We have decided to take a new twist on the concept of the summer reading list. This year, Honeygirl and I are selecting a list of three books that we will read simulataneously. We will meet together a few times a week over meals and discuss the ideas in the books, and possibly pursue some activities related to the reading .
The first book she selected is "The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai lama. She has been fascinated with his story since his historic visit to our area last summer. She also has become very aware in recent months that happiness is a choice we can all make, despite our circumstances.
Still, some concepts in this book are more mature, which I feel makes it a perfect choice to read and discuss in this way. My dear friend at Learning Umbrella has helped us with our activity idea: Thirty Days of Happy.
We will both journal throughout, and then share our joy.
We are going to make a trip to the book store and library before making our other two choices. If any of you have any book suggestions for us, please share!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Finally, An Easy Fix!
Once in a blue moon, when the planets are all aligning just so, we are blessed with an easy fix. Yesterday was exactly one of those days!!
Honeygirl's visits with the opthamologist and vision therapist went so well.
After a detailed interview period, she was able to piece together Honey's visual struggles to see smaller print and the ineffectiveness of her old reading glasses to help at all. Her eye doctor told her to close her eyes and hold a card where she would to read comfortably. Honey obliged, putting it about a foot from her nose.
She proceeded with the exam through which we discovered that Honey's vision has totally changed. Her far-sightedness has completely self-corrected, but she has developed astigmatism in both eyes and a hint of near-sightedness. The astigmatism was causing clarity problems, especially with smaller print, so she automatically sought out her reading glasses. Unfortunately, they were having a reverse effect, so she was bringing the text super close to her eyes. This was causing them to cross, and thus, causing the headaches!
Honey was immediately filled with relief. A few tests with the appropriate corrected lenses, and she was reading both near and far well, without headaches. The vision therapist then worked with her, and determined that she is not having significant tracking problems needing treatment. We got her prescription, and she got the good news that she does not need them for outdoor activities (her only concern.)
We were both so happy that shopping for frames was as fun as shopping for shoes. She picked a cute modern frame that looks adorable. And the Hallelujah chorus resounded in the background as we drove away...
Honeygirl's visits with the opthamologist and vision therapist went so well.
After a detailed interview period, she was able to piece together Honey's visual struggles to see smaller print and the ineffectiveness of her old reading glasses to help at all. Her eye doctor told her to close her eyes and hold a card where she would to read comfortably. Honey obliged, putting it about a foot from her nose.
She proceeded with the exam through which we discovered that Honey's vision has totally changed. Her far-sightedness has completely self-corrected, but she has developed astigmatism in both eyes and a hint of near-sightedness. The astigmatism was causing clarity problems, especially with smaller print, so she automatically sought out her reading glasses. Unfortunately, they were having a reverse effect, so she was bringing the text super close to her eyes. This was causing them to cross, and thus, causing the headaches!
Honey was immediately filled with relief. A few tests with the appropriate corrected lenses, and she was reading both near and far well, without headaches. The vision therapist then worked with her, and determined that she is not having significant tracking problems needing treatment. We got her prescription, and she got the good news that she does not need them for outdoor activities (her only concern.)
We were both so happy that shopping for frames was as fun as shopping for shoes. She picked a cute modern frame that looks adorable. And the Hallelujah chorus resounded in the background as we drove away...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Strategies for Dyslexia in Homeschooled Teens
HoneyGirl, as many of you know, is dyslexic. Education has been a long and different path. There were the years of early frustrations with her inability to grasp reading and writing through traditional methods , only confused by the fact that she could think analytically and manage challenging tasks like using a dicotomous key at age 7.
When the reading specialist diagnosed dyslexia, all the inconsistences made sense. I considered sending her to public school even, as I did not want to slight her chances for success through my lack on training. Of course, just one afternoon visit to the school changed all that. Their goal for success was clearly labeled when they told me she would never read beyond the second grade level. I felt this was a little premature since she was only eight at the time and they had only looked at her on paper, and figured we couldn't do worse on our own!
The next challenge was for me to learn teaching methods that worked for hte way her brain was wired. I read everything I could, and was reassured to find so much information out there. A few of our favorite sources were the Bristol Dyslexia Center and The Dyslexia Teacher.
