Our family plans on starting structured time schooling again August 2nd and that doesn't mean just the kids going back to school. The philosophies of A Thomas Jefferson Education that influence our homeschooling involves me too. One of those philosophies involves mom.... "It's about YOU, not them." If they don't see me studying then how can I expect the same of them? All too often though they see my studies in scrapbooking and knitting as craft time. While I may be researching techniques to apply or following a pattern... to them it looks like fun and not the work that they are accomplishing. So I thought this fall during our structured time, there would also be "schooling for mom." What is glorious about this is that it forces me to take the time to learn something that I have been putting off or to read something I haven't. I thought for now, a modest goal of reading four books and a topic to delve into and then share with my kids would be a mother-sized goal for me. So when we go to the Library, I have a task of books to seek out as they do. They can see me study in a way they do and not just in the fun ways.
So lets start with the four books. I figured I should get back to working on the Thomas Jefferson Education 5 Pillars Certification books and also put the requirement that I write a book report about each one.
Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew
Holt, How Children Learn
Lewis, The Abolition of Man
Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin
So.... what about this project? I figure that it needed to be something that I want to learn a skill in. Perhaps something that would put me out of my comfort zone.... just a little. I was thinking perhaps Photography. Perhaps I could sign up for a class through the rec center or community college, but then I wondered if it would inspire in me a huge dissatisfaction with our camera. Well that is one option, but what else?
I also really need to learn to sew. The kids wants so many costumes and what nots... it would be nice to have the talents to do those things. But once again, I worry that the kids will think I am having more fun than them. Hehehehe! Part of my reason for doing this is, that not only do I want to make cool things but I also want Cassie to have these skills going into her adult life (and some basic sewing at least for the boys too) as I didn't have them. So perhaps a class at JoAnn's fabric or the Rec Center.So for now, I have at least two topics to ponder and decide on. So how about you? What do you plan on learning this coming fall. Don't forget to take time to continue learning yourselves.
6 comments:
I'd never heard of Thomas Jefferson education before your blog. I'd love to know more about it, are there any books on TJED philosophy you'd recommend? Also I'd love to hear advice on how you fit in reading time. Some days it's difficult to fit in a simple Bible reading and I'm "read out" from the read alouds with the kids.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog and just wanted to tell you that I have given you a "Blogger Award!" Thank you for being so inspiring!
Hi Cheryl,
I am so glad you stopped by. There are absolutely books for you to take a look at.
The first is, A Thomas Jefferson Education, By Oliver DeMille. It is a good overview of the whole approach to home education.
Then there is a A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion, Also by DeMille which gives a more practical approach.
Then like most things, there is a wealth of resources on the internet. Some of which I think Shiloah has linked up to on this blog.
I can understand getting "read out" and like many things it is baby steps. The TJed philosophies talks about different stages our children go through as learners the three most basics (and there is more in depth to consider). As mentors to our children we often have to go through those stages ourselves in order to lead them through them. Core, Love of Learning, and Scholar phases are all things that we need to look at ourselves. Being in a Core stage is necessary for us and I know I often have to visit it for some refining myself. I definitely have signs of Love of Learning Stages in my life and applying the scholar stage is a challenge, but one I keep working at. Like reading the scriptures, some times a little at a time is all we can do. I know I have to accept that I may not make it passed one page of the book I am trying to read or perhaps in scripture study, I only read one verse. But it is the path we take that often is more important than the end.
Good luck Cheryl!
Ranee!!!
Thank you so much. I know that I find so much inspiration here too.
Your are so thoughtful to give us an award, please tell us more about it.
I think I want to learn about web design, homesteading skills (which I completely lack), and I want to finally get my certification to we a Wellness Coach. At this point, it would just be for my own satisfaction and application, but I look forward to learning alongside my children! :)
I'm so glad I found your blog. I am relatively new to homeschooling my five children so I'm still in the process of figuring it all out and finding our "groove".
I joined a classical choral group! I also plan to play piano and develop my guitar skills. I am going to actually read the eclectic stack (Jane Austen, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Cesar Milan and Stephen Covey) of books on my end table!
Thank you for inspiring me to give myself permission to schedule 'mom's study time' into my week!
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