Okay, so we've learned some surprising (to me/us, anyway), about chickens, and I thought I'd share.
1. Chickens are a great form of entertainment. If you had asked me years ago if I would ever enjoy watching chickens, I would have told you you were insane. (And maybe you are, but who am I to judge?) But nowadays I find myself spending hours sitting on a bench outside their coop, watching their antics. They are seriously better than tv! I don't spend hours every day, and by hours, I really mean an hour or two, usually with other people viewing with me, but still! They are interesting little buggers. Especially when they are being treated to a new food. If you have chickens, you know what I'm talking about, and if you don't... well, you won't understand. :)
2. Chickens are scared little wimps. Yes, they are. I understand now why people who are scared are called "chickens." They run away and chirp in fright every time I walk in their coop, even though they should know I've never hurt them and that I bring food and water. Once we're in there, they become friendly and less scared (they will come to the kids to be held and even ride around on their shoulders.) But they really are wimpy.
3. Chickens chirp without opening their mouths. Call me dumb, and yes, it physiologically makes sense, but I didn't know this. I'll bet some of you didn't, either, right?? It's pretty cute, actually. They'll come right up to the fence and chirp at you, but it doesn't look like they're talking. Weird.
4. Chickens drink a lot of water. No brainer? Maybe. But I am amazed at how much water. I guess they actually drink 2 1/2 times the amount they eat. We are constantly refilling their water. (The way they drink is really cute, too.) Do they make Gatorade for thirsty chickens?
5. Chickens are like pigs. They make a lot of mud. They eat everything in sight. And they never seem to stop eating. Seriously.
6. Chickens are like sheep. They follow the leader, and don't seem to think for themselves. If we want them to try something new (a new perch, a new food, a new water container...), we have to bring one chicken to the new item first, then the others will soon follow suit. I didn't know this about chickens.
7. It's impossible to keep grass in the chicken run. We have an outdoor section for the chickens, and the whole thing is down to bare ground. They even dig up the roots. (See #5, above.) We have to import green stuff for them to eat from other parts of the yard. (Can't let them totally free range because of the dogs and hawks and stray cats...) This gives us a great means of disposal for all the clippings around the yard, though. The chickens get so excited when they have more green stuff to eat, and feeding them lots of greens is supposed to help make their yolks yummier, too.
This list is just the "chicken behavior" kind of stuff we've learned through observation. We've learned a great deal more, too, about raising hens, building coops, food choices, egg yolks, etc.
Our girls haven't started laying eggs yet, as they are too young, but I'm excited for when they do. My kids love eggs, and I've learned that farm fresh eggs are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, higher in beta carotene and vitamins A and E, more Omega 3's, and deeper colored yolks that taste great! Can't ask for better than that.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Raising Frog Eggs
I mentioned in the last blog about how we captured some frog eggs from the pond. I may be even more excited about this than my kids!
At first, when we were exploring the pond, I noticed the small black eggs in the gelatinous blob, but didn't know exactly what they were. Luckily I had brought a book about pond life with us, and the book had pictures of frog eggs. We decided to take a few eggs (they lay about 3,000, so I thought it would be okay to borrow some for our own scientific observation...), so we scooped them into our specimen containers and brought them back to the classroom. That night (Wed. 6/17), I googled "frog eggs" and learned, with the kids, about how to best care for them, and what to expect.
When we got to class the next day (nature camp at the rec. dept.), the eggs had changed shapes (from round to oblong). Through the magnifier, the eggs were the shape of goldfish crackers. So cool! Thursday was the last day of camp, so we brought the containers of eggs home with us, along with a larger container filled with pond water and some plant life for the future tadpoles to eat.
We've had so much fun watching the eggs change, waiting with great anticipation for them to hatch. Yesterday morning we finally woke to little tadpoles swimming around the tank! There are many of them, so we'll have to put most of them back in the pond sooner than later (you're only supposed to have 6 to a gallon of water, and right now there are over 50...oops!) Raina and Tyler are camping with their father, but Jason and I put a lily pad in the tank with them, and they promptly attached themselves to the food source.
This is one of those life experiences that I really want my kids to have, and I'm thrilled that we happened upon the opportunity. Watching tadpoles turn into frogs is an educational and interesting way to pass the time. Who needs tv when we have a tank full of little emerging life to marvel at?
