Holy Experiences

Mr. Patriot and I decided long ago that we would work and sacrifice to provide experiences for our children. We have been faithful to that goal. Over the years our quest for experiences has been changed a little though. We now seek holy experiences.

  The Sacred Grove 2011

 

We just returned home from two weeks filled with experiences. We were able to dejunk, paint and fix up grandma's house in the east. What a trip. We worked hard and had much fruit to show for our labors. I think our children came away with some valuable experiences and a new appreciation about things in life.

 

Palmyra Temple Baptism Trip 2011

We were also able to revisit the Sacred Grove and serve in the Palmyra Temple by doing baptisms. At grandma's house we taped maple trees and made homemade maple syrup. We reflected on the greatness of the patriots in the Revolutionary War as we walked the grounds of Valley Forge. We visited with family and strengthened relationships.

Taping trees at grandma's

Through our many travels we have had some holy experiences. Some of our holy experiences have included seeing the flag that hung over Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 on display at the American History Smithsonian; kneeling as a family at Adam-ondi-ahman and offering up a sacred prayer; standing in Carthage Jail and feeling the Spirit testify of Joseph Smith; and walking through Independence Hall and thinking about a new nation being born.

Valley Forge 2011

 We don't have to fly across the country to have holy experiences though. We've had holy experiences around a campfire telling family history stories; receiving Father's Blessings; doing Baptisms for the Dead; singing hymns together on the way to a friend's home; and reading great books like "The Hiding Place" together.

Valley Forge 2011

 

Sacred experiences are available to us every day. Today we had a sacred experience during family scripture study as we read about Mormon being a sober child that was quick to observe. We noted how this young fifteen year old was able to be visited and taste and know the goodness of Jesus Christ. We talked about where we were at. Are we sober? Are we quick to observe?

When we seek truth the Spirit will teach us. When we seek holy experiences we will have them.

Susanna Wesley

Susanna Wesley by Kathy McReynolds

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Studying the lives of the great reformers of Christianity is paramount. Included in these biographical sketches we need to include the lives of the great women who nurtured these great men as mothers and wives. In their steadfast faith we can find example in how to raise our own hero generation.

I have long wanted to read a biography about the great Susanna Wesley. I was happy with the book by Kathy McReynolds. I had done some research into the biographies of Susanna and many of them focused on her being dominated by men and other worldly trumped up interpretations instead of narrowing in on the very hope of her life-her faith in Jesus Christ and her dedication to her family.

Susanna Wesley was born in England in 1669; the 25th child in the family. She was the mother of John and Charles Wesley who were later dubbed the founders of Methodism. Charles Wesley’s hymns have found their way to all Christian hymnals. Some of his more famous hymns include, “Rejoice, the Lord is King!,” “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” and “Hark the Herald Angles Sing.”

Susanna was fiercely dedicated to Christ and the Bible. She was extremely well read and self-taught that was encouraged at an early age by her famous father. She left behind a large legacy of letters and writings that continue to impact people today. As her children grew and attained adulthood she continued to teach them through letters. She bore her testimony constantly. The object of all her letters was to make sure they were living by the Bible.

She gave birth to 19 children in 21 years. She outlived two of her adult children. Ten of her children died young, one of which it believed to have been killed by persecutors. They lost their home to fire twice; one of the fires was believed to be intentionally started. Their fields were also set on fire, their cattle stabbed and their dog’s leg was brutally cut. The persecutors “shouted out obscenities to them and fired their guns in front of their home during all hours of the night.” All of this occurring while her husband sat in prison.

She was revered by her husband and her sons spoke highly of her. She also understood her role as wife and mother and was devoted to them.

Susanna is also famously known because she homeschooled all of her children. Her tenants and practices on child rearing are well known. She expected strict discipline out of her children but also smothered them with love.

Susanna Wesley is a woman worthy of emulation and study.

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Quotes about Education and Marxism

I copied these quotes from http://www.homeschoolinginca.org/ . Lots of good morsels to think about.

President David O McKay

 I believe that four fundamental elements in such an education are: 1. The basic essentials of oral and written composition—arithmetic, social studies and science. 2. Loyal leadership as found in men who "cannot be bought or sold, men who will scorn to violate truth, genuine gold." 3. Open and forcible teaching of facts regarding communism as an enemy to God and to individual freedom. 4. More emphasis upon moral and spiritual values. May our educational system from grade school to university ever seek and merit His divine guidance! (Pathways to Happiness, p. 71) My husband and I were very impressed with this quote.  We found that the book is available on line.  Here is the link, click education to the chapter this quote is in.

