The Ins and Outs of Home Education

As each year ends, newspapers and magazines publish their lists of "ins" for new year and "outs" from the old. I have compiled my own list of fashionable and not-so-fashionable ways of getting some learnin' done in our house:

OUT

• Yelling--that would be Mommy yelling. Besides the fact that it has no effect, it probably does not help encourage a love of learning. Mommy really needs to work on this one.
• Chapter books, for now. Pretlow really enjoys reading. He goes to bed with a book almost every night. But it doesn't seem to be time for chapter books yet, which is fine. I'm just glad he's a reader.
• Trying to get three children--ages 3 to 6--to sit still and quiet for 15 minutes while I read them a history or science lesson. I know that other 3- to 6-year-olds can do this. But mine do not. So let's try something else.

IN

• Multi-tasking: It seems very obvious now, but there's no reason why the kids can't color maps or draw pictures while I'm reading the history lesson. And we finish the lesson that much sooner, which makes everyone happy. Mealtimes have also proven a great time for multi-tasking. While they eat, I can read to them or review something we have learned. It also forces me (sometimes) to sit down with the kids while they're eating, instead of trying to get other work done or surfing the net.
• Music: This also seems obvious, doesn't it? It's amazing what children can memorize (books of the Bible! countries in Africa!) if there's a song for it. And I'm memorizing these things, too. Sometimes we even work on the songs while we're eating! How's THAT for multi-tasking??
• Rewards: I've made a reward chart to encourage music practice. After earning a certain number of stars, the kids will be able to choose prizes like picking dinner or having a slumber party in the living room. We are having mixed success with this one. It doesn't seem to be very motivational for Zoe yet. But I'll call it an "in" because Pretlow seems to enjoy filling up his chart.

In case I don't write again this year, thanks for reading about our year of learning. I look forward to sharing more in 2009!

In Search of Brad

Friday is supposed to be craft day, but due to lack of time, preparation, or creativity on my part, Friday often comes and goes with no craft. So imagine my excitement this past Thursday night when I found an activity that not only looked fun yet manageable for a 3- and almost-5-year-old, but was related to the science lesson (frogs) we'd had on Wednesday. There were only two required supplies: cardstock (which I had) and brass fasteners. You know, the kind with two prongs on the back. You probably used them in elementary school to fasten the hour and minute hands to a paper clock. Even though it was 10:30 at night, I wanted to get those fasteners now so that, come morning, there would be no reason not to make our frog lifecycle wheels.

At this hour, Target, my first choice, was closed. That left Wegmans (my other favorite store, closing in 30 minutes) and Wal-Mart (but surely I'd find them at Wegmans). For the past two or more years, I've managed to stay out of Wal-Mart (except for two very brief visits, with only one resulting in a purchase). I'm not religious about it, but I really haven't had much need to go there. Until 10:50 p.m. Thursday, after I'd failed to find the fasteners at Wegmans.

I made my way to the office supplies section at said Mart, and scoured the three aisles of paper, erasers, and thumbtacks--to no avail. An associate suggested the fabric and craft section. I hunted hopefully; their craft section is not too shabby. But after another 20 minutes, I left Wal-Mart with some construction paper for future projects, deodorant, Sesame Street placemats, and no fasteners.

I stopped by Harris Teeter on the way home. No fasteners.

The next morning, Google told me I'd find them at Staples, which is not far, but further than I wanted to drive. I called Home Depot and described the fasteners to the lady on the phone. My initial description did not register, so I elaborated. "I have no idea what you're talking about," was her response. "Well, is there someone else who can help me?" I was placed on hold. I tried again with the second associate who exclaimed "I know exactly what you're talking about!" I was placed on hold again. When she returned, she had not found them, but suggested A.C. Moore. Duh! I had forgotten all about that place! Once at A.C. Moore, I made what was now my fifth inquiry about brass fasteners (and learned that they are also called brads). The associate asked whether I wanted plain ones or fancy ones. "Plain." "We only have fancy ones." Well, OK, show me to the fancy ones! They were scrapbooking brads and fancy indeed. They came in different sizes and colors. I selected a package of the plainest fancy brads and finally had the critical pieces to what would be the greatest Friday project ever! (Shown below in the "tadpole" position.)

