Homemade Granola

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One of the many amazing aspects of homeschooling my little ones is the fact that I can make three homemade meals, and often times more, a day. My children are notorious for needing first, second and third breakfast. They don’t eat a lot in one sitting, so I have had to find ways to make healthy “mini-meals”. One of the favorites in our home is granola. I have gotten a few requests for this particular recipe. So, here it is…

6 cups rolled oats

1 ½ cups lightly salted sunflower seeds

1 ½ cups sliced almonds

1 ½ cups (sweetened) shredded coconut

½ cup toasted wheat germ (optional)

½ cup milled flax seed (optional)

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cup honey

¼ cup brown sugar

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl, add wet ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Spread the mixture on two greased cookie sheets, as evenly as possible, and bake at 220 degrees for 90 minutes. Allow the granola to cool completely before removing from the cookie sheets. I store mine in a large Zip Lock freezer bag in the fridge. It usually lasts about two weeks in our house. This is great as cereal with milk or sprinkled on Greek yogurt.

 

Making Math Simple

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I took on “summer homeschooling” this year.  There has never been a time in the history of my children’s lives when they have had to do summer school, but this year I decided to rock their worlds with an infusion of education.  I took it relatively easy on my kiddos.  Five days a week I have them read, do a handwriting lesson, and a math lesson.  All in all, it is about 70 minutes of work per kid each day of the work week.  I have enjoyed watching them progress instead of the typical regression I see over the summer months.  I was pleasantly surprised by their reactions to the math program I chose.  Each one of my kids seems to actually enjoy doing math.  This is a new reaction for my three little ones.  In the past, math has been a little bit of a struggle, but not with this program.

My kiddos and I have spent the last month and a half working on Saxon Math.  I have never found a program with such straight forward information.  I am thankful this particular program was put together with the concept that math is a series of steps, unchanging steps, that have to be learned and then practiced until they are memorized.  I was becoming accustomed to programs that devoted time and energy to teaching fifteen different paths to the right answer.  For most kids, this is a really difficult teaching method.  Learning a bunch of different tactics places the child in the position of needing to keep track of all possible problem solving methods, and know when and how to implement each one.  I have tried to keep an eye on the statistical data regarding the math test scores of American children.  At best, the data appears to point towards stagnant scores.  So, while some would argue that the scores have not fallen- they surely are not on the rise.

Saxon Math takes the student back to good old fashioned memorization.  My second grader is doing flash cards 15 minutes per day.  It does my heart good to see her beginning to understand new concepts, while forming a foundation of mathematical equations she can pull right from memory.  I have always advocated for memorization in math.  I have seen it disappear, reappear, and it is now fading out again.  Thank you Saxon!  We need more programs that refrain from attempting to reinvent the wheel.

Another aspect of this program that I love is the way it is taught in short bursts, of new concepts, and has an amazing quantity of practice work for the student.  The lessons are set up the way all lesson plans should be organized.  There is a short time dedicated to instructing the student regarding the new materials, and then the student is given about 30 problems to complete.  I love watching my kids learn, practice, and master new skills.

I am not saying that my kids are thrilled that I am forcing them to learn while their peers have what my children refer to as a “real summer”.  But I am thrilled that my kiddos are not fighting me when it comes to our summer school program.  There is no push back and my ten-year-old actually said he is glad he is still learning and not forgetting his math.  WHAT?!?!  I count that as a big fat win!

Homeschooling Summer Begins…

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Most of us are finishing up the final remnants of this year’s lessons and activities.  It is absolutely amazing how quickly the year rolls by and we are back into summer.  I have already started next year’s lesson plans for my little monkeys.  The kiddos only got a 48 hour break before summer “maintenance math” and handwriting lessons started up.  I’m sure this will come back to haunt me in the future.  I picture my kids at a therapist’s office telling him/her how their mother made them learn all through the summer.

I’m loving the planning portion for next year’s science curriculum.  My ten-year-old, J, will be doing the Bob Jones Science program for fifth grade and we are already planning a trip to supplement what he will be learning.  The family is going to make a trip out to Diamond Park in Murfreesboro Arkansas.  The kids actually get to dig for diamonds.  I’m aware that there is a very slim chance they will end up bringing home a diamond, but it will be fun to try.  And honestly, if anyone can find one… it’s my son.  He has some kind of Jedi power when it comes to finding treasures.  We will be collecting rocks, minerals, and I’m sure a few bugs.  I made an enormous mistake when I told my kids they could start a bug collection. I had no idea what type of Pandora’s Box I was opening.

