Schooling year-round has its benefits
February 15, 2010 by Chris
When “summer school” is a good thing
The calendar isn’t binding me now. I have relied on it since my daughter started kindergarten. In our state, the school year is 180 days from August through May, give or take. While that is still true for my high schooler who is in public school, we answer to no timetable in our homeschool.
Schooling year-round has incredible benefits. Even though our summer school weeks are only a couple of days each, with respites for camp and vacation, the result shows in both maintenance and advancement. We transition from one grade to the next, with only our state-mandated paperwork as proof that anything has changed. The study of history is a cycle that moves forward without regard to grade. My math loving boy advances as needed. When he finishes pre-algebra, our study of algebra will start. Why wait (or move forward) based on some arbitrary date?
I didn’t always feel this way. Last summer was our first with real school days, but the results are undeniable for us. With most of the week left for the pool, play and (gasp!) video games, our two days a week didn’t seem like a burden to either of us. We could take school with us outdoors or poolside. When the new school year officially started, we just continued. There was no need for review or regrouping and no lost knowledge.
We are still in the depths of winter now and warm, sunny days feel a long way off. But used curriculum sales are coming – and they are as sure a sign of spring as the bluebird. I am shopping early and getting ready. Pool school awaits.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Get Control of the Calendar
December 31, 2009 by Chris
Start 2010 with a new organizational habit
Are you ready to flip the calendar? Ready or not, 2010 is upon us. While I am not a proponent of ringing in the New Year with resolutions, I do suggest trying your hand at a new strategy for the coming months.
We are at the midpoint in our school year at my house. The weather is uninviting and it is far too easy for me to bury my head under the covers (at least mentally) until spring. I find that a little organization keeps the days and weeks from peeling away into moments I can’t recall.
For her best New Year’s tip, I called on Lil Nolan O’Keeffe, a certified professional organizer with ABC (Anything But Chaos) Professionals. Lil specializes in working with those who are chronically disorganized and those who have Attention Deficit Disorder. She organizes businesses and homes, including homeschooling families, and is also a mother of three.
For all families, Lil says a control center for activities is a basic starting point. She recommends buying a large desk calendar, available for $1 – $2.
“I cut off each page and put it on the refrigerator with magnets,” she says. “It really is good. Everything is done in pencil and everyone can see the calendar. I color-code with highlighters. At a glance, I see Friday has three blue stripes and I know we have three going to basketball.”
A different color could be used for sports, co-op, music lessons, church activities, etc.
It sounds daunting at first, but Lil’s system keeps everyone aware of activities outside the home and makes children responsible for their own schedules.
“They check the calendar every day,” she says. “If it’s on the calendar and they’ve missed it, that puts the responsibility on their plate. They know where to go to find that information. It’s a life lesson. I work with people that have never had that teaching from home and these people are lost.”
Also on her refrigerator/control center are Lil’s menu plan and shopping list for the week. She sets aside time a few days before the end of each month to organize the next month’s calendar. That time is an investment that results in less stress and a calmer environment at home.
“If you value your time and less stress in your life, put a bit of effort in it and you reap the rewards,” she says. “It’s a life change. A habit takes 21 days to form and 21 days to break. Getting organized doesn’t take a lot of money. It takes time to get it set up and then just maintenance. People think everything has to be perfect. That is a myth. Organization is functional.”
And that’s a New Year’s habit that can last for a lifetime.
January is “Go” month for the National Association of Professional Organizers. The organization will feature tips and information online at www.napo.net.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
The Star of Bethlehem
Explore the science and the history behind the Biblical event that signaled the Messiah’s birth
It is easy to relegate it to an afterthought in a nativity scene or as just another tradition when it is placed atop the tree, but law professor Rick Larson wants everyone to take another look at the star that signaled the arrival of the Messiah.
Larson isn’t an astronomer, but he is passionate about the star and its part in God’s miraculous plan. After hanging a star as an outdoor decoration at Christmas, Larson began to question what the star as we know it really was. He researched and studied extensively until he found his answer. He shares both his historical and scientific findings – as well as his faith – in The Star of Bethlehem, a beautifully produced DVD of the presentation he has given to many live audiences. It is a story Larson feels he is divinely directed to share.
