CHES Meeting 2.08.12

Our CHES meeting, which is held on the second Weds of the month, is usually filled with exciting information that enables us as teachers to encourage our children, or in my case, grandchildren, and inspire them to stretch their mental abilities.

This past Weds. meeting was no exception.

After a few minutes of chat time we were treated to “The Classical Showcase Extravaganza”, a PowerPoint presentation that Dani made a few years ago.

I love it!

It succinctly presented the various facets of Classical Education in a clear easily understood way. I wanted to be able to show Gary so I borrowed it, made a few copies and will get it back so others can check it out as well.

Next we interacted in a group activity “Practice the Topos”. An enlightening exercise on how the same set of information can be given out and then changed with the use of descriptive words to metamorphize into entirely different stories.

The practical application would be to show our children how to develop their ability to carry out the first steps in the creative writing process.

The two stories that resulted were amazing! There was not a lot of time to brain storm and our group seemed to have more difficulties making the story romantic than the other group had making it scary, but both were excellent examples of what could be accomplished.

Next we covered strategic ways to help our students learned The Presidents names through ditty’s as well as the words to the Preamble and what they mean.

We all had fun with the ditty. The tune reminded me of jumping rope. It had that kind of cadence. We received a handout with all the names as you would sing them with the pauses.

The handout on the preamble was interesting as it took each sentence and in layman’s terms explained the meaning, then illustrated the sentences. As nice visual cue for students to pull to mind when the need arises.

There were also handouts on preparation for literary analysis which encouraged learning about the personal histories of the authors. This in turn would give a reader a greater understanding of the literary work.

I especially appreciated the handout on important literary terms. Some of which I had never heard of, but all of which would enhance a reader and writer in their literary skills.

Lastly, we had sharing time. I shared that Barbara McCoys daughter had created her first magazine and how to get a copy. I also encouraged everyone to visit the “Handbook of Nature” blog. It has really morphed from a personal to professional looking blog.

Tina shared the fund raiser, a coupon book. A great deal. I should get one.

Our extravaganza will be on May 17th, a Thursday this year.

We were all encouraged to attend the CHAT meeting scheduled for the 15th.

The lemon squares Dani brought were sinful. I think I will blame them for my not losing any weight this week.

I love the font Dani uses. I need to find out what it is.


 

CHES meeting 11.02.11

This will be my first commentary, but hopefully the first of many to come, of our monthly CHES (Classical Home Education Support) meeting.

I will preface this commentary with a personal note on how much I appreciate this monthly meeting. There are times when being a homeschooling parent; or in my case, grandparent,can bring on feelings of insecurity, loss of direction, failure...... but these meetings not only encourage, and sustain us while we struggle with the daunting task of educating our children, they provide insights from other parents going through similar situations, alternate ways of dealing with things that come up and practical guidance in providing quality education to the most important people in our world; our children.

So with that out of the way let me continue. Our first few minutes after arrival are always filled with warm exchanges, "how are things going", "what have you been doing".

Some talk more, some listen more. Me, I usually am talking more than I listen. Listening is a work in progress for me, but that is for another blog.  :)

Tina shared a book she is currently reading about A Crazy Coupon Lady. I think the book was called, "Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey: Save Big Money & Make the Grocery Aisle your Catwalk! " by Joanie Demer. With a little effort on our part we could save $$ at the store. When you home school and do not work that means a lot!!

We began the meeting with the question:
What are you doing/reading to further your own education at this time?"
Oooohh, mmm, good intentions do not fulfill goals, actions do. I must say my doing leans heavily on the good intention side, but I shall endeavor to try and tip the scale more to the right.

I do read, a lot actually, but little really furthers my own education. I am currently in the process of trying to  implement two goals; one to increase my knowledge of basic Latin, and one to completely read Susan Wise Bauer's book, "The Well Trained Mind"  both of which, interestingly enough also happened to be on this meetings agenda.

Dani asked if anyone had continued with the "Uncle Eric" books. Feeling guilty, this was a moment I kept my mouth shut. My "Whatever happened to Penny Candy" book is still up in the bathroom waiting for me to finish it.

There was a mention of the books:
"World War I: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today, 1870 to 1935" (Uncle Eric Book)
"World War II: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today, 1930 to September 11, 2001" (Uncle Eric Book)".

Others were:
 "Capitalism For Kids: Growing Up To Be Your Own Boss" by Karl Hess.
"A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future" Donald Pink.

That one I found intriging and would like to pick up. As a child I was discouraged from right brain activities as a goal to support myself. "They were good for hobbies"

In regards to Susan Wise Bauer, Dani had hoped to share a video or two with us, but technology was being recalcitrant. I have researched the links though and here they are:

 Peace Hill Press Question & Answer Series 1: Part 1

Peace Hill Press Question & Answer Series 1: Part 2

They are the first Question and Answer Series with Susan Wise Bauer. It addresses Elementary Writing and Grammar. Susan also discusses integrating Writing With Ease and First Language Lessons, as well as adjusting to different learning styles.

Next we ventured into: Classical Education - Why Teach Latin?
Dani shared;
"Minimus Pupil's Book: Starting out in Latin",
"English from the Roots Up, Vol. 1: Help for Reading, Writing, Spelling, and S.A.T. Scores", "Latin for Children, Primer A" .

After this we had a sharing time. What was going well? What is a book or curriculum that we enjoyed using? What was not working for us? Then we had the opportunity to share samples or ideas.

Tina then shared a Thames and Kosmos Microscope book that came with a microscope she bought for homeschooling. ( she is so good about sharing, I have often wondered if she ever sleeps. she just seems to get so much done)

I brought up Barbara McCoys blogs. She had mentioned she would end them since her children have now all but finished school, but not only has she continued, but she has streamlined, simplified and given it a whole new look and ease of navigation.

Here are links to her 3 blogs and the last one is for her daughter's:
Handbook of Nature Study Blog
Outdoor Hour Challenges and Nature Study for Home Schoolers

Harmony Art Mom
Homeschool art and music plans

Harmony Fine Arts
Lots of great tips to create art. It doesn't look like she spends as much time on this one, but the information is still worth looking at, from an artists point of view.

Hearts and Trees
lots of lap books, and other material for bringing nature into homeschooling

That pretty much wrapped up this meeting. I am really looking forward to next month. :)

Ches Meeting

I went to a Ches meeting yesterday with Lace. Very informative! I got to understand a little better about the difference between Classical and regular schooling. I am glad Alicia has Brennan in Classical. We discussed many aspects of home schooling and I also became a little more clear on what was expected from me as Brennan's Science teacher.
There was a little time left at the end of the meeting for me to demonstrate the water colour pencils. Everyone seemed to really like them. It was a very quick demo and I had to paint it upside down.
After the meeting the school had to go into lock down as a felon was on the loose. We needed to wait until the police apprehended him.