In my Poetry Notebook...
-
For All Soul's Day Crossing the Bar Alfred Lord Tennyson music by Rani
ArboSUNSET and evening star, And one clear call for me!And may there be
no moan...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Homeschool Memoirs ~ Agendas
I just posted on this topic in a post called What to teach?! So go there real quick and then come back here. I'm going to add a little bit as I didn't really explain what I like about each curriculum.This week’s theme is about sharing your 2008-09 homeschool agendas and plans. You’ve been preparing your plans for sometime and you’re ready to go. Or you’re still in the planning-stage and need some inspiration or tips on what to use. Because many use different curriculum and methods there is always something new to be gleaned from other homeschoolers. It’s always fun and interesting to see what other’s are using and the WWWWH as Robin Sampson suggests.
So this week I hope you will share what you’re doing this year for your homeschool agenda. Share the different curriculum you’re using. You can also include what age/grade you’re using it for, how long you’ve been using it, and why you like it. Please share a Bible verse that has encouraged you or inspired you during this planning-process, and how.
First of all, for the past 3 years we've used the AmblesideOnline curriculum plan. We LOVE AO! I've made very few adaptations to the curriculum as suggested and been very happy with the book selections.
We are just finishing up Year 3 and will start Year 4 in October. My boys are 10.5 & 9.5 and so far it is a perfect fit as far as reading comprehension etc. I think they could have been put a year ahead of where they are, but I didn't want to run into difficulties later on. My littles just kind of listen in on the boys' readings (they play relatively quietly nearby while we read).
I love the rotation of history (although we actually may do some tweaking with this this year as we may try to add Heart of Wisdom in as well... I'm working on this merger :). The kids love the history/literature/nature study... okay they love everything about AO! Me too.
So for Language Arts, Math, Science and Geography we use the following:
Spell to Write and Read - We've been using this for the last 3 years and will always use it! A k-12 curriculum that really has all I want for language instruction! I have a post about this curriculum, CLICK HERE. I have links to several reviews, going to a seminar, and about the sweet author.Now the thing I like about this curriculum is how it really teaches the basic building blocks of language. Starting with phonics (70 basic phonograms) and summing everything up with the 29 rules. "With these simple tools you can explain 99% of the 1000 most commonly used English words and their derivatives. Contrary to the popular belief that the English language is riddled with exceptions and rule breakers you can now have a way to explain our language to your children so that they can understand and succeed." My boys are at a 3rd grade level because our our crazy last year, but we're going to catch up. I'm just starting with my 5yog to teach her the phonograms and Cursive First for writing.
I was taught using an early version of this curriculum 20+ years ago, and I am confident of its success! My boys are not naturally strong in spelling (yet :) and so this curriculum reinforces in an area where I feel is weak for them. They are learning a LOT and are building a strong foundation for language for their whole lives.
Math u see - I LOVE the man in this DVD! Math-u-see has a video for each lesson. Each lesson has about 5-6 pages of work. We spread it over a week, or if it's something they have a handle on, we've done as many as 3 pages a day! My kids are not those kids who love to do schoolwork. They'd much rather be building with legos or playing Narnia outside with sticks as swords. They do NOT love math, but they tolerate it with Math-u-see. I love that I can put on the video and if they don't understand it they can watch the video again. After the third time, if they still don't understand, :) I work them through it using ideas from the teacher's manual. This saves us a lot of frustration on both sides. I love the way Steve Demme explains things; both my husband and I have wondered that no one ever told us about these cool tricks! ;)My 10 & 9 year old boys are using Delta this year. My 5 year old girl is using Primer
Apologia "Exploring Creation with..." series by Jeannie Fulbright
I really enjoy reading these with my kids. I really appreciate the perspective that it adds from a strong Creationist point of view. Jeannie is continually giving glory to God for the wonderful things he has made, and helping us to see how God takes care of us by making things the way He did. I also like the projects, notebooking and narration activities throughout. I feel like it is a great choice for CM families. I would also highly recommend if it is within your budget to buy the Creation Sensation kits to compliment each book also recommended by Jeannie in the book (basically just a kit that provides all the materials required for all the projects explained in the book, all handy there so you don't have to hunt them down).
We have scheduled one book per year. We like this rate.
A Child's Geography by Ann VoskampIs a book absolutely beautifully written. If you have any doubt at all, go to Holy Experience and get a taste of Ann Voskamp's style of writing. I really appreciate the projects for application of what we're learning to life that she incorporates into each lesson. She also includes narration and notebooking throughout for a great CM style book! Her perspective is SO awesome, totally God-focused. I'm so glad we found this book!! We're halfway through this book and really looking forward to the Holy Land version as soon as we're finished.
Bible verses?! Wow. There are so many. Seriously. But I have this one hanging up in our schoolroom: maybe you'll notice a common theme :)
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
~ Isaiah 26:3
*and*
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
~ Matthew 11:28-30
These are particularly meaningful to me at planning time, but really all year long. I need an extra dosis of peace at the beginning when I'm particularly given to stress about how things are going to work out, getting my kids motivated (getting myself motivated for that matter), etc. Christ does not overburden us, we overburden ourselves, he provides rest. As we learn from Him, then we can teach our children.
Tips for a successful school day
After about 5 years of teaching my children, I have finally figured out ahead of time what will help me to have a good day. I've experienced huge motivation to get my act together after too many days when everything that could has gone wrong, everyone's upset and I feel that I'm failing miserably in this daunting task called homeschooling. In the last 2 years I've been somewhat consistent at implementing these changes and I can attest to their awesome improvements!
So, here are a few things that if I can manage to accomplish all these things will pretty much guarantee a successful day of learning in our house.
1. Wake up on time
For me sadly, this is no small thing. I am the queen of sleeping in. For years I've not thought it possible for me to consistently wake up early. I do think my body needs more sleep than some to stay healthy, and for this to happen realistically, I have to get to bed at a regular hour the night before. Truthfully, this has taken a few years to realize how really important this is and how it affects my attitude and even my outlook on life.
2. Read the Word of God
Taking at least a few minutes to focus my day. Vital. I do this before I even get out of bed.
3. Turn things over to Him
I recognize that I will mess everything up if left all to myself (constant reliance on the Spirit throughout the day, I need LOTS of reminders). This is VERY important.
4. Get dressed and shod...
... and not just sweatpants and t-shirts, when I'm really dressed I feel better and if someone comes to the door, or I have to run out quick, I'm ready. In our line of work and in this country, people show up at ANY time and it used to be such a frustration for me... not anymore, I'm ready for 'em ;) Now if I only could manage to have a meal ready at all times... heheh. I've found this helps my Beloved to relate to me in a manner I really like as well. I dress everyday with him in mind.
5. Establish the kids in their own morning routine.
I'm actually in the middle of implementing this right now. My kids wake up before the crack of dawn, NO MATTER WHAT time they went to bed. They would wake up and play (boys play loud) and then play until lunch time if left to themselves. I would regularly get frustrated when I called them down to breakfast that they weren't dressed and their room was a mess. Now, I've created a checklist of things for them to do before 8am - breakfast. I now just need to get them a clock for their room to make sure it's all done on time, and without reminders!
6. Have plan in place for breakfast, the night before.
This could be as simple as just knowing what we're going to eat, or it could mean actually preparing it ahead and having the table all set.
7. Do not turn on the computer before starting school
I know myself. I have a hard time just checking mail! In my mail there are ads that I just have to read, my AmblesideOnline or Spell to Write & Read and MathUsee yahoo groups to browse, and then there are notes to respond to and links to freebies and all the rest, and before I know it, I'm late starting... again.
8. Keep the little kids nearby at all times.
This is vital to a peaceful day. If the kids are nearby, I can sense when trouble is afoot. When I get busy or distracted and they are left to themselves, I discover little messes around the house made by sneaky, hungry kiddos. Not to mention, I get frustrated at the frequent sometimes fierce combats that ensue upstairs that cause me to have to run up to play policewoman before someone is killed. If they are with me, this doesn't happen. We like being together :)
9. Having a plan
Sounds obvious, but... Knowing what I'm supposed to be teaching and what the kids are supposed to be learning and doing each day, let alone at certain checkpoints throughout the day, is absolutely essential. I need several planning days a year (speaking of which I haven't had one for...TOO long - no wonder I'm a mess ;), in order to keep on top of all of the kiddos learning requirements. I actually benefit from having a daily schedule that keeps all of life a little more trackable.
