I checked back in to this blog after many months of hibernation and realized that it is still getting hits!
Originally, Learning to Grow was meant to be a forum for me to have a one-stop place to post information, to support and to encourage the families that I work with through the HCOS community. I soon realized that the blog didn't quite serve me and the families the way I had hoped. So, I dissolved the blog.
My intention now, I hope, is to continue the blog with a new personal purpose - sharing my own family's homeschooling journey.
So, if you have been a follower through the HCOS community, feel free to continue to follow along. But I also understand if you want to stop following. :)
I hope to begin to post more regularly, although I have 4 years of homeschooling to share before I get to this year!
Learning to Grow...
Friday, September 7, 2012
Saturday, December 10, 2011
PEACE
In front of me on my desk propped up against my window are the letters PEACE. They remind me to keep work in perspective when things can get crazy and overwhelming. Jesus came to give peace and where there is not peace, there is no Jesus. I am not talking about a physical quiet and calm peace, but the deep down spirit of peace no matter what is whirling around us.
There have been many challenges in my life that I thought would have put me over the edge, things that I did not think I could handle. It is during those times that I was forced to search for that Peace which surpasses all understanding. I didn’t understand how I could possible find peace in my situation. Until I realized that is exactly where God wanted me. The peace cannot be found in that situation but with Jesus himself. Peace comes with trusting that someone will catch you when you are falling; that someone will pull you out of the fire; that someone will save you from the wreck. PEACE. I pray you all can find that peace this year as we remember that Jesus came to save us from all of our situations and that one day, he will bring us to His perfect Home. PEACE.
There have been many challenges in my life that I thought would have put me over the edge, things that I did not think I could handle. It is during those times that I was forced to search for that Peace which surpasses all understanding. I didn’t understand how I could possible find peace in my situation. Until I realized that is exactly where God wanted me. The peace cannot be found in that situation but with Jesus himself. Peace comes with trusting that someone will catch you when you are falling; that someone will pull you out of the fire; that someone will save you from the wreck. PEACE. I pray you all can find that peace this year as we remember that Jesus came to save us from all of our situations and that one day, he will bring us to His perfect Home. PEACE.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Real Life Learning
What the government considers an outcome, many of us consider real-life parenting and we do them in response to the scriptures and God’s calling rather than to the PLOs. That is one of my favourite things about homeschooling; we get to spend precious meaningful time doing what we would do anyway and not be forced to learn it from a textbook while sitting in cold seats.
With the holidays just around the corner, there are often many opportunities for real-life application of learning. So, don’t forget to write about this real-life during the holidays – often there is giving to the underprivileged, performing for others, hospitality, all of which will fall under “course work”. Share not only what they did but how they responded to them. Were they able to relate scripture to why they are doing this? Did they have a good attitude? Did they initiate or respond to a call for help? Remember, to look for “growth” in all areas and at all times – not just in their “curriculum” or assignments. My guess is that there is much evidence of growth in a child’s real-life application of what they have learned whether it came from a text or a bed-time conversation. J
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I Needed This Right Now!
Encouraging Kids Along the Path to Learning
By Virginia Vagt
The words path to learning offer us a great word picture. Word pictures (metaphors) can help us visualize and grab hold of a big concept and a deep meaning.
The word "education" is not a word picture. While the word "education" has plenty of meaning, it's hard to picture. And the word itself may not offer us inspiration as we teach our children. But when we hear the words "path to learning" in our mind's eye we can visualize an actual path. What do we see? I see a gently winding lane where many others have walked before. Such a path looks and sounds inviting. A path offers a way and a destination, or the path wouldn't exist. Paths also promise worthwhile things to see, hear and enjoy along the way to the destination. Similarly, a "path to learning" is a path. Like the walking-path it summons up for us the knowledge that the path will be walked, not raced. A learning path also offers us the idea that we'll find as much value on the way as at the destination.
As parents who teach our children it can help to picture daily life as a "learning path" and that we're on it with our kids. Sometimes our kids are running ahead on the path. Sometimes they're tired and want to stop for that drink we've brought along. Sometimes we're the tired ones. Sometimes we find a great place to stop for a rest. Even when we stop, that doesn't mean the learning stops. "There's a bird!" "Here's a new pine tree only four inches high!"
Paths, truly, are meant for walking. Learning is like that too. Most of the time the pace of learning is not very fast. Yet it's enjoyable, even in bits. Learning to read one word is just as exciting as learning to read a chapter. That's what's so great about walking-a-path versus racing down a highway. On the path there's time to encourage and celebrate our children as they learn bits, letters and words. In the process we get a kick out of it ourselves, and learn more about each of them and how they learn.
