Favorite Things

The kids number one toy that they play with is their kitchen set. Theo stirs and mixes, Georgia likes to make tea and coffee and serve me foods, and they literally spend hours a day replicating things they see in the kitchen. Yes, they do fight over pans and spatulas, but all is resolved in the end (usually me giving it back to Theo who's toy was unjustly taken out of his fist). Here is some of the felt food that I have accumulated in which they play with.

Homeschool Friends

The exciting part about homeschooling is that you can "meet" people from all parts of the country and beyond. This week we were mailed a "Flat Sarah" to take pictures with and send on. As you can see, Flat Sarah spent one of her days riding bikes with Georgia.

Practicing the Letter "G"

Georgia is beginning to get the hang of writing a "T" in chalk and makes a lot of swirly movements for the letter "G."

Here is her recent backyard art and coloring of our horse sculpture.

In the meantime, Theo contentedly played in the sandbox, repeatedly pouring and shoveling the sand.

Zoo

One great thing about living in the city is how close we are to everything. The zoo is about 10 blocks away and we have a family membership, which translates to us being frequent visitors. This weekend we went with the specific intent to feed the giraffe's and parakeets. Georgia also really wanted to see the flamingo's ('mingo's) and pet the goats. Here are some pictures of us in action.

Socialization

Here is Georgia and a new friend at her Grandpa's funeral. She is only 2.5 and the other child was 4....but she stole the show by grabbing his hand and leading him to where she wanted to go.

Fall curriculum

If I were still teaching (in a classroom) I know that by August I would be mentally preparing for the upcoming school year. Some things never leave you, and once again I find myself envisioning how our fall will play out. Which topics are essential? Some off the top of my head are:

1. letter recognition: tracing, magnet play, letter building with found objects (sticks, q-tips, raisins, etc.)
2. color exploration: learning the difference between primary and secondary colors, replicating a color wheel, finger painting, brush painting, straw painting
3. cooking: measuring, planning a menu, grocery shopping, mixing and tasting :)
4. outdoor exploration: fall hikes, exploring our environment, tree and leaf rubbings
5. insects and mammals: differences, visits to the zoo, many art projects
6. social interaction: visit the fire station, weekly playdates with homeschoolers, and Georgia will begin taking an "active" class; either gymnastics or indoor soccer

Summer Curriculum

I know the kids are still young, but I am really trying to take advantage of the weather and get in as many outdoor types of activities as possible...while we have more sun than rain.

So, far, we have spent our summer involved in the following activities:
building sand castles
practicing pouring and digging on the beach
collecting shells and rocks
city walks (often helped by a stroller ride)
exploring all areas of the zoo
tending to Georgia's veggie garden (tomatoes, radishes, and strawberries)
feeding our compost worms
practicing balance and gravity at the park
writing with sidewalk chalk
more pouring with water in our backyard pool
learning to balance and ride G's Skuut bike (balance bike)
Berry picking

We plan to also include:
horseback riding on our horse, Star
camping with our friends, Leah and Thom
visiting a water park
swimming in an outdoor pool

Any other suggestions?

Learning to Walk

It is kind of like homeschooling, isn't it? Learning to take small steps and have confidence in ourselves. Here are pictures of Theo learning to walk.

Berry Picking

Today I took the kids to Biringer Farms in Arlington. It was a 49 minute car ride through mostly grass and marsh land. Upon arriving, I set up the twin stroller, picked up some empty flat boxes, and made the trek out to the strawberry fields. Georgia enjoyed herself, pointing out the tractors and taking extreme delight in eating two berries for every berry she placed in our box. Theo mostly complained and whined from his stroller until Georgia would ever so kindly run over to him and hand him a berry to quiet him down. The weather was overcast and the rain didn't start until just as we were pulling out of the driveway to go back home.

Beach

Today we spent the morning at the beach. Golden Gardens Park is about 1.5 miles from our home and I really hadn't braved an outing with the kids there, so decided that there was no time like the present. We loaded up our sand buckets, three shovels, beach towels, lunch, and set off for a morning of sandy goodness.

