I'm done.
I'm done with the constant assumptions that you simply must have 20 children to homeschool.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying large families can't homeschool either. I think they're wonderful.
But I'm sick and tired of having the fact that I only have one child thrown in my face by people who just aren't thinking.
He's 8. I've been trying to get pregnant for 7 years. Clearly this isn't MY timing we're dealing with now - it's GOD'S.
If I hear one more time "save your curriculum in case you get pregnant" I might scream. Or better yet, "Maybe if you get rid of all of it, you'll get pregnant."
If I hear one more person come to me and say they're expecting and how on earth are they going to manage it and what were they thinking getting pregnant again I'm going to scream. I'd LOVE to have your problem. Please, pass your fertility onto me.
If I hear one more parent agonizing over how difficult it is to have so many or how awful their children are or how impossible it is to deal with the constant bickering I'm going to explode. Try NEVER having a sibling to fight with. Never having the opportunity to play a prank on your sister or have your brother stand up for you.
It's a lonely existence. I'd know. I was an only child until I turned 12 and in many, many ways I still am.
I'm so sick and tired of the garbage.
So ONCE AND FOR ALL:
Yes, you can successfully homeschool an only child.
Yes, you can have a classroom of 1 and still manage to learn everything that needs to be taught.
Yes, you can create an environment of love and beauty without 1, 2, or 10 siblings to share it with.
Enough already. Back off of me and my son.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Happy Purple Heart Day!!!
In 1782, the Continental Congress took a cost cutting measure preventing the awarding of rank for valorous service. Up until this time, individual achievements in battle were generally awarded with a promotion. In response, 2 military awards were created for servicemen. The first award authorized a chevron to be worn on the left sleeve for every 3 years of service given to the Continental Army. These chevrons are still in use today in all branches of the military on dress uniforms.
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
Saturday, July 16, 2011
What on EARTH is going on in Georgia?!?!?!?
I turn on my computer this morning to have two very questionable articles cross my face within hours of each other.
The first, a tale of 3 girls who started a lemonade stand in Midland, GA to raise money to go to a water park this summer. Unfortunately those girls were shut down by the police for failure to have the correct permits costing $50 a day or $180 a year.
Not 2 hours later after a short swim in the backyard I return to learn that schools in Atlanta are cheating on tests and creating very poor learning environments for students including using intimidation and fear against students.
What the HECK is going on in GEORGIA!?!?!?!?!?!
The first, a tale of 3 girls who started a lemonade stand in Midland, GA to raise money to go to a water park this summer. Unfortunately those girls were shut down by the police for failure to have the correct permits costing $50 a day or $180 a year.
Not 2 hours later after a short swim in the backyard I return to learn that schools in Atlanta are cheating on tests and creating very poor learning environments for students including using intimidation and fear against students.
What the HECK is going on in GEORGIA!?!?!?!?!?!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Just Like Me
This weekend, the NEA reaffirmed it's position on homeschooling:
"Home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience."
Of course, those of us within the homeschooling community know what a pile of bunk that is but the bottom line is that educators across the country and buying this tripe hook, line, and sinker. They are being pivoted against homeschoolers and putting us in the position of enemy.
I encounter a TON of educators. I'm friends and relatives with people who teach from the cradle at day care centers and preschools to VERY expensive high end colleges. There is nothing wrong with education administered by these people. They're wonderful and the vast majority of them are fantastic at their jobs with true hearts for their students.
However, I can't tell you how much these educators have been poisoned by the NEA against homeschoolers. Over and over they questioned me when I made the move to homeschool. They warned me of poor curriculum, substandard education, and how much this could hurt my son in the long run.
As time went on, they saw how I educate. They saw how much I love educating my son and how he has blossomed in home education. Time and again, they have told me, "If all homeschoolers educated like you, I wouldn't have a problem with them."
My response "Most homeschoolers DO educate just like me" because we DO! We're not creating a generation of substandard educated kids who are clueless about the world through homeschooling...
...but we are creating one through our public education system.
"Home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience."
Of course, those of us within the homeschooling community know what a pile of bunk that is but the bottom line is that educators across the country and buying this tripe hook, line, and sinker. They are being pivoted against homeschoolers and putting us in the position of enemy.
I encounter a TON of educators. I'm friends and relatives with people who teach from the cradle at day care centers and preschools to VERY expensive high end colleges. There is nothing wrong with education administered by these people. They're wonderful and the vast majority of them are fantastic at their jobs with true hearts for their students.
However, I can't tell you how much these educators have been poisoned by the NEA against homeschoolers. Over and over they questioned me when I made the move to homeschool. They warned me of poor curriculum, substandard education, and how much this could hurt my son in the long run.
As time went on, they saw how I educate. They saw how much I love educating my son and how he has blossomed in home education. Time and again, they have told me, "If all homeschoolers educated like you, I wouldn't have a problem with them."
My response "Most homeschoolers DO educate just like me" because we DO! We're not creating a generation of substandard educated kids who are clueless about the world through homeschooling...
...but we are creating one through our public education system.
Monday, May 30, 2011
"Standards"
I so often hear homeschooling parents who are deeply concerned about "standards", especially from those who are new. While I realize that in some states, parents are required to submit to standardized testing and regulation of curriculum, the vast majority of states do not require these kinds of restrictions. So why do so many of us who don't have to be concerned with standardized testing and regulated curriculum care so much about "meeting the standards"?
Perhaps it is because we obsess with "grade level" questions. There are many places this happens. Some curriculum is based on "grade level" therefore making us constantly question what "grade" our child is in. Yet, even in those sources, what is "on grade level" isn't universal so it's a rather useless measure.
Then there are the questions that keep a homeschooling parent up at night.
