We are in our eleventh year of home education.
There have been highs and lows.
We began this journey as what we thought would
be a "catch-up" year for our eldest son, Jonathan,
for third grade. It was our intention to give him
intensive intervention and then put him back in
the very "wonderful" public school he was in.
Well, those plans certainly were changed.
There were many factors in that decision.
However, this post is a success story.
One that was all of these years in the making.
You see, Jonathan is dyslexic, and has
processing delays. Those are the titles
he wears. He has an extremely high I.Q.
and is a very smart young man with certain
undeniable challenges that make learning
harder for him than some.
Over the years we have done vision therapy,
tutoring, many unique programs. I have
visited special schools to see if they could
teach him better, we have cried together and
very often laughed together. We have prayed,
studied and I have read aloud for hours and
hours.
It has been quite a journey.
I would do it all again....
no questions asked!!!!
This year we discovered the Dragon
Speech Recognition Software.
You see, for all of the difficulties
Jonathan has with reading he absolutely
loves books! He loves many kinds of books.
Somewhere along the line we received some
excellent advice...Don't let Jonathan's
physical ability to read stop his progress
in the books he is exposed to. So...we
didn't. Through my reading to him and the
depth of availability of Books on Tape or CD
Jonathan has continued to progress with his
interests without hesitation. He loves to
visit new libraries as he has exhausted our
library of new, to him, material.
At the end of last year, Jonathan mentioned
that he would like to write a book but the
process of using pen and paper or typing is
just stifling. He has to think so very hard
about the processes involved in writing and
typing that he loses his thoughts and gives up.
So...we investigated speech recognition software.
Bingo!
Jonathan has written chapters in his new novel.
There is a sequel forming in his head...
and a second series that he wants to begin in
between this book and it's sequel.
Do you know what else?
The Dragon Software sometimes messes up and Jonathan
has begun to override it and type first and speak
second. He is consumed. He will type as long as
he knows the words and now just uses the software
for those big words that he wants to use but is
clueless to spell.
Maybe one day you will know his name as a published
author, maybe not. But what I know is that he is
finding satisfaction in the one area that we never
would have guessed he would.
So...people, please be encouraged. Everything you
do in an effort to assist your children pays off.
It may take years...eleven maybe...but it is not
wasted!
Hugs!
Becky K.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Some Days We Just Have to Listen...
In my last post I tried to encourage
you in thinking outside the box when
it comes to fulfilling your role as
a homeschool parent.
It is so easy to fall into the textbook
trap. Ask me, I KNOW!
Textbooks are easy for us...but they are
not always the best for our students.
Before you go crazy, I am not saying that
I do not use textbooks. I do use them, but
in their place. They are a great resource for
timelines, dates, names of important people.
They are a wonderful resource to see what has
been deemed worthy of covering during a school
year. Then I take that information and break
it down at the library in biographies, quality
historical fictions and videos.
By offering information in multiple sources and
in varying types you will hit most students
learning style at several points during the
year. This means that our students get the
discipline of working at things that may not be
their favorites...for me that would be textbooks...
but they also get a break as they read a living
book about those they are studying.
Also, I believe strongly, that our high school
students are not too old to be read aloud to for
some of their coursework. It is fun...there can
be discussion at any given point as there are
multiple people at the same point in the book
or text.
If you are not accustomed to this it may seem
strange at first, but it is something that works
very well for us. We are now at a point where
we take turns reading out loud to each other.
It is amazing to hear how everyone's reading skills
have improved and how much more they get out of it
when they have these opportunities to "teach" each
other.
There have been many days where I have seen one of
my children somewhat distressed by an assignment I
have given. On my better days, I am in tune enough
to take that child aside and ask what is wrong and
how we can make it better.
On my really, really good days after I ask that
question, I shut up! I listen to what they are
saying and then I make adjustments. Do I take the
responsibilities of the work away? No.
But, if possible, I make it more tolerable.
Learning does not have to be a painful experience.
Learning is something we should be doing all of our
lives and enjoying the process makes it more likely
to continue even after graduation. That is my goal.
Not to make it to graduation...but to watch my kids
love to explore and gain new knowledge about life,
God and career...always!
Happy Homeschooling!
you in thinking outside the box when
it comes to fulfilling your role as
a homeschool parent.
It is so easy to fall into the textbook
trap. Ask me, I KNOW!
Textbooks are easy for us...but they are
not always the best for our students.
Before you go crazy, I am not saying that
I do not use textbooks. I do use them, but
in their place. They are a great resource for
timelines, dates, names of important people.
They are a wonderful resource to see what has
been deemed worthy of covering during a school
year. Then I take that information and break
it down at the library in biographies, quality
historical fictions and videos.
