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 thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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
Thursday, August 5, 2010
It's official!
We're doing a happy dance! We are now officially home schooling Elijah!! I know it's only a technical, legal point, but I'm the kind of person who likes to be affirmed and told I'm on track. It's probably not normal to be so excited by this, but it's such a relief, since we've waited for this day for a long time.
Our interview went for two hours, and Mr N. read everything I'd written. Often his eyebrows would wobble, he'd go tut-tut and shake his head. Uh oh, I thought.
I saw that face a lot as he turned the pages (educational philosophy, goals and plans, evaluation, scope and sequence, reflections, etc.). Half of it was nicely typed and polished, and half scribbled in handwriting, trains of thought, lists, messy mind maps. A lot of things I just pulled from my blog and slightly altered to suit the purpose!
After seeing that head shake and hearing the tutting a few times, I asked him what was up ... it turns out that's his 'I'm impressed' face! He gave us a lot of positive feedback. I was embarrassed. I didn't go overboard with paperwork, as in my uni student and teaching days, but I guess all my research, thinking and reflection over the last few years has paid off and ended up as something coherent which represents what we do well enough. I'm sure the Lord helped me balance my responsibilities this week ... busy life with the kids, preparation for our FBI Detective Day, preparing Sunday School lessons and pulling together 3 years worth of home ed. stuff'!!
Whew! Glad it's over and I can get some sleep. We went out for dinner to celebrate tonight ... a seafood restaurant. Elijah is OVER THE MOON to know that we are now registered, so he doesn't have to worry about having his education interrupted by school! When asked what he likes best about home schooling, he said "We play a lot." Ha!
Gotta get some zzzz's. Just had to say WOOHOO!!!!!!!!
Our interview went for two hours, and Mr N. read everything I'd written. Often his eyebrows would wobble, he'd go tut-tut and shake his head. Uh oh, I thought.
I saw that face a lot as he turned the pages (educational philosophy, goals and plans, evaluation, scope and sequence, reflections, etc.). Half of it was nicely typed and polished, and half scribbled in handwriting, trains of thought, lists, messy mind maps. A lot of things I just pulled from my blog and slightly altered to suit the purpose!
After seeing that head shake and hearing the tutting a few times, I asked him what was up ... it turns out that's his 'I'm impressed' face! He gave us a lot of positive feedback. I was embarrassed. I didn't go overboard with paperwork, as in my uni student and teaching days, but I guess all my research, thinking and reflection over the last few years has paid off and ended up as something coherent which represents what we do well enough. I'm sure the Lord helped me balance my responsibilities this week ... busy life with the kids, preparation for our FBI Detective Day, preparing Sunday School lessons and pulling together 3 years worth of home ed. stuff'!!
Whew! Glad it's over and I can get some sleep. We went out for dinner to celebrate tonight ... a seafood restaurant. Elijah is OVER THE MOON to know that we are now registered, so he doesn't have to worry about having his education interrupted by school! When asked what he likes best about home schooling, he said "We play a lot." Ha!
Gotta get some zzzz's. Just had to say WOOHOO!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lovely Surprise!
What a lovely surprise to wake up to ... a Beautiful Blogger Award!
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Thank you Subadra, for the award, and the lovely comments you wrote about my blog. I always find something inspiring, useful or amusing to read at your Library of Books, Links and More ... it's an absolute treasure-trove! I have bookmarked many pages to refer to when my children are ready to explore certain topics, and some pages, such as this one about architecture, have helped with my own life-long education.
1) Add a link and note of thanks to the person giving the award.
There are SO many blogs I love reading! Subadra has already nominated a couple of blogs I would also have chosen ... freeplaylife and Magic and Mayhem.
It's my pleasure to send Beautiful Blogger Awards to:
Almost Unschoolers ... always full to overflowing with ideas about science, cooking, craft and everything to do with home ed. This family with 6 kids looks like a wonderful place to grow children!
Do Whatever He Tells You ... I love reading Tricia's blog about her home school journey and faith. I especially appreciate Tricia's informative and insightful posts about Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Aspergers and PDD-NOS. I have several friends whose children have these and other special needs, and am always keen to understand them better, and in doing so, gain ideas about how to cater for the various, unique needs of all children.
