Denise over at Got Chai has started a new meme called Fit Mommy. I've decided to join in on the Beginner Level. From Got Chai:
Level One: The Beginner level. This is for those of you who are brand new to exercise or for those who are not already participating in a consistent fitness program. Your goal should include at least 1 mild form of exercise per day (walking, low impact cardio) as well as one nutritional goal; drinking 8 glasses of water per day, keeping a food journal, eating a small salad with dinner, no chocolate for the week (did I say that?), etc.
A few confessions...
1. I've never participated in a meme. In fact, I didn't even know what they were until a month or two ago.
2. I hate exercising. When I originally saw the meme, I thought, "Yeah, right... " and ate a piece of chocolate.
3. My arms hurt the day after fencing for 5 minutes on the Wii with my son. Um, yeah...a little out of shape here.
4. I've gained quite a bit of weight since I stopped working out regularly 3 years ago. I was convinced it wasn't much because my clothes still fit. That is until I attempted to put on a skirt that I hadn't worn in a year or so and it stopped at my thighs. Hmm. I think perhaps my regular clothes were stretching with me.
5. I'm usually not the peer pressure kind of gal, but seeing others jump on the Fit Mommy bandwagon motivated me a bit. That, and Crazy Mom inspired me by posting about her 7-minute workout. I can do that! Oh, and Denise promised me that I wouldn't have to give up my Big Train Chai .
Now for the hard part: setting those goals. In writing. Ok, here goes...
I'm going to shoot for a workout three times a week. I know I should do something every day, but baby steps! I recently purchased EA Active for the Wii and plan to use that. For the nutritional goal, I'll up my water intake. Aside from chai, I only drink water. I'm not sure I get enough during the day though, so I will keep an eye on that with a goal of 8 glasses per day. I'm not ready to give up the chocolate yet, so we'll shoot for the exercise and water.
I'll post here on Friday with an update. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Almost every woman I know that is asked about her junior high years gives a little shudder of bad memories. As a shy and sensitive child, memories of my tween and teen years elicit the same response. It's not that good times were non-existent; they just weren't plentiful enough that I'd want to live that time of my life again. Ever.
One of the most difficult times I had was when my family moved to a new area mid-8th grade. It wasn't an easy transition and a huge lesson in girl dynamics, one for which I was ill-prepared. My first lesson was my second day at my new school when a complete stranger approached me in the cafeteria and challenged me to a fist fight because she heard I was talking about her. What else could I do but honestly say, "I don't even know who you are! What is your name?". It diffused potential violence, but there was always a tension between us.
I had experienced girl dynamics at my old school, but entering a new culture as a foreigner certainly added a new element. I ended up building an emotional survival wall that didn't crumble until well into my adulthood. I switched to cinder blocks that second day. I often wonder what I missed out on during these formative years as a result of my approach.
Previous reflection in my adult years led me to believe that my experiences were the result of being sensitive and a social late bloomer. I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin until I was in my 30s. Because of my perspective of self-blame and lack of understanding of girl dynamics, I didn't suspect that my confident, boisterous, march-to-her-own-drum daughter would have the same experiences. However, the closer she approached the tween years, the more I realized that this is very much a girl thing. Cliques, hormones, competitiveness, physical changes, more difficult studies, awareness of boys...no wonder it is a hard time to navigate. I had to vicariously live it again to realize I wasn't the cause of anything other than my reaction. The circumstances, they just were and would have been regardless. And here they are again.
While homeschooling has helped my daughter navigate these years better than if she were in school, I can't say that it has meant she has been completely protected from the drama of the middle school years. Frankly, I'm not sure I would want her to be entirely. After all, I think there is a bit of junior high girl in every adult woman. Girl dynamics doesn't stop at middle school. For me, it tumbled through high school cliques, crept up during spats with college roommates, and even showed up at the workplace. It is something one needs to learn to navigate.
