'Potters' Wheel, Part One

This post was originally written in the fall but not posted. Since pottery was such great fun for us, I decided to turn our time into a few posts for ya'all. Here is Part One.

Have I shared with you how I temporarily lost my eldest to Harry Potter? Well, in a couple of short months he blew through the series and was completely hooked. He isn't a creepy warlock kid, he's just a boy who will stay up very late at night reading. He sneaks under the covers after 'lights out' with a flashlight to continue a chapter or more. His offenses could be much worse, I am aware.

That said, we had a potter's class in the fall and he was tickled as all get out about the "Potter's'" wheel connection. I am certain the sensation of throwing on a wheel would have appealed to him regardless of his HP preoccupation but it made for fun puns along the way.

And so, as I was saying, we've been working with pottery a bit. Our interest was heightened when we visited Portland and the kids spent two good days playing pottery in the backyard. Hours of hand forming, reminded us of how simple and rewarding clay, water and paint brush can be.

When we returned and settled into our school routine, the art for the semester was an easy pick. We had private lessons at a local ceramic studio. Throwing on the wheel and creating a bowl from a chunk of clay provided hands on learning at it's finest.

It was interesting how the task translated to each child a little differently and each bowl was perfectly unique as it came to it's desired form.

Next up: clay forming at home

A Book, A Movie and An Ah-Ha Moment

The leading reason I selected our core curriculum is due to the superb literature woven into the program. I highly subscribe to the philosophy that we write what we read. And just like with any other influence in our lives, the better the literature, the better the lesson.

Transforming our reluctant reader
So, each of my charming students (both kids, that is) have readers that graduate with difficulty throughout the year. The story selections are phenomenal. Anna began the year as a reluctant reader. She would declare her disdain for the written word and protest at the suggestion of reading. While it had been her mantra for quite some time, she had a subtle change of heart as our school year settled in. Nothing was forced, it was simply offered. Her reading selections that were part of her curricula were interesting to her. She had been stuck reading books that bored her. The basic stories that were previously provided for her skill level were of no interest. There was not enough plot or any interesting description.

Finally she was given some great historical fiction that drew her right in at her level and she hasn't looked back. Not once have we had to debate about her readers. She happily picks them up and often reads ahead. And it's because of the depth of literature offered.

Reading together
In addition to the individual readers, our program has a history read aloud we do together in the evenings. David usually takes over with this and I often find all three snuggled together intently listening for the next page.

One recent read aloud was the missionary story of Gladys Aylward. She was a determined woman who passionately felt her calling was to serve in China. Her story is a moving testimony of the impact one person can have when their heart has a calling. I don't mind sharing that I caught my dear sweet, but very strong and manly husband crack his voice at the conclusion of the story. He was so moved by her perseverance in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Can the movie possibly be as good as the book?
The Inn of Six Happinesses is a movie staring Ingrid Bergman that is loosely based on this story. Saturday night, we lit a fire and snuggled in to watch the flick. Too many times to count someone disappointingly declared "this did not happen" and wondered how there could be so many inconsistencies with the written story (starting with the title --"There are EIGHT happinesses!")?! As with most Hollywood depictions of great literature, the story was greatly modified and lost some things along the way.

The Ah-Ha Moment
It was certainly worth it to see our read aloud on the screen in spite of the departure from the original story. I was tickled as all get out that a lesson I have been sharing over and over was finally realized. Movies are never as good as the book. And they saw this first hand. It was beyond their reasoning that the movie didn't accurately depict Gladys's story as it left out so many of the details that truly exhibit her determination and passion.

I think it's safe to say movies - when inspired from a book - have been dethroned in our home. A good read is always better!

Bonus feature
P.S. Incidentally there was a quote from the movie that spoke to me as I was sitting with my fresh new notebook on New Year's Day, planning our 2011. Advice was given to Gladys that "A life that is planned is closed. It can be endured but not lived." I put down my pen and snuggled in a bit tighter. Hollywood or not, I like that.

Image and more about Gladys here.

Changing Eduction Paradigms

Making the rounds. An interesting view that may challenge conventional paradigms. What do you think?

Math: Wrap Ups

We are always looking for ways to practice and develop our math facts. Card games are a big win since playing doesn't feel like drilling. Time in the car can be the most perfect opportunity to practice and challenge addition, subtraction, fractions and even beginning multiplication.

Enter, Basic Math Wrap Ups.