Once we began using a multi-faceted teaching approach to reading, Honey began to thrive. We created visual pictures for all the dolch sight words. We practiced writing in the sand box. We played games designed to help her listening skills, so that her auditory learning was strengthened while her visual and fine motor caught up. It was a LOT of hard work, with many tearful moments. I gained a new perspective on different learners watching her struggle to gain the most basic skills.
I also focused on her emotional well-being. The repeated warnings associating dyslexia and low-self esteem and depression were very real. I repeatedly stated that her "disability is not a liability," but I needed to show her that our mantra was more than words. As proof, we made our history focus for the year biographical in nature: famous dyslexics throughout history. This made all the difference for her.
Over the course of that 3rd grade year, she went from barely reading to reading early chapter books for pleasure. She still struggled greatly with writing issues, but I realized through the practice of narration that she had no problem with creative and organized thought. I had her begin a kiddie computer typing program over the summer , which she quickly completed, and moved her onto Mavis Beacon. To develop her fine motor, we started drawing together every day.
By the beginning of fourth grade, she seemed to have overcome enough to function in an almost traditional fashion. She still needed small helps , such as bookmark to keep her line, but the progress was remarkable. Each time a struggle arose, we would brainstorm in ways until she was able to adapt.
This year, however, we began to run into some challenges that were not as simple to overcome. Pre-algebra was the first wall. Imagine how difficult it would be to solve problems if you could not determine if the parenthesis was on the L or the R of the number? Order of operations is next to impossible! I would sit and use highlighters to create a code, but I could see that it was quickly becoming quite defeating. Her self-esteem, already being bombarded with the effects of hormone- induced teenage angst, began to falter.
Another issue to rear it's head was the changing size of font in more books. It seems that anything below 14 pt triggers her dyslexia. She tried going back to bookmark tracking, then making line frames ( taking an index card and cutting out a rectangle the size of a single line). More and more, she struggled with migraine type headaches that came on within 20 minutes of reading. The treatment was as simple as resting her eyes completely for an hour.
She quickly realized that this was not going to be a feasible was to approach her studies (20 min on/ 1 hr off) and have a life. The reading/tracking issues have been making self-correction of her writing near impossible on the computer screen. Additionally, she is now at a stage were there is just too much information for her to memorize it all without some sort of notes to study from later. She is finding it difficult to keep up with the amount of notes that need to be taken in upper level classes, both in class and while reading.
She is my practical and responsible child, and has become more and more anxious for some solutions before beginning full high school level work next year. WHile I could easily give her lists on notes, SHE wants to learn strategies that she can manage on her own. Honey is very clear that dumbing down her curriculum is the LAST option. She also began doubting herself for the first time, which has been painful to watch.
We began brainstorming ideas and solutions that would help. I spoke a dear friend who is a specialist in special education. She made some great suggestions that we are now actively researching and/or incorporating into our plan for next year.
1) Eye exam and vision therapy: The vision check is a no-brainer, but while she may need reading glasses, we are not expecting this to be the solution. Our eye doctor had discussed vision therapy options with us years ago, when she was first diagnosed with dyslexia, but it was relatively new at that time. This will help correct any tracking issues (eyes not reading at the same speed)
2) Type Away: This girl types like the wind, so why am I forcing her to try to handwrite it all? A laptop is more than just a luxury item for this girl. We will get her one of her own for taking notes on her reading and in classes.
We did a small experiment that was beyond encouraging. I had her watch a Discovery channel show on Earth day, and set her up with my laptop to type notes. I sat down next to her and hand-wrote my own set of notes. Now I am a relatively skilled note-taker, yet at the end of the experiment, our notes were almost identical. She was beyond thrilled!
3) Take advantage of audio/ MP3 books: This is new for us, but our first try seemed very helpful. Honey is a bit nervous about reading classics within the time frames given in classes, so needed some help there. For instance, we are reading the poetic version of the Iliad in my ancient world studies class, but 418 pages at her current reading rate of 20 min on/ 1 hour off would be like climbing Everest! With an audio book, she can listen actively and type notes.
