I am quite excited to be teaching a "dream class" at hte co-op next year...a literature approach to Ancient World History. I've always been turned off by the standard curriculum of both traditional and homeschool that tries to poorly cram 6,ooo or so years into 9 months of study. Plus, I feel that far too many kids get the joy of experiencing the classics of mythology, law, and epic poetry that they ancient period can offer.
Why would I take on this task? Because I have been so disturbed by a trend I have been noticing in all forms of education. Children are just NOT exposed to the classics in upper education any longer. JoVE sent me a fascinating article yesterday, where a college professor bemuses the very fact of how the idea of a liberal education, and the fruits of such study, are becoming less valued. The trend toward more nad longer training, in lieu of such study, is worrisome in the very least.
As such, my goal is to create a study that teaches these kids to really learn from the great thinkers of the past. Anyone can memorize a bunch of facts and string them along on a timeline. Yet by combining multiple disciplines and hands-on activities and research, I hope that at least some of my students will embrace the culture, geography, scientific discovery and politic of a past era in a new way.
So before I get too far into the planning, I wanted to send some feelers out there to any of you who also share a fascination in ancient history and literature. Firstly, do any of you have any particular feelings on the myriad of poetic translations of the Iliad by Homer? Please share your experiences, as I don't want to purchase based solely on price and font size!!!
And while we will certainly cover "The Big Three" (Egypt, Greece & Rome) heavily, I want to delve into ancient China, Japan, Mesoamerica, and India. I know very little of the myth and literature of these places, and would appreciate any recommendations.
And yes, my goal is to share with you all once I'm done.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Living in a State of Final Countdown...
I realized yesterday that I am living in a state of final countdown. My to do list could actually be shaped like a graduated funnel as well. Everything seems to be gauged around some event that is happening later, but it is rather funny to hear me say things like "I would love to get together, in _____ weeks, after ____is over."
My goal is to really try to enjoy myself and not become caught up in just checking things off my lists, and instead experience each activity along the way. Looking at the calendar, I happily notice that every week, we have at least one activity that will allow me to step off the merry-go-round for a while and enjoy myself. I need that to center myself.
So after a crazy week of grading a near dozen 15-20 page short stories and and equal number of tests for two other classes, taking a CPR certification course, working three shifts at the toy store, teaching my own kids, and organizing 18 visitors to come to the co-op, I will spend a day at Liberty Science Center with friends. Each week, my duty list shrinks, yet I have given myself some opportunity for pleasure.
I do believe this stategy will help me to thrive over the next seven weeks until the end of co-op and BuzzBoy's completion of high school instead of merely survive. In a way, I am enjoying the reality that I am lucky enough to have an end point to the chaos. I do believe that is one the greatest blessings for those in education. I get this respite in seven weeks, where my life will switch gears and give me time for creative endeavors.
Come on Summer!
My goal is to really try to enjoy myself and not become caught up in just checking things off my lists, and instead experience each activity along the way. Looking at the calendar, I happily notice that every week, we have at least one activity that will allow me to step off the merry-go-round for a while and enjoy myself. I need that to center myself.
So after a crazy week of grading a near dozen 15-20 page short stories and and equal number of tests for two other classes, taking a CPR certification course, working three shifts at the toy store, teaching my own kids, and organizing 18 visitors to come to the co-op, I will spend a day at Liberty Science Center with friends. Each week, my duty list shrinks, yet I have given myself some opportunity for pleasure.
I do believe this stategy will help me to thrive over the next seven weeks until the end of co-op and BuzzBoy's completion of high school instead of merely survive. In a way, I am enjoying the reality that I am lucky enough to have an end point to the chaos. I do believe that is one the greatest blessings for those in education. I get this respite in seven weeks, where my life will switch gears and give me time for creative endeavors.
Come on Summer!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I Wanna Week Off to Make These...
Is this just the cutest felt food ever? I am constantly being asked for felt food products by customers when I am working in the toy store. We don't carry it. I decided that since it is so difficult to find, it was exactly what I wanted to craft up for the kiddie's Christmas gifts next year. 
I thought I would browse my favorite internet shopping site, Etsy, for ideas I would try to copy. I had no idea that there were folks out there who actually sold the patterns! Look at all the items in this set, and it come complete with it's own recycled tote for storage! The best part...the patterns are delivered within an hour of payment. This will make our gift-making so easy for us.