(Side bar: Before you read on and hit the panic button, let me share that this post almost didn't go up when I saw my boy's nails in these photos. Holy black claws, Batman! Who is his mother anyway?! You must know he doesn't live in a complete state of filth. We just returned from the kids' first session on a potter's wheel. Evidently, we brought a little clay home with us--and he is overdo for a nail trim. Another post, for another time. For now, stick with me and please focus on math, not the nails. Much obliged.)

As I was saying, the plastic keys function with a long string that you use to wrap up as you select the correct answer for the operation.

4 + 7 = 11

6 + 9 = 15

And so on

Once you have finished the key, turn it over. If your string path is correct you will will have properly matched the lines and not see anything.

If you have an incorrect answer, your string pattern will differ from the raised lines that are the answer key. (If this description doesn't wow you and you want to see an animated instruction video, click here.)

* For a kinesthetic learner, the hands on manipulation is great.

* For a competitive child, there are plenty of ways to increase the challenge and add a time to your drilling. Setting a goal of how many correct keys can be completed before picking up your brother, for instance, is a common practice in our car.

* For a reluctant mathematician, these are a good way to build confidence and skill.

Wrap ups are fantastically simple and portable and come in a variety of other subjects such as Spanish, vocabulary, and even music theory. These self paced tools are a pretty good fit for most any student.

You can purchase these handy keys from a variety of places, like Amazon,with several options (packs or individually sold, etc.). But to let you in on a little secret, I almost always prefer Rainbow Resources when they have what I'm looking for. The pricing is hard to beat!

And for the record, I (foolishly) don't have any contact with the companies of the products I mention or, dare I say, endorse. Perhaps I should review my options a little better since I am pretty selective about what I share with you all. But for now, it's just free marketing for them. (Read: I need a plan!)

Will Spell For Food

Sometimes we need a little kinesthetic spelling around these parts. The kids were dragging a bit one morning this week so we opted for a snack time spelling game. Wow, who knew spelling numbers and ordinals could be so much fun! (wink, wink)

Spelling the numbers 4, 40, 44, 14 or the ordinals 4th or 40th (and so on) can be tricky. When do we drop the 'y'? Why do some of the words have a 'u' and others don't? And then what about 'for' or 'fore'? When you are working for a peanut butter pretzels the stakes are high.

Putting our pencils down and using our Banagram letters (talk about multi purpose game pieces), my star students spell the word for the number I write on the white board.

A little side note: Competition in our house is discouraged. Our big kids are so close in age and have complimentary skill sets, that if allowed them to freely compete we might have smack downs on a regular basis. And then the little guy is such an underdog there is no hope of him ever really winning much of a match against his siblings. So, we don't compete with each other, we stretch ourselves and encourage each other. (And we practice that lesson daily.)

Our game is not a race. Everybody 'wins' and everybody gets fed when the word is spelled correctly. Extra credit is awarded to the player who can tell me which letter combinations make the specified sound.

The added challenge is that these aren't even our weekly spelling words. These are just words that sometimes creep in and give us pause. This is a fun portable game that can be used for so many different spelling options.

The Strata of Our Schooling

School is in session. So far, so good even though I know there will be difficult days. I am so thankful for the enthusiasm and eagerness that Christopher and Anna greet me with each morning. It's not a sure thing that what you want and pray for your kids can be met in practice. For now we are in sync and I am filled with gratitude.

Photo from a recent trek to one of our favorite local hiking trails.

The Foundational Layers
We are easing into our flow and slowly layering in new lessons. I like to call it the strata of our schooling. We start with the fundamentals; reading, writing and arithmetic. Introduce the subject, obtain a grasp of how it works each day and then let it settle. Our primary curriculum is Sonlight and Excel Math. The literature-based approach to learning history and science helps enhance our core reading and writing, even if we are studying supplemental topics. We are building our foundation.

Subsequent Layering
And so, we add in science and history, also through Sonlight, and let it settle.

Then we proceed adding a writing workshop, layering in Meet the Masters, and a periodic trip outside for the day with a program like Earthroots Field School. We have sports to add in and some really great field trips as well.

We have not had any problem filling our dance card. In fact, I echo what a seasoned homeschooling mom recently shared with me.

Homeschooling is not about choosing great things for your kids.
It's about choosing the things that are truly exceptional.

