Today marked the end of our second term of school - Week #24, Day 120. We could take a break until the New Year, but we won't. It would not be good for any of us - we need the structure our school days provide. But we are going to switch our focus from History to Science. We tend to neglect science, relegating it to the time left over from our other academic priorities - namely, Latin, History, Math, and Language Arts. For the next few weeks, those expensive science kits will finally get some use.
The oldest twin took her second test in Rod & Staff 7 Mathematics. She had only two minor errors, and scored 96%. I am very proud of her, and will use this as proof that I should just continue through the text, allowing her to work at her own pace. She is doing so well -scored a perfect 100% on her English test, and completed all her readings for the week. She also completed her Presidential Lapbook through Roosevelt (as scheduled), and is doing Latin independently.
The younger twin loves reading, and hates writing - anything. He does, however, love to draw. Draw Squad has been a big hit, here. We started the year with Drawing with Children, and, while the children learned a great deal, I found it to be limited. Draw Squad has encouraged the kids to use their imaginations. I find them using the book in their free time, and they really come up with some amazing creations. The younger twin, in particular, loves to draw cartoonish characters and scenes, so this has really been appealing to him. I have tried to capitalize on his desire to draw in his other subjects. We narrate and illustrate our history and science studies almost every day. I currently have him reading Pagoo, by Holling C. Holling. He is drawing the hermit crab during each phase of its life, as well as the tide pool, and the other creatures that share its habitat. In math, he is doing very well with Saxon 65. He struggles with the lack of a workbook. I have switched him from a plain sheet of notebook paper to the grids of graph paper, and I hope this will make him a bit neater. Time will tell - he just needs to mature a bit.
My Little Bear is almost finished with Explode the Code 3, Copybook 3 by Memoria Press, Rod & Staff 1 Math, & Singapore 1B. I believe I will officially declare her a 2nd grader when we begin in January. She is very diligent - the designation will mean more to her than to me.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Proud to Be an American ...
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/index.html
His campaign left me angry and disturbed, planning my move to another country. Cries of racisim on the part of our state's elected officials towards anyone who did not agree with their candidate inflamed me. President-elect Obama's victory speech, however, moves me, not for its eloquence, but for its humility. He realizes not all of America is taken in by outward appearances and smooth talking, by the promise of government hand-outs and less need to do for ourselves. For some of us, leadership is not a role we put lightly in the hands of others. Rather, it is a privilege, and a job, and a position directly under the auspices of a higher office - that of God. I am very pleased to see that he gave thanks where thanks was due.
His campaign left me angry and disturbed, planning my move to another country. Cries of racisim on the part of our state's elected officials towards anyone who did not agree with their candidate inflamed me. President-elect Obama's victory speech, however, moves me, not for its eloquence, but for its humility. He realizes not all of America is taken in by outward appearances and smooth talking, by the promise of government hand-outs and less need to do for ourselves. For some of us, leadership is not a role we put lightly in the hands of others. Rather, it is a privilege, and a job, and a position directly under the auspices of a higher office - that of God. I am very pleased to see that he gave thanks where thanks was due.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
With Liberty Comes Responsibility ...
We voted today - the kids and I, that is. We did some school work, then left for the polls around 10:30. They were so good, so interested and intense about "their" candidate. As I pulled into the lot at the local polling station, the oldest twin asked me what I knew about the candidates running for other offices, such as state representative and treasurer. I only then realized how much we had focused on the national election. Their intellectual fire for politics has been ignited, and they are not easily satisfied if they sense I am being short or dismissive of their questions. They are aware of the many levels of government, all of which can effect our lives - and lifestyle. I tend to become very introspective on days like today, feeling troubled by the changes I believe will be coming, and needing to contemplate my possible course(s) of action in response to those changes. I needed to answer their questions, and remain available for them, while I really just wanted to keep myself occupied with some task. I did treat them to lunch and doughnuts after voting, and we spent the rest of the daylight hours (not many of them, unfortunately) cleaning up outside in preparation for the long winter. They must have thanked me a dozen times for taking them with me, and for lunch out. They spoke of all they learned today, rattling off facts about the electoral college, past presidents who were truly "good", and were particularly impressed by the fact that I left the $.01 change from the doughnuts for the "penny jar". The younger twin exclaimed, "Boy, you learn something new every day!". They truly are good kids. I am grateful that the hours outdoors will lead them to an early rest tonight. I just do not want to discuss politics anymore.
