tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64149888921181273362024-03-05T10:35:53.599-06:00Our homeschooling journeyTales from the homeschool side. What we do, what we learn, how we learn, what curriculum we use.
Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-25751880059951926832019-09-05T12:14:00.000-05:002019-09-05T12:14:09.058-05:002019/2020 Curriculum I think we finally found our groove, at least in what curriculum we use. As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to the <i>Called to Teach</i> Homeschool Convention recently. There were a couple things I have/had to order online, and there was one thing I already have. That being said, I did come home with or order there at convention, much of this coming year's curriculum.<br />
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The convention location was different, and it was a bit smaller than in the past. But it all seemed to work out for us. In the past, this particular convention has been held in Arlington at a huge convention center. This year, due to construction, it was moved to Dallas at the Sheraton Hotel. In part because of the cost of this venue, there were fewer vendors on site. For instance, Apologia was not there. I am not sure if it was due to cost or what their reasoning was for not attending, but they were missed.<br />
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Though we are not using Apologia's science this year, we will use a planner through them. My oldest has used the <i><a href="https://www.apologia.com/planners/328-the-ultimate-weekly-planner-for-teens.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Weekly Planner for Teens</a>, </i>and it has really helped him keep track of his assignments. I will likely have Porthos use one this year. That being said, Porthos will be doing General Science 2 through <a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/general-science-2-curriculum-pack" target="_blank">Master Books</a>. The set includes books on Caves, Fossils, Geology, and Archaeology.<br />
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Sticking with what we know, the boys will be using <a href="http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Textbooks</a> for their math. Since I had purchased Pre-Algebra last year, and hadn't yet used it, Porthos will be using that this year. Aramis will be using TT's Math 6, which Porthos completed last year. So there was no math purchase this year.<br />
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Porthos discovered this year that he likes the format of <a href="https://www.aop.com/curriculum/lifepac" target="_blank">AOP's LifePac</a> for Language Arts. I think he really likes the workbook style that LifePac offers. We are going with that again this year for both him and Aramis. I'm not sure yet what next year will hold, but for now, it's LifePac.<br />
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Our favorite for history, bible, reading, art, and music, has and still is <a href="https://www.mfwbooks.com/" target="_blank">My Father's World</a>. This year we will be working with 1850 to Modern Times. We started using MFW with Exploring Countries and Cultures. I love the set up. The Teacher Manual has every day, every week mapped out for you. This is a circular curriculum, which basically means that when you have completed all five years, you can go back to the beginning and run through it again if you need. <br />
<a href="https://www.mfwbooks.com/item/95501/1850-to-Modern-Times-Deluxe/" target="_blank"><img alt="95501" height="200" src="https://www.mfwbooks.com/images/items/95501_050919.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
A couple extra items this year are going to use: Auto Upkeep through <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/180" target="_blank">Christian Light Publications</a>. This is a basic automotive information and maintenance curricula. For the hands-on bit, we will be going to a local mechanic for assistance. There will also be a focus on cursive again, as we did not do that this past year. At convention, I purchased New American Cursive through <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/penmanship/new-american-cursive/" target="_blank">Memoria Press</a>. That's about it, I think. I just finished a video overview of this, so you can see all the items mentioned above. You can find it on YouTube, titled "2019 curriculum review", or click here:<br />
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<br />Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-70439020221983503172019-05-17T09:53:00.003-05:002019-05-17T09:53:43.652-05:00Spring 2019 It has been a hot minute since the last time I posted anything. So much has happened, but I am going to focus on right now. It's the middle of May, and every weekend is booked. Graduation ceremony, homeschool convention, karate tournament, and karate belt test take up every Saturday. Next month is nearly as busy.<br />
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My 4th was the local homeschool graduation ceremony. Yes, we went full Star Wars theme with it too. Athos is my first graduate, and we are so excited for him. Homeschoolers do things different for graduation then what you see in public school. There were 13 students being promoted. Each student had a display table highlighting their school years. Each had a bio in the program that was read by the MC. Each had a slide show of their lives, and some of the parents got up and gave a brief speech. It was an amazing experience.<br />
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The second Saturday I took Porthos and Aramis with me to the <a href="https://thsc.org/community-calendar/called-to-teach-homeschool-convention/" target="_blank">Called to Teach Homeschool Convention</a> in Dallas. It was in a different location than years' past, and had a lower attendance of vendors. Apologia was not there. My Father's World stopped coming a couple years ago. So those are things I have/had to order online. What did I buy? You'll have to wait for the next post, which I promise won't be two years from now. There were some good finds there though. I did not attend any of the seminars, sticking only to shopping this time. <br />
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This Saturday is a karate tournament. Porthos has decided that he wants to go to State this year, and so is competing in regional tournaments to hopefully earn enough points to be invited to State. Although all three of the boys are in karate at this point, I have agreed to let tournaments be Porthos' thing. He needed something that was just his. <br />
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Speaking of karate, Porthos and Aramis earned their final stripes on their current belts, and will be belt testing next Saturday. It's a big belt test day, where multiple students will be testing. The lower belts have only to do their sparring portion of the belt test now. The higher belts may still have katas, combos (kicks and punches), and self-defense to demonstrate. Porthos is blue belt, testing for green. In December he can test for brown belt. Then in two years he can test for black. He really has done an amazing job, and excelled in karate. Aramis is orange belt, testing for purple. Although he is not naturally athletic, he has made great strides. Athos can test in July, I think, for his purple belt.<br />
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As crazy full as this month is, the past year + has been equally so. There has been loss, stress, setbacks, and blessings. Through it all, God has been with us every step of the way. I know He will always carry us through whatever we face.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-10064519239853239332017-08-14T12:53:00.001-05:002017-08-14T12:53:38.962-05:0010 Things<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I homeschool my children. Some things I wish people understood about this: </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1. We didn't rush in to this decision, but spent three years researching, discussing, and praying about it. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2. Our boys are actually learning: math, spelling, handwriting, science, history, reading, writing, etc. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3. This was OUR decision for OUR boys. I do not look down on you for putting your child/ren in public school. That is YOUR choice. This was ours. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">4. I do not think we are better tha</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">n everyone else. I also don't think you are better than we are. I think we are all equal, and just have different paths as parents. That's ok.<br />5. My boys are NOT missing out on spending time with friends. They have plenty of opportunities each week to "socialize". Scouts, karate, Church, homeschool park days, etc. My oldest volunteers twice a week, every week at the local food pantry. He is learning about helping others, while engaging in conversations with people of many different ages (gasp, they aren't kids).<br />6. Ian went to PROM. With a girl. Who is in public school. (BTW, homeschoolers have prom too, and graduation ceremonies)<br />7. I DON'T believe the earth is flat. I DON'T believe God is like a genie in a bottle.