey with homeschooling.
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