The Question I Dreaded (Hi Amy, Anita and Jodi)

See, I would rather show you this...

...my happy campers...

...not this...

...unorganized garage and laundry..

THIS...

...delightful, helpful daughters...

...not this...

...LOTS of dirty smoky coats.

THIS...

...a serene, peaceful mountain photo...

...not this...

...overflowing LAUNDRY...

This is nice, don’t you think?

But, not this...

...yes, MORE laundry.

I will leave you with a “happy” picture!

I know that you are wondering, what does all this have to do with my title....”The Question I Dreaded."  I’ve been avoiding it, but I did promise that I would answer any “Ask Away...Children’s Education” questions. 


Here’s a hint from these three precious blog friends questions....


Amy said...

Well, honestly- I could use ANY help and don't even know what to ask because - I am THAT lost. LOL But I am going to try it anyway- gotta start somewhere right? Right now, just trying to figure out what I do with the little ones while working with the big ones? How do you manage to get all of the housework done AND the school work? Any tips on that? :) THANKS!

A. Gillispie said...

Yay! Second year homeschooler here, and we haven't found our perfect groove yet. My biggest issue at the moment is how to manage teaching time with my big ones (3rd and 4th grade) with my little ones (3 and going on 5)? It's complicated because I work from home (at least 6-8 hours a day). Not sure how to meet everybody's needs, so if you have any advise, I'm all ears!

Anita

Jodi said...

Shonni -Amazing!! 17 years - you must have begun homeschooling when you were 5! :)
How do you balance everything! :) With the possibility of jumping into HS my middle schooler, I am very nervous - any tips to keep him focused and interested in learning, would be great!! :)

Did you see the common thread?  The question that I have dreaded is “How do I do it all?"
So, as I was thinking about my Home Education Pillars (see here and here for pillars I and II), I knew that Pillar III is Structure!  Amy, Anita and Jodi brought up some very important things to consider in Home Educating our children!  How do we, as home makers and mothers get the house work done and the school work; how do we still give time to our little children and how can we organize their time so that we can home school the older ones; how do we meet the needs of our families and can we balance everything? 
Now, the reason I have dreaded the “How do I do it all question” is that I don’t want anyone to think that I have all the answers  - I don’t.  And each of us is different, with differing strengths and differing weaknesses.  What works for one doesn’t work for another. Believe me, I have tried to “do it” like others because it was working for them, and it didn’t for me, because my personality just couldn’t “do it” that way.  
However, I hope that my many years of mistakes and successes can help each of us find the structure that works for US in our families as we minister to them each day.
So, I promise, I will answer this question, but no kidding, I HAVE GOT to go start some laundry.  So be lookin’ back here tomorrow!

Going Bye-Bye

  

Keshawn’s little finger was crushed in a door today...it may be fractured, but he will be OK. 
We had a really big lightning storm tonight.  Steve was trying to fix the lights on the trailer but had to quit, so we are praying it can be fixed in the morning so that we can leave early to get down to the south Colorado mountains before to late. We are wanting to enjoy one more camping trip before it starts to get to cool here.  So the children are saying that we are going “bye-bye” in the morning.  I sure hope that we can leave before it is to late.
I had to share this “fairy lights” shot of Kiana with ya’ll.  I was trying to get the sun behind her and the light did this....isn’t it weird/fun?  I did not photo shop anything in this.  We told Kiana that it looks light fairies are kissing her...LOL.
Write more on Monday when we get back.  Praying for a good and restful family time together!

My Motivation-2nd of 7 Home Education Pillars and Jean’s Question

"What ought to motivate us to direct our children to open the pages of history, to observe the wonders of nature, to admire a painting, to appreciate a piece of music, to learn by heart the words of a hymn or a poem?”

Jesus’ words “Feed my lambs.” (K. Andreola)


In this post, I briefly talked about the seven pillars that Wisdom build for her house.  I became thoughtful of what my seven pillars are for my home education. I talked about Pillar I in that post, and I will talk about Pillar II in this one - MOTIVATION. 
I have always been motivated by the ideas of feeding my children nutritionally healthy foods for both their bodies, minds and spirit.  
So, in thinking of home education, I don’t want to feed my children “junk food”. 
As Karen Andreola says so well, “Curious children will learn for the sake of knowing, for the sake of growing. Feed your children well and they will grow in wisdom and favor with God and man.”