10. Keep 'em busy!
My Beloved and I have had a tumultuous last year with moving back here to Peru, hosting various guests - some with moderate stays, and just the extreme busy-ness of ministry and cross-cultural dealings. We don't have TV, and limit movies to once a week or so. The kids don't play outside in the neighborhood because it is unsafe... all this has meant many days where school consists simply of the basics and the kids are left with lots of free time. While free time cultivates creativity perhaps, my kids creativity doesn't seem to need any cultivation, it's in full bloom! What they need more of is direction. So, making sure their assignments are clear, giving them work to do around the house, and even providing directed play or project ideas has been very helpful. This includes keeping the little ones busy while we do school with the older ones. Having toddler and preschool activities on hand at all times has helped immensely.
So there you have it :) That's what we do...
What do you do? Please leave a comment or a link to your helpful homeschool management tips?
This is a repost from the archives at my other blog: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/amada/567751/
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What's in a name?
So why did we name our homeschool? After all, what is in a name? There's no point in having a certain name or any name at all if we don't live up to our name.
We can name our school the happy homeschool and be yelling at each other all day. We could name our homeschool because we want people to think we're something special, something that we're not. Appearances.
But, on the other hand, maybe making a name helps us to focus on who we want to be.
And that is a good reason to have one.
And so, we call our homeschool Fisher Academy International ~ Teaching Home
The initials stand for FAITH; because without faith, we would never arrive at anything.
We can name our school the happy homeschool and be yelling at each other all day. We could name our homeschool because we want people to think we're something special, something that we're not. Appearances.
But, on the other hand, maybe making a name helps us to focus on who we want to be.
And that is a good reason to have one.
And so, we call our homeschool Fisher Academy International ~ Teaching Home
The initials stand for FAITH; because without faith, we would never arrive at anything.
- Fisher because the Lord has called us to be fishers of men. It is our goal to raise up little fishers-of-people, who follow the Fisherman himself.
- Academy because without it we'd be FITH and that just doesn't work for me ;)
- International because we are American, but we live in Peru. But our real country is that whose architect and builder is God. So, we're sojourners. Sort of without a country... for now.
- Teaching Home because we do teach at home. We aren't necessarily of the type to think that everything 'school-ish' is bad, but I really love the term teaching home, because that's what we do. We learn at home. Life is all about learning.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Win a subscription to TOS Homeschool magazine!!
I'm SUPER excited that you've come to my blog-warming party! Welcome! I'd offer you some tea in honor of the event and your arrival, but you'll have to make your own due to distance :) The picture will have to suffice.
I started this blog a little while ago now, but haven't really had a chance until now to make the official beginning... So, welcome to my new blog!!
I'm excited about my new blog, but I'm also really excited that I get to have a contest in celebration! I have a year's digital subscription from the Old Schoolhouse magazine to offer as a door-prize, and you'll each get 3 chances to win!
I don't know how many of you subscribe to any homeschool magazines, but they are such an encouragement! Now, hold on a minute while I look through this magazine that one of you is going to win...
Okay, may I just say that this is no rink-a-dink magazine. We are talking the real thing! TOS digital magazine has the look and feel of a REAL magazine, only no paper. And you know what I mean, the colorful ads, the layout, LOTS of content, with a huge variety of relevant topics coming from lots of different perspectives, all with a clearly christian world-view. I looked over the cover, the first page, and am now scanning the contents... whoa. There's a lot here. I am impressed. Not to mention the table of contents is clickable! So, no pages to fuss with, one click and I'm instantly reading what I'm interested in.
One thing I'm noticing is that if you don't have a super fast internet connection, don't mess with viewing it online, download it to your computer or straight to a CD for easier viewing. There are some delays depending on how fast your computer is.
I'm really liking that I can change the view of the magazine, to zoom in or out. Wow, I am even able to pull up a little window with the table of contents without changing the page I'm on, and I just clicked the link to the next article I'm interested in, without flipping pages! This is really cool!
One of the ads for a curriculum that I've been interested in, had a link in it, and I clicked right to their website to enter in a contest for TOS subscribers to win their curriculum for free! Now you can't do that with a regular magazine! All the links throughout the magazine are clickable.
I'm on page 63 of the magazine, and I'm at least a half-hour in. I'm only a third of the way through, and I've only just skimmed over several articles. Content, content, content! Now I've just come across a familiar name! Being part of the HSB (homeschoolblogger) community from my very first blogging experience, I've come to know many other homeschool moms out there with blogs. It's been such an encouragement to me living internationally. Anyway, there's an article about a 'bloggy friend' of mine in the magazine!
I'm now on page 126 (2/3) and so far I've found several links to free e-books for subscribers and FREE is good!
My original impression holds true, this magazine is truly professionally done! There were interviews with well-known homeschool people, free products, spiritual encouragement, Creation science support, and even a unit study! My favorite all time favorite homeschool author even wrote an article.
I say that this is a top-rate production, and I highly recommend it at a price that you can't pass up. $16.95/year and you get the four quarterly issues plus the 19 Free International/Digital gifts.
They also send out a monthly 'Teacher's Toolbox' that is FULL of cool practical stuff and free downloads. The send out a paper magazine as well, but I find the digital version perfect for us!
There is just so much content, enough for several sittings. Which means lots of encouragement!
This is the only homeschool magazine I subscribe to, and though there are many good ones out
there, I feel that this one meets all my needs and expectations.
So, now that you're convinced you want it...
Are you ready for some fun?!
Contest details:
If you'd like to win the door-prize of a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine, (if you already have one, give it to someone as a gift) here's how...
Chance #1 -
Leave a comment anywhere on my new blog between now and September 5th! Mention something about the blog-warming contest. If you comment over HERE about my new blog I'll throw in an extra chance!!Chance #2 -
Copy and paste the banner and text down below here into your blog, and leave a comment and link to your post, right here at this post in my blog. (If you don't have a blog, don't worry, you can still enter by leaving a comment and a way to get in touch with you) ... and take a picture of yourself WHILE standing on your head!!Chance #3 -hahahahaha... just kidding!
On your blog write about your 3 favorite things about homeschooling, and one thing you'd like to change about your homeschool.Your name will be entered for chance you participate in for a total of 3 chances. Contest ends Sept. 5! I'm just so excited for whoever wins!
Leave another comment with a link to your blog post. (you can combine both posts in one)
AND thanks for coming to my blog-warming party! Feel free to have a peak about my blog, and I hope to see you around again soon!
Here's your posting info: Copy and paste the image and text below and link them back here.
Click here to visit amada's blog-warming party and enter to win a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine! or copy and paste: http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com
or you can enter the following code into your html editor:
<a href="http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com"><img src="http://tuttlekids.com/Gallery/albums/album08/TOScontest_white.jpg">
Click here to visit amada's blog-warming party and enter to win a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine! or copy and paste: http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com</a>
or you can enter the following code into your html editor:
<a href="http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com"><img src="http://tuttlekids.com/Gallery/albums/album08/TOScontest_white.jpg">
Click here to visit amada's blog-warming party and enter to win a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine! or copy and paste: http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com</a>
Fisher Academy Beginnings ~ A memoir
I wonder how many other moms find it difficult to know where to begin when writing about themselves. Boy, I do. I can write about my kids, I can give advice to younger moms, and I can always think of something to complain about, but tell a little about myself is hard! Where do I begin?!
Well, ever since I can remember, all I ever wanted to be when I grew up, was a wife and a mommy. I wanted at least 4 kids (preferably boys). I spent hours picking out names and dreaming of what they would look like and who they would be. Funny, how when you actually have everything you've ever dreamed of, you can still sometimes find yourself less than satisfied.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my life. But sometimes I forget and have to remind myself, when I'm having one of those days, or when I just can't see the positive light on matters, "Amy, you are living your dream life! God has given you everything and more than you ever asked for... This is what you've always wanted! Cheer up!" ...and that helps. :)
I married my high school sweetheart, and love him more then ever. My husband and I were married almost 12 years ago, we have 5 kids and I'm still 30! We've lived our lives in a kind of fast forward mode as we've been on the missionfield for 5 years. We've moved innumerable times, which means we've packed and unpacked a LOT. God has been SO gracious to me, and I am so thankful to be His bond-servant. I am a total work-in-progress. I have so much to learn, and I love that God is making me more like Christ.
We strongly desire that our family and home exemplify what a real working relationship with Christ looks like. This means dependence on grace, transparency and a lot of forgiveness. We're still learning. We've made lots of mistakes. We keep on making them. But we're trying to do our best! May God bless the work of our hands.
We originally decided to homeschool way back when we first came to Peru. Our oldest 2 kids were 1.5 and 2.5. We were planning to work in a small town in a remote part of the jungle (this remains a possibility), and the school there was not even a consideration. So, we decided we'd homeschool. I was excited about the idea, I love learning! As we've gone along, we homeschool for so many more reasons. I LOVE having our kids around. I love discovering who they are, what they love and helping them develop their God-given talents. I can't wait to see what God has in store for them.