“I couldn’t have dreamed up something like this,” Larson said. “I did not need this project. My plate was full. All I really felt I did was to keep saying yes. It happened a little piece at a time. It feels like a calling. I put thousands of hours in the research but it didn’t feel like work.”
Larson’s presentation outlines real astronomical events that occurred around the time of the birth of Jesus, correlates those events to the Bible and presents what he terms the poetry planned by God and evidenced in the sky. Larson is as emotional when discussing the project as he is during the presentation included on the DVD. For him, this is more than a Christmas tradition – it is the revelation of God’s omnipotence for all to see.
“It is inherently interesting and also has enormous impact,” he said. “It isn’t just information. It is a worshipful experience.”
For homeschoolers, it also makes for a wonderful unit study. Larson includes research and supplemental information about ancient documents on his web site.
“You get to do history, math and astronomy,” he said. Students can “have a blast learning about astronomy and first Century history. You get to do math with Kepler and Newton.”
And, most importantly for Larson, the story of the birth of Messiah is told – even to those who have no interest in opening a Bible.
“I have been praying that God would take it to the world,” he said. “He put it in the sky for everyone.”
Though his life has been taken on a different course, Larson is thrilled to tell the story of the star of Bethlehem.
“What could be better?” he asked. “What more could I possibly ask than to bring people into the awe of God?”
“The Star of Bethlehem” is $12.95 on DVD and is available at Christian retailers and online. Total running time is 65 minutes. For more information, including movie trailers, an overview and more, visit www.thestarofbethlehemmovie.com.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and has been married for 20 years to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Make memorization painless
September 24, 2009 by Chris
Mnemonic devices are super glue for the mind
The lines and spaces were stretched out before me like an endless trek. Dots on or between those lines were supposed to translate to music? Impossible.
But then I discovered that Every Good Boy Does Fine (and Every Good Bird Does Fly) and All Cows Eat Grass (and unfortunately, All Cars Eat Gas) and we all have a FACE. Suddenly, music – at least the reading of it – was easy.
Mnemonic devices, handy ways to remember a list, have all new appeal to me as a homeschool teacher. Once learned, I know they will stick with my son forever, long after he has left our little classroom. I can guarantee he will be the dad helping his child with the classification of living things by announcing that King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti 1.
Mentioning this rediscovered technique recently I found that it is used from beginning piano students to college kids taught by a friend. At my mention of King Phillip, he countered with “Help Five Police To Find Ten Missing Prisoners 2” and “Happy Henry Lithely Began Baking Cakes, Not Omitting Four Necessities 3.”
Though I want my son to have a deep understanding of what we study, along with the ability to apply it in real life, sometimes you just have to memorize a list. Mnemonic devices make it painless. Search online for mnemonics for just about everything you could possibly have to memorize in school – or work with your child to make your own.
In the meantime, while I gaze upon Roy G. Biv 4, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally 5.
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1. Taxonomic order: Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
2. The bones of the lower limb: Hip, Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula, Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges
3. Elements 1 – 10 of the Periodic Table: Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Flourine, Neon
4. The colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
5. Order of Operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
My (mostly serious) back-to-school list
August 28, 2009 by Chris
I’ve hit the sales at office supply stores and have a stack of one-cent packages of notebook paper and a ready supply of mechanical pencils. Workbooks and teacher’s guides are stacked. Sticky notes are ready for page numbers and I have a few treats stashed for desperate/joyful/hard lesson days.
But I’ve decided to make my Christmas list in August – those mostly intangible, largely unpurchaseable things I want the UPS guy to leave right next to my book order.
On second thought, let’s try a more reliable source.
I will leave the wish lists for under the tree and make this my prayer list for the new school year.
