Excelsior Academy
Saturday, January 1, 2011
~ Happy New Year ~
May you fulfill all your dreams, goals and purpose this coming year and that it is filled w/the love, joy, peace and happiness you so richly deserve.
Be blessed!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
~ Merry Christmas ~
Monday, June 30, 2008
~ Vol 1 Study Questions ~
This week's study is on Part 1 p1-10 and the following are the questions we are ponding. ;)
1. What questions does Pestalozzi put to mothers?
2. What is Mr Herbert Spencer's argument for the study of education?
3. What is the strenuous part of a parent's work?
1. What questions does Pestalozzi put to mothers?
2. What is Mr Herbert Spencer's argument for the study of education?
3. What is the strenuous part of a parent's work?
~ Vol 6 Study ~ Education is a life!
This week we are reading p104 - 111 which discusses Education is a life. I've put the following questions up for pondering and will work on my own answers later this evening. Enjoy!
1. Tell what education is a life means to you
2. Explain how ideas are different from facts
3. In discussing the needs of education is a life, explain how you would provide for these needs
4. What is meant by "The mind feeds on ideas and therefore, children should have a generous curriculum?"
2. Explain how ideas are different from facts
3. In discussing the needs of education is a life, explain how you would provide for these needs
4. What is meant by "The mind feeds on ideas and therefore, children should have a generous curriculum?"
The Patient Gardener
Children, too, are living organisms who will grow on their own time table. Yes, there are things you can do as a teacher to speed things along, but meddle too much and the harvest will not be as sweet. As Mason said, let us allow our students to take from a reading what they are ready to digest. Let them explore their world freely. Let them make connections on their own. Prepare the ground with a loving environment, carefully pull out the weeds by helping with habit formation, let them drink deeply from God’s word, and then leave the rest to the fullness of time. (Jennifer Spencer)
This part of Jennifer's article caught my attention, it speaks to the heart of why I homeschool. I want my children to make connections on their own and to be prepared to enjoy and experience life but some days I miss the mark and I forget the most important part of their education. So often we are trying to get them to tell us everything they know, complete every problem, correct every mistake and the environment is so negatively charged you can't even stand it. The most important part is, CM says it well, "let them drink deeply from God's word." That is the source that will fulfill all their needs, develop their characters, provide enrichment for their mind, body and soul, and give them strength and confidence to pursue His plans for their lives. As they drink deeply, so must we so that we are able to assist in this endeavor.
I encourage you to read the entire article because it is truly an eye-opener to what type of gardener (teacher) you are. I desire to be like the 2nd one ~ the patient gardener, don't you?!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Studying CMSeries
I'm in 3 different studies for Charlotte Mason's (CMs) writings. ;) I'm enjoying them all and really need to start writing my thoughts down. I'm posting here the schedules for these readings and will start writing my thoughts here ~ it will help me to be accountable as long as I don't forget. LOL
Vol 1
~ this is being studied weekly on the CMSeries yahoo group
Jun 28th ~ Part 1 p1-10 (10)
July 4th ~ Part 1 p11-19 (9)
July 11th ~ Part 1 p20-27 (8)
July 18th ~ Part 1 p28-34 (7)
July 25th ~ Part 1 p35-41 (7)
Aug 1st ~ Part 2 p42-50 (8)
Aug 8th ~ Part 2 p51-61 (11)
Aug 15th ~ Part 2 p62-71 (10)
Aug 22nd~ Part 2 p72-79 (8)
Aug 29th ~ Part 2 p80-87 (8)
Sept 5th ~ Part 2 p88-95 (8)
Sept 12th ~ Part 3 p96-104 (9)