In order to make this “school inspired” trip count towards two requirements, we are also having the kids help out with the planning of the trip.  J is working on his Webelos rank in scouts, and we are making the most of every single activity we do.  By planning the trip he will finish his travel portion of the scouting program for the year.  So, as they say–two birds.

Bring on the sunscreen, pool time, and some diamond digging supplies!

Curriculum for Homeschooling

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Today is a momentous occasion for the Harris Family.  We have decided to make some serious changes in our homeschooling curriculum, and it was not without a lot of thought and research.  I have been wanting to utilize some programs I’ve been looking into for about two years, but was too afraid to completely sever the ties to the public school system.  Evidently, I am a woman who requires small step by step movement.

I am thrilled to be utilizing the Susan Wise Bauer history curriculum.  I have read rave reviews on this text and could not be more excited to watch my littlest one begin to learn history in chronological order.  I know this sounds like a concept to most of us, but that is the way kiddos learn the best.  Provide the full story, start to finish, and they are most likely to remember and make connections that are applicable in everyday life.  I could not possibly be more excited for this program.

We are also completely overjoyed to begin using Saxon math.  This is a time tested approach to learning and mastering mathematical concepts.  I have been watching the math in American public schools evolve over the last couple of years, and I am not seeing positive statistical growth in the development and learning in the arithmetic arena.  This program slowly builds one concept upon the next with tests and assignments that provide an enormous amount of practice material in each lesson.  I am so excited for this portion of our program that I can’t wait until fall.  We are starting math in two weeks.  My kids are actually excited too…  CRAZY!

The rest of our homeschooling curriculum is an eclectic mix of what fits the tastes of our kids.  This year, for the boys, art will be stop animation.  We purchased the Stopmotion Explosion animation kit, complete with camera, animation software, and a 290 page book on story boarding, script writing, and basic how to advice.  I am so excited to see what they create.

Art for my youngest will be a combination of art history and drawing classes.  She is the resident illustrator in this family.  She writes her own stories and then illustrates the text with beautiful artwork that compliments her natural writing abilities.  I am amazed at the talent inside this little seven-year-old child.

English is the Bob Jones homeschooling curriculum.  This is a new series for me, and I am excited to see how it goes.  Reading, writing, grammar, spelling and vocabulary are all pulled from slightly different programs.  It is hard for me to stick with just one homeschooling curriculum, because there are so many out there and so many different learning styles within my own household.

My oldest is somehow at the age where he will be starting high school.  I sincerely have no idea how this happened.  It feels like he was just born, and yet here we are starting ninth grade.  He will be attending the online homeschooling program BYU has created.  While BYU is a Mormon university, the homeschooling curriculum for high school  is secular and available to anyone interested in applying.  I am excited to have him fill out the application this week and submit it to the university.  He will be capable of applying for university programs after completion of this application process.  It comes complete with a student written essay on their academic goals and plans.  I love it.

This is all so exciting, and I am getting started on all the lesson plans next week.  I have to stay focused on this year’s school work and finish up the last couple of chapters in our current program.  But I am so excited for this next year’s homeschooling curriculum.

Thank You Teachers

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Dear Teachers,

As this school year comes to a close, I am reminded of all that you do.  I have to take this moment to say thank you for choosing to nurture and educate the children of our great country.  I can’t begin to imagine what this world would be like if there was no public school option, or if there were no adults willing to accept the challenge of public education.

I have been homeschooling two of my three children the last two years, and I know how hard it is to motivate two children.  You motivate entire classrooms of children every single day.  You teach them about the world, the universe, math, reading, writing, and you do this all within a small community called a classroom.  I don’t know how you do it.  Each child’s personality is so different.  Their educational levels vary so greatly.  Yet, you find a way.

When these kiddos look back on their school experience, they will remember the great moments you inspired.  They will remember the kind words on a frustrating day.  They will recall the funny joke that made the entire class erupt with laughter.  They will remember you.

As a parent, I thank you.  As a teacher, I thank you.  As an American, I thank you.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you hard work, love, and concern.  You truly are teaching a nation.

 

With complete respect,

Amber Harris

You Got Rid of What?

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Only a few years ago, I would have believed that getting rid of network television constituted child abuse, or at a bare minimum mommy abuse. About the same time I started homeschooling my oldest child, I called the cable company and informed them that I was no longer interested in their services. This was actually the second step in my television recovery program. And yes, there should be a 12 step program out there. I was hooked. I was completely addicted to the craziness of “reality TV” and in the process was missing out on some of my own reality. The day before I shut down the cable I binge watched my favorite shows. I had that DVR filled with the latest craziness from talk shows to housewives of every conceivable county. It was my last fix, and then I went cold turkey.