"Is Timmy able to go back into school with the same class of kids he left?" It's a legitimate enough concern if you're only planning to homeschool for the short run, but long term, it's really not a sufficient concern. "Is he learning enough?" Most likely, yes. Children who are homeschooled repeatedly outperform their public school peers. And so on they rattle in the brain on sleepless nights.
I could go on about this for hours but the bottom line is that nationally developed standards don't even work. Each state is in charge of it's own education so the standards already vary from state to state. The new "national standards" are attempting to remedy that problem, however schools are consistently struggling with implementation and getting their already behind students to get caught up.
Children in public schools often appear to be running a race with an award at the end - a high school diploma. We continue to hold it slightly out of reach while forcing them to run faster and harder. It's almost like watching a cartoon of dogs racing with the "bait" dangling from the stick - ever elusive, ever just out of reach.
When are children are nearing that goal during their high school years, we begin to dangle another bait - college. Students who choose not to attend college are immediately looked down upon by their peers as the entire school is abuzz with who was accepted where and what they will be doing with their bright futures. Yet studies show far less students will ever reach this second bit of dangling bait with a diploma and those who do haven't always found it to be worth the cost of having a piece of paper.
I challenge you to try letting go of standards.
At first, the process is frustrating. Leaving public school established grade levels behind can be infuriating. Instead of constantly looking for "his grade" you'll have to start doing some homework. What, exactly is in the curriculum? What is covered? Dig into that table of contents and question ANY publisher who does not make their scope and sequence available to you as a consumer. "It's meant for __ grade" is not an answer, it's an excuse.
Consider stepping further outside of the box. You know what your children know. Allow them to become secure in their newfound knowledge. Perhaps it's time to let them pursue some interests that don't appear to be on the learning spectrum. In our home we're currently rebuilding a 1950's Willy's Wagon in school. You'd be amazed how much science and math it's taken...and it sure beats a textbook in the schoolroom. Practical experience beats textbooks every single time.
I'm often asked for a glimpse into our curriculum. I respond with the typical answer of publishers, books, and such that we are currently using in our home education program. To be frank, I believe I need to expand that. Our NEW curriculum is:
Math U See - Beta
Investigate the Possibilities - Elementary Physics
All About Spelling - 2
Catholic Heritage Handwriting - Level A
Homemade unit studies of the American Revolution
Building a 1951 Willy's Wagon Jeep
Putting in a new Garden
Building planter boxes for veggies, herbs and flowers
Planting apple trees
Researching and placing a windbreaker of shrubbery
Finding and researching insects we find
Watching Mythbusters
Watching Only In American w. Larry the Cable Guy
Scouts
Church
Church school
Friends
Taking care of our pets
Cooking classes
This could go on for pages - but I'll stop here...
Perhaps it is because we obsess with "grade level" questions. There are many places this happens. Some curriculum is based on "grade level" therefore making us constantly question what "grade" our child is in. Yet, even in those sources, what is "on grade level" isn't universal so it's a rather useless measure.
Then there are the questions that keep a homeschooling parent up at night.
"Is Timmy able to go back into school with the same class of kids he left?" It's a legitimate enough concern if you're only planning to homeschool for the short run, but long term, it's really not a sufficient concern. "Is he learning enough?" Most likely, yes. Children who are homeschooled repeatedly outperform their public school peers. And so on they rattle in the brain on sleepless nights.
I could go on about this for hours but the bottom line is that nationally developed standards don't even work. Each state is in charge of it's own education so the standards already vary from state to state. The new "national standards" are attempting to remedy that problem, however schools are consistently struggling with implementation and getting their already behind students to get caught up.
Children in public schools often appear to be running a race with an award at the end - a high school diploma. We continue to hold it slightly out of reach while forcing them to run faster and harder. It's almost like watching a cartoon of dogs racing with the "bait" dangling from the stick - ever elusive, ever just out of reach.
When are children are nearing that goal during their high school years, we begin to dangle another bait - college. Students who choose not to attend college are immediately looked down upon by their peers as the entire school is abuzz with who was accepted where and what they will be doing with their bright futures. Yet studies show far less students will ever reach this second bit of dangling bait with a diploma and those who do haven't always found it to be worth the cost of having a piece of paper.
I challenge you to try letting go of standards.
At first, the process is frustrating. Leaving public school established grade levels behind can be infuriating. Instead of constantly looking for "his grade" you'll have to start doing some homework. What, exactly is in the curriculum? What is covered? Dig into that table of contents and question ANY publisher who does not make their scope and sequence available to you as a consumer. "It's meant for __ grade" is not an answer, it's an excuse.
Consider stepping further outside of the box. You know what your children know. Allow them to become secure in their newfound knowledge. Perhaps it's time to let them pursue some interests that don't appear to be on the learning spectrum. In our home we're currently rebuilding a 1950's Willy's Wagon in school. You'd be amazed how much science and math it's taken...and it sure beats a textbook in the schoolroom. Practical experience beats textbooks every single time.
I'm often asked for a glimpse into our curriculum. I respond with the typical answer of publishers, books, and such that we are currently using in our home education program. To be frank, I believe I need to expand that. Our NEW curriculum is:
Math U See - Beta
Investigate the Possibilities - Elementary Physics
All About Spelling - 2
Catholic Heritage Handwriting - Level A
Homemade unit studies of the American Revolution
Building a 1951 Willy's Wagon Jeep
Putting in a new Garden
Building planter boxes for veggies, herbs and flowers
Planting apple trees
Researching and placing a windbreaker of shrubbery
Finding and researching insects we find
Watching Mythbusters
Watching Only In American w. Larry the Cable Guy
Scouts
Church
Church school
Friends
Taking care of our pets
Cooking classes
This could go on for pages - but I'll stop here...
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