And don't worry- the kids all know that when the metamorphosis is complete, the frogs will have to go back to their home in their native pond. We're just helping increase the odds that they'll survive the journey, while enriching our minds in the process. :)
At first, when we were exploring the pond, I noticed the small black eggs in the gelatinous blob, but didn't know exactly what they were. Luckily I had brought a book about pond life with us, and the book had pictures of frog eggs. We decided to take a few eggs (they lay about 3,000, so I thought it would be okay to borrow some for our own scientific observation...), so we scooped them into our specimen containers and brought them back to the classroom. That night (Wed. 6/17), I googled "frog eggs" and learned, with the kids, about how to best care for them, and what to expect.
When we got to class the next day (nature camp at the rec. dept.), the eggs had changed shapes (from round to oblong). Through the magnifier, the eggs were the shape of goldfish crackers. So cool! Thursday was the last day of camp, so we brought the containers of eggs home with us, along with a larger container filled with pond water and some plant life for the future tadpoles to eat.
We've had so much fun watching the eggs change, waiting with great anticipation for them to hatch. Yesterday morning we finally woke to little tadpoles swimming around the tank! There are many of them, so we'll have to put most of them back in the pond sooner than later (you're only supposed to have 6 to a gallon of water, and right now there are over 50...oops!) Raina and Tyler are camping with their father, but Jason and I put a lily pad in the tank with them, and they promptly attached themselves to the food source.
This is one of those life experiences that I really want my kids to have, and I'm thrilled that we happened upon the opportunity. Watching tadpoles turn into frogs is an educational and interesting way to pass the time. Who needs tv when we have a tank full of little emerging life to marvel at?
And don't worry- the kids all know that when the metamorphosis is complete, the frogs will have to go back to their home in their native pond. We're just helping increase the odds that they'll survive the journey, while enriching our minds in the process. :)
Our week of Nature Camp
We just finished a week of teaching Nature Camp at the Recreation Department to preschoolers. I was sad for the week to come to an end, as we learned and accomplished so much! I'm always amazed at how eager children are to soak up any knowledge pertaining to nature, and how calm and peaceful kids are when they are allowed to "just be." And though it was a preschool class, my kids and I were able to learn and explore as well!
The first day it was raining, but we managed to get out for a mini-nature hike (dodging raindrops.) We collected some items that we found on the ground- small twigs, pine cones, acorns, pine needles, flowers, leaves. We brought them back to the classroom and, using magnifying glasses, we explored our collections, made observations, and wondered. We had inadvertently picked up a few bugs in our collection, but this led us to a conversation about respecting all life, and the important role bugs play in our lives. (I know, this part is easy for us to forget!) We played with our "pet bug" for a while before letting him out to find his family. When we were done exploring our treasures, we made nature collages, using brown and green paints mixed in with glue. They came out beautifully, and I was amazed at how long the kids spent on these two activities! Later in the day we read a book on decomposition, which really helped open a window on something we didn't often think about.
The four day camp included so many fun things- we identified trees by their leaves and bark, talked a lot about respecting all nature, explored the pond, caught a frog in the net (and promptly let him go, because he was scared), observed fish and birds and bugs, read about pond life and backyard nature, made pine cone bird feeders for the kids to bring home (with shortening and bird seed, since we can't use peanut butter in our programs), smashed open geodes, looked under rocks, went bird watching (not so easy with preschoolers, but they did well!) We even captured some frog eggs, and learned about metamorphosis. (My kids knew about the process already, but hadn't experienced it hands on.) We even took the time to smell flowers and to hug a tree!
It's my opinion that people are too hurried these days, and we hurry our kids. But kids need this time in nature; to observe and think, to wonder and imagine. And it's not just the little kids who wonder about what lives under the rocks- my kids and I had a ball exploring and discussing these things! I'm so glad that we never stop learning, because what a boring world it would be.
