Here is what we have enoyed learning about over the past week.
We have a wonderful facility through the Portland Parks and Rec where we play ball (for Ryder), jump on a trampoline (for Dax). Most of the kiddos from 6-late teens come over after school and play in the gymnasium. We join them. It's about
Stories
Native American Studios, made flutet
Mathematics:
Continuing Roman Numerals
A Hundred Table
Greater Than > Less Than <
Double Shutter - Game playing
Right now all I want to do is get down the notes of the week for what we are covering.
Ryder is improving greatly in his interest and health. I realize now I can't buy anything packaged - unfortunately a label may not be fully disclosing. I'm better off doing everything from scratch.
Over the next month we'll continue with GRATITUDE - incorporating this in more ways, continuing with daily prayer and blessings at every meal. Beginning of the day. Gratitude for the Divine and gratitude for life, nature, friends, family, etc.
Our meal ryhthm is getting better. I'd like to get more simplified in our "things". A place for everything and everything in it's place. Home for each thing. That is what I'd like to finish the year out with -
Ryder is doing basic reading and spelling. I don't want to push this too much at least until he turns 7 but he tends to read anyway. Dax wants to get in on it - his letters are constant as is his love and creativity in art.
Ryder - Air - Sanguine
Daxton - Fire - Choleric
Me - I'm pretty sure Sanguine, Air, Vata
I'm working to balance each area.
4 corners - Native American studies - I'd like to learn more about this with the boys.
Our Holistic Home Schooling Journey Based on Truth Responsibility Integrity Basics Arts Language
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
WATER COLOR - HALLOWEEN
Halloween
Verse & Story
Verse: Red in Autumn by Elizabeth Gould
Tipperty-toes, the smallest elf
Sat on a mushroom by himself,
Playing a little tinkling tune
Under the big round harvest moon:
And this is the song that Tipperty made
To sing to the little tune he played.
“Red are the hips, red are the haws,
Red and gold are the leaves that fall,
Red are the poppies in the corn,
Red are the berries on the rowan tall;
Red is the big round harvest moon,
And red are my new little dancing shoes.”
The water color from Kristie Burns' story from Earth Schooling.
Adding pencil sketching Ryder's current medium of choice -
Verse & Story
Verse: Red in Autumn by Elizabeth Gould
Tipperty-toes, the smallest elf
Sat on a mushroom by himself,
Playing a little tinkling tune
Under the big round harvest moon:
And this is the song that Tipperty made
To sing to the little tune he played.
“Red are the hips, red are the haws,
Red and gold are the leaves that fall,
Red are the poppies in the corn,
Red are the berries on the rowan tall;
Red is the big round harvest moon,
And red are my new little dancing shoes.”
The water color from Kristie Burns' story from Earth Schooling.
OCTOBER 4th SAINT FRANCIS
Inspiration: Saint Francis loved the animals, especially the birds…
Verse: Four Scarlet Berries by Mary Vivian
Four scarlet berries
Left upon the tree
“Thanks” cried the blackbird
These will do for me
He ate numbers one and two
Then ate number three
When he’d eaten number four
There were none to see!
Verse: Four Scarlet Berries by Mary Vivian
Four scarlet berries
Left upon the tree
“Thanks” cried the blackbird
These will do for me
He ate numbers one and two
Then ate number three
When he’d eaten number four
There were none to see!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The NERVOUS SYSTEM
Introduction of the nervous system.
Relflex responses of the body:
sneezing
Hiccup
Yawning
Shivering
Shaking
Pupil Dilation
Plantar Reflex
Patellar Reflex
Loud Noise/Clapping =Eye blinking
Goose Bumps
Drawings of nerves and spine - brain response
Relflex responses of the body:
sneezing
Hiccup
Yawning
Shivering
Shaking
Pupil Dilation
Plantar Reflex
Patellar Reflex
Loud Noise/Clapping =Eye blinking
Goose Bumps
Drawings of nerves and spine - brain response
GIFT OF THE CODE
I love the variety of ways letters can be introduced. Many read books like ChickaChicka Boom boom, and sing the ABC song. In the Waldorf approach, letters are introduced through stories. In the first grade with Ryder we have introduced all of the Consonants with a story. It looks something like this:
MONDAY - Story (The Willow Wren and The Bear).
