This week and last we've been reading The Great Brain, by John D. Fitzgerald. They've learned about the differences between outhouses and waterclosets, that a bathroom really was a room where you bathed and watching a guy dig a hole in your backyard is as fascinating to young boys today as it was in the 19th century.
They also learned about intolerance, racism and where the term "knock your block off" and "chip on your shoulder" originated.
We read that kids have always had chores. We learned how to make ice cream. If I were a really good homeschooler I would have actually made ice cream with them but instead we just bought it and ate that.
We talked about money and inflation.
We talked about bullys, fighting, pride and charity.
In between all this everyone kept current in their Math books. Jake really does well when we go over a chapter together and then he follows up independently with Kahn Academy. I like Khan, too, because his presentations take it a few steps further and Jake seems to have no trouble since he's been introduced to it with me in the text.
It was the last week of Art class and everyone is mighty disappointed but it was fun to look through all the projects to bring to a homeschool art show at a library at the end of the week. Looking forward to next year's class. It's a keeper.
Jake went to his writing class but missed the Math Circle he usually attends the same afternoon because I had an appointment and just couldn't swing getting him there. I'm still not sure I love this Math Circle for him but he was disappointed that he missed it.
All in all most of our homeschooling has been coming from our read aloud; a real living book. I could probably pull every subject out of this book, including math. I borrowed it from the library but would like to purchase a copy. I'd like to purchase the copy I borrowed because it's old and crackly and I love that : )
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Monster Inside the Brick and Mortar
Whenever I approached homeschooling my son he has always been interested but I would notice an air about him that seemed things weren't sinking in. I cast off this observation as "he's a boy." Or I would think I couldn't quite figure out what his learning style actually was. I would try all sorts of back-door approaches and fun motivators.
And all those attempts do appeal to him. He's ever-smiling and always wants to do his best. But he also gets frustrated easily. He often feels confused when he's reading, writing or working. His confidence in his academic abilities started to p.l.u.m.m.e.t. My concerns rose significantly. I kept "waiting" for his maturity to catch up to his capabilities. I kept waiting for his intellect to develop to the point that it would all finally come together.
We decided to have him formally tested for learning disabilities through our local school district. The majority of the people I consulted about this suggested avoiding the school district testing at all costs. Go private testing, I was repeatedly advised. Private testing is very, very expensive. I looked into it. It's too expensive for me to even pretend I could make affordable payments because my health insurance does not cover educational testing.
I made the dreaded call to the school district. Within 6 months my son sat in a school psychologist's office for all kinds of testing. He enjoyed himself. Yes, I said he enjoyed himself. He liked visiting the school. "They have tennis courts, a swimming pool and baseball fields, Mom." I laughed because we live in an affluent school district. I also laughed because I imagine he thinks he has all this at his disposal whenever he feels inclined to swim, or play tennis. I can just see him packing a bathing suit in his schoolbag in case he decides to go for a swim.
Their testing indicated that Jake does, in fact, have significant deficits between his IQ and his performance. They did assign him a label for special needs education if he were to attend the Middle School. The program that's designed especially for him (IEP) was presented to us in a meeting with the principal of the middle school, the school psychologist, a teacher representative from his grade and the special education teacher.
I was nervous and apprehensive to meet with the school personel. I've heard plenty of accounts of what personel "really" think of homeschoolers. I've heard absolute outrageous experiences about the treatment of some homeschool families by school staff.
I am happy to say this wasn't our experience, at all.
In fact, the principal was so encouraging and validating that I actually considered sending Jake to school! The teacher, who initially seemed a bit cold warmed up by the end of the meeting and offered helpful suggestions and encouragement before we left.
However, their "specially designed program" was not much different than what is being provided to Jake at home, if not moreso because he's getting individualized education to the extreme, no? Finding out the particular challenges Jake has in regards to how his brain processes information has been helpful to us and has eased the previous frustrations and anxiety that was present within Jake's homeschooling.
We are in the beginning of adjusting Jake's "individualized learning program." His needs are such that a formal tutor may be required. If the school offered services "cafeteria style" I would take them up on it.
