I wish there were fun gadgets when I was a child to use with my schooling and make learning that much more interesting and accessible. The Young Lady and the Little Boy have such a wealth of information right at their fingertips all the time. I'll admit that I often become jealous and begin to flip through the courses offered online in the mailings we receive from local colleges. When knowledge is so readily available, who wouldn't be excited about taking it all in?
I honestly feel that Suaemoc offers so much more to my children that sending them off to a public institution because of technology. In a public school environment, you don't see the children making complete use of what's available to them through these amazing mediums. As homeschooled youths, a question gets asked and it opens up the opportunity for exploration. The children have fun trying to find their answers and many times it leads to more questions, more answers, and an inspiring growth of creativity. When learning isn't confined, children flourish.
Tell me you wouldn't have been more inclined to read "The Scarlet Letter" if you could lay in a comfortable place with your Kindle! The Young Lady and the Little Boy don't have one, but if I had the money it would be a serious consideration to add this device to our homeschooling materials. One bonus would be availability, since the Young Lady and I have been to the local library on several occasions to try to get a book that's required for her course and it's never there.
Am I saying it's necessary to have the latest and greatest in order to successfully homeschool? Not at all! Simply having internet access opens up endless possibilities in learning. Something as simple as this wasn't even available to me as a student.
God has given us these amazing brains which are just hungry for information. Technology empowers us to feed our brains with so much! Yes, there are places we don't want to go to, but a properly trained conscious, along with the loving, watchful eye of "mom", will enable our course to keep clear of the ditches. This is why I happily allow the children to explore and encourage them to "look it up" when they wonder. Every "why" can lead to a fascinating adventure in education! 8)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Golden Girls
The children and I have been loving our new DVD set! I was surprised that my kids laugh along with me. Are we learning anything while enjoying the witty antics of Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia? ;) Well ~ the Young Lady says it's funny to see how things were in the eighties. The Girls often make mention of people the kids never heard of, so questions get asked when the Mayor of Palm Springs is made fun of. ;P Hey ~ Dorothy's an English teacher! 8D Above all else, nothing beats a good family laugh. ♥
Sunday, December 12, 2010
SAHM - An Endangered Species?
It seems to me that being a "stay-at-home mom" is becoming quite the faux pas. More people are demonstrating prejudice against those of us who absorb ourselves in our families.
Homemaking could arguably be the most important volunteer occupation for the benefit of society. Yes, occupation.
The definition of "occupation" is that which takes up one's time. For those who do not agree that homemakers are occupied, I challenge the role reversal. Your boss is your family and they expect peak performance. Throw in the aspect of homeschooling and there's an even greater intolerance of error.
Some sign up for the assignment. Others find themselves thrown into it. Either way, the heart and soul that gets poured into the role of stay-at-home/homeschooling mom is unsurpassesd by anything else. A role that requires twenty-four/seven, three hundred sixty-five days per year committment. A role that is built on and dependant on love to sustain it.
The pride in homemaking is realized through the products created. A well-loved and cared for family who trusts the matriarch to deliver the best advice, provide the warmest comfort, and show the greatest understanding. A home the entire family can be proud of. Children who get complimented on their use of manners, outstanding behavior, love for God, and respect for others. A husband who doesn't have to worry about the well-oiled machine running at home while he labors at his full time job to provide monetarily for his family. The solice of knowing in your heart that your loved ones are receiving your very best.
Not to say that mothers who work outside the home don't love their families. I just want to point out that homemaking is a career, too. It's nothing to scoff at. It's an intense labor of love to keep things within the family operating. It's an immense responsibility to be in charge of molding your children's futures through their education and well-being. Its only pay is its many rewards, which are sometimes only recognized by the one who's working so hard toward their achievement. Like secular bosses, the family vocalizes the wrongs and often forgets to praise the rights.
Don't shy away from a career at home if it's in your heart to do so. Don't mock another's choice to be CEO of their family.
Thank a stay-at-home mom for volunteering to put her all into raising the next generation.
Homemaking could arguably be the most important volunteer occupation for the benefit of society. Yes, occupation.
The definition of "occupation" is that which takes up one's time. For those who do not agree that homemakers are occupied, I challenge the role reversal. Your boss is your family and they expect peak performance. Throw in the aspect of homeschooling and there's an even greater intolerance of error.
Some sign up for the assignment. Others find themselves thrown into it. Either way, the heart and soul that gets poured into the role of stay-at-home/homeschooling mom is unsurpassesd by anything else. A role that requires twenty-four/seven, three hundred sixty-five days per year committment. A role that is built on and dependant on love to sustain it.
The pride in homemaking is realized through the products created. A well-loved and cared for family who trusts the matriarch to deliver the best advice, provide the warmest comfort, and show the greatest understanding. A home the entire family can be proud of. Children who get complimented on their use of manners, outstanding behavior, love for God, and respect for others. A husband who doesn't have to worry about the well-oiled machine running at home while he labors at his full time job to provide monetarily for his family. The solice of knowing in your heart that your loved ones are receiving your very best.