Sometimes we wonder if we've wandered off the path and if we're now lost. That "are we lost?" feeling can happen while we're walking a path. Paths are not four-lane. Paths don't have large green signs above them announcing each destination. Paths can dwindle down from a well-trodden space and can seem to all but disappear. When that happens, we look for marks such as splotches of red paint that others, who've walked the path before us, have left on stones. These marks let us know that the path is veering or turning, and that it's still there. Those who've gone before us, who've been teaching their own children for a long time, are here to offer those markers. When learning doesn't seem to be happening, consider looking closer. Maybe learning is happening, but at a slower pace than we want. Sometimes, when we're pointing to a bird high up in a tree, our kids are exploring the four-inch high pine tree. The path to learning is like that. And aren't we glad!
------
Virginia Vagt is a writer, speaker, editor and 13-year veteran homeschooling mom. Click here to read selections from Vagt's Be Encouraged column or, for additional resources, visit HomeFieldAdvantage.org
By Virginia Vagt
The words path to learning offer us a great word picture. Word pictures (metaphors) can help us visualize and grab hold of a big concept and a deep meaning.
The word "education" is not a word picture. While the word "education" has plenty of meaning, it's hard to picture. And the word itself may not offer us inspiration as we teach our children. But when we hear the words "path to learning" in our mind's eye we can visualize an actual path. What do we see? I see a gently winding lane where many others have walked before. Such a path looks and sounds inviting. A path offers a way and a destination, or the path wouldn't exist. Paths also promise worthwhile things to see, hear and enjoy along the way to the destination. Similarly, a "path to learning" is a path. Like the walking-path it summons up for us the knowledge that the path will be walked, not raced. A learning path also offers us the idea that we'll find as much value on the way as at the destination.
As parents who teach our children it can help to picture daily life as a "learning path" and that we're on it with our kids. Sometimes our kids are running ahead on the path. Sometimes they're tired and want to stop for that drink we've brought along. Sometimes we're the tired ones. Sometimes we find a great place to stop for a rest. Even when we stop, that doesn't mean the learning stops. "There's a bird!" "Here's a new pine tree only four inches high!"
Paths, truly, are meant for walking. Learning is like that too. Most of the time the pace of learning is not very fast. Yet it's enjoyable, even in bits. Learning to read one word is just as exciting as learning to read a chapter. That's what's so great about walking-a-path versus racing down a highway. On the path there's time to encourage and celebrate our children as they learn bits, letters and words. In the process we get a kick out of it ourselves, and learn more about each of them and how they learn.
Sometimes we wonder if we've wandered off the path and if we're now lost. That "are we lost?" feeling can happen while we're walking a path. Paths are not four-lane. Paths don't have large green signs above them announcing each destination. Paths can dwindle down from a well-trodden space and can seem to all but disappear. When that happens, we look for marks such as splotches of red paint that others, who've walked the path before us, have left on stones. These marks let us know that the path is veering or turning, and that it's still there. Those who've gone before us, who've been teaching their own children for a long time, are here to offer those markers. When learning doesn't seem to be happening, consider looking closer. Maybe learning is happening, but at a slower pace than we want. Sometimes, when we're pointing to a bird high up in a tree, our kids are exploring the four-inch high pine tree. The path to learning is like that. And aren't we glad!
------
Virginia Vagt is a writer, speaker, editor and 13-year veteran homeschooling mom. Click here to read selections from Vagt's Be Encouraged column or, for additional resources, visit HomeFieldAdvantage.org
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fall: Letting Go, Allowing for Change, Falling Back
Letting go: As the leaves let go of the trees, may we let go of our preconceived ideas and plans that aren’t working.
Allowing for change: As the leaves change color and the weather changes, may we allow our ideas and plans to change according to God’s will.
Falling back: As the clocks fall back, may we enjoy falling back into God’s loving arms as He guides and leads us.
Fall is my favourite season. I remember deciding that Fall was my favourite season when I was in first year of University on the East Coast. I joined a group of students who went for an annual foliage hike up a small mountain simply to view the beautiful foliage and worship the Almighty Creator through singing, and the reading of God’s Word. (If you have ever been on the East Coast, you will appreciate how amazing the colors are with such a variety of deciduous trees.) Standing at the top of the mountain, gazing upon this amazing palette of greens, oranges, yellows and reds and taking the time to be still and really appreciate the portrait is a memory that God has given me to remind me that God is in charge of everything – that He alone can change those trees, that He alone decides when it will get cold so the plants can get rest, and that while this time of rest comes about, He will be there to guide and preserve me even if things appear to be shutting down or even dying. He also reminded me that He once died but will come back again in full glory, just like those crimson trees with the shedding of leaves – they will bloom again even bigger and fuller than they were now.
My prayer for you is that you will take the time to let God speak to you during the changing seasons and that you will hear Him give you words of promise and hope.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
First Day Disaster
Schedules, early mornings, routine, reading together on the couch, writing in their journals, completing workbook pages, creating models, completing experiments. This was my vision of what our days would be like once school began again.
