There is a sad trend I see among most homeschooling moms. We do everything for our children to ensure they get a variety of social settings, yet we ignore ourselves.
We are the troop leader, fund raising coordinator, kitchen help, team mom, chauffeur, planner, and in my case, director of a co-op, all for the kids.
And while I would never choose to be a "drop-and-go" parent, I believe adults need fun, too.
And while I have had fun in many of the dozen or so positions I've held through their activities over the years, this summer I wanted to try something different. I started a themed book club. I love reading and discussing books with others, and enjoy discovering books that bring new and interesting ideas.
But this club has an ulterior purpose: ethnic dining. I have had two decades of living with a man completely disinterested in adventurous eating. Our theme then, is to travel the world in both our book selections, then hold our meetings at a restaurant from that country. It just adds a whole new layer to the discussion when you have all those tastes to accent the experience.
A few friends across the globe want to steal this idea, but asked me to share the nuts and bolts of how to put a group together. I've been in book clubs in the past, and learned a great deal of what works and doesn't work. While certainly not an expert, I'll gladly share our rules.
The most important rule was keeping the group size small. Large numbers never work, because the conversation is often over run by a half dozen and the others sit. But you need enough that you can hold a quality meeting even if half are unable to make the meeting.
Almost as important is choosing folks that are diverse in background and interest, but are extremely tolerant of differences. We will be reading and discussing about different cultures, which includes very different social norms ,customs, and religions. By bringing together members with unique persepectives, we will hopefully add depth.
Another important factor for me was to have my club be homeschooling moms of middle to high schoolers. Our discussions will certainly not be limited to books, and there is a deep sense of camradarie and shared experience. Sitting with other moms who are living the same lifestyle, discussing the issues facing our children is priceless.
Lastly, it had to be someone who wanted to have fun and be a little bold in their reading and dining. There is nothing as frustrating as eating at an ethnic food with someone who complains about the menu options!
Using those criteria as the guide, I sent out invitations through email. I was happily surprised when the others were excited about the idea. We selected India as our first country, and did voting for book selections from a compiled list. Each month, one member will take on the task of finding the restaurant and making reservations. Our first selection: "Beneath the Marble Sky": a historical fiction about the creation of the Taj Mahal.
We were so eager, in fact, that we didn't want to wait until we had read the June book. So last night a half dozen of us met at a new farmer's market, and then practiced the eating and talking parts at an adjoining cafe. We broke bread (literally) and chatted the night away in the shadows of some awesome industrial remains. Before we knew it, we were closing the place down. Now, the only challenge will be finding time to discuss the books next month!
So get out there, and claim one night a month for yourself with friends. Start a book or dinner club, or both!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Graduation Charge to Seniors
I was asked to give the graduation charge to our class of twleve graduating seniors. This year was quite emotional for me, as I am close to so many of those who will be leaving us. I can say that I got through the speech without tears, despite my struggle to hold them back during individual introductions. I will so miss each one of them!!!
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote from William Butler Yeats is our motto here at Fireside. Our goal has always been to help students learn so much more than rote facts and figures that are memorized and soon forgotten.
We have always hoped that our students would also find that spark, unique to each of them, which would light a fire within. For some, that spark was academic; for others, artistic. Some found their flame on the stage or on the sports field. Still others lit up through service to others in their community or church.
In each one of these special seniors, the fire grew and spread, touching so many others along the way. As I look out among them, I proudly see a group of remarkable teens. But I can also remember them as fresh scrubbed youths, running through the halls with such excitement they would accidently knock the books from my hands.
Please indulge me, then, as I issue one last set of instructions as your teacher.
Each of you has not arrived at this place alone, but has had the blessing of family, teachers, and friends. It is with gratitude for their support that I charge each of you today.
Let the lessons you have learned carry you forward.
Give your talent, knowledge, and wisdom freely and generously to those around you.
Keep that flame burning brightly, and go confidently into the world.
~Angela Landis
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote from William Butler Yeats is our motto here at Fireside. Our goal has always been to help students learn so much more than rote facts and figures that are memorized and soon forgotten.
We have always hoped that our students would also find that spark, unique to each of them, which would light a fire within. For some, that spark was academic; for others, artistic. Some found their flame on the stage or on the sports field. Still others lit up through service to others in their community or church.
In each one of these special seniors, the fire grew and spread, touching so many others along the way. As I look out among them, I proudly see a group of remarkable teens. But I can also remember them as fresh scrubbed youths, running through the halls with such excitement they would accidently knock the books from my hands.
Please indulge me, then, as I issue one last set of instructions as your teacher.
Each of you has not arrived at this place alone, but has had the blessing of family, teachers, and friends. It is with gratitude for their support that I charge each of you today.
Let the lessons you have learned carry you forward.
Give your talent, knowledge, and wisdom freely and generously to those around you.
Keep that flame burning brightly, and go confidently into the world.
~Angela Landis
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Annual Summer Reading List
Every year I try to put together a summer reading list for Girlie. To make our list, a book must not be merely twaddle (ie. brain twinkies). I strive to select books that are not only enjoyable, but will encourage deeper thinking and great discussion on the themes they offer. I also look for books that convey time and place with great detail, which encites a deeper understanding and interest in history or geography.
