Today is Election Day. It is our job to go to the polls and cast our ballot for the best candidate in each race. It is our duty! This responsibility weighs heavily on me today. Not just for my future but the future of my children and grandchildren.
But I am not worried! The Bible says, "Be anxious for nothing." My husband brought that one to me first thing this morning. God is in control. He sets rulers in power and he removes them as well. Even if the election does not turn out the way I want, I know I can rest in His divine authority and trust that He has a plan. He will use whomever is in office for His purposes. It may not make sense now but one day we will look back and see His orchestration of events. Of course, we may not see it this side of Heaven.
A couple months ago, an elder at our church spoke this prayer during our Sunday service. I was so moved by it, I went looking for it. I share it with you now. Please pray this today, tomorrow and everyday. Our country needs it....
Billy Graham's Prayer for America
“Heavenly
Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to
seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call
evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual
equilibrium and reversed our values.
· We have exploited the poor and
called it the lottery.
· We have rewarded
laziness and called it welfare.
· We have
killed our unborn and called it choice.
· We
have shot abortionists and called it
justifiable.
· We have neglected to discipline
our children and called it building self
esteem.
· We have abused power and called it
politics.
· We have coveted our neighbor's
possessions and called it ambition.
· We have
polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it
freedom of expression.
· We have ridiculed the
time-honored values of our forefathers and called it
enlightenment.
Search us, Oh God, and know our
hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!”
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Reading Levels...
"Is your son reading yet?" We tend to ask each other this question and dread to get an answer. What if their son is ahead of mine? What if their son is reading at a higher level than mine? Does that make them smarter? More apt to get ahead in life? What if..... who cares?
If you go to the nearest college in your state and took a poll as to whether those children learned to read early, at grade level or late, I bet you would find answers across the board. Does it matter once you are in college? Probably each of those children read and process information just fine. So when does it matter when they mastered the art of reading?
But, as homeschoolers, we put a lot of stock into this question. We fear that people will look at us, our children's reading level and judge that we are not making the grade. Where is it written the reading level that each child should read? Chapter and verse please?
We need to remember that God made each of us differently. But He loves us all the same. But persevering through a difficulty only makes you appreciate that hardship all the more.
Stop and think for a second of the school classroom. Even there, there are different levels and abilities in reading. Some kids just seem to "get it." Some kids don't. Does that make some smarter and others not by today's standards? Not so! Unfortunately our schools are telling our kids where they "should be" but breaking down their spirit in the process. We make them feel bad and less than perfect. Shame on us!
My son is so smart. He is reading a grade behind his level. But he is enjoying the books he is reading. Devouring them and asking fabulous questions and showing great comprehension. Does this mean that he will amount to nothing in life? Absolutely not! It just means that he is reading at the level God designed for him. Only God knows why He has designated this level for my son. Only God knows what goes on in my son's brain as he reads. The understanding that takes place there or the connections that are formed. I am in awe when I think of the complexity of my son's brain and the reason God has him reading below his "grade level."
Does reading early - say at 3 or 4 - increase a child's IQ? Not at all. We need to be careful to label a child gifted when he is really just an early reader.
Our society loves to label all children. We should be different. We should accept the level God has placed our child and teach them there. Why do we worry about what other's think? It is only God that matters. When we accept that and stop obsessing, we can truly just enjoy the journey and each milestone our children accomplish.
If you go to the nearest college in your state and took a poll as to whether those children learned to read early, at grade level or late, I bet you would find answers across the board. Does it matter once you are in college? Probably each of those children read and process information just fine. So when does it matter when they mastered the art of reading?
But, as homeschoolers, we put a lot of stock into this question. We fear that people will look at us, our children's reading level and judge that we are not making the grade. Where is it written the reading level that each child should read? Chapter and verse please?
We need to remember that God made each of us differently. But He loves us all the same. But persevering through a difficulty only makes you appreciate that hardship all the more.
Stop and think for a second of the school classroom. Even there, there are different levels and abilities in reading. Some kids just seem to "get it." Some kids don't. Does that make some smarter and others not by today's standards? Not so! Unfortunately our schools are telling our kids where they "should be" but breaking down their spirit in the process. We make them feel bad and less than perfect. Shame on us!