By offering information in multiple sources and
in varying types you will hit most students
learning style at several points during the
year. This means that our students get the
discipline of working at things that may not be
their favorites...for me that would be textbooks...
but they also get a break as they read a living
book about those they are studying.
Also, I believe strongly, that our high school
students are not too old to be read aloud to for
some of their coursework. It is fun...there can
be discussion at any given point as there are
multiple people at the same point in the book
or text.
If you are not accustomed to this it may seem
strange at first, but it is something that works
very well for us. We are now at a point where
we take turns reading out loud to each other.
It is amazing to hear how everyone's reading skills
have improved and how much more they get out of it
when they have these opportunities to "teach" each
other.
There have been many days where I have seen one of
my children somewhat distressed by an assignment I
have given. On my better days, I am in tune enough
to take that child aside and ask what is wrong and
how we can make it better.
On my really, really good days after I ask that
question, I shut up! I listen to what they are
saying and then I make adjustments. Do I take the
responsibilities of the work away? No.
But, if possible, I make it more tolerable.
Learning does not have to be a painful experience.
Learning is something we should be doing all of our
lives and enjoying the process makes it more likely
to continue even after graduation. That is my goal.
Not to make it to graduation...but to watch my kids
love to explore and gain new knowledge about life,
God and career...always!
Happy Homeschooling!
Learning or Work Processing?
When I was in High School I attended a
small Christian School where I got quite
behind. In the 11th grade I transferred
to another Christian School where the standards
were much stricter. In order to graduate I
had to cram three years worth of work into
two.
I am sure this had its benefits in my life.
I definitely learned goal setting.
I excelled at memorization,
which helped me pass fact filled tests.
The down side was that there is very little
from those years that impacted me or made a
long term difference in my life.
As we have homeschooled for many years I have
come through many phases. This means my children
have been subjected to many phases...poor things!
Initially, there was the attempt to be a
"School" at home. We were very, very structured
and I was very demanding.
Mikey still bears some of the ill effects of this
approach. Chelsea thrived with it.
Important lesson learned....
Know your child's learning style.
Embrace the differences whenever possible
and use them to your advantage.
Then I went through the many, many
field trip phase. We were so busy
and put so many miles on the car.
Of course, my fear of school district
intervention had us doing stacks and stacks of
paperwork during these years as well
so that our portfolios could be thick
and impressive.
Again, poor kids!
Finally, we have reached the High School
Years. What an eclectic blend of learning
styles in our homeschool.
I have one artistic and creative learner.
One busy, active and practical learner.
And one work processor with a creative bent.
Before school began this year I purchased
expensive Accounting curriculum for the two
youngest. We learned the terms and tried
valiantly to go farther. I am not totally
giving up yet...however, for the months
of January through April we are using the
concepts in a very practical manner.
Each child will run their own "financial
household", so to speak. They will maintain
their own checkbooks, pay their own "bills"
and "repair their own vehicles"...all on paper.
They have already estimated the expense of
living on their own...now they will experience
the time consumed in being a responsible
budgeter and billpayer.
Each of these months will find "bills" in their
"mailboxes", "medical emergencies", "company for
dinner" to drive up their expected grocery bills, etc.
Will they learn accounting?
Not in the most formal sense of the subject.
Will they learn something of value?
I'll let you know!
Based on our first couple of sessions on the
subject, I would have to predict - definitely!
I hope that you will always keep in the front
of your mind..."Are my children learning today
or are they busy processing work?"
Every subject can be approached from many sides.
Not all are as effective.
Always seek the most effective for the giftings
and skills of your students.
Happy Homeschooling!
small Christian School where I got quite
behind. In the 11th grade I transferred
to another Christian School where the standards
were much stricter. In order to graduate I
had to cram three years worth of work into
two.
I am sure this had its benefits in my life.
I definitely learned goal setting.
I excelled at memorization,
which helped me pass fact filled tests.
The down side was that there is very little
from those years that impacted me or made a
long term difference in my life.
As we have homeschooled for many years I have
come through many phases. This means my children
have been subjected to many phases...poor things!
Initially, there was the attempt to be a
"School" at home. We were very, very structured
and I was very demanding.
Mikey still bears some of the ill effects of this
approach. Chelsea thrived with it.
Important lesson learned....
Know your child's learning style.
Embrace the differences whenever possible
and use them to your advantage.
Then I went through the many, many
field trip phase. We were so busy
and put so many miles on the car.
Of course, my fear of school district
intervention had us doing stacks and stacks of
paperwork during these years as well
so that our portfolios could be thick
and impressive.