<br />8. I am not teaching a classroom of 20 students. I am teaching my 3 sons. I know how they learn. I know where they excel and where they struggle.<br />9. My sons are NOT going to leave home not knowing the things they need to continue in life. They AREN'T going to be so socially inept that they won't be able to interact with society. They will learn what they need to know, and what they want to know. And it's none of your business, and it's not your problem. I may not have a college degree, but that doesn't mean that I am incapable of teaching my sons elementary through high school. I have passion. I am resourceful. I am capable. And damn it, I'm they're MOTHER, and I CAN DO IT.<br />10. Finally, I don't criticize you for your parenting and education choices. Please stop feeling the need to criticize mine.</span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-62416027539488219772017-08-08T11:45:00.000-05:002019-05-17T09:08:26.774-05:00When Satan attacks through family members As some of you know, when Hubby and I decided to homeschool our boys, we/I got a lot of opposition from family members. I have tried over the past three years to explain that we aren't crazy, this wasn't a rash decision, and that we really are serious about our children's education. Here's the deal: I am a Christian. I homeschool my children. I do not believe that my sons have to be in public school in order for them to learn and have a social life. I spent the first five years of their lives teaching them. I taught them love. I taught them how to walk, talk, dress themselves, feed them selves, and how to hold a cup. I taught them manners, and how to interact with people. I have taught them conflict resolution, and how to be a friend. I taught them their letters, numbers, shapes, colors, etc. What a car is, a building is, different animals, and so on. Now I am teaching them multiplication, division, and the Pythagorean Theorem. My children are learning how to build sentences, and how to combine sentences to make paragraphs. They are learning about the constitution, geography, world history, US history, voting and the difference between gross and net pay. They learn about science: Space, earth, biology, chemistry, human anatomy, plants, etc. My children learn art, music, and greek and latin roots to words. Porthos has decided that he wants to learn french this year, as well as take a cooking course. He and Aramis are in a karate class that they attend 2-3 days a week. Porthos just attended his first competition a few days ago. All three boys participate in local theater, and the younger two attended drama camp for two weeks. The oldest is in Boy Scouts. We have weekly park days with other homeschoolers. Church on Wednesday evenings. Athos volunteers at the local food bank twice a week. All three have participated in music performances with other homeschoolers. Guess what? THEY HAVE FRIENDS. Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-22791700441951805852016-12-28T12:10:00.000-06:002016-12-28T12:10:11.032-06:00Sampling AOP's Monarch program We are half way through our 3rd year now. Things are getting a bit better this time around. Though we still have a ways to go. In the past, it has been Porthos that I have struggled with finding the right curriculum for. This year, Athos is falling behind in math, and that is, in part, my fault. He has been using BJU Press for his math. His preference. He has reached a point where I am the one struggling to help him, as I didn't get that far with algebra myself. So after a year and a half of trudging through this book, and making little progress, I found what may be a ray of sunshine. A glimmer of hope. A light at the end of this very long dark tunnel of math. <div>
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Recently, I stumbled upon a link to try <a href="https://www.aop.com/curriculum/shop-monarch" target="_blank">Monarch</a> online free for 30 days. I also entered in the giveaway they are having. I set it up for all three of my Musketeers to try during Christmas break. Athos has used it a few times and really seems to like it. Even the math. This is fantastic! I have tried so many avenues for him this year, trying to find one he would like that worked for him. Porthos is using <a href="http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Textbooks</a>, and really likes it. He has been doing so well with it. Better than I have ever seen with him. Aramis has been using <a href="http://www.lifeoffred.uniquemath.com/" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a>, with a supplement of <a href="http://www.allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy All-in-one homeschool</a>. </div>
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Where Porthos likes the animation, interaction, and instant recognition of TT, Athos prefers the text book style and no-frills approach. Monarch through Alpha Omega Publications offers that. Plus, it's online and grades as he goes. Monarch also offers language arts, science, bible, and history/geography. </div>
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Although I am hoping to continue with <a href="https://www.mfwbooks.com/" target="_blank">My Father's World</a> and <a href="http://www.apologia.com/" target="_blank">Apologia</a>, I am excited to have Monarch as an option for our family. Thank you Monarch for the opportunity to try out your curriculum before making a decision. </div>
Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-56813626569933217262016-12-26T11:49:00.002-06:002016-12-26T11:52:15.455-06:00A Follow-up and Survival kits for Children with Anxiety In August I talked about labels and my sons. It has been 4 months since those first appointments, and there has been some progress and change. We aren't completely where we want to be, but we are further away from where we were. At this point, any progress is welcome. <br />
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If you read my previous post, you know that Porthos has ADHD. He has been put on Concerta, having a few dosage increases over the past four months. I was worried there would be negative side effects, like mood change, loss of personality, anger or rage issues, etc. Thankfully, there has been none of that. He is entering puberty, so there is a bit more snippiness going on there, but I do not attribute that to the medication. One of the behaviors he had before medication, was fidgety hands and feet. He would tap on things all the time. He would squirm in his seat a lot. Both of those habits are either gone or significantly subdued now. <br />
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Porthos is also taking a Karate class that he really seems to enjoy. Class is in the evening, and starts about the time the Concerta wears off. He is progressing well in the class and is so focused. His instructors have commented numerous times how balanced and focused Porthos is. I am so glad to have found this outlet for my son.<br />
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Aramis has had a longer journey, and it is far from over. It is taking quite a bit more effort to help him. He is still taking Zoloft, and we are about at the max dose that has the potential to work for him. Aramis spent three months in counseling, receiving cognitive behavioral therapy to help him with his anxiety. Although he has made good progress, he still struggles. <br />
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We have had some ups and downs the past two months. He recently participated in a community theater with his brother, for a Christmas performance. This was his second time on stage, and first time acting. Aramis was so funny and really seemed to enjoy himself. There were weekly rehearsals he had to attend, to which he handled with ease. The downfall came days after the final performance. We had spent the day in the city (an hour away) for his eye exam and some Christmas shopping. We were out all day, and Aramis did great. The next day was not so great. The whole day he was close to tears and on the verge of an anxiety attack. At that point, I joined a support group on Facebook for Parents of children with anxiety and depression. There I got the idea for a survival pack. <br />
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I created two kits for Aramis. One in a backpack that he can take with him anywhere, and one to keep at home. The idea is, when he is feeling sad or anxious, he can find comfort measures easily. Included in each kit:<br />
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<li>Composition book: writing in, drawing pictures, etc.</li>
<li>Activity book or coloring book</li>
<li>Small note pad: for writing emotions down as they happen</li>
<li>Zipper pouch with crayons, pencils, erasers, and/or markers</li>
<li>Flarp: because he likes how it feels and the sounds it makes is silly enough to make anyone laugh.</li>
<li>Kleenex</li>
<li>Hand Sanitizer: Right now he is going through a clean phase. (at least I hope it's a phase)</li>
<li>Socks/Gloves: In his travel pack only. Might put a hat in his home pack.</li>
<li>Water bottle: In his travel pack. Hydration can help wonders.</li>