My son is so smart. He is reading a grade behind his level. But he is enjoying the books he is reading. Devouring them and asking fabulous questions and showing great comprehension. Does this mean that he will amount to nothing in life? Absolutely not! It just means that he is reading at the level God designed for him. Only God knows why He has designated this level for my son. Only God knows what goes on in my son's brain as he reads. The understanding that takes place there or the connections that are formed. I am in awe when I think of the complexity of my son's brain and the reason God has him reading below his "grade level."
Does reading early - say at 3 or 4 - increase a child's IQ? Not at all. We need to be careful to label a child gifted when he is really just an early reader.
Our society loves to label all children. We should be different. We should accept the level God has placed our child and teach them there. Why do we worry about what other's think? It is only God that matters. When we accept that and stop obsessing, we can truly just enjoy the journey and each milestone our children accomplish.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Top 10 Homeschool Tips and Tricks
When homeschooling, part of the challenge is figuring out what works in your family and what doesn't. Sometimes this takes a lot of time and trial and error and it is subject to change by the smallest of choices. What worked last year - or even last week - might not cut it this week. There are endless possibilities for a disruption in the schedule. Anything you can think of that happens in your family can throw a wrench into the works. Here are my top 10 ways I stay on track...
1. Spend time with God each morning. If you know me you know that I am not a morning person. I grunt a lot until I have coffee and have opened my eyes. But I have discovered that my attitude is much different if I don't do this. I usually have less patience, am crabbier and am more self focused. God first, check!
2. Make the bed and get dressed. For years, I have not diligently made my bed. Or kept my room clean. But I have discovered just in the last month that I can go into my sanctuary when I need a 5 minute respite or if my husband and I need to conference. The kids know that this is a "do not disturb" zone. It doesn't have the same tranquility if the room is a mess.
3. Prepare lessons ahead of time. I use the Homeschool Tracker software to plan out my lesson plans for the year. Yes, the year. That is what works for me. If I only plan part of our year I will be worrying about when I have to plan the rest of the year. That does not mean that I cannot reschedule or change my plans... I do this a lot! Homeschool Tracker allows me to quickly and easily make changes to our agenda. At the beginning of each week I print out the assignment calendar for each of the 3 oldest kids. I call this their digital workbox system and it allows them to work through their assignments independently. If they get stuck and I am unavailable, they use an "I need help" card which is backed with velcro and place it on the divider above my desk. I can then go back when I am available and see who needed help first. I am also able to designate certain assignments as "Work with Mom" boxes so they know that they need to wait for me.
4. Schedule blocks of time with the beginning readers. Anyone who has taught another to read knows that it takes much time and patience. That is really hard to do when you keep getting interrupted. So I have designated the first hour to working just with the non and learning to readers. The older 3 still have a ton of stuff they can go onto without my help and I work with the youngest ones when I am still fresh and have the most patience. This also works because, it makes the older ones really read the instructions to make sure that they need my help!
5. Workboxes. Sue Patrick has put together a workbox system that our family loves. This has really helped me manage the kids day and it has helped them with planning and seeing what is expected of them. The system basically works with a set of numbered drawer boxes that I would fill before the day with the work and materials needed to complete each assignment. I said earlier that I have moved to "digital" boxes with the older ones. This came out of the need of being able to "roadschool" and not have to take all of the drawer units with us! The kids love it. The younger 2 still use the physical boxes. I do fill these with activities so they know exactly what is expected of them to complete the day. Even my preschooler is part of our day as she sits down and works through her own set of "assignments."
6. Meal planning. Much stress is lifted when I have both lunch and dinner menus covered. If I've done my job, I will have all ingredients defrosted and ready to go well ahead of the time I need them. Leftovers always throw a tasty wrench into our lunch plans but I know that if there are no leftovers, I have a backup plan.
7. Plan at least 2-3 days with no extracurricular activities. In our fast paced world, we tend to over plan our days with sports, outside meetings and activities. Nothing will fry me faster than knowing that I have to be somewhere at a certain time. My stress level triples - no joke! I try to plan all their activities on the same day so that I know this day is our activity and catch up day. Any assignments that didn't get completed during the week is assigned on Thursdays along with group lesson time (currently art and geography) and computer learning (Times Attack and Spelling City). Right now I have 3 days a week with nothing planned but school with the knowledge that every other week, one of our activities meets and also allows for doctor's appointments and such that can't always be planned on our activity days.
8. Plan for the next day BEFORE I leave for today. If I don't refill the youngest student's boxes before I leave today, I will inevitably get side-tracked with other tasks and forget (until 10:30 that night). This also alerts me to anything special I may need for the following day such as copies or other items I need to complete. Plus, if I put this off until the next morning I feel like I am already behind, which usually I am.
