What Works Wednesday: How I Educated Myself

I already knew how to read when I entered first grade at St. James Elementary. In fact, I don't remember a time not being able to read, or write for that matter. Maybe it's just my poor memory, since I do have what seems to be years of my life that I cannot remember at all, or maybe it's because I'm already half-past the age toward self-destruct. But I don't want to go there . . .

This July 18th post I'm linking up with What Works Wednesday thanks to Upside Down Homeschooling:

 When my first child was born 26 years ago my husband gently brought up the subject of homeschooling—NOT! He matter-of-factly told me that we would homeschool. (It was kind of like the way he announced that we'd have our babies at home the year before.) His desire for homeschooling stemmed from his misadventures in public school education. He did not want his sons to have to go through what he did. I however, loved school, and used to play teacher to my younger sister, the student. I kind of liked the idea!

 My baby—the last of the bunch!

So, I  left nine years of registered nursing behind to embark on this new journey called boys and all that would come with it. My heavenly dreams of having a child finally materialized, but with my mind reeling and my heart skipping, there was a lot I needed to know, and quickly. I had a great desire to learn. I read numerous books. I interviewed people. I took classes. I discussed things with hubby, and the perfect plan ensued.

In time, I found myself as the nurturing Momma hen to four delightful boys (about three years apart in age). Our homeschool journey fascinated me. Having loved books and going to the library as a child, I adored taking the boys to check out books and we read aloud 'til they dropped off to sleep at night. And I discovered the classics that I had missed as a child (pretty much all of them) so I delightedly would read, while the child-in-me clapped at each book's end for an encore.

 Just about all grown up!

It dawned on me down the road, somewhere between consonant blends and algebra, that I was getting much more out of homeschooling than I'd realized. I had been educating myself right along with the boys! 

The history and geography I knew little of and hadn't liked in grade school, now caught my attention through the lively stories we read and fun activities we did. The arithmetic I had forgotten, reappeared with new meaning. Experiments pretty much just happened in our household and my love for nursing and the workings of the human body kept me on my toes fashioning unit studies using living books in many fascinating areas of science. The arts I enjoyed gave me opportunities to share with my sons and we ventured into new crafty areas. The creative writing I adored (needing much polish) opened doors for self-improvement as I learned many of the missing links in my English education. Bible studies came alive as we took from what we learned to make our lives more complete and useful with our new understanding of God's design for our lives and grace through Jesus Christ. 

Of course, parenting, being a homeschool Mom, and attempting to keep a marriage in swing was/is quite an education in itself.

I think there is a point here somewhere . . . You will learn what you have an interest in learning. Force feeding doesn't work. A child needs to be engaged to learn, just like we do as adults. Sure, I learned things and passed tests with As for many years growing up, but that information quickly left me. Last year I studied for four months every day and re-took my RN licensure exams and passed! I was stunned, but you know, I had some interest in the material, but did cram a lot in and that short-term memory study for a test didn't last too long. If I don't use the material much will be lost. We can expect the same from our kids.

Perceptions are important. Writing is not a school subject, it's a necessary life skill. Engaging children in such a way that appeals to them is a worthy goal in all subject areas. Embracing a child's learning style and individual abilities just adds more education to your life! 

Now that all my sons have graduated, homeschool hasn't ended for me, and it hasn't ended for them. In fact, my youngest son wasn't all gung-ho about the graduating aspect completing 12th grade at all. I thought it was a big thing—apparently not for him. He said he doesn't like the way some new grads he knows think that they've arrived somehow. For him the transition toward his future life is just another step in the learning game, as it should be. Every day brings something new and there is so much to learn! I like that mindset. And I admire and respect his perspective, so I didn't make a big deal of graduation (even though I wanted to).

We educate ourselves in our own ways. Just by living, we learn whether we want to or not. Make the most of it!

“I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16: 8, 9).

I think I've had a pretty good education thus far—thanks guys, for all you've taught me!  

Happy Homeschooling!

—KathyMarie

Thankful for the Drama in our Lives

Jeremie (as Anthony) and Hannah (as Johanna) 

sing a duet "Kiss Me" in the performance of the musical Sweeney Todd

Our lives are filled with drama! Not a week goes by that something doesn't catch us off guard and throw a wrench into our living-happily-ever-after existence. 

