Once again this week, Micah has had an MSG reaction to food and is recuperating as best he can. Today, on his Friday homeschooling reflections, Micah wrote he had learned this about himself:
"I am pitifully weak against gelatin."
Sort of like styrofoam for Bolt or Kryptonite for Superman.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Ten Questions about Homeschooling
My friend had these questions on her blog yesterday, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her responses. I don't feel like we've been homeschooling long enough to be any sort of expert on the subject, but her offer to play along was so gracious and inviting, I couldn't help myself.
1. One homeschooling book you have enjoyed.
So far one of my favorites has been Genghis Kahn and the Mongol Horde. Before I read this book, Genghis Kahn was just a name whose story I had really never heard. He was terror in his time, but conquering most of Asia and parts of Europe connected the east to the west for the first time in history. That led to a certain explorer looking for a water route to the West Indies, which led to the discovery of America, which eventually led to an explosion in missions. Man looks on this and sees an advance in technology and globalization, but in God's hands it has led to the spread of the gospel. Seeing His story woven into history is amazing!
2. One resource you wouldn’t be without.
Our writing program. I have watched my children's eyes light up as they have begun to play with words and write stories. What a delight for this grammar-loving, wish-I-could-spend-more-time-on developing-my-writing, language arts oriented mom. (We're all wired differently, and may as well let our passions spill over to our kids, right?)
3. One resource you wish you had never bought.
I think I was a classic first year homeschooler and overbought. But, it's hard to know what you're going to like until you use it. Anxious to get everything organized, I bought a cheap planning program, and then found something free on the internet that is much more user friendly. There are still some fun templates I may use, so not all is lost.
4. One resource you enjoyed last year.
Since Josiah was my only student last year, I'd have to say his preschool curriculum. Oddly enough, I'm not enjoying the second half, perhaps because it took a turn into academics I'm not anxious to tackle with him until kindergarten. I've mostly shelved it to use real books and other resources that cover the same things in a different way.
5. One resource you will be using next year.
Not sure yet, beyond knowing I'd like do to Sonlight World History part 1 with Rachel and their one year world history with Micah. I think I have hatched a plan to keep them in basically the same Core for the next three years. That's assuming there will be more years to come, which I think we are all excited to think about but it's too early to know the final decision. Oh, and I'm hoping to love Apologia Science (sometimes anticipation is more fun than reality). A glance at Rachel's notebooking journal made me wish I had one, too! We'll know more in a few weeks.
6. One resource you would like to buy.
I don't know yet. I'm hoping to go to a conference this spring tosalivate over look at curriculum. I do know I'd really like a Nook Kindle Fire. That qualifies as a homeschooling resource, doesn't it?
7. One resource you wish existed.
A perfect spelling program for my daughter that would transform her overnight. Ha!! And really, she's not a bad speller, I am just a perfectionist in this area. (Ahem, except for my own typos, which I'm sure rarely appear here.)
8. One homeschool catalog you enjoy reading.
Sonlight and Rainbow Resource. What more is there? I will now be checking out the art supply catalog mentioned by my friend in answer to this question on her blog.
9. What homeschool subject gives you the most frustration or anxiety?
I thought it would be science, but instead I'm fascinated. Still a little nervous about experiments, though, especially with two children in different curriculums. We'll make it somehow. I'm trying a pre-made supplies kit for one student and if it helps, next year we'll get them for both.
10. What is your greatest challenge in homeschooling right now?
I love, love, love homeschooling, but also have an unspent passion for the ministry I had to leave and the dear women God is drawing to Himself through His Word. My heart sometimes feels torn in two, but it has been precious to cling to God and trust Him with the things He has called me to do. My eyes are on Him to see what He has in mind, as I believe both passions are God-given.
How about you? Feel free to join our party and play along!
1. One homeschooling book you have enjoyed.
So far one of my favorites has been Genghis Kahn and the Mongol Horde. Before I read this book, Genghis Kahn was just a name whose story I had really never heard. He was terror in his time, but conquering most of Asia and parts of Europe connected the east to the west for the first time in history. That led to a certain explorer looking for a water route to the West Indies, which led to the discovery of America, which eventually led to an explosion in missions. Man looks on this and sees an advance in technology and globalization, but in God's hands it has led to the spread of the gospel. Seeing His story woven into history is amazing!
2. One resource you wouldn’t be without.
Our writing program. I have watched my children's eyes light up as they have begun to play with words and write stories. What a delight for this grammar-loving, wish-I-could-spend-more-time-on developing-my-writing, language arts oriented mom. (We're all wired differently, and may as well let our passions spill over to our kids, right?)
3. One resource you wish you had never bought.
I think I was a classic first year homeschooler and overbought. But, it's hard to know what you're going to like until you use it. Anxious to get everything organized, I bought a cheap planning program, and then found something free on the internet that is much more user friendly. There are still some fun templates I may use, so not all is lost.
4. One resource you enjoyed last year.
Since Josiah was my only student last year, I'd have to say his preschool curriculum. Oddly enough, I'm not enjoying the second half, perhaps because it took a turn into academics I'm not anxious to tackle with him until kindergarten. I've mostly shelved it to use real books and other resources that cover the same things in a different way.
5. One resource you will be using next year.
Not sure yet, beyond knowing I'd like do to Sonlight World History part 1 with Rachel and their one year world history with Micah. I think I have hatched a plan to keep them in basically the same Core for the next three years. That's assuming there will be more years to come, which I think we are all excited to think about but it's too early to know the final decision. Oh, and I'm hoping to love Apologia Science (sometimes anticipation is more fun than reality). A glance at Rachel's notebooking journal made me wish I had one, too! We'll know more in a few weeks.
6. One resource you would like to buy.
I don't know yet. I'm hoping to go to a conference this spring to
7. One resource you wish existed.
A perfect spelling program for my daughter that would transform her overnight. Ha!! And really, she's not a bad speller, I am just a perfectionist in this area. (Ahem, except for my own typos, which I'm sure rarely appear here.)
8. One homeschool catalog you enjoy reading.
Sonlight and Rainbow Resource. What more is there? I will now be checking out the art supply catalog mentioned by my friend in answer to this question on her blog.
9. What homeschool subject gives you the most frustration or anxiety?
I thought it would be science, but instead I'm fascinated. Still a little nervous about experiments, though, especially with two children in different curriculums. We'll make it somehow. I'm trying a pre-made supplies kit for one student and if it helps, next year we'll get them for both.
10. What is your greatest challenge in homeschooling right now?
I love, love, love homeschooling, but also have an unspent passion for the ministry I had to leave and the dear women God is drawing to Himself through His Word. My heart sometimes feels torn in two, but it has been precious to cling to God and trust Him with the things He has called me to do. My eyes are on Him to see what He has in mind, as I believe both passions are God-given.
How about you? Feel free to join our party and play along!
Monday, September 26, 2011
our youngest student
It's hard to believe Josiah's homeschooling journey began almost three years ago. Shortly after his second birthday, we snuggled on the couch together and started reading through the books in the curriculum Before Five in a Row. It was a sweet time of bonding for us, as it had been with two little children who came before him.
When Josiah turned three, I ordered pieces of Sonlight's 3/4 program for him. We loved these books and still read many of them. The Usborne Flip Flap Body Book is probably one of our favorites! There were some fun learning games, activities suggested for each book in the instructor's guide, and plenty of activities we could find to do around the house. Much of our time was spent reading or playing with playdoh, the two activities that seemed to calm my ever-moving son. He had my undivided attention in those days, and he needed it. To be honest, what I often needed was a break!
It was around the time Josiah was 3 1/2 that he was diagnosed with AHDH. Over a year later, I doubt that label would able to be attached to him. He's full of energy and all boy, but far from the out-of-control child we used to know. There are rare times we see old behaviors coming back, and we can always trace it to something going on in his diet. These are far different from the normal misbehaviors you would expect from a child his age.
