2014 in review

I can't believe this year is coming to a close so quickly! So much has happened, with lots of personal goals achieved and exciting trips. Here's a whirlwind summary of what we've been up to:

Maestro (age 16) started the year earnestly looking for options for his tertiary education next year. We travelled to a few places on their open days, as well as two VCE/Career Expos, but it took time to refine what outcome he actually wanted career-wise. Whilst finishing off his final homeschool year, he took on voluntary work at the community radio station and the local library. In September he went for an interview at the Radio Training Institute and was accepted into their Advanced Radio Course in Melbourne. As a parent to a homeschool graduate, I have to say that this is probably the most difficult part of the journey we've had.  There are a lot of options out there with Open Uni, TAFE, etc., but you really do need to find out where you want to end up and then back track. Each path has it's own set of entry requirements and it's really worth starting to look into this as early as possible in preparation for the year ahead. We may have needed him to complete VCE via Distance Ed. for some courses, whilst other only needed a STAT test.  The course he's ended up getting into required a sample of his work done, an interview and a copy of 5 mins. of his radio work done at the local station. At the end of this course he'll have credits he can use for any Bachelor of Arts, should he desire to follow up on journalism or television work in the future.


Mariposa (age 13) has really blossomed this year. She's been on a huge learning curve for most of the year and so much has fallen into place.  Horseriding was her #1 goal, with the option to do her first dressage exam at the end of the year ... and guess what?! She did it! Not only did she complete the exam with excellent marks, but she came 3rd in her Class (ages 13-14).  Next year, riding lessons will continue, practising more of her jumping.

Mariposa has also been busy learning some pottery and mosaic skills, plus her piano where she's made up a few of her own compositions now.  Piano and singing will also be pursued more next year.

In June, I went for my ABRSM grade 5 singing and theory exams. It was hard work at the start of the year finding the 'groove' to sit and work through so many study papers for the theory when it had been so long since I'd done anything like that (around 20 years I think!)  Thankfully it all paid off and I passed both exams with Distinctions .. yay!  I've only just gotten my certificates in frames and will have them up on the wall soon.

Papa (my husband) also did his first ever guitar exam and passed with Honours.  Woot! We're on a bit of a roll this year! (smile!)


We also took our very first EVER trip overseas as a family this year.  P&O Cruises took us on the "Bounty Adventure", travelling to New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and then Norfolk Island.  It was a long cruise of 16 days and not like anything we'd experienced before.  We met some lovely people, including some old school friends from my childhood (amazing how small this world is!).

Along with all the other regular entertainment and art lectures, there were four lectures on Christian and Bligh, and how Pitcairn Island, then subsequently Norfolk Island, were settled by the mutineers and their descendants.  The lecturer works as a curator at the Norfolk Island museum and was keen to share information when we told her a brief version our homeschooling story.  She highly recommended the book The Pitcairners by Nordoff  for anyone wanting to fill in their knowledge of this part of Australiana history. I was very pleased to find a copy of this book in our library when we got home, along with some BBC documentaries of Norfolk Island also.

Now it's the start of Summer break.  The children will be camping and staying away with grandparents. I'm taking some time to organise my piano studio for next year's lessons, as well as finalising plans for Mariposa's lessons. Lots of reading, gardening and quilting to do, and visiting with family.

Hoping you've all had a wonderful 2014, and here's to a fabulous 2015 very soon!

Until next time,
Catherine

Current 'high school' happenings

Friends had told me you get much busier as the children get older.  I thought it would actually get a little easier as they become less dependent.  Well, that's true, but we're also doing a LOT more running around to activities now, and when I'm required for help with lessons, I need to make sure it's a solid 30mins+ per session now.

Maestro is now almost fifteen years old. (How did that happen so quickly?!)  His studious personality has certainly made my life a lot easier.  He's still a prolific reader, but diverts from the suggested Sonlight reading list to other books found in the library or recommended by friends.  His current education 'package' looks like this at the moment:

History: Pandia Press' History Odyssey: 'Modern Times Level 2' ... which includes a list of classical and modern literature,
research and writing projects.
Sonlight Core H is also on our shelves for him, where I'll select some books relevant to the time period for him to read, or we'll read together.