Sept 19th ~ Part 3 p105-114 (10)
Sept 26th ~ Part 3 p115-123 (9)
Oct 3rd ~ Part 3 p124-134 (11)
Oct 10th ~ Part 4 p135-141 (7)
Oct 17th ~ Part 4 p 142 - 148 (10)
Oct 24th ~ Part 4 p149-158 (10)
Oct 31st ~ Part 4 p159-168 (10)
TBD ~ Part 5 & 6
Vol 5
~ local CM group reading on a monthly basis
July ~ Under a Cloud p33
Aug ~ Dorothy Elmore's Achievement p41
Sept ~ Consequences p68
Vol 6
~ this is studied every 2 weeks on the CMSeries yahoo group
Jun 15th - Jun 28th ~ Three Instruments of Education p99-104
Jun 29th - Jul 12th ~ Three Instruments of Education p104-111
Jul 13th - Jul 26th ~ How We Make Use of Mind p112-118
Jul 27th - Aug 9th ~ How We Make Use of Mind p118-127
Aug 10th - Aug 23rd ~ The Way of the Will p128-132
Aug 24th - Sept 6th ~ The Way of the Will p132-138
Sept 7th - Sept 20th ~ The Way of the Reason p139-144
Sept 21st - Oct 4th ~ The Way of the Reason p144-153
Oct - Dec ~ The Curriculum
Feel free to join us and you can read CMs writings here for free. ;)
Vol 1
~ this is being studied weekly on the CMSeries yahoo group
Jun 28th ~ Part 1 p1-10 (10)
July 4th ~ Part 1 p11-19 (9)
July 11th ~ Part 1 p20-27 (8)
July 18th ~ Part 1 p28-34 (7)
July 25th ~ Part 1 p35-41 (7)
Aug 1st ~ Part 2 p42-50 (8)
Aug 8th ~ Part 2 p51-61 (11)
Aug 15th ~ Part 2 p62-71 (10)
Aug 22nd~ Part 2 p72-79 (8)
Aug 29th ~ Part 2 p80-87 (8)
Sept 5th ~ Part 2 p88-95 (8)
Sept 12th ~ Part 3 p96-104 (9)
Sept 19th ~ Part 3 p105-114 (10)
Sept 26th ~ Part 3 p115-123 (9)
Oct 3rd ~ Part 3 p124-134 (11)
Oct 10th ~ Part 4 p135-141 (7)
Oct 17th ~ Part 4 p 142 - 148 (10)
Oct 24th ~ Part 4 p149-158 (10)
Oct 31st ~ Part 4 p159-168 (10)
TBD ~ Part 5 & 6
Vol 5
~ local CM group reading on a monthly basis
July ~ Under a Cloud p33
Aug ~ Dorothy Elmore's Achievement p41
Sept ~ Consequences p68
Vol 6
~ this is studied every 2 weeks on the CMSeries yahoo group
Jun 15th - Jun 28th ~ Three Instruments of Education p99-104
Jun 29th - Jul 12th ~ Three Instruments of Education p104-111
Jul 13th - Jul 26th ~ How We Make Use of Mind p112-118
Jul 27th - Aug 9th ~ How We Make Use of Mind p118-127
Aug 10th - Aug 23rd ~ The Way of the Will p128-132
Aug 24th - Sept 6th ~ The Way of the Will p132-138
Sept 7th - Sept 20th ~ The Way of the Reason p139-144
Sept 21st - Oct 4th ~ The Way of the Reason p144-153
Oct - Dec ~ The Curriculum
Feel free to join us and you can read CMs writings here for free. ;)
Labels: cm, general, groups, life n times
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Refreshed
I'm back from the CM conference in NC and I'm refreshed. My passion for homeschooling has been restored and I've renewed my commitment to finish. It has been difficult at times and I'm glad I've not given up. I've also decided I still need a place for my homeschool thoughts so they don't get buried in my everyday stuff. So, welcome back to our homeschool blog ~ grab a cup of coffee and sit for a spell ~ not long though you've got your own stuff to do. ;) I've given this blog a new look and will be adding my links back soon along with moving the homeschoolblogger entries over too, I think my season for blogging there is over but I will keep my account to visit my fellow hs'rs.
I've posted several thoughts on the conference already and I won't re-type those but you are welcome to read them at the links below:
I've posted several thoughts on the conference already and I won't re-type those but you are welcome to read them at the links below:
As I finalize my booklist, schedules and plans I'll post ~ right now I'm still in the planning stage. What has been decided is ~ we will school for 6wks then take a 1 week off then I'll decide whether to go 9 wks on and 1 wk off ~ I believe I need to start planning an off week so that I can re-group and not burnout. I've also decided that Riley will use Yr 7 lite and Da Boy will finish Yr 6 during this 6 week period.
Labels: general, life n times
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Summer's ending....
