Homeschooling in 2012

     Up to this point in our homeschooling journey, I have leaned more to the unschooling side of things. Letting the kids follow their own interests, and exposing them to a variety of topics to discover.
     Albert Einstein said, "I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn." I think this, without knowing it, has been the core to my philosophy on learning and teaching.
     The first couple of years I tried here and there to teach school at home, I set yearly, semester, and quarterly goals for the kids in all areas of their lives, but that all eventually just came down to yearly goals. One to learn multiplication, one to learn to read, so on and so forth. This last year - nothing. Not. One. Goal. I do buy them each a yearly curriculum and encourage them to complete it, but it is very literature based, so does not really seem like 'school'. They do complete a grade of math each year, because let's face it, that is really not something I want to try to catch them up on.
     But this year I want things to be a little different. I want to be able to look back and say, oh yeah, we did this and this and that. So, although I have not sat and made specific plans yet, these are a few things I would like to add in or expand upon for 2012.

1. Lapbooks for History/Geography, Science, Reading, and Home Economics
          This is a big one! I have wanted to add this for about a year, but have just been really unfocused in my overall outcomes, therefore, my plans have not made it past the drawing board.
 2. 4-H Projects as part of our yearly schooling plans
          I thought this could be added into the Home Economics area and they could put recipes they have      tried, material samples, etc. into that lapbook. Also, as part of their science for the non-home eccy stuff.
3. Record keeping!!!!
          I would get a big, fat F for this one. When the kids were younger I could plainly see what they were accomplishing so didn't feel I needed this. And as I don't grade anything other than math, is just seemed like a waste of time. But as the kids get older and closer to high school levels, I realize this is a very crucial part of my job as teacher and I am slacking. But, I do not need to be excited about it...
4. More Hands-On Activities
          We do quite a few but I could definitely add more in as the kids all like them so much. Just plain fun!
5. Last one --- More Physical Education, Music, and guided Art classes
          I would like to begin teaching them self-defense again, especially as we don't do a lot in the winter. Just got a piano so we all need to learn to play it. And we need to utilize our art curriculum; although they are all very busy with artsy type stuff in spare time.

So, I guess that is my 2012 New Year's Resolutions for Old Oak Home School. Not real specific, but that is okay as I am sure you do not want to read about that, and I certainly do not want anything too concrete.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun New Year, and blessed and peaceful 2012!!!

The 10 Second Rule "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought..." Isaiah 58:11

Isn't it funny how sometimes you get just what you need, even if you don't realize you need anything?


I recently received a book in the mail from my home school curriculum company, Sonlight. I love getting these little gifts, they're always a surprise and make me feel like I am thought about. I know they send these to all their customers who have bought as much as I have - but nevertheless, I love getting them.


I had been contemplating my life as a Christian, something I like to do every now and then, just to evaluate where to go from here and to assure that I haven't gotten complacent and stagnant in my faith.


That is where I was when I went to check mail that morning, thinking "What do I need to do to lead a more Christ-centered life?" Yes, I know that totally sounds cliche, but I really do have these thoughts. lol


Now, to clear things up to those of you who know me and are thinking - well, you should start by going to church!!!!


It's true... I don't attend  church. Not to say I never have or never will. I just find it difficult. The meshing of faith and religion; people and religion; religion, people and family. Yuck, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth just thinking about it. For me, there really is a true separation of religion and faith. I love learning about religion, all religions, but I don't really feel I have a religious family. I honestly don't know where I belong, so where do I start in finding a church to go to?


I may be confused about religion, but not at all about my faith. I have always had a deep love and belief for God. I felt as though I knew right from wrong, learned from my mistakes, thought ahead before doing anything that could be considered morally wrong, and generally did a good job in staying away from things that could tempt me; sometimes good friends, family, the chance to have fun.


I can honestly say I have no regrets. Nothing that weighs on my heart or left the thought, 'if only I could go back and change that.' I feel very strongly about my faith in God. It has not lead me astray, or let me down.


As I was saying though, I was evaluating where I was spiritually. You see, I know that as I mature, my family changes, and life marches on, there are things to learn. I can't just stay the same in my spirit while everything outside is changing. I have to be willing to grow, to take my faith to the next level. That is when I got the book.


The book, The 10 Second Rule, by Clare De Graaf, could be the thing that changes my life... maybe, or maybe not... I guess we'll see. But I am open to the possibilities.


To put it is easy terms, the 10 second rule is to just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do. Like that first instant you see the guy on the corner with the sign, NEED MONEY FOR FOOD, and your first instinct is to give him that $5 bill in your pocket. Then reality hits and you think of all the things you could do with it, and how he is probably just wanting to get drunk or high with your hard earned money. How if he really needed money he would get a job, etc.