Friday, August 22, 2008
E-books: to print or not to print
One of the really cool things about AmblesideOnline is that you can find a lot of the books on the reading lists online in e-book format. This is really cool especially since they are FREE! (which is seriously one of my favorite words in the English language)
For us, the e-book option is also SUPREMELY helpful because we don´t have to buy and lug all the books from country to country as we travel. I can read the books wherever there is an internet connection or access to my laptop, where the books are also saved on my hard drive.
Now, keep in mind all this is coming from someone who LOVES books. I especially treasure the feel of pages in old books that are very delicate. I love the smell of an old book, I love libraries, I love bookstores, I especially love little bookstores with lots of old books. I own many books, and want to buy many more. But the simple fact of the matter is, that I can´t bring them all down here. Postage is atrocious, and books are heavy for luggage where these days every pound counts. If I could, I would much rather read a hold-it-in-your-hand-turn-the-page-put-a-bookmark-to-hold-your-place, kind of book.
But necessity has created another kind of beast... So, now I also love and collect e-books! hehehe. My hard drive is full of them :D
But what I have come to learn about e-books is that basically, you have several options. You can read the book right off the screen, or you can print the whole thing off on your printer. I have done both. I have read many long discussions on the AO yahoo group about how to print economically. I won´t go there. However, it is a toss up for me. I don´t like to spend the ink on printing, but I do like to hold the book in my hand.
We´ve found that the cuddle factor doesn´t come in for us, because with my laptop, we can cuddle almost just as well as we would with a book in hand.
What we do, is we read about half off the screen and half from books that we have. I find this a comfortable amount. I don´t print any books anymore. We used to read a lot more from the screen. That was fine too. This year I´ve ordered quite a few used books that I found cheap and my mom will graciously bring many of them down when she comes to visit us NEXT MONTH! (woohoo, I am SO excited!)
So, I have not yet answered the question whether or not to print your e-books... I think what I´d say without knowing everyone´s circumstances... I would say no. Instead of printing, save the money it would cost in printer ink to buy a used copy of the book. If you can´t afford it at this moment, read it from the screen of your computer, and if it was one of those books that you´d love to read again, buy it used the next time around. I kind of think of reading it off the screen as my preview of the book and if I just LOVE it, someday I´ll invest in the real thing.
I´d love to hear your comments on this one. What do you do with e-books, and why?
For us, the e-book option is also SUPREMELY helpful because we don´t have to buy and lug all the books from country to country as we travel. I can read the books wherever there is an internet connection or access to my laptop, where the books are also saved on my hard drive.
Now, keep in mind all this is coming from someone who LOVES books. I especially treasure the feel of pages in old books that are very delicate. I love the smell of an old book, I love libraries, I love bookstores, I especially love little bookstores with lots of old books. I own many books, and want to buy many more. But the simple fact of the matter is, that I can´t bring them all down here. Postage is atrocious, and books are heavy for luggage where these days every pound counts. If I could, I would much rather read a hold-it-in-your-hand-turn-the-page-put-a-bookmark-to-hold-your-place, kind of book.
But necessity has created another kind of beast... So, now I also love and collect e-books! hehehe. My hard drive is full of them :D
But what I have come to learn about e-books is that basically, you have several options. You can read the book right off the screen, or you can print the whole thing off on your printer. I have done both. I have read many long discussions on the AO yahoo group about how to print economically. I won´t go there. However, it is a toss up for me. I don´t like to spend the ink on printing, but I do like to hold the book in my hand.
We´ve found that the cuddle factor doesn´t come in for us, because with my laptop, we can cuddle almost just as well as we would with a book in hand.
What we do, is we read about half off the screen and half from books that we have. I find this a comfortable amount. I don´t print any books anymore. We used to read a lot more from the screen. That was fine too. This year I´ve ordered quite a few used books that I found cheap and my mom will graciously bring many of them down when she comes to visit us NEXT MONTH! (woohoo, I am SO excited!)
So, I have not yet answered the question whether or not to print your e-books... I think what I´d say without knowing everyone´s circumstances... I would say no. Instead of printing, save the money it would cost in printer ink to buy a used copy of the book. If you can´t afford it at this moment, read it from the screen of your computer, and if it was one of those books that you´d love to read again, buy it used the next time around. I kind of think of reading it off the screen as my preview of the book and if I just LOVE it, someday I´ll invest in the real thing.
I´d love to hear your comments on this one. What do you do with e-books, and why?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Our schoolroom
this is a close up of the right half of the shelf above...
I can´t figure out why all my picture look dark and dinghy... it´s either my camera´s flash is annoying, or else my house really is dark and dinghy! hahahahahahah!
Amy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
How I keep plans:
Well, one of the awesome things about AO is that everything is online... just a click away. So, really I just need my reading schedule for the term and I'm set.
But... I am a binder girl. I LOVE three-ring binders, maybe a little too much ;) I have 2 binders for my AO stuff. An AO reference Notebook (has pretty much anything I find and print off the AO website, or other resources) and the AO term Notebook (has all the information I need for the term if not for the entire year). This is divided by subject: History/Timelines (I put the term's timeline figures here to use as needed), Art/Music (prints for the term, Music selections), Nature/Science (resources that I will use for the term), Copywork/Hymns (pre-printed copywork selections and the lyrics to the hymns for the term which we also use for copywork), Shakespeare/Plutarch (nothing here yet), Poetry (term's selections printed from the website) Memory/Recitation (passages we're working on or will work on), and Handiwork/Life Skills (any ideas I find I stash in here).
Normal people would have no need for AO reference notebook because they have reliable internet. I keep it because where we used to live the internet and/or electricity was not always reliable, and I needed to have the info in case I needed it (I also downloaded all the e-books and online content into files on my computer and burned a DVD for each year in case emergency).
AO term Notebook 
How I keep records:
I do not keep records other than the boys each keep a personal notebook/portfolio (kept accessible) every year for their loose papers, and we periodically sort through it, keeping only their best work as a reminder to them of what they've studied (& in case anyone asks). Every year, before the new school year, we empty out their notebooks and store only their best and favorites. We put all of this into the BIG binders (these are gigantic 3" binders kept in our office for periodic reminiscent perusal) that have the samples of several past years' work combined. We get rid of everything else by sending artwork to grandparents and throwing the rest away.
Well, one of the awesome things about AO is that everything is online... just a click away. So, really I just need my reading schedule for the term and I'm set.
But... I am a binder girl. I LOVE three-ring binders, maybe a little too much ;) I have 2 binders for my AO stuff. An AO reference Notebook (has pretty much anything I find and print off the AO website, or other resources) and the AO term Notebook (has all the information I need for the term if not for the entire year). This is divided by subject: History/Timelines (I put the term's timeline figures here to use as needed), Art/Music (prints for the term, Music selections), Nature/Science (resources that I will use for the term), Copywork/Hymns (pre-printed copywork selections and the lyrics to the hymns for the term which we also use for copywork), Shakespeare/Plutarch (nothing here yet), Poetry (term's selections printed from the website) Memory/Recitation (passages we're working on or will work on), and Handiwork/Life Skills (any ideas I find I stash in here).
Normal people would have no need for AO reference notebook because they have reliable internet. I keep it because where we used to live the internet and/or electricity was not always reliable, and I needed to have the info in case I needed it (I also downloaded all the e-books and online content into files on my computer and burned a DVD for each year in case emergency).
AO reference Notebook
AO term NotebookHow I keep records:
I do not keep records other than the boys each keep a personal notebook/portfolio (kept accessible) every year for their loose papers, and we periodically sort through it, keeping only their best work as a reminder to them of what they've studied (& in case anyone asks). Every year, before the new school year, we empty out their notebooks and store only their best and favorites. We put all of this into the BIG binders (these are gigantic 3" binders kept in our office for periodic reminiscent perusal) that have the samples of several past years' work combined. We get rid of everything else by sending artwork to grandparents and throwing the rest away.
personal notebook/portfolio:
This is how I manage to keep the papers
under control around here:
This is how I manage to keep the papersunder control around here:
Amy
Friday, August 15, 2008
Year round school - How I plan it
In our house we school year-round. We do this for several reasons. One is because of our ministry as missionaries, we can't really plan for the long-term. People in this country don't plan very far ahead and naturally as our ministry is with/to them, we can't either.
We usually have a rough sketch of what we'll be doing for a 3 month period at a time, occasionally we have things on the calendar as much as 6 months or so in advance... but always tentatively :) As we go along we usually have a pretty good idea of what the coming month will hold.
We travel within Peru relatively often with ministry related trips, or have people staying with us, or are hosting short-term mission teams or whatever else. These things all would be quite difficult to school through without missing a beat. So, we school year round and take breaks when we need to.