However, I can not help but note the disappointment I feel towards the many members of my family who did not exercise their right and privilege to vote today. As we were leaving the polling place, it occurred to me how peaceful the whole process was - and how blessed we are to live in a place where it is peaceful. This is not something I take lightly. Traditional values, family as defined throughout the ages, morality, consideration for others, individuality - these are all under attack in this country. We must not be complacent with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities given to us in the document drafted many, many years ago, by men who may no longer be venerated by the current powers-that-be - or the population that votes for them.
However, I can not help but note the disappointment I feel towards the many members of my family who did not exercise their right and privilege to vote today. As we were leaving the polling place, it occurred to me how peaceful the whole process was - and how blessed we are to live in a place where it is peaceful. This is not something I take lightly. Traditional values, family as defined throughout the ages, morality, consideration for others, individuality - these are all under attack in this country. We must not be complacent with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities given to us in the document drafted many, many years ago, by men who may no longer be venerated by the current powers-that-be - or the population that votes for them.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Decisions, and a good day ...
Today was a very good school day. The time change yesterday put us back on track. The children seem to naturally rise around 8 am every day, which, of course, was 7 today, much better for getting all our work done. I do not like to wake the kids, as I would rather start later than deal with a child who is sleep-deprived. We managed to get all our group work done, as well as individual subjects.
The older twin will be preparing for her test on Chapter 2 in Rod & Staff Mathematics 7. She started the year in MUS Epsilon, but we hit a roadblock when I did not know how to help her with fractions using the methods she had been learning in that course. It made me realize how important it is to keep up with each of the kids even when they are following an independent program like the video instruction of MUS. I tried just supplementing with the R & S text, but soon realized that I would rather start from the beginning of that text. It is a bit advanced (she is only ten, and technically in 5th grade), but she was able to handle the opening lessons, and did very well on her first test. I plan on taking it at her pace. I really am impressed with all the Rod & Staff materials I have used. The teacher manuals are always helpful, and, believe me, I am not a big fan of TMs. I often fantasize about going with a complete R & S grade level for the younger twin and Little Bear, but that would take away from my facination with all things related to curriculum planning. Grammar (our second year for the twins) and spelling, a recent addition to our week, are here to stay, I believe. The twins already know a great deal of grammar, and I really see the benefit of the gentle introduction to the writing process.
I am facing the difficult decision of when to start the history cycle with Little Bear. She is so ready, asking repeatedly for the map work that her older siblings do. I already own Tapestry of Grace, Year 1 Redesigned. I worked through it last year with the Eldest Prince. I am so torn about starting in January, with just Little Bear, or doing it with the twins and Little Bear. I am contemplating condensing SL Core 4, so that we can begin the cycle together. I can let the twins complete their Presidents' LapBook independently, as they have been working on it on their own since the second term began. They are doing very well with their independent research. I am pleased at the pace they have kept, as well as their retention of the material. They love rattling off the presidents in order, and trying to stump one another with little known facts. This year has been enjoyable, despite my concerns about the subject matter. But we have not yet reached the 20th century.
Beginning the cycle again will streamline my day. And I think the twins will enjoy revisiting topics they studied when they were only 5 & 6 years old. Rocky is still too young to reap any benefit from formal academics. But he will listen to the lesson, and any read-alouds. I have to give this much thought.
