I live in a largely blue-collar town. There are no mansions or super affluent people that make up our community. The families that choose to be "traditional", with the daddy as the breadwinner, struggle. Lots of homeschooling families that I know here have had trouble even affording a computer.
In a community like ours, virtual schooling where the government sends a family a computer, pays for internet use, and supplies all sorts of glossy, colorful curricula and even science and craft supplies, is just too much of a temptation.
When our state first began to offer such programs, I can remember the glowing reports of all of the "goodies" that were sent--it was like Christmas! Everything needed was provided, including scissors and craft paper, and seeds for growing things. Mothers who before had been wringing their hands wondering how they were going to afford the Saxon Math series were now almost care-free.
But there was a catch.
Someone has said that nothing in life is truly "free". With all of the goodies and the ease of knowing someone else was in charge came a large price. Instead of worries over buying supplies and curricula, now the mothers had a heavy burden placed on them every day. They had to coerce and nag and bite their fingernails over getting the work done that was required--a whole boat-load of extra fact-cramming and busy-work that made it almost impossible for anyone to have a good life, especially for the mother who had even 3-4 children on different levels. Instead of having their lives simplified, they were complicated beyond comprehension, and their children were being harmed in the process and turned into drones who hated anything to do with "learning".
The most unfortunate thing of all was that most mothers were convinced that this sort of government-sponsored slavery was what homeschooling was all about! Many who were already feeling overwhelmed about teaching their own children became convinced, after allowing the state to muck with things, that homeschooling was impossible and horrid. So, they gave up.
But learning is not a super-complicated thing that only professionals know how to do!
Our children were born to us completely helpless--they could not even hold their own heads up! Somehow, with our encouragement, they learned to walk and talk and feed themselves. Children, even in some of the most impoverished conditions, learn to do these things, unless they are ill or haven't any food to eat.
Why do children learn these things? Is it because they are constantly nagged, or they have been through the right "programs"? No. Children learn these things because they want to and they need to. The parents are there to facilitate and encourage.
Now here is the secret that those who run teaching colleges and publish curricula and make their living on the supposition of universal idiocy do not want you to know:
TEACHING CHILDREN IS NOT DFFICULT--THEY ALREADY WANT TO LEARN!
I once checked out a magazine published for teachers from the library, thinking I could glean something of value for my own family. An article was written therein about teaching composition to middle-school students. I could not believe the amount of verbage it took--paragraph upon paragraph of evidence and studies and then the methodology that took pages to explain. What a waste!
Writing is just an extension of language, another form of communication. When it is taught in this context, it no longer seems mystical or complex. Good writing is learned by reading the good writing of others--with reading aloud, discussion, and application.
The same goes for the other subjects. Math is a sort of communication, it is the communication of the Creator to His creation--that there is order and care. Science is best described as the "thinking of God's thoughts after Him". The wonder of this planet and the universe is the only catalyst needed. Once the appetite has been whetted, a parent need only to watch a child take off like a rocket-ship (and be willing to enjoy the adventure).
Of course, you can't enjoy the wonderful adventure of discovery with your child if every day is prescribed and written down. The time and energy you would normally have to explore and discover is all taken up by the reading of droll, dumbed-down texts, numerous questions to be answered by rote understanding, canned experiments and the like.
Yes, there are times when a little rote learning can be valuable, but not as an all-encompassing program. The teaching of facts should be likened to handing out tools that a skilled craftsman, the child, can use to create and discover further. Rote learning should never become the end, but the means. We should not be so much concerned with turning out children who can win at Trivial Pursuit as much as we should be concerned with raising children who can take the information in any situation, analyze it, and come up with wise conclusions and solutions.
I do not write theory here; I myself have seen the proven examples, and not just among my own children.
But the public schooling industry, and it is a great part of our economy, does not want you and I to know just how simple teaching and learning really is. Just think of how many meetings and conferences would have to be canceled. Whole political commmitees would have to be disbanded. We would see a lot of educational phd's flipping burgers, and whole educational supply industries woud go belly-up.
Besides all of this, those who desire power over our population would be the saddest of all, because people of America would once again, as in the crazy times of our inception, realize just how many choices they have, and would develop the intestinal fortitude to pursue those choices. I personally believe that it would allow Chrisitanity to return once again as the underlying foundation of our Republic, as parents would be allowed to pass on their Judeo-Christain values in a personal way to the next generation.
But you won't read this in the leaflets sent out to entice you. They will act as your friend, and say how they understand that you feel unsure and intimidated. But they are not friendly. They only wish to use your own fears to convince you that you can not do it on your own.
But, with God's grace and help,
YOU CAN!!!!!!