While some books I've selected are classics, I have added a few newer to me at the suggestion of friends. This year, Girlie showed a growing interest in history and certain events, so a few choices were geared toward that. As she is entering her junior year of high school, I also chose some that I think are ripe for literary analysis. And for the first time, she added three* of her own interest that have nothing to do with her usual genre!
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty White
2.Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Anne of Green Gables meets Fahrenheit 451)
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding*
4. Night by Elie Weisel
5.The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne *
6.The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
7. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee *
8. Witch Child by Celia Rees
9. Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks
10. Her selection, for me to read as well.
A few favorites have been postponed as she will be reading them in her Literary Analysis class this year. Others, such as those by Rand, Huxley, Salinger, Atwood, PAth, etc, will be better suited for next summer after she has learned more method through the class.
But, as always, I am searching for a few more. Any suggestions? And please, no Brit lit. She'd rather get a root canal.
While some books I've selected are classics, I have added a few newer to me at the suggestion of friends. This year, Girlie showed a growing interest in history and certain events, so a few choices were geared toward that. As she is entering her junior year of high school, I also chose some that I think are ripe for literary analysis. And for the first time, she added three* of her own interest that have nothing to do with her usual genre!
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty White
2.Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Anne of Green Gables meets Fahrenheit 451)
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding*
4. Night by Elie Weisel
5.The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne *
6.The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
7. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee *
8. Witch Child by Celia Rees
9. Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks
10. Her selection, for me to read as well.
A few favorites have been postponed as she will be reading them in her Literary Analysis class this year. Others, such as those by Rand, Huxley, Salinger, Atwood, PAth, etc, will be better suited for next summer after she has learned more method through the class.
But, as always, I am searching for a few more. Any suggestions? And please, no Brit lit. She'd rather get a root canal.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Purposeful Lollygagging...
There are plenty of metaphors to describe the schedule I've been keeping this year: too many plates in the airs, trapped on a merry-go-round, burning candle at both ends...etc. But I am at the end of one teaching year, and have done enough of my administrative tasks to have a lightened schedule until June.
Which is why I have instituted the rest of May as time for "purposeful lollygagging." I define the term simply: taking time to do those things you were too busy enjoy all year. For when life is chaotic, it is always the simple pleasures that are the first to go.
I've realized that unless I write fun things on the calendar as well, they will never happen. There is always another task that will fill up any free hour, and who wants to look back on a life of completed to-do lists?
So, today Girlie and I are taking out our planner and filling the empty blocks with fun in mind. Our plans aren't big and bold. I'd like watch a chick flick and eat popcorn in the middle of the day. I want to stroll through the garden center and then plant some annuals. I want to throw the dogs in the car and walk the trails. What joy it will be to have girlfriends over and break out the blender, cook up a feast, or simply sleep in.
Or, sit on the patio with the birds, coffee, and a good book. I'm off....
Which is why I have instituted the rest of May as time for "purposeful lollygagging." I define the term simply: taking time to do those things you were too busy enjoy all year. For when life is chaotic, it is always the simple pleasures that are the first to go.
I've realized that unless I write fun things on the calendar as well, they will never happen. There is always another task that will fill up any free hour, and who wants to look back on a life of completed to-do lists?
So, today Girlie and I are taking out our planner and filling the empty blocks with fun in mind. Our plans aren't big and bold. I'd like watch a chick flick and eat popcorn in the middle of the day. I want to stroll through the garden center and then plant some annuals. I want to throw the dogs in the car and walk the trails. What joy it will be to have girlfriends over and break out the blender, cook up a feast, or simply sleep in.
Or, sit on the patio with the birds, coffee, and a good book. I'm off....
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Making Waffles in the Dark
I teach a Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature class at our homeschooling co-op. These kids are some of the most creative and funny teenagers on the planet. So when they requested a waffle party for our last day of classes, I smiled at the quirky request.
Until 4am this morning, when I woke to begin making several dozen from my mother's best recipe. I frowned when I realized we were out of eggs. Through bleary eyes, I made the drive to the mini-mart, groaning all the way.
But there is something miraculous about making that batter. As I measured, sift, separated, and folded, the smile returned. This was a silly little labor of love for my students.
My students. There is something almost unfair about teaching the kids at our co-op. Kids that are quirky individuals, passionate about books and music, yet consider adults friends. I love having a class that not only looks you in the eye, but steps up to the challenges of the course and want to exceed it, as a group.
This morning, however, I don't want to focus on the coursework. I am just thinking about these amazing students. From all my classes, over the years. Today is the final day of this year, and the final day for a dozen amazing seniors that we graduate this year. I've literally watched these kids grow up, and have shared so many laughs and triumphs along the way.
For them, pre-dawn baking is my pleasure.
Until 4am this morning, when I woke to begin making several dozen from my mother's best recipe. I frowned when I realized we were out of eggs. Through bleary eyes, I made the drive to the mini-mart, groaning all the way.