Well, I was hit with another reminder (I obviously need yet another) that indeed God is in control - NOT ME! My first day of schooling turned out to be a complete disaster - so bad that I had to surrender and laugh; or else I would cry. By the end of the week, I was just going with the flow and felt very thankful that I have a faithful God that proves to me that life does not fall apart without me :). What happened? I will tell you if you will keep in mind that I am making myself vulnerable by sharing my "inside voice". It sounds yucky and I am not proud of it but to God be the glory for continually making me new!
Well, first day started out just as I planned; the kids were up bright and early ready for our morning walk. After all the kids need to have a walk to bring oxygen to their brain to be ready for school. How smart of me to know this. We were on our way and I was VERY proud of myself for getting the kids out the door on time on the first day. Nice day, nice conversation, well behaved kids - good job I was doing. As we passed by the local public school yard, I prided myself on my decision to homeschool my kids. I was basking in the fact that I was going to be providing my children with an amazing day filled with laughter and learning when without warning, the feeling came on... Nausea. It came from my gut to my mouth. (If you are queasy, please bear with me, I will be quick.) And within seconds, it was coming out all over the ground right in front of the playground where all the children were playing and where parents dropped off their kids. My poor kids were asking me to please stop because people were looking. WHAT! STOP! I can't just stop! Then up came another mess.
When things subsided, I got up, held my head high, wiped my mouth on my nice shirt I wore that morning (because I also wanted to be the best-dressed homeschool mom out there) and told the kids to turn around and quickly and quietly walk back home.
I made it home without incident and was determined to continue on with my plans. As you probably guessed, my plans did not come to stand. Within minutes of sitting down to read the Bible together (because THAT is what a proper homeschool mom should do), it came again. Off to the washroom I ran.
At that point, I told the kids to try their Math on their own while I lied down for just a few minutes (because I was determined to complete my plans for the day). I was so proud when my kids could complete their first lesson without me - what a great teacher I must have been last year!
Then it was time to make that clay model of the earth's structure. That was a great idea I had and the kids were going to love it. As I called out the instructions from the couch, they listened so intently and began their masterpieces. While they were working away, I fell asleep and they continued to make and sculpt other things. That was all nice until one decided to smash the other’s and then there was revenge and then... tears and then... I woke up to the tears and torment and realized that my plans were officially destroyed.
Looking back, I wonder whether God was trying to "purge" my pride on the side of that playground by the school before the day even began. But I was too stubborn to listen. I was sick for 2 days and the rest of the week continued in the same pattern of me trying tirelessly to complete what I had written in my planner as God interjected little events and circumstances into my life that required me to be pulled from my plans. I was left overwhelmed and frustrated with God and the people around me for interfering with my plans.
It all started on Monday. It is now Thursday and I have surrendered to Jesus my pride in homeschooling. I have admitted that I left absolutely no room for God to work. (During a Bible reading one morning, I even told my kids to stop asking questions and making comments because we needed to get to the next project) I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt and no make-up. I am handing the day to God and letting him lead the conversations then allowing for changes in my plans when things go differently than I had imagined. My advice - mark your plans in pencil! The plans in my planner at this moment look nothing like they did on Monday and I am glad. That is evidence of God doing His thing despite me!
I have heard from a few of the families that I work with that you have had a hard time getting started this year; whether it’s because of the short summer, travelling, or getting used to online work, it seems to be a tough year. I would love to hear your stories! Would you be willing to be vulnerable at the sake of giving glory to God for the lessons you have learned in your trials of starting this year?
Well, I was hit with another reminder (I obviously need yet another) that indeed God is in control - NOT ME! My first day of schooling turned out to be a complete disaster - so bad that I had to surrender and laugh; or else I would cry. By the end of the week, I was just going with the flow and felt very thankful that I have a faithful God that proves to me that life does not fall apart without me :). What happened? I will tell you if you will keep in mind that I am making myself vulnerable by sharing my "inside voice". It sounds yucky and I am not proud of it but to God be the glory for continually making me new!
Well, first day started out just as I planned; the kids were up bright and early ready for our morning walk. After all the kids need to have a walk to bring oxygen to their brain to be ready for school. How smart of me to know this. We were on our way and I was VERY proud of myself for getting the kids out the door on time on the first day. Nice day, nice conversation, well behaved kids - good job I was doing. As we passed by the local public school yard, I prided myself on my decision to homeschool my kids. I was basking in the fact that I was going to be providing my children with an amazing day filled with laughter and learning when without warning, the feeling came on... Nausea. It came from my gut to my mouth. (If you are queasy, please bear with me, I will be quick.) And within seconds, it was coming out all over the ground right in front of the playground where all the children were playing and where parents dropped off their kids. My poor kids were asking me to please stop because people were looking. WHAT! STOP! I can't just stop! Then up came another mess.