Yet I do think there are little lingering signs of his first 3 1/2 years. When your body is raging out of your control, it's hard to learn things like how to engage in independent play, color, or have the confidence to try something new. Anxiety is still his ever-present companion, although it's beginning to fade a bit. However, when I'm doing school with the older children, keeping Josiah busy and engaged in something constructive is my biggest challenge.
It's something we are working on, though! Some helpful friends suggested I read up on using workboxes, an idea we are trying. Perhaps the bit of independence required in these activities will be a good stepping stone to greater confidence. Or perhaps he just needs a little more time to mature, something I do see rapidly growing in this little boy.
When we work one on one, he's a charmer. We found a great handwriting curriculum that seems to be made for kids like Josiah. Just about any preschool book published by Kumon has found its way to our table. We're reading through the Sonlight 4/5 books I once used with Micah and Rachel, along with a few new Sonlight titles thrown in, and anything we can find at the library. We are working a little on reading only because he's interested and seems ready, but it took on a new dimension when we started acting out phrases he read. That's when it hit me that this little boy is every bit of a kinesthetic learner. That could also be what's behind his "do-it-with-me" and "play-with-me" mentality.
Our decision to homeschool this year has as much to do with Josiah as with the other two kids. Sending him to preschool with his eating sensitivities is a thought that makes me shudder (although I know there are many Feingold moms who do this with success). When so much learning is celebrated through food in the early years, why not keep him home and do it with food we know is safe for him? He attends church, Awana, and a Bible Study Fellowship class where they have been more than gracious with his food sensitivities, allowing us to bring in the snacks he needs or even purchasing special ones just for him. Besides, I taught preschool-aged children in the classroom many years ago. It's one of my favorite ages, and I don't really have any desire or reason to send him elsewhere.
When Josiah turned three, I ordered pieces of Sonlight's 3/4 program for him. We loved these books and still read many of them. The Usborne Flip Flap Body Book is probably one of our favorites! There were some fun learning games, activities suggested for each book in the instructor's guide, and plenty of activities we could find to do around the house. Much of our time was spent reading or playing with playdoh, the two activities that seemed to calm my ever-moving son. He had my undivided attention in those days, and he needed it. To be honest, what I often needed was a break!
It was around the time Josiah was 3 1/2 that he was diagnosed with AHDH. Over a year later, I doubt that label would able to be attached to him. He's full of energy and all boy, but far from the out-of-control child we used to know. There are rare times we see old behaviors coming back, and we can always trace it to something going on in his diet. These are far different from the normal misbehaviors you would expect from a child his age.
Yet I do think there are little lingering signs of his first 3 1/2 years. When your body is raging out of your control, it's hard to learn things like how to engage in independent play, color, or have the confidence to try something new. Anxiety is still his ever-present companion, although it's beginning to fade a bit. However, when I'm doing school with the older children, keeping Josiah busy and engaged in something constructive is my biggest challenge.
It's something we are working on, though! Some helpful friends suggested I read up on using workboxes, an idea we are trying. Perhaps the bit of independence required in these activities will be a good stepping stone to greater confidence. Or perhaps he just needs a little more time to mature, something I do see rapidly growing in this little boy.
When we work one on one, he's a charmer. We found a great handwriting curriculum that seems to be made for kids like Josiah. Just about any preschool book published by Kumon has found its way to our table. We're reading through the Sonlight 4/5 books I once used with Micah and Rachel, along with a few new Sonlight titles thrown in, and anything we can find at the library. We are working a little on reading only because he's interested and seems ready, but it took on a new dimension when we started acting out phrases he read. That's when it hit me that this little boy is every bit of a kinesthetic learner. That could also be what's behind his "do-it-with-me" and "play-with-me" mentality.
Our decision to homeschool this year has as much to do with Josiah as with the other two kids. Sending him to preschool with his eating sensitivities is a thought that makes me shudder (although I know there are many Feingold moms who do this with success). When so much learning is celebrated through food in the early years, why not keep him home and do it with food we know is safe for him? He attends church, Awana, and a Bible Study Fellowship class where they have been more than gracious with his food sensitivities, allowing us to bring in the snacks he needs or even purchasing special ones just for him. Besides, I taught preschool-aged children in the classroom many years ago. It's one of my favorite ages, and I don't really have any desire or reason to send him elsewhere.
The challenges we are facing now are minimal compared to a year or two ago. I can't help but think they are not all that uncommon for any homeschooling mom with active preschool children. So every week, we'll learn something new about how to do this a little more successfully, and we'll enjoy our journey together in all the difficulties, mess, and fun.
Someday, he will be putting bigger sets of Legos together completely on his own, and I'll probably have to pull him away to do school!
Friday, September 23, 2011
not quite a symphony, but it's a start
When we started homeschooling six weeks ago, it was impossible for me to know just what to expect. How long would our school days last? Did I have enough material, too much, or was it about right? So much of our curriculum uses the computer--would one be enough, or would we need to purchase a second? How would it go having Micah and Rachel use the same core curriculum, including many of the same books, with such different skill sets? Would the curriculum even be a good match for their learning styles and learning needs? How would teaching Josiah and keeping him occupied fit in to our day? How would everyone adjust to such a different lifestyle?
Now several weeks into our school year, we have the answers to most of those questions. Overall, it's amazing how quickly everyone has adjusted and how smoothly things are going. The kids wake up ready to go and start most mornings by 7:15, which wasn't part of the plan but we've adjusted. I've learned it really did help to start slowly, tweak as needed, and gradually raise the expectations. A couple of workbooks had to be taken out, some things are being set aside for later while a few new ideas were added, but overall we've found a good fit for everyone. And happily, one computer is enough!
In the past six weeks, my oldest was able to travel with my dad to the Farm Progress Show. We've watched a spider feast on crickets, and examined a grasshopper and leaves with a magnifier. My daughter has been sketching every time she has a spare moment, and started writing a homework paper in cursive without any prompting from me. (This relieves my eyesight; her cursive is so much more readable than print!) The science issues we were having when we started have melted away as she's found her groove. My youngest has talked about "people in other lands who don't know about Jesus" and prayed for them. Trying to keep Josiah busy continues to be a challenge, but he's made tremendous strides in the things we've been doing together one on one. I've been reading a challenging book to the older kids during read aloud time, and Josiah asks me to stop if he has to go to the bathroom. When Micah flew through a reader last week because he just couldn't quit, I handed him another book. It's not like the boy doesn't read much.
What started as a bit of a cacophony of noise a few weeks ago has given way to a beautiful tune where most instruments have learned their parts and are playing them well. Now if I can just get Josiah to crash his cymbals at the proper moment, all will be well.
It's been fun finding our rhythm.
Now several weeks into our school year, we have the answers to most of those questions. Overall, it's amazing how quickly everyone has adjusted and how smoothly things are going. The kids wake up ready to go and start most mornings by 7:15, which wasn't part of the plan but we've adjusted. I've learned it really did help to start slowly, tweak as needed, and gradually raise the expectations. A couple of workbooks had to be taken out, some things are being set aside for later while a few new ideas were added, but overall we've found a good fit for everyone. And happily, one computer is enough!
In the past six weeks, my oldest was able to travel with my dad to the Farm Progress Show. We've watched a spider feast on crickets, and examined a grasshopper and leaves with a magnifier. My daughter has been sketching every time she has a spare moment, and started writing a homework paper in cursive without any prompting from me. (This relieves my eyesight; her cursive is so much more readable than print!) The science issues we were having when we started have melted away as she's found her groove. My youngest has talked about "people in other lands who don't know about Jesus" and prayed for them. Trying to keep Josiah busy continues to be a challenge, but he's made tremendous strides in the things we've been doing together one on one. I've been reading a challenging book to the older kids during read aloud time, and Josiah asks me to stop if he has to go to the bathroom. When Micah flew through a reader last week because he just couldn't quit, I handed him another book. It's not like the boy doesn't read much.
