This question is often asked by store clerks, cousins at the family reunion, and elderly neighbors. After all, this is what we are all familiar with.
When you homeschool, "grade" levels are fuzzier, harder to determine and, scandalous I know, but relatively unnecessary. The student is where she is, and since we often work together, a child might be doing history with an older sibling, and phonics with a younger one. The most important point is to meet the child where she is, work to strengthen weaker areas, and continue to improve strong areas.
That said, it didn't take too many times of a clerk asking one of my children, "What grade are you in?", and the child looking mystified, looking at me, looking back at the clerk and answering, "I don't know", that I knew we needed some kind of short answer to that question!
I decided that Math is a subject that is more often divided into grade levels, and that's something that we do work at the child's level rather than share with an older or younger sibling. So, that's how we answer that question in times where all that's needed is that "short answer".
That isn't the only way you can answer that question, but it was an easy way for us!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Pedagogical nonsense!
I confess. I've been to the principal's office. Although I don't recall my first trip there, my aunt described it in full detail.
When I was little, my mother was taking college classes (for her teaching degree). I attended many classes with her, and evidently got along well with the adults. By 5, my grandmother and great-grandmother had already taught me to read, so I went directly into first grade.
Remember "dittos"? Those worksheets copied in the blue ink that smelled funny? They were usually busywork, something to keep the class occupied when the teacher needed to deal with a struggling student, or a discipline issue. Rarely was there any real learning value. Although they aren't in the smelly blue ink anymore, they are still used for the same purposes, that much hasn't changed.
According to my aunt, one day in first grade, I'd had enough of dittos. I marched up to the teacher's desk and slapped the page down saying, "This is pedagogical nonsense, and I'm not going to do it."
That kind of thing doesn't go over terribly well. I spent the afternoon cooling my heels in the principal's office.
I still have an aversion to busywork. My time is valuable, and my child's time is too. I want to spend the time necessary to cover concepts, and the practice needed to be competent, but not to waste time re-doing things in areas the child is already comfortable.
Decide what level of competence you expect for this child, in this area, at this time, remembering that most things will be used and reviewed as you go along. Don't kill the joy of learning by endless drill in any subject... No dittos!
When I was little, my mother was taking college classes (for her teaching degree). I attended many classes with her, and evidently got along well with the adults. By 5, my grandmother and great-grandmother had already taught me to read, so I went directly into first grade.
Remember "dittos"? Those worksheets copied in the blue ink that smelled funny? They were usually busywork, something to keep the class occupied when the teacher needed to deal with a struggling student, or a discipline issue. Rarely was there any real learning value. Although they aren't in the smelly blue ink anymore, they are still used for the same purposes, that much hasn't changed.
According to my aunt, one day in first grade, I'd had enough of dittos. I marched up to the teacher's desk and slapped the page down saying, "This is pedagogical nonsense, and I'm not going to do it."
That kind of thing doesn't go over terribly well. I spent the afternoon cooling my heels in the principal's office.
I still have an aversion to busywork. My time is valuable, and my child's time is too. I want to spend the time necessary to cover concepts, and the practice needed to be competent, but not to waste time re-doing things in areas the child is already comfortable.
Decide what level of competence you expect for this child, in this area, at this time, remembering that most things will be used and reviewed as you go along. Don't kill the joy of learning by endless drill in any subject... No dittos!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Is Sonlight hands-on?
"Won't my active child be bored?"
I've heard those questions a lot. Early in my homeschooling experience I tried a "hands-on approach", thinking my active children would prefer that. What I found was that I would spend an hour (and money on supplies) preparing, and my children would spend 15 minutes learning.
That's a balance that's out of balance! What I've found with Sonlight's literature-based approach is that the kids tend to become interested in things and want to follow up. Since it is their choice, rather than mine, they are motivated and creative as they build, make and do. My part is simple, "Yes, you can use that", "the scissors are in the drawer".