I'm thinking of the last several months . .  . brother-in-law dies an unexpected death; take a sad trip to Florida; local teen brothers die in a car wreck; purchase of new car (how we gonna pay?); homeschooling is officially over; son stays out too late; the nest is almost empty; I feel like a bad mother; diagnosis of an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis); hubby could lose a second toe from a new infection; the air-conditioner breaks; saying good-bye to my beloved homeschool books on ebay; grasshoppers devour my garden; fires in Colorado . . . you get the picture.

Wouldn't it be cool to assume the identity of someone else—but for an evening, and take a breather? I think it would be very healthy. And it beats having to clear your mind (as in don't think at all) to avoid stress. But I'm not going to talk about the everyday life's drama here. Even though it has given us experiences in which to use while we perform on the big stage—if we choose to do so.

I'm thankful for our local theater, the Lyric Theater, and the wonderful people that make it possible that a starting out nobody kid can get a chance to act on stage, even get a lead role, and have a great time making new friends and exploring the wonders of music and drama, creativity, perseverance, and hard work.

 The Wig Maker (Jeremie, from Sweeney Todd)

While my youngest son Jeremie started out years ago by attending a Children's Workshop, he then got a part as the Grinch in Seusical the Musical (and won an award too), it wasn't until this last homeschool year that he really started to get involved. His 12th grade year encompassed many delight-directed activities including voice lessons, piano and guitar practice, singing duets with his lady friend, and writing songs. With three plays under his belt in the last year, The Wizard of Oz looms ahead in August. Can't wait to see it!

Ben has the best animated voices, and should look for work in that area! He took an acting workshop at age 15 where he wrote his own skit and performed it along with his classmates who had each written their own. He almost quit the class since he shared the stage with mostly older accomplished women, but he hung in there and learned lessons of a job well done and starting what you finish. His humorous and friendly personality shined. He was in South Pacific before he moved to another country (not really—only 1.5 hours away). And surprise! He won an award for young supporting actor for his performance! Bravo I say! 

Sometimes I feel bad in that I discouraged my sons when I should have been encouraging them in past years. I have since learned that mindset is VERY important! You can do what you put forth effort into learning. Simple. My sons have showed me that over and over.

South Pacific was a blast for Ben and Jeremie (the two shirtless sailors)

An on-the-shy-side homeschool kid his whole life, Gideon took a drama class at college his first year and had a blast there. It changed his personality—he lost his fear of people it seems (a good thing) and he just sort of blossomed into who he is today (an outgoing, adventurous, talented, and spontaneous 23 year old). He got the lead role of the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland (a phenomenal production) and seeing his cat-like slithering and mewing on stage was nothing short of delightful. I'm quivering as I remember him . . .

Gideon as Jack Sparrow (complete with accent) just for fun!
 

His love for acting didn't die when he left college. There was a stint when he worked for Olive Garden waiting tables and he'd have fun using different accents with the patrons (Russian, Australian, German, etc.) Most of them thought he was cute, clever, and divine, but at least one co-worker was jealous of the attention he got and complained. 

He was Captain Jack Sparrow on occasion and won two costume contests. He says that he stayed in character the whole time and that is mainly why he won. He had quite a following of smitten teeny boppers too! 

In real life, we often see the results of his theatrical mentality . . . he, his brother, and a number of friends just decided to sit down in the middle of Wal-Mart one night and play cards! What? Why the manager let them, I don't know!

Jeremie as Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream

This was different. My son dressing up as a woman? Well, it's theater, after all. He played the part of a guy that reluctantly has to dress up and play the part of a woman in a play (sound familiar?) and I tell you, Flute added an element of hilarity that fit perfect among the other comical meanderings. He was hilarious! And gee, I finally got to have a daughter (for a few hours at least).

The benefits of participating in theater are many. Though I did a few small acting things in my early schooling days, I am not in theater at this stage of my life. But I have a love for the arts and grew up as a participant in audiences all over south Florida. I marvel at the way God used drama in our homeschool and am thankful for all its benefits to our family.

Get out of your comfort zone if you have to, but consider the whole array of arts as an adjunct to your homeschool experience. Exchange a little of life's natural drama for a fun experience of cultural characterization. Just run with it and see what happens.

P.S. Here's hubby dramatizing a bit at home in his "V" bike outfit where V frequently stands for vehicle or voracious, but also valiant!

Links to Inspire You and Your Kids to Write and Be Published

Learn More About Writing and Publishing

Looking for places where you or your kids can polish your skills and perhaps get published? Here are a few favorite sources and a few new ones I found to check out:

• WordPlay: Helping Authors Become Writers (A favorite!) Homeschool graduate and author, K. M. Weiland, has this outstanding and informative, award winning website.