I've tried to arm my daughter and myself with awareness, both of self and of others. With homeschooling, parents have the benefit of observing and coaching through situations. I encourage my daughter to take the perspective of others as a self-check and use past situations as a possible way to tap into how others may feel. Homeschooling has allowed an increaseed awareness of the social environment for more effective coaching.
I often ask my daughter such questions as:
Why do you think that person behaved in that matter? What emotions do you suppose are fueling that person? How did you contribute? What reaction do you suppose they are seeking? What result are you seeking and why? Are your actions an emotional response? What could you have done differently? Have you told others how you feel? Are you being true to yourself? Are you thinking as an individual or a group?
Fortunately, this topic has brought more interest in recent years and resources are readily available. I highly recommend the following titles whether you have a daughter approaching the tween years or well into her teens*.
The following title doesn't specifically address the tween and teen years, but gives suggestions of titles for kids that may address certain feelings or topics (including aloneness, differentness, and relationships with others). Suggestions are categorized both by topic and age, preschool through high school. You may find it helpful if you have a child that loves to read and easily identifies with characters in their books.
Many of these titles have been useful in helping my daughter in her relationships. Rather than watch her esteem continue to plummet, she has gained empowerment by understanding and recognizing that it is a time of development, rather than a reflection of her as a person. If she can recognize what is happening in others, it will also be easier to see when it sneaks out in her actions.
I think I would have benefited from such resources during my tween and teen years. Perhaps it was just the generation and lack of information at the time, but I don't recall much coaching other than to ignore “mean girls”. I also think my mother was completely unaware when I tried on the mean girl shoes myself - and we all do on occasion- and in need of correction. What I could have done with a little knowledge - to look at things more objectively rather than either be wounded or retaliate.
An unexpected result of the process of parenting these years has been that the junior high girl still lurking inside of me has begun to heal. It is a bit embarrassing that she is still around, considering I am an almost 40-year-old woman. I think she crawled away and assumed the fetal position in a corner of my memories all these years, yet her anger seeped out and sometimes contaminated my adult emotions and tongue. The adult me is seeing that she wasn't completely a victim either. She occasionally dished it out like the best of them. Now that she's out in the open, I can better recognize when she is up to no good.
I sometimes struggle to keep her in check, especially when she is being called to interact with the wounded inner girl of another. Whenever she starts talking in my ear, ready to blow something out of proportion, I have to call in the rationality of the 30-something woman of the present and send her back to home room.
I guess I would never want her to disappear entirely, as there are valuable remnants from those years of one foot in girlhood and one foot into womanhood. We all need to tap into that youthfulness, creativity, and emotional strength and intensity that allows us to cry right along with one another, whether out of joy or sorrow. These qualities are necessities not only when raising girls of our own, but in our adult friendships. I could do without the rest though, and hope that my daughter will manage these years without lurking bad memories. As for me, it won't be long now before the wounded part of my inner junior high girl is packed away in the times-gone-by of my memories, like a dusty yearbook.
*Resources mentioned were for the information contained. Some may have points of view with which you or I may not agree or potentially offensive content. If you had resources to add to the list, please make recommendations in the comments!
A year or two ago, my son expressed that he would like to learn to play guitar. While I try to honor such requests when presented, guitar lessons were neither in our schedule nor budget. Music education was being covered through private piano lessons already. I put the request off, with a promise that I would consider it for the future.
About six months ago, a grandparent gifted my son with an electric guitar for his birthday. After a few rounds on the electric guitar it was apparent that not only did interest remain, but that lessons were certainly in order if our ears were ever to be safe again. Since the original request, piano lessons had been stopped temporarily for budget reasons. I had already been tossing around the idea of starting guitar instead when the budget allowed again.