It was completely worth it.

Let the Music Play!

I'm still figuring out what sports we'll do this winter, but in the meantime I am teaching the crew to play piano and violin. As with all of my decisions, I debated this for a while. I took less than 1 year of piano in elementary school (I quit right before the recital, which I don't remember telling my parents.), but figured I could at least introduce them to the basics. So about 5 weeks ago we bought an electronic keyboard and I've been teaching mostly Pretlow from the Bastien lesson books. (If Zoe and Victoria are interested, I let them play a bit or do some worksheets.) We are practicing 3-4 times per week and most of the time I don't scream that much. I'm actually very impressed at how well Pretlow has progressed. When he is not working from the book, he likes to play a little song that he's made up. It's very cute.

I had more reservations about teaching them violin. I played for 10 years, from third grade to my senior year of high school. But with the violin, much more than with the piano (IMO), there are so many details as far as position and form than can really affect the quality of the sound. If I teach them all my bad habits, another teacher will have to un-teach them later. But when my mom brought over my violin a few weeks ago, the kids were enthralled. "Can I play?! Can I play?!!" What's better than children who are eager to learn? It seemed best to seize the opportunity and at least let them try.

Since my violin is too big for them, I've rented a 1/4 size violin from the local music store (isn't it adorable??). I also bought two beginning violin books. Zoe has taken to it the most. She loves to play pizzicato (plucking the strings) and in our last lesson, she was able to hold the bow very straight while playing on the E string. As with the piano, I let Victoria play a note or two if she's interested.

We'll see how things go in the coming months. If anyone shows a great deal of interest and aptitude, we should probably invest in private lessons. Hopefully their new teacher(s) will not ask in dismay, "who on earth taught you how to play?!?!"

The Next Tiger, Venus, and Serena?

Recently I've had conversations with a few friends about the pressure (some external, some self-induced) to have our children in extracurricular activities. We've done dance, toddler gymnastics, t-ball, ice skating, and soccer in the past. Our family is not especially athletic or sports-enthusiastic (besides the Olympics), but I see the value of sports for fitness, teamwork, discipline, etc. Yet, with all the other things I want to accomplish with the kids (and things I don't want to accomplish like dishes and laundry), it would be very challenging to shuttle one child to and from activities, let alone three. We barely make it to church each Sunday. Activity fees can also be very expensive, not to mention uniforms and equipment.

We are currently on hiatus from extra-curriculars, but for next season I will consider signing up for one activity per child. Would it be awful to do two activities per season, while one child takes a break? (Who takes the break first?) The 2008-2009 county activity guide is out, so I'll peruse, consider, debate, agonize, and get back to you.

My Prince

Friday is Book Character Dress-Up Day at Pretlow's school. My son wants to be a prince, so I've been searching for a story in which that role is not secondary to a princess. I also wanted one that doesn't involve death (at least not too much). This is harder than you might think. My search finally ended at Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia series, except that I needed an age-appropriate version that Pretlow could read by Friday. I know that he is a good reader, but since we are pressed for time (wait until the last minute? Never!), I didn't want this particular assignment to be too challenging (and therefore, stressful for both of us). I picked up The Rescue of Prince Caspian (The Return to Narnia) from Barnes and Noble (for free! but that's another story), which the website says is for ages 4 to 7. So it'll be an easy read, but we'll have a prince for Friday.

Today was also my conference with Pretlow's teacher. Her glowing report included praise of Pretlow's reading ability. So when we went to the library today, I checked out The Magician's Nephew, the first book in the Chronicles series. If Pretlow likes Prince Caspian, he can give the more challenging book a try. It will be his first chapter book. My little scholar is growing up!

