tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35466286150725786232024-03-13T02:37:33.651-05:00Grace For The Day... that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:12Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-82658458409596642912016-05-23T07:30:00.000-05:002016-05-23T07:30:23.098-05:00Cloudy & Sring Rains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5YjcKisyCwX6EO4TAcf7nIYNKXq6eD93J3-3tYQdgm0YODEvgvUUBD2ZtnX2IBejqU1042XUPKgAaAOK6kVpsMkOR7oWrYI1QJv45YvnkSnCjIWu7q1bH5e_EGymqV3ogyhBr99ftYC3/s1600/puddle+splash10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5YjcKisyCwX6EO4TAcf7nIYNKXq6eD93J3-3tYQdgm0YODEvgvUUBD2ZtnX2IBejqU1042XUPKgAaAOK6kVpsMkOR7oWrYI1QJv45YvnkSnCjIWu7q1bH5e_EGymqV3ogyhBr99ftYC3/s1600/puddle+splash10.jpeg" /></a>Maybe it's just a day for puddle pouncing and perhaps a balloon... <br />
<br />
"That, Piglet, is a <i>very</i> good idea. It is just what Eeyore wants to cheer him up. Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon." ~ Winnie-the-Pooh, pg. 79<br />
<br />
But it's true, right?Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-51000510222453596812016-05-18T10:04:00.000-05:002016-05-18T10:04:14.685-05:00Joy in Learning Retreat<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7IVdG7l_1nZy1rRgnMS2mfWsF9w-Py-YiNZQuPW5uRhf6xddTDlhvsDfcpoyXeHeedpxEqNOT9ZB2U055xOcgQs5Z5uWQZOkc5uTKk0TS0txH0tKrrk_nQd-RzvtIfyIX516y2BWJ5HW/s1600/Joy+in+Living+Tree+picture.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7IVdG7l_1nZy1rRgnMS2mfWsF9w-Py-YiNZQuPW5uRhf6xddTDlhvsDfcpoyXeHeedpxEqNOT9ZB2U055xOcgQs5Z5uWQZOkc5uTKk0TS0txH0tKrrk_nQd-RzvtIfyIX516y2BWJ5HW/s200/Joy+in+Living+Tree+picture.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy W.'s Trees & theme photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Joy in Learning Retreat in upper Wisconsin this past weekend was so encouraging! We spent time learning and discussing many ideas about the Charlotte Mason Educational Philosophy. I hope everyone is able to set aside some processing time this week. Read through that 'Short Synopsis' at the beginning of Mason's Volume 6, <i>Towards a Philosophy of Education</i>. Notice again how the principles are cumulative and that it starts with Truth and ends with Truth. The implications of that, as well as the the promise of grace that holds, is great.<br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="799oe-0-0"><span data-text="true">It was such a lovely retreat! Wendy did a marvelous job bringing it all together didn't she? Thank you all for your presence and efforts toward a joyful weekend of learning. I hope you were all as encouraged and blessed as I was! Remember to keep studying together in your groups. Read those Principles & learn how to utilize those instruments of education: Atmosphere, Discipline & Life. Learning is progressive; we can only apply what we know - so keep going and you will begin to see differences in the Atmosphere of respectful learning, the Discipline of habits of the heart, the Life of meaningful relations & ideas - all underpinned by God's grace!</span></span>Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-32708994538029308432016-05-17T09:12:00.001-05:002016-05-17T09:13:12.932-05:00Monday Medittions<h3>
Rebellion to Grace ~ Hosea 11-14</h3>
<br />
Eyes turned<br />
Toward distractions, fixed upon idols<br />
Away from love unrecognized.<br />
<br />
Healer, Provider, Protector <br />
Affection, compassion - long suffering.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'For I am God and not man'</blockquote>
Eyes turned<br />
Toward pride of self, contemptuous<br />
Blind, the cry of guilt unheard.<br />
<br />
Return, Strive, Speak <br />
Hear the voices sent - for blessing.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'Judah is unruly against God'</blockquote>
Walk rightly<br />
Return, acknowledge no other God<br />
Discern, fashioned gods are unanswered.<br />
<br />
Healing, Providing, Protecting<br />
Grace, blessing and forgiveness - freely giving<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'I will answer him and care for him'</blockquote>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-89711899214781170662016-04-27T09:07:00.002-05:002016-04-27T09:08:50.422-05:00It's that day!<span id="goog_1940024856"></span><span id="goog_1940024857"></span>It crept in overnight and here it is! Despite the cold wind and mid 40's temp, it's a beautiful spring day now...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOxHtLW5sW5NweX1hXJrWc8ROCKpXT-39Kbwy_Jsml1DXnOkVHK4xAwSZHj72ar18jaWAeTIr9wWNzolWij9Iv4nCfJu_znswfyszW_l9NcbBWRxK8nITM_VJZ05Zup4VeOtd22hCyt2A/s1600/spring+oak+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOxHtLW5sW5NweX1hXJrWc8ROCKpXT-39Kbwy_Jsml1DXnOkVHK4xAwSZHj72ar18jaWAeTIr9wWNzolWij9Iv4nCfJu_znswfyszW_l9NcbBWRxK8nITM_VJZ05Zup4VeOtd22hCyt2A/s320/spring+oak+tree.jpg" width="204" /></a>I looked up to see the front oak has finally shed the old and put on the new. You know, those wonderful fall leaves that cling to the branches of oak trees through the long winter regardless of the wind, snow, and ice. It happened today and it is a beautiful-rainy, windy, is it still winter-full of growth and newness SPRING day! Now I start watching for the swallows to return.<br />
<br />Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-66642735625996347172016-03-01T07:59:00.000-06:002016-03-01T07:59:50.054-06:00Unfolding Light and grace
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As I read Cowper in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Cloud of Witness</i> readings today (Lyttelton Gell, 163), it reminded me of
how educationalist Charlotte Mason says that the child comes to know who God
is, his character and nature, by degree through the unfolding of the Scripture
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also believes that it isn’t
'how much the child knows, but how much he cares' that places the scholar in
wide spaces of rich living. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, I reflect upon the idea that this is true for
us too; though ‘faint and slow’, we grow from what we have learned in the light
of the Word as we choose to know him more and are changed to reflect Christ a
little more. I’ve been reading through the wisdom literature of the Bible; it
continually reminds me that wisdom is to be desired above all things and is chosen
by those who would know God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Their fortitude and wisdom were a
flame</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Celestial,
though they knew not whence it came,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Derived from the same source of
Light and grace,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
That guides the Christian in his
swifter race;</div>
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Their judge was Conscience, and her
rule their law;</div>
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That rule, pursued with reverence
and with awe,</div>
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Led them, however faltering, faint
and slow,</div>
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From what they knew to what they
wished to know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>~
Cowper</div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-69422183829119097312015-11-02T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-03T14:03:24.413-06:00Monday Meditations ~ a purposeful galeThe chiefest values in life and character are not blown across our way by vagrant winds.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Great truths are greatly won, not found by chance,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nor wafted on the breath of summer dream;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But grasped in the great struggle of the soul,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ streams in the desert, Cowan (318)</div>
<br />
<br />Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-64085637842816264152015-10-12T09:03:00.000-05:002015-10-12T09:03:40.762-05:00Monday Meditations - Philippians 4:6<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Oh, for grace to be quiet... to be still and know... can we gain anything by fretting & worrying? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, unhinge our minds for wise decision?</blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Overheard in an Orchard</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Said the Robin to a Sparrow:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I should really like to know</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why these anxious human beings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rush about and worry so?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Said the Sparrow to the Robin:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Friend, I think it must be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That they have no Heavenly Father</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such as cares for you and me."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ E. Cheney</div>
<br />
from <i>Streams in the Desert</i> by Cowman, Oct. 8 & 10<br />
<br />Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-82066799769512408292015-05-08T14:26:00.000-05:002015-05-08T14:26:00.065-05:00Charlotte Mason & STEM continued...CM & STEM - Part II by Vanessa<br />
{<a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/05/charlotte-mason-stem.html" target="_blank">CM & STEM - Part I</a>}<br />
<br />
A couple of days ago I published a guest post where Vanessa began the discussion about the place of STEM in our current educational culture. She shared just a few comments from some recognizable names and institutions to help us see that even in the academic realm as well as some professionals in the STEM fields support a broader approach to education - a liberal arts approach. It isn't new and it is very much a part of a Charlotte Mason philosophy. Vanessa continues today with some thoughts on unintended consequences...<br />
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What are some unintended consequences I see with a STEM
focus in high school? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has the potential
to damage the atmosphere of our homes and it robs our children of the joy of
learning for the sake of knowledge and puts the emphasis on results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volume 6 page 98 paraphrase: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But a school may be working hard, not for
love of knowledge, but for love of marks, our old enemy; and then young faces
are not serene and joyous but eager, restless, apt to look anxious and worried.