I have met many homeschoolers who harbor as much animosity towards school as they feel is directed at them by the school. I am fortunate that the district in which I reside has not fostered any outward contempt towards my family for our choice. They didn't imply that if I had sent Jake to school that his challenge would have been caught sooner or that somehow homeschooling was a disservice to his budding intelligence.
I really did go into that meeting with armour ready, defense prepared. I never had to be defensive.
When I thanked the principal for his time his look was one of surprise and he replied, "He's a child in the district." That statement left me feeling that whatever this team's personal feelings for homeschooling were, good or bad, those notions didn't surface. They simply responded to my request. I don't know, it just put the whole thing into perspective for me.
If I send Jake to school or I don't send him he'll still have to learn to work and live around his challenges. He'll need to feel confident about his abilities to keep moving forward in pursuing his interests.
Not sure if going to school will make or break that process...and the same questions pops in my mind about homeschooling. I do know he's homeschooled right now and I need to maximize his experience and the ideas I learn about how to do that.
And all those attempts do appeal to him. He's ever-smiling and always wants to do his best. But he also gets frustrated easily. He often feels confused when he's reading, writing or working. His confidence in his academic abilities started to p.l.u.m.m.e.t. My concerns rose significantly. I kept "waiting" for his maturity to catch up to his capabilities. I kept waiting for his intellect to develop to the point that it would all finally come together.
We decided to have him formally tested for learning disabilities through our local school district. The majority of the people I consulted about this suggested avoiding the school district testing at all costs. Go private testing, I was repeatedly advised. Private testing is very, very expensive. I looked into it. It's too expensive for me to even pretend I could make affordable payments because my health insurance does not cover educational testing.
I made the dreaded call to the school district. Within 6 months my son sat in a school psychologist's office for all kinds of testing. He enjoyed himself. Yes, I said he enjoyed himself. He liked visiting the school. "They have tennis courts, a swimming pool and baseball fields, Mom." I laughed because we live in an affluent school district. I also laughed because I imagine he thinks he has all this at his disposal whenever he feels inclined to swim, or play tennis. I can just see him packing a bathing suit in his schoolbag in case he decides to go for a swim.
Their testing indicated that Jake does, in fact, have significant deficits between his IQ and his performance. They did assign him a label for special needs education if he were to attend the Middle School. The program that's designed especially for him (IEP) was presented to us in a meeting with the principal of the middle school, the school psychologist, a teacher representative from his grade and the special education teacher.
I was nervous and apprehensive to meet with the school personel. I've heard plenty of accounts of what personel "really" think of homeschoolers. I've heard absolute outrageous experiences about the treatment of some homeschool families by school staff.
I am happy to say this wasn't our experience, at all.
In fact, the principal was so encouraging and validating that I actually considered sending Jake to school! The teacher, who initially seemed a bit cold warmed up by the end of the meeting and offered helpful suggestions and encouragement before we left.
However, their "specially designed program" was not much different than what is being provided to Jake at home, if not moreso because he's getting individualized education to the extreme, no? Finding out the particular challenges Jake has in regards to how his brain processes information has been helpful to us and has eased the previous frustrations and anxiety that was present within Jake's homeschooling.
We are in the beginning of adjusting Jake's "individualized learning program." His needs are such that a formal tutor may be required. If the school offered services "cafeteria style" I would take them up on it.
I have met many homeschoolers who harbor as much animosity towards school as they feel is directed at them by the school. I am fortunate that the district in which I reside has not fostered any outward contempt towards my family for our choice. They didn't imply that if I had sent Jake to school that his challenge would have been caught sooner or that somehow homeschooling was a disservice to his budding intelligence.
I really did go into that meeting with armour ready, defense prepared. I never had to be defensive.
When I thanked the principal for his time his look was one of surprise and he replied, "He's a child in the district." That statement left me feeling that whatever this team's personal feelings for homeschooling were, good or bad, those notions didn't surface. They simply responded to my request. I don't know, it just put the whole thing into perspective for me.
If I send Jake to school or I don't send him he'll still have to learn to work and live around his challenges. He'll need to feel confident about his abilities to keep moving forward in pursuing his interests.
