10. Civil War Field Trip

Today's History lesson; a branch off of our March 2013 mini unit on the War between the States (Civil War). We were THE FIRST to show up at this School Day event. So, we had the privilege at having all of the workshops to ourselves. We got one on one information and interaction with the lady or gentleman at each station. One "soldier" giggled as he seen me writing notes at each station, knowing there would be a quiz in their future.

Located in Mexia, Texas. About 1 1/2 hours from Gun Barrel City. A beautiful drive to and from on a spring day. Plenty of time to recap, review and enjoy an educational (and spiritual) conversation.

< Mother of the Year award goes to.... Yes, they are cold. I felt so bad about this. But this incredibly polite gentleman asked Nathan to fetch one of his blankets for the girls. I certainly didn't mind.

During the War between the States, camels were used in a variety of ways. Carrying 30 gallons of water on each side, being one. Horses were frightened of the unfamiliar animals, and their unpleasant dispositions made them difficult to manage, so the army did not use them for military use. The camels proved to be exceedingly strong, and were able to move quickly across terrain that horses naturally could not. And, of course, the fact that they could go long times without water was a plus. 

While Doug is giving us the history of the camel in relation to the Civil War, the camels were being groomed for the season. Every spring, a camel loses five to eight pounds of hair. Doug uses special tools to remove hair and mats. After a winter season of thick hair that has collected grain, dirt, mats, and mud balls, a camel is eager to stand in line for grooming.

< As the girls were stood close, they witnessed the camel go "potty". Doug asked Nathan to fetch the pitchfork. Dough scooped it up and asked Nathan to pitch it in the trees. LOL!!! Nathan was pleased to help.

"Imagine firing a rifle at a distant enemy on a battlefield covered with powder smoke, with shell fragments flying around, and with the enemy riflemen and artillery in turn finding you a very desirable target. It took cool nerves under those conditions to estimate carefully the distance to the target, determine the high trajectory needed at the time, and allow for any wind. But that was the task of the Civil War sharpshooter, both Union and Confederate." - The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable.

Nathan wanted to feel how heavy it was. This 10.5 lb "sharpshooter" was extremely loud with only shooting off a "paper bullet" (from my memory). I can't imagine how awfully loud this would be for a soldier ALL DAY.

< This gentleman was playing When Johnny Comes Marching Home. The kids recognize it as The Ants Go Marching. A loud voice called from within the tent and startled Nathan. A woman's voice yelled, "Why don't y'all sing along with him!" It was the man's wife. Friends of Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site camp the entire weekend as they await the public's arrival and begin the event.

This mother is a homeschooler as well. She began to tell me a little about homeschool life in the 1800s and allowed me to look at a reproduction of a 19th Century McGuffey Reader. More info here. 

< A stone chimney was once part of a house built by the Pure Oil Company during the Mexia oil boom of the 1920s.

This woman was very interesting to listen to. She discussed several ways in which young ones were taught at home. "Once upon a time, all children were homeschooled". The item on her head is called a "snood". My girls bought one at the gift shop.

 

This is Bo, a 20 year old re-enactment Calvary horse. He was much more calm than JK, who is only 8 years old. The sound of the cannon going off didn't startle him once. We learned that a horse with his head down shows they are calm. The ones that are up are on alert.

1893 Dance Pavilion listed on the National Register as a historic architectural site. We were told that sometimes homeschoolers will have their proms here. They HAVE to dress in period clothes. What is period formal wear? Look here.

 I was unable to find the name of this band, but they played traditional music of 19th-century America. Instruments included: (from left to right) Jig Doll (Limberjack), fiddle, banjo, clavichord, mandolin and harpsichords. 

Here they are preforming for us.

< This is a Jig Doll, or Limberjack. Dancing dolls have been popular street entertainment for hundreds of years.

The most popular types of cannons used during the Civil War were the gun and the howitzer. The differences in the two were many; while a gun is a long-barreled, heavy weapon made to fire at long range, using solid shot and a large powder charge, the smaller, lighter, shorter-barreled howitzer is intended to fire at a short range from higher elevations, using smaller powder charges.

This was not entirely Civil War related, but this informational travel "trailer" was

situated near the concession stand. Did you know that Glad Clingwrap is made from some part of the cow? And, the hide from one beef animal can be made into 144 baseballs!?

Did you know it takes about two days for milk to go from the cow to the grocery store?

What do bandaides and cotton have in common?http://www.band-aid.com/brand-heritage

A mini cotton gin was used to show how cotton was harvested. The seeds themselves have interesting uses, such as potato chips. And, Cottonseed meal is a good source of protein.

