Are You Measuring the Right Things?

 

Measuring Sticks Are you measuring the right things?

We have a fun “first day of school” tradition at our house.  I print out a little “Beginning & Ending” worksheet I picked up along the journey of homeschooling.  It has spaces for the all the usual - like how tall you are, what you weigh, some goals for the year, etc.  Then, we mark everyone’s height on the wall with painter’s tape. The tape marks usually stick around (no pun intended!) for a couple of days until I take them down.  We repeat this activity around the end of our school year, if we remember. Please tell me…I can’t be the only one who suddenly realizes that the school year ended, or um… fizzled out. We compare the measurements, and marvel at how many inches each of them grew in such a short time!  This got me to wondering, what are the measuring sticks I am using in our homeschool adventures?   Do different measuring tools show you different results?  Am I measuring their growth with the correct measuring sticks?  Very early in my journey, my measuring sticks included ridiculous measurements like - Did we finish all the pages in the workbook?  Did we check all the boxes on the lesson plan?  How did they score on a standardized, end-of-the year test - were they at “grade level” or better yet… above grade level for reading skills? Silly, now that I look back.  My measuring sticks were measuring the wrong things! They were measuring my children against some arbitrary standards set up by those who had never even met them. Or, worse they were comparing them to other children (that they didn’t even know).  The measurements were useless, really.  What they measured were things that didn’t matter in the long run.  Could they take a test? Could they check the boxes?  Not one of these measured what they really knew, or how much they had grown that year. I’d like to think I learned the lesson right away, don’t we all?  But as they grew I continued to use the wrong measuring sticks at times.  High school measurements included more boxes to check, more tests to take, and counting dual college credits or ACT scores to determine their growth.

The Lord has been gracious to teach me along this path.  The realization that my measuring sticks were measuring the wrong things has come gradually with experience.  (Thankfully, the Lord gave me multiple children to practice on…). In this season, I’ve had my eyes opened to new, and more effective, measuring tools.  I’m starting to see the shortcomings of superficial measurements that don’t address their hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Here’s a few of my new measuring sticks, some questions I’m asking to determine if they are growing: How is their time spent learning to invest in their personal soul growth in the Lord?  Are our days so jam-packed with curriculum and content that they have no time to spend with the Lord or with us as a family?  Do they know and love the Word more this year than last?  I know high schoolers can carry a heavy academic load, but the Lord promises an easy burden and a light yoke.  Have I modeled that to them, or made the focus of our time together only about academic growth? Am I earnestly investing in activities and plans that encourage growth in their hearts?  Did their compassion for others grow this year?  Are they learning to value people around them more and more?  Can they set aside their personal desires to help another family member get closer to one of theirs?  Do they have time to do activities they enjoy–just for the enjoyment, and not for credit on the transcript?  Is there enough quiet to listen to whispers in their hearts and freedom to chase their dreams? How about physically?  Am I putting priorities in front of them that neglect their need to have strong bodies and make healthy habits?  Am I encouraging them to take the time to move and build those muscles with practical, hands-on opportunities (sometimes at the expense of book or computer work).  Are they learning the extent of their physical capabilities?  Are they stretching to reach new goals? When measuring the growth of their minds, am I relying on a “find the right answer” approach, or using a score on a test to determine if they have learned or am I guiding them to really think deeply?  I’ve discovered that the “fill-in-the-blank” and “answer the quiz correctly” approach was really just an early step in the process of growing their minds.  Am I continuing to challenge them to look at things from different perspectives?  Can they make connections between ideas and come to conclusions? Am I teaching them to think and question, or merely memorize information?  Does it change the way they see the world? Can they confidently communicate what they believe and why? It can leave me with more questions than answers.  But I do know that it changes the way I use my measuring sticks to determine if they are growing well.  And it requires constant reliance on the One that knows them best to help me guide them along the path! I encourage you to reexamine the measuring sticks you are using.  Don’t be afraid to throw them away and go a new direction, it’s never too late to begin again. I’m praying for you, and I believe this is going to be a great year, full of growth! Blessings, Renita

There is no greater or higher measure of success than the praise of our Savior, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant”  - Matthew 25:23

Silence the Critics

 

Critics From the Cheap Seats

 

What do you say to the critics? You know them… those loud voices telling you that what you SHOULD or SHOULDN’T be doing in your parenting and homeschooling (and frequently other areas of your life).  

