Spontaneous Playdates Lead to...

...LOTS AND LOTS GETTING ACCOMPLISHED!

We got bit by the spring bug this morning and decided we would get some seedlings started and the garden area started - we have about a month until the last frost, but we figured if we get it going we will be on the right track -

We had put these pieces of bark aside when we were splitting wood during the winter and I came across them this morning so once they are dried and ready I will be sure to share our project!


Then KM was out scootering when we had unexpected visitors stop by - she was very excited and this led to a spontaneous playdate - the best kind of course!

This also left me with an afternoon in a quiet house -
so I tackled some things I just hadn't had time to get to lately!!!

First was the front closet -
hey there really is a floor there and I can even SHUT THE DOORS!


We just finished our winter session so I took some time to get the spring lesson plans laid out!
I always feel sooooo much better when I have things outlined and a direction to head in!


Then I headed into the playroom and changed some posters and got some project areas ready!


I got the astrology study mural background up...

Took the dinosaurs off the map and got it ready for first civilizations...

Put up the GCK Homeschool Art Gallery latest features...

I also came across this Grass Headz that we got a few months ago at the MOS and we forgot all about it - KM will be happy to get this started - I will keep you posted on how he turns out!



KM had a great afternoon at her friends and I got a TON done around here which will make our week sooooooo much smoother!

I just love it when things all come together just right!

Maple Sugaring Field Trip

We went on a fabulous Maple Sugaring Field Trip today with our local homeschooling group!

We learned where witch hazel comes from!

and that the first sign of spring in New England is the Skunk Cabbage ~
which you can make perfume from!!!

The syrup bubbling smelled SOOOOOO good!
They also had llamas and the kids had a great time feeding them!

The weather turned out beautiful and we had our first picnic of the season!!!
It was such a great day and we were all very happy to be able to support such a great local resource!

Where are the kids...

Can you find them?

We went to the playground today on our way home from coop classes and the kids had the whole place to themselves! It was wonderful! I didn't have to remind them once to slow down for the little ones or to watch where they were going! They could go at full force and had a blast!

"Onlies"

I get a newsletter every so often from Home School Inc. and it had an article in it that I thought was very interesting, insightful and right to the point, so I thought I would share it here!

Socialization Strengths of Only Children

Do you have an only child? While most "onlies" would love to have siblings -- and many still will -- there are positive social strengths to be gained by being a homeschooled only child.
A week ago, we did a Quick Tip on the built-in social training-ground for children with siblings. Only children who are homeschooled also have a built-in social training-ground. It may be less obvious to your only child, but it's there.
The first reason for their positive social skill development is because they learn very early that others jump to the conclusion, even before they've met them, that only children must be spoiled! So onlies start out having something positive to prove about not being spoiled and being able to share. Only children in homeschool families also learn very quickly that there's no free lunch when it comes to other children wanting to play with them and be with them. If they want other children to come over to their house, and if they want to be invited back somewhere, they need to be the kind of friend that other children want to have. They also need to be the kind of guest whom other parents want to have in their home.
Onlies learn that complaining is a pain. They learn that sharing is a must. They learn that they need to be a friend worth having if they want to have friends. Even though at their own home they don't have siblings, only children also learn how to wait...they wait for friends.
Families who homeschool only children tend to seek out support group classes and field trips possibly more often than other families. Families who homeschool only children also seek out playmates and sponsor projects at their homes. They tend to invite others over quite a bit. But those activities alone do not build social skills. They are opportunities. Onlies learn how to share, help others, and work things out constructively with other children, or they don't get a second chance with that child who just came over to play, or with that family. They learn how to be considerate, interesting, and not selfish, because when they don't do those things, they are not invited back. It's tough! For onlies, the real world starts right away.
There's a second way that onlies build social skills. While only children may have many things and resources that some children in larger families don't have, there are also very high expectations on them. When grandparents and other relatives come to visit -- there's no question about who will stop playing and come (right away!) to be polite and talk and listen to the relatives. It's not someone else's turn -- it's the only child's turn -- every time.
Onlies do have the benefits that we all see. They tend to be showered with love and attention and lots of resources. But in that shower of attention, they learn how to negotiate with parents for a little less attention, rather than more. If you have an only, help them see the positives. Help them with these opportunities to build their social skills. Give them some space and cut back on constantly bragging about them to others. Relax and see, and help your only to see the value of what they're gaining as an only-child homeschooler!

© 2008 Home School, Inc. 2700 South River Road Suite 106 Des Plaines, IL 60018 (800)760-7015
Break Time is delivered to registered and subscribed users of www.Home-School-Inc.com.