What started as a bit of a cacophony of noise a few weeks ago has given way to a beautiful tune where most instruments have learned their parts and are playing them well. Now if I can just get Josiah to crash his cymbals at the proper moment, all will be well.
It's been fun finding our rhythm.
cooking around the world: New Zealand
This summer Christmas favorite is named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is best eaten the day you make it, and the kids couldn't believe it when I said they could have as much as they wanted. They gobbled it down! No complaints from my husband, either, who had a double serving as well.
Pavlova
4 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 c. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla extract
3/4 t. white vinegar
1 c. heavy whipping cream
kiwifruit, strawberries, bananas, passion fruit, or other fresh or well-drained can fruit
Cover baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Trace a 7 inch circle using a bowl or plate. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Add 1/3 c. sugar and beat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very thick. Add remaining sugar one or two T. at a time, beating well after each addition. When all sugar is dissolved and mixture is very stiff, add vanilla and vinegar. Beat well. The meringue mixture should be thick and glossy.
Spoon meringue into the circle marked on paper or foil. Using back of kitchen spoon, spread meringue evenly and form bowl. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until firm to the touch. Turn off oven and allow meringue to cool with door ajar.
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff. Spread the whipped cream over the top of pavlova. Wash and slice fruit, using one kind or combination of fruits. Arrange attractively on top of whipped cream. Cut in wedges and serve immediately.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
why we're homeschooling (well, not the only reason!)
Micah woke up with another stomach ache this morning. Funny how often these happen the morning after youth group*! All he had was Cheetos, so I looked up the ingredients. There, near the bottom of the list, was MSG. A few weeks ago he was sick after eating scotcharoos. Marshmallows are made with gelatin, which contains a naturally occuring form of MSG.
This is the fifth time since we started the school year that he's had to work through a day sick, although only two have been from MSG. At least he can keep going now, and he's not counted absent from school. And slowly, he's learning what not to eat.
*By the way, this isn't meant to be an indictment against youth group; it's just an indication of how many foods that teens like to snack on contain MSG!
This is the fifth time since we started the school year that he's had to work through a day sick, although only two have been from MSG. At least he can keep going now, and he's not counted absent from school. And slowly, he's learning what not to eat.
*By the way, this isn't meant to be an indictment against youth group; it's just an indication of how many foods that teens like to snack on contain MSG!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
no mirrors or smoke
Not long ago, our family sat viewing a 4-D film at Shedd Aquarium. Donning on 3-D glasses, we saw figures on the screen that seemed to leap out at us as if they were alive. Our faces were sprayed with water, our chairs shook, the air grew cold, and our backs were poked as we were led to believe we were about to be eaten by a killer whale.
The movie was a lot of fun, but in spite of many convincing special effects, we knew we had never left our seats. We could almost imagine what it was like to be there, without being literally transported to another place in the world where such adventure really happens.
We live in a world filled with virtual reality. From new 3-D televisions and video games, to reality TV, to forming profiles to display to others on the internet, much of our day is spent in a world that borders on but never completely transports us to reality.
I'm so thankful that for Jesus' followers, things were different.
"After (Jesus') suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
There were no special effects involved here. With their own eyes, the disciples saw and touched the tangible body of Jesus. They heard His actual voice, and observed undeniable proofs like watching Him eat. Over a period of 40 days, their senses took in the physical and spiritual reality that Jesus had risen in bodily form. As amazing and far-fetched as that seemed, it was all real.
I wonder if today, many lives are being lived with a sense of virtual reality. In such cases, life is robbed of meaning, and there is a sense of existence without purpose.
In the case of Jesus' followers, nothing is more real than His resurrection, or the promise He gave to return again for His own. He is our reality; living and acting on such knowledge of Him is the greatest adventure we will ever experience.
The movie was a lot of fun, but in spite of many convincing special effects, we knew we had never left our seats. We could almost imagine what it was like to be there, without being literally transported to another place in the world where such adventure really happens.
We live in a world filled with virtual reality. From new 3-D televisions and video games, to reality TV, to forming profiles to display to others on the internet, much of our day is spent in a world that borders on but never completely transports us to reality.
I'm so thankful that for Jesus' followers, things were different.
"After (Jesus') suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
There were no special effects involved here. With their own eyes, the disciples saw and touched the tangible body of Jesus. They heard His actual voice, and observed undeniable proofs like watching Him eat. Over a period of 40 days, their senses took in the physical and spiritual reality that Jesus had risen in bodily form. As amazing and far-fetched as that seemed, it was all real.
I wonder if today, many lives are being lived with a sense of virtual reality. In such cases, life is robbed of meaning, and there is a sense of existence without purpose.
In the case of Jesus' followers, nothing is more real than His resurrection, or the promise He gave to return again for His own. He is our reality; living and acting on such knowledge of Him is the greatest adventure we will ever experience.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
what I really want this year...
Yes, I'd love to see spelling and math improve.
To see excellence sought after, rather than simply doing enough to get something done.
To teach life skills alongside academic skills.
To make Bible study a part of their daily lives, and gain knowledge of the book as a whole.
To improve writing and grammar.
To think of someone besides themselves.
But what I really want is not something I can teach, or even anything I can do. (I'm not sure I can really do any of the above, either!)
I want God to stir our hearts to reach after His dreams for their lives, His glory, and a greater longing for His presence.
I'd better get on my knees.
To see excellence sought after, rather than simply doing enough to get something done.
To teach life skills alongside academic skills.
To make Bible study a part of their daily lives, and gain knowledge of the book as a whole.
To improve writing and grammar.
To think of someone besides themselves.
But what I really want is not something I can teach, or even anything I can do. (I'm not sure I can really do any of the above, either!)
I want God to stir our hearts to reach after His dreams for their lives, His glory, and a greater longing for His presence.
I'd better get on my knees.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
trusting God with the educational journey
Starting with the time my oldest son was born, I began dreaming of homeschooling. I read every book I could get my hands on, poured over methods, and picked out curriculum. When we bought our first house, we didn't worry at all about the neighborhood school, because our kids wouldn't be going there.
However, the year before Micah started kindergarten, I began to feel a pull in a different direction for him. Prayerfully, trustingly, and contrary to my carefully-laid plans, God led us to enroll him in a private Christian school. Two years later, his sister joined him.
Looking back, we have wonderful and treasured memories of that school. Special friends were made and the staff welcomed parents in every aspect of learning. I felt like the teachers had a perspective on my children I didn't always see myself, and appreciated the things they saw in them and pointed out to me. The kids loved chapel, and although both professed faith in Christ during their preschool years, they remember the challenges given at chapel as special and defining moments in their Christian walk. A strong phonics and foundational math curriculum gave them a strong start in academics. Class parties and field trips welcomed all parents, and I was even able to help in the classrooms for a year. School felt like a family affair, as we participated in our children's education within the body of Christ.
There were challenges in those years as well. A tight group of girls made it hard for my less social child to fit in, leaving her vulnerable to friendship issues. Challenges are often God's way of helping us to grow, and we can look back on that time and know that hard as it was, lessons were learned that she will carry throughout her life. And of course, one of the biggest challenges of a private education is the price tag. Tuition hikes coupled with a move changed our financial situation a bit. I am still amazed we were able to swing private school tuition for two children at all, and we are simply grateful for the way the Lord provided as He directed us through those years.
Public education was the next bend in our journey. Larger classes meant more opportunities to find friends with something in common. We loved the feeling of community that school brought to our lives, of doing life alongside neighbors and then in Jr. High, with those from other areas across town. Opportunities to pursue sports, music, and other interests abounded. Many of the teachers were good if not outstanding, standards for learning were high, and there were many really nice kids.
