Tasks Rather Than Times

We have just begun our eleventh year of home education.

Our three young men have all graduated from high school.  Emma is our last student.

As the school year came to a close last spring, Calvin gave me some insight.

It was a light-bulb-moment.  Perhaps I'm just slow to learn?

It has revolutionized things for our girl.  And for me.

I always had assigned certain amounts of time per day per subject

on each child's schedule.  I thought it was the best plan of attack.

However, Calvin's way is better.  And, it is working fabulously.
Tasks rather than times, and weeks rather than days, are laid out.

  

When the week of work is done, it's done.  Brilliant!

Why didn't I implement this type of scheduling sooner?  I wish I had.

It has made such a difference in the way things run around here.

What about you?  Do you have any tried and true secrets to share?

Tell me everything.  I'm all ears.

Happy Monday!

With Love, Camille

Only One Left

Each of our three boys has graduated from high school.
Emma is the only one left for me to teach.
I'm working myself out of a job.  Or, so it would seem.  :)  

Austin was called home to heaven six days prior to his graduation day.
Two years ago, Calvin walked the stage and received his diploma.
And now, Fraser has completed his high school requirements.  

He looks happy about it, don't you think? 

The principal of our school gave a wonderful address to the grads.

He had the honour of switching the tassel from right to left.

Apparently, that one act signifies the passage from childhood to adulthood.

Just as quickly and easily as that.  :)

We all gathered together for a family photo.

Then, the kids posed for me.

And, we posed for Calvin.

And, that was that.

Fraser, we pray that the Lord will guide you as He has in the past.
We have every confidence that He will be faithful to lead you each step of the way.
And, we know that whatever He calls you to, He will see you through!

How precious it is to belong to Him!

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;
and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly,
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  Micah 6:8

With All our Love,
Dad and Mum  XOXO

Winding Down and Gearing Up

The lazy(?!) days of summer are winding down in these here parts.

Just switching gears in my brain for the upcoming school year.

Things are gearing up for that.  Welcome Fall!

In light of this transitional time, a break from 

blogging seems to be a wise course of action.

Lord-willing, I'll be back once school is underway 

and we are in a good routine with all things academic.  

Likely, that will be two or three weeks from now.

In the meantime, I'd like to leave you with these

encouraging words from the Holy Bible.

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;

and He knoweth them that trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7
Are you trusting in Him?  That truly is the only way forward.
Absolutely the only way.

With Love, Camille

On the Topic of Books

My friend was over for a quick visit a few weeks back.

We got chatting about a number of things, as we mamas often do.
One of the topics involved book recommendations for her youngest two.

It's no secret that we love books around these here parts.

I informally promised a post on the topic of books. (Here it is!)

This list has been organised in order of age-appropriateness.
The following recommendations are for approximately ages eight to twelve.

Any novels by Enid Blyton are always a treat.
Our boys as well as Emma have enjoyed her writing extensively.

I've posted about some of her work here before ~ click here to see.

Another series of books involve a talking/witty pig named Freddy.
Again, these books have been enjoyed by all of our children.

Click here to read the post on those books.

Bobbsey Twins novels were a hit with Emma when she was younger.
These are wonderful beginner novels with stories that are age appropriate.
They are great for both boys and girls due to the fact that there are two boys
and two girls in this family of adventurers.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter ~ a wonderful read from my childhood days.
I remember squirrelling myself away one summer to read this in a quiet place.
The author does a lovely job of transporting her reader into another time and place.

Little House on the Prairie series of nine books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
These classic books are written in an easy to read and quietly entertaining way.

Our boys all enjoyed the "Shadow" and "Scout" series of books by Piet Prins.
Even our non-readers were held captive by these stories.
Click here to read my previous post on them.

These next books listed are appropriate for approximately twelve and up.
However, I made Emma wait a little longer for the "Anne" titles which
involve marriage and mothering.  As always, it's important for you as the parent
to gauge the reading experiences of your children accordingly.
The following books may require parental involvement and discussion.