Wow! Summer is over and its time to hit the books. Well, not necessarily hit them but its time to crack them open. For some, they have already started or haven't stopped. ;D Around here, we will begin the day after Labor day. I decided to change things abit this year and we will mimic the public school schedule a little bit since our school year begins with work at our state fair. We will be spending lots of time there and so school needs to start differently. I plan to ease us into our studies to allow us time to really enjoy both. I don't want us to burn out and then nothing gets done. That would be too much after working so hard to get us back on track. This week is my first week back to school ~ lots of planning, scheduling and organizing. I am hoping to get the schedules done today, at least my own so that I can be more organized. I find that if I'm organized and confident than the rest falls into place no matter what. I'm planning out my entire quarter like I did when I taught computer classes. This way, I am able to tweak the plans and fill in the gaps as needed instead of being ready for a few days or a couple weeks then nothing.... which we all knows leads to nothing getting done after such a great start. I'm creating lesson planning times for myself, schedule quarterly planning too so that I can have the next ones ready. I'm enjoying the planning process and I look forward to moving into the learning process.
Changes will be made this year too. I will be separating them this year. They will both work on the same AO/HEO year but we will only do the electives together and projects. This means they will each have the same courses but at different times of the day. I've decided to do more of a tutor/class style this year. I was reading the new TOS and got some ideas on de-stressing and I'm finding that we work well together on certain subjects but not all. Yes, this will mean that I will have to do lessons 2x but they are worth it and my peace of mind is too. As I think more about this, I am more at peace and confident that this will work well for them. They are 13 mos apart and quite different in a lot of ways but academically have always been about the same. However, I will create the difference needed for each to see what they strengths and weaknesses are without the pressure to compete. Now there are times when I will need to have that pressure and its healthy but my nervous system doesn't need that kind of stimulation daily. LOL
Today, I will continue to rest and read. I'm also getting ready for our Volume 1 Study at CMSeries, our book study at CMasonStudy and helping with our local CM support group. I'm looking forward to the stimulation that comes from sharing, pondering and listening to others discuss something you are passionate about. It should help me stay focused and connected to others as we move along this wonderful learning journey. I admit I had gotten a little discouraged and was wondering why I was doing this. After the CM conference, I regained my focus and took much needed time off. We never did get to our summer studies but you know what, its ok and they are so much happier for it. I believe they just needed to hang out with me. It will all work out for our good and thats that.
You all have a wonderful sunday afternoon.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Changes will be made this year too. I will be separating them this year. They will both work on the same AO/HEO year but we will only do the electives together and projects. This means they will each have the same courses but at different times of the day. I've decided to do more of a tutor/class style this year. I was reading the new TOS and got some ideas on de-stressing and I'm finding that we work well together on certain subjects but not all. Yes, this will mean that I will have to do lessons 2x but they are worth it and my peace of mind is too. As I think more about this, I am more at peace and confident that this will work well for them. They are 13 mos apart and quite different in a lot of ways but academically have always been about the same. However, I will create the difference needed for each to see what they strengths and weaknesses are without the pressure to compete. Now there are times when I will need to have that pressure and its healthy but my nervous system doesn't need that kind of stimulation daily. LOL
Today, I will continue to rest and read. I'm also getting ready for our Volume 1 Study at CMSeries, our book study at CMasonStudy and helping with our local CM support group. I'm looking forward to the stimulation that comes from sharing, pondering and listening to others discuss something you are passionate about. It should help me stay focused and connected to others as we move along this wonderful learning journey. I admit I had gotten a little discouraged and was wondering why I was doing this. After the CM conference, I regained my focus and took much needed time off. We never did get to our summer studies but you know what, its ok and they are so much happier for it. I believe they just needed to hang out with me. It will all work out for our good and thats that.
You all have a wonderful sunday afternoon.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, life n times, plans
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Who knew....
I sure didn't ~ I have been out of high school for over 20yrs ~ all the paperwork and blah, blah, blah you must provide to go to college. Well, at least its for a good cause ~ my dc. ;D They are worth all the paperwork, hoops and blah, blah, blah I must do to get them in.
I've spent a good portion of my day w/Riley applying for culinary schools and requesting info. I will work on Da Boy's stuff tomorrow. We need to get ready with some prep tests and such but one thing at a time. I will be re-evaluating our current school plans to include all these wonderful additions. They must take the ACT here in OK but I will have them take the SAT too and Riley will have to take a few AP courses/tests for one of selected schools. I believe that they will do marvelous wherever they go and I will do my part to get them there.
