July is almost over

A jumble of activities and adventures have filled the summer! As Joey gears up for his first official day of school, I am busy working on preparations. But, so are the boys.

I have spent the last five years sometimes fretting, sometimes sweating over our family's take on schooling and the "right" way to homeschool. As a product of public education, schooling has meant: uncomfortable desks, no talking, no getting out of your chair without permission, cookie-cutter subjects, and did I mention no talking? So, the idea of homeschooling has felt a bit overwhelming. But, as I've studied and read and contemplated the subject, I have come to realize that there is no "right" way to school. Homeschooling is malleable in terms of how. The important thing is that the child is learning not only personal responsibility, but also a responsible way of life. 

So, as we prepare for Joey's first day of Kindergarten, brainstorming is a key component of the process. Joey is developing ideas for what he wants to know (a lot of it is about the life cycle of bugs, how a volcano erupts, and various science experiments). My job is helping to guide him through project-based learning that incorporates basic educational principles that he has to learn (like reading and writing, safety in conducting science experiments, and, for our family, spiritual formation). I also want to be sensitive to, but not bounded by, national and state-wide standards; so, I have familiarized myself with these (which are accessible by searching for your state's or for national standards in education). Virginia's SOLs are listed according to subject and then grade-level. National Common Core standards are especially easy to find for English and Mathematics. So, if you want to be mindful of these standards as you start your homeschooling endeavors, see what these links have to say - but, do not become overwhelmed by them or limit yourself by what they suggest. For example, in the Kindergarten standards, Virginia encourages its students to learn about Betsy Ross's involvement in creating the first American flag, when there is a tenuous link to her doing so. There are myriad better examples of ways to serve - and I would argue fellow man even more than one's country - such as Mother Teresa or Dorothy Day. Maybe you can research local philanthropists that have made an important contribution to the community. Or, look through newspapers or on-line news media for the names of women, in this case, but also men that have made positive differences with even small steps.

There are so many ways to form education to fit the needs of your child. Consider the strengths that your family can offer. For example, Russell plays bagpipes and has a lot of experience with Geology and Astronomy. We can incorporate these aspects of education into our children's lives, especially through an appreciation of music and scientific or natural observation. I have background in pottery and drawing, Classical Languages, Archaeology, basketball and softball - so, we can incorporate an appreciation for the arts, an understanding of other languages and cultures, and the importance of moving his body (not that he needs help with that) into his educational experiences. The Anglican tradition is an important aspect of our family life - so, faith and spiritual formation will be a part of everyday life and not just left up to Sundays.

Joey & Ezra at Frontier Culture Museum.  senk 2013

But, Joey's education won't be an amalgamation of what we know - it will rely strongly on what he wants to know, too. Children need to learn so much, but they especially need to learn the concept of love. When we harbor Christ-like love at the center of their learning, their growth is so much greater. May the upcoming educational pursuits of your children this year balance on just such a thread.

Creative Construction

Joey & Ezra designing a marble chute. senk 2013

Joey loves to construct. From Legos to blocks, recyclables to Lincoln logs, he follows diagram sheets to build or creatively designs his own constructions. Sometimes, his creations are circuit panels (using his set of snap circuits); other times, blankets and chairs and pillows become a Joey-sized tent or a rocket for blasting into outer space. Often, he invents a new contraption with Legos - such as a hover-craft lawn mower, complete with toilet; then again, he loves creating new wooden train track sets sprawled like a town across the floor. He has even sat in a box with a metal cookie sheet filled with movable gears - exclaiming, "Good bye, Mommy! I'm off in my boat to save a friend lost at sea." And outdoors, he often builds homes for caterpillars he finds.

Joey with one of his caterpillar homes. senk 2013

Some of my favorites, though, use recyclables from our pantry bins. He builds boats and submarines using straws, lids, and Joey-drawn paper flags. Then, either at bath time or using a large bowl of water in the shower, he tests their buoyancy or ability to go underwater. Gathering an assortment of quart jars, he's made his own water xylophone (similar to, but not quite as elaborate as the one created by the Tulga family). And, he's even written his first book - a copy of a handmade book his friend, Natalya, made for him - but using different recyclables to show opposites (such as hard vs. soft).