President Boyd K. Packer

I am restless over the possibility, ever present, that education may fail to achieve a righteous purpose and be perversely used. We have many examples in the world where the misuse of this power has degraded men rather than exalted them... The voice of atheism, of corruption, of faithlessness, of dissention resounds from a thousand platforms. It is subsidized from public funds. It is invited to the forum in public institutions, tolerated by most, and encouraged by many. The voice of faith, on the other hand, is fading. Few places are left where it might speak. (BYU Speeches of the Year, 29 April 1969, p.3)

In many places it is literally not safe physically for youngsters to go to school. And in many schools - and it's becoming almost generally true - it is spiritually unsafe to attend public schools. Look back over the history of education to the turn of the century and the beginning of the educational philosophies, pragmatism and humanism were the early ones, and they branched out into a number of other philosophies which have led us now into a circumstance where our schools are producing the problems that we face. (Charge to the David O. McKay School of Education at BYU, October 9, 1996) 

 Elder Verlan H. Anderson

The institution of public education is so universally accepted today that many readers are apt to scoff at the idea that the control of education by government and the use of public funds for its support is contrary to moral law. Before rejecting the idea as absurd, one might ponder these facts... 1) Point number ten of the Communist Manifesto contains the following proposal: Free education for all children in public schools.
2) When public education was first proposed in the state of Utah, the leadership of the Church was unalterably opposed to it. (The Book of Mormon and the Constitution, p. 181)

Not only do the scriptures instruct us on when teaching is best done (see D&C 68:25-32; Deut. 8:5-9) but also on what should and should not be taught (see Moroni 7:14-19; 2 Nephi 9:28-29) and who should and should not do the teaching (see 2 Nephi 28:14, 31; Mosiah 23:14). The early teaching of children by parents offers the solution to many problems which otherwise would not afflict our lives. Is not this the ounce of prevention which will eliminate the need for many pounds of cure with respect to our youth? ...The proper teaching of children is truly one of the most essential parts of God's plan for our happiness." (Ensign, 10/91 p. 81.)

President Ezra Taft Benson

I feel to warn you that one of the chief means of misleading our youth and destroying the family unit is our educational institutions. There is more than one reason why the Church is advising our youth to attend colleges close to their homes where institutes of religion are available. It gives the parents the opportunity to stay close to their children, and if they become alerted and informed, these parents can help expose the deceptions of men like Sigmund Freud, Charles Darwin, John Dewey, John Keynes and others. There are much worse things today that can happen to a child than not getting a full education. In fact, some of the worst things have happened to our children while attending colleges led by administrators who wink at subversion and amorality. Said Karl G. Maeser, "I would rather have my child exposed to smallpox, typhus fever, cholera or other malignant and deadly diseases than to the degrading influence of a corrupt teacher." (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 307.) 

There is absolutely nothing in the Constitution which authorizes the federal government to enter into the field of education. Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment says: "The powers not delegated to the United States Government are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing could be more clear. It is unconstitutional for the federal government to exercise any powers over education. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 298.) 

 From the 5th grade through the 4th year of college, our young people are being indoctrinated with a Marxist philosophy and I am fearful of the harvest. The younger generation is further to the left than most adults realize. The old concepts of our Founding Fathers are scoffed and jeered at by young moderns whose goals appear to be the destruction of integrity and virtue, and the glorification of pleasure, thrills, and self-indulgence. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p 321) 

The tenth plank in Karl Marx's Manifesto for destroying our kind of civilization advocated the establishment of "free education for all children in public schools." There were several reasons why Marx wanted government to run the schools. Dr. A. A. Hodge pointed out one of them when he said, "It is capable of exact demonstration that if every party in the State has the right of excluding from public schools whatever he does not believe to be true, then he that believes most must give way to him that believes least, and then he that believes least must give way to him that believes absolutely nothing, no matter in how small a minority the atheists or agnostics may be. It is self-evident that on this scheme, if it is consistently and persistently carried out in all parts of the country, the United States system of national popular education will be the most efficient and widespread instrument for the propagation of atheism which the world has ever seen." (in Conference Report, October 1970, p. 25)

Elder Horacio A. Tenorio

Parents have the responsibility to educate their children. No inappropriate outsider should be allowed to dictate our family's values nor what our children are being taught... In medieval times, great fortresses were built around castles or cities to protect them from enemy attacks. In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites built fortresses to defend their families against the enemies. We must make of our homes fortresses to protect our families against the constant attacks of the adversary. (Ensign, Nov. 1994 p. 23.)   