<li>Healthy Snack: I put granola bars and such in each pack. Sometimes he is more emotional when he's hungry. </li>
<li>Stuffed animal</li>
<li>Woobie: This square of fabric is super soft, has texture on the reverse side, and ribbon tabs around the edge. Being able to hold different manipulatives helps distract the mind from whatever is bothering him. </li>
<li>Slinky: This was one of his choices. Again, it's a manipulative. Something to keep his hands busy, which distracts the mind.</li>
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These are the things we put in his kits. You can make yours with whatever works for your child. Already, I have seen him utilize both kits this past week. Christmas with a big family gave the potential for Aramis to become overwhelmed. We took the backpack with us, and it wasn't long before he opened it up and was pulling different items out and handling them. He let me know when he was ready to go, and thankfully, that wasn't until well into the evening. So, a success there. He played, and had a good time. Although there were a few times Aramis came to check in with me, and get an extra hug, it wasn't near as often as it has been in the past.<br />
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We still have a ways to go with Aramis. His will most likely be a long term issue. Along the way, we will have to alter how we do things, but for now, I feel like we are headed in the right direction. Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-39022775218748864312016-08-22T23:59:00.002-05:002016-08-23T00:01:49.259-05:002016 Not-Back-to-School dayToday was the start of public school in my town. On Facebook there were many posts with pictures of children and teens ready to head off to school after their requisite 3 months off. Not wanting to feel left out, I had my boys line up in the living room so I could take their picture to share. With it, they held a sign saying 1st day of NOT back to school 2016. Complete with silly faces and pajamas. Why? Why not? We aren't starting for two weeks anyway, and they'll most likely spend most days in their pajamas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSYWf_x-LYeMPee8niYupy_iOKJo4qHbb3hNOhjOkXOBjUovUox8mBSAz1y-b96_vcpHpd0ioYZoMq0m2VBMvHq0DD-0KaiG3EpanWgrxtVxRZb3-pAUYD4hWQkkkKitim2BZselIBn4i/s1600/not+back+to+school+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSYWf_x-LYeMPee8niYupy_iOKJo4qHbb3hNOhjOkXOBjUovUox8mBSAz1y-b96_vcpHpd0ioYZoMq0m2VBMvHq0DD-0KaiG3EpanWgrxtVxRZb3-pAUYD4hWQkkkKitim2BZselIBn4i/s640/not+back+to+school+2016.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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That being said, I now have two weeks to get everything organized and ready for the new school year. Ok, so let's face it... Athos is still trudging through Algebra 1 and Biology. Not quite sure how we are going to handle this. We could: 1. Continue with that until he finishes both. 2. Move on to this year's subjects: Geometry and Chemistry. 3. Double up. Do both. Hmmm....<br />
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In the mean time, I bet you are wondering what we are going to be using this year. Some things remain the same, while others have changed. Athos is switching over to "<a href="https://www.mfwbooks.com/" target="_blank">My Father's World</a>: Ancient History and Literature" for Bible, History and Literature. He is sticking with <a href="http://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/store/home___" target="_blank">BJU Press</a> for math, and Apologia for science. Porthos and Aramis are both sticking with My Father's World again for Bible, History, and Science. This year it is "Creation to the Greeks". Porthos will also be using Teaching Textbooks for math. Aramis is using <a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a> for Math. I am thinking about using <a href="http://www.apologia.com/?ref=16534" target="_blank">Apologia'</a>s Writers in Residence for both of their language arts.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-58217298970791073052016-08-22T10:44:00.000-05:002016-12-26T10:44:55.385-06:00LabelsLabels. ADHD. On the Spectrum. Autistic. Asperger's. Gifted and Talented. Dyslexic. Anxiety disorder. Psychological labels are not for <b>my</b> boys. That is something that other people's kids get. Certainly not <b>my</b> sons. Medication is handed out far too often, in my opinion. Certainly a proper diet, a good amount of physical activity and structure will help children with these labels. Well, that's what I thought up until last week. Until it was my child with the label.<br />
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Recently, I took Porthos and Aramis for sort of a psych evaluation. Porthos had struggled with Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Mononucleosis for the past year and a half. Now that his energy level is returning, we are starting to notice how fidgety he is. Aramis tends to be a bit more insecure than other kids his age, and becomes sad easily. What was determined is that Porthos is ADHD and Aramis has Generalized Anxiety Disorder and mild depression. Wow. Both are genetic.<br />
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Now, before you read any further, let me say that for those against medication, so was I. Sometimes you don't know what else to do to help your child. For those who are pro medication, we are just starting and haven't decided if we like it or not. In the end, we do what we feel is right for OUR children. <br />
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Porthos has been given a prescription, not to alter his personality, but to help him focus on assignments and such. In the mean time, we have signed him up for karate. He really seems to be enjoying it. Not sure how the medication is working yet, as it has only been two days and we haven't even started "school" yet.<br />
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Aramis has been put on Zoloft and will be seeking counseling for anxiety. Where Porthos' plan should show near immediate results, Aramis' treatment plan will take time. Months even. But it's not just medication and/or counseling for my boys that is necessary. It is also my approach to their behavior that needs work. I need to be more patient and understanding. I need to pay more attention to what triggers an upset with Aramis. This is a new journey, and certainly not one I expected to take. But here we are, none the less. <br />
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<br />Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-43173175957275894322016-03-14T17:07:00.000-05:002016-03-14T17:07:42.808-05:00Walking Water experiment and Pi Today has been the first really sunny day in over a week here. We had lots of rain last week, which meant the boys were stuck indoors all week. They finally got to go outside today and run around, climb the tree and ride their bikes. Back inside though, we decided to celebrate Pi day and do an experiment.<br />
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First, we made pie. Ok, I made pie. Cherry and strawberry pie. I used the double pastry recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens cook book, 1 can of cherry pie filling, and a handful of frozen strawberries. The result was delicious. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRRf9XLIoNduXsHzTp6OVbW-uRKdI1_opeOWpgCCjHoCUnUC6lsQfdL5hw5Muyljv76ja1auf7qBlPqiI_w1sKFjo4OueHNMx4YkOWEEu7p2KXCY_msuwu2deV8ET0IcY9IYKXRA4ADU/s1600/20160314_151455-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRRf9XLIoNduXsHzTp6OVbW-uRKdI1_opeOWpgCCjHoCUnUC6lsQfdL5hw5Muyljv76ja1auf7qBlPqiI_w1sKFjo4OueHNMx4YkOWEEu7p2KXCY_msuwu2deV8ET0IcY9IYKXRA4ADU/s200/20160314_151455-1.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pi day= pie</td></tr>
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After enjoying the scrumptious pie, repeating to each other the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter: 3.14159265, we decided to try a fun experiment called "Walking Water", found on <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activities/walking-water-science-experiment?ref=collection_view%2Cscience-experiments" target="_blank">kidspot.com</a>. You can find the directions on the website, but I'd like to share photos and a video of our experiment. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZUUmTW0MMQvVfrHLKzNANo6xFQKaAF6y3BTjjZijmqxQOP2DDsNaHZa9WsBEpaA2xyPQ4jb6PGp8Z_dVQy9WvF__5UPQ6JrOqpZ9pl9l-_Z8u2vRCCULuaPsJ72qmZr6JfiarFX8P_Vc/s320/20160314_155558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took 3 bowls. 2 bowls we filled with 1 cup each of water. In one bowl, we added 2-3 drops of blue food color. The other we added yellow food coloring. The 3rd bowl was placed in the middle with no water. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Ap2NYeapnoXpCHMHfCTewDbBohH779Hd9c0JjfXxgiuDgc1EePhyzwTIhEOH9X_XX6xiSJcfe-3x41C6DdMyRQrVpOu-uqnALglNNOdZ0oqxRAO9SfgAW5LLEQ3bhLM7mRQNw8XvXJ2/s1600/20160314_155200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Ap2NYeapnoXpCHMHfCTewDbBohH779Hd9c0JjfXxgiuDgc1EePhyzwTIhEOH9X_XX6xiSJcfe-3x41C6DdMyRQrVpOu-uqnALglNNOdZ0oqxRAO9SfgAW5LLEQ3bhLM7mRQNw8XvXJ2/s320/20160314_155200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a folded paper towel and draped it from the blue bowl to the empty center bowl. We took another paper towel and draped it from the yellow bowl to the empty center bowl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys watched in awe as the water "walked" from their bowls and into the middle bowl.</td></tr>