Anne of Green Gables series of eight books by Lucy Maude Montgomery.
Anne is a feisty orphan with red hair who wins the hearts of all those who meet her.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a set of seven books by C.S. Lewis.
These are classics that can be read aloud or enjoyed alone.
I remember wanting to create a world through words just like Mr. Lewis had done.
Enchanting and enthralling.  Of course, they have since been made into movies.
But, the books, they paint pictures in the imagination that the screen is unable to do.

All our children loved Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor.
It's a faithful adaptation of the original classic by John Bunyan.
We've read it over and over again in our family.

Any more to add to this list?
Classics to recommend?  Favourites from your childhood?
Please do share.  We're all ears.

Happy Reading!
With Love, Camille

**I am not in any way compensated for my opinions.
It has always been my policy to recommend what we use and enjoy.

Summer Stack

Emma took an online English course this year in school.

It just so happens that it was written and administered by our very

own (one and only) homeschool support teacher (who is a treasure).
This very same teacher also happens to have taught Austin in the classroom 
when our boys attended the little local Christian school (Emma never went).

We have a history with this particular teacher, and it is a good one.

A summer reading list was required of the students who had taken her course.

Complete with reasons as to why the books had been chosen.
The assumption is that they will continue to read.  All summer long.
It goes without saying that this has always been Emma's plan.

After a quick survey of the shelves downstairs and up,

Emma produced her very own summer stack of books.

She'll likely be finished ahead of fall.  It is how it is.

I have fond memories of my own summer reading as a young girl.

Squirrelled away in our little tree house, I would read while the

summer breezes blew.  For hours on end.

Pollyanna was my chosen companion the summer I turned twelve.

The unabridged and original classic was read from my grandmother's copy.

Published in 1913.  A rare treasure.

It was a magical experience.  One that I'm not likely to forget.

What about you?  Do you have a favourite summer-time read?

A sweet memory (or two?) to share from a summer long ago or the most recent one?

Any particular books you might recommend for our girl?  Or her mama?

Please do share.  We're all ears.  Both of us.

Happy summer reading!

With Love, Camille

Fresh Perspective

As parents, we sometimes can get panicky over the bigger things of life.
One of those being what our children will do for a living when they become adults.
As home-educating parents, it may sometimes seem like it's all up to us.

And that, my friends, is a daunting thought.
It can almost become a paralyzing one, actually.

But, we must get our heads (and hearts) above the clouds
in order to see clearly and breathe easily.  Refocus.
The Lord is so good to us, isn't He?  He leads and guides and directs.
He is faithful to orchestrate everything in our lives for His purposes.

Why would this not be the case for our children?
If they belong to Him, He will lead them, too.

I stumbled across (is there really such a thing for a Christian?)
a wonderful, insightful, encouraging and steadying blog post on vocations.
Click here to read it.  I am sure you will find your heart to be blessed if you do.
Don't we all benefit from a little fresh perspective once in awhile?

God's Word is a sure foundation on which to build our lives.
It's a precious thing to remind ourselves of what our real purpose is,
and Who it is we are to glorify in the process of living it out.
The following are some of the verses I have found to be a blessing
as I contemplate these things.

"Whether therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God."  I Corinthians 10:31

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;..." Ecclesiastes 9:10

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him."  Colossians 3:17

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."  James 1:5

May the Lord truly give us daily His grace and strength
to live our lives for His glory.  Now and forever.
May we be found following Him wherever He leads.
We have nothing to fear.  Everything to hope. Because He is good.
And, He always does all things well.

With Love, Camille

Venturing Beyond

As the saying goes ~ "There are many ways to skin a cat".

It's true for almost anything in life ~ post-secondary education included.

We've had questions posed to us about how we will navigate

the university years.  And now, they are upon us.

We are venturing beyond the shores of high school with Calvin.

Austin graduated to heaven in the same year he was to graduate from high school.

We had no idea that he would not need a post-secondary education.
We had no idea that his life here was ticking down in days rather than years.

But, the Lord knew.  It was not a surprise to Him.  Not in the least.
And, His ways are always best.  Though we may not always understand.