The Biography

I think that the biography (or autobiography) is a very powerful teaching tool.  I love to read about others because of two main reasons:

1. I get to learn from their mistakes.
2. They inspire me to greatness.

I have read a lot of biographies and again and again I come away with the inspiration to be better.

Elder Maxwell's biography taught me I need to submit.
Elder Nelson's biography taught me that I need to obey.
George Washington's biography taught me I need to do hard things.
Abigail Adams biography taught me to do my duty.
Abraham Lincoln's biography taught me that greatness is achieved after a lifetime of trying.
Ralph Moody's writings taught me that my parents can teach me a lot if I'll just listen to them.
Louis L'Amour's autobiography taught me the importance of reading great books.
Karl Marx's biography taught me that Satan wants to destroy humanity.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography taught me that I can triumph over any adversity.
Ji-li Jiang's autobiography taught me that government is not always good.
Clearance Thomas's autobiography taught be that humans can rise out of any situation.
Joseph Smith's biography taught me that great people come from great families.
William Tyndale's biography taught me that we must do what we must no matter the results.
Corrie Ten Boom's autobiography taught me that faith in God can see us through anything.

These are only some examples.  Of course I knew most of these things already from scripture study, but reading about these principles in action further clarified in me the desire to do the right thing.  They inspired me to seek personal greatness and to avoid other's mistakes.

Biographies are also a great way to learn history.  For that reason we read a lot of biographies in our home.

The practical application of this may include:

• Read a biography as a family and discuss it.
• Have a child pick a biography to read on their own and then write a short essay.
• Recognize a trait that yourself or your family needs improvement on and read about someone you know who overcame it.
• After reading about someone present oral reports to the family and field questions about biographies read.
• Act out an important scene in someones life, this solidifies the heroic event in your children's lives.
• Study the history and politics of this time period in addition to the person for further understanding of the world they live in.
• Identify key traits and then set personal/family goals to acquire these traits.
• Recognize these key traits in others you know personally and thank them for their example in living this principle.
• Identify attributes, behaviors or habits, for good or bad, that the person had and discuss or write why having these traits led to success and why, or how a bad habit resulted in a negative situation.
• Compare and contrast the person's core values with yours.  Why did they believe that way? Is it truth?

I believe that biographies should play a huge role in our home education experience.  Remember many of the scriptures are the biographies and histories of our prophets.  I conclude since God used so much space in the sacred canon on reviewing people's lives it is important!

Home Educating At Heart

I've decided I need to write more posts specifically about how I home educate.  It is one of the things I love most.  All my other posts still allude to home education because in our home education/learning are going on all the time in many ways.

The ability to recognize the snares of Babylon or allowing God to fight my battles are all crucial elements in the master class I teach everyday and every moment-parenting.  All of the elements I blog about I have found are vital components to the over all education of my children.

I think though that I want to write some posts about the day to day teaching of history and math though.  When and if I get into that it must be prefaced by restating my education model for you.

I know some people don't like pigeon-holeing themselves into a model or method.  I think a lot of people do not need to.  I don't think it is wrong though to have a method if you feel that is what you need to do.  My ultimate model and method is Jesus Christ and what He says for my family.  The scriptures and the prophets are my ultimate resource.  I read and study my scriptures and the living prophets for several hours every day.  I am constantly learning, growing, changing, pondering, and applying new things for each new day.  I believe that my mission of rearing my children in the last dispensation requires more out of me (and us) than parents have ever been called on to give.  I know that immersing myself daily in the Spirit is my way for success and conquest over Satan.

That being said I have adapted numerous methods and made them my own through the guidance of the Spirit. My overall outline still continues to be The Thomas Jefferson Education Model or TJEd.  I have been implementing TJEd principles in my family for over seven years and have seen success after success.  I have also found scriptures, scripture stories and other real life examples of this model played out repeatedly and I feel confidant that it is necessary for our family.  I have  added a good dose of Charlotte Mason and Headgate principles because I believe they match up with our overall mission and contain true principles.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father allows us to have variety.  My brain works well with these principles. 

In the past I have sometimes started steering away from TJEd and have gone after other things.  However, I am quickly reminded that these principles are truth and God wants me to follow them. I know they contain the structure for education implementation and lifelong learning for my family.  The basic principles of TJEd include (Celeste might not come up with the same list, but that's what the list looks like to me):

1. Classics
2. Mentors (leaders, teachers, coaches...)
3. Personal Experiences
4. Personal discipline, established during Core Phase

Classics. I learn from great books just like the scriptures teach us we must. All of the truth contained in any book has it's origin in God-the source for ultimate truth.   Why don't I read just my scriptures then?  Just as I blog and share ideas, writers around the world also share their ideas about what they are learning.  These ideas further improve our lives as we judge them first to know if they are of God (Moroni 7) and then, when having passed the test, we take them and work with these new ideas in our own life. 