Pleasant surprises have included the time they decided to memorize and perform a humorous poem. They used an old desk and curtains to make a stage, then designed a printed program and illustrations for the performance on the computer. We videotaped the performance and mailed it, along with a program, to grandparents.
A friend's daughter designed dozens of dresses after they enjoyed one book. Another enlisted friends and siblings and they taped an impromptu scene from a Shakespeare play.
My active kids (like the one who just hiked 2.5 miles before starting school for today!), have done very well with Sonlight. They love the openness of following up on their interests, rather than a hands-on "schedule" that predetermines what is supposed to interest them.
So, is Sonlight hands-on? Well, not so much for you, but for your kids... It stimulates interests, and motivates them to pursue their curiosity.
I've heard those questions a lot. Early in my homeschooling experience I tried a "hands-on approach", thinking my active children would prefer that. What I found was that I would spend an hour (and money on supplies) preparing, and my children would spend 15 minutes learning.
That's a balance that's out of balance! What I've found with Sonlight's literature-based approach is that the kids tend to become interested in things and want to follow up. Since it is their choice, rather than mine, they are motivated and creative as they build, make and do. My part is simple, "Yes, you can use that", "the scissors are in the drawer".
Pleasant surprises have included the time they decided to memorize and perform a humorous poem. They used an old desk and curtains to make a stage, then designed a printed program and illustrations for the performance on the computer. We videotaped the performance and mailed it, along with a program, to grandparents.
A friend's daughter designed dozens of dresses after they enjoyed one book. Another enlisted friends and siblings and they taped an impromptu scene from a Shakespeare play.
My active kids (like the one who just hiked 2.5 miles before starting school for today!), have done very well with Sonlight. They love the openness of following up on their interests, rather than a hands-on "schedule" that predetermines what is supposed to interest them.
So, is Sonlight hands-on? Well, not so much for you, but for your kids... It stimulates interests, and motivates them to pursue their curiosity.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
American Sign Language, Part 2
Other reasons that ASL is a foreign language: it is conceptual, ie. signs communicate ideas, rather than words, and it is a form of communication associated with a distinct and unique culture.
Some people take ASL thinking it's an "easy" language. I heard a comment that the college ASL classes lose half the students after the first 2 weeks. It turns out to be much more challenging than they expected!
This is a language that can't be learned from a book. Videos or DVD's along with your book are better, but a live class or tutor is best. ASL is 3-dimensional, incorporating signs with one or two hands, directional movement and facial grammar. All these features combine to convey meaning.
This probably has made it sound intimidating, please don't give up if you are interested! ASL is useful, even for hearing people, you can ask questions or give directions over a long distance or in loud surroundings. You will learn cultural information about the Deaf people living around you, and maybe make some new friends. The Deaf people we've met have been kind, patient and encouraging.
By the way, speaking and signing together is the only way it is physically possible to communicate in two languages at the same time. Challenge your children to think about that!
Some people take ASL thinking it's an "easy" language. I heard a comment that the college ASL classes lose half the students after the first 2 weeks. It turns out to be much more challenging than they expected!
This is a language that can't be learned from a book. Videos or DVD's along with your book are better, but a live class or tutor is best. ASL is 3-dimensional, incorporating signs with one or two hands, directional movement and facial grammar. All these features combine to convey meaning.
This probably has made it sound intimidating, please don't give up if you are interested! ASL is useful, even for hearing people, you can ask questions or give directions over a long distance or in loud surroundings. You will learn cultural information about the Deaf people living around you, and maybe make some new friends. The Deaf people we've met have been kind, patient and encouraging.
By the way, speaking and signing together is the only way it is physically possible to communicate in two languages at the same time. Challenge your children to think about that!
Friday, July 10, 2009
American Sign Language
As I mentioned, my 19 year old daughter studied American Sign Language in high school. Most colleges accept ASL as a foreign language (check with the individual college to verify), and ASL is the 3rd or 4th most commonly used language in the US, depending on the source of information.
