Home School Blast

Still home, but not homeschooling...

2011-11-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

unless you count homeschooling my two year old. I'm teaching him letters, numbers, colors, clean-up and I'm attempting potty training.

So this blog is about to take on a whole other form. It's more about being a stay at home mom to a two-year old while I try to write, maintain my website, design some jewelry, and study. I'm getting a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling. It's a Religious Degree. I'm learning loads about training my thoughts, relying on God's power within, and meditating. Although, I've known about these things for years, studying it for a degree is much more intense.

Most days it feels like I'm not doing anything, although I acknowledge that I am doing a heck of a lot.

Stay tuned...the homeschool blast is going to be a different kind of fun.

Homeschool Testing

2011-04-12T09:46:00.001-07:00

10 year old taking the CAT in Florida. Here you have to have an approved administrator administer it. In GA I did it myself.

We came in this morning I saw Jesus-Freaks, Super-geniuses, Flighty Creative-geniuses, wholistic loc families, Super shy curious geniuses, and I thought Homeschoolers are weird, and I love them.

Willow Smith

2010-12-21T04:35:00.000-08:00

She's homeschooled, she's an entertainer, she's been all over the world and country, and she's behind on her math. as per her self-report. There are bunch of parents voicing their pissiness about it, and I wonder if they have thought it all through. Willow probably knows more than the average 15 year old, and that is because she's been exposed to so much more than the average 15 year old in her 10 years on this Earth. When it's time to take the SAT, if she even bothers to take the SAT, she will probably do better than most because studies show that kids who are exposed to more do better. There is no evidence that math drills or knowing how to factor at age 10 has any impact on your future. Let's face it, both her parents skipped college, although they are very very intelligent, and are living a life many of us will only dream of. They are teaching her about how to build an empire, by taking her to fashion shows to learn fashion. They are teaching her how to present herself to the world in humble, confident, and gracious manner. Most 10 years I know aren't nearly as poised as she is.

As I walk this homeschooling journey, with my 9 year old, I find myself truly relating to Willow's parents. My nine-year old is into fashion, and she's a heck of a designer (her parents are too). She helped me design the two earrings pictured. This semester we did photography, and she is very skilled. She took the images in this post. She is also a heck of a model, actress, and she has a head for business.

I teach her the basics of education, and allow her to read, read, read, but I find that I am tasked with a much higher calling for her education. Like Willow, she is ready for her apprenticeship in design, fashion, modeling, and and life. I keep those lessons at the top of what she needs to learn, while skillfully striking a balance in math, science, history, etc. Teaching her has been a teachable moment for me. I can't be afraid to use videos, museum classes, computer projects, youtube, music, conversation, and sometimes I have to allow her to supervise me in order for her to reach the heights of where she is to go. When she brought up middle school the other day, I had explain to her that I believe that she is too big for school. She is an Eagle and school sometimes teaches us to be pigeons. She understood and agreed that middle might be a phase that she wants to skip.

What do you think? Do you have a child that doesn't fit the mold? Tell me about your creativity in education? Is being conventional best? Can a creative education get us to college? Is college important? Does exposure count as education? Tell me.

I'm being interviewed about Love's Gumbo

2010-11-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

Being Beautifully Well

Perspectives

2010-10-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a frustrated state a few posts ago, I am back to homeschooling. Public lasted about 5 weeks. I had several complaints, but what really tore it was my daughter being attacked on the school bus. We took all the paths that they suggest for bullying, but in the end the school was detached, helpless, and powerless to do anything. So of course, we as parents girded ourselves and got back in the homeschooling game.

So far it's been just as I had originally planned it. I want this year to be one filled with expression for my 9 year old. She also has some lessons to learn in decision making, character, and behavior.

I weave expression, decision-making, choices, life-lessons, and character building into most lessons.

Yesterday we practiced making spheres and working with perspectives. We talked about the perspectives of others and how opinions are shared.

Here's our art work and her writings about it.

Spheres : what we did.
Our spheres represent perspectives. When we first started we wanted to draw exactly like the example, but daddy’s says “we had a darker paper than the example.” Later on mommy’s perspective was to have “one light section and one dark side and one in between side.”
After we finish our first sphere my perspective was that “it looked like a tuna can.” So we worked a little harder, blended it in, played with the shadow, and soon it was looking wonderful. Before we knew it we were done.

The spheres we made were based on perspectives. Perspective are light and dark, the blends, and the colors. Basically all of our perspective put
together are what made these spheres. It’s mommy’s perspective daddy’s my perspective all of our perspectives put together to make these spheres. When you put perspectives together it
works out perfectly.

In a moment of silence

2010-10-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

My nine-year old and I have been studying Saul Williams. She's an amazing poet. She wrote the one below after reading one of Saul's pieces.

In a moment of silence

You talk in a moment of silence

think when it is time to talk

you stop and stare when it time to move

i look at you as you look at me as i work and

we think what is he thinking?

what is she thinking? ~ Masai Brimm

Well That Went Fast... I am back to Homeschooling!

2010-09-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

More details later.

Not a Blame-storm or a Shame-storm, but we’ve Got Some Work Ahead

2010-09-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today I promised to be a part of the No Wedding No Womb movement. On this anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, a bunch of bloggers committed to talking about the staggering statistics in the African American community where 70% of children living within a one-parent home. Below is the post I did for Love's Gumbo.com. I welcome your discussion.

This is very hard for us to talk about. It’s so hard that we have made a tough heart-wrenching situation into one to be celebrated. We wave a banner, we shout it from the mountain tops, we sing little ditties about it, and we high five each other on Father’s Day. Single-motherhood is a hard and heavy crown to wear. However, the numbers in the African American community are just growing and growing. 72% of our children have unwedded parents. That’s just devastating.

Not devastating because of the Religious or moral values that are being violated, but more importantly because most of the serious issues in our community can be tied to the fact that our families are not together. Young men are killing young men because they aren’t being looked after and supported. As JadaKiss says ” They moms at work, they pops is gone and they livin’ with iron.” Though their mother’s try very hard, they can’t be two places at one time. They have to work to keep the lights on, and the streets offer fatherhood to these young men when their biological fathers will not or cannot.

Young women don’t know how to choose the right man to love and to make a family with because they haven’t seen a loving married couple to model. Our children are not doing well in school because there is only one parent at home, and she is so drained from overworking that checking homework takes a back seat. Our children are obese because they have been eating fried chicken and pizza after school instead of vegetables and lean meats. Why? Because momma is too tired to cook a nutritious meal at the end of the night, so many nights she finds what’s quick and cheap to feed her babies. Even if she does find the strength and time to cook, the food still may not be nutritious because it may have to be cheap and cheap food is many times bad for us.