President Hinckley grew up with a great library in his own and studied under great teachers at college.  He said this about what he learned at college,

" I read Carlyle and Emerson, Milton and Longfellow, Shakespeare and all the others. And from there I went on to study Latin and Greek. I couldn’t do it now, but once I could have read you the Iliad and the Odyssey in the original Greek. I finished up my work at the university with a minor in ancient languages." See link here.

We also do it because we are commanded to seek out the best books.  I have studied hard and long about the concept of rejecting Greek Western thought in our lives.  I have researched it, pondered about it, and many more personal things in my quest to see if it is evil for me to study Shakespeare and Greek.  The answer has always been forceful-I must study Greek thought.  Perhaps this is unique to our family.  Our nation would not have been built had the Founding Fathers not studied in depth Greek thought.  President Hinckley was instructed and mentored in Greek thought.   Great people in the last several generatiosn have been great because of the classics. Am I different?

As I read classics and books that I feel impressed to read I see human nature at it's best and worst.  I see where my own misconceptions have been created and stemmed from.  I see where society has gotten his mixed up messages today.   I see clearly what happens when others follow truth and when they do not. 

To prepare to meet God requires that I learn how to think, how to be and how to live.  I get this from the Word of God and from wise men and women who have gone on before me and left their words. I am grateful for the scriptures and best books that bring home these powerful messages to me.

Mentors. I learn from my leaders and other great role models alive and past on.  Learning from someone is a powerful way to learn and grow.  I love reading biographies of great people.  I also enjoy talking with the elderly.  They have a lot to teach me.

Experience.  I take my knowledge and apply what I've learned that I may have my own experience in knowing good and evil.

Discipline. This concept is taught in TJEd as "core phase."  I learn to submit and to become a little children through the whisperings of the Spirit and to establish key habits that will keep me focused on God.  Through a strong foundation I gain my freedom.

Again, the TJEd model simply helps me clarify principles I already believe in.  I think many people don't need to read certain things and apply certain things outside the realm of the scriptures because they already do it and they don't need clarification.

I'm grateful for a model that makes sense to me.  I love to home educate and I love to learn personally.

It's 'School Time'

Everyone around us is heading back to school.  Our town started today to be exact. All my family and friends have pictures of the "first day of school" up on their blogs.  It's the one day of the year that we all feel a little sorry for ourselves I admit.

We are reminded that we are different.  We are reminded that we don't fit in. Of course we've done it to ourselves,  but...  This the day of the year when my kids think maybe it would be fun to go to school.  Everyone is excited.  The teacher's are nice on the first day.  They get to wear new clothes.  They have fun new supplies.  There's just a feeling in the air of excitement you know?  I think I could read all day, or I could shop all day, or I could go to work with my husband or I could be really "adventurous" and get a job!

Of course this lasts all of one second.  Then I remember the bullying, my crying children after school, my exhausted and crying children in the morning, the name calling, the swearing, the homework, the inappropriate books that are sent home (Liberty learned about homosexuality in her take home reading one night in first grade before I caught that one), the weekly Disney movie parties or worse, (Liberty would have gotten to see the "Twilight" movies if she had gone to school last year with her friends), the unbalanced meals at lunch time, the demand that they be required to eat all their food at lunch time even if a parent (that would be me) sent a note saying that since I paid for it I'll let my children decide when they are full, the 'bathroom' conversations on the playground, the belittling by the teachers, humanism, Marxism, uniformity, cheating, lying.... I'm sure I'm missing something.  We only made it through third grade though. Besides I don't like shopping and I wouldn't get a job.

My friend and cousin (okay distant-really distant- but it's still fun to think of her as my cousin) Rebecca said this on her blog the other day,

So many parents assume that children must attend public school unless they receive direct revelation not to send their children. It has occurred to me that we should be expecting direct revelation telling us that we should give up our time with our children and outsource their education to others. If we do not receive specific instructions to turn our stewardship over to others then we should assume that Heavenly Father wants us to be in charge of the children he has blessed us with.

 Well said.

When I was serving a mission (back when the world was black and white according to one son) I learned about home schooling.  I feel in love.  I saw some amazing families.  That was what I wanted to do.  Every area I served in (Southern California) had family after family who home schooled and recognized that they had the ability to take their kids back.  It was amazing.

