Jen's Humble Opinion

Regulate Homeschool?

2007-01-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

I received this article in my email about regulating homeschool. Who should regulate homeschoolers? A failed public school system?
From TBC (The Berean Call)Under Bogus Beliefs

Homeschool regulation: The revenge of the failures [Excerpts]
In their never-ending effort to "help" homeschoolers, public school bureaucrats periodically try to increase homeschooling regulations. This makes K-12 education perhaps a unique endeavor: it's a field in which the failures regularly, and astonishingly, insist that they should be able to regulate the successful.

Never mind that homeschoolers consistently outperform children institutionalized in government schools or that the longer a child is institutionalized in a government school the worse he does in relation to homeschooled children. Never mind, also, that international surveys of academic performance show that in the course of 12 years government schools manage to turn perfectly capable children into world-class dullards. No, the same education bureaucrats who consume an annual cash flow of roughly $600 billion to achieve previously unknown levels of semi-literacy and illiteracy among otherwise normal American children feel compelled from time to time to abandon their diligent pursuit of intellectual mediocrity to offer proposals for regulating homeschool parents.

The latest outbreak of education bureaucrat compassion comes from Mississippi....Superintendent Hank Bounds, is working at creating a panel of homeschool parents to determine whether homeschool families should be further regulated. Why does the estimable Superintendent Bounds think that homeschooled children would benefit from more attention from Mississippi's crack team of government educators? Well, because he worries that some parents might take their children out of government schools and then fail to educate them. As Bounds inarticulately put it in a November news conference:

"...[Y]ou must realize we all have this moral and ethical responsibility to deal with those situations where clearly it's nothing more than a child abuse situation when parents pull their children out of school, say they're being homeschooled just because parents ... don't want to be involved in the education of their children...."

Subsequently, the editorial staff of Jackson's Clarion-Ledger came to Bounds' aid by translating this gibberish into English. Evidently, Bounds and his Clarion-Ledger cheerleaders think that Mississippi parents are removing their children from Mississippi's government schools just so that they can deny them an education at home.

Interestingly, neither Bounds nor the Clarion-Ledger point to any evidence that this is a significant problem in Mississippi or anywhere else. In fact, a little reflection would indicate that this expression of "concern" is more than a little disingenuous. After all, if you really don't want your children to be educated, the most effective strategy is to institutionalize them in one of Superintendent Bounds' government schools. That obviously requires much less effort than keeping them at home.

Moreover, if Bounds really wants to characterize a failure to educate as "child abuse," then what is to be said of him and his bureaucrats who are responsible for a school system in which a catastrophic failure to educate is the norm? According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, often known as "The Nation's Report Card," Bounds' bureaucrats have failed Mississippi's children and taxpayers as follows:

1. Reading: 82 percent of Mississippi's fourth-graders cannot read at grade level, with 52 percent not being able to read at even a basic level. By eight grade, 82 percent of Mississippi's children still cannot read at grade level, with 40 percent being unable to read at even a basic level.

2. Mathematics: 81 percent of fourth-graders are below grade level in math, with 31 percent lacking even a basic grasp of mathematics. By eighth grade, math illiteracy is burgeoning in Mississippi: 86 percent of students are below grade level in math, with 48 percent lacking even a basic understanding of mathematics.

3. Science: 88 percent of fourth-graders are below grade level, with 55 percent lacking even a basic knowledge of science. By eighth grade, 86 percent of Mississippi's children are below grade level, with an amazing 60 percent lacking a basic grasp of the subject.

Lest anyone be under the impression that the NAEP has unusually high academic standards, testimony before the Board of Governors for the NAEP indicates, for example, that the "advanced" mathematics questions for the eighth-grade NAEP are at best comparable to fifth grade questions in Singapore's math curriculum. So, while the NAEP may not require high levels of academic competence, it does highlight Mississippi schools' systematic failure to educate.

And just where does the performance of Superintendent Bounds' Mississippi education bureaucracy put Mississippi's children nationally? Dead last in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math (tied with Alabama), and third from last in fourth-grade math and eighth-grade reading. Note that Bounds'
schools manage to produce these prodigious levels of academic failure by spending roughly $7,000 per student per year, an amount that would pay tuition at many, many excellent private schools. One shudders to think what Bounds' "educators" might accomplish with even more money.

(Bruce N. Shortt, Ph.D., "Homeschool regulation: The revenge of the failures," World Net Daily, 1/4/07).

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53622

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Moving on down?

2007-01-11T07:15:00.000-05:00

We are moving. Again. It seems we are always moving. Packing, unpacking. Hopefully we settle one of these days.

WSIB is cutting our income (they do this to people all the time) So we are moving back home. Home, the place where we are comfortable, together, and everybody knows your name. It could happen anytime between now and April. That's the frustrating part, we don't know when, where, how, and not sure why...

My hubby is only allowed to lift 5lbs or less according to his restrictions from the Dr. and if you know me, I can left about 4lbs. hehe. I am only 111 lbs myself. Solid muscle...yeah right. My sons can lift more than both of us put together. Thank goodness I have 2 strong boys to help us out!

The good news is I home educate the boys, so they don't have to switch schools and worry about all that kind of stuff. They already know everyone back home and have a pretty decent social circle. We've only lived out of town for a year so sliding back into swimming lessons, jui jit su, youth groups, and other activities won't be such a difficult task.