Not sure if going to school will make or break that process...and the same questions pops in my mind about homeschooling. I do know he's homeschooled right now and I need to maximize his experience and the ideas I learn about how to do that.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Difference Between Boys and Girls
We're reading a heck of great book. It's a great book for boys but it's a great book for anyone.
"The Great Brain," by John D. Fitzgerald is set in 1896 in Utah. The story centers around three brothers and their community. These boys, in particluar, the oldest boy, play games and pranks, get in fights, do chores and figure life out.
The chapter we just finished is titled "A Wreath for Abie." In short Abie is an older jewish man who starves to death instead of asking for charity. It's a very moving chapter. Most touching is when Abie dies in Mama's arms after they carry him from his living quarters in his store to the boys' home. I wasn't expecting that outcome.
After reading the passage describing Abie's passing I was choked up and the girls were teary, as well. Jake had a smirk on his face.
"Jake, what could you possibly find amusing?"
Replies Jake, "I was just wondering about whose bed Abie died in. The brothers are gonna probably tease whoever's bed it was."
"The Great Brain," by John D. Fitzgerald is set in 1896 in Utah. The story centers around three brothers and their community. These boys, in particluar, the oldest boy, play games and pranks, get in fights, do chores and figure life out.
The chapter we just finished is titled "A Wreath for Abie." In short Abie is an older jewish man who starves to death instead of asking for charity. It's a very moving chapter. Most touching is when Abie dies in Mama's arms after they carry him from his living quarters in his store to the boys' home. I wasn't expecting that outcome.
After reading the passage describing Abie's passing I was choked up and the girls were teary, as well. Jake had a smirk on his face.
"Jake, what could you possibly find amusing?"
Replies Jake, "I was just wondering about whose bed Abie died in. The brothers are gonna probably tease whoever's bed it was."
Growing Pains and Taking My Own Advice
There's been an increase in the calls to home from college this semester. Most of it good, some heartbreaks, and 1 medical emergency that had me driving two hours to the ER at 11 PM.
All in all I find myself mothering Cassie through growing pains. I suspect this is how it will always be because, let's face it, I'm still going through growing pains, too!
During our conversation yesterday, I was encouraging Cassie to stay true to herself. She's going through a "rough patch" and was deciding whether or not to attend a function based on her current emotional low.
I learned some time ago that true love is wanting and helping one to the "greater good." It's more than just wishing the best for someone. It's wanting to lift them to their greater good even if it means sacrifice on your part; and it usually does require great sacrifice.
In asking her to examine her decision based on humility (her true self) and love (what brings about the greater good) I realized in guiding her with the true love I feel for her I have been neglecting that advice for myself. For too long I have been allowing my emotional state to guide me through decisions.
Whose the one who needs to grow up? Yeah. That would be me.
All in all I find myself mothering Cassie through growing pains. I suspect this is how it will always be because, let's face it, I'm still going through growing pains, too!
During our conversation yesterday, I was encouraging Cassie to stay true to herself. She's going through a "rough patch" and was deciding whether or not to attend a function based on her current emotional low.
I learned some time ago that true love is wanting and helping one to the "greater good." It's more than just wishing the best for someone. It's wanting to lift them to their greater good even if it means sacrifice on your part; and it usually does require great sacrifice.
In asking her to examine her decision based on humility (her true self) and love (what brings about the greater good) I realized in guiding her with the true love I feel for her I have been neglecting that advice for myself. For too long I have been allowing my emotional state to guide me through decisions.
Whose the one who needs to grow up? Yeah. That would be me.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Enjoyment Wars
I've discovered that Tara and I really enjoy Science together. It's one of my favorite subjects, though I don't think any of my former teachers would believe me.
We are working through a course in Marine Biology created for middle-schoolers. It's a good fit for a 7th-8th grader. One of my 7th-8th graders anyway. We both get so into it and I really think it's just because we both really like science.
I've also discovered Jake really enjoys listening to literature. He loves a good story; especially when it's well written and humorous. I am relieved that gratuitous, obvious humor, though gets a laugh from his 11 year old self, also is passed over quickly. He does appreciate a well set up comedy.