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The video is about 2.5 minutes long and too big to load to the blog, so I am adding a link to it on youtube. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlmt4WUyDUQ" target="_blank">Walking Water</a><br />
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Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-16335622156346299812015-09-11T14:04:00.004-05:002015-09-11T14:04:59.462-05:00Remembering 9/11<i>Disclaimer: Below is my recount of September 11, 2001. Raw, and full of emotion as I remember that day. This is more for my benefit, I know, than anything else. Though I did not personally lose anyone that day, my heart goes out to all those who did. </i><br />
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This is always such a hard day. Has been for 14 years. Today has been harder than normal, with the exception of that day 14 years ago. Today I am teaching my children what happened on September 11, 2001. I know many of you are doing the same. Some of you may have been kids yourself on that day. I was 25 years old and 7 1/2 months pregnant with my first baby. My husband was in the Navy, and was already on a deployment with the Marines from Camp Pendleton. I remember it was near 6:30 am on the west coast, and I was still in bed asleep when my friend, a fellow military wife whose husband was also deployed, called me and very urgently told me to turn on the TV. As I walked down stairs, my first thought was that there must have been another ship attack like the USS Cole. I turned on the television and found the first news station showing a burning sky scraper in New York.<br />
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Honestly, my first thought was relief. It isn't a ship. My husband is safe. Just some sort of plane crash. But as I stood there watching, another plane crashed into the second building, and I slowly realized this couldn't be an accident. As the morning wore on, two more planes. One into the Pentagon and one into an empty field. <br />
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The worst wasn't over yet. I sat watching the news, the towers burning, the panic in the reporters' voices. The images will always be in my mind, stronger than anything. Stronger than labor pains. The planes, the billowing smoke, the bodies of desperate people trapped high up in the towers jumping to their deaths rather than burn. Then the towers just seemed to disintegrate where they stood. What was happening? How many more? Was the west coast next? I wish I could talk to my husband, but there was no way of contacting him. Camp Pendleton stretches from Christianitos to Oceanside, CA. Were we safe? Should I drive north to family or stay put? No choice at first, the base was now on full lock-down. Suddenly I felt guilty for being pregnant. What was I thinking, bringing a baby into this world? What sort of legacy would be there for him? Fear is a powerful thing. Maybe that's why even now, I fight back the tears at the thought of what we now call Patriot Day. <br />
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So how am I supposed to make it through this lesson with my children without completely breaking down? We watch a video on <a href="http://ainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/september11th/" target="_blank">brainpop</a>, made for children about that horrible day. We watch a news clip from that morning, on youtube. We sit in silence. Cry. Then we hug each other and try to get through the rest of our studies. The day seems so much sadder, and the work less meaningful right now. But we will not forget. My sons will know what happened that day. They will understand why their father had to be deployed to Afghanistan and eventually Iraq. They will understand why freedom isn't free. It is hard fought for. My middle son's response to the idea that the terrorists' goal was to strike fear into Americans was "but it didn't work". I tell him, "but it did. The human response to fear is fight or flight. In 2001 we were faced with a choice to either fight back or hide in fear. We took the fight to them. They pushed, and we pushed back." <br />
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Next year, we will go over it again. Each time, more in depth. We will never forget.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-2042263181631788472015-09-09T22:41:00.000-05:002015-09-09T22:41:11.677-05:00Beginning homeschool is like...<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting homeschooling is like getting married. As you get closer to the wedding date, and maybe even as you are walking down the isle, reality sets in. You begin to ask yourself, is this the person I want to spend the rest of my life with? Can I really be a wife? Do I really want to give up the freedom of being single? What if he snores? What if he doesn't like the way I look in the morning and can't bare to face me? What if he stops paying attention to me? Translate that to homeschooling; Is this really the educational I want for my child? Can I really be a teacher? Do I really want to give up the hours from 8am to 3pm? What if he doesn't like the way I teach? What if he sees me as me as Mom and doesn't want to see me as Teacher? What if he stops listening to me? But you felt before this scary moment that this was IT. This was the one. The way it is meant to be. Hold on to that. And to borrow from the "<i>Seven Habits of Highly Successful People</i>", begin with the end in mind.</span></span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-57117560810476927042015-05-21T10:58:00.000-05:002015-05-21T10:58:59.552-05:00Finding our Style and Radical Unschooling<i>This is something I wrote back in December, but just wasn't ready to post it then. After rereading it and making a few small adjustments, I am ready to post this now. I apologize that this is out of order from everything else. Happy Homeschooling, friends.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although the boys have been on hiatus for the past few weeks, and may continue until after Christmas, I am constantly doing research and trying to learn more about homeschooling and different learning/teaching styles. I started out thinking we would be more traditional in our style, but in looking into other styles, I considered unschooling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> One of the tools I like to use for information is Facebook groups. I have joined several homeschooling groups of different types, two of them were unschooling groups. I did find them very informative and am glad that I joined them. I learned that although the unschooling philosophy, in regards to academics only, does have its merits, I might still use a curriculum to teach math. I also learned that I would not be a good fit for radical unschooling. I do not want to have to give up who I am as a parent just to fit a philosophy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I found that radical unschoolers (RU) are very all or nothing with their thinking. Basically, it's not just letting children learn what they want to when and if they want to, it is letting them decide when they want to go to sleep and wake up. What they want to eat and when they want to eat. What they want to watch, for how long, etc. Or what games, internet searches, etc. It is trusting your child to know how to make the best choices for themselves. My problem? Even the best child has a tendency to want to look up porn or watch a show that isn't appropriate for their age. RUs do not tolerate limits or worksheets or anything that looks organized by a parent. Or at least that is the perception I am getting. Here's the thing: I have no problem with anyone who makes this philosophy their family lifestyle. Good on ya mate. Just don't get mad at me for not doing things exactly like you do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> In the end, I left one of those groups and then came to the conclusion that we are more eclectic homeschoolers, integrating different styles and methods that suit us as a whole. Some how, that feels liberating. Like by knowing and accepting this, I can accept that how I do things may not be how someone else does things and that does not make us wrong or them wrong. It just makes us different. That's all right. I will not look down on a fellow homeschooler or unschooler or even a public school family for their preferred style. I hope that I will gain the same respect from others that I choose to give them. </span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-13130105924886825152015-05-19T10:29:00.001-05:002015-05-19T10:32:17.301-05:00Preparing for Round 2 (pt. 1)<i> The next few posts are going to be my reviews and experiences of a homeschool convention and what came of it for me. I have included a ton of links this time that I hope you will find helpful.</i><br />
