learning, loving, discovering, arguing, creating, building, forgiving, deciding, encouraging, understanding, questioning, exploring, wondering, disagreeing, discussing, apologizing, learning.
While I don't normally "grade" papers, I've found that the kids respond much better to receiving some kind of evaluation of their work rather than self-evaluation or simply being told that they "did well." For this expository writing, I will grade it on the same six-point scoring system that was used for the original project.A setting forth of meaning or intent.
A statement or rhetorical discourse intended to give information about or an explanation of difficult material.
The art or technique of composing such discourses.
But what about the war, I ask. Doesn't that create a moral conflict?
Miller says that, while he doesn't support the war, he does support the troops, and he respects the president's decisiveness. And the war is counterbalanced in his mind by Bush's stance against abortion and gay marriage, and by his support of independent businessmen like himself. But his respect goes beyond platform topics.
Jane Goodall
Many times, I have heard famous or accomplished people relate stories that inspire me to be a better mother. On Monday, September 27th, we battled disorganization and a lack of vehicles to make a trip to a very special meeting to hear such a story--a visit from Jane Goodall.
Geo and Jane
But, the thing is, I DID want to be there. I wanted my children to meet this woman who had pursued her interests, who had pressed on in the face of adversity, and who had found creative ways to meet her goals. To me, it seemed a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet with one of the great women of our time, and I didn't want my kids to miss it. For that matter, neither did I.
Monet, Sweetheart, Bard and Houdin listening to Jane speak
So I took photos, watched and listened as people talked about how Jane's life had inspired them, about what they've been doing to help their communities and their environments.
While she spoke, I thought about a story I'd heard Jane once tell and I thought I'd ask her to tell it again, but before I had a chance, she began the story, which is told on her website:
Jane recalls, "I have been interested in animals since before I can remember. When I was four years old, I stayed on a farm where I helped to collect hen's eggs. I became puzzled and asked those around me, 'Where is the hole big enough for the eggs to come out?' When no one answered to my satisfaction, I hid in a small, stuffy hen house for some four hours to find out. When my mother saw me rushing toward the house, she noticed my excitement. Instead of scolding me for disappearing for so long (the family had even called the police!), she sat down and listened to me tell the wonderful story of how a hen lays an egg."
Jane's favorite books as a child were about animals, including
The Story of Dr. Dolittle, The Jungle Book, and the Tarzan books. By the age of 10 or 11, Jane dreamed of going to Africa to live with animals. This was quite a radical aspiration in those days, as young girls did not think of embarking on such "wild" adventures. But Jane had encouragement from her mother who told her, "Jane, if you really want something, and if you work hard, take advantage of the opportunities, and never give up, you will somehow find a way."
This was so inspiring to me, I almost cried. In this bit of story, Jane summed up the very reason why I want my children to learn at home. She didn't say that she was given the freedom to learn these things in school. She didn't cite as her inspiration an incident with a teacher or other person. Where she learned one of her most valuable lessons was at home. The person who gave her such encouragement and inspiration was her own mother.
This both inspires and humbles me.
I learn this lesson very hard. So often, I get tired, cranky, distracted and selfish, and I find it very difficult to give five children the inspiration and encouragement that they need. Even on that day, after meeting Jane, I was frustrated and angry because of the constant bickering that my children do.
But, I have to look at the big picture. My children inspire me, too.
After all of the other adults and children lined up asking Jane for her autograph or asking her to have their photo taken with them, my children approached her.
First it was Houdin. He had adapted the classic paddle trick, personalizing it so that, when he had finished the trick, he produced a gift for Jane. The trick goes like this...you show a person both sides of stick which has nothing but rubber bands wrapped around it. After "waving your hand" over the stick, suddenly, five pennies appear under the bands! Show the audience both sides of the stick again, proving that the pennies and bands are on both sides of the stick, and then wave your hands to drop the pennies and bands in her hand. Show her both sides of the stick to show that they're blank and empty, wave your hand, and then...Presto! The stick has the word "Jane" written across it. :-) Jane was amazed and graciously accepted the gift Houdin gave her.
Jane and Houdin
The trick was even more touching since, during her talk, Jane had shared about a friend of hers who had given her a stuffed monkey (not a chimp...it had a tail) and that her friend had been blind for many years. He had wanted to become a magician, but everyone told him that he wouldn't be able to do that because of his lack of sight. Not only does he do magic, she says, but he snorkles, climbs and sky dives! This was another inspiring story of setting one's mind to something and not giving up, in spite of others' discouragement.
Monet had drawn a beautiful picture of a chimp and gave it to Jane. He showed her the postcard he had modeled it from, and she offered to sign the postcard for him. At first, she tried to give the drawing back, not realizing that it was a gift, but Monet told her that it was just for her. She asked him to sign his drawing while she signed the postcard, which had been a gift from Bard to Monet from her trip to St. Louis.
Jane, Monet and Sweetheart
Sweetheart had also made a drawing for Jane...suns, moons and stars plus an invitation to our Open House. :-) While waiting, Sweetheart had accidentally spilled pink punch all over the drawing, but this didn't stop her from handing it over, and it didn't stop Jane from taking it. "Oh, this is covered in a delightful pink goo!" Jane commented. :-)
In retrospect, I see that my children have been allowed to pursue their interests at home, and that they delight in sharing those interests with others.
I still have a long way to go. I lose my patience daily. I think that's why it's so very important to have people like Jane Goodall who share their inspiring stories and keep us motivated and sustained.
*Footnote: Sara so kindly remembered my desperate comment and brought me a bottle of wine as a housewarming gift. Thank you, Sara. :-)
The rest of the photos of our meeting with Jane Goodall are
We have come up with a daily schedule that works. While it needs a few tweaks and adjustments, and does not cover all of the bases, it's much better than the chaos of having no schedule at all, which is what I've felt like we've been doing since we've moved into the house.
I have always had schedules and/or lists for the kids, and there has always been an understanding that certain things get done before other things. Where I think I've failed in the past is in making a schedule based on time as opposed to activities. One of the reasons we homeschool is to set our own schedule! So if we find that we're enjoying a book, why stop because the schedule says it's time to go on to the next activity? If we're focusing on handwriting, why let the clock dictate when we're through? Instead, we do a task until it's done and then move on to the next. Some will not get done, some things may be added in order to be flexible, but at least we have daily goals.
And here they are:
Monday--Mirrors, Microwave
Tuesday--Toilets, Tubs and Toys (sort)
Wednesday--Windows, wash clothes, water plants
Thursday--Things that didn't get done
Friday--Floors, Fridge
Saturday--Sinks,stoves
A Random Selection of Favorite Books
A Random Selection of What We're Currently Reading
Bohemian: The Husband.
Bard: The Poet.
Edison/Houdin: The Inventor/Illusionist.
Monet: The Artist.
Sweetheart: The Dancer.
Baby: The Baby.
i'm a homeschooling mom with five fantastic children living in rural o-HI-o. i have a passion for many things, including good books (buying more than reading...i have so many books, i have to use books for bookshelves), good food (eating and making), photography, learning, gardening (especially herbs), and music. my very best friend in the world is my husband. i'm totally blessed to have him in my life. i started blogging so that i could write about my daily goals, challenges and accomplishments, and to keep a record of what the kids and i learn on a daily basis.
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