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!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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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