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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

What Method Are You?

This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. We started with a box curriculum. I loved it. I still do. Its hard to get away from it. Although it wasn't perfect, the teacher's manuals are a gold mine. So, thank you, CALVERT. I couldn't have done it without you. or maybe I could have, but I'm glad I didn't. I was looking thru the spring magazine from TOS and saw an article on the different methods of homeschooling. There are many styles. After reading it, I consider myself Eclectic. It is defined as a "mix of philosophies and curricula to accommodate each child's abilities and interests. Parents choose from any method or style only those components that fit their specific needs." I like the Charlotte Mason method, but I am still learning. I have learned to like Unit Studies by doing lapbooking. I think the Principle Approach is important because it puts emphasis on God's Word. A couple of examples of this is when we do our Bible reading or anytime we do nature study. The Classical approach uses the five tools of learning, known as the Trivium. They are reason, record, research, relate, and rhetoric. It is to teach people how to learn for themselves. This is important especially when getting ready for college. And who doesn't use Delight Directed? Isn't that what homeschool is all about? This is where learning is based on the child's interests. On the other hand, Unschooling is a relaxed setting in which learning is directed by the child. Last but not least, Traditional Textbook. This is a full-range, packaged, textbook type curriculum. Like my Calvert. hehe A little of everything suits us just fine. We have good easy days and some very busy difficult days. Sometimes its easier on all of us to just do what we like for that day. I'm sure this happens in all homeschoolers lives. So, what method are you?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Still Here

Today I was thinking about my blog and school. I haven't done much of either. Today was especially difficult due to a migraine that arrived Tuesday afternoon and didn't leave until Wednesday night. ha ha! Nope I'm not talking about a guest. I am talking about a real painful no light no noise debilitating throbbing can't even move my head headache. Of course life doesn't stop because of it. The trick is to train the children and do things as slowly and light as possible. It's good to teach them how to make their own lunch. They also helped taking care of the pets. They are old enough. I sure do appreciate them.

We did work on math today. She did multiplication and he did some regrouping subtracting double digits. I also looked at this web page Lesson plans and worksheets from learningpage.com. They had some books that will go with a study on bones or vertebrates.

Well tomorrow is another day.