I haven't published a post for ages, nor commented much lately. Sorry for being distant. I've been feeling awkward and illiterate. When I speak or write, often I can't express what I'm thinking. I'm restless and overwhelmed and uncomfortable and self conscious. It's just Winteritis again. It takes all my energy to resist hibernating. I feel deeply the pain of people close to me who are really hurting at the moment. I'm sick and cold and tired and sad, and for no good reason ... I have exactly the life I want (minus tropical climate and ocean views), and everything to be glad about!
However, I refuse to let the drop in temperature rob me entirely of my joy!
So, to get the ball rolling again ... some of the wonderful things happening here are:
* Soccer, Gymnastics, Princess Ballet, Woodwork lessons, Sunday School & lots of play dates and family visits. A few birthdays and holidays coming up this month, too!
* A lovely, leisurely book tour using "The Australian Book Traveller". It's taken us nearly 2 terms just to do 'The Australia Book' and 'Wombat Stew', because we keep adding interesting books, taking time out to follow tangents and research various aspects of Australian geography and wildlife. We're VERY excited to be moving on to the next stage of the trip this week (partly because the title includes the word 'spear')!
* Bible stories, Character studies, and a steady stream of books from the library and the postie keep us snuggled up often and give us lots of fresh ideas to think and dream about.
* I'm getting more organised in the kitchen, putting a weekly menu on the fridge ... stops me worrying about what to cook each day and whether I have the ingredients. Dinners are planned but flexible, and I write ideas for lunches, snacks and fruit, to remind me what's available. It also means I shop less often and therefore spend less. I shop at home first, and use what we have, which means less wastage too.
* Kids literacy ... both children are taking off and it's so exciting to see! They're excited too, keen for any hints I can give them, and moving quickly through Reading Eggs. They're more confidently having a go at slightly more independent writing. I must tell you about their folders and ladders sometime.
* I have more peace about the balance of work & leisure, planned & spontaneous, challenging & easy ... and finally a plan I'm happy with for the next year or two in regards to the planned curriculum side of things (always flexible of course, but it is a relief to stop searching for a while).
* Pete has built most of the shelves I designed for the dining/ sun/ everything room, and it's immensely satisfying to organise and find homes for our most frequently used resources. Some smaller units and a desk are still in progress which will bring it all together, and then I have to learn how to paint a kind of lime wash finish. Photos in a month or two :)
I'm thankful for the safe, peaceful family I've been blessed with. I'm glad that my peace comes from the Lord, and I'm not at the mercy of my emotions and the troubles and choices of other people. I'm encouraged by my online friends, many of whom home school, who generously share their ideas and lives, and by doing so provide a lovely, supportive community.
Thanks for sticking by me through my quiet times!
Showing posts with label our life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label our life. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My Book Feast
Last week was one of those weeks when I devoured stories every spare moment. Not that there were many spare moments, with planned and impromptu guests (including a few overnight), a home ed. social day, church sand modelling activity, woodwork lessons, soccer training, Spring cleaning (even though it's Autumn), and we helped a family move house. We started building our new dining/ activity room shelves too!
So can you see why I needed to read whenever there was a moment to escape? Some people (including my husband) would say it's crazy to read so much at such a busy time, and that it'd be better to get a proper sleep. They're kind of right, but I find reading is one of the most relaxing ways to restore my energy.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the books I've enjoyed in the last ten days:
I'm quite satisfied now. Like feasting on chocolate, I enjoyed this delicious treat, but feel I've had my fill of fiction for now. I 'm happily back into to my normal diet of dreaming up fun ways to learn, reading the Bible, catching up on home ed admin and writing here!
So can you see why I needed to read whenever there was a moment to escape? Some people (including my husband) would say it's crazy to read so much at such a busy time, and that it'd be better to get a proper sleep. They're kind of right, but I find reading is one of the most relaxing ways to restore my energy.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the books I've enjoyed in the last ten days:
I also read "The Whistling Season" by Ivan Doig, and perhaps others I returned to the library before I took these photos. Sorry I don't have time to write reviews of the novels. As for what I read with the children, that'll have to wait for another post.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Delightful days
We're really appreciating the freedom we have, having had a taste of being part of the system. What a wonderful life!
I always enjoy reading 'typical day' messages written by home ed. families. They are hard to write and impossible to keep short! A few friends have recently had a go at it, trying to share the essence of their days, and I felt it was about time for me to jot down what we've been up to. We have very few typical days, so my version is more of an overview of some of our usual activities ...
I always enjoy reading 'typical day' messages written by home ed. families. They are hard to write and impossible to keep short! A few friends have recently had a go at it, trying to share the essence of their days, and I felt it was about time for me to jot down what we've been up to. We have very few typical days, so my version is more of an overview of some of our usual activities ...
Elijah's recent interests have included:
- counting his money to compare it to the price of whatever he is saving for ... last month, after 2 years saving, he reached his goal and bought an electric drum kit. He also likes being the banker in Monopoly.
- playing instruments ... he's never had a lesson, but does amazing things with drums and guitar (playing with both since a toddler), adding words to songs he knows or makes up.
- 'reading' an endless supply of non fiction history books, mostly about Knights, sometimes a book about Vikings or Warriors, the Roman Army or other parts of history. Mostly I think he studies the pictures and labelled diagrams. He looks at books for several hours most days, on top of our time spent reading together, and is eager to be able to read more for himself so that he won't have to rely on me so much (distracted by cleaning, cooking, phone and computer too often).
- Superdad helped Elijah make a bow and arrow from materials in the bush across the road (and string).
- writing in his self-started 'future book' ... basically planning fun jobs for when he grows up. So far he has designed a paintball army game centre (asked me to help find camo clothing designs for the teams on the internet), and a Knights Land (role play for grown ups) with lists of horses, equipment, costumes etc. and a birds eye map of the place. Elijah usually asks me to write it for him, either on the whiteboard to copy, or in his book to trace.
- writing in his diary ... self-directed but often asks us to spell words.
- building a castle using a kit with plaster of paris bricks he makes using a rubber mould. Also still spends a lot of time building and destroying lego models, and talking to us about what he has made ... the talk continues even without an audience.
- watching science, geography and history shows on ABC 1 and the internet (Bill Nye), and DVDs such as Leyland Brothers, Grainger's World Australia, and other nature shows either on TV or from the library.
Jasmine loves:
- colouring in - from a box of colouring books (fairies, Princesses, Bible stories) and sometimes pictures we search the internet to find together (eg. she'll say "I want a water fairy).
- craft - mosaic sticker pictures (from a few sets rec'd as gifts), bead necklaces and bracelets
- books about fairies and princesses (mostly Rainbow Magic and The Tiara Club series) ... we read her 3-4 chapter books most weeks, plus picture books she owns (like a Tinkerbell series) and borrows. As a welcome change from the predictable stories, we found a delightful library book called 'Fairy Foals' which both kids are enjoying ... very arty and imaginative.
- writing - a variety of handwriting books, exercise books for sentences and stories, and her own private journals, some locked.
- Reading Eggs - we had a break for a few months, and Jasmine is glad I renewed our subscription. The break was good as she is now ready for the lessons she had reached but was finding too hard last year. 100% on today's Map 6 quiz!
- other computer activities - Targeting Maths Lab 1 CD-rom, Tux Paint, various games we find online, and just plain typing.
- listening to music and singing along with toy microphone - Delta Goodrem, Jack Johnson, lots of Sunday school CDs, Australian songs etc.
- playing her guitar or violin ... no lessons, just self-taught and improvised. I LOVE Jasmine's voice and her way of making up songs as she goes, but I have to be careful as she doesn't like to be observed or adored TOO much!
- games (like Monopoly Jnr, Mastermind, Jenga, snap, Uno) and puzzles, dolls of many kinds, Dora lego, listening to stories.
- people ... always making plans to see her friends, but happiest when it's not in a large group :)
Activities I've strewn/ inspired/ suggested, which have been very well received this year:
- a new set of watercolours and art book each. The kids use these freely several times a week and it's always a delight to watch them at work.
- Australian studies - this mostly involves reading to the children, loosely guided by The Australian Book Traveller. So far we've read 2/3 of The Australia Book (Eve Pownell), and it will be a slow but deeper journey, as I keep finding extra wonderful books to enjoy together; like "Lost" a survival story about 3 children lost in the Australian bush in 1860's. Each chapter is followed by (genuinely) interesting facts about life back then, such as toys, homes, food, clothing. The kids (especially E.) are very interested in Captain Cook's journey, early white settlement and how it impacted on Aborigines, gold rush, explorers, bushrangers etc. and how things have changed over time.
- most days we read together a chapter from a Bible story book (currently from a huge, old but well written, 10 book series by Arthur Maxwell)
- we're using phonics (mostly LEM, a bit of Jolly Phonics and Reading Eggs) to fill in gaps to help both kids read and write more confidently. We use a variety of methods to keep us all interested! Elijah is also working through Sounds Right, Read, Write Book 3.
- soon Elijah will start in the local soccer team, and Jasmine will again do home ed. gymnastics.
- Nature Studies ... we've read a little of The Wonderland of Nature, complemented by Bill Nye science clips & Magic School Bus books/ shows, and serendipitous sightings around home. Mostly though, we're on an Australian animals tangent.
- most of our maths is invisible, just part of life and fun, but they both do a small amount of textbook or practical work to ensure me that their skills are recorded and progressing. This is negotiable, in terms of when and where, what (limiting the boring, pointless or tedious), how (practical, visual eg. books and DVD's, answers for textbooks can be oral, written or scribed by me) and we're open to creative interpretation and wandering off the track onto more interesting tangents.
And ...
The kids also spend heaps of time on the trampoline, bikes, at various pools and beaches, visiting friends and relatives, building cubbies with furniture and cushions and sheets. They love cooking and watching cooking shows, helping Pete in the yard, sometimes doing jobs inside to be helpful or sometimes for extra money.
Recent requests of things the kids WANT to do, some of which I'll try to arrange in coming months:
- woodwork (hooray, classes start next week!!)
- sewing ... with my machine, needlework and handmade toys ... mostly inspired by pictures they've seen in books
- ice skating (Jasmine) and ice hockey (Elijah) ... perhaps a one off visit will have to do for now, as they also want:
- tennis lessons (Jasmine), violin lessons (Jasmine) and drum lessons (Elijah)
- Elijah wants to make real medieval and Roman empire spears, shields, costumes, chain-mail suits, helmets, swords etc, preferably after researching the real materials they should be made from!
- the kids and I want to learn more about Bush Tucker, and edible plants we might find in real life.
Our weeks are full of fun and learning, only a fraction of it planned. So far today we've had a productive morning of reading, writing and spelling. Oh, and I did housework while the kids watched school TV shows like Science Clips and Backyard Science. We went to the shops, then decided to watch a Barbie Rapunzel DVD during lunch. Soon we'll read together, play outside and sort out clothes which should go to the op shop. I have to go out again later, while Elijah and Jasmine play or go swimming with Daddy. The kids asked to do maths after dinner today. It seems we all like to mix up the expected order of things a little!
Monday, February 14, 2011
A wild ride!
We decided to ride a roller coaster, knowing it would be fast and possibly dangerous. We almost fell out on some of the loops and got jolted on the corners. It seemed like it would never end, but finally we cruised into the exit tunnel. We limped away, but can now look up at the ride and say we survived. Most families have no choice but to ride this roller coaster every day. For some it's a nightmare, for others it's comfortable, thrilling, even fun. I'm just glad we are free to choose a different ride!
I know I haven't written enough about what's been happening here lately ... it's been too crazy to put in words. I'll try and bring you up to speed.