Not to say that mothers who work outside the home don't love their families. I just want to point out that homemaking is a career, too. It's nothing to scoff at. It's an intense labor of love to keep things within the family operating. It's an immense responsibility to be in charge of molding your children's futures through their education and well-being. Its only pay is its many rewards, which are sometimes only recognized by the one who's working so hard toward their achievement. Like secular bosses, the family vocalizes the wrongs and often forgets to praise the rights.
Don't shy away from a career at home if it's in your heart to do so. Don't mock another's choice to be CEO of their family.
Thank a stay-at-home mom for volunteering to put her all into raising the next generation.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Paper Snowflakes ~ A Learning Experience! :)
Every December 1st, Suaemoc decorates for the winter season with snowflakes and snowmen in the windows and in the yard. One of our favorite activities to prepare for decorating is making paper snowflakes. :)
Is it possible to incorporate learning into this fun wintertime craft?
Absolutely! ;)
There are cool scientific things to know about snowflakes. There are factors which influence the shape and size of a snowflake. You can discuss geography by talking about the coldest places on earth. Explore why we should care about snow types through an investigation why avalanches happen. Discuss the 7 main classifications of snow crystals, then when it snows you can collect snowflakes on a sheet of paper. Before they melt, look at the crystals under a microscope or powerful magnifying glass to try to find all 7 basic snowflake shapes. Explore how plant and leaf development resembles snowflake formation and reflect on the magnificence of the One who created all these things. :) Research the chemistry of falling snow.
Enjoy fascinating high-resolution images of snowflakes while exploring the wonders of such beautiful precipitation. :)
For more creative snowflake making ideas and learning resources, visit http://www.papersnowflakes.com/. Happy learning! :D
Is it possible to incorporate learning into this fun wintertime craft?
Absolutely! ;)
There are cool scientific things to know about snowflakes. There are factors which influence the shape and size of a snowflake. You can discuss geography by talking about the coldest places on earth. Explore why we should care about snow types through an investigation why avalanches happen. Discuss the 7 main classifications of snow crystals, then when it snows you can collect snowflakes on a sheet of paper. Before they melt, look at the crystals under a microscope or powerful magnifying glass to try to find all 7 basic snowflake shapes. Explore how plant and leaf development resembles snowflake formation and reflect on the magnificence of the One who created all these things. :) Research the chemistry of falling snow.
Enjoy fascinating high-resolution images of snowflakes while exploring the wonders of such beautiful precipitation. :)
For more creative snowflake making ideas and learning resources, visit http://www.papersnowflakes.com/. Happy learning! :D
*~MoVeMeNT~*
One of the five themes of geography is movement. The Little Boy is learning about moving from place to place and the movement of goods, sounds, and ideas.
To help him use grid coordinates in locating specific places or determine relative location, I created 'Suaemoc "Rows and Columns"' for him to play. This is a hands-on way for the Little Boy to understand how a grid is used to organize space.
I affixed a small baggie to hold the star markers I made for the game. An alternative to game place could be to use jelly beans, popcorn, or fruit snacks. You call out a set of coordinates and have the child put the edible marker in the appropriate space. Once the child has a full row or column, the grid markers get to be eaten. :)
You can also integrate mathematics to take the game further by listing correct answers with corresponding coordinates. Plan out the coordinates to make a shape. Ask the child what shape has been created by the correct answers on the grid. :) Really, the possiblities are endless as to how you can creatively use this game in your home classroom! ;)
You can also integrate mathematics to take the game further by listing correct answers with corresponding coordinates. Plan out the coordinates to make a shape. Ask the child what shape has been created by the correct answers on the grid. :) Really, the possiblities are endless as to how you can creatively use this game in your home classroom! ;)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Christian Education
The apostles Peter and John are described as "unlettered and ordinary" in Acts 4:13, yet they were able to understand and express deep spiritual concepts. Solomon was the wisest man on earth before Jesus. In the book of Ecclesiastes 12:13, Solomon was inspired to write that the "whole obligation of man" is to "fear the true God and keep his commandments." If we need to learn to fear God, we need to be taught how to do so.
Education is described, in part, as the process by which people acquire habits, values, and attitudes. Is secular schooling where we want our children to learn these things? If we believe that "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight" (2 Tim. 3:16), then we should want to look to God's Word. Consider the example of Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:14, 15 brings out that Timothy's mother and grandmother educated him from infancy. As far back as Timothy could remember, his mother and grandmother were instilling spirituality into the heart of young Timothy, which yielded Timothy's enduring strong faith.
Since parents are the primary influence on children's eagerness to learn, we parents must be aware of the example being set for our children. Are we showing a genuine interest in their education? Are we displaying a positive attitude toward knowledge and learning? Quite importantly, do our children see us studying?