The children do not sleep well and are cross; are sullen or in tears if
anything goes wrong, and are, generally, difficult to manage.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlotte Mason wrote that over 100 years ago
but yet she is describing <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/teens-more-stressed-out-adults-survey-shows-n26921">so
many children today</a> – yes children, not just teenagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worry that we will end up with a generation
that doesn’t know what they like, they don’t have hobbies because they weren’t
given the time to pursue them. We don’t want our children to become like
Darwin, do we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles Darwin, as
brilliant as he was, ending up losing “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">himself
in science until he could not read poetry, find pleasure in pictures, think
upon things divine; he was unable to turn his mind out of the course in which
it had run for most of his life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Charlotte
Mason made that observation in her sixth volume page 54.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This extraordinary man became obsessed with one part of his life,
science, and ‘forgot’ how to enjoy anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what else could he have accomplished
if he would have been able to stay balanced in all aspects of his life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does <a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/modern-day-renaissance-man.html">Chevrolet</a>
have an online post that encourages people to become Renaissance Men? Is it
because so many of us in society have forgotten how, or never taken the time,
to have interests outside of work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
we forgotten how to relax and enjoy something for the sake of enjoyment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we give our children a liberal arts
education that is a part of them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nevertheless, the only valid education is
education that focuses on the mind. The main challenge is the huge amount of
subjects to introduce children to. They have a right to them as human beings,
and they need to find out about the things that they're drawn to as people and
that they'll spend the rest of their lives pursuing further.”</i> Vol 6
paraphrase pg 254.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person that has had
a liberal arts education already has wide interests, he doesn’t have to be told
or taught how to do it or that it’s okay to have other interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t misunderstand, I am not saying to ignore the STEM
subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very important parts
of an education are important but they are just parts – not all
encompassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children study all the
STEM subjects but it is not their focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Science and math can be so much fun and are so beautiful once you see
the ‘big picture’ but that’s a story for another day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A liberal arts education is a very broad and
encompassing education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that all students can and should study science,
technology, engineering, and math, they are very important but they should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> be the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">focus</i> of a high school education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Education needs balance. No
single subject should assume greatest importance at the expense of other
subjects that a child needs to know about. Math is easy to test, and as long as
education is ruled by test scores, we'll have teaching focused on training
exactness and solving problems efficiently, instead of teaching to awaken a
sense of awe in contemplating a field of knowledge where perfection lives with
or without us.</i>” Vol 6 page 231 paraphrase.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we believe, as Charlotte said, that knowledge is ideas
clothed upon with facts, and is the proper food for the mind then we need a
liberal arts education; “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a wide
syllabus…intended in every point to meet some particular demand of the
mind”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Education should be a science of
proportion, and any one subject that assumes undue importance does so at the
expense of other subjects which a child's mind should deal with” </i>Vol 6 page
232.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
forces that work continuously in a liberal arts education are: attention,
assimilation, narration (composition/communication), retention, and
reproduction”</i> Vol 6 page 259.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is what is needed in today’s world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, in actuality, I believe a CM education prepares our
children for any and all career paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have a broad base of knowledge in several things, they have the
powers of observation, attention to detail, and the ability to question and use
critical thinking which are very important for today’s careers – both STEM and
non-STEM.</div>
<br />
Thanks for your insight and sharing some current support for a more balanced life & liberal arts approach to education!<br />
<br />
I think it is an important topic to discuss and consider. We need to have real information and real discussions to help correct the misconception that a CM approach isn't strong in STEM subjects. Just because there isn't a specialization focus doesn't mean it isn't included. In fact, a liberal arts education means all students cover all subjects. Students who love history also study chemistry and fine arts and maths; students who excel at maths cover literature, biology, and Shakespeare. The wide and broad curriculum is for all students to see the beauty and breadth of all God has made and all Truth is God's Truth and in neglecting any of these, we neglect the character and beauty of our God...Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-87966636433693798522015-05-05T14:16:00.000-05:002015-05-05T14:16:41.298-05:00Charlotte Mason & STEMHello CM friends!<br />
I am sure you are all aware of the push toward the STEM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering studies, Math) these days... If you have older students, you are probably feeling some stress regarding academic choices. I have had many conversations lately about this with teachers who follow the educational philosophy and methodology of Charlotte Mason - lots more on CM education here if you are wondering what that looks like ;-). <br />
<br />
I have asked my colleague and experienced CM educator, Vanessa, to share about CM and STEM...<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Am I setting my
children up for failure by choosing a liberal arts education in 2015 and not
STEM?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This question has been raised lately among many parents –
even some who follow Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy because we are
raising our kids in 2015 and we are told that STEM is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been inundated with information all
around us from ‘news’ articles, well-meaning friends and family members, and
even some Government officials telling us that a STEM education is necessary
for success; my local library has STEM activities geared towards first graders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>STEM
is important and has its place but it needs to stay there (in its place) and
allow for balance in our children’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why don’t I have my children focusing on STEM classes in
preparation for career? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Volume 6, A
Philosophy of Education, page 235 Mason writes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I don't need to convince my readers that a generous, liberal education
is the natural birthright of every child, like justice, freedom of religion,
liberty, or fresh air.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>That sounds
good but do we believe it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vol 6 page 3:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As a matter of fact, it is the man who
has read and thought on many subjects who is, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with the necessary training</b>, the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>most capable whether in handling tools, drawing plans or keeping
books.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following Mason’s method I am
providing my children “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unequalled mental
training…for any study or calling under the sun — the powers of attention, of
discrimination, of patient pursuit, growing with his growth, what will they not
fit him for?”</i> Vol. 1, p. 61.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason
believed, and there are those today who believe, that a person could be trained
for any career – even a STEM career and would succeed because of (not in spite
of) the liberal arts background. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not believe a STEM focus is necessary for success,
especially not in high school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
appears as though I am not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnebersole/2013/10/18/stem-vs-the-liberal-arts/">Forbes
Magazine Online</a> John Ebersole writes, “What is clear, however, is that a
STEM degree is not necessarily a requirement to work in these fields and that
having a technical degree isn’t a predictor of lifetime employment in
engineering and scientific positions.” A recent survey conducted for <a href="http://www.northeastern.edu/innovationsurvey/pdfs/Northeastern_University_Innovation_Imperative_Higher_Ed_Outcomes_Poll_Deck_FINAL_Delivered.pdf">Northeastern