We are dying because we are killing ourselves through violence, by becoming obese, and because we aren’t educated. I haven’t even gotten into prison and AIDS, and I won’t. Not in this article. As much as we’d like to dispute that these facts are related to single-motherhood the statistics will prove us wrong every time.

This is not a blame-storm. This is a discussion. A discussion that must be had. If you are a single-parent, don’t feel as though it’s all over and your child will be a victim. You can provide what they need with the help of God and your community. It can be done! It has been done over and over again, and it takes a lot of work. If you want to stay single and raise your child, not to worry. Just know that the job is not easy. Be sure to express to your child how hard this road is, and the importance of walking a different one for the survival of our people.

If you are a single parent and you want to raise your child within a happy married union, it’s not too late. You can still find a loving, respectful, responsible man to be your husband and a father to your child. However, you must learn how to be the best you can be, learn to choose well, and you must learn to work really hard within your love life once you find the right man.

Love’s Gumbo is a resource for you. The whole purpose of this website is to empower women who want to be in and stay in a loving relationship. Children beginning life within the surrounds of a loving relationship is a very important thing. If we don’t acknowledge that children being born into a loving and respectful marriage is the highest goal, then we will never be able to address our many issues. Of course, if after all the work has been done and it still doesn’t work out. Co-parenting is the next best option, and family blending is a viable and thriving option too! We must all stay committed to providing an environment where a child knows that both parents know & love them dearly and would do anything for their survival and success.

We are here to help change the world for our children and ourselves. Join the movement!

Uncle

2010-09-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

I had to yell UNCLE! It was around August 21st when I realized that I hadn't had my Summer break from parenting. See I usually get about a month off. I send my girls to Grandma's. Me and husband enjoy each other for a month. We eat what we want. Say what we want. Do what we want. The house stays clean. We know who broke what. It's usually a wonderful respite. Well, this year things changed a bit. First we have a new baby, so if we sent the girls away, we weren't getting a respite. Second we had a Family Reunion trip, and so we ended up seeing grandma and skipped the Kid's visit. Third we moved to a new state and spent a pretty penny doing it, so there were no real funds for the girls vacay, plus the family vacay. In addition, we didn't do Summer camp AT ALL this Summer.

Before I knew it school time was upon, and I wasn't ready for it. I realized that I was totally fried when I had a meltdown over the girls using up the evaporated milk making waffles. I made the decision right then and there that Not just one, but both girls would be going back to school. I scrambled the paperwork together, and got my nine-year old signed up.

So far, so good!. I made the right decision. The girls love school. They are at the top of their classes, and they feel that homeschool prepared them for where they are right now. Of course, I reserve the right to begin homeschooling again, if I need to. However, it looks like this new school system is a great fit for our family.

I will post interesting stuff I find about homeschooling because I am a big time supporter. I will probably post family happenings too! However, for now we are officially Magnet schools kids and parents!

Summer Vacation

2010-08-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

We attended our family reunion this Summer in Atlantic City, NJ, so we decided to make it a trip about touring the Northeast. The girls actually go to Atlantic City every summer to stay with my mom, but this year we all went. We visited, Philadelphia, PA, New Haven CT, New York City, Wildwood, NJ, and the girls went to Allentown, PA. It was quite an awesome time.

We shopped in NYC. We paid tolls, tolls, tolls, and more tolls. Please have your cash ready if you plan on driving up there.

We visited Yale! The big girl wants to go there in 4 years, so we went and did the tour to get her mind activated and to get the guided imagery started.

We Found an African American on the wall at Yale.

Yale's campus is beautiful!

Baby's first Plane Ride!

Awesome Vegetarian Restaurant in Chinatown, Philly. The food was awesome, so we ate there twice!

Test Scores are Back!!!

2010-06-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

I'll have to admit that test return day is always a great day at my house. I have my struggles as a parent. I sometimes feel like I am not making any headway with the girls. Sometimes it feels like a thankless job, but when tests scores come in the mail I feel on top of the world. I usually feel like I am superwoman, and I have conquered Lexi Luther:)

Anyway, younger sweetie scored well enough on Science (95th percentile) to make it into Duke's Talent Identification Program!!!! I have to say that I am breathing a sigh of relief because if she didn't make it into that program like her older sister, we were gonna have to deal with a sad 9 year-old. No matter how we steer her otherwise, she insists on competing with her older sister. She worked hard to skip a grade like older sister, but since then she has been slack. She loves her projects, poetry, art, and music, but pretty much everything else has been ho-hum. Overall she was at 75th percentile, which is pretty darn good. In her true "just under the wire fashion" she will be able to keep her "gifted" status because of her Science score, so she is more than satisfied that she is still in the league with older sis. BTW - I am not complaining at all. My younger daughter is a phenomenal poet, actress, pianist, and Biblicist.

Older sweetie, who starts high school in the Fall, has done extraordinary in the testing department as usual. She is academia's dream student. Not more gifted than younger sweetie, but a high scorer in the way that schools want you to be. She scored a total 95th percentile, and above 90th percentile on 7 tests or subtests. What more can I say. She's a great tester. We have to work on her drive though because she wants to go to Yale. I need her to take things a little more seriously. You might think that because her scores are what they are that she is taking things pretty seriously, but that's not the case. She is naturally gifted in the 3Rs, but she refuses to be organized, focused and to give it her all. She wins at most everything, so when she loses due to lack of preparation, she freaks out !!! Big time. It's sad to see.

So I'll continue to do the happy dance over because my baby girls did well on National Standardized Testing. By the way we took the California Achievement Test. Now it's time to plan for next year.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year because I have some wonderful men who love me in my life. I usually replay in my mind all the special moments spent with my father, uncles, grandfathers, step-father, brothers and husband. Although many of them have had some serious short-comings that other women who have passed them in life would love to list, I am so very appreciative of how they have loved me.

Every since I can remember my father has always treated me as a sweet treasure. He’s always listened to me and laughed with me, and for much of my life he was the only one who told me he loved me. Although my mother would say he wasn’t a stellar partner and she could rehearse some pretty horrible love experiences with him, I am very thankful to her for allowing and encouraging a relationship between the two of us after they split. Until today my father and I talk and laugh have a ball on the phone because we live many miles apart. I haven’t seen his face in about two years, but I will see him again in July.