The boys' creative construction play spills over into ideas, too. We often play concept games at meal times or throughout the day. One of our favorites is brainstorming new ice cream flavors (yes, the boys inherited my love of ice cream). Some are interesting: cheese ice cream (I think of sweetened mascarpone cheese on chocolate chip scones, when they say this), gummy worm ice cream, chocolate pie ice cream, chocolate-bottom pumpkin pie ice cream; others are not palatable, but creative: electricity ice cream, lightbulb ice cream, train track ice cream, and then an assortment of really gross flavors which reminds me of Bertie Botts every-flavour jelly beans from Harry Potter.

Crayons from a diner. senk 2013

Providing time and access to an assortment of manipulatives and recyclables are key to creative construction and creative play. These are essential to any successful learning environment - whether in the home, at a school, in a community, or at special museums. It's important to realize that resources do not have to be expensive. A trip to a local children's museum at free admission times; cleaning and saving bottles, non-harmful scraps, and other recyclable by-products; visiting libraries, friends' homes, and gathering freebies wherever they're offered - these are all great ways to enhance the home (or any) learning environment.

What creative constructions do your kids come up with and where do you get the materials for those activities? Take a moment to share in the comments section.

Encouraging Acts of Kindness

Ezra gathering field daisies in The Shenandoah Valley, VA.  senk 2013

Joey and Ezra love to gather wildflowers and garden flowers, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and even eggs (from the chicken coop). But, they gather them for a purpose - usually to take to Grandmommy. 

Children have a natural propensity toward compassion. They love to create gifts for others and are quick to add hugs and kisses to the list, as well. Encouraging acts of kindness is an important part of not only homeschooling, but also life.

In our household, Joey and Ezra will find miscellaneous toys, wrap them in recycled newsprint, and then give them to one another. It's adorable to see them at such play. I keep bits of ribbon, wrappings, or bags that we got from previous gifts for them to use in their giving play. They use scraps of paper for notes; write "I love you" cards to friends and family; and make random phone calls to loved ones just to see how they are doing. I keep a mailable envelop for extended family that lives out-of-state and mail it when we've gathered a collection of their compassionate memorabilia. And, Joey is starting to type "I love you" e-mails to family with such addresses.

There are myriad other ways for children to demonstrate compassion. Perhaps you could make baked goods to take to neighbors or work at a food pantry together. Make a meal for someone in need of some tender, loving care and teach your child the power of prayer. Each morning and evening, our family has prayer time together and it's so powerful to hear them pray for friends by name. Another important skill that shows kindness is teaching children how to say a hearty "thank you" to those that bless their lives. 

How do your children show kindness? Are they gentle with animals and even bugs; do they show care for the environment? Do they offer a helping hand (such as a back scratch when it's needed) or want to make things for others? Share ways your family promotes compassion, too.

As simple as it sounds

Ezra learning how to brush his teeth.

As simple as it sounds, there are basic life skills we all need to learn how to do. Of course, this may vary culturally and geographically, but ultimately we have to learn personal responsibility. By separating children from the vary act of living while they're learning, we are doing a disservice to their education.

Consider this: how many public schools have time for flossing and brushing teeth after lunch? How many public schools allow children to help make their lunch? How many public schools encourage children to take an active role in cleaning or gardening or other necessary chores? How many public schools integrate daily living practices with the child's education?

Perhaps some public (and private) schools can tackle these challenges; however, a majority do not. Instead of seeing meal preparation or cleaning or other life routines as someone else's job, it's important for every member of a learning community to realize their personal responsibility in helping out. Neither messes nor meals nor memories are made alone - there is a process to each of them that requires more than ourselves for positive results. How important that children learn this as part of their education!

An Internet search will reveal myriad sources for knowing appropriate tasks well-suited to a child's age. But, common sense and observation will help with this - consider a child's dexterity, attention span, and cognitive development. A routine can be very useful to encouraging good living habits. For example, cleaning up after a meal is a great transition to play time or a learning activity or reading before a nap. Working together with a smile always helps. When children see that what they are doing will help Mommy or Daddy do something fun with them afterwards, they are more prone to help, too. Or, consider a treat for the family if you work on a task (particularly an unpleasant one) together. 