Again, poor kids!
Finally, we have reached the High School
Years. What an eclectic blend of learning
styles in our homeschool.
I have one artistic and creative learner.
One busy, active and practical learner.
And one work processor with a creative bent.
Before school began this year I purchased
expensive Accounting curriculum for the two
youngest. We learned the terms and tried
valiantly to go farther. I am not totally
giving up yet...however, for the months
of January through April we are using the
concepts in a very practical manner.
Each child will run their own "financial
household", so to speak. They will maintain
their own checkbooks, pay their own "bills"
and "repair their own vehicles"...all on paper.
They have already estimated the expense of
living on their own...now they will experience
the time consumed in being a responsible
budgeter and billpayer.
Each of these months will find "bills" in their
"mailboxes", "medical emergencies", "company for
dinner" to drive up their expected grocery bills, etc.
Will they learn accounting?
Not in the most formal sense of the subject.
Will they learn something of value?
I'll let you know!
Based on our first couple of sessions on the
subject, I would have to predict - definitely!
I hope that you will always keep in the front
of your mind..."Are my children learning today
or are they busy processing work?"
Every subject can be approached from many sides.
Not all are as effective.
Always seek the most effective for the giftings
and skills of your students.
Happy Homeschooling!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Curriculum Suggestions...
As our boys near graduation
they are seeing the light at
the end of the tunnel and can,
at times, be just as happy to
pass on the daily schoolwork that
has been such a part of our lives
for years.
It is a struggle for all of us
to focus. That is just a fact.
We are in between our co-op semesters
and I have been leaning on the
classes they take there and expanding
them for Literature and Science...
so that has taken us out of a couple of
subjects over the past few weeks.
We have focused on Government, Music,
Writing and French (for Chelsea) as we await
the beginning of the new semester.
There has been a lot of baking, cooking
and gift making going on around here.
Mostly by Chelsea.
However, the other evening I got
a new infusion of enthusiasm as
I found two new pieces to fit into
the rest of our year.
One is Dr. Ben Carson's book called
"Think Big". Dr. Carson is very
special to our family because he
trained the neurosurgeon that performed
the tricky surgery on Warren's Dad, Gene.
Our surgeon referenced Dr. Carson with
the utmost of respect and awe each time
we would visit Johns Hopkins with Gene.
Then we watched a video biography about
Dr. Carson in a Sunday School Class.
So...this was a great find.
I do so want the boys to think big.
To get excited about the possibilities
that lie before them.
The second piece that I am adding to
our curriculum is a dramatized version
of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters.
Focus on the Family has produced it.
At about my kids age I discovered this
incredible work and listened to it as
my parents played it in small group studies.
What an impact it made in my life.
I am hopeful that some of it sticks in
our children.
We are implementing a budgeting class
that is helping the kids to see what it
costs to live today. I had thought that
they were pretty savvy about these things
but it is obvious that they have a lot to
learn. They were pretty interested and got
quite animated in their discussions.
I first had them estimate the cost of an
apartment. Alone or with roomates.
Then all of the costs that go along with
setting up and maintaining a household.
They were stunned.
They said it was depressing.
However, I think that in combination
with Dr. Carson's book it will come
together for them.
At least, that is my prayer.
I know they have a tendency to
think that they are not smart enough
or good enough to do anything special.
But, with God's help and a lot of
hard work the possibilities are
endless. Time will show them these
things...I can't wait to see it
come to pass.
In the end, it all seems like such
little time we have with our children.
But, it is good.
They are such a driving
force in all that we do!
Enjoy your homeschool day!
they are seeing the light at
the end of the tunnel and can,
at times, be just as happy to
pass on the daily schoolwork that
has been such a part of our lives
for years.
It is a struggle for all of us
to focus. That is just a fact.
We are in between our co-op semesters
and I have been leaning on the
classes they take there and expanding
them for Literature and Science...
so that has taken us out of a couple of
subjects over the past few weeks.
We have focused on Government, Music,
Writing and French (for Chelsea) as we await
the beginning of the new semester.
There has been a lot of baking, cooking
and gift making going on around here.
Mostly by Chelsea.
However, the other evening I got
a new infusion of enthusiasm as
I found two new pieces to fit into
the rest of our year.
One is Dr. Ben Carson's book called
"Think Big". Dr. Carson is very
special to our family because he
trained the neurosurgeon that performed
the tricky surgery on Warren's Dad, Gene.
Our surgeon referenced Dr. Carson with
the utmost of respect and awe each time
we would visit Johns Hopkins with Gene.
Then we watched a video biography about
Dr. Carson in a Sunday School Class.
