The Little Red Homeschool

2009-12-10T01:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. That was a long break from blogging.

So I took some time away because I had some health issues that were kinda scary, but all is well now and the bad stuff seems to be gone. Life is moving along at a nice pace, with lots of soul-searching on my part and rearranging priorities, and I'm glad to say that life lessons can still be learned even by old dogs like me.

2009-09-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogging to take care of some health concerns, but will be back soon. I hope all is well with everyone. Happy Autumn!

Autumnal Equinox/Mabon Celebration

2009-09-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we met with two other families to learn about the autumnal equinox and Mabon, a celebration which celebrates the fall harvest. I tweaked the plans a bit, and I think I can safely say, we all had a grand time.

National Geographic has a nice little video about the equinox, and after viewing it, we talked about how some people think it's possible to stand an egg on its end during the vernal (spring) equinox. We decided to see if we could do it on the autumnal equinox (or actually a day early).

After awhile, and one or two seconds of success, we made a base of salt for each egg, then gently blew the salt away until the eggs were standing on end for quite some time. Of course, the nearly-invisible salt sticking to the ridges on the surface of the egg contributed greatly to the stability of the eggs, but we still called this a success.

We then talked about how different cultures celebrate the harvest during the time of year, and I pointed out our display, which has many colors and symbols of the autumn season.

I shared the story of Demeter and Persephone, after which we watched this clip on youtube:

After the clip, the children made apple candles with the assistance of the other moms...

...while I prepared the feast (also with the assistance of the other moms).

Roasted chicken, bread, butternut squash, sunflower kernels, mixed nuts, cantelouope, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, and apple crisp

After our meal, the kids ran off some energy, then we gathered again to talk about another myth with similar themes to Mabon (balance, death and rebirth), this time the Celtic myth of the Green Man. After viewing some images, the children (and one of the moms) used fresh leaves to create their own versions of the Green Man.

Gallery of the Green Man

From the Archives Elsewhere: Memorable Homeschool Moments

2009-09-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Jun 2nd, 2006

1. A tiny bit of boasting comes back to bite me in the butt

I was at a homeschool meeting at a local park, discussing with a new acquaintance the fact that my children had been television-free for a month. She asked me how this was working, and I practically gushed. It’s been amazing, I told her. They get along so much better now! They hardly fight at all anymore!

…at which point First Daughter cut in front of The Son at the water fountain, and he whacked her in the head.

2. Sometimes the quiet isn’t a bad thing

I had been teaching the children sign language two days a week. One afternoon, I realized I hadn’t heard the kids in awhile. (I’m sure, as parents, you know the stab of fear I felt…no, not that they’d been kidnapped, but that they were destroying something.) I peeked into the living room, and they were sitting in a circle, signing to one another. I felt a rush of success, and we can all use that from time to time, right?

3. Speaking of sign language–

The first week we began learning to sign, Second Daughter became impatient to make sentences, so she made up her own signs. They were quite the riot. Of course, this doesn’t quite compare to the time she was walking around making these weird chanting noises, and I asked what she was doing. “I’m teaching myself Spanish.”

4. In the “You Never Know What They’re Going to Do or Say” Category–

You know…I take pride in the fact that my kids can carry on a conversation with just about anyone without regard to age. I attribute that to the fact that we homeschool, and because they interact with people of various ages, it just comes easily to them after awhile. I also take pride in the fact that my kids are constantly telling people how much they love homeschooling.

Oh, Smugness…thou bringest Bad Karma.

One early afternoon we were in a store, and a lady stopped to speak to the children. “Hello,” she smiled, “why aren’t you in school today?” Silence from my children. I spoke up. “We homeschool,” I said brightly.

“Oh,” said the woman, looking back at the kids. “Well. Do you like it?”

At this point, First Daughter looked shyly at her shoes, and Second Daughter shouted, “NO! We hate it!”

Boy, that was embarrassing.

5. Joy in Learning

This is from my old blog:

First Daughter made a connection today in school, and her face lit up when she got it, and I swear my heart almost burst. That flash of recognition and understanding that blew across her face…I am so thankful to have witnessed that. The excitement and wonder that they show when they learn something new…I can’t express it well, as I am so emotionally connected to it…I just can’t find the words at this moment.

So, how about you? I would love to hear about some of your most memorable homeschool moments.