Is that first moment Jesus nudging you in the direction you should take? Is that what Jesus would do? Are we not suppose to follow in Jesus' footsteps?  I have felt that tug on my heart; felt the guilt weighing on me as we drive on by.


Everyone will have their own thoughts and opinions on this, these are just mine. Please don't take offense, I am not trying to preach to anyone. Just need an outlet, and hopefully will give someone that gift like received in the book.


This wonderful little book made so much sense to me. I have read through the whole thing- it's not a difficult read- and at the end is a challenge. To try to follow the 10 Second Rule for 30 days. I will be posting my progress, and challenges hopefully daily. If you want to respond, or try it with me, or have questions, please do not hesitate to post here.


Also, here is the link to the website http://www.claredegraaf.com/. It has some really great info- Check it out!


I didn't know this is what I needed; didn't think I needed help in my evaluation. But God did, and he provided.


"but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." Psalms 34:10

Delusions

Take the blinders off
And see you for who you are.

Are you one who revels in the simple joys,
the here and now, the miracle of each new day?

Or wallows in despair
for past hurts and wrongdoings;
of yours and the others.

Is your future bright
like a babies peek-a-boo smile?

Or dull, like murky water,
or old pennies tossed aside?

You can spout truth and justice,
right and wrong; it's all black or white--
but you're juvenile in your claims of self-denial.

I know your secret longings--
your transgressions,
deny them all you want.
I see them in your eyes,
feel them in your thoughts.

Let go now of the past--
of what holds you apart.
Be the one you want to be.

Not the one you are...

The Porch

Early this year we moved into a new house. It is beautiful, and big, big enough for all of us and a couple extra, for our pets and all of my books. I was so excited to have space to move in and a huge yard with trees. I loved the front porch but didn't figure on spending a lot of time out there because we were on main street, which is actually a major highway going through Nebraska. And we were right across from a busy gas station. I didn't want people looking at me, being nosy or hearing us talking. I thought I would spend most of my time in the back yard... Boy was I wrong.  

I guess sitting on the porch started with the kids. They were so loud in the house playing the wii with their friends I had to escape. So, out to the porch I went... and they followed me. From then on we were out there everyday.

I have watched dancing contests, sing-offs, and hula hooping on that porch. I have read to my kids our favorite stories, combed the girls' hair, cut my dog's hair, watched the most amazing summer storms, and counted to ten, or a hundred and ten there. I have joyfully hugged old friends hello there, and tentatively met new friends . I have tearfully said good-bye to best friends, and close family, and the way things were. I have danced with my dear husband, to no music at all there. Shared confidences, condolences, and outrage. Held my breath calling to see if my brother's cancer had came back and cried with joy when I heard it hadn't, on my porch.

I have waved to every acquaintance and stranger from my porch, watched people come and go from all over the country at the gas station, and counted trucks loaded with wheat go by during harvest. I have decorated it for Halloween, the first real holiday we have had here. I have silently cursed time, and the way things have to be, on my porch.

 I have laid on it soaking up the last of the sun's summer rays with my wonderful children, knowing that the season was drawing to a close. That by next spring they would be older, would possibly not have the same friends, or interests. Thought that maybe we wouldn't even be here to enjoy our wonderful porch.

Yesterday, I stood there and watched the first snow of the year fall. The seasons are definitely changing, not only with the weather, but the seasons of our life. Friends are moving away, the children are finding new hobbies and interests, more family has moved to town. I am already planning how I will decorate my porch for Christmas. I am trying hard not to be sad about the passing of this season of our lives, trying to look forward to the future and the wonderful, unexpected things it might hold in store for us. Like the unexpected joy we have found while on our porch...

A Beautiful Fall

A few days ago I took the kids and a couple of their friends to our little lake to fish and hunt for frogs. It was the ideal autumn day... warm with just a hint of chilly breeze every now and then.

The smell of the leaves was crisp in the air.

Down by the creek we had the perfect background music.

The kids were so happy and joyful. There were no electronic devices, no squabbling over who's turn it is on the computer, just the simple unmarred beauty of the lake and innocence of childhood.

I thought that if I could just bottle up the day, the smells, the sounds, the peace; if only I had that to open up and live again whenever life became too much, when it all seemed hopeless...

But then I realized that if I could make any rough day so wonderful, it would no longer be wonderful. I would not be able to appreciate those rare glimpses of my own utopia. And so, I have only my pictures, and my memory to relive that special day... And it is enough.