Programming and Socialization
There are so many options for fun, good programming. We don't even give the socialization piece any energy. It is not a problem at all (Heather wrote a great piece here.). Our challenge has been more a matter of determining what is outstanding among the many choices offered. Maintaining focus when there is a super cool program available is much more typical than not finding enough good options.

Plan and Scheduling
Part of what is keeping me grounded is the plan and schedule. Working the plan and chipping away at it. We look back and realize, wow, we covered a lot--even on just this first week. Building our program is a fine art in calendar management and planning in order to make it all work. But it's doable and sustainable, layer by layer.

Support
The other piece that is critical for me and my composition (read: incessant researcher) is a good support network. D is my #1 support. He partners in the teaching an itty bitty bit but more importantly for me, he has my back. He covers me with the kids and gives me room to find the best programs (for us).

I have also latched on to some wise homeschooling mamas who have been there and done that. They offer wisdom and comfort not found in a lesson plan or book.

I also seek like-minded folks who offer camaraderie and support on the philosophical level. We stepped out on this journey when no one close to us was homeschooling. It has been wonderful to meet and bond with great families. Their curricula may be different and their family intention may not be ours but the commitment is shared.

And then there is my posse. My girls keeping it real and giving me outlets that have absolutely nothing to do with schooling. My monthly dinners with Jora, my creative outlet (and so much more) in Michelle, and my regular grounding and belly laughing with Adrienne are just a few that keep me going.

The balance is key for me.

Post script: If you are familiar with our crew then you may be panicking with not a single mention of my little helper, Parker. He's here and he's a helper. He has preschool three mornings a week, which is great for him. He has a blast. And then he's home with us the other two days. He adds another layer for us and we work as a group to find our rhythm. He is watching and learning how to learn too.

Back to School [Feast]

With great anticipation we officially start school today. We had a very soft start on Friday while our little boy enjoyed his first day of preschool. The big kids and I got acquainted with our math curriculum. But today is really the first day for us to homeschool - the way we want and with all the bells and whistles.

I have been strategizing and researching for months. Today is the day where we get tactical and the rubber meets the road. I am so excited for this journey, partially because the opportunity for us and partially because I have to be. If I don't have enthusiasm for learning, how will they?

So, we celebrated last night with a back to school feast. We just adopted this great tradition I first read about from Nie Nie. We had a lovely spread complete with presents and dessert. (And let me tell you, dessert around these parts is rare so the kids knew something big was brewing. Which, in my book, is exactly the way dessert should be used.) I love Nie's approach with a family theme for the year. Perhaps we'll graduate to that. For our initial feast we enjoyed a round robin sharing what we are most looking forward to this year.

New school supplies were wrapped and presented. There is something about the practical, and maybe even expected, wrapped up and labeled. It takes on a new level of 'doo dah', as D calls it.

So, we're off and learning great things! I plan to be a better blogger with periodic updates and a few new recipes to share. Hope all is well with you and your little learners.

They Made It Through Ok

Photo of Margaret Mead from here.

Did you catch Ree's list of famous homeschoolers? They 'succeeded' in spite of their parents' shortcomings in teaching them. (Did I really just write that? Pardon me, that's just beginning of the year jitters.)

Anyway, it's a fun little list to peruse.

The Love of Books: Unleashed

Image via here.

It's official. I'm a book freak. For the first several years of our marriage and parenting I tried to deny my compulsion for books. I tried to 'move on ' from books read and ween myself from of the 'clutter'. But I came to to realize how much I love that my mother in law has entire walls devoted to her book collections. On more than one occasion, I have disappeared from a family gathering to wander her shelves and page through some of her classic treasures.

My aforementioned denial came about as I considered space. Our home has an open floor plan with few opportunities to clutter the walls with book shelves. In an effort to deny our roots, the husband and I desperately tried to purge ourselves of the things we don't NEED (We are both descendants of keepers--mothers who hold onto EVERYTHING). I went through my books and donated many and stored some of the others in the attic. A few maintained their spots of display but now as we are homeschooling and I am completely justified in building back up our library, especially my favorite classics and reference books. (Hallelujah! Cue the music.)

A room without books is like a body without a soul.
~Marcus Tullius Cicero

It's not by accident that I've been drawn to a literature based curriculum for our coming school year. I've done my research, poured through syllabuses and even considered making my own lesson plans. Ultimately we are going with a program that is a good fit for us in many ways. We can customize it in an a la carte fashion so we aren't bogged done with the things we aren't going to use or have taken a different approach with, but it's structured enough to not burn out Headmaster Extraordinaire. But the best part is that we are using CLASSICS. My heart skips a beat and I literally can not wait for the order to arrive.