Needless to say, when Worship Guitar Classon DVD arrived for review, I had a very willing test subject. Worship Guitar is the creation of Jean Welles, who has a master's degree in Guitar Performance from USC. There are four volumes of the course available, as well as a version for younger kids. I received Volume One, intended for ages 10 and up. A small booklet with the songs is included with the DVDS. A larger 16-page student book, also provided for review, covers the material from the lessons and the musical notations for the songs used.
The DVD starts with an explanation of the parts of the guitar and how to tune your instrument. After this introduction, students are ready to start the first of the seven lessons included on the DVD. Lesson one teaches two chords, A and E7. At the end of the lesson, Jean Welles leads in playing He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. A dozen chords, seven worship songs, and a half dozen strums and picking patterns are taught over the course of the seven lesson. Each lesson lasts for about 3-5 minutes. There is also a practice section that covers the songs more slowly than during the lessons. The DVD includes the option of Spanish subtitles with each lesson.
The video below will give you an overview of the complete 4-volume program.
The first lesson for Volume One is also available for viewing.
Our Experience
Welles appears to be a very patient teacher. Her voice is calming and her focus is praise and worship through playing music. She has a professional presentation and a lovely voice.
I liked that the lessons were short, which was beneficial to my son. Only having two chords to practice after the first lesson was manageable and allowed for obtainable progress. I could tell immediately that it was going to take some time to get the finger muscles trained before playing cords would not be awkward.
The added benefit of learning at home is not having to be on a teacher's time schedule. Some lessons are going to require more practice than others. One of the difficulties we ran into with private piano lessons was getting suitable practice in when schedules became hectic, resulting in children not being prepared for the next lesson. The simplicity and clear instruction of Worship Guitar Class makes learning together at home possible.
Considerations
Instrument Availability
I wanted to have my son learn on an acoustic guitar, rather than his electric, so we borrowed a guitar from a friend. Unfortunately, my son only completed one lesson before that guitar needed to be returned. We borrowed a second guitar, but I had difficulty tuning it. I'm unsure if it was the instrument or user error, but it was an added complication to inexperienced playing. In the end, it was decided that the electric guitar we already owned was easier for practicing the chords and sounded better for now.
While a top-of-the-line guitar isn't necessary for a beginner, I might be beneficial to borrow or rent a quality instrument if possible, especially it you think your child will have a lasting interest. It will make the initial learning experience more enjoyable. Lesson and guitar packages are available at the Worship Guitar website if you are ready to make the initial investment. Welles also makes recommendations of starter guitars.
Hand Dominance
Another consideration is hand dominance. Guitar instruction is further indication that it is a right-hand world out there. As a lefty who wanted to learn along with my son, I had the additional obstacle of feeling like I was doing everything backwards. After a little practice, it felt a bit more natural. While this won't be an issue for most, I thought it might be worth mentioning if you have a lefty in the house. I didn't even consider it until I picked up my son's guitar and realized it was upside-down! Left-handed guitars are available, but many lefties simply learn to play right-handed.
Worldview
This is a Christian course and the focus of this course is on praising and worshiping God while learning guitar. While that is rather evident in the name of the course and suits my family just fine, it may not be the best choice for completely secular users.
Conclusion
Overall, I think the DVDs are an excellent and affordable way to get started playing guitar. The cost of each DVD and student book package isn't much more than one 30-minute private lesson in our area. Lessons are simple and can be played over and over again, allowing students to progress at their own pace and timetable. Furthermore, I like that there is no traveling involved and we can easily learn together. A total of 28 songs, 60 chords and 30 strumming and finger picking patterns are taught over the course of the four volumes, for a great head start in playing guitar. If you or your child are interest in learning guitar, this DVD series may be a great way to gauge lasting interest and learn the basics before investing in expensive private lessons.
No extra licensing is needed to use these DVDs in a group setting and Welles encourages them to be used in this manner. It is obvious that she enjoys teaching and uses her talents as a ministry.