Another discovery is Elaina's propension for crafts. I wish I knew how to guide her better here. She would choose any study if there's crafting involved. If I can create a craft out of algebra she'd be an engineer for sure....one of those architectural design pads maybe?
So here's my rub: I just can't seem to organize all this into a day. Or rather, I do organize it into a day but that's the whole day.
Today, for instance, I covered the essential math for the three and writing for Jake. This was the whole morning. Tara's science and our read aloud was the rest of the afternoon. Elaina crafts as she listens.
Where's the spelling, the grammar, the writing for Tara and Elaina?
I feel I am constantly at odds with what's the priority. And the time management. And satisfying everyone's learning style and enjoyment without missing some important element.
Read. Understand. Write. Express. Calculate. Compute. Understand. Express. Enjoy.
This is how we're functioning. Those are my basics.
It's all moving so slowly, though. It's moving slowly between parenting a high schooler and a college student, a parttime job with almost full time hours and a toddler who sneaks soda out of the pantry and ice cream out of the freezer while I'm distracted with read alouds, projects and the deep sea.
The goal: To instill a desire to learn, the know-how to learn and the intelligence to discern truth and express it with conviction and perhaps eloquence?
I'm still working on myself.
We are working through a course in Marine Biology created for middle-schoolers. It's a good fit for a 7th-8th grader. One of my 7th-8th graders anyway. We both get so into it and I really think it's just because we both really like science.
I've also discovered Jake really enjoys listening to literature. He loves a good story; especially when it's well written and humorous. I am relieved that gratuitous, obvious humor, though gets a laugh from his 11 year old self, also is passed over quickly. He does appreciate a well set up comedy.
Another discovery is Elaina's propension for crafts. I wish I knew how to guide her better here. She would choose any study if there's crafting involved. If I can create a craft out of algebra she'd be an engineer for sure....one of those architectural design pads maybe?
So here's my rub: I just can't seem to organize all this into a day. Or rather, I do organize it into a day but that's the whole day.
Today, for instance, I covered the essential math for the three and writing for Jake. This was the whole morning. Tara's science and our read aloud was the rest of the afternoon. Elaina crafts as she listens.
Where's the spelling, the grammar, the writing for Tara and Elaina?
I feel I am constantly at odds with what's the priority. And the time management. And satisfying everyone's learning style and enjoyment without missing some important element.
Read. Understand. Write. Express. Calculate. Compute. Understand. Express. Enjoy.
This is how we're functioning. Those are my basics.
It's all moving so slowly, though. It's moving slowly between parenting a high schooler and a college student, a parttime job with almost full time hours and a toddler who sneaks soda out of the pantry and ice cream out of the freezer while I'm distracted with read alouds, projects and the deep sea.
The goal: To instill a desire to learn, the know-how to learn and the intelligence to discern truth and express it with conviction and perhaps eloquence?
I'm still working on myself.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Planning for Next Year...No Plan
I figured I was having the seasonal "homeschool burnout" that begins to hover the house around March-ish. We just haven't gained much momentum since January.
Maybe it was the change in evaluators. Maybe it was trying to work in three different sciences and keep them all interesting. Maybe it was the angst over my son's recent learning disability diagnosis. Maybe it was our personal struggles that have plagued us for the past 3 years. Maybe it was my employment after a 20 year hiatus.
Yeah...it was that life thing. Life is making homeschooling burdensome. So burdensome that I considered public school for everyone next year, including a preschool for Luke. We are attending an open house at the public school next month. The relief I expected to feel at the anticipation of the open house is not being felt.
It has occured to me that yet another major change...everyone going to school is adding in another stressor. It has also occured to me that it's not really "homeschool burnout" but it's "life burnout."
We have lots of "stuff" going on in our family. We are in need of refreshment. That, of course, means different things to the differing personalities in our home. We're figuring that out.
In the meantime, we are covering our basics of math and reading everyday. Surprisingly I am not stressing out over this at all. We are all carving out a space of the day to give attention to Luke's activities. Working together like this is working for us.
The workboxes are ideal for us to keep on track and encourage personal responsibility. However, they take away from the together part of our homeschool that's always been part of our homeschool personality.
