The week started out badly. I was at work Sunday evening, when I got an emergency call from M. The kids were watching The Karate Kid (new version), and Cyrus had a butter knife in one hand (for what reason I do not know). He was acting out some of the moves, and Cassia stepped up to him, and into the path of the butter knife. It missed her eye by a quarter of an inch, instead hitting the inner corner just at the side of the nose, slicing/impact cutting it to the bone. She bled copiously, and Cyrus hid in his room, crying deperately, and sure he had blinded his sister. Thankfully, we got the bleeding stopped, and the only marks now are a small linear scab and a colorful black eye. I can't imagine what would have happened if the knife had hit her eye! The kids did learn that butter knives are better kept in the kitchen.
Tuesday was another challenging day, as I taught my first 4H class in science. We covered states of matter, including density, air weight, etc., with over 20 small children. Talk about chaos! I have some ideas already for the next meeting (late November) to make things go more smoothly. Despite the hectic atmosphere, we had a lot of fun, and I left feeling like I was on Cloud Nine! Teaching science is indeed where I think I should be as a teacher (besides homeschooling, that is). I did get a lot of parent help, which was all that made the whole thing possible, since we had three stations with five projects going on simultaneously!
Besides all that, my semester is passing quickly. I have a Powerpoint presentation due on Wednesday, in conjunction with 2 other students who were supposed to have emailed me their notes/presentation points by today so that I could finish the Powerpoint itself. Do I have the notes? Nope. I also have a "midterm meeting" with one teacher on Monday that I am not looking forward to. I do have some issues with this particular professor, as she is not clear about expectations until after the fact, and there is a lot of homework each week. Uuuuggggghhhhh. M also had his midterm, and several assignments to complete by tomorrow night. I had another paper due in my child health and safety class, a short paper due Monday, and all the other bits and pieces I have to complete by Sunday midnight.
We're also dealing with health issues with Cyrus, who may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The RN said there's no real cause, it just happens to some people. Anyhow, it means a lot of stomach (colon actually) pain and cramping. So we're currently treating it as the RN suggested, with probiotics, a fiber supplement, and peppermint/chamomile tea... we chose Tummy Mint from Celestial Seasonings. I had a friend recommend digestive enzymes as well. I'm still doing research on it, and trying to figure out where to go from here. He's had less pain in the last couple of days thankfully.
And then this week, our entire homeschool association board, including myself, resigned in one fell swoop. And announced it officially on Friday morning. The fallout has been better than expected. A few people did complain, one threatened to launch her own board, but most have been supportive. There were a lot of issues leading up to this move... lack of general participation in event planning and board meetings (by the group, not the board members), insurance liability, and so forth. The bottom line is that the group will continue on basically unchanged. They don't really need a board since the Yahoo! group presence is so strong. But, until we got through yesterday, there was a lot of tension and worry in what we were doing.
Homeschooling has kind of fallen by the wayside this week. Honestly, with everything else going on, I'm surprised we got anything done at all. We did read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (an illustrated, child-friendly version). We watched a history documentary on Halloween. The kids did the science projects on Tuesday, after helping me do all the prep work at home and the set-up at the 4H center. They've played Solitaire, Go Fish, and War most days. Cassia tried, and loved, her new ballet class, and Cyrus got back to fencing after a two week absence. They've watched episodes of Head Rush, and colored in their human anatomy coloring books. At this moment, Cyrus is restarting our project from The Body Book, and is planning to complete the entire project, which means we will have a super cool paper model of the human body. I guess it was a good week for child led learning if nothing else!
I am trying to get ahead for next week. I do want to try Time Travelers New World Explorers with the kids, so I got all the paper and other supplies to get going. I downloaded Math Mammoth's full curriculum worktexts to try versus the single subject downloads I already have. I have Viking resources ready at hand, since they were some of the first explorers we'll study, including a fantastic book on Viking crafts, a book of Norse mythology, and Leif the Lucky. I also have lots of gorgeous books on celestial bodies to aid in our space studies (the first part of Dr. Q's Earth science). Now I just have to do some printing and organizing.
We're definately ready for Halloween. We have made our jack o' lanterns, and the kids have their costumes ready. I do work tomorrow, but am off in time to take the kids out trick or treating. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Some Pictures...
The top few pictures are from our recent beach trip, but this one is my "self portrait" from a college class.Discussing homeschooling...