4) Drop Textbooks and Opt for Multimedia: Again, we are focusing on her learning style strengths. I have been researching as many multimedia options as I can find. We tested and have purchased Teaching Textbooks for algebra I, and the approach seems a much better fit. I am creating a phsycial science program that is much more hands-on than a plain text.
5) Select Outside Classes that Play to her Strengths: Our co-op is wonderful, but not every class will work well for a dyslexic student. We whipped up some non-alcoholic margheritas last weekend and went through the course catalogue (now online). She selected a painting course, public speaking, conversational German, ancient world studies and yearbook/newsletter. We will do science, math, and additional literature at home.
As we get further into this journey over the summer, I will share more.
If any of you have any suggestions to share, please leave them in the comments section. We are open to anything right now!
When the reading specialist diagnosed dyslexia, all the inconsistences made sense. I considered sending her to public school even, as I did not want to slight her chances for success through my lack on training. Of course, just one afternoon visit to the school changed all that. Their goal for success was clearly labeled when they told me she would never read beyond the second grade level. I felt this was a little premature since she was only eight at the time and they had only looked at her on paper, and figured we couldn't do worse on our own!
The next challenge was for me to learn teaching methods that worked for hte way her brain was wired. I read everything I could, and was reassured to find so much information out there. A few of our favorite sources were the Bristol Dyslexia Center and The Dyslexia Teacher.
Once we began using a multi-faceted teaching approach to reading, Honey began to thrive. We created visual pictures for all the dolch sight words. We practiced writing in the sand box. We played games designed to help her listening skills, so that her auditory learning was strengthened while her visual and fine motor caught up. It was a LOT of hard work, with many tearful moments. I gained a new perspective on different learners watching her struggle to gain the most basic skills.
I also focused on her emotional well-being. The repeated warnings associating dyslexia and low-self esteem and depression were very real. I repeatedly stated that her "disability is not a liability," but I needed to show her that our mantra was more than words. As proof, we made our history focus for the year biographical in nature: famous dyslexics throughout history. This made all the difference for her.
Over the course of that 3rd grade year, she went from barely reading to reading early chapter books for pleasure. She still struggled greatly with writing issues, but I realized through the practice of narration that she had no problem with creative and organized thought. I had her begin a kiddie computer typing program over the summer , which she quickly completed, and moved her onto Mavis Beacon. To develop her fine motor, we started drawing together every day.
By the beginning of fourth grade, she seemed to have overcome enough to function in an almost traditional fashion. She still needed small helps , such as bookmark to keep her line, but the progress was remarkable. Each time a struggle arose, we would brainstorm in ways until she was able to adapt.
This year, however, we began to run into some challenges that were not as simple to overcome. Pre-algebra was the first wall. Imagine how difficult it would be to solve problems if you could not determine if the parenthesis was on the L or the R of the number? Order of operations is next to impossible! I would sit and use highlighters to create a code, but I could see that it was quickly becoming quite defeating. Her self-esteem, already being bombarded with the effects of hormone- induced teenage angst, began to falter.
Another issue to rear it's head was the changing size of font in more books. It seems that anything below 14 pt triggers her dyslexia. She tried going back to bookmark tracking, then making line frames ( taking an index card and cutting out a rectangle the size of a single line). More and more, she struggled with migraine type headaches that came on within 20 minutes of reading. The treatment was as simple as resting her eyes completely for an hour.
She quickly realized that this was not going to be a feasible was to approach her studies (20 min on/ 1 hr off) and have a life. The reading/tracking issues have been making self-correction of her writing near impossible on the computer screen. Additionally, she is now at a stage were there is just too much information for her to memorize it all without some sort of notes to study from later. She is finding it difficult to keep up with the amount of notes that need to be taken in upper level classes, both in class and while reading.
She is my practical and responsible child, and has become more and more anxious for some solutions before beginning full high school level work next year. WHile I could easily give her lists on notes, SHE wants to learn strategies that she can manage on her own. Honey is very clear that dumbing down her curriculum is the LAST option. She also began doubting herself for the first time, which has been painful to watch.
We began brainstorming ideas and solutions that would help. I spoke a dear friend who is a specialist in special education. She made some great suggestions that we are now actively researching and/or incorporating into our plan for next year.