2009-09-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been helping a friend with an enormous task, and will probably not be able to update much for another week. I think I will use this time to bring things over from my old blog. It's not from Blogger, so I don't think I can import it.

Maybe tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday: Father of the Bride

2009-09-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Linky Love

2009-09-08T22:30:00.001-07:00

Today was our official first day back to homeschool. It didn't go as well as I'd hoped, and that's all I want to say about that.

We did watch President Obama's speech and talk about it, however.

But the purpose of today's post (yesterday's?) is to share three links to some things I enjoyed while reading the Carnival of Homeschooling.

First up is a post by Amy from Neighborhood Clubhouse, who shares an idea for using Google Maps--specifically My Maps--as a teaching tool. It's a very fun idea with many possibilities.

Next comes a post from Homeschool Dawn at Olive Plants, who shares a form of behavior management that will keep you from losing your marbles.

Finally, one blogger introduced another blogger who utilizes Khan Academy, a free curriculum of sorts that is posted via video. I've been poking around looking at some of the lessons, and I'm impressed.

Now it's off to Dreamland....

Carnival Time

2009-09-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling is posted at The Homespun Life. It has a very cute theme, and there's even a give-away from the hostess. Now, I'm off to read as many of the entries as I can tonight.

Social Vibe for Ovarian Cancer Research

2009-09-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with homeschooling.

On my sidebar is a new gadget, Social Vibe, that helps earn money for charity each time a reader interacts with it. It doesn't take any money from you, only a minute or two (or more, if you wish) of your time. My chosen charity is the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, in honor of my mother, who is battling this disease.

Below is a post I'm bringing over from my journal, dated July 2005. It's about my family's experience the day she went into the hospital for exploratory surgery. Just for reference:

Melissa and Jennifer = my sisters

Weesie and Papa = our maternal grandparents

Trey = my nephew

Incidentally, September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

July 1, 2005, The Day of Her Surgery

We gather at the hospital...Dad, Melissa, Jennifer, Weesie, Papa, and I. We are a close family...whenever we gather, we are talkative and this is no exception. We laugh and make jokes in between sharing uneasy glances and watching our watches. It seems to be taking too long...the more we wait, the more worried we become. Dad is concerned that the doctors are giving other families their reports right there in the waiting room. He wants privacy. I ask the desk nurse if we can meet with the doctor somewhere more private, and she says she has just spoken with him...he would like us to gather in the chapel.

My heart sinks. I know that because we have been asked to gather in the chapel, the news is bad. I pray silently and gather my family together, and we enter the small room that is designated Temporary Chapel. There are people in there, using the chapel as a private dining area. The nurse asks them to leave, and they gather their boxes of Kentucky Fried Chicken and look at us with sympathy. The room smells of chicken and grease and my stomach lurches.

We are side by side around three walls of this room. Weesie, Melissa, Daddy, myself, Jennifer, Trey, Papa. Trey is sleepy–-he has been such a good boy today, he doesn’t realize what is happening, but it has been hours and now he is tired. He falls asleep on the chair beside his mama. The doctor enters the room with a somber expression and shakes my father’s hand. You are all family? We introduce ourselves briefly, not by name, but by familial association.

He sits down and says What we found was not very good.

We all sit quietly and keep our eyes upon him. No one moves, no one speaks. He explains that the cancer is covering a larger area than he had hoped. He begins to explain how this has happened, but we want to know how he is going to treat her. Someone, I think Melissa, asks what he is planning to do. He says Mom will need to gather her strength and hopefully begin chemo, but her cancer is widespread. It is as if someone has dumped a bucket of cancer paint inside her. No one looks at anyone except Dr. Oakley. His resident Dr. George is beside the door and I can feel her watching us. She is quiet, says nothing to interfere.

He begins to explain the treatment options, but he is explaining also the extent of her cancer. Still no one moves. We are silent. Then Melissa asks, Will the chemo give her a chance? The doctor says gently, Is it curative? No.

Sharp intakes of breath can be heard around the room. My abdomen is clenching, sucking inward with the breaths I am taking, moving outward as I struggle to maintain my composure. Dad doesn’t understand; he looks at Dr. Oakley and begins to speak. With the chemo...will she...will the chemo...and with that his lip begins to tremble and I take his hand and ask, Do you have a prognosis? The doctor looks at me and says nothing for the space of a second, an eternity, then I’m not sure that she will leave the hospital.

