In our house we take a pretty relaxed approach to schooling. Not quite strict unschooling, but much closer to that than to “school at home”. However, it has always been my plan that we would gradually ramp up to a more formalized approach as the kids got older so that they would be sure to cover math through calculus, world and American history, learn a … Continue reading Speaking of preparing for a new school year
I’m sure all my faithful minions are heartbroken that I haven’t been blogging more this week, but packing must continue. So in the meantime, I’ll direct you to some fun stuff to look through: The Pig’s Tales: A 4th grade teacher blogging about life, school, kids and an outrageously terrible principle. I recommend starting here and wandering through older posts (the stuff on her main … Continue reading Stuff to look at
We’ve heard a lot lately about boy’s lack of success in our education system. However, in today’s Washington Post, writers Caryl Rivers and Rosalind Chait Barnett say, “hey, don’t worry – the boys are fine.” According to them, we shouldn’t worry because the only boys who aren’t doing well are the poor, minority, rural and urban boys. The boys who really matter, you know, white … Continue reading I wonder if spinning so hard makes them dizzy
The other day, I realized that I had a problem with my 6 year old’s math. You see, a year ago, when I ordered a pre-algebra workbook for his brother, he asked for his own workbook. So I got him the first Miquon Math book on the recommendation of a reasonably like minded friend. Collin loves his math workbook because he can flip through and … Continue reading My 6 year old’s math problem
Earlier this evening I had a very interesting conversation with my 10 year old son in which I was forced to flesh out and defend my ideas regarding the television as an educational tool. I thought I would share what I came up with here. First of all, my 10 year old son LOVES television and always has – it’s one of the things he … Continue reading TV and learning
I’m sure everyone and their brother will have something to say about this Washington Post column today entitled “What’s Happening to Boys”, but I’ll go ahead and add my $.02 anyway. Boys aren’t doing well in our society today. 90% of Ritalin prescriptions are given to boys, they are more likely to drop out of school, be suspended or expelled, commit suicide, less likely to … Continue reading What’s happening to boys?
I came across an article from the Fall 2004 issue of the Journal of College Admission which summarizes the research which has been done on homeschooled students for college admissions officers. It was Written by Dr. Brian D. Ray, the president of the National Home Education Research Institute. It is written from an obviously pro-homeschool point of view, but Dr. Ray has the research to … Continue reading Research on Homeschoolers
This is our third year homeschooling and perhaps I’m a little slow on the uptake, but half the time I feel like I’m just starting to figure out what we’re doing. I do think I’m ready to make a confession, however: my kitchen table is sorely under-used. (Actually, I think it gets way too much use from greedy munchkins who expect to be fed 3 … Continue reading My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)
Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading "Mostly I just get to play a lot"
Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading “Mostly I just get to play a lot”
The Upside Down World 