• Jody Hedlund - Tips for Aspiring Writers Jody Hedlund, author and speaker, has a heart for encouraging and teaching aspiring authors.

• Mary DeMuth - Write Uncaged: Freebies Free electronic writing helps and get published resources from this Christian author and speaker.

• Homeschool Gazette Though no longer accepting submissions, you can find creative writings from homeschoolers and a lot of ideas to use. (This is our family's older website.)

• WriteShop Kid’s Corner - Writing links for Kids: Check out these links for more help and ideas.

• The Writer Magazine  Learn more about the craft of writing; I like the magazine.

• HSLDA Homeschool Contests  Enter Essay, Art, Photo, and Poetry contests. Read and view past winners for inspiration too.

• Young NanoWriMo Young National Novel Writing Month isn't so much a competition—rather a month long challenge to children to write a novel. If approved and they complete their word count in time, they can get a printed copy of their book.

• One Year Adventure Novel  Student writer’s contest open to licensed users of this program. We have a local homeschool family that highly recommends this creative program.

• Homeschool Writers – Writing Contests and Resources Try entering a writing contest!

• Home-School-Friendly Writing Contests for Students 

• Kids Are Authors Contest  Hosted by Scholastic. Grades K–8. Under the guidance of a project coordinator, children work in teams of three or more students to write and illustrate their own book. Deadline: 3-15-12 

Get Writing—Get Published! 

I was hoping to find many more homeschool  publications but here are a few links to check out:

• Apricot Pie A unique website designed by and for homeschoolers, where young people can post their stories, essays, poems, and photography. For homeschool students and graduates.

• Write Me a Story  A place where children can try their writing skills, share their imagination, read fun stories, and maybe even get published on the Internet! For students (11 and under) and teens (12 and older).

• Writing for Kids  A kid-friendly site that welcomes student writing samples. Send yours in and get published!

• The Kid’s Ark  Children’s Christian magazine - Geared to kids ages 4-12, quarterly 36 page, full-color, interactive magazine.

• PBS Kids Go!  Neat format for sharing stories, poems.

You Have Something Worth Saying—15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure

I had the privilege of sharing my experience with, and love for writing with our local homeschool group this week, along with several published authors. Below, I am sharing part of a handout I prepared (along with some commentary) to help young students.

Do you want to write and publish your work? Where do you begin?

15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure 

1. Believe in yourself, and be the peculiar person that God made you to be

 Everyone is unique. We all come from different backgrounds with special gifts, experiences and talents. Don't try to be someone you aren't—tap into your own creativity and style—making it your own.

2. Possess a growth mindset—you can learn and do what you put effort into

 I wish I had understood this much sooner in life, so I really want to emphasize this. Don't hinder yourself by thinking you cannot learn something—you most certainly can! Even the most talented and experienced people began at the bottom, putting forth a lot of patience and practice. If it's worth doing, don't limit yourself.

3. Think creatively—play with words and sentences and make it FUN

 Writing is hard work, but you can make it more fun if you view it creatively and lightheartedly. Enjoy the process of writing.

4. Write ‘til your hand and wrist hurts—NOT, but write every day you can

 Practice, practice, practice. The best writers got that way by doing what they love: writing.

5. If you have a brain freeze, write anyway, and see what surfaces

It happens sometimes. But there is a type of writing known as freewriting where you just write and see what comes. It could get you started to where you want to go.

6. Finish what you start (or play trashcan basketball with your paper wads)

It's a good idea to give each project your all, and then look toward the final edit where you can change it anyway you want. It just might be that it needs a new twist or a major overhaul, but your diligent attitude will pay off.

7. Keep breathing . . . and save editing until you get your thoughts down 

Spelling, grammar, the hard stuff . . . let it wait till you have something nice to work with. No one writes the perfect paper first time around.

8. Read a lot—including classics, and reach beyond your normal interests too

I did not know about the classics until I was a homeschooling teacher, and then I read aloud with my sons and read also on my own. Becoming well read will add a wonderful element to your overall writing experience, growth and knowledge base.

9. Read how-to books or web sites on the craft of writing

I'm going to do a post following this one with some favorite and new links that will greatly help you.

10. Be brave—share your work with others

Don't be shy, but most beginning writers are. Find a friend, family member, or small group of writers who will join forces to help each other improve and bounce ideas around.

11.  Listen to constructive feedback, even if it’s your mother (you don’t have to agree if you don’t want to)

It's your work, only make changes that you decide, but do listen to and respect your reader's comments.