Late last year Jasmine started wishing fervently to try school, and after prayer and thought over the break, we decided to give it a go. We enrolled her at the Public School near our place, where we knew nobody but had heard only good reports. Despite it being her own wish to go, it's been tough for Jasmine, and she's made that very clear with tantrums and daily changes of heart. In just 7 days she was late 3 times and totally missed 1 day because she carried on for so long that I wouldn't let her go (and wasn't fit to take her anyway after weathering the storm). Twice her teachers had to take a kicking and screaming child from my arms, and I had to leave and hide around a corner until I knew she'd settled. Things improved when Jasmine said she wanted me to drop her off and sneak away (previously hard to do, with her climbing me like a tree). I spent some days happily teaching Elijah, and a few crying and sick with the stress of the morning.
Our hearts broke as we pick up the pieces each afternoon. Jasi said the best thing was the work (basic phonics she already knows, and lots of colouring in). On day two, she started sadly confessing that her new friend had decided to not be her friend anymore, and was telling other kids to leave her out as well. The teacher said she'd help Jasi make new friends, but observed that she doesn't initiate friendship or follow when the group moves on.
Even so, she's done so much more than we knew she could. Simple things like asking for an iceblock at the canteen, chatting with the teacher for a literacy assessment. She was disappointed that they didn't do maths (though maybe they did, but it wasn't what Jasi expected). We're proud of her courage in just giving it a go.
But we decided enough was enough ... I couldn't handle the tension and trauma, and didn't see that any good could come of continuing. Jasi wanted to finish this week, but it was sealed for me when the teacher lectured me yesterday for bringing Jasmine late, saying it wasn't good enough and we'd have to get our act together and stop messing around (basically). She repeated this when Mum picked up Jasmine in the afternoon (I was too sick with anxiety to go in) ... thankfully I'd typed a letter for Mum to deliver, saying thanks and sorry to the teacher, and informing her that we'd be notifying the Principal of our intention to resume home education today.
I was keen to exit gracefully, and hope the carefully written letters to the teacher and Principal will allow us all to end on a positive note. Now we can get on with our lives without school, and I can salvage what's left of my dignity.
I am SOOOO relieved. Jasmine is too. She cried for half an hour yesterday when I told her she wouldn't be going back to school, then bounced back to being a free and happy girl again, grinning and excited about what we'll be doing together. It is the same relief she expressed when we told her she could leave her stifling and boring ballet class a year ago.
Why did we let our 5 year old daughter enrol in Kindergarten at the local Public School?
Because we thought it was harmless to let her try Kindergarten. Because I thought 5 year olds would be kinder and easier to befriend than older children in years to come. Because we could always return to homeschooling, anytime we wanted, and just treat this as an innocent experiment.
Why are we letting her, after 7 days, return to home schooling?
Because we can. Because I love my daughter and her turmoil each day tortured me, to the point where I felt physical pain. Because teachers shouldn't belittle parents in front of the class, nor loudly and condescendingly lecture an already frightened child. Because we believe home ed. suits our children and love tailoring each day to them. Because home schooling allows us to raise our children the way we believe God wants us to. Because of the scratchy uniform and the unkindness of mean girls. Because I don't believe in school enough to force her to go again and again when she's determined not to anymore. Because we have little trust in the staff, after one week and four different teachers already. Because we ALL need to have some stability and continuity. Because we want to get on with real life and learning, not playing the school game.
Was it worth it?
I felt like an incompetent Mum, an unprofessional teacher, inconsistent and too easily influenced by my daughter's fluctuating moods, wishes, strength and vulnerability. We didn't last the term, as we'd planned to. I got in trouble ... I've always hated confrontation and conflict. The teacher spoke down to my daughter. She won't have the chance to do that again.
BUT on the bright side, Jasmine's curiosity has been satisfied. She is now keen to have a wonderful year of home ed., instead of feeling deprived and controlled. We respected her wish to explore. We had an intense two weeks, difficult in many ways, but have emerged with our love and respect for each other intact and strengthened. I have learned more about Jasmine's character, learning style and inner strength, and can use this to be a better parent and teacher for her.
Onwards and upwards! We have had a lot of fun today, together, and the future looks bright. It'll probably be easier to write about too!!
I know I haven't written enough about what's been happening here lately ... it's been too crazy to put in words. I'll try and bring you up to speed.
Late last year Jasmine started wishing fervently to try school, and after prayer and thought over the break, we decided to give it a go. We enrolled her at the Public School near our place, where we knew nobody but had heard only good reports. Despite it being her own wish to go, it's been tough for Jasmine, and she's made that very clear with tantrums and daily changes of heart. In just 7 days she was late 3 times and totally missed 1 day because she carried on for so long that I wouldn't let her go (and wasn't fit to take her anyway after weathering the storm). Twice her teachers had to take a kicking and screaming child from my arms, and I had to leave and hide around a corner until I knew she'd settled. Things improved when Jasmine said she wanted me to drop her off and sneak away (previously hard to do, with her climbing me like a tree). I spent some days happily teaching Elijah, and a few crying and sick with the stress of the morning.
Our hearts broke as we pick up the pieces each afternoon. Jasi said the best thing was the work (basic phonics she already knows, and lots of colouring in). On day two, she started sadly confessing that her new friend had decided to not be her friend anymore, and was telling other kids to leave her out as well. The teacher said she'd help Jasi make new friends, but observed that she doesn't initiate friendship or follow when the group moves on.
Even so, she's done so much more than we knew she could. Simple things like asking for an iceblock at the canteen, chatting with the teacher for a literacy assessment. She was disappointed that they didn't do maths (though maybe they did, but it wasn't what Jasi expected). We're proud of her courage in just giving it a go.
But we decided enough was enough ... I couldn't handle the tension and trauma, and didn't see that any good could come of continuing. Jasi wanted to finish this week, but it was sealed for me when the teacher lectured me yesterday for bringing Jasmine late, saying it wasn't good enough and we'd have to get our act together and stop messing around (basically). She repeated this when Mum picked up Jasmine in the afternoon (I was too sick with anxiety to go in) ... thankfully I'd typed a letter for Mum to deliver, saying thanks and sorry to the teacher, and informing her that we'd be notifying the Principal of our intention to resume home education today.
I was keen to exit gracefully, and hope the carefully written letters to the teacher and Principal will allow us all to end on a positive note. Now we can get on with our lives without school, and I can salvage what's left of my dignity.
I am SOOOO relieved. Jasmine is too. She cried for half an hour yesterday when I told her she wouldn't be going back to school, then bounced back to being a free and happy girl again, grinning and excited about what we'll be doing together. It is the same relief she expressed when we told her she could leave her stifling and boring ballet class a year ago.
Why did we let our 5 year old daughter enrol in Kindergarten at the local Public School?
Because we thought it was harmless to let her try Kindergarten. Because I thought 5 year olds would be kinder and easier to befriend than older children in years to come. Because we could always return to homeschooling, anytime we wanted, and just treat this as an innocent experiment.
Why are we letting her, after 7 days, return to home schooling?
Because we can. Because I love my daughter and her turmoil each day tortured me, to the point where I felt physical pain. Because teachers shouldn't belittle parents in front of the class, nor loudly and condescendingly lecture an already frightened child. Because we believe home ed. suits our children and love tailoring each day to them. Because home schooling allows us to raise our children the way we believe God wants us to. Because of the scratchy uniform and the unkindness of mean girls. Because I don't believe in school enough to force her to go again and again when she's determined not to anymore. Because we have little trust in the staff, after one week and four different teachers already. Because we ALL need to have some stability and continuity. Because we want to get on with real life and learning, not playing the school game.
Was it worth it?
I felt like an incompetent Mum, an unprofessional teacher, inconsistent and too easily influenced by my daughter's fluctuating moods, wishes, strength and vulnerability. We didn't last the term, as we'd planned to. I got in trouble ... I've always hated confrontation and conflict. The teacher spoke down to my daughter. She won't have the chance to do that again.
BUT on the bright side, Jasmine's curiosity has been satisfied. She is now keen to have a wonderful year of home ed., instead of feeling deprived and controlled. We respected her wish to explore. We had an intense two weeks, difficult in many ways, but have emerged with our love and respect for each other intact and strengthened. I have learned more about Jasmine's character, learning style and inner strength, and can use this to be a better parent and teacher for her.
Onwards and upwards! We have had a lot of fun today, together, and the future looks bright. It'll probably be easier to write about too!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
If the shoe fits ...
These, we shall call Wammy Shoes, aren't they fun and frivolous!?
Jasmine made them all by herself, and they match her recent 'fairy' phase just beautifully!
These are the shoes Jasmine will be wearing in a couple of weeks. No prizes for guessing where she'll wear them! She's incredibly excited about venturing out in them.
Jasmine made them all by herself, and they match her recent 'fairy' phase just beautifully!
Wammy is a wonderful construction set, which I hadn't heard of until Jasmine received a box as a gift. It is so versatile and fun to use, and I find making a Wammy ball quite satisfying too!
_______________________________
These are the shoes Jasmine will be wearing in a couple of weeks. No prizes for guessing where she'll wear them! She's incredibly excited about venturing out in them.
I'm keeping Jasi's home ed. things handy as usual, for her to use after school, and so that she knows her place here is ready when she is. If she comes back to home schooling after a term, we'll consider Kindergarten her first excursion, adventure or 'subject' for the year. Jasmine will probably enjoy all the routines, crafts, and pleasing the teacher. I'm glad she is self-motivated and choosing to step out of her comfort zone. She is a study in contrasts, easily switching between confidence and clinginess, competence and neediness.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold this year! I'm nervous about how Jasi will manage her physical sensitivities and fussiness, which in familiar company can lead to meltdowns. I have to trust the Lord to guide us in supporting her, trust the staff to treat her with care, and trust Jasmine to handle the challenges she faces.
_______________________________
Elijah is happy with the plan, aside from the early morning walks to take Jasmine to school. I'll write about our adjusted home ed. plans another day. He says "If she goes to school I'll be able to continue my research without Jasmine's constant interruptions." Yikes, not at all self centred! He told my mum that he and I will be able to go out to restaurants for lunch, because he likes seafood and Jasmine isn't so adventurous with food. Hmmm, perhaps a sushi cafe, Sunshine!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Home ed. with younger siblings
A few people have recently asked for tips about how to get things started, and how to occupy younger siblings.
Here's some encouragement and tips from my experiences so far:
Tot Trays .... for the little ones, keen to do their own 'school work', there are a lot of good ideas in the pages of this site which I adapted to our needs. Unit studies, lap books, sharing lots of books and fun maths also worked well.
My youngest child was keen to 'play schools', which helped immensely when I wanted to transition the kids back to a routine with more structure after a year of mostly unschooling. Jasi's enthusiasm pulled in her big brother, who by 5 was ready for a break from 'work' and wanted to play non stop! I did question all of my assumptions and expectations, and gave him abundant free time. I chose less structured teaching methods to build his basic skills during that phase. Elijah's bouts of negativity dissolved as there was no pressure, and whilst it wasn't always easy to see 'progress' at the time, now we're entering a new phase again, and seeing the fruit of the learning which did occur.
We now have a timetable and routine as a guide, which helps, but is INCREDIBLY flexible. I won't share it here as there's never a day or week when we actually do what it says!
Here are some of the things we do:
... As a fun way to draw the kids in and grab their attention and set a positive tone, we gather for a quick introduction, interesting and full of tasty, quick bites. For example, we pray (briefly, having usually prayed in bed earlier) and read a Bible story or scripture verse, use the whiteboard for things such as date, sentence about the day or other idea, sometimes weather, number patterns, brainteasers, interesting words, quick phonics reviews, sometimes a scripture, or a list of some kind (the kids have turns helping write). In my board writing I use words they can read as well as extend and challenge them in a fun and supportive context.