And I have found that I just can't pull myself in 4 different directions; not in the middle of all life's recent charges anyway.
So we are reading together, plugging away at the math texts, playing with Luke and getting out of the house to learn in life. I'm not even thinking about next year's homeschool, yet. I'm not even thinking about next year's public schooling, yet. I am keeping myself in the present and choosing live life instead of grinding against it.
Maybe it was the change in evaluators. Maybe it was trying to work in three different sciences and keep them all interesting. Maybe it was the angst over my son's recent learning disability diagnosis. Maybe it was our personal struggles that have plagued us for the past 3 years. Maybe it was my employment after a 20 year hiatus.
Yeah...it was that life thing. Life is making homeschooling burdensome. So burdensome that I considered public school for everyone next year, including a preschool for Luke. We are attending an open house at the public school next month. The relief I expected to feel at the anticipation of the open house is not being felt.
It has occured to me that yet another major change...everyone going to school is adding in another stressor. It has also occured to me that it's not really "homeschool burnout" but it's "life burnout."
We have lots of "stuff" going on in our family. We are in need of refreshment. That, of course, means different things to the differing personalities in our home. We're figuring that out.
In the meantime, we are covering our basics of math and reading everyday. Surprisingly I am not stressing out over this at all. We are all carving out a space of the day to give attention to Luke's activities. Working together like this is working for us.
The workboxes are ideal for us to keep on track and encourage personal responsibility. However, they take away from the together part of our homeschool that's always been part of our homeschool personality.
And I have found that I just can't pull myself in 4 different directions; not in the middle of all life's recent charges anyway.
So we are reading together, plugging away at the math texts, playing with Luke and getting out of the house to learn in life. I'm not even thinking about next year's homeschool, yet. I'm not even thinking about next year's public schooling, yet. I am keeping myself in the present and choosing live life instead of grinding against it.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Mother of One
While the homeschoolers are off to Disney with grandmom and Dad I am reliving the pleasure of mothering an only child.
...and what a pleasure it is! I often joke how active Luke can be. I think I speak more of his antics of jumping off the couch, scaling the posts of the 4 poster bed, jumping from the fifth step onto the landing, etc.
However, this week with everyone gone, dare I say, he seems...well...calmer. He really does. He is playing by himself and happily keeping himself entertained with the plethora of toys and activities that are available in his space.
I am relishing the quiet time playing with him.
Yesterday I took him to the small local zoo for an outing. I expected to be chasing him through the zoo and did not expect he would stop to notice the animals for more than a minute.
Though he really didn't stop and gaze at too many animals beyond the petting barn (my least favorite, by the way) he never veered too far from me and never engaged in the "chase me" nonsense that I had been geared up for.
It was nice just to follow him along and not have to split my attention amongst the masses.
Of course, the main attraction for Luke was the playground...I knew that going in. I chuckled to myself that I basically paid $21 for Luke to play on the swings and slide.
I delighted observing Luke follow the same route to the slide. I was impressed that he waited his turn on the tire swing without the "It's my turn" pout that is common at this age. In fact, I found it funny that while he waited he posed a stance against the pole of leaning with his arm crossed and attempted to cross his ankles, too, indicating the "I'm Waiting" body language that he must've picked up here at home.
I don't know why but I was surprised when he announced he was hungry and willingly left the playground to sit and eat lunch.
I know that must sound stupid. What kid doesn't leave and sit somewhere to eat when they're hungry?
Luke. I've seen him ignore hunger, nature-calls for potty, and exhaustion to continue to play outside or on playground equipment.
After lunch we visited the area with parrots and macaws. As Luke greeted every other animal behind the fences, he says, "Hello ________ (fill in name of animal)" The parrot answered, "Hello" clear as a bell. Luke turned to me with such a curious look and said, "That bird just talked to me." He said this with a tone that denoted disbelief and a "isn't that ridiculous" twinge.
I wish I had more pictures of Luke observing the animals. He was most interested in the eagles, koi and turtles.....and of course, the parrots and macaws. He liked the flamingos and the turkey vultures. Though little impressed with the active elk, timber wolf and big horns, he was really awed by the bison. I remember Jake being impressed in the same way when he was a little guy.
