A Homeschool Compliment

At times, the responsibility of homeschooling can overwhelm me. But I know that I am doing what is best for Sweetie.

Yesterday, I had to visit our local target, which just happens to have a Starbucks inside of it. And they just happened to have pumpkin spice frappechinos. ;-)

While we were waiting in line, a friend from church walked into Target. I stopped to talk with her. Sweetie joined in on the conversation with me.

Lady: Hubby is out of town. I *Hate* it when he goes out of town!

Sweetie: You know what? Daddy went to work one day, and worked *all* night! He didn't even sleep! And when he got home, he took a nap until SUPPER TIME!

(She said this with much drama, and animation as she could)

By this time my coffee was ready, and there was a lady there waiting for her coffee. This lady asked me what grade Sweetie was in, and I told her kindergarten. She asked where she went to school, and I informed her that she is home schooled.

This lady then says, "I can tell! She is very smart. I am a first grade teacher, and schools love to have children like her. Her use of words, and willingness to participate is what they want."

I thanked her politely. Encouraged that someone in edcuation was impressed with Sweeties skills.

But, today I realized something. Schools wouldn't like Sweetie, I don't think. Now, why would I say that, after that nice lady gave me a genuine compliment?

Well, even though Sweetie is *very* smart, they would probably classify her as ADD.

She has a hard time staying on task. They wouldn't appreciate her creativity then.

She is a very hands on and a visual learner. She wouldn't fit in well with their curriculum of staying at a desk for hours doing seat work.

She tends to hum while she works. They would want her to be quiet so as to not disturb the other students.

Nope. I don't think they would love to have Sweetie after all. I know I am doing the right thing homeschooling her where she can learn in an enviroment that can tolerate her. I think I'll keep her here with me. ;-)

Nature Walks

One of the "big" things in Charlotte Mason's philosophy is nature study.

Three days, last week, I took the kids for a walk around our neighborhood. Hoping, to find something new and different, that we have never seen before, or unique and that usually misses our eye, because we are "busy".

Every time, before we walk out the door, we have asked the Lord to help us spot these things. And every time, we pleasantly discover something new and unique that we've never seen.

On the first day, we saw horses on neighboring properties. We, ourselves don't live on property, but,our neighborhood backs up to an area that has a few "mini" farms. This provides ample opportunity to find interesting things.

I am so grateful to live in an area like that. We are not totally "in the country" but it is close enough for us to enjoy some of the benefits. :)

One day I brought the camera along. I would like to share some pictures of what we "discovered" that day.

And we found this guy in our front yard as we came home from a walk. We had tons of fun playing with him, and using him as a subject for our turtle photo shoot. :)

Our First Day Of School

September the 8th was our first day of school. I know we started a wee bit late, but that's ok. We have plenty of time to make up for it. We don't have snow days, or teacher work days, and half days, etc. :)

The first day of school this year was kinda specialm because Grandma, from out of state was visiting with us. So Grandma also got to get in on the fun.

Our day started out early. I went to my first MOPS meeting for the semester. I dressed Sweetie and Bean in new hot pink dresses.

Then we took pictures. I have each child hold up a sign showing what year of school they are in

Then it was off to MOPS.

We came home, and had a nice lunch deli chicken sandwiches. I put Tiny Boy down for his nap and we began our school work.

I am using "My Father's World" Curriculum. It is based on the methods of Charlotte Mason. Thus the title of this blog, "The Gentle Art of Learning". That is a phrase that Miss Mason coined.

In "My Father's World" there is an introduction; a foundation to the whole program. For the first two weeks of school we focus on the Creation.

In these two weeks Sweetie completed a chart depicting the seven days of creation. She also illustrated a Creation book, which I have plans on binding it together later.

The first day with the academic department (The Three R's) we just reviewed the basics. ABC's, 123's, and read a few stories. I also had to focus on teaching Sweetie how to narrate. That was bit of a challenge. She was trying to memorize word for word the literature selection, rather than telling me in her own words what happened in the story. I think she is beginning to grasp the concept now though.

Narration, in case one is unfamiliar with the concept, is a term that Charlotte Mason used to "re-tell" the story in your own words. So, I read Sweetie a portion of literature and she is to tell me in her own words what she just listened to. This develops reading comprehension, and also challenges her to be creative by using her own words, rather than the usual question and answer approach.

As she get's older, she must try to recall the important details. For now, as she is learning this concept I am happy with anything she tells me. :)

Ok, back to our first day. :)

After our academic portion, The girls went to their rooms for "quiet rest time". I have always done this in the afternoon. It gives me a break, and I can rest myself. ;-)

During quiet Rest time, I set a tea party up, using real tea cups, and a tea pot. I set the table in a "back to school" theme. Using Fruit for a center piece. I also tried to make place cards that looked like little slates.

Before school began I went shopping for "special" school supplies. Things like pencils with designs on them, fancy shaped erasers, pretty notepads, mini staplers, etc. I put them in a gift bag and put them on the table.

When the children awoke from their naps, they had a beautiful tea party to attend. I served them sugar cookies and peppermint tea. Bean and Sweetie did not care too much for the tea, but Tiny Boy enjoyed it thoroughly. ;-)

After the tea party they went outside to play on their swing set while I finished dinner preparations.

After they came in, and Daddy got home we had Tacos and Brownies for Supper. A menu that Sweetie chose herself.

I wanted to make the 1st day of school a special and memorable one for Sweetie as well as Bean. Bean is "listening in" on Sweetie's lessons while she works on her Rod and Staff Preschool books.

Tiny Boy just hangs out and does what he likes. Usually, he tries to get in on the action. Especially when we sing. He likes that. :)

So there you have it. Our first day of school. :) Hopefully, I will be posting once a week on this blog depicting our schooling events of the past week.

Have a great day! :)