The first day it was raining, but we managed to get out for a mini-nature hike (dodging raindrops.) We collected some items that we found on the ground- small twigs, pine cones, acorns, pine needles, flowers, leaves. We brought them back to the classroom and, using magnifying glasses, we explored our collections, made observations, and wondered. We had inadvertently picked up a few bugs in our collection, but this led us to a conversation about respecting all life, and the important role bugs play in our lives. (I know, this part is easy for us to forget!) We played with our "pet bug" for a while before letting him out to find his family. When we were done exploring our treasures, we made nature collages, using brown and green paints mixed in with glue. They came out beautifully, and I was amazed at how long the kids spent on these two activities! Later in the day we read a book on decomposition, which really helped open a window on something we didn't often think about.
The four day camp included so many fun things- we identified trees by their leaves and bark, talked a lot about respecting all nature, explored the pond, caught a frog in the net (and promptly let him go, because he was scared), observed fish and birds and bugs, read about pond life and backyard nature, made pine cone bird feeders for the kids to bring home (with shortening and bird seed, since we can't use peanut butter in our programs), smashed open geodes, looked under rocks, went bird watching (not so easy with preschoolers, but they did well!) We even captured some frog eggs, and learned about metamorphosis. (My kids knew about the process already, but hadn't experienced it hands on.) We even took the time to smell flowers and to hug a tree!
It's my opinion that people are too hurried these days, and we hurry our kids. But kids need this time in nature; to observe and think, to wonder and imagine. And it's not just the little kids who wonder about what lives under the rocks- my kids and I had a ball exploring and discussing these things! I'm so glad that we never stop learning, because what a boring world it would be.
Upside Down Rainbow
Apparently I'm not very good at keeping up with this blogging thing. We're so busy living and learning that it's hard to find the motivation to share it all! But I do find myself thinking sometimes, "I really have to blog about this!"
One thing that was amazing in our lives recently was our experience with an upside down rainbow. Every hear about one of those? If I have heard about them, I'd forgotten.
We were driving home from work the other day, and I was chatting on the phone (I know, I know!) Tyler was saying something about a rainbow, but I assumed he meant the little rainbows that show up in the car as a reflection from a cd or something. Then Raina said, "Mom, look! There really is a rainbow!" I was thinking there was no way- there was not one drop of moisture in the air, it was noontime, and it was incredibly sunny! But I did look, and there was a rainbow! Clear as day. Not only that, but it was arcing upward, like a smile, rather than down like a frown. So I asked our friend, Jim, who I know is usually easily able to get on the computer quickly, to research it for us while we were driving. He did, and gave us some info. over the phone. Apparently, it's a rare phenomenon, and I won't go into details here (I can't do the details justice), but I do invite you to google "upside down rainbow" to read some wonderful descriptions.
As we drove away from the "rainbow," I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that my kids were able to observe this sight. Had they been trapped in a classroom, they would have missed it. And I would have, too, because it took a curious and observant child to lead me to the beauty.
One thing that was amazing in our lives recently was our experience with an upside down rainbow. Every hear about one of those? If I have heard about them, I'd forgotten.
We were driving home from work the other day, and I was chatting on the phone (I know, I know!) Tyler was saying something about a rainbow, but I assumed he meant the little rainbows that show up in the car as a reflection from a cd or something. Then Raina said, "Mom, look! There really is a rainbow!" I was thinking there was no way- there was not one drop of moisture in the air, it was noontime, and it was incredibly sunny! But I did look, and there was a rainbow! Clear as day. Not only that, but it was arcing upward, like a smile, rather than down like a frown. So I asked our friend, Jim, who I know is usually easily able to get on the computer quickly, to research it for us while we were driving. He did, and gave us some info. over the phone. Apparently, it's a rare phenomenon, and I won't go into details here (I can't do the details justice), but I do invite you to google "upside down rainbow" to read some wonderful descriptions.
As we drove away from the "rainbow," I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that my kids were able to observe this sight. Had they been trapped in a classroom, they would have missed it. And I would have, too, because it took a curious and observant child to lead me to the beauty.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Bottled Water vs. Tap
In our quest to save money and to help Mother Earth, the kids and I are researching the differences between bottled water and tap.
We came across this thought provoking article:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html?page=0%2C0
I don't know what to do, though. I really can't stand the taste of our tap water. The kids don't mind it, and when it's cold it's not too bad, but I'm afraid I'm addicted to bottled water. Hearing that it's no more pure than tap water is discouraging, and after reading that article, I'm feeling really guilty for spending so much money on something that is so bad for the environment and the world population.