Introduce Letter B - through the day we uncover words with the sound B - whether it begins, ends or is throughout the word - we listen for the sound as a point of discovery. We "walk" the letter B. We run the letter B. We use our legs from our knee down to draw the letter B. There are many more possibilities here but you get the idea. Perhaps we'll make Blueberry cobbler (we actually did that today).
Form Drawing
TUESDAY: Retelling and living out the story - this is takes the form of a dramatic play, baking, or water color. (With water colors I am usually introducing color and integration and sometimes we even bring in the numbers). The letters are no longer something abstract but something fluid and full of potential, full of living energy.
Today is Wednesday and for us we've completed all of the consonants. We are doing riddles and Roman Numerals 1-10. And introducing the Math Processes. But the greatest adventure of today has been the discovery of the CODE! The VOWELS! Integrated very loosely, my son's love of the mummy and Egypt. We looked at the consonants and letters as hyrogliphics. We learned how the Egyptians of ancient times had codes and they didn't have vowels. We have vowels and it's how we break the code.
MONDAY - Story (The Willow Wren and The Bear).
Introduce Letter B - through the day we uncover words with the sound B - whether it begins, ends or is throughout the word - we listen for the sound as a point of discovery. We "walk" the letter B. We run the letter B. We use our legs from our knee down to draw the letter B. There are many more possibilities here but you get the idea. Perhaps we'll make Blueberry cobbler (we actually did that today).
Form Drawing
TUESDAY: Retelling and living out the story - this is takes the form of a dramatic play, baking, or water color. (With water colors I am usually introducing color and integration and sometimes we even bring in the numbers). The letters are no longer something abstract but something fluid and full of potential, full of living energy.
Today is Wednesday and for us we've completed all of the consonants. We are doing riddles and Roman Numerals 1-10. And introducing the Math Processes. But the greatest adventure of today has been the discovery of the CODE! The VOWELS! Integrated very loosely, my son's love of the mummy and Egypt. We looked at the consonants and letters as hyrogliphics. We learned how the Egyptians of ancient times had codes and they didn't have vowels. We have vowels and it's how we break the code.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
BLOCKS Unlimited
One of my favorite books in my home education library is The Block Book by Elisabeth Hirsch.
I've come back to this book often for inspiration - reminders, to listen and let my children unfold. She says "Blocks offer an almost infinite variety of expressive opportunity, from simple designs to veritable engineering feats of bridge building." There have been candy villages, farms, airports and so much more. Letting them work through their connection with each other and their own imagination and development. I heard diplomacy, strategy, confidence and frustration today (among others) - it is fascinating to observe.
If on a tight budget, see if it's in the local library (*perhaps a home education/home school co-op can create a lending library, I plan to use this idea for our area with my extensive book collection as my boys grow).
OTHER WORK:
MATH: PAIRS, ODD, EVEN
Language Arts - Consonants: B, H, P, M, Vowel Sounds, Blends CH, FL, SH
Vocabulary Adapted From Hap Palmer's Bop 'Til We Drop song - we continue to create our own songs from words. (Hap Palmer One Little Sound Fun with Phonics and Numbers - this is a fabulous CD to utilize, easy songs you can make your own and expand on for learning.
We have a lego play date at the Vancouver Community Library this afternoon.
Right now the boys are continuing with their individual experiments from the kitchen - spices are the theme.
I've come back to this book often for inspiration - reminders, to listen and let my children unfold. She says "Blocks offer an almost infinite variety of expressive opportunity, from simple designs to veritable engineering feats of bridge building." There have been candy villages, farms, airports and so much more. Letting them work through their connection with each other and their own imagination and development. I heard diplomacy, strategy, confidence and frustration today (among others) - it is fascinating to observe.
If on a tight budget, see if it's in the local library (*perhaps a home education/home school co-op can create a lending library, I plan to use this idea for our area with my extensive book collection as my boys grow).
OTHER WORK:
MATH: PAIRS, ODD, EVEN
Language Arts - Consonants: B, H, P, M, Vowel Sounds, Blends CH, FL, SH
Vocabulary Adapted From Hap Palmer's Bop 'Til We Drop song - we continue to create our own songs from words. (Hap Palmer One Little Sound Fun with Phonics and Numbers - this is a fabulous CD to utilize, easy songs you can make your own and expand on for learning.
