Inman Library Class: September 2014

The children attended Inman's library homeschool classes today.  They always enjoy the Inman classes.

Things have changed this school year.  Ms. Terri is no longer at the library.  Her husband was transferred to Texas and she, of course, moved with him.  We will miss Ms. Terri.  Her classes were always fun and very informative.

Ms. Megan has taken over as the children's librarian.  She had a great first day with the children in Little Man's group.  She is following well in Ms. Terri's footsteps.

'Where In the World Are You' is the topic of this school year.  The children were given worksheets and filled them in with information they learned.  They colored a picture of a globe and made little paper boomerangs, as they learned about Australia.    Everyone was excited as they exited the doors.

Ms. Sarah was Egee's teacher this time.  She had created The Break Neck Bistro for the teens theme.  They are learning to create microwave foods.  Of course, this was right up Egee's alley.   They learned to make a very simple lasagna today.  Egee saved me a bite and it was good.   She loves to cook and now she will have things to make for us.  I can't wait!

Ms. Sarah also conducts the tween class on Nature Study.  Friends of ours had children attend this program.  They went outside and played a nature game and looked for different plants and animals.  They are keeping a nature journal for the class, as well.  They all seemed to enjoy it. 

While waiting on the teen class to finish, the younger ones played outside and came back with an interesting seed pod.  They thought they found green beans.  They cut into the pods and extracted the seeds and I looked up the pods on the internet.  From all the evidence they collected, we believe they found a Kentucky Coffee Tree. 

I read to them the information I found and we learned more about the plant and how it is used.  It was very interesting. 

Can't wait for the next class!

What?! "Poll: Most Americans Want to Criminalize Pre-Teens Playing Unsupervised"

Okay, so the other day I saw this article :

 http://reason.com/archives/2014/08/20/helicopter-parenting-run-amok-most-ameri

I just had to click on it and read it.  The attack on parents actually letting their kids be kids has been popping up here and there in the news.  So, just how much of our population thinks we should nanny state our children?  I had to find out.

Ugh!  Sixty-eight percent of adults feel that children under the age of nine and under should not be allowed to play outside in a park unsupervised!

Now, my mother was one that didn't allow us to roam all over.  However, we played outdoors after breakfast until lunch and then back out we went until supper.   We lived on a dead end street and could go up and down it to friends houses.  She checked on us periodically and guess what, I am here as an adult writing about it.

I had the most freedom at my grandparents' house.  I could walk up and down the street or play in the huge city block field behind their house.  I walked a little over half a mile from school everyday to their house.  It seemed much farther back then.  I was a latchkey kid and it was just what pretty much all kids did.  I never remember being afraid to be out and about like that.  I don't want my kids to fear it either.  They are armed with self defense and common sense. 

I feel that parents should use common sense and what seems right for one child or family may not be for another.  A mature six year old vs an immature nine year old will have different needs.  Would I send my six year old out to play unsupervised in a public park?  No.  That is just me and my feelings.  Mainly because we live to far away from a public park to allow this.  If the park was right down the street, it would depend on a host of circumstances.  However, I am not going to judge the actions of another family.

I have had to come to terms with allowing my children to play in our neighborhood.  I put my trust in them and if they break the trust they are restricted.  Little Man has taught me much of this.  He is a social butterfly to find friends to play with in the neighborhood.  This last year and  a half, I have freed the reigns and allowed him to go here and there in the neighborhood.  He has to let me know where he is headed and report home at given intervals.  He has enjoyed his freedom.  Thank goodness we live in a neighborhood with common sense!

I allow the children to go to the neighborhood lake and fish.  I check on them periodically from our  backyard and they are happily fishing the afternoon away.  I am far enough away, yet close enough if needed.  Most of the neighbors are familiar with the different children in the neighborhood and keep an eye out for them.  Many children ride their bikes or walk here and there to friends houses. It is nice to see kids outside and playing.

I hope that the pendulum swings back to the days that kids could be kids and all adults kept a watchful eye on them.  Adults that won't mettle into other's affairs and will quit micromanaging kids and the parent.  If they see a child out having a good time and they don't see the parent, oh well.  If the child needs help, then step in and help them.  Be a good neighbor, not a nosy one.   