My step-father was also a huge blessing in my life. When he married my mother there were 4 of us children living at home. I was eight years old. He never disciplined us. He left up to my mother. He would quietly acknowledge that he knew we were doing wrong, but never offered a judgement one way or another. He has influenced my political views and my worldview, and I chose a husband a lot like him. He was hard-working, loving toward my mother, respectful toward us kids, and very intelligent. He and my mother split once all of us kids were out of the house, so I don’t talk to him much. Although, I have a lot of respect for him. One year I found his number and called him to say Happy Birthday after about 15 years of not speaking to him at all. I think it really floored him.

My Uncles have always been Wonderful to me everyday of my life. They have always guided me and protected me, and I am thankful.

Finally, the man I married is a culmination of all the best that I’ve known in the men around me. He shares many of their characteristics and most of all he loves me and my children dearly. I can’t think of a better example of a Father.

Thanks Haki for being a wonderful father. Happy Father’s Day!!!!

Beach Days

2010-06-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

We moved to Florida to start our new life. We've been unpacking and trying to get the house in order. The first day we got here the girls set first things first and got a new library card. They love the library here because there is a new treasure trove of different books. We went to the thrift store to pick up some throw rugs and scored a mid-century buffet for the dining room.

The oldest daughter found some Manga Magazines, so we are loving life right now.

We take evening dips in the Gulf of Mexico. I love the beach after 6 or 7 pm at night. We watch the sunset while we swim in the water. Pretty awesome. Little baby is pretty crafty about eating sand. We really have to watch him. He loves, loves, loves sand.

Finished Testing & School is out

2010-05-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

School was scheduled to end June 4th, but since we skipped a Spring break we are calling it quits a bit early. We tested for two days on Monday and Tuesday. We used a meeting room in the library since our house is filled with boxes. We are moving to Florida in about two days. We pick up the truck tomorrow and drive off on Friday! We are super excited and with any luck we will be on the beach on Sunday.

This year was filled with many activities and a plethora of learning experiences. I can't believe it's over. I really don't want it to end. We have voted to continue throughout the Summer. We'll do mostly projects and read some Shakespeare. Nothing too heavy. We will start a book series too as a family. We have finished the Harry Potter Series and I am going through major withdrawal. We listen to it on CD. Anyone have any suggestions on what we should read next? I am thinking the Percy Jackson Series.

My eighth grader is finishing middle school this year, so we really want to send her to a performing arts camp at Georgetown University as a graduation gift. The camp is really expensive. We are spending a lot to move, plus we have a family reunion to attend this summer, so we are using our faith to provide what she needs to go.

Baby girl went to Stone Mountain Park to for a Girl Scouts Camping trip. I can tell she had an absolute blast because every so often she just blurts out how this thing or that thing at Stone Mountain was great, and that she wants to visit there again when we visit Atlanta.

I went on a mommy retreat with another homeschooling mommy and a public schooling mommy. We went to Jeju Korean Spa. It was pure heaven. The place is filled with saunas, whirlpools, and cool pools, jeweled relaxation rooms and just a wonderful environment for relaxing. I really noticed that my face tightened up a bit. I didn't get special facial or anything. I just paid the $25.00 and got the normal sauna and pool spa time. You can stay all day if you want to, but since I'm nursing I had to come home after a few hours.

I guess that's it. Oh I joined a Facebook group called the Gifted Homeschoolers Forum. I love it because it provides so much helpful info.

Field Trip to A Special Place

2010-04-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

We've been a member of a Yahoo Group called The Cabin Path. I would receive updates from the group about homeschool visits. Since we are leaving Atlanta, I put going there on my list of things to do. We went on Earth day, and it was amazing! This place is less than 5 miles from my house and it is 52 acres of nature's goodness. The owner, Sara was extremely welcoming, and she hosts homeschoolers every Thursday. She hosts several other groups as well. The Cabin Path Has a lake, horses, tadpoles, a labyrinth, many many trails, an ancient American Indian Mound, and many native trees, shrubs and plants of Georgia. It is a lovely place, and I truly hope to go back there every week until we leave.

I get Frustrated at the End of the Year

2010-04-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing I have this blog or else I would think we have accomplished nothing all year. I am burned out. Sigh...

The Owl Barn, The FCAT, The Presidents

2010-03-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love homeschooling!!!! I hate to admit it, but it's sorta of a selfish endeavor for me. Educating my children, plus taking the time to learn new things for myself is exhilarating.

My daughters did a Presidents project that took longer than I expected. However, it was a great learning tool and experience. Once they turned the project in to me, I facilitated a discuss about every interesting fact in the Presentation. We pulled out the globe and looked at the Philippines and how it was from America. Why because of a treaty between the U.S. and Spain over the ownership of the small South Pacific country. We talked about how long the slavery issue in America droned on, and how many Presidents had to consider it before Lincoln actual ended it.

We talked about Bill Clinton's impeachment, the 4 assassinations of our Presidents, the continental congress, and just a bunch of American history. It was an interesting conversation.

Homeschooling allows for some deep and meaningful educational conversations. The kids are genuinely excited to learn new things. That's why I am a little sad to send my 13 year old back to school next year. I am super proud that she got accepted into a performing arts high school, but I am sad that I won't be her teacher anymore. Well, not primarily.

In other news, We have become totally enthralled with the Owl Barn. It's a live streaming of an owl who moved into an owl box after two years of it being built. She's about to hatch 5 eggs and she has a partner too. She has no idea we are watching. Wouldn't it be strange if people from another planet were watching everything we did with such interest.

Anyway, there's my update. I'll post again real soon.

Homeschool Student, 13 years old Now at Morehouse College

2010-03-03T21:36:00.001-08:00

Check out this child prodigy. Regular school didn't recognize him as being gifted and now he is just 13 and a student in college!

Gotta Hit the Books Hard

2010-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Lately we have had a bunch of special things to come up, and they have moved our school schedule around. First, it was the new baby. Then a couple visits from my mother, then studying for the spelling bee, which btw oldest loss at the next level due to nerves. Next it was a couple of trips to Florida to prepare oldest for entry into Performing Arts high School, mingled in were a few trips to the Zoo homeschool academy and lastly the girls went to Shakespeare Camp for Homeschoolers last week. They have learned a lot about the Bard of Avon, Marsupials, Camouflage, Greek words, etymology, but sadly book knowledge in Spanish, Science, American History, and parts of speech has taken a back seat. Now it's time to hit the books hard again.

March is approaching and I've been getting emails about National Testing dates. All of the sudden I am like Yikes!!! Did they get enough book learning to be able to make the scores on their national testing. Does knowing what words Shakespeare created contribute to doing well on the Iowa Basic Skills Testing? How will learning about extreme adaptation translate into knowledge expressed through those blackened circles? Well, I don't know. However, we will be hitting the books until testing time, and maybe longer so long as we get through the work.