This personal decision was met with shock and awe by friends and strangers alike.

Me: I would like to discontinue my subscription to network television.

Cable Guy: Um, we have other packages you could check out.

Me: No thanks. Just go ahead and shut down my account entirely.

Cable Guy: Are you dissatisfied with our services?

Me: No, you are pumping craziness into my house very efficiently.

Cable Guy: So would you be interested in a different package?

Me: Can I talk to your supervisor?

It was like the cable guy could not comprehend the possibility of anyone having the audacity to consider actually turning off the TV. My friends were even less understanding than Mr. Cable Guy.

Friend: Are you watching Breaking Bad?

Me: Breaking bad what?

Friend: Breaking Bad, the show.

Me: Oh, we don’t have television anymore.

Friend: Oh my gosh! What happened?

And this is where I realized that most people took this as me not being able to afford to pay for the services of the local cable company.

Me: I had them turn it off.

Friend: So you have absolutely no television?

Me: Well, we have one television and a DVD player for the kids’ movies, but no network stuff.

Friend: How do you know what is going on in the world?

Me: I read.

Friend: “BLANK STARE”

Friend: So, you are homeschooling and you got rid of TV… how are your kids going to know anything about the world?

Me: “BLANK STARE”

Yes, I realize that getting rid of network television can be seen as radical. However, I get reactions that would lead one to believe I moved my children into a cave and tried to recreate the Stone Age. It is a bit worrisome to see how unsettled friends and strangers are when they find out that I have no clue who the latest celebrities are, and what “said” celebrities are up to in their personal lives. I seriously used to think that this kind of stuff was news, but I have come to find that it is in fact not at all pertinent to my daily life. Which, to be honest, was serious news to me.

I understand that most people can have TV in their homes and not feel like it is eating up way too much time. I was not one of those people. I just needed a break, and I am finding the break to be much more enjoyable than I dreamed it would be. I have so much more time, and when I sit down to relax I am plugged into conversations with my family. With some of that extra time I finally got around to writing the books I had been meaning to write. I’d like to challenge Americans to turn off the TV for one week. Just unplug that sucker and see what you are able to get done. I would love to hear what you are able to do in a week without TV.

Let’s Get Real

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I am a homeschooling mother of  two, soon to be three, beautiful kids. I came to the homeschooling community with an interesting and atypical background. I have a master’s degree from Arizona State University in education. I was trained to work in the public schools. I feel like this training gives me some interesting insights into both the typical schooling system and the homeschooling system. I started this blog because I want to share my experiences and expertise. I am unfortunately going to offend some people on both sides of the homeschooling debate. I believe there is a place in this world for both public schooling and homeschooling. I have a hard time finding people who share this belief. It seems the proverbial “line” has been drawn, and most people just pick a side.

My blogs are driven by topics I find to be relevant to parenting and homeschooling. If you don’t home school, but have opinions or questions you would like to share… feel free. I try very hard to base my stance on factual information, but my stance is still just an opinion. Keep this in mind as you read and respond to this blog. We all are entitled to our opinions and should be respectful of each other as we discuss the topic of education. I love to hear any and all perspectives others are willing to share. I am always learning and growing because of the brave souls who are willing to put their beliefs and opinions out there.

I have stated time and again, on many different forums, that homeschooling is not for everyone. There are a plethora of circumstances where it is logistically impossible for a parent to home school their child. But if you are interested in homeschooling and are committed to the process, you absolutely can be successful teaching your children at home. The day my son came home and asked me if I would consider homeschooling him I picked up the phone and called my friend Krista. She homeschools all four of her kids, and was my “go-to-gal-pal” for this situation. Krista was a sounding board and an insanely insightful resource for me in a moment of confusion and fear. I want this blog to be a “virtual Krista” for all of us. This needs to be a safe place for asking questions, sharing frustrations, making friends, and building up your network of homeschooling families.

The New Homeschoolers

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It seems to me that homeschoolers are seen as unconventional, but I would like to publically challenge that perception here today. We, as a nation, educated our children at home longer than our government has. In 1776 we issued the Declaration of Independence, and by 1783 we were officially recognized as the great independent nation of America. For over 135 years we homeschooled our children or hired tutors to come into our homes. The obvious pitfall with this system was the fact that not all kids had the opportunity to receive an education.  In 1918 the education of our children became big business for our government. This was the beginning of compulsory education. This public education system gave all children the right to education, but this system has so many flaws.