But there is something miraculous about making that batter. As I measured, sift, separated, and folded, the smile returned. This was a silly little labor of love for my students.
My students. There is something almost unfair about teaching the kids at our co-op. Kids that are quirky individuals, passionate about books and music, yet consider adults friends. I love having a class that not only looks you in the eye, but steps up to the challenges of the course and want to exceed it, as a group.
This morning, however, I don't want to focus on the coursework. I am just thinking about these amazing students. From all my classes, over the years. Today is the final day of this year, and the final day for a dozen amazing seniors that we graduate this year. I've literally watched these kids grow up, and have shared so many laughs and triumphs along the way.
For them, pre-dawn baking is my pleasure.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Report Card for the teacher: Sophomore Year
We are in the final days of my daughter's sophomore year (hereto known as Girlie). You would think that after 13 years of homeschooling, I would have all the answers. Most years, I can proudly give myself top scores on my taecher report card. I'm more than a little type "A", combined with a love for my kids and a passion for teaching...every part of homeschooling is natural for me.
But this year has proven that yet again, over-confidence is almost like a challenge to the cosmos. It should have been a smooth year. I was homeschooling only one, and the "agreeable" one at that. The co-op was beginning it's third year, and we had a great system and a real community of enthusiastic teachers and parents. We had carefully selected curriculum and classes, and all would be smooth sailing.
HA!
Instead of my picture perfect vision of Girlie's sophomore year, life put a monkey wrench in our plans. And then another. And another. I found a line from the movie "DodgeBall" kept echoing in my brain: "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball." And suddenly there I was, standing dumbfounded as an angry drunk in a wheelchair pelted me with metal objects.
But we made it through the year. And as I step back, figuratively nursing bruises, I know that I am not the first, nor will be the last to have life hijack our homeschool year. No one can change what life throws their way, but we can learn from the way we handled crises.
My report card, then, would look something like this:
Curriculum Design: A
We were spot on here. The course work and classes were , sans one , very well suited to Girlie's learning style and educational needs. Self-designed coursework was thorough and full of diversity. There was a nice balance between academic and arts, which suited us just fine.
Implementation: B-
We struggled a bit here with adaptability. With all the drama, I was not as available to help with work, and Girlie needed more help than she had in the past for the same reasons. There were more times than I would like to admit that we simply decided one task or another was just "too much", and didn't follow through self-designed projects to perfection. For the first time, "done" was often good enough.
Educational Support: C+
Again, I was so distracted by other issues in the home that I was not consistently supportive of the educational needs of my student. Geez, sometimes I was downright unaware. I allowed so many other things to take precidence at times it's disheartening. When I pulled myself back and regained focus, we were able to enjoy homeschooling again and each other.
Homeland Defense: A-
I was able to strongly put up the necessary barriers to outside obligations. We limited access to negative people, while still giving instruction on how to handle such situations at arm's length and with tact. We reconnected with old rituals that helped us find out focus.
Final Grade: B
Extra Credit: Girlie and I are closer than ever, and she has become active in planning her curriulum for next year with enthusiasm. Guess I get to keep my day job!
But this year has proven that yet again, over-confidence is almost like a challenge to the cosmos. It should have been a smooth year. I was homeschooling only one, and the "agreeable" one at that. The co-op was beginning it's third year, and we had a great system and a real community of enthusiastic teachers and parents. We had carefully selected curriculum and classes, and all would be smooth sailing.
HA!
Instead of my picture perfect vision of Girlie's sophomore year, life put a monkey wrench in our plans. And then another. And another. I found a line from the movie "DodgeBall" kept echoing in my brain: "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball." And suddenly there I was, standing dumbfounded as an angry drunk in a wheelchair pelted me with metal objects.
But we made it through the year. And as I step back, figuratively nursing bruises, I know that I am not the first, nor will be the last to have life hijack our homeschool year. No one can change what life throws their way, but we can learn from the way we handled crises.
My report card, then, would look something like this:
Curriculum Design: A
We were spot on here. The course work and classes were , sans one , very well suited to Girlie's learning style and educational needs. Self-designed coursework was thorough and full of diversity. There was a nice balance between academic and arts, which suited us just fine.
Implementation: B-
We struggled a bit here with adaptability. With all the drama, I was not as available to help with work, and Girlie needed more help than she had in the past for the same reasons. There were more times than I would like to admit that we simply decided one task or another was just "too much", and didn't follow through self-designed projects to perfection. For the first time, "done" was often good enough.
Educational Support: C+
Again, I was so distracted by other issues in the home that I was not consistently supportive of the educational needs of my student. Geez, sometimes I was downright unaware. I allowed so many other things to take precidence at times it's disheartening. When I pulled myself back and regained focus, we were able to enjoy homeschooling again and each other.
Homeland Defense: A-
I was able to strongly put up the necessary barriers to outside obligations. We limited access to negative people, while still giving instruction on how to handle such situations at arm's length and with tact. We reconnected with old rituals that helped us find out focus.
Final Grade: B
Extra Credit: Girlie and I are closer than ever, and she has become active in planning her curriulum for next year with enthusiasm. Guess I get to keep my day job!
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