We rest and we trust.  We must. 
The Lord is faithful to bestow great and abundant grace.

Since we were expecting Austin to go on for further education,
plans had been made.  A course of action had been set.
He was hoping to become an architect.  In order to facilitate his aspirations,
an undergraduate degree was required first off.

We knew where he wanted to end up,
so, we worked it backwards and planned out a course of action.

A number of universities were researched by my Sweetie,
and, one emerged as the best option for our boy.
So, contact was made two years in advance, 
and communication between Howie and Austin 
and the admissions department began.

~ Calvin with his first year books ~

The university was approached with an inquiry into their
requirements for admission into the desired program of study.
Once we knew what those requirements were,
we were able to begin meeting them.

Moral of the story?  It's not as elusive as it may seem.
Determine where you want to end up, and find out how to get there.
It certainly simplifies things when this pro-active approach is taken.
It eliminates waste and takes the mystery out of things.

Due to the ground work already laid for Austin,
the process was relatively stream-lined and straightforward for Calvin.
The school already was aware of our family and our course of action
had been fully disclosed.  They were very accommodating and helpful.

Communication, it seems, is key.

So, navigating the high school years and beyond doesn't
have to be a daunting task.  Just simply set your goals
and discover the ways in which you may achieve them.
It's as simple as that.  Really, it is.  Mostly.  :)

I'm right here cheering you on!
Many Blessings, Camille

Summer Projects

Summer is the time for projects.

At least, that's the way it is around here.

We had a tree felled, which meant we had some wood to deal with.

Fraser and Calvin both took turns splitting logs.

The wood shed is full to overflowing now...just the way I like it.

Look at the size of those logs!  :)

The fence needed some attention.

We got Fraser and Emma going on it.

They got suited up and worked away.

It took two full days, but, they got it all done.

With a little bit of guidance, they did it all by themselves.

Doesn't it remind you a little of Tom Sawyer and the fence he

was required to whitewash?  Ah, those long summer days.

Perfect for painting fences...wouldn't you agree?

Calvin was put to work on the back deck railings and stairs.

He seemed to be happy about it (mostly, I think).

And, he did a great job (bonus).

Ah...the good life!  :)

Can you spot all three of them in this shot?

We are gearing up for another school year once again.
Summer is coming to an end, and so are the outdoor projects.
Do you do extra jobs around your home in the summer?
Or, do you save them up for the winter months 
when the weather is less agreeable?

We have both outdoor and indoor projects to do
on an ongoing basis, it seems.  
Next up around here is the basement hallway.  
The weather is still too nice to tackle it just yet.
I'm not even thinking about it.

Happy Weekend Y'all!
Many Blessings, Camille

It's Official

Our Calvin has graduated from high school.
Last Friday, he walked the stage and had his tassel
transferred from the right to the left.
It's official.  He's done.

 It all kinda snuck up on us.
Wasn't it just yesterday that he was playing trucks
and digging up in the back yard with his big brother?
This is how I remember him.

And now...here we are!
How did it happen?  It seems like a blur.
Time just flies by...doesn't it?

How MUCH we miss our Austin.  It hurts my Mama heart.
How thankful we are that we soon will be together again.
Very soon.  In our forever home.  For all eternity.

The Lord is so very good.  His ways are always perfect.  
Even when things don't turn out the way we want them to.

He is with us each step of this journey.
And He is faithful to carry us through.
May His loving hand be upon you in your lives as well.
Truly, He is the only reason we have any hope at all.

With Love, Camille

Tying up Loose Ends

The school year is winding down.

We are in the midst of tying up loose ends.

It's busy and good and crazy all at the same time.

This too shall pass.  It's how it goes.

So we work and live and plod along.

The list of to-do gets shorter each day and 

we see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It's a good feeling.

Fraser is preparing for his RCM exam ~ two days to go!

Emma reads in the sunshine....

...and is in the midst of a project.

She is also plodding away at her math.

Calvin just has one more exam to write and is filling
his days with jobs ~ some for pay and some for dinner.  :)

What about me?  I cut three heads of hair this morning.
That's a good feeling, too.