... Some days we skip the intro. Other days that is ALL we do formally, and the rest is through shared reading, experiences, spontaneous opportunities and rabbit trails. Natural learning defines so much of what young children are inclined to do, given free time, resources and a willing audience to share their discoveries with. Children are ever changing and amazing!
... With 5-6 yr olds, our sit-down bookwork has usually been only 1/2 to 1 hour a day, low pressure and more about basic skills, habits and attitude. Sometimes I will say what's to be done and why. Other times I will present two options and let the children choose, or the children may suggest a book they'd prefer to do. If the children ask to do extra, I let them. They sometimes like to read to us or do writing before bed.
... Often "life" changes the routine. We take many opportunities for excursions, play dates, sports and family visits. No worries, as children are always learning, I've learned to see the balance and not worry about missed 'lessons'. Illness gets in the way more often than I'd like. I don't try to force sick kids or myself to work, it's usually a case of one down, all down, and we fall back on natural learning, educational DVDs and read alouds.
... Lots of hands on activities, shared books, games, variety of resources handy for the kids to select from, or I will choose something to do together.
... We use the computer as a tool for providing opportunities for 1-1 learning, with the kids free to choose between about 5 options (eg. at times this has included typing in Word, Reading Eggs, Targeting Maths CD-roms, Smart Kiddies, Tux Paint, Mathletics or Skwirk). In theory I can set one child up on the Mac, then spend time with the other. In reality, this is sometimes perfect, sometimes painful, when the one on the computer needs help and whilst I do that, the other gets sidetracked.
That's part of what it looks like here, with 2 children who are 12 months and 10 days apart. I try to keep it positive, understand each child, and go with the flow.
Someone on AussieHomeschool wrote "Sometimes it is very hard to get them to settle down, especially when there is more important stuff happening (nice weather, racing bikes in the yard, scrounging in the garden for slugs etc) and I have been fairly gentle on this, because of their ages and stages (that is also how they learn.)"
My response to this is, I totally understand, especially about ants in pants. We're still there! I try to understand and respect what's important to the children, and work with them rather than fight the tide. I love seeing the children take charge of their own learning, and watch great things unfold when they decide to 'give speeches' or role play occupations. Sure, it's not always so tidy, as they also choose to be cooks with garden litter, wash the floor with a tea towel, or hijack all the chairs and cushions for a bus ... but that's part of childhood.
Next year my plan includes "The Australian Book Traveller" by Michelle Morrow (her website is www.downunderlit.com), "The Wonderland of Nature", by Nuri Mass (also from Michelle), additional eclectic science, LEM phonics, eclectic Maths (using what I have on hand) and lots of other fun!
Here's some encouragement and tips from my experiences so far:
Tot Trays .... for the little ones, keen to do their own 'school work', there are a lot of good ideas in the pages of this site which I adapted to our needs. Unit studies, lap books, sharing lots of books and fun maths also worked well.
My youngest child was keen to 'play schools', which helped immensely when I wanted to transition the kids back to a routine with more structure after a year of mostly unschooling. Jasi's enthusiasm pulled in her big brother, who by 5 was ready for a break from 'work' and wanted to play non stop! I did question all of my assumptions and expectations, and gave him abundant free time. I chose less structured teaching methods to build his basic skills during that phase. Elijah's bouts of negativity dissolved as there was no pressure, and whilst it wasn't always easy to see 'progress' at the time, now we're entering a new phase again, and seeing the fruit of the learning which did occur.
We now have a timetable and routine as a guide, which helps, but is INCREDIBLY flexible. I won't share it here as there's never a day or week when we actually do what it says!
Here are some of the things we do:
... As a fun way to draw the kids in and grab their attention and set a positive tone, we gather for a quick introduction, interesting and full of tasty, quick bites. For example, we pray (briefly, having usually prayed in bed earlier) and read a Bible story or scripture verse, use the whiteboard for things such as date, sentence about the day or other idea, sometimes weather, number patterns, brainteasers, interesting words, quick phonics reviews, sometimes a scripture, or a list of some kind (the kids have turns helping write). In my board writing I use words they can read as well as extend and challenge them in a fun and supportive context.
... Some days we skip the intro. Other days that is ALL we do formally, and the rest is through shared reading, experiences, spontaneous opportunities and rabbit trails. Natural learning defines so much of what young children are inclined to do, given free time, resources and a willing audience to share their discoveries with. Children are ever changing and amazing!
... With 5-6 yr olds, our sit-down bookwork has usually been only 1/2 to 1 hour a day, low pressure and more about basic skills, habits and attitude. Sometimes I will say what's to be done and why. Other times I will present two options and let the children choose, or the children may suggest a book they'd prefer to do. If the children ask to do extra, I let them. They sometimes like to read to us or do writing before bed.
... Often "life" changes the routine. We take many opportunities for excursions, play dates, sports and family visits. No worries, as children are always learning, I've learned to see the balance and not worry about missed 'lessons'. Illness gets in the way more often than I'd like. I don't try to force sick kids or myself to work, it's usually a case of one down, all down, and we fall back on natural learning, educational DVDs and read alouds.
... Lots of hands on activities, shared books, games, variety of resources handy for the kids to select from, or I will choose something to do together.
... We use the computer as a tool for providing opportunities for 1-1 learning, with the kids free to choose between about 5 options (eg. at times this has included typing in Word, Reading Eggs, Targeting Maths CD-roms, Smart Kiddies, Tux Paint, Mathletics or Skwirk). In theory I can set one child up on the Mac, then spend time with the other. In reality, this is sometimes perfect, sometimes painful, when the one on the computer needs help and whilst I do that, the other gets sidetracked.
That's part of what it looks like here, with 2 children who are 12 months and 10 days apart. I try to keep it positive, understand each child, and go with the flow.
Someone on AussieHomeschool wrote "Sometimes it is very hard to get them to settle down, especially when there is more important stuff happening (nice weather, racing bikes in the yard, scrounging in the garden for slugs etc) and I have been fairly gentle on this, because of their ages and stages (that is also how they learn.)"
My response to this is, I totally understand, especially about ants in pants. We're still there! I try to understand and respect what's important to the children, and work with them rather than fight the tide. I love seeing the children take charge of their own learning, and watch great things unfold when they decide to 'give speeches' or role play occupations. Sure, it's not always so tidy, as they also choose to be cooks with garden litter, wash the floor with a tea towel, or hijack all the chairs and cushions for a bus ... but that's part of childhood.
Next year my plan includes "The Australian Book Traveller" by Michelle Morrow (her website is www.downunderlit.com), "The Wonderland of Nature", by Nuri Mass (also from Michelle), additional eclectic science, LEM phonics, eclectic Maths (using what I have on hand) and lots of other fun!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Learning between the lines
If you asked me during the day yesterday what we were doing, I would probably have answered 'not much' or 'just the usual'. As usual, I started with a vague idea of how the day might go ... an easy day at home, a bit of school work, reading together, lots of play (inside as it's raining), and as always going with the flow and having a lot of fun.
It didn't seem like much, just an ordinary home Monday, as much as any day here is 'normal'! Looking back I'm amazed by the scope of what went on between the lines, during our 'ordinary' day:
5:15am Snuggly little ones in sneak in with me after Pete left for work, neither of them sleepy ... we talk and pray about what we're thankful for. Jasmine starts a Sudoku puzzle from my bedside table - needs a lot of help, but she has the general idea. They start a debate about pets ... Jasmine wants a white rabbit, Elijah wants a turtle ... though they know we are not likely to become pet owners any time soon! I half-sleep, half listen as their thoughts bubble out about care, habitats, natural environments, food (I'll grow carrots, said J.), temperature regulation, cleaning etc ... the possibility of further sleep melts with the rising sun. Around 7am we drift out to a sunny dining room.
Breakfasts are made to order ... toast with all the colours of the rainbow for Jasmine (a rectangle each of jam, vegemite, peanut butter and honey), a banana sandwich for Elijah, toast for me. The kids eat and watch cartoons from 7:35 to 8:30am, while I shower, check emails, read blogs, wash dishes ... away from the screen, kids dress, make beds, brush teeth and play.
The kids play variously with dolls, books, bikes and scooters and a big cardboard box, which they wallpaper with paintings done last week. This ends in tears later in the day, as some paintings rip during removal. Meanwhile, I start a new blog, Ink Island , to write more about writing, and I write my first post. It's fun playing with layouts, background pictures and words. I also finish my previous, jumbled blog post for Chrysalis Island. My mind is a bit clearer after getting these thoughts down!
We come together for morning tea (fairy floss and nuts) and read about Sarah and Abraham's baby and their praising, from The Little Girl's Bible . I write Psalm 34:1 on the whiteboard. The kids copy the verse into an exercise book and draw and label what they praise the Lord for. Jasmine makes hers sparkle with glitter pens and glitter glue. Elijah's picture spreads to the next page as he tells us a story as he draws. He writes on the whiteboard - sunny (Jasmine wants an 'e' on the end, but reluctantly trusts me that it must end in 'y' like baby and puppy). Elijah draws boxes for a checklist and labels the first one 'litrse' (literacy).
Jasmine does a page of a spelling textbook then starts colouring in and doing patterns inside bubble-writing. I ask Elijah if he'd like to write about pets or knights, but he says chocolate! He tells me a title, which he copies from the whiteboard (Chocolate Flavour Inventions). He narrates a bit while I write (the new chocolates will be sold to raise money for poor people), then he draws and labels some new flavours, which somehow turn into icecreams along the way!
Around 1pm, Pete arrives home and we have lunch (he's home early as today's work was overtime on a rostered day off), toasted sandwiches. He offers to clean up, so the kids and I sit on the lounge to continue our informal (make it up as we go) unit study learning about Poles and Polar Bears. We've watched DVDs over the years, and read a few books recently, like Polar Bears Past Bedtime , by Mary Pope-Osborne, and parts of Horrible Geography: Perishing Poles . We talk about (and I record) what we know and what we want to know . It's fun and I'm impressed! We look at the globe and wall map, to see Antarctica and the Arctic. Then we re-read a picture book, Antarctic Dad , share a few pages from non-fiction Antarctica , and a new picture book Over in the Arctic . We take a long time to read, as each page is fuel for discussion, dominated by Master E.!
The kids put away a stack of about 30 books they've been browsing. Jasmine plays boxes/ dots with Pete while Elijah 'reads' Knights and Castles . From 3-4 pm the kids watch ABC TV (playschool, cartoons). Pete starts our tax returns, and I read in bed!
While Pete has a well earned rest I keep the kids quiet with a game of Rummikub . It's their first time playing, and I'm surprised by Jasmine's patience and by how interested and eager they both are. We play open hands, but by the end they can make their own moves if I give a small clue. At 5pm the kids call Pete out and we all watch Survive This! on ABC ... an adventurous Canadian survival show for kids.
The kids take turns doing dot to dots in a booklet of A-Z and 1-30 puzzles, easy but fun, and play 'memory' with a deck of picture cards. Dinner (chicken schnitzel, mashed potato and veges) sparks talk of volcanoes (as Elijah's mash mountain erupts with sauce), and is followed by the final few chapters of our latest chapter book, The Littles and the Lost Children by John Peterson. Together the kids quickly do a set of Maths Mentals from New Wave Mentals B , and Elijah asks to do more. They find it fun because it's new today, but I'm thinking "it's too easy, even the next book is too easy, what's the point?" but I do want them to have quick recall and some 'schoolish' skills in case they ever decide to do maths tests, competitions or need to slot into a classroom at some stage. I have always done maths just for fun, and my kids do seem to be wired the same way. We'll see.
