As I was doing school this morning, I was letting them know that we are going to start being more prepared. We are going to be doing more recitations and reviewing more, etc. I decided to remind them that it was my responsibility to prepare them not just academically and spiritually. But for the person they would marry, the children they will one day have and the boss they will have. I told them that one day I would stand before God and explain to Him how I prepared them or how I had not. Hefty responsibility! Then a verse came to mind and I thought I'd share it with you. It's good to be reminded sometimes when we're having a rough homeschool day, that we're doing this for more than our ... read more
Recitations and being Prepared!
Making Recitations Work!
I finally finished reading "The Recitations"! What a wake-up call that was! This book was copyrighted around 1910 and was such a sweet reminder to simpler days. It made me think of Laura Ingalls teaching school in that one room school house on the prairie or one of the characters from the American Girls Series. It was definitely a step back in time. Even though it was written way back, it still applies today. I was very impressed with this book and the author's thoughts about school. It was clearly written for public or private schools, but it would speak to the heart of all schools, even homeschools. The overall theme I felt, was about being prepared as a teacher. Making sure that we know ... read more
Wishful Thinking
While at my church today in my mother's office, I noticed some books on a shelf. I hadn't really been looking for anything in particular, just at some high school bible study curriculum. It belonged to my pastor because he used to teach at a private Christian school. Well, he saw that I was looking at it and took the time to help me figure out which one would be good to use with my high schooler. I started joking with him that I would love to find one that would work great with my youngest daughter. We joked about how she was my challenge. She's a great, sweet girl. She's very creative, organized (could probably plan an entire wedding, I kid you not!) and very smart. Her personality is so ... read more
Schooling in 2008 Laura Ingalls Style!
This is my 10th year homeschooling and I'll admit there is so much to learn. This year, God has decided to take me back to the olden days of school. When children went to a one-room schoolhouse. I began reading over the summer, books by Charlotte Mason. Then I got the opportunity to get another Charlotte Mason book and it began to speak to me. Some of it, I was already doing without even realizing it and some of it I planned on putting in place this school year. Well, as the school year has gone on, I realized my children are learning the best they've ever learned. But, there was still something missing. Something very basic it seemed. Then tonight, as I was meandering through the internet ... read more
Homeschools and Dads
One of the comments I hear as Vice President of our local homeschool group is, "My husband is concerned about sports when the kids get older." Well, it's a very valid concern if you have a child that is geared for sports or the dad is. I have to admit that when we were thinking about homeschooling 10 year ago, it was a concern of ours. We figured that if our kids were athletic then by high school they would be in public school so they could play sports and possibly have a chance for a scholarship. What could homeschool sports, if there was such a thing offer? As we went along homeschooling over the years, we began to wonder more about sports. My husband grew up playing sports and it became ... read more
The Crazy Life of Homeschool
Ok, we've all had one of those weeks when everything is just crazy. This has been one of those weeks. We were originally supposed to take this week off for Spring Break. But due to several events all taking place at about the same time, that was moved to last week. I'm one of those homeschool moms that have the disease of I can do it all! I had an athletic banquet to plan, (which I absolutely love doing!), my beloved van blew up and I help manage our homeschool team. Not to mention I'm a dance teacher and etc. at church. And then my son announced that I have to sew him a historically accurate frontier costume for church, by this Sunday! Trust me, I didn't mention all of that to brag on ... read more