And so it goes.  We are seeking to do the next thing.  
By God's great grace.  And in His strength.

We are thankful for eyes and ears and arms and legs that work.
There are many in this world who struggle to live out their moments.
Who struggle to survive.  Every. Single. Day.  All their days.

Nothing is guaranteed.  We are not promised a life of ease.
We don't know what tomorrow will bring.
However, we do know the One Who holds it all together.

May we never take for granted the blessings we have been given.
And may we look for opportunities to be a blessing to others ~
In ways big and small.  All for the glory of our Great God.

With Love,
Camille

Don't Miss This!

Don't miss this!  
There is to be a creation/evolution debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye.
It's being touted by some as the debate of the decade.

Click here to learn more.
You can sign up for the live streaming broadcast,
or pre-order the DVD by following the link above.

If you have trouble opening the first link I provided,
click here to get to the Answers in Genesis home page.
The debate is advertised on the right with an image like the one shown below.

Please help spread the word!

Let's also remember to pray.

This is a spiritual battle.  It is not a battle of wits.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, 

that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand....

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

~ Ephesians 6:12, 13, and 18 ~

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; 

so that they are without excuse; Because that, when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."

~ Romans 1:20-22 ~

May God be glorified and eternally exalted.

He alone is worthy.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Images in this post courtesy of Answers in Genesis

What About Socialization?

What about socialization?

All those who have been home educating their children
for any length of time, know that this is 
THE all-time most popular, always-asked question.

I cannot tell you how many times it's been posed to us.

Many.  Over and over.  Again.
And Again!  :)

~ Emma (centre) with two friends at 
our weekly skating outing ~

Rather than re-invent the wheel,

I am going to share with you a well-rounded,

thorough, and well-thought-through answer via a link.

My friend Heather, who blogs at Cultivated Lives, nailed it.  

Find her wonderful post by clicking here.

I am sure you will be encouraged by her words.
Just as I have been.

~ Fraser and Emma playing Skip-Bo ~

Thank you, Heather, for writing such a
well rounded, well thought through article on this
topic that we all must wrestle with.
Not just those of us who home educate.
All of us.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Year Eight Begins

Year eight begins ~ how time has flown!

We began our home education journey when the boys

were beginning grades six, four, and two.

Emma was four years old at the time.

It felt as though I had been thrown into the deep end.

Sometimes it still does.  :)
But, I am so thankful that we have been called
to this path ~ SO thankful!

After morning devotions and breakfast,

we went on our beach walk.

It's good to get back into these routines of life.

They do, however, produce bittersweet memories of days gone by.

It's a path we must tread.  The Lord is Faithful.

He is with us each moment of each day.

His ways are perfect and He lead us so gently along.

How precious it is to belong to Him!

The day began with rain.

We got soaked, so the clothes required drying time.

I *love* my mud room!

Calvin got Emma set up with some things she

needed online for school.

It warmed my heart to see and hear

them interacting at the kitchen table.

Fraser was so happy to crack open the computer

and begin his studies this year ~ 

doesn't he look excited about it all?  

(He really is excited...I'm not joking).

I've mentioned before how much I *love* these books ~

It's a blessing to have access to such wonderful resources!

Who can complain when roses are still in bloom and

making their way indoors?  So fragrant and lovely.
These blooms are from our hybrid tea rose tree ~ 
a gift from our neighbours in memory of Austin...
wasn't that just the sweetest thing to do?

See Emma in the background of this photo?  :)

At this moment, the children are out getting the papers

sorted and delivered ~ It's a blessing, too.

When they come indoors, it will nearly be time for dinner,

and then our night-time routine will be underway.

The first day of year eight is coming to a close.

Thankful this day that the Lord's promises

are sure and that He will keep us until the day 

we are taken Home to be with Him.

May we be found to be faithful to follow wherever He may lead.

May each of you find that His loving Hand is upon you as well.

He is Good.  He is Faithful.  His ways are always best.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Home Education ~ Two More Questions

In my last post, I sought to answer the first 
of three questions my friend had asked about home education.