The shock is intense, and I put my arm around my Dad. I try to keep my composure...I am the eldest daughter, I must be strong for him. Papa is in shock, he is crying, and his chest is heaving... Weesie puts her hand to her mouth and cries softly. My sisters are like me, trying to be strong for Dad, for everyone else, but we can not hold back tears. We ask questions...how could this have happened, she has been seeing a doctor for over a year, how could they have misdiagnosed this...there are no easy answers. We go back to the beginning and ask for clarification...what does this mean, how will he treat her? Surely we are misunderstanding him. With each answer, he gives us more and more information, and it is always worse than before. He is leading us down this path instead of throwing us there. He is trying to be compassionate and deaden the blow, but nothing can ease the shock of the words he is not actually saying...she is going to die.

He tells us everything hinges on the ileostomy. Her bowel is kinked with cancer. If the ileostomy does not work, her bowel will shut down, and she will be gone in a week. We are all crying now. We went in thinking at the worst she would have five years; now we find she may die in this place, this week.

He spends a long time with us. We ask the same questions over and over. We are confused, we are frightened, and he is gentle and patient, taking all the time we need, never glancing at his wrist or the door. He is kind.

When he senses we are ready, he leaves. He closes the door behind us, and we all begin to sob. I am holding my Dad and we are crying together. We don’t know what to do. Someone, I think Jennifer, says something about God, and I make an unflattering remark about Him. I hate God in that moment, I deny there is a God.

There is a knock at the door, and it is Papa’s sister Betty and her son, Michael. Michael is four years older than my mother; although they are cousins, he says they are practically siblings, and therefore we are his nieces. We make room and Melissa leaves the room to call Aunt Vicki, Mom’s sister. Michael says he will pick her up at the airport.

We sit in the chapel and suddenly Weesie says to Daddy, We have plots available at the cemetery in Rome (Ohio). Daddy’s shoulders shake. I look at his face, and he has aged ten, twenty years in this hour. He says, I don’t want her that far from home, and we all begin to cry again. I have never felt such sorrow.

Jennifer says Mom wants to be buried near Weesie and Papa, too. Weesie says there are plots at Highland, they will give two of them to Dad and Mom, and Daddy agrees, and we all cry again.

For a time there is quiet in the room, with only an occasional murmur. Betty is making me angry, she is saying things like God just needs her more than we do and She will be in a better place, and I want to smack her, want to scream at her and tell her to shut up. But I don’t. I am quiet, I put my head down and cover my eyes, and Michael says Come here, honey, and he takes my hand. I’m going to take care of my niece, he says, and he leads me from the room. He puts his arm around me and we begin to walk the hallway. I have to stop, I am going to break down, and I begin to sob. He hugs me and I hug him back, then I pull away and wipe my eyes. We stand in the hallway and hold hands, and I tell him I want to call my husband.

I call home, and I tell him it is bad. I look up and Melissa’s husband is there, telling me Mom is here, she is out of recovery, and I rush to her. We are surrounding her bed, smiling and asking her how she feels, and she seems groggy, but she looks at me, looks into my eyes and we are communicating. She is telling me she knows, but she isn’t speaking a word. I tell my sisters later, and they say no, it didn’t happen that way, she was too groggy, but a few moments later she does it to them.

We stand outside her room, devastated and hurting, and wait for her to be settled in her room, to make sure she is sleeping. I don’t remember anything after that, until I arrive back at my mother’s house that evening.

Letting Boys Be Boys

2009-09-03T21:52:00.001-07:00

I think as homeschoolers, we often feel like the eyes of everyone--homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike--are upon us.

It's sort of like those comparisons everyone makes about one another's babies. Is he sleeping through the night yet? Crawling? Standing, cruising, walking? How many teeth does she have? Cloth or disposable? Breast or bottle? Organic or non?

With homeschooling, it's questions about math, science, reading, or handwriting skills, and--ugh--socialization. It's enough to make us crazy and bring the insecurities creeping out, one by one.

I've noticed a theme running through a few blogs and forums lately, and that is one of little boys who can't sit still and concentrate. Moms are worrying if this will change, and I want to tell you...I was worried about the very same thing, and in my case, it changed.

