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!

The Power of Friendship

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I feel so blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends.  I am constantly reminded that we are all given trials to overcome in this life.  By sharing our experiences with each other we become stronger, as individuals, and closer as friends. I find that I sometimes get caught up in appearances and fail to see the value in being vulnerable and leaning on those people I trust the very most.  It’s silly to think that they expect me to be at my best every minute of every day, but I catch myself trying to look like that is my reality.  The truth is, I need my friends and I am thankful for the times when they need me.

One of my dearest friends is going through an incredibly tough trial in her life right now.  She has been brave and trusting enough to allow me to help her through this time of vulnerability.  We have spent a lot of time talking through the situation she is facing.  She has been able to open up about sensitive issues and we have worked together to find reasonable options for her and her children.  I thought I was being helpful to this friend.  Just yesterday I realized, that in all reality, I am being helped just as much, if not more, through this process.

I have learned the power of love from this friend.  I have seen that one woman can make mighty changes in this universe through her words and her deeds.  I have seen the unyielding love of a mother literally work miracles in the lives of her children.  This amazing woman has shown me that the ability to love unconditionally is truly a beautiful thing.

How many of us think that we must carry the burden of sorrow alone?  How often do we yearn for a kind word of encouragement when the weight of the world pushes down upon our shoulders?  I know that I have had more of those moments than I can count, but more often than not I trudge on without looking towards my greatest friends for the support I so desperately need.  I am so grateful to my sweet friend for showing me how to truly be a great friend.  It turns out, being a great friend requires being both strong and weak.  Great friends are not afraid to teach each other through their struggles.  They don’t allow fear of criticism or judgment to keep them from seeking out the comfort of those they love.  True friends let you see the good and the bad, knowing that you will be by their side through both.

Autism and Social Inclusion

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Autism and all its spectrum “sister” disorders are so incredibly interesting and individualized.  Through my studies, and personal interactions, I have found the topic of social isolation to be one of the top complaints among those who are on the autism spectrum.  We, as human beings, are such social creatures.  We thrive when conversing about mutual interests and spending time with individuals who hold fast to similar value systems.

Those on the spectrum often times struggle to express the less tangible aspects of their lives.  Emotions tend to be a difficult topic to discuss when dealing with someone on the spectrum.  Hard facts and scientific evidence dominate conversations with individuals on the autism spectrum.  It is hard for these kids to relate on an emotional level.  And this social chasm creates hurdles in interactions with their neuro-typical peers.

There are some amazing programs out there that are closing the social gap between neuro-typical kids and those on the spectrum.  These inclusion programs create a bridge between children who might not connect under other circumstances.  It’s important for children on the spectrum to feel safe and understood.  They need to know that their peers are not judging the differences, but instead looking for similarities and common ground to build a relationship on.

I applaud the teachers who are taking the time and putting forth the emotional energy required to facilitate these programs.  Both the individuals on the spectrum and those who are not will benefit from learning to interact and making connections with each other.

Children’s Books are Therapeutic

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The world is so full of conflict.  It is in our homes, schools and invades every corner of the globe.  I have often times thought through the newsworthy events in my life, and wondered why war is such a prevalent topic amongst my memories.  I don’t believe that there has ever been a time in my life, of 37 years, that a war was not raging somewhere in the world.  This is a truly devastating reality.

On the brighter side, there are also kind humanitarian acts sprinkled throughout these horrifying wars and conflicts.  I just read an article, Book Therapy for Syrian Refugee Kids in Jordan, in the Khaleej Times.  The humanitarian aid group, Knowledge without Borders, launched a reading program for the kids who are currently living in these refugee camps inside Jordan.  The premise of the program is the belief that books are therapeutic on multitudes of levels, and so humanitarian aid is being sent in the form of a children’s library.

My kids and I spend hours inside our local library.  In fact, the local public library is not enough to satisfy the insatiable appetite my children have for books.  We also hit up the school libraries.  We hold the record for “most books checked out by one family” at the local elementary school’s library.  I LOVE BOOKS!  We are readers in this home.  We read books on history, science fiction, non-fiction, joke books, how-to-do-it-yourself books, and everything in between.  I can’t imagine our home without thousands of books.  We have book baskets, book shelves, and have even given up the upstairs linen closet to our overwhelming book collection.  There is not a room in my 3,400 square foot home that is lacking reading materials.  Sadly, even the bathrooms are stocked with literary gems.