1) Eye exam and vision therapy: The vision check is a no-brainer, but while she may need reading glasses, we are not expecting this to be the solution. Our eye doctor had discussed vision therapy options with us years ago, when she was first diagnosed with dyslexia, but it was relatively new at that time. This will help correct any tracking issues (eyes not reading at the same speed)
2) Type Away: This girl types like the wind, so why am I forcing her to try to handwrite it all? A laptop is more than just a luxury item for this girl. We will get her one of her own for taking notes on her reading and in classes.
We did a small experiment that was beyond encouraging. I had her watch a Discovery channel show on Earth day, and set her up with my laptop to type notes. I sat down next to her and hand-wrote my own set of notes. Now I am a relatively skilled note-taker, yet at the end of the experiment, our notes were almost identical. She was beyond thrilled!
3) Take advantage of audio/ MP3 books: This is new for us, but our first try seemed very helpful. Honey is a bit nervous about reading classics within the time frames given in classes, so needed some help there. For instance, we are reading the poetic version of the Iliad in my ancient world studies class, but 418 pages at her current reading rate of 20 min on/ 1 hour off would be like climbing Everest! With an audio book, she can listen actively and type notes.
4) Drop Textbooks and Opt for Multimedia: Again, we are focusing on her learning style strengths. I have been researching as many multimedia options as I can find. We tested and have purchased Teaching Textbooks for algebra I, and the approach seems a much better fit. I am creating a phsycial science program that is much more hands-on than a plain text.
5) Select Outside Classes that Play to her Strengths: Our co-op is wonderful, but not every class will work well for a dyslexic student. We whipped up some non-alcoholic margheritas last weekend and went through the course catalogue (now online). She selected a painting course, public speaking, conversational German, ancient world studies and yearbook/newsletter. We will do science, math, and additional literature at home.
As we get further into this journey over the summer, I will share more.
If any of you have any suggestions to share, please leave them in the comments section. We are open to anything right now!
Friday, April 24, 2009
THe Countdown continues...
I apologize to any of you that was within the tri-state area and was startled by my screams of joy yesterday. I was simply exploding with relief as I left the printer afer dropping off not only the course catalogue and schedule for the co-op next year, but also the 180 page Short Story book that my creative writing class collaborated on this year. I don't want to LOOK at an editing pen for weeks!
The children's production of "Annie Jr." was fabulous. I would post photos, but in my hurry to get the film developed for our yearbook advisor, I took them to a local developer instead of Snapfish. I handed the discs off to her before uploading them to my computer...duh! But the kids were absolutely amazing.
I actually have a bit of breathing room for a few days, and cannot be more pleased with the predicted warm weather. Some time outside pjreparing the veggie and flower beds, and degriming the patio after the winter is exactly what I need.
Are you all remembering to take some time outside now? We all need it, in order to recharge for our final push of our homeschool year. We only have three weeks left, and then our evaluations and VACATION!
I have a few posts in my mind that I will try to sort out and get online over the next few days. I've been doing a lot of research on dyslexia adaptations for older students, as Honey has been facing some new challenges. I am so blessed to have a fabulous friend and evaluator with a strong background in special education (WE LOVE YOU,PATTI!) She has been working with us in developing some new strategies , and results have been very promising so far.
Now, off to enjoy this warm weather!
The children's production of "Annie Jr." was fabulous. I would post photos, but in my hurry to get the film developed for our yearbook advisor, I took them to a local developer instead of Snapfish. I handed the discs off to her before uploading them to my computer...duh! But the kids were absolutely amazing.
I actually have a bit of breathing room for a few days, and cannot be more pleased with the predicted warm weather. Some time outside pjreparing the veggie and flower beds, and degriming the patio after the winter is exactly what I need.
Are you all remembering to take some time outside now? We all need it, in order to recharge for our final push of our homeschool year. We only have three weeks left, and then our evaluations and VACATION!
I have a few posts in my mind that I will try to sort out and get online over the next few days. I've been doing a lot of research on dyslexia adaptations for older students, as Honey has been facing some new challenges. I am so blessed to have a fabulous friend and evaluator with a strong background in special education (WE LOVE YOU,PATTI!) She has been working with us in developing some new strategies , and results have been very promising so far.