I said I would always home school and my husband always said he wanted that too.  I was so excited for them to grow and be big.  Then we moved back to my home town.  It seemed like a betrayal to not send them to school.  That's what all good moms did.  They picked out cute clothes and packed their back packs up and sent them off.  That was what I was suppose to do.  I did it too.  Inside I cried.  I knew it was wrong.  I knew what I was suppose to do but I was scared.  Everyone would hate me, judge me, think we weren't good enough for the likes of them, be threatened ....

We went through the motions for a couple of years.  What was I doing?  My heart was heavy.  My children were miserable.  Dare I ask if should bring them home?  I was more afraid of what the teachers (my friends)  and my family would say than doing the right thing. 

One night after listening to my daughter cry yet again I had a profound experience that I will not share. From that  I knew I could no longer be ruled by the opinions of others, I had to take my children back.  They were mine and they were being destroyed. 

I've never looked back since.  Except for that split second every time this year when I think we could be a normal family and fit in.  But I can never do that again, there is too much at stake. 

So while so many around me genuinely celebrate sending their kids off I rejoice and thank my Heavenly Father that I have my children to hold and love for a little while longer while I finish preparing them for the Great Battle they were held back for 6,000 years to fight in.

Memorization

We are just finishing up our annual break and I have all sorts of home education thoughts going on in my mind.  I am so pleased to be able to finally think about other things (my favorite things) again!

Memorization.  To some immediate abhorrence occurs.  Others love it.  Perhaps our loving or loathing boils down to which curriculum we might ardently follow.  I don't really follow a curriculum, I guess you could say I follow sets of principles I find truth in.

Where do I stand?  Love it.  Yes, yes I know this puts me at odds with many.  Perhaps one of the reasons we do it though is that I love to memorize and I like to be quizzed. I am a facts girl you might say. I have several children, Determination (age 10) especially, who also love to memorize and be quizzed. I like The Well Trained Mind philosophy on it. The TWTM philosophy says that by memorizing children are able to more easily connect things together and later on they can learn the why behind it all.  With this process they learn the why much quicker because the facts are instantly stored and available for retrevial.  For example we memorize multiplication tables (I teach my children some why's before with these) and if we have them memorized mathmatics is much easier and quicker later on.  Another example is last year some of my children and I memorized the Presidents of the United States. Since that time whenever we learn something in American History Determination immediately connects who was president then. He slowly adds knowledge to that "hook," as the Kimber philosophy would say, and he is easily putting American History together because he has these hooks to place things in order for him. 

Maybe it is good for those of us out there who are logical learners that like things in lists and order?  At any rate it is fun for us, to other families it may be torture. We all have our quirks right?


 Another reason I like memorization is that it fills our minds will worthy thoughts and knowledge.  Five years or so ago I memorized the The Proclamation to the World on the Family, The Living Christ and The Relief Society Declaration.  It has been wonderful always having those words ring through my ears as I parent and serve others.  Not only are the words worthy that float through my mind, but as I memorized the documents I also gained a more vivid and clear understanding of what those documents meant. 

I see that with out guidance children will memorize things anyway.  It amazes me how many youth and children are expert in all pop music lyrics, they also have lines memorized from books, TV and movies.  Their heads are filled with things, but what?  I have tried to place worthy thoughts in my children's minds that their thoughts can stay focused on the good, the positive and most importantly the holy.

How do we do memorization if we don't have "school time?" It's just built into our day and various activities. We just do it has a family.


As part of our daily routine we memorize a scripture every week, we rememorize/practice an Article of Faith every week in Family Home Evening, and we also work on a paragraph or a couple of sentences from the Proclamation to the World on the Family every week in Family Home Evening also.  For years and years we have just gone over it and over it.  So we have some things built into our routine.

I should also point out that no one is required to memorize anything, and sometimes they don't.  Or some children will memorize one thing while others will memorize another.  Last year Determination memorized the Presidents as mentioned while Liberty (12) only partially memorized them, but instead she memorized the Declaration of Independence.  Usually I will say, "Do you want to memorize __________? This is why I think it would be good information to know____________.  I am going to memorize it, so if you want to do it with me you are welcome too."  Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.  It's never a forced thing.  When we are walking, driving or working we will practice memorizing whatever we are interested in.  More often than not it really is in the form of oral quizzing (which is a TJEd concept).  So while some children might not consciously choose to memorize something, they are often learning it right along side of us anyway and they will pick up much of it.  Right now we are memorizing our piano pieces for our recital. 