The Son, when he was five, six, and seven, could not sit still for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Sit, stand, wiggle, hop, sit, stand, bounce, sway, sit. He picked up reading quickly, but he preferred to sing what he was reading, complete with operatic flourishes. Any discussion followed a rambling route with the topic changing faster that I could say What was I thinking, trying to homeschool him? Although he loved to draw and dictate stories, he abhorred actually writing himself.

So, we adapted. Sitting was no longer a requirement. The Little House made a terrific song. I practiced my patient listening skills while he made connections between things like the color red, his shirt, the cardinals, and squirrels. I stopped caring that his letters had no consistent form, that he refused to use lower-case, or that his letters were so large and bulky. As a matter of fact, I stopped requiring him to write anything at all.

The day I told him he didn't have to write anymore, his eyes grew wide. I explained he could dictate, and I would write the answers down in his workbooks, or write what he wanted in his journal. He made up marvelous stories about sheep lost in the city, and underwater explorers trapped in caves but rescued by sea creatures.

A few weeks later, he picked up his blank book and began writing a story about Star Wars. Sometimes he dictated, sometimes he wrote things himself.

The year he turned eight, he picked up the pencil and told me he could write things down himself, and to my complete surprise, his letters were legible, he used lower-case, and the sizing was consistent.

In the meantime, my friend's daughter was ten years old and unable to read. I admit, I fretted over this. Then one day, Her Daughter asked how to sound out words, and her mother showed her the correlation between letters and sounds. A week and a half later, Her Daughter was happily engrossed in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

This is when it hit home for me that it doesn't matter who does what when, or how they do it. What matters is the journey: learning, living, and loving. Who knows why The Son had such difficulty sitting still, or writing legibly. Maybe it was all a matter of cognitive development, maybe it was simply a matter of maturity. For whatever reason, he just wasn't ready, and forcing him to do things my way, on my time table, wasn't effective.

My challenge to you this year is to stop worrying about what other homeschoolers (or public schoolers) are or are not doing. Slow down and enjoy this process. Follow your instincts, and remind yourself that what children learn under duress is often not retained. Don't knock the love of learning out of your child by being too rigid. Everything doesn't have to be learned today, this month, or even this year. Enjoy the time that your children are with you, for the years go by quickly, and soon you will be wondering what happened to that sweet little boy who was so full of spunk and energy, who had ants in his pants and loved to spin a tale and and talk your ear off.

Wordless Wednesday: Pals

2009-09-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

C.O.H.

2009-08-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

This week's Carnival of Homeschooling is now posted. Click the photo to go to this week's carnival. I haven't made it all the way through yet, but I've already found some really good submissions.

P.S. I'm so glad Monday is over. Bring on Tuesday!

Pulling It All Together In Order To Go With The Flow

2009-08-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

When we first started homeschooling, we were very "schooly." Considering my background as an elementary school teacher, it's not surprising...we had a separate area for schoolwork, complete with desks, and you know...this really worked well for us at that time. My kids really enjoyed having a classroom, with decorations and bulletin boards that changed with the seasons and holidays and current subjects.

I don't disparage anyone who uses this method. We all are comfortable with different methods; what works for some may not work for others. I remember being perplexed when an unschooling family came over one day, and when I showed the mother our classroom, she said, "Wow, you really do have a classroom," and her tone was disapproving.

Over the years, our style has evolved, and we are now what I would call very relaxed eclectic homeschoolers. The desks have been passed along to other homeschoolers, and reading and writing takes place wherever one happens to be...dining room table, bedroom, couch, outside under the maple trees, morning, noon, or night. This isn't to say we don't have some sort of schedule for some things...indeed we do, but part of this process (for me) has been coming to an understanding of how children process the world around them, and that can't always be put into nice tidy little boxes of learning time.

This year, our curriculum is focused around history, and we are using a lot of 'living books' and art projects and science experiments that are centered around the period of study. Amazon and the local library are our friends.

We're also using history as a jumping-off point for expanding our understanding of the world's various religions. Throw in some math, penmanship practice, and a bit of grammar, and we've got a pieced-together curriculum that works for us.

We spend a lot of time talking about things they're interested in and how it applies to our lives. I don't administer quizzes or tests because the time I spend in speaking with them is enough for me to see their thinking skills develop, and that is more important to me than a grade.