We have a lego play date at the Vancouver Community Library this afternoon.
Right now the boys are continuing with their individual experiments from the kitchen - spices are the theme.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sensory Activity Invented by RKJ
I've been working on different sensory activities with the boys - especially Ryder. We do a velvet, lavendar and flax seed "bean" bag, and a chamomile bag with rice in velvet material as well. A knobby ball and a smooth ball of different weight. We do this among other things every single day.
Today Ryder pulled out the pipe cleaners I have in the ART box (was for a project). He and Dax proceeded to bend and twist and connect into various animals and people. Then he had them wrapped around each one of his fingers, each of his toes and his ear. It was quite interested to me to observe the enjoyment experienced in what I consider an excellent sensory activity.
* I also want to note for the record today. Both boys are doing exceptionally better without the media. DH and I have HUGE differences of opinion on this topic. I indeed could be Amish and live happily as I blog away (I'd probably just be writing in my journal by my bed with candle light - sounds heavenly!) So today, note the date - 24 hours free of TV and games - calmer, happier, creative, connected souls. Thank you very much!
Today Ryder pulled out the pipe cleaners I have in the ART box (was for a project). He and Dax proceeded to bend and twist and connect into various animals and people. Then he had them wrapped around each one of his fingers, each of his toes and his ear. It was quite interested to me to observe the enjoyment experienced in what I consider an excellent sensory activity.
* I also want to note for the record today. Both boys are doing exceptionally better without the media. DH and I have HUGE differences of opinion on this topic. I indeed could be Amish and live happily as I blog away (I'd probably just be writing in my journal by my bed with candle light - sounds heavenly!) So today, note the date - 24 hours free of TV and games - calmer, happier, creative, connected souls. Thank you very much!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Felted pumkins
We've spent the last couple of weeks on harvest and fall colors, with water colors, hand work and baking. (pumpkin muffins, Yellow & Red Leaf Water color, etc)
Felting pumpkins and apples was our first felt project (more for Ryder). Ryder decided to expand the project to make a scare crow to go with the pumpkins. It was delightful to discover how the story had resonated with him and the scarecrow clearly made an impact. Christopher's Harvest Time by Elsa Beskow
Felting pumpkins and apples was our first felt project (more for Ryder). Ryder decided to expand the project to make a scare crow to go with the pumpkins. It was delightful to discover how the story had resonated with him and the scarecrow clearly made an impact. Christopher's Harvest Time by Elsa Beskow
What Do You See?
From moment to moment I have observed the discrepancy of my outer world based on what is happening inside me.
This subject has been a key focus of mine since the beginning of this "school" year with the boys. As I was preparing in August I made the conscious choice to do the inner work so necessary for teacher/mother/parent. This was based on what I feel is vital for me personally to truly have "home school" succeed. It's so raw, so visceral, this experience of thinking, feeling and willing - the concepts I am exploring as I enrich my own life through the Waldorf approach to learning.
In each moment, when I am present with myself, in the absence of judgment and self worth issues (my life lesson) I see beauty, love and light in every nook and cranny of this universe.
This subject has been a key focus of mine since the beginning of this "school" year with the boys. As I was preparing in August I made the conscious choice to do the inner work so necessary for teacher/mother/parent. This was based on what I feel is vital for me personally to truly have "home school" succeed. It's so raw, so visceral, this experience of thinking, feeling and willing - the concepts I am exploring as I enrich my own life through the Waldorf approach to learning.
In each moment, when I am present with myself, in the absence of judgment and self worth issues (my life lesson) I see beauty, love and light in every nook and cranny of this universe.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Awakener of Limitless Possibilities and Potential - New definition of Teacher
I've discovered a resource I wanted to share with fellow parents and home schoolers. I haven't been through everything but I really love their mission and purpose. The Natural Learning Centre
The Natural Learning Centre Believes
Learning Should Be Fun, Interesting
and Relevant to Life.
The Natural Learning Centre Believes
Learning Should Be Fun, Interesting
and Relevant to Life.
Mission
The Natural Learning Centre's mission is to provide the latest innovative educational tools, scientific research and learning strategies available. Techniques that honor the unique, creative and natural intuitive learning style of each student.
We believe that every child has an inherent genius waiting to be uncovered.