Here are a few things some of us have memorized and why it was helpful:

• The books of all the scriptures-find scriptures faster
• Latter-day prophets-connect church history events easier
• 12 modern day apostles-easily recognize them when they speak and recognize patterns in their talks
• Christ's original 12 apostles-understand stories, personalities of 12 in the NT better
• President's of the United States-associate American History events easier with other things
• Articles of Faith-understand basic doctrines of the church
• Proclamation-Understand how important our family is
• Scriptures in general-they recognize scriptures quoted from the pulpit more easily as ones they have already learned, they know the background and can more easily understand the message the speaker is delivering (they love to catch how many Scriptures they know during Sacrament Meeting or in a Church video, there are usually two or three every time)
• Patriarchal line of the Book of Mormon (Alma, Alma, Heleman, Helaman, Nephi....)-understand exactly who is speaking/teaching when reading the Book of Mormon
• 12 Tribes of Israel-Increased understanding of most Old Testaments events
• Counties of our state-associate where things are in the state easier
• Geography locations of all types-connect historical and current events together more easily
• All the wars the United States have fought in with their dates-more association with other world events
• All major and several minor events, places and dates associated with the restoration, from the birth of Joseph Smith to the arrival of the Saints into Utah (all those things in between)-we have been able to travel to most of these places and they understand exactly what took place and why it was important. (For instance when we visited the Aaronic Priesthood Restoration site in Pennsylvania last summer they knew exactly what had happened.  When they stuck their hands in the Susquehanna River they knew who had been there and what sacred event had happened and exactly how long ago it had). They also can easily connect church events together when they learn stories.  They know if something happened for instance right after the Saints were expelled from Missouri what the Saints were probably thinking and feeling at the time.

Those are some of the things I can remember of the top of my head.  Here are some things we want to memorize next:

• The Declaration of Independence (only Liberty did it)-Liberty is continually quoting to us why something is wrong or right in government now my telling us what the Declaration says
• Address to My Children by Heber C Kimball
• Animal Kingdom
• Major Plant Species and key components of each
• Periodic Table
• Poetry
• Kings and Queens of England (we know several though)
• Constellations
• Key dates and events the occurred chronologically during each American War (We already have much of the Revolutionary War dates memorized.  Extremely beneficial!)
• Prophets and kings of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah
• Major musical movements of history
• Refined vocabulary words (thank you Misfit Cygnet)

That's a good start.  We will do many of those this year.  At least I will and some of the kids will learn some and some will learn others.  I have faith in each of them that they will be inspired to know what they need to memorize to bless their lives individually. 

If you would like to memorize things but seem overwhelmed by the ideas just start small.  The first things we memorized were what I considered core phase things.  For example the Latter-day prophets, Books of Scripture, Articles of Faith, etc.  All of these things are already put to Primary music so it'll be easy.  Time lines for Seminary provide easy access to dates, places and key events.  The seminary scripture mastery's are also easy places to start for knowing which scriptures to memorize.  I think on You Tube (I've not looked though) there would most likely be rhymes/songs for learning geography, presidents, states, etc.  It seems like they have everything on there!  Any science or history book would have dates and key events for you to study if you didn't know something.  Of course googling for a list of something is even easier.

To stop a very long post, memorizing can be a great tool that is easily incorporated into a routine.  It takes no more effort than googling a list for me.  It helps make traveling in the car easier when I distract them.  We are excited to work on new things. It has been helpful to evaluate how my children learn. I have learned that I have some that respond to lists, drills and memorization,  However, I have a very "right brained" child (Imagination age 9) has never really been interested in memorizing and has a hard time memorizing some things that my older two children have known since they were two.  Just thoughts. What are yours?

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel arr: Dan Coates

I currently am taking piano lessons with my children.  I have felt strongly that my children need to take piano lessons and become proficient in them.  Playing the piano is a requirement in our home.  I need to back track and say once they decide that they want to take piano lessons (which they have demonstrated by showing a deep desire over several months) that I will require them to practice daily.  Liberty (age 11, almost 12) did not start until this past fall and already she can play easy repertoire.  The boys coincidentally all started when they were 8.

Before I started taking piano lessons with them I always requested a recital piece from our piano teacher and I performed one with them.  (This goes with my parenting model that I will not require anything of them that I am not willing to also do myself).  I also think that it helps that I practice daily with them.  This fall I saw some of them struggling a little with desire so in January I started lessons with them.  This has helped tremendously in their desire to practice.  Practicing the piano is just what we do.  They are progressing well and I am pleased with their progress.  Some put forth more effort than others, but I continue to feel strongly that they need to pursue the piano.  I realize this is a scholarly activity, but sometimes the Spirit trumps the rules you know.