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Two weeks ago my husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the <a href="http://www.thsc.org/" target="_blank">THSC</a> Homeschool Convention and Book Fair in Arlington, TX. While there, we attended a few workshops, checked out the different exhibitors, and perused the numerous vendors for a bit of shopping. By the way, if you are new to homeschooling or even an old pro, and haven't yet attended a homeschool convention, I would highly recommend finding one near you and attending. It is a wealth of information and a great way to meet like-minded families. If you're in the southern portion of Texas, check out the one at <a href="http://www.thsc.org/events/texas-home-school-conventions/woodlands-registration/" target="_blank">The Woodlands</a>, just north of Houston. <br />
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The first workshop I attended was titled "Preparing High Schoolers for STEM futures" by <a href="http://www.erau.edu/" target="_blank">Embry-Riddle College's</a> David Hernandez, where the speaker talked about what STEM is, what programs and activities use STEM, and what career fields STEM can lead to. This gentleman was gracious enough to email us the power-point he used in case we missed something in our notes. My oldest is part of a robotics team, which turns out is a great start toward a STEM career, plus he's really great at math. I think we may finally be finding his path. It's funny, neither of us had really considered that until now. It had always been ministry or archeology or something.<br />
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The second was "Breathing Life into Language Arts" with Rosie Watson, and highlighted <a href="http://site.totallanguageplus.com/shop/" target="_blank">Total Language Plus</a>, a language arts program that is fully literature based. I really liked this one. The way the program is set up is, you pick three to four books for the year, reading one at a time. Instead of rush reading the book, you break it down into six to eight units (weeks) and really break it down. All of your grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, critical thinking is based on the book. This curriculum starts at the 3rd grade level and goes up to 12th grade, with books like Charlotte's Web, The Whipping Boy, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Hiding Place, etc. At one point Rosie talked about an assignment she had given for the book "The Bronze Bow". The assignment was to write a letter to the main character. The response from one of her students was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. One of the things about this program that really appeals to me is that each book covers two to four grade levels, which means that I can use the same book and study guide with more than one child at a time.<br />
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The third workshop was one my husband attended, called "Limited Language - Limited Mind" with Jean Burk, author of <a href="http://www.erau.edu/" target="_blank">College Prep Genius</a>. This one focused on preparing students for college SAT. Although it wasn't quite what he thought it would be based on the title of the class, he did say the concept made sense. Sadly, as my husband is not the best at relaying information, I do not have much I can offer on this one.<br />
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After attending the desired workshops and parting ways for a bit (he needed to do a little shopping of his own), I went on to explore all the fantastic vendors that were set up. But that adventure will have to wait for another post. So visit again soon to find out what I saw and what I ended up purchasing. <br />
Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-9091287383533710952015-05-07T13:17:00.003-05:002015-05-07T13:17:30.856-05:00THSC Homeschool Convention & Book Fair This weekend is the <a href="http://www.thsc.org/" target="_blank">THSC</a> Convention in Arlington, TX. Though it starts today, I will not be there until Saturday. I am looking forward in eager anticipation to this adventure. There will be speakers and topics ranging from Sonya Shafer: The Quiet Schooling of Nature, David Gibbs: The Future of Home schooling in America, to Crystal Payne: Raising Kingdom-Minded Kids, just to name a few. The Duggar family will also be there.<br />
There will be exhibits; Becky Muldrow: How to Earn a Bachelor's Degree During High School, Martin Cothran: The Classical Thinking Skills Program, Erin Karl: The Language Arts Tool belt, and David Hernandez: Preparing High Schoolers for STEM futures, and so on. Wrapping this whole experience up will be the numerous vendors, with their different curricula and materials to view and purchase. A virtual wonderland for home educators. <br />
This will be my first convention to attend. I have taken the tips of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeschooling/2013/04/5-ways-to-prepare-for-a-homeschool-convention/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a> on how to prepare for attending a homeschool convention. I have pre-registered and booked my hotel room. I have been studying the schedule, list of speakers and workshops, and have narrowed it down to a number of specific workshops I would like to attend. I am working on my plan how to make the most of my day. All that is left is to attend, look up, smile, and chat with other homeschoolers. I have my backpack loaded and ready to go with a notebook, pens, water bottle, crackers, etc. I thought about a nice open tote, but decided that I want my arms free and no worries of a shoulder bag slipping from my shoulder. I have my list of vendors I want to make sure to check out, as well as a short list of specific items to look for. All that is left is to finish packing my overnight bag. <br />
All right. First time attendee excitement? Absolutely. I wish I could have attended last year. But I think having trudged through the past year as we have I at least have a better idea of what I want to gain from this convention experience. Oh, and a fantastic bit that I just discovered: If I miss a workshop, I can catch an audio recording of it later! Now, I know that there will be things for kids to do. I am not bringing mine with me this year. First time, I just want to go with the hubby and soak it all in. Maybe next year. Thankful for this opportunity. Thankful for family willing to watch kiddos so hubby and I can attend. <br />
Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-49354608446931793082015-04-01T12:21:00.000-05:002015-04-01T12:21:05.731-05:00Tim Tebow bill and the slippery slopeI understand that UIL gives kids the opportunity to be scoped out by colleges for scholarships, and that is a huge draw. When we decided to homeschool our children last year, the biggest complaint of our oldest was that he would miss band. The state leaves it to each school district to decide whether they want to allow homeschool students to participate in things like athletics, band, art, etc. The kids would not be allowed to participate in UIL functions, but could otherwise participate in the school program. Our school said no. So here are my concerns;<br />
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1. Will this bill force schools to have to allow homeschool students, a decision that was previously up to each district? Or will they still be allowed to deny homeschool students? In which case this whole thing is sort of a moot point for many throughout the state.<br />
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2. One of the biggest draws to homeschooling was getting away from state-mandated testing. From the looks of it, in order to participate in public school extra-curricular activities such as sports and band, homeschool students will be forced right back into the very thing we were trying to avoid. Our children are free to learn what they want when they want, rather than following the scope and sequence of the state. If a child wants to learn Greek mythology in 8th grade rather than US history, he/she can. If they have to take a bench mark test in order to participate in UIL with a public school, this has the potential to take away that freedom. <br />
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3. Also, another of the appeals to homeschooling in the state of Texas is that we report to no one. We don't have the state micromanaging us. With the Tim Tebow bill, any homeschool student wishing to participate in UIL will have to submit regular academic/progress reports.<br />
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In the end, this bill with all of its well intentions opens the doors for the government to start imposing more restrictions and monitoring of homeschool families. What I propose is rather than trying to open the doors for homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics and band, is encourage more programs strictly for homeschoolers. There are many great homeschool groups that provide basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, robotics, etc. Support more of that. Encourage college scouts to look into those groups as well as public school events. <br />