We told them about the move and both boys were happy! Imagine that! I thought there would be tears and frustration. Leave it to children to look at the bright side of things. They were both very supportive and had some real positive things to say about the move. My eldest is looking forward to babysitting and making some spending money. (he's old enough now and people are asking for him) My youngest can't wait to go swimming again! The YMCA in this city doesn't have a pool because they are at a temporary location (if you can call 2 to 3 years temporary) so he misses his swimming.

The downside is my hubby has to drive an hour and half for school again. He's in a new program now and the hours are a little better but still, that's a long drive in the mornings and then do it again in the evenings.
I will probably start up daycare again once we're settled. I have people asking if I will watch their children again once I'm back in town.

Gee, looking at all this information makes me wonder why we moved out in the first place? Oh yeah, WSIB told us we have too. They have way too much power over people's lives. I believe that if this ever happens again we will tell them NO!! I wonder if the spoiled corporation has heard that before??

It will be nice to be out of the desert land. We've been in the desert for about 3 years now and we are looking forward to the Promise land. Even if it is full of giants. We are crossing the Jordan and going to the land of milk and honey!
That's the update.
Jen(movin' on up!)

The New Year

2007-01-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well, it is now the third day of the new year and I don't feel very new. I feel old and weary. Maybe this year will be different, maybe not. Whatever the case may be, time will not stop on my account. It will keep trudging along at that steady rate it keeps whether I like it or not. I would like more time in the day to get stuff done and more time at night to get sleeping done! I would like more time with my family! More time for fun! More time for reading! More time for learning! I would like more time.
Actually, I am not entirely sure more time will make much of a difference. I've put 34 years in on this earth already and I haven't caught up on that time. Oh sure, I've spent time with my boys teaching, learning, playing, loving, laughing, and just hanging out. I've spent time with my husband pretty much in the same way. What I have spent too much wasted time on is; cleaning, vegging, laundry, yelling, moping, and just feeling blah...
Mind you there are things that we have no control over in this steady rate of time passing. I can't stop flus, colds, and exhaustion, no matter what family member has it. I can't stop working and my hubby can't stop going to school. We need to make a living you know!
I suppose if I look back and than look forward, the years blend and pass over each other with a blur. However there are times that stand out from the foggy memories of days forgotten.
I remember birthdays, family get togethers, a good joke, hanging out with my family watching a good movie, laughing in the warm sun at the park, and having frozen fingers while building a snow fort.
My New Year's Resolutions would be to have many more memories that don't blur or fade into the backdrop of time.
Happy New Year! May you have time...

Twas the Night Before a Persecuted Christmas

2006-12-13T05:36:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a person was sleeping, not even a mouse.
The Bible tucked under the floor boards with care, in hopes that the government wouldn't find it there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of soldiers yeilded in their heads.

And Mama on her knees, and I in my praise, were just settling in for a long winter's phase.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew in rush, what I saw made my face flutter and flush.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre of midday to guns below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a few soldiers in all their gear.

With a strong Commander, so sinister and dark, I knew in a moment they were here to make their mark.

More rapid than eagles, they each louded their gun, and he shouted a command as if it were fun:

"Now Papa! Now Mama! Now children in bed! Come out of the house or we will fill it with lead!
You read, you pray, you sing praise to your God each day! Can your God save you when you decided to stay?"

They broke down the door as Mama started to cry, and searched the house for what they called, "A lie".
So through our wailing, and fear they flew, with their boots kicking as their anger grew.

And then, in a prayer, I heard a voice declare, "Do not worry My child, I am here."
As we wondered in bewilderment, "Is this the last we will be together?" The Commander pulled out what he called, a tether.

He tore through the house in a rage so indignantly, and his face twisted with its own terror repugnantly.
An Order in his hands to find something tangible, he looked as if he may get a penalty unmanageable.

His eyes-how they feared! His lips, how pursed! His hands were in fists, his heart was cursed.
He could find nothing to back his Order, and his heart softened as we weeped in the corner.

He went down on one knee as his face began to glow, and asked how his sin could be as white as the snow.

The privates all puzzled at their Commander's actions, turned their guns on him with strong factions.

His droll little mouth was smiling from ear to ear, as his heart was lightened and he lost all fear.
The family now had a new member to hold, and they huddled together as the Spirit made them bold.

They held hands and sang a praise to Christ up above, and the Commander cried as they showed him God's love.

The soldiers confused and scared for themselves, brought them to the front lawn and lined them up inspite of themselves.

A heart full of joy and the Word we were fed, we knew in a moment we had nothing to dread.

Our backs were turned towards the night stars, and we could sense the confused soldiers from afar.

As the night grew longer on the new fallen snow, we heard boots crunching away and our faces were all aglow.

The Commander, Mama, my children and I, stood on our feet and gave out a sigh.

