The trials and errors of a home educating family finding our own way and getting saner by the day!
Jul 31, 2011
Jul 30, 2011
Jul 29, 2011
Back from camping
and boy do I need some sleep!!!
They set up their tents...
the lake and most swam back again -
had a glow parade -
and then went for a swim...
all the way across -
made their own breakfasts -
had a glow parade -
and made lots of memories!!!
2 parents + 7 teenaged girls = epic adventure!
Jul 26, 2011
Drumming Circle
Since the twins have come along I have been trying to help out by taking the Littles to programs at our local library - one of their favorite places to visit. Today they had a Drumming Circle that featured different types of drumming from around the world. Otha Day was the incredible drummer that presented this program and he was fabulous with the kids.
Jul 25, 2011
Five years have past
since my angel went to heaven. She loved all unconditionally, with an open and pure heart. She cared for everyone who she came in contact with for even the briefest time. Despite our faults and her own, she was the best mother anyone could ever have wished for and exactly the one I needed to make me who I am today.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about her or want to share something with her. I must remind myself that she is here watching, protecting and guiding us still. The pain gets softer with time, but I honestly don't think it will every fully go away.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about her or want to share something with her. I must remind myself that she is here watching, protecting and guiding us still. The pain gets softer with time, but I honestly don't think it will every fully go away.
You Tube Monday - Home Schooling Concerns #1 & #2
2 for 1 this week!
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my favorite xtra normal videos on "homeschooling".
Some of these are freakishly close to conversations that I have had and are always good for a chuckle!
Jul 24, 2011
Almost forgot ---
The week was so hectic that I forgot I had taken some shots of KM before her anime/manga club cosplay party -
Here is her inspiration - Raven from Vampire Kisses -
Using what we had around the house I think she did a really good job!
Here is her inspiration - Raven from Vampire Kisses -
Jul 23, 2011
Scale of Universe - Interactive Scale of the Universe Tool
Scale of Universe - Interactive Scale of the Universe Tool
This is really cool! Check it out if you haven't yet!!!
Jul 22, 2011
Jul 20, 2011
Sometimes the program just flops! - Math and The Cosmos Review
KM was really excited about the Math and The Cosmos curriculum when we found it online. She has always been fascinated by astronomy and very strong in math so we thought this would be a great supplement to show how math is applied. I ordered it read through it and realized that I was going to need to spend some time really going through it to allow her to be independent while doing the program - how ridiculous of a statement is that? - and this is right when I should have known it wasn't going to work for her, but she was so excited about it, that I figured I could take the time to organize it. I proceeded to go through the assignment lists and break it up so that she wasn't overwhelmed with the 12 - 22 assignments per sheet and made it so that she would be able to complete each sheet over the course of a week or more so that it was manageable.
The concept is great - introduces students to the wonders of astronomy and its connections to mathematics, physics, history, and mythology. Explore the constellations, graph star charts, investigate planetary motion, and probe Newton's laws; employ the math fundamentals of graphing, angles, trigonometry, and scientific notation in real-world contexts; and learn how ancient civilizations spun stories inspired by the stars. - however the design of the program is rather boring and really condescending, especially given that it is suppose to be a "gifted" and "independent learning" program. I had expected a lot more from it than here is the vocabulary word sheet now fill in the definition, which you can find in the glossary on the disc in alphabetical order so that you are literally just copying it word for word. The chapter questions were really no better either - predictably in order and leaving no room for interpretation, but just regurgitation.
The first week KM started out with a lot of energy, but when she got the second week's assignment sheet and saw nearly the same format you could see she was losing interest a bit. She was hopeful though that the projects that began in week 3 would bring some more interaction into the program, but sadly this was not the case. The "independent learner" was suppose to work with classmates to complete three different tasks - no that is not a typo! - "Why would they working in a group if it is suppose to be independent?" you may ask, well so did KM!
We decided to jump ahead and see if it would continue in this manner or if this week was just an anomaly - sadly it was not! It was just more and more copywork, parroting of facts, and projects that were nearly impossible to do by oneself. While I don't have any experience with any other Duke TIP programs, this has ruined any chance of us trying them out. Sometimes regardless of the enthusiasm of the learner the program just flops!!!
The concept is great - introduces students to the wonders of astronomy and its connections to mathematics, physics, history, and mythology. Explore the constellations, graph star charts, investigate planetary motion, and probe Newton's laws; employ the math fundamentals of graphing, angles, trigonometry, and scientific notation in real-world contexts; and learn how ancient civilizations spun stories inspired by the stars. - however the design of the program is rather boring and really condescending, especially given that it is suppose to be a "gifted" and "independent learning" program. I had expected a lot more from it than here is the vocabulary word sheet now fill in the definition, which you can find in the glossary on the disc in alphabetical order so that you are literally just copying it word for word. The chapter questions were really no better either - predictably in order and leaving no room for interpretation, but just regurgitation.
The first week KM started out with a lot of energy, but when she got the second week's assignment sheet and saw nearly the same format you could see she was losing interest a bit. She was hopeful though that the projects that began in week 3 would bring some more interaction into the program, but sadly this was not the case. The "independent learner" was suppose to work with classmates to complete three different tasks - no that is not a typo! - "Why would they working in a group if it is suppose to be independent?" you may ask, well so did KM!
We decided to jump ahead and see if it would continue in this manner or if this week was just an anomaly - sadly it was not! It was just more and more copywork, parroting of facts, and projects that were nearly impossible to do by oneself. While I don't have any experience with any other Duke TIP programs, this has ruined any chance of us trying them out. Sometimes regardless of the enthusiasm of the learner the program just flops!!!
Jul 18, 2011
You Tube Monday - we've decided to homeschool
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my favorite xtra normal videos on "homeschooling".
Some of these are freakishly close to conversations that I have had and are always good for a chuckle!
Jul 15, 2011
2010-2011 Year in Review
It took us a while to get it together this year, but as with everything else, better late than never right?
We started doing these the first year we were "homeschooling" so it is a tradition for us to do them from June to June each year. KM took a far bigger role in editing, audio and production of this video and it was really great to have a chance to go through all the pics and remember all the amazing opportunities we have had this past year!
We started doing these the first year we were "homeschooling" so it is a tradition for us to do them from June to June each year. KM took a far bigger role in editing, audio and production of this video and it was really great to have a chance to go through all the pics and remember all the amazing opportunities we have had this past year!
Jul 14, 2011
You Tube Monday - Much Ado About Clips
I am aware that it is Thursday and I had intended for this to be posted on Monday, but it didn't quite work out that way!
Although it took me over a month, I FINALLY had a chance to get clips from the Young Shakespeare Company's performance of Much Ado About Nothing from 6-11. This is KM's favorite part as i't features her drunken speech -
The audio is a bit off, but you can the gist!
Although it took me over a month, I FINALLY had a chance to get clips from the Young Shakespeare Company's performance of Much Ado About Nothing from 6-11. This is KM's favorite part as i't features her drunken speech -
The audio is a bit off, but you can the gist!
Jul 13, 2011
Mid-Afternoon at the Beach
My favorite time at the beach is mid afternoon, just after the littlest kids have been brought home for naps and just before the rowdier teens show up.
I love how the tidal pools are filled with things that are easily found and captured - of course we always release them, but it is great for the kids to be able to see such a wide array of things.
I love how the tidal pools are filled with things that are easily found and captured - of course we always release them, but it is great for the kids to be able to see such a wide array of things.
Jul 11, 2011
Evening at the Pond
Most evenings CJ will sneak off to go fishing after dinner, but every once in a while we will tag along -
Some will fish,
but I just like to watch the ducks!
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