Dove's Rest ... Renelle writes from the heart, and shares some funny stories about her children. Dove's Rest is a great source of inspiration and homeschool tips ... Renelle has great taste in resources, and a lovely way of sharing her family's journey into home ed.
Escape Adulthood ... I came across this blog a few months ago, and just love the way Kim and Jason express their vision for a fun, child-like life! They're living their dream, encouraging readers to do the same and providing ideas to help us do it.
Left to their own Devices ... Michelle and I live on opposite sides of the world, but the similarities in our children are sometimes uncanny ... it helps to know someone else is facing similar challenges and triumphs. When I see a new post or comment by M.J., it's like a friend dropping in for a cuppa!
Eclectic Homeschool ... I enjoy reading about the many educational adventures these guys go on ... I especially love their voracious appetite for languages. Their very skillful Captain (aka Mum) guides them skillfully around this big, amazing world!
That seems long enough, but the rules say I have to share 7 things about myself, so I'll try ...
1. When I was a child I thought my ears were too big and stuck out a mile ... but eventually I grew into them!
2. As a child I always got in trouble for reading. In first grade it was because I read the book upside down (it was more interesting that way!) At home it was because it was dinner time, chore time, bed time or social time. Now I'm grown up (kind of) ... and I still get in trouble for reading too much. I'm not addicted though ... I can stop anytime. In fact I did once stop recreational reading, by my own choice, for a whole year, except for reading the Bible.
3. I used to go with Dad on long distance trips when he owned a truck. I loved getting beyond the towns and mountains, out where the road was flat and the only thing on the horizon could be a couple of wheat silos and a single, crooked shed. One of my loveliest memories is sitting on top of a covered load of grain, in a place like that, just quietly watching the sun set.
4. I'm such a perfectionist that I even worry about getting my blog wrong!!!! I know I'm not perfect though, so forgive my imperfect grammar and punctuation, my hybrid of English/ American spelling and superfluous superlatives ;)
5. Both sets of my Grandparents moved to Australia (one set from England, the other from Holland) when they were in their 20's. I love this land surrounded by sea, the shape and size of this continent and especially the colours and contrasts. I especially love places where the bush meets the sea. If you want to see some stunning photos, click here.
6. I've been using Apple Macintosh computers since I finished highschool. My current iMac has a lovely white monitor surround. I don't own an iPod, iPad or iPhone. My mobile phone (which I share with hubby) is a 10 year old Nokia, for which I have the cheapest bills ever!! Usually under $8 a month.
7. Seven happens to be my favourite number. I like it's Biblical meaning (in Bible Numerics, 7 is the number of spiritual perfection, and God's seal). I also like that 7 is odd and a prime number. Interestingly, I was baptised by full immersion on the 7.7.00, after receiving the Holy Spirit (with evidence of speaking in tongues for the first time) on 5.7.00 (five is the number of Grace).
Thanks for reading my blog!!
I won't be offended if award recipients can't follow the Beautiful Blogger rules ... it's nice to "Pay It Forward ", but I think how you do it is up to you!
Thank you Subadra, for the award, and the lovely comments you wrote about my blog. I always find something inspiring, useful or amusing to read at your Library of Books, Links and More ... it's an absolute treasure-trove! I have bookmarked many pages to refer to when my children are ready to explore certain topics, and some pages, such as this one about architecture, have helped with my own life-long education.
------------------------------------------------------
I'll admit I haven't properly participated in blog awards before, being too daunted by the rules. But I'm more familiar with how to do links etc. now, so am ready to give it a go!
The rules state a recipient of the Beautiful Blogger award must:
2) Pass the award on to the bloggers whose blogs you love (15 tops)
3) Share 7 things about yourself
------------------------------------------------
There are SO many blogs I love reading! Subadra has already nominated a couple of blogs I would also have chosen ... freeplaylife and Magic and Mayhem.
It's my pleasure to send Beautiful Blogger Awards to:
Almost Unschoolers ... always full to overflowing with ideas about science, cooking, craft and everything to do with home ed. This family with 6 kids looks like a wonderful place to grow children!