I have a few resources to share if you too are interested in building a great library, whether for homeschooling or just hammocking:

Honey for a Child's Heart: This si a great book for value based, character building children's stories. A must for all families! I'm not a big fan of a lot of the children's literature that is produced these days. It's much like the trashy cartoons or 30 minute time wasters that can be found on the squawk box (You can sense my passion against the low-common-denominator pop culture media but know that it is coupled with an ongoing battle to temper one very proficient tv junkie under my watch. We're not a media-free house but I sometimes wish we were).

You write what you read.

Amazon: I can often be found trolling Amazon for some of my favorite classics. I've had good experiences with the used books for many of the books that are out of print. Reference books are great used since a lot of people don't actually use them. They can found in like new condition pretty readily. Usborne and DK books top my lists every time!

Local Library Used Book Store: I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't really know what a treasure trove the used book store can be at the local library--especially for hardcover classics. Many folks will donate absolute gems from their grandfather's collection or Aunt Betty's dusty shelves. Score for you!

If display is bogging you down, Seleta has a nice post on bookshelves here.

So, I am embracing my freakish book loving ways and am off to create the perfect spot to display our newest (and oldest) bound beauties.

Update: Design Sponge just posted some fantastic eye candy bookshelves. Check it out here.

Card Sharks [and Stealth Math Practice]

We are deep into cementing our basic math facts around here. Anna is wrapping up first grade and heading into multiple step addition and subtraction and Christopher is completing that, heading into multiplication. Without a solid grasp of math facts these tasks are no fun.

So, we do a little bit of obvious practice with fact family games and a touch of flash card drilling (but frankly we all tire of that). The kids have timed drills with Mad Dog Math which started in school. They are enthusiastic about being in the 1 minute (or 30 second) club. But again, knowing the basic math facts quickly is essential to moving through the stickers and getting to the next level.

I have taken to card games to drill, rather than flash cards (yawn). Our favorite game at the moment is WAR. It's simple and fast which is how the drills really play out. The kids don't realize they are drilling, they just want to beat mama!

So, it goes something like this.

Cards are divided evenly among players until they are gone. (We usually play one on one but some times add a third player.) Each player takes a card from the stack (without looking) and places the card down. The person with the highest card wins the trick. BUT, that person has to state the sum (or difference) of the values.

11 + 8 = 19 or 11 - 8 = 3
(This could also be translated to multiplication)

As the plot thickens and the tension builds, there is occasionally a match. That means there is a battle (If playing with Anna, we break out in song...."Battlefield, battlefield.....Better go and get your armor...." ala Jordin Sparks.). Three more cards are placed, face down. The fourth card is flipped and the high card takes the pot--AFTER announcing the sum or difference.

I have been known to flub a value or two, testing my opponent. If they catch me, they win my cards. All of which is on the down low. They just build confidence and wit in trying to beat out mama.

Cribbage and Black Jack are also fun stealth math games. I am sure we will hit those hard during our upcoming camping adventure.

Last Child in the Woods

What started out as a reading list for homeschooling has evolved into a great read for most any parent, homeschooling or not. Our most recent discovery is Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder.

Even without the endorsement of Scientific American, countless reviewers, and seasoned child develop experts Richard Louv's national bestseller and 2008 Audubon Medal winner is a must read for all parents, truly.

In our tenure as parent we've innately relied on 'getting outside' as our get out of jail card when everything unravels. Temperament changes and the the kids return to baseline. Wandering or hiking and not being corralled is something we require when choosing vacations or even just family activities.

Frankly it's selfish parenting. We want to do what is easy and what flows the most with our family. Now, as the kids get older we have been so thankful for this practice. For our children love and appreciate nature and feel a deep connection, even if we don't live in a forest. It's become part of who they are.

And as it turns out, studies (cited and reviewed in Louv's book) show that connecting with nature, frequently and intentionally, is essential for healthy physical and emotional development. Louv ponders the links of a not-so-coincidental rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression with a lack of nature in these same kids' lives. He opens his book with:

There was a child went forth every day,
And the first object he look'd upon, that object he became,
And that object became part of him for the day or a certain part of the day,
Or for many years or stretching cycles of years.

