Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, everyone.
For us Catholics, it's always Thanksgiving, isn't it? The Mass is a Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving to God.
We have much to be grateful for. In a darker time in my past, I hated hearing that, for I always turned it to "and so much to be ungrateful for". We ought to be grateful we have enough to eat? What about those who do not? I always looked at the dark side.
I'm learning now that Gratitude is vital to the life of our souls. I'm not sure why, anymore than I'm sure why I have abundance this Thanksgiving, and others do not. I just know God knows what He's doing, and He calls me to take part in His Plan.
And that we all, despite the darker times, have things to be Grateful for.
I refuse to be blinded to those things by the darkness that once clouded my sight. Time to live in Reality.
I'll close with a little story:
A woman was on the beach, watching her grandson play at the shoreline. He had little yellow shorts, a blue bucket, a toy shovel, and a little white hat. He giggled as the waves tickled him. She watched him, smiling, when suddenly a HUGE wave game up and pulled him out to sea. She was frantic... she couldn't see him anywhere. She prayed:
"Lord, return my grandson to me and I'll never be ungrateful for anything again!"
Just then another huge wave came up, depositing the little guy, unhurt, back on the sand. He was laughing due to the excitement of the ride in the waves. She ran down and picked him up, hugging him tight. Then she looked at him more closely. He stood there, dripping, in his little yellow swim trunks, with his toy shovel grasped tightly in his fist, and his little bucket at his feet.
The woman looked back up to heaven and snapped "He had a HAT, you, know!"
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Homeschooling- Things I've Learned (part 4)
In previous posts I told my history and philosophy of homeschooling, more or less. A little bit of formal basics, and lots of free time (to dig pits and such).
It always helped me when folks mentioned the actual STUFF they used in homeschooling, so I'll mention a few things I like here.
My youngest is on about the second grade level (though we don't really do "levels" or "grades" here). Over the years, I've wandered about the Phonics Product World, never really finding a reading/phonics program that I was happy with.
Early on, I was at a huge curriculum fair in Pennsylvania (CHAP in Harrisburg), and I met the woman who designed Sing, Spell, Read and Write. I also heard speaker Debra Bell laud this program. I also saw the dang thing cost nearly $200. And I'm cheap. I had spent $400 on a full service curriculum the year before, but heck, I got a lot of books and "subjects" for that price! $200 just for Phonics and Reading? Bah.
Well, sometimes cheap is expensive, if you follow me.
With my youngest I got Sing, Spell, Read and Write. It's clearly the BEST program for Language Arts in the early years. Because of the songs, games, and books, even a squirmy child can get into this one. And they LEARN it.
By the time I got to this last child, I knew how to adapt a lesson plan... they give you a very clear structured daily plan with this program. However since I'm usually unclear and unstructured, I adapted it to the "chaos model" of homeschooling, and it still worked fine.
I wish I'd used this with my now college aged eldest daughter, when she was young! She struggled with reading, but I think this would have worked really well.
And I ended up spending far more than $200 over the years on programs for all of them.
For homeschoolers with kids just learning to read, I'd strongly recommend this program.
I'd also recommend keeping in mind kids learn to read at different ages, so keep it fun, let them progress at their own pace, and they'll 'get' it.
The only addition I'd add to this Language Arts program is some good books read ALOUD to the child, separate from reading "classes". Reading aloud to my kids did wonders as far as getting them interested in reading (if you are not a read aloud person, books on tape are good too).
Eventually the phonics lessons, and love of books they learn from the read-alouds, will click together (PLEASE don't read aloud and then give them tests and worksheets! Nothing worse to kill a love of books... just ... read. For fun).
... to be continued....
It always helped me when folks mentioned the actual STUFF they used in homeschooling, so I'll mention a few things I like here.
My youngest is on about the second grade level (though we don't really do "levels" or "grades" here). Over the years, I've wandered about the Phonics Product World, never really finding a reading/phonics program that I was happy with.
Early on, I was at a huge curriculum fair in Pennsylvania (CHAP in Harrisburg), and I met the woman who designed Sing, Spell, Read and Write. I also heard speaker Debra Bell laud this program. I also saw the dang thing cost nearly $200. And I'm cheap. I had spent $400 on a full service curriculum the year before, but heck, I got a lot of books and "subjects" for that price! $200 just for Phonics and Reading? Bah.
Well, sometimes cheap is expensive, if you follow me.