How I set up my year:
Each year, several times a year, I have a homeschool planning day. This means that we figure out someone (or several people in shifts) to stay with the kids, and I go away to the library, Starbucks, Panera, or somewhere that has wireless internet. During this day, I do what I need to do for our homeschool. (yes, I found a place here in Trujillo, Peru with wireless... woohoo! no library though, and no Panera...)
Sometimes it is actually breaking down the books into what we will read each week. Other times it includes researching library resources or curriculum on the internet. I always work out what we will cover for each term (see below) and what we need to do each week to accomplish that. Some planning days have been more intense than others.
We use AmblesideOnline as a guide to our reading and curriculum choices. One of the most awesome things about AO is that some wonderful ladies have posted many things including beautifully formatted schedules on the yahoo groups for FREE. I have used these from the beginning and they are of immeasurable worth to me in my planning.
The year is separated into 3 terms, each 12 weeks long. From there the reading selections (living books) are divided up over the weeks so that I know what I need to read each week. Booklists and schedules for each year are also found on the AmblesideOnline website. On my homeschool planning day, I look this over and gather all the materials that I will need for the term (composer music, art selections, hymns printed off from online, etc.) If we do have guests or have to travel then I just leave off and take up the next weeks' plan where I left off.
I generally buy all the books I need during the year ahead, and take the year one term at a time. Because we school year round and so we don't stress out when we have to take a week off here and there because of ministry, travel or visitors.
Amy
We usually have a rough sketch of what we'll be doing for a 3 month period at a time, occasionally we have things on the calendar as much as 6 months or so in advance... but always tentatively :) As we go along we usually have a pretty good idea of what the coming month will hold.
We travel within Peru relatively often with ministry related trips, or have people staying with us, or are hosting short-term mission teams or whatever else. These things all would be quite difficult to school through without missing a beat. So, we school year round and take breaks when we need to.
How I set up my year:
Each year, several times a year, I have a homeschool planning day. This means that we figure out someone (or several people in shifts) to stay with the kids, and I go away to the library, Starbucks, Panera, or somewhere that has wireless internet. During this day, I do what I need to do for our homeschool. (yes, I found a place here in Trujillo, Peru with wireless... woohoo! no library though, and no Panera...)
Sometimes it is actually breaking down the books into what we will read each week. Other times it includes researching library resources or curriculum on the internet. I always work out what we will cover for each term (see below) and what we need to do each week to accomplish that. Some planning days have been more intense than others.
We use AmblesideOnline as a guide to our reading and curriculum choices. One of the most awesome things about AO is that some wonderful ladies have posted many things including beautifully formatted schedules on the yahoo groups for FREE. I have used these from the beginning and they are of immeasurable worth to me in my planning.
The year is separated into 3 terms, each 12 weeks long. From there the reading selections (living books) are divided up over the weeks so that I know what I need to read each week. Booklists and schedules for each year are also found on the AmblesideOnline website. On my homeschool planning day, I look this over and gather all the materials that I will need for the term (composer music, art selections, hymns printed off from online, etc.) If we do have guests or have to travel then I just leave off and take up the next weeks' plan where I left off.
I generally buy all the books I need during the year ahead, and take the year one term at a time. Because we school year round and so we don't stress out when we have to take a week off here and there because of ministry, travel or visitors.
Amy
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What to teach?!
First of all let me say, that I LOVE to plan. I love to make lists, schedules etc. Now if I could just DO everything that I plan to do... heheh. That's the tricky part!
So with that said, here's how I plan...
I SO love the Charlotte Mason ideals. I love the ideas of nature study, living books, narration, dictation, copywork, art and composer studies, book of centuries... it's ALL so great! We try to do all these things in our homeschool. Every year we manage to do a little bit of everything, and every year we get a little closer to doing everything we'd like to do. For the last 3 years or so, we've still been figuring out who we are. I've been learning about the learning styles of my little people and finding out what inspires them.
How I decide what to teach:
Let me just say, that there are WAY too many options for homeschool curriculum these days! It is WAY overwhelming! But praise God we've found something that not only works for us, but that we LOVE!
For the past 3 years we've used the AmblesideOnline curriculum plan. We LOVE AO! I've made very few adaptations to the curriculum as suggested and been very happy with the book selections. My boys look forward EVERY day to reading their 'AO books' as we call them. Our Island Story, Children of the New Forest, The Little White Horse, The Princess and the Goblin and Little Britches: My Father and I were Ranchers were among some of their favorites this year. But, really, they liked ALL the books! hahah.
As far as math, language/phonics and science we do use recommended curriculum in all these areas except for Spell to Write and Read which I use simply because it is by FAR the best curriculum available :) IMHO. heheheh.
Well, I guess everyone chooses to teach what they think is the BEST, so this is a little bit subjective, but here are my best curriculum picks for language arts, science, math and geography...
AmblesideOnline.org
http://www.amblesideonline.org/New.shtml
AO yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmblesideOnline/
printable brochure
http://www.amblesideonline.org/files/Ambleside%20Online%20brochure%202008%20double-sided%20tri-fold.pdf
Spell to Write and Read info
(this is my mentor, Britta's site. She sells the curriculum and fun things that can be used alongside) http://www.morningstarlearning.com/SWR_home.html
SWR yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpellToWriteAndRead/
Math u see
http://mathusee.com
MUS yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mus-users/
Apologia (elementary) Author Jeannie Fulbright's website
http://www.jeanniefulbright.com/home.html
her blog
http://www.jeanniesjournal.com/
A Child's Geography
http://www.achildsgeography.com/
I will be posting some more CM planning tips in the days to come.
Until the next time,
So with that said, here's how I plan...
I SO love the Charlotte Mason ideals. I love the ideas of nature study, living books, narration, dictation, copywork, art and composer studies, book of centuries... it's ALL so great! We try to do all these things in our homeschool. Every year we manage to do a little bit of everything, and every year we get a little closer to doing everything we'd like to do. For the last 3 years or so, we've still been figuring out who we are. I've been learning about the learning styles of my little people and finding out what inspires them.
How I decide what to teach:
Let me just say, that there are WAY too many options for homeschool curriculum these days! It is WAY overwhelming! But praise God we've found something that not only works for us, but that we LOVE!
For the past 3 years we've used the AmblesideOnline curriculum plan. We LOVE AO! I've made very few adaptations to the curriculum as suggested and been very happy with the book selections. My boys look forward EVERY day to reading their 'AO books' as we call them. Our Island Story, Children of the New Forest, The Little White Horse, The Princess and the Goblin and Little Britches: My Father and I were Ranchers were among some of their favorites this year. But, really, they liked ALL the books! hahah.
As far as math, language/phonics and science we do use recommended curriculum in all these areas except for Spell to Write and Read which I use simply because it is by FAR the best curriculum available :) IMHO. heheheh.
Well, I guess everyone chooses to teach what they think is the BEST, so this is a little bit subjective, but here are my best curriculum picks for language arts, science, math and geography...
| |  |
| | |
http://www.amblesideonline.org/New.shtml
AO yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmblesideOnline/
printable brochure
http://www.amblesideonline.org/files/Ambleside%20Online%20brochure%202008%20double-sided%20tri-fold.pdf
Spell to Write and Read info
(this is my mentor, Britta's site. She sells the curriculum and fun things that can be used alongside) http://www.morningstarlearning.com/SWR_home.html
SWR yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpellToWriteAndRead/
Math u see
http://mathusee.com
MUS yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mus-users/
Apologia (elementary) Author Jeannie Fulbright's website
http://www.jeanniefulbright.com/home.html
her blog
http://www.jeanniesjournal.com/
A Child's Geography
http://www.achildsgeography.com/
I will be posting some more CM planning tips in the days to come.
Until the next time,
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Humans almost extinct? If only they realized how right they are!
One of CNN's latest headlines for today reads,
Well, according to the Bible EVERY LIVING THING ON EARTH was wiped out, with exception to the family in the boat! Every living thing was on the verge of extinction!
If only he'd read and believed his Bible, he'd have known that our numbers were down to only eight! and that we were on the edge of extinction way more recently than he had thought...
Read the full article HERE.
"Humans nearly wiped out 70,000 years ago, study says"How right can they be?!
Well, according to the Bible EVERY LIVING THING ON EARTH was wiped out, with exception to the family in the boat! Every living thing was on the verge of extinction!
"He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark."They just got their dates wrong!
Paleontologist Meave Leakey, a Genographic adviser, said: "Who would have thought that as recently as 70,000 years ago, extremes of climate had reduced our population to such small numbers that we were on the very edge of extinction?"
If only he'd read and believed his Bible, he'd have known that our numbers were down to only eight! and that we were on the edge of extinction way more recently than he had thought...