One solution I'm working on is to buy those individual filtered water bottles, so I can fill them up from any faucet and still feel like I'm drinking healthier. Hopefully this will prove to be a cost-effective and healthy alternative.
We came across this thought provoking article:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html?page=0%2C0
I don't know what to do, though. I really can't stand the taste of our tap water. The kids don't mind it, and when it's cold it's not too bad, but I'm afraid I'm addicted to bottled water. Hearing that it's no more pure than tap water is discouraging, and after reading that article, I'm feeling really guilty for spending so much money on something that is so bad for the environment and the world population.
One solution I'm working on is to buy those individual filtered water bottles, so I can fill them up from any faucet and still feel like I'm drinking healthier. Hopefully this will prove to be a cost-effective and healthy alternative.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Going Green, a little at a time
It seems like everyone is talking about going green, now more than ever before. The environmentalist in me is thrilled, because my adult years have shaped me into more of a consumerist than I ever was as a child.
So the kids and I have been thinking about ways to help our environment, and to move toward more sustainable living. Some of these we've been doing for years, and others we're just starting.
Ways we're going greener:
~Switching our light bulbs to low energy bulbs
~Turning off lights, tv's, computers, etc. when not in use (boy, this is a hard one for the kids!)
~Unplugging chargers, appliances, etc. when not in use
~Recycling as many recyclable products as possible
~Listing unwanted items on freecycle or craigslist, rather than throwing them away
~"Shopping" on craigslist or freecycle rather than buying new
~Making our own eco-friendly laundry detergent
~Experimenting with our own home-made cleaning products (this one is hard for me because I can't get past the smell of vinegar! And the cleaning product aisle in Walmart has always been my favorite...)
~Trying to shop locally when possible (this one seems hard for us in this economy, but we're trying!)
~Raising hens for our own eggs and fertilizer
~Growing our own vegetables (and as a bonus, using local fertilizer rather than the fertilizer in the pretty packages)
~Conserving water whenever possible (not watering lawn, turning off water when brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, etc.)
~No longer using paper plates, plastic ware, etc.
~Packing lunches for the kids with reusable items (tupperware containers, silverware, etc.)
~Cutting down on driving
~Enjoying our natural resources- time spent in nature makes the kids want to conserve!
~Keeping our heat low (very low!)
Coincidentally, many of these things are also good for the budget, as well.
We have a long way to go, but I figure baby steps are better than no steps at all.
What are you doing for the environment? I'd love to hear more suggestions, too. :)
So the kids and I have been thinking about ways to help our environment, and to move toward more sustainable living. Some of these we've been doing for years, and others we're just starting.
Ways we're going greener:
~Switching our light bulbs to low energy bulbs
~Turning off lights, tv's, computers, etc. when not in use (boy, this is a hard one for the kids!)
~Unplugging chargers, appliances, etc. when not in use
~Recycling as many recyclable products as possible
~Listing unwanted items on freecycle or craigslist, rather than throwing them away
~"Shopping" on craigslist or freecycle rather than buying new
~Making our own eco-friendly laundry detergent
~Experimenting with our own home-made cleaning products (this one is hard for me because I can't get past the smell of vinegar! And the cleaning product aisle in Walmart has always been my favorite...)
~Trying to shop locally when possible (this one seems hard for us in this economy, but we're trying!)
~Raising hens for our own eggs and fertilizer
~Growing our own vegetables (and as a bonus, using local fertilizer rather than the fertilizer in the pretty packages)
~Conserving water whenever possible (not watering lawn, turning off water when brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, etc.)
~No longer using paper plates, plastic ware, etc.
~Packing lunches for the kids with reusable items (tupperware containers, silverware, etc.)
~Cutting down on driving
~Enjoying our natural resources- time spent in nature makes the kids want to conserve!
~Keeping our heat low (very low!)
Coincidentally, many of these things are also good for the budget, as well.
We have a long way to go, but I figure baby steps are better than no steps at all.
What are you doing for the environment? I'd love to hear more suggestions, too. :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Our new chicks are here!