I am taking, for my credentialing, a class in Schools & Society that is actually pretty interesting! We've gotten to watch a really interesting documentary on the history of education in America, had some good discussions, and read some interesting books. Today, in our continued journey through methods of education, the professor wanted to discuss alternatoves such as charter schools and... you guessed it... homeschooling! She asked if anyone in the class knew anyone that had been homeschooled, and two thirds of the class raised their hands, including me. And of course, before I could stop myself, I blurted out that I do homeschool my kids. She immediately asked me if I would mind getting up and talking in front of the class about it, just sharing the whys and hows we do it. I did so, and found that by sharing, it opened up a great discussion. Turns out another woman, who I've chatted with a few times, homeschooled her kids too, since they were a military family and her daughter had been to 5 schools in 5 years. Her daughter, homeschooled from 5th grade on, went to a local community college at 16, graduated with an Associate's Degree at 19, and is working on a Bachelor's degree, double major, at a UC now.
Anyhow, it was kind of neat. My heart was pounding, as I am not the best public speaker, but the resulting class discussion was definately worthwhile. There was one other woman that had tried homeschooling her children too, but stopped after a year because she was worried about socialization (you can read more about my views on socialization here). We talked about methods, socialization (of course), legal stuff, and more.
And in other news, we currently have no vehicle, which is making life interesting. I was driving Cassia to her new ballet school for a trial lesson, and the engine started shaking every time the truck was at an idle. Suddenly, the temperature gauge shot waaaay up, and smoke started pouring from the exhaust pipe. SCARY! Ended up having it towed home, and no, I don't know yet what's wrong with it. I don't have the money to fix it at the moment either, though my BIL may help with that. In the meantime, lots of bike riding, walking, and buses. Which Cyrus loves. He's been trying, for a year or so now, to get us to have a car-free week. We're almost there! I did borrow my sister's car today to drive out to a friend's house for a homeschool group business meeting, but besides that I haven't driven in a couple of days. I don't miss it as much as I thought I would... yet. I know that time will come! We're are likely going to have to miss a 4H project this week, because it is being held out at the coast.
Other than that, all is well. I talked with a teacher this week and found out that once I have my multiple subject credential, it is only a matter of one more test and one more class to get a single subject as well. I also plan on taking a intensive two week course over the next summer that gives me a "foundational level science credential", allowing me to teach any basic science class for grades K-12. I could totally see myself teaching science (on a part-time basis), more so than teaching (full-time) in an elementary classroom. So that's my plan. I do want all the (three?) credentials because that gives me a better chance of employment in the future. And, for me, the multiple subject one is easier to get as I can do it online through the CalState TEACH program. No classes to attend! (Besides a couple per semester). I also want to take a few science classes, various disciplines but mostly biology, to brush up on things, but I can do that at the very local community/junior college.
I had truthfully gotten a bit down about my future, and all the education I still have looming on the horizon. I thought to get a single subject in science, with an emphasis on biology, that I had a LOT more school left than I really do. And as I mentioned above, having more than one form of credential makes me more employable. I am thrilled that I get to take some science classes, probably even only one a semester... I love science. I may even eventually get a Master's, but that's some way in the future! Anyhow, science teachers are becoming very in demand, so I feel good about that, and for the first time since last spring, I feel excited again!
Oh, and yes, we've been doing some homeschooling too. Bits and pieces here and there, but we're getting it done!
Anyhow, it was kind of neat. My heart was pounding, as I am not the best public speaker, but the resulting class discussion was definately worthwhile. There was one other woman that had tried homeschooling her children too, but stopped after a year because she was worried about socialization (you can read more about my views on socialization here). We talked about methods, socialization (of course), legal stuff, and more.
And in other news, we currently have no vehicle, which is making life interesting. I was driving Cassia to her new ballet school for a trial lesson, and the engine started shaking every time the truck was at an idle. Suddenly, the temperature gauge shot waaaay up, and smoke started pouring from the exhaust pipe. SCARY! Ended up having it towed home, and no, I don't know yet what's wrong with it. I don't have the money to fix it at the moment either, though my BIL may help with that. In the meantime, lots of bike riding, walking, and buses. Which Cyrus loves. He's been trying, for a year or so now, to get us to have a car-free week. We're almost there! I did borrow my sister's car today to drive out to a friend's house for a homeschool group business meeting, but besides that I haven't driven in a couple of days. I don't miss it as much as I thought I would... yet. I know that time will come! We're are likely going to have to miss a 4H project this week, because it is being held out at the coast.