 

I have found these voices are often loudest from the “cheap seats”; those who were neither homeschooled, or are not homeschooling.  They like to shout out directions like arm-chair quarterbacks calling all the “plays” and moves that you SHOULD be making, while you are the one on the field playing your heart out and taking the all the hits.  These well-meaning voices never seem to end as they shout –“They better be reading by Kindergarten”– “Make sure they learn how to socialize” -–“Better join a co-op” – “Make sure they do Algebra & Physics”  “How do you expect to get them into college?”

 

But there’s another critic that’s even harder for me to ignore… the quieter, ever-present voice inside of me. This one is brutally honest and constantly whispers my secret fears … “You’re not qualified for this… You never even took Physics…You loved the socializing… and you turned out ‘just fine” …You are not enough–you’ll fail them!”  This critic is my worst enemy.

 

Dear parent: God has given you a task to do, and in His grace, He will give you EVERYTHING you need to accomplish it.  But we are going to have to put the critics on mute, stomp out all those “should do” flaming arrows, put our blinders on, and go for it!  

 

This path required me to depend, not on myself and my understanding, but only on the Lord.  I couldn’t fake it for long… my true motivations and intentions came out front-and center in the refining “fire” of days spent at home with my children. My own desire of trying be “good enough” or worse, my expectations that my children would validate my efforts and abilities.  My pride in “checking all the boxes” and seeing my children as shiny little “homeschool trophies” that was really only a form of idolatry.  And one of the hardest maybe, was the sting of my own shortcomings, my selfish desires for more “me-time” and the sometimes-hard-to-admit, streaks of my own laziness. Homeschooling has been a humbling task but, an ever-rewarding endeavor - not one to be undertaken lightly. Nothing can bring my heart to the surface faster than these little people. They can bring me to tears of joy one minute and throw a wrench into my plans like they are professional mechanics the next. They can set my emotions ablaze with just a single carefully worded match.  This daily dying to myself brings the Lord’s resurrection power into my days!

 

And time flies, too. One minute I was happily sipping hot chocolate with them while teaching them to read and the next minute, I am white-knuckling my car door’s handle while sitting shotgun as I teach them to drive.  It’s a wild ride! This ride will often require us to simply close our eyes and be willing to listen ONLY to the Lord’s voice.  He’s right there with us. He will lead us along the path we do not know.  We can trust Him. The time goes so very fast; treasure every moment.

 

So, tell your critics (even that one inside) to sit down and be quiet!  Then “suit up” (time alone with the Lord works wonders) and get back on the field. We are in this game for His approval alone, an audience of only one, He and He alone!  All of Heaven is cheering us on!

 

Blessings,

Renita

 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27

 

Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B from The Old Schoolhouse® : A TOS Crew Review

  

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew

Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B from The Old Schoolhouse®


The Census Bureau's latest survey shows that homeschooling has risen considerably over the past year.  If you are thinking about homeschooling, are new to this path, or even are a 19 year homeschool veteran like me - you will want to check out Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B fromThe Old Schoolhouse® !

Here's a peek at what's included in this amazing resource:

Over 60 FREE Ebooks to download - (yes, you read it right - you can get the ebooks absolutely FREE)

• Homeschooling: A Prayerful Journey by Deborah Wuehler
• The Homeschool Minute email newsletter
• Homeschooling the Rebel by Deborah Wuehler
• A Classical Education
• Homeschooling with Young Children
• Strategies for Struggling Learners
• Organize Your Homeschool
• How to Teach the Fidgety Child
• How to Beat Curriculum Boredom
• Helping the Reluctant Writer
• Mastering the Grading Process
• So You Think Your Child May be Gifted
• Secrets of Successful Homeschooling by Paul and Gena Suarez
• Inexpensive Organization by Dena Wood and Eleanor Joyce
• A Homeschool Parent’s Guide to High School Grades, Credits, and Transcripts by Lee Binz
• Hey Mama! 31- Day Devotional
• Homeschool with Confidence
• Public School System: Lovers or Haters of God?
• The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps
• The Homeschooling Primer: What Home Education Looks Like and How to Start
• Plus 38 more Ebooks 

Option B includes some great Physical Products too:

• One thick print back issue of the homeschooling magazine from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine
• 10 Ways to Bring Up Your Little Man refrigerator hanging
• 10 Ways to Bring Up Your Little Lady refrigerator hanging
• Fallout! Students Explain Why They Left or Remained in Church DVD
• The Homeschooling Primer: What Home Education Looks Like & How to Start 
• Plus other homeschooling and/or state-related information, goodies and resources

And, that's not all - you get ONE FREE FULL CLASS from SchoolhouseTeachers.com!

