Reflections on a Young Man's Book List, Language Arts Tips
By Heather Idoni
Added Thursday, September 10, 2009
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The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
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Vol. 10 No 66 September 10, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
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Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
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Welcome to The Homeschooler's Notebook!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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Notes from Heather
-- A Young Man's Book List
Helpful Tips
-- Math and Language Arts
Reader Question
-- Depression and Homeschooling
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
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Notes from Heather
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'Books for Boys' (by a boy) and a Mom's Observations
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The following blog post was written by a thoughtful and loving
mother about the list of books her son chose based on what he
believes every young man simply *must* read.
I know this is just one boy's list, but it is more of a reflection
on a life. The author has set the blog to beautiful music, which
is well worth hearing as you read the post (unless you REALLY don't
like crying while reading... LOL) Disclaimer: This is entirely
not intended to be an informational recommendation -- it is just a
really great experience to enjoy. There are some good books on the
actual list -- don't get me wrong -- but it is more about the mom's
reflections on her son's life than the list itself.
Make a cup of tea (if that is your way to relax), go to a quiet
place -- or just shut the door -- and read slowly. It is really
worth it. -- Heather :-)
http://aholyexperience.com/2009/09/best-books-for-boys-booklist-written-by.html
---
Do you have comments to share? Please do!
Send your emails to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net
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Helpful Tips
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Homeschool Math Contest
http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest/homeschool.jsp
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-- Janet K., Homeschooling Gifted Email Group Member
---
Creative Language Arts Ideas
"I try to think of unconventional ways to get my boys to do
language arts/English since it's almost impossible to get them
to sit down at the table and write. Here are two ideas that
we've tried recently that have worked.
We hung a magnetic chalkboard (4' by 4') in the hallway. I
bought a set of magnetic words.
The set we have has 300 words divided into 4 different colors.
Each part of speech is a different color (ie. Nouns - red, Verbs -
blue, Adjectives - green, Adverbs/pronouns - yellow). My only rule
was they had to write in complete sentences. Now, as the boys pass
the board they love to make a sentence or change someone else's
sentence. The boys are getting pretty creative and learning English
skills at the same time.
I had to smile yesterday when I overheard my 6 year old say to the
3 year old, 'When you are talking about a BOY you need to use HE
instead of IT.' Maybe they are learning this stuff after all!
The other thing the boys love to do is make 'magazines' for their
penpals. They take a couple of sheets of paper, fold and staple
them to make a magazine. Then they fill it with comics, jokes,
poems, mazes, games (then 'find ten hidden coins in the magazine'),
etc. Some of the stuff is original and some is what they've seen
or heard elsewhere.
They also write a page or so of what's happening. They really enjoy
making and receiving these magazines and it gives them another good
dose of language arts."
-- Melissa K. in Louisiana, member of HomeschoolingBOYS.com
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Do you have an idea, experience, or tip to share? Please write!
Send to: mailto:HN-ideas@familyclassroom.net
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Last Issue's Reader Question
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"Hi -- I have an 8 year old and a 7 year old and we have been
homeschooling since October 2008. This year (approximately 8 days
ago) we began My Father's World curriculum. The problem is that
I can't keep up. I know this is such a 'little' issue, but I am
*really* struggling with it.
I have dealt with depression for 18 years and I have recently changed
meds. It is wreaking havoc on our homeschool. EVERYTHING seems such
a big deal for me and I know all too well that this is a symptom of
depression. (Some are opposed to the idea of taking meds for this
and the whole subject seems to be taboo. I don't expect all to
understand, but unless you've been there, you won't understand how
it can be a living nightmare. I have tried the 'no meds' road before
and have prayed for the Lord to remove this. He has given me a peace
concerning the meds and, frankly, I'm tired of defending myself about
taking them.) But, I am really discouraged and feel like we are
getting behind. It also seems my kids are not interested in much of
anything to do with school except art and math, so everything else is
already a struggle. I have always been concerned about the kids 'being
on grade level'. This really bothers me that they may not be and that
we are gettting further behind. I would love some advice and maybe a
couple of ideas for 'unschooling'. I do not want my kids to get burned
out. I want them to enjoy their learning. However, I'm afraid I'm
doing it wrong and that I am the problem. Thanks." -- Leslie
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Our Readers' Responses
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[Leslie received an overwhelming amount of support from readers -- too
many to share here! Several were quite lengthy and personal -- all
were very encouraging. I have forwarded ALL of the responses directly
to her. I chose just a few for the newsletter, but if anyone wants
to read the rest, just drop me an email with "Leslie's Letters" in the
subject line and I will send the whole unedited lot to you. -- Heather]
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"Leslie -- My heart goes out to you. My husband suffers from chronic
illness and it can get frustrating trying to explain to people that
just don't, and probably never will, understand. I also understand
about being looked down upon for relying on medicine to heal you. God
gives us great doctors and their knowledge for a reason. There are
people who understand. You are not alone!
