Day Eight: The Way We Roll

Diving into A Long Walk To Water from longitude and latitude lines, prime meridian and hemisphere talk, was a welcome switch of gears. Everyone snuggles in cozily when I sit back and begin reading about Nya's struggle to dig in mud to find water and Salva's narrow escape from a lion. My kids have to pay attention when the story alternates between 1985 and 2008, but they don't mind. Somehow, hearing about the lives of children close in age to them keeps them captivated.

 

A unit study that I had planned to take until February has sustained us up until today and will continue to become a life-long journey, I suspect. We understand many more cultures now and I believe this is what pleases Jesus: loving our neighbours. Dispelling the stereotypes was less of a challenge for my children because we know so many Africans and their stories. Everything about Africa fascinates us and I pray one day we will all plant our feet on the reddish soil or sandy dessert or grassy plains of that great continent.

Today we cracked open 10 Days In Africa, an amazing game that teaches skillful maneuvering around the continent, not to mention the country names and their placement. It was tricky to catch on at first, but once they got the hang of it, things ran a little more smoothly :) 

We'd already memorized Africa's countries by singing along to Geography Songs. We also mapped the countries, but remembering their placement was well practiced during the game.

Clementine always ends up walking across our game boards or even sitting right in the middle of them. Comic relief during a highly focused game :)

Flowing with flexibility on a topic we love and carrying it on beyond what was planned is a good thing, in my estimation. I lingered at the Canada/Africa table at the homeschool convention and caught the attention of Donna Ward, who was eager to share her favourites with me. As a result, I picked up a few extra items to add to our study. I'm thankful I did. Not always sticking with the program for every subject or study is the way we roll and it makes our learning richer. 

Day Seven: Stretching Our Children

I was a shy child. I had plenty of friends, but I was shy with adults, sometimes painfully. I hated it when my mom made me call the pizza place, or pay for an item by myself in a store, or without warning, roll down my car window and get me to stop someone and ask for directions. She didn't just push me out of my comfort zone, she busted the bars off my self-protective little cell. Now, I am certain her encouragement toward confidence was coupled with prayer for me. Those prayers took that shy kid and grew her up and caused her to do the same for her own children. Overcoming the fear of talking to adults moved me to independence and eventually to large group public speaking several times!

 

It is this gentle nudging (or occasionally shoving) my little birds to step out of the comfort of the nest  that actually gives them the security that they really can soar. About a year ago, Meg thanked me for helping her to become a strong person. She felt that a no-nonsense approach, mixed with love was what stretched her and allowed her to face her fears when it would have been easier to run the other way.  I learned from my mom--I can't do it alone--and I wouldn't dare. The joy of the Lord is their strength. He is their refuge and strength. His name is a strong tower and they are safe when they run to Him. I tell them this so they don't have to be afraid that they are alone in any intimidating ventures. And so, it is with some trepidation and lots of prayer, that my children sing solos, play lead roles in dramas, give speeches and step in when Grandma is not well and play the piano for Friendship Club worship time :)

Our last Friendship night of the year so a proud momma had her camera ;)

 

Some little souls might need a more gradual approach as they step into independence, and that's okay. Each Momma must pray for God to reveal just how much stretching their children should sustain as they grow and learn. As they age and hear God's voice for themselves and discover His plan for them, I pray they'll be equipped to say yes, with assurance. Public speaking and solos are not the calling for every child, however, I encourage my children to accept what is requested of them as service to Jesus and their community. I'm thankful that in my experience, a little push goes a long way in creating kiddos who eventually exclaim, "I can do it!" or "I'll try!"

 

Grandpa asked Meg to learn about six songs in 2 hours (because in my husband's family, they push from the nest too :)  She was nervous and didn't think it would go well, but she told me she wanted to add this to her list of tough things she has tried. It was worth saying yes. A few bumps ensued, but nevertheless, a great job and a room full of developmentally challenged people clapped hard and proudly for her :) 





Day Six: Unexpected Love

There was a knock at my back door and I opened it to a sweet couple from our church. They were laden with a large photo box and a huge, packed scrapbook. They smiled big and the wife extended her armload out to me and said they wanted to share a bit of Africa with my children. She knew it was an area of study for us and she lovingly granted her cherished work of art full of hundreds of trip photos so we could get a little closer to the reality of Africa. They also generously offered us to choose from their box of "extra photos" for our own projects. I nodded enthusiastically, thanked them and then they headed down to our nursery to support us in a second way. Unexpected love.