I was asking the LORD for a little motivation for me also this week as I have felt tired, overwhelmed, and then a little one broke my camera lens last night (I cried), and well...a little “poor me” party was happening.  
The LORD lovingly showed me this verse; “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the LORD.” Colossians 4:17. 
This ministry of mine is from HIM!!! What is that ministry? Specific to this day, the ministry I needed encouragement to “fulfill” is the ministry of educating my children.  I needed to be remembered of my “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope" in my Lord Jesus Christ.  (I Thess. 1:3).

Also, as I consider the education of my children I always want to be thoughtful of what motivates them!! What are the passions and natural learning strengths of the children, what’s just fun, how can I get us outdoors more, and keep our environment exciting?  Is there something I can do to make math a little less painful for this child, or bring in a few more learning games that they enjoy? 

Jean had a really great question I think falls perfectly in with this subject; so here is her note....

Jean said...
It is very helpful and I love all the sites you gave us- bookmarked everyone of them!!

My other question is this- Have you adopted any of your children at an older age? I know you have you new little 6 yr old coming from China.


I am finding it to be so different to educate our older adopted children because they need to start at the beginning- pre-k and move forward plus learn a new language. Each child is different and goes at a different pace. My natural desire is to hop into academics- that is where I am most comfortable BUT that is not their need- I need to be patient and walk this road with Jesus- it is challenging.


What are you thoughts on this topic?


As we consider how to motivate our children, one of the most important questions that we must ask is “what is their NEED”.   I have not adopted an older school age child, so Asher will be our first, however, I have educated a few children with “special needs”.  And I say that loosely, not because they didn’t/don’t have a special NEED, but, that doesn’t define the goal...teaching my children to love the LORD Wholeheartedly (Pillar I) and teaching them to enjoy learning within their God-given strengths at their present age and/or abilities are my beginning priorities.

It seems easier for me to write as if this is a note....
“Dear Jean,
It may be difficult to educate an older adopted child because of the need to learn and re-learn some things.  On the other hand, what a God given opportunity to have the freedom to educate your child at home where you can start her/him where they need to start; being aware that in all honesty, their number one need is not academics, but to become comfortable in a new culture, with a new language, and learning for the joy of learning, not because it is required!!!  Also, as they begin to enjoy learning, what JOY you will receive in the relationship that you and your child are building together.  So don’t worry about academics (for now), but make learning fun, connect with your child, be WITH him/her where they are at, and gently lead them.  Is there something that this child really likes?  Asher really likes puzzles, so I will be thinking of all kinds of ways to use puzzles to interact with and teach him.  Does your child really like animals?  You could build or find a unit study using animals as the foundation for learning.  Your child will “catch up” to where the LORD wants them to be.  It is a very exciting journey you are on Jean.  I am praying for you!”

Ask AWAY...Children’s Education-#2, Where Do I Start

Today, I a going to answer some more questions from you precious friends.

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Hi Shonni,
Today, I a going to answer some more questions from you precious friends

17 years! Wow...that is something to be proud of! God has been laying it on my heart to HS my toddler duo (soon to be trio). Thank you so much for this opportunity. My questions are:

1. Is it difficult to HS at high school level? They seem to learn at a much higher level than I was taught.
2. Where do you find your cirriculum?
3. Any suggestions for material to teach preschool age about Jesus on their level?

Hugs and blessings,
Robin

Kara said...

17 years is an inspiration to those of us plugging away after you. I'm beginning to think about the high school years now that my oldest is in 7th grade, so any tips on those years would be wonderful. Your blog is beautiful, and so is your family!

Wonderful questions Robin and Kara!  O.K.....here is my greatest secret...I have used this secret from day one, for all ages and all levels....

Ready?

I learned a long time ago some of the “curriculum” and publications that I would say I trust.  I go to these each year and use their catalogs as my “scope and sequense” for what ever age and subject I am needing.  I make a list, pray and then choose what I feel will meet the needs of a particular child (or group of children) the best.  

However, I forgot the secret that comes before this....

I really pay attention to what my child(ren) has an interest in.  Usually, this doesn’t make itself completely apparent till age 7-10is.  Some examples-

Jace loved history, especially a certain time frame. So, I purposefully looked for books and educational choices that fed his natural, God-given passion.  Kalyn has a passion for biographies and missions, so again, I get her what ever I can get my hands on to “feed” this passion.  Caresse is passionate about herbs, medicines and the body.  So again, I focus on this for her.  Landon likes math and has a “bent” toward engineering, Kiana is a wonderful artist, and Garett is good at building things.  

For my preschoolers, I have liked My Father’s World. 

So, now, armed with a basic knowledge of my child’s passion, I turn to some of my favorite places and begin to look at what they offer.

Two of my favorites to start with are:

Sonlight

My Father’s World

I am also a huge Charlotte Mason fan, and you can find info here and here if you are interested in that.