Now, off to enjoy this warm weather!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Dreaded Frustration with Homeschool Science Curricula
Another spring, and yet another year of frustration with homeschool science curricula. Why doesn't someone out there write a homeschool friendly secular science curriculum for secondary students? It seems that all the options out there are either boring school texts, with completely unaffordable teaching materials, or Apologia. What about the kids who like more hands-on exploration and experimentation?
You would think that with a co-op as wonderful as ours, the science dilemna would be over. But alas, I designed our group for the teacher's to choose their own curriculum (since they are volunteers). And our lead science teacher has been teaching with Apologia for years, and while she doesn't love it , she is also a very busy full-time physician at the local hospital. She doesn't want to reinvent the wheel with all new lesson planning, and her two youngest are ready for physcial science this year.
However, that leaves me in the lurch. HoneyGirl loves the woman who is teaching the class, but one look at the textbook made her cringe. "Mom, science has got to be about more than learning lists of vocabulary words!"
My girl wants to take the principles and ideas and run with them.
Time restrictions have always been the thing that kept me from taking on full out science beyond the environmental. I am not strong in the field, and as such relied too heavily on pre-packaged curriculum. But next year, Buzz is off to college, and Honey is taking a large number of classes at the co-op, relieving me of much of the burdens of planning. I finally have the time to make science a subject that is living and dynamic at home.
I now have the perfect oppotunity to take the plunge into "guided rabbit trail science. " I picked the brain of dear friend who also teaches at the co-op that just happens to have a PhD in biophysics and cell biology. She has researched this dilemna a ton more than I have, and she offered some great suggestions. We had a wonderful brainstorming session, and she gave me a great wealth of ideas.
Then, HoneyGirl and I sat and had our own brainstorming session. She is always so attuned to her learning desires, and offered great insight. She wants to do a few 6-8 week units, with lots of hands on projects. She is definitely interested in physical science, chemistry, human biology and conservation science.
Physical Science is pretty easy, thanks to a lead from my friend. Science MaTe has solid online curriculum that is secular, fairly completed and FREE. I'm going to gather up a number of resources on fun labs and activities, and create unit boxes for her. Books like Teaching Physics with Toys and Hands On Physcial Science Activities will be great jumping off places. Having boxes filled with bottles, alka selzer, rockets, magnets, and thermometers will surely tempt!
Science MaTe also has curriculum for human biology, which can be the bones for another unit. I am going to have to research a book I had seen a while back, full of experiments on the human body that the student performs on the self through fitness, diet, etc. that should be quite fun. I'll post when I locate the title.
I am still looking for a nice chemistry unit, but this interests me: Principles of Alchemy. I need to do more research, but again, this might be great bones that I can add to the box approach. I have seen some great stuff on teaching period table , and we have one of those CHEM LAB 2000 setting around. Send unique lab suggestions please!
Lastly, I pondered ideas about conservation science. We have done so much through all the years of environmental science about reduced carbon footprint and recycling, etc. This is 9th grade, and we both want something bigger. Then I remembered a kit I was drooling over in the science center gift shop: Thames and Kosmos Power House.
From the manufacturer:
Learn to Use Sustainable Resources to Survive!
You are about to be stranded on an island, where you will need to learn to live sustainably using the resources available to you on the small island. To survive, you must learn how to harness the power of the sun and the wind as well as tap the energy of other physical forces. You will read the journal entries of islanders and build models of the same projects or conduct the same experiments right alongside them.
You’ll build a model house complete with solar panels, windmill, greenhouse, and desalination system. You can build and operate an electric train, solar cooker, solar hot water tank, hygrometer, electric motor, power hoist, sail car and more! This kit includes a 96-page full color manual with 70 experiments and 20 building projects.
This is a great starting point for activities, that we can then follow down rabbit trails further to explore the science and current technology trends. Not sure if I am going to purchase the kit, or just steal the ideas and search for plans on the internet to do full-size models of the various experiments.
Yes, science is suddenly looking much more interesting!