Dear God,
Please bless our learning with:
• fewer sighs and more shouts of joy
• science experiments that work on the first (or second ) try
• books that make it back to the library on time
• markers that don’t dry out
• software that doesn’t give error messages
• reading material that is devoured like candy
• candy
• a strong grasp of the big picture
• exuberance for the minutiae
• long lasting printer cartridges
• field trips
• pool school
• car school
• blanket-on-the-grass school
• eternal thirst quenching
• insatiable hunger for learning
• a teacher who finds balance
• a student who grows in wisdom and knowledge
• good, clean fun (while getting our hands dirty)
• the best memories of our little classroom.And Lord, I would like to note for the record that this year I didn’t ask for patience.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Surprising Results With Stick Figures
Hearing it through the Grapevine: Drawing stick figures can have surprising results
Just a few weeks ago, Rick Leatherwood, a missionary who previously served in Iran and who is now working in Liberia, spoke at our church. Rick gives our congregation periodic updates, which are always fascinating. He spoke this time about the Bible school he is starting in Liberia. Only 20 percent of the people there can read, so having a printed Bible is of little use to them. Rick and his colleagues are recording oral Bibles in native languages and teaching people how to tell Bible stories to others in an effective way.
I was reminded of what Rick is doing when we were given the chance to review a Bible curriculum by Grapevine Studies (www.grapevinestudies.com). Since my son is a kinesthetic and tactile learner, I knew this would be a hit. I was not disappointed. The curriculum reinforces Bible stories by having children draw stick figure illustrations – author Dianna Wiebe calls it “stick figuring through the Bible.” It is simple, but very effective and my son was all over it from the first day.
We chose the New Testament Overview, Level 3, which is recommended for ages 10 – 13. A variety of programs are available for ages 5 – adult, including studies of Esther, the birth of Jesus and Biblical feasts and holy days. Each program consists of a teacher guide and a student workbook. In addition, you will need a Bible (but you already have that, right?) and a small whiteboard with several colors of dry erase markers. (Teachers illustrate the stick figure drawing on the whiteboard. I am only teaching one child, so I have not found this step to be critical, but I can see where it would be a huge help for those working with multiple children.) For older levels, you will also need a concordance and a Bible dictionary.
Our study began with a New Testament timeline – it is a bit of a preview of the lessons to come in the study. My son loved it from the very beginning. The lessons are not time consuming, but provide the perfect reinforcement for my child who wants to get his hands in whatever he is learning.
This has been one of the most pleasant surprises I have found in a homeschool curriculum – and it’s one that I think will cause the Word to be hidden in an effective, lifelong way.
Grapevine Studies are available in printed format and e-books. Prices vary by study. You will need a teacher’s guide and a student workbook. Through Aug. 30, a 30 percent discount on all books is available by using the code “acrew” on www.grapevinestudies.com. I recommend signing up for Grapvine’s e-newsletter – it includes a free lesson.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Homeschooling at Disney
When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, Walt Disney World became the culmination of its namesake’s dream – a place where families could play together, learn together and embrace the future. If your family is going to Walt Disney World, here are a few of the many opportunities to bring the Mouse into your studies.
Magic Kingdom
- As you enter the park on Main Street U.S.A., note the forced perspective of the buildings. This makes for an interesting art lesson once you return home.
- Don’t miss the literature tie-ins found in Peter Pan’s Flight, the Swiss Family Treehouse and Tom Sawyer Island.
- For older children, a kinesthetic supplement to a unit on force and motion wouldn’t be complete without touring the mountains of the Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain.
- The Hall of Presidents is currently being updated to add President Barack Obama. The attraction includes a film on American history and audio-animatronic figures of each U.S. president.
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress originally opened at the 1964 World’s Fair. The show uses a catchy tune and audio-animatronics to illustrate the use of technology throughout the 20th Century and beyond. It is open seasonally.
Epcot
- Epcot was originally conceived as Walt Disney’s vision of the future – an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While almost every attraction includes an educational component, some are easily incorporated into lessons from science to language studies.
- Spaceship Earth, the giant geodesic sphere near the entrance, traces the history of communication. Watch papyrus being formed, the launch of the Gutenberg printing press and Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel. The attraction has been updated recently to include an interactive touch-screen activity.
- Living with the Land includes a tour through hyrdoponic greenhouses, an aquaculture center and more. A separate walking tour, “Behind the Seeds,” is available for an additional charge.
- At the Seas with Nemo and Friends, don’t miss the observation deck where you can learn about manatees and other sea creatures.