University</a> showed that “despite the recent focus on STEM degrees, most
Americans and particularly business leaders say it is more important for
graduates to be well-rounded and possess broader capabilities such as problem
solving and communication skills.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/academic_sampler/med_school.html">Wesleyan
University</a> states on their website that “Medical schools welcome students
with a liberal arts background. A liberal arts education does not exclude the
scientific and quantitative knowledge required for medical school. Rather, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it includes such courses within a larger
intellectual context</b>. Wesleyan graduates are able to analyze and integrate
new material precisely because they are already familiar with more than one
field of learning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Association of
American Medical Colleges has made a strong statement about the value of a
liberal arts education:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"The
medical profession needs individuals from diverse educational backgrounds who
bring to the profession a variety of talents and interests...All [medical
schools] recognize the desirability of a broad education: a strong foundation
in the natural sciences, highly developed communication skills, and a solid
background in the social sciences and humanities."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve Jobs said “<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/steve-jobs-technology-alone-is-not-enough">it’s
in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough</a> – that it’s technology
married with liberal arts, married with humanities, that yields us the result
that makes our hearts sing”. Andrew Benett wrote that “<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3028811/in-defense-of-a-liberal-arts-degree">what
I have found is that people with degrees in subjects such as history and
literature—and, yes, even philosophy—tend to possess many of the qualities,
skill sets, and aptitudes that are in highest demand in my own industry
(marketing communications) and in others that rely on creative thinking and
foresight.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we need more
convincing? </div>
<br />
Stay tuned for Part II of CM & STEM by Vanessa...<br />
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-13855321217575998652015-04-27T06:00:00.000-05:002015-04-27T06:00:04.339-05:00A Nature Study ConnectionSo, if I didn't know better, I'd say this guy has a really cool mustachio :-{<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGOtwqd5HLz8tZqtv0BrWKBgaCfxD98px2K3S3rTNHhmQhE0E94hRT8gtrDashl0XFfP7pv13IMy4pJ1uSj9_uCqTZxItNW2FZSKzdaqpKGCSYKMxh6if58PA0vqcj4jQ1RPZpOOrcxig/s1600/asian+ladybug.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGOtwqd5HLz8tZqtv0BrWKBgaCfxD98px2K3S3rTNHhmQhE0E94hRT8gtrDashl0XFfP7pv13IMy4pJ1uSj9_uCqTZxItNW2FZSKzdaqpKGCSYKMxh6if58PA0vqcj4jQ1RPZpOOrcxig/s1600/asian+ladybug.jpeg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Some CMer friends of mine (Charlotte Mason Education folks) were on a nature walk today and these little guys showed up and were discussed. I was sad I missed the walk, but the discussion reminded me of some thing I had learned from a story about an bio-agricultural fiasco...way back while doing biology with my freshman in high school. Yes, we used what would be termed a "children's book" (along with many other resources from children's books to books written for adult scientists) and you know what? I connected with it as an adult and still remember it. (No snide thoughts about what that may or may not say about my adult status!) I'll share and you can go and do your own research if it sparks your curiosity...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It sounds like you all had a wonderful day! I'm so sorry to have missed :(. <br /><br />A note on the Asian beetles, could be in one of the links I haven't read yet, but they are not indigenous and were introduced to control pests for crops (corn I think). Unintended results... That worked apparently, but because of their protection mechanism (smell/taste and shell) their predators are lower (some birds won't eat them I think). I was told by my pest control guy, (sorry, I know that's a grave offense :)), that their migration pattern will mean less infestation this year and forward. Haven't seen as many inside yet, so maybe so. Asian beetles are orange instead of the ladybug red and they also bite :(. Once introduced, you can't send them back. Think Asian carp, kudzu, starlings. There's a great book in the biology study guide about toads in Australia - yes, it's people in general, not just Americans. The book is Toad Overload by Patricia Seibert. I think there might be an object lesson there with unintended consequences :). <br /><br />Now, I'm just sharing something I learned through my reading. If you are interested, you can look it up. Just because I saw the connection, and you and I might find it interesting, doesn't mean you have to add it to what your kids are doing. It might just be something to keep in mind IF they ask about it or it actually fits into a specific study. Don't Overload your children with a bunch of extra information, there might be unintended consequences :)</span></span></blockquote>
<br />Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-66290451325108857642015-04-23T08:58:00.000-05:002015-04-23T08:58:00.503-05:00A Life-long HabitQuote for the day:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Adults should realize that the most valuable thing children can learn is what they discover themselves about the world they live in. Once they experience first hand the wonder of nature, they will want to make nature observation a life-long habit. ~ Charlotte Mason, Volume 1, p. 61</i></blockquote>
<br />
Giving your children the opportunity to discover this for themselves fosters the habit of being outside and gives them a gift of time and space for thinking thoughts, considering Truth, seeing beauty and finding their place... for a lifetime. Even when my children were teens, they gravitated outside when they needed processing time. Now, it is a blessing to see my adult children hang out on the deck together or go outside and lay on the driveway at night to see the stars. Creation is part of that wide room where our feet have been set and it reminds us of the bigness of our God...Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-51030590790935284252015-04-20T05:30:00.000-05:002015-04-20T10:47:26.047-05:00Outside with our Children - resources<span style="color: #783f04;">A MOPS Talk...</span><br />
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--</style><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Conversation with Young Moms – Part III</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part I</a>}</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children-continued.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part II</a>} </i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><span style="color: #783f04;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY01XYZFa8rhhwlh5ZMFUx5BB-PhppTjSHdqy8TLL_fgb33w2AMTGDkJ2Iw09aLMa52nstHzxNMvvVti032o8iggUyWUGMR3iMR3pLfR4fRyYLWF_KbZ-x6FE43GIGYjmpJFfmvzCngm66/s1600/puddle+splash10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY01XYZFa8rhhwlh5ZMFUx5BB-PhppTjSHdqy8TLL_fgb33w2AMTGDkJ2Iw09aLMa52nstHzxNMvvVti032o8iggUyWUGMR3iMR3pLfR4fRyYLWF_KbZ-x6FE43GIGYjmpJFfmvzCngm66/s1600/puddle+splash10.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Some resources and fun things to do outside are listed at the end to encourage you as you play in the open air and splash in the puddles!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here were our questions to get us ready to head out of the house and into the world around us.</span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How can you be more
deliberate in planning free play outside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What are some ways you can make that easier?</span></i></span><br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What benefits do you notice
or would like to see from being outdoors with your children?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Think of some times when
you see how playing together strengthens your relationship with your child and
the family.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How can you help foster an
interest in the created world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what
ways can you see being outside as an opportunity to help foster a love for the
Creator?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All Things Bright and Beautiful</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by Ms. Cecil Francis Alexander</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All things bright and beautiful,<br />
All creatures great and small,</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
<i>All things wise and wonderful,</i><br />
<i>The Lord God made them all.</i></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Practical ways to make it
easier to get outside. Some ideas and
resources.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Here are some of the resources, book, and activities I shared when we were together. I hope you are inspired to get outside!</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><span style="color: #783f04;">Children don't need to be taught to
wonder, they only need opportunities to walk in its path. ~ </span><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Walking in Wonder: Nurturing Virtues in Your Children</i> by Elizabeth White...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">and
my friend Marcia would add that they need an adult to be willing to wonder
beside them. She says…
</span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>I
encourage people to put their phone away and get down on the level of their
child to see things up close. And bring a few treasures back home to