Once homeschoolers start getting funding/support from the state and federal government, it opens the doors for that very same government to start putting it's policies on the homeschool families. The very thing we try to avoid. At this moment in time, I am able to teach my children with God in the midst of it. Science through a creationist view. What happens once we let the government start "helping"?Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-78497285902507384632015-03-13T13:25:00.000-05:002015-06-08T15:53:21.167-05:00Conversations heard in a Mini Van Hello world, sorry I haven't posted in a while. I admit I have not felt that inspired as of late. Ok, maybe my inspiration hasn't been that uplifting. Anyway, I am back and have a fantastic little story to share with you today. Please allow me to set the stage for you. <br />
<br />
I am in the van with Porthos, Aramis, and my 10 year old nephew, Batman. We have just left the grocery store where we have picked up a package of apple fritters (the boys wanted donuts, but the donut shop was already closed). As we sit at the intersection at a red light, the boys notice a police car across the street. <br />
<br />
Porthos: "Look, it's the PoPo!"<br />
Batman: "Quick! Hide the donuts! The PoPo's gonna steel them."<br />
Porthos pulls over his hoodie and stares at the police car as it goes by.<br />
Aramis: "Hey, where's the PoPo? I don't see anyone in the driver's seat. (The windows seem slightly tinted, making it difficult to see inside the car.)<br />
Porthos: "That's because I made him invisible with my super scary face."<br />
Aramis: "No, it's the super yummy donut."<br />
Porthos: "Maybe it's a ghost car."<br />
<br />
We arrive home and as we get out of the van;<br />
Batman: "I want to be a PoPo."<br />
Porthos: "Why so you can eat coffee and donuts all the time?"<br />
<br />
The End.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-10759672484435503232015-03-13T13:00:00.000-05:002015-03-13T13:37:13.089-05:00Top 2 Reasons On Crossing Over to Homeschooling, Facebook group, the question was asked what our top two reasons were for choosing to home school. It is a frequently asked question by new members, and I have answered it with only slight variance. I think in part because my reasons become more clarified as time goes on. As I answered this question, which came surprisingly easy this time (I often have to spend a moment thinking about this before I answer, because so much went in to our decision) I begin to remember some details over the past 4 years that have come to impact our decision. I will get to that in a bit though. <br />
<br />
1. <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I believe that public
school should not be mandatory, but optional. Like day care. You use
it because you want to. Perhaps teaching your children is not your cup of tea. Or out of necessity. Maybe both/only parent/s work. I
believe homeschooling should be our first choice and public school our
last choice. This could go on to a long tangent about government interfering with natural parenting, but that's another topic.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">2. I want to en</span></span><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">sure
a safe and nurturing environment for my children. I want them to be free
to be themselves and can take as long as they need to grasp a new
concept. Ok, so that was probably more like three. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> The first point is relatively self explanatory. The second one is where the details come in. As I was initially answering the post, my oldest son reminds me when we first arrived in this state, and he was just starting 4th grade. Now we are from California, and moving to Texas brought some expected and unexpected changes. One being that in 4th grade, the school here has the kids rotating classrooms. They say it's to prepare them for middle school. Oh, and middle school starts at the 5th grade level. Anyway, Athos reminds me how in the 4th grade or so he was so stressed that he was actually losing hair. He also went through this phase of pulling his eyebrow hairs out. As time went on, he started having more problems with being able to sleep. Although he was a straight A student, the stress was showing. By 7th grade, his grades were starting to slip a little. He was acting out at home and suffering from insomnia more and more. He had one teacher that was condescending on a regular basis. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Porthos had done really well the first two years. By 2nd grade he was getting in trouble in class and low grades on a regular basis. The teacher couldn't recognize that he laughs when he's nervous. She thought he was just being rude and silly. 3rd grade brought a more patient teacher, but I think the previous year's experience had killed it for him. He no longer enjoyed school. Came home angry a lot. Wasn't finishing assignments, and missed out on a lot of recess. The pressure the schools put on the kids regarding standardized testing was too much, and, in my opinion, unnecessary.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> The final straw; Aramis was in Kindergarten last year. OK, maybe you have all heard this story already. But it just warrants repeating. He is a generally quiet kid. His teacher was nice. He was doing well academically. Then came the Kindergarten musical program. Each grade does one throughout the year, and the whole grade level participates. Aramis is not a performer. He doesn't like doing group activities that put him in the spotlight. So when they were rehearsing for this program, he would just stand there. I talked to his teacher about it, and talked to him. He said he didn't want to participate, so I decided to not make him. His teacher told me I should make him participate or how will he ever learn to get over stage fright? Regardless, I informed her he would not be participating. She informed me he would spend the time during the program in the school office. So on parent day of the program, I come to sit with him in the office while all the other parents are out there in the auditorium. I arrive to find he is in a storage closet sitting at a desk coloring. A CLOSET!!! Seriously?!!! Althogh the storage closet was in the office area and the receptionists had a direct line of sight of him, it was still a closet!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
Have you ever watched the movie "Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze? Remember the scene near the end when he comes in during the closing night's show and tells Baby's father "Nobody puts Baby in the corner!", Johnny takes her hand and leads her up to the stage? Yeah, it was kind of like that for me in my heart. All of these things, just made us realize that our children were better off at home in a safe and loving environment. So here we are. Since it has been weeks since I started this post, I sort of forgot what else I had to say, so I am going to leave it here for now. <br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".ku.1:3:1:$comment808036382604471_808070272601082:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></span></span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-15908182726283913762015-01-21T15:44:00.001-06:002015-01-21T15:44:23.979-06:00Science ExperimentsThe past two days have been filled with science lessons and experiments. Yesterday at our Cub Scout meeting we had guest speakers from the Wood County Electric Co-op. They gave a lesson on electricity, it's uses and sources. Then a arc presentation was done for the boys, much to their surprise and delight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V5MIWdHfKT5OyR0Nl0nW1hlxMmTX5ywwHGqLtPPKWIMY8RA2zaPUpnkQfe1nmbCtmW-Dgeo4rylEBCc01G79mm3uWMkHO6Te_pB2BWNXXo_pzykDEwbbQHCbIHmAJMWrBdr6K6DrDgJl/s1600/20150120_185311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V5MIWdHfKT5OyR0Nl0nW1hlxMmTX5ywwHGqLtPPKWIMY8RA2zaPUpnkQfe1nmbCtmW-Dgeo4rylEBCc01G79mm3uWMkHO6Te_pB2BWNXXo_pzykDEwbbQHCbIHmAJMWrBdr6K6DrDgJl/s1600/20150120_185311.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtHUP4sd87pp0sbV4AW-bBsEfwKUCosiNdwwIO2Pd2XFzNwvWpHR_Z0JKHcmxkfK3LMeIDZ86n5YDwxGNpvJJ4ZE8DH0YEBzB5NVsBcWcNRsYGLdwHEh8vmjx7WMSnxkD8MhDjaYVeXnF/s1600/20150121_142123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtHUP4sd87pp0sbV4AW-bBsEfwKUCosiNdwwIO2Pd2XFzNwvWpHR_Z0JKHcmxkfK3LMeIDZ86n5YDwxGNpvJJ4ZE8DH0YEBzB5NVsBcWcNRsYGLdwHEh8vmjx7WMSnxkD8MhDjaYVeXnF/s1600/20150121_142123.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> Today we finally wrapped up our volcano lesson with a small volcano
eruption. The Boys had built the volcano out of homemade clay two weeks
ago. I put plastic wrap inside as a barrier due to small gaps in the
volcano.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
Today we finally got around to making it erupt with a simple water,
soap, baking soda and vinegar solution, </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
with some help from my niece
