tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81140027422147527102024-03-20T16:28:52.462-07:00My Divine ComedyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-9777618551588256702020-07-21T14:55:00.001-07:002020-07-21T14:59:22.309-07:00Thinking about Homeschooling? As this school year starts with no right answer on schools, some may find themselves considering homeschooling.<br />
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First, let me assure you that this year homeschooling won't be normal for us either, as many of our usual social activities are also restricted.<br />
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Is homeschool the right option for you and your kids? Maybe.<br />
Helpful I know. ;) Here are some things to consider.<br />
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Regardless of what you choose, you must do what is best for you, your children, and your family.<br />
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<b>Online School </b><br />
If you are joining your public or private school's online platforms, you should know that you technically aren't homeschooling.<br />
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The benefit of this, is that it is school, just at home. You won't be picking your kid's curricula, or grading assignments, or hopefully doing any more than the homework you usually helped them with. So relax and don't worry about joining homeschool groups or getting curricula. Your child's days will be busy with work from the school. They will still be part of an accredited school and get a report card.<br />
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However, the drawback is the same as the benefit. You will be considered a student at that school and therefore required to meet their workloads, time, technological and other requirements. If you're looking for more "freedom" than a traditional schedule, then this might not work for you. For example, if you think your child needs extra time this year to work on getting their reading better or math drills, you don't truly have that choice to make. If you're doing school at home for multiple children, this can be not only a technical challenge (with multiple computer classes going), but a parental challenge of keeping younger kids especially engaged with a computer screen all day.<br />
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<b>Homeschool</b><br />
The first thing to look at if you're considering homeschooling, is what your <a href="https://hslda.org/legal" target="_blank">State Requires of Homeschoolers. </a> Usually the requirements are very simple such as registering with your state or district or end of year testing (which I assure you is easy to get done.)<br />
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I would then ask you to consider what you want your days to look like. Are you envisioning yourself with apples on your sweater, writing ABCs on the chalkboard? Or are you seeing your family out on nature hikes? Reading books by the fire? Watching documentaries? Painting in a field? All answers are ok. Homeschooling is really a reflection of your family culture.<br />
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Are you teaching some of your subjects to multiple children or each individually. If you have multiple students homeschooling. I highly recommend combining some subjects, such as Literature, History, Science and more. Once you do your Math, Reading, and Writing on individual levels, it is easier to do some things together.<br />
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Before you buy anything here are some questions to ponder:<br />
- What things have I always wanted to teach my kids about (a hobby, language, geography, culture, music, cooking, sport)?<br />
- If I could do anything I wanted for 1 year with my family, what would I do?<br />
- What do we love doing together?<br />
- What did I love doing in school?<br />
- What does my child(ren) love doing?<br />
- What is something I would like to learn about?(space, gardening, art, history, a culture, language, programing, technology)<br />
- Do I enjoy reading aloud to my child(ren)?<br />
- Am I nervous about teaching a certain subject?<br />
- What subjects do I look forward to teaching and do I dread?<br />
Picture a perfect day in your home and describe it. What would a total failure look like?<br />
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Once you have some of these answers, then you can begin to make choices for your homeschool curricula. (see next post coming soon!)<br />
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<b>Socialization</b><br />
I'll address the elephant in the room. This pandemic holds socialization challenges for all of us. Regardless of what schooling option you choose, assuring your child has healthy, safe relationships should always be a priority. That ay mean planning more outside events this year and thinking outside the box.<br />
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If you have any questions about homeschooling or would like help choosing curricula for your family, contact me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-56469851588256833102020-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:002020-03-15T11:19:50.669-07:00Doing School at Home (for now)A few friends contacted me and asked for my best homeschool advice, so here goes.<br />
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This is not the list I've seen others posting with curriculum ideas or Homeschool 101. This is reality and practical advice.<br />
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1) "Be Not Afraid" For most of you, this will pass and it is just a phase. You can do anything, especially when it comes to your children! You know them and love them. That is what makes a great teacher. Just love them! Relationship is always first.<br />
You have support from your schools, just do your best.<br />
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2) Boundaries for Everyone!<br />
This does not mean you have to have a strict schedule. It does mean you need to set the expectation for everyone that there will need to be alone time and quiet time. Yes, mom needs to pee without being interrupted! (Still working on that here!)<br />
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3) Teach your kids something you love!<br />
Seriously, these make the best family memories. I love to teach my kids about Art and History or reading great books together. My husband couldn't be happier teaching the kids to fix something, doing a physics experiment, or teaching math. It is a gift for your kids to see the things you enjoy! <br />
This is also be a time to teach them how to make a favorite recipe, balance a checkbook, talk about faith, or other things that in general there seems no be no time for.<br />
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4) Be Flexible!<br />