I will update on our progress more now that school will begin soon. We thought it best to get some basics lined up and then after the fair we will have full course load. I'm excited because they are really wanting to do this. Sk8Chick got a full-time job and is planning to go to school now with the help of her employer. I will be helping her get her paperwork done too and that will be fun. Well, off to listen to a book on cd and sip some lovely tea.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, life n times
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Plans of Mice & Men
As you can tell we have not done summer school. Oh well, life happened and I am not concerned. We will resume in a few weeks but then the fair will begin so I’m prayerfully concerning our next steps. I’m not concerned anymore because I’ve been thinking about this for a bit and realized that I was stressing myself out. This will not help us in anyway so I’ve let go and will let God help put the pieces together. I was reading a friend’s blog this week and she was talking about the same thing. I took away a lot from her posts and realize that I too will need to trust the Lord for His guidance and direction especially since He called me to this vocation. He knows better than I what will need to be done and when.
I hope you all are enjoying your summer. I’ll be back soon.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
I hope you all are enjoying your summer. I’ll be back soon.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, life n times
Sunday, July 1, 2007
1st Day of Summer School
We did it ~ we had our first day. My first day's plans was to introduce the order of our days, subjects to be covered and to review our reading goals. I gave them a mental math test which helped me to know which areas need more attention for better planning. I gave each of them a copy of the MEP Summer School homework book, a list of the literature read during AO Yrs 1-6 and plan to give them each a book log to record books read during the summer. I had them check the books read on the literature list, mark the ones they didn't finish or are currently reading. I think this will help us stay focus and we can get ready to move forward. Sk8Chick has agreed to do some of our lessons with us and had fun taking the mental test too. I will try to update weekly and it will probably be on Sundays since that is my most relaxed day on the net and when the computer seems to cooperate.
Weekly schedule:
We will meet 3 days a week for 2 hrs ~ tues/wed/fri
Tues/Wed ~ review work, complete independent assignments, group work in reading/art/music/poetry
Fri ~ introduce new lessons and assign next week's work
Mon/Thu ~ are volunteer days for 4hrs ea
Weekends will be reserved for rest/chores/trips
Off to write my lesson plans. Have a wonderful week & Happy 4th.
Weekly schedule:
We will meet 3 days a week for 2 hrs ~ tues/wed/fri
Tues/Wed ~ review work, complete independent assignments, group work in reading/art/music/poetry
Fri ~ introduce new lessons and assign next week's work
Mon/Thu ~ are volunteer days for 4hrs ea
Weekends will be reserved for rest/chores/trips
Off to write my lesson plans. Have a wonderful week & Happy 4th.
Labels: general, life n times
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Summer Term
Here is our planned school work for the next 12 wks:
Bible
~ Proverbs
~ Galatians & Ephesians
English
Group Reading
~ Penrod
~ Rob Roy
~ Selected Poetry from Yr 6 list
Individual Reading
~ Pre Yr 7 list (books not read)
Math
~ MEP Summer School
Art/Music
~ Richard Wagner & Jacques Offenbach (6 compositions each)
~ Titian (6 prints)
* AO selections for Term 3
Bible
~ Proverbs
~ Galatians & Ephesians
English
Group Reading
~ Penrod
~ Rob Roy
~ Selected Poetry from Yr 6 list
Individual Reading
~ Pre Yr 7 list (books not read)
Math
~ MEP Summer School
Art/Music
~ Richard Wagner & Jacques Offenbach (6 compositions each)
~ Titian (6 prints)
* AO selections for Term 3
Break Time
We've been taking a bit of a break and its been wonderful. Though its been very rainy here, we still managed to relax a bit. Back to work soon plus getting ready for the new term which is just around the corner.
I've been working and planning but I managed to get to the Charlotte Mason Education Conference hosted by ChildLight USA. It was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed the sessions, meeting wonderful people and spending time alone, with my oldest dd and those whom I've met online. The conference takes place on a beautiful university campus tucked away in a mountain of NC. I was able to meet and talk w/leaders in the CM community like Jack Beckman, Bobby Scott and listen by telephone conference to John Thorley and Ranald Macauley. It was truly a wonderful opportunity that I look forward to doing again. I'm writing narrations of my sessions but haven't gotten them typed up yet to post but soon.