Time for pyjamas, tooth brushing, tucking in, chatting and praying. Pete read a chapter of the next book, The Littles go to school . Then the kids play in bed, read and colour in until about 8pm when they fall asleep. I go online to renew library books and update the kids' book lists for the Premier's Reading Challenge (both are now finished, Jasmine's first and Elijah's second year).
In bed at 10pm, I'm too tired to read for once (aside from a quick scripture), but I can't sleep. Several times I flick on the light to jot down notes to myself. I finally do some maths (double 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 etc) to switch off my meandering mind, and drift to sleep trying to double 16384 ... finally .... zzzz
It didn't seem like much, just an ordinary home Monday, as much as any day here is 'normal'! Looking back I'm amazed by the scope of what went on between the lines, during our 'ordinary' day:
5:15am Snuggly little ones in sneak in with me after Pete left for work, neither of them sleepy ... we talk and pray about what we're thankful for. Jasmine starts a Sudoku puzzle from my bedside table - needs a lot of help, but she has the general idea. They start a debate about pets ... Jasmine wants a white rabbit, Elijah wants a turtle ... though they know we are not likely to become pet owners any time soon! I half-sleep, half listen as their thoughts bubble out about care, habitats, natural environments, food (I'll grow carrots, said J.), temperature regulation, cleaning etc ... the possibility of further sleep melts with the rising sun. Around 7am we drift out to a sunny dining room.
Breakfasts are made to order ... toast with all the colours of the rainbow for Jasmine (a rectangle each of jam, vegemite, peanut butter and honey), a banana sandwich for Elijah, toast for me. The kids eat and watch cartoons from 7:35 to 8:30am, while I shower, check emails, read blogs, wash dishes ... away from the screen, kids dress, make beds, brush teeth and play.
The kids play variously with dolls, books, bikes and scooters and a big cardboard box, which they wallpaper with paintings done last week. This ends in tears later in the day, as some paintings rip during removal. Meanwhile, I start a new blog, Ink Island , to write more about writing, and I write my first post. It's fun playing with layouts, background pictures and words. I also finish my previous, jumbled blog post for Chrysalis Island. My mind is a bit clearer after getting these thoughts down!
We come together for morning tea (fairy floss and nuts) and read about Sarah and Abraham's baby and their praising, from The Little Girl's Bible . I write Psalm 34:1 on the whiteboard. The kids copy the verse into an exercise book and draw and label what they praise the Lord for. Jasmine makes hers sparkle with glitter pens and glitter glue. Elijah's picture spreads to the next page as he tells us a story as he draws. He writes on the whiteboard - sunny (Jasmine wants an 'e' on the end, but reluctantly trusts me that it must end in 'y' like baby and puppy). Elijah draws boxes for a checklist and labels the first one 'litrse' (literacy).
Jasmine does a page of a spelling textbook then starts colouring in and doing patterns inside bubble-writing. I ask Elijah if he'd like to write about pets or knights, but he says chocolate! He tells me a title, which he copies from the whiteboard (Chocolate Flavour Inventions). He narrates a bit while I write (the new chocolates will be sold to raise money for poor people), then he draws and labels some new flavours, which somehow turn into icecreams along the way!
Around 1pm, Pete arrives home and we have lunch (he's home early as today's work was overtime on a rostered day off), toasted sandwiches. He offers to clean up, so the kids and I sit on the lounge to continue our informal (make it up as we go) unit study learning about Poles and Polar Bears. We've watched DVDs over the years, and read a few books recently, like Polar Bears Past Bedtime , by Mary Pope-Osborne, and parts of Horrible Geography: Perishing Poles . We talk about (and I record) what we know and what we want to know . It's fun and I'm impressed! We look at the globe and wall map, to see Antarctica and the Arctic. Then we re-read a picture book, Antarctic Dad , share a few pages from non-fiction Antarctica , and a new picture book Over in the Arctic . We take a long time to read, as each page is fuel for discussion, dominated by Master E.!
The kids put away a stack of about 30 books they've been browsing. Jasmine plays boxes/ dots with Pete while Elijah 'reads' Knights and Castles . From 3-4 pm the kids watch ABC TV (playschool, cartoons). Pete starts our tax returns, and I read in bed!
While Pete has a well earned rest I keep the kids quiet with a game of Rummikub . It's their first time playing, and I'm surprised by Jasmine's patience and by how interested and eager they both are. We play open hands, but by the end they can make their own moves if I give a small clue. At 5pm the kids call Pete out and we all watch Survive This! on ABC ... an adventurous Canadian survival show for kids.
The kids take turns doing dot to dots in a booklet of A-Z and 1-30 puzzles, easy but fun, and play 'memory' with a deck of picture cards. Dinner (chicken schnitzel, mashed potato and veges) sparks talk of volcanoes (as Elijah's mash mountain erupts with sauce), and is followed by the final few chapters of our latest chapter book, The Littles and the Lost Children by John Peterson. Together the kids quickly do a set of Maths Mentals from New Wave Mentals B , and Elijah asks to do more. They find it fun because it's new today, but I'm thinking "it's too easy, even the next book is too easy, what's the point?" but I do want them to have quick recall and some 'schoolish' skills in case they ever decide to do maths tests, competitions or need to slot into a classroom at some stage. I have always done maths just for fun, and my kids do seem to be wired the same way. We'll see.
Time for pyjamas, tooth brushing, tucking in, chatting and praying. Pete read a chapter of the next book, The Littles go to school . Then the kids play in bed, read and colour in until about 8pm when they fall asleep. I go online to renew library books and update the kids' book lists for the Premier's Reading Challenge (both are now finished, Jasmine's first and Elijah's second year).
In bed at 10pm, I'm too tired to read for once (aside from a quick scripture), but I can't sleep. Several times I flick on the light to jot down notes to myself. I finally do some maths (double 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 etc) to switch off my meandering mind, and drift to sleep trying to double 16384 ... finally .... zzzz
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Homeschool Wordle
I created this at www.wordle.net, to print and use in our homeschool journal after seeing the idea here and here . If you click on the Wordle it will open in the Wordle gallery to view at a more readable size!
It was easy and a LOT of fun!
I just typed lots of words in a basic text editor (Stickies) then pasted my list into Wordle, played with the style and saved it in the public gallery. Voila!
I am hoping it will print well ... when I tried to resize it for this page, the text became too foggy.
Have a go, and add a link to your Wordle in my comments!
P.S. If you use Mac OS X as I do, refer to FAQs for information about how to print your Wordle.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Home and Healthy
Finally, we're almost all better!! I'm the one dragging the line, but after a day in bed yesterday my cough has eased. My ribs feel broken but I'm so much better and SO glad to say that! Thanks for the well-wishes.
While Jasmine was away, Elijah was content and happy to do his own thing. He was a different kid ... actually he was like the one year old we had just before Jasmine was born. Happy to play with lego for hours, sit around and read or watch movies. On Friday he was more restless and wanted me to do things with him a lot, but also kindly helped me with tidying up.
And on Friday night we picked up Jasi, HOORAY!! She had a great time, and enjoyed telling us all about it. The Butterfly house and maze, Big Banana, movies, cafes, beach ... and she loved giving us little things she'd lovingly chosen and brought home for us, like some plastic butterflies she painted colourfully, one for each of us.
Since Jasmine came home it's been one big play-a-thon for the two kids. They're SO happy to be back together. They're industrious, boisterous, messy, as noisy as baby elephants and practically oblivious to us grown-ups except when it suits them ... in other words we're back to normal life! And LOVING it!
While Jasmine was away, Elijah was content and happy to do his own thing. He was a different kid ... actually he was like the one year old we had just before Jasmine was born. Happy to play with lego for hours, sit around and read or watch movies. On Friday he was more restless and wanted me to do things with him a lot, but also kindly helped me with tidying up.
And on Friday night we picked up Jasi, HOORAY!! She had a great time, and enjoyed telling us all about it. The Butterfly house and maze, Big Banana, movies, cafes, beach ... and she loved giving us little things she'd lovingly chosen and brought home for us, like some plastic butterflies she painted colourfully, one for each of us.
Since Jasmine came home it's been one big play-a-thon for the two kids. They're SO happy to be back together. They're industrious, boisterous, messy, as noisy as baby elephants and practically oblivious to us grown-ups except when it suits them ... in other words we're back to normal life! And LOVING it!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Quiet as a mouse ...
It's been a quiet week at my place. No running, squealing, screaming, shouting, jumping, fighting, wrestling and wiggling. And it was meant to be even quieter!
THE REASON
The kids and I were planning to go away with my Mum, for a few days holiday up the coast at my brother's place. Pete would be working, and coming home to an empty house and lovingly frozen dinners to reheat. (Note: Pete can cook, and often cooks delicious meals, but I thought ready meals would make him feel special while he was missing us)
But Elijah got sick. Well sicker I should say, as we'd all been taking turns with sore throats, aches and pains. Elijah took longer to respond, and clearly still wasn't well enough to travel. Even driving to the Chemist, he was complaining about aches and pains. My week or two of sore throat and head also intensified. With a cough, fever and aching all over, I wasn't fit to be anywhere but home. Our holiday plans were sabotaged.
Jasmine on the other hand, had a bad ear infection a week and a half earlier, but bounced back quickly once she started antibiotics. So whilst we were all laid low Jasi was bouncing around again, fighting fit, looking for action!!
THE ADVENTUROUS ONE
As a result of these circumstances, our little girl went away, on her longest holiday without us, and more significantly, without Elijah. Was she reluctant to go? Were we filled with trepidation and fear at letting her go?
Not a bit!! She helped load Mum's car and couldn't wait to leave. We know Mum and Joe are totally wonderful with our kids, so there was no reason for us to worry ... just to be happy for them, and pray that they travel safely and have a wonderful time.
We did wonder if Jasi would be lost her best buddy Elijah to play with. There was a chance, Pete suggested, she might miss us and cry a bit. Apparently not. She made herself right at home as soon as they arrived, and for the first few days didn't care to interrupt her colouring in or bath to talk to us on the phone.
Last night our Princess finally spoke to us on the phone. She sounded very distant, like she was tolerating our need to hear her voice, as she told us about the places they'd been and the fun they had. I'm sure it was just the rare and unusual experience of talking to Jasmine on the phone, but I wonder what she's feeling.
ANALYSIS
I've never been one to really MISS people, not as a habit anyway. When I moved away from home for Uni, I felt guilty about that, because I was supposed to be home sick. It took me many years to realise I'm just different in that way. I don't think I NEED to be away from people to love and appreciate them ... but when I have that space to breathe, it renews my energy so I can be more devoted. I like seeing people after some time away, and having interesting things to talk about. I deeply love and admire my family - immediate and extended, big and widespread - they are seriously the kindest, loveliest people I know, and I couldn't choose anyone better to be related to. Like normal people, I do have times when I crave to be with certain people, just want to be near them and comfortable in our familiarity. But I don't MISS people who are still alive, it's more like I look forward to seeing them again.
My point is, we all experience relationships and time apart in different ways. I understand and accept Jasmine's hot and cold, detached way of loving me. In contrast to her independence, she also expresses her love and neediness often, in exuberant, subtle and special ways. When Jasi is here (which she almost always is) she is demanding, caring, affectionate and talkative (these words are severe understatements, though people outside our home rarely believe it!) It's a fine line though ... if I listen to her at the wrong moment, or look too long, she'll stomp her foot and huff and puff, as if to say 'leave me alone!' I wonder ... is this, in part, what having a child with autism or aspergers is like?