Scripps Spelling Bee and Other News

2010-02-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

My Eighth Grader won the Local Homeschool Scripps Spelling Bee!!!!!! Yea!!!!! Now we're on the Homeschool Spell-off in two weeks. It was a nail biter, she went to war with very smart 10-year old. I knew she would win, but I didn't know it would be that hard. Before going in, I thought my sweetie could spell anything that came her way. I was wrong. Now we are practicing Greek, Latin, Arabic, Scientific terms, etc. to win the next round.

This spelling bee is great because we are going over spellings and meanings, so she (and the rest of us) are learning a lot along the way. Like we discovered this guy, a Fennec Fox from Africa.

In other news, my little artist (4th grader) is doing a wonderful President presentation in keynote (mac's version of PowerPoint). She is actually computer designing an American Flag. Did I mention that my husband is a Graphic Designer, so she's got it honest. She also loves to listen to stories on CD. I am learning to go with the flow with her. I read somewhere and not sure where, that I needed to get the book Discover Your Child's Learning Style. I ordered it on ebay right away, and it has helped me immensely. I have changed my teaching tools and style when it pertains to her. I am seeing a difference already. It really really helps to know how your child learns.

Challenges, Triumphs, Joys, and Sighs of Relief...

2009-12-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

8th grader is totally loving Latin. She found a Latin workbook I bought earlier this year, and is so excited to use it with her textbook I bought about a month ago. - Triumph!
Found out today that the 4th grader has been lying about getting work done in her Language Arts workbook. Now she cannot get a Christmas break and T.V. and computer privileges yanked for a week. - Challenge (this is my fault too, I don't grade as fast and as often as I should).
8 week old is finally latched on and nursing well. It took about 6.5 - 7 weeks. Sigh of relief
Making lots of cookies and listening to a great Pandora Christmas radio station. Joy
Girls sounded beautiful singing Christmas Carols in the new choir they joined. Joy
8th grader gaining voice lessons and preparation for performing arts High School audition from said choir. Sigh of relief
Teaching Algebra I and three-digit multiplication Challenge and then Triumph!
Watching two girls who were afraid to put their heads in the water last March, swimming 1,000 yards this December. Joy and Triumph!
Receiving lots of support from the girls with feedings, changing, meal prep, and cleaning. Sigh of relief
Working at home, schooling at home, eating at home, cooking at home, being at home. Joy, Sigh of relief , Challenge and Triumph!
4th grader's increased reading level and activity Triumph!
8th grader's improved writing techniques sometimes a Challenge, and sometimes a Triumph!
4th grader's handwriting, grammar, and punctuation skills Challenge!!!

How to Incorporate Kwanzaa Into Your Homeschool Curriculum

2009-12-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

How to Incorporate Kwanzaa Into Your Homeschool Curriculum

By Daviyd Peterson

With the wellspring of cultural knowledge available to educate African American children about our rich heritage a solid anchor for all of this information is Kwanzaa. Unless you know where you come from, you can never arrive at where you should be going (huge paraphrase). Let's look at this quote...

Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them. Do a search for the Official Kwanzaa Web Site and read to your hearts content.

After learning American history, World history, the history of art, music, writing and the like - African American history is a must and I will touch on a way to add Kwanzaa to your curriculum.

First let's start with the little ones - the simplest way that we use is with coloring pictures. Give them examples of of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa which you can find online and let them color them as they desire. Remember to write the names of each symbol and tell them the meaning of each one. As they get older they will begin to recall the meaning of the symbols and ask questions about each one. Parents prepare ahead of time to answer their questions about Kwanzaa as they will ask about each one and it will probably be at a time when you are not at your computer or near a Kwanzaa calendar to remember. Our children need good principles to guide them thru life and this is an invaluable way to instill them.

For those a little more mature in age get them to make a Kwanzaa calendar to place in their room, with the symbols, their names and meaning. As an added way to remember Kwanzaa we discuss each separate symbol, name and meaning each month leading up to Kwanzaa - giving you extra material to which subjects like history, culture, languages, writing and composition can be budded from throughout the year.

Starting at those at the ages of 16 and up we let them choose a principle and go online to research examples of each Kwanzaa symbol being applied in the past, present and produce an example that can be used in the future. The future application of their respective Kwanzaa symbol can be next year or five years from now and triggers their use of critical thinking - something that young leaders need to practice in order to be part of building family, community and culture.

A more in-depth lesson plan that can be used as a homeschooling guide to Kwanzaa can be found at the Learning to Give website. Each age group has a different activity planned for celebrating Kwanzaa in a more structured format.

Because of the richness of Kwanzaa and the principles that it points to as a reinforcement for community, family and culture it's values should be rehearsed year-round just as Christmas in July and other holidays are touched upon out of season. We have the future of our nation's principles in our hands let's not forget to remind each other to keep those principles.

Daviyd Peterson: 12-year consultant, instructor, trainer of digital divide solutions for home and business. Helps African American and minority homeschools bridge the digital divide by becoming computer homeschools. Supporting homeschool moms and dads with resources to provide income for their homeschool...

http://www.daviydthepencilpusher.wordpress.com

daviyd@bluebottle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daviyd_Peterson
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How Does That Work

2009-11-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

How is it working out homeschooling with a new baby in the house? Are the children still learning? Are you still teaching? Are you getting any sleep? How are you not sleeping and teaching?

Well it's working on autopilot. The kids are working in their books. I take a few minutes to send a small lesson by email. I take a minute to answer a question here or there or give an assignment. I have even been reading with each child individually. I am using TIVO to record educational shows, and the children are still progressing. It's amazing, but things are still moving ahead. Eight year did a presentation on the Maya, 12 year old is conjugating Spanish Verbs, baby is not latching onto the breast, and I am getting bits of sleep here and there. Oh and hubby is filling in the blanks and spaces everywhere while working our business.

Home at Last!

2009-10-27T21:22:00.001-07:00

Well I had the baby! I am home with my munchkin. We arrived back at the homestead on Sunday. I am recovering from my third c-section, so I mostly stay on the couch. Except for today, I did way too much and now I regret it. I had to take the munchkin to the doctor, which then turned into a trip to the hospital across town for lab work. Don't worry all was fine. It was just a standard check up. Here are some things I need right now:

Sleep
Babies who latch on better (although I am a mom who nurses long-term, this is the third child who is giving me the business getting the process started right)
Sleep
Another pain pill (nothing stronger than motrin, narcotics make me crazy).
Friday to come, so the project we have in house can come to an end (my husband is doing most of the work, but I've been doing a smidgen from my perch on the couch.
To be able to sleep in my bed again (the bed is not comfy because of my incision).
My older children to understand that it is NOT business as usual around here (the trips to the library are really at the bottom of my list right now--hubby took them though).
Sleep.
A bucket to contain all the love and joy I feel for my new baby, and our new family.