display on the kitchen table for memory...</i></span><span style="color: #783f04;"></span><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IzbYW1zfgNj-t6u53MQhwVDIFhtgfplLJGfdAkurUdbibwUqMZCjQ8G5-LiqpQ6Bh7IVpigImzqVHY0nHNQjbT4WAfLdmEmLV5L4OdevOOVVgsKMcUmh927704C6fTms4h7HYf32JZuH/s1600/nature+table+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoKTHY_EXpDC7n4tjK-Rk0sG3yAOh2r7yq68NJv24tcQw68525txKmtXKm3UcX-giXVSithwEJPBcz3atcj9M77ekSe0I6oH_m9746o6xHhtnnOEjN1eAPBdqWz87ZQzGKi3dluLfSNdx/s1600/nature+display.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoKTHY_EXpDC7n4tjK-Rk0sG3yAOh2r7yq68NJv24tcQw68525txKmtXKm3UcX-giXVSithwEJPBcz3atcj9M77ekSe0I6oH_m9746o6xHhtnnOEjN1eAPBdqWz87ZQzGKi3dluLfSNdx/s1600/nature+display.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Create a Nature Table/shelf when you bring those finds back home. It's easy; use a coffee table and place everything on a tray to set it apart from the other items. What about an area on a placemat in the center of your kitchen table? Use some clear mason jars if you need to keep something contained like pebbles or sand or crumbles leaves and acorn caps. Teach your child to be gentle and let them feel and touch and experience. Encourage them to look and tell and draw about what they see. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #783f04;">It's
spring. It is supposed to rain! Puddles ARE fun to jump in & why
not? Dress appropriately for the temperature, put a tub of water by the
back door to wash feet and some towels to dry up with and make sure the
washer is ready for a new load--no excuses, out EVERYONE goes!</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPpXxmXItnT1z_91iwDjsHsETmJUkfxUFU3Sj3GR42XUO-O5BHun9N0lLHlFkH4LPpKtUONwsUNpA1AW0f0dFXXoYQZQWXBiwAPGTMVmX87LBtKVLrp-A1QH8DPoqYRFdi-ucYQ4CzJs/s1600/nesting+material.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MPpXxmXItnT1z_91iwDjsHsETmJUkfxUFU3Sj3GR42XUO-O5BHun9N0lLHlFkH4LPpKtUONwsUNpA1AW0f0dFXXoYQZQWXBiwAPGTMVmX87LBtKVLrp-A1QH8DPoqYRFdi-ucYQ4CzJs/s1600/nesting+material.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Right now is a great time to take yarn, embroidery threads cut into strips, small strips of cotton fabrics and put them loosely in a suet frame and hang it for birds to use for nest building. Then see if you spot any material from your stash in the nests when you go on a neighborhood walk. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Even really little ones can scoop birdseed into a feeder and will love to see who comes to your tree to find food; maybe even some squirrels might try to get your seeds! </span><span style="color: #783f04;">Merlin Bird ID is a great app for your phone or ipad that Cornell University has created to easily identify that bird you just saw. I use it all the time when I'm traveling to new areas with new birds I don't recognize. It's easy enough to use if you are just getting started noticing birds with your children too! Then you can look him up in the bird guide when you get home.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cp7zkaqVNHgRVl0Z42lwosAn9xEpjUYNF8KwpjGPsaEKJwJ6D1UCTNkF4AExPbvm5ezgUlkC0Fa4F3PiTR6IoKqS8jv3TdcLrLQqjKal_HHCyiEsV4XE7bgeZA-MKFs3wyN5KwknQWv3/s1600/sunflowers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cp7zkaqVNHgRVl0Z42lwosAn9xEpjUYNF8KwpjGPsaEKJwJ6D1UCTNkF4AExPbvm5ezgUlkC0Fa4F3PiTR6IoKqS8jv3TdcLrLQqjKal_HHCyiEsV4XE7bgeZA-MKFs3wyN5KwknQWv3/s1600/sunflowers+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #783f04;">If you are planting a garden, grow some kid friendly plants too. Sunflowers usually grow well if the bunnies don't eat them before they get bigger. (I usually grow ours inside in cups until they are 10-12 inches tall, then transplant them.) Just one or two by the fence or up against the house will work. If you are ambitious and have plenty of room, grow a sunflower hut like ours.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Get everything ready ahead of time. Put your 'Nature Back Pack' together with a couple of water bottles, a few nature guides, some colored pencils and basic spiral drawing pad. Add some hand wipes and a bug jar--what more could you need? It is a good start anyway and will certainly get you to the park or around the block and back! Get all those outside walking shoes together in a basket in the garage or front closet then they are ready to go next time little feet get too antsy to be inside or everyone is grumpy and needs fresh air!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">If you need something to get your nature inspiration and creativity going, you can find many ideas here: <a href="http://www.handbookofnaturestudy.com/">www.HandbookofNatureStudy.com</a> & <i>Outdoor </i></span><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Hour </span></i><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Challenge</i>,<i> The Kid's Nature Book</i> by Susan Milord, or <i>Nature All Year Long</i> by Walker are great for year round ideas.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Discover Nature Close to Home</i> by Lawlor or <i>The Handbook of Nature Study</i> by Comstock are two of my favorite resource books for moms. <i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltKIZCbbTJX_YQAZO6cqBDitYubPOdIe3Ug4VWCWSpbQsPXjuCx0FizxZGIpzelQX4ULe7Ktn4G85-3hLONT9AIG8IhHPBULFumhiaDhaDzSZ1gO3CqreLupHI7hhU3P1Ms4lx12Bna_R/s1600/calendar+of+firsts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltKIZCbbTJX_YQAZO6cqBDitYubPOdIe3Ug4VWCWSpbQsPXjuCx0FizxZGIpzelQX4ULe7Ktn4G85-3hLONT9AIG8IhHPBULFumhiaDhaDzSZ1gO3CqreLupHI7hhU3P1Ms4lx12Bna_R/s1600/calendar+of+firsts+2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Wild Days, Creating Discovery Journals</i> by Rackliffe is wonderful if you can find a copy and Red Mountain Community School has a <i>Calendar of Firsts</i> (see posts: <a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2013/03/signs-of-spring.html" target="_blank">Signs of Spring</a> & <a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2013/03/calendar-of-firsts-follow-up.html" target="_blank">Calendar of Firsts follow up</a>) that is a wonderful way to keep track of when things happen in nature each year. Or just start your own on a wall calendar or a spiral notebook!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">I'll share some of my favorite kid's books in a new post of Nature Stories for Children that spark imagination and curiosity.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">But remember you don't need specific plans. Be
simple! You don't have to have an elaborate project. As a matter of
fact, it's better if you don't! Remember - unstructured free
play, not mom's 'fun' project! Just do whatever strikes your child at
the moment. Hop, run, roll, jump, climb...take a walk. That's the
point anyway, getting outside to begin to notice the things around you
and the sounds and smells and intricate details that it takes time to
learn to look for and discover!</span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-67840270083737438002015-04-15T05:30:00.000-05:002015-04-22T08:23:54.417-05:00Outside with our Children - continuedA MOPS Talk...<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Conversation with Young Moms – Part II</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part I</a>} </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://www.gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children-resources.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part III</a>} </i></b></span><span style="color: #783f04;">
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<b><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When
you asked me what I did in school today and I say, 'I just played.' Please
don’t misunderstand me. For you see, I am learning as I play. I am learning to enjoy
and be successful in my work. Today I am a child and my work is play. ~ Anita
Wadley, 1974.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The physical, mental and emotional benefits to being outside with your children are truly a good thing as we discussed in Part I.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But most
important is the <i><b>Spiritual benefit</b></i> to being outside with your little
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Marcia often encourages
parents to get outside with their children:</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In nature, we can begin to
wonder about our creator and the love he shows through the natural world he
provided/continues to provide for us...It requires slowing down. Removing
the clock. Straying away from plastic playsets...to the natural world unencumbered...</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
shared a resource with me to share with you from a book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walking in Wonder: Nurturing Virtues in Your Children</i> by Elizabeth
White.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If we refuse to nourish
ourselves on what is edifying and elevating, we will inevitably be fed by what
is not, as the popular culture of American, in all its shallowness and
falseness, seeps into our unguarded hearts daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do not counteract it, if we fail to set
the loftiest things before us, we will inevitably let our souls remain choked
with artificiality and cheapness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will remain mired in the fatal shoddiness of our world and ourselves.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
our children grow and as they enter our system of education which is
information-focused and performance based…most of our children will “know all
about” things, but without a broader perspective that you as moms can bring to
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will never “know of” things
which begins as you foster the wonder they have now and introduce them to the
created world and the God who created it and them (see C.S Lewis’ essay on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0LEVvVu.StVwVgAXmkPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTEzbnFzY2JwBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1lIUzAwM18x/RV=2/RE=1428974063/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.calvin.edu%2f~pribeiro%2fDCM-Lewis-2009%2fLewis%2fmeditation-in-a-toolshed.pdf/RK=0/RS=nYsX.yxECEaPu41HYpYVMs4GfQ0-">Meditations
in a Tool Shed</a></i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see they,