Read the full article HERE.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Fisher Academy begins...
Well, since everyone is doing it... I've decided to move on over here to make a start when I get a chance. I will maintain my main blog over at homeschoolblogger still for now. I'm playing around with this one :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Math Modification - MEP; adjustments
Hello,
I am having some difficulty deciding where to place my two guys and hope there might be someone here who can give me some advice :)
We tried MEP some years ago (I love that it's free and readily available, as well as the comprehensiveness of the program) but I quickly gave up for having more babies as well as the fact that we were living a very unsettled lifestyle at that time (not a negative necessarily!) and I could not handle the teacher prep/involvement time. We opted for MUS (which I don't dislike, though after a recent review of MEP, in comparison, MUS seems quite a glossing over math concepts). This has been fine for us for the last 2-3 years.
However, I live in S.America and found myself having finished our math (Delta) too soon (thanks to dh and his frequent assigning of extra math pages) and I don't have anything to finish the rest of the school year with. I have been adding in 'living math' activities and plan to continue with that, but feel like I need some curriculum spine to keep us regular and accountable.
Here's our scenario:
I have 2 boys (11.5 & 10.5) who have always been taught together in every subject. However, my second son is definitely the stronger/quicker in math. Until now, I have just worked hard with my first to keep him up with his younger brother (mainly because of rivalry/competition issues and I don't want him to feel badly that his brother passes him up... he already has expressed that he 'hates math' and 'isn't good at it' - mainly I think, because he senses that his brother is better/quicker at grasping the concepts).
A couple of weeks ago, I re-started MEP with the Y4 second book. #2 boy is really thriving and is truly challenged (though occasionally stumped, with help quickly grasps. However, our problem is, that #2 is constantly growing frustrated/distracted as he has to wait for #1 to comprehend the concept). #1 gets very frustrated when he can't 'get it' and slumps and enters into a state of mind where I truly believe that he cannot get it unless he wills himself out of that mood or we have to take a break. Now, if it were only him, I would say,
take a break! We'll come back to it after lunch or whatever. But teaching the two of them together I feel I have to spur him on. I give #2 a break until I'm done explaining to #1 (which seems to just emphasize the fact that #2 surpasses #1, adding to the problem?) The other option would be to teach them separately if not separate books, at separate times of the day. This I find hard to imagine with the time requirement; I also have a Y1 daughter and a son who will start Y1 next year.
I'm looking at this thinking... maybe this program is okay if all I teach all day long is math! But our curriculum (AmblesideOnline) also requires a lot of teacher involvement reading aloud, and masterly inactivity :) SO... my
questions are:
1) Is this program doable for big families?
2) Do I risk separating my boys into different years for the first time in their lives and put the younger ahead of the elder?
3) If I do separate them, how on earth do I manage having kiddos in 3 different years (4 next year!)? Does anyone else do this?
4) Should I send my #1 further back? He has always, probably always will have trouble with mastering math concepts.
5) Maybe I should stick with MUS for #1 and MEP for #2 and then they wouldn't realize they are at different levels (yeah right... competition is prime with them since birth, they will compare!), or at least they wouldn't feel as bad about being at different levels?
Please help, any advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Amy in Peru
Javen 11.5yob, Cullen 10.5yob, Bria 6.8yog, Siah 5yob, Mya 2yog
Leslie and Helen,
Thank you for your responses! I have another quick question or two...
As far as management, I think I can see that doing the 2 at once may be a possibility and I'm willing to try it. I will probably have to re-work my schedule for two math sessions (yuck) but I'll try working with #1 first in the
day, and then later on with #2 (y4ds) and #3 (y1dd) at the same time. If #3 needs extra help I may bring in #1 (y4ds) to work with her, he ideally having already finished his lesson. (Previously my #3 didn't really need help additional to the MUS video so we did everyone's math at the same time.)
My question is:
I'm very uncertain that my #1 can manage where I've got him. I always teach with the front assuming that he is quite capable, but the lesson is taking at least twice as long as is recommended. Matter of fact, many times I've ended up having to do one lesson over two days because of the time factor. I'm not sure if he's just new to the different approach to math (MEP vs. MUS) or if it is his comprehension of the math itself. He has always had some difficulty with math, memorizing addition facts (used his fingers, still sometimes does), multiplication table (he's mainly just slow with recall, though still forgetful of some sets like the 6s for example, until we rework them again), etc. Should I not go by the recommended time, and just give him the time he needs? I am
reluctant to get too far into this second y4 book only to end up putting him back? Of course it would be easier for me to be teaching y4 second book to both boys but separately...
Thanks again,
Amy
Peru
Leslie,
Thanks so much for responding - again. :) Your advice to go slowly/methodically through is just the conclusion I had come to myself after this week.
I'll just update you a little on our progress:
This week, I have separated the boys and it has gone MUCH better as far as attitude goes. #1 was much encouraged, as was I! I taught #2 the same lesson each day in the afternoon and he was able to zip right through. This seems so logical a solution, that I wish I would have just tried it before now (I was
reluctant to have two math sessions a day :).
However, the other part of the problem was that #1 was taking at least 2 hours (sometimes done in one lump, sometimes in shorter hunks) to get through one day's lesson! This continued despite having separated the boys. One contributing factor is that there are about 5 million interruptions a day and my children (very understandably for children though not excusably) take advantage every time I leave the table - to change a diaper or answer the phone or the door, or whatever - to run outside or do something way more fun than math! We are continually working on this... habit of attention!
But besides distraction, the other problem was that he really struggled (took a long time) with some of the newer concepts. (I very much acknowledge this 'learning curve' you mentioned for him as well as for me). In conversation with him last night we talked about the possibilities of keeping him where he is, or putting him back to the beginning of y4 and being able to move through those lessons possibly a little faster. He opted for moving back. We are not going to tell his brother or one of his friends, of whom he is worried that she will
think he isn't smart because he is 'behind' her in math! I told him that with this math, who knows but that when all's told, he may just 'understand' math better than she does in the end!
I think that going slower through as you mentioned would also be a possibility, as I think he would do just fine. But this way (moving back), he has the opportunity to work a tiny bit below his level for awhile in order to gain
confidence in MEP method while concreting skill in some of those areas that are newer to us in this curriculum. He also likes the idea that he can go as fast as he wants to, in order to put himself back in step with his brother. So, we shall see :)
Thanks so much for your help and thoughtful replies. I think we are really going to like this math, under the new arrangement. I am enjoying teaching it.
Amy in Peru
I am having some difficulty deciding where to place my two guys and hope there might be someone here who can give me some advice :)
We tried MEP some years ago (I love that it's free and readily available, as well as the comprehensiveness of the program) but I quickly gave up for having more babies as well as the fact that we were living a very unsettled lifestyle at that time (not a negative necessarily!) and I could not handle the teacher prep/involvement time. We opted for MUS (which I don't dislike, though after a recent review of MEP, in comparison, MUS seems quite a glossing over math concepts). This has been fine for us for the last 2-3 years.
However, I live in S.America and found myself having finished our math (Delta) too soon (thanks to dh and his frequent assigning of extra math pages) and I don't have anything to finish the rest of the school year with. I have been adding in 'living math' activities and plan to continue with that, but feel like I need some curriculum spine to keep us regular and accountable.
Here's our scenario:
I have 2 boys (11.5 & 10.5) who have always been taught together in every subject. However, my second son is definitely the stronger/quicker in math. Until now, I have just worked hard with my first to keep him up with his younger brother (mainly because of rivalry/competition issues and I don't want him to feel badly that his brother passes him up... he already has expressed that he 'hates math' and 'isn't good at it' - mainly I think, because he senses that his brother is better/quicker at grasping the concepts).
A couple of weeks ago, I re-started MEP with the Y4 second book. #2 boy is really thriving and is truly challenged (though occasionally stumped, with help quickly grasps. However, our problem is, that #2 is constantly growing frustrated/distracted as he has to wait for #1 to comprehend the concept). #1 gets very frustrated when he can't 'get it' and slumps and enters into a state of mind where I truly believe that he cannot get it unless he wills himself out of that mood or we have to take a break. Now, if it were only him, I would say,
take a break! We'll come back to it after lunch or whatever. But teaching the two of them together I feel I have to spur him on. I give #2 a break until I'm done explaining to #1 (which seems to just emphasize the fact that #2 surpasses #1, adding to the problem?) The other option would be to teach them separately if not separate books, at separate times of the day. This I find hard to imagine with the time requirement; I also have a Y1 daughter and a son who will start Y1 next year.
I'm looking at this thinking... maybe this program is okay if all I teach all day long is math! But our curriculum (AmblesideOnline) also requires a lot of teacher involvement reading aloud, and masterly inactivity :) SO... my
questions are:
1) Is this program doable for big families?