 

 

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The girls had raced on ahead of Oliver and I as we blazed the trail in the spitting rain. Oliver was busy "killing bears" and seeking "new" birds along the way when I noticed a man quickly approaching from behind. As a woman in the woods with her children, I'm always praying for our protection. I peeked back again and the man was picking up speed but it seemed like he was simply taking a brisk walk on a beautiful spring day. He caught up to me and I turned and said hi. He did too and then we recognized each other. He was a Christian man in our community.

 

"Hi Peter," I voiced with a smile, and he tried to remember my name. I told him and he nodded that he remembered. Then he shared that as he was striding behind us, he was praying for the little boy ahead of him, that he would become a mighty man of God. I exclaimed "Thank you! That's what we pray over our son, as well!"

 

He turned to Oliver and said, "You already are a mighty man of God, right now." Oliver beamed.

Unexpected love.

 

 

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She snipped the helium-filled balloons and told the kids this is what our decision to live for Jesus will mean... we get to spend eternity with Him! She cares so much about our kids--the whole homeschool group--that she came prepared with this object lesson for all of them before they presented the projects they'd been working on. A grandma who cares about the futures of kids, who explains so they get it, who mentors without being asked? Unexpected love.

 

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Three times in a couple of days, unexpected love flooded in and supported the kids and me. I thanked each person profusely for their gifts of sharing, prayer and a lesson, but it wasn't until I took some quiet time that I praised the true Giver of each of these gifts. He blessed me through these people and love overwhelmed once again--unexpectedly.

Day Five: Project Wrap-Up

I set up the paints while she watched with glee. She knew something fun was happening and as far as I know, she'd never painted before. Her meticulous brush strokes and joy of re-dipping back into the tempera over and over made it obvious this little artist was ready for the activity at only two years of age.

 

As much curricula as I purchase that is textbook based or even Charlotte Mason styled, we always end up having a few projects on the go that are related to some theme we are working on. I'm pretty sure I should just bite the bullet and realize we're a unit study, artsy type of family and run with it for the full year. Africa, Rivers, Frogs, Old Testament highlights, E.B. White books and other reader lapbooks are just a few of the themes we've been drawn to since September. Wrapping up the incomplete ones will be our May challenge. Painting is promised to be included as well. Molly will hold me to it, no doubt :)

 

 

so proud of her work

big sister help

 Molly presents her Trumpeter Swan project to her co-op class.

Emily presents hers.

exam practice for ballet

 Home economics--Mama taught Emily how to make herself a skirt.

 cousin sleepover 

ice cream for Papa's birthday

Galimoto races. Toys straight from Africa!

(very serious racers) 

 

Reading me her favourite part of her book.

(love these moments) 

Tomorrow is our project presentation day with a couple of other families. Looking forward to viewing all the children's hard work!

Day Four: Using Your Friends and Family In Your Homeschool

The way she tells the story of her African safari is riveting. An angry lion protecting his pride came roaring at the jeep she was riding in--on her side. It was a scary moment as the jeep was blocked in front and behind by two other vehicles. Eventually, they were able to maneuver out and plow over bush to get away. My sweet, traumatized cousin wept with fear as it was all too close for comfort. Thankfully, the guide shared later that it was unlikely the lion would truly attack the safari vehicle as it was larger than himself. She was relieved with that news but wished the group had been shared this bit of information earlier! 

 

In a few days, Lisa will be coming to speak to my children about all of her African adventures but I desired to highlight her today because I want to encourage homeschoolers to utilize the talented, well-traveled, or entrepreneurial people in their lives who are willing to give of themselves to eager children. In the photo below, my cousin is teaching my kids how to use sign language. Beyond the benefits of specialized instruction, learning from family or friends makes it more exciting and the kids gain a new appreciation for their new short-term teacher. I love this style of learning and so do my children.

Day Three: Meeting Up With Miracles At The Convention

I met up with a real-life, present-day miracle this afternoon. I could tell by her countenance that there was a change that would be obvious to anyone who'd seen her a year ago or less. A few of us who knew her story--her marriage-in-crisis story--were praying fervently, even fasting for her and her family. She explained to me that things were so much better, not perfect, but better. To know the angst and despair of this floundering, precious soul would amaze you at the words of wisdom, godly sorrow and a softness for even more change that were flowing from her mouth today.

 

I praised God. I praised Him as I have done time and again as I've watched other friends spin around in a 180 degree turn and receive the Lord's redemptive plan for their lives. I've experienced it in my own and I'll forever be grateful. Don't ever think Christians are exempt of failing miserably in this life. Don't ever believe homeschool families don't suffer division and brokenness. Most of all, don't ever doubt the Creator and Sustainer of the universe can save us all.

On this final convention day I learned how to write a highschool transcript for Meg, I was reminded  that the love of a parent trumps the expertise of teachers (even though I am a certified teacher, I share this with my friends to encourage them), and I was challenged to create more opportunities for science for my kids. Monday, here we come!