Jesus was the most educated person ever to walk the earth. (John 7:16-18) He understood the purpose of education and, while he could have sought prominence for himself in a secular career, Jesus only looked to glorify his Father. As Christians who recognize the commission to give glory to God, we seek balance in education so that our children's conduct and diligence brings praise to our Heavenly Father. (Matt. 5:16)
Learning to read well affects the ability to use God's Word. Since the Bible has the power to change lives, we would want to, not only know how to read the Bible effectively ourselves, but teach our children to read the Bible in a way that provides the full impact of its messages. However, mental, moral, and spiritual development has no comparison in level of importance. (Ps. 119:9-12) This practical training for daily life is something unattainable through secular education. Divine education has a guaranteed benefit, highlighted at Isaiah 54:13, that when divine education is applied, the resulting blessing is peace. This peace refers to the health, prosperity, and overall welfare of an individual.
Spiritual education teaches children how their character can make them stand out, and how to make good decisions as they plan their course in life. (Pr. 2:10, 11) It instills discernment, which enables children to look past what can be seen and identify potential hidden dangers. More importantly, Revelation 20:12 assures the future of divine education. The first and third scrolls opened during Christ's Millennial Reign will contain instructions for living during that Kingdom rule, for what will be the greatest educational endeavor.
As we hold true to the importance of spiritual upbringing, we should be sure to instill regular use of every available resource to complete our's and our children's Christian assignment of praising God.
Education is described, in part, as the process by which people acquire habits, values, and attitudes. Is secular schooling where we want our children to learn these things? If we believe that "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight" (2 Tim. 3:16), then we should want to look to God's Word. Consider the example of Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:14, 15 brings out that Timothy's mother and grandmother educated him from infancy. As far back as Timothy could remember, his mother and grandmother were instilling spirituality into the heart of young Timothy, which yielded Timothy's enduring strong faith.
Since parents are the primary influence on children's eagerness to learn, we parents must be aware of the example being set for our children. Are we showing a genuine interest in their education? Are we displaying a positive attitude toward knowledge and learning? Quite importantly, do our children see us studying?
Jesus was the most educated person ever to walk the earth. (John 7:16-18) He understood the purpose of education and, while he could have sought prominence for himself in a secular career, Jesus only looked to glorify his Father. As Christians who recognize the commission to give glory to God, we seek balance in education so that our children's conduct and diligence brings praise to our Heavenly Father. (Matt. 5:16)
Learning to read well affects the ability to use God's Word. Since the Bible has the power to change lives, we would want to, not only know how to read the Bible effectively ourselves, but teach our children to read the Bible in a way that provides the full impact of its messages. However, mental, moral, and spiritual development has no comparison in level of importance. (Ps. 119:9-12) This practical training for daily life is something unattainable through secular education. Divine education has a guaranteed benefit, highlighted at Isaiah 54:13, that when divine education is applied, the resulting blessing is peace. This peace refers to the health, prosperity, and overall welfare of an individual.
Spiritual education teaches children how their character can make them stand out, and how to make good decisions as they plan their course in life. (Pr. 2:10, 11) It instills discernment, which enables children to look past what can be seen and identify potential hidden dangers. More importantly, Revelation 20:12 assures the future of divine education. The first and third scrolls opened during Christ's Millennial Reign will contain instructions for living during that Kingdom rule, for what will be the greatest educational endeavor.
As we hold true to the importance of spiritual upbringing, we should be sure to instill regular use of every available resource to complete our's and our children's Christian assignment of praising God.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
NoVeMBeR
This year is going by so fast! The Young Lady has been working very hard on her freshman year assignments in both English and Earth Systems and has both subjects nearly completed. We are new to the high school homeschool scene, so we are unsure of when the next subjects will become available for her to begin, but she has definitely found her course to be a challenge thus far. It's good for her. I did choose the two most involved courses to start her off with, too, so the remainder of ninth grade should be a breeze for her.
The Little Boy's love of science is really flourishing. We recently added a sixty-nine piece microscope set to Suaemoc. He loves it!
I think Daddy's just as "into it" as the Little Boy is. :P They have been looking at slides of different animal fibers, textiles, and a fly wing. The camel fibers look really neat, and now the Little Boy's interested in finding out why they are the way they are. (Bubbled.) It is exciting to see him so interested in exploring his world. :)
Suaemoc is also experimenting with brewing our own root beer. The Little Boy is much more excited about this adventure than the Young Lady, but surely she will enjoy the end result just as much. ;) We are only in the beginning phase of the process - the very beginning, in fact. We have cleaned and sterilized our bottles and are letting them air dry. The entire brewing process should take about two weeks. In the interim, the children will brainstorm a name for our root beer and design the bottle labels for Suaemoc's creation. :)
The Little Boy's love of science is really flourishing. We recently added a sixty-nine piece microscope set to Suaemoc. He loves it!
Suaemoc is also experimenting with brewing our own root beer. The Little Boy is much more excited about this adventure than the Young Lady, but surely she will enjoy the end result just as much. ;) We are only in the beginning phase of the process - the very beginning, in fact. We have cleaned and sterilized our bottles and are letting them air dry. The entire brewing process should take about two weeks. In the interim, the children will brainstorm a name for our root beer and design the bottle labels for Suaemoc's creation. :)
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