9. Have each student clean up their desk/space before leaving for the day. This helps them establish good work habits. Plus, if I am going to do it, they are too!
10. Make time to share our successes and concerns with Dad. When we include him in our day - what we are proud of and what we struggled with - it helps him as the leader in our home to know how to pray and help us. The kids love showing him their completed assignments and hearing "great job!" Also part of this is making time for one on one with my husband. Part of our success in homeschooling is making sure our relationship is strong and growing.
As I said at the beginning, this is what works for us now. The top 10 from another family may look entirely different. Find out what works for your homeschool and stick with it - don't change it if it's working! Then figure out what's not working and find a possible solution. If it doesn't work, try again.
1. Spend time with God each morning. If you know me you know that I am not a morning person. I grunt a lot until I have coffee and have opened my eyes. But I have discovered that my attitude is much different if I don't do this. I usually have less patience, am crabbier and am more self focused. God first, check!
2. Make the bed and get dressed. For years, I have not diligently made my bed. Or kept my room clean. But I have discovered just in the last month that I can go into my sanctuary when I need a 5 minute respite or if my husband and I need to conference. The kids know that this is a "do not disturb" zone. It doesn't have the same tranquility if the room is a mess.
3. Prepare lessons ahead of time. I use the Homeschool Tracker software to plan out my lesson plans for the year. Yes, the year. That is what works for me. If I only plan part of our year I will be worrying about when I have to plan the rest of the year. That does not mean that I cannot reschedule or change my plans... I do this a lot! Homeschool Tracker allows me to quickly and easily make changes to our agenda. At the beginning of each week I print out the assignment calendar for each of the 3 oldest kids. I call this their digital workbox system and it allows them to work through their assignments independently. If they get stuck and I am unavailable, they use an "I need help" card which is backed with velcro and place it on the divider above my desk. I can then go back when I am available and see who needed help first. I am also able to designate certain assignments as "Work with Mom" boxes so they know that they need to wait for me.
4. Schedule blocks of time with the beginning readers. Anyone who has taught another to read knows that it takes much time and patience. That is really hard to do when you keep getting interrupted. So I have designated the first hour to working just with the non and learning to readers. The older 3 still have a ton of stuff they can go onto without my help and I work with the youngest ones when I am still fresh and have the most patience. This also works because, it makes the older ones really read the instructions to make sure that they need my help!
5. Workboxes. Sue Patrick has put together a workbox system that our family loves. This has really helped me manage the kids day and it has helped them with planning and seeing what is expected of them. The system basically works with a set of numbered drawer boxes that I would fill before the day with the work and materials needed to complete each assignment. I said earlier that I have moved to "digital" boxes with the older ones. This came out of the need of being able to "roadschool" and not have to take all of the drawer units with us! The kids love it. The younger 2 still use the physical boxes. I do fill these with activities so they know exactly what is expected of them to complete the day. Even my preschooler is part of our day as she sits down and works through her own set of "assignments."
6. Meal planning. Much stress is lifted when I have both lunch and dinner menus covered. If I've done my job, I will have all ingredients defrosted and ready to go well ahead of the time I need them. Leftovers always throw a tasty wrench into our lunch plans but I know that if there are no leftovers, I have a backup plan.
7. Plan at least 2-3 days with no extracurricular activities. In our fast paced world, we tend to over plan our days with sports, outside meetings and activities. Nothing will fry me faster than knowing that I have to be somewhere at a certain time. My stress level triples - no joke! I try to plan all their activities on the same day so that I know this day is our activity and catch up day. Any assignments that didn't get completed during the week is assigned on Thursdays along with group lesson time (currently art and geography) and computer learning (Times Attack and Spelling City). Right now I have 3 days a week with nothing planned but school with the knowledge that every other week, one of our activities meets and also allows for doctor's appointments and such that can't always be planned on our activity days.
8. Plan for the next day BEFORE I leave for today. If I don't refill the youngest student's boxes before I leave today, I will inevitably get side-tracked with other tasks and forget (until 10:30 that night). This also alerts me to anything special I may need for the following day such as copies or other items I need to complete. Plus, if I put this off until the next morning I feel like I am already behind, which usually I am.
9. Have each student clean up their desk/space before leaving for the day. This helps them establish good work habits. Plus, if I am going to do it, they are too!