We will start our summer session this Friday. I'm working today to get all books printed including the MEP summer school math. It reviews the work covered in 1-6 and will give us the footing to move forward. I'll post our reading list as soon as I finish that up. We will also catchup with the AO groups and do the artist and composer studies we missed. I'm excited because we are progressing. They passed the end of term exams and are getting back into the swing of things. Not a bed of roses, but at least we are on the same page again and thats very nice.
More updates later, I hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
~ Term Ending ~
As our school term comes to a close, I realize that I will need to work on finalizing our school year. I will have to start working on transcripts and such so that I am ready. Its been a very interesting term, which didn't go as I thought it would. Not only did I not blog as I'd like nor did we do all the things I'd hope we'd do. The field trips were none existent, the art projects ~ none after the first one, the books read ~ not many at all, however, I believe we had a very productive term because we focused on what was important.
Well, I must go now and I will post a full update of our term plus the plans for our summer school. Yes, we will be doing summer school because we have missed so much time during the 17mos I worked. LOL However, the work will not be strenous nor will it take all day and everyday to accomplish. The kiddos are pleased with the suggestions I have made and I think we will have a wonderful time especially since they will be working, I will be working and then we will get to go on mini-vacations. Woohoo! thats the part I'm looking forward to.
Til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, life n times
Saturday, May 12, 2007
~ Happy Mother's Day ~ May each of you have an awesome day. I'll be off line today, enjoying my family, some knitting time and then off to work for a few hours.
Be blessed
Labels: general
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Nothing New ;D
Well, its been quiet around here and we have been out of school for the past week. Back to the books tomorrow though. Maybe I'll get an update for ya, especially since we have been doing something worth writing about.
Have a great evening!
Labels: general
Saturday, April 14, 2007
~ School Out ~
Well, our term will be ending in about 2 weeks. We are suppose to be on break this week but due to the upcoming volunteer opportunity at the end of the month, we move things around. Overall, everything is going well though we are still moving slowly thru math. No big deal, its all a process and we take it one day at a time. I'm thinking about starting my week in review again so that I can see our progess. I do it for my own teacherly purposes, you know so I know that I know what we are doing. ;D So stay tuned, I will be posting our weekly updates on Weds again but am considering switching to Mons.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, homeschooling, life n times
Friday, March 16, 2007
Reflections....
I've not been blogging much for our hs but thats okay. I've got most of it written in my journal and when I make time, I'll do a proper update. I have been thinking about what I want us to do next and what direction to proceed in. We've experienced several setbacks, nothing major, just little things that have sidetracked me a bit. More than anything, I have figured out that I am very tired and it was due to never resting while working. I don't know what I thought would happen once I stopped working but I was tired when I worked and I'm still tired because I don't rest. I was listening to a ministry cd tonight and the speaker talked about just that, resting. He discussed how God had dealt with him on resting and he didn't get it. I am like that too. Just too stubborn, pig headed or something until it hits me upside the head.
Well, life hit me upside the head last week. I have been dragging myself around, not able to get up before 9a and the worse, didn't bother to do lessons. I'd just sit, knit or do absolutely nothing. Then the car broke down and started to put some things into perspective. We've been w/o a car for 2wks now and my home has been more peaceful until this afternoon when I began to worry about how I was going to get to work. Well, enough of that, I realize that I need to rest more than I need extra spending $. I need to be more discipline with the finances I have and simply rest. My dc need me to be the best teacher I can be and that begins with me taking care of me.
Now don't misunderstand, we have been working but no formal lessons have been done. No big either, we have done Bible, we read together or alone, and we do lots of math even if its just working in the kitchen. I've managed to make lots of things by hand, you can read more here. My dc are starting to do more with their hands and we've taken 3 walks this week. Yeah! Its been a very long time since we actually did any physical activity. It has been good for us and we have been reflecting on why we are here, what we have learned and where we will go next not forgetting what we've been through. Oh, we really would like to have transportation but it has given us time to consider our ways and what is best for our family. Plus the dc have been able to spend time w/their dad too.
So as far as academics go, I think I am now finally doing what I had been praying and planning about in this post. I am finally teaching, and living, so that my dc know life isn't all about academics. It is about living a life that is full, content and in service to the Most High. This is a full life and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of it.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Well, life hit me upside the head last week. I have been dragging myself around, not able to get up before 9a and the worse, didn't bother to do lessons. I'd just sit, knit or do absolutely nothing. Then the car broke down and started to put some things into perspective. We've been w/o a car for 2wks now and my home has been more peaceful until this afternoon when I began to worry about how I was going to get to work. Well, enough of that, I realize that I need to rest more than I need extra spending $. I need to be more discipline with the finances I have and simply rest. My dc need me to be the best teacher I can be and that begins with me taking care of me.
