Homeschooling…even with a ski mask!

My daughter’s unique way to work on her schoolwork.

When I first started homeschooling, I had a visual picture in my head of what it would look like–children sitting quietly doing their schoolwork, with me, grading papers, while I sipped my morning coffee …..NOT!! While that may be a nice daydream, it is hardly what homeschooling really ever looks like. Kids fighting, the phone ringing off the hook, and not eating breakfast until 11:00 a.m. is a closer illustration to the real face of homeschooling, at least in my home.

I’ve learned, what makes it so “messy”, meaning not structured exactly as what’s in mom’s head, is also what makes it so unique and such a blessing. From the the freedom of learning in an environment each child creates for themselves (like reading history in a cardboard fort), to the forced constant adaptation to life when it comes your way–such as school’s cancelled today due to mom’s extreme crabbiness–these are the gems of homeschooling.

siggy-jennie

May 25, 2010 | Filed Under Homeschooling | 4 Comments

Summer Jobs for Hire!

One way to get that endless “To Do” list tackled, is to add $$$ signs next to each job. You’ll be surprised how fast the list will be checked off! What a great way for kids to make money and get things done.

siggy-jennie

May 24, 2010 | Filed Under Homemaking | Leave a Comment

Free Educational Games on the Wii!!

Did you know you could play educational games (for free!) on the Wii? I sure didn’t. Check these out! http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/wiilist.shtml

Thanks Dena for another great tip in our newsletter. I don’t know where she finds these gems??!?!?

Jennie

May 24, 2010 | Filed Under Homeschooling | Leave a Comment

The $3,000 Dollar Rental Make-Over!

I am a die hard do-it-yourselfer, especially when it comes to fixing up a house. For several years my “crew”, which consists of myself, husband (yes, I am the main carpenter in the family), and 4 children, have fixed up several houses. My teenage boys, know how to install carpets, tile a wall and sand sheetrock. In fact, they could probably remodel a house completely on their own. These are valuable skills they will use for a lifetime and probably would not have, had they spent their days sitting in a classroom.

The video is our latest fixer-upper project. This is a rental property we recently purchased. It was in very BAD shape. We saved tons of money doing all the work ourselves (see the kids working hard!) and used lots of discounted materials such as kitchen cabinets bought from Craiglist, lighting from Ebay and sinks bought at a yard sale.

siggy-jennie

May 12, 2010 | Filed Under Homemaking, Homeschooling | 2 Comments

Are You Really There?

istock_000009033609xsmall

As a homeschooling mom with a full time work-at-home job as well as being a partner in my own business, I admit to often finding it a challenge to be truly available to my children. I realize this may come as a surprise to some since I legitimately hold the title of stay-at-home Mom. Still, being there isn’t always “being” there.

I tend to mentally categorize my day into “on duty” and “off duty” regarding my role as teacher, employee and entrepreneur. While I recognize the importance of schedules and understand the reality of needing to tend to the “work” of running a home and business I realized that there was room for improvement in my involvement with my children.

I don’t think that I am unique in this. As a work-from-home, homeschooling parent, it is easy to convince myself that I am truly “there” for my children. However, I must be more that physically present, but mentally and spiritually present with my children as well. Since I homeschool, I’ll use that as an example.

As I’ve made an effort to become more “present” I’ve recognized the many learning opportunities that take place through simple conversation. A recent example of this occurred on a Sunday morning drive to church. I was daydreaming and enjoying the scenery as my daughter asked, “What is Chapstick made of?”

“Hmmm….I don’t know. Probably wax.” I murmured as I continued to admire the view. Uncharacteristically, I caught myself and said, “Well….you should be able to find out by reading the ingredient list on the side. Whatever is used most is listed first, the next largest ingredient is second, and so on.”

All three children listened with interest as my daughter read the list of ingredients and I attempted to interpret them. “Petroleum Jelly would be what we call Vaseline”. I then explained how many ingredients have different names, talked a bit about the many different types of sugars, etc. Before we knew it we’d arrived at church.

Later that day, I was pleased and surprised to find my children rummaging through the pantry checking out the ingredient lists on boxes, jars and cans. They even developed a game in which they took turns holding up an item and asking a sibling to guess the first ingredient listed. This led naturally to conversations on what was healthy and what was not and turned into a dynamic lesson on nutrition, though I had little to do with it. My simple choice to be present and respond with more than an “I don’t know” to the initial question had spurred a flurry of educational activity. Pretty easy, huh?

I wonder then, why I don’t do it more often. As a parent I often see myself either “teaching” or being preoccupied with life. I’m either turning every little event into a lecture or I’m absorbed in my own endeavors. I believe the secret is in finding that middle ground. Simply being truly present with your children and enjoying life with them. Be curious with them. Point out those little things that we, as adults, take for granted. But don’t necessarily make everything “educational” and don’t always expect an enthusiastic outward response from your children.

I recall a couple of instances that, in relative significance, are extremely minor, yet the memories are quite vivid. The first, is my mother lifting me, a very young girl, onto the kitchen counter and showing me how the clouds move across the sky. She didn’t say anything more. We simply stood together and watched the billows. I doubt I even offered a reaction, but I was amazed.

The second memory involves a drive with my father as he casually commented on how the houses on one side of the street were even numbered and the houses on the opposite side were odd numbered. I vividly recall that “ah ha!” moment. I’m quite sure, however, that my parents would have no recollection of either event. They were both minor and relatively unimportant.

I have some inkling of why these simple interactions evoked such strong memories. I equate both with learning and love. In each instance my parents were “present” with me. They weren’t out to “teach” me. They were just with me and sharing themselves as they explained the mysteries of the world. The context of that education, my parents warmth and interest, caused the information to stick and ministered to my young soul.

As I see my children respond so enthusiastically to a simple bit of information and as I reflect back upon my own fond remembrances, I’m encouraged and motivated to make more of an effort to be truly present with my children. No, I don’t have to drop everything and rush to their side every time I’m approached with a question. But I do need to remember that we are living this life together every moment. There’s not an “on duty” and “off duty”. And the more that I am willing to share my experiences and knowledge, the more we all benefit.

siggy

May 12, 2010 | Filed Under Home Business, Homemaking, Homeschooling | 4 Comments

Fight Spring Fever with The Activity Jar

Empty Blue Jar

The Activity Jar is a fun way to add a bit of excitement to the day and is a good tool for combating Spring Fever. Use it as a reward when schoolwork or chores are completed. Make a point of drawing from it once or twice a day, and you’ll all have something to look forward to. Here are some starter ideas for your Activity Jar: