life is for learning

what we've been up to

The month of December has held an unusual rhythm for us. It took a little while to get my traditionally educated brain around the idea of freedom during this time of year, but after allowing Emily to lead the way into the season of making and giving and nesting, I finally got a clue. And some confidence. So for the last several weeks there has been reading, writing, and math . Aside from that much of our day has been kept clear for holiday celebrating and preparations.

Emily has been sledding, snowman making, and ornament painting...

There has been jewelery making for lucky (if you ask me...) recipients on her gift list...

And some crystal making because what would life be for a nine year old without a good measure of science experiments...                                                                                                         

There has been book making for special cousins, shhh...

Did I mention the sledding? We don't exactly have a backyard sledding hill on our tiny lot, the sidewalk will do.                                                                                                                         

And of course, gingerbread house making. This was actually a two day project... could've been longer though but we needed our dining room table back. Are gingerbread houses ever really done?

So this week will be more of the same, soaking in the season and checking things off our lists. Like cookie making, we haven't made a single cookie yet! Tell me, what does your homeschool rhythm feel like in December?  For us this is new ground, it's taken a little while to find our footing. But I have enjoyed the heightened awareness of the season. I don't think we could have captured it the same had we not relaxed about a few details that will still be here just the same in January. But the spirit of Solstice and Christmas, that will be long gone and we hope to feel content knowing that we slowed down enough to fully experience the magic this season holds. Happy Holidays to each of you, and thank you as always for stopping by.

remember when this was a blog? boston day three

This blog lives! I am so sorry for such an unexpected absence here. Let's hope that doesn't happen again... now, where were we? Yes, day three of our Boston trip. I'll re-cap rather quickly with mostly photos and then move on (after today) with more current news and adventures. Certainly life and learning have not slowed to a screeching halt the way this blog seems to have. There is much to share in the days to come. For now, please enjoy these photos and words from our last day in Boston.

Day three began with a thorough drying of our girl's shoes... remember the nor'easter on day two? And to think I felt silly packing my hair dryer when I know full well hotels always have them these days, but just in case...

 

We did indeed make it to the Freedom Trail on this day, which was an incredible day by the way. You know how perfectly crisp and clear everything is after a storm blows away. It was the best day for walking. We started a little backwards and visited the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides across the river first. Then made our way to Boston Common and finished the trail from there. We were happy to find a little wildlife in Boston Common, even if the site of watching predator/prey was somewhat disturbing. It wasn't quite as disturbing however as the guy behind me when this photo was taken screaming "Ted Kennedy is a f%#@*!g murderer!" Yikes!  Moving on...                                          

The Granary Burying Ground.               

Street performers at Quincy Market and the home of Paul Revere.                                                             

We ended the day back in the North End filling up on pasta and gelato. I know these last two pictures aren't great but I assure you, the food was incredible! The restaurant overlooked the oldest town square in the country, we thought that was pretty cool. Our trip was wonderful, our time studying the Revolutionary War leading up to this trip was equally fulfilling.

History is tricky to teach to children being written by the victors, the Revolutionary War is no exception. There is a great deal of false truth in text books, which seems to be more universally recognized today and evolving to a more truthful portrayal than when I was young. With useful resources such as Howard Zinn's A Young Peoples History, Volume 1 and 2 families can sift through the history we've been taught for many years so our children don't face a great deal of "unlearning" as they grow older. It's challenging though because much of our history is rather ugly, fueled by power, greed, and personal gain. Pretty heavy subjects for children, but by the time those tween and teen years roll around they are ready for age appropriate lessons in our nations true history. I don't want to get too into it right now, but sharing history with our daughter I think is one of the saddest yet most important things we can do as a family learning together. I realize this is my own personal edge as a homeschooling mom, and we each have our own. It is important for me to include the truth which is often harsh and to balance that truth with the beauty, simplicity and the deeply rooted family and personal values as well as traditions that were prevalent for so many, particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Qualities that can sometimes seem lacking and watered down in modern day according to my own daughter. I think it's important to observe what has worked beautifully and what has failed miserably in our past, and to take those lessons to heart as we move forward in our personal journey toward a more evolved future.

boston

We have returned from a long weekend in Boston, taking in the city's rich history, architecture, museums, and culinary offerings of the North End.  How does one blog about a three day getaway? By asking up front for patience and forgiveness I believe. This is a long one, but for us, important to capture in this homeschool journal. Here is a day by day review, in words and in photos.