If you want to see him, just send me an email and I'll send you a link.

REPOST Tea n' Honey Bread Testing The Ice: Book Giveaway

2009-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is reposted from one of my Favorite Bloggers Tea n' Honey Bread
I'm so excited to be able to present this giveaway to my blog readers. As an aspiring author, blogger, avid reader and collector of children's books, I leaped at the opportunity to introduce my readers to this expertly written and beautifully illustrated masterpiece.

In the early 1950s, legendary baseball hero Jackie Robinson literally "tested the ice" for his kids who so eagerly wanted to skate on the frozen lake near their home. Under Sharon Robinson's skillful authorship and Kadir Nelson's vivid illustrations, TESTING THE ICE also becomes a stunning metaphor for her father's remarkable racial breakthrough. Learn more about Sharon Robinson and illustrator, Kadir Nelson's journey [here]

Prizes: (Click image to enlarge) Grand prize valued over $50 USD: Kidorable hat and gloves set and a copy of Testing the Ice. Four (4) additional winners will receive a copy of Testing the Ice.

How to enter: 1. Leave a comment on this post with the title and author of your (child's) favorite children's book (1 entry) 2. Become a follower of Tea & Honey Bread (2 entries) 3. Write about and link (very important) this giveaway on your blog, twitter or Facebook! (3 entries). The Testing the Ice prize pack and book giveaway is available to US residents only. Winners will be randomly chosen on Wednesday October 21st, 2009. Good luck!

Transitioning From Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary

2009-09-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

My 8 year-old has moved into 4th grade this year, and that means she's officially in Upper Elementary. Once a child moves into upper elementary the expectations change for the quality of their work. As her teacher, I am expecting neater handwriting, complete sentences with proper punctuation, showing work on math problems, and just an overall display of a greater effort being shown. No more winks and nods at little errors. As a result of my new expectations, she is experiencing meltdowns. I actually remember my oldest experiencing these same meltdowns when she was in regular school. Now that I am the teacher, I have to deal with the meltdowns.

It's a challenge for me, and I am working through it. Here's what I've been going through:

1) Problem: I have to repeat over and over again that I want her to write her header on the top of the page.
Solution: I had her to write a page of headers.
Result: This morning she presented her writing work nice and neatly with the header in the right place.

2) Problem: Daughter claims she doesn't remember how to write out her math problem properly.
Solution: I change the rules for math work. Now she has to write the problem and the answer, plus show her work.
Result: Meltdown at the thought of extra work -- oh well. I'll have to report back the when progress happens.

3) Problem: Asking said daughter to start each sentence with a capital and each paragraph with an indention.
Solution: Rewrites of sentence or paragraph
Result: Meltdown at the thought of extra work and neater work with capitalization and indentions. However it's not yet consistent. Still climbing the mountain.

I think you get the picture now. Anyone want to guess at when we'll get to the point where my upper level elementary student will get to the point where she is presenting work that matches her cognitive ability? Anyone? Anyone?

To Be That Mom

2009-09-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

What do I mean by "that mom?" The kind of mom who wraps herself into her kids' activities, grades, achievements, problems, and lives. The kind of mom that has no life outside of that of her kids. She prides herself on being the perfect Scout Mom, Sunday School Teacher, Homeschool Teacher, Soccer Mom, Football Mom, or "blah, blah, blah" mom. Don't get me wrong, I think it's very important to be present and a full participant in our kids' lives. However, it concerns me when moms go overboard. I steer clear of moms who only identify themselves as mom. Why? Because it's ugly! It gets very ugly!

Moms who don't have another identity outside of mom can become territorial, competitive, overbearing, boring, judgmental, and a downright pain to be around. Think about it. As "MOM" we have to make sure mouths are wiped, lessons are learned, personalities are cultivated, chores are done, projects are finished, appointments are made, appointments are kept, meals are nutritious, etc., etc., etc. As "MOM" most of the characteristics mentioned above are important. We have to be a little territorial because we have to protect our children from harm. We have to be able to use our judgement and competitive skills (hopefully only with ourselves) to show children how to present their best selves and best work. Let's face it, we have to be a little conservative in front of the children too, and that may come across as boring. Finally, just because we repeat ourselves fifty million times a day, we must also be a bit overbearing to keep our own sanity.

However, we have to know when to check ourselves. If we don't we will eventually become an overbearing, selfish, competitive mother-in-law or an angry old lady. Checking ourselves means, not showing jealousy and resentment if another child presents better work than your child. Checking ourselves means, not chasing down other moms who come too close to "infringing" upon "your birthday party plans," "your scout dance," "your spelling bee," "your play date day" or "your idea for Valentine's decorations." Checking ourselves means, keeping ourselves looking sexy, alluring, and beautiful even if it is with a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt . Yes! it can be done. Just thrown on some cute earrings, a little lip gloss, and a bracelet (and maybe mascara). Checking ourselves also means, not becoming a part of the "Mom Mafia" who sits at rehearsals, practices, birthday parties, and other events side-eyeing other women while bragging about making chili in the crockpot and complaining about out husband's dirty underwear. If you are going to sit with the Mafia, bring some enlightening conversation, not the same old boring mom fodder.

We've got to remember that being mom is just one of our duties. We are still the same woman we were before nursing, changing, soccer, swimming, homework, cooking, laundry, and play dates. We still need time alone. We still need to do our activities. We still need our personal meditation time. We still need a glass of wine. We still need to make love. We are still women. We are not just moms.

Sooo....the next time we decide to come out of the house unkempt, or the next time we decide to fly off an email or pick up the phone to reprimand another grown woman over some kid business, or the next time we think about verbally attacking someone else's child, we should think about checking ourselves. We should remember that "MOM" is only one aspect of who we are, and we don't need to go around mothering everyone in every situation.

It's a Good Life and I am Thankful!

2009-09-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

I was a little restless last night. I began to think about our bills, our financial responsibilities, the things we want out of life and our futures. I got scared and became very negative. I laid in bed conjuring up all kinds of worst case scenarios, and thought about how "others" aren't struggling and sacrificing like we are.

Suddenly, I had to stop and just be extremely thankful for our lifestyle. We aren't struggling. We have chosen to live the life we are living today. We lived the two-career, two-income, two-tuition, two-car, two-property lifestyle, and we were falling apart. We weren't seeing each other. We weren't laughing together. We weren't talking with one another, we were passing each other in our own homes. We weren't engaged and fully present in each other's lives. We spent a lot of money, we accumulated a bunch of things, but we rushed about from place to place without stopping to share joy and love.