The kids got to take some home. If I hadn't kept my eye on it, it would have stayed in the floorboard of the truck on the way home.

Lunch time! We made a picnic lunch in a quiet area, away from all the school groups that arrived.

Indeed, they all earned their incentive money. The goal was to dive in and ask questions. They were super little learners today. I love my children so much.

9. Inquiring Minds Want to Know

A handful of acquaintances have asked me about some of our projects related to our To Kill a Mockingbird unit study. One friend asked, "How do you divide that stuff up between three grade levels?"  Another asked, "How much does that cost?" My answers were simple; "We do it all together!" and, "Mostly FREE!"

"But it's High School literature!?"

Indeed it is. That's what's exciting! While Freckle Juice is a cute read for my fourth-sixth graders, I thought it would be a GREAT idea to take advantage of a book that was gifted to my family. To Kill a Mockingbird was not one that I was familiar with, but upon researching the contents and realizing the setting and history involved around that era, I could not pass up the opportunity to create a Unit Study of my own. And, because great minds think alike, my dear friends at Harper Academy and Peak Performance Academy have joined in on the fun.

A unit study is taking one topic, such as our book, TKaM, and integrating all of the subjects around that topic. For example; In the beginning chapters of TKaM, we learned that one of Scout's peers is so hungry that he puts molasses all over his food. By breaking down each paragraph and dialogue, we discovered that the poor child has been greatly effected by the "crash". So we then took that to the library and are now studying about the Stock Market Crash of 1929. That then lead up to Civil Rights, The Great Depression as well as the Dust Bowl. 

Because these subjects are interconnected, the kids have seen the purpose for learning these topics, therefore enjoy it. 

"FREE??"

I will simply say a few words on this. PINTEREST, YOUTUBE, LIBRARY and THRIFT STORES.

Utilizing these resources has saved my family so much money. It takes creativity, too. And, the barter system is still a valuable form of exchanging both ideas as well as materials.The overseer of Harper Academy has generously shared materials through the use of the barter system. And, with a simple click of the "share" button, we have built a mighty fine Pinterest board for our TKaM unit. (snicker)

It's websites like these, and the aforementioned, that make my job as a homeschooling mother less stressful. Like them, this blog too, serves the purpose of both sharing what I have learned as well as sharing what we are learning. It has been seen as an incentive, also, with my children as they ask, "Mom, are you gonna put this on your blog?"

8. Supplemental Tuesdays

Flog - to blog via Facebook. (I am pretty sure I just made that up)

     That's where I have been these past several months. I realized last night, however, that I miss my lengthy "status updates" via Blogger. So, here I am. As Monday evenings linger, the children are allowed to stay up a little later than 9:00. Today is Tuesday which means the kids have the privilege to sleep in a little - the perks of being homeschooled. (see this site for how spelling counts when using the term "Homeschool")

What's on the day's agenda?

     Tuesdays are the days we prepare for our congregation bible study. Each Tuesday evening we meet at a place called a Kingdom Hall. 

Why not "church"? 

     Well, in the Bible, the Greek term that is sometimes translated “church” refers to a group of worshipers, not to the building they meet in. Just like Study Hall (in school) is a meeting place for studying secular school work, a Kingdom Hall is used to meet together and study the bible. 

Why "Kingdom"? 

     Because we not only learn about what the Bible teaches and how we can apply it, but we learn about God's Kingdom and all of the things it will bring to mankind. So that being said, we reserve Tuesdays for preparing for these vital meetings. They have greatly built up our relationship with our Creator as well as enhanced my children's reading fluency, courage in public speaking and provide an abundance in association with a variety of age groups.

How are these meetings used in conjunction with our homeschool curriculum? 

     We use a textbook called Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. This book acts as a workbook, with the bible as our primary textbook. The education we receive in the school provides many skills such as: 

• Listening and remembering

• Personal reading

• Studying

• Doing Research

• Analyzing and organizing

• Conversing

• Answering questions

• Putting thoughts down in writing

     As a mother and teacher, the instruction we gain in public reading and in the arts of speaking and teaching are, by far, my favorite feature of this school. Our young ones are not limited to a class of twenty-one 12-year olds, but are engaged in a Hall full of a variety of ages, from the youngest (that also raises her hand and answers) being 2 years old and the oldest being nearly 93 years old!

     This school has had an amazing impact on my family. Best of all, this school is FREE to all who attend. You can find out more by visiting THIS LINK.  