Dec. 3, 2008
The Trap of Virtual/Charter Schools
Posted in Homeschool
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OH MY WORD!! I just read one of the best blog posts on the trap of Virtual/Charter schools that I've read in a long time (and didn't write myself! HAHA!!). This came from http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com. She is the mother of 14 w/#15 on the way and has homeschooled them all. I HIGHLY recommend her blog - full of wisdom and grace. I'm posting her entry about Virtual/Charter schools below and request that not only YOU read it, but link it to your own blog, or copy/paste it onto your own blog (and give her the credit, of course) and tell everyone you can to read this. It's excellent! Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< Virtual Schooling tuesday, dec. 2, 2008 |
Dec. 2, 2008
Attention Stargazers!!
Posted in Homeschool
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Got this from my Farmer's Almanac e-newsletter...
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Sky WatchDec. 1, 2008
"6 Things" Tag
Posted in Of Interest...
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I was tagged by Nancy-Dearest... Here are the rules:
Here are my 6 things: 1) I play the hammered dulcimer, flute and Irish penny whistle.
2) I'm 5'7" 3) I'm a twin 4) I used to smoke 5) My dream vacation is 2 weeks (or more!) on a dude ranch! 6) I have either sang (sung?) or played flute or dulcimer on 8 DVDs.
(I know what you're thinking...those studio earphones are SUCH a fashion statement!) OK...here are my tags: 2) http://www.homesteadblogger.com/simplefolk 3) http://www.homesteadblogger.com/nurseforlife 5) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sisterchicksteph 6) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momto4beauties Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
Dec. 1, 2008
The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ #11 ~ 12/1/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
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Be sure to enjoy other Daybooks by clicking on: http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/ Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
~ CHRISTmas Eve 2004 we had 21" of snow!!Nov. 28, 2008
The Post Thanksgiving Lull...
Posted in Family News from the WOLFpack
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Thanksgiving is over and not only was it a day to be thankful, but I am thankful for how it went. In this cold but sunny day, I am so grateful with how the Lord answered my prayers and calmed some odd family dynamics. I awoke between 7-7:30a.m. and got a batch of fresh herb bread dough going and then prepared and set the turkey to baking. As my family woke and after they had quick breakfasts of cereal, I set them to working! lol All the last-minute dusting, sweeping and toilet cleaning for my mom's inspection - er, uh - I mean, everyone's comfort and enjoyment! But we had a great day. Some friends of ours who have to drive past our home to have their Thanksgiving at some relative's who live 1/2 hour past us came and visited us for about an hour. I enjoy talking to friends while I cook, it makes the time go faster and more pleasant. Just after they left, the first of our guests for the rest of the day arrived - a friend of our 2 dd's who has a new baby and our family (and another family from our church) are ministering/mentoring her, and other friend came, too. Just after they arrived, my family - mom, brother and his girlfriend - came. I have to say that - THANKFULLY - my brother was on very good behavior and only one quick little attempt at an opposing politcal comment was made but I told him that I didn't want to have those conversations today and (wow!) that was it. PTL!! We had so much wonderful food - truly a feast: I made the turkey, the obligatory green bean casserole, salad, homemade herb bread, cheesecake, veggies w/my homemade dill dip (better then store-bought, if I do say so myself! lol), cheese tray and homemade punch. My mom brought the stuffing, cornbread, mashed potatoes w/sour cream, chives and cheese (!), red velvet cake (homemade!), home-grown corn and sweet potatoes, while my brother brought shrimp and cocktail sauce. It seems like I'm missing something, but believe me, we DID NOT lack anything good! I would also like to tell you all that I am thankful for all of you who take the time to read, to comment and to leave messages and/or e-mail me. I praise the Lord for the miracle of the internet and the fun of blogs that have brought us together and the friendships made. You have made such a precious, comforable nest in my heart. Blessings to you all... Kim Wolf<>< |
Nov. 25, 2008
Days Gone By...
Posted in Family News from the WOLFpack
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Off and on something comes up about my modeling days and some of you will contact me by message or e-mail and ask about it. I modeled from the time that I was 9 until - literally - days before I married at 25. I also doubled as a make-up artist from 19 to around 32. I know...if you know me now you'd think that was impossible! lol I often say that I'm rebelling as I've given up the suits and 4" heels for jeans and Burkenstocks! But, I thought I'd share a few of my portfolio pics with you...
Different agency. This was from 1977, age 18, taken in Downtown Dayton, Ohio. I always loved location shots and doing commercials. I really enjoyed the switch on a 'formal' look by going w/a tux instead of a long gown. I wish I could find a still of the "Arby's Days"...I used to do local Arby's commercials.