Do Whatever He Tells You ... I love reading Tricia's blog about her home school journey and faith. I especially appreciate Tricia's informative and insightful posts about Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Aspergers and PDD-NOS. I have several friends whose children have these and other special needs, and am always keen to understand them better, and in doing so, gain ideas about how to cater for the various, unique needs of all children.
Dove's Rest ... Renelle writes from the heart, and shares some funny stories about her children. Dove's Rest is a great source of inspiration and homeschool tips ... Renelle has great taste in resources, and a lovely way of sharing her family's journey into home ed.
Escape Adulthood ... I came across this blog a few months ago, and just love the way Kim and Jason express their vision for a fun, child-like life! They're living their dream, encouraging readers to do the same and providing ideas to help us do it.
Left to their own Devices ... Michelle and I live on opposite sides of the world, but the similarities in our children are sometimes uncanny ... it helps to know someone else is facing similar challenges and triumphs. When I see a new post or comment by M.J., it's like a friend dropping in for a cuppa!
Eclectic Homeschool ... I enjoy reading about the many educational adventures these guys go on ... I especially love their voracious appetite for languages. Their very skillful Captain (aka Mum) guides them skillfully around this big, amazing world!
------------------------------------------------------------
That seems long enough, but the rules say I have to share 7 things about myself, so I'll try ...
1. When I was a child I thought my ears were too big and stuck out a mile ... but eventually I grew into them!
2. As a child I always got in trouble for reading. In first grade it was because I read the book upside down (it was more interesting that way!) At home it was because it was dinner time, chore time, bed time or social time. Now I'm grown up (kind of) ... and I still get in trouble for reading too much. I'm not addicted though ... I can stop anytime. In fact I did once stop recreational reading, by my own choice, for a whole year, except for reading the Bible.
3. I used to go with Dad on long distance trips when he owned a truck. I loved getting beyond the towns and mountains, out where the road was flat and the only thing on the horizon could be a couple of wheat silos and a single, crooked shed. One of my loveliest memories is sitting on top of a covered load of grain, in a place like that, just quietly watching the sun set.
4. I'm such a perfectionist that I even worry about getting my blog wrong!!!! I know I'm not perfect though, so forgive my imperfect grammar and punctuation, my hybrid of English/ American spelling and superfluous superlatives ;)
5. Both sets of my Grandparents moved to Australia (one set from England, the other from Holland) when they were in their 20's. I love this land surrounded by sea, the shape and size of this continent and especially the colours and contrasts. I especially love places where the bush meets the sea. If you want to see some stunning photos, click here.
6. I've been using Apple Macintosh computers since I finished highschool. My current iMac has a lovely white monitor surround. I don't own an iPod, iPad or iPhone. My mobile phone (which I share with hubby) is a 10 year old Nokia, for which I have the cheapest bills ever!! Usually under $8 a month.
7. Seven happens to be my favourite number. I like it's Biblical meaning (in Bible Numerics, 7 is the number of spiritual perfection, and God's seal). I also like that 7 is odd and a prime number. Interestingly, I was baptised by full immersion on the 7.7.00, after receiving the Holy Spirit (with evidence of speaking in tongues for the first time) on 5.7.00 (five is the number of Grace).
------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading my blog!!
I won't be offended if award recipients can't follow the Beautiful Blogger rules ... it's nice to "Pay It Forward ", but I think how you do it is up to you!
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!!
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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Our Christmas
We were so absorbed living our lives around Christmas, I didn't get to write about it then. But the highlights included:
Getting together with my family - At Mum's place the day culminated in a game of slip-n-slide on the new lino in the sunroom. One of the guys would push one of the kids, who would zoom to the other end of the room. Great fun! Miss 4 is thrilled with her 1/8 size violin, and Mr 5 loved his new excavator (pictured digging bike jumps at his Nanna's) ...
... we had Christmas dinner at my Dad's place, where Mr 5 learned to BBQ and stayed up very late to talk to a cousin in China, via Skype. We missed a Christmas gathering here, but will get together with my husbands family soon, for a kid's pool party and play day (there are lots of cousins on this side).