What little kid would not want these cinnamon buns and cookies for their kitchen? I wanted to pass along this resource to my crafty friends.(I can picture Sara, Sarah, and Theresa going ga-ga over these already!) BuggaBugs patterns are clear, simple, and a felt crafters dream. You can see all her wonderful patterns, and visit her etsy shop. Right now she has a special: buy five patterns and get the sixth free! Sunday, March 15, 2009
Marching toward Spring
I am realizing more and more what a seasonal creature I have become.
I love winter...the crisp air, the frosty glass in the mornings, and the need for thick, wool socks. I am overjoyed when the snow falls because I know that after the shoveling is done, we can curl up by the fire and spend quiet time together; reading or playing games while we sip hot cocoa. I love our inward focus .
Then when spring approached, I morph into a busy, little wren; I dash from one project to the next and back again. I am very much of two minds during March and April. I am simulateously focused on finishing up lessons for this year with our homeschool, my classes, and the co-op. while busily planning anew the courses for next year for all three. I have a dual columned to-do list which makes this division more concrete.
And then, the recent addition of preparing everything for Buzz graduation. He took the SAT's yesterday, and feels very confident with how her performed. He really didn't understand why all his friends were freaking out, until at break he realized how much more he had prepared: Kaplan books, prep classes, timed essay practice, and years of vocabulary from Latin and Greek roots. He actually came home and thanked me for having the foresight! He and I hammered his last eight weeks out on paper this week, including applying and registering for college. So nice to be so close to returning just to being "Mom" for him!
And somehow I am enjoying myself immensly while I flit from grading papers to researching Hammurabi's code for next year's ancient studies class; then on to preparing the co-op course catalog to chatting on the phone with new families, or gathering costumes for the play next month. Just like a little wren, busily preparing her nest for the new arrivals: spring eggs.
My late spring clutch shall be of varied colors. One egg will certainly be green, as this year I need to get into that soil. I was so overwhelmed last year starting the co-op, and our gardens suffered mightly. We had little production, as the soil was sorely needing nutrients even when I planted. And I didn't do any canning or freezing at all. This year I am even looking forward to the stinky tasks of fertilizing the soil with aged llama poo and weeding, and can't wait for a big August harvest.
My next egg should be brown, representing my summer complexion from my draw to outdoor activities. The paths are just clear enough for us to start going out with the dogs again. Honey has the opportunity to start playing high school sports with the local Christian high school, and is over the top for fall field hockey. She realizes, however, that she is not in playing shape any longer , and needs to build up her stamina . We are redirecting a bit, and will spend more time running around the soccer fields than in the hills. I am thrilled with a reason to force myself to do the same.
This summer will be much different than last. I've been planning ways to find the balance between work and play. I will still need to plan and organize my lessons for the classes I am teaching, but I can research and lesson plan for my classes just as easily by the pool now that I have a laptop. I will not need to spend as much time on the phone promoting the co-op, as we now have families beating down our doors to enroll.
My girlfriend , an art teacher and gourmet cook, has proposed some afternoon get togethers with our kids for lunch and free painting lessons. I gladly offered to supply the paints! I have always wanted to learn more about painting...how exciting. Another girlfriend and I are going to get back in the habit of weekly tea and crafting, and I am looking forward to finishing a few projects I would love to wear next fall.
HoneyGirl and I have decided to invest in summer passes to a local amusement/ water park, as many of her friends are doing the same. We did it when she and Buzz were little, and they had a lot of fun. I enjoyed parts of it, but was regularly stressed with having to face my fear of heights standing in line for the taller water slides, etc. Now she is older, so I can sit and enjoy a book while they enjoy themselves on water slides.
Back to focus...I have to get this metaphorical nest built before I can enjoy the summer!
I love winter...the crisp air, the frosty glass in the mornings, and the need for thick, wool socks. I am overjoyed when the snow falls because I know that after the shoveling is done, we can curl up by the fire and spend quiet time together; reading or playing games while we sip hot cocoa. I love our inward focus .
Then when spring approached, I morph into a busy, little wren; I dash from one project to the next and back again. I am very much of two minds during March and April. I am simulateously focused on finishing up lessons for this year with our homeschool, my classes, and the co-op. while busily planning anew the courses for next year for all three. I have a dual columned to-do list which makes this division more concrete.
And then, the recent addition of preparing everything for Buzz graduation. He took the SAT's yesterday, and feels very confident with how her performed. He really didn't understand why all his friends were freaking out, until at break he realized how much more he had prepared: Kaplan books, prep classes, timed essay practice, and years of vocabulary from Latin and Greek roots. He actually came home and thanked me for having the foresight! He and I hammered his last eight weeks out on paper this week, including applying and registering for college. So nice to be so close to returning just to being "Mom" for him!
