Day 9

I'm blogging from Maddy's new laptop in the school room. My sister went to a MAC, so she gave Maddy her old laptop. Maddy's previous laptop was also Lyns's but it met an untimely end when it crashed to the floor last fall. I had decided not to get her a new one since she is a bit clumsy and irresponsible with electronics, however with the amount of online classes she really did need a new computer. So this one is not allowed to leave the table in the school room.

This week is going much smoother on the school front. Maddy has indeed taken my warnings to heart and is getting her worked accomplished in a timely manner. After my breakdown last week I have really soul searched regarding my philosophy of education. I completely went against the beliefs I held to even consider sending her to school. Don't get me wrong school is not some great evil, and I actually enjoyed the front office staff when we went. Over the years I have watched other home school families and have developed and imitated a philosophy of learning based on their results and ideology. It is hard to understand this not knowing the families I speak of but one of the families I am talking about has had a hands on, love of life and learning approach. Her children study art, dance, classical music and even put out a monthly publication by the kids. The children are accomplished musicians, well rounded academically, and are in high school taking college courses. When you meet these kids they have a zest for life, and are a joy to be around. I have known this mom to take her daughter to play violin on the street cornor downtown, help her daughter put on an annual camp at their home, encourage the childrens editorial ventures, and in general foster a place of learning and creativity. All of that said this not the norm, I can never hope to be even 1/4 of what this family has accomplished. However I can admire and strive to develope this philosophy of education. This weekend I have recommited myself to a fun and alternative form of education. I was feeling burned out, they were feeling burned out and it just hasn't been fun... My goal for the rest of this year is to continue teaching Maddy time management skills while enjoying the process of educating her. We will still use virtual classes, and Sonlight. She won't be getting off that easy, but I hope to bring in the fun. In fact I changed one of her assignments this week to incorporate her love of theatre and a writing project.

I am also actively gardening again. I am planting seeds today for my starts, and not a minute too soon. The news had a story last night about record crop prices since there was a crop failure in Mexico. They expect produce to triple in price. Get your hoe!!

I really need a good childrens bible recommendation for Liv's age. Her language arts has her looking up verses and Maddy's old bible has such small print that it frustrates her. I also need, need, need the skip counting 100 sheep tape. However I really would like it to be on cd so I can put it on Liv's ipod. Does it come in cd form? If not how can I get it from tape to cd format??

Well I am off to go get my cute little nephew. He is mine for the night ;)