Starbrite. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQGZ7RyMAPgFcOcoab-O8EYqhVHWquT52tGhc3AQFBJVivOmkw8TbVKaufjvSBKErzXRI2rrOzLZFPuYLhbidr1y3CfCNsJLRfFGPxg4ArWRUpS9Mjb9fY9JdSp8b1RsUbkt7bDcTfJtf/s1600/20150121_142235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQGZ7RyMAPgFcOcoab-O8EYqhVHWquT52tGhc3AQFBJVivOmkw8TbVKaufjvSBKErzXRI2rrOzLZFPuYLhbidr1y3CfCNsJLRfFGPxg4ArWRUpS9Mjb9fY9JdSp8b1RsUbkt7bDcTfJtf/s1600/20150121_142235.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk4JoyxF7RrLIbCRPAsCDTBNUp0gKFPzpOn7mzHjjklggQDf3y_slJe5W5be9dQN4lFl3YGSnTVrQ59ajLjcM4NkZNo2xTGwlGi2Sq4S5l4ryFWDENpo4oEETCk70uhTAgzGGQQmU2USH/s1600/20150121_142312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk4JoyxF7RrLIbCRPAsCDTBNUp0gKFPzpOn7mzHjjklggQDf3y_slJe5W5be9dQN4lFl3YGSnTVrQ59ajLjcM4NkZNo2xTGwlGi2Sq4S5l4ryFWDENpo4oEETCk70uhTAgzGGQQmU2USH/s1600/20150121_142312.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Red food coloring was added for effect, and the result was lots of fun
and giggles along with a relatively contained mess on my counter and
bar pan.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is Robotics, where the team will go over last weekend's competition and discuss what they did right and what needs to be improved on.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-52668013743053985492014-12-21T18:14:00.000-06:002014-12-21T18:14:05.968-06:00Illness and fear<span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0">You know, I wasn't even sure if I should post this here or my other blog, <a href="http://rpswife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life or Something Like it.</a> But I finally decided this is where it belongs. Back at Thanksgiving, Porthos came to me with swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms, at that time. The next day I scheduled an appointment with the doctor for the following Monday. </span></span><span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0">I
want...I need to say how scared I was nearly three weeks ago when I
first took him to the doctor.</span></span><span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0"> After an initial examination and some questions, the doctor tells me that he is ordering some blood work. He wants to be conservative in ruling things out. As he talks, I can tell what he is not saying, but rather skirting around. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0"> Because of the lymph nodes, I know the
doctor was screening him for lymphoma. Waiting those couple of days to
get the test results back, and then a full week before getting the
complete results back, were excruciating. Never have I face the fear of
one of my children having cancer. Wow, I said it. That has been such a
difficult, if not impossible word to say all month. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0"> The first results came in indicating two viruses, and negative for mono. White blood cell counts were good, so no current fear for that word that even he could not say. It was like Harry Potter in medical terms. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Then when I took Athos in for a heart check (he's fine), the Doctor tells me that he did further screening on Porthos and found Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus, both becoming mononucleosis. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0">Now I look at my
son, and see him smile even though he is tired all the time. Part of me
aches for him, because he is usually such an active boy. Part of me is
doing a silent happy dance because of what it is not. I worry about the long-term effects, but I am thankful that he has a long-term. In the middle of all of this I am thankful that we made the decision early this year to homeschool. I am personally familiar with mono and how it can drag on for weeks and months. The idea of sending my son to school every day with no energy is not one that appeals to me. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="kopt-0-0" data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0"><span data-reactid=".13.1:4.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.1.0.$kopt.0:$kopt-0-0.0">As I am learning more about EBV and CMV, I am learning that it remains in your system for life and can resurface at any time. I think that plans I had for their school year will begin to change quite a bit in order to fit his needs. Play it by ear, I suppose. Perhaps in a few weeks he will be all better and we will simply continue on with little to no change. Maybe we will have to adjust to shorter learning days and focus on what he can handle on any given day. I don't know. Maybe I am just over-thinking this. Never the less, I am so blessed to be here with my sons, and them here with me.</span></span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-88838051607107671272014-11-27T09:21:00.005-06:002014-11-27T09:21:37.168-06:00Bonds of brotherhood Since beginning our homeschooling journey, I have noticed a change in how my sons interact with each other. They are closer than they had been. I realize this is born of necessity, but that makes it no less beautiful to observe. They play together all the time now. They read to each other, help and guide each other. They even cover for each other. <br />
Yesterday, we were at Wal-Mart doing our shopping for Thanksgiving. I had sent Porthos and Aramis to use the restroom while I searched for a few more items. I sent them to the restroom at the back of the store, and they were to come right back when they were done. They didn't. I kept a watch for them as I shopped and when I realized they weren't coming back I went looking for them. They weren't at the restroom. Now, this particular Wal-Mart has the shoe department along that very back wall and electronics is across from that. So I thought perhaps they got distracted by all the games and TVs, but no luck. So I, thinking my children would not be so bold as to disobey a standing rule of not ever going to the toy section without an adult, I went looking for them back in the grocery section, but not before asking a friend who was there to have the boys return to the restroom if she came upon them. <br />
After another sweep, I returned to the restroom area and found my sons sitting waiting for me. I asked them where they were and Porthos replied they looked for me in the food section. I reminded him that I wanted him to tell the truth. So I asked Aramis. He said they looked for me in the food section because he smelled food. <br />
Do you remember that friend I told you about? She had gone to the toy section, and that's where she found them. ;) Here is the deal. They are not supposed to lie to me. However, I witnessed a bond between brothers that I would never wish away. So this time I let it slide. They do not know that I know the truth of where they were. <br />
<br />
On a side note, yesterday morning my 9 year old sat in our living room watching a movie,
while simultaneously observing evidence of the earth's rotation. He had
a Lego tower on the floor and kept noticing how the sunlight coming
through the window was slowly moving away from his tower. Incidental
learning. LOVE IT!!Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-24287481388381034532014-11-14T11:56:00.001-06:002014-11-14T11:56:18.834-06:00Putting on the Brakes and Being Thankful After going rounds with my sons about getting their assignments done, I finally decided to look up this term I have been seeing, deschooling. <a href="http://a2zhomeschooling.com/beginning_home_school/deschooling_recovering_from_school/" target="_blank">A2Z Homeschool</a> explains it better than I can, but basically it's a downtime from school for an extended period of time before starting homeschooling. Seeing as how I only recently learned the term, I did not deschool our family much before jumping right in to homeschooling. Text books, schedules, etc. It was going great for the first several weeks, and then progressively went down hill. Last week I realized that Athos and Porthos were barely completing two assignments a day, and no amount of reasoning, lecturing, bribing or punishing (consequences) was helping. <br />
So finally I look up this term, discuss it with my husband and suggest we let the boys take the rest of this semester off. Regroup at the end of the year and try again in January. We had taken all of their toys away the day before in an attempt to remove any distractions for them. But when we made this new decision back on Monday, we decided they would need their toys back. Tuesday we told the boys and took them to the shed to recover their things. It was Porthos who decided that he thought only the legos should come back into his and Aramis' room, because any more than that would make it messy again. Athos took his comic books back. <br />
Then they begged to go to the library so they could check out some books. Athos wanted the next book in the Heroes of Olympus series. Porthos wants to learn about Theodore Roosevelt and Aramis wants to study about sharks again. In the end, we came home with 3 shark books, 2 Roosevelt books (although they had 7 and I had to convince Porthos to take just 2 at a time) and Athos had to settle for a James Patterson novel.<br />
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This morning Porthos and Aramis pulled out their science experiment kit and were mixing ingredients to see if they could make things bubble and foam. They have played together at the computer. Now they are entertaining themselves with just a few small toys and are very content. <br />
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So what am I thankful for? Hindsight. Better late then never. Seeing my sons at peace. Being able to let them learn what they are interested in at the moment. <br />