Part of being a relaxed homeschooler is going with the flow. I'm excited to see how this year will progress as we have discarded things that didn't work for us in favor of things that have. I'm hopeful that this, our sixth year outside the government-run school system, will be our best yet.

The Homeschool Lounge is interested in hearing your plans for the year. If you haven't added your post yet, there's still time. Not much, though...the promotion ends today. Click the button for more information. I hope you'll add your plans to the fray. :)

Well, That'll Teach Me

2009-08-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

So I'm not the most html-or-css-or-whatever initials I need to use to make my blog look all prettified-capable person in the world. As a matter of fact, Dog could probably pounce on the keyboard and get more accomplished than I.

But I still had to indulge my desire to try...and in the process, I lost all the links on my blogroll.

Evangelizing Atheists, Or It's A Bit Intrusive When You're On the OTHER Side of the Door, Isn't It?

2009-08-29T19:09:00.001-07:00

My delightfully wicked husband sent this to me this evening.

"Australian filmmaker John Safran is so fed up with Mormons ringing his doorbell early in the morning that he flies to Salt Lake City Utah and tries to convert Mormons to atheism. Needless to say, the locals were not pleased." (This came with my copy of the video, but didn't show up when I embedded it.)

Keep an eye on the elderly man with the rake.

EMBED-Door To Door Atheists Bother Mormons - Watch more free videos

New Blog of the Week

2009-08-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

You know how Facebook can be a fabulous tool for us old farts who want to reconnect with the other old farts from high school?

What's been interesting to me in that whole process is seeing how people have developed in regard to politics and religion. Now, the little village in which we grew up was in the southern tip of a northern state that bordered a southern state (got that?), and for all intents and purposes, we wuz suthnahs with hillbilly accents, rebel flags, and King James Bibles to thump one another with on Sundays before we left church for Mama's fried chicken and homemade mashed taters.

Most of us were good kids who didn't get in much trouble, and the ones who did probably weren't all that bad compared to the rest of the trouble-makers in the world.

Come graduation, most everyone fled the area, some to quickly return, some to straggle back years later, some to leave for good.

If it weren't for Facebook, I daresay I'd have never reconnected with any of them.

Now, looking back on the personalities of some of these kids, I'd expected that a lot would have grown up to be pretty conservative in nature, profess Christian ideals without proselytizing, and be registered Republicans. But I'm more than shocked at the number who left the area to become missionaries, and the ones who stayed but do some variation of preaching to the masses through their status updates. This is why the Creator (of facebook) invented the "Hide" option.

But every so often, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the discovery of a former schoolmate who followed where his questions led, researching and thinking and thinking and researching until he came to the realization that we'd all been duped.

He is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting people to come out of our school in decades...and he finally started a blog.

Sometimes a Girl's Just Gotta Shimmy

2009-08-29T01:44:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a busy life as a wife and a mom, I often ~~don't have time~~ forget to take time out for me.

That is all about to change.

Because sometimes, a girl's just gotta shake her groove thang, and that's exactly what I'm going to be doing for the next seven Monday nights.

Belly dance lessons, here I come!

And now, for your viewing pleasure...preeeeeeesenting Troupe Kali-Ma from World Fusion Dance Studio (and no, I'm not in it, but my teacher and friends are!):

Signs of Freethinking (Or, A Whole Lotta Linkin' Goin' On)

2009-08-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a ruckus stirred up by the pro-freethinking billboards and bus signs that have gone up lately in Florida, Texas, and several other states. It's even led to the creation of (or maybe the whole thing just evolved into-heh!) The Billboard Wars.

Meg over at Get In, Hang On posted about some t-shirts her daughter found that promote atheism (and some of them also poke fun at Christianity). I keep changing my mind regarding which is my favorite. At this moment, it's the one that says "Freedom of Speech: Not Just for Christians Any More."

I recently had a conversation with someone regarding a school principal and athletic director who are facing criminal charges over a mealtime prayer at an event held on school property. During the discussion, he complained that society is not tolerant toward Christians. He asked, "Why is it that we're to be tolerant of anything and everything except people who are Christians?...All we're really asking is for others to be tolerant and allow those who believe in God and the Bible to practice their religion openly and publicly without the threat of legal action...."

Call me crazy, but I think that's one of the purposes of churches.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T19:48:00.001-07:00

I have a new banner thanks to my friend Renee!