You would think that with a co-op as wonderful as ours, the science dilemna would be over. But alas, I designed our group for the teacher's to choose their own curriculum (since they are volunteers). And our lead science teacher has been teaching with Apologia for years, and while she doesn't love it , she is also a very busy full-time physician at the local hospital. She doesn't want to reinvent the wheel with all new lesson planning, and her two youngest are ready for physcial science this year.
However, that leaves me in the lurch. HoneyGirl loves the woman who is teaching the class, but one look at the textbook made her cringe. "Mom, science has got to be about more than learning lists of vocabulary words!"
My girl wants to take the principles and ideas and run with them.
Time restrictions have always been the thing that kept me from taking on full out science beyond the environmental. I am not strong in the field, and as such relied too heavily on pre-packaged curriculum. But next year, Buzz is off to college, and Honey is taking a large number of classes at the co-op, relieving me of much of the burdens of planning. I finally have the time to make science a subject that is living and dynamic at home.
I now have the perfect oppotunity to take the plunge into "guided rabbit trail science. " I picked the brain of dear friend who also teaches at the co-op that just happens to have a PhD in biophysics and cell biology. She has researched this dilemna a ton more than I have, and she offered some great suggestions. We had a wonderful brainstorming session, and she gave me a great wealth of ideas.
Then, HoneyGirl and I sat and had our own brainstorming session. She is always so attuned to her learning desires, and offered great insight. She wants to do a few 6-8 week units, with lots of hands on projects. She is definitely interested in physical science, chemistry, human biology and conservation science.
Physical Science is pretty easy, thanks to a lead from my friend. Science MaTe has solid online curriculum that is secular, fairly completed and FREE. I'm going to gather up a number of resources on fun labs and activities, and create unit boxes for her. Books like Teaching Physics with Toys and Hands On Physcial Science Activities will be great jumping off places. Having boxes filled with bottles, alka selzer, rockets, magnets, and thermometers will surely tempt!
Science MaTe also has curriculum for human biology, which can be the bones for another unit. I am going to have to research a book I had seen a while back, full of experiments on the human body that the student performs on the self through fitness, diet, etc. that should be quite fun. I'll post when I locate the title.
I am still looking for a nice chemistry unit, but this interests me: Principles of Alchemy. I need to do more research, but again, this might be great bones that I can add to the box approach. I have seen some great stuff on teaching period table , and we have one of those CHEM LAB 2000 setting around. Send unique lab suggestions please!
Lastly, I pondered ideas about conservation science. We have done so much through all the years of environmental science about reduced carbon footprint and recycling, etc. This is 9th grade, and we both want something bigger. Then I remembered a kit I was drooling over in the science center gift shop: Thames and Kosmos Power House.
From the manufacturer:
Learn to Use Sustainable Resources to Survive!
You are about to be stranded on an island, where you will need to learn to live sustainably using the resources available to you on the small island. To survive, you must learn how to harness the power of the sun and the wind as well as tap the energy of other physical forces. You will read the journal entries of islanders and build models of the same projects or conduct the same experiments right alongside them.
You’ll build a model house complete with solar panels, windmill, greenhouse, and desalination system. You can build and operate an electric train, solar cooker, solar hot water tank, hygrometer, electric motor, power hoist, sail car and more! This kit includes a 96-page full color manual with 70 experiments and 20 building projects.
This is a great starting point for activities, that we can then follow down rabbit trails further to explore the science and current technology trends. Not sure if I am going to purchase the kit, or just steal the ideas and search for plans on the internet to do full-size models of the various experiments.
Yes, science is suddenly looking much more interesting!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Getting Creative in A Big Way...
This week I will be working with my friend Kim to design the sets for our musical theatre classes production of "Annie." And while it is a big task, I am actually looking forward to the creative outlet.
In past years, the sets were painted onto giant sheets of cardboard and then tossed. But that seemed like a huge waste of effort. I would rather invest the money is some permanent sets now, so that each year we can just redesign them according to the show.
So I asked Kim, our art teacher and former professional muralist. She exploded with ideas. We are going to use foam insulation panels, 4' x 8', and are painting them. She has designed sets in the past, and found that these are a great investment, because they are lightweight and so easy to paint over time and again.
