"The Five Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
"Keeping Faith" by John Schaeffer and Frank Schaeffer
"Flags of our Fathers" by James Bradley
"Loving God With All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George
On... Thursday, September 4, 2008
my friend... Sheri Payne
wrote about...First Theater Experience
My oldest was in her first ever public performance a few weeks ago. As a former theatre major, I am so proud!
Sorry for the poor quality video - the lighting was terrible in the old theater. I tried to keep her in the center of the picture, so see if you can pick her out!
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
wrote about...The State of Education: Change That Works
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that hard as it may be to change myself, it’s a whole lot easier than changing other people – and more fruitful, too.
And yet… it’s a lesson that doesn’t seem to stick nearly as good as it should.
How many times have I persisted in trying to change an attitude in a child when the better route would have been to change my own attitude?
I once tutored a boy who on a Challenging Scale of 1-10 rated a 25. We spent the first 30-60 minutes of many tutoring sessions getting past attitude problems so we could get on to learning a thing or two. I sometimes felt I had done my fair share by spending ten minutes in relaxed mode – general chit-chat, joking around, etc. So when I announced it was time to buckle down and he dug in his heals, it made me angry. I’d given in, I’d made allowances, I’d tried to do it his way, and this was my reward. Why bother at all?
But this boy was going through a lot in his young life. He needed a very long warm-up period. He was often belligerent during that time, no matter how nice or relaxed I was. My job was to change my own attitude and approach. It was utterly useless to try to push change on him, and doing so was no more than willfulness – even self-righteousness -- on my part.
When he consistently saw that I was willing to be patient and that I would respect what he was going through – and yes, that I was not going to go away but that I was also not going to act like him – he started to improve. By changing myself, I helped him change himself.
It works in so many situations and relationships – by changing ourselves, we help others change themselves. I imagine I’ll be learning that lesson over and over for the rest of my life.
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
wrote about...Freebie Finder - Casseroles E-Book
With the new school year starting I can use some fast and easy casserole recipes to help get dinner on the table. HERE is a free E-Book that is loaded with casserole recipes!
I am looking forward to trying out Taco Quiche, Spinach and Cream, Broccoli and Cheese and Florentine Casserole just to name a few. I hope you enjoy it too!
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... HomeschoolBlogger Company Blog
wrote about...Homeschooling Only One ~ “I COULD *NEVER* HOMESCHOOL!”
in... hsingonlyone
Donna asked for something wise and encouraging for this week’s column.Instead I thought I’d share with you my rambling thoughts about one of my pet peeves.I don’t know how wise they are, and as to encouraging … well, I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Occasionally someone, upon hearing that I homeschool our son, replies with the comment, “Oh, I could never do that.”On at least two occasions this sentiment was uttered by professionals with four-year college degrees in the subject of education.So.Here I am with my measly two years of college.What is my response to this supposed to be?
One of two lines of thinking comes to mind.The first is that this person thinks I am either deluded or simply full of myself if I think I can do something that they, with a four-year degree in education, cannot.The other is that they are in awe of me as some sort of super-mom since I am endowed with such skills that they lack.Neither of which, of course, is true.
What these people usually mean is not that they lack the knowledge or intelligence to educate their own children.They usually mean something along the lines of either not having the patience or temperament (like I do … yeah, right), or (if they do already have children) that their children would not do well in such an environment.Fine.I can live with those things.But then I wish they would say rather that they would not choose to homeschool, or that homeschooling would not be a good fit for their family instead of making the ludicrous comment that they “could not” homeschool.
The fact is that none of us, in and of ourselves, are able to educate our children the way they ought to be educated.We all fall sadly short.There are so many things that are needed for us to be successful in this adventure.
First we need resources.Curriculum, how-to books, libraries, the internet, teachers’ stores, etc.The quantity and variety of what is available can be overwhelming at times, but once we learn to navigate the jungle of information, the help we can receive from these sources can be immense.
Second, we need other parents who have made this journey before and can help us find our way.Or at least fellow travelers to help bear the burden and just make the trip a lot more fun!That’s where local homeschool groups, blogs like this one, and online forums like the HOO community that Donna has started, come in.My prayer is that we will be those things to each other.
Lastly, and most importantly, we need Divine guidance.Not only to navigate the curriculum jungle.Not only to make the right kinds of friends that my child and I both need for support and encouragement.But to fill in the gaps in so many ways where I lack patience, organizational skills, patience, the insight to see what my son needs and how to provide it, and … did I mention patience?It’s called grace.I don’t deserve it, but God gives it nonetheless.
This has become my standard answer to this kind of comment:“I can’t either on my own.But if I feel that this is what God wants me to do, and if this is what is best for MY child, then He will help me.Where God guides, He always provides.”
May God bless all of us as we live this adventure together!
Ellen is a member of "HOOville" and graciously lent a helping hand this week with the column.