Day One

We arrived at the Boston Science Museum early Friday evening. We spent a few hours there (until closing) and only took in two galleries, including this amazing lightening demonstration. Yes, real lightning, 30 feet away.  Of course we made time for a quick snack at Wolfgang Pucks Cafe, I was so happy to find healthy choices like fruit and cheese. Not your typical but very welcomed museum cafeteria fare. An annual pass was purchased and we will definitely be going back, it was an incredible place with so many high quality exhibits, we knew there wouldn't be enough time to see all of it and look forward to returning soon.

Day Two

We booked our hotel last Tuesday and at that time checked the long range forecast for Boston... sunny, clear, 50 degrees. Perfect. Except for the fact that it was completely wrong by about 10 degrees,  5 billion storm clouds, and wind gusts that promised to turn every other umbrella on the street inside out

Day two plans were to spend the day on the Freedom Trail. Instead it kept us running from one form of shelter to the next. Our first stop, pastry. To balance that out, a stop at Quincy Market for some miso soup. From there we moved on to the Aquarium, which I feel bad saying but we were completely disappointed in. I had expected so much more from a big city museum... for us, it really was not worth the $50 it cost for the three of us to walk in the door. I always think of families of five or six at moments like that... things are pricey out there! There were no sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, etc., things that can be found close to home at Mystic Aquarium. Lesson learned, the grass isn't always greener.   We filled in the rest of the afternoon with  a trip to Fenway, microbrew and clam chowder,  train rides and more train rides (a BIG highlight for Emily), cappuccino in the North End, a new addition to our library, as an unexpected interest was shown in  a different kind of Boston area history. An early return to the hotel for a quiet dinner and a swim in the pool.

We really made the best of the unexpected nor'easter and had a very full day. I'll be back tomorrow with a recap of day three. This is really long I know, thanks for sticking around this far. The time it's taking to load all these photos is driving me a little batty.

letter writing

Our learning approach is influenced by many, Maria Montessori being high on the list. The method of moving around relatively freely in a "prepared environment" has always worked for Emily. The idea of organized lessons arranged in a self-service way can leave a child feeling very empowered and responsible for their choices. So we have many "lessons" or "work choices" arranged on shelves on trays, in baskets or wooden boxes, each contains all of the materials needed for said lesson.

This is our letter writing box. In it contains every item we could think of that is needed to write a proper letter, an artform really, that at times feels we are losing sight of in this technological age. This is a wonderful activity that Emily chooses regularly.

Letter Writing Box Contents
stationary
thank you cards
address book, filled with friends & family
stamps
pens, pencils
stickers to decorate if desired
and most importantly... a sample letter (you can kind of see mine in the pic) that highlights the format; heading, salutation, body, complementary close, signature. this can be laminated.

We also had a discussion about the letter format at the time this work choice was introduced. We talked about the historical significance of letter writing, papers and utensils that were used, as well as the time it once took for one letter to reach it's destination. Emily loves to feel her connection to history, especially through traditions and daily customs.

a young writer

If you were to ask Emily what she'd like to be when she grows up she'd say a teacher, a librarian, or a writer. Usually she'll say a writer. I believe this is due in part to her former writing teacher, Deb. Deb had a beautiful way of planting seeds, inspiring children, and most importantly helping them each to find their unique voice as a writer. Tuesday afternoons were always set aside for Writing Workshop. Now that we are homeschooling I was looking for a way to create our own writers workshop.

Writing is important for a young girl who loves words, and has a beautiful, often witty way of using them to express herself. She can be heard from the back seat of the car saying things like "I love this ribbon of road. Daddy, I feel like your driving us into oblivion." Spoken while travelling a winding, hillside in the country. The kind of road that provides many tummy drops and giggles. Or, also riding in the backseat (don't we hear so much from back there?), speaking of her hot chocolate she was sipping, "I think it's pretty confident it tastes good - it's self-esteam is high." Pun totally intended. Where do children come up with this stuff?

Two wonderful sources of inspiration recently came together and helped us to form our own Writing Workshop. First, at the library we checked out New Moon: Writing. We were excited to find it as their magazine is a favorite of ours. Second has been the website Young Writers Workshop, an incredible wealth of inspiration. Their list of writing prompts reminded me of Deb's writing seeds, I thought they'd be fun to choose randomly from a jar. I also liked the excuse to decorate the jar while Emily read the first chapter of the book. Because even for grown-ups playing with markers and scissors is fun! 

So far it's worked out well. We discussed the first chapter after she read it. It talked about finding inspiration all around you. Using your five senses and the environment as your greatest source... keeping a dream journal... read, read, and read some more... go to a museum... people watch... use your past... and so on.