• Introduction to Architecture is an online course from SchoolhouseTeachers.com that brings your student elements of architecture, as well as studies of various structures including skyscrapers, bridges, castles, and more. Your student will learn about assorted aspects of each structure, including the point in history when it was built, its function, the architects, and the basic science behind its stability. The course includes reading assignments, videos, map activities, and hands-on activities. 

                                               

Here's a few of my favorites goodies from the Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B - 

Homeschooling the High Schooler - this is a 71 page digital book, packed with everything you need to homeschool all the way to graduation! Broken into 3 parts, it offers encouragement and practical tips for how to oversee a great high school education. It includes a checklist and guidance for college, how to find apprenticeships, and encouraging your entrepreneurs from real-life homeschool experts.  

How I Homeschool is a resource I prayed for when I first started homeschooling...someone who would let me "peek" into their day to see HOW they homeschool!  This 54 page ebook allows you to see the real life of 12 homeschooling families from a wide variety of backgrounds and learn how they meet the unique challenges of homeschooling.

The 10 Essentials for Homeschooling High School by Lee Binz - I love this 28 page ebook from one of my favorite homeschooling experts!  She outlines the 10 most essential topics for your high schooler to study.  From how to get them to complete their work, to adding delight driven study into their schedule - this is a must read for everyone homeschooling highschoolers.

The MASSIVE volume of ebooks are an amazing resource and filled with helpful tools. But, that's not all that you get with the Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B - you get some great Physical products too!

Several audio CDs and some fun "homeschool swag"

These laminated cards, perfect for hanging on your refrigerator or using as an encouragement for your favorite parent!

A fun activity book about Arizona - we really loved this, since we just went on a great summer adventure to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.  Any road trips planned this year?

A FULL issue of my FAVORITE magazine -  The Old Schoolhouse - if you don't already subscribe, you will want to!  I've read this for the past 19 years, and it's always one of my favorite mail days!

And, if all of that wasn't enough - you also get this beautiful, hardcover book - Purposeful Design - Understanding the Creation.  It is full color with glossy pages and stunning photography.  It details the days of creation, and gives insight to the fascinating details of creation.

So, if you are considering homeschooling - get this!  If you are just starting down the homeschool path - get this! If you have homeschooled forever, or are almost done - get this!  I found so much encouragement packed into these resources. 

Well done The Old Schoolhouse® !

Find The Old Schoolhouse®  on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoldschoolhouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOSMag/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosmagazine/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tosmag/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7i0BRyoTPYT3chTcj52UmA

Hashtags:  #hsreviews #homechoo #TheOldSchoolhouseMagazine #TOSmagazine #TOSMag #homeschoolingmama #homeschoolingbyheart #homeschoolingrocks #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom

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God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn from Julie Polanco: A TOS Crew Review

God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn from Julie Polanco

It's good to take some time and remind yourself of the importance of this homeschooling journey!  I've just finished reading God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn from Julie Polanco.  

The author, Julie Polanco, is a veteran homeschooling mom of four, graduating her first child in 2016 (my first graduated in 2016!).  She writes for the  The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Home Education Magazine, many trade publications, and has developed a high school botany course for www.schoolhouseteachers.com.

This 9 chapter book is divided into 2 parts:  Dispelling Myths and Practice.

 In the first part, Julie outlines the Biblical support for natural learning, and talks about motivation and excellence.  I was drawn in right away.  I have homeschooled for 16 years, and have seen many different approaches, and used many of them myself.  I've never actually followed an "unschooling" style schedule like the author, so I was fascinated to read her descriptions.  I found my self agreeing with many of her points!  The freedom vs. enslavement to curriculum and programming, the reliance on the Lord to direct our path, and a reminder to avoid the world's deceptive philosophies all resonated with my heart.  I didn't always agree with her points, but I find it helps me better define my beliefs when I get a chance to read a different opinion.

In the chapter - Motivation & Excellence, she describes the difference between external and internal motivation.  She makes many valid points about encouraging the internal motivation of our children to learn without external rewards, she calls them "bribes".  I may tend to disagree with her here... I have used external motivators very successfully to help train my children into developing internal motivation.  Especially in the area of instrument practice!  However, I really enjoyed reading this chapter and picking up new ideas along the way.

The second part of the book focuses on the "Practice" part of walking a path of natural learning.

Julie includes chapters for each age group - children under Eight,  ages 8-12, and teens.  No matter where you are on this journey, it is refreshing to read from someone who has "been there, done that".  She makes many statements which sound like facts, but should be taken more as generalizations from her own experience.  I have taught many children, including my own, during our co-op years.  It has taught me that there are very few hard "facts" about how children learn! Nevertheless, there are many gems of encouragement in these chapters.

The final chapters discuss how to get started, what record keeping looks like, and some common questions and answers.  