The Sleeping Tree

Hhmmm. We certainly had an interesting time at the Greater Reston Arts Center yesterday. The "Explore More" program gives children the opportunity to create their own artwork as they are inspired by the museum's latest exhibition. The children each get a bucket containing art supplies such as markers, crayons, glue, and modeling clay. The current exhibition is The Sleeping Tree, "a twenty-two foot dead dogwood tree inside the gallery where it stretches across the room as though asleep." Our supply buckets therefore also included leaves, twigs, and pinecones with which to create our masterpieces. Like I said, it was interesting. The girls seemed to have a lovely time, and Zoe really enjoyed talking to everyone. One of the nice ladies gave her a box in which to safely carry our sculpture to the car. Zoe is very proud of it.

Touchdown!

Last night we watched Uncle Kofi coach his South County High School Freshman Stallions. They continued their undefeated streak and scored 49 points to their opponents' 8. There were lots opportunities to learn about addition, multiplication, and fractions. And thanks to Miss Vicki (Uncle Kofi's girlfriend), we learned what a first down is (thanks Vicki!). We also learned that it's not just Mommy who has a hard time with that camera of ours.


Are you dizzy?!?

Bug Update

It's been a day and a half and we're not getting very many diners at Chez Bug. There was a beetle in the fruit can yesterday, and we also observed two slugs (I think?) on the outside of the can. But for the most part, our bug neighbors don't seem interested. It has gotten much cooler, so that might be keeping them away. Maybe we should add wine to the menu?

A Bug Feast!

The feast is for the bugs, not us. Wednesday is science day, and this week we are catching bugs. We took two formula cans, and added bits of cereal to one and bits of fruit to the other. We also added some leaves, then dug holes in the ground large enough to fit the cans. The cans are now covered, and we'll keep checking on them to see if any critters discover this banquet we've prepared. Now, anyone who knows my family knows how remarkable it is that we are trying to attract bugs rather than repel them. But we are willing to make these sacrifices for the sake of science. Stay tuned!

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody, Everywhere

As far as housework, I try to get the children to make their beds and pick up their toys--in other words, clean up after themselves. I even get Pretlow and Zoe to hang their own clothes after I do the laundry. Even though I know I need to train them to pitch in on all the chores, it always feels like it will be easier (and faster) to do it myself. But at one point last week, the laundry had just gotten completely out of control. So I enlisted the aid of Zoe and Victoria and I was pleasantly surprised by how HELPFUL they were. As I took each garment from the pile of clean clothes, Zoe or Victoria would put the article on a hanger and into a new pile for each family member. By the time we were done, my bed was free for sleeping, the chair was free for sitting, and the floor was free for walking. AND I have a closet full of clothes on hangers. It's terribly exciting.
So, when do you suppose they'll be old enough to clean the oven?

Summer Learning Recap

Well, I haven't written in a while (OK, a month, but who's counting??). But rest assured, we've been learnin' stuff. Here is a list of some of August's activities:

Cooking Class
We selected three recipes from a children's recipe book--Chicken tenders, homemade tomoato sauce, and meringues. We made our shopping list, went to Harris Teeter, and used the self check-out. It was so much fun! It took all afternoon, and everything was delicious. Among other things, we learned (oh no!) that Victoria is allergic to egg whites. We ended the day by learning how much the Epi Pen hurts (a lot!) and how long after the shot doctors recommend you stay in the emergency room (4 to 6 hours). All in all, a productive day.

Gathering Our Ingredients

Checking Out

Drizzling Olive Oil on the Tomates

The Allergenic Offenders

Swimming Lessons
I'm sure I've reported previously on our favorite activities, but as of the end of August, swimming lessons at Claude Moore pool were Pretlow's certain favorite. He's not quite an Olympic diver, but all three of the kids gained confidence and comfort in the pool, for which I'm grateful. And we've discovered a year-round pool, to which we returned as recently as this past Saturday. Yeah Claude Moore!