Christmas Camp - each year our church has camps in several places around Australia. We went to Bateman's Bay and had a week of fun, fellowship and ministry. Our aim was to focus on spiritual things, not the food, accommodation, or bugs. All of those things were great though (I loved the lack of bugs), and we heard inspiring talks and lots of testimonies of what the Lord's done in people's lives. We met many new, lovely people, and caught up with friends we haven't seen for a long time. It was fantastic for the kids, as we had the whole conference centre for our group, and could see the playing field and trampoline from the common rooms and cabins.
So they had a lot of freedom at camp, as well as frequent walks to the beach. Paradise!
Being together - it was so good having Pete on holidays, and all of us living in one room for a week. We really miss having him home now that he's back at work. In the week before Christmas we worked like crazy to finish the homemade gifts (dolls house and backyard road signs ... yes finally some pics!)
There's so much more to say, but that's a taste of what I've enjoyed. We really just feel so thankful to God and blessed in the life we share, and in the hope we have for the future. To express it all is too hard for words, but we appreciate it every single day.
Hope everyone is well, and having happy days!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Life without school
At the time of year when my friends are taking their children to orientation days, buying uniforms and savouring their last home days, I'm glad we're not on that roller coaster. Wondering which school to enrol in (and when ... what age should they start school?) Hoping they make nice friends and get the best teacher in the world! With my sky-high expectations it would be a miracle to find a perfect fit, and I hate the idea that even the best situation would be a compromise (after all, it's still school). We might have our share of wonderful days, but there'd be inevitable disappointments. Do I sound paranoid, idealistic or pessimistic? Perhaps I am. I know it's possible we'd have to send the kids to school one day, we can't predict the future, but I'm so glad that for now, it's not part of the equation!
I'm not claiming the life we can give our children will be perfect, just by avoiding school. Home schooling (or unschooling, as I'm loving right now) doesn't exempt them from life's trials, but it does give them space and time to deal with things in a loving environment. In a way I am unashamedly sheltering them. I'm also freeing them to spend their time as they wish and become who they are. I believe they will grow into more secure teens and adults as a result. They won't come to accept nastiness and bullying as the norm, they'll have friends but can choose when to be with them.
Despite all the freedom we've enjoyed lately, school is all around us and the kids are well aware of it. They sometimes play schools (as I did as a child). Miss 4 says she's starting Kindergarten next year, and I told her she is lucky because she can choose her own school uniform, or choose none at all. She wants a rainbow coloured school uniform. She can have it! With all the money we're not spending on some drab costume, I'll take her shopping one day to choose a few pretty dresses which she can wear anytime she likes.
The thing Mr 5 is most proud of this year is that he has taught himself to play the guitar. We have no talent ourselves, except a willingness to experiment, so it's not genetic. By his request he's had no lessons. He just persistently strums and plucks and voila, out comes a really nice sound. It's pretty inspiring.
I'm delighted because the kids are truly best friends, and have learned mostly to get along happily with each other. They talk about and practice team work and cooperation, and are learning to communicate respectfully when they need time apart. In case that sounds too perfect, be assured they still have plenty of conflict and occasional childish violence.
Lately I've deliberately neglected subject based learning in favour of letting them loose with experiences, experiments, construction, creativity and nature. This may seem unusual to people who've known me a long time, and think of me as a planner, organiser, teacher, record keeper, rule follower ... however people are busy in their own lives, and I haven't had to try and express the massive philosophical change that's been taking place inside me.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The many faces of me ...
(from journal Jan 2009)
I am a writer, journalist, journal-keeper, list maker ...
I am a teacher, student, researcher, bookworm ...
I am a dreamer, thinker, problem solver, mathematician, puzzler ...
I love painting abstract scenes and dreams on canvas, sketching designs for kid's rooms and cubby houses, inventing new toys, drafting house plans ...
I am a wife, sister, mother, child, friend, neighbour ...
I am an angel waiting in the wings, walking in the Spirit, ready for the invitation to meet my Lord in Heaven ...
I am an obsessive reader, library frequent flyer, bookshop browser, internet trawler ...
I am a swimmer, bike rider, hiker, dancer, climber, driver ...
On any day, I might be dreamy, smart, whimsical, sensible, cautious, imaginative, creative, forgetful ...
I am myself and I am becoming me.
I'm glad
to be alive
today,
in a place
where I can choose
which me to be today,
and can
follow my dreams.
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