and we, are in danger of knowing ‘about’ God, but not really knowing Him
personally. To really know, we must have a relationship and it must be personal
to be true; it can’t be someone else’s understanding to be meaningful; it can’t
be something we repeat in a report about things we have studied… it must be
integrated into our lives and be part of what we know and who we are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our relationship with Christ only comes this
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our children are coming to know God
through hearing His word in Bible reading, but also as we speak of and introduce
them to the things he made—the created world.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For his invisible attributes,
namely his eternal power and divine nature, has been clearly perceived, ever
since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. ~ Romans
1:19-20</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
need to be in the created world to see, observe, learn and know—to be taught by
the Creator Himself. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lift
up your eyes on high and see: who created these?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He who brings out their host by number,
calling them by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong
in power, not one is missing. ~ Isaiah 40:26</span></span></span></i></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
our children observe and wonder in and about nature, it brings to them that
sursum corda—our hearts lifted in praise—an understanding and declaration of the
praise due our Creator God. </span></span></div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-21477814036124341672015-04-13T14:25:00.000-05:002015-04-22T08:47:25.953-05:00Outside with our Children<span style="color: #783f04;">A MOPS talk...</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Conversation with Young Moms – Part I</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children-continued.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part II</a>}</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">{<a href="http://www.gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2015/04/outside-with-our-children-resources.html" target="_blank">A Conversation with Young Moms - Part III</a>} </i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH25-5w3RB4VR-__DT7vjjvpCLWvo_audrGQ2dcHGJKWDoUCcD8277jJULk2lLtMumSN31Ml2n4vA7MfsR4BY5OA-Q0L-lTECBK4LMwGDw_BIRrgGFrI6Ch5xMK9ahIWxPZKotJtKQeEMJ/s1600/nature+study+children+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH25-5w3RB4VR-__DT7vjjvpCLWvo_audrGQ2dcHGJKWDoUCcD8277jJULk2lLtMumSN31Ml2n4vA7MfsR4BY5OA-Q0L-lTECBK4LMwGDw_BIRrgGFrI6Ch5xMK9ahIWxPZKotJtKQeEMJ/s1600/nature+study+children+1.jpeg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
moms who have been battling pent up energy in their little ones during the cold
winter, the spring weather is a Godsend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Getting outside is easier after being cooped up from winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s a good time to start a habit of
getting out regularly for walks and just free play outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get some appropriate gear, good shoes and
clothing for both your children and yourself and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">go outside with them</i></b>!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A while back I gave a MOPS talk (Mothers of Preschoolers) on fostering a love of reading in your child--I will go back next month and write on that one. (I wrote a while back on <a href="http://gracefulthought.blogspot.com/2013/12/living-books-for-little-ones.html" target="_blank">Reading Books with Little Ones</a>). Those of you at the talk will remember that it all starts with fostering a love of <i>stories </i>and learning to see those stories all around us. There are so many stories unfolding outside if we would take the time to actually get out there in that open space with unstructured time to see them!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So besides the obvious benefit to you as a mom, I thought I would give you some support from recent studies for the benefits to your child...physical, mental, emotional & spiritual benefits.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Physical, Mental & Emotional:</span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exercise
in a natural environment is shown to have greater benefits than in an artificial
one (Peninsula College of Medicine, 2011) – climb trees, walk ravines, go on a
neighborhood walk…</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several experimental studies in recent years show mounting
evidence for the cognitive benefits of exercise (<a href="http://www.parentingscience.com/exercise-for-children.html">Exercise for
Children: The Cognitive Benefits, Dewar</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Research consistently shows aerobic exercise boosts BDNF for brain cell
growth, stimulates new neurons and genes for brain plasticity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can give children better focus and
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many tests show that children
actually perform better in all kinds of cognitive areas when they are
active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also shown that ADHA kids
may have better self-control as a result of exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently there is a caveat—it doesn’t show
to work as well with forced exercise; it has to be voluntary and FUN to reap
the benefits:</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Structured
activities—like team sports or dance lessons—may be fine options. But so are
nature walks, tree-climbing, roller-skating, and playing hide-and-seek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, play-like exercise is good for the
brain. Perhaps the most effective exercise for children is free, unstructured,
physical play. </span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These same findings are corroborated in other
research says David Elkind (Can We Play?, 2008) who emphasizes the importance
of physical play for children’s learning and development. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pressure has ratcheted for parents who are
trying to make schooling choices for their children and are concerned by the
oft repeated notion that their child will be behind and won’t be ready for
kindergarten without the push of academic preschool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what some in the education industry
maintain, but what does early childhood development research show?</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spending one
third of the school day in physical education, art, and music improved not only
physical fitness, but attitudes toward learning and test scores. These findings
echo those from one analysis of 200 studies on the effects of exercise on
cognitive functioning, which also suggests that physical activity promotes
learning. In recent years, and most especially since the 2002 passage of the No
Child Left Behind Act, we’ve seen educators, policy makers, and many parents
embrace the idea that early academics leads to greater success in life. Yet
several studies by Kathy Hirsch-Pasek and colleagues have compared the
performance of children attending academic preschools with those attending
play-oriented preschools. The results showed no advantage in reading and math
achievement for children attending the academic preschools. But there was
evidence that those children had higher levels of test anxiety, were less
creative, and had more negative attitudes toward school than did the children
attending the play preschools. So if play is that important, why is it
disappearing? </span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
included a couple of stanzas from a poem entitled, JUST PLAY to consider.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don’t pass it off as JUST
PLAY. For you see, I am learning as I paly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I may be a scientist some day.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you asked me what I did in school today
and I say, 'I just played.' Please don’t misunderstand me. For you see, I am
learning as I play. I am learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. Today
I am a child and my work is play.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anita
Wadley, 1974.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;"></span><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">While
researching for my talk, I found this wonderful article, <a href="http://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/07/05/kids_with_autism_benefit_from_outdoor_classroom.html">“Kids
with autism benefit from outdoor classroom”</a> by Andrea Gordon, 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tells of Kindergarten teacher, Maia
Crowther, who was inspired to implement an Outdoor Classroom Project at her
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells the story of how this
happened and the amazing results for both her students and the kindergarten
classes for autistic children they partnered with!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">[Crowther]
says she’s never seen young students so motivated and engaged. After she
instigated the outdoor classroom project last fall, the two full-day
kindergarten classes took turns using the space every day. Each also partnered
with one of the two kindergarten classes for children with autism. They spent
at least 75 minutes a day outside, sun, rain or snow, and much longer in warm
weather. On a typical day of the school year, more than 30 children can be
found pouring and scooping at the water centre, playing dress-up, making mud
pies or studying ants. In winter, they make ice sculptures, snow angels and
learn about melting and freezing. When the rain comes, it’s all about puddles
and worms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mounting evidence shows hands-on
outdoor learning boosts physical activity, mental health, brain power and