With my youngest I got Sing, Spell, Read and Write. It's clearly the BEST program for Language Arts in the early years. Because of the songs, games, and books, even a squirmy child can get into this one. And they LEARN it.
By the time I got to this last child, I knew how to adapt a lesson plan... they give you a very clear structured daily plan with this program. However since I'm usually unclear and unstructured, I adapted it to the "chaos model" of homeschooling, and it still worked fine.
I wish I'd used this with my now college aged eldest daughter, when she was young! She struggled with reading, but I think this would have worked really well.
And I ended up spending far more than $200 over the years on programs for all of them.
For homeschoolers with kids just learning to read, I'd strongly recommend this program.
I'd also recommend keeping in mind kids learn to read at different ages, so keep it fun, let them progress at their own pace, and they'll 'get' it.
The only addition I'd add to this Language Arts program is some good books read ALOUD to the child, separate from reading "classes". Reading aloud to my kids did wonders as far as getting them interested in reading (if you are not a read aloud person, books on tape are good too).
Eventually the phonics lessons, and love of books they learn from the read-alouds, will click together (PLEASE don't read aloud and then give them tests and worksheets! Nothing worse to kill a love of books... just ... read. For fun).
... to be continued....
Pits for Peace
My youngest son dug a pit in the backyard. A big pit. If he stands in it just his head sticks out, and he's tall for his age.
He and his older sister (my youngest girl) fight like cats and dogs.
I just looked out the window. They are happily working together in the back yard, deepening the pit.
No fights, no arguments, just digging. That's good!
I just have to make sure both come back IN again.
He and his older sister (my youngest girl) fight like cats and dogs.
I just looked out the window. They are happily working together in the back yard, deepening the pit.
No fights, no arguments, just digging. That's good!
I just have to make sure both come back IN again.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Winter Burnout
It's coming early this year! Normally February is my 'down time' when I'm in desparate need of a curriculum fair, when I contemplate flagging down the yellow bus and throwing them on.
But it's only November and I'm having trouble focusing. Any suggestions?
(Other than a nice bath and a hot cuppa tea.... actually, that sounds good... I think I'll at least get the tea now!)
Funny, it was easier when I had LOADS of kids at home. My little guy is nine... my eldest ones are in college and my others are teens, and relatively self sufficient. I almost feel like I'm homeschooling an only child. Which is more difficult than homeschooling a batch of battling siblings.
Perhaps we'll have a side of Poetry with the tea. Poetry is great for focus.
But it's only November and I'm having trouble focusing. Any suggestions?
(Other than a nice bath and a hot cuppa tea.... actually, that sounds good... I think I'll at least get the tea now!)
Funny, it was easier when I had LOADS of kids at home. My little guy is nine... my eldest ones are in college and my others are teens, and relatively self sufficient. I almost feel like I'm homeschooling an only child. Which is more difficult than homeschooling a batch of battling siblings.
Perhaps we'll have a side of Poetry with the tea. Poetry is great for focus.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Odilo of Cluny
This guy is one of my favs.
We owe All Souls Day to him (for which I'm sure MANY are grateful).
He's pictured as a Benedictine abbott with a skull and crossbones at his feet.... which is kinda cool.:)
Read more about it at Saint Odilo
He was kind and gentle to others, and for his liberality he was sometimes criticized.
A saying attributed to him is "I would rather be condemned for showing too much mercy, than for showing too much justice"
It's a message we can all use.
Praise God for His Mercy
We owe All Souls Day to him (for which I'm sure MANY are grateful).
He's pictured as a Benedictine abbott with a skull and crossbones at his feet.... which is kinda cool.:)
Read more about it at Saint Odilo
He was kind and gentle to others, and for his liberality he was sometimes criticized.
A saying attributed to him is "I would rather be condemned for showing too much mercy, than for showing too much justice"
It's a message we can all use.
Praise God for His Mercy
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Embryonic Stem Cell Research in NJ
"whew!"
A campaign for 40 days of prayer. Rosaries. Offering Mass. And a State I'd never have expected to vote down any expenditure of money, especially one disguised as a "good thing".. VOTED DOWN tax money to fund stem cell research.
They voted FOR using tax dollars to preserve Open Space.
Political Experts are left scratching their heads. Why would voters vote down stem cell (including embryonic stem cell) tax funded research? But vote FOR taxes to be used to preserve open space?