2) Do I risk separating my boys into different years for the first time in their lives and put the younger ahead of the elder?
3) If I do separate them, how on earth do I manage having kiddos in 3 different years (4 next year!)? Does anyone else do this?
4) Should I send my #1 further back? He has always, probably always will have trouble with mastering math concepts.
5) Maybe I should stick with MUS for #1 and MEP for #2 and then they wouldn't realize they are at different levels (yeah right... competition is prime with them since birth, they will compare!), or at least they wouldn't feel as bad about being at different levels?
Please help, any advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Amy in Peru
Javen 11.5yob, Cullen 10.5yob, Bria 6.8yog, Siah 5yob, Mya 2yog
Hi Amy,
I will attempt to answer your questions as I have taught 4 different years at the same time and use much of AO at the same time.
> 1) Is this program doable for big families?
The program is doable, but it requires order and some creative 'juggling'.
> 2) Do I risk separating my boys into different years for the first time in their lives and put the younger ahead of the elder?
I would strongly suggest you separate your boys. It sounds to me you are hindering the youngest and frustrating the oldest. Competition in this arena may only make the oldest feel stupid and inadequate and the youngest superior. Not necessarily traits you want to foster between bothers.
> 3) If I do separate them, how on earth do I manage having kiddos in 3 different years (4 next year!)? Does anyone else do this?
I have managed doing this by teaching 2 at a time. I sit at the head of our dining table and I have my highest yr child on one side and a younger yr child on the other. I spend about 10-15 min. with the higher yr...doing the teacher inclusive activities. Once they begin question #1 in their PB, I bring the other student. I do the teacher inclusive things and sort of 'volley' back and forth
between the two until they have completed the lessons.
Doing 2 at a time is still a lot of time in the day, but it cuts it in half. I have also utilized my yr6 dd to teach my yr1 ds. This has been a tremendous help as then I can focus on my yr2 ds who has a harder time with math. My yr5 dd gets the concepts quickly and usually just needs me for the LP activities.
Like I said, it can be done, you just have to manipulate things to see what works for your family. I also believe that reading and maths are the most important 'subjects' in the primary level. If my children are proficient in both of these areas when entering the secondary level they will be well ahead of the curve. There is plenty of time to read all those wonderful AO selections and then some!
> 4) Should I send my #1 further back? He has always, probably always will have trouble with mastering math concepts.
If he is able to manage the yr you have him in and can relax a bit knowing his brother is no longer 'in the picture', then leave him there. You may find his attitude improve when he is not feeling like he is in his younger brothers shadow. He may even surprise you and begin to 'try' more. It amazes me how children will try when they don't feel like they are under a 'time crunch'.
I don't mean to imply you have done anything unkind or harsh. Sometimes a child's insecurities are not based in any real 'threat', but they feel hindered non the less.
> 5) Maybe I should stick with MUS for #1 and MEP for #2 and then they wouldn't realize they are at different levels (yeah right... competition is prime with them since birth, they will compare!), or at least they wouldn't feel as bad about being at different levels?
Personally I would just separate them and let the younger move ahead at his pace and keep the older at the pace that is comfortable for him. The cool thing about MEP is that because it is spiral, all the concepts are taught in all yrs. So if younger son is doing geometry, so is the older. They are just doing it at different degrees of difficulty. My yr1 student is doing algebra as is my yr6 dd.
I hope I have been able to give you something to think about.
:)Leslie
Leslie and Helen,
Thank you for your responses! I have another quick question or two...
As far as management, I think I can see that doing the 2 at once may be a possibility and I'm willing to try it. I will probably have to re-work my schedule for two math sessions (yuck) but I'll try working with #1 first in the
day, and then later on with #2 (y4ds) and #3 (y1dd) at the same time. If #3 needs extra help I may bring in #1 (y4ds) to work with her, he ideally having already finished his lesson. (Previously my #3 didn't really need help additional to the MUS video so we did everyone's math at the same time.)
My question is:
I'm very uncertain that my #1 can manage where I've got him. I always teach with the front assuming that he is quite capable, but the lesson is taking at least twice as long as is recommended. Matter of fact, many times I've ended up having to do one lesson over two days because of the time factor. I'm not sure if he's just new to the different approach to math (MEP vs. MUS) or if it is his comprehension of the math itself. He has always had some difficulty with math, memorizing addition facts (used his fingers, still sometimes does), multiplication table (he's mainly just slow with recall, though still forgetful of some sets like the 6s for example, until we rework them again), etc. Should I not go by the recommended time, and just give him the time he needs? I am
reluctant to get too far into this second y4 book only to end up putting him back? Of course it would be easier for me to be teaching y4 second book to both boys but separately...
Thanks again,
Amy
Peru
Hi Amy,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. Here are my thoughts... I would do MEP with your #1 son for 30 min. If you don't finish the lesson, that is fine. Pick up where you left off the following day. MEP is VERY different than MUS and it definitely has a learning curve for both student and teacher. If your son in not naturally 'mathy' you will want to give him ample time to
assimilate. Also, I would just like to add that he has an entire lifetime to 'get' math. He is young and now is the time for you to take your time and not rush just to get through a book. Slow and steady wins the race ;)
:)Leslie
Leslie,
Thanks so much for responding - again. :) Your advice to go slowly/methodically through is just the conclusion I had come to myself after this week.
I'll just update you a little on our progress:
This week, I have separated the boys and it has gone MUCH better as far as attitude goes. #1 was much encouraged, as was I! I taught #2 the same lesson each day in the afternoon and he was able to zip right through. This seems so logical a solution, that I wish I would have just tried it before now (I was
reluctant to have two math sessions a day :).
However, the other part of the problem was that #1 was taking at least 2 hours (sometimes done in one lump, sometimes in shorter hunks) to get through one day's lesson! This continued despite having separated the boys. One contributing factor is that there are about 5 million interruptions a day and my children (very understandably for children though not excusably) take advantage every time I leave the table - to change a diaper or answer the phone or the door, or whatever - to run outside or do something way more fun than math! We are continually working on this... habit of attention!
But besides distraction, the other problem was that he really struggled (took a long time) with some of the newer concepts. (I very much acknowledge this 'learning curve' you mentioned for him as well as for me). In conversation with him last night we talked about the possibilities of keeping him where he is, or putting him back to the beginning of y4 and being able to move through those lessons possibly a little faster. He opted for moving back. We are not going to tell his brother or one of his friends, of whom he is worried that she will
think he isn't smart because he is 'behind' her in math! I told him that with this math, who knows but that when all's told, he may just 'understand' math better than she does in the end!
I think that going slower through as you mentioned would also be a possibility, as I think he would do just fine. But this way (moving back), he has the opportunity to work a tiny bit below his level for awhile in order to gain
confidence in MEP method while concreting skill in some of those areas that are newer to us in this curriculum. He also likes the idea that he can go as fast as he wants to, in order to put himself back in step with his brother. So, we shall see :)
Thanks so much for your help and thoughtful replies. I think we are really going to like this math, under the new arrangement. I am enjoying teaching it.
Amy in Peru
Monday, August 7, 2006
Ministry of a baby
| I read the following from Dr. Lutzer's book "One Minute After You
A friend sent this in an e-mail today... I loved this, and was encouraged by it, what a cool reminder! ...and since I don't have much time to write I'm just copy and pasting it. Hopefully I'll have a chance to share about some of this stuff sometime soon.
Helpless without HIM, :) Amy ...in Peru since 2001 ~ Proud mammy of 4,was soon-to-be 5 chillins, but one's in heaven :) PS. Prayer Requests: SAFETY IN TRAVEL - We fly tomorrow! Tuesday August 8 from 10am - 9pm and then drive for a couple hours Aug.9. From there, August 10-12 we drive LOTS of hours from Iowa to Houston, Texas. CONTINUING COMFORT - We are all doing fine, but in the midst of all this change it takes a conscious effort to maintain our heaven-focused perspective.