Through collaboration with experts willing to share their wisdom,
and encouraging a passion for inquiry-based knowledge driven by the natural curiosity
all children are born with, children can be guided to discover the genius they were gifted with.
To this end, the Centre partners with experts to provide connection,
exceptional resources,
products and services designed to empower all.
Purpose
The purpose of The Natural Learning Centre is to:
The Natural Learning Centre's mission is to provide the latest innovative educational tools, scientific research and learning strategies available. Techniques that honor the unique, creative and natural intuitive learning style of each student.
We believe that every child has an inherent genius waiting to be uncovered.
Through collaboration with experts willing to share their wisdom,
and encouraging a passion for inquiry-based knowledge driven by the natural curiosity
all children are born with, children can be guided to discover the genius they were gifted with.
To this end, the Centre partners with experts to provide connection,
exceptional resources,
products and services designed to empower all.
Purpose
The purpose of The Natural Learning Centre is to:
- Provide educational information & tools that are fun, interactive, experiential and relative to life;
- Deliver high quality informative resources from experts that are aligned with our mission.
- Create a transformational community that is passionate about empowering children with relevant life skills that enable them to be happy and enjoy life. This community creates awareness of ideas, information and tools designed to help guide students to discover their life purpose, and become the self-confident, inspired, creative and fulfilled individuals they were meant to become.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Battle Board
We love games in our family. And I mean LOVE! A day doesn't go by without a game or 3 played.
So is it any wonder that as I took a few minutes to update the blog Ryder took that time to create a new game using his legos. He and Dax sat on the porch and discussed the rules, the strategy, the meaning behind a lego landing a certain way. How I wish I had the flip right there. But I did grab the camera.
This is one of my proud parent moments although I do feel cornball city that I'm utterly gushing with joy and pride and well, admiration and awe. The thing is, for him to just come up with something so cool, on the spot and have fun with his brother like that - well it's so great!
So is it any wonder that as I took a few minutes to update the blog Ryder took that time to create a new game using his legos. He and Dax sat on the porch and discussed the rules, the strategy, the meaning behind a lego landing a certain way. How I wish I had the flip right there. But I did grab the camera.
This is one of my proud parent moments although I do feel cornball city that I'm utterly gushing with joy and pride and well, admiration and awe. The thing is, for him to just come up with something so cool, on the spot and have fun with his brother like that - well it's so great!
Dragons Streak Across The Sky
It has been a very productive week here at TA.
We combine various components for our curriculum. I use Waldorf Essentials as as my guide and for my personal work and wisdom growth through Melisa's Thinking Feeling Willing course Waldorf Essentials TFW
Stories from Grimm's Fairy Tales continue. Form Drawing from the stories. Narration and dramatic play from the stories. Baking from the letters and form drawings.
Handwork we created this mobile that utterly delighted Dax. (Mobile was made from tissue paper and pipe cleaner - thread and items around the house modified from the book Creative Play
Each day I see his creativity and love of the arts grow. Ryder needs to work more with fine details of working, feelings surrounding patiently working through a task to it's completion. This week I saw great strides of improvement in this area. (Nature Bags made of two pieces of felt sewn together - add a finger knitted strap. Children can decorate the outside as they desire. Also from Earth Schooling)
On his own he created this scene for his nature bag, painstaking focus to cut the fisherman, his boat and his pole as well as a complete wardrobe which he will keep in the nature bag for a when the fisherman needs - coats, slicker, etc.
The tying off of the tiny strings and the specific actions required to bring the mobile to life
We've completed our Water Color Project with our 3 primary colors - a gorgeous poem from Kristie Burns Earth Schooling guides us through this water color lesson. Both 4 and 6 year old enjoyed this immensely and learned a wonderful new verse just in time for Michaelmas.
We will keep COURTEOUS in our vocabulary and actions and bring in a new virtue for the next month. Being courteous - manners, respect, kindness, speaking and listening in an attentive way were how this virtue has been defined by Ryder. We continue to improve - all of us.
We combine various components for our curriculum. I use Waldorf Essentials as as my guide and for my personal work and wisdom growth through Melisa's Thinking Feeling Willing course Waldorf Essentials TFW
Stories from Grimm's Fairy Tales continue. Form Drawing from the stories. Narration and dramatic play from the stories. Baking from the letters and form drawings.