2009-08-26T12:30:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful to my friend Renee for making the new banner for my blog.

From left to right: Second Daughter, the little red homeschool, The Boy, and First Daughter.

I'm really happy with it! Thank you so much, Renee!

The Chaos Before the Storm: Organizing Homeschooling Resources, or Where is Loonette the Clown When I Need Her?

2009-08-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite times of year, when I sort through the resources I've gathered over the previous year in preparation for the coming one.

This is also one of my least favorite times of year, because I'm sorting through the resources I've gathered over the previous year in preparation for the coming one.

It's a chaotic mess that is surrounding me, one that is so overwhelming I feel tempted at times to box it all up and head to the local elementary and middle schools with enrollment forms in hand.

But not really.

What is making it easier this year is my determination to get rid of anything that looks, smells, walks, or talks like a textbook. I'm keeping a few reference books, but only a few. After all, living books and games are much more likely to leave a lasting impression on a child's mind than a dry anthology.

Going the unit study route is helping with this task. Although right now, the chore of organizing this big mess seems daunting, my system is actually starting to fall into place. Instead of having resources shelved according to "class," I'm shelving them according to "unit." In other words, instead of having things grouped under science, geography, art, and the like, I'm placing everything I will use during our study of Ancient Mesopotamia in one area; everything for use in learning about Ancient Egypt in another. There are two advantages to this system. First, everything I need to plan the entire unit is in one spot. Second, I only have to go to one area to grab the resources we need for a particular day.

Getting there is the battle. Too bad it doesn't work as quickly for me as it does for Loonette the Clown.

It's Always a Good Day When the Amazon Box Arrives

2009-08-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I love it when the mail carrier actually pulls into our driveway, because that usually means something good is coming. Today it was the Amazon shipment with four books I ordered to add to our resources for the Ancient Mesopotamia unit.

I'm really excited about the Ancient Science book. There are some good projects in there for all of the Ancient Cultures we will be studying. The Boy is really excited about Rostam, because it's a comic. He was so excited, he couldn't wait, and already started reading it.

I move further and further away from 'schooly' with each year. The spelling workbooks got tossed because the more they read, the more they learn to spell. The phonics program got tossed when I skipped through all the worksheets and just pulled out the chapter tests one day and no one had a problem with them, even the ones that were scheduled to be done months in the future. I just see no sense in using them when they aren't needed.

I don't like the term 'living books' but I love the concept, and our shelves are overflowing now with this type of material instead of textbooks.

I kept the things they liked. All of them like Queen Homeschool's cursive writing program because of the artwork. I should do a review of that program soon, because even for secular homeschoolers, their cursive writing program is pretty fabulous.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T14:05:00.001-07:00

Seeking Like-Minded Homeschoolers

2009-08-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, we found it difficult to find people who were homeschooling for any reason other than religion. It was really hard to make friends, especially since any arranged get-togethers with other families inevitably led to the dreaded question: What church do you attend? Once a parent discovered my children were godless heathens bound for the pits of hell, they no longer wanted their children anywhere near mine.

I eventually found a local "inclusive" group who met once or twice a month. We started attending meetings, and after a few discussions about creationism versus evolution, I realized inclusive didn't mean there were actually other non-religious families attending. The group's leader, however, was adamant that this group was open to everyone, and encouraged me to keep attending.

As the group grew, and more and more introductions started with "We were led by The Lord to homeschool," I suppose I got a little tired of being quiet about my lack of belief. I began stating in my introduction that I was not a Christian, and my reasons for homeschooling had nothing to do with religion. I felt it was better to get it out in the open instead of having my kids be left out later.

Once in awhile, a pagan or another atheist would come to these meetings, and bit by bit, we began forming friendships.

One day a new homeschooling mother showed up. I'll call her Angie, because that's her name. Angie had three kids, and they were all within one year of the ages of my kids. Before the meeting started, a woman stated she was in the midst of a move and wasn't sure what to do about lessons while they were trying to unpack and get situated. She asked, "Has anyone ever just not had school because you're too busy moving?"

There were a few replies with similar situations.

Then Angie--this new member of our group--asked, "Has anyone ever not had school because you're too hungover?"

...and then this happened:

...and she and I made eye contact, I started laughing, and I said, "You and I are going to become very good friends."

The Word of the Day is Juggling

2009-08-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Carnival of Homeschooling is posted. You don't want to miss this issue.

