This week marked the completion of all the Calvert tests we need to send in for the year. The only thing left to do before I mail them is JT's research paper for social studies. Knowing how much he enjoys the writing process, you can probably guess what this experience will be like.
First of all, do 4th graders really need to be able to put together a research paper, including a bibliography? I enjoy writing, but I despise putting together a bibliography. This assignment is no picnic for me, either.
JT had to pick a state to write about. He chose California, mostly because he loves reading about Yosemite, so he figured it would be interesting. We went to the library to pick up a few books. Then I showed him how to gather the information on note cards. We made up cards for his sources...and away he went.
He came to me today and said, "Do I really have to list which source the information on each card comes from?"
I said, "Why would you not want to list it?"
"Well, I know that Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. But, I don't know where I learned that."
I guess mom didn't make the purpose of a research paper entirely clear. :-)
Tomorrow he will start his rough draft. I would really like to see it done before next week. I want to start our last month of schooling with nothing but "our" stuff on the schedule.
EM was free and clear from his Calvert work awhile back. He spent the week reading new books, completing some workbook activities on pronouns, contractions and verb tenses. He also has been working his way through a 2nd grade math activity book. We also did a few experiments on states of matter.
Next week, I hope to give an update on our new Lego Mindstorm activities. The boys have been slowly working on putting together the alligator. It is motion activated. They have it almost ready to go. The poor cat was the victim of its initial attack. I guess we'll have to teach them to use their super powers only for good.
For now, I am happy to see the end of the school year right around the corner. It's been tough adjusting to teaching both the boys at once. I hope to write up an evaluation of how this year went for us. I want to look at the rough spots and try to come up with solutions for next year. If we improve each year...by the time they graduate, I'll be a pro!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Confession
I know I have ranted and raved about the annoyances of PACyber...so this may come as a shock.
We are going to stick with them another year.
It took me most of the year to realize I am willing to jump through the hoops in order to gain some benefits the cyber school has to offer. JT and I sat down together and made a pros and cons list for staying with the school.
PROS
Once we put it all down in writing I felt like I had been whining far too much. At least, I felt that way for a couple days. Then I went in my office and saw the bookcase full of the stuff I so desperately would love to teach my kids but never feel I have enough time to fit it in the schedule. I tried to broker a deal with JT. It went like this...
me: "If you would set your mind to it, we could do all the Calvert material for the week in 1 or 2 school days. Then we'd have the other 3 days to work on all the fun stuff we have wanted to do."
JT: "Okay, no problem."
Two days later...
me: "Why don't you just work through these assignments quickly so we have time for the fun stuff this week?"
JT: "I don't feel like it."
Case closed.
We are going to stick with them another year.
It took me most of the year to realize I am willing to jump through the hoops in order to gain some benefits the cyber school has to offer. JT and I sat down together and made a pros and cons list for staying with the school.
PROS
- virtual enrichment classes (JT's main reason for staying with the school...these classes are non-credit fun stuff. He really enjoys them, but they are mostly fluff.)
- reimbursement for internet
- $75 a kid, per year, for PE
- free books and supplies
- free computer, printer and ink
- the school does all the reporting to the state; no portfolio to put together
- no need to deal with our local school district (if traditional homeschooling, they would be reviewing our plan and portfolio)
- Must take PSSAs every year from 3rd - 11th (homeschoolers are only required to test 3 times in their school career and parents can chose from a list of standardized tests)
- can't chose our own material (we can always supplement with our own, but often feel too strapped for time to pull it off)
- some of the curriculum we must use is inferior to what we would like to use...by a large margin
- inept grading of tests by the cyber school staff
Once we put it all down in writing I felt like I had been whining far too much. At least, I felt that way for a couple days. Then I went in my office and saw the bookcase full of the stuff I so desperately would love to teach my kids but never feel I have enough time to fit it in the schedule. I tried to broker a deal with JT. It went like this...
me: "If you would set your mind to it, we could do all the Calvert material for the week in 1 or 2 school days. Then we'd have the other 3 days to work on all the fun stuff we have wanted to do."