I am embarrassed to report that we live 1.5 miles from a sandy beach...but Georgia is unfamiliar with sand outside of our sandbox. She spent the first 30 minutes at the beach hysterically crying and kicking off her Croc's because she had sand in her shoes. We are talking flailing, screaming, crying. I finally got her calmed down while we walked along the concrete sidewalk. I found a small stream of water running towards the ocean and talked her into getting wet and digging in the sand. Somewhere in the confusion, I lost one of our shovels, but consider that a small casualty when trying to keep track of the kids and managing temper tantrums.

By the end, Georgia thoroughly enjoyed digging in the sand and playing in the water. She had another temper tantrum when it was time to leave. Thank goodness Theo is pretty flexible and was content to sit on a blanket in the sand, digging with a shovel. It would have been much harder to manage two screaming kids.

I don't know how educational this trip was, but it was sensory filled and involved exploring our community. We will definitely go back to dig, scavenge during low tide, and play with others.

Number 1 Reason

I have been pondering my number one reason for homeschooling? I am having a difficult time choosing, but here is what I have come up with:

1. I want my kids to experience life.

Simple and to the point, but I really mean it. I don't want them to color in pictures of turkeys at Thanksgiving...but instead to visit a turkey farm and learn about the life cycle, breeds, foods, etc. of turkeys. I want them to raise a turkey, if they so wish. I want them to travel and really live life. I don't want my kids calculating "story" problems in a workbook...but instead going to the store and calculating how to feed the five of us on $15 a balanced dinner. I want real life to be at their fingertips during every second of the day.

I want them to have endless stories of places they have visited, people they have met, and questions they have answered. I am unsure if you can get this in any type of enclosed building housing thirty kids for 7 hours a day, 180 day a year.

Dead Bird

Today, our "classroom" briefly had a new pet. Last night, Jon was out gardening and noticed a cat playing with a baby bird. He rescued it and we put it in a shoe box, hoping to give it time to recover. It did, and even ate baby food from a chopstick this morning. Unfortunately, it's health declined and by this afternoon it had died. Georgia had been really curious about it and now that it has died, keeps saying, "Poor dead bird."

Challenge

I just watched an Oprah show about giving up technology for a week. I am eager to begin this challenge and wonder if my family will be game. If we begin it, the challenge is simple: no tv, cell phones, computers, or video games for 7 days. In addition, there is no eating out and we must budget our groceries to max out at $125 for the week.

The intended outcome will be a more present and connected family...something I am sure we all can agree is beneficial.

Would anyone like to join us on this challenge? There is no time like the present to begin.

Social Graces

This blog has been a little slow because I feel like we aren't ready for typical lessons, which I anticipate blogging about in the upcoming years. Georgia is too young to write her name, read her own books, or even ask many questions. Since we are still working on her speech, counting (everything adds up to nine), and the differences between pink and fuchsia, our learning process is pretty elemental.

Today, she gave us our first lesson. We are beginning with social graces, and when you think about it, everything stems from them. We were at University Village looking for an outfit for her brother's birthday tomorrow and a woman walked past us on the street. Georgia said, clear as day, "Hi!" to the woman as we passed. She turned around with a big smile and said "Hi" back. In that moment I realized that I had done something right in teaching G to approach people and be friendly. I quickly felt pride in her outgoing nature and realized we need to use this as a stepping stool. Our next step is developing a solid handshake and looking adults in the eye when speaking with them.

These seem like really elementary lessons but don't they practice this in preschool and kindergarten? If they don't, they should and if they do...well, isn't it better to practice it in real life instead of with your peers in an artificial setting?

As it stands now, I am feeling pretty good about our decision to homeschool.

Classes

I am trying to find balance in my life. As I age, it gets a bit easier, but sometimes it is always a struggle. I find that I want my kids to have all of the advantages that other children have; educationally, socially, etc. Choosing to homeschool heightens this awareness (or fear) and forces me to concretely think about what I intentionally bring into our children's lives.