12.   Be an inspiration to yourself and take a writing course (you might find out a lot more about who you really are)

You may not know what you are capable of until you stretch yourself into a new learning zone. Try it!

13. Enter a contest (you could win $$$) or submit your writing to a friendly market

Just start somewhere. Once you get a small (or big) effort published or known, you'll be spurred on to new writing heights.

14. Set goals, and plan out the steps to get to where you want to be, marking off little achievements as you go

Lists can be your best friends. Decide your plan and make it happen. You'll feel great as you get closer to your big goal, and when you do, celebrate!

15.   In everything, give thanks! (It could be worse you know—think Cinderella)

Attitude is everything. Did you know that God can take something that seems bad and turn it into something good? There are going to be trying days and hard times, but take heart and know that everything will work out in the end. You can do this!

  Think About It . . .  

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

—Philippians 4:8

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."—Napoleon Hill

“Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.” —Mark Twain

"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."  —Dr. Seuss

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself,

instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
—Judy Garland

Tricks that Encourage Young Writers

I often hear from homeschooling moms who ask me how to motivate their kids to write and to enjoy writing. What is the trick, they want to know. There are a number of things that could contribute to their dilemma and many ways they can begin to implement good habits leading toward inspiring children to enjoy writing.

Writers learn by writing.

Perhaps young students have been pressured into writing before they were ready. Maybe the required writing activities held no real interest or meaning to the child. A lack of a good read-aloud diet and good oral skills could be the cause of immature language development. Kids are not made from a cookie cutter mold but there are some tricks (if you prefer to call them that) that will help your students become more interested and engaged in writing pursuits. Let's look at these closer.

Writers are comfortable writing.

Writing is hard work. Kids need plenty of time to get comfortable with writing—even the use of a crayon or pencil. Aren't most little kids pleased as punch with their new discovery in drawing (writing): You find your child's pictorial portrait on the wall or creative signature on the side of the house, crayon marks on the curtains, and marker stains on clothes and skin, etc. But some kids haven't had enough time to develop before they are suddenly required to make these neat little lines and circles and stay between the lines—and it's simply boring. Boring to those that already have a good grasp on things and boring and frustrating for those just starting to form letters and understand the process. Don't rush the process too soon if met with defiance.

When my guys were small most of them had a great vocabulary but slowly emerging writing skills. We did a lot of oral narration. I would write down what they dictated to me. This could be in the format of a letter to Grandma, a story that we made into a book, or a funny poem to be shared or just a retelling of something they learned or experienced. Oral "writing" is a prelude to the writing process. Once they get good at oral communication, the next step is getting what's in their brain onto their paper. Copywork can be used effectively here, as they copy what you have written down for them.

Writing takes patience and lots of practice. The best writers tell us the more they write the better they write. Give your kids time to practice their wonderful new language skills with plenty of encouragement. Help them brainstorm for ideas when appropriate. Editing is also a major part of writing which they learn as they go, but be careful, too much criticism too soon will only backfire. Let them get those thoughts down without worrying about spelling and correct punctuation just yet. Find positive things to say about a funny word or interesting thought or sentence that they used. Keep the atmosphere a lighthearted one.

Writers are good readers.

I mentioned a read-aloud diet. The avid reader is most always a better writer; they go hand in hand. I found this to be true in my own family. My oldest son learned to read early at age five, was fluent by seven, and adored reading. He was also a natural writer. The two middle boys were late readers who weren't fluent until ages 10 and 11. My last son was sort of average and in between the others but he was slower in language development—it just did not come easily to him. For all the boys, reading aloud offered them the ability to hear the words and gain proper grammar and excellent language syntax in which to base their internal linguistic processes. It all certainly pays off big time in creating a love for the written word and its capabilities. Kids who are not read to often and who may be less than great readers will most certainly be far behind their peers who are.

Writers are curious minded, and good communicators with many interests.

What excites your child and what interests do they have? How can you develop these into a writing passion? You don't want to stifle your child's natural curiosity and many kids get turned off in school subjects by having to digest and spit back endless amounts of information that have no real interest or meaning to them. I don't know who makes up those elementary scope and sequence charts or who writes those snippety texts, but I refused to follow their classroom focus. Instead search out real living exciting books that grab interest. Look for colorful language and stimulating detail about the subject matter. Let them get their hands dirty. It could make a huge difference in how your children view learning and their desire to learn more and to express themselves through words and writing about those interests. Hey, if you haven't given lapbooks a try, I highly encourage you to give it a whirl.

