Excelsior Academy

Friday, December 29, 2006

Habits

"Bad habits are really nothing more than
the wrong decision made over and over."
~ Diana DeLonzor

Now why didn't I think of that. ;D

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posted by Dawn ;) at 7:50 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

True Excellence

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then,
is not an act,
but a habit.
~ Aristotle

Hmm, interesting isn't it. So like CM too.
Enjoy!

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posted by Dawn ;) at 6:59 PM 1 comments

Monday, December 25, 2006

~ Merry Christmas ~

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be shed in and through your homes this wonderful time of year. May you know and abide in His love continually everyday of the New Year.


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

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posted by Dawn ;) at 3:08 PM 0 comments

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Plans for the New Year

As I prepare for our upcoming new year and term, I am reflecting on what I want to accomplish and what we have done. I realize that I really need to focus more of my attention on developing my students, not just academics but character as well.

Our
CMason Study group is reading "When a Child Loves to Learn" and I must admit that it has given me a whole new perspective of a Charlotte Mason Education. I am finding that it is more than the snippets you can glean here and there, it truly encompass more of the life of the learner and not just the academics. I've been able to relax in my thinking but I do realize that more could be done on my part, as the home educator, but I am too stretched in different directions to be truly effective. I'm glad we are reading this book slowly and I look forward to reading the rest of the book, though I think it will definitely be a re-read in the future.

The following quote has sparked my interest in simplifying so that I can be more effective:
"Education is not a life later; it is a life now." p112
As I reflect on this statement, I realize that I have been planning for the future but not truly taking stock of the now. This is their educational (mine too) life now and we need to focus on the now and not what is to become. I've been struggling with not being prepared enough for the future, for not planning the proper course for college bound students, for not being able to teach something, when in reality the only concern I need is the now. What can I do now to improve their education life and draw them toward the life they are to lead later? Am I fulfilling the requirements of an effective home educator, or am I simply doing whatever necessary to get it done and over with. I really don't want to be the latter but I think I have not been taking myself or what I need to do seriously enough to be more than that. I want more out of our homeschool and therefore, it will require more of me. Ooch! thats the part that I've been negligent of mainly. I am grateful that the Lord is patient, kind, longsuffering and has a way of turning everything around for our good.

As I prayerfully plan our next steps, taking in to account the things that are important and some long range goals, I'll be able to balance homeschooling better. It is my prayer that we grow, learn and share together. I am purposing to make changes in me first, then I am certain the changes in the dc will come. CMs style is very gentle and peaceful, which is what our lives need at this time, and I do miss our teachable and impromptu moments that are breed in this type of atmosphere.

My first lesson plan assignment will be: Creating an atmosphere to grow in. Hmm, I like the sounds of that. I'll share more as I develop my thoughts, read more CM and rest in the Lord's care, letting Him lead and direct our progress (He does such a better job at it than I).

May you all have a blessed day!

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posted by Dawn ;) at 12:43 AM 1 comments

Saturday, December 16, 2006

~ Our New Home ~

Welcome to our new home. Come on in, and please excuse the dust as we settle in. Things are a bit out of place at the moment but I'll be sure to get that cleaned up soon.

As you can see, I've moved our homeschool blog over to blogger. I made the decision to simplify my life and the time I spend logging in and out of blog sites. I will not be closing my homeschoolblogger account ~ just posting here and sending the feed over there so that I may keep in touch w/my HSB friends and visit them when I can.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome weekend!

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posted by Dawn ;) at 2:34 AM 1 comments

Thursday, December 14, 2006

~ Schools Out ~

Woohoo! We made it and now its time for a much needed break.

We began our winter break today and it will probably last until Jan 10th, being that it was suppose to be a month long. I am looking forward to resting and relaxing though it may not really happen since it is the last days before Christmas and everyone is starting to shop. BBW hasn't been as busy as I thought it would be but it was very busy today. I can only imagine how it will p/u in the days ahead. The library will be going to shorten hours on Mon ~ yeah! and I will get a mini-vacation starting the 22nd. I don't return to the library until the 30th, which will be very nice.

Dh's b-day is on the 23rd and we've planned a lovely surprise for him just among the family. Oh, did I mention, I've done all my shopping, there is only wrapping the gifts, cleaning the homefront and putting up the decorations which we plan to start on tomorrow. I am so happy because I really wanted this to be a stress-free holiday and was working to simplify everything. Yes, I did purchase most of my gifts from BBW and online, which made my life easier. The sales at BBW were spectacular to say the least and I've only used my discount maybe 3x since I've been there because of the great sales. Dh and I have been enjoying the Christmas Blend from Starbucks and I look forward to stashing some in the freezer for the days when it isn't available.

Da Boy is ready for his break and Riley is looking forward to doing some personal projects. Sk8rchick has been knitting and recently started a crocheted purse, which is very lovely. I expect that she will be doing many more projects since I found a great deal on yarn at Hobby Lobby a while back - skeins for $.50 - $1.00 each, not bad if I say so myself. I'll see about posting pics of finished projects. I'm even working on crocheted socks, something I hadn't attempted before. I plan to listen to some audio classics while I crochet which help me to concentrate on my work and allow me the opportunity to read/hear favorites and books never read.
Here is my list:

Emma
Sense and Sensibilty
Wuthering Heights (2nd x around)
Jane Erye (2nd x around)
A Tale of Two Cities

The kiddos will probably listen w/me and I'll watch anime videos w/them while we make cookies or something. I plan to work on lesson plans the first of the year instead of the last week. I've decided I needed to focus on home life for now and let the rest take care of itself. I will be trimming a lot of clutter from my life in the new year as well so that I can be efficient at what means most to me. I really love being home and I must make the decision to protect my ability to be there and stick w/it no matter what.

I hope each of you enjoy your holiday breaks from school and that you will get to know the hearts of your children more. I know this can be a very busy, stressful and even lonely time for some, however, I pray that each of you are blessed beyond measure and draw closer to God as He draws closer to you.

Off to plan our crafts and homey things. I think we shall read "Oxcart Man" again. Its such a lovely book, who knows maybe this year we will be able to do more of the things this family does so mom can stay home full-time.

~ Be Blessed ~
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!

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posted by Dawn ;) at 1:50 AM 0 comments