For instance, toddler gymnastic classes. Georgia is such an active child who loves to run, twirl, jump, climb, and somersault. I get excited and pour over local gymnastic schedules...but ultimately resist the pull. Why? On one hand I want her to socialize with peers, have other teachers, and burn some energy out. On the other hand I know from experience that once the classes begin, they are that much harder to stop. I abhor the constraints of a summer schedule and ultimately resign myself to wait another six months. Am I making a mistake or wisely preserving these last months of just us, without schedules, and our cavalier moods?

Ultimately I know there will be time soon enough for classes. We are choosing balance, old fashioned park time, and backyard somersaults in the meantime. All too quickly fall will be here and classes may begin.

Sunshine

Today we basked in the 65 degree weather. I took the kids to Whole Foods and shopped while they munched on Auntie Anne's Bunny crackers. I couldn't resist the weather (and Georgia chanting, "PARK, PARK, PARK!") so we stopped by the park on the way home from the store. I layed out a blanket in the sun and we snacked on our crackers and pizza while watching all of the activity around us. It appeared that everyone was out; a family with their twins, new puppy's, and strolling grandparents. Georgia took full advantage of the swings, slides, and sandbox. Theo serenely chewed on crackers and pizza crust, flexing his bare toes in the breeze.

It was another perfect day with the little kids, one I am unbelievable grateful to have experienced.

French Story Time

Today I took the kids to a local story time, spoken in french. In theory this sounds lovely, educational, and sophisticated. In reality it wasn't. I suppose we did sing the "head and shoulder's" song, which even I could do. Georgia mainly twirled around looking at everything besides the books being read. Theo had a poo in the middle so I had to excuse us, find a changing table, and then change him. It wasn't the most educational of experiences but I suppose it met us where we are at.

I do feel like we got the following out of it:
1. to expose Georgia to other kids of varying ages
2. to hear another language spoken by a native speaker
3. to seek out free and unusual activities in our community

Upon reflection, I realized that Kate could be speaking some french to them at home. I will be asking her to sing french songs to them and using some simple sentences/words with them. We have a french speaking resource in our own home~what a find!

Will we go again? Probably, since it is a monthly activity (first Wed. of the month). It has to get better and/or easier...right?

Goals for Education

I have been pondering the goals that I have for Georgia and Theo's education. I say "my" goals, since they are too young to verbalize their own, and because I am directing this train...and wish to have an overarching goal(s) in sight.

1. To instill a love of learning, knowledge, and the pursuit of such endeavors
2. To travel and explore the world, customs, and culture
3. To use service of oneself as a lesson, and lead by example
4. To socialize the children to adapt and converse with anyone and in any situation
5. To open any and all doors through concrete skills and teachings, needed for mainstream society

These might not be "regular" school goals such as learning numbers, shapes, and colors...but I believe that our goals are bigger than the confines of regular education. I don't dismiss what regular education teaches, but their focus (in my opinion) seems to be lacking to no fault of teachers and schools. I think by short changing our expectations with only measurable skills we miss the life long attitudes and skills that are arguably much more critical in a shrinking world. Essentially, I believe that we should start with the 5 goals listed above and include measurable skills as needed. This is how I plan to proceed while educating our wee ones.

Video

SHG (Seattle Homeschool Group) is showing a video tonight called "Grown Without Schooling." Tentatively, Jon and I have made plans to attend in the hopes of meeting other families as well as researching and/or solidifying our homeschooling decision. This will be Jon's first event, so wish us luck!

Here is the summary from the video:

Accompany 10 grown homeschoolers from around the country, ranging in age from 19 to 31, as they explore and candidly discuss the lasting influence home education has had on their lives. Produced and edited for the homeschooling community by a lifelong homeschooler, this 107 minute documentary is a frank and often illuminating portrait of the triumphs and struggles homeschoolers face as children, teens and adults.

Learning Spirit

I find it perplexing that many of the adults in our life do not seem to have a "learning spirit." This is my new word, borrowed from a TV program that I was watching, but I feel it accurately describes the art of being willing to learn. I understand that many (if not most) adults are consumed, quite literally, by work and family~leaving them little time to take classes and search out new knowledge. With that taken into account, learning is always a choice.