Shenandoah Children's Museuem
This was a GREAT field trip! There was SOOO much for the children to see and do. Yet, it is a small enough building that I didn't need to know exactly where each child was at all times.

Look at me! I'm learning! Tomorrow: Everest!

So, I would say that we accomplished much of what I set out to do this summer. We fed animals, we read books, and even saw a show. I was half-joking about learning a language, but last week I did take the girls to a Spanish-language session of Jabberu at the local library. And technically, it's still summer!

Diary of an Art Project

Day 1: Coat blown-up balloons with newspaper strips using homemade papier mache "goo." Wait for newspaper to dry.

Day 3: Newspaper is completely dry.

Day 15 or so: Adhere cardboard fins and eyes made of newspaper with more strips. Wait for newspaper to dry.

Day 17: Newspaper is completely dry.

Day 18: Paint top and sides of fish. Wait for paint to dry.

Day 19: Paint is completely dry.

Day 21: Paint bottoms of fish.

Day 22: Voila!



Art cannot be rushed.

Mission Accomplished!

We completed our summer reading, Zoe's final two books being read moments before we left for the library. Each child received a certificate and a new book of his/her choice. Pretlow's choice was "Cartooning with the Simpsons." Zoe selected "Apples and Pumpkins" by Anne Rockwell. And Vikki chose (my favorite) National Geographic's "March of the Penguins." What more could I ask for?

Summer Reading Update

Pretlow: Over 50
Zoe: 43
Vikki: 45

I think we're going to make it!

Get on the Learning Train! Choo Choo!

Whenever I go to the bookstore, I stop and gaze at the tempting array of educational kits and activity books for children. I usually talk myself out out buying anything, remembering the last set of flash cards that has been scattered hither and yonder, or telling myself that I can look up my own activities online (which I rarely end up doing). And often the child for whom I buy the toy/activity refuses to use it, while I can't get it away from another child. But one evening several weeks ago, I picked up the "Thomas and Friends Learn At Home Deluxe Carry Case," and I do not regret this purchase.

Just like the package says, it contains 4 workbooks with over 95 learning pages, 1 pack of ABC learning cards, 1 pack of 123 learning cards, 1 box of crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpener, a 2-sided dry erase lapboard, and over 200 reward stickers. If I remember correctly, the price was discounted to $10.00 or something like that. I'm happy to report that Zoe has been making great use of it. When I ask her if she wants to "do some Thomas work," she says yes! And she doesn't tell me 3 minutes later that she's tired. For a while I would only let her use a crayon or pencil to write in the workbooks. But I've recently entrusted to her the dry erase marker and (so far) she's used it only on the lapboard or the desginated workbook pages. She gets so excited when her hand and the marker form the number or letter she had been practicing, without the help of the dashed lines. I don't know if it's the learning set or not, but she recently has had a very good attitude towards learning. With Pretlow going back to school soon, I pray that I'll make the most of the extra time and her new enthusiasm.

I Don't Have a Clever Bowling Title

We went bowling last week because:

1. Morning swimming lessons had me off track
2. Pretlow really wanted to go
3. I was running out of ideas

So, at 1 in the afternoon I decided it was probably too late for a museum trip, and a little over an hour later I finally got it together and we headed out. The Bowl America in Chantilly wasn't too hard to find. There was one "Mom! We passed it!" but it only took two u-turns to get to the right place :-).

In addition to being lots of fun for the kids, bowling rated pretty well as an educational field trip. There was math involved ("You knocked down three pins, how many are left?"). We reinforced letter and number recognition by watching the scoreboard. And they learned about taking turns and encouraging each other. We all clapped and cheered when anyone bowled well. Their scores were respectable (for their ages) and, thanks to the bumper guards, a couple of spares were bowled! As it turns out, having fun can also be educational!

Mommy is still learning how to use the camera.