This post addresses questions two and three.

Question Two ~ What Curriculum do you use?

Answer ~ Over the years we have tried many different curricula.

I have *loved* a few, strongly disliked some, 
and never got around to using others.

Interesting how that works, isn't it?
I would caution any parent just beginning down the road 

of home education not to get carried away.

It is SO easy to do!  

My advice?  Don't buy up everything that appeals to you.
Just buy what you need, borrow what you can, and make do with the rest.
Take it one year at a time and enjoy the journey.

Last year, I shared some of my favourite resources on this blog ~
Click here if you wish to view that post.

Initially, the most important thing to do is to read,

and read, and read some more.

Try to get outside and enjoy some fresh air daily ~ exercise together.

Explore God's creation in the great outdoors and then come inside 
(or stay outside) and read about what you've discovered.
It's a great blessing to direct the attention of our children
to our Great God throughout the day. 
Make much of Him and His Word ~ you will never regret it.

Encourage creative play with sand, water, paint, etc.

Life really is one big giant classroom.  It's unlimited in its scope.  
There is so much to glean from just observing the order of it all.

Keep it simple.  In the early days, especially.

It's a wonderful thing to in-still a love of learning and discovery in your child.

There is no need to reproduce the classroom setting.

Learning takes place all the time.  In many ways.  Through many sources.

We maintained the idea that the basics were most important.

Establish in your child a love of reading.

Teach them to spell and write and figure numbers.

It's simple, really.  These are the basics.

Other things stem from that.
There will be a natural progression from the basics into the other subjects.
One thing very often does lead to another and another.
It's a beautiful thing, really.  :)

Science experiments are easily done in the kitchen or back yard.

History is learned about in books and through audio and visual media.
Your child may choose to demonstrate learning by acting it out.
Opportunities for art and music and sport can easily be incorporated into life.
It's not difficult to add things in, but, it can be challenging to remove them.
Build your home school carefully and thoughtfully.  You won't be sorry you did!

If things need to be tweaked, don't despair.
Each year of our home education journey we have changed 
at least one thing.  It's normal.  Even healthy.
But, if something is working well ~ don't change it!
Rejoice that you have found what works for you and enjoy it.

Question Three ~ How do you connect with other home school families?

Answer ~ Oh, the ways and means are so varied!
How wonderful it is that, should you choose to travel this path,
there are many that have gone before, and many will be on the road with you.
There are local homeschool groups that can be joined.
They will have a variety of programs available for both parents and children.
There will be field trips and mom's groups and support for all manner of concerns.
The opportunities are endless...you may avail yourself to all of it or none of it.

We are linked to a school that has many parents who like to do
field trips and outings throughout the school year.
There are times we have opted in or out depending on the season
we found ourselves in as a family.



Another option is to build your own circle of friends through
meeting other moms on outings such as these.  
I have friends who met weekly for a number of years
when their children were small.
It was a wonderful support group for them all.

God is Good.  He supplies our every need.
He will be Faithful to supply the needs of our children as well.
Each year, it seems, those needs will have a way of changing.
One thing to keep in mind as we home educate our children
is to recognise that things will not stay the same.  Life changes.
We must be flexible and go with the flow.
We ought to seek the Lord for wisdom through it all.

Trusting Him each step of the way!

With Love,
Camille

Home Education ~ Where Should We Begin?

I have a sweet friend who is interested in home education.

She is in the planning stages and has asked some questions.

I thought perhaps some of you might be wondering some of the same things.

That's why this post has been written ~ I trust it will be helpful.

First off, please let me share this thought ~
Home education is not necessarily for everyone.

I do not believe that it is a sign of ungodliness if you do not home educate.

There are godly parents in our circle of family and friends who

send their children to both public schools and private schools.

We do not intend our views on these things to be taken as judgement

on what they have chosen before the Lord to do in their own families.

It really is a decision that we each must come to 

through much prayer and waiting on the Lord.

It's not an easy one.  Especially in this day and age.

We all desire the best for our children.

For us, the best included home education.