New Moon books (there is a series), like their magazine is created by girls ages 10-14. (I think the magazine is written by ages 8-14.) Nine girls were chosen from all over the world to write these books and represent homeschool, public school, and private school. In this book they explore different forms of the written word, from poetry to plays, letters to articles. They've profiled female writers, both famous and brand-new, and there are many suggestions and tips for improving your own writing, overcoming writer's block, getting published, and having big time fun with words.

Then we dipped into our new jar of writing seeds and pulled out our first prompt. Emily got busy writing, feeling pretty pumped with ideas and direction. Eager to explore the world about to be created by the tip of her pencil.

orchard tour

Today we had the pleasure of attending our first homeschool "field trip" with many other homeschoolers in our community. It was a perfect afternoon to be guided through an apple orchard; pick fresh apples, learn about dwarf varieties of trees, watch cider being pressed, candy apples being made (providing a moment for a slightly sensitive discussion on the pros and cons of the assembly line), lots of mathematical opportunities as the kids calculated that 40 pounds of apples equals a bushel, the large wooden boxes held 15 bushels, which is 600 pounds of apples. The real life visual application of this was wonderful to witness. The kids would then multiply the large boxes (they were everywhere!), 1200 pounds, 1800 pounds, and so forth.  It reminded me of the Golden Bead Thousand Cube we are familiar with from Montessori. From there it was off to explore the inside of the biggest walk in refrigerator imaginable! It housed thousands of pounds of apples awaiting transport to the store. Next was cider sampling and we ended the afternoon with a caramel apple for the long, sweet and sticky ride home.

school room

We are slowly transforming the former yoga studio in our home into our learning space. In no way do we feel tied to be in this room all day, but being the Virgo that I am, I find there to be a sense of order and comfort in having this designated area. This room is an incredible space making setting up shop in here quite appealing and easy. It was important for me to add cozy seating for lots of quiet reading, knitting, sipping tea and chatting.

While I no longer teach classes in our home, I hoped to retain as much open space as possible, it is still my own practice space. We've always enjoyed having a wide open room in the house for Emily and her friends to play as well. There have been many late eighteenth century balls held in this room...

There are still little things to do in here, the area rug (wool, cotton or hemp) to put down in front of the shelves, with a chalk board or white board low on the wall to the right of that. An activity table (not too big or too tall, sitting on floor pillows height) on the rug for games and such. Emily also needs her own bulletin board by her desk, and a better shelf system to organize her things. For years my organizational efforts have revolved around wooden apple boxes, for the first time I seem to have a shortage. Must pay special attention at the flea market this weekend.

We also like how both of our desks are by the window so we can watch the birds visiting on the deck throughout the day. All in all, so far so good. Before we moved into this room we were taking over both the dining and living rooms, which was kind of sweet and cute at first but did begin to make me a little batty. Oh well, I've read in several places homeschooling and tidy houses do not necessarily go together.

We also have pretty cute classroom pets... Yes Mom, that is the beautiful shawl you made me for Mother's Day, Hazel and I share,sorry.

campus influence

Being homeschoolers living close to two major universities, one of which we live in the heart of, is proving to be a source of many learning opportunities. Last week we attended a musical performance during "lunch hour." The school will be offering this free program once a month, attendees may bring their lunch and listening ears as students and staff of the music program share their talents. It was low key, enjoyable, and something we will definitely return to next month.

Next week we will attend a daytime performance of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. The costumes alone we are looking forward to! The University has put together this special time and price for all children; public, private, or homeschooled.

To this point our experience as a homeschool family in the public eye has been mostly positive. We find our area to be extremely inclusive and supportive to homeschoolers. There are no sideways glances when we are out and about during school day hours, it is seen as a valid (and often revered) method for educating children. My only source of angst has been that familiar place many homeschool parents have experienced where well intentioned people inquire about socialization. I'm not going to get into it because frankly it's exhausting. But I will say this; every time that sentiment comes into conversation, my mind flashes to the scene in Good Will Hunting where Matt Damon explodes in his doc's (Robin Williams) office because people ask the wrong questions, read the wrong books. That of course being the scene where many of us first learned of Howard Zinn.  I guess I'm learning to just roll with it as the questions come up.

every girl needs a pair

It was a very good day. Have a wonderful, bloomer filled weekend.

father and daughter crafting

There is an ongoing effort to not bring things into our home or our lives that aren't necessary. While still acknowledging the usefulness of certain objects, Adam and Emily decided to design and build this guitar stand out of objects found around the yard and in the workshop. It's something we've really been needing, and have been unable to find used. This solution showed Emily yet another way to do things for herself and lighten her impact as a consumer at the same time.

The cost was $0. The value for Emily to learn these lessons and have a little more practice with the power drill, well that goes without saying, priceless.