We love the Lord SO much and are SO totally thankful for HIS loving kindness!! Praise HIS name! However could we do anything without his grace and strength?! |
Monday, August 7, 2006 - Thank You... |
| Posted by jdoriot (24.151.161.85) |
| for sharing that quote. We have 5 children...3 still living and 2 really living in Heaven. Our fourth child Sam, was born still at 19 weeks...our fifth child Gus, went to Heaven when he was 16 mos. this past May 31st. Gus was awaiting a liver/small bowel transplant but his body just gave out. Like you all, we are terribly sad that we have to wait to really get to know these little fellows but we rejoice because we know where they are and who they are with!! Please know that your family will be in our prayers! Jenny |
Monday, August 7, 2006 - I will be praying |
| Posted by Jocelyndixon (216.241.131.70) |
| I hope you make it safely! Have a blessed day! Sincerely, Jocelyn/Alatariel Ps. I am giving away a DVD...Check it out |
Monday, August 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by nsremom (64.233.172.2) |
| You're a strong family! Isn't it true about a choice word aptly spoken? Love the Jim Elliot quote. |
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by kympossible (63.64.215.83) |
| I just started reading your blog a couple weeks ago, so you don't even know me. But I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to read your sad news, and that I'm praying that our LORD continues to comfort you and your family. Blessings, Kym |
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Abiga51 (71.135.14.195) |
| Sorry about your loss but Heaven's gain. Thank you for sharing the quote also. And thank you for sharing of yourself with us. I lost my first, losing a fallopian tube in the process but the Lord then blessed me with four more even with it being harder to get preg. Blessings. |
Friday, September 22, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by smlltwnmmmy (207.173.228.115) |
| Thank you so much for posting this. I have had 4 miscarriages myself and I know that God is preparing a nursery full of my precious babies in heaven! This quote that you posted is so comforting, I copied it and will probably read it every day! I have since had a healthy, full-term baby girl. God is so good! I love your site, I'll visit often! :0) Brandi |
Saturday, August 5, 2006
The Lord knows the plans he has for us...
| Well, I haven't written forever, this has been my longest absence yet. I'm really sorry, but when I explain, I'm sure you'll understand why...
My husband was gone for a week. We were travelling for a week. We've been moving for a week.
And the very saddest of all and the reason I haven't been able to write for the last week is, that our fifth baby was born on Tuesday, August 1st. He is in heaven with Jesus as I was only 17 weeks along. We are all doing fine. All the kids are/were very sad, and we're all working through those sad feelings, but we all KNOW that God is in control. Jesus took our baby to be with Him, and we will have to wait to know him, that's sad news, but it's okay.
We are truly glad the Lord has been with us thus far and will continue to be our strength and comfort through the coming days/weeks/months. :) We have SO felt his presence with us and can see his loving guiding hand through the whole thing.
This is not an eloquent post, just enough to let you all know what is happening and that I am in fact still alive.
We are still in Lima, Peru. Our house is packed up and in storage. We made it! Now we are here until Tuesday getting various things done before we leave the country, but for the most part we are able to relax a little bit after our trying time in the last weeks and before our busy-ness over the next few weeks. I'll try to update as we go.
We appreciate your prayers for us during this time.
Trusting, Amy
...in Peru since 2001 ~ Proud mammy of 4, was soon-to-be 5 chillins - but our fifth is in heaven now.
PS. I got this in my e-mail box today (very timely, I'd say). I plan to comment on it eventually:
By Elisabeth Elliot
Repeatedly I am asked variations of this question: Did the Lord comfort you or were you sometimes lonely or sad? It is not an either-or thing. If I had not been lonely and sad at times, how could I have needed, received, or appreciated comfort? It is the sick who need the physician, the thirsty who need water. This is why Paul not only did not deplore his weaknesses, he "gloried" in them, for they provided the very occasions for his appropriating divine help and strength. It was in prison that Joseph knew the presence of the Lord. It was in the lion's den that Daniel's faith was proved. It was in the furnace that Daniel's three friends found themselves accompanied by a fourth. We have plenty of "proof texts"--but in order to experience their truth we have to be placed in "proof contexts." The prison, the lion's den, the furnace are where we are shown the realities, incontestably and forever. Copyright 1985, used with permission |
Saturday, August 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Titus2woman (4.152.75.126) |
| It is sooo good to see you check in! I've wanted to go to Lima since I was in fourth grade and learned about the mural of "The Last Supper" in which every person is of a different nationality, and they're eating roast guinea pig. Go enjoy it in my stead and tell us all about it! So sorry to learn of your loss. (((((HUGS))))) sandi |
Saturday, August 5, 2006 - I'm so proud of you ! |
| Posted by Dad (66.93.38.148) |
| For what you and hubby have gone through and all that has happened and for how you are dealing with it, wow ! You are the same amazing girl I have always remembered from a very young age. Our love and support goes out to you all. We look forward to meeting our little new grandson in Heaven ! |
Saturday, August 5, 2006 - God is an AWESOME God ...... |
| Posted by Hammy (66.93.38.10) |
| We are so thankful that you are in the very best hands. God is so faithful. It is beyond my comprehension how people cope without Him! It was so good to hear your voice and talk to you. We are proud of all of you and certainly will be happy when we can get our hugs in person. As we shared on the phone, we were saddened by the news of Baby Tuttle #5 going home to be with Jesus. However, knowing where he is comforts us very much. Love-n-hugs, m |
Saturday, August 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by bearsmom (71.212.25.123) |
| I am very sorry to hear about your baby. Your family is in my prayers. Jesus, please take care of this precious family and watch over them. Comfort them and bring them peace to their hearts and minds. In Jesus name, amen. |
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - blessings |
| Posted by Jimmie (219.141.3.116) |
| Amy, so sorry. I just assumed you were busy with the move and nothing more than that. I am so sorry for the loss of this baby. Praying the God of all Comfort will walk alongside you all. |
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - Oh, Amy... |
| Posted by MrsIncredible (72.49.191.39) |
| (((((hugs))))) I am so sorry to read about your loss. I know you were so excited about having this precious baby, and that you love him so much. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family in this sad and hard time. The article you shared is definitely timely, but the lion's den is a hard place to be- I hope you know you are not there alone, but are surrounded by prayer and lots of people who love you. Blessings, Jen |
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103) |
| Oh my dear Amy! I am so very sorry for the loss of your littlest one...but rejoicing that your child is at the feet of Jesus right at this very moment! I will be praying for God's comfort, healing, and peace for you and your family. You really do have a lot going on right now and while I can't be there with you to give you a hug, I know that our dear God will show you His love in the days and weeks to come. Love ya, Marsha |
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by nsremom (70.59.131.182) |
| I was just going to check out blog and ask how your new little one was doing. I am so saddened for you. You all were so happy to be pregnant again! I loved Elisabeth Elliots story. It's so true! I will pray for you. I'll pray that you will see yourself as God sees you and your husband sees you and how your dad sees you. LOVED. |
Sunday, August 6, 2006 - Oh Amy... |
| Posted by PreschoolersandPeace (66.42.86.112) |
| So sorry for you. May the LORD give you His peace that passes all understanding. |
Monday, August 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by momanna98 (69.216.238.214) |
| I am so sorry to hear your loss. I know God will continue to comfort you. |
Monday, August 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by mistresninos (71.104.49.17) |
| (((hugs))) I'm so sorry to hear this. I will be keeping you in my prayers. God Bless. Sara |
Monday, August 28, 2006 - it is 1:29 in the morning... |
| Posted by PinayMom (70.230.158.216) |
| ..dear amy, i cannot express to you how much sadness i feel. i feel like i am in the worst situation right now and very hard to find joy in whatever but reading your blog today makes me feel so ashamed of myself.. you have ministered to me or your baby did.. either way you both were blessings today. thank you for sharing... will continue to pray for you... stay strong, your dad's wonderful.. i love reading his comments for you... i love you in Jesus, melanie |
Monday, July 17, 2006
Wanna see my house from space?!
I cannot believe it! I found Cajamarca from space!
Here's the sattelite view of our city:
Click here for Google's sattelite map of Cajamarca!
or copy and paste this:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&ll=-7.164938,-78.500576&spn=0.079029,0.214233&t=h&om=1
And I can see **our house on this one!!!!
Click here to see our little plaza, neighborhood and house!!
or copy and paste this:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=-7.157523,-78.511037&spn=0.00247,0.006695
**Right in the middle of the map is a diagonal light grey rectangle with a circle in the middle, that is the Plazuela Miquel Grau where my kids play street soccer EVERY day! It is right across the street from our house. The orange rectangular rooftop to the right bottom side directly across the street is MY HOUSE!
If you zoom out a little you'll see how there is just absolutely nothing around us except brown, green mountains!
I still cannot believe it! I feel like this is the most amazing thing! First of all that you can see my house from space... second of all that I actually found it on the sattelite - 'twas no easy task!
Amy
...in Peru since 2001 ~ Proud mammy of 4, soon-to-be 5 chillins
Monday, July 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CTdittmar (24.145.215.42)
My husband loves playing with google's satelite maps! It's really fun to see favorite places!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Prncsstefy (121.55.251.253)
Love the new look! Although for a moment I thought I was at the wrong blog. LOL
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Google maps
Posted by Dad (66.93.38.148)
Wow now people can see where you live and your going to move again so it will be history. If you would google all the places you have lived you could do a geography lesson for the kids or would it be history ? Google has improved a lot lately. We were doing the Cajmarca thing a while ago but not in this good of detail. I think I see you hanging clothes on the roof clothes line.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103)
Pretty cool, huh?