Each chapter includes a page of Study Questions you can use to discuss the book together.  This would make a great homeschool mom style book club read.  

The Bibliography is a tool for you as well!  Julie has done her research, and the book is filled with quotes from well known and respected leaders in the home education field.

I enjoyed reading this book, even if I found that I didn't always agree with every point. If you are needing some encouragement, contemplating making a change to your approach, or struggling to find the joy - you may want to pick up your own copy!  Through August 22, 2018 you can purchase the e-book for 1/2 the price on Amazon.

Find Julie Polanco on Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliepolancobooks/ @juliepolancobooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jpolancobooks/

Hashtags: #hsreviews, #GodSchooling, #ChristianUnschooling, #RelaxedHomeschooling
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Forbrain from Sound for Life LTD: A TOS Crew Review

Forbrain from Sound for Life LTD
Do you have any struggling readers, speech issues, or even memory struggles?  We have been testing a revolutionary new device - Forbrain from Sound for Life LTD.   Check out this video:



This rechargable headset is designed to help the wearer improve verbal and memory skills. It is designed for ages 3 to adult.  By using your own audio-verbal loop - you can hear your voice accurately - their motto is  “use your voice to boost your brain”. 
 Forbrain comes in a sturdy, zippered case for storage and contains the rechargeable headset, USB charging cord, User manual/instructions, and extra microphone covers. This headset has several components:

•  Dynamic Filter - which enhances speech frequency and keeps your brain active 
• Bone Conduction transducers - these sit right next to your ear (not in or on them) and transmits the sound of your voice 10 times faster and with better clarity
• High quality Microphone

My tester is 10 years old, and has struggled with speech and reading.  She is also my "techie" kid, so I had no problem introducing a new gadget (and she feels super cool wearing it). 

Forbrain recommends wearing the headset for 10-15 minutes twice a day for her age (slightly longer for adults).  The ability to clearly hear your own voice has many benefits including auditory processing, reading fluency, memory and more.  

My tester has really struggled with reading aloud clearly.  She inserts many vocal pauses and odd "em, um, ahh" sounds while she reads.  So, we decided to give Forbrain a test everytime she read aloud, as well as, when she read independently.

 Right away, you notice how loud your voice is.  It takes a bit of getting used to, hearing your voice (and actually "feeling" it too).  I tried it on, and used it while reading aloud as well.

My tester loved using it!  I had her wear it anytime she was reading aloud, or working on reading exercises.  The company recommends 6 weeks of use to see results.  However, after just a few uses - we started noticing improvements!

My tester says it helps her "focus" on what she's reading.  I've noticed a dramatic decrease in her vocal pauses when she reads to me.  Another comment from my tester - "I like reading alone in my room, and I don't feel lonely, because I hear myself". :-)

Forbrain is easy to use, and surprisingly effective.  My tester plans to keep using it.  You will want to check it out!

Find Forbrain on Social Media: 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/forbrainLTD

Twitter : https://twitter.com/forbrainheadset

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbrain---retrain-the-way-you-process-information

Hashtags: #hsreviews, #forbrain #ADD #ADHD #sensoryintegration

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Note from vendor:

It is a headset which can be used by Children and Adults. Designed for people with Attention difficulties, Speech and language issues, poor memory.  It needs to be used once or twice a day for 15 minutes each and for at least 6 weeks. Minimum age is 4.

Note from me:

From the website, they talk about how this device can improve attention, concentration, verbal working memory, and short-term memory.  

Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity: A TOS Crew Review

Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity

YEAH!  This is one for us...homeschool moms!  I've been enjoying the encouragement and inspiration in Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity.

Homeschool Rescue is an online course that offers a treasure chest of homeschool how-to's for both new and seasoned homeschool parents.

 Author, Heather Aliano, has created a 5 lesson course that can be completed in 60 days,  just for us homeschooling moms.  By using videos, printable transcripts, audio downloads, and homework/workbooks (yes, moms do homework too!) many facets of the homeschool lifestyle are covered.  The course also offers lists of resources & useful links for further research.

I've been homeschooling for 15 years (yikes!) and I found many new gems in this program.  The video segments are broken down into 20 lessons, with a total of  over 5 hours of content!   I work online in the early mornings, and this was the perfect time for me to listen to these helpful lessons. The course is designed with assignments daily, and a helpful calendar is included to help you keep on schedule

The course is divided into 5 modules. Some of the topics covered include:



I found so many things to appreciate in this program.  First, do you need a dose of encouragement? This is the right place to come for it!  Heather, a fellow homeschooling mom, really gets our needs, and she has filled this course with encouragement- the way we need it most.  Sometimes it was the quote she starts sessions off with, other times it was the gentle reminders,or even the "tough love" challenges that were exactly what I needed in this season!