For others, it means public or private school or a combination of both.

We answer to the Lord for the choices we make,

not for the choices others make.
They do not answer to us, and we do not answer to them.
On matters such as these, we must allow conscience to dictate.

How liberating this is!

Having established all the above, please know that this post
is meant to give answers to those who are looking for them.
It is not my intention to change the minds of those who
have already decided one way or the other.
I really do believe that these things are between you and the Lord.
I just had to clear the air on that.  :)

Question number one ~ Where should we begin?

Answer ~ With the Word of God and Prayer.

He is the One that will lead and guide and give wisdom.

We all ought to seek Him as to what He would have us to do,
and then, be willing to follow wherever He may lead.
If He leads us to home educate, He also will give the strength 
and grace that will be required day by day to carry it out.

Then, if the decision to commit to home education is made,

or, if you are still unsure of the way forward for your family ~
begin by getting your hands on a copy of this book.

I cannot recommend "When You Rise Up" by RC Sproul Jr. enough!

It is a wonderful book to revisit each year of the home 

education journey ~ it's just so affirming and encouraging.

Ask the Lord to guide you to those who have gone before
who you may glean from ~ this is so valuable.
Even if you are the only home educating family in your church
or neighbourhood, there will still be those who may be of assistance.
You may just have to get a little more creative in how you find them.  

The specific practical answer to the question is as follows
(assuming that prayer and seeking the Lord has taken place first) ~

In Canada, each Province has its own set of rules.

Apparently, it's like this in the States as well.  
In our Province, a child is to be registered with a school

by the time they are in grade one. 
It is not a requirement to register your student for Kindergarten.

However, you may register or even enroll them for that year
if that is your preference.

There are basically two types of home education streams in our Province.

Stream One ~ You just register your child and do your own thing.

In this stream, you are not accountable to anyone 
and do not have to submit anything.
You can be as structured or non-structured as you like.
No one will be checking up on you.
You keep your own records if you are interested in doing so.

Stream Two ~ You enroll your child with a school and 
are answerable for meeting learning outcomes 
as determined by the school board.
You receive a report card created for each child
based on work accomplished ~ this is done by your support teacher.

In this instance, you submit a portfolio of 
evidence for learning accomplished throughout the year.

Usually, this requirement is met by weekly contact 
with a support teacher via email and three larger portfolios at 
approximately three month intervals September to June.

Under the umbrella of the second stream,

there are three general ways of accomplishing your home education goals.

When your child is enrolled, you may choose from the three following options.

Option One ~ Fully online studies or live streaming of classes or DVD courses.

In these instances, a teacher is assigned to your child, and they do their work from home.
Your child would need his/her own computer as he/she would be on it much of the time.
The parent acts as a facilitator, but, is not required to teach the child.  
The parent is there to help the child, and the teacher helps them both.
There are many schools and curricula to choose from to fulfill this option.



Option Two ~ Fully Individualised Course of Study.

In this instance, the parents choose the curriculum.
There are literally thousands of options in this department.
You work with the teacher assigned to you from the school you choose to enroll
with to facilitate the needed outcomes for each year of school.  
There are many, many ways to fulfill these demands in creative ways.
In this option, the parents are the ones facilitating and guiding the course of study.
This has been the option we have used for most of our children's education ~
especially in the elementary years.

Option Three ~ Integrated Course of Study.

In this instance, the parents choose some of the curriculum, as above,
and the child is also enrolled in some online courses.
This may be viewed as *the best of both worlds*,
in that the parents still have autonomy to decide what the child studies,
while making use of online support from teachers in various subject areas.
We have tended to use this option for the high school years.

A little while back, I did a series of posts covering 
some of our home education journey ~
The first in that series may be found by clicking here.
There are five posts to read...just follow the links from one to the next.

The following questions are answered in the next post ~ Click here to find it.
Question Two ~ What curriculum do you use?
Question Three ~ How do you connect to other home educating families?

May the Lord bless you all as you seek to follow Him
wherever He may lead.  He is Faithful!

Many Blessings,
Camille