Our children's eyes were also opened to see what it looked like to live a life apart from knowing Christ. One searched for references to God in every textbook and on every wall, and often came up empty. How she mourned to see God left out of learning! There were so many opportunities to talk and share about why we do things different than other families. Some kids from school found their way to Awana and youth group as the kids began to reach out to others. There were some scary moments, too, as we had to talk to the kids about things like attempted kidnappings at bus stops and one witnessed a fight. I kept a close eye on them and prayed often, trusting God as their protector. The world is not a safe place, and we were often reminded of what sin has done to the perfect world God had intended.
Now we have begun where we started, and returned to homeschooling. Although we're only a few weeks in, I'll admit it's my favorite way of educating by far. We love the cozy, relaxed environment where faith is considered in every subject area. It's God's world we are studying, and we love to find how He is involved in it. I can tailor education to both strengths and weaknesses. The world is our classroom, and learning doesn't stop when school hours are over.
Yet home education is not without its pitfalls. It is too easy for this introverted mom to shut the doors of my house and forget there is a world outside. I can already see how easy it would be to let life revolve around our family and our children's education. When Jesus gave His great commission, He told His disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations" and that's hard to do if my mind, heart, and prayers do not leave my home. I pray God will give us wisdom and discernment to be about His business in the days to come and involve the kids in His work in our church, community, and around the world in a way that makes faith a living reality and not a theory imbedded in our minds.
As I look back on our educational journey, I can't feel any loss. God had lessons in each of our school choices both for my children and for me. Education is a great influence in their lives, but the gospel is the greatest power there is. The God who made my children and sent His Son to save them is the one directing their life's curriculum, and He can be trusted. I think about Moses, who was rescued from the Nile and spent the formative years of his life at his mother's side, only to then be educated in the royal courts of Egypt. God used his education as he recorded Israel's history and gave them God's laws. Yet Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, probably received little formal education and spent most of his life under the formative influence of his mother and father. The disciples were unschooled men who spent time with Jesus, and their lives turned the world as we know it upside down. God directs families and individuals in the ways He knows are best. We can trust Him with the education of our children, however He has called!
However, the year before Micah started kindergarten, I began to feel a pull in a different direction for him. Prayerfully, trustingly, and contrary to my carefully-laid plans, God led us to enroll him in a private Christian school. Two years later, his sister joined him.
Looking back, we have wonderful and treasured memories of that school. Special friends were made and the staff welcomed parents in every aspect of learning. I felt like the teachers had a perspective on my children I didn't always see myself, and appreciated the things they saw in them and pointed out to me. The kids loved chapel, and although both professed faith in Christ during their preschool years, they remember the challenges given at chapel as special and defining moments in their Christian walk. A strong phonics and foundational math curriculum gave them a strong start in academics. Class parties and field trips welcomed all parents, and I was even able to help in the classrooms for a year. School felt like a family affair, as we participated in our children's education within the body of Christ.
There were challenges in those years as well. A tight group of girls made it hard for my less social child to fit in, leaving her vulnerable to friendship issues. Challenges are often God's way of helping us to grow, and we can look back on that time and know that hard as it was, lessons were learned that she will carry throughout her life. And of course, one of the biggest challenges of a private education is the price tag. Tuition hikes coupled with a move changed our financial situation a bit. I am still amazed we were able to swing private school tuition for two children at all, and we are simply grateful for the way the Lord provided as He directed us through those years.
Public education was the next bend in our journey. Larger classes meant more opportunities to find friends with something in common. We loved the feeling of community that school brought to our lives, of doing life alongside neighbors and then in Jr. High, with those from other areas across town. Opportunities to pursue sports, music, and other interests abounded. Many of the teachers were good if not outstanding, standards for learning were high, and there were many really nice kids.
Our children's eyes were also opened to see what it looked like to live a life apart from knowing Christ. One searched for references to God in every textbook and on every wall, and often came up empty. How she mourned to see God left out of learning! There were so many opportunities to talk and share about why we do things different than other families. Some kids from school found their way to Awana and youth group as the kids began to reach out to others. There were some scary moments, too, as we had to talk to the kids about things like attempted kidnappings at bus stops and one witnessed a fight. I kept a close eye on them and prayed often, trusting God as their protector. The world is not a safe place, and we were often reminded of what sin has done to the perfect world God had intended.
Now we have begun where we started, and returned to homeschooling. Although we're only a few weeks in, I'll admit it's my favorite way of educating by far. We love the cozy, relaxed environment where faith is considered in every subject area. It's God's world we are studying, and we love to find how He is involved in it. I can tailor education to both strengths and weaknesses. The world is our classroom, and learning doesn't stop when school hours are over.
Yet home education is not without its pitfalls. It is too easy for this introverted mom to shut the doors of my house and forget there is a world outside. I can already see how easy it would be to let life revolve around our family and our children's education. When Jesus gave His great commission, He told His disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations" and that's hard to do if my mind, heart, and prayers do not leave my home. I pray God will give us wisdom and discernment to be about His business in the days to come and involve the kids in His work in our church, community, and around the world in a way that makes faith a living reality and not a theory imbedded in our minds.
As I look back on our educational journey, I can't feel any loss. God had lessons in each of our school choices both for my children and for me. Education is a great influence in their lives, but the gospel is the greatest power there is. The God who made my children and sent His Son to save them is the one directing their life's curriculum, and He can be trusted. I think about Moses, who was rescued from the Nile and spent the formative years of his life at his mother's side, only to then be educated in the royal courts of Egypt. God used his education as he recorded Israel's history and gave them God's laws. Yet Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father, probably received little formal education and spent most of his life under the formative influence of his mother and father. The disciples were unschooled men who spent time with Jesus, and their lives turned the world as we know it upside down. God directs families and individuals in the ways He knows are best. We can trust Him with the education of our children, however He has called!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
cooking around the world: Australia (part 2!)
After trying some Aussie desserts, the crispness of last night seemed like a perfect time for a fall meal. Simple, yet delicious, and the kids enjoyed it more than I thought they might.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1/4 t. salt
2 c. half and half (can substitute evaporated milk if desired)
2 1/2 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1/8 t. cinnamon
2 t. minced parsley
1/3 c. sour cream
Melt butter in saucepan. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft but not brown. Add curry powder and cook 1-2 min. longer.
Place curried onion in a food processor or blender. Add pumpkin and salt and process until smooth. Add half and half and process again until smooth.
Pour pumpkin mixture back into sauce pan and stir in broth. Heat soup slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir cinnamon and minced parsley into the sour cream.
Serve soup steaming hot with a dollop of seasoned sour cream atop each bowl.
Damper
This is a bread used in the Australian bush, simple to make with self-rising flour. Apparently cooks like this flour whether they dwell in the bush or the city!
4 c. self-rising flour
1/2 t. salt (called for 1 t. but this was way too much!)
1 T. butter, softened
1 c. milk
1/2 c. water
Preheat over to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Use a pastry knife to cut in butter until dough has a coarse, crumbly texture. Use hands to make a hole in the center of flour mixture. Pour milk and water into hole and stir until liquid is evenly distributed and dough holds together.
Turn the dough out onto a lighly floured countertop and shape into a round loaf. Place loaf onto lightly greased cookie sheet and use a knife to cut a cross in top of dough. Place dough in over and bake at 425 for 25 min. Lower oven to 350 and bake for 5-10 min. more, until loaf is golden brown and bottom sounds hollow when tapped. (I wish I'd known how to do that, as mine was a bit undercooked!)
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1/4 t. salt
2 c. half and half (can substitute evaporated milk if desired)
2 1/2 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1/8 t. cinnamon
2 t. minced parsley
1/3 c. sour cream
Melt butter in saucepan. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft but not brown. Add curry powder and cook 1-2 min. longer.
Place curried onion in a food processor or blender. Add pumpkin and salt and process until smooth. Add half and half and process again until smooth.