When I read this article on bringing books to the children in these camps, I was touched.  It is absolutely the most amazing concept, and by all means a therapeutic opportunity for children of all ages.  These kids will have the chance to “leave” the harsh reality of their current circumstances and travel to other worlds through the pages of these books.  These stories will truly supply an opportunity, for the children living in these uncertain circumstances, to address their desires to learn and read about the world as they work through the emotional struggles that accompany any displacement situation.

The first refugee library was opened with only 3,000 books.  I probably have close to 2,000 books in my personal collection right now.  That is a sobering thought.  What a gift to live in America, and have access to such tremendous quantities of reading materials.  I take way too much for granted.  There are so many amazing blessings and gifts, we as Americans, enjoy the privilege of indulging in.  My eyes have been opened to the magnitude of this gift.  I will never look at my personal library the same way again.  I’m so thankful to those individuals who have made it possible for the Syrian children to have the opportunity to read and learn in their current circumstances.

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

Writing Children’s Books

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Writing children’s books is not for everyone, but I have met a lot of people who have voiced their desire to write a book.  I decided that I need to start keeping track of my experience entering the world of children’s literature and becoming a published author.

I graduated with my master’s degree in education, in December of 2011, and told my husband I wanted to take a year to write a book and see what happened.  My sweet husband was totally game and I started planning my process.  All of 2012 I was seriously planning my book-which turned into a ten book series-and started writing.  I attended an enormous writing seminar in New York City with my best friend, to get a feeling for the culture of the publishing world, and what I found was totally astonishing.  I was doing EVERYTHING wrong.

I was told that I should not try to enter the world of publishing with a series of children’s picture books.  I was also informed that trying to present a morals based message is a really hard sell.  And by the way, I should not come to the table with an illustrator already on-board.  Well, this went against everything I had been working towards for the last year, and it was a bit disheartening.  I was completely committed to the series I had been working on and believed wholeheartedly in the morals based or character building messages of my series.  I also had a New York Times best selling illustrator on board, because he completely believed in the series too.  I was a little discouraged, but not defeated. I plodded on.

I think I probably received about 15 rejection letters before I finally got a glimmer of hope.  My first positive feedback was from an agent who said that I needed to keep trying because the voice and message was strong, but that I would have to find just the right agent to pitch this series.  He then rejected me…  I got another 30 or more rejection letters and the next ray of hope showed up.  I received an email from a small publishing house stating that they were interested in the entire series.  I was beyond excited, but I still didn’t have a literary agent.  I am a firm believer in working with professionals in all my life’s endeavors.

I called up the agent I really wanted to work with and told her I had a contract on my desk and no agent.  It took her a day to read through everything and get back to me.  Her response was  “we can do better”.  The strangest email I ever sent was the one declining the first offer on my children’s picture book series.  My agent sent out queries to the top editors in the industry.  We got some really great feedback and an offer from a publishing house that was as excited about the series as I was.  I signed the contract about a month ago, and we are starting the process of going to print.  It is amazing… I seriously can’t believe that I broke all the rules and still got in.  I guess the moral of the story is trust your instincts and stick to your plan.  Anything is possible if you really believe in yourself.

Second Chances

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This is the most amazing program, and I just had to post a little something on this interesting setup.  Dog Gone Express is a program that brings adoptable pets to the public.  But they don’t just bring families the untrained canines who need love.  As advertised on their website, they bring trained pups from the “big house to your house”.  This is a Louisiana based program that takes dogs on death row and places them with inmates where they will go through basic training.  The inmates gain some amazing bonding experiences and a skill set as dog trainers.  The dogs get a second chance at a fulfilling life.  Many of these pups are placed in homes with individuals who have special needs.  One of the first pups to be placed with a family went to a child diagnosed with autism.   This company truly serves multitudes of individuals in need of love.  Inmates are given the opportunity to bond with and train amazing dogs who then go on to become therapeutic canines in the general population.  What an amazing concept!  I just wonder if these little pups have any clue just how much good they are truly doing.

Check out their website and donate if you can to this amazing program.  http://doggoneexpress.com/home.html

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Shelter-dog-trained-in-prison-gives-autistic-child-new-lease-on-life-257604551.html

Books

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I am thrilled to announce Wisteria Jane Hummell will be published by Redleaf Press. The first book in this series will be launched in May of 2015.  I could not be more excited to be collaborating with this amazing publishing house.

 

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