A Christmas miracle we had beheld this night, as we walked in the house and out of sight,

the Commander exclaimed, with a leap in his heart,

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Fed Up

2006-12-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

I am fed up. I am fed up of not being able to say, 'I'm a Christian' and have people not know what I'm talking about. No, I am not Catholic, Religious, Baptist, Pentecostal, or any thing that is out there. I am a Christian. A follower of Jesus Christ. Someone who loves the Lord. I believe in the whole Bible. The Bible says, 'God created the Heavens and the Earth.' Then God created the Heavens and the Earth. The Bible says it took '7 days', then it took 7 days. The Bible says, there was a flood and an ark. Then there was! It does not say, 7 days is a metaphor and it actually took millions of years it was just in that chronological order and Darwin explained it all. It does not say, the Big Bang. So, that didn't happen.
Do you remember Y2K? There was all kinds of hype and panic over that thing. The grocery shelves were emptied of supplies. Nobody went out and fear gripped society. Where is Y2K in the Bible? IT'S NOT! It was not the end of the world as we know it.
We have no prayers in schools, (unless its not Christian) no Bibles in Hotels (unless it's not Christian) Hospitals are taking out their chapels (unless it's not Christian) Churches have begun preaching self-help stuff, and indoctrinating our children with Paganism hidden in curriculums. Don't believe me? Follow this link: http://www.americanpolicy.org/more/church.htm
Not all churches mind you, but they are out there! The other day my son was at the Y and during his break (he was taking the babysitting course) He said "Halleluiah!" A boy told him that was a bad word. My son said, "No it's not, why do you think that?" The boy said, "because it's Christian and if you say anything Christian then it's bad. That what I was taught in school."
My son was greatly upset by this and thanked me for homeschooling when he got home. He was glad he has the freedom of speech at home. So, this is my 'freedom to be a Christian' post. What does it mean to be a Christian? It means, believing the Bible-THE WHOLE BIBLE! That we have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. That God's Holiness is only obtainable through His Son, The Lord and Saviour-Jesus Christ. That Jesus died and shed his blood to wash our sins and we if we believe in Him and awknowledge Him as Lord, He will cleanse our sin and make us 'white as snow'. He rose again to prove his diety as God and so that His Helper the Holy Spirit could indwell us and help us along life's journey to the Glory of God. Christians aren't anymore perfect then anybody else. But Jesus is and God sees His Spirit in us! Praise God that I live in a free country that allows me to speak about being a Christian, what I believe in and take all the ridicule (by His Grace) that comes with it. In some countries saying you're a Christian means death or worse... In this one, I can stand up and be free to say the 'bad word' Hallehuiah!

I have my P.P. Degree

2006-12-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

I have had my share of professionals. Teachers, Resource Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, just to name a few. We are all professionals in our field. A Teacher is a professional at her work, a Doctor at his practice, and so on. I am a professional also. I am a Professional Parent.
Professional means (as a noun) Definition 1. a person involved in a profession.
Crossref. Syn. office
Definition 2. a person paid to perform in an activity such as art or sports.
Definition 3. a person who has or shows expertise in a particular field.
Crossref. Syn. ace

Related Words adviser
According to the dictionary, I have the right and obligation to call myself a Professional.
1. a person involved in a profession.
I am involved in parenting, homeschooling, raising my boys to the best of my ability, being a wife, a daughter, a sister, a child care provider.
2. a person paid to perform in an activity such as art or sports.
I am paid with children with good behaviour, good academic standing, good character development, and compliments from my husband, encouragement from my family.
3. a person who has or shows expertise in a particular field.
This meaning was a hard one for me to accept. Maybe I’m too hard on myself? Yet over the last few months, it has become more apparent that I am a Professional when it comes to my sons. I have been informed by 2 teachers, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a doctor, other Early Childhood Educators, and family members, that my boys (both of them!) are well behaved, good mannered, above average, grade levels ahead in areas, progressing quickly and more efficiently than their age peers in public school, and most importantly (in my book)-more giving and compassionate. (an often overlooked trait in children these days) Each professional directly facilitated these attributes to my homeschooling and parenting skills.
Not to overlook my partner in these endeavors, I would like to take a moment to say a little about their Father. He is also a Professional. He has encouraged and supported these antics for many years. He has put up with all of us being home through thick and thin. He has defended us through much opposition and ridicule during the beginning of our homeschooling. Every negative aspect of homeschooling has slowly been disputed or eradicated. He has supported me when I wanted to work and when I didn’t. (Incidentally, working has not interfered with the homeschooling and homeschooling has not interfered with working. It has been a positive experience in both accounts)
My husband the Professional has and is 1. involved in this profession, 2. paid to perform in this activity, (Thank you Honey!) and has shown 3. expertise in this particular field.
So, for those of you who study, work hard, and learn to earn that certificate and become a professional, good for you! For those of you who study, work hard, and learn to become an expert in something and become a professional, good for you! Don’t let others tell you that you are not the ‘professional’. You are a Professional Parent. Tell them you have your ‘P.P.’ Degree.
;)