Your children are still young. It may just be too early for formal
studies. We use unit studies or individualized studies during the
elementary years, focusing on things that my children are interested in.
We've studied football, plants, horses, Legos, Star Wars, flight, rockets,
insects (multiple times!).
Ask them what they'd like to learn about. Get LOTS of books from the
library. Search the internet for free units or lessons for that topic.
Take a couple of days just reading to them, and letting them read, from
the books while you gather and plan a few activities. Keep it to about
two weeks. If they are still interested, keep going." -- Jamie
---
"Can you try starting slow? It is much less overwhelming. Get started
on the stuff your kids like for a few days and get into a good routine
with it. Make sure you schedule time outside for all of you. I know
you said you are on meds, but the sunlight will also help with your
depression. After you get going with a couple of subjects, add one or
two things a week and soon enough you will be 'doing it all' (or at
least doing enough -- we really don't have to do everything!). Those
things you add can also be chores, too. Helping to care for the family
can be part of your home school.
Find someone to talk to. Homeschooling is its own kind of stress and
if you feel isolated, nothing will help you feel better. You may or may
not want that person to help you with accountability. That is your call,
but sometimes it helps to have an understanding friend ask you about your
schedule -- and sometimes it just adds to the stress.
I understand about the grade level worry, but it often helps me to
remember that the overall goal of homeschooling is much more important
than where my child is on any given day. 'Not reading on grade level'
would bother me less than 'hates stories' or 'hates to read' -- just
like 'doesn't remember math facts' would bother me less than 'doesn't
understand math functions'.
Lastly, keep in mind that your curriculum is a tool for you to use.
It isn't a dictator. You are behind if you aren't meeting YOUR goals,
not the curriculum's goals. You know yourself and your kids best. If
you are working and the kids are working and you're not as far along as
you originally wanted, that is okay. If you are having trouble doing
*anything*, perhaps a call to your doctor is in order. Maybe the new
medication isn't as effective as it should be. (I don't have firsthand
experience with this, but from friends I have learned that it can take
some 'tweaking' to get the medication and dosages correct.)
I said a little prayer for you, Leslie. Hang in there and don't forget
to ask friends and family for help if you need it."
---
"Leslie -- Boy do I feel your pain! I have had many, many days with
the questions you are asking yourself. Some of my best advice is:
1) Make sure you are starting your day in a quiet time with the Lord.
This is the only part of the schedule you MUST keep!!! Give Him all
of this worry and concern; He will show you how to order your days if
you let HIM.
2) Because we home school, it doesn't look anything like traditional
school. Release yourself from the curriculum schedule mentality --
your home school day could look like a day at the park or a local museum
or doing art ALL DAY! Or just lunch on a blanket in the backyard!
These kinds of days refresh my spirit as well as the kids.
You can do it... and enjoy it... I promise the Lord will bless your
efforts if you get out of the way and let Him have control of your day!"
-- Jan
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Answer our NEW Question
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"I have a question for a friend of mine. Her son is 16 years old and
has decided he wants to homeschool. She agreed for last year. Her
son did a 'virtual' academy and hated it, ending up goofing off for
the majority of the time. He wants to homeschool this year, but
doesn't want to 'do' school. His main interest is skateboarding and
he is really very good at it. He wants to have some type of career
in skateboarding. Do you have any suggestions to help guide her in
what to involve her son in, and any information as to what direction
his education should be focused on... or any creative ideas for an
educational plan? Thank-you for your input and suggestions."
-- Suzy in Ohio
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Do you have thoughts or experience to share with Suzy for her friend?
Please send your answer to: mailto:HN-answers@familyclassroom.net
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if we can help you out in a future issue!
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