Learning On The Road

As I write this, I sit in the shadow of the Mamba, a thrilling roller coaster that towers above the rest of the Worlds of Fun Amusement and RV Park in Kansas City, Missouri. If I open the door of my in-laws' coach, I can hear the squeals of the Mamba's passengers as they crest the first hill and plunge into the unknown. For my homeschooling family, our day at the same amusement park provided an excellent lesson in elementary physics; elementary, because my daughter is six and because I know very little about physics beyond e=mc^2 or is it y=mx+b?  Despite my dearth of knowledge in all things Einstein, my daughter and I engaged in meaningful conversations about the science behind rides as simple as the swings and as complex as the Patriot roller coaster. A day of fun served as a reminder of how easy it is to incorporate learning into almost any event.

Since making the decision to home school, I have become increasingly aware of how learning can be seamlessly interwoven into everyday living.  This is true for parents who don't home school, too, but for me this seems to be a revelation that struck the day I made the homeschooling decision. While it might be obvious how to turn a trip to the grocery store into an opportunity to discuss math concepts like measurements and money, I had never thought about how something like a trip to a wedding in Kansas City could also serve as an on-the-road classroom experience. 

As a new homeschooling mom, I find that I am suddenly motivated to discover a learning opportunity around every bend, so when I learned that we would be traveling to Kansas City, a town we'd never visited, I decided to take advantage of the novelty and uncover the city's educational gems. The over-12 hour drive provided ample time to research landmarks and other unique aspects of the city and time for my children and me to plan activities. For example, Kansas City is the headquarters for Hallmark greeting cards, and Hallmark's next-door-neighbor? Sea Life, Kansas City's top-notch aquarium. A trip to Crown Plaza, the home of both, afforded the chance to explore the aquarium and discuss the greeting card industry, which showcases a unique style of writing. When my children and I found out we'd be visiting the aquarium, we checked out books on sharks and dolphins for some preliminary research. Discussions about sea life even led to an interest in the Titanic, which my daughter has pursued knowledge of relentlessly for the past two weeks. A simple wedding invitation has led to a plethora of immediate and future learning endeavors.

The education didn't end at Crown Plaza. The wedding itself allowed A and I to discuss traditions and customs unique to our country and has given us an opportunity to extend our social studies lesson to discovering more about the wedding customs of other countries. The scripture read at the wedding opened the door to bible study in understanding why that particular set of verses may have been chosen for a wedding. The more I explore opportunities to turn the everyday into a classroom the more amazed I am by how many seemingly simple occasions become lessons, even unit studies. A trip to a new town for a wedding easily became a traveling classroom.

It is simple for any novice homeschooling mom to plan a similar approach to impromptu travels.

1. Use the Internet to study the place where you'll be traveling. Many landmarks are obvious and famous, but as you dig deeper, you will most likely discover nuggets of information that will fascinate your children, even if they might not headline the city travel guide.

2. Ask locals where some of the city's hidden gems lie. The wedding we attended had a very unique Kansas City flair. Our hosts prepared goodie bags with itinerary that outlined some of the city's unique qualities. Their wedding place cards also contained photographs of the city's landmarks, which gave us ideas for where to explore.

3. If you study the city before you leave, instead of while on the road, check out books about the city or some educational supplements to some of that town or region's landmarks, as in my earlier example of checking out books on sharks to prepare for the aquarium's shark exhibit.

4.  Understand most places are ripe with learning discoveries to unearth.  We were only in Kansas City for three days, part of which was dedicated to time with family, so we limited our tour to places that would specifically capture our children's interests and imaginations.  They also served as springboards for topics that my children would like to study further once we arrive back home. 

While this trip didn't turn me into a physicist, it did teach me a little more about the one benefit everyone should learn from homeschooling.  Every day provides unlimited chances to transform even the most seemingly mundane trip to the grocery store and turn it into an on-the-road classroom experience.  The world is indeed a laboratory of learning when you seize the opportunity.

Moms of Boys Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog, Because I Said So!.  I am so excited to be participating in the annual Blog Hop.  I just stumbled across the site while on Twitter, so today is my first day to learn about Moms of Boys, and I am so excited to join the group!!!  When I discovered the blog hop, I though it would be fun to participate!!