Donna Conner lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Glenn, their son, Mike, and their dog, Lucia. Donna and Glenn have been homeschooling their son since the beginning of his education. Mike completes his homeschooling this year. Donna is an artist and has always enjoyed writing. She wrote Homeschooling Only One five years ago, after discovering that there were many other families homeschooling only one child. Her website is devoted to those with only one student in their homeschool, with listings of online resources. You can visit her website at http://donnac.com and read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/DonnaC
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... keeperathome
wrote about...Happy 5th Birthday Son
Today is my youngest son's 5th birthday. I wrote about his "unusual" birth here.
He is a character! He can be as shy as can be. They still wonder if he can talk at church and we've been there 4 months. Yet at home I'm constantly (or it seems that way some days) telling him to quiet down.
He loves puzzles, dot to dots and legos. He just started Kindergarten and begs to "do school" each day.
Baby Boy, you bring joy, laughter and craziness to our lives. May you grow and mature into a Godly man and fulfill all the purposes He has for you.
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... jaminacema
wrote about...My Funny and Interesting 4 Year Old
My four year old has been on a role lately with the funny and interesting things he says. Here are a few that I wanted to document so I can tell him about them when he is older.
The other night we were in the car and we were listening to the news on the radio. Something came on about what is going on in Georgia. My oldest son said "Why did Russia invade Georgia?" Before my husband or I could say anything our 4 year old spoke up and said "It's about oil."
WOW!
A few days later we were getting out of the car at Wal-Mart. The little Wal-Mart "cop" car with the flashing lights on the top was coming down our lane. My four year old said "Mom, stop drinking your diet coke!" I looked at him confused and said "Why?" He pointed to the "cop car" and said "Drink, Drive, Go to Jail!" LOL Yep, he does pay attention to the radio!
Lastly...
Last weekend we went to a party for our friends new baby. (She is Vietnamese and the party was called a Day Thang, which I am told is kindy like a birthday party for a 1 month old.) As we were leaving my four year old announces to everyone listening "Hey everybody, we are having a new baby!" DEAD SILENCE....insert cricket noises here...The shocked faces were priceless! LOL My husband and I were just as shocked as everyone else! We assured everyone that we are NOT expecting a baby! LOL I am not really sure if they believe us or not!
And to think that a year ago I was concerned that he might have a speech delay!
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... Never*Alone
wrote about...Counting the Cost-- Homeschooling
in... School
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?" Luke 14:28
When I was pregnant with Spenser, I didn't know I was going to be a stay-at-home mom. I know that sounds naive and short-sighted, but I don't remember ever thinking about it. Or having a conversation with my husband about it. I was raised by a working mom, and he was raised by a SAHM, but I don't remember ever having a discussion about which I would be. Then suddenly I had a baby in my arms, and I knew I wasn't handing him over to a daycare. I just couldn't (partly because I had spent the past three years working in a day care LOL.)
So I started babysitting at home, and later also sold things on ebay. When I started homeschooling, I still did both for a while. But eventually I realized I couldn't keep up the level of ebay sales I had been doing. I continued babysitting (and still do, although I don't have a regular this year for the first time.)
But I never sat and counted the cost of homeschooling; I just followed the path I was shown. I knew God was calling me to homeschool, and I obeyed. Sometimes now, I am forced to recognize the cost, and I have to count it quickly and move on lest I dwell on it and become bitter. (I'm kidding-- sort of.) For a long time, I thought we were poor economically challenged because we are in the ministry, but the truth is, we are poor economically challenged because I stay home with the kids.
This year, for the first time, I have 4 school-aged kids. I could put them all on the bright yellow bus and send them to public school. I wouldn't have to pay day care. I could work during school hours, and bring in a nice income that would help us so much... at least, economically. I could teach (you know, in a "real" school, and effectively double our household income.)
But I just can't do it. I recently drove by the school that would be "ours," and I thanked God that they weren't there. I felt overwhelming gratitude that they are with me, and a sense of alarm at the thought they could be there. They are mine, my responsibility, and I cherish every minute I have with them. I love being with them all day; I love watching them learn; I love the mess and the bickering. OK I lied about those last two. But I do honestly love homeschooling. I love that they are each other's best friends. I love that they mock me when I sing about Henry VIII. Really, I do. I absolutely love being at home with my kids...
even when it means we lost the remote and can't watch our 15 year old TV because the power button is broken. A $10 remote control may seem like nothing to some, but it's just not in the budget this payday. Probably not next either, but maybe it will turn up by then.
even when it means my brother cuts my hair because I don't have the money or the time to go get it done. (HE did a great job by the way.)
even when it means I can't buy my husband a nice birthday present. (It's ok honey I have something in mind for later...) Tinab knows what I mean :)
even when it means we give up soccer after 8 years and switch to tennis (much cheaper, who knew?)
even when it means we shop at thrift stores and eat chicken all week when it's on sale, and don't go on vacations very often, and skip going to Sonic after tennis.