Pour pumpkin mixture back into sauce pan and stir in broth. Heat soup slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir cinnamon and minced parsley into the sour cream.
Serve soup steaming hot with a dollop of seasoned sour cream atop each bowl.
Damper
This is a bread used in the Australian bush, simple to make with self-rising flour. Apparently cooks like this flour whether they dwell in the bush or the city!
4 c. self-rising flour
1/2 t. salt (called for 1 t. but this was way too much!)
1 T. butter, softened
1 c. milk
1/2 c. water
Preheat over to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Use a pastry knife to cut in butter until dough has a coarse, crumbly texture. Use hands to make a hole in the center of flour mixture. Pour milk and water into hole and stir until liquid is evenly distributed and dough holds together.
Turn the dough out onto a lighly floured countertop and shape into a round loaf. Place loaf onto lightly greased cookie sheet and use a knife to cut a cross in top of dough. Place dough in over and bake at 425 for 25 min. Lower oven to 350 and bake for 5-10 min. more, until loaf is golden brown and bottom sounds hollow when tapped. (I wish I'd known how to do that, as mine was a bit undercooked!)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
homemade goldfish crackers
A fellow Feingold mom recently shared this recipe on the member's board. Since these are the only cheese crackers I can find for Josiah, I can only find them online or a Whole Foods, and they cost more than I'd like to pay, it was time to give them a try. They were incredibly easy! I didn't bother with cutting out goldfish shapes, just used a knife or pizza cutter to cut them in squares. The kids raved that these are way better than anything we have ever bought.
Ingredients
8 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
4 Tablespoons Butter, Cut Into Cubes
1 cup Flour
¾ teaspoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Cold Water
Preparation Instructions:
Pulse everything (except water) together in the food processor until the dough resembles coarse sand. Pulse in water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove dough from the processor, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until crispy.
Makes approximately 7 dozen crackers.
Just some notes: I cut down the salt and am going to see how half whole wheat flour tastes. Shh...they'll never know.
Ingredients
8 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
4 Tablespoons Butter, Cut Into Cubes
1 cup Flour
¾ teaspoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Cold Water
Preparation Instructions:
Pulse everything (except water) together in the food processor until the dough resembles coarse sand. Pulse in water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove dough from the processor, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until crispy.
Makes approximately 7 dozen crackers.
Just some notes: I cut down the salt and am going to see how half whole wheat flour tastes. Shh...they'll never know.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Simple Woman's Daybook
I am thinking...that the scope of human suffering since creation is greater than I ever imagined. There are so many people without hope in this world. Why should I be numbered among those who have it?
I am thankful...for our new neighbors. They are a homeschooling family with 4 kids. Who but God can think up things like this?
From the learning rooms...we are leaving Australia soon for New Zealand. This week we added dress ups to our writing. Suddenly and amazingly, the kids thought up a myriad of -ly words and soon were calling me "Mommily." Even Josiah did it, though he hadn't a clue why. We abandoned vocabulary workbooks in favor of vocabulary notebooks. The kids are required to find at least 5 words a day in their reading and then define the words using a dictionary, then choose a special few to use in a sentence. Micah prefers using the book version of a dictionary; Rachel likes to use the one online. I'm praying the one who struggles with vocabulary is learning, and already see progress. Clarinet has been a great switch for Rachel. She sounds better every day.
In the kitchen...as many recipes as I post here, I still feel like I should be cooking more. I'm finding inspiration in scouring cookbooks for ethnic food, so that's a start. Josiah is perpetually hungry so we are using his Judy clock to show him the next time he will be eating. It has helped immensely.
I am going...to have to find some way to keep my kids clothed during growth spurts.
I am wondering...how making such a small commitment to read the Bible together as a family could be such a blessing? This morning Josiah sat and "read" his little picture Bible by himself because he knows his brother and sister read theirs first thing in the morning, too.
I am reading...about the Mongols and Genghis Khan. And finding out how very ignorant I am of the world I live in. It's humbling.
I am hoping...to grow in humility and not get proud about it.
I am looking forward to...a field trip to Shedd Aquarium very soon. The last time we were there, Rachel was still a baby.
Around the house...we are working on replacing broken blinds and outdated curtains. A little at a time so it doesn't add up all at once.
One of my favorite things...is hearing my kids giggle together.
A few plans for the rest of the week: the first Awana for my youngest son. I wasn't going to sign him up but was swayed by the enthusiasm of a friend. And I'm so glad...he already loves learning the verses!
Here is a picture I am sharing of my oldest son being baptized. He has waited a long time for this day and his face was radiant with joy.
Monday, September 12, 2011
oatmeal packets
Oatmeal. Nothing sticks to your ribs quite like it. What a great breakfast for kids who otherwise get hungry, um, about 5 minutes after they are done. These make-ahead packets are healthy and frugal, not to mention yummy! For each, measure dry ingredients into plastic containers or ziplock bags. It makes a huge bowl so I will probably halve the recipe next time around. The varieties are endless, but I can't replicate the tiny eggs hatching into candy dinosaurs that my oldest kids still pine after. Maybe someday I'll add some sprinkles for a special surprise.
Cherries and Cream Oatmeal (otherwise known as Eric's Oatmeal)
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
handful of dried cherries (the original recipe calls for 1/4 c. dried blueberries)
2 t. nonfat milk powder (I used Organic Valley)
1 t. brown sugar
pinch of salt (I leave this out)
Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
1 t. nonfat milk powder
1 t. brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
If desired, you can also add 2 T. chopped pecans.
After cooking, add maple syrup to taste
To prepare packet: Use ziplock bags or small plastic containers and add ingredients. When ready to eat, add 1 1/4 c. boiling water, or 1 c. water and microwave on high for 1 1/2 min. Stir vigorously for 30 sec. Packets can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks.
Cherries and Cream Oatmeal (otherwise known as Eric's Oatmeal)
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
handful of dried cherries (the original recipe calls for 1/4 c. dried blueberries)
2 t. nonfat milk powder (I used Organic Valley)
1 t. brown sugar
pinch of salt (I leave this out)
Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
1 t. nonfat milk powder
1 t. brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
If desired, you can also add 2 T. chopped pecans.
After cooking, add maple syrup to taste
To prepare packet: Use ziplock bags or small plastic containers and add ingredients. When ready to eat, add 1 1/4 c. boiling water, or 1 c. water and microwave on high for 1 1/2 min. Stir vigorously for 30 sec. Packets can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
cooking around the world: Australia (part 1?)
As the kids read about exotic places far from our Midwest town, they are temporarily transported to another culture, climate, and landscape. Why not add to their experience with a little exotic food? Our menu could certainly use the variety! This week they have been studying Australia, the land down under. We've really enjoyed these Australian desserts. And it has made me wonder, do Australians like coconut? Oh, wait a minute...they grow there. I'm so jealous!!
Anzac Biscuits
(Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) which fought in WWI.)
1 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 T. honey
1 1/2 t. baking soda
2 T. boiling water
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Measure oats, coconut, flour, and sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir well. In a small pan over medium-low heat, melt butter or margarine and stir in honey. Place baking soda in a cup or small bowl. Pour boiling water over baking soda and stir to dissolve. Add to melted butter mixture. Pour butter mixture over oat mixture. Mix well. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil (dull side up). Drop teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto sheets. Bake 10-12 min. or until biscuits spread and are evenly browned. Cool on bakin sheet for 1-2 min. Remove with spatula and finish cooling on wire racks.
We cheated and added chocolate chips. Yum!!
Lamingtons
These cakes are name after Baroness Lamington, wife of the governor of an Australian state in the early 1900's. There was a recipe in one of the kids' readers, but I opted to make this one instead. These are soooo delicious!!
Cake:
1 package yellow cake mix
Icing:
3 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
3 T. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. boiling water
3 c. shredded coconut
Bake cake as directed in 9x13 pan. When cake is cool, cut into 12 pieces, about 2 1/2 inches square each. To make icing, combine powdered sugar and cocoa in mixing bowl. Add melted butter and boiling water and mix until smooth. Place coconut in shallow bowl.