Other than that, all is well. I talked with a teacher this week and found out that once I have my multiple subject credential, it is only a matter of one more test and one more class to get a single subject as well. I also plan on taking a intensive two week course over the next summer that gives me a "foundational level science credential", allowing me to teach any basic science class for grades K-12. I could totally see myself teaching science (on a part-time basis), more so than teaching (full-time) in an elementary classroom. So that's my plan. I do want all the (three?) credentials because that gives me a better chance of employment in the future. And, for me, the multiple subject one is easier to get as I can do it online through the CalState TEACH program. No classes to attend! (Besides a couple per semester). I also want to take a few science classes, various disciplines but mostly biology, to brush up on things, but I can do that at the very local community/junior college.
I had truthfully gotten a bit down about my future, and all the education I still have looming on the horizon. I thought to get a single subject in science, with an emphasis on biology, that I had a LOT more school left than I really do. And as I mentioned above, having more than one form of credential makes me more employable. I am thrilled that I get to take some science classes, probably even only one a semester... I love science. I may even eventually get a Master's, but that's some way in the future! Anyhow, science teachers are becoming very in demand, so I feel good about that, and for the first time since last spring, I feel excited again!
Oh, and yes, we've been doing some homeschooling too. Bits and pieces here and there, but we're getting it done!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Learning...
Can you believe our first day of "school" was back in September, and we still haven't managed to nail down what historical time period we're focusing on?
As far as nature studies, I came across this great Cornell University opportunity on a mailing list. I plan to order our kit in the next few days. We have a couple of bird feeders, and an active local bird population. The kids are really excited about this!
I also decided we're not nearly focused enough for an "artist of the month" or "composer of the month". Instead I'm thinking quarterly? I hope to take the kids to see a nearby Van Gogh exhibit and I just came across a possible Beethoven resource.
As far as what we've done this last week...
Both kids love, love, love Math Mammoth. While Saxon works, they often complained and dreaded it. Cyrus loves that he can do it himself, as the instructions are written to the child. Cassia likes how clear her goals are with it.
Cyrus did the first lesson in Intermediate Language Lessons, and did well. His only trouble was in telling the story back to me (verbally, not written). He was afraid he needed to instantly memorize it, but once he got the idea that it was more a summary/retelling, he did well.
Cassia worked a lot on Starfall again this week. I gave her a list to work through, of all the letter sounds we're currently using in The Reading Lesson. When she focuses, I can see her building reading skills.
Both completed lesson/chapter 2 in Grammar Land, learning about "Little Article". We also read a bit about the Aztecs, Incans and Mayans. We made really neat boxes, out of playing cards, at 4H (arts and crafts), and participated in the regular community meeting there as well. Cyrus did very well with presenting our community service project, and they got their pins and stripes! They were beaming with pride, and I'm sure I was too!
Besides the official learning, we've been: cooking together; playing a lot of Monopoly, alternating the kids as bankers; playing War, Go Fish, and Solitaire (which my mom taught them); reading; finishing the Coraline audio book (we're getting in a hurry to start the second Harry Potter one); and the kids have spent a couple of hours every late afternoon/early evening riding bikes up and down the sidewalks and any empty driveways with the friendly boy across the street. Cassia was running at one point (she's still a bit unsure on her bike) and fell, grazing her chin. No tears, just a quick clean up and she was good to go! And today we went out to the coast to collect mussells for dinner. The tide wasn't as low as we hoped, but we climbed lots of rocks, got splashed, and just had a yummy meal back at home. Of course, losing my keys out there was NOT fun. Thankfully, we had come in two vehicles, so my good friend W drove me home to pick up the spare set, and then I drove back. Phew!
Tomorrow it is back to work--time and a third pay on Sundays--and back to homework. Hope you all have a good week! I'll share some beach pics later in the week, maybe for a Wordless Wednesday?
As far as nature studies, I came across this great Cornell University opportunity on a mailing list. I plan to order our kit in the next few days. We have a couple of bird feeders, and an active local bird population. The kids are really excited about this!
I also decided we're not nearly focused enough for an "artist of the month" or "composer of the month". Instead I'm thinking quarterly? I hope to take the kids to see a nearby Van Gogh exhibit and I just came across a possible Beethoven resource.
As far as what we've done this last week...
Both kids love, love, love Math Mammoth. While Saxon works, they often complained and dreaded it. Cyrus loves that he can do it himself, as the instructions are written to the child. Cassia likes how clear her goals are with it.