Maybe, ladies and gentlemen of the press, it's because NJ residents value and respect life more than was realized.
I'm willing to bet a similar motion, asking for funds for NON-EMBRYONIC research would have passed overwhelmingly.
Folks have had enough of science experiments on the weakest.
Praise God!
A campaign for 40 days of prayer. Rosaries. Offering Mass. And a State I'd never have expected to vote down any expenditure of money, especially one disguised as a "good thing".. VOTED DOWN tax money to fund stem cell research.
They voted FOR using tax dollars to preserve Open Space.
Political Experts are left scratching their heads. Why would voters vote down stem cell (including embryonic stem cell) tax funded research? But vote FOR taxes to be used to preserve open space?
Maybe, ladies and gentlemen of the press, it's because NJ residents value and respect life more than was realized.
I'm willing to bet a similar motion, asking for funds for NON-EMBRYONIC research would have passed overwhelmingly.
Folks have had enough of science experiments on the weakest.
Praise God!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Nancy Brown and Father Brown
We received our copy of "The Father Brown Reader" today. My nine year old was delighted. We read aloud the first story, The Blue Cross, and he gives it a solid two thumbs up. He'd give more thumbs, but he only has two.
I was quite impressed by the adaptation. This is not a "dumbed down" book, even though Mrs. Brown adapted it for younger, contemporary readers. It is recommended on some sites for ages 8-10, but unless your 8-10 year old is a very solid reader, I'd push it up bit for solo reading (10 and up). But as a read aloud, it can go younger.
You can read more about it and order it at FlyingStars
I was quite impressed by the adaptation. This is not a "dumbed down" book, even though Mrs. Brown adapted it for younger, contemporary readers. It is recommended on some sites for ages 8-10, but unless your 8-10 year old is a very solid reader, I'd push it up bit for solo reading (10 and up). But as a read aloud, it can go younger.
You can read more about it and order it at FlyingStars
Homeschooling: things I've learned part 3
Below I spoke of trying to find a balance between the duplication of the classroom at home (aka School-in-a-box or full service loads o' texts curriculum), and the learn-from-life-around-you "unschooling" style of homeschooling.
I've found both work, blended.
For the younger children, we needed some formal education, in reading, writing, phonics, and math. That was it. Keeping it simple was the key.
AND blending it all in with what the child was interested in, being alert for those "teachable moments", and leaving lots of time to learn from life itself. If we held off learning from the world around us, because the lesson planner said we had to do page 57 of the History Book, it was a mistake. The child was unlikely to remember what was in the history book, and the lesson they'd remember- perhaps the hummingbirds in the backyard, or measuring ingredients for cookies, was lost.
But those reading and math lessons are important! So what, after years of homeschooling, do I find works?
A bit of time, maybe on the porch in good weather, or in the yard, or around the kitchen table, with the reader, phonics book, or math book (Some children need to avoid distractions, so a regular desk just for school probably is helpful in that case)... Just as much time as was needed to cover a simple lesson for the day, and making sure that time was provided each day (at least as a norm)... But also making sure the time was not excessive. Keep it Simple, keep at it, and don't do too much.
Then read: good books, good poetry that is fun and age appropriate. And take walks. And visit museums. And play with Legos. And dig in mud and collect worms and don't be afraid to get dirty. Talk talk talk with each other. Be alert for the teachable moments. Don't leave your child to be raised by the TV ... be there, be a part of it, model learning yourself, look things up together if someone Wonders.
Blending those two things... a dash of formal education, in limited but consistent amounts, and lots of exploration of truth and beauty... and you've got it.
I've found both work, blended.
For the younger children, we needed some formal education, in reading, writing, phonics, and math. That was it. Keeping it simple was the key.
AND blending it all in with what the child was interested in, being alert for those "teachable moments", and leaving lots of time to learn from life itself. If we held off learning from the world around us, because the lesson planner said we had to do page 57 of the History Book, it was a mistake. The child was unlikely to remember what was in the history book, and the lesson they'd remember- perhaps the hummingbirds in the backyard, or measuring ingredients for cookies, was lost.
But those reading and math lessons are important! So what, after years of homeschooling, do I find works?
A bit of time, maybe on the porch in good weather, or in the yard, or around the kitchen table, with the reader, phonics book, or math book (Some children need to avoid distractions, so a regular desk just for school probably is helpful in that case)... Just as much time as was needed to cover a simple lesson for the day, and making sure that time was provided each day (at least as a norm)... But also making sure the time was not excessive. Keep it Simple, keep at it, and don't do too much.
