Right now it is officially "summer break". Although, being a mother and a home schooler, I still try to find many times and ways to continue to teach my children. Some times those ways are the best. Some of my children learn better when I teach that way. So whenever there is a teaching moment, I try to take that moment. Even while we are outside playing with chalk, or ball. There is always a time to teach.
So really, we shouldn't really have a break from school. Being my kids teacher, I do like to give myself that break. But with unschooling it definitely works out, that I'm still teaching them but I'm also getting a little bit of a break this summer.
Next week we will be going to Vegas and St. George for a little family vacation. I hope to have many teaching moments while were there. We'll also be there for Denver Snuffers lectures. Maybe we could listen to the talks and teach our children as well. I'd like to take them to the talks but with how young they all are I don't think they'll sit very long at all. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Home economics
These photos are a little old, but we enjoy baking together.
Baking cupcakes for K's Birthday
Icing cookies for Easter.
No degree, no knowledge...What?
Alright, I know it's probably floating around in your brains, or you've thought it at one point. So I have to say this.
"How is she qualified to teach her children?"
"What does she know? She doesn't even know how to write."
"She didn't even go to college, how can she teach these children?"
While in my early years, a few of my favorite subject to learn in my home school and through out my life, has been writing and reading! Although, you may notice, or maybe I hide it well. LOL That I am no writer. I know there are many grammatical errors, and misspellings in all of my posts. But I do love to write, and I really try hard to do it right. :) I may not put the commas and periods in their rightful places. I may miss some spots to put them as well. I was told, when applying to college, that I did really well with my writing, but I would do a lot of run on sentences. Since then, I try really hard not too. Although I do notice that I tend to do that a lot still!
I know these things are good to know. I know that when you are out in the world these things are important to know.
But I also ask myself, almost everyday, "Would these things be as important to The Lord?"
NO!
Knowledge is great, and is good to get by in this world, but it will not get you into heaven.
What will?
Love! and Charity!
The pure love of Christ.
So, while I'm trying to teach my children, math, how to read and write the best I know how, the best I can, and also using online resources. :) I'm also trying to teach them about Christ and his abounding LOVE!
A small rant
So. I am very frustrated right now. I hate these times where I feel that I'm teaching my children all on my own, without any support.
Last night I tried to have a little lesson about prayer. My biggest motivation for the lesson was for the principal of our home school. Of course, they weren't present. I was gathering the family around for Family Prayer and scripture, and this said person refused to join us. Ugh..That's the hardest, when someone who should be a good example, isn't.
I know. I'm one to talk. I get upset at the kids and yell when I shouldn't. I'm not perfect. No one is. But it just seems like such a simple task. And if done right could be done with in 10 mins or less. Come on. 10 mins seems like a lot but it is really nothing. Although sometimes because of fighting and disobedience that 10 mins can turn into 15 or 20. That is still not bad. :)
That 10 mins could also be a great way to teach our children and a good time for bonding.
Ok, I'm done with my rant.
I do know that even though I feel these frustrations, and these "alone" feelings, in reality, I'm NOT doing this alone. My Savior is helping me. He is why I keep going. And when I'm feeling drained or finished, I call on him and he ALWAYS helps me feel better. He lets me know that even my smallest effort to teach and love my children, although usually on my own, are better than nothing! And so I pick myself up, wipe away my tears and try to trudge on.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
A little about my back story
If you're asking me, "Why I decided to Home teach my children", this may be your answer.
When I was a young girl I HATED going to school. Every week it was a battle to get me to go out the door. I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe I blocked all the reasons. Maybe there's no real reason.
I do however, remember a few occasions when other kids teased me. My mom recalled a story I told her after school one day, about how I stood in the middle of a puddle while other children stood around me, trapping me in the puddle while they each splashed me. I do not recall that story at all. There are some stories I prefer to keep trapped in my head where no one else can hear the horror. Maybe one day I will share, but as for now I will keep them to myself. Maybe those are the actual reasons why I hated school. I guess we'll never know for sure. :) I will share that I was teased that I liked one of the "nerdy" boys in my class. I felt that was saying that I was a dork, and a nerd as well. Looking back I don't think that boy or even myself, was even close to being nerds. At the time, of course, I believed those "mean" kids.
Before my parents decided to pull me out of school someone suggested to them that they have a police officer drive me to school everyday. I'm sooo glad they didn't do that! Another suggestion was that I should be assigned to raise my hand since I NEVER even to this day like to make comments or answer questions. I'm also glad they didn't do that!
I was and still am to some degree "SHY".
That was a label I HATED!!
Just because a child hasn't blossomed into who they are to become, when everyone else thinks they should, doesn't mean they should be labeled, unless it's a label called, SMART, WONDERFUL, LOVELY, SPECIAL. Labels of encouragement. Usually children grow out of their "shyness" or other labels. Give it time, patience and most of all LOVE! The brain is amazing. Whatever you or others tell your brain, it'll believe it, and eventually you will too. So even if someone is stupid or shy, I suggest keeping your comments to yourself!