My name is Julie Anna, and I am the proud mom of a sweet, thoughtful, adventurous three-year-old boy named Connor (and a sweet six-year-old girl, Annie).  I love being a mom and balance staying home with my two children with running my own tutoring business, Over The Mountain Tutoring.  My loves include Jesus, my wonderful husband, parenting, writing, education, running, reading, exploring with my son, cheering for my daughter's swim team and many more!  If that isn't enough adventure, my children and I will be embarking on our homeschooling journey this fall!  So any moms who also homeschool, I'd love to hear from you and to learn from your experiences! 

My blog covers our new adventures in-depth.  I also love to write about my children.  Blogging since 2007, I took a small hiatus to work on my business but am now back and eager to share our homeschooling experience with the world in a hope to offer encouragement to new homeschoolers and rekindle that spark in those who've been homeschooling for years.  I hope you will join us on our journey!  I also blog extensively about my how my faith in Jesus Christ colors my perspective on everything from parenting to writing.  I look forward to sharing that insight with you, as well!
Follow me on Twitter, too @sportymamajules.
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Step One

I've heard it said, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  I'm assuming this applies to figurative, not literal journeys, as well.  To the "journey" of let's say homeschooling, more specifically and immediately the choosing of a curriculum.  The speaker, it seems, is trying to assuage any sense of panic felt by the traveler about to embark upon a long, overwhelming journey, one like, let's say, choosing the right curriculum for your dear first grader.  It appears the traveler for whom this advice was written knew, at least, which path to take.  The thousand miles were a straight shot toward a specific destination.  He didn't even mention needing a map; just put one foot in front of the other and keep walking toward the definitive destination.  Hmmm....my journey doesn't seem to have a clear path and therein lies the dilemma.

 I'd like to pick this wise sojourner's brain to see if he had any advice for what to do when the direction in which to take that single step is rather ambiguous.  If the decision to homeschool Anna were a difficult one, the choice of which curriculum to use and how to approach homeschooling is herculean.  It's like I'm standing on a circle, ready to set out on my homeschooling journey, and with each slight turn around the circle a possible path lies before me. No step is necessarily one in the wrong direction; they are all good paths, but which one is the best, if there even is a best, or like the past 70 NCAA College Football Champions, is this, too, a mythical title.  I'm the kind of girl who likes simplicity.  I get so overwhelmed by the 20 page menus at Cheesecake Factory and TGIFriday's that I avoid both eateries.  I prefer the one page menu that offers three appetizer choices, three entree choices, and three dessert choices, so you can imagine my apprehension as I memorize each detail of Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum in a desperate attempt to find the one perfect curriculum for my A.  As a professional educator, I'm baffled and breathing a huge sigh of relief that I was never chosen to be on a textbook committee.

Of course, I'm not lamenting the freedom of choice nor the plethora of choice.  That's one of the attributes that attracted me to homeschooling in the first place.  As someone who, when teaching, couldn't find the ideal writing curriculum, just created my own, I wasn't ready for the numerous, viable options in homeschool curriculum.  And, since first grade phonics and math are out of my comfort zone, perhaps I don't feel overly confident in choosing or creating the right curriculum.  I, after all, specialize in middle and high school reading and writing instruction.  Since Cathy's done such a great job of narrowing my choices to the top 100, I could just write my options on strips of paper and draw them from a hat, or I could flip a coin, or maybe, I could create a bracket, but what would the playoff criteria be.  Oh, it's too much. 

I'm leaning toward choosing one based on the best title. Take, for instance, Happy Phonics.  How could you go wrong with this phonics program, which according to Duffy, works well with Explode the Code, another catchy title?  Maybe, she could write another book titled, Choosing Curriculum Without Exploding Your Brain.  Those are just the phonics options; I have yet to study math.  As in most choices I make, I realize I am most likely overanalyzing this one, as well, especially since the few selections I am seriously considering have come highly recommended. 

While this process is overwhelming, it is also exciting.  I have the opportunity to carefully analyze my daughter and son's learning styles and pair them with a curriculum that best fits the particular nuances of each of my children's own educational dispositions.  Because I know them better than anyone, and I understand learning and education, I relish the opportunity to create a learning plan that fits my children's unique personalities.  How exciting!  That possibility eclipses any apprehension about finding a mythical, one-size-fits-all curriculum, which is one reason we left traditional schooling in the first place. So, as I pray about finding the curriculum that is right for my children, I will trust the Holy Spirit to lead me to the path that best fits our family, just like He led us through the first fork in the road and put us on the offbeaten path to homeschooling.  I will confidently take the next step and continue to place one foot in front of the other, trusting God's guidance on this journey, which may mean I forge a completely new path!