In a beautiful photo of Jasi and I, framed on the dining room wall, I can actually see this puzzle. I am holding Jasmine, she's about 3 yrs old. I am facing her, about to kiss her cheek; her arms are around me comfortably, but she is looking away, nonchalant and self composed. It's an interesting study of our relationship. That we love each other is clear beyond a doubt, but it's a push and pull kind of balance!
MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH
As for the QUIET home we've had ... it's been good to be able to rest. I'm still not well, but maybe it's just God's way of slowing me down. I hadn't intended to have 'school holidays' as such, like most people currently are, because we had such a disjointed few months. But we've had no choice.
Elijah and I have watched a lot of cartoons and DVDs, he has played contentedly by himself, and with me ... chess, toy soldiers, lego. Elijah spent hours yesterday cutting cardboard and making a little knight, which I helped him fasten with split pins and sticky tape. We went to the movies and saw Toy Story 3, which I thought Jasmine wouldn't like (since she hates noise and is easily scared) ... I was astonished when she told me that she also went to see that movie yesterday!!!!
With Pete we drove up to the beach cliffs to look for whales (and saw one, though it was very distant, so it's lucky we had my Dad's trusty old binoculars). While Elijah played and lay around watching TV, recovering, I sorted out mine and Jasmine's wardrobes (easily finding 8 bags for the Op Shop and one for a friend, and we still have way too much). I organised my notes and games for next week's FBI, all about Patterns in nature, art and maths. I spent a day writing the previous blog post. Read 3 novels. Printed odds and ends for the upcoming term of home schooling. Dreamed about doing so much more housework than the bare minimum I managed. Imagined getting all my papers in order for home ed. registration, but slept instead.
THE REASON
The kids and I were planning to go away with my Mum, for a few days holiday up the coast at my brother's place. Pete would be working, and coming home to an empty house and lovingly frozen dinners to reheat. (Note: Pete can cook, and often cooks delicious meals, but I thought ready meals would make him feel special while he was missing us)
But Elijah got sick. Well sicker I should say, as we'd all been taking turns with sore throats, aches and pains. Elijah took longer to respond, and clearly still wasn't well enough to travel. Even driving to the Chemist, he was complaining about aches and pains. My week or two of sore throat and head also intensified. With a cough, fever and aching all over, I wasn't fit to be anywhere but home. Our holiday plans were sabotaged.
Jasmine on the other hand, had a bad ear infection a week and a half earlier, but bounced back quickly once she started antibiotics. So whilst we were all laid low Jasi was bouncing around again, fighting fit, looking for action!!
THE ADVENTUROUS ONE
As a result of these circumstances, our little girl went away, on her longest holiday without us, and more significantly, without Elijah. Was she reluctant to go? Were we filled with trepidation and fear at letting her go?
Not a bit!! She helped load Mum's car and couldn't wait to leave. We know Mum and Joe are totally wonderful with our kids, so there was no reason for us to worry ... just to be happy for them, and pray that they travel safely and have a wonderful time.
We did wonder if Jasi would be lost her best buddy Elijah to play with. There was a chance, Pete suggested, she might miss us and cry a bit. Apparently not. She made herself right at home as soon as they arrived, and for the first few days didn't care to interrupt her colouring in or bath to talk to us on the phone.
Last night our Princess finally spoke to us on the phone. She sounded very distant, like she was tolerating our need to hear her voice, as she told us about the places they'd been and the fun they had. I'm sure it was just the rare and unusual experience of talking to Jasmine on the phone, but I wonder what she's feeling.
ANALYSIS
I've never been one to really MISS people, not as a habit anyway. When I moved away from home for Uni, I felt guilty about that, because I was supposed to be home sick. It took me many years to realise I'm just different in that way. I don't think I NEED to be away from people to love and appreciate them ... but when I have that space to breathe, it renews my energy so I can be more devoted. I like seeing people after some time away, and having interesting things to talk about. I deeply love and admire my family - immediate and extended, big and widespread - they are seriously the kindest, loveliest people I know, and I couldn't choose anyone better to be related to. Like normal people, I do have times when I crave to be with certain people, just want to be near them and comfortable in our familiarity. But I don't MISS people who are still alive, it's more like I look forward to seeing them again.
My point is, we all experience relationships and time apart in different ways. I understand and accept Jasmine's hot and cold, detached way of loving me. In contrast to her independence, she also expresses her love and neediness often, in exuberant, subtle and special ways. When Jasi is here (which she almost always is) she is demanding, caring, affectionate and talkative (these words are severe understatements, though people outside our home rarely believe it!) It's a fine line though ... if I listen to her at the wrong moment, or look too long, she'll stomp her foot and huff and puff, as if to say 'leave me alone!' I wonder ... is this, in part, what having a child with autism or aspergers is like?
In a beautiful photo of Jasi and I, framed on the dining room wall, I can actually see this puzzle. I am holding Jasmine, she's about 3 yrs old. I am facing her, about to kiss her cheek; her arms are around me comfortably, but she is looking away, nonchalant and self composed. It's an interesting study of our relationship. That we love each other is clear beyond a doubt, but it's a push and pull kind of balance!
MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH
As for the QUIET home we've had ... it's been good to be able to rest. I'm still not well, but maybe it's just God's way of slowing me down. I hadn't intended to have 'school holidays' as such, like most people currently are, because we had such a disjointed few months. But we've had no choice.
Elijah and I have watched a lot of cartoons and DVDs, he has played contentedly by himself, and with me ... chess, toy soldiers, lego. Elijah spent hours yesterday cutting cardboard and making a little knight, which I helped him fasten with split pins and sticky tape. We went to the movies and saw Toy Story 3, which I thought Jasmine wouldn't like (since she hates noise and is easily scared) ... I was astonished when she told me that she also went to see that movie yesterday!!!!
With Pete we drove up to the beach cliffs to look for whales (and saw one, though it was very distant, so it's lucky we had my Dad's trusty old binoculars). While Elijah played and lay around watching TV, recovering, I sorted out mine and Jasmine's wardrobes (easily finding 8 bags for the Op Shop and one for a friend, and we still have way too much). I organised my notes and games for next week's FBI, all about Patterns in nature, art and maths. I spent a day writing the previous blog post. Read 3 novels. Printed odds and ends for the upcoming term of home schooling. Dreamed about doing so much more housework than the bare minimum I managed. Imagined getting all my papers in order for home ed. registration, but slept instead.
HOMECOMING
Today Mum and Jasmine are driving home. We'll meet them at Mum's around dinner time. It'll be lovely to see my little girl again, though I don't have high expectations for our reunion ... Jasi doesn't usually seem pleased to see us when we pick up the kids after sleepovers at Mum's, and clearly wishes they could stay for longer. This time she has stayed away longer, 3 nights ... I wonder if it seemed long enough for her?
I'm sure she'll be glad to see Elijah. There may be tantrums, rejections and silences (directed at us, and especially me). However Jasi acts towards me, I won't hold it against her. She is very much her own SELF, and I admire that. She feels what she feels, and will soon be back to her usual energetic, intelligent, precious and playful self!
Friday, July 2, 2010
On my mind ...
I finally have snippets of time to gather my thoughts, write articles and finish a few drafted posts which have been cooking for a while. Hopefully something I write will inspire, help or amuse someone!
Some of the things I'm thinking about:
• Collating my jumbled records and plans for our upcoming Home Ed registration interview. I'm sorting out my ideas and paperwork on everything to do with it ... why, how, what etc. Loving the choices and freedom I have, and enjoying getting organised, but nervous about getting it right (note to self: there is no RIGHT!) My biggest battle is to keep it simple instead of doing mountains of unnecessary work!
• Health, mostly mine, which is mostly fine. I've finally seen a doctor after putting it off for ages. I had an ECG which was clear, as expected. There is something odd about my heart which showed up, but it's not dangerous or the cause of recent chest pain. A personal issue was discussed, but it's not life threatening and having read about the tests, treatments and undesirable side effects, we are committing it solely to prayer. And I'm considering doing a simplified elimination diet. I know I'm dairy intolerant, but cutting that and other known irritants from my diet hasn't fixed everything. On the up side, I'm glad my problems now are only physical, and also pretty minor compared to many people.
• Stuff. School stuff, clothing, linen, books, mending, hobbies, digital photos. I do pretty well at keeping down the clutter, but it's a battle. Our belongings need a bit of attention and sorting. Now that I have time I'm industriously sifting, storing and Op Shop bagging.
• Home, study, job and travel choices. We're blessed to have choices at all, and sometimes wonderful possibilities, but it can be hard to decide what to do when, and how the finances will all work out. As always, we simply need to trust in the Lord for provision and direction, and it will all work out for the best.
• Computer time. I've been researching a few things online and my eyes haven't coped well. My seldom-worn glasses are more of a hindrance than a help, so I guess it's time for another eye test. I also worry that I might spend too much time on here, and ought to be productive in other ways. Finding a balance is tricky sometimes. What do you do??
• Personality types. I read another couple of books and confirmed I am an INTJ. Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging. Depending on the book I may be called a Logical Visionary, Scientist, Strategist, Rational Mastermind, Perfectionist. It all sounds pretty fancy and la-di-dah, but really they're all just words and I'm just ME. Out of curiosity I did find an online INTJ discussion group, but as fun as it is to meet like-minded people (we're rare, just 2-3% of the population), it's not high on my list of priorities.
• PLUS cooking for a fussy eater, sewing, home education philosophies, science topics, kids toys, book ideas, keeping warm, mindful parenting, cleaning, art projects, upcoming holidays ...
Whew! That's enough babble from me. It's more of a diary entry I suppose but somehow these thoughts jumped onto a blog page today. Perhaps it'll help you get to know me better!
Some of the things I'm thinking about:
• Collating my jumbled records and plans for our upcoming Home Ed registration interview. I'm sorting out my ideas and paperwork on everything to do with it ... why, how, what etc. Loving the choices and freedom I have, and enjoying getting organised, but nervous about getting it right (note to self: there is no RIGHT!) My biggest battle is to keep it simple instead of doing mountains of unnecessary work!
• Health, mostly mine, which is mostly fine. I've finally seen a doctor after putting it off for ages. I had an ECG which was clear, as expected. There is something odd about my heart which showed up, but it's not dangerous or the cause of recent chest pain. A personal issue was discussed, but it's not life threatening and having read about the tests, treatments and undesirable side effects, we are committing it solely to prayer. And I'm considering doing a simplified elimination diet. I know I'm dairy intolerant, but cutting that and other known irritants from my diet hasn't fixed everything. On the up side, I'm glad my problems now are only physical, and also pretty minor compared to many people.
• Stuff. School stuff, clothing, linen, books, mending, hobbies, digital photos. I do pretty well at keeping down the clutter, but it's a battle. Our belongings need a bit of attention and sorting. Now that I have time I'm industriously sifting, storing and Op Shop bagging.
• Home, study, job and travel choices. We're blessed to have choices at all, and sometimes wonderful possibilities, but it can be hard to decide what to do when, and how the finances will all work out. As always, we simply need to trust in the Lord for provision and direction, and it will all work out for the best.
• Computer time. I've been researching a few things online and my eyes haven't coped well. My seldom-worn glasses are more of a hindrance than a help, so I guess it's time for another eye test. I also worry that I might spend too much time on here, and ought to be productive in other ways. Finding a balance is tricky sometimes. What do you do??