Things are going to change for each of us over the next few weeks, so don't be too hard on yourself. If someone in your family gets ill, that perfect schedule will fly out the window (as well it should).<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> School At home will probably take less time than a school day, as your child will work at their pace. That's ok! So fill your days with some fun too. </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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5) Take breaks individually and together.<br />
One of my children sets a timer in between every subject for 10 mins so he can play. Others, prefer to get it all done so they have their afternoons free. Just because school only has 1 recess doesn't mean you can't have 5! Go out and play with the kids, you need exercise too! No matter how their days are scheduled, there is still plenty of time for alone and together play.<br />
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6) Play Games<br />
Make playing a game part of your day. It can be card games, board games, tag, races, tic-tac-toe, anything! <br />
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7) Come up with Challenges or Theme days.<br />
I'm working on a list of ideas to share such as Lego challenges, Family book club, Art Contests, and more. This will help use that extra creativity and fight boredom.<br />
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8) Get outside if you can.<br />
Go for a walk or camp in your own backyard. You can do schoolwork outside, in a tree, on the playground set, or in a tent! Make it fun!<br />
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9) Play Music.<br />
Instead of yelling for the kids to do certain things like chores, pick songs as cues. A good upbeat dance some is great for chores. Can the room get cleaned up before the end of "Bohemian Rhapsody"? <br />
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10) Talk to your kids<br />
Everyone is frustrated and confused. Talk to your kids about how they feel. Stay positive and just be there for them. <br />
Watch movies and talk about them? What did they think about why characters made certain choices? Do they think it was right?<br />
Read books together! This will create lots of conversation. <br />
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Overall, be a MOM! Of course there will be bad days. There always are no matter the situation.<br />
Pray for patience and understanding.<br />
Stay positive and be kind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-87213976253895264682017-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:002017-04-26T06:26:29.748-07:00Doubting Thomas, Faith and FearThis weekend at Church, the story of doubting Thomas was read. During the reading, my son said, "It's pretty specific what he says is going to make him believe." 😇 I hushed him and chuckled to myself.<br />
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I kept thinking about that. Thomas had specific criteria that would make him believe. <br />
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Why didn't Thomas just tell them, "That sounds a little crazy guys. I'll believe it when I see it." <br />
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Thomas needed more than just the testimony of others, or a whisper in his heart. He needed not only to see but to touch and know. <br />
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Do I carry specific criteria for my faith or limits on what our faith can handle? Maybe I am more likely to set criteria my life or family must reach for me to have strong faith. <br />
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Recently, I had the privilege to hear <a href="https://www.vofoundation.org/blog/news/posts-by-brother-guy-consolmagno/" target="_blank">Brother Guy Consolmagno</a> speak. I spoke with him briefly afterwards; he said, "Faith calls you to live without fear, not to live in fear. Our faith is big enough to handle anything! If we fear what we might learn or hear, we aren't living with faith." <br />
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As a parent in today's world, we live with a constant bombardment of fear mongering and insecurity. It is easy to fall prey to the fears of this world instead of hushing the Thomas in our hearts. It is harder to exercise our faith and pray, than it is to doubt and fear. We are insecure in how we parent and the choices we make. We need to wrap our lives and families in a blanket of faith to protect us from the insecurities and doubts around us. <br />
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Thomas is eternally known as "Doubting Thomas" but maybe he was more "Fearful Thomas" or "Insecure Thomas". Afraid of what it would mean if it were true that Jesus is risen. Afraid that he missed his chance to see the risen Christ. Afraid that he wasn't chosen to carry on Christ's mission. Insecure of what his place was in the confusion of recent events. Insecure that if he believed with his whole heart he might bring suffering to his family or look like a fool. <br />
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Can you blame him? <br />
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I fear that I'm somehow messing up my children, fear that I'm not a good enough mom, wife, or homeschool teacher, and fear the unknown for our futures. But honestly, that's just insecurity and lack of faith. I will try instead to calm the insecurity with a warm and secure blanket of faith. I will quiet the winds of fear and listen to the whispers of faith of what I know is true. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-51513837257992992912017-04-18T18:26:00.002-07:002017-04-25T13:19:54.274-07:00Last minute GHC Cincinnati TipsCan you believe that the <a href="https://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/locations/cincinnati-oh/" target="_blank">Cincinnati GHC</a> starts in just a few days? I'm a local to the area, so I want to throw out some advice. <br />
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<b>Pack a Snack and Water</b> - You know you do this for your children all the time, save yourself money and pack for yourself! <br />
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<b>Stretch Your Mind</b> - If every year you hear the same speakers, try a little something new. Go to something that might refresh your soul like Sarah Mackenzie, S.D. Smith, or Anthony Esolen. Go hear about the beauty of Math from Ed Zaccaro or about the ancients from The Lukeion Project. <br />
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<b>Have Fun and Feel Good</b> - If you hear something that stresses you out, or makes you feel inadequate in your homeschool, write it down and forget it! Don't run to buy their product! A curriculum purchased while feeling self lacking and under the guise of a fix, is never really a fix. Take a deep breath, research the area while you are there and go home. Re-evaluate in a month if you still feel drawn to it. <br />