attention. It also enhances learning by building on children’s curiosity and
firsthand observations.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
other research suggests that eliminating play as is the trend in preschools and
elementary schools may have serious ramifications on a child’s emotional
development as well states Professor of Psychology William Crain (Education for
Meaning and Justice, 2010). </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One study found that not only does “preschool
play enhance cognitive capacities such as problem solving and creativity, [but
also] the ability to see things from others' perspectives”. And “The American
Academy of Pediatrics worries that children who are deprived of free play
become depressed and stressed out”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another important issue for playing
with your children is the benefit to your relationship with your child and
family. A guide titled, </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development”, from the MSU
education department talks about the family relationships that are developed in
playing together.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Pa0" style="margin-bottom: 1.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 9pt;">Play connects children with their imagination, their environment,
their parents and family and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parental
involvement in a child's world of play is not only beneficial for the child but
is extremely beneficial to the parent. Playing with children establishes and
strengthens bonds that will last forever. Parent-child play opens doors for the
sharing of values, increases communication, allows for teachable moments and
assists in problem solving. Playtime provides opportunities for the parent and
child to confront and resolve individual differences, as well as family related
concerns and issues. Finally, it allows the parent to view the world through
the eyes of a child once again.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">
</span><br />
<div class="Default">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #783f04;">In Part II & III, I'll talk more about the Spiritual impact of being outside with your children and give you some resources to inspire you to be outside!</span></span></span></b></div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-12357918059985332102014-11-06T09:54:00.000-06:002014-11-06T09:54:58.410-06:00Whole Persons-Filled & Overflowing<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Remember that if a vessel that ought to be one whole, is cracked in many pieces, it cannot be filled. You can take a potsherd, one part of a vessel, and dip out a little water into that, but if you want the vessel full, the vessel must be whole. ~ Andrew Murray, "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"</blockquote>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-84590734411596897572014-10-09T23:00:00.000-05:002014-11-06T09:55:57.939-06:00Truth & CharacterAs the mind is nourished upon ideas which also affect the conduct of life and the character of a man...<br />
AND<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The chief responsibility of persons is the acceptance or rejection of ideas" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Charlotte Mason</div>
<br />
How insightful and wise to begin her entire educational philosophy with knowing Truth...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The consequence of truth is great; therefore the judgement of it must not be negligent." ~ Whichcote</div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-13816697651217531172014-09-29T08:25:00.000-05:002014-09-29T08:25:55.794-05:00EnjoymentQuote for the Day:<br />
<br />
"The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth" - Samuel Johnson<br />
<br />
"I begin to suspect that the world is divided not only into the happy and the unhappy, but into those who <i>like</i> happiness and those who, odd as it seems, really don't" - C.S. LewisGrace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-89635885094600406802014-09-12T23:05:00.001-05:002014-09-12T23:05:36.651-05:00Paths to Follow: Together Intentionally
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A Chapter in which
we all go on an Expedition</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA7x4t9VdhQlJPamKqFDfiIgSoCDCqA3n9XgmRvhofjCAtoqT6hlIZXULRE2qTVOeZ0QfW-IoPhK0Evh07rpCctwCyTo5LDBus_MjI_6p4hbLJe4aoEbwlNrsO4ACW0T-f20Mnjjchyphenhyphenrr/s1600/pooh+boots2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA7x4t9VdhQlJPamKqFDfiIgSoCDCqA3n9XgmRvhofjCAtoqT6hlIZXULRE2qTVOeZ0QfW-IoPhK0Evh07rpCctwCyTo5LDBus_MjI_6p4hbLJe4aoEbwlNrsO4ACW0T-f20Mnjjchyphenhyphenrr/s1600/pooh+boots2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“As soon as he
saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an Adventure was about to happen…” (Milne,
Winnie-the-Pooh, Ch. 8)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
look at new things as an adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Places to go, people to see, things to learn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now adventure brings uncertainty and risk at
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often wonder why we are so risk
adverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We forget to look closer and
assess the risks and the implications. We assume change is bad and terribly
unpleasant-‘unsettling’ says Eeyore).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
many times I find that it is more my uneasiness and less the reality of what
might happen that impedes my path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set
up my own roadblocks when my fears take over. On making friends: What if we
have nothing in common?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On taking a
stance: What if I step out there and no one joins me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On new ideas: What if I look stupid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if… you fill in your worries…What if I
am just plain wrong about this or that? (I know, it happens occasionally)! Sometimes
those things do happen, but the results are generally less of a big deal than
my fear says it will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what if I am
wrong and look stupid on occasion; usually, I am the only one that cares or
remembers since it really is an okay thing to be wrong sometimes; it helps me
learn. And that is a positive change!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder why we view change so uneasily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are always changing-even the mundane
days are part of moving forward, continuing on… doing the next thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing may look just the same as
today’s thing or something entirely new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adventure, risk, change-sometimes that takes courage. Maybe even
strength we don’t think we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we
can’t get to step two without step one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love this year’s theme for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), “Be You,
Bravely”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stepping out might just be
stepping on to the next stone & reaching back to hold a hand as someone
follows, or it might be looking ahead to grab the hand in front of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are important, friends are important,
relationships are important, Christian community is important (Colossians is a
good place to read more on this)! Being brave in friendships can also mean
being intentional. Maybe right now you are the one reaching back, another time,
you may be reaching ahead-in either place, we are reaching deliberately! We
need that friend to balance us when we are unsettled. So we walk bravely
together. Sometimes we just don’t see the way clearly and that sister ahead is
all we can see. We don’t always know what’s further ahead and the next step
uncertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what we do know is the
faithfulness of our God; what we do know is grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we do the next thing or meet changes, both
smooth going mundane days and challenging and uneven hikes, let us come along
side each other and remember that we make our plans-we walk our paths, but the
Lord directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we follow the path ahead toward new adventures, Let’s Live Life Together Intentionally</span><span style="font-family: CluffHmk; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular";">.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“It’s an
Expedition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what an Expedition
means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A long line of everybody.” (Milne,
Winnie-the-Pooh, Ch. 8)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Looking
forward to getting to know more of you and encouraging you along the paths,</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a63f56; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Zapfino; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Grace
for the day,</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a63f56; font-family: Zapfino; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Zapfino; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kelli </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Ayuthaya; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Baoli SC Regular"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></i></div>
Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-6945028325010461882014-09-06T11:08:00.001-05:002014-09-06T11:08:13.133-05:00Thoughts on CM and "The Grand Conversation"<blockquote>
Conversation <span class="main-fl"><i>noun</i></span> <span class="pr">\<span class="unicode">ˌ</span>kän-vər-<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>sā-shən\</span><br />
(1) : oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas (2) : an instance of such exchange : talk <a conversation="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" quiet=""> (Mirriam-Webster)</a></blockquote>