The early lilacs became part of this child,

And grass and white and red morning glories, and white and red clover,
and the song of the phoebe-bird,
And the Third-month lambs and the sow's pink-faint litter,
and the mare's foal and the cow's calf....
~ Walt Whitman

I like to play indoors better 'cause that's where all the electrical outlets are.
~ A fourth grader in San Diego

Last Child in the Woods is an excellent summer read and should be on your shelf of return-to resources. It's another reminder of how some of the most simple and fundamental elements can be the most neglected in the name of alleged progress.

Ladybugs and Gardens: A Good Day

We are working on a plant unit for science. We have fresh lettuce, herbs and whatever other veggies we can produce in our very small backyard. So the kids are familiar with gardening and a plant's life cycle. That said, going to a real farm, with real space, makes for a fun (schoolish) field trip to enhance our lesson. If I have initial advice for homeschoolers it would certainly include field trips, lots of field trips.

And so, based on a high review from Kristianne, we hit a local little gem of a garden. It's run by folks with a passion for good, organic food, not high production farming. We happened to show up on volunteer Wednesday so there were a few wise gardeners there to answer our myriad of inquisitions.

Oh the delight to find artichokes (clearly one of Anna's favs) and rhubarb!

As with any good garden we encountered some ladybugs. Naturally, more questions...How can you tell if a ladybug is a boy or girl? (Answer: It can be difficult, but size is an indicator) And so on...

Eventually, the breeze and sunshine beckoned us to the pergola for some sketching and snacking.

Much observation and consideration went into adding our new ladybug friends, Louis and Loretta, to the sketchbook.

As with any good dining al fresco, the ambiance of the garden included a bocce ball set. Parker took a great liking to the idea of it and even felt inclined to change things up a bit. You know, to help his game.

We will certainly be heading back to take a class--from seed to plate--and will frequent the market on Saturdays.

Louis and Loretta didn't make it home with us. So we took a pittstop at the local nursery for our own supply of aphid eaters. Did you know that if you put your container of ladybugs in the refrigerator the little speckled ones fall asleep? And since it's best to release them at night a little bit at a time, the sleepiness factor works in your favor. Just take them out of the fridge and put a group on your intended host and repeat for a few nights in a row. Your chances of the ladybugs making your garden their home are better, so THEY say.

We'll be the judge of that with our first release this evening.

The Sound of Writing

We've been having great fun around here with our new-to-us typewriter. I don't know what it is about a classic hunt and peck return carriage of a Smith Corona, circa 1950s, that I find so charming. Perhaps it's the sound of writing that I love so much.

While we regularly use Spelling City for practicing our weekly words, our portable typing machine has added new charm (and keyboard recognition) to our exercises. It also works well for shopping lists and just about anything else we can muster. Spelling today, stories tomorrow...

Simple pleasures, my friends.

Homeschooling for Excellence

We started homeschooling Anna this February as a bridge with no idea how our family would 'fit' with this crazy wacky ride. And it has evolved into a full fledged joy.

We brought Anna home because she was not loving learning the way she always had. She was only six and too young, in our book, to have the joy of discovery squashed out of her. So, we planned on a little detox time and simply wanted to slowly reconnect with her enthusiasm for learning.

What we didn't plan for is her very swift shift back to our inquisitive little girl. At the first of the year, she tried hard to convince us that she wasn't a good reader and that it was "stupid". Now she is quite fluent and is on the cusp of not wanting to put the book down (a day I wasn't sure we would see with her--not everyone loves reading, or so I thought).

I am more surprised than anyone that what began as an effort to help our daughter has shifted our entire paradigm of education. We have a new perspective that is very simply focused on each child, each year, and nurturing their love of learning. We are able to be intentional about encouraging our children to be the best they can be.

Homeschooling is not for everyone, but I think it might be for us. At least for another year. Next year we are planning to homeschool Anna AND Christopher. Parker will stay the course and attend our beloved preschool. I am excited for our journey!

I joke that I'm in a masters program (or at least an intense certification program) because I am so deep in research on child development, education, learning styles, curriculum, case studies, etc. Please know this is not normal or required in any way for a typical homeschooler. I am just odd. I like to research things thoroughly and to really roll up my sleeves and dig in. It's my happy place.