My FAVORITE AND MOST HELPFUL book to help me plan and keep my priorities in order is Sally Clarkson’s book, Educating The Wholehearted Child, which I’m sorry to say, the new edition will not come out from publication till around December. 

Now, I don’t follow EVERYTHING on the Sonlight curriculum (or any other curriculum suggestion), unless I want to. I use the suggestions as a starting place to “form” the educational goals for the next year.  I usually piece from different places what I want for that child or age group. 

Back to one of your questions Robin and Kara, Sonlight has a wonderful and very strong high school level curriculum and I would never hesitate to use it’s suggestions for any of my children and feel they they are “ready” for higher education!!!

Some other places that I love and trust for ideas is:

Beautiful Feet (In fact, we are enjoying their “Horse” study right now for our 8, 9, and 10 year olds).

Heart of Wisdom

Greenleaf Press

Home School Marketplace

Lifetime Books and Gifts

O.K., so this is a lot of information, and there are still some very thoughtful questions that I will get to in the next few days. 

Please let me know if this is helpful, or if there is something else you would like to know?

Boy, Was She Surprised!!!

All of our family was invited to the mountains to meet Karlie (Jace’s girlfriend) and her family, who were on vacation.  They also live in Dallas, Texas, where Jace lives.
Well, last minute, Jace decided to fly up and surprise Karlie.  
When we were close to the rent house where Karlie and her family where, we dropped Jace off up the road so that Karlie wouldn’t see him in the van.
I handed her some flowers and told her “Here Sweetie, this is Jace’s surprise for you.”  Then I turned her around so that she could see up the road.  I think the pictures really tell the rest of the story!

Ya’ll have a great weekend!!!
loves,

P.S, THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!!

This beautiful little girl is still needing a family.... do you know where they are... is it you?Please take the time to look at her face  and ask the lord to bring her family forward!! loves, Shonni Lisa ~ China

LISA IS A HOPE JOURNEY CHILD Age: 6 Years     Sex: F Special Need: Mild Cerebral Palsy Lisa's mental development and physical development is normal.  Her speech is not completely clear, but she has normal intelligence. She is able to read simple children's songs and poems, can recognize big and small, shapes, and  colors, can count to 20 and write her name. She can walk, jump, kick and squat, stand with one foot and go up and down stairs. She takes things a bit slower than others her age. She is a bit introverted, but likes to help younger children. Lisa is a determined young lady and quite capable! At the camp she performed a solo dance as well as reciting a poem by herself. She is a happy girl and enjoyed all of the activities.

Ask AWAY...Children’s Education-#1 and Chris’s Question

There were so many wonderful questions from ya’ll.  Thank you for asking, and I pray to give encouragement and suggestions from what I have learned after all these years.  I will be including some of my favorite links later in the blog, 
BUT 1ST....
As I prepare for each new school year, the first thing I do is re-check my goals, motivations, purposes, and priorities.  In all these years, I have found that I begin to loose steam somewhere along the way.  
I was up early over the weekend, sitting outside with my Bible and praying and just thinking.  Oh, how I love to sit out doors and just “be” with His Creation!!!  I was enjoying the early morning sun, the birds singing their wake up songs, our rooster working up his voice to a full blown cock-a-doodle-doo, when quietly a little deer stepped into my view munching on the dew covered grasses in the field.  What a precious time.

I was pondering Proverbs 9.  The picture is of Wisdom preparing her home to reprove, instruct and teach. And who was all this preparation for?  The simple.  
She “hewn her seven pillars” - or built beautiful support and structure for the roof (protection).
She “has slaughtered her beast...” - or has prepared nutritional and filling “food”.
She “has mixed her wine...” - something enjoyable and pleasant.
And she “has set her table.” - a place that is beautiful, inviting, welcoming.
Last, she has sent out her young women to call to the simple...”Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” (vs. 6 and be sure to read 7-9 to find out about “reprove, instruction and to teach).
Verse 10 finishes with “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
As I was thinking on this I also read Deuteronomy 18:13 “You shall be blameless before the LORD your God,”.  The hebrew word for blameless here is tamin which means “wholehearted”.  So, I would read the above verse “You shall be wholehearted with the LORD your God.” The Lord was telling the Israelites that “When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.” (Deut. 18:9).  The word tamin adds a deeper meaning to being wholehearted.  “In our relationship with God, tamin means being wholehearted, resolute, and entirely committed to walking “with” Him in His Word.” (From Hebrew 4 Christians).   I believe the LORD is still saying these things to us and our children...we are in a “land”, (not just in American, but world wide and until Christ returns), that follows abominable practices and peoples that worship “other gods”, and we are NOT to learn to follow them.  The LORD’s answer to this is be wholehearted with the LORD our God!  We must prepare our children to also live in the “land”. 