Single volumes of Worship Guitar Class are $29.95 and come with a 1-year money-back guarantee. This price includes the student book, which is also available separately for $5.95. There are various discount packages available, including those with guitars. The Worship Guitar Class on DVD can be purchased from the Worship Guitar website or at select retail and music stores.
Disclaimer: This review was provided as a result in my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew, a team of 100+ homeschooling parents. While the product was provided at no expense to me in order to provide this review, I have not received any other compensation. Furthermore, receipt of the product does not guarantee a positive review. I strive to give a balanced overview of each product, detailing my opinion of both pros and cons and how the product worked for my family. What works for one family may not work for another. I encourage you to read reviews of other Crew members and research sufficiently to determine if any product will be a benefit to your homeschool.
Math happens to be one area where I've finally settled on a curriculum. We went though several years of trial and error, more so with my daughter than my son. Not much has changed for 2010 other than the addition of supplemental material.
For C, 5th grade, Math U See has always been our choice, with the exception of using Singapore for one year. The format of Math U See works for him and we'll stick with it at least until we get to higher math. He's busy learning fractions this year.
J, 7th grade, however, has been a different story. We've tried numerous programs and supplemental material with some success and some failure. However, after several years of bouncing around, I've finally found a program that I'll use at least through Geometry, Videotext. I love the wayVideotext explains the concepts. Its only shortcoming for us is that it could really use more practice problems. I discovered this after going through about a 1/3 of the Algebra program last year. J was understanding the material but just didn't have enough practice for the concepts to stick. I actually put the entire program away the last few months of the school year and used supplemental programs while I re-evaluated. I eventually decided our problems had more to do with J's attitude approach to math than it did the program. A little regrouping and discussing helped in that area.
We are doing a "re-do" this year, adding in the extra practice problems from the website (I didn't know these existed until the end of last year). I also purchased some supplemental materials from Math Tutor, which we've only had to pull out once so far this year, in the event that a concept needs more explanation or practice. We are on track to finish at least Algebra 1 by the end of the year. After many years of going in circles, we are in a happy math place.
I have (too) many math supplements around the house ready to pull out when one of the kids is needing something fresh and new. One day I'll have to post all the math materials that are sitting around just for fun. I added another to the mix this year. Both kids will be using Mathletics as a supplement. This was a recent review product that both of my kids asked to continue. A weakness in automaticity with basic facts is an issue in both and I was happy to renew their subscriptions. The live challenges will help with speed. Plenty of new material is on the site and we'll likely utilize plenty for a change of pace.
In the next post on this topic, I'll share our science plans.
The Journey North Mystery Class is a free online class, running February through May. Students unlock ten secret locations through a journey in the exploration of the seasons by tracking and recording day length, sunrise, and sunset.
I don't know much about the class, having only recently heard of it. It is a FREE resource, though, and certainly worth checking out.
Debra, over at Footprints in the Butter, has inspired me to think more about our school plans for this year. I'll admit that while I often have a plan in my head, I usually don't put it in writing. I think the fear is that putting it in writing makes me committed for the year. Then, when it doesn't get completed or I shift gears, I feel inadequate. Isn't that the story for many homeschool moms? However, since we are already mid-school year and I'm pretty solid on this plan anyhow, I'll venture out there and put it in writing to share with you all.
For J, my soon-to-be teen, I will continue to use the Lightbearers curriculum by Summit Ministries. I came across this curriculum in a rather unusual way, which you can read about here. We started this in the fall and I love it so far. The DVDs that accompany the curriculum are excellent. My only complaint is that it is written more for a classroom or group. We've easily worked around this by having parent-student discussion, but it would be even better with a group of age-peers. I haven't ruled out going through it a second time as a junior high small group. For now, though, this is working great with minor tweaking.
For C, 10 1/2, I primarily use the AWANA program. This is his 8th year attending; time flies! He has one more year of AWANA before he completes the program. He is included in some of the Lightbearers discussions and watches the DVDs with us, but I'm not having him do any of the readings. This is not a watered down curriculum and he gets just the right amount doing it this way.