One of my favorite recent reads is Homeschooling for Excellence. Authors David and Micki Colfax received unsolicited press during the 80's when there four boys, all homeschooled, attended Harvard. Defacto pioneers in a quiet, seemingly obscure practice of schooling their boys at home, they show how they did it. They didn't set out to change the world or preach their philosophy, they kept it simple and helped nurture that which was within.

I loved this book. It's a good read, even if you aren't a homeschooling family. It provides a great review of the history of public education in our country and a frank discussion of the housekeeping of public (and dare I equate, some private) education. If you are on the fence about homeschooling, this may force your hand. It is encouraging. Whether my kids go to Harvard or not is hardly the point.

Balancing the To-Do List

We discovered this creation on our Sunday hike at the beach. Perfect, no?!

It's a Monday....Back in the saddle time. I turned the TV off. Anna and Pj are happily creating and discussing dot art (after our morning session of schoolin'). Now I have a peaceful moment to tackle some things and I'm spinning. Where do I start? I am balancing a lot of tasks right now, which feels good. But I also am creating a monstrosity of a to-do list.

Here are a few items I need to prioritize and tackle:

: Tend to my neglected blog. I am behind in posting and want to share so much with my lurkers (who never comment!) but in all honesty lack motivation to post when there is little dialogue. Are you reading? Do you care? I love this blog and love to share things that might be useful or fun or whatever. I would love it more if you commented and shared with me as well. I know you're out there, don't be shy.

: Redoing the kids' closets. I need to finish what I've started (Story of my life.)

: Basic household clean up. This is truly never ending but Mondays are my 'take back the house days'. I am just bored with groundhog day activities like cleaning. They need to be done and always take away the frantic feeling a messy house has but the monotony of cleaning....

: Review seminar notes from this weekend. My homeschooling journey has evolved from an intended placebo break for Anna to a heartfelt ambition for my family. I'm completely enraptured by the possibilities for my kids and am deep in research. I am reviewing, critiquing and hoping to one day select curriculum for next year. This weekend I attended a seminar by Carole Joy Seid. Wow, it's a radically different approach than traditional education. She is much like Charlotte Mason's method of teaching with Great Works--a literature based teaching. There are certain aspects of the classical approach I really like and I am considering how to incorporate it in our own hybrid curriculum. (P.S. She's anti traditional curriculum, so I'm clearly deviating from the plan right out of the gates.)

: Continue my research interviews regarding next year's homeschooling plans. This is deep and wide and big. If you know me at all you know I am a thorough researcher and need a lot of information to choose a path.

: Get cracking on my reading list. I will share my gems of reads as they earn their distinction. But, first I need to read 'em.

: Summer plans. We need to nail down some summer plans. Trips, visitors and activities.

: Pictures, pictures, pictures. I have a lots of pictures to processing and print. My role as family historian needs some attention. Plus it's fun!

: Correspondence. I am fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family who are thoughtful and giving. I owe several thank you notes and basic connection. Bad me!

: Nurture my creativity. This is a never-ending desire that is rarely satisfied with me. Knitting is taking a backseat to sewing. More on that later.

I have a lot of reorganizing I am entrenched in (physically around the house and structurally with our books, schooling and business of our lives). One step at a time and being a list master will calm the crazy. Best of all, I have a spa getaway for the weekend. A break is in sight!

What's on your heart today?

Butterfly Lapbook

Anna and I are having a good time at home learning and growing in confidence--both of us. One of the greatest advantages, in my eyes, to homeschooling is the opportunity for enrichment. We can take an interest or area of study and go deeper with it. Last week we wrapped up a unit on butterflies.

We conducted our own butterfly release (from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly). And we also put together our first lapbook. These are great ways, whether you are homeschooling or just looking for something to enhance your child's interests, or could even be pulled off for a rainy day(s) activity. There tons and tons of resources available. The homeschooling community I have found online is a generous group of (mostly) gals who share. You can consider most any topic and someone has likely developed a lapbook template (often free) for it. You can tailor for your student or even use it as inspiration and create something else more appropriate.

Our first lapbook should have included photos and documentation of our butterflies and their release but we skipped that. We followed components of this template pretty closely.

Anna loved the hands on artsy crafty synthesis of her learning. It was fun for her to share it over and over with anyone who would listen.

This week we are wrapping up a simple resurrection lapbook. Next up up is our study of Native Americans through the Courage of Sarah Noble. This will be a more involved study that we are both looking forward to.