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<b>Support the Convention</b> - It's easy to think that the Homeschool Convention and Curriculum providers will always be there, but if we don't show up and support them, they won't. <br />
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<b>See the Area - </b><br />
If you're visiting Cincinnati, take some time to enjoy our city. <br />
Although there isn't too much near the Convention Center, from Fountain Square you can now ride our <a href="http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar/" target="_blank">Street Car</a> to The Banks or to some great restaurants and shops in <a href="http://otrchamber.com/" target="_blank">Over the Rhine</a> near Washington Square. There are lots of fun and unique dining and shopping between Washington Park and Vine Street from 13th - Central Parkway.<br />
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If you're an old book lover, I recommend walking over to <a href="http://ohiobookstore.net/" target="_blank">The Ohio Bookstore</a> on 8th and Main Street.<br />
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For a quick bite during the convention, there are a few faster service places on 6th by Vine Street. Most of these close by 6pm. So for dinner, you'll have to treat yourself. <br />
If you want:<br />
Some of the best authentic Italian - <a href="http://sottocincinnati.com/" target="_blank">Sotto</a><br />
Mexican, Latin American or Spanish Inspired - <a href="http://eatdrinknada.com/cincinnati/" target="_blank">Nada</a> or <a href="http://mitas.co/" target="_blank">Mitta</a><br />
Fun Brewery - <a href="http://taftsalehouse.com/" target="_blank">Taft Ale House</a> (cool old Church) <br />
There are lots of others options that are great as well! <br />
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Have Fun and see you there! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-12383148959327385542017-03-01T06:51:00.001-08:002017-03-01T07:40:43.401-08:00What To Read this Lent through PentecostThis is your yearly reminder to read <i>The Divine Comedy</i>. ;) You would expect nothing less from me, but why? <br />
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This impressive literary classic is more than you might think. Yes, Dante writes a image of Hell, but in the as Dorothy Sayers' quips to only read the Inferno, is like knowing Paris by the sewer system. I couldn't agree more. It would be as to acknowledge your shortcomings this Ash Wednesday and not work on them in Lent. This book is Dante's sharing of a personal Lenten journey. <br />
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Lent is a time to face our own personal humanity and work on our journey to heaven. Lent is the time when we acknowledge that we sometimes get lost and need to find our way back to God. This is exactly the journey of <i>The Divine Comedy</i>.<br />
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In <i>Inferno</i> Dante examines the sins we are guilty of and more importantly gives us a lens through which we can examine our own culpability in those sins. In <i>Purgatory</i>, we are asked to repent and get our hearts right for Heaven. In <i>Paradise</i> are inspired by the eternal Love and life examples we are given. <br />
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What can a man from 700 years ago know of a woman's struggle or a millennial's challenges? You would be surprised how universal the challenge of being human truly is. <br />
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So, it matters not the translation you use, but the effort you make in personally reflecting. I invite you to journey with me this Lent and Easter season through Hell and into Purgatory and finally arrive in Heaven. Starting on Ash Wednesday, we will read about a Canto a Day until we finish on Pentecost. <br />
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<i><b>Notes for those ready to take up the challenge: </b></i><br />
I personally love the Anthony Esolen translations from Modern Library Classics: <a href="http://amzn.to/2msXfen" target="_blank">Inferno</a>; <a href="http://amzn.to/2lclOMv" target="_blank">Purgatory</a>; and <a href="http://amzn.to/2msWCBj" target="_blank">Paradise</a>. They are easily read and have a wonderful poetic quality like the original. I also appreciate the footnotes being kept to a minimum. The Longfellow, Musa , Ciardi, and Hollander translations are all very good as well. They are also often found free or cheaply on Kindle. <br />
I also want to encourage you to not get bogged down in the footnotes, only read if you feel you need to. <br />
I will be creating an group on FB that is for those who want to join the Canto conversations. Contact me on FB if you want to join! A Canto a day only takes about 10-15 minutes at most! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-42643002826660502452017-02-03T10:19:00.003-08:002017-02-03T10:19:35.594-08:00Four Lessons from 2016Although we are over a month into 2017, I think it is important to constantly learn from your own experiences. Overall, I learned I need to take care of myself. As moms, we all hear that we need to make time for ourselves, but making time is hard. For myself, I don't need vacations away from my kids or husband, but small time where I know I am nourishing my own soul. These four things made the biggest difference in my year. <br />
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<b><u>Reading</u></b><br />
I must make time to read for me! Books and audiobooks are just a joy for me! I love sharing books with my children, but I need to read what interests and inspires me as well.<br />
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I have found endless encouragement for reading at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1382730042050099/" target="_blank">Potato Peel Book Community</a>. It is a wonderful community of readers who love good literature and not what is currently on the Top 10 list. <br />
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I also love listening to the <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next podcast</a>. There is no judgement about what you like to read but great suggestions for all types of readers. I love hearing why people read, what they want different in their reading life and the reading struggles we all face. <br />
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Between the Potato Peel Book Community and What Should I Read Next, I find myself constantly inspired to continue to read and encouraged in my efforts.<br />
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<a class="irc_mil i3597 itp5QeyhUOhw-zixyDjKkw5M" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwiX87enwvTRAhXMLyYKHTx7DcAQjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiX87enwvTRAhXMLyYKHTx7DcAQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fribisli.com%2Fhu%2Fcontent%2Fkaracsonyi-horgolt-csillag-dekoracio-keszlet&psig=AFQjCNGQDAie0u8HEwKBXywGkrF4ZnZH8w&ust=1486231560780799" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk" rel="noopener" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><img alt="Related image" class="irc_mi itp5QeyhUOhw-pQOPx8XEepE" height="172" src="http://ribisli.com/sites/ribisli.com/files/styles/large/public/product-gallery/fine_hand_crochet_decorative_lace_stars_ribisli_luxury_linen_25.jpg?itok=Z6zwIyrI" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /></a><b><u>Artistic Expression</u></b><br />