When things subsided, I got up, held my head high, wiped my mouth on my nice shirt I wore that morning (because I also wanted to be the best-dressed homeschool mom out there) and told the kids to turn around and quickly and quietly walk back home.
I made it home without incident and was determined to continue on with my plans. As you probably guessed, my plans did not come to stand. Within minutes of sitting down to read the Bible together (because THAT is what a proper homeschool mom should do), it came again. Off to the washroom I ran.
At that point, I told the kids to try their Math on their own while I lied down for just a few minutes (because I was determined to complete my plans for the day). I was so proud when my kids could complete their first lesson without me - what a great teacher I must have been last year!
Then it was time to make that clay model of the earth's structure. That was a great idea I had and the kids were going to love it. As I called out the instructions from the couch, they listened so intently and began their masterpieces. While they were working away, I fell asleep and they continued to make and sculpt other things. That was all nice until one decided to smash the other’s and then there was revenge and then... tears and then... I woke up to the tears and torment and realized that my plans were officially destroyed.
Looking back, I wonder whether God was trying to "purge" my pride on the side of that playground by the school before the day even began. But I was too stubborn to listen. I was sick for 2 days and the rest of the week continued in the same pattern of me trying tirelessly to complete what I had written in my planner as God interjected little events and circumstances into my life that required me to be pulled from my plans. I was left overwhelmed and frustrated with God and the people around me for interfering with my plans.
It all started on Monday. It is now Thursday and I have surrendered to Jesus my pride in homeschooling. I have admitted that I left absolutely no room for God to work. (During a Bible reading one morning, I even told my kids to stop asking questions and making comments because we needed to get to the next project) I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt and no make-up. I am handing the day to God and letting him lead the conversations then allowing for changes in my plans when things go differently than I had imagined. My advice - mark your plans in pencil! The plans in my planner at this moment look nothing like they did on Monday and I am glad. That is evidence of God doing His thing despite me!
I have heard from a few of the families that I work with that you have had a hard time getting started this year; whether it’s because of the short summer, travelling, or getting used to online work, it seems to be a tough year. I would love to hear your stories! Would you be willing to be vulnerable at the sake of giving glory to God for the lessons you have learned in your trials of starting this year?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Welcome to HCOS 2011-2012!
I would like to warmly welcome you all to the 2011-2012 year at HCOS! I am delighted to be serving you all this year; some for another year and some of you for the first time. I truly do look forward to connecting with each of you on a personal basis over the next few weeks to explore plans for this coming year. I know that God has His plans and I pray that we will be able to work together under His guidance to hear His direction and goals for your family.
If you are working with me for the first time, please take a few seconds to read my profile in the HCOS staffroom found on the website. Here is a direct link for you but you will need to scroll down to find me J. HCOS Staff Room I am sure we will continue to get to know each other more as we share goals, plans and ideas.
There are some really exciting things happening within HCOS this year and I will be sending out various e-mails over the next few weeks and throughout the year providing information on it all but it will be important for you to keep visiting the HCOS website frequently for updates and important communication directly from HCOS office. HCOS On this end, there are brand new subscriptions along with some of your old favourites, amazing Learning Camp opportunities and fabulous tools for technology that we are using here at HCOS! I will send out more info as the weeks progress. Our Learning Commons (HCOS library) is also one of our most valuable resources for finding learning materials for your school year. You can explore that now if you want, but I will be sending out more info on how to access and utilize this fabulous resource. HCOS Library
For now, I just wanted to take the time to welcome you to a new year. Please reply directly to this e-mail as soon as possible so that I can confirm that the e-mail addresses are accurate and working. E-mail will be my main form of communication and I would like to ensure that line is open J.
Lastly I would like to ask that you be patient with me in responding to e-mails and requests this week to come (Aug. 29-Sept. 2). I returned from our Staff Orientation in Kelowna on Friday night only to find out that I need to turn around, pack my bags and fly out to PEI to attend my grandmother’s funeral. I will return on Friday and hope to begin work again on the following Monday. It is then that I hope to arrange for visits or skype meetings to discuss the goals and plans for the year. I will be trying to attend to e-mails and what I can from there, but if there is anything pressing please feel free to contact Claire Pollok and I know she will be able to help you. cpollok@onlineschool.ca
In the meantime, enjoy the great weather! Speaking of weather - could I solicit your prays for travelling to the East Coast while Hurricane Irene rages there. I will be passing right through it and expect delays and possible cancelations. Thank you and Bless you J.
Angela Paine
HCOS teacher
e-mail: apaine@onlineschool.ca
phone/fax: 250-586-4475
skype: angela.d.paine
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight" Proverbs 3:5-6
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