Reading is Fundamental

Since we are staying home today, I bought some activities from the craft store for indoor fun. Zoe is working on a weaving kit and I bought Pretlow a book on drawing animals. Vikki is napping, but there is a cute little board book about animals waiting for her when she wakes up.





Pretlow is moving right along with his summer reading. He has 25 books logged, and there are a few books he's read that we haven't yet entered. Fortunately for him, he does not have to wait for Mommy to read to him. Zoe and Victoria, on the other hand, have a paltry 12 books logged. There is nothing entered from June 30 to July 8. Did I really not read to them for 9 days?! (Pretlow reads to Zoe and Vikki, but he also reads in bed, which doesn't help much with the girls.) We'll have to read two books per day to have 50 by the 11th. That does not seem like very much, but it's amazing how quickly each day goes by. Before I know it, it's bedtime and I'm so ready for them to be asleep, and I don't even think about reading a bedtime story. And I know the point is to read throughout the summer, not cram it into the last several days. But I would hate for the girls not to get a certificate. :-( Clearly, though, the summer reading program is having a positive effect. If it weren't for that, who knows how many times (if any) I would read to them!

Stomp!

I took a poll Thursday to find out which activity the kids have liked the best so far. Pretlow and Zoe voted for the llamas. Pretlow asked Vikki, who also said llamas, but I don't think she knows what favorite means. She seemed to enjoy herself most this past week at Wolf Trap's presentation of Lesole's Dance Project, an introduction to traditional, tribal, and modern dance from South Africa. Vikki is usually the most reserved, but she clapped and shook her little booty. She even raised her hand when the audience was invited on stage to participate. She wasn't selected, but I was impressed nevertheless.

I have to say, it might have been my favorite outing, too. I appreciated the short naps I got to take during the Veggie Tales movie, and I was very proud of how Pretlow and Zoe conducted themselves with the seniors. But I LOVE to watch dance, and Mr. Lesole Zachariah Maine and his crew did it well.

After we got home, we looked on the world map for some of the countries that Lesole has visited. (I did not know that the nation of Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa). I told the kids the names of the dances we'd seen, and explained that the Gumboots dance originated with the goldminers who slapped their boots and stomped their feet to communicate in the dark, hot mines. Then the kids ran off to play while I read the rest of the study guide. Later, Zoe decided that Wolf Trap was her favorite trip, too. Pretlow didn't clap or shake his booty, but I think he liked it, too.

Sunrise

Last week we had a lovely time with some beautiful ladies at the Sunrise Assisted Living Community. We went to visit Nana's good friend and landlady (Nana passed away earlier this year), and made some other friends, too. Pretlow and Zoe generously distributed hugs and handmade cards, which were gratefully received. And I listened to very interesting stories about living in the mountains of Lebanon, and being a schoolteacher in the days before it was illegal to fire someone for getting pregnant. I forgot my camera at home, so all I have are small dark pictures from my phone. But now that I think about it, I should probably ask for permission before posting someone else's pictures online? Anyway, I was very pleased with how the afternoon went. I think Pretlow and Zoe would have liked staying for peach yogurt and apples. I do believe we may go back. Next time, I'll take my camera.

Llamas!

The picture above pretty much sums up Victoria's initial reaction to the llamas. She didn't want to have anything to do with those funny looking animals. But with some encouragement, Victoria eventually joined the rest of the kids as they fed and ran among Ivy Lace, Dancer, Cocoa Puff (the grandma llama), and Cookie Dough.

Mr. and Mrs. Hall of Posey ThisisIt Llama Farm were extremely patient with our inquisitive and active crew. And after the kids fed the llamas carrots and hay, they got to make little pillows out of llama fiber. The Halls even gave us pens, notepads, and little plastic rulers to keep us entertained on the ride home. (As an educational bonus, we looked for Virginia cities on our map as we passed their signs on the road.)

MUCH more fun than watching TV!