I need to be creative in some way. I love to paint, but it is time consuming. This year, I taught myself to crochet. I now have a portable, artistic hobby that allows me to create while watching movies, listening to kids read, or at meetings.This is a total life changing win for me! <br />
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<b><u>Challenge Myself</u></b><br />
It is constantly important to challenge yourself. For me, planning, being consistent and organized THAT is the challenge. <br />
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I was fortunate enough to participate in a Homeschool Boot Camp run by <a href="https://edsnapshots.com/" target="_blank">Pam Barnhill</a>. I realized there that for me, my own planning and consistency is the key to success for myself, my kids and homeschool. Therefore, consistent is my word for the year! Challenge accepted! <br />
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<u><b>Encourage Myself with Instagram Gratitude</b></u><br />
Instagram can help you see your own world a little differently. A few days distance with a filter and those crazy moments of life are beautiful! I love looking back at my own feed, because I have Instagram for me. It's a way to journal my life and how I see it. It helps me see beauty around me. I grown in gratitude and appreciation for my own life, looking at my Instagram past. <br />
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A I look at 2017, I'm excited to continue with these and learn even more! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-55797147396799311572017-01-15T16:15:00.001-08:002017-01-15T16:27:14.388-08:00ConsistentWhen I first read about choosing a Word for the Year, I thought it was a little odd or confining. I am not one to make New Year's resolutions, so this word seemed like a different resolution. Yet, this Word of the Year concept was one I kept running into. <br />
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I kept thinking, "No, I am working on too much to confine myself to one word and for a year." Then, I realized there was a simple word that embodied all the areas which I needed to work on: <b><span style="font-size: large;">Consistent</span></b>. <br />
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Webster's definition of consistent is a person, behavior or process unchanging in achievement or effect over a period of time. <br />
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That is what I want to be! <br />
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A <i>parent</i> who is consistent in my love and support, expectations, standards and reactions.<br />
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A<i> homeschool teacher</i> who is consistent not only in the execution of my lessons and philosophy, but in the standards and availability of assistance.<br />
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A <i>homemaker</i> who cheerfully does those daily chores with great love. <br />
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A <i>wife</i> who makes time for our relationship and value it above all others. <br />
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A <i>woman</i> who nourishes my soul with reading and writing, improves myself with exercise, and makes time for the laughter and blessings of friends. <br />
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In all of these areas, I will try to be consistent. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-47471442992584645732016-11-30T08:55:00.001-08:002016-11-30T08:55:07.500-08:00Searching for Heros<br />
I was recently listening to Carole Joy Seide on The Read-A-Loud Revival Podcast. She was talking about some history books that may seem out of date. It was an interesting perspective I haven't considered before. <br />
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In it, she said she didn't mind that the books weren't considered historically accurate because they were beautiful and focused on the heroic values of our ancestors. <br />
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I admit that I agreed. I found myself nodding in agreement to the idea that if we "tear down" those heroes our children have no heroic ideals to live up to. <br />
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I often struggle with this when considering Columbus. It makes me cringe when friends claim there is no historical reason to study him. Despite my growing up with the image of Columbus as a hero, I am no longer naïve to the many atrocities which the age of exploration brought with it. I also do not want to raise children to be adults who are naïve to it. <br />
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As I thought about it more, I realized we read "the great classic books" and our children hear of flawed heroes often. Are we as parents are less hesitant to discuss the virtues and flaws of fictional characters, than of real people.<br />
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Columbus for example is not a villain, neither is he a hero. He is a man who was brave, gutsy or gritty as we might say today. Did he have flaws? YES! What can we learn from that? Well, for one thing, we cannot judge yesterday to today's moral standards. But isn't that a reminder for us to not look at what the world around us may consider ok, such as raping and plundering, but to follow what we know to be right. <br />
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I am not arguing about Columbus, what I am saying, is <b>ask your child to examine their heroes</b>. Although admiring heroic virtue is important, it would be shame to have your children think that any hero could be "perfect". Everyone has flaws. Everyone struggles with their flaws and mistakes.<br />
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Painting the world through the lenses of rose colored glasses is beautiful, but it can backfire. Once your children are older and learn the reality, will they question <i>other </i>Truths you have taught them? Will your child cling to the fictionalized hero and excuse their mistakes? Or worse see the errors as Just because they are the actions of a hero? <br />
