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).