I look at our lives now, and I am happy. At this very moment I am experiencing some discomfort associated with finances, but I am doing great. I know my children can sleep in a little because they stayed up a little past their bedtime last night. I know my husband is going to wake up and give me a big hug and kiss with a giant "Good Morning" when he rises. I know that I get to decide what my children will be learning. I get to decide how to discipline them. I get to decide how we will honor the Spirit of the Lord. I get to decide what we will eat, and what time we will leave the house. I get to spend time with each family member. I get to receive all the love and appreciation throughout the day. I also get to see and hear the immediate growth in my children. I also get to decide what I will contribute to the Universe.

There are things I can't decide like, when money will come into my home or when the bank is going to change the rules and charge me extra fees. I acknowledge that things like that have made me feel frustrated and helpless at times, but I am not with out help. God knows what we've always wanted our lives to be. God knows what we've wanted to provide for our children, and God knows exactly how to give us all that we want and need.

I am well taken care of, and I am happy for my life. It is exactly what I want it to be. Life is easy and life is effortless.

First Week Down

2009-09-12T03:07:00.000-07:00

Well the first week is over, and I am very happy with it. I made a schedule, which can be seen on the last post. It details the amount of time the girls should spend on each subject and on which days they should study which subject. I am loving it! I will use it in combination with my black board of assignments. It's a great tool to keep me on track. Thursday was Geography club and piano lessons, so we didn't get much done in terms of work. They spent the morning working on their Geography project, and after presenting it that was about it for schoolwork. We went to the park with other HS families and had a "PE" afternoon. Except that moms sat and talked while the kids ran and played all over the park. I don't feel bad on days like this because the children need their exercise and social time with other kids. Plus, they only occur about once or twice a month.

Although my schedule includes English, Math, Language Arts, Spanish, Social Studies, Spelling, writing, science, sewing, cooking/baking, art, piano, and Latin, we didn't get to tackle everything this week. We missed Latin, and my 4th grader hasn't started spelling yet. Although she came to me and daddy exclaiming that she knows how to spell "hypothesis" and "thousand." Both of those words came as a result of doing her Science and Math work.

I have been a little slow getting her Spelling program together, but I am working on it. I'll have it ready by Monday's lesson. I'll post it here on the right side with the other's if you would like to download it to use for your child. Latin didn't get started because I didn't have flash cards, I have them now. Next week we'll start Latin.

This year I am reading books with both of the girls separately, it doesn't take up too much time and it's special time together. My oldest is reading 8th grade Literature, and the 4th grader is reading something from the Newbery List.

Anyway, that's my update for this week. Oh I forgot to say how impressed with the math book I am using for my 4th grader. It's really great at presenting math in many different ways. It's the 4th grade math by Haughton and Miffin.

Here is a pic of their New Jersey Geography project. They only had a limited amount of time to put it together, so it's not too bad.

First day of School

2009-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Things have started off lover-ly over here. The girls are on schedule.

They are buzzing along, mostly with review material. They've started to sprawl their books and papers all over the dinner room table,

and there has been only one "stop bothering me" outburst. I had to separate them. The 8 year old likes to talk while she works and the 12 year old likes to daydream while she is supposed to be working.

All in all, the girls seem happy to be working their little brains, and I am happy to be implementing my schedule and plans. Obama comes on to give the children a message about the importance of education shortly, so we'll take a break to watch that!

Hope everyone's year is off to a great start!

Looking for Fair-minded Homeschooling Blogs

2009-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am in search of fair-minded homeschooling blogs to follow. Not looking for political or religious rhetoric. I have my own, but I don't like to mix it up with my homeschooling blog. I am looking for great ideas for teaching, great craft projects, cool curricula, thought-provoking teaching advice,etc. If you know of any homeschooling site like that, please leave them in the comment section because I am losing the battle in my search.

Most of Curriculum Shopping Done

2009-07-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

Well, I've done most of my curriculum shopping. I've got a mishmash of different curricula and publishers. For my eight grader's math I have The life of Fred, Beginning Algebra and Algebra 1 by Heath. The Life of Fred is a book that has a bunch of heavy reading. Since my daughter reads a lot, I think she'll enjoy having a math book like this one. The other is a standard applications math book, which will be most helpful to me as a teacher. I still need to get a graphing calculator.

We are also going to start Latin this year. My daughter is very interested in the etymology of words, so Latin will help with that. Other than that it will be English, Life Science, US History, Spelling, and Spanish. It should be a very exciting year.

My fourth grader will be working in 4th and 5th grade math books. I have Haughton and Miffin plus stretch your mind mathematics. I am going to be doing a lot more writing exercises with her this year. I have A Beka Language Arts. We are going to work hard on punctuation and sentence structure. Last year I encouraged her to write from her heart this year, she needs to tighten up her grammar and writing skills. We'll also continue spelling, social studies, and science. I am going to work from a 2nd-3rd grade book and 4th grade book. The lower level keeps Science fun, but the on level books keep her on track with definitions and concepts.

In case you were wondering, I got most of my books on ebay, with the exception of The Life of Fred. I watched a lot of items, read reviews on Amazon, searched for days, but eventually I got most of what I needed for about $75.00. I was also blessed enough to shop at a yard sale of a homeschooling mom. I scored a bunch of books for about $10.00.

I will probably attend the homeschooling expo coming to town next month, but I am not anticipating buying too much.
It is my goal to get my lesson planning done while my girls are away over the next month, I've definitely got to get it all done my mid-october because our new baby is on his way. Wish me luck.

Good News for the Girls!

2009-07-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Both of their BFFs are being homeschooled this year. They'll have wonderful field trip partners now. Yea!!!!! I am so excited.

Top Ten Things People Say...

2009-06-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

when you tell them your children are home schooled.

1) Who does that, you? Uh...yes I do if that's okay with you.

2) Are you a certified teacher? No, I am not a certified teacher but I have a Master's in Professional Counseling and I have completed my coursework for a Master's in Educational Research. I know a High School Diploma is the education level that is required in Georgia, but do you think my education will do?

3) How do they like that...I guess they have no choice? Yes, actually they do have a choice. I ask them all the time if they would like to go back to regular school, and their answer is a resounding "no," at least not in Georgia.

4) That would drive me crazy...I don't have the patience. We all have to take a break once in a while. It is a commitment to take your child's education into your own hands.

