Respect - Character Training

re·spect

(verb)
1. To hold in esteem or honor
2. To show regard or consideration for
3. To refrain from intruding upon or interfering with
4. To relate or have reference to

In the character training that we use, it states that someone who is respectful treats others the way they like to be treated and are not selfish, sarcastic, rude, or hurt others on purpose.  (You can find the character/virtue curriculum that I use here)

Respectfulness is a character quality that needs taught as early as possible.  Without showing respect, one cannot not expect respectfulness to be shown in return, it is unfortunate, but true.  Children who are respectful are more likely to be taken seriously and given opportunities as they grow older.  Here are some more resources to help you with Respect:

• What Five Core Values has to offer about respect
• Lesson Plans on respect from Character Counts
• Barney's take on respect - video
• Character Companions video on respect
• Lessons on respect from Focus on the Family
• Heart of Wisdom's Character Trait sheet

Attentive - Character Training

at·ten·tive

  [uh-ten-tiv]  Show IPA

adjective

1.

characterized by or giving attention; observant: an attentive audience.

2.

thoughtful of others; considerate; polite; courteous: an attentive host.

In the character training we use, it states that someone who is attentive watches and listens carefully and is not forgetful, distracted, or distracting, and they don't ignore or interrupt.  (You can find the character/virtue curriculum I use here) 

Attentiveness is an important character to have both as a child and an adult.  Your children need to learn to be attentive from an early age.  It is important for many reasons from the child's safety, to being a way of showing respect.  Here are some more resources to help you with attentiveness:

• Heart of Wisdom's Character Traits List
• Character-in-Action's Attentive Lesson Plan
• Character First's ideas on teaching Attentiveness at home

Homeschooling through High School

Why, yes, yes, we do homeschool our high schooler.  Okay, is it really that strange? I have invested A LOT of time and money and effort and heart and yes even possibly some of my soul in schooling my children at home.  Why, oh why, then would one be surprised that I would not want to lose that investment?

I know there are situations and circumstances that cause one to decide to opt into public school once their children have reached that age. BUT I do see it happening a lot because of reasons beyond my understanding.  For example:

• My child wanted to
• oh, okay, well at one point my child wanted a tattoo....yeah we didn't do that either.
• I don't know where I would even begin
• really? how did you begin homeschooling in the first place.... or hey, there's the internet.
• I don't know anything about record keeping
• again, there's the internet.
• What about a diploma.
• don't even need that to go to college.... I am a college graduate and I was a high school dropout with a GED.

Anyway, there are more but I don't want to give in to my negative snarky side :). What? its too late? oh well, I tried. My point is don't invest so much of yourself, spend so much of your family's time and resources just to give up out of fear or uncertainty.  Again, I do understand that there ARE reasons where homeschooling ISN'T what you feel is best for your family and I am not arguing that.  I am referring to those who don't homeschool high school out of fear of failing or fear of trying.  Just hang in there, do what's right in your heart and give your worries to God for Him to handle.

Update on 2012-13 plans

Hi, I have made some changes to my plans for this school year, you can find the update at the bottom of the original post: Plans for 2012-2013 school year

Role Playing Games

My son took up role playing bored games, mostly D&D.  At first I was like eh, its just boys being boys, but as he is getting more and more into it and even DMing (heading up) his own campaigns, I am starting to see just how much work actually goes into playing this 'game'. He even DMs a game for the family to play occasionally on family game night.  Not only is Tyler playing D&D fun for him, but he is learning much from doing it.  He puts hours into researching and planning out campaigns.  He has to strategize, plan, create and develop.  During game play he has to think on his feet, be quick witted and creative. He has to be a team leader, leading the players through game play in a way that will maximize fun and creativity for all.  He has to have a VERY vivid imagination.  He uses math and logic during each battle. The list goes on and on, so yeah, I ENCOURAGE my son to play D&D, and quite frankly, if you can find the right group to play with you I encourage you and your teens to as well. :)

Discouragement in the homeschool

As a homeschooling mother, it is often hard not to get discouraged at least a couple times throughout the school year.  Whether it be a difficult child, or a subject that someone just doesn't seem to comprehend, burnout or something else, we all seem to suffer from it at one point or another.  During these times it can be difficult to keep your motivation levels up, to be positive and encouraging to your children, to be supportive and respectful to your spouse, many things suffer when discouragement occurs in your homeschool.  Sometimes during these times I will try and spend more time on my devotionals, sometimes we just take a small break for a few days, but what I find the most helpful is making connections with other homeschool moms for encouragement and reading 'Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit' by Teri Maxwell.  This book has refueled me many times.  I guess my point here is that you aren't alone, not only have others experienced this as well, but God is always right there beside you, these are the times you just need to lean on Him. Feel free to comment below any discouragement or encouragement you would like to share with others. Blessings all my fellow homeschoolers!

Timez Attack Review

Timez Attack is a fact fluency program by Big Brainz.  It is designed to help kids learn their math facts.  When our son (the avid video gamer) was having trouble learning his math facts, we began to search all different ways that might make learning them fun.  That's when we found Timez Attack.  We love it! It helped our son learn his multiplication table in no time, all while having fun.  He didn't even think of it as learning, for him, it was being able to play a game that mom and dad actually encouraged. If you have a child getting ready to or needing to learn their math facts that likes video games, I highly recommend this product, my little niece even loves it.