Our chicks have finally arrived!
We ordered them on March 23rd, and they were supposed to be in within 2-3 weeks. They finally came yesterday, when we were on our way to NH.
Our good friend Jim picked them up for us since we couldn't make it to Agway before closing. So we arrived at midnight and set them up with their food, etc. I didn't sleep much last night- kept checking in on them every 2 hours or so. They are really adorable, and doing well so far.
I will post some pics later today. The kids love them, and they are so excited about this opportunity to have our own little mini-farm.
More on the farming later- I have to get Jason to horse lessons!
We ordered them on March 23rd, and they were supposed to be in within 2-3 weeks. They finally came yesterday, when we were on our way to NH.
Our good friend Jim picked them up for us since we couldn't make it to Agway before closing. So we arrived at midnight and set them up with their food, etc. I didn't sleep much last night- kept checking in on them every 2 hours or so. They are really adorable, and doing well so far.
I will post some pics later today. The kids love them, and they are so excited about this opportunity to have our own little mini-farm.
More on the farming later- I have to get Jason to horse lessons!
Our Day Trip To NH
Every day is truly a learning experience. My sister, Kerri, was just diagnosed with MS, and needed the support of her family. The kids and I decided to head up to Franconia so we could bring her to the doctor, and I was amazed at the learning that took place, despite the fact that there was no classroom in sight.
(Then again, I do believe that learning happens in our family BECAUSE there is no classroom! The world is our classroom, remember?)
We had discussions about autoimmune diseases, how MS is treated, what the steroid treatments feel like, etc. We practiced patience, and helping others. Tyler and Jason are very interested in rocks, and found some neat ones up in the White Mountains. Jason found some that make great worry stones. Tyler found some big ones that he was able to throw against some large boulders so they would break and he could look inside. They found sharp rocks that they continued to sharpen into "arrows" and "spears." The boys love to learn and practice ancient weaponry. (But they know the rules- no using the weapons against each other!) Raina was determined to see a moose, and we thought we had a good chance. The moose eluded us, but we did learn some things about them (good places to find them, why they like to be near the road sometimes, a little about rutting season, etc.) We are sure that we will see one up there eventually! Kerri showed us some fabulous pictures she had taken of a moose- up close and personal. (Kerri is a gifted nature photographer, and gets some great shots!)
We did some geography, too. Passed through Concord and saw the state building. Talked about how to get to Vermont, Maine, etc. Saw snow on the mountains and talked about why. Discussed the tourism industry and how it affects local economy.
We also discussed radio stations and why they need commercials, and why they don't always come in clearly in different places. I got to enjoy a glimpse into my kids' musical tastes, and what they like about certain songs.
We talked about goals for the future, and the different paths people can take to achieve them.
Raina and I had some great conversations about the advantages of homeschooling, too. She is so grateful to have this opportunity, and I am, as well. I learn more and more about my kids every day, and I'm so thankful to share in their learning and development.
(Then again, I do believe that learning happens in our family BECAUSE there is no classroom! The world is our classroom, remember?)
We had discussions about autoimmune diseases, how MS is treated, what the steroid treatments feel like, etc. We practiced patience, and helping others. Tyler and Jason are very interested in rocks, and found some neat ones up in the White Mountains. Jason found some that make great worry stones. Tyler found some big ones that he was able to throw against some large boulders so they would break and he could look inside. They found sharp rocks that they continued to sharpen into "arrows" and "spears." The boys love to learn and practice ancient weaponry. (But they know the rules- no using the weapons against each other!) Raina was determined to see a moose, and we thought we had a good chance. The moose eluded us, but we did learn some things about them (good places to find them, why they like to be near the road sometimes, a little about rutting season, etc.) We are sure that we will see one up there eventually! Kerri showed us some fabulous pictures she had taken of a moose- up close and personal. (Kerri is a gifted nature photographer, and gets some great shots!)
We did some geography, too. Passed through Concord and saw the state building. Talked about how to get to Vermont, Maine, etc. Saw snow on the mountains and talked about why. Discussed the tourism industry and how it affects local economy.
We also discussed radio stations and why they need commercials, and why they don't always come in clearly in different places. I got to enjoy a glimpse into my kids' musical tastes, and what they like about certain songs.