Form an assembly line with cakes, icing, and coconut. Using tongs, dip cakes into chocolate and cover all sides. Next, place cake into coconut and roll to cover all sides. Let cool on wire rack and repeat with remaining pieces of cake. When all lamingtons are iced, put in a cool place until the icing hardens.
Anzac Biscuits
(Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) which fought in WWI.)
1 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 T. honey
1 1/2 t. baking soda
2 T. boiling water
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Measure oats, coconut, flour, and sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir well. In a small pan over medium-low heat, melt butter or margarine and stir in honey. Place baking soda in a cup or small bowl. Pour boiling water over baking soda and stir to dissolve. Add to melted butter mixture. Pour butter mixture over oat mixture. Mix well. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil (dull side up). Drop teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto sheets. Bake 10-12 min. or until biscuits spread and are evenly browned. Cool on bakin sheet for 1-2 min. Remove with spatula and finish cooling on wire racks.
We cheated and added chocolate chips. Yum!!
Lamingtons
These cakes are name after Baroness Lamington, wife of the governor of an Australian state in the early 1900's. There was a recipe in one of the kids' readers, but I opted to make this one instead. These are soooo delicious!!
Cake:
1 package yellow cake mix
Icing:
3 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
3 T. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. boiling water
3 c. shredded coconut
Bake cake as directed in 9x13 pan. When cake is cool, cut into 12 pieces, about 2 1/2 inches square each. To make icing, combine powdered sugar and cocoa in mixing bowl. Add melted butter and boiling water and mix until smooth. Place coconut in shallow bowl.
Form an assembly line with cakes, icing, and coconut. Using tongs, dip cakes into chocolate and cover all sides. Next, place cake into coconut and roll to cover all sides. Let cool on wire rack and repeat with remaining pieces of cake. When all lamingtons are iced, put in a cool place until the icing hardens.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
dark chocolate brownies
Brownies, they're not from a mix anymore. It's been ages since we've had them. And yes, I'm doing better with chocolate lately, as long as I'm careful. It's hard to be careful when something tastes this good!!
Brownies
2 c. sugar
1/4 c. dark cocoa
1 c. melted butter or margarine
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
Melt butter over low heat in sauce pan; add cocoa and sugar. Stir together until sugar is melted. Pour into mixing bowl; blend with mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla, flour, and salt; mix well. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and dust with flour. Pour in batter; bake at 350 degrees for 25 min.
Brownies
2 c. sugar
1/4 c. dark cocoa
1 c. melted butter or margarine
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
Melt butter over low heat in sauce pan; add cocoa and sugar. Stir together until sugar is melted. Pour into mixing bowl; blend with mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla, flour, and salt; mix well. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and dust with flour. Pour in batter; bake at 350 degrees for 25 min.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
when you don't know the end of the story
Sometimes our lives take twists and turns that leave us wondering what God is up to. How will it all end? Jacob's story has some insights that can give God's people hope when everything looks hopeless.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
the learning curve
We're roughly 4 weeks into our school year! The transition has gone very smoothly for our family so far, with a few kinks here and there that need to be worked out. Here's a peek into what we're doing:
History/Geography and Reading
I've been intrigued with Sonlight for a long time, mostly because of the strong literature base. A lot of prayer, pouring over the catalog looking at Core F, and ongoing school absences last year combined to finally push me over the edge to homeschool. This Core is best suited for 10-13 year-olds, so we combined Micah and Rachel to do it together. So far we are loving it! The kids have real books for history, geography, and readers that all correlate. They use the World Book Encyclopedia for daily research projects and have a larger project due every couple of weeks for each region they study. We also do daily Read Alouds that correlate to the region we are studying. We do those right after lunch, and they are a great way to start the afternoon together.
Math
This was my biggest dilemma but so far it seems to be working out. Rachel is using Teaching Textbooks for 6th grade, because it's where she placed on their pre-test. This math curriculum is all on the computer; she just listens to a lecture and watches problems being worked on a "legal pad", and then does the assignment, entering all her answers into the computer. There's even a gradebook included! She's stronger in math than I expected, really just needing a bump with math facts practice. I try to work that into our schedule as well.
Micah is using Saxon's 8/7. I had him take a pretest early in the summer and this was where he placed. However, throughout the summer I caught him up on some missing skills and now I think it's a bit on the easy side for him, although it may get harder once we're beyond the first few weeks. We have the DIVE CD to go with it, which has a lecture for each lesson.
Fridays are our business math days. We have loved this, and the kids beg me for time to do more math, even though they generally work on it for an hour. I can't argue with that! We'll probably finish this about mid-year. We've thrown in a Critical Thinking book, too, and may use that more for our Friday math once the business math is completed.
Spanish
We're borrowing a copy of Rosetta Stone, a computer based curriculum that uses immersion to teach foreign language. The kids are enjoying this immensely and try to sneak Spanish into their morning routine even though it's really an afternoon subject. It is fairly easy for them after having Spanish in early elementary school, although I'm noticing the lessons are getting more challenging.
Language Arts
This is my favorite subject area (besides all the reading!), so it was fun to piece together a curriculum for the kids. Again, a friend is letting us borrow a copy of Institute for Excellence in Writing. I love the method of teaching--using excellent writing as a model to learn from, then adding "dress ups" to learn how to play with words. Right now the kids are learning to write key word outlines, and soon we'll be slowly adding in the dress ups. By the end of the year, I'm hoping they can both complete a fairly extensive research project. Micah has already done things like this, but it will be Rachel's first time.
I'm not a fan of DOL (Daily Oral Language) and have chosen the Charlotte Mason method of dictation instead. Why teach children to learn to fix mistakes when instead they can be learning from correct models? Spelling Wisdom is a very helpful resource although certainly not necessary to do dictation. Rachel is in Level 1 and Micah is using Level 3. It takes just a few minutes a day, and is a good way to practice spelling and punctuation with real models.
I've got one student who is not a strong speller, so after finding an inexpensive copy of Sequential Spelling at a homeschool book sale, I've added that to our daily routine. For vocabulary we are using Wordly Wise, but we'll reevaluate after this year to see if it's really sticking with them. It's the most "workbooky" thing in my arsenal. We are using Winston Grammar, too, which has been a lot of fun (for me, at least!) Language Arts is full, but most of these things don't take long and we don't do everything every day.
Science
Here is where I have the most kinks to work out. I thought for sure we'd love Sonlight Science 6, but it has its strengths and weaknesses. The kids are really enjoying Evolution: The Grand Experiment, where they are learning Darwin's theory of evolution in light of current scientific evidence. Yesterday Micah looked up from his book, shaking his head with the thought of hyenas evolving into whales. What we're struggling with is the vocabulary in the book, which is probably just right for Micah but a stretch for Rachel. Sometimes I think she may as well be reading it in Greek. Still, I can tell from our conversations that she's learning, and it will be an excellent reference book for years to come. Looking ahead, there is another core book that doesn't excite me at all (it's just not a good fit right now), so I'm looking to switch to Apologia for our Mon.-Wed. science after the first 9 weeks or so. We already have the 7th grade text for Micah (did I mention I have a friend who is letting us borrow things?) and the elementary books look great. I think we could even get Josiah in on the action. We'll see!
What we do love about science are our Thursday TOPS experiments and the Friday readings. Cool Stuff and How it Works is definitely intriguing. The Young Naturalist sounds like something written just for my kids.
P.E.
My kids had a very strong P.E. teacher in their later elementary years, and his influence is sticking with us. Micah is determined we not skimp on this subject, and I need his inspiration. So far we've been running laps around the basin behind our house (about a half mile, and even Josiah and I run!), biking, and even doing weights and the exercise ball when we have to be indoors. We're toying with the idea of joining a swim and gym class at the Y later in the year. They even have a class for Josiah once he turns 5.