JT: "Okay, no problem."
Two days later...
me: "Why don't you just work through these assignments quickly so we have time for the fun stuff this week?"
JT: "I don't feel like it."
Case closed.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Exercise
I just started reading an incredibly interesting book, "Brain Rules" by John Medina. He gives 12 principles to improve our 'brain health'. See more here. He makes some well-supported claims about exercise that really have me thinking. I need to get the boys more active WHILE they are learning. Part of me knows that exercise is important. But it often gets put on the back burner. My boys are very active on their own, so I generally don't feel I need to tell them they need to exercise. In the book, however, Medina argues that because aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, children can learn better if they are being active. He is quick to point out that most classrooms are in no way designed to accommodate this. Guess what? My classroom can!
Now I need to find out how to make it all work. I already have an exercise ball. JT used to do most of his work sitting...well...bouncing on it. I put it away when I got tired of telling him to stop throwing it around the room. One idea I am considering is after presenting new material I could take the boys for a walk and discuss it. Maybe we could work in the garden while reviewing facts like states and capitals. I have had my eye on a recumbent exercise bike for awhile. Maybe they could be reading while riding the bike. All sorts of possibilities open up!
JT took his PSSA tests in reading and math today. He was in a small group of kids who were not doing the 'normal' 3 days of testing. He finished all 6 sections in just under 3 hours. When I asked him how it went he said, "I stood up for the whole test. The chair was not comfortable."
Maybe that bit of movement helped him work faster and smarter.
Traditional brick and mortar schools have moved away from the multiple recesses they used to have in a day. They argue the need for more time in the classroom. Maybe that time would be better spent if the kids were ready to learn. Sitting at a desk all day does not get blood flowing the way it should to provide the best learning opportunities. All of those fidgety kids know they need to get moving. Now we just have to convince the adults.
On Saturday: I just had to add something here. Tonight I read this post on exactly what I'm talking about! There's a link to an article about the school that is using exercise to help kids think better. Cool!
Now I need to find out how to make it all work. I already have an exercise ball. JT used to do most of his work sitting...well...bouncing on it. I put it away when I got tired of telling him to stop throwing it around the room. One idea I am considering is after presenting new material I could take the boys for a walk and discuss it. Maybe we could work in the garden while reviewing facts like states and capitals. I have had my eye on a recumbent exercise bike for awhile. Maybe they could be reading while riding the bike. All sorts of possibilities open up!
JT took his PSSA tests in reading and math today. He was in a small group of kids who were not doing the 'normal' 3 days of testing. He finished all 6 sections in just under 3 hours. When I asked him how it went he said, "I stood up for the whole test. The chair was not comfortable."
Maybe that bit of movement helped him work faster and smarter.
Traditional brick and mortar schools have moved away from the multiple recesses they used to have in a day. They argue the need for more time in the classroom. Maybe that time would be better spent if the kids were ready to learn. Sitting at a desk all day does not get blood flowing the way it should to provide the best learning opportunities. All of those fidgety kids know they need to get moving. Now we just have to convince the adults.
On Saturday: I just had to add something here. Tonight I read this post on exactly what I'm talking about! There's a link to an article about the school that is using exercise to help kids think better. Cool!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Heart of the Matter
I am blogging from the annual PDE Special Education Conference tonight. It is a wonderful thing to spend a couple days with other parents that are working together to find the best educational fit for their children.
As I type, I am at a table with 4 other moms that are sharing their experiences. The parents that have been dealing with these issues for some time are showing the 'newbies' the ropes. The big question of the night is, "Why doesn't the school help these parents understand what is going on with their children?" The sad but true answer is that the school does not know our children. They are not prepared to deal with the kids that don't fit the mold. Our teaching colleges are doing a poor job of training these educators. It is not the fault of the teachers. Most people that go to school to be a teacher go into that field because they want to help children. These are not mean-spirited people that are trying to hurt our kids. The teaching colleges need to be preparing their graduates to meet these needs. I am not sure if this is solely where the fault lies. But I'll tell you where the heart of the action is for change.