Writers write for a reason.

My boys always wanted to know the relevancy behind what I asked them to do. It wasn't good enough if I said, "because I said so," plus I could see their point. Why not make the things I asked them to do useful? What is relevant? How can I turn this writing assignment into something useful in the real world? After all, isn't that what I was preparing them for—the real world?

Writers need an audience.

Everyone has something to say, in their own unique voice. Keeping a journal is wonderful in and of itself and I certainly encourage kids to do this, however, it makes a big difference when they are able to share their writing and impact an audience other than themselves. Getting feedback on a job well done is important and the encouragement will spur them on to continue writing and consider other projects. There are many ways to do this, from reading a paper to Dad and sending a thank-you note, to getting a poem published in a magazine, or even publishing your own E-Book.

Over the years we made homemade books, wrote book reviews (Amazon.com and the local newspaper), started the Homeschool Gazette and participated in other newsletters for kids, wrote letters to family, sent anonymous Scripture notecards, made scrapbook pages, narrated, participated in homeschool classes, blogged, entered contests, wrote letters to the editor, made up written tests for friends and family, acted out stories, gave oral presentations, participated in a local theater workshop and wrote play scripts, wrote letters to companies about their products, and much more.

Writing is habit forming. 

Make it special, make it fun, and write everyday if possible. Enjoy, and remember that parents should share what they write with their children also. That's one of the best models children can have, to see Mom and Dad enthusiastically engaged in writing.

Writing is not a school activity, it's a lifestyle habit that is necessary, pleasurable, and rewarding.

SusanEvans.org—It's Everything You Love About Homeschooling

Homeschool mentors. I've been greatly influenced by them over the 20+ years we've homeschooled.

If I'd had access to Susan Evans remarkable website and blog, filled with articles, audio workshops, E-Books and hands-on resources, I'd have considered myself in Homeschool Heaven. And that's what it feels like when you enter her site and hang out awhile. It's everything you know you and your kids LOVE about homeschooling.

With almost 100 articles on a variety of topics and subjects, a ton of ideas to use with unit studies (my absolute favorite and effective way to teach), awesome real-life photos, and intriguing hands-on, ready-to-use resources for purchase, you need to add susanevans.org to your list of favorites. Oh, and I love that she includes a Charlotte Mason primer on the famous set of books.

Does she have experience? I'd say. She grew up in Guatemala as a missionary kid (read her E-Book!), raised by Christian parents. At 18, she moved to the U.S. and earned a Bachelor's degree in English. She was a certified teacher and taught for seven years before having children. She's taught in public and private schools, including two years in London, England. She was a middle school drama director and became popular for her hands-on learning, which she incorporates in her methods of teaching her own children at home and willingly shares with others in workshops and through the web. She loves God, delights in her husband and four kids, has a BIG heart for homeschooling, and loves to play dress-up.

In fact, go to her site now and you can sign up for the free workshop: "Boxes, Forts, and Tents." It's packed with fun ideas. And at times during the year, she shares her children's hands-on learning yearbooks as well. These are incredibly unique works, that include lots of fun unit study ideas with pictures galore! Hint, hint—are you making scrapbooks or yearbooks with your kids yet?

Another thought about those mentors. When you search the web you can find a lot of info, even free info, but it costs something to those that provide it. Be generous—if you are blessed by something or someone, let them know! Buy a product you'll love, share on FB, tell your friends!

Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success . . .

It's the title of K.M. Weiland's new book, and I'm really looking forward to exploring its pages! Buy her book this week and you could win some fab prizes. You'll also love her web site: WORDplay, Helping Writers Become Authors.

Here is the description: Writers often look upon outlines with fear and trembling. But when properly understood and correctly wielded, the outline is one of the most powerful weapons in a writer’s arsenal. Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success will help you choose the right type of outline for you, guide you in brainstorming plot ideas, aid you in discovering your characters, show you how to structure your scenes, explain how to format your finished outline, instruct you in how to use your outline when writing the first draft, reveal the benefits of outlining, and dispel the misconceptions.

K.M. Weiland is the author of the historical western A Man Called Outlaw and the medieval epic Behold the Dawn.  I knew her as a young homeschooler years ago, and her writing talent has blossomed to unusual heights. Visit her website: kmweiland.com.

My Article is in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!

Gee, it's long past time for updating this blog. I'm excited this month because I am a published author in the summer issue of TOS, and guess what? It is going viral for FREE. My story is on page 72, a new version of my blog entry from many years back when we first moved to the natural state of Arkansas.