• Personality types. I read another couple of books and confirmed I am an INTJ. Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging. Depending on the book I may be called a Logical Visionary, Scientist, Strategist, Rational Mastermind, Perfectionist. It all sounds pretty fancy and la-di-dah, but really they're all just words and I'm just ME. Out of curiosity I did find an online INTJ discussion group, but as fun as it is to meet like-minded people (we're rare, just 2-3% of the population), it's not high on my list of priorities.
• PLUS cooking for a fussy eater, sewing, home education philosophies, science topics, kids toys, book ideas, keeping warm, mindful parenting, cleaning, art projects, upcoming holidays ...
Whew! That's enough babble from me. It's more of a diary entry I suppose but somehow these thoughts jumped onto a blog page today. Perhaps it'll help you get to know me better!
Perfect sunny days
The grassy dip around the corner.
A perfect place to run, ride, kick a ball or lay back and look at the clouds.
A beach just 20 mins down the road.
Just right for building sand castles, chasing sea gulls or burying a Barbie doll!
Our own backyard, local parks and the bush across the road.
It's all there for us to enjoy.
And we do!
More days than not.
It's great to be a home schooler, always ready to seize the day!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Birthday Girl
Our sweet Jasmine is five. Her birthday was last week. We can see the lovely young lady she's becoming alongside traces of the baby she was. Snuggly, bouncy, lively, sleepy, talkative, imaginative, purposeful, cheeky, fussy, loving, demanding then helpful. Using 5 syllable words in the same sentence as ambliance and b'sketti. Five is such a joyful, exciting age. I'm energised and exhausted, enraptured and exasperated by my little darling.
We had a couple of Jasmine's friends over for afternoon tea to celebrate her 5th Birthday. Because of the small number of guests, she only took half an hour to get into the swing of things (in the picture below she's still warming up). Elijah greeted guests at the door wearing his Knight costume. The Princesses ate dainty cupcakes, fairy bread and fruit on pop sticks ...
... then played statues, puzzle races, a hula-hoop relay and ring-a-ring-of-rosies. Jasmine didn't want the same games as Elijah had at his party, and sagely requested the last one saying it would be "good for when everybody's too excited and overwhelmed"!!
Since I'd made 60 cupcakes (new recipe meets absent brain, oops!), the girls each decorated a few extras to take home (or quietly lose, if so wished by the parents, ha ha). I had made an icecream cake by starting with a frozen Sara Lee strawberry swirl cheesecake, then adding smarties and layers of white and strawberry icecream topped with sprinkles.
Ah, sweet love!
Jasmine is such a puzzle. Sometimes so shy, but when comfortable she's a little whirlwind! We used to affectionately call her our "wooshka-booshka". I don't know if that's a new word, but there wasn't an invented word adequate to describe her mischievous, exuberant playfulness. Almost naughty. Often dangerous. Only by the grace of God has she made it to this age without breaking a bone or needing stitches ... thankyou Lord!
Jasmine age 2
We had a couple of Jasmine's friends over for afternoon tea to celebrate her 5th Birthday. Because of the small number of guests, she only took half an hour to get into the swing of things (in the picture below she's still warming up). Elijah greeted guests at the door wearing his Knight costume. The Princesses ate dainty cupcakes, fairy bread and fruit on pop sticks ...
... then played statues, puzzle races, a hula-hoop relay and ring-a-ring-of-rosies. Jasmine didn't want the same games as Elijah had at his party, and sagely requested the last one saying it would be "good for when everybody's too excited and overwhelmed"!!
Since I'd made 60 cupcakes (new recipe meets absent brain, oops!), the girls each decorated a few extras to take home (or quietly lose, if so wished by the parents, ha ha). I had made an icecream cake by starting with a frozen Sara Lee strawberry swirl cheesecake, then adding smarties and layers of white and strawberry icecream topped with sprinkles.
Ah, sweet love!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Birthday boy
We've been celebrating Elijah's 6th Birthday for weeks! He had an early party with friends and family a couple of weeks ago, which was a ton of fun! Here's the birthday boy with his cake ...
... a freshly baked banana cake filled with cream and bananas, dusted with cocoa powder and decorated in a 2 minute frenzy while the guests were outside taking turns to launch a rocket (a pump action toy from National Geographic). I'd forgotten to look for the birthday candle box, but Elijah didn't seem worried.
We had another cake on his actual birthday, shared with new friends (a home schooling family from Darwin who are traveling in a caravan for over a year ... we met them at our church conference on the weekend). How exciting to have them visit our home and hear about their adventures, which are just like the dream we're working towards! I'm sure we could've talked for a week.
Here's Elijah on his new bike yesterday ... we took it out the front and he just jumped right on and took off! Not even a wobble. That was a cool moment! He wasn't expecting a bike either, which made it even sweeter.
Since Pete was home I grabbed my bike and took Elijah for a spin down to the park. Being mid-week, we had the place to ourselves, and went silly trying out the BMX jumps. Pete helped Jasmine adjust Elijah's old bike to her liking (attaching her pink bell and doll carrier, and putting the training wheels back on).
It's been a GREAT couple of weeks celebrating this birthday. Now we're swinging into action for Jasmine's 5th birthday, soon to be upon us. Jasmine was born when Elijah was 1 year and 10 days old. She's enjoyed making his birthday special, and I'm so glad for her that her turn is now here!
While I can't believe they're already 6 and almost 5, it's so incredibly wonderful to think about their lives so far, and to snuggle in the love we share. Sure there's conflict and stubborn standoffs and selfishness, in all of us, but above all it's just TOO amazing, such a privilege to be their Mum.
... a freshly baked banana cake filled with cream and bananas, dusted with cocoa powder and decorated in a 2 minute frenzy while the guests were outside taking turns to launch a rocket (a pump action toy from National Geographic). I'd forgotten to look for the birthday candle box, but Elijah didn't seem worried.
We had another cake on his actual birthday, shared with new friends (a home schooling family from Darwin who are traveling in a caravan for over a year ... we met them at our church conference on the weekend). How exciting to have them visit our home and hear about their adventures, which are just like the dream we're working towards! I'm sure we could've talked for a week.
Here's Elijah on his new bike yesterday ... we took it out the front and he just jumped right on and took off! Not even a wobble. That was a cool moment! He wasn't expecting a bike either, which made it even sweeter.
Since Pete was home I grabbed my bike and took Elijah for a spin down to the park. Being mid-week, we had the place to ourselves, and went silly trying out the BMX jumps. Pete helped Jasmine adjust Elijah's old bike to her liking (attaching her pink bell and doll carrier, and putting the training wheels back on).
It's been a GREAT couple of weeks celebrating this birthday. Now we're swinging into action for Jasmine's 5th birthday, soon to be upon us. Jasmine was born when Elijah was 1 year and 10 days old. She's enjoyed making his birthday special, and I'm so glad for her that her turn is now here!
While I can't believe they're already 6 and almost 5, it's so incredibly wonderful to think about their lives so far, and to snuggle in the love we share. Sure there's conflict and stubborn standoffs and selfishness, in all of us, but above all it's just TOO amazing, such a privilege to be their Mum.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Glorious rainy days
I meant to jot a quick comment in response to Renelle's lovely Wet, Wet, Wet post and got totally carried away, so thought it'd be better to share here instead.
We live in the same region as Renelle, and have enjoyed the recent rain too ...
Across the road from us is a bush reserve. We went over to play on the grassy footpath when the sun came out one afternoon (since the creek, normally a dry ditch, is too full to cross into the bush itself). Elijah delighted in riding his bike back and forth in the mud, slipping about in the boggiest bits. Jasmine enjoyed squelching and sliding in the mud with almost-bare feet. A warm bubble bath followed, of course!
Another day they played for a wonderful hour in the backyard, in the pouring rain, on their swings and dinkies ... without raincoats which were snug and dry in the car, which Dad had at work! Jasi and Elijah's favourite discovery after rain is always is a bucket (or dump truck) full of rainwater. These become the basis of many of their favourite backyard recipes (just add fern leaves, bark, a sprinkling of gravel, and unfortunately once, several handfuls of clean tissues).
And I mustn't leave out a very brave under 6's soccer game, played in freezing rain a couple of weeks ago. We arrived early to have the team photo taken (in the rain), then waited around under the clubhouse awning. We really expected an announcement that all games were cancelled. But no, the game must go on! So we set up and waited for a team to play against. I guess most people assumed it would be cancelled, but enough kids turned up to play, even if we did swap players to make up numbers (4 a side). The game was slightly chaotic (with kids running off if the ball hit them, which REALLY hurts when you're cold). The teams were well-matched, and a few goals were actually kicked. We were wet and freezing, but smiling, and proud of our muddy little boys.
Yep, kids know how to make the most of rainy days!
We live in the same region as Renelle, and have enjoyed the recent rain too ...
Across the road from us is a bush reserve. We went over to play on the grassy footpath when the sun came out one afternoon (since the creek, normally a dry ditch, is too full to cross into the bush itself). Elijah delighted in riding his bike back and forth in the mud, slipping about in the boggiest bits. Jasmine enjoyed squelching and sliding in the mud with almost-bare feet. A warm bubble bath followed, of course!
Another day they played for a wonderful hour in the backyard, in the pouring rain, on their swings and dinkies ... without raincoats which were snug and dry in the car, which Dad had at work! Jasi and Elijah's favourite discovery after rain is always is a bucket (or dump truck) full of rainwater. These become the basis of many of their favourite backyard recipes (just add fern leaves, bark, a sprinkling of gravel, and unfortunately once, several handfuls of clean tissues).
And I mustn't leave out a very brave under 6's soccer game, played in freezing rain a couple of weeks ago. We arrived early to have the team photo taken (in the rain), then waited around under the clubhouse awning. We really expected an announcement that all games were cancelled. But no, the game must go on! So we set up and waited for a team to play against. I guess most people assumed it would be cancelled, but enough kids turned up to play, even if we did swap players to make up numbers (4 a side). The game was slightly chaotic (with kids running off if the ball hit them, which REALLY hurts when you're cold). The teams were well-matched, and a few goals were actually kicked. We were wet and freezing, but smiling, and proud of our muddy little boys.
Yep, kids know how to make the most of rainy days!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time for living
G'day. I've been a silent blogger for a while ... only just finding time to read blogs. For all the blogs you write, many of which I haven't left comments for recently ... thanks for writing them, I enjoy reading them immensely!
We're finally all better (after a minor but prolonged virus), hooray! Our holiday in Coffs Harbour was brilliant, so good that I couldn't blog about it, because I wanted to stay there forever. The weather was perfect and so deliciously warm, and in every direction there were adventures to have and places to explore ... but I feared to write that would make me sound ungrateful for our pretty terrific home life. Which isn't the case, I really love my home and family and lifestyle. Thankfully after a few days back at home I regained my contentment and got stuck into LIFE again.
My problem then was winter ... it always gets to me, and I end up wishing we could move somewhere warm for just a few months each year (and perhaps one day we will). But after a week of grumbling about being so cold it hurt, I decided to embrace it. Life's been easier since making that choice, with the help of some long cosy jumpers, fur lined boots, a hot water bottle and plans for our first trip to the snow.
So back to LIFE. May and June have been (and will be) busy in a good way, with lots of excursions, kids competing with me for computer time, play dates, creative projects, FBI co-op, sports, coordinating childcare for our church's state conference (next weekend) and celebrating our children's birthdays (which are later this month but that hasn't stopped us getting in early!)