- Innoventions includes many interactive stations and hands-on activities. Guests can ride a Segway, learn fire safety, play a game to learn about recycling, find out how Underwriters Laboratories tests products for safety, and more.
- At World Showcase, experience the culture, food, art and entertainment of 11 countries. Take the time to interact with cast members (Disney employees) from each country and don’t miss the free Kidcot Funstops where children can create a souvenir.
Animal Kingdom
- Experience Kilimanjaro Safaris, a ride through Florida’s version of the African savanna. Animals are everywhere – keep an eye out for elephants and lions. A giraffe or rhino may even cross your path. As they enter the attraction, children can learn the Swahili names for the animals they are about to see.
- Get close to a wide variety of animals through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, the stops on Rafiki’s Planet Watch and along the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Lessons on conservation and ecosystems form great science supplements.
- The Festival of the Lion King is a true theatre experience for all ages. For show times, check the board near the park’s entrance or pick up a times guide where park maps are distributed.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Young animators and movie makers will enjoy The Magic of Disney Animation, the Studio Backlot Tour, and a variety of other opportunities to learn how Hollywood magic is created.
- Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show also peels away the layers of a movie production and provides a window into the physics of real movie stunts.
Disney’s Homeschool Days
Disney’s Homeschool Days give homeschoolers a chance to participate in Disney YES (Youth Education Series) programs.
“Education was one of the most important things to Walt Disney,” Christine DeMichael, Marketing Manager for Disney Youth Programs, said.
DeMichael said that message is reflected throughout the parks – in the founding of our country illustrated at the Magic Kingdom, with studies of animals, conservation, ecology, veterinary science, Asia and Africa at Animal Kingdom; movie making and animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and in Innoventions and the World Showcase at Epcot.
“There is educational value in all of our theme parks,” she said.
During the next Homeschool Days, Sept. 21 – 22 at Epcot, DeMichael said students have a variety of opportunities available.
“It has a cultural theme this time,” she said “Homeschoolers will hear about our international programs and how our guests interact with natives from each country. They are not only standing in Germany, they are talking to someone from Germany.”
Other programs include Ocean Discoveries, a study of ocean ecology and how different cultures view saving the oceans; American Story, a chance to learn about America using Liberty Square as the foundation; Millennium Cultures, a study of how technology and communication have shaped cultures; and Leadership Excellence for late middle school to high school students.
“It helps them learn from a Disney professional what it takes to lead in our company,” DeMichael said.
Park admission is offered at a significant discount during Homeschool Days, which are typically held twice each year. For homeschool families and co-ops visiting the parks at other times, DeMichael said YES programs can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more students. For details, visit www.disneyhomeschooldays.com.
Find great WDW planning tips online
- www.waltdisneyworld.com: The official site for Walt Disney World. Order a free planning DVD and learn about the current promotion offering free park admission on your birthday.
- www.mousesavers.com: Lists a variety of discounts.
- www.allearsnet.com: The definitive site for menus at the parks and WDW resorts, as well as information for special needs visitors.
- For even more details, visit www.wdwinfo.com, www.intercot.com or www.passporter.com/wdw.
Check out my article on page 18 of the funky flipbook edition of Heart of the Matter Magazine.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Showing a Reluctant Writer the Power of Words
July 3, 2009 by Chris
Proof that God has a sense of humor: I have a child who at age 10 thinks computational fluid dynamics is a cool concept. This same child can fall into a complete meltdown when asked to write a paragraph. Since I am learning to choose my battles carefully, teaching my reluctant writer has necessitated some, ahem, creative encouragement.
Try these tips to free your child’s inner Shakespeare:
- Let your child start a blog. Free sites such as Blogger and Wordpress make blogging easy. Settings can be made private, so you control who has access to your child’s work. Blogging gives children an informal medium for written work and comments from friends and family provide instant encouragement.
- At the end of the year, publish your child’s blog in book form. The book can be as simple as pages printed at home and placed in a binder. Publishing sites such as Blurb, make it easy to print books at low cost, especially if you only include text entries.