Handwork we created this mobile that utterly delighted Dax. (Mobile was made from tissue paper and pipe cleaner - thread and items around the house modified from the book Creative Play
Each day I see his creativity and love of the arts grow. Ryder needs to work more with fine details of working, feelings surrounding patiently working through a task to it's completion. This week I saw great strides of improvement in this area. (Nature Bags made of two pieces of felt sewn together - add a finger knitted strap. Children can decorate the outside as they desire. Also from Earth Schooling)
The tying off of the tiny strings and the specific actions required to bring the mobile to life
We've completed our Water Color Project with our 3 primary colors - a gorgeous poem from Kristie Burns Earth Schooling guides us through this water color lesson. Both 4 and 6 year old enjoyed this immensely and learned a wonderful new verse just in time for Michaelmas.
We will keep COURTEOUS in our vocabulary and actions and bring in a new virtue for the next month. Being courteous - manners, respect, kindness, speaking and listening in an attentive way were how this virtue has been defined by Ryder. We continue to improve - all of us.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
THE BIRCHHOUSE BOOK - Louise Erdrich
Ryder will turn 7 in February. Although these books are recommended for 4th and5th grades I am choosing her series as a read aloud. After my husband's numerous requests for longer stories at night for the boys (although I believe Dax at almost 4 is too young for these, we'll see if he will enjoy the stories) I chose to do some deep research into books that Dad would enjoy as well. That is a requirement after all. Seeing that the story is actually told through a 7 year old's eyes will be perfect!
When I discovered Louise's books I was at once excited and intrigued. I am part Chipawa (also know as Ojibwa) as is the author.
Seems wonderful multiple unit studies around this subject, culture and tribe will be in our future!
When I discovered Louise's books I was at once excited and intrigued. I am part Chipawa (also know as Ojibwa) as is the author.
Seems wonderful multiple unit studies around this subject, culture and tribe will be in our future!
SCIENCE, STOMACHS and BEARS OH MY!
Today we covered Science in detail.
NATURE:
Story: The Tree That Longed for Other Leaves
Nature Walk - find needles versus leaves on trees.
We discovered many wonderful trees and I encouraged lots of tree hugging.
Differences and Similarties of Acorns and Pine Cones - the seed, the package
VERSE:
I am an acorn, the packet the seed
God is within me. God is the tree
I am unfolding the way I should be
Carved in the palm of His hand
ARTS: Gathered leaves for our Leaf Kites -
Daily movement - added counting in Spanish to our movement today, will continue this in our daily rhythm. Dax again shows a strong interest in dance - free style
BASICS: Made YUMMY Blueberry muffins from the organic blueberries we picked with Grandpa. We used our soaked (in green tea) wild and basmati rice, farm raised eggs, maple syrup, grapeseed oil, fresh stevia leaf (we have it growing in our garden) They turn out a bit more souffle like rather than cake/break like. Delicious. Dax is more interested in the kitchen, baking and such - he always wants to help and comes up with ideas for yummy smoothies.Incorporating hygiene, math (measurements, yields for batches - double and half size)
RESPONSIBILITY: Because I have advanced education in holistic health I spent time on the Digestive and Excretory Systems today. We went over about 20 minutes of a detailed functioning of the digestive - excretory systems. I believe this is very important to understand - from smell, to excretion of saliva, the enzymes, why we masticate our food rather than swallowing it without thoroughly chewing. Big subject here. We used the puzzles - they love using the digestive puzzles. We even made up our own story and it ends with their favorite "The Poop Shoot". Best laugh award today!
Ryder is coming along with his next song in Suzuki Book 1 for the Violin.
Our belongings arrive today - they've been in storage for the last 5 months. It will be wonderful to sort through, get our big, wonderful chalk board set back up and our schooling supplies. Ryder was enthusiastic about building our "school house" while we were out on our Nature Walk. I think he was inspired from all the natural learning going on. Oh, I forgot, we met with some neat tracks on the way - Dax said, they are bear tracks. They weren't of course - but it was fun to do some research and discover - cat tracks! Cute! I love my JOB!
Meanwhile, on a personal note, I'm dealing with significant emotional and mental upheaval as I focus on Truth on my 35 year involvement in a religion. I know itis leading me to a wonderful breakthrough. I can feel it. The difficulty and confusion within and around the entity is proportional to the breakthrough! It's certainly "blowing" my mind. What a huge and fundamental disappointment. Hmmm, I believe in that there is a great lesson as well.