A's Got Talent

"Mommy, I don't have any talent."

"What?" I respond, hoping my question will buy time to think of an appropriate response. 

A flings herself dramatically onto her bed, buries her head in her pillow, and sighs with such exasperation, I notice the ceiling fan begin to spin.  "I don't have any talent," comes the muffled reply.

I'm dumbfounded.  At her age, I'm sure I'd never heard the word talent uttered, probably didn't know what it was and if I had, didn't care.  Perhaps if I had thought more seriously about my own talents at six, my mom and dad could have saved thousands on wasted gymnastics lessons.  I ponder A's sudden outburst.  Acting might be on her list of serious talent considerations....

"Of course, you have talent.  What makes you think you don't?"

"On America's Got Talent,  there was a six-year-old girl who could dance...."

That's debatable, I think, but respond, "Honey, that doesn't mean you don't have talent. You can sing, dance, paint.  You have lots of talents."

"But I could never go on a TV show with my talents."  Tears drip down her sweet cheeks.  I catch one on my forefinger and pat her on the head, seriously searching for the right words, fighting the urge to simply exclaim, "that's ridiculous" because this epiphany has clearly upset her. 

"Sweetheart, talents aren't meant to be performed for fame.  They are God's gifts to us to use in His service."  Realizing, this might be a hard sell, I grab her Bible from her shelf and open up to 1 Corinthians 12 and read about how everyone has a specific role to play and explain how everyone has an important gift that's vital to fulfilling God's purpose in their lives.  Pretty heavy conversation for bed time, and, of course, A is six, but I hope at least some of what I am saying resonates.  My goal is for her to realize that her worth isn't measured in her ability to wow an audience. 

A continues to lament her "lack" of performance talents, while I make a mental note to outlaw goofy talent shows at our house.  I stroke her hair reassuringly and joke about how Mommy could audition and wow the audience by writing on stage or about how Daddy could ride his bike.  After pointing out that Michael Phelps and Tyson Gay wouldn't make the America's Got Talent cut but will both probably win Olympic gold, I feel that I've adequately made my point.  By this time, I would have been rolling my eyes and begging my mom to leave the room, but A simply listens.  I tuck my sweet girl into her bed, turn out the lights, and walk downstairs, wondering when as a society we began transmitting the message to our children that the only talents that matter are those that bring fame, fortune, and worldly glory.  While strict about television viewing, it seems that even seemingly innocuous programming can deliver a negative impact. 

I mull over mine and A's conversation for several minutes and, as always, wonder if I said the right thing, too much, or not enough.  What message do I send in my own life about what I value as a gift, and what do I toss away as too insignificant to contribute?  I've not always valued my gifts of teaching and writing and have even joked on the blog about how I could never be Miss America because I wouldn't have a talent.  Ok, there may be other reasons I would never be Miss America like the fact that I'm married....  As A and I embark upon more time together in this homeschooling journey, I see the worth in passing on even more deliberately the kind of values that I want A to cherish and hope that she'll see the immense treasure in her own unique gifts and talents, even if those talents may never secure her a spot on a nationally televised talent show.  I hope she realizes that like A their impact for the kingdom is priceless.

Change is Good

The parade of American flags lining neighborhood streets is a reminder that July is already here and like June will be melt into memory faster than my son's afternoon popsicle. With August rapidly approaching, I am reminded that sooner than later it will be time to announce our family's pending adventure. A is already creatively dodging the question, "Where will you be attending school next year?" with a sweet shrug and sidelong glance cast up at Mommy for confirmation of her next move in the conversation. This is followed by a shrug from Mommy and an incoherent mumble of "We're homeschooling next year."

"You're what?"

"Home..mmm.sch....mm.ooling?!"

"Oh, I see."

Depending on the receiver of this groundbreaking news, we're either met with raised eyebrows, a disapproving shake of the head, a gaping stare followed by an awkward moment of wordlessness because apparently, there are none, or a noncommittal, "That's nice." The question that has given me the most pause in answering is "Why?" "Why?" Let's see, well, hmmm, why does anyone homeschool? The reasons are, I'm sure, as varied as the parents who decide to embark on this journey. So it is for my family.