The You Tube video is of the piece and arrangement that I am performing in a couple of weeks at our next recital.  I love good music because it fills our soul with glimpses of eternity.

Arithmetic vs. Mathmatics

I have been spending a lot of time thinking about arithmetic lately.  Partly it is due to the fact that Determination (10) is really ready to delve into the fascinating world of numbers.  Numbers have always come easy to him and I foresee that he will use numbers a lot in his mission in life. 

It wasn't until I read this fascinating post by Karen here that I began to think of arithmetic and mathematics as two different things.  The idea fascinated me and I begin to do some research.  This was another missing piece of the puzzle in our home education.

Arithmetic is the study of numbers on a basic level learning.  Basic arithmetic includes the ability to compute numbers through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  Higher arithmetic includes decimals, fractions, and negative numbers.  Mathematics would be Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Calculus, etc.

I realized in my mind I was treating them as the same thing.  When I disconnect the two in my mind I see clearly the skills I need to teach my children before they reach scholar phase when they will begin an in depth study of mathematics.  This study will be possible only after the groundwork of the skill of arithmetic as been accomplished.  (Much the same way that studying literature is only possible after the skill of reading is learned).

I mentioned in a previous post that I am starting to offer skill classes to those interested.  I have been asked repeatedly to teach some math classes by the boys.  I realize now that I need to focus on basic arithmetic with Imagination and Leader.  (Leader has not requested any classes yet and so he will not have them until he does request them).  Determination needs some (and has requested) advanced arithmetic work in fractions and decimals and then he will be ready to begin his mathematical studies when he is ready.

Through my study an awareness as come about what level of arithmetic/math I use on a daily level.  I realized that I do not use mathematics.  I do use arithmetic constantly.  I balance my check book, double a recipe, figure out sales tax, budget for daily needs, etc.  All the activities I pursue are on an arithmetic level.  This reinforced to me that I need to make sure my children have a solid base in arithmetic.

After this they can move on to mathematics in their life.  My husband I now realize uses mathematics.  He computes the square feet of fence needed, the amount of paint we need for a bedroom, the probability of success in our investment accounts, etc.  Mathematics is needed in his world.  I realize now where I can improve.

After doing some research and consultation with my friend who is my curriculum expert, Mr. Patriot and I have determined our curriculum choices. For basic arithmetic we will continue to use Saxon Math to gather problems and explain things.  (I do not like Singapore or Right Start Math.  I am sure they work great for everyone else but me, but my brain does not work in these math programs).  Saxon will be utilized more as a reference.  Basic arithmetic can easily be taught with out a textbook.  I will teach these basic principles in small chucks with a wipe board and pencil and paper.  Then the boys will use real life experiences to reinforce principles learned.  Since my life is full of arithmetic they will have ample opportunity to practice.

For advanced arithmetic and mathematics we have chosen to use The Life of Fred series.  Click the link to learn more about this great program.  There are example pages (link here) taken from each book.  I have seen these books and have found them exceptional.  (If math can be exceptional. : ) I tend to prefer literature and history).

I continue to love to read great posts by all of you that spring board me into ideas that will work for my family.  Thank you all.

Skill Classes

I currently have two children who are in what we call the "love of learning" phase.  This means that in their free time they choose to spend a good part of it learning.  They love to pour over many non-fiction books learning about many different things.  They are like a butterfly that flits from flower to flower landing in the subject of whatever they desire.

In the last month these two boys, Determination (10) and Imagination (9), have asked me to teach them certain skills.  They are recognizing areas that they would like to acquire skills to perpetuate them down the path of further learning.

They each have made a list of the skills classes they want to take.  Some of their requests are cursive writing, advanced arithmetic, and creative writing.  They are excited to pursue these interests.  They have asked me repeatedly to teach them, solidifying to me that they have a strong desire and are committed to learn.

I have decided that when our annual break is over (August 1) that I will offer these skill classes to them during free time.  These short 30 minute classes will be offered a couple of times a week until they are satiated in that discipline.  They can then use the rest of their free time practicing their new skills.

This will work well because I am coming out of depth phase and heading into mission phase so I do not need as much time to study.  My burst of excitement is now directed not to wanting to read and study, but to teach and mentor others.

We were able to sneak in a creative writing class a couple of weeks ago and Imagination loved it.  He has since worked on making an outline for his story and adding creative and lively adverbs and adjectives to describe events and things.

I have enjoyed watching them progress to this point.  I love to see them "love to learn."