There are several forms of signed communication. The popularity and use of each varies by region. Think of them as a spectrum, with Signing Exact English (SEE) at one end, Pidgeon Sign Language (PSE) in the middle, and ASL at the other end.
SEE is NOT a foreign language. It is a sign system, but is essentially "English on the hands". Its grammar and structure are the same as English. Each word is at least one sign.
PSE uses signs from ASL and SEE, with its grammar rather mixed, but signs usually understandable by both ends of the spectrum.
ASL has its own grammatical structure, unique, and conceptual in nature. For example, in English, we might say; "The old man sat at the table in his small white house on the farm". To sign this information, we introduce the setting, the farm, then the house, indicating by the way it is signed that the house is small and white, then probably the table and the old man sitting at it.
This structure is why it's a foreign language. You learn not only the signs, but also the unique grammatical structure.
We started with a class at our adult education center, Beginning ASL. At the time my daughter wasn't old enough to take the class herself, so I attended (I had always wanted to learn ASL!), and later taught her. Not the very best way, but it was a start.
Once the beginning class was over, we looked around for more opportunities. To our surprise, we found a lovely lady at church who is an interpreter, and agreed to work with us. She tutored us for 1 1/2 years. We ended by completing the college text used for the first year ASL class at the local university, and Jesse interpreted a song of her choice and performed it at church. We invited a Deaf friend, and she enjoyed the performance. (She cried, I told Jesse I thought she'd done it right then!)
More coming on ASL!
There are several forms of signed communication. The popularity and use of each varies by region. Think of them as a spectrum, with Signing Exact English (SEE) at one end, Pidgeon Sign Language (PSE) in the middle, and ASL at the other end.
SEE is NOT a foreign language. It is a sign system, but is essentially "English on the hands". Its grammar and structure are the same as English. Each word is at least one sign.
PSE uses signs from ASL and SEE, with its grammar rather mixed, but signs usually understandable by both ends of the spectrum.
ASL has its own grammatical structure, unique, and conceptual in nature. For example, in English, we might say; "The old man sat at the table in his small white house on the farm". To sign this information, we introduce the setting, the farm, then the house, indicating by the way it is signed that the house is small and white, then probably the table and the old man sitting at it.
This structure is why it's a foreign language. You learn not only the signs, but also the unique grammatical structure.
We started with a class at our adult education center, Beginning ASL. At the time my daughter wasn't old enough to take the class herself, so I attended (I had always wanted to learn ASL!), and later taught her. Not the very best way, but it was a start.
Once the beginning class was over, we looked around for more opportunities. To our surprise, we found a lovely lady at church who is an interpreter, and agreed to work with us. She tutored us for 1 1/2 years. We ended by completing the college text used for the first year ASL class at the local university, and Jesse interpreted a song of her choice and performed it at church. We invited a Deaf friend, and she enjoyed the performance. (She cried, I told Jesse I thought she'd done it right then!)
More coming on ASL!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why the current time in Peru?
This week my 19 year old daughter arrived in Lima, Peru for a missions trip. She has made all the arrangements herself for this trip planned to be a year long.
I'm excited for her, and yet LONG is the operative word! That seems like such a long time for her to be gone! I'm praying for her to have a fun, effective ministry with the Peruvian group there, and also for her to be safe.
Like many experiences, there have been ups and downs already. The Peruvian mission interns have been nice to her, but her Spanish-English Bible and her contact lens solution were missing from her luggage.
She's very excited about this opportunity to serve the Lord, but doesn't speak Spanish! (She studied American Sign Language in our high school, that will be another post.) I'm confident she'll learn Spanish quickly, she'll certainly be highly motivated!
It's scary for me to have her doing this. But I'm reminding myself that this is what we raised our children to do, to step into adulthood and live the life God has for them. (Please feel free to pray for her!)