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Keep the dialogue open about these topics because this will allow your children to come to you to discuss the people in their lives that might seem like heroes or villains at times. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-63580418786857559382016-09-28T12:47:00.002-07:002016-09-28T12:47:38.751-07:00Everything Stays on the Tray!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujt7Ik-iZlwNoP5BIzr1A8Ow1L82aVBMe55BAPlcppwIqlY3cXpjmCVY9t76sAFRZuN8WrKe4VM6qnNVmCai_OllYguYsW9856CwId3rd8x2FMy5bI6DAQG2A8V8S9F6fkhE5q02IVh4/s1600/20160509_092631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujt7Ik-iZlwNoP5BIzr1A8Ow1L82aVBMe55BAPlcppwIqlY3cXpjmCVY9t76sAFRZuN8WrKe4VM6qnNVmCai_OllYguYsW9856CwId3rd8x2FMy5bI6DAQG2A8V8S9F6fkhE5q02IVh4/s200/20160509_092631.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon Dough on the tray!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy95G3AQnm0Sbi1x77KGOP96q957rV_yiGSZgClpTA4jQovxCkgov-M7gBLhPSXvHTx1JHQDVSTNeisEyoUmLDQB_k2SUhH6VqIAKXfmkkHRF9vBbDVSedYC10kK-9ffLeiwG6zqrVNA/s1600/20160405_164024+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>When my youngest was two, I became so excited by the idea of sensory bins. Thank you Pintrest! I made the colored rice, the mood dough, and bought the <a href="http://amzn.to/1VJgSd6" target="_blank">kinetic sand</a>. All three kids were so happy! It was quiet and I read. <br />
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I thought it was the answer, until I noticed the mess on the floor and table. I didn't think the hour of clean up was worth the half hour of read aloud. <br />
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A few weeks later, I was reading about Montessori methods. I noticed the trays they were using for their works. Although I could not see my children doing the same works, I decided to apply the same concept and re-vamp sensory bins. <br />
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I use a container similar to <a href="http://amzn.to/1VywKxv" target="_blank">this</a> for moon dough, water beads, and kinetic sand. This is just the right amount to play with and it stores easily, as they stack. They also fit nicely on a tray. <br />
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I have a cheap, plastic tray for each child, that they must use in order to use a sensory bin. My trays were about $1 at Ikea but I have seen them at Christmas Tree Shop, Walmart and other retailers priced similarly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihknQP97Ug4PGVd1tjGcShM61XyArZGqkF6Q_zta0Mwd6-ctFSyPe-ztATeVfc5Ak7-BX6MwBA6PFlSvSHZEBIUG7bn_ffubyUkKxLAcERYbVlSRUPi-z6U3je1GnqcgGz_PtJUpzhsRc/s1600/20160419_094808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihknQP97Ug4PGVd1tjGcShM61XyArZGqkF6Q_zta0Mwd6-ctFSyPe-ztATeVfc5Ak7-BX6MwBA6PFlSvSHZEBIUG7bn_ffubyUkKxLAcERYbVlSRUPi-z6U3je1GnqcgGz_PtJUpzhsRc/s320/20160419_094808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinetic Sand with some tools is a favorite!</td></tr>
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My youngest has understood from the age of 3 that everything has to stay on the tray. Yes, it bears repeating and reminding a million times. <i><b>Everything stays on the tray! </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihknQP97Ug4PGVd1tjGcShM61XyArZGqkF6Q_zta0Mwd6-ctFSyPe-ztATeVfc5Ak7-BX6MwBA6PFlSvSHZEBIUG7bn_ffubyUkKxLAcERYbVlSRUPi-z6U3je1GnqcgGz_PtJUpzhsRc/s1600/20160419_094808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>If, I see the sensory items straying off the tray, I remind them. If it continues, they loose the sensory bin for a few days. Although that happened at the beginning it hasn't happened recently. <br />
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I am now a super, cool mom when I give my child Kinetic sand, water beads or Play-doh at the kitchen table! This is really just how to squeeze in extra reading time with toddler! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4zFDQruEFT8r5rVwHfr8KRwiOFzbNCg-TX7xCEDUq66LQgxl9qr6yWDxOGW-pUiQ0mOCi72V2V9SYK2U4Arbz3vJaZfAci4J1gvKOEPzyRO-Hf-oZFnZr_ShM_Fod2N7PDZrRITf6ZM/s1600/20160419_104132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4zFDQruEFT8r5rVwHfr8KRwiOFzbNCg-TX7xCEDUq66LQgxl9qr6yWDxOGW-pUiQ0mOCi72V2V9SYK2U4Arbz3vJaZfAci4J1gvKOEPzyRO-Hf-oZFnZr_ShM_Fod2N7PDZrRITf6ZM/s200/20160419_104132.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="112" /></a>The kids are used to using the trays now, so they use them all the time, on their own. Mom win! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4zFDQruEFT8r5rVwHfr8KRwiOFzbNCg-TX7xCEDUq66LQgxl9qr6yWDxOGW-pUiQ0mOCi72V2V9SYK2U4Arbz3vJaZfAci4J1gvKOEPzyRO-Hf-oZFnZr_ShM_Fod2N7PDZrRITf6ZM/s1600/20160419_104132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4zFDQruEFT8r5rVwHfr8KRwiOFzbNCg-TX7xCEDUq66LQgxl9qr6yWDxOGW-pUiQ0mOCi72V2V9SYK2U4Arbz3vJaZfAci4J1gvKOEPzyRO-Hf-oZFnZr_ShM_Fod2N7PDZrRITf6ZM/s1600/20160419_104132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A few weeks after using the trays consistently, I added in the <span id="goog_179559465"></span><a href="http://amzn.to/2cLDSqE">child sized broom and dustpan</a> <span id="goog_179559466"></span>as part of the clean up routine. Honestly, the amount on the floor is minimal and it reminds the child to clean everything up when they are done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4zFDQruEFT8r5rVwHfr8KRwiOFzbNCg-TX7xCEDUq66LQgxl9qr6yWDxOGW-pUiQ0mOCi72V2V9SYK2U4Arbz3vJaZfAci4J1gvKOEPzyRO-Hf-oZFnZr_ShM_Fod2N7PDZrRITf6ZM/s1600/20160419_104132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I was so convinced of the ease of sensory bins that I gave water beads, moon dough, and colored rice to a friend for her toddler. Unfortunately, I forgot to give her the trays! I told her about them, but I did not purchase them for her. She left the sensory bins on the porch for her daughter to play with and it was mess! (see first photo!) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS3BNKJ3IbnHcbMsRSvsmE-NUaa16QEuXKQ_TXQkzteHCtgdz2V0wdb8UMQxqqnzGof3ADHwAxIHVD8JgA8r9SIg0pU4nClzJoA3Ht6AfpafNHEaG8M0XACO3xaFycCetPwkdstTgrwU/s1600/20160408_073234+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS3BNKJ3IbnHcbMsRSvsmE-NUaa16QEuXKQ_TXQkzteHCtgdz2V0wdb8UMQxqqnzGof3ADHwAxIHVD8JgA8r9SIg0pU4nClzJoA3Ht6AfpafNHEaG8M0XACO3xaFycCetPwkdstTgrwU/s320/20160408_073234+%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want to dive into waterbeads?</td></tr>
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The amazingly brave mom persevered and tried the last colored rice sensory bin <b>on a tray</b>. It has been a success! Now there is a happy mom making dinner and a happy toddler playing near here! <br />
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People of all ages love the feel of sensory bins, so train them now to use trays and it will be a joy for years! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just remember and repeat: </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Everything stays on the tray!</span></b> Then, enjoy a good half hour of quiet kids! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-6787811836515826842016-06-02T06:04:00.001-07:002016-06-02T06:04:32.769-07:00Celebrating Reading with The Green EmberFor all of you fans of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1TZB3l5">The Green Ember</a></i> <span id="goog_179559469"></span>by S.D. Smith, and reading in general, you will understand the excitement of throwing a party to celebrate a book.<br />