30 seconds communication

2006-12-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

I am always amazed at people. I think it's a fascination with what seems obvious to me and oblivious to them. When I first started homeschooling I was fascinated with how much I didn't know about my son. His likes and dislikes, favourite colours, toys, etc. Now I know him inside and out. He's open and more honest then he ever was when he was in school. He shares everything with me. He's polite and considerate and responsible, how many people can say this of a 12 year old?
I guess what fascinates me is the fact that people don't know their children as well they could! The child is in daycare all day then soccer at night. Weekends are given to family and friends. The parent spends about 4 hours a day with a child on average in today's society. That's bathtime, supper time, and bedtime. They don't seem to notice that their children see them as the caregiver and the caregiver is the parent. Don't get me wrong, there are exceptions! I have a home child care and have been working in and around daycares my whole career. There are parents who are very devoted and spend that quality time with their children. The people I'm refering to are the ones where this commercial is advertising to: A child is in the back seat of the car and the parent pulls up to a stop light. The commentor breaks in and says something like; "take this time to talk to your child in our busy lives."
I was amazed that 30 seconds at a light was all the time this parent had! Why don't they skip practice or whereever they're headed for and go for an ice cream, play a board game, or anything that encourages communication with the little stuff! The children will open up with the big issues if you're available to them for the small stuff!
My boys know they can come to me about anything, anytime, anywhere. Not just because I've told them they can but because we have modeled this behaviour and practiced it through our every day lives.
We shouldn't behave like we are strangers living in the same house. Sometimes even being home and not communicating through day to day activities can make this lack of communication behaviour a regular habit. We are all under the same roof doing different things in different rooms. I'm not saying we need to stick to each other glue. (That would drive anybody over the edge. LOL) I am just saying 30 seconds at a stop light is not enough time to build a relationship with your child.
That's my vent for today!

Certificate of Empowerment

2006-12-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

I received this years ago but came across it today and thought I would post it here. It is a certificate and it reads:Certificate of EmpowermentAs bearer of this certificate you are no longer required to depend on the advice of experts. You may step back and view the entire world-not just your home, neighbourhood or town, but the whole Earth-as a learning experience, a laboratory containing languages (and native speakers thereof), plants, animals, history, geology, weather, (real live weather, in the sky, not in a book), music, art, mathematics, physics, engineering, foods, human dynamics, and ideas without end. Although collections of these treasure have been located in museums for your convenience, they are to be found everywhere else, too.This authorizes you to experiment; to trust and enjoy your kids; to rejoice when your children surpass you in skill, knowledge or wisdom; to make mistakes, and to say "I don't know." Furthermore, you may allow your children to experience boredom without taking full responsibility for finding them something to do.Henceforth you shall neither be required nor expected to finish everything you start. Projects, books, experiments and plans may be discontinued as soon as something more interesting comes along (or for any other reason) without penalty, and picked up again at any time in the future (or never).You may relcaim control of your family's daily life, and take what steps you feel necessary to protect your children from physical, emotional or social harm.You have leave to think your own thoughts, and to encourage your children to think theirs.Each person who reads and understands this is authorized to extend these privileges to others, by reproducing and distributing this certificate or by creating another of his-her own design. Those who don't feel the need to obtain approval to experiment, to think, or to do things they've never seen others do are exempt, as they didn't need permission in the first place. -Reprinted from the unschooling.com website

Skool's out for Summer

2006-12-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

The one thing that I have noticed from all the forums, hs groups, and people I've talked to is that homeschoolers don't take the summer off. Sure we may put some textbooks, or heavy reading away but learning continues. More and more parents are pointing out learning opportunities for their children in everyday living. Children in school often really do take the summer off to the fullest extent. Homeschoolers will go on hikes, bike rides, read, research, visit planetariums, or take their star gazing to a field somewhere. Our children love to learn or learn to love. They don't even know they are learning some of the time and yet they are. For example: My eldest found a centipede in his room. He caught it in a jar and did research on this type of centipede for an hour before letting it go in our yard where earwigs are prominant. Apparently he had discovered it likes to eat earwigs and he wanted to find it an appropriate habitat. I didn't do anything but the dishes and cleaned the kitchen while he informed me of the information he had found. So, whether they are looking up crazyfrog and how it all began or playing civilization on the computer, he is learning. A few weeks ago he had an 'in school' friend over for a sleep over and I was watching how the Roman army was formed on the civilization channel when his friend said, 'oh no, turn it off, I don't want to be educated on my summer vacation.' My ds laughed and said, 'this isn't school work, this is interesting.' That's when I laughed. They learn without even knowing it and they love it. So, as September approaches and textbooks are purchased and library's are visited once again, remember, we are giving our children the best education possible and give yourselves a pat on the back as you start your 'official' school year! Happy Homeschooling, Jen

Merry Christmas

2006-12-12T07:06:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! I live in Canada. We say Merry Christmas, Joyeaux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad, Gledilig Jol, Geseende Kersfees, Buon Natale, Kellemes Karacsonyt, Gezegende Kerst, Hyvaa Joulua, etc...
They all mean the same thing, Jesus came to this earth to die, shed his blood, and be raised again so that our sins can be made as white as snow and we are going to celebrate this.
Not everyone in Canada shares this opinion of Christmas. This is the reason the holiday started nontheless. Some say Happy Holidays as not to offend anyone and I can respect that. What I cannot respect is when I am not allowed to say, "Merry Christmas" in a country that has emphasis freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech means hearing from others that you may not agree with. They have that freedom and so do I!
Whether you agree with Christmas or not, I do and I am thankful for the day of celebration. Spending time sharing the story of Christ, sharing His love through gifts and songs. Spending time with family and friends, turkey, stuffing, and pie!
From my family to yours:
Merry Christmas, Joyeaux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad, Gledilig Jol, Geseende Kersfees, Buon Natale, Kellemes Karacsonyt, Gezegende Kerst, Hyvaa Joulua, etc...