Then read: good books, good poetry that is fun and age appropriate. And take walks. And visit museums. And play with Legos. And dig in mud and collect worms and don't be afraid to get dirty. Talk talk talk with each other. Be alert for the teachable moments. Don't leave your child to be raised by the TV ... be there, be a part of it, model learning yourself, look things up together if someone Wonders.
Blending those two things... a dash of formal education, in limited but consistent amounts, and lots of exploration of truth and beauty... and you've got it.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Homeschooling: Things I've learned part 2
Balance.
That's a biggie when homeschooling. And in life in general, I'd guess!
I began homeschooling by trying to reproduce school at home. I drove myself nuts, and the kids didn't "progress" as far as "we were supposed to" (that is, we got only halfway through the assigned year).
I lived in a state that required homeschool evaluations each year, and our evaluator- a public school teacher who homeschooled his own children- said while there was nothing wrong with the canned curriculum, there were other ways do to this. He encouraged me to venture away from the Lesson Plan Book.
Moderation not being my strong suit, I did.
I went to a curriculum fair... a huge one... and my brain exploded. I think I probably have multiple personalities anyway, and putting someone like me in a room full of ALL THESE KEWL THINGS just caused me to shatter from about three personalities to 132.
It was fun, though!
But we swung too far in the "cool stuff" direction... I lost the idea of Keep It Simple. Actually, I didn't have that my first year, either, with the BIG LESSON PLAN BOOK with Way Too Much in it.
I followed up with a move to the very simple side... virtual unschooling. Also very good, and it was productive for my one child... BUT... after all these years and quite a few 'mistakes' which my children all successfully survived...
I have found that Balance, Simplicity, and a Joy in God's Creation is what "works".
more specifics in the next post... assuming this personality is still in control... :)
That's a biggie when homeschooling. And in life in general, I'd guess!
I began homeschooling by trying to reproduce school at home. I drove myself nuts, and the kids didn't "progress" as far as "we were supposed to" (that is, we got only halfway through the assigned year).
I lived in a state that required homeschool evaluations each year, and our evaluator- a public school teacher who homeschooled his own children- said while there was nothing wrong with the canned curriculum, there were other ways do to this. He encouraged me to venture away from the Lesson Plan Book.
Moderation not being my strong suit, I did.
I went to a curriculum fair... a huge one... and my brain exploded. I think I probably have multiple personalities anyway, and putting someone like me in a room full of ALL THESE KEWL THINGS just caused me to shatter from about three personalities to 132.
It was fun, though!
But we swung too far in the "cool stuff" direction... I lost the idea of Keep It Simple. Actually, I didn't have that my first year, either, with the BIG LESSON PLAN BOOK with Way Too Much in it.
I followed up with a move to the very simple side... virtual unschooling. Also very good, and it was productive for my one child... BUT... after all these years and quite a few 'mistakes' which my children all successfully survived...
I have found that Balance, Simplicity, and a Joy in God's Creation is what "works".
more specifics in the next post... assuming this personality is still in control... :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
And Yet More "Shocking" Harry Potter "News"
A certain AP article is making the rounds, right on the heels of the MTV article where the Christian imagery in Harry Potter is revealed to have been intentionally put there by Rowling.
The AP article quotes Rowling as revealing Dumbledore was gay, saying her books were a plea for tolerance, and telling readers to question authority. All in one large distorted lump.
Before people are quick to pass on that article as the absolute unvarnished truth, I recommend reading the full transcript at the Leaky Cauldron site, or go to the Eldrich Hobbit Site for an eyewitness in detail report of what was said, when, and in what context.
When people read the newspapers articles, especially on anything like this, they SHOULD question authority. Especially the authorities who write the newspaper articles. Which, by the way, was part of the context of JKR's comments to "question authority" (she was referring to Nazi like government regimes and Bad and distorted newspaper reporting, specifically. In fact all the comments "quoted" -- and I use the term loosely -- and put in one lump in the AP article were replies to different questions in different contexts at the Q and A event )
The eldrich hobbit
Transcript of comments
The AP article quotes Rowling as revealing Dumbledore was gay, saying her books were a plea for tolerance, and telling readers to question authority. All in one large distorted lump.