Day Two: Homeschool Conventions As Inspiration to Keep Going

Nine years of homeschool conventions have taught me that I don't want to miss one. They've also revealed that I don't attend for the same reasons I may have years ago. I now own enough curricula to support a few families for several years and I can rattle off the basics of home education to any newbie who might have questions in the exhibit hall. However, it's the camaraderie of all of us who are in this challenging, yet rewarding, journey that keeps us home with those we've borne and (hopefully) educating them well. 

Sitting amongst hundreds of parents this morning in the auditorium for the opening session meant I am a part of something greater than the decision I made to keep my children home; I am connected to the body of believers who are intentionally and prayerfully pouring into their children hour by hour, day by day. My friends who send their children to school are not exempt from this definition, but there is something so comforting and familiar about this large group we call home educators. We laughed together, tears brimmed over tough choices concerning children with academic struggles, we attended seminars and encouraged one another to purchase a particular book or program due to experience and longevity. 

Many years of homeschooling have also taught me that I don't always use what I buy at a convention. Therefore, I stand at a particular vendor's table and quietly consider each child, the time I have to teach, and whether or not the book will work for our family. I'm not always right, but I have two sisters with seven kids between them who will benefit if I'm wrong  :) Here are some choices I could not pass up today:

 This is simply adorable and very old-school. I may have used it as a child myself. As I flipped through it, I knew immediately Oliver would enjoy it. It's aimed at grades 2/3.

 I bought 3 levels of this cursive writing/art appreciation book. I love how the kids can do a sentence or a whole page depending on time, and I love how it's connected to observations about art.

I can't seem to stop the read-alouds for our Africa study. Here is a game we will enjoy that teaches the names of the African countries (which we already know) and their placement on the continent (for which we need more practice). The above books were advised by the vendor and since I've trusted her before and been blessed, I listened again :) The convention prepares us for the following school year but also helps us to gain inspiration and energy to wrap up the present year well.

31 Days of Wrapping Up the School Year

This month of posts begins with a trip to my local Homeschool Convention and that means I'll be inspired and oh so ready to wrap up the year, right? Well, that is my prayer. With our little Love (Ashanti) coming to us in September, it's been a rather unpredictably busy and distracting school year. Our biggest blessing also created a huge learning curve for how to homeschool with a toddler who took awhile to slide into our routines and us into hers. Thus, 31 Days is once again an accountability tool for me to help my children finish their present grades well.

In the fall, we dove into the continent of Africa together, trekking the vast Sahara desert and reading 52 Days By Camel by Lawrie Raskin. We suffered along with Olaudah when he was kidnapped and forced into slavery for eleven years (The Kidnapped Prince by Olaudah Equiano). We visited our Kenyan friend's lovely little shop which provides a place for artisans to sell their wares for financial support for their families. We memorized all the African country names. And, we prayed for and learned all about Ashanti's Ivorian momma's struggle with Canadian Immigration. With such an extensive subject matter, it is impossible for my children (or me, for that matter) to grasp the depths of Africa, however, if I can illicit emotion from them through historical biographies and lead them to Africans they encounter each day, to know their stories, that is half the battle. My desire is for them to love Africa and for them to be able to dialogue with others about it's rich and terrible history and it's spectacular hope for the future. With a couple more read-alouds and completing our project folders, this is where we stand on this first day of May concerning our Social Studies. 

My children, attempting to experience carrying water on their heads down our street just like Nya in A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park. They had a tiny idea of what it could be like... minus the burning heat, minus the severity of spilling the precious dirty water, minus the many hours of walking, minus the importance of the chore for a young child, add in the embarrassment one of my kids felt (I won't mention who) participating in this little exercise :)  And, to my dismay, after reading about well-digging and SODIS projects and the monumental problem of finding clean drinking water for many communities, my three kiddos each returned with their water jugs and one by one poured our pure, disease-free water all over the driveway. I think I may have done it too, without thinking. Lesson learned.

working on projects in the beautiful spring air

our very simple version of a Botswana marimba

this big kid joining us for very few adventures these days as she diligently completes her own highschool courses

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And if we could just scoop up creation and tuck it into a book, this would be our favourite subject :)

 feeding mute swans

 mallard ducks eating out of his hand too

 This little guy came only about four feet from us but was more fearful than our other forest friends.

 This never happens--the petting zoo experience--but, we'll take it today!

 chipmunks too

 Now, this is a regular occurrence and a welcome one.

 But this? It's rare for a woodpecker to sit on your finger! She was beyond thrilled.

 

desperate to see what's in the hole

Expect more of the above Nature Study photos since it tends to be how we reward ourselves for a job well done in our other subjects.  :)