Language Arts: Apart from the writing of research papers with Pandia Press, we've begun using IEW's Speech Boot Camp.  It was recommended that teens use speaking as a means of delivering their writing, but Maestro isn't so keen on the idea of public speaking.  Still, we're encouraging him to put together a speech a week and use the opportunity to develop his skills in organise thought flow and delivery of smooth speech.

Maths: At the beginning of this term, Maestro moved on to Algebra 2, using Math-U-See. This is still working for us as he can view the lesson on the dvd and then continue with his work.  Only occasionally have I needed to help go over the material again to explain it.

Science: Also beginning this term, he's started Chemistry using Apologia.  I'm so glad I bought the prac. kit!  Having the beakers, test tubes, thermometer and even a little spirit burner in it (which he's yet to use) has helped me time-wise not having to track down all those bits and pieces on online stores.
This week he's begun learning more about the periodic table.  I think it may be time to get out those posters I'd had stored away for up until now, and put them up in his room.

Elective: I decided we'd tag some of what he's reading/doing under 'electives', which is primarily Life Preparation.  We started this year with learning about finance.  Now he's reading up on Home Maintenance, using CLE's Home Repair and Maintenance text.  Book learning here isn't the same as application, so we're making lists of things that need fixing around the home and he'll work on those for a bit of income.  If he could fix the plumbing with our dishwasher, that'd be fabulous!!

Dance is still part of his regular activities, with at least 5 hrs a week spent on lessons, plus competitions which have been running adhoc since May through to August.  And in his spare time, he's still working on his music technology (music remixing and podcasting).

Then there's all the other running around to catch up with friends, and organise activities outside of the home.  This week it was laser tag with our local homeschool group.  Next week a group is going to the docks to learn about imports/exports.  We have some regular meetups organised so the teens can work on crafts (like a sewing circle, but the guys will bring another small project their working on).  Yes, it's keeping me VERY busy ... and I've only shared what the elder child is doing today.  I'll post again soon with Mariposa's list of books/subjects.

Until next time!

Catherine

Our 2013 schedule and curriculum

Okay, I confess!  I am (still!) a schedule addict!

I, personally, LOVE seeing what other people do to help organise their time.  I enjoy reading through their ideas and seeing if it would be something that may fit our family lifestyle.

So, in saying that, please take this post as a way of sharing in case you are part of that type of audience who does like seeing the ideas of others.  I don't want to send a whole lot of readers into a panic.  No, you don't NEED to write up a schedule like this!  This is 'me' and how I work, and I'm just sharing if you'd like a peek into my life.

Also, do note that I don't claim to have everything perfect here.  We certainly DO!! have off-days, even off-weeks. Sometimes we are so engrossed in learning a particular topic that we spend longer on it than a written schedule allows ... so I'm flexible.  However, for my purposes, I do need an outline of how to manage our time. This is my guideline, especially where having extra students for music are concerned.

What do I use to organise our homeschool routine?

Well, I drew a lot of inspiration from Managers of Their Homes, so will still write out our routine in that format.  It works so nicely and I can print it out easily enough and paste it into my diary to check against appointments, etc.  If you'd like a look at last year's schedule again, please see here and here.  Below is a screen shot of how our 2013 schedule is looking at the moment:

click image to enlarge

Today was our first day back to the books.  It was great seeing the children enthused and pulling the books out.  We did have a few disorganised moments here and there, but I was really pleased to see that the day ran quite well.  Tomorrow may be another story, but today ... we're all happy. :)



Here is what we are using in 2013 (taking up where we left off last year):

Maestro (age 14):

• Wordly Wise 9
• IEW (B continuation course, then Speech Boot Camp), plus adhoc writing journal/comprehension
• Math U See Geometry
• History Odyssey: Early Modern 2, with readers from Sonlight Core H and 100.
• Apologia's Physical Science
• A collection of other books on life skills.  He's already reading Money Matters Workbook for Teens. CLE's Home Maintenance is his next elective choice.
• Dance (ballet, jazz, hip hop)

Mariposa (age 11):

• Phonetic Zoo A
• IEW (A) plus adhoc writing journal/comprehension
• Singapore Maths level 4, book 1, then level 5
• Sonlight Core D+E
• Sonlight Science F (3/4 through from last year), then Science E.
• CLE's Home Economics, plus sewing projects I'll put together.
• Piano lessons (preliminary).
• Horseriding
• Dance (hip hop)

Together we'll also be using:

• Grammar of Poetry
• Bridge to the Latin Road
• Visual Latin
• Meet the Masters for art (purchased through Homeschool Buyers Co-op).