My only does a great job in most situations, but she does have issues when in large groups as well as dealing with younger (3-5 years) siblings. We often have her friends here so that they can play without being bothered by little brothers (which most of her friends have) and her friends often like the break from their siblings. KM's friends that are onlies also have most of the traits mentioned. I think that this article really hits all it's points right on the mark!

The only thing I think it left out is the strain that is put on parents who homeschool onlies to be the playmate, teacher, and parent. It can be a struggle, especially on those days when you just can't manage to get a playdate, there are no classes or events scheduled, you are sooooo tired and your only has decided that they NEED your help because they HAVE to build a fort with the couch or that their Barbie needs to buy new shoes but their is no cashier in the store!

I would not trade my only for anything, but I am ever so glad that KM is close with my younger siblings and her relationship with SC is priceless!

Do you have an only? Can you think of any unique challenges that haven't been mentioned?

I am SOOOOO tired!!!

I could stay in bed for a week curled up as comfy as this:

Whom ever thinks that homeschooled children are not socialized should come and visit us this week!

We haven't stopped, it is only Wed and tomorrow is the only day this week that we don't "have" to be somewhere! I am sooo tired!

I have many "guru" types in my life, for various aspects and my very favorite ~all knowing~ homeschool guru mentioned one time having "Go Days" and "Stay Days" and sticking to them. On Go Days you have classes, do errands, have appointments, etc. On Stay days you stay at home all day - for the most part, a quick trip to the store for milk is permissible, but not much else - there really isn't anywhere that you "HAVE" to be. She tries to plan and schedule things around those days so that the kids know what to expect, she can get things done around the house and no one gets burnt out!

My new strategy ~ once I get through the rest of this jam packed week ~ I am going to try to have three out of seven days be stay days each week. Not that we will have full GO days four days, but we need to have three days that we are home. One day for laundry and cleaning, one day for baking and pre-cooking, and one day for mom to not loose that wonderful sanity I have been gaining.

I will say that KM has been incredibly receptive and cooperative this week on the go schedule - far better than she ever has been before! I however feel like I could keel over at any second and sleep for a month.

How does your family juggle the hustle and bustle that homeschooling and life can bring!
I will let you know how this system works out for us after we have tried it out a bit! Please share any tips, strategies or rules that your family lives and learns by!

An Incredible Experience

I am soooo glad that KM was able to participate in the Exchange City program!

She worked really hard the last few months learning about the economy, checking accounts, and how a community works in order to be prepared to participate in this event and she did a GREAT job!

Here is the link to the official exchange city site if you are interested in learning more about the program: http://www.exchangecityusa.com/Home/default.htm

I can not say enough great things about the program and staff that work there! If there is one even remotely close to your area it is worth the trip to participate. Here are some pics (a little better this time) of the city:

KM was a Multi-Service Center Utilities Specialist!

This was the perfect job for her as she got to go around the city to issue utility licenses, read the meters, calculate the amount they owed and then issue the bills. She took her job very seriously and actually got mad because I was distracting her with the camera!

As a new homeschooling mom every interaction that we have with homeschooling families assures me that we have made the right decision. Don't get me wrong I know they are not all perfect, but the ones we have met are pretty close to it! I couldn't believe how calm, independent, organized, imaginative and so many more adjectives that I can't think of right now...these kids were! If there was a problem, they handled it with ease. Great job to all those who participated and we can't wait to do it again next year!

Exchange City Training Day

First day of Exchange City went pretty well - KM had a great time!

I was amazed at how detailed everything was and was unaware that it was a place that was used all the time for schools. It was very impressive for the very affordable rate we got through FRC.

Here are just a few not great pics from today, but there will be a ton more tomorrow!

A great day to meet new friends!

We had the first meeting of the environmental club KM wanted to get going today.

We had less attendants than we thought we would, but things happen & it turned out to work out ~ much easier to get 5 kids to agree rather than 10 without a doubt!

They even had plenty of time for some fun!

Thanks to all who could make it and all who tried!

Monday Hike

We went on a fantastic hike with our homeschooling group today!

After the crazy amount of stuff we got done this weekend, I was so exhausted and almost skipped out, but I am so glad that I didn't!

We went to an area that I have never been before and it was so much closer than I would have thought - or even mapquest thought for that matter - It is amazing how many places are so close by that I have never been to and I have lived in the same area my whole life. I was mentioning that to a friend a few weeks ago when we were at another field trip and she says it is probably because I am from here that I have never been to any of these places- but anyway...