Cathode Ray Tube

My children watch way too much TV. They turn it on when they wake up, and it stays on until I realize how late it is and tell them to turn it off. Now how can I expect the younger ones to teach themselves to read, and how will the rising first-grader teach himself fractions, if the TV is on all the time? So today is Day 2 of a TV crackdown ("Uh oh," was Steve's response when I first proposed it). But I didn't present it as a crackdown. I suggested to Pretlow (he's usually the one who turns it on) that the TV is not really helping our brains and we'd probably learn more if we didn't have it on so much. So they can watch three half-hour shows per day (which I'm sure is still above the Department of Education's recommended daily allowance for young children). So far, no one seems to mind. Imagine that.

He did it!

Pretlow finished the origami ball all by himself. He wanted me to help him, but I knew he'd be so happy if he completed it on his own. Fifteen steps in all, and steps 8 through 12 had to be repeated. I did give him a few pointers on following instructions (dotted lines mean to fold) and technique (make each fold one at a time), but he did it. And sure enough, he jumped for joy when he was done. Yay!



Zoe wanted a picture, too. (Click on them for a close-up.)

A Perfect Summer

Pretlow has been out of school for one week. In the 70 days until he returns (that's all?!), I want us to do ... everything. I want Pretlow, Zoe, and Victoria to make crafts, see shows, feed animals, read books, learn languages, all before the summer ends. Oh yeah, and playing will be important, too.

I think Thursday will be the designated field trip day. I already have one planned for July 3. We're going to a llama farm! Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods has all kinds of performances this summer, including a puppet show, South African dancers, and the Maryland Youth Ballet. I'd like to attend at least one of these. The week of July 21, we all have swimming lessons. (I wanted a June session, but I didn't sign up in time.) It's the same week as our church's Vacation Bible School, so I guess I'll have to find another one.

And at the end of the summer I will have three perfect, brilliant, intelligent, beautiful children, right? Oh wait, I already do!

Origami ... Sort Of

I don't think this exactly qualifies as origami (as there was cutting and gluing involved), but we've had fun with these kaleidoscopes from "Folding for Fun: Origami for Ages 4 and Up." To make them, you cut a 1-1/2-inch strip of paper, fold it into 10 triangles, and you eventually end up with three surfaces for drawing three unique designs. Through the "magic" of folding, three additional patterns emerge.

Oooohhh! Aaahhh!

We All Scream ...

I've finally signed up for the summer reading program. I think Pretlow will enjoy entering his book titles on the library website; it's very cool.

Last night we went to a place that serves Italian ice AND ice cream. Perfect for our family! I think everyone was pleased.

Let the Games Begin!

We're back from the library, having cleared our delinquent accounts. :-) The sign-up line for the summer reading program was quite long, but I can do that online later. At the end of the summer, the kids can each get a certificate for reading or being read to. Among other titles, I checked out Great Big Book of Children's Games. It has over 450 indoor and outgoor games--that should keep us busy! One of them is called "Blow Soccer," "a lively free-for-all" in which "players propel a 'soccer ball' by blowing through drinking draws." We'll see about that one. Something else called "Spider Web" looks like a lot of fun. I haven't read through all of it, but the book warns that it "must be set up well in advance by an adult." But right now I'm about to play "Shouldn't You be Taking a Nap?" with Victoria. :-)

Summer's Here

Last day of school! Time for summer learning and summer fun! Time to head to the library (who reminded me this week via an automated message that we have four overdue items--ACK!) My goal for the summer is to make the most of it with fun and educational activities. Of course, Pretlow and Zoe are watching TV right now while I work ... so we'll start the summer learning tomorrow!

(Later)
I went to the library website to see what books are overdue:
Alpha oops! : the day Z went first by Kontis, Alethea
The Berenstain bears' trouble with money by Berenstain, Stan
Curious George gets a medal by Rey, H. A.
Curious George in the snow by Rey, Margret

I think I know where they are ...