So...this was a great find.
I do so want the boys to think big.
To get excited about the possibilities
that lie before them.
The second piece that I am adding to
our curriculum is a dramatized version
of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters.
Focus on the Family has produced it.
At about my kids age I discovered this
incredible work and listened to it as
my parents played it in small group studies.
What an impact it made in my life.
I am hopeful that some of it sticks in
our children.
We are implementing a budgeting class
that is helping the kids to see what it
costs to live today. I had thought that
they were pretty savvy about these things
but it is obvious that they have a lot to
learn. They were pretty interested and got
quite animated in their discussions.
I first had them estimate the cost of an
apartment. Alone or with roomates.
Then all of the costs that go along with
setting up and maintaining a household.
They were stunned.
They said it was depressing.
However, I think that in combination
with Dr. Carson's book it will come
together for them.
At least, that is my prayer.
I know they have a tendency to
think that they are not smart enough
or good enough to do anything special.
But, with God's help and a lot of
hard work the possibilities are
endless. Time will show them these
things...I can't wait to see it
come to pass.
In the end, it all seems like such
little time we have with our children.
But, it is good.
They are such a driving
force in all that we do!
Enjoy your homeschool day!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Encouraging Day
I was invited to speak briefly at a
homeschool co-op yesterday. It was
a definite pleasure to go and meet new
families who share similar goals.
What I did not anticipate completely
was how totally blessed I would be by
my conversations with the leaders of
this group. These are Godly ladies
who face real challenges of their own.
From these challenges they have gained
wisdom that was great to be reminded of.
I'll pass on one tidbit that has been
repeating itself in my head.
"You cannot allow yourself to compare
your children against each other."
Oh, how true this is.
I was struck by how often we, as parents
are tempted to do this. After all, isn't
this how we determine health of a baby.
We look to see how they measure up on a
chart...against all others in their age bracket.
Don't we have to take those mandatory achievement
tests that tell us where our children are on that
massive educational curve.
It is how we think.
We compare and contrast.
But, when it comes to our children and their
unique differences comparing them is not necessarily
a great idea.
We have three uniquely different children.
It is a good thing.
One is slow.
He moves slowly and is proud of it!
He gets things done in his own timing,
thinks things through before doing anything,
and generally makes excellent choices.
One is FAST!
Can't grow up fast enough,
can't get his dirtbikes to go
fast enough or fly high enough,
and has tendency to make quick
decisions. He gets a lot done and
is very popular for his outgoing
and fun personality.
The third is somewhere in between.
She has yet to show all of her
unique style, although I have to say
that this year is a big one for her.
She is stretching and growing both
physically and mentally.
So...as you can see...I can do comparisons
but I should stop that process when I pass
from recognizing differences that are helpful
to judging and criticizing because of those
differences...
I have to say that God knew what he was
doing. Two slow and steadies would make
a fast and busy person like me a bit nutty...
Two fast and impulsives would have me in my
grave already.
Yes, God got the
mix just right.
All of our children are unique and need to be
accepted and treated as such. Always striving
to bring out the best from those traits.
It is so good to sit with Godly women and just
chat from time to time. It brings out possibilities
for encouragement that would not happen any other
way.
Hope you are having a blessed day.
Homeschooling is not easy but it is
certainly worthwhile. We are, with
God's help, making a real
difference in the lives and futures
of our children.
Melissa shared this verse and an
excellent clip by Voddie Baucham in
her post this morning. Stop by and
say hello if you have time...
"Here O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words which I am commanding you today are to be on your hearts. Teach them diligently to your sons; talk of them when you sit in your houses and when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. They are to be bound as signs on your hands and frontlets on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Blessings,
Becky K.
homeschool co-op yesterday. It was
a definite pleasure to go and meet new
families who share similar goals.
What I did not anticipate completely
was how totally blessed I would be by
my conversations with the leaders of
this group. These are Godly ladies
who face real challenges of their own.
From these challenges they have gained
wisdom that was great to be reminded of.
I'll pass on one tidbit that has been
repeating itself in my head.
"You cannot allow yourself to compare
your children against each other."
Oh, how true this is.
I was struck by how often we, as parents
are tempted to do this. After all, isn't
this how we determine health of a baby.
We look to see how they measure up on a
chart...against all others in their age bracket.
Don't we have to take those mandatory achievement
tests that tell us where our children are on that
massive educational curve.
It is how we think.
We compare and contrast.
But, when it comes to our children and their
unique differences comparing them is not necessarily
a great idea.
We have three uniquely different children.
It is a good thing.
One is slow.
He moves slowly and is proud of it!