A few months back I sent around an email for a 4 part series regarding toddler behaviors. I literally sent the info to at least 15-20 families. Not one took a bite. I get that toddler behavior classes aren't every one's cup of tea. I would much rather be sitting on the couch, blogging, or keeping up with housework. The difference is that I think these classes are essential. Yes, I knew most of what was taught...but Jon didn't and that made all the difference. I take parenting very seriously, like a skill, and I am open to learning.

This week I was talking to a friend about taking some love and logic parenting classes with us. She laughed me off and dismissed the idea. I felt dismayed by her response and wished she was more open to the idea of learning. Is it fear, cost, time? Why are those overridden by potential knowledge?

A learning spirit doesn't have to take the form of classes on parenting. It includes all types of growth. Jon and I once took a rock climbing class because we knew nothing about it. We are in the process of seeking out a spiritual connection~which is causing us some growing pains and adjustments. Our new church is "different" and thus, requires more patience and open mindedness on our part. I think this is fantastic and Jon thinks it is difficult. We are learning. I am taking up knitting and teaching myself about bread baking.

The attitudes of adults regarding learning stumps me at times. I wonder if it is inherent, or the interest of learning has been raised out of them. Is this due to their familial attitudes or to negative schooling experiences? It is complex and sad in the same breath.

I was raised with a learning spirit and thus find an easier time with change and difference. I hope to instill this philosophy in my own children. In the meantime, we are signing up for the second round of parenting classes and insuring that our kids will get our best attempts at parenting and learning the art of being willing to learn.

Curriculum

There are all types of homeschooling possible. Some people subscribe to premade curriculum and run it every day, like a classroom inside your home. Some people subscribe to the unschooling method which involves letting children learn when and how they see fit. I fall somewhere in the middle. My husband would prefer the more confined ideal of having "school" at a set time every day with desks, a chalkboard, and possibly a bell (just kidding...but maybe he isn't).

Overall I am an orderly person and thus expect to fall into a rhythm of routine and predictability. Something like wake, breakfast, showers, excursion, and then quiet and home time. Our kids are still young, requiring naps and highchairs, that our days are more defined in some ways then they will be in a few years.

Currently our daily schedule is wake, breakfast, shower, excursion, naps, art or puzzle time, dinner and bed. For our toddler/preschool curriculum I have been incorporating baking (bread and brownies are favorites), art (scissor use is big for our toddler), and city walks (talking about all of the business's and what they do is a big topic on these excursions). We tried to make our own play-doh but that turned into a big soupy mess.

In a nutshell, I am not buying any preplanned curriculum at this time. I have numerous books for art and activities amongst the preschool set, time on our hands, and lots of possibilities within walking distance (library, zoo, parks, dance and karate studios, etc).

Why?

We aren't religious, conservative, or over protective~why would we homeschool? In fact, I think we are quite "normal." My husband wouldn't agree, since he doesn't think that homeschooling is normal. To be honest, he is right...but of course I would rather he say we aren't typical rather than normal. All the difference is in the language :)

Why should we homeschool? I am not pleased with public school. Coming from a public school teacher I feel somewhat like a fraud or at least a disloyal or disenfranchised former employee. I don't mean to be negative but public school doesn't make a lot of sense to me. To begin with, kids are grouped by age rather than skill level. This very grouping sets kids up to either be bored, behind, or lost in the middle. I buy into the Montessori method of grouping based on age (traditionally a three year span) AND skill levels. However, most of the Montessori methods are not present in your average public school classroom.

Can you imagine the shake up~a school district reorganizing an entire district and eliminating traditional grades? Think of the testing and expense. Think of the parent frustrations. It would be chaos, learning would fall apart, and heaven forbid~the kids would not pass their state testing mandates. Schools would be fined and teaching positions would be cut. It is much better to follow the status quo and keep on trucking in an antiquated system.

I digress, this was about why we are choosing homeschooling and not a bash towards public educational systems. I cringe at the idea of my children in a classroom of 25-30 children. I know first hand that unless you are the loudest, most funny, smartest, or laziest in the class...you may be missed on any given day. It is a sure numbers game and it stinks, but it is what it is. No one human can personally touch, connect, and teach over 150 students a day. It isn't fair or realistic to expect otherwise. Of course this is just my opinion, some may argue with me, but this has been my experience.