I feel that sometimes, when a child is continually labeled something even if it's true, or not, they subconsciously feel unloved, or not good enough. Or even other feelings and emotions that they may or may not know they have.
I know, you're probably thinking, "Heidi, your kids are shy, why not send them to school to socialize?" or "your kids are shy because they do home school" Or whatever you may be thinking about my children. Doesn't matter! :) Because I know who they are! I know who is more reserved and introverted than the other. I know that with time, patience, love, guidance and good examples my children will be who they were intended to be. They will blossom into who The Lord wants them to be. If I shape them and teach them and guide them. They will be who they are. And no matter what anyone may label them, or say about them won't matter.
When I was a young girl I HATED going to school. Every week it was a battle to get me to go out the door. I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe I blocked all the reasons. Maybe there's no real reason.
I do however, remember a few occasions when other kids teased me. My mom recalled a story I told her after school one day, about how I stood in the middle of a puddle while other children stood around me, trapping me in the puddle while they each splashed me. I do not recall that story at all. There are some stories I prefer to keep trapped in my head where no one else can hear the horror. Maybe one day I will share, but as for now I will keep them to myself. Maybe those are the actual reasons why I hated school. I guess we'll never know for sure. :) I will share that I was teased that I liked one of the "nerdy" boys in my class. I felt that was saying that I was a dork, and a nerd as well. Looking back I don't think that boy or even myself, was even close to being nerds. At the time, of course, I believed those "mean" kids.
Before my parents decided to pull me out of school someone suggested to them that they have a police officer drive me to school everyday. I'm sooo glad they didn't do that! Another suggestion was that I should be assigned to raise my hand since I NEVER even to this day like to make comments or answer questions. I'm also glad they didn't do that!
I was and still am to some degree "SHY".
That was a label I HATED!!
Just because a child hasn't blossomed into who they are to become, when everyone else thinks they should, doesn't mean they should be labeled, unless it's a label called, SMART, WONDERFUL, LOVELY, SPECIAL. Labels of encouragement. Usually children grow out of their "shyness" or other labels. Give it time, patience and most of all LOVE! The brain is amazing. Whatever you or others tell your brain, it'll believe it, and eventually you will too. So even if someone is stupid or shy, I suggest keeping your comments to yourself!
I feel that sometimes, when a child is continually labeled something even if it's true, or not, they subconsciously feel unloved, or not good enough. Or even other feelings and emotions that they may or may not know they have.
I know, you're probably thinking, "Heidi, your kids are shy, why not send them to school to socialize?" or "your kids are shy because they do home school" Or whatever you may be thinking about my children. Doesn't matter! :) Because I know who they are! I know who is more reserved and introverted than the other. I know that with time, patience, love, guidance and good examples my children will be who they were intended to be. They will blossom into who The Lord wants them to be. If I shape them and teach them and guide them. They will be who they are. And no matter what anyone may label them, or say about them won't matter.
Learning kindess and respect
I want to teach my children to learn to respect themselves and others. I want them to know that in spite of what others do they are responsible for themselves, by how they respond/react.
I feel that the best way to teach is by example. Therefore I want to surround them with good people. Good values. Good examples. NO, I'm not saying that I'm the perfect example, even though I am trying, but at least I have control over who they associate with and who they see and look up to for their examples.
I know, I can't shelter my kids their whole lives. They will have to go out into the world someday. Why not keep them home with me while they are young and mold able. ;)
My goal or reasoning is teach them as much as I can and as long as I can. If my children, at their ages, are still wanting to be home with me, and around me I'm gonna take advantage of that! :) I'm gonna keep them with me and teach them as much as possible. About life, The Savior, and being respectful and kind. So one day, when they don't want to be around me, which I hope is never, then I know that I taught them the best I could.
The Savior is the best example for kindness. If I teach my children about Christ, and to love Christ, by having Him as the center of our learning, then someday they may be like Him or as close as possible.
I feel that the best way to teach is by example. Therefore I want to surround them with good people. Good values. Good examples. NO, I'm not saying that I'm the perfect example, even though I am trying, but at least I have control over who they associate with and who they see and look up to for their examples.
I know, I can't shelter my kids their whole lives. They will have to go out into the world someday. Why not keep them home with me while they are young and mold able. ;)
My goal or reasoning is teach them as much as I can and as long as I can. If my children, at their ages, are still wanting to be home with me, and around me I'm gonna take advantage of that! :) I'm gonna keep them with me and teach them as much as possible. About life, The Savior, and being respectful and kind. So one day, when they don't want to be around me, which I hope is never, then I know that I taught them the best I could.
The Savior is the best example for kindness. If I teach my children about Christ, and to love Christ, by having Him as the center of our learning, then someday they may be like Him or as close as possible.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Homeschool story featured in the Friend magazine
Homeschool graduation
For those of you who Home school. Interesting to see this in the friend. Although it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the title. I was a bit disappointed actually. Very interested to know what their intentions were and what they were hoping to have people get out of this. Just curious.
For those of you who Home school. Interesting to see this in the friend. Although it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the title. I was a bit disappointed actually. Very interested to know what their intentions were and what they were hoping to have people get out of this. Just curious.
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