He gets things done in his own timing,
thinks things through before doing anything,
and generally makes excellent choices.
One is FAST!
Can't grow up fast enough,
can't get his dirtbikes to go
fast enough or fly high enough,
and has tendency to make quick
decisions. He gets a lot done and
is very popular for his outgoing
and fun personality.
The third is somewhere in between.
She has yet to show all of her
unique style, although I have to say
that this year is a big one for her.
She is stretching and growing both
physically and mentally.
So...as you can see...I can do comparisons
but I should stop that process when I pass
from recognizing differences that are helpful
to judging and criticizing because of those
differences...
I have to say that God knew what he was
doing. Two slow and steadies would make
a fast and busy person like me a bit nutty...
Two fast and impulsives would have me in my
grave already.
Yes, God got the
mix just right.
All of our children are unique and need to be
accepted and treated as such. Always striving
to bring out the best from those traits.
It is so good to sit with Godly women and just
chat from time to time. It brings out possibilities
for encouragement that would not happen any other
way.
Hope you are having a blessed day.
Homeschooling is not easy but it is
certainly worthwhile. We are, with
God's help, making a real
difference in the lives and futures
of our children.
Melissa shared this verse and an
excellent clip by Voddie Baucham in
her post this morning. Stop by and
say hello if you have time...
"Here O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words which I am commanding you today are to be on your hearts. Teach them diligently to your sons; talk of them when you sit in your houses and when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. They are to be bound as signs on your hands and frontlets on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Blessings,
Becky K.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Science at our fingertips...
Yesterday and today we have had our television
volume turned down and kept an eye on it as we
did our other work, while waiting for the launch
of the test flight of the Ares I-X rocket.
At one point yesterday we stopped watching after
learning that the weather was not cooperating.
Today looked as if it could be a repeat and then
suddenly they were counting down.
Watching this event brought questions from Mikey
and just a few quick clicks on the keyboard brought
some answers. I thought perhaps you might be interested
in the NASA sight on this particular launch...
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
For example we learned that this mission lasted:
2 minutes
After this two ships were assigned to gather up
the important items which fell back into the ocean.
The rocket flew at Mach 4 - Four times the sound of light.
...and more.
Enjoy!
On another science topic...
we were so sad to see a fire cause
much damage and destroy more than
$120,000 of neighborhood property
while costing the life of a family dog.
This morning I looked at this link
http://www.qfd57.com/fullstory.php?95265
and found out more information about
our fire company and this fire.
Most 911 systems are likely linked
to similar fire house blogs where you can
follow stories that are pertinent to your
young students. I had mine write a page
about this fire and their feelings as
they processed this, too close to home, tragedy.
volume turned down and kept an eye on it as we
did our other work, while waiting for the launch
of the test flight of the Ares I-X rocket.
At one point yesterday we stopped watching after
learning that the weather was not cooperating.
Today looked as if it could be a repeat and then
suddenly they were counting down.
Watching this event brought questions from Mikey
and just a few quick clicks on the keyboard brought
some answers. I thought perhaps you might be interested
in the NASA sight on this particular launch...
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
For example we learned that this mission lasted:
2 minutes
After this two ships were assigned to gather up
the important items which fell back into the ocean.
The rocket flew at Mach 4 - Four times the sound of light.
...and more.
Enjoy!
On another science topic...
we were so sad to see a fire cause
much damage and destroy more than
$120,000 of neighborhood property
while costing the life of a family dog.
This morning I looked at this link
http://www.qfd57.com/fullstory.php?95265
and found out more information about
our fire company and this fire.
Most 911 systems are likely linked
to similar fire house blogs where you can
follow stories that are pertinent to your
young students. I had mine write a page
about this fire and their feelings as
they processed this, too close to home, tragedy.
Friday, October 23, 2009
High School Curriculum Recommendation
John MacArthur takes all of the knowledge and history of Truth that we, as Believers, claim to understand and states it with such clarity and organization that you will find yourself saying "Amen!" and "Oh, so that's where that came from!". These are the things I have not been sure how to communicate to my children and it is clear as clear can be in this book. All in one lovely package!
Granted one son has complained about the large vocabulary employed, but, as we progress into the book his mind is adjusting and he is understanding and interested.
Just because something meets with resistance is not good reason to set it aside. Especially when the content is so filled with important nuggets.
If you are not clear on Modern and Postmodern thinking you will be after reading this.
If you wonder why it is possible for our world to be so deeply committed to the philosophy of no absolutes, Pastor MacArthur will trace the steps philosophers have taken to arrive at this grandios idea.
I highly recommend this for all teens and adults,high school, college and beyond.
Becky K.
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