Well ... that's the plan!  I can't believe another year's already underway.  I hope you ALL have a wonder 2013, and I look forward to sharing more as the year goes on. :)

Until next post!

Catherine

Teens: Nuturing Independence

In my last post about teen homeschooling, I shared my philosophy of teaching to the latter end.  In re-reading that, I've realised that I've listed many ideals to which I will probably discover the reality of as we continue our journey through the high school years.  Maestro is still a young teen, and only just starting to find his feet in many ways.  He still comes to us for a lot of advice and direction, voluntarily, which is wonderful.

Last weekend we did have an interesting discussion about his choice in career preferences and how he seriously wants to start finding out about what he needs to study in order to get a job in that field.  It's a path we knew he was leaning towards, and he's already taken steps to learn as much as he can independently with what we're currently able to provide.

But how much should we open this up so he becomes MORE independent?

This month's Homeschool High School Carnival topic is:

Nurturing Independence in High School....  To what extent do your highschoolers collaborate in planning their studies, how do you encourage your highschoolers to take the reins of their education, what tools do you use and how is this input communicated?

Well, as this hasn't really happened as yet, I can't speak from experience.  I can only share the thoughts I have on the subject, and what little I've discussed with my spouse (fondly known as 'Papa' on this blog).  We still have plenty to sort out as far as an actual plan of action goes, and may even change tact / refine thoughts along the way.

I do think that listening and heeding to our children's natural interests is very worthwhile.  If a child enjoys something, they'll willingly learn more.  It may be a very worthwhile task that we spend time writing down a little list of all the things the children enjoy learning and doing.  This could be done as a one-off and added to when new interests arise, or (my preference) write it out anew each year, using the previous list as a reference but giving more detail if possible.  If this could be done as a family activity, then everyone can share what they feel are good character traits which may also be added.  What's happening here, then, is practice in writing up a character reference which could be taken to job interviews.  I had such a folder (and still have it) of all the activities I did in my teen years, certificates awarded from camps, letters of references from friends and work experiences, AMEB exam results .. you name it, it's all in one big display book.  I have already started something similar for my children since they started dance and music exams, but I'd like to add those annual goals and reflections to help hone their independence in that way.

On the opposite side of the coin, there are some prerequisites that we know from experience will enable them greatly in the adult world, and these may well be areas that they don't enjoy so much.  Are they going to be able to get by as adults if they don't do all those things?  Well, yes, maybe .. maybe they can make enough income to pay other people to mow their lawns and weed their gardens.  Maybe they can hire a cleaner to come through the house once a week or fortnight.  But, chances are, that's not going to be a reality.

I know I gave examples of regular housework then, but I also see nurturing independence as nurturing the willingness to keep on learning and expanding on their talents.  I don't want my children to settle for the most comfortable seat, especially so early in their lives.  Keep striving to be better, and that's the part which falls to Papa and myself.  We still need to set reasonable goals and expectations, and to follow up so that they're encouraged by our interest.

Now, what do you do with a teen who is already learning so much at a greater rate of speed than you thought they could?  I currently have Maestro half way through Geometry, and he only started it at a few months back.  We'd covered a lot of it back with Singapore Maths 6, so he has those fundamentals. Well, I keep pushing him on to find where he's needing to slow down a little and learn something new.  I do the same with my music students; they can learn some pieces quite quickly and master the technique, but then they need to add in the emotion, learn to evaluate their playing by listening to others, and learn a little about the composer.  Keep building laterally as well as moving ahead to new skills.

Actually, if I may, I'd like to divert a little more here.  I must say that with all the resources homeschoolers have available to them via forums, blogs and numerous websites, I find that there is a plethora of materials to be found to extend learning.  I wish I'd had those resources available to me as a teen, but I didn't.  Instead I did have some wonderful teachers and mentors in our church community who did encourage us to study up on (for example) Noel Whittaker's finance book (after having him as a guest speaker).  We also did a long study on Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.   Now, we have many classical books which encourage good thinking in our teens, and good habits, which is where I'd still require that learning from my children in order to get them to develop a better sense of independence.