Thinking on these things I see that my number one goal as a mother and home educator is; to prepare our home with supportive pillars (I’ll come back to this in the future), nutritional “learning” that is enjoyable and pleasant (haven’t figure out completely how to do that with math...); and a learning environment that is welcoming and inviting.  And these goals are for the purpose of the most important thing to teach my children - to be wholeheartedly devoted and entirely committed to walking with the LORD.  This would be my 1st and strongest “pillar”. 


Careful though....there is still a great deal of wisdom to be found in the Bible, so before we go forward, we must go back to some thing that will destroy all of our pillars if we do not listen! 
We mothers really do want to do the best job for our children!!  However, even in home education, there is a “law” that we can fall into.  You know the one...  
“YOU, mother, must give your children the best education possible.  They must be the best Christians, the best at all academic subjects, able in all life skills, complete, obedient and perfect in every way.”
Here’s the Bible’s response to this;  
“...and be found in Him (Christ), not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith...” (Philippians 3:9).
We cannot make our children “righteous” or perfect!  Wait though...remember Wisdom from Prov. 9?  We are wise also when we prepare, plan, build and present an education that leads them to “the righteousness from God that depends on faith”.  
We can teach our children the beginning of wisdom (to fear the LORD) and give them insight (the knowledge of the LORD).
AND we need to pray for their hearts ...
We must not cease to give thanks for our families, remembering them in our prayers, that the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give them a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of their hearts enlightened, that they may know what is the hope to which He has called them, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe... (paraphrased from Ephesians 1:16-19). 
Are you overwhelmed?  I hope not. 
Practically, with this #1 priority in mind, 
we begin our day with Bible Time, and this is what that will look like this year.  I TRY to start school time at 8 a.m with Bible Time.  We all sit with our Bibles and journals (if they have one), and have 15 or so minutes of quiet reading time.  The littles ones are trained (believe me, trained, as in every day) to sit quietly with their picture Bibles and look at them.  Then those that can read out loud take turns reading from a book in the Old Testament.  If I feel there is something to talk about or something to teach then I do.  After that I read from the New Testament and talk about what we are reading from that. We then recite the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) and the Avinu (The Lord’s Prayer - Matt. 6-9-13).  Then we pray/offer thanksgiving and then I send the older ones off to start something while I read some Bible Stories or devotions that I will pick from Sonlight to the pre-K and K little ones.   
I might also use this Bible Study Tool with all of my Elementary age children.  I want the children to have a firm foundation in the WHOLE Bible, so I study the Tanakh or Hebrew scriptures (all of the Old Testament) from a Hebrew view point as much as possible so that I have a more accurate understand to teach the children from. I have used recommendations from Heart of Wisdom (see below) and Hebrew for Christians (mentioned above) for my studies of this (and believe me, this is worth your time because it is SO interesting!!!!)  If you want me to recommend a few of my favorites, just ask in the comments section!! (I’m already afraid I might be over doing this post, but I just couldn’t stop-sorry).


AND NOW, A QUESTION FROM A READER!!!

Chris said...

I would love to know what Phonics program you've like the most/had the most success with.

Chris, thank you so much for reading and asking this question.  I started Jace out with Sing, Spell, Read and Write and liked it.  Kalyn came along with Dyslexia and I had to do many special learning activities before she was able to read.  With Caresse, I needed to simplify so I bought TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ IN 100 EASY LESSONS, after I heard so many good things about it.  Let me put it this way...I have now taught four children to read with this book (I have had to buy it twice because we really used the 1st one to pieces).  I don’t know why I would use anything else.  I only do the extra stuff it mentions if a child needs it.  Once they master that book, I move to young readers and from there we go!!!  HOWEVER, I would also recommend looking into the Sonlight reading programs....I have really learned to trust Sonlight and use them as a valuable resource when in doubt!!

Now for some other favorite links...... 
-my first link for you and one of my favorites is Heart of Wisdom - this link is to the blog. LOTS of great info here so take your time and ask the LORD to lead you. 
-here is an encouraging article by Robin from Heart of Wisdom called - An Easy Way to Make Homeschool Decisions
-O.K., one more wonderful post by Robin...just to get you started (LOL) - God Has a Plan for Your Homeschool
Take time to read these and pray...you’re on an awesome adventure and it can be so fun!!!!  Keep your questions comin’ and we will walk through this together!!!