And why did you doubt yourself even for a minute? Just because you feel like you're in the boonies sometimes, doesn't mean that you don't exist, silly!
Whenever I see pics like that, I always wonder what viewpoint God prefers to see things...zoomed in, zoomed out, black/white, color, inside out, who knows?!
Yup, these are the weird thoughts I have BEFORE my morning cup of coffee!
Love,
Marsha
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KarenW (82.79.184.107)
Isn't technology amazing! What will they think of next?
We have been in Constanta, Romania for four years. We are trying to start a church. Right now we have a small group of people meeting in our home every Sunday. My dh has led them to the Lord and we are working on reaching out to many others.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - Hi Amada,
Posted by lindafay (88.224.27.181)
I am also surprised that the folks here think it so strange to have more than 2 children. I knew Europe was that way, but it looks as if the whole world is moving that way-except for homeschoolers.
I think you asked about vintage graphics. I don't use vintage very much but I find most of my pictures by googling. Usually I get them from online art museums such as artchive.com.
I like your pink look. I have IE browser and your right side bar is trailing off my screen so that I can't read part of it. Maybe you could tweak a little.
blessings,
linda
Here's the sattelite view of our city:
Click here for Google's sattelite map of Cajamarca!
or copy and paste this:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&ll=-7.164938,-78.500576&spn=0.079029,0.214233&t=h&om=1
And I can see **our house on this one!!!!
Click here to see our little plaza, neighborhood and house!!
or copy and paste this:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=-7.157523,-78.511037&spn=0.00247,0.006695
**Right in the middle of the map is a diagonal light grey rectangle with a circle in the middle, that is the Plazuela Miquel Grau where my kids play street soccer EVERY day! It is right across the street from our house. The orange rectangular rooftop to the right bottom side directly across the street is MY HOUSE!
If you zoom out a little you'll see how there is just absolutely nothing around us except brown, green mountains!
I still cannot believe it! I feel like this is the most amazing thing! First of all that you can see my house from space... second of all that I actually found it on the sattelite - 'twas no easy task!
Amy
...in Peru since 2001 ~ Proud mammy of 4, soon-to-be 5 chillins
Monday, July 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CTdittmar (24.145.215.42)
My husband loves playing with google's satelite maps! It's really fun to see favorite places!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Prncsstefy (121.55.251.253)
Love the new look! Although for a moment I thought I was at the wrong blog. LOL
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Google maps
Posted by Dad (66.93.38.148)
Wow now people can see where you live and your going to move again so it will be history. If you would google all the places you have lived you could do a geography lesson for the kids or would it be history ? Google has improved a lot lately. We were doing the Cajmarca thing a while ago but not in this good of detail. I think I see you hanging clothes on the roof clothes line.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103)
Pretty cool, huh?
And why did you doubt yourself even for a minute? Just because you feel like you're in the boonies sometimes, doesn't mean that you don't exist, silly!
Whenever I see pics like that, I always wonder what viewpoint God prefers to see things...zoomed in, zoomed out, black/white, color, inside out, who knows?!
Yup, these are the weird thoughts I have BEFORE my morning cup of coffee!
Love,
Marsha
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KarenW (82.79.184.107)
Isn't technology amazing! What will they think of next?
We have been in Constanta, Romania for four years. We are trying to start a church. Right now we have a small group of people meeting in our home every Sunday. My dh has led them to the Lord and we are working on reaching out to many others.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - Hi Amada,
Posted by lindafay (88.224.27.181)
I am also surprised that the folks here think it so strange to have more than 2 children. I knew Europe was that way, but it looks as if the whole world is moving that way-except for homeschoolers.
I think you asked about vintage graphics. I don't use vintage very much but I find most of my pictures by googling. Usually I get them from online art museums such as artchive.com.
I like your pink look. I have IE browser and your right side bar is trailing off my screen so that I can't read part of it. Maybe you could tweak a little.
blessings,
linda
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Survey of Fisher Academy Int'l Teaching Home
| 1) Are you the worst homeschool teacher you know? Or do you feel pretty confident in what you are doing? On a scale of 1-10, I think I'm probably about average. Although I'm strong in some areas: organization and creativity and some others; I am also keenly aware of my weaknesses: self-discipline and patience. So, I think I'll put myself about here: 1........................................X......................................10
Academics or Character Training? We tend to focus on both, I'm not sure how one would do only one or the other as behavioral issues ALWAYS come up for us while we are doing school. However, I would say that we try to focus on academic but are interrupted so often with behavioral issues that we end up spending half our time on that. with what you're doing? Charlotte Mason-- Classical-- Textbook-- Unschooling-- Unit Study-- Car Schooling-- Ecclectic -- or something else?
We are homeschooling 2 boys (7&8) We teach them everything at the same level at this point. Our 3 1/2 prettypinkprincess is beginning to take interest in preschool type things, but we have not officially started anything with her. Nope. Too bad, though. I often asked to be homeschooled. initial reaction? (horror? were you skeptical? love at first sight?) When I was growing up, I had a friend who was homeschooled. I thought it was a little strange, but I was always jealous of all the COOL stuff they had in their schoolroom - rubber stamps, cool pens, card-making stuff, etc. This was my first exposure. After high school, when I studied to become a professional nanny and realized what it meant to have someone else raise your children, I became anti-daycare and very soon anti-anyone who takes place of mom and dad... as far as what I would do with my own family that is. I vowed to do the best I could with God's help to raise my own future children - not sub them out to anyone. I still didn't have the specific conviction about homeschooling per se, but that was in the works. When Micah and I came to Peru, I was horrified at the level of education offered in Peru (where we were at at the time in the jungle), even at a private level and we decided together that homeschooling would be our only option. This was new to me, but since I'd been working with my boys then 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 since they were born, it didn't seem that foreign of an idea. I mean I'd taught them a lot since they were born... how hard could it be, right?! hehehehe... We've come to points where we've really had to discuss it and weigh the pros and cons because of ministry. Homeschooling keeps me at home and so we have had to decide whether to keep on several times. I am not able to really be involved in ministry outside the home as some missionary wives choose to be. But, we both know in our hearts that homeschooling is the very best and as long as God makes it possible we will always choose HOME. (wow. That there narration almost brings tears to my eyes!)
So, there you have it. The hows and whys of our homeschool in a nutshell. Questions courtesy of JenIG's contest.
Amy |
Saturday, July 15, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by JenIG (67.142.130.38) |
| great answers! thanks for 'playing' : ) |
Sunday, July 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by hsmomof2 (63.105.27.2) |
| I enjoyed reading your answers! Every now and then I look at AO and think "yeah, we should do this!" Time to go look again! :-) |
Sunday, July 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by KarenW (82.79.184.107) |
| I just posted my answers on my blog too. We are missionaries to Romania. Nice to see there are other missionaries here on HSB. |
Monday, July 17, 2006 - Thanks for visiting my blog! |
| Posted by MrsIncredible (72.49.191.39) |
| And thanks for your nice comment! I am sure you have had an incredible moment... even if just incredibly FUNNY or incredibly AWFUL! Doen't have to be the day you discovered your children are all samrter than Einstein LOL! I have enjoyed reading your blog! Can I put you on my friends list? Jen |
Monday, July 17, 2006 - F.A.I.T.H...... What a great name! |
| Posted by Fiffi (196.211.157.57) |
| Hi Amy I was about to tell you how to add music to your blog......but I see you figured it out!!! Good on ya! That was an interesting read about the why you homeschool! Maybe I might just do a little blog on similar lines! Thanks again By the way...................love the extra tweeking you've done to your blog! Fiffi |
Monday, July 17, 2006 - Hi |
| Posted by Fiffi (196.211.157.57) |
| Hi Amy Have I done any thing illigal?The song that is on my blog ......... is it legal? I just assumed it was alright! Please let me know! Thanks Fiifi |
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Rebeca (70.56.19.205) |
| Amen! I (personally) think that a woman's family- raising her children and supporting her husband- is such an amazing ministry. I've known way too many kids who have been shipwrecked spiritually because both parents gave their best to ministry and the kids got the scraps. Erik and I got married with the intention of going overseas in the next year or two (until he got cancer) and we both felt strongly that my ministry would be our family and having people in our home as I was able. Well, I guess that's my ministry here in the States too! Oh, we're in Oregon by the way. It's our good friends who are in Germany. We hope to go overseas somewhere at some point, but not sure where or when. I'll stay posted for your contest. If it was a llama I'd do anything to win! When are you coming back? Rebeca |
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