Cyrus did the first lesson in Intermediate Language Lessons, and did well. His only trouble was in telling the story back to me (verbally, not written). He was afraid he needed to instantly memorize it, but once he got the idea that it was more a summary/retelling, he did well.
Cassia worked a lot on Starfall again this week. I gave her a list to work through, of all the letter sounds we're currently using in The Reading Lesson. When she focuses, I can see her building reading skills.
Both completed lesson/chapter 2 in Grammar Land, learning about "Little Article". We also read a bit about the Aztecs, Incans and Mayans. We made really neat boxes, out of playing cards, at 4H (arts and crafts), and participated in the regular community meeting there as well. Cyrus did very well with presenting our community service project, and they got their pins and stripes! They were beaming with pride, and I'm sure I was too!
Besides the official learning, we've been: cooking together; playing a lot of Monopoly, alternating the kids as bankers; playing War, Go Fish, and Solitaire (which my mom taught them); reading; finishing the Coraline audio book (we're getting in a hurry to start the second Harry Potter one); and the kids have spent a couple of hours every late afternoon/early evening riding bikes up and down the sidewalks and any empty driveways with the friendly boy across the street. Cassia was running at one point (she's still a bit unsure on her bike) and fell, grazing her chin. No tears, just a quick clean up and she was good to go! And today we went out to the coast to collect mussells for dinner. The tide wasn't as low as we hoped, but we climbed lots of rocks, got splashed, and just had a yummy meal back at home. Of course, losing my keys out there was NOT fun. Thankfully, we had come in two vehicles, so my good friend W drove me home to pick up the spare set, and then I drove back. Phew!
Tomorrow it is back to work--time and a third pay on Sundays--and back to homework. Hope you all have a good week! I'll share some beach pics later in the week, maybe for a Wordless Wednesday?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Musings...
I think, if you haven't already, that you should visit my friend Jessica's beautiful blog, and read her thought provoking essays under the Clarity tab (or by following my provided link!). She really sums up many of the feelings I have been having about homeschooling lately.
I'll make a confession... while I had loads of plans for this year, we haven't been getting to much of it... there are too many other things to do! But, I can't say I've noticed any downside to not doing it. My kids still seem to be thriving, and are enjoying the time to follow their own interests. In that light, I've deleted my curriculum page, and replaced it with a page on educational goals. I find that what we end up using does not always follow what I had planned, there are too many rabbit trails! For example, I had books all planned for Cyrus to read this year, but instead he picked up my very battered childhood copy of The Wizard of Oz, and read 6 chapters in the last two days. I can't tell him no, that's not the right book!
There are things we are using regularly right now that we're enjoying, and learning from. Among these are Grammar Land: Or Grammar in Fun for the Children of Schoolroom-Shire... and yes, after the first chapter both kids can tell you what a proper versus common noun means. And we're giving Math Mammoth a try, using the Blue Series so we can focus on particular topics. Right now they're on the couch together being fascinated by a pile of old ZooBooks my mom's neighbor (a former homeschooler!) gave them. We pile up in the chair-and-a-half a lot for reading... last night they really enjoyed Sir Cumference and the First Round Table. And they do enjoy Mr Q's Earth Science!
There are other topics I would like to explore with them... I recently came across the author David M. Carroll, and I could see us really enjoying some of his books. I would love to find a good, narrative version of American history for them... I keep considering Hakim's History of US, or Mara Pratt's (much older) American History Stories. But I am never quite satisfied with them. Any suggestions? I think the kids would enjoy the Story of Science (also Hakim). And I know we like A Little History of the World, so I may read that to them in another year. In addition to all the reading, Cyrus would love to try lapbooking. He has a number of books with flaps, envelopes, and so forth, and loves them. Making one for himself would be a great experience, so we'll definately give that a try, but instead of assigning a subject about which he is to make the lapbook, I plan to let him decide. Or maybe I'll finally put that copy of New World Explorers into use!
Other than all that, I am enjoying the last few days of my two week break from work. I can't say it will be easy going back either! I also came to the conclusion that although it will take an extra semester, I will apply for the online credentialing program. I can't see working, going to class a few days a week, homeschooling, AND volunteering 6 hours a week in a school (part of credentialing). That would be too much, even for me! ;) Instead, with the online credentialing, I only have to go to a class a couple of times a semester (maybe only once?), and the rest is self-paced to a point. I can do that!