Khan Academy

Kudos to my mom who recently told me about Khan Academy.  The site containes 1,400+ videos (more added regularly) on a variety of subjects.  The videos are short, 15-18 minutes, explaining multiple subjects including basic math, advanced math, economy, physicals and chemistry. I appreciate that the videos are short, concise and free. Sal Khan has an interesting story.  This slow laptop created problems downloading a couple of videos explaining is story.  They are available on the website.

We watched a basic math video and a history video and found them informative.  I think they have the potential to be a great supplement in home education.  I have not viewed all the videos obviously so preview with care.  I noticed some questionable videos on the biology section that  you may want to pass on.

This won't be beneficial for everyone.  I am a visual learner and so this proves to be helpful for me.  It is very much a "lecture" style like in TJEd and so should be used minimally.  I see it beneficial in explaining advanced math and math based sciences.  I think that it will be helpful to me also as I work on my own scholar/depth phase in math as I lack a mentor in those fields.

Planting a Sunflower House

I am currently reading Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Rochard Louv.  This is a great read in motivating us as parent to get our children back outside and into nature.  The book contains many ideas to help encourage this.  One idea that they suggesting was to "plant a sunflower house."  I think even I can manage this gardening project.  Here is how the book reads,

"A unique gardening project is the sunflower house.  In an eight-by-eight foot square, parents and kids can plant sunflower seeds or seedlings in a shallow moat, alternating varieties that grow about eight fee high with ones that grow to four feet.  You can also plant a few corn plants among the sunflowers; corn discourages Carpophilus beetles, and the sunflowers protect the corn from army worms.  Inside, plant a carpet of white clover.  As a child plays within the containing protection of the sunflower house, bees, butterflies, and other insects will congregate at the blooms above.  Plant seeds of indigenous pollinating plants that provide nectar as well as roosting and nesting sites, and also help increase the number of pollinating birds and insects.  This activity can strengthen interrupted pollination corridors and help reestablish the migration paths of butterflies and hummingbirds; and your child can become a participant in the winged migration, not just an observer." Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv pg.173-174.

I think this would be a fabulous science project!

Seeking True Principles

I've enjoyed reading so many articles lately about principles. What are principles? What are our family's principles?

The last seven years I have earnestly pursued book after book, talk after talk, person after person, temple session after temple session and scripture after scripture trying to find our own personal truth in regards to home education. President Young said,

"Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you."

 To that end I have sought truth.

I believe that there are many ways to educate (home or public) your children and there is no one right way. I appreciate the ideas that you all present. What I've created from those ideas coupled with my own personal conversations with the Almighty look different than yours. My journey is far from over however and I continue to seek more truth.

I've never felt so strongly the Spirit as when I go before Him daily to petition and invoke His help as I seek each day to fulfill my sacred role of nurturer. God is ever mindful of us and reaches out to us when we seek to fulfill our God given roles as mother. He will answer us.

What I've created from those holy communions is a home and not a school room. I've created a culture and not a system. School is not in session from 8-3. Our mortal sojourn is in session 24/7 however! I've patterned our home after the temple and what I envision Zion to be.

Someone may say, "What are you doing? Are you wanting everything church related?" The answer is yes. Yes in the aspect that everything we do as a purpose, with that purpose being bringing each of us closer to Christ. My vision is way beyond teaching my kids their multiplication tables or memorizing Shakespeare. My vision is raising kids who can usher in the second coming and Christ.

Every moment I pray that I will know God's will and that He will direct me. Every book I read, every conversation I start, every chore I require as a purpose. I know exactly what value I want taught, every lesson I want learned and every habit I want developed. Mr. Patriot and I are doing everything we can to model that supplication to Christ. Our children do know that everything we do has a purpose and they trust us. They know I have their eternal welfare in sight. They get it. They know I'm not interested in making them out to be the most popular, the best dressed or the next basketball all-star. I have a higher vision.

I am convinced that when we stood in the pre-mortal existence, before we came here to mortality, that my children (who would be called among your children the valiant and chosen generation) begged me not to raise them in mediocrity and Babylon. I am certain they petitioned me to raise them with truth inscribed into their very soul so that they would in very deed be prepared to fulfill their missions however great or small. I will not fail them. I will do all in my power to learn correct principles and to teach them truth.

My posts are geared from an overwhelming desire to prick each of us and to have each one of us ask ourselves, "What principles can I gleam for my family from these ideas?" I believe in the power of personal revelation and its guiding influence in our lives. I hope that my posts, that I feel compelled to write, will arouse our faculties to receive the truth that we are all in desperate need of and are seeking.

God bless us all in our own pursuit of true principles.