We talked about goals for the future, and the different paths people can take to achieve them.
Raina and I had some great conversations about the advantages of homeschooling, too. She is so grateful to have this opportunity, and I am, as well. I learn more and more about my kids every day, and I'm so thankful to share in their learning and development.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Reading Lessons
Reading came easily to Raina and Tyler, but has always been a struggle for Jason. As an avid reader myself, I often worried that without massive intervention, he'd never learn.
Over the last several years, I've done a lot of research on the brain and on reading. Most studies I've found have suggested that the normal range for learning to read is anywhere from age 4- age 12. Age 12?? Then why are we trying to force all kids to be able to read at age 6 if there brains might not even be ready to read until 8 or 10 or later?
Jason struggles- no doubt about it. But he has a huge advantage over his public school peers. He doesn't think he's stupid. He knows he has difficulties, and that his younger brother surpassed his reading ability years ago. But he never gives up. He tells me he's doing a good job trying. He also knows that other things come very easily to him- like compassion, sensitivity, kindness, making friends. He still chooses to pick up books to read, even though it can take hours to make it through one full page. He loves to cuddle up with me so I can read to him. His comprehension is advanced, and always has been. And now, at age 10 1/2, he's making real, concrete progress toward being able to read independently.
I think if I had forced a lot of intervention on him, he would have given up. My years in the public schools showed me far too many bright kids who gave up because they thought they were stupid. I don't want that to ever happen to my children.
Though I don't force curriculum on any of my kids, Jason and I did find an online reading program that he enjoys working on. It's called "Click n Read Phonics," and is supposed to be good for all sorts of kids, including kids with learning disabilities. Jason enjoys sitting at the kitchen table with my lap top to complete his lessons. He is proud of his own effort, and I'm proud of him for never giving up.
Over the last several years, I've done a lot of research on the brain and on reading. Most studies I've found have suggested that the normal range for learning to read is anywhere from age 4- age 12. Age 12?? Then why are we trying to force all kids to be able to read at age 6 if there brains might not even be ready to read until 8 or 10 or later?
Jason struggles- no doubt about it. But he has a huge advantage over his public school peers. He doesn't think he's stupid. He knows he has difficulties, and that his younger brother surpassed his reading ability years ago. But he never gives up. He tells me he's doing a good job trying. He also knows that other things come very easily to him- like compassion, sensitivity, kindness, making friends. He still chooses to pick up books to read, even though it can take hours to make it through one full page. He loves to cuddle up with me so I can read to him. His comprehension is advanced, and always has been. And now, at age 10 1/2, he's making real, concrete progress toward being able to read independently.
I think if I had forced a lot of intervention on him, he would have given up. My years in the public schools showed me far too many bright kids who gave up because they thought they were stupid. I don't want that to ever happen to my children.
Though I don't force curriculum on any of my kids, Jason and I did find an online reading program that he enjoys working on. It's called "Click n Read Phonics," and is supposed to be good for all sorts of kids, including kids with learning disabilities. Jason enjoys sitting at the kitchen table with my lap top to complete his lessons. He is proud of his own effort, and I'm proud of him for never giving up.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Questions
Please feel free to ask any questions you might have along the way. I love discussions! :)
Introduction
Hi there!
I'm Amanda, homeschooling mom. I decided to start this blog as a way to keep track of some of the day to day learning we do, as well as to share with family members and friends who wonder what in the world we could possibly learn out of school. :)
A little about my kids and how they made the plunge into homeschooling:
Raina is the oldest, age 12. She made the decision to homeschool last year, in the spring of her 6th grade year. I initially wanted her to finish the year in her public school, but she was determined to break free of the misery she was feeling, and I couldn't think of a single good reason not to liberate her. She's been loving homeschooling ever since.
Jason is 10, and practically a homeschooling professional. He's been homeschooled since kindergarten. Jason has some special learning needs, and school was not the place for him. I pulled him out in October of his kindergarten year, and we've never looked back! He flourishes in the home/world environment.
Tyler is my baby, age 8. He finished his 2nd grade year in public school and decided to join us at home for 3rd grade. He loves the freedom of learning what he wants in a way that is not boring.