I am all for universal educational opportunities. But the government’s “universal” plan is clearly not producing universal achievements. According to a New York Times article (Dillon, 2009) in 2009 there was just a 53% high school graduation rate in the inner cities as opposed to the 71% graduation rate seen in the suburbs. I believe this issue, and the many others, can be rectified in a number of ways. The most obvious starting point would be to give some power back to the local residents. Decisions about curriculum need to be influenced on a local level. This would allow communities to help develop programs and curriculum based on common belief systems.

America’s public school system used to involve heavy community support for the teachers. Teachers often times ate in the homes of the students, and even lodged there on occasion. In the beginning, teachers and parents had close relationships due to the financial necessity of community involvement. Now we are discouraged from getting “overly involved” in the education process. And by overly involved, I mean parents in some school districts are not allowed to attend the celebration of their child’s birthday in the classroom.  I think this is ridiculous.

I love having the option to home school my kids.  I have the ability to create a learning environment and curriculum based around my belief systems as opposed to the belief systems of people who have made it their life goal to become known for their innovative “common core” movement. I have no desire to be known for the methods in which I educate my kids. I only want to make sure that my children have a solid foundation of knowledge before they enter the world as adults. I have tailored each child’s process to their strengths and weaknesses. Each of my kids learns through a slightly different approach. Having the ability to adjust my teaching methods according to each child’s needs, has been one of the greatest aspects of teaching my children at home.

This is partially why I am such an advocate for homeschooling. I have the ability to guide the learning process of each of my children. I can tailor the way information is presented based on the learning styles of each of my children. I am back in a position where I can truly guide my children towards a healthy, highly educational, God centered life. I never thought I would be one of “those homeschooling moms”, but circumstances have molded me into exactly that.

Dillon, S. (April 22, 2009). Large urban-suburban gap seen in graduation rates. New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/education/22dropout.html?_r=0

Homeschooling

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My experience has taught me some precious lessons. When someone questions your decision to home school your children, you should not take it personally. The question is often times a reflection of the person asking it. They don’t believe they could do it, and therefore tend to doubt another’s  ability to home school.

There are tons of different programs available for homeschooling. You will absolutely find one that works for you. It may take a couple of tries, but you will find a program that is a good fit for you and your kids.

One of the first things you should know about me… I do NOT think that homeschooling is for everyone. There are families who would not benefit from bringing their kidddos home and trying to take over the education process. If the public school option works for you then you should use it. It has some fantastic aspects. However, if you are interested in homeschooling your children then I can help you.

Some things to consider when choosing a homeschooling program…

 

  • You need to decide upfront if you want to purchase a preplanned program or if you want to start from scratch.
    • There are so many great programs out there that are put together in a very orderly fashion. The lesson plans are complete and the work is divided out into a daily schedule for you and your child.
    • There are also insanely amazing books available to help you plan a totally individualized curriculum for your child. My personal favorite is The Well Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. They outline the best resources and provide you with reasons for their choices. It is the most complete guide for planning an individualized program that I have found.
  • Do you want your child to have a high school diploma?  Some states recognize home school as a legitimate schooling program and will allow the parents to create a diploma, but some states will require a GED.
    • If you are not willing to let go of that diploma, you need to plan on researching some of the accredited programs. They are typically a little more time consuming, when it comes to busy work. I have my master’s in education, and I chose an online “public” school program for my children. I may change in the future, but for now I am not comfortable walking away from the stigma of having a diploma. (See how well trained I am?   I am outside “the box”, but pressed right up against it!)
  • Do you want to do a primarily online program, or would you like to utilize more of a traditional “book based” school plan?
    • I personally like the interactive nature of online programs. This is definitely not the case for all homeschooling parents. Traditional books are also a great way to educate your kids. There are programs that incorporate nearly equal amounts of both books and internet, and there are programs that focus on one or the other. Look at all your options and choose the best one for you and your child.
  • If you are going to home school your kidddos, I strongly suggest having extracurricular activities. Kids need to have time to be with their peers, and it is a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn from someone else.
    • I know this can get a bit expensive, but it is well worth your time and money. Each of my children has one activity they picked, and a few I picked. I have had each kid try out a number of sports, crafting classes, and music lessons. For our family, we have stuck with piano for all, and one sport for each. I am also the resident crafting expert. Let me amend this… my husband is the king of sewing and has become exceptionally adept at making stuffed animals from scratch. We own the only rainbow butterfly patterned unicorn that I have ever seen.

These are just a few of the factors I think are important when picking out a homeschooling program. I would love to hear more from you about your experience and your concerns.