Education

2006-12-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

I began home educating because my son couldn't keep up with the education system. I continue to home educate because the education system can't keep up with my son.
Education is a strange phenomenon.
There are so many, ideas, curricula, options, and opinions going into the education than anything else in the world today. Millions of dollars are spent on how, why, where, when, and what our children learn. We could feed several third world countries. Yet Canada has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world today. We live in a country with resources coming out of the wazoo, yet we sit at a 50% literacy rate. Our children are being pushed through a tired, old, and under-funded system. Teachers are exhausted and stretched to the limit. Money is spent on cushiony chairs for board members instead of new curricula for the students. When my generation was in school (about 20 years ago would have sat me at gr 10) this wasn’t an issue. Why is it an issue now?

If your child has Special Needs it’s even worse. Schools over the last 10 years have fully integrated Special Needs children into the classroom. It’s a great idea, except for the fact that the resources they need are not available to them. An Individual Education Plan looks great on paper but the resources needed to implement such techniques are not available to the schools to put these ideas into practice. This makes it even more impossible for children who learn differently to learn at all.

My sons began their lives with lots of energy, animated, and full of spitfire. They are still like that and I’m glad. In the school system (my eldest has been in and out over the years) they are considered bored, inattentive, and unwilling to learn. BUT every assessment, every test, every ‘professional’ that have assessed them have stated how intelligent, ahead of their peers, superior mind, outgoing socially, and polite they are. Why is it within the school system they are behind and out of the school system they are ahead? Because I tapped in to how they learn, have the resources to accommodate them, gave them a love of learning, and took some time to be with them. Something the education system can’t or refuses to do.

The high literacy rate in today’s society has been contributed to:
Schools not having the resources, staff, or training
Governments pushing them through in the ‘no child left behind’
Parents not spending time needed to just read to their children every day. (this makes a HUGE difference if your child is home educated or in school)
Society shrugging all this off and not speaking out against their beliefs out of laziness (in my humble opinion)
With home education we have beaten all these reasons. At last testing, my sons have fallen into the 98th percentile that home educators hold. Around the world and here in Canada, home educators have been holding an average of 98% across all subjects, where as the school system sits (here in Canada, not sure about the rest of the world’s education system) at 50%.

Why? Because we have the resources, we don’t move to another lesson before the first one is learned at an 80% passing rate, we spend time reading to our children, and we are not afraid to speak out against the forces that hold education back for children.

There are many ideas, curricula, options, and opinions that I haven't talked about today. I don't feel like writing a novel, that's been done. This is just a very small article on my humble opinion on the subject. If you would like to read how many famous people are home educated and have beaten the system. Than click on the link! You may be surprised!

http://www.home4schoolgear.com/famoushomeschooler.html

If your child is not learning in the system, maybe they just learn differently, or need a little extra time with you! Spend it with them. It’s worth it.

Questions I was never asked before I began to Homeschool...

2006-12-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Well, this Christmas will be our 7th year of Home Schooling. In commemoration of such a monumental event, I thought I would share a few questions that I have never been asked before I started Home Schooling. I have been working with children for 15 years, but only Home School Children (including my own) have asked the following:
When monarch butterflies migrate down south, do they need sunscreen?
During the Rain-no-sense, did they all eat Napolean ice cream?
How does the lightning get into the wires to make electricity?
Is DNA really made out of black and red blocks?
Is gym class just running around? I must be really in shape because my mom says I do that constantly.
Now, that obviously is the younger crowd, now for the 9 and up...
When you make pie and make sure everyone has an even slice, do you actually use the formula p^? Than why do we need to know this?
If dinosaurs lungs are not large enough to hold the capacity of their weight and height, than how did they survive in this oxygen based environment? We can only theorize that before the Flood the oxygen in the environment was thicker with more moisture, like those oxygen tanks that athletes use. Right? (This one really shocked me, came from a 10 year old) I had to look it up, http://www.digisys.net/users/ddalton/creation_vs__evolution.htm This is the short version to that question, the dinosaur part is at the bottom of the page!
What is ? (man, am I glad for teacher manuals!)
How does biochemical make up of our bodies coincide with ...? I can't even remember the rest of the question, I was lost at biochemical! That one was answered by somebody else! PHEW, saved!
My all time favourite:
I love Chemistry, cakes always taste good! Can we have a piece?