I enjoyed just having Luke with me yesterday. My observances of this "new" behavior are probably noticings of normal behavior that slips by me because it's so, well, normal. The outrageous stuff is what catches my attention.
I also particularly appreciated buying a cheap toy for Luke at the gift shop. I usually can't or won't do that when it's everyone else in tow. It'll cost more than the price of admission so unless everyone brings their own dollars, I bypass the gift shop altogether.
Getting Luke to the car was seamless.
I don't know why Luke's agreeable nature took me by surprise yesterday, but it did. I think he's, on the average, pretty agreeable. I guess I just don't notice it through the busyness of our family commotion.
Cassie, 19, will often reminisce, "Remember when it was just you and me, Mom?" I always chuckle to myself because it was only "you and me, Mom" for 3 years. But I guess with just a little sister for awhile it feels longer to her.
I remembered today, Cassie. I remembered today and relished it with you.
...and what a pleasure it is! I often joke how active Luke can be. I think I speak more of his antics of jumping off the couch, scaling the posts of the 4 poster bed, jumping from the fifth step onto the landing, etc.
However, this week with everyone gone, dare I say, he seems...well...calmer. He really does. He is playing by himself and happily keeping himself entertained with the plethora of toys and activities that are available in his space.
I am relishing the quiet time playing with him.
Yesterday I took him to the small local zoo for an outing. I expected to be chasing him through the zoo and did not expect he would stop to notice the animals for more than a minute.
Though he really didn't stop and gaze at too many animals beyond the petting barn (my least favorite, by the way) he never veered too far from me and never engaged in the "chase me" nonsense that I had been geared up for.
It was nice just to follow him along and not have to split my attention amongst the masses.
Of course, the main attraction for Luke was the playground...I knew that going in. I chuckled to myself that I basically paid $21 for Luke to play on the swings and slide.
I delighted observing Luke follow the same route to the slide. I was impressed that he waited his turn on the tire swing without the "It's my turn" pout that is common at this age. In fact, I found it funny that while he waited he posed a stance against the pole of leaning with his arm crossed and attempted to cross his ankles, too, indicating the "I'm Waiting" body language that he must've picked up here at home.
I don't know why but I was surprised when he announced he was hungry and willingly left the playground to sit and eat lunch.
I know that must sound stupid. What kid doesn't leave and sit somewhere to eat when they're hungry?
Luke. I've seen him ignore hunger, nature-calls for potty, and exhaustion to continue to play outside or on playground equipment.
After lunch we visited the area with parrots and macaws. As Luke greeted every other animal behind the fences, he says, "Hello ________ (fill in name of animal)" The parrot answered, "Hello" clear as a bell. Luke turned to me with such a curious look and said, "That bird just talked to me." He said this with a tone that denoted disbelief and a "isn't that ridiculous" twinge.
I wish I had more pictures of Luke observing the animals. He was most interested in the eagles, koi and turtles.....and of course, the parrots and macaws. He liked the flamingos and the turkey vultures. Though little impressed with the active elk, timber wolf and big horns, he was really awed by the bison. I remember Jake being impressed in the same way when he was a little guy.
I enjoyed just having Luke with me yesterday. My observances of this "new" behavior are probably noticings of normal behavior that slips by me because it's so, well, normal. The outrageous stuff is what catches my attention.
I also particularly appreciated buying a cheap toy for Luke at the gift shop. I usually can't or won't do that when it's everyone else in tow. It'll cost more than the price of admission so unless everyone brings their own dollars, I bypass the gift shop altogether.
Getting Luke to the car was seamless.
I don't know why Luke's agreeable nature took me by surprise yesterday, but it did. I think he's, on the average, pretty agreeable. I guess I just don't notice it through the busyness of our family commotion.
Cassie, 19, will often reminisce, "Remember when it was just you and me, Mom?" I always chuckle to myself because it was only "you and me, Mom" for 3 years. But I guess with just a little sister for awhile it feels longer to her.
I remembered today, Cassie. I remembered today and relished it with you.
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