Both C and J will be using The One Year Bible (NIV) published by Tyndale. I was fortunate enough to be able to pick up two copies last year from a friend during a used curriculum sale. C has been getting into the habit of reading his Bible just before bed, which I absolutely love to see. I've considered the site that Debra B shared, the Yearly Bible Read-Through. If my youngest has trouble with the length of readings, I may design a plan for him for just the New Testament using this site.
For myself, I need to pull out The Daily Bible by Harvest House Publishers, which has 365 daily readings in chronological order. I attempted this last year but didn't quite make it. Of course, I didn't put it in writing!
I really wanted to work in the Grapevine Studies OT Overview into the mix for Bible, but I decided to wait and see how it goes with the above first. I might pick this up again in the summer when we don't have as many schedule demands.
There are two character issues in particular that need to be addressed in my home: sibling issues and rushed work. I'm working on the latter simply through requiring unsatisfactory work to be redone (and redone again...and again). The first, though, has progressively gotten worse over the last few months. At ages 10 1/2 and almost 13, I don't think it is all that unusual. Still, it saddens me to see my kids speak to and treat each other unkindly. I even asked for 2 weeks of complete peace as a Christmas present (which I am still patiently waiting for, should either of my lovely children decide to stop by and read this). I had the perfect item sitting on my shelf already, purchased at my last convention:
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends is authored by Sarah, Stephen and Grace Mally. This homeschooled sibling trio shares their multiple perspectives and personalities on a variety of topics. Browsing through, I think my kids will enjoy the personal stories told by these three and will hopefully learn much in the process (again, for any kiddo visitors - you will always have your sibling, so it is worth working on). I plan to read this aloud together, a little each day.
So this is the plan - in writing. It doesn't feel so bad, actually. I'll continue with other subjects over the coming days.
When I heard about making laundry soap several years back, I quickly dismissed it when I saw grating bars of soap and saucepans were involved. Laundry detergent isn't a major expense for us, I reasoned, and it sounded like entirely too much work.
This fall I tried making laundry soap for the first time, though it wasn't exactly initiated by me. A vendor that I was reviewing through the TOS Crew sent me a laundry soap kit. Having everything grated and premeasured made it all seem less intimidating. I followed the simple instructions and soon had a small batch of laundry soap. Our clothes seemed clean enough, and I committed to giving it another try when my current bottle of store-bought laundry soap was gone. I just ran out this week and made my second batch.
My friend Heidi shared that she has been making laundry soap for some time using a recipe from The Family Homestead. I already had the Borax and Washing Soda required. Finding Fels Naptha laundry soap was a bit more difficult. I was told Meijer typically carries it, but searched and searched the laundry aisle without success. Instead, I purchased Dr. Bonnor's lavender castile soap. However, just before running out of the store-bought detergent, I found Fels Naptha at Meijer, logically placed with the other bar soaps. The most work involved was grating the Fels Naptha bar. It really wasn't a big deal and didn't take much time. My arms probably needed the workout anyhow! Only 1/3 of the bar is required. The next step is to place the grated soap into a saucepan, with added water, to melt down the pieces. Once melted, the Borax and washing soda are added until dissolved. At this point, the mixture is transferred to a bucket with hot water. All that is involved next is adding more water and stirring.
The soap then needs to sit and cool. The instructions say to wait overnight, but I've been told it will work just as well even using it right away. The consistency after cooling is a liquidy gel that sort of looks like egg noodle soup. It isn't the prettiest soap, but works just fine. The cost savings really does make it worth the small hassle to mix up a batch. I'm not sure I care for the smell of the Fels Naptha. It isn't a terrible smell and doesn't seem to transfer to the clothes anyway, but I think I might try the Dr. Bronner's lavender soap I picked up earlier next time. It will raise my cost from 71 cents to $1.71 for a 2-gallon batch...still a spectacular savings.