Within our Charlotte Mason Group an exchange has popped up on the phrase "The Grand Conversation". It is used in educational circles and I have noticed it buzzing around more recently among general CM groups. I will share a couple of posts that might help to clarify and bring some consideration to the topic.<br />
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It began with some resources shared and the thought that it was hard to find where Charlotte Mason talked about this 'grand conversation' and that even google couldn't seem to bring up and relationship.<br />
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We often seek out ways to help us be more effective with our students, especially as they get older. Many times we find we are woefully lacking. Fortunately, our own educational experience isn't a reflection of what our child's must be; as a matter of fact, it shouldn't be (or they would be just as woefully lacking!). Since Charlotte Mason proposes that "Teachers shall teach less and scholars shall learn more" through our educational philosophy, the responsibility of learning is upon the learner not the teacher. Our job as teachers is to provide them with vital ideas, many vital thoughts with a wide and rich buffet!<br />
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Here are the relevant posts (by permission). Please feel free to contact me if you would like to talk more... <br />
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1240" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If I remember correctly, the Grand Conversation is not a CM term and that may be why it’s difficult to find information on it coming from a CM stance. I have some notes somewhere here…I’ll try looking for them touching on what the Grand (or Great) Conversation is. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1263" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Remember that we don’t have to know a lot about it (unless we are the student). The feast is spread, the student takes what he needs and he can share that with us. The student needs to assimilate that information to make it knowledge – not us. I don’t think we can have or need to have a grand conversation with everything. I don’t know where in Charlotte Mason’s writings or in Parent’s Review Articles that it states that every narration must end in a Grand Conversation. Do we put too much pressure on ourselves at times? Do we tell ourselves that we HAVE to have this Grand Conversation or the narration was for naught? Sometimes there just isn’t anything to have that Grand Conversation about. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1267" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">From what I’ve learned, I believe that if we want to participate in that then we need to become a student ourselves and read that particular book. Have you read “How to Read a Book”? I am working my way through it – very slowly and I have learned a lot so far. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1270" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here are some Mason quotes that may help remind us what narration truly is and who is responsible for that narration. I think the term Grand Conversation comes from a Childlight Article and is the name some have put on the final step of narration. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1272" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">These quotes may be helpful in reassuring us that we do not have to be well-versed in all the topics that our children are studying. In fact, we need to make sure that we don’t get in the way. They need to form their own ideas and opinions. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1276" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">"The teacher affords direction, sympathy in studies, a vivifying word here and there, help in the making of experiments, etc., as well as the usual teaching in languages, experimental science and mathematics." Vol. 6, pg. 19</span><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1279" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1278">"we do not realise that in the nature of things the teacher has a prophetic power of appeal and inspiration, that his part is not the weariful task of spoon-feeding with pap-meat, but the delightful commerce of equal minds where his is the part of guide, philosopher and friend." Vol. 6, pg. 237</span><br />
<br />
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1280">"The children, not the teachers, are the responsible persons; they do the work by self-effort...The teachers give the uplift of their sympathy in the work and where necessary elucidate, sum up or enlarge, but the actual work is done by the scholars." Vol. 6, pg. 241</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="ygrps-yiv-990885430MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1282">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1283" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">"but let us be careful that our disciplinary devices, and our mechanical devices to secure and tabulate the substance of knowledge, do not come between the children and that which is the soul of the book, the living thought it contains." Vol. 3, pg. 181</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1284" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If I’m truly interested in a book or want to discuss more with my kids and not just ask questions then I need to pick up the book and read it. We are there to guide but the student has to do the hard work of reading and digesting the material. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1286" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">-Vanessa</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1286" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span>Vanessa explained it well. I really like how we can check our methods by going back to the Charlotte Mason volumes and clarifying, seeing how and educational method or concept fits with our philosophy of education. That’s where the breakdown comes so often, for me anyway. I find it is important to study regularly the “whys” of the “hows” that I am using with my students. </div>
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Actually, “The Grand Conversation” comes from a speech that Jim Higgins gave at Arizona State University in 1985. Which then began a new educational tool developed by a couple of teachers in 1989 and presented as a method to use in a classroom to help facilitate discussions. The tool is not all bad and can be used in a CM education, but often can evolve into crossing over the line of masterly inactivity (another much misunderstood term that applies to the teacher getting out of the way of the scholar’s learning not an activity time - more later on that). Dr. Jennifer Spencer does a lovely job in describing how “the grand conversation” tool can look in a Charlotte Mason application in her article “Golden Nuggets and the Grand Conversation” which you can find on the CMI blog (<a data-rapid_p="1" href="http://www.charlottemasoninstitue.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.charlottemasoninstitue.org</a>).</div>
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I personally think Jim Higgins may have misquoted the term and actually intended to reference “The Great Conversation” which is an essay by Robert Hutchins, see also <i>Great Books of the Western World</i>, 1952 (who, by the way, has a strong association with Mortimer Adler of <i>How to Read a Book</i>) where he discusses liberal education. Hutchins discusses the idea of the Great Conversation being between authors across the traditions and ages; how the ideas presented by the great authors create a conversation on those ideas with the implication that, once a person is knowledgeable and has the context for those topics and ideas, he can join the conversation. Personally I think that’s where the fallacy lies in trying to apply something of a “Grand Conversation” today. We should not expect our students, even our high school students or ourselves, to join a conversation where we have not had the broad exposure and a personal understanding (“the students must know for themselves”). They may actually be there in some areas by the end of their upper years in a Charlotte Mason Education paradigm, but that requires maturity that may just not come without living and learning the next year, etc.. I think it is a dangerous and unwise thing to give a student other individual’s opinions as their basis for understanding something. I read Francis Schaeffer - often, and he clearly lays out propositions and logically supports them; usually I can follow that-but I have context my student does not have at 13 years of age. If I hand some Schaeffer book to my student, they may not have the ability or maturity yet (think CM and reason-“as they become mature enough to understand”). A maturity and context that helps them think through and able to accept or reject the ideas; they may just take Schaffer’s opinion as their own with out the real knowledge and understanding of those ideas. That has grave implications. That can happen with any philosophical tradition or ideas without context your student isn’t ready to grapple with or… join the Great conversation about. It is also a problem to attempt to initiate a “Grand Conversation” with a student about a chapter from a book they are reading if there is not enough context and supplant the “Great Conversation” by getting between the student and the idea, becoming the middle man that has no place in the middle. We are not “the showman of the universe”. That doesn’t mean not having conversations though! A student may prompt a great conversation about ideas that have grown from his readings and narrations. That is just thinking and discussing things and, as long as we don’t venture to “offer our opinions as [the captain idea]”, those conversations are a great way to be “the delightful commerce of equal minds”. </div>
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Hope that helps clarify the background and history of “The Grand Conversation” vs. “The Great Conversation” and how that can and how it cannot fit a Charlotte Mason approach.</div>