With the 24 hour news cycle, most people have become paranoid of every little what if.  Kids are just as safe now as they were years ago.  In fact, now most kids have a cell phone and can access their parents within seconds.  No need to run home.  So, if a parent isn't visible it doesn't mean they aren't close in touch with their child.  Let's all use common sense and our children will be better off. 

RIP Mrs. Nancy

I don't normally scan the obituaries on a daily basis or even weekly basis.  I found out today that our beloved Landrum children's librarian Mrs. Nancy Caldwell had passed back in July. 

We came to know Mrs. Nancy mid way through our first homeschool year in the winter of 2012.  We had ventured up to Landrum library to check out the homeschool program and fell in love with Mrs. Nancy.

She was a wonderful woman that loved children.  She interacted with them and always had a smile to share.  The children in the programs always knew Mrs. Nancy loved what she did.  She asked them about their summer vacation, what they did over Christmas break, what cool stuff had they done recently, etc. 

She wasn't afraid to make a mess with her classes.  She found out just how messy kirigami was with the twelve and under crowd.  Or, the time she had them make marshmallow catapults and the room looked like it had snowed.  Dyeing, painting, and tie-dyeing Easter eggs was a hit.  The painting of gourds for Halloween had little hands covered in paint, glue, and glitter. Oh, the fun she created!

Mrs. Nancy was hands on with everything!  She encouraged and listened intently to children describe their creations.  She gathered the moms to participate in a few of her projects.  We helped supervise the terrarium projects.  Sand, dirt, rocks, moss, seeds, and water littered the table tops.  We still have our terrariums!  We blew up balloon after balloon for the straw rockets.  We didn't mind one bit picking up the bits of paper on the floor or the marshmallows.  Or using a hair dryer to speed up the drying of the paint on the gourds.  Our kids were having fun and learning.

She worked hard making sure the summer library programs were active and intriguing.  We made worm farms, listened to Native American history, participated in a pow-wow, watched plays, and did art work.

Last fall, Mrs. Nancy told us she was retiring.  Our hearts broke to hear the news.  We were happy for her, but sad that she would no longer be leading the homeschool programs.  We wished her well and listened to her tell us all about the fun things she had planned for retirement.  So much involved her grandchildren.  She also planned on working with the community children.

We saw Mrs. Nancy a couple of times during the spring.  She always had a smile on her face and asked the children what they were doing.  Our summer was busy and we didn't make it to Landrum's Summer Reading activities.  Of course, Mrs. Nancy wouldn't be there.  We were hoping to run into her this coming fall on our adventures to Landrum. 

We will always remember Mrs. Nancy!  We are so happy that we got to know her!

Gumdrop Geometry

It's time to start going to library home school classes!  We decided to drive a bit further down the road and visit Woodruff Library for their home school class. 

Gumdrop Geometry was the theme today.  Ms. Jean, the librarian, had made packets for the children to match the term to the shape and a packet to help in assembling the different shapes.

Egee and another older homeschooler were able to participate today because there was not many children there.  They had a good time reviewing the geometry shapes with the younger ones.

I was very proud of Little Man for reading and following the directions on his own.  I might have an engineer in the making!

 Little Man and Egee had a good time making the various shapes using toothpicks and gumdrops.

We also met new friends at the library class.  So, it was a great day all around.  We can't wait to go back next month!

Latta Plantation: Revolutionary War Reenactment

We ventured back to Latta Plantation for their Revolutionary War Reenactment.  We have enjoyed other festivals and reenactments at Latta and wanted to see this one.

It was not as densely packed as the WWII or Celtic events.  However, it was nicely represented with both British and Patriot reenactors and some Hessian soldiers.  All the reenactors are very well versed in the time period they represent. 

We strolled through a booth selling herbs and tinctures that would have been used in the 18th century.  Egee just had to have a Jacob's Ladder toy.  Little Man wanted a wooden toy tomahawk. 