10. Make time to share our successes and concerns with Dad. When we include him in our day - what we are proud of and what we struggled with - it helps him as the leader in our home to know how to pray and help us. The kids love showing him their completed assignments and hearing "great job!" Also part of this is making time for one on one with my husband. Part of our success in homeschooling is making sure our relationship is strong and growing.
As I said at the beginning, this is what works for us now. The top 10 from another family may look entirely different. Find out what works for your homeschool and stick with it - don't change it if it's working! Then figure out what's not working and find a possible solution. If it doesn't work, try again.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A Day in the Life of Homeschooling
6:30 - Wake up. Coffee served to me in bed by my hubby (you're awesome!). Do my quiet time. Kids start waking up and getting breakfast of cereal, toast or yogurt.
7:45 - get up and make bed (I feel so much better when I do this!), get dressed and ready for school. Kids are doing chores and bible studies until 8:30.
8:30 - start school. The 3 oldest work independently while I work exclusively with the 2 youngest (kindergarten and pre-k). This is a no-interruption time. If the older ones get stuck, they move on to the next problem or assignment until I am available.
9:30 - Continue assignments. This is when I help out and answer questions.
10:00ish - family devotion time with Dad. We come together to discuss our family bible study, character attributes we are working on and pray for one another. We also discuss the day's schedule and appointments. Family hug!
10:30 - California history and continuing assignments. We read aloud during this time then everyone gets back to work!
11:30 - Finish up with kindergartner. Another "Mom Unavailable" time.
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Continue school until complete usually between 2 and 3pm.
After school - afternoon chores and then free time! (For the kids, not me!)
6:00 or 7:00 - dinner
8:00 Bedtime for youngest
8:30 for oldest 3 - my dd can read in bed until 9pm.
9:00 Mom collapses!
7:45 - get up and make bed (I feel so much better when I do this!), get dressed and ready for school. Kids are doing chores and bible studies until 8:30.
8:30 - start school. The 3 oldest work independently while I work exclusively with the 2 youngest (kindergarten and pre-k). This is a no-interruption time. If the older ones get stuck, they move on to the next problem or assignment until I am available.
9:30 - Continue assignments. This is when I help out and answer questions.
10:00ish - family devotion time with Dad. We come together to discuss our family bible study, character attributes we are working on and pray for one another. We also discuss the day's schedule and appointments. Family hug!
10:30 - California history and continuing assignments. We read aloud during this time then everyone gets back to work!
11:30 - Finish up with kindergartner. Another "Mom Unavailable" time.
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Continue school until complete usually between 2 and 3pm.
After school - afternoon chores and then free time! (For the kids, not me!)
6:00 or 7:00 - dinner
8:00 Bedtime for youngest
8:30 for oldest 3 - my dd can read in bed until 9pm.
9:00 Mom collapses!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Home... er, Roadschooling!
One benefit of homeschooling is the ability to go on field trips and experience what we are learning. I am ashamed to say that I have not fully taken advantage of this opportunity until recently. After taking a month long trip to see Grandpa back east and continuing our schooling, we figured out that it is possible to learn during our trips.
Earlier this month we decided to head out to the California coast - Pt. Reyes to be exact. Since we are studying California history we thought this would be a really great thing to go and do as a family. And get an education as well! Check out all the things we learned....
History....
Science.....
Geology....
P.E.....
Recess....
Family Bonding 101....
Earlier this month we decided to head out to the California coast - Pt. Reyes to be exact. Since we are studying California history we thought this would be a really great thing to go and do as a family. And get an education as well! Check out all the things we learned....
History....
 |
| At the Miwok Indian village - Pt. Reyes |
 |
| Panning for gold |
Science.....
 |
Studying earthquakes |
P.E.....
Recess....
Family Bonding 101....
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Love my new PAL!
Well the actual name is Primary Arts of Language but I call it awesome! This kindergarten program just came out last year and we are loving it! My newest kindergartner can't wait to do school. Just look at that smile!
When I first looked at this program published from Institute for Excellence in Writing, I thought, "Wow. That seems to be a really fast paced program. There is no way these young ones can be grasping all this info thrown at them." Boy, was I wrong! Not only is he getting it but he is excelling at it! He grins from ear to ear and is so proud of himself (mommy and daddy are too!)
This program begins with poetry and mastering the alphebetic sounds (the first 2 weeks). It incorporates file folder games, which by the way, my son absolutely adores. The games are simple enough that once I have shown it to him, he is able to pretty much do them on his own. But it's way more fun with mommy... or sister.... or brother for that matter! It also has a writing component although I have tweaked this somewhat since he is learning cursive first.