Check it out for yourself here: Free digital Summer 2011 edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Feel free to pass it on and share with your friends.



I'm in my last year of homeschooling with my youngest son this year and doing a lot of reminiscing. How did so much time fly by so fast? We are so blessed.

So for now, my life is turned toward homeschool planning with Jeremie—his last year. I can't believe that this awesome homeschool journey with our four sons is ending . . . but I'm reminded that our education NEVER ends. It's cool that I am still on FIRE about learning after all these years. That's how God made us. I've loved learning along with my sons . . . but the journey is never ending for me. How about you?

I saw this quote this week and remembered reading Teach Your Own many, many years ago—so glad I took the time!

"What makes people smart, curious, alert, observant, competent, confident, resourceful, persistent—in the broadest and best sense, intelligent—is not having access to more and more learning places, resources, and specialists, but being able in their lives to do a wide variety of interesting things that matter, things that challenge their ingenuity, skill, and judgment, and that make an obvious difference in their lives and the lives of people around them."

—John Holt~ Teach Your Own

Motivating Boys to Do School

I responded to an e-newsletter about this subject when a frustrated mom said her boys "do not want to do their schoolwork, and it is a battle come school time." Her slightly older daughter was a different story. I thought I would share my perspective here:

I've been a homeschooling mom of four sons for the past 17+ years and I think I've learned some valuable lessons. I know that this is not necessarily a "boy" problem, though it may be more prevalent since boys tend to mature slower than girls. Some personality types adore all the paper work and attention to details while some students (especially some boys) just aren't impressed. All children however should have a natural curiosity and be excited about learning which can be expressed in a number of ways—other than writing or filling in workbooks etc. If you use a "canned" curriculum that is meant for a classroom of kids, there is no way that you will be teaching to your individual child's strengths, interests or abilities.

We approached school as an enjoyable learning time and "lifestyle" together—very flexible. My desire to learn along with my sons meant that I was always very involved. I made time to do more fun things together, tap into their interests, utilize more oral (rather than written) expressions of learning in the earlier years, along with many hands-on activities. We always read aloud and discussed many great books together. Unit studies worked very well for us. I had two very late readers who eventually caught up. I had a gifted son who needed very little from me, as well as two sons with delayed abilities which meant doing math together for many years, lots of spelling games, and utilizing hands-on learning. My advice is to tune into your children's needs and wants.

How do you get them to care and become self motivated? You have to spark their interest. They have to see a relevancy in what you are making them do. Here are some ideas: Find more practical and interesting writing assignments—a letter to Grandpa, a friend or the President! Keep notes about observations for a science project; design a game and write the activity cards for it; create true/false questions about a subject you are learning and test Dad and your friends; dramatize a story; let them dictate a story or poem to you and make it into a real book to be shared; write a review on a book they liked for a kid's magazine or Amazon.com; make a recording of a story complete with sound effects; enjoy scrapbooking as a family writing captions for photos or each member can tell their side of the picture story presented. Project oriented ideas can be wonderful motivators adding a fun element. (see my list of many more ideas in a previous posting)

Help children to take pride in their work. Offer encouragement and praise for each little success they show. Take it one step at a time. It may be that your expectations are too high. Help them form good new habits and enjoy expressing their ideas. Learn to enjoy your boys and their unique perspective on life and don't be afraid to ask them what they'd like to learn and follow up on it. Pray, pray and keep on praying for God to guide you in this awesome journey of living and learning with your precious children.

Photo Credit: Benjamin takes a different look at Jeremiah who is reading a creative story he wrote to a class of other homeschoolers.

Missing Gideon . . .

Here are Jeremiah 14, Benjamin 17, Gideon (almost) 21 and Josiah 23

Oct. '09: Our second oldest flew the coop.

I always knew the day would come, and that it wasn't going to be that easy to "let go". I really feel the void these last weeks of Gideon's absence. But, it's a wonderful thing to have independence and be responsible and fend for yourself.

I did so too, the minute I turned 18—not that my family life was bad or anything—I just had the most pressing urge to "be my own boss," and after awhile I found out just how difficult it can be—though I learned a whole lot through that experience.

Gideon is a bit older than I was and a whole lot wiser (I do believe) with so much more going for him, and he'll do very well. The pic above was taken on our first visit to his new apartment. We had such a fun day visiting and anticipate many more such fun days to come. My prayers for him are many as with all the boys. I'll survive—but I need a bit more time to adjust.