Another helpful tip: let the child choose the task to complete. Some life events cannot be delegated: brushing and flossing will eventually fall solely on the child for him or herself, for example. Other life events can be shared: cleaning dishes or laundry, setting and clearing the table for mealtimes, etc. There are a plethora of resources from lists to charts to apps that can help assign weekly and monthly chores - rotating to create a fair slate of tasks for each individual in the family. But, the most important thing to remember is to make it fun and to do it together.

Never underestimate the outdoor adventure

Joey finding fronds while hiking.  senk 2013

Our family loves hiking. Fresh, blue skies cheer our spirits even when clouds invade. Shapes, colors, and textures delight our senses. Opportunities for exploration never end. 

One of the saddest results of building-central public schools and standardized testing, is that in many ways we've ripped away the importance of outdoor learning. It's not just that recess is often drastically cut or eliminated from the curriculum, especially when teachers and administrators feel pressed for completing testing requirements - it's beyond that. Outdoor learning - tending gardens, observing natural processes, animal husbandry, learning the names of trees, drawing outdoors, etc - is essential to education. In many public schools, financial and testing constraints have made field trips nearly impossible. So, for primary and secondary schooling to allow students the full benefits of outdoor learning, it has to occur in either a private or homeschooling environment.

There are endless opportunities for learning in the outdoor setting. Here a few ideas to get you thinking; and feel free to add other ideas in the comments section.

The boys investigate a salamander. senk 2013

Look for local fauna. During a recent excursion along a hiking trail in Shenandoah National Park, our family saw firsthand the Shenandoah Salamander. We were able to talk a little about what the salamander eats, its ecological role, habitat, and distinguishing characteristics. Ezra exclaimed, "It's so cute!" clearly showing his fascination with appearance; and Joey was excited to talk about its diet. We also observed a herd of deer, watched and listened for specific birds (like the pileated woodpecker), and noted how a spider sat upon its web in the winds.

Joey identifying a tree. senk 2013

Relish in flora. Even if you don't know the names of every plant or tree you see, you can find out what it is by making observations while on the hike. For, example, Joey is often obsessed with cone-forming trees. If you're someplace that would allow you to take a small cone-sample (one that's fallen on the ground) or frond-sample (again, preferable on the ground), then do so. Otherwise, make rubbings, take pictures, or draw impressions of the bark, leaf or needle, and seed pod (or flower) so that you have information that can help you identify your tree or shrub with an appropriate identification guide (think, National Audubon Society, The Sibley Guide, Peterson Field Guides, Tree Finder, etc). This is particularly useful if you don't have the guide with you on the hike. I have helped Joey create his own field guide journal, in which he draws a picture of the animal or plant and then we write important information about each entry - like the common and Latin names, size, habitat, distinguishing characteristics, etc.

Give your child responsibility for a section of garden space and/or an animal. Russell built raised beds for the boys to use in growing their choice of vegetables and flowers. Joey and Ezra helped prepare and plant the beds and continue to help in maintaining them, as well. Just today, we harvested spinach, which was used for a family meal and for preserving for future use. The boys also help care for our chickens and dogs. Both are excited to spend time with the animals, as well as feed and water them. Responsibility is not the only benefit of these endeavors, however, for both boys are also nurturing compassion, which is a trait needed-more in this world.

Joey & Ezra resting along a trail. senk 2013

Life experiences in safety, human impacts on the environment, and so much more are also a part of bringing children to the outdoors. We have to realize that each person has an impact to make. If we encourage children to have a serious and respectful approach to the great outdoors, while also enjoying the beautiful gifts that nature gives to us - then, we're fostering characteristics that will help just as much with whole-self growth as with learning. Make the choice to get your kids outdoors more, today!

Resources for outdoor adventures

Russell with a heart-shaped treat. senk 2013

Earth Day should really be a part of every day. That is what I'm teaching my boys.