The fact is that he is sounding out words, recognizing letters and sounds and growing and is enjoying what he is learning. Isn't that what it's all about?
When I first looked at this program published from Institute for Excellence in Writing, I thought, "Wow. That seems to be a really fast paced program. There is no way these young ones can be grasping all this info thrown at them." Boy, was I wrong! Not only is he getting it but he is excelling at it! He grins from ear to ear and is so proud of himself (mommy and daddy are too!)
This program begins with poetry and mastering the alphebetic sounds (the first 2 weeks). It incorporates file folder games, which by the way, my son absolutely adores. The games are simple enough that once I have shown it to him, he is able to pretty much do them on his own. But it's way more fun with mommy... or sister.... or brother for that matter! It also has a writing component although I have tweaked this somewhat since he is learning cursive first.
The fact is that he is sounding out words, recognizing letters and sounds and growing and is enjoying what he is learning. Isn't that what it's all about?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Getting Organized for the year
I am very blessed to have a separate schoolroom from the rest of the house. But occasionally life gets in the way.... this year, it was Christmas. Being behind in my Christmas prep, we started storing things in the schoolroom while we took our 2 weeks off. Big mistake. It has taken me 7 months to tackle this hurdle and reclaim our schoolroom! But reclaim it we have! Take a look!
You may have seen our "cublets" before... we have now made the addition of Desk Apprentices for each of the desks! I struggled and read pros and cons of these organizers and finally bought one to see if I would like it... I liked it so much that I went back and bought several more! These come from Staples and have a pretty steep price online ($46) but in store they are only $26 - go figure. And if you are part of the Rewards club, you can get money back on used ink cartridges. I had a $20 certificate which I used toward the first DA. Plus Staples has a Back to School card for $10 and you will receive 15% off purchases through 9/15/12. Brings these bad boys down to about $23 each.
How we use the Desk Apprentice...
I have all of my teacher manuals in mine plus my red pencils for grading, tabs, memory sticks, pens and pencils, scissors, etc.
The 4 oldest kids have all their curriculum loaded into their DA. I have included their notebooks and journals, teaching dvds, workbooks and readers. Plus pens and pencils, highliters and scissors. It is our hope that when we go out in the RV, these will be a grab and go solution for Roadschooling - homeschooling on the road! Can't wait to try it!
Another favorite in our schoolroom is our pocket chart and map rail. Since we are limited to wall space due to the many windows in our schoolroom, we had to get creative in how to utilize maps and charts. This rail from Ikea makes accessing them very easy... I just pull out the map or chart I need - now you see it....
Now you don't!
Of course, teacher gets her space too. I love being able to place my hands on things quickly and with 5 kids, it is almost a must! It is a pleasure to come to school and work at my organized desk....
And my curriculum wall....
If you haven't guessed by now, we love organization. With 5 kids, organization is the difference between getting things done and ..
... pulling my hair out!
You may have seen our "cublets" before... we have now made the addition of Desk Apprentices for each of the desks! I struggled and read pros and cons of these organizers and finally bought one to see if I would like it... I liked it so much that I went back and bought several more! These come from Staples and have a pretty steep price online ($46) but in store they are only $26 - go figure. And if you are part of the Rewards club, you can get money back on used ink cartridges. I had a $20 certificate which I used toward the first DA. Plus Staples has a Back to School card for $10 and you will receive 15% off purchases through 9/15/12. Brings these bad boys down to about $23 each.
How we use the Desk Apprentice...
I have all of my teacher manuals in mine plus my red pencils for grading, tabs, memory sticks, pens and pencils, scissors, etc.
The 4 oldest kids have all their curriculum loaded into their DA. I have included their notebooks and journals, teaching dvds, workbooks and readers. Plus pens and pencils, highliters and scissors. It is our hope that when we go out in the RV, these will be a grab and go solution for Roadschooling - homeschooling on the road! Can't wait to try it!
Another favorite in our schoolroom is our pocket chart and map rail. Since we are limited to wall space due to the many windows in our schoolroom, we had to get creative in how to utilize maps and charts. This rail from Ikea makes accessing them very easy... I just pull out the map or chart I need - now you see it....
Now you don't!
Of course, teacher gets her space too. I love being able to place my hands on things quickly and with 5 kids, it is almost a must! It is a pleasure to come to school and work at my organized desk....