Step to go from School to Homeschool

2006-12-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

Before beginning to home school ask around for advice. Where do I get the books? How do I notify the school? What about socialization?Than go out and buy $500 worth of books, desk, chalkboard and otherschool supplies.Day 1:Step 1: Wake child up at 6:30 to get ready for his school day.Step 2: After child is ready let him veg til 9:00 because you got up too early.Step 3: Pry PS2 controller from child's hand and drag him kicking and screaming to the table. (he thinks its Saturday you know!)Step 4:Plop him down beside your mountain of books, pencils, and teacher's manuals.Step 5: Plow through the work with temper tantrums and tears. (when you're done with your temper tantrum than you can get back to dealing with his)Step 6: Have a panic attack because nothing else in the house got done.Step 7: Answer all the questions that everybody asks about what you did that day with lies.Step 8: Cry yourself to sleep.Day 2 to 92: Repeat above.Day 93:Step 1:Have bonfire in the back yard burning everything including desk.Step 2: Talk to fire department about fire safety.Step 3: Sit and watch a movie.Step 4: Start going to support groups and posting questions on forums on why your homeschooling didn't work and how to re-enroll in school.Day 94:Step 1:Sleep til 11:00Step 2:Go to the local library and pick up books that the child actually is interested in.Step 2: Play and read, play and read, play and read, etcDay 95:Step 1: Take notes of what they've learned and have them draw pictures about it. Add up how many books you have and how many you've read and decide the differance.Day 96:Step 1: Go grocery shopping and decide which is the better deal. 1 12 pack of toilet paper for $2.96 or 2 6 packs for $1.92. Have the child add up the grocery bill and see if the lady did the taxes right. Open a discussion on marketing and marketing strategies. Move intoadvertising and the cost thereof. Discuss free trade and how it effects our political movement. Discuss the Prime Minister and the laws that govern the province. Discuss how the province fits into the whole country. Discuss freedom in the country.Step 2: Go back to the local library and find books on how to pass a bill and WW 2 and how we got our freedom to home educate.Day 97:Step 1:You realize that homeschooling is so much easier and alot more fun than you ever thought it could be!Day 98:Step 1: Go on a field trip with other homeschoolers to the local museum.Day 98 to Day 105: Have Christmas HolidaysFrom that point on you never look back. You realize that finding what interests your child and having him study, take notes, do research on it is learning!One year passes: Evaluate your past year and realize your child is ayear ahead of everyone elses and wonder why you just didn't start atDay 94 in the first place!

special needs, LD, challenged...

2006-12-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, so I figured I would write something today.
So, here it is....
The terms special needs, learning disabled, mentally or physically challenged are words that shouldn't be in the world's vocabulary. I understand that we need to describe our weaknesses in some sort of term but these terms make me angry. My children are considered to fall under these terms. If a child has muscular dystrophy, we are made aware of this fact and we focus on it as a people. It's silly in my opinion because maybe the child has many gifts that are overlooked and is lost in this diagnosis. Not that we ignore the muscular dystrophy but we do ignore the compassion the child may have or the level of understanding.
I find that we all have weaknesses, that's human nature but when we focus on these weaknesses and ignore the strengths, nothing gets done. For example: my eldest was told he would never read, always have difficulty with social concepts and end up on welfare. (now, this is where I get to brag) He's a grade ahead in language arts , 2 grades ahead in history, and holding straight A's in his own grade. He's one of the most popular children at his youth group and he's holding his own just fine at his other activities. The YMCA has already offered him a job in the babysitting room when he turns 14 because he is giving, compassionate and responsible. So, there's his academic, socialization and work...
My youngest has the same weaknesses as my oldest with his language and he's 2 grades ahead in math and science and holding his own in his own grade. We do an hour of school and if we keep up at this pace by September of next year he will begin grade 4 overall at 8 years of age. What's the special needs, LD, or challenge there?
When I was growing up I was told I had a 'lazy tongue' that's what they termed speech and language delays back than. I would never read, write, or be good at anything. My father wouldn't hear of such a thing! Both my parents pushed me like any other child. Get your homework done, work hard, be kind to others was our motto growing up. Now, I educate my children, am married to a supportive, (high maintenance-gifted) guy, run a home child care (have been doing that on and off for the last 15 years) and have many good years ahead. I have been offered 2 supervisory positions, an EA position, and a job starting a new youth program within the last 3 months. Turned them down to continue home educating.
My brother was told the same diagnosis, he is presently a mechanical engineer with a 6 figure income. Don't tell him he can't do something, he'll prove you wrong by the end of the day...LOL
Why is that people focus on the negative and just assume that because I am home with my boys that all I do is sit around and watch Soaps (which I hate) and eat bon bons all day. (I wish, I could stand to gain a little weight..lol)
Our day starts at 6 am and ends at 10. I get to sit between 6:30 am and 7:30 am write on this blog or check my websites or surf the web and that's my rest for the day. The remainder of the day is spent on my feet. There is nothing lazy, slothful, or unfocused happening throughout my days. Why would I expect anything less from children?
With their weaknesses and their strengths, they are thriving against all odds! They work hard, play hard, and love hard. I have a good family and I am thankful for them.
I moderate a special needs home education forum and the biggest complaint amoung participants is the fact their children are being told they can't accomplish something. They have weaknesses like anybody else and they do need a little extra help but that doesn't mean they can't hold their own! Their children are home with them because the education system refused to help with an IEP or funding was dispersed poorly, or their child was told they wouldn't live to age 3 and now they are functioning at a level that overwhelm doctors and impress professionals. Why?
Because parents refused to focus on a weakness and decided to push for the strength. Good parenting and love is changing the world, one child at a time.