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I originally got the idea from who else, but Sarah Mackenzie at the <a href="http://amongstlovelythings.com/read-aloud-revival-the-podcast/" target="_blank">Read Aloud Revival</a>. Members there have access to a guide on planning a party for celebrating books and reading. I had read the guide before we ever read <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1TZB3l5">The Green Ember</a></i>. I kept meaning to look at it again but the kids came up with so many ideas, I never had to. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G_jBuFftrWRYr2bnlZeKRPq3TFJLHrkgQWIEKquLgul7v8wFmbtkeJlVohG-fCJBlg0G6zzpovR7ieHvbp6Bt3_-d3lFI3AFL6Mcw2QIhir39BNwVBHF-qEQjb7y6B-b5bsh57cSTag/s1600/20160425_113507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G_jBuFftrWRYr2bnlZeKRPq3TFJLHrkgQWIEKquLgul7v8wFmbtkeJlVohG-fCJBlg0G6zzpovR7ieHvbp6Bt3_-d3lFI3AFL6Mcw2QIhir39BNwVBHF-qEQjb7y6B-b5bsh57cSTag/s640/20160425_113507.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Posters made by my 7 year old and 9 year old. </div>
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Easter decorations "dressed up" as Pickett and Heather. </div>
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My real motivation in having a party was to inspire my son who doesn't love reading. He LOVES <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1TZB3l5">The Green Ember</a>! </i>He cannot wait for<i> Ember Falls</i>, the sequel, to be released. To keep his interest high, we will celebrate while waiting, lest the enthusiasm wanes. <br />
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All three kids were thrilled about having a Rabbit with Swords Party! Their ideas were incredible! This brainstorming lasted several days and I must say, it was my favorite part. Imagine a more creative and magical book narration infused with some logistic and trouble shooting. <br />
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I wanted some of my children's friends to have a shared experience of loving a book, so they were invited. The one stipulation to the invite was that you must read the book to attend. I was amazed that 4 families got the book just to attend the party. <br />
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I held the party at a local park because I wanted easy clean up and space for the kids to play. I also knew that would limit my clean up and set up time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww5m1D12zLpfbnwowyIjQCqN_6B0uZMpFzXV0uK3ji1tx6KIWMnfFHDY3lnjRsRVruLEh4_2DekMqseHEGlkFJxeImLDFjnLdTZKX364PR4rfdcUaEpvxbU0iVWqZ_KywAeNPwdKsnaA/s1600/sash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww5m1D12zLpfbnwowyIjQCqN_6B0uZMpFzXV0uK3ji1tx6KIWMnfFHDY3lnjRsRVruLEh4_2DekMqseHEGlkFJxeImLDFjnLdTZKX364PR4rfdcUaEpvxbU0iVWqZ_KywAeNPwdKsnaA/s400/sash.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt sashes with inflatable sword, star seek and patches!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlcyucjecFUG8U5WLS_YtPYaYIUiDi4wRA0K-yxSaxD72zJ6WLJKQ0IFxwhVt2nQg1RFIZ4kXpxdMMXbYxX4CRmceYnGgdOEG0NWjUYy8_P0Egog6qxq9Og41Zpe3OUplhHMYt-cOJJ8/s1600/20160425_121839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlcyucjecFUG8U5WLS_YtPYaYIUiDi4wRA0K-yxSaxD72zJ6WLJKQ0IFxwhVt2nQg1RFIZ4kXpxdMMXbYxX4CRmceYnGgdOEG0NWjUYy8_P0Egog6qxq9Og41Zpe3OUplhHMYt-cOJJ8/s200/20160425_121839.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds of Prey</td></tr>
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As each child arrived they were given an inflatable sword and a sash with belt. This was a huge hit because they all felt like they were in costume! Those sashes were my favorite part. <br />
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Around the park, we had hung orange balloons with brown construction paper wings taped on, as a way of simulating The Birds of Prey. Although we had planned a Helmer obstacle course around those balloons, that did not happen. Instead, the kids ran at the Birds of Prey, swords drawn, screaming the oath! It was like being in a real battle from the book, at least that is how the kids described it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3HwDaG_8sAZt2l_ujlUvS9KFMLZttahE52GFAbignje_NvzcDWxvfiMnbFifmgH7ORnzId44adNtK9MWQ44YgFEOTOVSc34BD6qhsLoFh5BpPq0JqZOe_Cr4KOmn6Z3A2jxMLfm59cI/s1600/sword+fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3HwDaG_8sAZt2l_ujlUvS9KFMLZttahE52GFAbignje_NvzcDWxvfiMnbFifmgH7ORnzId44adNtK9MWQ44YgFEOTOVSc34BD6qhsLoFh5BpPq0JqZOe_Cr4KOmn6Z3A2jxMLfm59cI/s400/sword+fight.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you feel the excitement of fighting a Bird of Prey?</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We each made a star seek with grosgrain ribbon and popsicle sticks. They didn't soar, as they kids hoped, but throwing them downhill, helped create that illusion. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAJ4O179IE8U0WNffqST4mMLOaPO-W67PPv5CXamFktrrMZXub2FwDLbOTgUhkA2fEMHHuainRnjYL6kTM5g8oMgkMOCqsdbh5J3ndLJxFcRoRJuaToD1cXdaeBSBL467SfwL6e63y6g/s1600/20160425_122701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAJ4O179IE8U0WNffqST4mMLOaPO-W67PPv5CXamFktrrMZXub2FwDLbOTgUhkA2fEMHHuainRnjYL6kTM5g8oMgkMOCqsdbh5J3ndLJxFcRoRJuaToD1cXdaeBSBL467SfwL6e63y6g/s200/20160425_122701.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Pickett relay</td></tr>
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My favorite game created was a Heather and Pickett relay race. A team of two ran to a roll of toilet paper. There they wrapped "Heather's arm". They ran back to where they started with the toilet paper to wrap Pickett's leg. Then, the two ran together, all bandaged up, to the finish line. Need I say that this was a huge hit? <br />
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To my horror, most kids had never played pin the tale on the donkey before. Of course, we had <i>The Green Ember</i> version of my own making, pin the sword on Pickett. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-0QDVZrxzsh68nO6L-YU4JCYjW6kqYtcXP50hly5NCLuE6hXb001R9dL0lSZ4XmNqR7insQ0Fzv1MRMN0nI9O4BxFvhKpR6rpg89dLXzdfKI4JraFH47Ki1Bw4PttUwQ5AOh2fc2UY8/s1600/20160425_121420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-0QDVZrxzsh68nO6L-YU4JCYjW6kqYtcXP50hly5NCLuE6hXb001R9dL0lSZ4XmNqR7insQ0Fzv1MRMN0nI9O4BxFvhKpR6rpg89dLXzdfKI4JraFH47Ki1Bw4PttUwQ5AOh2fc2UY8/s400/20160425_121420.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin the Sword on Pickett</td></tr>
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After each game, the children received a patch like Blackstar (aka: a home printed <a href="http://amzn.to/1W7eDAe" target="_blank">sticker</a>). These were added to their sashes with much pride. <br />
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I kept the food simple. There was rabbit food of carrots, broccoli, and berries. We also had peaches with honey on a sweet bread. For a main dish we enjoyed cheese and bread from Lord Rake's quarters, also known as pizza. <br />