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<span style="color: #b75569;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><i>Grace for the day,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b75569;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><i>Kelli </i></span></span><b id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1591"><i id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1590"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410018426354_1589" style="font-family: Corbel;"></span></i></b></div>
<br />Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-29434274495365446142014-08-01T03:55:00.002-05:002014-08-01T03:56:58.194-05:00High School Sciences (A Charlotte Mason Approach)(Biology with Living Books & Labs update shown below)<br />
<br />
Who knew the average person was supposed to really LIKE sciences? Especially in high school. Sure, there are some people who have greater interest and are gifted in understanding science, but why can't we all appreciate those subjects? Because we learned it from dry and boring text books and memorized stuff that we didn't connect with anything we knew or cared about overall... When our approach changes from turning out little scientists (and mathematicians) to a focus on fostering an appreciation for the beauty and joy found in these disciplines, we end up with students who LIKE science (and even math). It's in the approach and methods...<br />
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I made a discovery several years ago-I was compartmentalizing our studies and following some traditional/system style approaches in certain subjects. I was somewhat skeptical and unsure of how to change how we approached those high school sciences. I decided to try and apply the same approach and methods we used in most other areas of schooling and try it out. I was pretty sure we were going to have some different results and like the outcome and our journey along the way much better. WE DID!<br />
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There is much to learn about Charlotte Mason's Educational Philosophy. I have blogged about many topics and you can find out more by looking at the labels and reading through the past posts. There is also a quick review of principles linked on the left side bar. <br />
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I have the Living Sciences page for you to take a look at the high school science guides we used. For those of you who have already used these, the <b>Biology with Living Books & Labs Guide has been updated</b> - cleaned up and reformatted with links and is overall much more user friendly now! Click on the link and download it free. Let me know if you use them and tell me what you think. I would love any feedback or would be happy to answer questions as you go. Remember, I am not a trained scientist and rely on the authors to share their knowledge, mind-to-mind with me and my students! I have been through the guides a few times though :-)<br />
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Here's what the biology looks like-it's linked through the High School Science w/ Living Books Page:<br />
<br />
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/113959113/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-3tyvpo77cxm2jhr4oiy&show_recommendations=false" data-auto-height="false" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" scrolling="no" id="doc_89849" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-10284500131937204912014-07-16T08:56:00.000-05:002014-07-16T08:56:31.649-05:00"Faith in Future Grace...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc7wVoTg1xGJWqapv6xwZwgCAIYd2f9o05vCFsU4H1TEmJHWTUkQc3hsHHvHI4SMd3yyv6lduNsMgGWIfwZDpblPtoX6g_teqCSOvML6H3NbPHe79-V15VgohsnX7j3OJLVCkJU-TBYzZ/s1600/cross+shadow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc7wVoTg1xGJWqapv6xwZwgCAIYd2f9o05vCFsU4H1TEmJHWTUkQc3hsHHvHI4SMd3yyv6lduNsMgGWIfwZDpblPtoX6g_teqCSOvML6H3NbPHe79-V15VgohsnX7j3OJLVCkJU-TBYzZ/s1600/cross+shadow+2.jpg" /></a>satisfies us with the joy set before us" (338). John Piper discusses throughout his book, <i>Future Grace</i>, the idea of what it means to actually LIVE daily life as Christians with the foundational understanding that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". <br />
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The challenge is not merely to<i> <b>pursue</b></i> righteousness, but to <b><i>prefer</i></b> righteousness. The challenge is to get up in the morning and prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures as the main place where we see the gospel of the glory of Christ. </blockquote>
An <b>internal preference</b> manifests in <b>external pursuit</b> which comes from the gospel of the glory of Christ. My source of power to meet that challenge and my motivation is found in the Living Word and being saturated in the Word of Scripture about him! Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-70524964978064546332014-07-16T08:17:00.002-05:002014-07-16T08:17:47.864-05:00Technology Blips (user error)Ooops! User Error! <br />
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So, knowing I was going to have a busy couple of months, I took a few late nights to write several blog posts for future days as scheduled postings. Well, I have a ton of drafts that should have been posted automatically while I was away. I am guessing that when you edit a scheduled post it changes
the status back to draft-it's the only thing I can figure out, and I have generally found that any technology blips are usually user error!<br />
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Here is a good lesson! Watchful awareness is better than assumptions based on what should be happening :-) I will attempt to reschedule my drafts to publish over the next month!Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-32444722314409952922014-07-01T09:56:00.000-05:002014-11-06T09:57:51.953-06:00A Continuing Conversation: From Ideas to Practice<br />
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/227868271/Charlotte-Mason-Education-Regional-Gathering-Peoria-Illinois-July-25-26-2014" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Charlotte Mason Education Regional Gathering (Peoria, Illinois) - July 25-26, 2014 on Scribd">Charlotte Mason Education Regional Gathering (Peoria, Illinois) - July 25-26, 2014</a> by <a href="http://www.scribd.com/mammagrace" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Kelli C, Grace for the Day's profile on Scribd">Kelli C, Grace for the Day</a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="666" id="doc_38867" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/227868271/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-QRFsm0LV8ZJ8sqoUevsR&show_recommendations=true" width="500"></iframe>Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-47358200213941326642014-05-01T15:14:00.000-05:002014-05-01T15:15:57.847-05:00The air we breatheI was thinking about the Atmosphere of our homes and the Discipline of Habits and I began wondering about how the atmosphere around us brings us ideas to consider in the natural way of things - just in living life. I think Charlotte Mason calls it something like thought life and that we breathe it in just like we breathe air. I began to pair this with how our ideas affect our behavior, the conduct of life.<br />
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I saw this example in <i>Future Grace</i> (Piper) today that reminded me of habits, atmosphere and the conduct of life...<br />
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There is the whole area of family conditioning. If parents reward a child for whining, and give in to the manipulation of a child's moodiness, then that child will be trained that a good pout will get pity. And thirty years later, the mastery of his moods will be twice as hard.</blockquote>
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The habits that are formed 'thoughtfully and deliberately' are not tossed about by the waves of outside influence that come if they are based in the Atmosphere of Ideas, many worthy ideas found in many worthy books. Ideas lined up against the Truth of Scripture that must surround us like the air we breathe and be more constant than the waves that roll.<br />
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Interesting, those of us with an understanding of a Charlotte Mason Education Philosophy recognize some foundational principles in educating our children, yet, I think it just applies to persons. All of us... What am I doing today to cultivate an Atmosphere, a Discipline and a Life of Truth and Grace?Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546628615072578623.post-20110827155505899652014-04-28T22:26:00.000-05:002014-04-28T22:26:04.606-05:00Conference After ThoughtsWhat a lovely Home Education Conference we enjoyed with this past weekend! I always enjoy speaking and teaching. It gives me an opportunity to meet new friends and encourage others in their homeschooling adventure! <br />
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For newbies especially, one tip I try to clearly emphasize is that you can't go learn to 'do this' or 'do that', then begin in the fall with the expectation everything will be just as you planned! Nothing in life ever works that way! We make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. What a relief that it doesn't depend on me to make all the right decisions & do it all perfectly! Remember friend...<i><br /></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY27u5y9ir_dmcMonLs_xQQLch-oLVZF6sJ5ZqViXj03RwUM4mac81C91KfKJlKW9ndDEzhmZd9seZCozuhV1_ABI-xmbLgL_6sBQNfsbpwh2lBYqlQD7vicGXKVxaYJ4O1eGQllKoWylr/s1600/grace+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY27u5y9ir_dmcMonLs_xQQLch-oLVZF6sJ5ZqViXj03RwUM4mac81C91KfKJlKW9ndDEzhmZd9seZCozuhV1_ABI-xmbLgL_6sBQNfsbpwh2lBYqlQD7vicGXKVxaYJ4O1eGQllKoWylr/s1600/grace+4.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Be patient, learn as you go, check your expectations, and depend on God's unfailing GRACE!</b></span></span></span>Grace for the dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15742617885441919305noreply@blogger.com