Edited to add: Had a great moment recently. I filed our Private School Affidavit (one of the legal homeschooling options in California), and it felt fantastic! I'll admit, I felt nervous doing it... was I doing it right? Would they come after me for mistakes? But overall, it was a very good feeling. I did go back right before submitting it, to make one last change, changing my kids from second and fourth graders to ungraded elementary. I'm such a geek, to get so excited about doing something that a number of my friends have been doing for years!
I'll make a confession... while I had loads of plans for this year, we haven't been getting to much of it... there are too many other things to do! But, I can't say I've noticed any downside to not doing it. My kids still seem to be thriving, and are enjoying the time to follow their own interests. In that light, I've deleted my curriculum page, and replaced it with a page on educational goals. I find that what we end up using does not always follow what I had planned, there are too many rabbit trails! For example, I had books all planned for Cyrus to read this year, but instead he picked up my very battered childhood copy of The Wizard of Oz, and read 6 chapters in the last two days. I can't tell him no, that's not the right book!
There are things we are using regularly right now that we're enjoying, and learning from. Among these are Grammar Land: Or Grammar in Fun for the Children of Schoolroom-Shire... and yes, after the first chapter both kids can tell you what a proper versus common noun means. And we're giving Math Mammoth a try, using the Blue Series so we can focus on particular topics. Right now they're on the couch together being fascinated by a pile of old ZooBooks my mom's neighbor (a former homeschooler!) gave them. We pile up in the chair-and-a-half a lot for reading... last night they really enjoyed Sir Cumference and the First Round Table. And they do enjoy Mr Q's Earth Science!
There are other topics I would like to explore with them... I recently came across the author David M. Carroll, and I could see us really enjoying some of his books. I would love to find a good, narrative version of American history for them... I keep considering Hakim's History of US, or Mara Pratt's (much older) American History Stories. But I am never quite satisfied with them. Any suggestions? I think the kids would enjoy the Story of Science (also Hakim). And I know we like A Little History of the World, so I may read that to them in another year. In addition to all the reading, Cyrus would love to try lapbooking. He has a number of books with flaps, envelopes, and so forth, and loves them. Making one for himself would be a great experience, so we'll definately give that a try, but instead of assigning a subject about which he is to make the lapbook, I plan to let him decide. Or maybe I'll finally put that copy of New World Explorers into use!
Other than all that, I am enjoying the last few days of my two week break from work. I can't say it will be easy going back either! I also came to the conclusion that although it will take an extra semester, I will apply for the online credentialing program. I can't see working, going to class a few days a week, homeschooling, AND volunteering 6 hours a week in a school (part of credentialing). That would be too much, even for me! ;) Instead, with the online credentialing, I only have to go to a class a couple of times a semester (maybe only once?), and the rest is self-paced to a point. I can do that!
Edited to add: Had a great moment recently. I filed our Private School Affidavit (one of the legal homeschooling options in California), and it felt fantastic! I'll admit, I felt nervous doing it... was I doing it right? Would they come after me for mistakes? But overall, it was a very good feeling. I did go back right before submitting it, to make one last change, changing my kids from second and fourth graders to ungraded elementary. I'm such a geek, to get so excited about doing something that a number of my friends have been doing for years!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Our vacation...
For our mini-vacation (4 days) we went to the Pinnacles National Monument, stopping by the Mission San Juan Bautista along the way... We had loads of fun camping, despite the yellow jackets and flies, and the heat. We saw tarantulas, condors, blue jays, squirrels, coyote scat, pigs' digging areas, cool volcanic rock formations, caves (we climbed all over the place in those) and more! The kids both earned Junior Ranger badges by completing workbooks back at camp. Because they completed all the activities, learning about local plants, Native Americans, geology, and wildlife, the ranger bumped both up a level, making them Condors instead of Coyotes!
Outside the old Mission church
Inside
Peering into the Mission kitchen
Back inside the church
On the trail
The rocks at Pinnacles
Inside the caves
Condors resting on the rocks (you can just barely see them on the middle rock)
A narrow passage along the trail
Inside another cave
Finding our way through the depths
The resevoir
A furry friend (?)
Outside the old Mission church
Inside
Peering into the Mission kitchen
Back inside the church
On the trail
The rocks at Pinnacles
Inside the caves
Condors resting on the rocks (you can just barely see them on the middle rock)
A narrow passage along the trail
Inside another cave
Finding our way through the depths
The resevoir
A furry friend (?)