And somehow I am enjoying myself immensly while I flit from grading papers to researching Hammurabi's code for next year's ancient studies class; then on to preparing the co-op course catalog to chatting on the phone with new families, or gathering costumes for the play next month. Just like a little wren, busily preparing her nest for the new arrivals: spring eggs.
My late spring clutch shall be of varied colors. One egg will certainly be green, as this year I need to get into that soil. I was so overwhelmed last year starting the co-op, and our gardens suffered mightly. We had little production, as the soil was sorely needing nutrients even when I planted. And I didn't do any canning or freezing at all. This year I am even looking forward to the stinky tasks of fertilizing the soil with aged llama poo and weeding, and can't wait for a big August harvest.
My next egg should be brown, representing my summer complexion from my draw to outdoor activities. The paths are just clear enough for us to start going out with the dogs again. Honey has the opportunity to start playing high school sports with the local Christian high school, and is over the top for fall field hockey. She realizes, however, that she is not in playing shape any longer , and needs to build up her stamina . We are redirecting a bit, and will spend more time running around the soccer fields than in the hills. I am thrilled with a reason to force myself to do the same.
This summer will be much different than last. I've been planning ways to find the balance between work and play. I will still need to plan and organize my lessons for the classes I am teaching, but I can research and lesson plan for my classes just as easily by the pool now that I have a laptop. I will not need to spend as much time on the phone promoting the co-op, as we now have families beating down our doors to enroll.
My girlfriend , an art teacher and gourmet cook, has proposed some afternoon get togethers with our kids for lunch and free painting lessons. I gladly offered to supply the paints! I have always wanted to learn more about painting...how exciting. Another girlfriend and I are going to get back in the habit of weekly tea and crafting, and I am looking forward to finishing a few projects I would love to wear next fall.
HoneyGirl and I have decided to invest in summer passes to a local amusement/ water park, as many of her friends are doing the same. We did it when she and Buzz were little, and they had a lot of fun. I enjoyed parts of it, but was regularly stressed with having to face my fear of heights standing in line for the taller water slides, etc. Now she is older, so I can sit and enjoy a book while they enjoy themselves on water slides.
Back to focus...I have to get this metaphorical nest built before I can enjoy the summer!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thoughts on Procrastination, Problems, and Prom Dresses
I am not Catholic, but I have been studying a bit of the cathecism and traditions of late. This year, I have been fascinated by the practice of sacrifice at Lent, and decided to participate. Not one to go light on my first round, I decided to give up procrastinating.
Truth be told, I honestly didn't think that I had a great deal of trouble with procrastinating in general. I expected to address simple issues like not letting the wet clothes sit in the washer so long I had to wash them again. Still, when I really gave myself over to it, I realized I procrastinate an awful lot, as there is always too much to do.
The whole exercise, though, made me really take a new look at the idea of procrastination. Is it really procrastination if I choose to spend a half hour in a good talk with a friend instead of drudging through boxes in teh basement? I no longer think so. Having real joy in my everyday life is just as valuable as having everything on my to-do list finished. All in all, the whole exercise has been very enlightening.
Which is good, because BuzzBoy created a major drama through bad choices that is frankly, too embarrassing to even elaborate on. It was serious enough that KingBee drove up from Virginia midweek to pick him up and take him back with him same day for a serious talking-to. He's grounded for a week, but after that has lost the priviledge of trust. We now have to monitor his facebook, phone records, and he no longer has the freedom he once had socially. All activities need approval and parental supervision. Disappointing, but we hope that our seriousness with this instance will make him realize how bad choices can effect his future and others' views of his character.
On the positive front, HoneyGirl and I have had some fun together . She sat me down earlier in the week , wanting to hammer out her high school plan. She selected the classes she wants to take at co-op next year, and we did some research selecting the foreign language she will pursue. We watched some great movies like "Slugdog Millionaire" and "City of Joy", as last week's geography theme was India.
We even went shopping for prom dresses. A friend tipped me off that you can get many name brand dresses on ebay , so we went out, found her size and dress style, and then picked the same one up at 60% off! She's thrilled.
Now, off to do some paperwork...as we only have ten weeks left of school!
Truth be told, I honestly didn't think that I had a great deal of trouble with procrastinating in general. I expected to address simple issues like not letting the wet clothes sit in the washer so long I had to wash them again. Still, when I really gave myself over to it, I realized I procrastinate an awful lot, as there is always too much to do.
