Almost two years ago when we made the decision to homeschool. I discovered AmblesideOnline. We have been using this curriculum for both Kindergarten and 1st grade. It has been wonderful. Today we were working on school. We had just read Grace Darling and were listening to The Coming of Arthur from Our Island Story when I had the thought," Why am I doing this?" We finished up school work with a half hearted narration and the boys went outside to play. I sat down to read a few favorite blogs and answer some email.
I read this post by Fa-So-La and The Queen at The Beehive. Fa is graduating from High School this year and has used AO all along. She is one of the test pilots for this plan. She has received a scholarship from a wonderful university in our area and I know her parents and she are most proud. This essay was written for her college application.
I found myself reinspired after reading her essay. I went outside to see what the boys were doing and low and behold, they had taken the Playmobile knights and had Uther Pendragon, Arthur and Merlin trying to get the sword out of the stone. Ok so they missed the story a little but they had been listening and doesn't creative play count for narration in 7 yr old little boys?
It definitely counts. Be encouraged that the books you are reading are giving them IDEAS. That's what it is all about.
Posted by: Mamalion | April 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM
That's wonderful! I've wanted to use AO but since we are starting in the middle it's hard. We do use it as a book list though.
BTW I love the new look of your blog!!
Posted by: Mommy22Ss | April 12, 2007 at 03:29 PM
That's wonderful! I've wanted to use AO but since we are starting in the middle it's hard. We do use it as a book list though.
BTW I love the new look of your blog!!
Posted by: Mommy22Ss | April 12, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Here's my story:
I was sceptical when sister decided to homeschool. I taught at a private school in California that served as a sort of coop for homeschoolers. If parents didn't feel they could meet their kid's needs, they could take one or two classes on our campus. I had a couple of students come through my classroom who had missed out on the basics. Their spelling was atrocious, their sentence were often basic, but the ideas were there.
Of course everyone always worries about the "social development" of homeschool kids.
At lunch on Easter, all my fears in these two fields were assuaged when Sundance showed me how he can burp the alphabet. In that one precious, albeit inappropriate, moment I saw that he knows the basics AND he will fit in with all the other 1st graders.
Bravo, Athena!
Posted by: elisabeth | April 12, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Makes it all seem worthwhile, doesn't it? (I mean both Fa-so-la-la's essay and your kids' imagination.)
OK if I link?
Posted by: Mama Squirrel | April 13, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Mama Squirrel, You are always welcome to link.
Auntie--You made my day!! Your vote of confidence means so much to me!!
Posted by: Athena | April 13, 2007 at 11:47 AM
I just wanted to say hello. I come to your blog every so often and see what's going on with you. I pray all is well.
Posted by: Kyna | April 14, 2007 at 09:47 PM