We listened to a British soldier describe life in the British army.  The differences between a ranking officer versus the common soldier.  The small tent that housed five soldiers compared to the large tents with real furniture in the officer's tent. 

We learned that General Cornwallis ordered the burning of the 'train' to chase General Greene through North Carolina.  The officers did not appreciate the burning of their furniture, tents, wagons, etc. 

We discovered the difference between a light infantry man and heavy infantry man.  No, size was not it.  We found out that the musket could be loaded five to eight times a minute compared to the American Long Rifle loading time of one round every minute and a half to two minutes.  So, the British had an upper hand at fire power. 

The cannons were vital in the war and we learned about the different sizes of cannon balls.  We learned how they were lobbed at the opposing forces and then the cannons switched to buck and ball loads as the armies advanced to closer range.  Two hundred and fifty balls could be launched at the enemy in one of the buck and ball shots. 

Cannon balls weren't the only projectiles.  The mortar launched bombs that could be used to breach forts or encampments of men.  We learned how the bombs were lit in the mortar and how each fuse and packing of the bomb was slightly different. 

We watched a blacksmith at work.  (Even though his forge was not of the period.  He has to use a portable one for the event.)  This always fascinates Little Man. 

We looked at the craftsmanship of a leather worker.  He showed us a suede bowl and bucket and told us how they worked.  He also demonstrated a gun tool that many soldiers would have used.  Then he allowed the children to hold his long rifle.  The children were surprised at how heavy it was.

We looked at the farm animals and petted them.  Of course, I heard chimes of I wish we had.... 

Finally, we witnessed the battle of the day.  Muskets and rifles fired and the Battle of Charlotte was taken over by the British troops. 

We had a great time even though the weather was hot and humid.  Can't wait for the next Latta event!

Trying to Change the Education System is Like Trying to Reason with a Toddler

I posted the other day about how homeschoolers are getting the blame for not supporting the 'common good'.  Today, I ran across an article that is about trying to change the educational system for the greater good.  Now this isn't a parent group, or homeschoolers trying to change the educational system for them.  No...this is the SC Superintendent of Education trying to 'reason' with educrates that the system needs to change.

Zais:  4-Year Degree Does Not Mean Success in the Greenville News

Dr. Mick Zais is not a typical educrate.  His experience in life is not from the public school classroom to public school administration to the public school distric office to public school superintendent to state superintendent.  He hasn't been brainwashed into the whole model of college is the only way to be successful. 

He has spoken out recently about the injustice that our educational system has on our young people.  He understands what the majority of homeschool parents have known.  College is not the answer for all kids.  He realizes that a student has a pretty good idea of what they want to do in life before they graduate and their educational experience needs to reflect this.

Now, to change the educational system to meet the true need of the student and society is a major undertaking.  It goes against everything the College of Education has preached and prepared every teacher to do.  It means that the teacher is not the center of the classroom and must be a true facilitator to help a student find resources to support their needs at any given time. (I know that the College of Education tells its teacher candidates that they are to be facilitators.  However, let us come to the reality that this cannot truly be done with the system that is in place now.  Self directed learning when high stakes testing is on the line.  Teachers' jobs dependent upon test scores cannot or will not allow a relinquish of control to the student.  The mighty test must be taught to at all costs.) 

However, if a true facilitator role is taken and the high stakes tests removed, schools can be changed.  Student needs can be met!  It means that higher mathematics and science classes may not filled with students.  It means that British Literature classes may have a handful of students and art classes are overflowing.  New classes may need to be added.  Business math will draw more students than Algebra II.  Entrepreneurship classes could replace sociology class.  The sky is the limit!  Courses change yearly based on student interests.  By courses, I really mean student needs.  Let's not pigeon hole into courses.  Oh, the disorder it would create in the institution of education!