I'm excited for her, and yet LONG is the operative word! That seems like such a long time for her to be gone! I'm praying for her to have a fun, effective ministry with the Peruvian group there, and also for her to be safe.
Like many experiences, there have been ups and downs already. The Peruvian mission interns have been nice to her, but her Spanish-English Bible and her contact lens solution were missing from her luggage.
She's very excited about this opportunity to serve the Lord, but doesn't speak Spanish! (She studied American Sign Language in our high school, that will be another post.) I'm confident she'll learn Spanish quickly, she'll certainly be highly motivated!
It's scary for me to have her doing this. But I'm reminding myself that this is what we raised our children to do, to step into adulthood and live the life God has for them. (Please feel free to pray for her!)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thinking ahead...
Several years ago I heard about Nanowrimo... National Novel Writing Month. The adult level challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. There is also a student site, the Young Writer's Program, in which the teacher sets the word goal for each individual student.
After reading about this, I decided to offer my high schoolers the option to participate in the National Novel Writing Month, or do the regular Sonlight writing assignments for the month of November. I also offered the choice of participating as an adult, with the 50,000 word goal, or I would help them determine a goal for the Young Writer's Program. Either way, I promised that I wouldn't read any part of it that they didn't want me to, but it had to be typed to be loaded onto the website for an official word count.
They both, to my surprise, chose to do the 50,000 words in a month. That's about the length of The Great Gatsby. One made it, and one didn't. I didn't either! But, it was a great experience. I was amazed by the difference in writing for quantity rather than quality.
I know that sounds like a bad thing, but you are truly able to think more creatively and not be paralyzed by trying to get everything 'just right'. My students were excited, challenged and enriched by the experience.
It also changes the way you read a book. Because you have dealt with unruly characters, questions and plot holes in your own novel, you notice and appreciate an author's skillful handling of his characters and story. You develop an insiders understanding of story structure that can't be easily learned any other way.
Locally there is a "Nano" group that meets weekly during November, and a few of us have continued to meet every 2 weeks, year round, for the last 2 years. Ours is not a homeschool group, our regulars have included only adults, myself and my daughter. It's been encouraging to meet together and write for a couple of hours, ask questions, talk about writing.
As a side benefit, by the way, it's a wonderful motivation to learn or improve at typing!
I have now finished the 50,000 word goal the last 2 years, and one of my daughters has exceeded the 50,000 word goal all 3 years she has participated. We both want to do this every year!
After reading about this, I decided to offer my high schoolers the option to participate in the National Novel Writing Month, or do the regular Sonlight writing assignments for the month of November. I also offered the choice of participating as an adult, with the 50,000 word goal, or I would help them determine a goal for the Young Writer's Program. Either way, I promised that I wouldn't read any part of it that they didn't want me to, but it had to be typed to be loaded onto the website for an official word count.
They both, to my surprise, chose to do the 50,000 words in a month. That's about the length of The Great Gatsby. One made it, and one didn't. I didn't either! But, it was a great experience. I was amazed by the difference in writing for quantity rather than quality.
I know that sounds like a bad thing, but you are truly able to think more creatively and not be paralyzed by trying to get everything 'just right'. My students were excited, challenged and enriched by the experience.
It also changes the way you read a book. Because you have dealt with unruly characters, questions and plot holes in your own novel, you notice and appreciate an author's skillful handling of his characters and story. You develop an insiders understanding of story structure that can't be easily learned any other way.
Locally there is a "Nano" group that meets weekly during November, and a few of us have continued to meet every 2 weeks, year round, for the last 2 years. Ours is not a homeschool group, our regulars have included only adults, myself and my daughter. It's been encouraging to meet together and write for a couple of hours, ask questions, talk about writing.
As a side benefit, by the way, it's a wonderful motivation to learn or improve at typing!
I have now finished the 50,000 word goal the last 2 years, and one of my daughters has exceeded the 50,000 word goal all 3 years she has participated. We both want to do this every year!
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