If you haven't guessed by now, we love organization. With 5 kids, organization is the difference between getting things done and ..
... pulling my hair out!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Best laid plans
The beginning of a new school year always brings hope and goals. The year is started with anticipation and enthusiasm by teacher and students alike. Homeschool is no different from public school in this regard.
We are starting our fourth year homeschooling now. I have high hopes for the year and a fear that my expectations won't be realized. Not that my kids won't learn but that all that I have planned won't get accomplished. I do understand that my plans probably far exceed what the local school has planned. After all, I only have 5 kids to teach. But I plan what I think we should learn and then kick myself when it doesn't happen the way I have planned.
This is when I have to rely on the Lord and know that He will help me accomplish what He wants me to complete this year. He knows my limitations and He shows grace to my children for my shortcomings. It would be so easy to be stressed over all the lessons we don't accomplish and not celebrate all that has been accomplished. I can lift up my concerns to Him and He can bring me peace over decisions or convict me where I need to try harder. He has blessed our homeschool immensely.
Another way I have discovered to counter the sinking feeling is in scheduling each subject. I like to schedule the whole year, that way I know how often I need to do each subject in order to complete by the end of the year. If it doesn't get scheduled, it won't get done! I know this can be overwhelming for most people and it was frustrating when I had to reschedule (especially in my written planner). I have found an amazing tool though. It is called Homeschool Tracker and it allows me to schedule all of my subjects with minimal work. This Basic software program is offered free (with limited functions), Plus is offered for a one time fee of $49, or Online which is accessible anywhere and costs as little as $5 per month. I love this program! I can reschedule with just a few clicks on the computer, create reusable lesson plans, schedule field trips, track attendence, run reports such as report cards and assignments.
At the beginning of the week I print out the assignment list for each day for each child. This stays on their desk and they highlite assignments as they complete them. I can then check them off on the program and enter grades as I correct papers. My goal though is to place the software on our network so that the kids can track assignments straight from their computers and mark the box when they are finished with each assignment. The program is set up so that they can only see their assignments and cannot make changes except to check the finished box.
This program doesn't do the assignments for us but it does help me plan for it!
We are starting our fourth year homeschooling now. I have high hopes for the year and a fear that my expectations won't be realized. Not that my kids won't learn but that all that I have planned won't get accomplished. I do understand that my plans probably far exceed what the local school has planned. After all, I only have 5 kids to teach. But I plan what I think we should learn and then kick myself when it doesn't happen the way I have planned.
This is when I have to rely on the Lord and know that He will help me accomplish what He wants me to complete this year. He knows my limitations and He shows grace to my children for my shortcomings. It would be so easy to be stressed over all the lessons we don't accomplish and not celebrate all that has been accomplished. I can lift up my concerns to Him and He can bring me peace over decisions or convict me where I need to try harder. He has blessed our homeschool immensely.
Another way I have discovered to counter the sinking feeling is in scheduling each subject. I like to schedule the whole year, that way I know how often I need to do each subject in order to complete by the end of the year. If it doesn't get scheduled, it won't get done! I know this can be overwhelming for most people and it was frustrating when I had to reschedule (especially in my written planner). I have found an amazing tool though. It is called Homeschool Tracker and it allows me to schedule all of my subjects with minimal work. This Basic software program is offered free (with limited functions), Plus is offered for a one time fee of $49, or Online which is accessible anywhere and costs as little as $5 per month. I love this program! I can reschedule with just a few clicks on the computer, create reusable lesson plans, schedule field trips, track attendence, run reports such as report cards and assignments.
At the beginning of the week I print out the assignment list for each day for each child. This stays on their desk and they highlite assignments as they complete them. I can then check them off on the program and enter grades as I correct papers. My goal though is to place the software on our network so that the kids can track assignments straight from their computers and mark the box when they are finished with each assignment. The program is set up so that they can only see their assignments and cannot make changes except to check the finished box.
This program doesn't do the assignments for us but it does help me plan for it!
Friday, August 17, 2012
How do you organize that?
I am a self proclaimed organizational nut! I probably drive my husband crazy but he is very tolerant. I love to be organized and know exactly where things are at any given moment... when I can't put my hands on what I want right away, I start pulling my hair out.