Other subjects
Music has been fun: we are doing an introduction to composers and the instruments of the orchestra, and next will tackle the Classical Music Start Up CD's for a taste of musical compositions through the centuries starting at about 1500. Homeschool band for both kids and piano lessons for Micah round out the music curriculum. For Art we are using Artistic Pursuits 4-6 grade, which is easily adaptable to Micah's grade level. Rachel's working on handwriting; Micah does a typing program on the computer. For Bible we are reading through What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers, an adaptation of Henrietta Mears' book. It fits well with the E100 reading challenge our church is doing right now, and the kids are reading their Bibles first thing every morning. Well, almost every morning. The kids have daily chores to help out around the house. Finally, Micah just joined an 8 week long Toastmasters class with other homeschoolers his age on Thursday nights. There is a strong network here and we're enjoying getting to know people!
We pack a lot into our schedule, but are usually done by mid-afternoon. It's amazing how much can be accomplished in a day! As we ease into this new way of doing things, I'm intrigued by the Charlotte Mason approach and am trying to integrate more of her methods into our homeschool. The atmosphere of our home feels relaxed and full of curiosity. I'm hoping that carries on into the year.
Next up: our youngest student. How do you keep a preschooler busy while the others are doing their work? That is probably my biggest challenge!
History/Geography and Reading
I've been intrigued with Sonlight for a long time, mostly because of the strong literature base. A lot of prayer, pouring over the catalog looking at Core F, and ongoing school absences last year combined to finally push me over the edge to homeschool. This Core is best suited for 10-13 year-olds, so we combined Micah and Rachel to do it together. So far we are loving it! The kids have real books for history, geography, and readers that all correlate. They use the World Book Encyclopedia for daily research projects and have a larger project due every couple of weeks for each region they study. We also do daily Read Alouds that correlate to the region we are studying. We do those right after lunch, and they are a great way to start the afternoon together.
Math
This was my biggest dilemma but so far it seems to be working out. Rachel is using Teaching Textbooks for 6th grade, because it's where she placed on their pre-test. This math curriculum is all on the computer; she just listens to a lecture and watches problems being worked on a "legal pad", and then does the assignment, entering all her answers into the computer. There's even a gradebook included! She's stronger in math than I expected, really just needing a bump with math facts practice. I try to work that into our schedule as well.
Micah is using Saxon's 8/7. I had him take a pretest early in the summer and this was where he placed. However, throughout the summer I caught him up on some missing skills and now I think it's a bit on the easy side for him, although it may get harder once we're beyond the first few weeks. We have the DIVE CD to go with it, which has a lecture for each lesson.
Fridays are our business math days. We have loved this, and the kids beg me for time to do more math, even though they generally work on it for an hour. I can't argue with that! We'll probably finish this about mid-year. We've thrown in a Critical Thinking book, too, and may use that more for our Friday math once the business math is completed.
Spanish
We're borrowing a copy of Rosetta Stone, a computer based curriculum that uses immersion to teach foreign language. The kids are enjoying this immensely and try to sneak Spanish into their morning routine even though it's really an afternoon subject. It is fairly easy for them after having Spanish in early elementary school, although I'm noticing the lessons are getting more challenging.
Language Arts
This is my favorite subject area (besides all the reading!), so it was fun to piece together a curriculum for the kids. Again, a friend is letting us borrow a copy of Institute for Excellence in Writing. I love the method of teaching--using excellent writing as a model to learn from, then adding "dress ups" to learn how to play with words. Right now the kids are learning to write key word outlines, and soon we'll be slowly adding in the dress ups. By the end of the year, I'm hoping they can both complete a fairly extensive research project. Micah has already done things like this, but it will be Rachel's first time.
I'm not a fan of DOL (Daily Oral Language) and have chosen the Charlotte Mason method of dictation instead. Why teach children to learn to fix mistakes when instead they can be learning from correct models? Spelling Wisdom is a very helpful resource although certainly not necessary to do dictation. Rachel is in Level 1 and Micah is using Level 3. It takes just a few minutes a day, and is a good way to practice spelling and punctuation with real models.
I've got one student who is not a strong speller, so after finding an inexpensive copy of Sequential Spelling at a homeschool book sale, I've added that to our daily routine. For vocabulary we are using Wordly Wise, but we'll reevaluate after this year to see if it's really sticking with them. It's the most "workbooky" thing in my arsenal. We are using Winston Grammar, too, which has been a lot of fun (for me, at least!) Language Arts is full, but most of these things don't take long and we don't do everything every day.
Science
Here is where I have the most kinks to work out. I thought for sure we'd love Sonlight Science 6, but it has its strengths and weaknesses. The kids are really enjoying Evolution: The Grand Experiment, where they are learning Darwin's theory of evolution in light of current scientific evidence. Yesterday Micah looked up from his book, shaking his head with the thought of hyenas evolving into whales. What we're struggling with is the vocabulary in the book, which is probably just right for Micah but a stretch for Rachel. Sometimes I think she may as well be reading it in Greek. Still, I can tell from our conversations that she's learning, and it will be an excellent reference book for years to come. Looking ahead, there is another core book that doesn't excite me at all (it's just not a good fit right now), so I'm looking to switch to Apologia for our Mon.-Wed. science after the first 9 weeks or so. We already have the 7th grade text for Micah (did I mention I have a friend who is letting us borrow things?) and the elementary books look great. I think we could even get Josiah in on the action. We'll see!
What we do love about science are our Thursday TOPS experiments and the Friday readings. Cool Stuff and How it Works is definitely intriguing. The Young Naturalist sounds like something written just for my kids.
P.E.
My kids had a very strong P.E. teacher in their later elementary years, and his influence is sticking with us. Micah is determined we not skimp on this subject, and I need his inspiration. So far we've been running laps around the basin behind our house (about a half mile, and even Josiah and I run!), biking, and even doing weights and the exercise ball when we have to be indoors. We're toying with the idea of joining a swim and gym class at the Y later in the year. They even have a class for Josiah once he turns 5.
Other subjects
Music has been fun: we are doing an introduction to composers and the instruments of the orchestra, and next will tackle the Classical Music Start Up CD's for a taste of musical compositions through the centuries starting at about 1500. Homeschool band for both kids and piano lessons for Micah round out the music curriculum. For Art we are using Artistic Pursuits 4-6 grade, which is easily adaptable to Micah's grade level. Rachel's working on handwriting; Micah does a typing program on the computer. For Bible we are reading through What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers, an adaptation of Henrietta Mears' book. It fits well with the E100 reading challenge our church is doing right now, and the kids are reading their Bibles first thing every morning. Well, almost every morning. The kids have daily chores to help out around the house. Finally, Micah just joined an 8 week long Toastmasters class with other homeschoolers his age on Thursday nights. There is a strong network here and we're enjoying getting to know people!
We pack a lot into our schedule, but are usually done by mid-afternoon. It's amazing how much can be accomplished in a day! As we ease into this new way of doing things, I'm intrigued by the Charlotte Mason approach and am trying to integrate more of her methods into our homeschool. The atmosphere of our home feels relaxed and full of curiosity. I'm hoping that carries on into the year.
Next up: our youngest student. How do you keep a preschooler busy while the others are doing their work? That is probably my biggest challenge!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Turkey Run!
This was the trip that almost didn't happen. An infected spider bite left me with a swollen foot that needed to be elevated and watched closely. We even cancelled our reservations, but when an antibiotic began to quickly help my symptoms I called back and found we could still get our cabin. My foot felt better just in time for miles of hiking!!
Our terrific trio, who all love to hike now.
Is it possible to have swarms of hummingbirds? If so, that's what we saw. There were usually about 10 at a time trying to land on this feeder.
Observing honeybees...this counts as a field trip, right? There was a free planetarium show, too!