Other blogs to check out: <br />
<a href="http://ifmeadowsspeak.blogspot.com/2014/11/catawampus-days-of-homeschooling.html" target="_blank">If Meadows Speak</a><br />
<a href="http://www.homeschoolingthewellpreparedchild.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Homeschooling The Well Prepared Child</a><br />
<a href="http://daughterising.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/the-trial-to-thankful-ness/" target="_blank">Daughter Rising</a>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-16227128353495129322014-10-24T19:19:00.002-05:002014-10-24T19:19:23.423-05:00Solar Eclipse OK, two posts in one day. But that's just because the last one was started four days ago.<br />
My husband and two older boys are in a play here in town being performed at the Center for the Arts. The play is Bonnie and Clyde. On our way out the door to walk to their 5pm rehearsal, I caught sight of a facebook post on the computer highlighting a solar eclipse about to happen. So I tried quickly to create a shadow box for which to view the eclipse safely with, to no avail. <br />
A little ways into rehearsal and I mention the partial eclipse to a friend who promptly takes an envelope (OK, my typing stinks tonight. I keep having to retype everything. Don't think, just type.) he takes an envelope and punches a hole into it with a paper hole puncher. Too big. So I take a sheet of paper and use a tack and hold the paper up near a white wall, allowing the outside evening sun to shine through. Low and behold, we see the eclipse reflecting on the wall. Did you know that when the sun shines through that tiny hole, it inverts, appearing upside down? I did not know this until yesterday. It was cool. <br />
First I call Aramis over to look. Then I call Porthos. Porthos things this is all very cool, so I send him to get his oldest brother Athos, who has just finished up his line for the moment. After a few minutes of staring at the tiny crescent shape that has manifest on the wall, Athos gets called back to do his next line. To which I say, "sorry, we are having a science lesson by observing the solar eclipse. My kids are homeschooled, so any moment can become a teaching moment." The reply came from one of the other actors says "There's and eclipse? Let's all go see!" Suddenly there were about ten of us or so, only three being children, gathered around our sheet of paper with its pin prick, looking at the crescent shaped light on the wall. <br />
Someone got clever and figured out how to adjust the settings on her cell phone to take a picture of the solar event, while another pulled up live filtered feed of the sun on the Center's computer. It was several minutes before everyone dispersed and resumed practicing their lines. What a great lesson! Who needs a classroom, when you have the whole world to learn? Oh, and as an added bonus, can we say Drama course via community theater?Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-60523385579291853032014-10-24T17:37:00.000-05:002014-10-24T17:37:16.774-05:00MONDAYSMondays have been a tough day for us. Mainly because my Mom, Grandma and I have been getting together every Monday for lunch and either knitting or a movie for the past year or so. Well since I started homeschooling, you can imagine how that affects the school schedule. We have been trying to get as much done in four hours as is possible with three boys. Ok, so I am lucky if each boy manages to get through 2 subjects. We seem to get through the same two subjects each day, math and reading, rarely getting on to history, science or any sort of elective. <br />
Don't judge.<br />
This past Monday morning I tried something different and I didn't even feel guilty or stressed about it. I let my sons draw and color. On Monday, we did art. We also did a Halloween craft. I found it on Pinterest. A toilet paper roll, some black construction paper, glue, scissors, and a template to make all of this into a bat. The boys loved it. Well, the 6 and 9 year old loved it. It was great! They were having fun, and worked together doing something they enjoyed. It was the most relaxing school day we have had since starting this journey. <br />
Yesterday they spent an hour putting fake webbing on the bushes in our front yard. Today, after spending much of the day at my parents' house waiting for my van to get fixed (master cylinder was going out), they are now back out front playing with the webbing and a toy spider. Next week we plan on learning about the history of Halloween. If you have any links you would like to share, feel free to post them in a comment. I will try to post what I find next week. There will be tons of Halloween crafts and maybe we will do a little "class party", to which I will post some pictures of.<br />
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Side note: While at my parents' house, today, my Mom and I watched "Mom's Night Out" by the Erwin Brothers. That was a fantastic movie, by the way. Mom and I both laughed through most of it. I admit, the scene towards the end with Trace Adkins and Sarah Drew at the police station did get me misty eyed. What he said was so spot on. Moms need to hear it. Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-268514411612931232014-08-26T16:31:00.000-05:002014-08-26T20:08:02.394-05:00Hard Taught Lessons Today has been a rough day. Not just with motivation, but with behavior and the lessons that come with them. Earlier today my youngest, Aramis, came up to his big brother Athos and offered him a caramel candy. Just as Athos was accepting the candy, Aramis took it back yelling "NO! IT'S MINE!!!" Athos in turn called him a jerk, and rightfully so. No, I am not condoning name calling. <br />
I wanted Aramis to apologize. But first I needed him to understand what he did wrong, and why it was wrong. We tried talking about it, with no success in comprehension. Even still, I gave him paper and instructed him to write out what he did wrong, why it was wrong and then on a separate sheet, write an apology letter to his brother. After a few hours, Aramis hadn't gotten past writing out his offense.<br />
Intro the lesson taught, which was hard for me to teach and hard for him to learn. I asked Aramis over and told him he was doing a good job. I asked for his hand and asked if he'd like a smiley face stamp on his hand, to which he smiled and said yes. This is where it gets hard. Now, please don't judge. We all have our moments where we don't know how else to get the point across to our child and are seemingly left with no other alternative. I pulled the stamp away and very meanly told him "No! It's MY stamp and you can't have it!". <br />
Deep breath. He cried. It broke my heart to see him so hurt like that. Knowing that I just caused this pain. But I pulled myself up by my boot straps, looked him square in the eyes and asked him if what I did was mean. "Yes". I asked him why was it mean? "Because you were nice and then you were mean." he said. So I told him to go think on that and write that down. Now he is writing the apology letter and was not sure what to write. I told him to write to Athos what he would like for me to say to him.<br />
Today my son learned that he wouldn't want to be treated that way, and he shouldn't treat others like that. Today I learned that not all lessons will come out of a book, and they aren't all going to be pleasant.Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414988892118127336.post-14178136795913464282014-07-25T17:53:00.000-05:002014-07-25T17:53:00.814-05:00Lending Library?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so I was looking over my stock of books and other educational materials, when I had an idea; a homeschool lending library. I have been collecting a plethora of educational books for multiple grade levels, as well as worksheets and such. I also love just collecting books in general. There is a good sized homeschooling group in the area. Why not start a lending library that caters to local home educators? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we could find a place in town, like a church, that would allow us to use one of their classrooms for keeping the books that aren't being used at that moment, we could all pool our resources and share. The church classroom would be where each family could come and check out a book, curriculum, whatever for their family and return it when they are done. I know there would be a longer check-out for curriculum and the honor system would really have to work for this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See, I am the type of person that doesn't like to write in books. So, all of the books and tests and workbooks I have acquired so far will, hopefully, have no marks in them at the end of the school year. I plan on photo copying worksheets and having the boys write their answers on a separate sheet of paper for everything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it could work. So long as there are no legal issues with this venture. I mean, this would be completely not for profit. There would be no reselling of materials. Just donations and borrowing. Now I just need to find a place to host this and draw in enough interest. I wonder...</span>Sarah D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06009877499449450862noreply@blogger.com0