I then turned to my ever-talented hubby , asking him to design bases for these panels. After a bit of discussion, he came up with an ingenous stand system that will allow us to turn the panels around, thus utilizing each side of the panel for different scenes. With more than two scenes, we can change out additional panels that are kept off stage. Plus, they are so light and sturdy, that we can also attach a third scene panel to the back if we wish.
HoneyGirl and BuzzBoy helped him build the six stands while I was at work yesterday. I'll be painting them today, and then we will be transporting them all to the church where we will begin the tasks of painting the panels. I'll be posting pictures of the sets as we go.
This is so much more fun than cleaning the house for Easter dinner!
In past years, the sets were painted onto giant sheets of cardboard and then tossed. But that seemed like a huge waste of effort. I would rather invest the money is some permanent sets now, so that each year we can just redesign them according to the show.
So I asked Kim, our art teacher and former professional muralist. She exploded with ideas. We are going to use foam insulation panels, 4' x 8', and are painting them. She has designed sets in the past, and found that these are a great investment, because they are lightweight and so easy to paint over time and again.
I then turned to my ever-talented hubby , asking him to design bases for these panels. After a bit of discussion, he came up with an ingenous stand system that will allow us to turn the panels around, thus utilizing each side of the panel for different scenes. With more than two scenes, we can change out additional panels that are kept off stage. Plus, they are so light and sturdy, that we can also attach a third scene panel to the back if we wish.
HoneyGirl and BuzzBoy helped him build the six stands while I was at work yesterday. I'll be painting them today, and then we will be transporting them all to the church where we will begin the tasks of painting the panels. I'll be posting pictures of the sets as we go.
This is so much more fun than cleaning the house for Easter dinner!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Responsibility and Teens...
I have long preached the merits of teaching responsiblity in our children . I feel it is just as important as the three R's. It may be even more so, for a child that has been gradually made responsible in age-appropriate ways over the years is SO much easier to teach!
Of course, this thinking goes against popular culture. Even some of my closest friends disagree with me on this point. They wait on their teenagers hand and foot, while the teen lives a life of complete leisure. They work part time jobs to afford the newest gadgets or pay for a myriad of lessons them. All the while, constantly martyring themselves, for they don't do spend any money or time on themselves without feeling guilty.
I've never quite gotten how others feel it helps our teens to be responsiblity free around the home. There is no reason in the world that they cannot help with laundry, vacuming, and yard work. These are family chores, and they are part of the family! While none of these jobs is "fun", they certainly aren't awful, nor do they take a great deal of time.
I've always required my kids so help some, on the advice of one of the wisest women I've ever known: my grandmother. She was indeed a great dame; an uneducated farmer's daughter who took the work ethic she was raised with into the city to learn a trade (sewing) and make a wonderful life for herself. She made a small fortune, in those days, working in the Steel Mills during the war effort because she opted for piece work rate, knowing it was a golden opportunity if she only put out the effort. A single mother, she bought a house for herself and her aging parents that way.
My grandmother instructed me when my children were very young that responsibility is the key to a healthy and happy children. This idea seemed quite foreign to me, as I had been quite a spoiled only child. Yet she pointed out the simple truth that children need something to be proud of in order to build self esteem.
As we sat on her porch, she pointed to Buzz Boy, then four, happily following behind his daddy as he cut the lawn , marching around the yard with his little bubble mower.
" Kids are born with the desire to help. It is the foolish parent that stifles that, and props their children up like little royals. Growing up on the farm, we all learned about responsibility and work , and grew up helping iwthout complaining. "
I asked her if she had been paid for all her effort, because frankly, I hadn't done any chores as a kid unless there was a dime or nickel in it for me. She laughed.
"Honey, we were fed and housed, and that was enough. " She reminded me that I needed to step back and look at the big picture, and see that the best way to build work ethic is to teach responsiblity without payment. "You don't want your kids to grow up feeling that they have to be paid for everything they do, because they will then perform according to the pay rate. There are a lot of times in life when you have to work hard for very little, and you want them to understand the difference."
I've taken heart to her advice, and I have to say it has proven solid in my now teenagers. They work equally hard in volunteer situations as they do for wages. They help me with projects simply because I ask them for a hand, without expecting money. And they appreciate all that we do for them, because they have a real understanding of money and responsiblity.