The whole exercise, though, made me really take a new look at the idea of procrastination. Is it really procrastination if I choose to spend a half hour in a good talk with a friend instead of drudging through boxes in teh basement? I no longer think so. Having real joy in my everyday life is just as valuable as having everything on my to-do list finished. All in all, the whole exercise has been very enlightening.
Which is good, because BuzzBoy created a major drama through bad choices that is frankly, too embarrassing to even elaborate on. It was serious enough that KingBee drove up from Virginia midweek to pick him up and take him back with him same day for a serious talking-to. He's grounded for a week, but after that has lost the priviledge of trust. We now have to monitor his facebook, phone records, and he no longer has the freedom he once had socially. All activities need approval and parental supervision. Disappointing, but we hope that our seriousness with this instance will make him realize how bad choices can effect his future and others' views of his character.
On the positive front, HoneyGirl and I have had some fun together . She sat me down earlier in the week , wanting to hammer out her high school plan. She selected the classes she wants to take at co-op next year, and we did some research selecting the foreign language she will pursue. We watched some great movies like "Slugdog Millionaire" and "City of Joy", as last week's geography theme was India.
We even went shopping for prom dresses. A friend tipped me off that you can get many name brand dresses on ebay , so we went out, found her size and dress style, and then picked the same one up at 60% off! She's thrilled.
Now, off to do some paperwork...as we only have ten weeks left of school!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Catching UP!
I've been suffering from Avoidance blogging syndrome. I have been going at a steady buzz, but somehow felt that all the talk of the mundane tasks of catching up laundry and doing the taxes wasn't really blog-worthy. Do you care if I finally got even the dog beds washed?
After initial excitement, I have been a bit overwhelmed realizing that we have about ten weeks before BuzzBoy finishes his classes. There is a LOT to get accomplished in that time beyond his normal academics: take SAT's, apply and register at the Community College, financial aid applications, finish portfolios and get yearly evaluations done, graduation,etc. I seriously needed to turn to my trusty calendar and start plotting it all out.
In the middle of this, one of my girlfriends called with a brilliant suggestion. She has recently heard about the new trend of hiring consultants to help with the college application process. I did some research online, and this really is right up my alley. I have experience doing just that job with freshman and transfer students at both a large state university and a small private college. I comfortably "speak" the language of credits, pre-requisites, and can read course catalogues with ease. I am definitely going ot use thise time with Buzz to become updated with financial aid issues, the only end where I feel rather lacking. I might just have found my niche career that will enable me to work around the co-op teaching and directorship, which I love.
HoneyGirl has been sick, so I have used the added time when she is sleeping to do some bulk lesson planning for the classes I teach. I decided once and for all that I hate ironing, and as such gave my girlfriend a bag full of never worn blouses that took up space in my closet. I also got a car load full of unnecessaries off to donation.
And, I have been loosely planning our first big vacation in almost a decade. We have decided that we really want to do an Orlando trip once more, before Buzz goes off to college. We went in 2000, and Honeygirl was too little for thrill rides. We are piecing it all together, but hope to go the third week of May. A few parks, a day or two at the beach, and visits with friends. Let's hope it all comes together.
After initial excitement, I have been a bit overwhelmed realizing that we have about ten weeks before BuzzBoy finishes his classes. There is a LOT to get accomplished in that time beyond his normal academics: take SAT's, apply and register at the Community College, financial aid applications, finish portfolios and get yearly evaluations done, graduation,etc. I seriously needed to turn to my trusty calendar and start plotting it all out.
In the middle of this, one of my girlfriends called with a brilliant suggestion. She has recently heard about the new trend of hiring consultants to help with the college application process. I did some research online, and this really is right up my alley. I have experience doing just that job with freshman and transfer students at both a large state university and a small private college. I comfortably "speak" the language of credits, pre-requisites, and can read course catalogues with ease. I am definitely going ot use thise time with Buzz to become updated with financial aid issues, the only end where I feel rather lacking. I might just have found my niche career that will enable me to work around the co-op teaching and directorship, which I love.
HoneyGirl has been sick, so I have used the added time when she is sleeping to do some bulk lesson planning for the classes I teach. I decided once and for all that I hate ironing, and as such gave my girlfriend a bag full of never worn blouses that took up space in my closet. I also got a car load full of unnecessaries off to donation.
And, I have been loosely planning our first big vacation in almost a decade. We have decided that we really want to do an Orlando trip once more, before Buzz goes off to college. We went in 2000, and Honeygirl was too little for thrill rides. We are piecing it all together, but hope to go the third week of May. A few parks, a day or two at the beach, and visits with friends. Let's hope it all comes together.
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