I could go on and on but the point isn't to wail and moan about what we don't have. I am so thankful for a husband who is willing to make the sacrifices with me. He wears hand-me-downs and Goodwill shoes. (And sometimes they fall apart the first day he gets them, and they were a great European brand!) I am thankful for children who accept their plight (LOL) and work for what they really want. Reed saved her money for a year so she could go to drama camp at the Springer. Spenser works at the theatre to buy the games he wants. He and his buddy worked this summer and made $1000 for a youth trip. They are learning to make choices, and honestly they get an awful lot. Not as much as some kids, but they are not deprived. Sometimes we lose focus on what is really important, but then I stop and count the cost. And I realize that homeschooling is the best bargain I ever got.
So.. what are some sacrifices you have made to homeschool... and is it worth it?
On... Sep. 4, 2008
my friend... ElCloud
wrote about...All's well here, still no baby
in... Family Life
I just realized it's been over 2 weeks since I last posted. We're fine here. We've just been incredibly busy with Steve's father being in the hospital in another part of the state, trips to see him, starting school, and getting ready for the baby.
Also, about the time I last posted, we found 5 little kittens in what we felt was an unsafe location ... so we moved them to a safer spot. But we apparently messed with them too much, and the Mama cat quit coming to feed them. So we spent 2 weeks bottle feeding them, weaning them to food, and burying them one by one. We've buried two already, and have another one to bury today. *sigh* Lesson learned ... don't mess with kittens no matter how unsafe you think their position is. Of the two that remain alive, one is definitely smaller than the other and we aren't sure if he'll be the next to go, or not. The lone female is so much more robust, that we are hoping we don't lose her.
I have 12 more days until my due date, and still have details to take care of. We started school 2.5 weeks ago. This is our third week, and we will try to get one more week of school in. There are still details and chores to do before the baby comes. Some of them are not things we usually leave until the last minute, but everything has been so different this time, and then Steve's Dad's health has thrown just one more gigantic issue before us.
The pregnancy continues well, and we're praying for a safe delivery and healthy baby. We're definitely counting down the days now ... and reassuring people that I don't usually go early. Everyone seems to expect it after "so many babies". I wasn't early with my 6th, however, and doubt the 7th will be any different.
And that's our last two weeks in a nutshell. I'm hoping we can have a very productive weekend, so I can relax for the final week of the pregnancy.
On... Sep. 5, 2008
my friend... jaminacema
wrote about...Lapbook Construction
I got the following email from Mary yesterday:
Since seeing your daughter's American Girl lapbook, I'm extremely enticed! I, too, have a 7 year old daughter who is crazy about the American Girls. I would love to begin the series and work on the lapbooks together! Reason for my email: I understand the lapbooks you made are from file folders? From what I can tell you used 2 of them? Do you attach the two together somehow? How does it close up? 2 separate folders inside each other? I'm fascinated with the process but would like to know a bit more before I attempt my first one! I'd like to at least let my daughter THINK I know what I'm doing! :)
Thanks so much for any information on the folding, attaching, etc concept of lapbooking! I can see where it would be not only fun for my daughter but also a terrific teaching tool!
Mary
I thought there were probably other people that had the same questions, so I told her I would answer it here. After wracking my brain over the best way to show the answer to Mary's questions I decided to put together a sample lapbook with red duct tape so it will be obvious how they are constructed. Normally I use clear packing tape to put them together, which is why you can't see the tape in the pictures I post.
The first steps is to take a folder and open it flat on the table. Then fold both sides into the middle and make it look like shutters on a window.
Once you have 2 folders folded into shutters as described above you can connect them like this:
Once you have the inside connected close your lapbook and reinforce the binding with tape like this:Remember normally you will be using clear packing tape. However, we have used color duct tape on the binding before if we have the right color.
How many of these can you connect? The most we have ever done is 5. For most lapbooks we seem to use 3.
How to fold them up for storage will kind of be obvious once you have your lapbook constructed. It will just kind of fold in on itself the way it wants to! LOL
Another option for construction is to add flaps to either the top or bottom of your folder once it is shutter folded and connected to whatever folders you will attach it to.
Here is a picture of a flap attached to the top:You will need a piece of tape on the inside.
And then fold it down and put another strip making a tape hinge of sorts.
You can also put these type of flaps at the bottom of the folder.We have some that have a flap on the top and the bottom of the same shutter folded folder. We always make all our mini books first. Then we lay them out and decide how many folder and flaps we will need in the construction phase of the lapbook.
I hope this information helps Mary!
Happy Homeschooling,
Jamin
P.S. For some reason the blog template took out all my spacing on this post. I really did make it look pretty before I posted it! LOL Sorry it looks so awful!
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Remember normally you will be using clear packing tape. However, we have used color duct tape on the binding before if we have the right color.
You will need a piece of tape on the inside.
We have some that have a flap on the top and the bottom of the same shutter folded folder. We always make all our mini books first. Then we lay them out and decide how many folder and flaps we will need in the construction phase of the lapbook.
by author. All rights reserved.