Could you imagine a high school that is tailored purely to the student?  Where collaboration is truly celebrated and encouraged?  No high stake tests to prepare for at the end of the year.  Students teaching students is encouraged and the teacher is there to offer support not purely instruction.  Students that are artistic are allowed to create all day and attend workshops by local artisans to improve their craft.  Students that are focused in the sciences and want to pursue careers in these fields are prepped and given laboratory experience to expand their horizons.  They research what is required for the field they want and they seek out teachers to help them with their choices.  Oh, how high they could fly!  A school to be filled with living resources that can be accessed like Google.  True collaboration and mentorships with colleges and businesses would be real school to work!

The creation of such learning centers could lead to collaboration in all fields by students themselves.  Art students learning the science behind paint types and glazes; science and mathematic students learning the artistry within their field; literary students working with drama students to create new works of art; wood working students creating sets for drama students; welding students making structures dreamed of by art students; music students writing and performing their works for original plays and musicals; history students unraveling mysteries and reenacting events; computer students creating and sustaining networking for all the tech needs of the school; programming students creating new apps and programs to aid their fellow classmates in endeavors.  The list goes on and on and there are no limits. 

How could this type of school be managed?  How could we assure that all students learned?  Faith in our students is the number one thing that we must have.  Relinquishing control and authoritarian dictatorship of an institutionalized setting to an open and trusting mind bank atmosphere of trust.  I believe those 'weird' kids that get bullied would become embraced for their 'weirdness'.  Their 'weirdness' is only because they don't meld into the traditional school setting.  In the new educational model, these 'weird' students can showcase their talents in the arts or let their real inner geek out and collaborate with others that share the same interests.  A microcosm of the real world we live.  Wouldn't that be great? 

So what happens to those kids that aren't into the academics and arts?  You know the ditch diggers that so many like to refer to them.  Can these kids fit into this system?  Sure, if all the others know and understand the value of this type of work and that the worker is no less a person.  Aren't we all thrilled when the plumber shows up to fix a stopped toilet at our house?  Do we think less of him?  No.  We appreciate his skills, but when our child says, 'I think I want to be a plumber,' we dismiss it and point him in another direction.  Why?  Haven't you seen how much plumbers can make?  Sanitation workers, HVAC workers, construction workers, food prep workers, childcare workers, etc. all have a place in our society and should not be looked down upon. 

The children that are fashionistas and can put together great looking outfits.  Ones that can rival professional hairstylists or make-up artists are looked down upon if they are not academic for school.  These students can shine in the drama department and yes, they are really artist just working with a different medium.  What about the child that is quick witted and makes everyone laugh?  He doesn't enjoy math or science or really any academic pursuit.  He knows about the real world and looks upon it differently.  He can make fun of the seriousness, yet at the same time he is making everyone aware of what is happening in the world.  We as adults spend serious amounts of money going to comic venues. 

There is so much more than school in life.  Pure desire to learn is within every human.  Unfortunately for many, school is a prison that they are waiting to escape from and experience life.  By the time the finish line is in sight, many have lost any desire to learn and many dreams have been crushed.  Let us meet the needs of the children by providing resources to encourage their God given abilities.  Whether it be the baker, chef, teacher, scientist, doctor, lawyer, line cook, cosmetologist, nanny, writer, etc.  Let us let the child explore and find the right fit and nurture their desire. 

However, my reasons and ideas above would be dismissed by the educational system.  The educratic system could not measure the success of the students in the this model with the typical high stakes test created by Pearson or the like.  Because in education, if you can't measure academic success with a test, then learning must not be taking place.  So, let us just throw more money at the beast and never enact real change. (Thank goodness I home school my children!)

Teen Social

Oh, my!  The years have flown by and now my little girl is almost a teenager.  Ugh!  How did the years go by that fast? 

Egee attended her first teen social for fellow homeschoolers.  It was an informal get together with other preteen to teenage homeschoolers and she was excited.  An opportunity to make new friends and hangout without little ones running about.

The event was Christian based and fully chaperoned.  Most parents dropped their children off and went on their own date night.  We were no exception.  She was in a safe environment with plenty of kids around her age to interact.  No need for Mom and Dad to stand around and gawk. 

Two hours passed quickly and when I arrived to pick her up, she was wrapped up in fun.  Hopefully, new friendships blossom and she continues to meet more homeschool kids her age.  She can't wait until the next one!