The course is self-paced, but a unique feature is that this course is sold in "classes",  Registrations for the next class open for a couple of weeks at a time, they are currently open from now until May 31, 2017.  Then when sign ups end, the course will begin and run from June through July.  While you are working through the course, you get the support from other "classmates" via a Facebook group created just for you!  Your registration gives you lifetime access to the course and any future updates.

We had a blast in Module 3 - Planning and Curriculum.  Of course, curriculum is my favorite!  But, the homework of determining learning styles was fun for all of my students, and an invaluable tool for me as well.  The homework and extra resources are worth buying this program for alone!

Module 4 - Setting Your Students up for Success was particularly useful for me on a personal level. The main idea I took away from this course was a renewed commitment to "master the follow through".  After homeschooling for so many years, several bad habits have evolved that really need to be readdressed.  The follow through with ALL my students, not just my younger ones, was an encouraging message I really needed to hear!

Also, Module 5 - Teaching Older Students was perfect for my season.  Teaching high school is a huge task, and not many programs prepare us homeschool moms for what we are facing. Homeschool Rescue offered plenty of practical tips for this age group.


Thank you Heather for putting together a truly useful course for us!  Don't miss this one, summer is the perfect time to invest your time in this.


Find Only Passionate Curiosity on Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OnlyPassionateCuriosity/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/opchomeschool
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/OPChomeschool/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/onlypassionatecuriosity/
Goggle+:  https://plus.google.com/b/110290451358830656260/+OnlypassionatecuriosityHomeschool

Hashtags: #hsreviews #homeschoolrescue

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CHSH Download Club from CHSH-Teach.com: A TOS Crew Review

CHSH Download Club (Christian HomeSchool Hub) from CHSH-Teach.com 

The beginning of the school year is always exciting...new possibilities are everywhere!  I have been enjoying exploring them with a new favorite resource the CHSH Download Club (Christian HomeSchool Hub) from CHSH-Teach.com . 

I truly have no idea how anyone homeschooled before the internet, do you?  However, searching for that perfect complement, or freebie can be extremely time consuming.  Time is a commodity I don't have much of lately...

CHSH Download Club is a subscription site that offers over 50,000 downloadable educational resources - take a peek at theire Download Catalog   for grades Prek-12.  You can homeschool your entire crowd with this site!  Best of all, it's all organized and available right in one place - no more searching! (except through their massive collection of amazing resources)  The download library contains full curriculum and supplemental resources as well.  
Not only can you find that perfect "something" but you can become a contributor by adding  your own, self-made curriculum or printable that you have created.
CHSH founder Lynda Ackert is a regular contributor and actually sells many downloads on popular Teacher resource pages.  As a Download Club subscriber, you'll have access to all of them! You can check out the freebies page to see a glimpse of what you get as a subscriber.

I can spend hours on sites like this. This one is very easy to navigate. You can search by topics like:

• Bible
• Language Arts
• Science
• Foreign Language
• Arts, Crafts, Music
• Electives
• Math
• Social Studies
• Health

Or - they are also organized by Grade level.  Here's a few treasures I discovered:

I jumped right into Bible resources (my favorite)  I was so excited to find the "Bold Believers" downloads.  These are a great way to teach your child about geography - and the persecuted believers around the world at the same time.  

We are studying Ancient history this year, the Download Club had everything I needed to create a great unit study.  Like these awesome Egyptian craft ideas.

I have elementary through high schoolers.  It can be quite a challenge to find great resources for the high school level.  But, the Download Club is packed with them, did I mention...no searching - all in one place?

The Literature section alone is worth the affordable $25 annual subscription! (they promise to never raise your subscription fee)  Lifetime subscriptions are available as well.

CHSH also offers many other treats like a blog and forum that are excellent ways to connect with other homeschooling families to get advice and share tips.

New downloads are being added all the time.  This is one of those sites that is a "must have" - Be sure to check it out for yourself! 


Find CHSH-Teach.com  on Social Media:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChristianHomeSchoolHub/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianHomeSchoolHubPage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeachWithCHSH
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyndaackert/chsh-teachcom-creations-by-lackert/
Google+ Group: https://plus.google.com/b/117967118184286217472/communities/108322787218266183941
Google Business Page: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/117967118184286217472/117967118184286217472/posts
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndaackert
Tumblr: http://christianhomeschoolhub.tumblr.com/

Hashtags: #hsreviews #CHSH #homeschool #homeschoolresources
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