It's right here at this table.
As I type, I am at a table with 4 other moms that are sharing their experiences. The parents that have been dealing with these issues for some time are showing the 'newbies' the ropes. The big question of the night is, "Why doesn't the school help these parents understand what is going on with their children?" The sad but true answer is that the school does not know our children. They are not prepared to deal with the kids that don't fit the mold. Our teaching colleges are doing a poor job of training these educators. It is not the fault of the teachers. Most people that go to school to be a teacher go into that field because they want to help children. These are not mean-spirited people that are trying to hurt our kids. The teaching colleges need to be preparing their graduates to meet these needs. I am not sure if this is solely where the fault lies. But I'll tell you where the heart of the action is for change.
It's right here at this table.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Recharging
Tonight, my husband and I got ourselves all fancied up and went out for dinner. "What does this have to do with successfully homeschooling children?" you may ask.
My answer...everything.
In order to have the patience to take on the education of my children, I believe it is essential to take care of me first. I love my children. However, if I have to spend 24 hours a day with them for the next 10 years, I might go insane. Quickly. The last 3 months have left very little time for my husband and me to spend time away from them together. Two days ago I called my oldest daughter (who is married and out of the house) and told her I NEEDED a date night. Being the wonderful offspring she is, she agreed to come over tonight.
As I plan what feels like an endless supply of activities for the boys, I sometimes forget how temporary my role as teacher will be. I will spend the next ten years (unless something drastically changes in the US system of education, HA!) teaching these boys. I will hopefully have many years after that to be me again. In the meantime, I need a few hours here and there to recharge my batteries before jumping back into the fray.
Next week is our week off in the 6 week on/1 week off cycle. This will be our last break before the end of the school year. I will be in Hershey for a 3 day PA Dept of Education Special Ed conference, paid for by a scholarship through the state for parents of children with a GIEP (Gifted Individualized Education Plan). I am looking forward to this chance to recharge and learn new things. It will give the boys some alone time with Dad. I will get to spend time with one of my homeschooling friends from across the state. When I return home, all of us will be fresh and ready for the final push to the end of another successful school year.
I am thankful that I have the opportunity to spend so much time with my children. I am also thankful that I have so many supportive friends and family members ready to give me a break when I feel worn down.
My answer...everything.
In order to have the patience to take on the education of my children, I believe it is essential to take care of me first. I love my children. However, if I have to spend 24 hours a day with them for the next 10 years, I might go insane. Quickly. The last 3 months have left very little time for my husband and me to spend time away from them together. Two days ago I called my oldest daughter (who is married and out of the house) and told her I NEEDED a date night. Being the wonderful offspring she is, she agreed to come over tonight.
As I plan what feels like an endless supply of activities for the boys, I sometimes forget how temporary my role as teacher will be. I will spend the next ten years (unless something drastically changes in the US system of education, HA!) teaching these boys. I will hopefully have many years after that to be me again. In the meantime, I need a few hours here and there to recharge my batteries before jumping back into the fray.
Next week is our week off in the 6 week on/1 week off cycle. This will be our last break before the end of the school year. I will be in Hershey for a 3 day PA Dept of Education Special Ed conference, paid for by a scholarship through the state for parents of children with a GIEP (Gifted Individualized Education Plan). I am looking forward to this chance to recharge and learn new things. It will give the boys some alone time with Dad. I will get to spend time with one of my homeschooling friends from across the state. When I return home, all of us will be fresh and ready for the final push to the end of another successful school year.
I am thankful that I have the opportunity to spend so much time with my children. I am also thankful that I have so many supportive friends and family members ready to give me a break when I feel worn down.
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