Not Canadian Enough

I am from Windsor, Ontario, born and raised. Yes, some would call Windsor the armpit of Canada(the most southern area in Canada). I have even heard that we are now called the sin city of Canada...Yikes. I have always found it hard to enjoy Canada Day because of the strong American influence here. We are bombarded with American news, movies and music. I sometimes feel left out of Canada. In school we learned Canadian History and Geography and even some Canadian literature but I think what was missing was a sense of being Canadian or Canadian Culture. Does Canada even have a culture? What is it to be Canadian? I know being Canadian makes me free. Something that is a great blessing and should not be taken for granted. This is what my children will learn. I appreciate Canada and it's freedom. I thank those who fought for our freedom and are still fighting to keep us safe, locally and abroad.

Canadian History and Geography curriculum can be so fun and interesting. Our local library is jamb packed with books, videos and dvds that I will not have to pay a cent for this subject. I will be putting together unit studies probably along with field trips to local historic museums. I am looking forward to this year and hope to learn about the different Canadian cultures through the array of homeschooling families from coast to coast at Canadian Carnival of Homeschoolers Blog.

Get A Life

My life outside of homeschooling...I am trying to get one...or should I get one. Our lives can be so wrapped up in serving our families that we forget who we are. Should I take a art course, go back to work full time...no I already tried that. Last year I went back to work full-time and what a disaster. I had a big, huge wake up call that I was already in the place were God wanted me to be. I worked 45 hours a week for 1 year almost to the day. I thought that if I worked then the kids could go to a Christian private school and everything would be peachy. Well things were not peachy. The kids were bored to tears, I was crazy and my husband became the cook and didn't have time to do the things he was supposed to be doing. When I say cook I mean sandwiches and egg omelette's (not to shabby). Two weeks ago I started an office job where I work 1 full day per week except for filling in for a vacation. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with this job because it fulfills a need that I have for a life outside of homeschooling and brings a little extra money for our family.

Another large part of my life outside of homeschooling is in a singing ministry. Our worship team from my church meets once a week for a rich prayer time and worship practice. What joy...worshiping the Lord in song and coming together with my brothers and sisters in Christ, in one spirit...what joy.

I was just talking with a new home schooler who asked me a question. She explained that she did not want to be away from her kids but still wanted some me time. My advice to her was to make sure she joins a support group who frequently organizes events like swimming lessons for play groups. I found this the best time to talk to other moms and get adult conversation while your children are getting some group activity.

We are individuals with hopes and dreams, but I think for a home schooler our hope is for our children. For them to grow and learn in freedom.

Being Taught or Learning

The word taught comes from the word teach. The word learn means to get knowledge or skill by study and experience. Traditional school settings put emphasis on teaching. But does this mean that there is learning taking place. A child can be taught or is it more important for a child to learn.

In the early years, the emphasis of learning should be on reading and comprehension. We spent most of our day reading. I read to them, they read to me, they read by themselves. Many different media were used: children's books; magazines; encyclopedias. They even wrote their own books. As they grew in reading comprehension, I incorporated self-learning curriculum. I was just informed the other day that my son attained first place in the Gauss Math Contest at school. I only say this because I want to emphasis that my two kids learned math on their own. My daughter who is also in grade 7 received honorable mention. I do not really care what grades my children get in school. This is another reason why we will be homeschooling next year. The emphasis should always be a love for learning that lasts a lifetime and not teaching that ends at the end of June and starts back up again in September.

I am often asked how I teach all the subjects that school teaches. I have not taught a thing since my kids could read on their own. My main job is to provide many resources and enthusiasm. The kids learn on their own because they enjoy it.

Why Homelearning is A Wise Educational Alternative

What I have observed in the last 9 years regarding the education of my children has brought me full circle. To say that I have experience in many educational settings is an accurate statement. I have attended public school, university, community college, vocational school and have learned through correspondence. My children have similarly experienced many styles of school.

Homelearning is a wise educational alternative. Homelearning creates a love of lifelong learning. This year the kids attended a private Christian school. This is an excellent school with many wonderful people and great opportunities. However, what I have noticed is one very important thing. It is still school. When that bell rings learning is done. They have retained some of their joy for reading and learning, but nothing compared to homelearning.

There are many, many reasons why homelearning is a wise choice but nothing compares to a lifelong love for learning. A parent does not need a teaching certificate or a super high level of education. A parent only needs to be resourceful and creative.

How Exciting!!

We are taking the plunge again. Both kids are finishing up grade 7 in a Christian Private School and we will be back to homelearning grade 8. We have come full circle. I have come to learn that homelearning is the best form of education. A resourceful parent is worth all the best schools in the world. By full circle I mean...we are back...after public school, private umbrella school and private christian school. I would love to read your comments on this subject. Do you have any questions?

Welcome

Welcome to Love To Homelearn.

As an experienced Homeschool parent, I plan to share that experience in order to encourage and uplift and maybe even deter you from giving up as I did. I will be sharing in the days to come what its like to be a stay at home mom, full-time working mom and much much more. Stay tuned for up to date links and resources to help you on your journey. Talk to you soon.