- Write essays for fun and profit – or at least as contest entries. My son can get motivated to write a 200 word descriptive essay in no time at all when he is entering to win a Lego gift certificate. He has yet to win, but he isn’t deterred. Search online for contests that pique your child’s interest. Organizations and businesses from AAA to your local deli frequently sponsor contests with specific criteria for essays. (Prompted writing? Nah, let’s not call it that.)
- Let the words support the pictures. If your child is more motivated to draw than write, let him create a graphic novel. (We called them comic books when we were kids.)Your child may prefer to create his own or you can use blank versions found online at minimal cost.
- Challenge your child to keep a journal, describing something – anything – that happened the day before, but without specific requirements for the entry. Some experiences are best told in picture form, some require only a sentence or two and some may lead to a flow of words.
- Promote your child to author. Allow your child to choose a high-interest topic that lends itself to a good book. The youngest students may only have a sentence per page, with older children working up to chapter books. Work with your child to create a bound book, complete with dedication and an “about the author” page. Type (or have your child type) the manuscript and allow your child to illustrate each page or chapter. Bind the books simply at home with a scrapbook paper cover or paste the text and illustrations in a blank bound book.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
Bookworms welcome here
June 5, 2009 by Chris
When it comes to books, one size (or genre) does not fit all
“How much do I have to read today?” the boys asks.
I never know exactly what to do with this child. He judges a book not by its cover, but by its font size and page count. Too long or too wordy and he won’t get past the introduction. Once wrangled into reading, the author needs to grab his attention quickly and keep the action coming at a steady pace – or else.
His sister can finish a “War and Peace”-sized novel in a weekend, barely coming out for food and drink. She has been known to walk into a bookstore, breathe deeply and say, “Ahh, the new book smell.” As I write this, she is completing an application to serve as a teen volunteer at our local library. I will live vicariously through her as she masters the Dewey Decimal System and directs little ones to new discoveries found via Amelia Bedelia and Nancy Drew. I suspect she will get sidetracked often as she learns to shelve returned books and will probably come home daily with more than she could read in ten lifetimes.
But the boy is a puzzle. I am constantly on the hunt for “high interest readers” to well, maintain his interest. He is a capable, strong reader – he just prefers to have his information delivered in a different format, preferably one that engages a variety of senses.
I always assumed my children would be voracious readers. They would get that from my genetic contribution, while avoiding my short stature, slow metabolism and allergies. That didn’t work out the way I hoped, but I am thankful they have their Dad’s physical attributes, kind heart and analytical thinking skills. (Sorry about the allergies, kids.)
Somewhere between telling my daughter to take a break from her book and tracking down the latest spy adventure novel for my son (and hoping he likes it), I try to fit in a few minutes of reading for myself. Maybe I can sneak off to the library. I hear they need volunteers.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
What can we learn from a mouse?
“The Tale of Despereaux” packs solid lessons
“A single act of forgiveness can change everything.”
Confession: Before allowing my children to watch a movie, I have been known to make them read the book upon which it was based.
I broke my own rule in watching “The Tale of Despereaux.” The movie is based on the book by Kate DiCamillo – who I know to be an excellent writer – so go read the book, but also watch this heart-tugging fairy tale and share it with your children.
Aside from a top-notch voice cast, fluid animation and an excellent (but dramatic and possibly a bit frightening at times) score, the story shines in telling the little mouse’s dark tale.
Despereaux, who doesn’t scurry and cower like the other mice, longs to be a valiant knight, bringing light into darkness. The kingdom of Dor provides ample opportunity for heroism, as heartache and hurt have come to the forefront with such fury that comfort can’t even be found in a bowl of soup. Characters Roscuro and Mig face their own wounds and learn that while troubles will come, they can choose how to react to those who hurt them. For them and for us, forgiveness is always an option.
This movie has some intense moments that may frighten young children, but there are a multitude of teaching opportunities here as characters face very real choices in the midst of their own pain. The message is both timeless and uplifting, but the story is more sophisticated than parents might expect. It makes for great family viewing and fodder for discussion with children old enough to grasp the story’s deeper meaning.
The Tale of Despereaux is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Universal Home Entertainment. The movie is rated G.
Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com