I am even more exhausted, but it was worth it! The weather was perfect, the company was wonderful and the kids were amazing!!! Our hike host had planned on us only doing half the trail, but the kids wanted to push on - and push on they did - all the way to the top! I was so impressed with the little ones - 4 & 5 - hiking to the top and scrambling over the rocks. It was a wonderful day - we even got to throw some science in by stopping by the weather observatory on the way. One thing that I thought of SEVERAL times while we were hiking was I am ever so glad I did not have SC on my back! I don't know how those dad's did it today!

Congrats to all who made it to the top today!

A Wonderful Week In Review!

We had a very busy week and I apologize for not posting much, but her is a recap:

Monday

Math in the morning right after breakfast, then we headed out for the last "Monday Funday" class until the fall! KM really enjoyed the music class she took. She diligently practiced her recorder and has gotten pretty good at it! I feel so lucky to have found this wonderful group of families to be involved with!

In the afternoon we trekked to the indoor gym to spend the afternoon with DD and SR since she had a half-day from school! We were SOOOOO exhausted (DD and I that is), but we had some really good laughs and the kids had fun.

Then we headed home to pack the car and get ready for 2 field trips on Tuesday!

Tuesday

We spent the day on 2 field trips that were organized by the FRC!

In the morning we went to the Orchard House where we were taken back in time to meet Louisa May Alcott's family! KM really enjoyed the layout of this tour. They split the kids up into three groups and then they went through stations. For the first station we went into the study and played a very interesting board game. At the second station the kids got to collaborate on a story. The third station was KM's favorite. The kids each got a bag with an object in it. They were not allowed to look into the bag but had to feel the object and try to draw what they thought it was. The kids all did a really good job! (there are no pics as we were not allowed to use cameras in the orchard house) ~ I also learned something that made me love Louisa May Alcott even more - she was a pioneer in American fantasy fiction. Of course I had to get the collection of her fairy tales and fantasy stories! Can't wait to read it with KM & SC!!!

In the afternoon we went to Walden Pond where we had a picnic and went on a guided tour to learn about Henry David Thoreau. The guide there was incredible! He did a great job engaging the children and keeping their attentions. He was also very patient with there questions and was honest when he didn't know the answer to one question.

KM with her friend and the life sized statue of Thoreau! She was amazed that such a "studious" man was so short~
As we walked along the path the erosion was at eye level and was making such intriguing shots!

The day was perfectly clear and just the right breeze ~ the only down side were the SWARMS of midges!

On the ride home KM began complaining about her feet hurting, so I decided to stop at Olympia Sports. We are going to be doing weekly hikes and I couldn't remember when she had gotten a new pair last so I figured we should have her measured. Well come to find out the sneakers she was wearing were a size and a half too small!!! How was I suppose to know! The girl at the store said that so many kids come in and are in a totally different size then their parents thought they were. Anyway of course she is in the funny size ~ 4 in girls, but 6 in womans ~ and they don't have ANYTHING in this size! Luckily Kohl's was right next door, so we go in there and take a look around. It took us nearly an hour to find a pair that she liked that they had in her size. Isn't that always the way. The size you need is the same as everyone else that week!

Wednesday

We had a busy day of recouping from field trip prep! Lots of chores to be done ~ baking, dishes, laundry, vacuuming, pretty much everything - but it was so nice out!

KM did her math, it was funny because she was thinking that since she didn't do work on Tuesday she was going to have double to do - she didn't realize I planned around it!

We got an unexpected visit from MC and SC, what a great distraction they are sometimes! SC is always so confused when her mom brings her over as her dad is the one who drops her off in the mornings. She watches MC constantly to see what is going on and where she is. So we ended up out in the sun with all the animals! Dogs chasing kids and cats chasing snakes! Yes, one of the cats caught a snake! Luckily I got him to drop it before it did any damage, KM was NOT happy with Oreo!

After SC and MC left we decided to bring the laptop outside to study the results of the French and Indian War! I love wireless!

Thursday

It was SOOOOOO gorgeous out! We did math first thing to get it over with and get outside!

After lunch it was so warm out we decided to take our books outside and started reading Johnny Tremain while SC took a nap in the sun!

Off to Chorus and Yoga in the afternoon!

Friday

We started the day off with a slight problem KM wanted pancakes, SC wanted her bottle ~ so we compromised! KM gave her the bottle while I made the pancakes.

Science Unit Studies seem to be the way to go lately...she is not liking the "boring" time4learning science lessons. She likes everything else on that site, but for some reason doesn't like the science ones. I broke down and got the Efantasmic package and we are really liking it. It is unique I think because it covers so much and can be converted for the different age levels.