Year later, I was turned onto the theories of the great educator, John Taylor Gatto. He gave historical data showing that it wasn't until after the Civil War that childhood moved from about 14 yr to 18yrs old. His research and beliefs were so aligned with Granny that I felt encouraged to continue the path.
This is all a very long segway into a great book that I am reading, The Case Against Adolesence" by Robert Epstein, Ph.D. I'm only a few chapters into it, but is seems that Dr. Epstein thinks a lot like Granny. I'm just finishing up the first section "The Case Against the Artifical Extension of Childhood", and I find myself nodding in agreement on every page. (Epstein even cites Gatto's "The Underground History of Education", which sold me on the spot! ) I love that he then goes on to talking about the "Capabilities of Young People", turning the book into an encouragement to see a different way than popular culture.
If anyone else chooses to pick this up, please let me know. I'd love to converse about it with others!
Of course, this thinking goes against popular culture. Even some of my closest friends disagree with me on this point. They wait on their teenagers hand and foot, while the teen lives a life of complete leisure. They work part time jobs to afford the newest gadgets or pay for a myriad of lessons them. All the while, constantly martyring themselves, for they don't do spend any money or time on themselves without feeling guilty.
I've never quite gotten how others feel it helps our teens to be responsiblity free around the home. There is no reason in the world that they cannot help with laundry, vacuming, and yard work. These are family chores, and they are part of the family! While none of these jobs is "fun", they certainly aren't awful, nor do they take a great deal of time.
I've always required my kids so help some, on the advice of one of the wisest women I've ever known: my grandmother. She was indeed a great dame; an uneducated farmer's daughter who took the work ethic she was raised with into the city to learn a trade (sewing) and make a wonderful life for herself. She made a small fortune, in those days, working in the Steel Mills during the war effort because she opted for piece work rate, knowing it was a golden opportunity if she only put out the effort. A single mother, she bought a house for herself and her aging parents that way.
My grandmother instructed me when my children were very young that responsibility is the key to a healthy and happy children. This idea seemed quite foreign to me, as I had been quite a spoiled only child. Yet she pointed out the simple truth that children need something to be proud of in order to build self esteem.
As we sat on her porch, she pointed to Buzz Boy, then four, happily following behind his daddy as he cut the lawn , marching around the yard with his little bubble mower.
" Kids are born with the desire to help. It is the foolish parent that stifles that, and props their children up like little royals. Growing up on the farm, we all learned about responsibility and work , and grew up helping iwthout complaining. "
I asked her if she had been paid for all her effort, because frankly, I hadn't done any chores as a kid unless there was a dime or nickel in it for me. She laughed.
"Honey, we were fed and housed, and that was enough. " She reminded me that I needed to step back and look at the big picture, and see that the best way to build work ethic is to teach responsiblity without payment. "You don't want your kids to grow up feeling that they have to be paid for everything they do, because they will then perform according to the pay rate. There are a lot of times in life when you have to work hard for very little, and you want them to understand the difference."
I've taken heart to her advice, and I have to say it has proven solid in my now teenagers. They work equally hard in volunteer situations as they do for wages. They help me with projects simply because I ask them for a hand, without expecting money. And they appreciate all that we do for them, because they have a real understanding of money and responsiblity.
Year later, I was turned onto the theories of the great educator, John Taylor Gatto. He gave historical data showing that it wasn't until after the Civil War that childhood moved from about 14 yr to 18yrs old. His research and beliefs were so aligned with Granny that I felt encouraged to continue the path.
This is all a very long segway into a great book that I am reading, The Case Against Adolesence" by Robert Epstein, Ph.D. I'm only a few chapters into it, but is seems that Dr. Epstein thinks a lot like Granny. I'm just finishing up the first section "The Case Against the Artifical Extension of Childhood", and I find myself nodding in agreement on every page. (Epstein even cites Gatto's "The Underground History of Education", which sold me on the spot! ) I love that he then goes on to talking about the "Capabilities of Young People", turning the book into an encouragement to see a different way than popular culture.
If anyone else chooses to pick this up, please let me know. I'd love to converse about it with others!
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