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In all reality the party was simple. We had an idea to have a King Cake with a green ember inside, but instead we gave everyone a green ember at the end. If we had more time, money or energy, we might have done some guild activities, like planting seeds, making a stained glass window for Light Hall with tissue paper, or spinning a story. <br />
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The purpose was to make reading more magical and create a shared love of literature amongst my children and their friends. In that, we were totally successful! <br />
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We now have friends who can't wait for <i><a href="http://www.sdsmith.net/2016/04/26/the-green-ember-book-ii-ember-falls-is-coming-heres-when-and-how-you-can-help/" target="_blank">Ember Falls</a></i> to be released and already asking when that party will be! <br />
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While they are waiting, some kids have hung their sashes proudly and begun to read <b>on their own</b>, the books which inspired the festivities! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links, but as always that does not influence my content or honesty. If you use a link I <b>may</b> receive compensation at no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support! </span></i><br />
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<i></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-18849805839074454842016-05-03T09:30:00.000-07:002016-05-03T09:35:31.261-07:00Shakespeare Inspiration!Inspired by the AMAZING webcast <a href="http://amongstlovelythings.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Mackenzie</a> at the<a href="http://amongstlovelythings.com/membership" target="_blank"> Read Aloud Revival Membership site</a> hosted last night with <a href="http://kenludwig.com/" target="_blank">Ken Ludwig</a>, I have to write about enjoying Shakespeare with children. <br />
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For those of you who don't know who Ken Ludwig is, his resume is long and distinguished to put it mildly. What makes one fall in love with him though is his passion for Shakespeare! <br />
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In 2014, his book<a href="http://amzn.to/1Y5rktf" target="_blank"><i> How to Teach your Children Shakespeare</i></a><u> </u> <u></u>was published. Since then, the number of children learning and quoting The Bard at home has exploded! Ken has taken a topic, which for some parents and educators, has seemed dated or unattainable and shared hands on techniques for making the greatest playwright of all time come alive for the youngest children. In an age when the art of memorizing by heart has been all but lost, Mr. Ludwig shows how to memorize the most famous of Shakespeare's words.<br />
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As you can tell, I am a fan of the book. My children say their favorite thing we do is memorize Shakespeare. Why? <br />
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"It's fun to say!" - daughter, 4<br />
"Everyone is so impressed!" - son, 7<br />
"It sounds better than anything else!" - son, 9<br />
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Who can argue with that? <br />
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Already a fan of the book and comfortable with Shakespeare myself, I was uncertain if the Read Aloud Revival's webcast would even be worth my time. IT WAS! It was worth the membership price for the year! <br />
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If you ever have a chance to hear Mr. Ludwig speak about Shakespeare, take it! His deep love for the words and stories was mesmerizing; every word and motion, cadence and inflection, was a passionate endorsement for the extrinsic value of the Bard for everyone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ken Ludwig" src="http://www.kenludwig.com/images/ken_ludwig_photo_2010.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="138" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Ludwig</td></tr>
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To say Mr. Ludwig is inspiring would be an understatement! He not only shared his love of Shakespeare but many practical resources for parents on how to impart that same love to their children, as he has done! <br />
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I wish Mr. Ludwig would create an online Shakespeare course for everyone! He truly could light the world afire with his love of Shakespeare!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But, how do you teach Shakespeare to children?</span></b><br />
I will give an example from our own experience with <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream. </i><br />
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I always wanted my children to love Shakespeare as I do, but memorization of it was not something I even contemplated. <br />
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We listened to <a href="http://www.jimweiss.com/" target="_blank">Jim Weiss's</a> wonderful retelling in <span id="goog_236785647"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><i>Shakespeare for Children</i></a>, as an introduction. By listening to an award-winning story teller, like Jim Weiss, explain <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i>, even my daughter who was three at the time, knew the story and characters well. I also picked up a few story versions from our local library. As I was not overly impressed with their retellings, I just left them around for the children to look at the magical pictures. <br />
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We are fortunate enough to have Cincinnati Shakespeare Company near us! Each summer they do free performances of <span id="goog_236785655"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i><span id="goog_236785656"></span></a>. These productions are not only magical because of the lovely outdoor settings, but laugh out loud hilarious! Of course being outside, allows for younger children to wiggle around and for everyone to enjoy a picnic dinner while watching. Last year, my kids said seeing this show was a highlight of their summer! <br />
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This year we added Mr. Ludwig's memorization of Shakespeare to our together time. A few times a week, we said a few lines from <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i>, as outline in <i>How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare</i>. They have learned 4 passages this year and recite them constantly!<br />
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I have heard many times, "I can't wait to see<i> A Midsummer Night's Dream</i> again this summer and hear how they say this."<br />