The last several months have been the hair-pulling kind. I have been so behind on organization that I almost forgot the joy that comes with knowing where things are. That is until I started cleaning out the homeschool room. Oh, yes. Now I remember! Do you feel that way as well? Having the house in a state of disaray causes an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. And each day that goes by only magnifies the feeling. So here is my target list of what to do to stay in this nirvana of peace....
1. Clean up the classroom at the end of the day - may seem simple but having each of the kids at the end of the day clean up their desks and prepare for the next day is of vital importance. It says that we care about what we do during school and we will focus on being prepared for the next educational adventure.
2. Chores for the kids. My kids actually enjoy doing chores. But they need to know what is expected and when it is expected. That is why we do chorepacks. The kids are self sufficient but I know that I need to train them and then check their chores to make sure that they are completing to my expectations. Only doing half the job does not cut it. If they are willing to do the work, I need to take the time to check their efforts and train them with encouragement when it is not quite up to par. It is only fair.
3. Have a spot for everything. Please don't look in my garage! This is a work in progress. But the immediate home and classroom need to have a spot for things when we are done. This gives a sense of accomplishment when things can be put away and joy of what we have done together.
4. Clean out what you are not using. This is a hard one. I have inherited lots of wonderful curriculum and supplies from those who have gone before. But sometimes their style of teaching is different from mine and some things I have received I keep in the thought of "I might use this sometime..." This is especially difficult when you have little ones and you don't know how they might learn or what resource might be of benefit to them at any given time. But we need to have eyes for how we teach and what is enjoyable. If you know that you like to play games and spend one on one with a kindergartner, then probably holding on to all those Abeka workbooks are just space wasters. How freeing it is to finally clean out and sell/give to others the supplies that might actually work for them! Not to mention, providing wonderful space for the items that you may actually use!
Looking over my organized space makes me feel like I am capable of teaching these children. I know it is really not a gauge of my ability to teach but the grounding I feel in a clean home and classroom is an encouragement. I feel like it is one less area that I need to worry about and gives me the freedom just to teach (and to learn!) Praise God!
The last several months have been the hair-pulling kind. I have been so behind on organization that I almost forgot the joy that comes with knowing where things are. That is until I started cleaning out the homeschool room. Oh, yes. Now I remember! Do you feel that way as well? Having the house in a state of disaray causes an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. And each day that goes by only magnifies the feeling. So here is my target list of what to do to stay in this nirvana of peace....
1. Clean up the classroom at the end of the day - may seem simple but having each of the kids at the end of the day clean up their desks and prepare for the next day is of vital importance. It says that we care about what we do during school and we will focus on being prepared for the next educational adventure.
2. Chores for the kids. My kids actually enjoy doing chores. But they need to know what is expected and when it is expected. That is why we do chorepacks. The kids are self sufficient but I know that I need to train them and then check their chores to make sure that they are completing to my expectations. Only doing half the job does not cut it. If they are willing to do the work, I need to take the time to check their efforts and train them with encouragement when it is not quite up to par. It is only fair.
3. Have a spot for everything. Please don't look in my garage! This is a work in progress. But the immediate home and classroom need to have a spot for things when we are done. This gives a sense of accomplishment when things can be put away and joy of what we have done together.
4. Clean out what you are not using. This is a hard one. I have inherited lots of wonderful curriculum and supplies from those who have gone before. But sometimes their style of teaching is different from mine and some things I have received I keep in the thought of "I might use this sometime..." This is especially difficult when you have little ones and you don't know how they might learn or what resource might be of benefit to them at any given time. But we need to have eyes for how we teach and what is enjoyable. If you know that you like to play games and spend one on one with a kindergartner, then probably holding on to all those Abeka workbooks are just space wasters. How freeing it is to finally clean out and sell/give to others the supplies that might actually work for them! Not to mention, providing wonderful space for the items that you may actually use!
Looking over my organized space makes me feel like I am capable of teaching these children. I know it is really not a gauge of my ability to teach but the grounding I feel in a clean home and classroom is an encouragement. I feel like it is one less area that I need to worry about and gives me the freedom just to teach (and to learn!) Praise God!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Summer relaxation.... not!
Why am I always amazed at how busy life is during summer? I consistently think that once school is done for the year that relaxation will finally set in. Ha! Does anyone else feel this way?
So I am currently trying to organize for next year. Making sure everyone has their books and materials and that I have their lesson plans done before August is no small feat. In fact, I believe it takes more energy than actually teaching. I use a wonderful program though called "Homeschool Tracker" and I love this program! It makes it so much easier to schedule (and reschedule) saving me so much time. See the link further down on this page. The support is fabulous and they have a forum so you can go ask questions and get answers from those using the program as well as those who have designed it. I don't know what I did before this program... oh yeah.... I erased A LOT!