Homeschool Pet Peeves

2006-12-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

Since this article is about my pet peeves I thought I would lay it out in a question and answer format. For those of you who are not sure what to say when asked the basic questions those most uninformed patrons ask, here are some responses. Not all are proper, or give good social adequate. Not all are in a positive point of view. I find sarcasm can be carried a long way. I didn’t write this to offend or hurt the homeschooling movement. I wrote this as a fun way to express myself when it comes to receiving the same questions over and over…
“Can you do it?”
-“Naw, I was just too lazy to get them to the bus everyday.”
-“No, my Soap comes on around the time I would have to get them from school and I was tired of missing it”
-“OH NO, would if I can’t! I did absolutely no research and had no idea what I was thinking! I will put them back in school first thing in the morning!”
“Does your child want to be home educated?”
-"No, he wants ice cream for breakfast, and no bedtime, so how does he know what's best for him?"
-"Yes, of course he wants to stay home and not go to school and get no homework and have a good life!"
“Don’t you need a teacher’s certificate?”
-“No, the people who do have their credentials aren’t doing their job, in my opinion. Why would I waste my time?”
-“No, I am the professional when it comes to my children.”
-“No, I taught them to walk and talk, I will teach them to read and write.”
-“No, a teacher’s certificate doesn’t teach my children good behaviour, proper socialization, good character development, or confidence.”
-“No, everything I learned that was worth anything in this life was from my parents, I would like to give my children that same quality education.”
-“No, I would like my children to have a quality education that the school can’t give due to poor funding, understaffed, and poor administering of funding.”
-“Oh that’s right, I went to public school and didn’t learn anything. What makes me think a few more years would help?”
(As a side note; I would like to point out that my dearest friend is a teacher and a very good one! It’s usually not the teacher that people have issues with. It’s the system)
“You children have Special Needs wouldn’t it be better if you left that up to the professionals?”
-“Define professional”
-“Your right, I didn’t take care of him up to the point he was old enough for school, the teachers did. What do I know?”
-“I know nothing of my child’s special needs. What was I thinking?”
-“Special Needs? What Special Needs?”
-“Are you saying that they have my child’s best interest at heart, more than I do? Mmm…”
“How do you know they have learned everything they need to know?”
-“Do you remember your timetables, what pie is, or how do basic calculus? The difference between a proposition verb and an adverb?”
-“Do you remember everything you learned in school?”
-“Do you use everything you learned, every detail, in your job right now?”
-“Do you know what your children are learning right now?” (This is a good question because it lets you know if they pay attention to their own child’s homework or if they have children at all)
-“Yes, I do know what they know because I’m there teaching it.” (Some things are just obvious)
-“Oh no, I have no idea! I feel a panic attack coming on!”
Is it Legal?
-‘We have the freedom in Canada to practice our own religion, to learn how we feel is the best way to learn, and to put this into practice.”
-‘I’m not selling cocaine, of course it’s legal.’
-‘Last I checked…’ (This one may get the side head nod, they tilt there head and do the ‘I see’ look)
-“OH NO, I didn’t think to check into that!’
How do you know what grade they are at?
-‘We have no grade levels. My children learn according to whatever level they are at and have never missed anything. They have never had a standardized test or a government test of any kind. My eldest however has had math tests, spelling tests, and a grammar test. Not because I wanted to know if he met the requirements of the ministry of education, but because he requested to be tested.’
-(some physical expression is good for the next answer. Scratch your stomach nonchalantly and do the Jack Sparrow stance) “What level for edumacation? I don’t know what grade I did last, why I got good grammar, ain’t that right honey?’
“How will they get hired at a ‘real’ job?”
-“Define ‘real’”
-“When you applied for a job, did you apply for nursing when you were educated to be a construction worker?”
-“Do you know that one person who got straight A’s in everything but their personality was so bad you wouldn’t hire them? I expect more from my children.”
-“A job? I wasn’t thinking of his future when we made this decision to home educate. Maybe he’ll sit on welfare the rest of his life?”
-“I don’t work, why does he half too?”
“I give you six months before you give up and put them back. If you don’t put them back in school, it’s because you don’t want others to know you failed at it.”
This is a touchy one. I find that these people can’t be reasoned with. There is no point in getting a stubborn person to change their mind. Only time can alter this person’s mindset. But here are some responses anyway…
-“I’ll never put them back now that you said that, just to prove you wrong!”
-“You are right, my goal is to have them fail.”
-“Oh yeah, school is where I want them, that’s why I started this in the first place. DUH!”
I will end with all time favourite question…
“What about their socialization?”
-(do the scratching of your stomach and Jack Sparrow stance and flip out!)
-“What makes you think I can’t teach good social skills! I have good social skills! I know how to hold my temper and I have good self-control!”
-“I thought keeping my children away from drugs, swearing, fighting, and lack of supervision on the play ground was teaching them good social skills.”
-“Oh, I didn’t think of that! We never leave the house. We never go out into the community to do groceries, shop, visit others, or play basketball. We never have company and I don’t know any other homeschoolers to do outings. How will they ever learn???”
-“My children don’t need good social skills. They are going to stay home and home educate when they grow up.”
-“I can see how the public school system taught you good social skills. You must be an authority on the subject." -“Yeah, last week I heard how a home educating family sold drugs during math class, swore at their mother, and brought a gun to their local church and went on a shooting spree.”