What's happening with school you may ask? I asked myself that too. It sometimes seems like the last item on the agenda, so I've returned a routine. I've scheduled in our outside activities and TV times which are fairly predictable, plenty of free time and even meal times (mainly because Jasi gets remarkably tired and grumpy when her blood sugar drops). I can already see it is helping. All term the kids have been a bit unsettled, arguing and attention seeking, but today they asked to do 'schooling' and got stuck into their work and have played more happily together too. That's not to say we'll keep to the routine ... a sunny day will always entice us outside! Our recent home ed. recipe has been perhaps 50% natural learning, and 50% eclectic homeschool ... shared books, unit studies, posters, craft, games, excursions, workbooks, computer, conversation, TV, music, storytelling. Having said that I'm not as hung up about what to call our method of education. Learning is happening and life is good!
I hope to get back into more frequent writing in July. I like a record of what's been happening, so I don't think back and wonder where all the days went. Also it's nice to look back on the fun we've had, changes, triumphs, adventures, decisions, challenges etc. Writing helps me make sense of things.
Well for a short post, this has ended up pretty long!! It's fun to be back. I might be a bit more random in the topics I write about when I get around to it, because whilst home schooling is a HUGE and wonderful part of my life and is often the easiest thing to share, I didn't intend for it to be the only thing I write about. There'll probably be a few out of order snapshots to catch up on too.
See you round!
We're finally all better (after a minor but prolonged virus), hooray! Our holiday in Coffs Harbour was brilliant, so good that I couldn't blog about it, because I wanted to stay there forever. The weather was perfect and so deliciously warm, and in every direction there were adventures to have and places to explore ... but I feared to write that would make me sound ungrateful for our pretty terrific home life. Which isn't the case, I really love my home and family and lifestyle. Thankfully after a few days back at home I regained my contentment and got stuck into LIFE again.
My problem then was winter ... it always gets to me, and I end up wishing we could move somewhere warm for just a few months each year (and perhaps one day we will). But after a week of grumbling about being so cold it hurt, I decided to embrace it. Life's been easier since making that choice, with the help of some long cosy jumpers, fur lined boots, a hot water bottle and plans for our first trip to the snow.
So back to LIFE. May and June have been (and will be) busy in a good way, with lots of excursions, kids competing with me for computer time, play dates, creative projects, FBI co-op, sports, coordinating childcare for our church's state conference (next weekend) and celebrating our children's birthdays (which are later this month but that hasn't stopped us getting in early!)
What's happening with school you may ask? I asked myself that too. It sometimes seems like the last item on the agenda, so I've returned a routine. I've scheduled in our outside activities and TV times which are fairly predictable, plenty of free time and even meal times (mainly because Jasi gets remarkably tired and grumpy when her blood sugar drops). I can already see it is helping. All term the kids have been a bit unsettled, arguing and attention seeking, but today they asked to do 'schooling' and got stuck into their work and have played more happily together too. That's not to say we'll keep to the routine ... a sunny day will always entice us outside! Our recent home ed. recipe has been perhaps 50% natural learning, and 50% eclectic homeschool ... shared books, unit studies, posters, craft, games, excursions, workbooks, computer, conversation, TV, music, storytelling. Having said that I'm not as hung up about what to call our method of education. Learning is happening and life is good!
I hope to get back into more frequent writing in July. I like a record of what's been happening, so I don't think back and wonder where all the days went. Also it's nice to look back on the fun we've had, changes, triumphs, adventures, decisions, challenges etc. Writing helps me make sense of things.
Well for a short post, this has ended up pretty long!! It's fun to be back. I might be a bit more random in the topics I write about when I get around to it, because whilst home schooling is a HUGE and wonderful part of my life and is often the easiest thing to share, I didn't intend for it to be the only thing I write about. There'll probably be a few out of order snapshots to catch up on too.
See you round!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Comparing the incomparable
The backstory:
Last week we went to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. There are so many exhibits for the kids to interact with, so of course it's a fun place to go. But I was stuck in a black cloud. Pretty rare these days, but we were all out of sorts for a week after eating chocolate for a week! For starters, I couldn't decide what to wear, because it had been raining so my jeans would drag in the puddles and I'd be wet all day. Like it was the end of the world! So then I was also ashamed of being so ... human? Luckily Pete had enough patience for both of us, and with some prayer I was strong enough to soldier on, so we eventually all got in the car and set out for our adventure. The kids had fun.
I survived the day and most importantly of all (just kidding) I have since bought some rainy-day jeans which don't drag in puddles. Thankfully, I also found my sense of humour and smile again!
The journey:
I'm not actually comparing the incomparable ... I just liked the way that sounded. It's really just me rambling!
So back to the drive through Sydney. I'm not a city person ... I feel sorry for all those rushing, striving people (even though I know lots of them probably love it)! But I'm always curious, intrigued and a little over-awed when I see big boarding schools, like Knox, Kings and Abbotsleigh. I have often thought, hypothetically, about being a teacher or student there, comparing it to my small-town, public school experience. This time when we drove past the private schools, I was imagining what it would be like to send our kids, our precious little darlings, there. Into the big brick abyss. I may as well have been looking for a rental home in an African zoo! I just couldn't imagine it for us, nor begin to comprehend how people do it.
Now, I know that many people have no choice (at least none that they can see). And that many others see these places as the ultimate educational environment for their children. I also know the many virtues these schools claim for their attendees ... I have taught in one (though thankfully it was an old-fashioned country one, but still poles apart from my humble, happy childhood). Tradition, social graces, academic excellence, sports, diverse subjects ... there is a lot of opportunity for children to have amazing experiences, find their talents and excel in every way, reach their potential and conquer the world. And many do!!
But imagining MY kids there? I couldn't form a mental picture of it. These schools are so BIG, so SCHEDULED and PRESCRIBED.
Elite, private schools are not even the point really ... if I WAS enrolling my kids in school, it would have to be a small, family-like one, which probably doesn't exist yet, except perhaps in Finland or Sweden (a long commute from our island home, Australia).
The conclusion:
Perhaps it's a forgone conclusion, and of course it's not a revelation or lightning bolt moment. My kids belong with me and other people who know and love them ... at home, in the park, library, rockpools, on a riverbank or in the bush. I don't mind if they're missing the opportunities offered by public or private school education ... they're too busy living to care (!) and I have complete confidence they will one day know who they are and reach whatever goals they set. I love the freedom we've chosen. We explore overgrown paths, follow rabbit trails and marvel at shooting stars. We learn wonderful and fascinating things about the world, ourselves and all kinds of subjects. Not in the sequential, orderly way that schools often choose. It's noisy, random and messy.
I'm not trying to be definitive or comprehensive ... just thinking aloud. Here are some of the educational values I find important:
* Inspire, challenge, trust, share
* Provide a rich and varied diet for kids to taste and feast on
* Children are people, individuals, the future, becoming who they are
* Balance freedom and boundaries, always with love and respect
* Time is a gift, not to be wasted or hurried
* Nurture creativity, live in colour, discover rainbows
* My children are explorers, but can ask for directions any time they like
I don't pretend to have all the answers. We're not perfect. I'm not claiming these values are unique to home ed, that all school is bad or all home ed is good. I'm just reflecting, and I'm really thankful for our freedom.
Last week we went to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. There are so many exhibits for the kids to interact with, so of course it's a fun place to go. But I was stuck in a black cloud. Pretty rare these days, but we were all out of sorts for a week after eating chocolate for a week! For starters, I couldn't decide what to wear, because it had been raining so my jeans would drag in the puddles and I'd be wet all day. Like it was the end of the world! So then I was also ashamed of being so ... human? Luckily Pete had enough patience for both of us, and with some prayer I was strong enough to soldier on, so we eventually all got in the car and set out for our adventure. The kids had fun.
I survived the day and most importantly of all (just kidding) I have since bought some rainy-day jeans which don't drag in puddles. Thankfully, I also found my sense of humour and smile again!
The journey:
I'm not actually comparing the incomparable ... I just liked the way that sounded. It's really just me rambling!
So back to the drive through Sydney. I'm not a city person ... I feel sorry for all those rushing, striving people (even though I know lots of them probably love it)! But I'm always curious, intrigued and a little over-awed when I see big boarding schools, like Knox, Kings and Abbotsleigh. I have often thought, hypothetically, about being a teacher or student there, comparing it to my small-town, public school experience. This time when we drove past the private schools, I was imagining what it would be like to send our kids, our precious little darlings, there. Into the big brick abyss. I may as well have been looking for a rental home in an African zoo! I just couldn't imagine it for us, nor begin to comprehend how people do it.
Now, I know that many people have no choice (at least none that they can see). And that many others see these places as the ultimate educational environment for their children. I also know the many virtues these schools claim for their attendees ... I have taught in one (though thankfully it was an old-fashioned country one, but still poles apart from my humble, happy childhood). Tradition, social graces, academic excellence, sports, diverse subjects ... there is a lot of opportunity for children to have amazing experiences, find their talents and excel in every way, reach their potential and conquer the world. And many do!!
But imagining MY kids there? I couldn't form a mental picture of it. These schools are so BIG, so SCHEDULED and PRESCRIBED.
Elite, private schools are not even the point really ... if I WAS enrolling my kids in school, it would have to be a small, family-like one, which probably doesn't exist yet, except perhaps in Finland or Sweden (a long commute from our island home, Australia).
The conclusion:
Perhaps it's a forgone conclusion, and of course it's not a revelation or lightning bolt moment. My kids belong with me and other people who know and love them ... at home, in the park, library, rockpools, on a riverbank or in the bush. I don't mind if they're missing the opportunities offered by public or private school education ... they're too busy living to care (!) and I have complete confidence they will one day know who they are and reach whatever goals they set. I love the freedom we've chosen. We explore overgrown paths, follow rabbit trails and marvel at shooting stars. We learn wonderful and fascinating things about the world, ourselves and all kinds of subjects. Not in the sequential, orderly way that schools often choose. It's noisy, random and messy.
I'm not trying to be definitive or comprehensive ... just thinking aloud. Here are some of the educational values I find important:
* Inspire, challenge, trust, share
* Provide a rich and varied diet for kids to taste and feast on
* Children are people, individuals, the future, becoming who they are
* Balance freedom and boundaries, always with love and respect
* Time is a gift, not to be wasted or hurried
* Nurture creativity, live in colour, discover rainbows
* My children are explorers, but can ask for directions any time they like
I don't pretend to have all the answers. We're not perfect. I'm not claiming these values are unique to home ed, that all school is bad or all home ed is good. I'm just reflecting, and I'm really thankful for our freedom.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A mammoth month!
March has been incredibly full ... I'm sure to miss things but here's an attempt to summarise what we've been up to!
A trip south ... My brother Joe stayed here then travelled with the kids and I to my cousin's wedding at a south coast golf course (the bridal party arrived in trucks!) We saw LOTS of relatives from far and wide. On the way we stopped at the Sydney Aquatic centre (home of 2000 Olympics) with it's HUGE kids water-play zone ... we all thought the whirlpool was the best! We then stayed at Dad's place, where the kids were kept busy in the garden, potting plants to bring home and watching the men lay pavers. Dad (Pop) took the kids to the park to monkey around, and we showed them how to make a daisy chain. We also celebrated my Nanna's (Oma to my kids) birthday at my aunty's house and the kids had a swim in her new pool. We had dinner in a Chinese restaurant on the way home. What a lot of fun packed into 3 days!
Rock climbing with some of our home school friends ... It was the first time for my children. They started on the practice wall, and soon Jasi was harnessed up and going for it on the big walls and ladder. Elijah only wanted to watch until the last 5 minutes, so we'll have to go back soon for him to try it. Lunch at the park afterwards was really nice so they could get to know a few friends better.
Lady's camp ... (without kids) I took two ladies from church for a day trip at Vacy (most stayed for the whole weekend) . The drive out there was so peaceful. I love driving into a rural area and just feeling everything slow down. It was a relaxing and refreshing day with new and old friends, including my mum. We all went out for dinner, and then back at camp in teams put on skits, before the long drive home. It was SO nice to have long conversations and not be needed for a little while.