5) What grades do they get on their tests? I only give spelling tests and standardized tests. If my children get answers wrong on their lessons, I ask them to redo the work after I explain anything that aren't clear on.

6) How do you know if they are on track? I know they are on track by having conversations with them about what they know. I pay attention to what I see and hear from them and I check that against what children should know at their grade level.

7) You are hiding from the world... you are gonna have to face the world sometime? I can hide as long as I like if that's what I'm doing. If I have to hide my children away to ensure their successful education, I am willing to do that.

8) Are they getting enough socialization? Children don't need to socialize with children to be social. They can socialize with me and their father, and they will be just fine. However, my children socialize with other homeschool children and other friends they have gathered over their lives.

9) Oh! Homeschool kids are so much smarter than kids that go to regular school. I'm not sure if mine are, but I can only hope so. My goal is to give them a creative, individualized, safe, expansive education. If that makes them smarter than other kids great, but I want them to be the best they can be. I believe homeschooling can provide that for them right now.

10) Your kids are lucky. Thanks my husband and I are trying to do the best we can.

Standardized Testing

2009-06-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today is the day we are doing our standardized tests. In Georgia we are required to administer a standardized test, although the results do not have to be submitted to the school board. We have chosen the California Achievement Test/5. We ordered our tests from Thurbes. So far the process is going pretty smoothly, except that I think I lost the practice test for my 3rd grader. Maybe I didn't get it. I have two administration forms for the practice test and no practice test, so I think maybe I didn't get it.

Anyway, all is going well even without the practice test. My 7th grader's tests come in longer spurts and my 3rd grader's test are short spurts and I have to do a lot more talking. I have one testing in the kitchen and on in the dining room, so they won't bother each other. They are both still in their night clothes, (as seen in the pics) so the environment is laid back. However, I am administering the test just the way they ask.

I hope they do well, we will get the results in 4-6 weeks.Update Got the results back and the girls did beautifully! Way ahead for their grade levels!!!!! I would love to hear about what test you've chosen and how it went.

The Good Ole' Library!

2009-04-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

In these economic times the library has been a friend indeed to us friends in need. We make about two trips a week. My daughters read several books a week, so we are there a lot picking up and dropping off. The girls, especially my oldest, does an excellent job letting me know when it's time to go, and if we need to take a little money to pay a fine or two (we get into trouble with DVDs because they are only one week lends).

So far this year my girls and other homschoolers have gone to the library to plant seeds on Earth Day, check out a cow's heart and to get a general heart lesson, take a poetry series class, and listen to a Jazz Trio. There may be more things, but I can't remember. We've done all these things free of charge, and sometimes they provide us with snacks.

We used to go to the bookstore and shop online for books, but this year the library has been a huge help in my teaching efforts. We have learned about Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Ancient Indian Folk tales, the Grand Canyon, the Rain Forest, Etiquette, Spanish, Passover, Greek Mythology, Magnets, George Washington, Coretta Scott King, Abe Lincoln, and Harriett Tubman. Not to mention all the wonderful fantasy, fiction books the girls have enjoyed, plus we get to listen to great epic books in the car on CD. I can't sing the praises of the library enough, and I can't emphasize how much of a help it has been on this homeschooling journey. One little secret is that the kids might not realize is that the library is gonna keep us learning all summer long, hehehe.

One more thing, I have listened to some great music from the library as well.

In Honor of Poetry Month

2009-04-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Because my girls are into music and singing, I encourage them to write creatively and to write poetry because I think they could easily become songwriters with these skills if they so choose.

As a special Poetry month program My oldest daughter has been attending a free 4-hour poetry & creative writing workshop at one of the libraries in our city. She's been so excited to attend every week, I am sorry to say the class ended today. I gathered together some special gifts for the teacher because she showed such dedication to my child, and I really appreciated it.

One assignment my children have for spelling is to write a song, poem, or story using their spelling words. My eight year old daughter sent me this poem she wrote using 8 of 20 spelling words. Hubby saw it thought I wrote it, and thought it was even advanced for me.

It's Called The Sun

A party of amazement when the light comes and visits your home you demonstrate your gentle rivers high balance and are happy it came to your address .

Running Out Of Steam

2009-04-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

As the end of the year nears, I find myself running out of steam. I am not sure what else to teach. They seem to know everything for their grade level, and even some for the grade level above. It's starting to feel like traditional school around here (you know, the time of year when nothing is getting done but movies and field trips). Anyone else running out of steam?

Cutie Booty Cakes Green Giveaway

2009-04-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth day Cutie Booty Cakes is participating in an Earth Month Giveaway sponsored by Walmart and the Eleven Moms. Go over and enter and maybe you will win some cool stuff like this.

Homeschooling as a Reflection of you...

2009-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my 3rd grader took notes in acting class. When I saw them with all kinds of misspellings and scribble I became immediately concerned. "Oh no!" I thought. I'm a failure if she goes back to school she'll be behind (when honestly, she is ahead--she should be in the second grade). I was so sad. Bright and early this morning I demanded she work in her journal and write. She was hard at work writing about yesterday (Easter). Finally, in a tizzy I said "this is taking too long I want you done in 5 minutes." When she turned it in it was well-written with only four misspelled words. I felt like an idiot. I realized that in acting class she was writing on unlined paper with no desk and had to do it in a hurry. Everything is just fine.

My dramatic response to my child's rushed scribble made me think about how homeschooling is so tied to how we feel about ourselves as parents, as teachers, as learners ourselves, and how we feel about what we pass on genetically. When a child is in out-of-home school, parents mostly carry feelings about how his/her educational progress as it relates to them being parents, their own ability as learners and what they have passed on genetically. We homeschooling parents however, have the added burden of being teachers, so we sweat about keeping records, keeping them on track academically, and keeping up with standardized scores. I personally sometimes fear that once my children take their required standardized test that they will be grossly off, but then I have to calm myself down and realize that they are gaining skills that they wouldn't have access too at out-of-home school.

So far they can make Keynote Presentations, search anything on the internet, cook, clean the kitchen well, find any book they want at the library and put it on hold (I just take them to pick them up), my 12 year old is writing a book that is currently 26 pages, I could go on and on. Overall, I have realized that they are at level if not above, and they are gaining more knowledge than they could have in out-of-home school, plus they get to sleep in.

Here's my theme song these days.

3rd Grade Spelling

2009-03-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

My third grader needs extra help with her spelling, so I create a weekly program for her to practice. In addition, both girls have to write their definitions for all spelling words. They also have to choose from assignments like writing in cursive three times, putting words in alphabetical order (elementary level) or writing a song, developing a crossword puzzle, writing a poem or story.