Special Needs and Common Sense

2006-12-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

I have two mildly (I mean extremely mildly) special needs children. They have the same thing I have. Tourette, anxiety, and (well not everything from me)gifted. Now a days to have a disability means funding, labels, Individualized Education Plans(IEP), therapy, and medication. Although many of these things are greatly needed and much appreciated by the child and the parent, it is not always necessary. This is my experience.
My eldest is now 12 years old. When he was 5 years old we enrolled him in the public school system. By the time Christmas came of the same year, he had been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder because of a speech and language delay. He had an IEP, Occupational Therapist and a Speech Therapist. I was being asked if I would consider medication and was told he would never learn to read. "He has limitations today and will always have limitations." That's what every mother wants to hear for their child. Well, intuition told my husband and I that the 'professionals' weren't quite getting it. To make a long story a little shorter, he does not have PDD and he can read 2 grade levels above his. He does have tourette which was found out much later and anxiety which has never been professionally diagnosed, the speech and language delay is completely gone. So what? A few tics and a little printing problem. I'm not worried about it and neither is he.
My youngest (6 years old)has tourette, anxiety and is extremely intelligent. He has never been diagnosed officially for any of it. But sometimes a mom knows best! He has never been in school. He will be receiving speech therapy for his delay next month. He is a grade level ahead in math and is reading at a grade 1 level. His problem solving skills are off the chart!
I have had children with ADD, ADHD, PDD, anxiety, OCD, depression and a slew of behavioural challenges come through my child care. Most parents are very concerned and worried about their children, naturally. They have great difficultly convincing others out there that it's not their parenting that causes these challenges, it's genetics. After a child leaves my care they are more polite, much smarter academically, better social skills, and much more confident in themselves.
The secret? Home Schooling. I refuse to listen to the 'professionals' that say there is no hope. I listen to the professionals that say there is hope. Everyone on this earth has challenges to face. The people with invisible disabilities and the people with visible ones. I don't think there is a person on this earth with out some sort of quark. What I do know is what home schooling has taught me. Perserverance, consistency, hope, organization, routine, and a compliment can go a long way! With less time taken in studies and more time in exploration a child can develop excellent character development, no matter what mould they broke out of.
As a child there was no such thing as IEP's and very few therapists. Children were segregated into separate classes for remedial learning. My parents refused to let that happen to me. I had speech therapy and that was it. I learned to learn. Now a days a disability is almost an excuse instead of a challenge that can be overcome and wonderful things can happen. The greatest example that most people know is Albert Einstein. His mother wouldn't give up on him and he became the greatest minds of all time. He came up with many theories that boggle minds today with his intelligence. Other great minds of home educators are: Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Webster, Winston Churchill, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Pearl Buck, Agatha Christie, C.S.Lewis, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. I'm sure there's more. Many of these were considered problematic in society in their day. But someone believed in them and their own perseverance paid off!
In home child care I see many parents exasperated with the system. Their children have been kicked out of day camps, larger day care centres, and other programs. The smaller child care setting and more one on one have helped with these challenges. There can be too much of a good thing. Like socialization. My children have a bigger social life than I ever had within the education system. They are more polite, have many friends, are compassionate, and much more outgoing than the average. Being there during difficult times have taught them to deal with it and not feel like they are just trying to survive out there in the real world. They are learning adult strategies to deal with different ages and different types of people without discrimination or bullying. These are just a few benefits, that's whole other article!
The secret? Home Schooling. It's not hard, it's not impossible. It's easy and fun!It's a relaxed and calm approach to common sense parenting. If a child isn't ready for the system and would benefit with a little more one on one. Then Home schooling provides an instant IEP and parents expect more out of their children (for example, my children need 80% or more for a passing grade) and would never give up on them! I am not against public school, many children and families do great in them! What I am against are the people who give up on a child because they have a little challenge that they don't have time for, or are embarrassed of, or just don't understand.
I guess I have a real heart for the lost. Like bringing home a stray and turning it into a show dog. LOL I know that's a terrible analogy but it's the only way I think of to express my point.
To my children who have already beat the system and have come out with flying colours! They don't have disabilities. They have gifts! Mom loves you guys!

Warning Homeschoolers May...

2006-12-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

WARNING:
Homeschoolers may exhibit higher intelligence.
Homeschoolers may carry on adult conversations.
Homeschoolers may show higher responsibilities when babysitting.
Homeschoolers may get their chores done.
Homeschoolers may do very well at sports, computers, academics.
Homeschoolers may be a big part of society through church groups, scouts, brownies, dance, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, football, pioneer clubs, awana's, etc
Homeschoolers may be more likely to vote and be apart of politics.
Homeschoolers may have a better family foundation.
Homeschoolers may be more accepting in society.
Homeschoolers may exhibit strange behaviours such as manners.
CAUTION: Homeschoolers may actually be socialized.

Thanksgiving

2006-08-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is upon us...
I am thankful for:
my boys and there ever growing curiousity about the world at large!
my eldest noticing girls and having the sense to say NO to drugs, alcohol, and sex (12 and already having to say no, it wasn't like that when I was 12!)
my youngest wanting to know how the negative energy and the positive energy create lightning and electricity, how the voltage gets from point A to be point B and constantly challenging me to come up with answers to questions that no 7 year old should ask.
my dear husband who in his intensity has challenged me to be a better wife and a better cook and his support has helped me get through 11 hour work days and strive for excellence with the homeschooling of my boys
my day care children who are good and creative and great fun, they challenge me and make me a better caregiver everyday
my extended family who are supportive and caring towards my family and I do my best to return the favour
and most of all I'm thankful that the Lord has given me the grace to do the impossible because 'nothing is impossible to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ' and 'His grace is sufficient for me' so I can be 'more than a conquerer'