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!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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
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
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