I've found that my programs have given my 3 grader the extra edge she needs. She went from f's on her spelling test to B+ & A's.
They are clickable, but I deliver them to her in pdf format. That way they can't be altered.

Here is a downloadable version
Here's version 2.

Here are some screen capture of the program.

To Kill a Mockingbird Book Report By Aja

2009-03-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This year I read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It was published in the year 1960. This book has 296 pages. The genre is American Literature and Southern Gothic. This book is basically showing how diversity was frowned upon in era of time. The people who were not in the right circle had troubles with being themselves. The different people are forced to be like others but they are not,so everybody was trying to “kill their mockingbird”.

The purpose for this book was to explain some of the injustices that went on when the author was a child. The story took place in Maycomb County, Alabama. This story is told by and about the main character, Scout or Jean Louise. The many other characters are Calpurnia, the cook and their caretaker, Atticus, her dad and a lawyer, Jem, her brother, Dill, her friend, and Aunt Alexandra, her nosy aunt.

In the beginning, Scout and Jem meet Dill during the summer before she begins school for the first time. They begin talking about plans to make Arthur “Boo” Radley come out of his house. The Radleys are a very peculiar people because they stay in the house all day. They only come out on grocery days and on Sunday.

When Scout goes to school she gets into trouble. She gets into trouble for talking bad about the Ewells and the Cunninghams because they are not inside of the common class. The people in Maycomb don’t like the Ewells because they don’t value education and they also don’t like the Cunninghams because they are very poor. This is an example of classism Later on Scout’s Aunt Alexandra comes to town to “help” Atticus out with the kids. This is a god example of sexism. She keeps telling Scout to be a young lady because she is a tomboy. Atticus does not like this but he lets her stay anyway. During her stay, Atticus, a white lawyer, is defending a black man named Tom Robinson. He was accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Everybody is calling Atticus a Negro lover and Scout doesn’t like it. Sadly Atticus loses the case and his defendant goes to the Electric chair.

This book was a little bit difficult to read because of all of the very different events happening, however it all ties in and comes together at the end. I think that the author achieved her purpose to explain the injustices that were going on in the 30’s, like racism, sexism, and classism. This book has many strong points like expressing the many prejudices of the south in the thirties. I found this book very interesting because of the surprising series of events. In conclusion I think this book is well written and I liked it.

Uruguay Geography Project

2009-03-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

The girls went to Globetrotters, a homeschool Geography club today. Here is their presentation on Uruguay. I didn't help them, they are pretty good at using keynote, so I just gave them feedback on what information they should include in their presentation.

What's New at our School

2009-02-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

The girls have started sewing, and jewelry making. My oldest daughter is becoming quite the baker. She is getting to the point where she can add little bits of love (special ingredients) to her baked goods. She made a great Pumpkin Bread, and the following morning I asked for Pumpkin waffles and voila they appeared.

Last week we went to the Fernbank Planetarium & Observatory. We saw a great show of the stars in Atlanta in February and in Africa in February. It was pretty cool. After the show we traveled up stars and saw actual stars through the observatory. The next day we worked on Astronomy for Science are going to track moon phases every night.

My 7th grader is starting 9th grade Algebra. It's moving along. She's also working on a book report for the To Kill A Mockingbird. We have to make regular trips to the library because the girls read a bunch.

So far, going so well. We will be standardized testing soon.

OBAMANIA

2009-01-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Our mom told us to write about our experience at the inauguration so this is what I wrote:

On Tuesday, January 20, we went to the inauguration for Barack Obama. Barack Obama is the first black president.
" Yesterday Bush, Today Obama" my grandmother said about 5 times the day after the inauguration. At the inauguration everybody was selling stuff like, Obama puppets, hats, shirts, pins, pens, calendars, mugs, even comics. We were walking a lot. We could've waited for two hours at a gate or walked for one hour to another train station. It was a very big crowd. It was also very cold. Even though it seemed unorganized, IT WAS HISTORIC !

August Wilson

2009-01-16T23:33:00.000-08:00

On Monday, yes Monday we stopped going to the Co-op, my children had a guest teacher. I had to go to a pitch meeting to bring some money into the house, so my friend with a Ph.D. filled in. She told the children all about August Wilson, the playwright. He wrote a series of ten plays each from a decade in the 20th century.

Today, our ex-Seton Hall Professor friend brought the girls a tape of the Piano Lesson to watch. They love this play by Mr. Wilson. I am happy to have received such quality teaching for the children. They have to write a movie critique, so it will probably show up on their book review blog.

In other news, I am preparing my 7th grade daughter for the SAT. It will be her first go round. Duke's Talent Identification Program makes it possible for her to take the test. I'll report the results when she gets them

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

2009-01-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

We took our first field trip to Atlanta Botanical Gardens about a week before we actually began homeschooling. It was homeschool day and we wanted to see if would see anyone we knew that might homeschooling now. Turns out we did see my youngest daughter's old classmate. His mother is homeschooling group and we are part of the same ning group.

Anyway, we got a shared membership with a nice family I met at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and went back on a family field trip. My husband took these wonderful images in the Orchid Garden. We all learned so much about succulents, orchids, Orangeries, and even frogs. I look forward to going back at different times of the year to see different blooms.

Electric Company

2009-01-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

A few years back I ordered the Electric Company, a 70's child show, from itunes for my youngest daughter to watch on a road trip in the car. Well fast-forward to 2009. She is still into the Electric Company, and it is the weirdest and most delightful thing the see your my child enjoying a show I absolutely loved as a child. What's more is it helps with phonics, an area I still feel she needs help in. It doesn't get any better than Bill Cosby, Rita Moreno, & Morgan Freeman teaching phonics.

...and the big news is The Electric Company 2009 in set to premiere on PBS January 19th. Whoopi Goldberg and other stars will be singing and rapping this time and I think it will surely be a blast! Round up your children 6 - 9 years old and sit them down in front of the tube for the new Electric Company.

Tomorrow Morning

2009-01-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Monday morning we will be joining a co-op. I am super excited because the girls will get the chance to meet new people, and to experience new teachers. The co-op we are attending is very inexpensive, which I can really appreciate right now. It will only be $20.00 in total for both children for all of January and February. If you are in the South Metro Atlanta area, you might want to join. The co-op is called Learning is Wild I'll let you know what we think soon.

Update: We were a little late finding the facility, but it went well the first day. However I did get a nice email about my kids being "talkative and high-spirited." It was attributed to their newly home-schooled status... I am told they will be totally different after being home for a year. I am not so sure because I like my kids talkative and high-spirited, so they will probably remain themselves after a year at home.