Oh and we will to continue to work on our virtues - COURTEOUS is top.
NATURE:
Story: The Tree That Longed for Other Leaves
Nature Walk - find needles versus leaves on trees.
We discovered many wonderful trees and I encouraged lots of tree hugging.
Differences and Similarties of Acorns and Pine Cones - the seed, the package
VERSE:
I am an acorn, the packet the seed
God is within me. God is the tree
I am unfolding the way I should be
Carved in the palm of His hand
ARTS: Gathered leaves for our Leaf Kites -
Daily movement - added counting in Spanish to our movement today, will continue this in our daily rhythm. Dax again shows a strong interest in dance - free style
BASICS: Made YUMMY Blueberry muffins from the organic blueberries we picked with Grandpa. We used our soaked (in green tea) wild and basmati rice, farm raised eggs, maple syrup, grapeseed oil, fresh stevia leaf (we have it growing in our garden) They turn out a bit more souffle like rather than cake/break like. Delicious. Dax is more interested in the kitchen, baking and such - he always wants to help and comes up with ideas for yummy smoothies.Incorporating hygiene, math (measurements, yields for batches - double and half size)
RESPONSIBILITY: Because I have advanced education in holistic health I spent time on the Digestive and Excretory Systems today. We went over about 20 minutes of a detailed functioning of the digestive - excretory systems. I believe this is very important to understand - from smell, to excretion of saliva, the enzymes, why we masticate our food rather than swallowing it without thoroughly chewing. Big subject here. We used the puzzles - they love using the digestive puzzles. We even made up our own story and it ends with their favorite "The Poop Shoot". Best laugh award today!
Ryder is coming along with his next song in Suzuki Book 1 for the Violin.
Our belongings arrive today - they've been in storage for the last 5 months. It will be wonderful to sort through, get our big, wonderful chalk board set back up and our schooling supplies. Ryder was enthusiastic about building our "school house" while we were out on our Nature Walk. I think he was inspired from all the natural learning going on. Oh, I forgot, we met with some neat tracks on the way - Dax said, they are bear tracks. They weren't of course - but it was fun to do some research and discover - cat tracks! Cute! I love my JOB!
Meanwhile, on a personal note, I'm dealing with significant emotional and mental upheaval as I focus on Truth on my 35 year involvement in a religion. I know itis leading me to a wonderful breakthrough. I can feel it. The difficulty and confusion within and around the entity is proportional to the breakthrough! It's certainly "blowing" my mind. What a huge and fundamental disappointment. Hmmm, I believe in that there is a great lesson as well.
Oh and we will to continue to work on our virtues - COURTEOUS is top.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Gratitude, Thanks, Appreciation
Mountains and Valleys - there is much to know in just these two - they tell us so much! Our greatest adventures were to Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood where we climbed to tops and learned the powers of our earth. We explored the waterfalls not far from our home - some of the grandest in the country and discovered much about our history. Visiting The Dalles where we met up with cousins, we observed Ospry nests, met a Great Horned Owl and Red Tailed Hawk. We also learned about Lewis and Clark and their expedition. What a start to this "school year"!
As we continue to learn through stories, movement, form drawing and art it awakens so much in me, not only as a human being but a teacher - I mean learner! I learn more about myself and my world in every moment.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with my boys in this way. I am so thankful for our surroundings and mother earth and all she provides. I am so appreciative of my continuous desire to think for myself and foster this in my sons.
In the photo at the top the boys play in a boat - they loaded packages and got to be the explorers. I highly recommend this for families, home-schoolers, children of all ages. Hours and hours of dramatic play and discovery and healthy learning.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Memories of September 11th
Today is 9/11, and the memories of that day elicit a deep sadness for many. Here at TRIBAL Academy memories are tempered by
the joyful presence of delighted children as they play in the yard, help bake bread and prepare for a visitor. A cool breeze and a low bright
sun fills the day.We send a special blessing to the families and to a country who lost more than citizens. Sadly, much of our freedom has been thwarted as a result.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Official First Day for Portland
We have begun this day as we usually do. Flowing with our rhythm and routine and now adding a bit of orientation towards logistics of "learning" time. This day our learning time surrounded us creating our calendar with the days, months, year and past, present and future understanding. This came from what I learned when I was "homeschooled" by Mrs. Elkins.