As a family we contemplated private school, with our favorites being either a Waldorf or Montessori education, but soon realized that cost is prohibitive to us at this time. The economy has made our sole income in real estate a bit smaller and thus, less dispensable.

Arriving at homeschooling I see all the possibility; travel as our "classroom." Day trips to the zoo, aquarium, or mountain trails. Weekly trips that involve Amtrak rides, ferry boats, and tents. Monthly excursions of service that will eventually involve passports...the adventure's are endless. A philosophy of learning that takes place throughout our daily lives and doesn't end at the 3:00 pm school bell is a blessing in disguise. I don't want to raise video game kids and drama queens. I wish to raise kids who are open to possibility, who don't crave the latest designer labels, who read magazines about photography or travel instead of Teen Cosmo. Eliminating social pressures (but not isolating them) is a very big draw to our homeschooling lifestyle.

We have stars in our eyes over the possibility of who our kids may become and how this will all pan out. I expect bumps along the way, self doubt, and frustrations. In the end, we are making the right decision for our family right now.

Journey

Indeed, why? Many people have different reasons; alot of them centering around religion or values. These aren't necessarily the case with us. I have come to homeschooling by the ways of a very curvy path. The route that has gotten us here was proceeded by very distinct events proceeded by casual observations. Let me begin...

Twelve years ago I witnessed what the possibility of education could be when I enrolled our oldest child in a preschool Montessori program. Never before had I experienced a school where children were joyful, disciplined, and encouraged to grow amongst nature and with pride. The children learned sign language, attained skills at their own pace, played at recess on grass and under apple trees. It was joyful and magical and I thought to myself that this is how school should be.

Seven years ago I became a public school teacher. The memories of the Montessori school were a dream to what public school was. Concrete and limited resources were the norm. State testing and new philosophy's every other year were the expectations. Teacher burnout was high, violence and frustration were everywhere.

Ten months ago I lay in our bed with our youngest, Theo, recovering from my c-section and reading Mothering magazine. I became fascinated about an article about the success and benefits of homeschooling. I saved that issue (May 2008) and reread it when alone and pondered the possibility. Was it possible?

Throughout the past ten months, I have bought and borrowed books about homeschooling. I have subscribed to a homeschooling newsletter, and attended a support group/parent meeting for homeschooling families.

What I have learned is that homeschooling is the best choice for our family at this time. I reserve the right to examine our choice at periodic intervals and determine if this is the course we should be on. We will take it day by day, week by week, and month by month. Nothing is guaranteed and isn't that the way life is supposed to be?

Homeschooling Perceptions

Since beginning this adventure, I have come across quite a few "negative" responses. For instance, comments such as, "Your kids won't be socialized" or that of our teenage daughter's response, "homeschooled kids dress weird." If these are the comments people say aloud~I can only imagine what they must think.

My secret suspicions are that their comments are not very positive and border on wondering if we are religious sect members or if I am a crazed and overprotective mom. Let me set the record straight in saying that neither of these are the case.

I agonize a bit over my grammar and writing style now that I have declared us to be a homeschooling family. God forbid I misspell a word or write incorrect grammar to feel like people will deem me unacceptable as an educator for our children. Never mind that I previously taught 150 kids a year in the public school circuit...

Anyway, I realize that homeschooling requires lots of justifications and clarifications. I get that and respect all of you. I don't deny that it is atypical. Some (including myself) might think it "weird." It is what it is and I don't apologize for our choice, but defiantly embrace it for all of its oddity and adventure!

Welcome!

Here we are, creating a new blog surrounding homeschooling! I am surprised (and not so surprised) at my enthusiasm for homeschooling.

Let me introduce our family; Kate who is a 9th grader and attends public school, Georgia who is a 28 month old soon to be homeschooled preschooler, and Theo who is 10 months old and currently along for the ride.

I am a former middle school teacher turned stay at home mom turned homeschooling facilitator. My husband is a real estate managing broker turned cautiously supportive homeschooling dad.