When I began my tutoring business two years ago, I didn't know the difference in an LLC and KFC except that one had excellent mashed potatoes and gravy. Both, it seemed, had a secret recipe that no one was willing to share with this novice entrepreneur. After several slow months, though, business picked up and before I knew it, I was working seven days a week for two month stretches. What began as a way to contribute to my family’s waning income in a down economy had suddenly become a full-time business competing with my favorite priority, full-time mommy-hood.  While I relished the opportunity to be home full-time during the day with my toddler son, I was missing precious time with my daughter.  Our afternoon routine consisted of a whirlwind rush of settling in from school, beginning homework, then Mommy rushing out the door to work as soon as my husband walked in the door.  Knowing that I needed to work, not willing to put C in full-time daycare, but realizing that this arrangement was not going to work for mine and A's critical mother/daughter relationship, I was at a loss for how to change our situation.  Anyone who was close to our family could see this routine was taking its toll on both A and me, yet a reasonable solution did not seem to exist until I had the opportunity to work with a delightful homeschooling family.

What struck me most about this family was how confident, self-assured, intelligent, in a single word, delightful, each of the children seemed to be.  I admit I had a preconceived, unfounded vision of a homeschooling family portrait, and this family didn’t match the painting I had in mind.  This encounter planted the first seed of “what if?”  What if this is the solution my family has been seeking, the opportunity to be home during the day with both of my children, building relationships, learning, enjoying our life and me working in the evenings once my husband got home from work?  Of course, “what if?” was immediately followed by a rush of self-doubt and self-consciousness.  What would the neighbors think?  Would my husband even entertain the idea?  Would people think I’d finally gone off the deep end?  So, I wrestled with the idea discreetly for several months; that is, unless you had access to my library record and could see the dozens of homeschooling books suddenly being checked out to my account.

“What if?” slowly began to morph into “why not,” as I began to research homeschooling and was met with a wealth of information on just how beneficial this style of education can be for families and students.  I was surprised by what I learned, much of which I plan to share in the months to come, so my husband and I began discussing both the positive and negative aspects of this possibility, united in finding a solution that would work best for our family’s situation.

So….back to my original question of “Why?”  Well, in a word, “Because.”  Because, right now, it is what is best for my family.  Because, we can.  I realized through all of the research and soul-searching and prayer that I’d always been a proponent of homeschooling, and the idea was something I’d actually entertained for years.  The idea of sending my six year old off to school for seven-hours-a-day, ten months a year has always been a difficult one for me to accept, and while I realize it’s been that way for parents for a hundred years, it didn’t mean that it was an arrangement that I had to accept because it was “just the way it is.” Recent Supreme Court rulings and homeschooling laws have given parents more freedom in deciding what they believe is the best educational path for their children. 

As I continue to research the history of education and homeschooling, I find great freedom in understanding that, as a parent, I have the choice to decide how I want my children educated; that realization is both empowering and liberating.  Of course, I understand that homeschooling isn’t for everyone nor should it be.  If there is anything else this decision process has taught me, it is that each family’s ministry and place in this world is unique.  The Holy Spirit gifts us each differently, and in matters that aren’t contrary to the authority of Scripture, the Holy Spirit convicts us each in a way that is unique to God’s purpose for our families.  I have spent a great deal of time praying about this decision, specifically for confirmation, which has come in the form of unexepectedly being placed in the path of many homeschooling families over the past few months, of support from family and friends, and of seeing the excitement in my daughter when we discuss the upcoming school year. I've never felt convicted to give up tutoring and continue to receive affirmation that my business also serves an important ministry.  The idea to homeschool has become an ideal solution for my family's unique situation.

One of my greatest fears has been that others would see my decision to homeschool as a condemnation of their choice to send their children to public or private institutions.  On the contrary, as a professional educator, I encourage all families to take advantage of the freedom of choice offered to them concerning their children’s education and to fight for even more opportunity.  As a business owner, failing my customers would be unacceptable; it's time to hold schools and the powers that govern them to the same accountability. 

As a born-educator (my siblings and I turned the intercom system in our family home into a school network, complete with classrooms and a principal’s office), I am also giddy with excitement over the prospects that await A and me.  Once the gut-wrenching decision was finally made, I immediately began discussing curriculum options with my sweet girl!  We have turned the education section of 2nd and Charles into our home away from home.  Learning is seamlessly being woven into the fabric of our everyday life.  How cool is that!  The excitement doesn’t completely assuage the moments of self-doubt or the anxiety of fielding questions, albeit well-meaning ones.  So, I invite you all to join my family and me on this journey.  I’ll be chronicling our adventure and addressing the changing landscape of education on my blog.  I look forward to sharing the ups and downs of being a homeschooling family!