Labor Day Lesson Plan

2009-08-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

The internet is an extremely useful resource for the homeschooling parent. If you're willing to do the research and visit various websites, you can discover activities, discussion questions, and ideas for just about any topic. Labor Day in the United States is no exception.

Most kids know that Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September; that it is a tribute to American workers; and it signals an unofficial end to summer. This year, we're going to look a little deeper into the history of Labor Day.

Vocabulary for this lesson will include:
Industrial Revolution, mass production, trade union, collective bargaining

History of Labor Day

During the Industrial Revolution, people were needed to work in factories, operating mass production machines. Millions of people left their farms to work in these factories, looking for a secure year-round income source from a job that would also give them shelter from the elements of nature. The reality was not as positive. They found themselves working twelve to fourteen hours a day in dingy buildings and underground mines, sometimes in dangerous conditions.

As people grew frustrated and weary from this arrangement, they began banding together in trade unions to bargain collectively for the benefit of all its members. Eventually, someone suggested a day to honor the laborers. The person responsible for this is in dispute. It has usually been attributed to Peter McGuire of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, who wanted a day to praise the efforts of the everyday people. Other research points to Matthew Maguire, a machinist who later became the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, NJ.

Regardless of who made the initial suggestion, the first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 by the Knights of Labor in New York City. Other labor organizations soon began observing this holiday, as well, and in 1894, Labor Day became an official national holiday, recognizing contributions the American worker has made to our society.

Discussion Questions

What are motivations people have for working? What motivates people to work hard? What demotivates them?

Is all work of equal value? What types of work do you think are most important? Is any work not important? How do you perceive the value of the work of a professional sports player or other entertainment figure versus the value of the work of a police officer? fire fighter? doctor? What type of work situations are created due to professional sports and other entertainment?

Which types of jobs do you consider desirable? Undesirable? What would happen to society if no one were willing to do the 'undesirable' jobs?

After viewing these images, discuss how you think factories have changed over the years.

Games and Activities

Who Am I? (using occupation cards (pdf file)--similar to Twenty Questions--one child will draw a card, and the others will ask questions to determine the occupation the first child is representing)

Town Planner--divide into groups, give each group a poster board and pencils. Each group needs to plan a town, including the occupations needed to help the town run smoothly. If time permits, each group can also create a brochure promoting their town. Afterward, the groups can get together to vote on the best town plan.

Culminating Activity
A few days after our lesson, we are taking a group field trip to a local factory. I was hoping to tour our local GM factory, but they aren't doing tours until January 2010, so we had to settle for a local fine chocolate factory. Darn! *wink*

I Could Not Believe My Eyes: Abeka Vs. Native Americans

2009-08-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

I found an Abeka textbook, Our American Heritage (1983 edition), on clearance at a local homeschooling bookstore. For $2.00, I thought I could satisfy my curiosity about the religious content of Abeka's history books, and maybe even use some of the biographical content during our study of America's history. I figured I could always just toss out the religious references.

But no.

"When the Indians came, the people of Boonesboro were ready. They fought the Indians bravely for ten days.

[Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.--Proverbs 3:25-26]

The Indians would not give up. They began to set the fort on fire. When all seemed lost, God sent a rainstorm. The rain drenched the flames and the Indians, too! The flames went out, and the Indians stole back into the forest. How the people of Boonesboro rejoiced!"

How, you may ask, can they be sure that God specifically sent the rain at that precise moment to run off the Indians? It's simple! According to their website,

"Our skilled researchers and writers do not paraphrase progressive education textbooks and add Biblical principles; they do primary research in every
subject and look at the subject from God’s point of view."

After reading that, I simply had to poke around on their site to see what they had to say about history. There, in bold letters, is this statement:

Students need a realistic view of history, government, geography, and economics based upon the foundational truths of the Scriptures.

I don't know about you, but I smell an oxymoron.

Fall Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Mabon Lesson Plan

2009-08-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Twice a year, between the solstices, the earth reaches a state of balance between day and night, signaling an official change of season. In the spring, we call this the vernal equinox. In September, it is known as the fall, or autumnal, equinox.

In many cultures, the fall equinox has been incorporated into other beliefs. This year, we're going to explore both the science and the celebration associated with this astronomical phenomenon.