7. Reason Exposed

He sat patient and engaged. He smiled in adoration as tears welled up in my eyes. It's a thing I do. When emotion stirs within me a part of me exudes the happiness that the English vocabulary can't describe.

For a whole hour my husband hung on my every word as I described the previous three weeks of our first year of homeschooling. From explaining that feeling you get when you witness your child finally comprehend the trick to making a complete sentence to describing the enthusiasm another child had at receiving their first wild blue ticket, these are the things that make it all worth it. It's the fuel that keeps a teacher/mother moving.

Dr. "J" asked a series of questions to the ol' quartet during their yearly check-up last week. At finding out we were now homeschooling she asked me, "How do you like it?" Rather than looking her in the eye with a matter-of-fact reply, I looked in the eyes of my four children and said, "I absolutely love it". This heartfelt response must have moved them because I could see the look of one in particular that said, "We love it too, Mom."

Within 3 weeks we have reviewed what they ought to have learned in public school the previous year. To my disappointment I have learned that a couple of them need more review. This does not concern me. Learning is a goal-directed act. It involves combining different types of information. As their learning coach it is my God-given responsibility to guide them in understanding that information.

To educate means “to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in a skill, trade, or profession.” A balanced education should help us (1) to read well, (2) to write clearly, (3) to develop mentally and morally, and (4) to acquire the practical training needed for day-to-day living. These are my personal goals as my children's learning coach.

I recently read someone say, "Getting an education is one of the best things you, as a younger person, can do for yourself to ensure you lead a better, more fulfilling and prosperous life." I agree 100% by this. However, who gets to determine what defines "fulfilling" or "prosperous"? The world? We see what the world is doing? It's deteriorating, falling apart, becoming morally borderless. I encourage my children to decide for themselves while I train them to have high regard for moral value and to keep their standards unmovable. After all  they are children training to be adults one day. 

What kind of adult do I want to see my children become? It will be their mental attitude that determines their future. With that thought, I know what sort of learning coach/parent I choose to be.

6. Gearing Up

Welcome back! 2013's summer is nearing an end and we are gearing up for the school year. I last left you explaining that I had received this curriculum from my aunt near the Houston area. While it still is a blessing to have received it I realize it's not going to be something I can productively use in our routine. Therefore I will pass on this blessing to another family with much younger children and a little more time to get acquainted with prior to using it.

So, for the past three weeks (in between having a life and all) I have been sewing together our own curriculum using the many workbooks, tools, aides and resources that I have collected over several months this year. Things are coming together quite nicely. What I love about it is that I have all 36 weeks of our school year pre-planned in our lesson planner. Unlike the last two months of school last year (remember, I took the kids out with two months left of public school?) when each Sunday evening came around I had to come up with the weeks' plan. This was VERY stressful and took precious time away from my family.

I give a HUGE shout out to Lake Area Thrift Store for all of the wonderful CLEAN, unused workbooks they have sold to me. Without going back to check my receipts I have to guess that all of the workbooks my children will be using this school year PROBABLY cost a grand total of $6.00! Lest I mention the one's I purchased from the Goodwill on half-priced book day. Or, the books I got from the Family Resource Center in Tamarak on BOGO 1/2 off day. The feeling of being frugal? Priceless. Literally.

August 16th I have a date with my close friend and homeschool companion, Amber. She is taking me to the Lewisville Homeschool Resource Center. Of course we have to hit up a Starbucks first. I honestly do not know what I expect to find there, but Amber says it's the ideal go-to place for readying for the school year. Either way, I am looking forward to a mom's day out regardless.

So when does our first day begin? In two weeks; August 19th. I plan on having them school for nine weeks and then allowing them a one week break. This is to prevent all of us feeling overwhelmed and burned out. It's a protection tactic...for Momma - or the kids. Whichever way you want to look at it :)

During our week breaks we will spend an extra day in our Christian Ministry and we will continue our Blue Ticket incentive. The plan is not to break from learning; just break from formal learning. 

Check back in a few weeks to hear all about our first week of the 2013-2014 homeschool year.

5. Rethinking Our Approach

Two months have gone by since our experience with public school ended. I can't express enough how valuable the timing was in taking the children out when we did. Giving our family two and a half months of homeschool life allowed us to taste the eclectic approach I recently wrote about. My husband and I have found that method of schooling our children seemed more stressful than productive. You see, with patching together a lesson plan that includes the required core subjects I found it difficult to sew them together in a way that I could teach as a group. With having two fifth graders, a fourth grader and a third grader this proved a challenge thereby causing unnecessary stress. So, when the plan doesn't work we change the plan, not the goal.