I recall it as a ritual I enjoyed and look forward to sharing it with my children.
I recall it as a ritual I enjoyed and look forward to sharing it with my children.
Preparing the teacher for First Grade
As I prepare for my oldest to begin First Grade - I find myself delving deeply into my own inner work I know is fundamental to how our year will flow. I believe the personal mom work is the most important place to begin.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
"To school or not to school..."
The whole concept of "schooling" has some sour notes if you read "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" (you can actually download a free copy here:http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/ ) and I have.
I do not believe it is in the best interest of my children to school them, however, I have a partner who disagrees wholeheartedly. Although he hasn't and probably never will read the above book.
I do know though, that children learn, every minute, every day. But more than anything I see they learn what they see, learn what they live, learn what they hear - not so much the sit down and feed it in to test out - no I mean, people, TV, radio, computer, parents - these kids are "learning" from the moment they are born. There is no way around it. Learning - has to be defined though. Because I see this massive quantity of data, "facts", stuff, being arbitrarily fed into kiddos - and can I just say "GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT!"
So whether you have an unruly child, a mean child, an unhappy child, a kind child, a focused child - look no further than what they live. They are but perfect reflections of the authentic life they are fed. By authentic, I mean, they can see right through the facade folks, so if you are pretending to be happy and you are really a miserable sot, guess which one comes through? Well, all you have to do is look at the children.
I do not believe it is in the best interest of my children to school them, however, I have a partner who disagrees wholeheartedly. Although he hasn't and probably never will read the above book.
I do know though, that children learn, every minute, every day. But more than anything I see they learn what they see, learn what they live, learn what they hear - not so much the sit down and feed it in to test out - no I mean, people, TV, radio, computer, parents - these kids are "learning" from the moment they are born. There is no way around it. Learning - has to be defined though. Because I see this massive quantity of data, "facts", stuff, being arbitrarily fed into kiddos - and can I just say "GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT!"
So whether you have an unruly child, a mean child, an unhappy child, a kind child, a focused child - look no further than what they live. They are but perfect reflections of the authentic life they are fed. By authentic, I mean, they can see right through the facade folks, so if you are pretending to be happy and you are really a miserable sot, guess which one comes through? Well, all you have to do is look at the children.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A New Way to Think When it Comes To Educating Our Children
T is for Truth
R is for Responsibility
I is for Integrity
B is for Basics
A is for Arts
L is for Language
Academy is where we allow the learner to come in from their own origination. We foster their interest by creating and providing a "living education" that reaches to their core while observing as well as asking about the child's own natural spark and interest - then fostering, with great care, their own empowerment and success in learning and living their hearts desire.
We are a not for profit "school". We could also be considered a "home" school as we do not have a set building or class room other than our home.
OUR VIEWS:
Our children are gems - buds that blossom and bloom, to be engaged, to be seen, to be understood to be known, to be put into play and allowed to contribute in their way.
Our vision is to foster the child's highest aspirations
Our goal is be fully connected and engaged and foster that in our child
Our mission is to guide children who are in love with their life, and fall in love over and over again every day
We model and support kindness, generosity, joy and happiness, peace and compassion
We help them find their gifts so they contribute and experience fulfillment, purpose, passion and live their dreams
We teach the language of thriving - mind, body, soul, spirit
It's about being connected and on a pathway to human thriving.
Our buzzwords:
Nurtured
Awareness
OUR MOTTO:
Youth are not vessels to be filled but fires to be lit!
Although we do fill the child with demands (responsibility, contribution, basics) and expectation and yes, many factoids, the real lesson we "teach" is to let this fire emerge - that inner light, that human SPARK.
We foster the development from the inside out not the outside in.
We foster that joy and energy and hope and direction and purpose.
We don't feel the need to manage and control our kids - we can model and show them how to manage and control their own live!
We ask THEM- we want to know from them, what is their spark. And so they can name and claim their deep spark so they can feel it know it identify - thereby feed it, nourish it. We foster this.
We love: (Thank you Brene Brown)
to love with our whole hearts even when there is no guarantee
to practice gratitude and joy
to be authentic to be vulnerable
to believe and know you are enough
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