Shopping ... Somewhere in there Mum and I took the kids by car, train and bus (just for the experience) into town to the wonderful hobby shop. So finally Jasi had a chance to spend her Christmas gift money on furniture for her dolls house. Elijah chose a car set as usual. The kids and I also caught a bus to visit a friend and her adorable baby.
Swimming ... It's been a great month for swimming, so we've been to a few new pools and the ocean baths and rockpools. Jasmine has loved swimming lessons with the home ed. group. She can swim well for a few metres, and is learning how to breathe to the side. Elijah loves swimming too and had a few good lessons, but mostly didn't like the group lessons (too cold, change of teacher, change of pool).
Soccer ... Elijah has had a few training sessions now and three practice games. He loves being with his teammates, was a good sport when his team played a stronger team, and scored two goals. It's exciting to watch him having fun and improving each week as his confidence grows!
FBI ... We've had (as of tomorrow) three more meetings of our home ed. kids enrichment group. We're getting 20-30 kids each fortnight and it's going really well, as we have fun and get to know each other. In addition to games:
* We made and tested boats from foil and plasticine which float and carry a load, constructed boats using recycled materials, and did oil pastel and food dye art. A big stick and ball set was used by about 15 kids to make a huge frame which we covered to make a cubby house.
* I put on an interactive science show (colour chromatography, swirling in milk and density rainbows in a glass) and another mum led a story dramatisation, involving mask making and multiplication! The tap-tap activity (hammering wooden pieces in pictures/patterns) was very popular. We also had a microscope and marble run space set.
* Tomorrow there will be a circus show (demos of tricks some kids have learned) and a chance for other children to try a few circus skills. We will also make chocolates, fold and decorate baskets to put them in, paint with watercolours and do colouring patterns or make an egg tangram puzzle. I'm also doing a quick maths workshop with patterns, brainteasers and puzzles which we'll solve together. Games, dressups, skipping, music ... it'll be a fun day!
Friends ... We've had three play dates at friends houses, each very lovely and special, and morning tea at a cafe with a group of grown-up friends. Our friend ('uncle' Mark) came for dinner and listened to the kids read books (he's always a good sport and often reads them Dr Seuss stories in a silly voice). A birthday party at a pool was a chance to meet friends of friends. At a masquerade ball the kids wore costumes and face paint (lion and fairy), and were excited (and Jasi at times was scared) by all the characters and acts we saw.
Family ... Visits to ALL of the kids grandparents (3 homes) have given us warm fuzzy feelings! We've also spent time with both of my brothers and my nephew Nathan. We played table tennis and enjoyed a new swing set at Mum's place. At Pete's parents place we chatted and played Mastermind, the kids read them stories and Jasi did a 48 piece puzzle. Mum came here for an 'unbirthday' party (an excuse to give the kids some incredibly cute bears she'd bought!)
Dance, drama and music ... They've obviously had less free time, with all of the above going on, but have played happily on their real instruments (violin, guitar, drums, keyboard) and music toys. They sing and make up new songs, act like animals, doctors, shop keepers, Bible characters and performers. Today Jasi has dressed up in full ballet costume and has asked Elijah to be her choreographer (so he's directing her to do leaps, pirouettes, tip toe like a butterfly etc).
Craft and play ... Jasi and I did some pen and paint wash sketches in the style of Quentin Blake, our favourite illustrator. The kids sewed a set of felt finger puppets each, and have started another sewing project. We used the box from our new hot water system to make a great submarine. They drew and coloured many pictures to stick on as decorations. I cut portholes and the kids made a periscope, hatch and control panel. It was fun but now they like to fill it with toys, which they then don't hurry to put away. This is in addition to the 'display' of toys on the lounge, the shop in the dining room and their lived-in bedrooms ... my computer desk is just as bad so I can't nag them too much.
School work ... Ha ha! There have been few 'normal' days this month! We've done bits and pieces of workbooks, journals, flashcard games, maths activities and occasional short phonics or reading lessons. We always share a lot of books (in our Roald Dahl read-alouds we finished Elijah's "Fantastic Mr Fox" and all together, started "James and the Giant Peach"). Both are doing the Premier's Reading Challenge this year (only Elijah did it last year) and we've enjoyed a lot of library books, audio books and the kids animal magazine "Crikey!" Otherwise, just learning from life and TV, computer lessons like Reading Eggs and books.
In my spare time ... I've been mostly ON duty, and loving it too, but sometimes I tune out with some cooking or reading young-adult novels, home ed. blogs and online articles. And finally I'm about to enjoy my first sale on eBay! We're selling a car cover Pete's work gave him which he never used, and we have 3 bidders, hooray.
Ought to do ... The list is growing! I need to declutter my desk, organise or do carpet cleaning, iron a basket full of clothes, hem Pete's work pants and jeans (bought a year or two ago), mend broken toys, fix potted plants (the tomato and strawberries are looking sad) and ... write a to do list.
So at the end of this MAMMOTH month, that's about all I can remember and I'm sure it's more than anyone has time to read! Hopefully in April I'll write as we go, so it doesn't end up being an essay!
A trip south ... My brother Joe stayed here then travelled with the kids and I to my cousin's wedding at a south coast golf course (the bridal party arrived in trucks!) We saw LOTS of relatives from far and wide. On the way we stopped at the Sydney Aquatic centre (home of 2000 Olympics) with it's HUGE kids water-play zone ... we all thought the whirlpool was the best! We then stayed at Dad's place, where the kids were kept busy in the garden, potting plants to bring home and watching the men lay pavers. Dad (Pop) took the kids to the park to monkey around, and we showed them how to make a daisy chain. We also celebrated my Nanna's (Oma to my kids) birthday at my aunty's house and the kids had a swim in her new pool. We had dinner in a Chinese restaurant on the way home. What a lot of fun packed into 3 days!
Rock climbing with some of our home school friends ... It was the first time for my children. They started on the practice wall, and soon Jasi was harnessed up and going for it on the big walls and ladder. Elijah only wanted to watch until the last 5 minutes, so we'll have to go back soon for him to try it. Lunch at the park afterwards was really nice so they could get to know a few friends better.
Lady's camp ... (without kids) I took two ladies from church for a day trip at Vacy (most stayed for the whole weekend) . The drive out there was so peaceful. I love driving into a rural area and just feeling everything slow down. It was a relaxing and refreshing day with new and old friends, including my mum. We all went out for dinner, and then back at camp in teams put on skits, before the long drive home. It was SO nice to have long conversations and not be needed for a little while.
Shopping ... Somewhere in there Mum and I took the kids by car, train and bus (just for the experience) into town to the wonderful hobby shop. So finally Jasi had a chance to spend her Christmas gift money on furniture for her dolls house. Elijah chose a car set as usual. The kids and I also caught a bus to visit a friend and her adorable baby.
Swimming ... It's been a great month for swimming, so we've been to a few new pools and the ocean baths and rockpools. Jasmine has loved swimming lessons with the home ed. group. She can swim well for a few metres, and is learning how to breathe to the side. Elijah loves swimming too and had a few good lessons, but mostly didn't like the group lessons (too cold, change of teacher, change of pool).
Soccer ... Elijah has had a few training sessions now and three practice games. He loves being with his teammates, was a good sport when his team played a stronger team, and scored two goals. It's exciting to watch him having fun and improving each week as his confidence grows!
FBI ... We've had (as of tomorrow) three more meetings of our home ed. kids enrichment group. We're getting 20-30 kids each fortnight and it's going really well, as we have fun and get to know each other. In addition to games:
* We made and tested boats from foil and plasticine which float and carry a load, constructed boats using recycled materials, and did oil pastel and food dye art. A big stick and ball set was used by about 15 kids to make a huge frame which we covered to make a cubby house.
* I put on an interactive science show (colour chromatography, swirling in milk and density rainbows in a glass) and another mum led a story dramatisation, involving mask making and multiplication! The tap-tap activity (hammering wooden pieces in pictures/patterns) was very popular. We also had a microscope and marble run space set.
* Tomorrow there will be a circus show (demos of tricks some kids have learned) and a chance for other children to try a few circus skills. We will also make chocolates, fold and decorate baskets to put them in, paint with watercolours and do colouring patterns or make an egg tangram puzzle. I'm also doing a quick maths workshop with patterns, brainteasers and puzzles which we'll solve together. Games, dressups, skipping, music ... it'll be a fun day!
Friends ... We've had three play dates at friends houses, each very lovely and special, and morning tea at a cafe with a group of grown-up friends. Our friend ('uncle' Mark) came for dinner and listened to the kids read books (he's always a good sport and often reads them Dr Seuss stories in a silly voice). A birthday party at a pool was a chance to meet friends of friends. At a masquerade ball the kids wore costumes and face paint (lion and fairy), and were excited (and Jasi at times was scared) by all the characters and acts we saw.
Family ... Visits to ALL of the kids grandparents (3 homes) have given us warm fuzzy feelings! We've also spent time with both of my brothers and my nephew Nathan. We played table tennis and enjoyed a new swing set at Mum's place. At Pete's parents place we chatted and played Mastermind, the kids read them stories and Jasi did a 48 piece puzzle. Mum came here for an 'unbirthday' party (an excuse to give the kids some incredibly cute bears she'd bought!)
Dance, drama and music ... They've obviously had less free time, with all of the above going on, but have played happily on their real instruments (violin, guitar, drums, keyboard) and music toys. They sing and make up new songs, act like animals, doctors, shop keepers, Bible characters and performers. Today Jasi has dressed up in full ballet costume and has asked Elijah to be her choreographer (so he's directing her to do leaps, pirouettes, tip toe like a butterfly etc).
Craft and play ... Jasi and I did some pen and paint wash sketches in the style of Quentin Blake, our favourite illustrator. The kids sewed a set of felt finger puppets each, and have started another sewing project. We used the box from our new hot water system to make a great submarine. They drew and coloured many pictures to stick on as decorations. I cut portholes and the kids made a periscope, hatch and control panel. It was fun but now they like to fill it with toys, which they then don't hurry to put away. This is in addition to the 'display' of toys on the lounge, the shop in the dining room and their lived-in bedrooms ... my computer desk is just as bad so I can't nag them too much.
School work ... Ha ha! There have been few 'normal' days this month! We've done bits and pieces of workbooks, journals, flashcard games, maths activities and occasional short phonics or reading lessons. We always share a lot of books (in our Roald Dahl read-alouds we finished Elijah's "Fantastic Mr Fox" and all together, started "James and the Giant Peach"). Both are doing the Premier's Reading Challenge this year (only Elijah did it last year) and we've enjoyed a lot of library books, audio books and the kids animal magazine "Crikey!" Otherwise, just learning from life and TV, computer lessons like Reading Eggs and books.
In my spare time ... I've been mostly ON duty, and loving it too, but sometimes I tune out with some cooking or reading young-adult novels, home ed. blogs and online articles. And finally I'm about to enjoy my first sale on eBay! We're selling a car cover Pete's work gave him which he never used, and we have 3 bidders, hooray.
Ought to do ... The list is growing! I need to declutter my desk, organise or do carpet cleaning, iron a basket full of clothes, hem Pete's work pants and jeans (bought a year or two ago), mend broken toys, fix potted plants (the tomato and strawberries are looking sad) and ... write a to do list.
So at the end of this MAMMOTH month, that's about all I can remember and I'm sure it's more than anyone has time to read! Hopefully in April I'll write as we go, so it doesn't end up being an essay!
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