I recently connected with an aunt of mine near the Houston area. She too homeschooled her children. She was eager to share with me a curriculum that she thought I may find interesting and very useful. I am eager to make a trip down there to retrieve it. I am also VERY thankful that this came to my attention at the time it did. This curriculum is a blessing I had not yet prayed for. More on that at a later date.

We last shared with you what we have been up to during weeks 1-3. The kids have really been enjoying learning outside of the classroom. We've been riding our bikes in search of aluminium cans in an effort to 1) clean our neighborhood streets, 2) save a little bit of money for our field trip fund, and 3) utilize that time as our "P.E" LOL!!. Last week we literally got lost in our own neighborhood. But in doing so we seen a cool snake and oddly as it sounds, a pile of dead fish in a ditch. 


In keeping your attention before you get too bored with reading let me just share with you some of our pictures:

We spent this morning cleaning our flower beds and taking care of our front yard as part of celebrating Earth Day. The kids did all three flower beds by themselves. They found teeny, tiny, baby lady bugs in the soil. I sat there and Googled (with my phone) what that meant. We learned that the lady bugs served as a natural pest control. They didn't want to cover them up. 

These little wooden stars were so fun to paint. We chose to  paint them up and share them with our Tamarak Resource Center friends, Gene and Julie. These ladies know us well now and have been putting things back for us they know we could use for art and craft days. We have yet to deliver them, but when we do you can bet I will capture that moment ;)

The desk on the left was donated as a gift from some truly wonderful friends. The one on the right, $20 at a thrift shop. I think we have two more coming our way. Until then, we are using the card table along with the two desks. The kids are very happy with having a formal place to do their work.

Our first day at the library as bona fide homeschoolers. Of course I had to take a picture of THAT! We do this often actually; go to the library rather than sit in the living room. Changing the scenery is always refreshing.  Afterwards, we took our silent math book work to a tiny cafe for some iced tea, chips and salsa.

Homeschool Day @ the Dallas Zoo w/GREAT friends from Duncanville.  

This is my favorite time of the day; Dad teaching the class. Before we began homeschooling my husband and I agreed that he would teach the math after work on certain evenings. What do I do while this is happening? Taking notes of course! (With a glass of wine, jus' sayin')

The kids have been working on learning about their Great Grandparents childhood. Here, they are listening to their Great Grandmother tell her history while showing them pictures. I can't say anymore about this subject as it is a major project that will continue for the next few months.

Earth Day Art: The world now VS God's promise for the world later. The children are aware of what the Bible teaches when it comes to the earth. Matthew 6:9, 10 tells us that Jesus even prayed that His Father's Kingdom COME ON EARTH just as IT IS IN HEAVEN. God's purpose for the earth was to be a paradise. His purpose has not changed just because man chose to change it. So the children were reminded of these wonderful scriptures.

A week ago we dedicated the entire day to doing science experiments and watching (mom's favorite) Bill Nye. You can see what our experiments were here and here. The kids LOVED the vinegar and baking soda so much. Here's the video if you'd like to view.

Grammar Art: Working on Adjectives and Adverbs. As it stands my back door serves as our display area. I will rethink this as we go. LOL!!

Thank you for coming by!

4. Weeks 1-3

We are entering our fourth week of homeschool. WOW! Already? The burn out feeling is settling in. I guess that's due to being with your children 24/7 since March 8th without "me time".  TIME TO PLAN FOR THAT! June 1st "I'm gonna Pop Some Tags" in Canton. Lesson learned? Plan "me time" at least every other week.

So what have our lil' Homeschoolers been up to for three weeks? Well, we began our first day with a trip to the museum. That week marked public school's Spring Break. We decided to use this break-time as our transition into homeschool. We introduced our new schedule to the kids, showed them how to set their own alarms and walked right into the new schedule like a boss. Instead of getting up at 6 a.m., the kids now get up at 8. I enjoy a peaceful 30 to an hour of quiet time, therefore I get up at 7-7:30.

To the teacher reading our AWESOME blog, who sarcastically patted my daughters' head during the evening of Open House, and uttered the words "Aw, you're not gonna have a Spring Break", have no fear; The children WILL have their Spring Break, but in our own way, and on our own schedule :)

Instead of killing you with boredom, let me share our first three weeks of our journey in the form of a slideshow. Please bare in mind this is our first video. Lesson Learned? When a red text comes on the screen saying "Something Went Wrong" just X out...do not save. At the end of the year I shall "Knight" myself in the video making field.

Enjoy!