Messages of savoring nature's beauty, appreciating the hard work of gardening, and interacting with the real world out there are mingled throughout their homeschooling curriculum. But, it's more than just a curriculum; it's a way of life. Learning is as much a part of living as living is of learning.

No matter where you live, there are ample opportunities to enjoy (often free) activities that help your children get into the great outdoors. In the Shenandoah Valley, our family frequents Shenandoah National Park - hiking along paths that start along Skyline Drive's slow meander along the mountain crest. An annual pass pays for itself by the second or third trip, so we make that an anniversary gift each August. In addition to state or national parks, consider visiting town parks (which often splash natural colors and textures even amid cityscapes) or zoos or vineyards or living museums or farm markets, etc. For Earth Day, our family ventured to Stanley, VA, and helped to plant grapevines at Wisteria Vineyard. We relished the family time traveling over Massanutten Mountain. As enjoyable as the (free) event was, our family also learned (together) many valuable lessons: how to properly plant a grafted grapevine (which can be applied to any grafted plant), the importance of working together (many hands really do lighten the workload), how to follow directions and observe carefully, etc. By the end of the morning, Joey could properly stake a vine and Ezra was a master at gently placing grapevines into prepared holes. And, did I mention, the learning was free!

Joey & Ezra at Wisteria Vineyard.
senk 2013

It can be difficult to find those few good resources that yield information on fun outdoor events in your area.  But, be diligent - ask friends and family, surf the Internet, and ask proprietors of the places you frequent. Where I live, a great resource for upcoming events and places to visit is "The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia." Click on the "More events" link in the "Things to Do" box on the bottom lefthand side of the webpage. Then, peruse the plethora of opportunities which are listed in order of date. If you're visiting the Shenandoah Valley, this is a great place to start discovering events or locales in an area you may enjoy. 

Often, some of the most exciting outdoor excursions are unexpected ones. Just be open to new learning experiences - especially ones you can do as a family. Not only do you create meaningful memories, but you weave more closely the threads of learning, living, and loving.

Putting an "i" in culture

Culture refers to an exposure to intellectual training, fine arts, and a study of the humanities. It also includes the beliefs, customs, values, and way of life of people all around the world. Of course, I also think of the culture grown on a petri dish in the lab for scientific study. And, this time of year, I consider all the tillage happening.

Regardless, incorporating concepts of culture is an integral part of any homeschooling activity. This could include historical, anthropological, or archaeological studies of various peoples, as much as an appreciation for the arts. But, doing so requires some common sense and care. There are inappropriate ways to experience culture - especially when there are potentially negative consequences (e.g. nefarious rites - just Google human sacrifices to get an idea of what I mean). Careful and respectful consideration of culture, though, will provide your child with a well-rounded understanding of the beautiful variety among people.

One way I incorporate cultural practices into my children's lives is to expose them to ways other people celebrate certain holidays or traditions, while still being true to our own religious understandings. At Easter time, for example, the boys and I make lambropsomo, which is a flavorful bread loaf decorated with a twined Byzantine cross and topped with naturally-dyed eggs. We put our own delicate touches into the result by adding alpha and omega symbols, a vine of grape leaves and clusters, etc. Ezra was particularly enamored with creating his own bread roll - carefully rolling bits of vine for his baked good. Russell spearheaded dying eggs by cooking beets and soaking hard-boiled eggs into the colorful water until they glowed dark pink. The final result was quite delightful (and tasty, too).

There are so many ways to explore the wealth of meaning in the world. Find a way to incorporate culture into your family's life and share the results in the comments section. Maybe you practice the Greek custom of giving gifts on your birthday (in lieu of or addition to receiving them). Perhaps the Chinese practice of cleaning your home on New Year's Day is something you do. Or, then again, your family might find meaning in creating your own traditions (e.g. a long-ago friend's parents hid Easter baskets filled with goodies in unlikely places; to find the baskets, they had to follow wandering threads like Theseus in the labyrinth). However you decide to put culture into your family or you into the culture, have fun and share a passion for learning with your child.