First, the science. Thanks to National Geographic, I have little preparation to make. We'll start with this video, then take a peek at a celebration centered around an ancient Maya pyramid. We'll try some of the suggested activities (note the lesson plan links in the left corner, too), and even do an eggs-periment.

Thank you, National Geographic. You're my kind of site.

Now, on to the celebration.

For centuries, people of every culture have set aside a time for expressing gratitude for the bounties the earth has provided. Celebrations, often including a feast, are known by many names, including Mabon, Harvest Home, Harvest End, and Thanksgiving. The fact that every culture does this is just one reason I enjoy celebrating the pagan holidays...it's a way to show my children that people around the world have always shared more similarities than one might think. Our modern-day religious holidays originated and were adapted from the old pagan celebrations.

I enjoy celebrating holidays, especially the pagan ones. We don't observe them from a place of worship, but we do acknowledge the cycle of life, celebrate nature, and learn about the mythologies, themes, and rituals associated with each one. In the case of Mabon, the theme is balance.

Mabon, celebrated on the Autumnal equinox*, is a time of balance: darkness and light, generosity and conservation, receiving and sharing, gathering the harvest and setting aside for the coming months.

Mabon is a season of celebration: many crops have been harvested, and there is abundance. We reap the fruits of our labor, not only in regard to food, but in life experience, as well. In keeping with the theme of balance, we reflect upon and celebrate that which is passing, and that which is ahead.

Colors associated with Mabon are the colors associated with autumn: green to red, gold, yellow, orange, and brown.

Our plans include:
History and Mythology
We will read stories associated with harvest-time, including the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, and the British Isles myth of the Green Man.

Altar/Display Table
We will decorate one of our tables with leaves, berries, acorns, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts

Decorations Around the House
Our home will be decorated with Indian corn, spice-scented candles, leaves and wreaths

Activities
Depending on the interests each child, any or all of these activities may take place:

*participate in food drive
*make scarecrow
*make Green Man masks
*make apple candles

*seed mosaics
*plant bulbs
*bonfire
*press leaves

*field trip to orchard, where we will pick apples and purchase produce
*talk about things we've done over the summer, make plans for winter
*finish up projects from summer, prepare house for winter (this is a good time to clear out items we no longer need/want)
*talk about ways to conserve resources: water, electricity; recycling

*prepare a feast, including: roasted chicken with sage, corn, squash, fresh berries, nuts, applesauce and applebutter, bread, fresh melon, grapes, baked apples (cored and filled with butter and cinnamon)

Reading Materials
We Gather Together by Wendy Pfeffer for the younger two
The Story of Mabon, Son of Modron, retold by Starhawk, from the book Circle Round
Persephone and Demeter from D'aulaire's Book of Greek Myths

Art Project
Using fresh leaves, the children will create their own versions of The Green Man.

*The Autumnal Equinox falls on September 22 this year.

What I Believe

2009-08-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

I used to think we weren’t typical homeschoolers due to our lack of Christian beliefs, but lo and behold, there are many non-religious homeschoolers out there.

So what do I believe?

If there is an afterlife, there is more than one road to get there.
If there is not an afterlife, that’s okay, too. If dead is dead, once you’re dead…you’re dead. No worries.
Maybe there isn't so much an afterlife as a change in state of being.
Mythology and religion: potato, potahto
Karma and The Golden Rule: potato, potato
Evolution is change, and this world has been changing for far longer than 6000 years.
Homosexuality is not a sin, nor a crime. It's a natural state for many animals of different species, not just humans.
Gay marriage should be legal; it's not a threat to families. Domestic violence--that's another story. How about a little more focus on that, and a little less focus on who your neighbor loves?
Random acts of kindness can have far-reaching effects.
Nature is spiritual, trees should be hugged, and life should be embraced.
Ancestors should be remembered.
Children should not be hit. Calling it spanking doesn't change the definition.
Harsh words of criticism can damage a child’s self-esteem for the rest of her life.
It’s more than okay to explain to a child WHY.
We are mammals. Mammals feed their young with their breasts. Breastfeeding is a totally natural way to feed a child. Don't tell me Junior's psyche will be scarred for life if he sees a baby nurse in public. I'm sure he's seen a lot more from all the T&A at the local high school fundraising car wash.

So, there ya have it. As my friend Pamela says, if you don't agree with me, you weren't listening. KIDDING.