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Be still my heart! Who can argue with any of that? <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links, but as always that does not influence my content or honesty. If you use a link I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support! </span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-40019590069498237182016-04-03T16:35:00.000-07:002016-04-03T16:40:39.468-07:00Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here: The Homeschool Convention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRiJMOdJJFM7VXRoLBZBNuoXP9DCcxnpX17KBqqw-dL6fKHtHlng-p7fN7rH_XnmyCNNPFe3heLT3SeT2lTLDBbe_aoNeuRvum0TCNcHB8wvsEt6XIWOgGeccPYbfY2zU2M3VWVevFbM/s1600/c4ed1af4-ee65-4332-8004-061338c478d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRiJMOdJJFM7VXRoLBZBNuoXP9DCcxnpX17KBqqw-dL6fKHtHlng-p7fN7rH_XnmyCNNPFe3heLT3SeT2lTLDBbe_aoNeuRvum0TCNcHB8wvsEt6XIWOgGeccPYbfY2zU2M3VWVevFbM/s640/c4ed1af4-ee65-4332-8004-061338c478d9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, the Homeschool Convention Hall can be the gates of an Inferno for a homeschool parent. But why? <br />
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For Sale: All natural & organic perfect SAT Scores, classic literature, strong character development, essential oils, mathematical genius, musical appreciation and every important historical event in a beautiful, easy-to-teach, game format your kids will love in one boxed curriculum! <br />
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<b>Found: Sore feet, gray hairs, headaches, worries, games of all sorts, every math manipulative , wide eyes, expensive refreshment, pushy sales people, excitement, hope and fears for the future. </b><br />
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It's funny and true. <br />
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How does the Convention Floor make you feel? Inadequate? Worried? Possibly idolizing a curriculum or expert? <br />
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For a moment, consider more of what is written on the entrance to Hell. <br />
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I AM THE WAY INTO THE CITY OF WOE.<br />
I AM THE WAY TO A FORSAKEN PEOPLE.<br />
I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL SORROW.<br />
SACRED JUSTICE MOVED MY ARCHITECT.<br />
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ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE. </div>
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(<i>The Inferno</i>, Canto 3,Ciardi translation)</div>
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Is that curriculum and unrealistic expectation paving your way to a City of Woe? Are you overbooking with co-ops, activities, or subjects?<br />
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Although God has not forsaken you, have you forsaken your children for a curriculum, process or ideal? Have you forsaken the ideals in your heart by covenanting an ideal presented in a sales pitch? <br />
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The way to eternal sorrow. WOW! This one struck a cord. <br />
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Do the plans you set out pave a way to eternal sorrow, or at least a year of sorrow? How? Buying that 3rd grade curriculum when you know your child hasn't mastered 2nd grade? Are you expecting that your child must master ideas set out by someone who doesn't know them as the individual they are?<br />
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If we do not accept ourselves and children as the unique reflections of God that we are, we are doomed to sorrow. We will constantly feel jealous of the other Pintrest boards and parents who seem to have it together. Seek the joy in knowing you and your children have special talents which are a mere reflection of God. Relish those.<br />
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Maybe the sacred justice is our personal lack of peace because of our lack of faith.<br />
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Abandon the hope of finding an answer here on the convention floor. The answers for your homeschool do not lie in a speakers' inspirational words or opinions. The answer is not found in a box of shiny, new math or reading curriculum. The peace and confidence can only be found within your own personal revelations; revelations of what you and your children are truly capable of and what you were made for. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114002742214752710.post-994474981673375512016-03-18T13:22:00.001-07:002016-03-18T14:01:10.085-07:00Rabbit Schooling Sloths<div>
If you have not seen the hilarious trailer for the new Disney movie <u>Zootopia</u>, you can see it here. <br />
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We have all had that feeling while waiting in a line! The genius is making the humor here so relatable. <br />
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After laughing through the trailer several times, my opinion changed and I almost cried. </div>
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I can be a fast-talking, excited, energetic person, much like Officer Hopps. I am enthusiastic to teach and share what I know with my children. Yet, how often do I feel the same frustration when I am excited to lead a lesson and miss the journey? </div>
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Have I felt the frustration of a child writing slowly? Are they not answering a question I am convinced they have an answer to? Do they seem more interested in their Legos than what you have to say? YES! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe I am the one missing out on the beautiful journey!</span></div>
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The moment when Flash the Sloth's face lights up at getting a joke, that is what we all live for! He is adorable, in that moment and the frustration of moments ago melts away! We all thrive on the moments when our child's face lights up with excitement, joy, understanding, or love. If we are always the busy rabbit, we might not slow down to guide a child to these moments of lighting up. <br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I taking the time to let my child's face light up?</span></span></div>
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I know some kids will share that joke immediately like Flash did. Do we react like Officer Hopps with a dreaded look and sigh? Or do we see the shared joy? Do we see that moment when the shared knowledge or joy has now truly become the child's own by being able to share it? Do we embrace it?<br />
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When I was re-watching the trailer, I noticed it is less than 2 minutes into the clip before Flash the Sloth gets the joke. That's not very long. Are we all on such a fast paced schedule that someone whose face can light up a theater in less than 2 minutes is being missed? </div>
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Maybe tomorrow I need be more like the Sloth and less like the Rabbit and enjoy the journey.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1