When I scoured the maps to see where to hike, I was looking for moderate trails. However, try as we could to find trail 10, we ended up on 3, which is rugged. I protected my foot, but everyone else got theirs wet. (Now we know why they sell socks at the gift shop!) Eric had to carry Josiah on his back across the water here. The trail was tough, be we were rewarded with beautiful scenery and plenty of adventure, including a glimpse at a salamander.
Stopping for a snack and drink break is vital!
Looking out over Camel's Back.
Eating supper on the deck behind our cabin. Eric said this is the only way he ever wants to camp.
Behind the cabin...gorgeous...I mean, a gorge. We fell asleep to the sound of the crickets.
I had to keep reminding myself that most kids were in school. We had the trails, the pool, the whole park almost to ourselves. Homeschooling has its perks. Remind me of that come January, please!!
He conquered it! While I spent most of my time looking for the easiest route, Micah spent most of his time making us nervous by finding the most dangerous one.
And speaking of dangerous, we thought once we'd tried one rugged trail, we were good for any of them.
No fear here. Gotta love these kids.
Can you see the trail? Me neither, but it's there. I kept a death grip on Josiah's hand and reminded everyone to look up from time to time to see the beauty. This was Gypsy Gulch.
Our destination: a covered bridge. "Cross at a walk." That meant the horses, and four-year-olds, of course.
I hoped Eric had a death grip on him this time!
When we got home, my dear, dear daughter who used to complain every time we hiked said she missed Turkey Run and loved the adventure. It's only 2 hours away across the border in Indiana. I'm sure we'll go back!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
cooking around the world: a Hawaiian Luau
For the first few weeks of school, we set sail for Oceania. Rachel, our favorite cook, came up with these recipes for our family to try. We're holding on to a couple for a luau themed birthday party in January, but everything here was absolutely delicious. The recipe commentary is not mine unless in italics, by the way!
Beefy Chili and Rice Hawaiian Style
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 can (7oz) diced green chilies
1 large onion, chopped or diced
1 large bell pepper, chopped or diced
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed, diced, chopped, however you like them
2 pkgs chili mix
{Or to make your own, use the following spices: Chili powder, cayenne, cumin, paprika, salt,
Pepper, sage & basil. I can't tell you proportions, 'cause I just shake out spice until it 'tastes right'}
1 can (32 oz?) crushed or whole tomatoes
Directions
Get a big pot (Dutch oven should be right size).
Brown beef & sausage (do the pork first!). After it's all browned, add the chili mix/spices (for extra-hot, add more cayenne & a few dashes of Tabasco sauce). Use butter or margarine for browning, NOT OIL!
In separate pan, sauté green chilies, onion, bell pepper & garlic in butter or margarine. (do the bell peppers first for about 3 mins) Add sautéed stuff to the pot with the meat. Add the rest of the ingredients (don't drain out the beans!). Simmer for 3-4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. If the chili is too 'wet', add masa flour or some cornstarch to thicken it up.
Make da rice (you know how!) Put da chili on top da rice & eat 'em up!
Sweet Mango Loaf
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 chopped ripe mangos
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Pour into greased pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for one hour. Cool for 20 minutes.
Hawaiian Banana Pie
It's not your mom's Banana Cream Pie but this Hawaiian Banana Pie is even better with real slices of banana and tasty Guava nector. It's a very authentic dish to try out at your next Hawaiian Luau.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sliced bananas
1 1/4 cups guava nectar (we had to substitute a tropical juice that had guava as one of the top ingredients, pineapple juice would work well, too)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
baked pie shell (I made a graham cracker crust.)
Directions:
Combine guava nectar, lemon juice, sugar and salt. Bring to boil over low heat. Mix cornstarch and water to a smooth paste and stir into mixture. Stir until thickened and clear. Cool. Combine with bananas and pour into baked pie shell. Serve with whipped cream.
Chocolate Fruit Kabobs
A yummy dish for the kids at your Hawaiian party. You'll have to keep an eye on the kids to make sure they don't start poking each other with the skewers. However, this is a fun and easy dessert for that next party.
Ingredients:
10 bananas
10 flat wood skewers
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
3 tablespoons shortening
Directions:
Peel and cut a small piece off the tip of each banana; insert skewers into cut ends. Place in freezer for 3 hours or longer until frozen. Just before serving, put chocolate and shortening into small mixing bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 2 1/2-4 minutes or until most pieces oare shiny and soft; mix well. Immediately dip bananas into chocolate, turning as necessary until bananas are coated. After serving, wrap and freeze any remaining coated bananas. Makes 10 servings.
Cranberry Pop Punch
A party calls for a zesty drink with some kick to it. This Cranberry Pop Punch is that drink and it will certainly add some spice to your next party event.
Ingredients:
1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
2 liters lemon-lime soda
1 bottle sparkling mineral water
1 pkg. frozen raspberries
Directions:
You know how to mix.
Beefy Chili and Rice Hawaiian Style
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 can (7oz) diced green chilies
1 large onion, chopped or diced
1 large bell pepper, chopped or diced
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed, diced, chopped, however you like them
2 pkgs chili mix
{Or to make your own, use the following spices: Chili powder, cayenne, cumin, paprika, salt,
Pepper, sage & basil. I can't tell you proportions, 'cause I just shake out spice until it 'tastes right'}
1 can (32 oz?) crushed or whole tomatoes
Directions
Get a big pot (Dutch oven should be right size).
Brown beef & sausage (do the pork first!). After it's all browned, add the chili mix/spices (for extra-hot, add more cayenne & a few dashes of Tabasco sauce). Use butter or margarine for browning, NOT OIL!
In separate pan, sauté green chilies, onion, bell pepper & garlic in butter or margarine. (do the bell peppers first for about 3 mins) Add sautéed stuff to the pot with the meat. Add the rest of the ingredients (don't drain out the beans!). Simmer for 3-4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. If the chili is too 'wet', add masa flour or some cornstarch to thicken it up.
Make da rice (you know how!) Put da chili on top da rice & eat 'em up!
Sweet Mango Loaf
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 chopped ripe mangos
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Pour into greased pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for one hour. Cool for 20 minutes.
Hawaiian Banana Pie
It's not your mom's Banana Cream Pie but this Hawaiian Banana Pie is even better with real slices of banana and tasty Guava nector. It's a very authentic dish to try out at your next Hawaiian Luau.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sliced bananas
1 1/4 cups guava nectar (we had to substitute a tropical juice that had guava as one of the top ingredients, pineapple juice would work well, too)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
baked pie shell (I made a graham cracker crust.)
Directions:
Combine guava nectar, lemon juice, sugar and salt. Bring to boil over low heat. Mix cornstarch and water to a smooth paste and stir into mixture. Stir until thickened and clear. Cool. Combine with bananas and pour into baked pie shell. Serve with whipped cream.
Chocolate Fruit Kabobs
A yummy dish for the kids at your Hawaiian party. You'll have to keep an eye on the kids to make sure they don't start poking each other with the skewers. However, this is a fun and easy dessert for that next party.
Ingredients:
10 bananas
10 flat wood skewers
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
3 tablespoons shortening
Directions:
Peel and cut a small piece off the tip of each banana; insert skewers into cut ends. Place in freezer for 3 hours or longer until frozen. Just before serving, put chocolate and shortening into small mixing bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 2 1/2-4 minutes or until most pieces oare shiny and soft; mix well. Immediately dip bananas into chocolate, turning as necessary until bananas are coated. After serving, wrap and freeze any remaining coated bananas. Makes 10 servings.
Cranberry Pop Punch
A party calls for a zesty drink with some kick to it. This Cranberry Pop Punch is that drink and it will certainly add some spice to your next party event.
Ingredients:
1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
2 liters lemon-lime soda
1 bottle sparkling mineral water
1 pkg. frozen raspberries
Directions:
You know how to mix.
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