So, how would I encourage them to take the reins with their independent learning?  Well, again, this is the plan.  We're going to be making appointments with the tertiary institutions where Maestro wants to study.  We'll be discussing what their requirements are and the sorts of students they see do well (positive role models are great incentives). We'll aim to get him some work experience in that field, as well as following up on any opportunities the arise with other homeschoolers (as happened with the Film Making course earlier this year). From there, we plan to make some goals. These will be goals we will oversee and keep in check, but ultimately require him to take ownership of ... which I'm assuming he will if he really wants it.  I'm already asking Maestro to do a better job with presenting his written work, so he'll have it if needed to see how he works.  He needs to know that tertiary papers get better grades with good presentation and well set out thoughts (something we're working through with his IEW curriculum).  Of course, good knowledge in how work is presented on computer is necessary also, which is something we'll need to ask of the tertiary institution.

I'm hoping I've written enough to cover this topic.  I think much of it is covered just by the way we work as a family and are happy to discuss all these sorts of things regularly.  Some of my ideals may change in the actuality, but that's to be expected.

Please ... jump on over to 'Living Without School' to find others who have written for this High School Carnival topic.


edited to add:
I found this blog post this morning: Successful Teen Homeschooling: Two Vital Factors.  You may like to head over and be inspired there also.

Until next post!!

Catherine 

Teens: Teaching to the Latter End

Last year, I had the honour of finally joining the ranks of Mums who homeschool teenagers.  It was a bit of a step up in expectations, especially from 'outsiders' wondering if we can handle this task.  And then again, it wasn't such a step up, as our patterns of expectations toward our children have been pretty constant.

Earlier this month, the Homeschool High School Carnival was launched.  I missed this launch, but have been inspired by what others have written to pipe in with my wee response also.

The topic was:

The Wide View:How does your family's 'big picture'/goals/educational philosophy affect/guide your planning and translate into what your highschoolers do on a daily/weekly basis? Do you generalise or specialise? 

Many years ago, I was given the task of writing out my educational philosophy.  It involved words of 'loving to learn', 'creativity' and 'ultimately learning to teach themselves without a teacher'.  The idea I've always had is that if I'm still keen to learn, as an adult, wouldn't I want to nurture that same response in my children?

When they are young, they learn perseverance in working hard to master the difficult task that now seem so easy.  Learning to read was hard (and still is for some!), as is speaking out to a group of peers, finding your way around a new town/city, talking to people on the telephone to find information, standing up to responsibility ....   Can you see where I'm going with this?

Yes, we do, we SET OUR CHILDREN UP!!  From the time they were little, they had to learn and we were there, but now that they're getting older, we expect that they should be learning how to find that information for themselves.   But, it's little steps along the way.  Each new venture requires the right preparation, open communication to share experiences, and the encouragement for the effort put forth.

At the basis of all of that is a good relationship with the children, and lots of modelling of how we handle those situations.  Communication is a must; listen TO THEM, as well as you sharing your input.  The sooner this trust and love is established, the easier it is to guide later. (Yes, that's another part of my philosophising.  I know there are always bumps along the way, but I'm aiming at the bigger picture here ... the latter end of our children's growth to adulthood).

So, the next question is, who sets the goals?  I admit, we've had an equal share in this.  Maestro's reached the stage where he knows the style of learning he enjoys and he's asked for the structure he needs through his curriculum preferences.  He also ventures into other learning (especially with regard to digital music recording and podcasting) of his own accord.  On the other hand, we've made it clear that we expect him to learn certain life skills, too.  Even if he doesn't master how to repair a car, he should at least have some basic car maintenance skills under his belt before owning his vehicle (.. an example).

In our home, routines have been set up as a guideline, but they are flexible.  We now know that there is a standard of responsibility learned, so now Maestro owns how he manages most of his time.  At this stage though (he's almost 14yrs old), we still ask that he confirms with us where he's at with his subjects and goals for the week.  Family discussions at dinner are a great time to relax and share what's gone on in the day, and it's become a great habit that we all tell a little of our stories then.

All in all, we want a great relationship with our children.  We want to know that they can come to us in the good times and the bad.  We want to watch them mature into wonderful adults who will know how to love others with the full measure.  None of us have all the answers, but we know that if we really want to, there's a way to learn ... and so much to learn!  I hope my latter end hasn't come just yet.  There's still a long 'to do' list I'm working through!

Thank you for dropping by!