Now don't misunderstand, we have been working but no formal lessons have been done. No big either, we have done Bible, we read together or alone, and we do lots of math even if its just working in the kitchen. I've managed to make lots of things by hand, you can read more here. My dc are starting to do more with their hands and we've taken 3 walks this week. Yeah! Its been a very long time since we actually did any physical activity. It has been good for us and we have been reflecting on why we are here, what we have learned and where we will go next not forgetting what we've been through. Oh, we really would like to have transportation but it has given us time to consider our ways and what is best for our family. Plus the dc have been able to spend time w/their dad too.
So as far as academics go, I think I am now finally doing what I had been praying and planning about in this post. I am finally teaching, and living, so that my dc know life isn't all about academics. It is about living a life that is full, content and in service to the Most High. This is a full life and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of it.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, homeschooling, life n times, plans
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.
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!
Labels: general, homeschooling
Saturday, September 10, 2005
New Beginnings
Welcome, this is my first entry. A lot has transpired since I first created this blog and I am not sure where to begin. However, since it is titled "New Beginnings," I'll keep it to what has happened recently.
We have finished our first week of school and it has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I was very anxious about this year for in it I had high hopes of achieving greatness where I have lacked before. I believe I truly put too much pressure on myself and now I can see that the worry was for naught. The children are happy, content, joyful and have taken to this new school year wonderfully.
We began implementing more Charlotte Mason this year using the wonderful curriculum provided by Ambleside Online. It has been most helpful and freeing to be able to turn to such a resource. I remarked to my husband today, that today was the first day I didn't think, worry or needed to complete something for school and it felt marvelous. The children had few questions and it was a very smooth day.
I was anxious about this year because so many new things were happening to include jumping full tilt into using AO/HEO along with starting a part-time job and all the other marvelous opportunities that were beginning to come our way. Suffice to say, it has been a wonderful day and week. We even met fellow hs'ers today at Chess Club (one of the new opportunities).
The children all have their own schedules and work independently. We have group times set aside for every Wednesday, every other Thursday/Friday and weekly tea-times that my son is so looking forward to. I must admit, I was not expecting such a response or such diligence or willingness to learn since prior years have been somewhat of a struggle. I am truly thankful they are maturing and taking it upon themselves to be more responsible and to truly want to learn. This past school year, I believe, was very helpful in establishing this in them, however, I was unaware of it until recently. I guess, all those long nights and days of praying and trying to make it work have truly paid off.
I look forward to a marvelous year of learning, growing and being all that we are created to be in Him. May the Lord continue to bless our home for His Glory.
Dawn ; )
We have finished our first week of school and it has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I was very anxious about this year for in it I had high hopes of achieving greatness where I have lacked before. I believe I truly put too much pressure on myself and now I can see that the worry was for naught. The children are happy, content, joyful and have taken to this new school year wonderfully.
We began implementing more Charlotte Mason this year using the wonderful curriculum provided by Ambleside Online. It has been most helpful and freeing to be able to turn to such a resource. I remarked to my husband today, that today was the first day I didn't think, worry or needed to complete something for school and it felt marvelous. The children had few questions and it was a very smooth day.
I was anxious about this year because so many new things were happening to include jumping full tilt into using AO/HEO along with starting a part-time job and all the other marvelous opportunities that were beginning to come our way. Suffice to say, it has been a wonderful day and week. We even met fellow hs'ers today at Chess Club (one of the new opportunities).
The children all have their own schedules and work independently. We have group times set aside for every Wednesday, every other Thursday/Friday and weekly tea-times that my son is so looking forward to. I must admit, I was not expecting such a response or such diligence or willingness to learn since prior years have been somewhat of a struggle. I am truly thankful they are maturing and taking it upon themselves to be more responsible and to truly want to learn. This past school year, I believe, was very helpful in establishing this in them, however, I was unaware of it until recently. I guess, all those long nights and days of praying and trying to make it work have truly paid off.
I look forward to a marvelous year of learning, growing and being all that we are created to be in Him. May the Lord continue to bless our home for His Glory.
Dawn ; )
Labels: general, life n times