The older twin will be preparing for her test on Chapter 2 in Rod & Staff Mathematics 7. She started the year in MUS Epsilon, but we hit a roadblock when I did not know how to help her with fractions using the methods she had been learning in that course. It made me realize how important it is to keep up with each of the kids even when they are following an independent program like the video instruction of MUS. I tried just supplementing with the R & S text, but soon realized that I would rather start from the beginning of that text. It is a bit advanced (she is only ten, and technically in 5th grade), but she was able to handle the opening lessons, and did very well on her first test. I plan on taking it at her pace. I really am impressed with all the Rod & Staff materials I have used. The teacher manuals are always helpful, and, believe me, I am not a big fan of TMs. I often fantasize about going with a complete R & S grade level for the younger twin and Little Bear, but that would take away from my facination with all things related to curriculum planning. Grammar (our second year for the twins) and spelling, a recent addition to our week, are here to stay, I believe. The twins already know a great deal of grammar, and I really see the benefit of the gentle introduction to the writing process.
I am facing the difficult decision of when to start the history cycle with Little Bear. She is so ready, asking repeatedly for the map work that her older siblings do. I already own Tapestry of Grace, Year 1 Redesigned. I worked through it last year with the Eldest Prince. I am so torn about starting in January, with just Little Bear, or doing it with the twins and Little Bear. I am contemplating condensing SL Core 4, so that we can begin the cycle together. I can let the twins complete their Presidents' LapBook independently, as they have been working on it on their own since the second term began. They are doing very well with their independent research. I am pleased at the pace they have kept, as well as their retention of the material. They love rattling off the presidents in order, and trying to stump one another with little known facts. This year has been enjoyable, despite my concerns about the subject matter. But we have not yet reached the 20th century.
Beginning the cycle again will streamline my day. And I think the twins will enjoy revisiting topics they studied when they were only 5 & 6 years old. Rocky is still too young to reap any benefit from formal academics. But he will listen to the lesson, and any read-alouds. I have to give this much thought.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What Would YOU Do?
Today, I took my children and my baby nephew shopping for a birthday present for a playmate. While in the store, one mother, in particular, caught my attention. She was shopping with her two little girls, and her husband. They were in the toy section, and the mother was pointing out toys for the girls to look at. The littlest girl reached out to touch the toy, the mother screamed, "No!", grabbed the girl's arm, and smacked her hand so hard I flinched. Then she led them down the next aisle, pointed out yet another pretty item to admire, and, as I walked quickly away, not wanting to witness her idea of "parenting", I - as well as the rest of the store - could hear that poor child being screamed at.
What is the "right" thing to do in these situations? I have too often witnessed these displays of "discipline" that make me ill. But it always occurs to me that a parent that treats their child this way, openly and without restraint, in view of witnesses, might very well be further angered by any intervention on the part of a stranger. What might he or she do when they get home? The poor child might bear the brunt of good intentions. Attempts to pass legislation against disciplining children is not going to do anything to stop those who beat and abuse children. This woman and others like her need to be taught that children who live with such malice towards them grow up with malice towards others. If only there was a means, when witness to such occurrences, to report them immediately, and have steps taken to protect the child at once. But I guess that would be tantamount to a police-state. And, of course, I do not want to live in a police-state. However, anyone who brazenly abuses their offspring in public, with nary a concern about what he or she is doing to the child, with lack of concern for all those who are witness to the abuse, deserves punishment. The only thing worse than a closet abuser of children is one who flaunts it as though they are immune to punishment.
What is the "right" thing to do in these situations? I have too often witnessed these displays of "discipline" that make me ill. But it always occurs to me that a parent that treats their child this way, openly and without restraint, in view of witnesses, might very well be further angered by any intervention on the part of a stranger. What might he or she do when they get home? The poor child might bear the brunt of good intentions. Attempts to pass legislation against disciplining children is not going to do anything to stop those who beat and abuse children. This woman and others like her need to be taught that children who live with such malice towards them grow up with malice towards others. If only there was a means, when witness to such occurrences, to report them immediately, and have steps taken to protect the child at once. But I guess that would be tantamount to a police-state. And, of course, I do not want to live in a police-state. However, anyone who brazenly abuses their offspring in public, with nary a concern about what he or she is doing to the child, with lack of concern for all those who are witness to the abuse, deserves punishment. The only thing worse than a closet abuser of children is one who flaunts it as though they are immune to punishment.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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