This was a fun headshot taken around 1980, age 21. I actually had a MONSTEROUS stack perm and calmed it down for the day's work! Well, there's the show. It certainly seems like looking at a movie of another person's life now, and, in many ways, it is. I wasn't a Christian until I was 23 and the Lord is SO gracious, forgiving and good to me! I went through a broken engagement from an atheist, became a Christian in 1982 and married my wonderful Christian husband in 1984. I am undeserving and grateful!
So, there you have it. Hope you enjoyed the journey. Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |
This is from my very first portfolio shot in 1969 at age 10. I had done a couple of runway shows before I even had a portfolio. I was with this agency until I was 16.
As a side note...the last time I modeled were the last 2 months before we married, in 1984, in a wedding series that traveled to about 10 different stores. The wedding gown I had picked out for our own wedding happened to be in the show and the coordinators let me wear it in the shows in one of my sets!! My sweet Ty, when he would take me to some of the shows, knew which "bride's maids" walked out before me in the set when I wore my gown and he would lower his head and look at the floor until that set was over so that he wouldn't see me in my gown until I walked down OUR isle. Wasn't that sweet? He said that whenever I walked out in that gown the audience would ooo and ahhh and it was a terrible temptation to look. lol 
Nov. 24, 2008
The Simple Woman's Dayboog ~ #10 ~ 11/24/08
Posted in The Simple Woman Daybook
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 Find many other Daybooks by clicking on the link below: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ |
Nov. 21, 2008
CHRISTmas Questions Part II
Posted in Family News from the WOLFpack
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Got this one from Jen... 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? YES! lol Usually bags for friends and wrapping for family. Don't know why, it just ends up that way. My FAVORITE wrap is brown paper tied w/twine or raffia w/some sort of CHRISTmas Stampin' Up stamps.
2. Real tree or Artificial? We used to do the real ones, but I pick up quills ALL year, so we have used a fake one for years. Last year, however, we got the most wonderful tree!! It's very rustic - just the way I like it - it has just a touch of "snow" (so it doesn't look 'cheap') and pine cones and we put only vintage and rustic ornaments on it. LOVE IT! I hate to take it down!
3. When do you put up the tree? If not the day after Thanksgiving, then the weekend following.
5. Do you like eggnog? No.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm...my Barbie Dream House. I'm old enough that it was the second edition, still cardboard, but it was WAY cool!!
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom. She's very well off and has 2 of everything.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My dog, Maggie!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes; it's the one my family has had since I was about 3 years old and is starting to fall apart. I'd like to get replacement Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus and a few animals from the company that does the wooden angels for all occasions (shoot, can't think of the name). While I'm at it ... I CAN'T STAND to see the wise men in a nativity scene!! They didn't find Jesus until He was 2 years old, for Pete's sake...so put them waaaaay over on the other side of the house that they can make a journey of it!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both. If I have your e-mail address, you'll probably get an e-mail; family and friends w/o e-mail get cards.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? OK...I'm serious here...no joke...My dear grandma was a very frugal gal, having lived through the Depression she was always thinking of USEFUL things to give. The first CHRISTmas we were married she gave us a can of Crisco w/a bow on top!! lol
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White CHRISTmas.
13. When do you start shopping? Usually in December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes. 'Nuff said.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's stuffing!
16. Lights on the tree? White.
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night and I Wonder as I Wander. I have a really beautiful arrangement of 'I Wonder...' that I worked out on my hammered dulcimer.
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually go to my mom's house.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? Possibly...um...no.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A rustic star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We have our OWN family CHRISTmas on CHRISTmas Eve morning - when the girls were little we were always rushing all over the place and we weren't making OUR OWN memories and they couldn't enjoy their news clothes or toys. So, when our oldest was about 5 we started our own tradition on the day before.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year. The emphasis on Santa and stores putting up CHRISTmas - eh hem - I mean 'holiday' decorations BEFORE halloween!!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Rustic, vintage.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Didn't I answer that? My mom's stuffing.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A digital camera. |
Nov. 21, 2008
Christmas Memories
Posted in Family News from the WOLFpack
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Got this in an e-mail and thought it was cute. KW<><
The holidays are near so I want to know... 2.
13. Christmas of 1998, Ty got me my hammered dulcimer!!
18.
When I was little we dressed up for the meal. Now we just wear ‘nice’ jeans and maybe a ‘dress’ blouse/shirt or sweater. 24. Do you own a Santa hat?
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Nov. 20, 2008
Garden Jobs by the Month
Posted in Homeschool Kitchen
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I really enjoy my Old Farmer's Almanac newsletter and I have learned so much from it. Today's newsletter offered and link to "Gardening Jobs by the Month," which is of interest to me as a novice gardener. So many of those of you that I've spoken to lately are considering either planting a kitchen garden next year or expanding the one you already keep, so I thought you might benfit from this information, too. Here's the link: http://www.almanac.com/garden/jobs/index.php Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< |