Our homeschooling philosophy is pretty eclectic, but we've been growing more toward "unschooling" than anything else. I typically describe our learning as child led. The kids might tell me what they'd like to learn more about, but generally I give them experiences that they may not have known to ask for, and they learn hands on. I try to be tuned in to what they are interested in, then provide more experiences or learning opportunities from there. Jason, homeschooled the longest, has always thought that learning is fun, and Raina and Tyler are starting to remember. This has been the greatest jewel we've discovered through homeschooling: The love of learning.
The kids aren't the only ones to learn. I find myself learning more and more every day- and loving it. So much is new and exciting to me when seen through the perspectives of my children.
And just to get this out there up front- I do not know everything, nor do I claim to. My kids know that I am as capable of error as anyone else, and that I will have to research most of the questions they ask me. In the beginning, we had a family meeting where I told the kids plainly that I am their facilitator, not the teacher. I will show them how to learn and how to access the information they'd like to study. I think they are more open to having discussions with me when they know I am not going to lecture or claim to have all the answers.
My kids and I share an open dialogue on everything you can imagine. We talk about the environment and how we can better care for Mother Earth, we discuss drugs and alcohol and the effects they have on people (positive and negative), they ask questions about physics and chemistry and advanced mathematics. We talk about ethical choices, animals, trees... there really is no limit to what we discuss and ponder on a day to day basis.
I know I will not be able to adequately cover everything about our family life, or about everything we learn from our world. But I hope this glimpse into our homeschooling life provides some entertainment, especially for the doubters in the family. And even if no one reads this blog, I'm happy to have a journal of my children's lives. :)
Happy Spring!
I'm Amanda, homeschooling mom. I decided to start this blog as a way to keep track of some of the day to day learning we do, as well as to share with family members and friends who wonder what in the world we could possibly learn out of school. :)
A little about my kids and how they made the plunge into homeschooling:
Raina is the oldest, age 12. She made the decision to homeschool last year, in the spring of her 6th grade year. I initially wanted her to finish the year in her public school, but she was determined to break free of the misery she was feeling, and I couldn't think of a single good reason not to liberate her. She's been loving homeschooling ever since.
Jason is 10, and practically a homeschooling professional. He's been homeschooled since kindergarten. Jason has some special learning needs, and school was not the place for him. I pulled him out in October of his kindergarten year, and we've never looked back! He flourishes in the home/world environment.
Tyler is my baby, age 8. He finished his 2nd grade year in public school and decided to join us at home for 3rd grade. He loves the freedom of learning what he wants in a way that is not boring.
Our homeschooling philosophy is pretty eclectic, but we've been growing more toward "unschooling" than anything else. I typically describe our learning as child led. The kids might tell me what they'd like to learn more about, but generally I give them experiences that they may not have known to ask for, and they learn hands on. I try to be tuned in to what they are interested in, then provide more experiences or learning opportunities from there. Jason, homeschooled the longest, has always thought that learning is fun, and Raina and Tyler are starting to remember. This has been the greatest jewel we've discovered through homeschooling: The love of learning.
The kids aren't the only ones to learn. I find myself learning more and more every day- and loving it. So much is new and exciting to me when seen through the perspectives of my children.
And just to get this out there up front- I do not know everything, nor do I claim to. My kids know that I am as capable of error as anyone else, and that I will have to research most of the questions they ask me. In the beginning, we had a family meeting where I told the kids plainly that I am their facilitator, not the teacher. I will show them how to learn and how to access the information they'd like to study. I think they are more open to having discussions with me when they know I am not going to lecture or claim to have all the answers.
My kids and I share an open dialogue on everything you can imagine. We talk about the environment and how we can better care for Mother Earth, we discuss drugs and alcohol and the effects they have on people (positive and negative), they ask questions about physics and chemistry and advanced mathematics. We talk about ethical choices, animals, trees... there really is no limit to what we discuss and ponder on a day to day basis.
I know I will not be able to adequately cover everything about our family life, or about everything we learn from our world. But I hope this glimpse into our homeschooling life provides some entertainment, especially for the doubters in the family. And even if no one reads this blog, I'm happy to have a journal of my children's lives. :)
Happy Spring!
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