It is truly by the grace of God though that I can plan for the coming year. It is sometimes so overwhelming thinking about all the different subjects that will need to be taught in the coming year. Then I realize I only have 5 little beings in my classroom and not 35! I can do this! One day at a time. We love homeschooling and the fact that we are not locked into things that do not work for us. It requires constant prayer and giving it over to Him to make sure we are accomplishing what we need. The lessons that my children are learning at homeschool go beyond just the basic curriculum. We are learning character building and making wise choices. We are learning what it takes to get along and loving each other unconditionally. I recently asked my children if they were interested in going back to public school -- "No way! We like being at home together!" And being able to go out and learn on field trips and have fun together as a family is such a huge blessing. My husband is often heard saying, "You know public school kids are sitting in a classroom right now...." as we are looking out across the Grand Canyon, the ocean or a local mountain range. We are learning what is important about ourselves as well as the mandatory subjects required by the state.
It reminds me why I spend so much of my summer planning for the coming year. I love my job....
So I am currently trying to organize for next year. Making sure everyone has their books and materials and that I have their lesson plans done before August is no small feat. In fact, I believe it takes more energy than actually teaching. I use a wonderful program though called "Homeschool Tracker" and I love this program! It makes it so much easier to schedule (and reschedule) saving me so much time. See the link further down on this page. The support is fabulous and they have a forum so you can go ask questions and get answers from those using the program as well as those who have designed it. I don't know what I did before this program... oh yeah.... I erased A LOT!
It is truly by the grace of God though that I can plan for the coming year. It is sometimes so overwhelming thinking about all the different subjects that will need to be taught in the coming year. Then I realize I only have 5 little beings in my classroom and not 35! I can do this! One day at a time. We love homeschooling and the fact that we are not locked into things that do not work for us. It requires constant prayer and giving it over to Him to make sure we are accomplishing what we need. The lessons that my children are learning at homeschool go beyond just the basic curriculum. We are learning character building and making wise choices. We are learning what it takes to get along and loving each other unconditionally. I recently asked my children if they were interested in going back to public school -- "No way! We like being at home together!" And being able to go out and learn on field trips and have fun together as a family is such a huge blessing. My husband is often heard saying, "You know public school kids are sitting in a classroom right now...." as we are looking out across the Grand Canyon, the ocean or a local mountain range. We are learning what is important about ourselves as well as the mandatory subjects required by the state.
It reminds me why I spend so much of my summer planning for the coming year. I love my job....
Friday, June 8, 2012
End of year! Time to party.... or not....
Last day - hooray!
I used to always love the last day of school. I guess that is still ingrained in me but it's not quite the same when you homeschool! The kids are a lot less structured and I find that arguments and frustration seem to be on the rise during that coveted summer break. So this year we are continuing on with our beloved math game "Timez Attack!," maybe a couple of math lessons each week and reading. Hopefully, this will create enough structure that I don't constantly hear, "Mom, can we play Wii?"
I used to always love the last day of school. I guess that is still ingrained in me but it's not quite the same when you homeschool! The kids are a lot less structured and I find that arguments and frustration seem to be on the rise during that coveted summer break. So this year we are continuing on with our beloved math game "Timez Attack!," maybe a couple of math lessons each week and reading. Hopefully, this will create enough structure that I don't constantly hear, "Mom, can we play Wii?"
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Ahh, Summer!
What's the best way to get out of using summer to catch up on math? Change curriculum! Seriously, we were behind on math and were going to have to play catch up over the summer when I realized that my kids were bored with math. So I switched! We are planning to use Teaching Textbooks next fall. Actually Caleb is so excited about it that he has already completed about a dozen lessons already. Both Sierra and Jacob will be in TT5 but Caleb actually tested a grade higher than his "grade level" so he has started Level 4.
Sierra is very sad to be finished with History of the Horse by Beautiful Feet but is alieved by the fact that Horsemanship camp starts on Monday. Is that timing or what?
Jacob starts baseball playoffs this weekend. I am missing his first game since I am going to the Scope Homeschool Conference in Sacramento! I am so excited! I love going to conference each year. I encourage all of my homeschool friends to attend as well and be refreshed.
Homeschooling is a long road but I am glad I have you to share it with!
Thanks for listening....
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