Lunch early and off to volunteer at the library! She really enjoys working with the librarian and helping the younger kids doing the crafts. SC loves the music in between the stories!

Quick trip to the health food store to grab some ear candles, we will be trying them this weekend and it will be interesting to see how they work!

Then we headed home to take a geometry test! She was very nervous, but she got a B+!

Well that was our wonderful week in review!

Did you do anything interesting this week?

I hope you at least got to enjoy the weather a bit!

Random Strangers

Socialization - one of those words that most homeschoolers dread to hear - not because we are afraid of it, but because most people totally and completely misuse the word.

Here is the definition that I found on http://www.wordcentral.com/home.html the Merriam-Webster's children's site.

Main Entry: so·cial·ize
Pronunciation: s-sh-lz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make social; especially : to make fit for a social environment
2 : to take part in social activities -
so·cial·i·za·tion /ssh-(-)l-z-shn/ noun - so·cial·iz·er /s-sh-l-zr/ noun

I would also like to share the definition of the word friend:

Main Entry: friend
Pronunciation: frend
Function: noun
1 : a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
2 : a person who is not an enemy
3 : a person who aids or favors something

I know that I have blogged about this topic recently, but I really felt that I needed to revisit it because I was speaking to my father over the weekend and I found myself explaining to him (a 60 year old man) how to make friends. He moved to Florida a few years ago and has not adjust really well down there. My step-mom and him like it but they went down there with these huge expectations of having all sorts of things to do and money to do them with - the grass is greener complex is the best way to explain it. (It amazes me how many people I know that have just packed up and moved to other parts of the country with very little research on the place and expected it to change their lives! - but that is for another blog)

So Dad and his wife are now both retired and finding that they have plenty to do in their community during the winter when the "snowbirds" are there, but come about this time each year all the groups start meeting less and less frequently. Neither of them has any idea how to meet people unless they are in a "group" setting.

As I mentioned before KM has always decided who her best friend is based on who is in her class that year. However she is very good at going up to other children at playgrounds and asking if they want to play with her. This makes me wonder what would have happened if I had left her in Public School. Would she have lost that confidence? We are all programmed to only engage with people if we KNOW that there is a common thread. I understand that people get along with others generally based on common interests, but sometimes you have to dive deeper to find those common interests. I also have friends that I never thought I would have ANYTHING in common with, but somehow we seem to fill some unknown void within each other.

Homeschooled children seem to have a self-confidence that is so rooted within that nothing can really budge it. Not that I think they are invincible superheros or anything. I know that they do sometimes get their feelings hurt, but they are so much more willing to put themselves out there.

We are all put into these different categories our whole life and that is how we tend to make friends - maybe as adults we need to just walk up to random strangers and ask if they want to play with us.

Socialization : A NON ISSUE

So a mom posted on one of the groups that she was really considering homeschooling, but she was concerned about her child's socialization skills. I HAVE HEARD THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN! I can't imagine how many people don't homeschool for this reason. Having lived both sides now (granted the latter has only been for a few months) I felt I needed to give a response:


Socialization is always the topic when people learn that I started homeschooling in January. Honestly the children, tweens, & teen homeschooler that I have been privileged enough to meet are MUCH more social than any PSers. My daughter is 10 & in 5th grade and every year she has had a new "BEST" friend, not because her interests have changed or we moved, but because her old "BEST" friend is no longer in her class at school. The socialization that kids learn in school is to not stray from the norm. Do as you are told and DO NOT think outside the box. In order for a really gifted and talented child to thrive in PS they must withstand years of ridicule, peer pressure and bullying because they have ideas that others may think are cool or they just don't understand. They sit in a classroom for 6 or more hours a day and are expected to barely speak to each other, except for the 25 minute recess break, which really how can you get any kind of game or activity really going and be completed in 25 minutes. The homeschoolers that we have met have all been welcoming, accepting, generous, and really interested in learning about each other. Finding common ground to base a friendship on and not just who is sitting next to you for the next 9 months. They also seem to keep that wonderful "kid" essence longer. They are not afraid at 10 years old to admit they still play with dolls or chase after dragons! I really feel like my daughter is getting a better socialization experience as a homeschooler than she ever did in PS.
I hope that you also think about your experience in PS or whatever school you attended and think about the time from all the kids perspectives. You never know what direction yours will choose and honestly the best parents can still end up with a child who makes bad decisions, because of peer pressure or rebellion, but I have never heard of a homeschool child getting in to the trouble that a lot of kids are now at younger and younger ages. Just thought I would add my 2 cents having seen both sides of the coin!