Before people are quick to pass on that article as the absolute unvarnished truth, I recommend reading the full transcript at the Leaky Cauldron site, or go to the Eldrich Hobbit Site for an eyewitness in detail report of what was said, when, and in what context.
When people read the newspapers articles, especially on anything like this, they SHOULD question authority. Especially the authorities who write the newspaper articles. Which, by the way, was part of the context of JKR's comments to "question authority" (she was referring to Nazi like government regimes and Bad and distorted newspaper reporting, specifically. In fact all the comments "quoted" -- and I use the term loosely -- and put in one lump in the AP article were replies to different questions in different contexts at the Q and A event )
The eldrich hobbit
Transcript of comments
Friday, October 19, 2007
The 'Christian' Harry Potter
I've been a defender of Harry Potter for years. When I heard the fuss about the books, I pre-read the first one with caution. We don't do "new age" in my home. But fantasy literature we love. And I know that some people respond to fantasy literature, and even classic myth, with fear.
I read the books, and really liked them. They were not perfect (though now that the series is over, I see some of what I found originally problematic was actually an important part of the story and later resolved). But they were good. And there was a tremendous Pro Life message through the books. Christian Virtues (most of which are not exclusive to Christians, of course, and most of which are sadly under-practiced by Christians, none the less they are still "Christian Virtues") abounded. Our heroes did not always practice these virtues, but they were there. And they were VIRTUES. They were aspired to by the flawed characters, some of whom managed to grab em and some of whom never quite got it.
Today, on the wonderful Hogwarts Professor site, I read the best description of the books' Christian influence I've yet read: "As it is, it’s a work of fictional literature that is influenced by Christian belief. " (from a comment by blog reader Travis Prinzi).
Yes, Harry Potter is not a Christian Apology. It's not a Catechetical work. it's a "work of fictional literature that is influenced by Christian belief"
And we don't have enough of that these days.
You can read the
Hogwarts Professor here
I read the books, and really liked them. They were not perfect (though now that the series is over, I see some of what I found originally problematic was actually an important part of the story and later resolved). But they were good. And there was a tremendous Pro Life message through the books. Christian Virtues (most of which are not exclusive to Christians, of course, and most of which are sadly under-practiced by Christians, none the less they are still "Christian Virtues") abounded. Our heroes did not always practice these virtues, but they were there. And they were VIRTUES. They were aspired to by the flawed characters, some of whom managed to grab em and some of whom never quite got it.
Today, on the wonderful Hogwarts Professor site, I read the best description of the books' Christian influence I've yet read: "As it is, it’s a work of fictional literature that is influenced by Christian belief. " (from a comment by blog reader Travis Prinzi).
Yes, Harry Potter is not a Christian Apology. It's not a Catechetical work. it's a "work of fictional literature that is influenced by Christian belief"
And we don't have enough of that these days.
You can read the
Hogwarts Professor here
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Homeschooling - things I've learned, part 1
I have no idea how many "parts" this will have. I just know that after years of homeschooling, and some kids "done" and in college, and some still at home... I'm starting to get the hang of this.
I've gone from canned curriculum to no curriculum to workbooks to unschooling. Sort of the "Sybil" method of homeschooling (and if you get that reference, you're old, like me).
What have I learned? I've learned there are aspects to all those "styles" that are good. I've learned that a total focus on any one is not the best thing (though if I had to err, it would be in the 'unschooling' direction).
Last weekend, my little guy (the last remaining little guy I have! The others are teens or adults now) was looking in a lake. He hung over the edge, hanging onto a branch, looking at the life in the water. He speculated. He thought. He learned.
He didn't know he was "doing school." But he was. And he'll remember that longer than he'll remember chapter 10 of a wordy science book.
more later...
I've gone from canned curriculum to no curriculum to workbooks to unschooling. Sort of the "Sybil" method of homeschooling (and if you get that reference, you're old, like me).
What have I learned? I've learned there are aspects to all those "styles" that are good. I've learned that a total focus on any one is not the best thing (though if I had to err, it would be in the 'unschooling' direction).
Last weekend, my little guy (the last remaining little guy I have! The others are teens or adults now) was looking in a lake. He hung over the edge, hanging onto a branch, looking at the life in the water. He speculated. He thought. He learned.
He didn't know he was "doing school." But he was. And he'll remember that longer than he'll remember chapter 10 of a wordy science book.
more later...
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