Write [or Tell] Me A Story Cards

We've been having lots of fun with our writing. Some days we consider this date in history and use that as a writing prompt (only if it's interesting, of course). Other days we work on a theme we're learning or a character trait. And still other days we whip out our Story Cards. I L-O-V-E these cards.

Today's assignment was to choose five cards and make up a story. Before writing the story we use our story builder (or comprehension) tool. It's where Anna maps out the story in terms of characters, setting, main idea and title. If we are reviewing a story or using this tool for a book report we add a tab for whether or not she likes the story; why or why not?

These beautifully illustrated cards provide endless stories options:
: use as writing prompts
: have fun with round robin story telling
: tell your child a story

There are several different themes available. Woodland forest friends are a big hit with our crew but so are robots. These may end up in a certain little helper's Easter basket...

Horse Mapping

Much like potty training and mapping out every loo in your route, which is 99% behind us, we have been horse mapping. With Anna homeschooling and her two brothers in two other schools, we have a bit of time running around and occasionally some waiting. But lucky for us we have found some good stables along the way. And nothing elates Anna more than horses.

This could easily pass as a typical day for us (it happened to be last Thursday, but could also be tomorrow):

: Bro to school
: Home for a super great lesson with Mom
: Out to an appointment (Ok, this part probably isn't as typical)
: More stimulating learning (in the field)
: Car picnic at the stables (How's that for a good recess?!)
: Pick up lil bro
: Library
: Back home for some thought provoking lessons
: Early departure to pick up big bro - attempt at snooze cruise for lil bro - resulting in serenading new horse pals (And realizing both bros have stables near their schools. How truly convenient.).
: Swim practice for Anna, catch with mom for the boys
: Family time and dinner
: Reading and reflection

A good day with new friends.

I'm the Captain?!

We made it through our first week of homeschooling Anna. We are starting slow and layering our projects and enrichment activities as we gain our footing. Working out placement for Parker and defining our schedule was our biggest challenge. The best analogy I have is that to flying a plane.

You see I feel like I just flipped the switch from being on cruise control auto pilot to manually maneuvering the turbulence. As involved as I thought I was before, I played a very supportive role (not a bad role at all, I might add) relative to their learning. I flew coach and happily went wherever the captain (teacher) piloted the plane. If there wasn't enough noshing or snacks served up (as their never is, right?!) I brought some supplemental sustenance along to get us through so we'd land happy travelers. I was present but able to float through it all with a little extra here and there.

Now, I am in charge. It's a gnarly flight plan. This is not a surprise and I am doing my best to rise to the challenge. I have taken safety precautions and have a teacher who we are working with. She is my parachute and will save us from crashing and burning. We have structure and curriculum and a whole lot of resources (my goodness homeschooling is taking off!).

My daughter, however, has totally stepped up. She is flying first class. That girl wants only the best. This first week has revealed that she is completely self motivated. I knew she had great drive but it had subsized a bit. I am surprised at how well she is approaching everything. She definitely likes structure so we are doing our best to keep library day on Thursdays and the yellow folder is for Math, and so on. Within that, she's a perfect passenger.

I realize this is only week one. But are happy to be where we are. And I think all my passengers are going to have a better trip because I turned off auto pilot.

Image from here. Take a listen to this one man indie pop gig also from San Diego. Sending messages.

Homeschooling: Day One

Anna teaching me about Frida Kahlo, Meet the Masters-style.

::Warning: This is a lengthy, very open post. And please know, I am fragile.::

A Little Background
We've been deep in consideration of all things educational around here. I haven't blogged about it since it's a private issue and can sometimes be controversial. I was all set to continue down that path until I realized this journey is too good to keep to myself.

First off, too many people in our lives know about this crazy mid-year maneuver and are wondering how it's going. I was never one who had a lot of 'me time'--it's just not that season of my life. But, now especially, I simply do not have time to update my dear friends as I would like. Enter, my sweet blog. (Foreshadowing)

I am so blessed with my friendships and times like this make me so aware of that. Some friends are certain I am crazy (they might be right) to even consider homeschooling. Admittedly I was one of them last year. ("Are you enrolling again next year?" "Well, actually I'm considering homeschooling." "What? You're insane. Why in the world would you do that?!")

Some friends are watching closely and think I may be paving the way for them in the future. (We'll see about that.) And some friends are just very good friends and support me, even if I am crazy or our decision isn't something they would do. I am grateful for all the colors of my friendship rainbow.

