Memorization

Another Charlotte Mason mom recently asked me about memory work. Here's how we do it:

On our dining room table, right in front of my placemat, is a Bible and a book of poetry. I have this little problem. If I don't see it, I forget it. This makes it really easy for me.
While the kids are eating breakfast, I review our memory verse for the week and have everyone repeat it after me. (I usually use a few signs or hand motions to help them remember.) Then we go around the room and each kid has a chance to recite it by themselves. This week, we're learning

Every good and perfect gift is from above. - James 1:17a

Next is poetry. This takes about 10 minutes max. I read a poem or two of whatever poet we're studying at the time. Currently, that's Robert Frost. Then I'll flip to the one we're memorizing. Right now, we're working on "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," one of my favorites. I have several strategies for poetry memorization. The first day, I read it through once and then we'll just work on the first two lines. I say one line, they repeat it, then I say the next line, they repeat. I'll do that twice.
The next day, I'll read the first stanza and work on the next 2 lines, etc etc. (This is easy so far, right?) I like to use a lot of dramatic inflection and gestures as I recite poetry. They have a hard time saying the poem monotone after hearing it that way for days. (My little joke on them. HAHA)
When we're close to the end of the poem, I'll have everyone close their eyes while I read it all the way through. Then I have each child in turn, stand up and recite as much as they can, eyes closed. The next day, I'll again read the whole thing to them with their eyes closed, and ask them to stand up and recite it to everyone with their eyes open.
These techniques have really worked for us. Try it out with a simple poem and let me know how it goes.

I Don't Referee

When it comes to sibling squables, and you know my secret for limiting them, I have found a way to avoid the job of referee. When two kids are arguing, regardless of who started it, they are both punished. I ask very few questions.

Example: I came downstairs to find Daniel on the ground crying. I had just asked the kids to clean up the den because Kyle was coming home and I ran upstairs for a quick pretty-up job. I asked Isaac what was wrong, and yes I was assuming Isaac was responsible for the crying. Isaac said: "I was putting away the Legos and Daniel really wanted to play with them. When I told him we had to clean up, he tried to bite me on the leg, so I pushed him down. (Now, I should mention that the area Daniel chose to bite was really close to a vital male organ. One that boys are born knowing should be protected.) I don't mess around when it comes to my future grandkids. Daniel was punished. And in this instance, Isaac was given only a talking to about better ways to elicit cooperation.
The job of a referee is to make sure the game is fair. Fairness is not my goal.

When one kid comes in crying: "She hit me!", my first question is always: "What did you do to make them want to hit you?" That almost always ends it. ;)

Giveaway!

If you want to adopt in the future or are in the process of adopting, this giveaway is FOR YOU! Leave a comment telling me your adoption wishes, and you'll be entered to win this fantastic book, to which I've already given high praise.

What's A Family?

I was running errands with Lydia last night. When we got in the car after the last errand, Lydia said:

I miss my family.

I asked, "What do you mean?"

I miss my family. That's my mom, my dad, and my big kids.

We Is Smart Afterall!

I wanted to start 2009 with encouragement for all you homeschool moms. Check this out!

Testing Proves Success of Graduates

From the beginning of the re-emergence of homeschooling in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the strongest criticism of homeschooling was that untrained, noncredentialed parents could not provide the quality of instruction needed to match the education provided in public and private schools. To address this criticism, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) commissioned several studies to compare how homeschoolers score on standardized achievement tests compared to their public and private school counterparts.

The results of those tests demonstrated that on average, homeschooled children regularly outperformed their peers.

(Taken from this article in the Washington Times.)

The article goes on to say that previously-homeschooled college freshmen outperformed graduating Harvard seniors on tests of factual knowledge. Way to go, homeschoolers!!

And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galations 6:9

Happiest New Year's Day Ever

I was awakened this morning at 8:30 am by the much-anticipated call from my sister, Jamie. Maya and I were out the door in 20 minutes, on our way to see my newest neice/nephew's birth. I had the camcorder charged and my camera all set (with memory card and everything, imagine that!) Exactly 3 hours later, I had a new nephew.

Eli Samuel was born at 11:30 am this morning, 8 lbs. Maya prayed over Jamie, in between contractions, just before she started pushing. She stayed at Jamie's head as Eli was delivered. I gotta brag, I was the first one to see his gender, but was barred from announcing anything. Most fun secret I ever kept (for 5 whole minutes, mind you!)

It's a BOY!

This is her third homebirth that I've been able to video; her fourth baby. In between contractions, she was already talking about having more. (To the shock of the midwives.) I've struggled with baby fever for the past year, but this pushed me over the edge! It was awesome!!

Psalm 127

3Children are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.

What Do You Do??

In my spare time, I like to read and blog. A year ago, I would have said that I love to scrapbook, but I've become torn. I discovered digital scrapbooking (was dragged into it kicking and screaming) and now I'm torn. Do I waste even more time on the computer, making digital scrapbooks that I could reprint at the click of a button should our house burn down? (My biggest fear is losing my scrapbooks in a fire. Could care less about any other material possessions. Just don't leave my scrapbooks in the house!!) Or do I keep making paper scrapbooks, because they're more fun to make?? Hmmmm.

Anyway, enough about me. I want to know about you! Do tell: What are your favorite hobbies?