The story goes, I have three kids in three 'schools'. My older two kids had been in a reputable private school and one remains there. He's happy and it is a very good fit for his learning style and personality. The other sweet dear has just embarked on a homeschooling journey with me for the remainder of this year. And, lastly, my little helper is in preschool.

Our reasons are many and completely full of shades of grey. We have always been committed to evaluating our kids' education per child per year. We don't think one size fits all at all times. This year, one of our kiddos needed a change. She does well academically and has friends in school but wasn't loving it and frankly, she's too young to become jaded.

Fear, Panic and Trepidation
I am incessantly inquisitive and love a good investigation. I'm sleuthy and very thorough. I used to think I was involved in my kids schooling. I worked in the classrooms. I met with the teachers. I worked on homework every night. Gift giving occasions always included some kind of educational enhancement to their current interests....Blah, blah, blah.

I was wrong.

This experience has shown me just how much I didn't know. We have been so blessed to have had wonderful teachers for our kids. Good schools + good teachers + involved parents = great education, right? Well, yes, but I have had a wake up call too.

For me, this journey has been as much about supporting my daughter as it have been about me adapting to what the situation calls for. You see, I like structure. I like a high bar. I like goals. She does too. BUT she might also like other things. That doesn't make her deficient in any way, just different. I like to say, she has been living in a black and white world and she's all color!

But back to me.

So, while I am Gumby over here, stretching and bending to adapt to what I am being called to do, I am certain it may kill me. I mean homeschooling is for freaky fringe people, right? These are people who inbreed and live on compounds or in the back woods. That's not us. We live in a beach town in Orange County, for crying out loud. I like structure. I like uniforms. By golly she is in a good place. ("Yes, but it's not all that for her." My voice reminds me.)

So, with D's encouragement, I embark on my research...My happy place of investigating. Oh, there is so much out there. There are treasure chests of blogs and resources. I could hardly stand the inspiration that rushed over me. "I can do this....She needs me to try to do this..."

This past Friday was her final day of school with her classmates and I could hardly walk the halls to pick her up. Our transition is fairly smooth since we'll still be on campus and see our friends. Playdates and activities are set and we even arranged to be pen pals with the class. (All first graders need to write, write, write). She was happy to bounce on out of there giving everyone a cheerful hug. Me, not so much.

I love her teacher. I love her little friends who I have been working with for a couple of years now. I like the feeling of being part of a class. The routine speaks to me. The group connection makes me feel warm inside. Class dynamics are hard but also so good. My self doubt gains speed.
Leaving the class I am certain I am going to loose it right there in the hallway IN FRONT OF EVERYONE--especially my daughter. "I can't crack. Not now."

I [sort of ] made it home and cracked all weekend. I am certain we have made a mistake. This is all so unnecessary. Let's go back to the way I like it and proceed status quo.

Monday Morning
With great enthusiasm and the joyful smile I love so much, Anna bounces into greet me at 6:37 am. "Today is my first day of homeschooling! Woo Hoo!" I smile back and bury my head under the covers in sheer and utter panic. "What have I done?! It's not too late. She can slap that uniform on and get on to school."

At some point I realize we were passed the point of packing her up and proceeding as we do every Monday morning. I am terrified, literally terrified I am going to ruin her. She's a good student and what if I am the reason she is not from this point forward....

I am shocked at how hard it was for me emotionally to cut the cord from her classroom. Unexpected, to say the least. My research didn't allow for this sort of....feeling.

Anyway, D had to leave for his blissfull day at the office and we had to get started with our day. I had to pull it together and pretend like I knew what I was doing.

Yes, We Can
This girl is a teacher in training. I had planned to keep things as close to the program at school as possible but she isn't messing around. The blue folder is for math. The green is for work in progress. The yellow is for writing....

I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree afterall and she likes good structure too. And so, we proceed this day with a lot of unknowns together. We have some flexibility to go deep in areas that are especially interesting. We can read and write until the cows come home but there is still comfort in our schedule and our folders and what we both know and like. There will certainly be hiccups and bumps in the road but I as of today, I no longer feel like I will completely loose it and hyperventilate. I feel like we have an exciting opportunity to try this gig out and see if it suits any of us. We can always go back.

I am so proud and thankful for my 'can do' girl and her enthusiasm. Without it I may have crumbled before the day even started. Now, I am feel hopeful for what tomorrow will bring.