TED - Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Just listened to this presentation and had to share the thoughts. Excellent talk by Sir Ken Robinson.

HYMN STUDY: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

During the holidays we did a few hymn studies. These are really expanded literary studies in poetry. We spend time on vocabulary, learning any words we do not already know. We look to understand any symbolism, metaphors, etc. We point out poetic devices used and how they influence the chosen language. We pick apart and put back together, appreciating the tiniest nuances and the grandest themes. We dig for meaning and look for personal applications. 

One of the hymns we focused on was "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," which is one of my favorites. In addition to studying it literally, we listened to several arrangements and compared the musicality. Then there was an interpretive art component where the kids sought images to personally illustrate each verse for themselves.

To really understand this hymn, it's important to know what in the world "Here I raise my Ebenezer" means. I found "Raising Your Ebenezer: A Monument to Remember" which is a wonderful lesson on that which we read and talked a lot about.

Finally, though I don't think I've met a version I don't like, I'll share one of my favorite arrangements of the piece. I like the "I will sing" bridge additions. Also, I like some of the images and quotes in the following video.

New Year, New Soul

AFRICA: Akhwari--Greatest Last Place Finish Ever

Have you ever heard of John Stephen Akhwari? If not, you should find out who he is, and you should share his story with your children. Let me help you.

John Stephen Akhwari is a marathon runner from Tanzania. He was the African champion runner and he competed in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Even though Akhwari had previously beaten the man who would win the gold medal in the men's marathon that year, Akhwari is mostly known for having the worst marathon finishing time in the history of the Olympics. But really, the time isn't the important part--the finishing is. 

Here is the quote he is most famous for:

"My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it."

Akhwari's Olympic marathon finish is nothing short of heroic given all the circumstances and given his tenacious grit. He is an amazing example! I like everything about the following video except that at the end it categorizes Akhwari's finish as one of the "strangest." I disagree. I think it's one of the best and most inspiring.

Years later, Akhwari was called upon to be honored and participate in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, carrying the torch. Here is a good follow up article on Akhwari's life since his famous finish. 

Whether you're studying Africa, the Olympics, focusing on biographies, working on character development, or need a story for a Family Home Evening lesson on enduring to the end, John Stephen Akhwari from Mbulu, Tanzania, Africa is someone to talk about.

BIO: Seeds & Memorization

It's likely you've heard this saying before. I created the following picture for our fridge and the kids' memorization.

What To Do Guides for Kids' Problems and Emotions

A big shout out to my friend, Audrey, for telling me about these books!

There is actually a whole series of these books written by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., a "clinical psychologist in Exeter, New Hampshire, specializing in the treatment of children and their parents." (Because parents are part of the equation!) While the books say they are written for children ages 6-12, I've found the simple, straightforward, honest presentation good for older kids and myself as well. It is written in a way that children totally understand the concepts and it gives parents a vocabulary to have in common with their children in trying to help them (and themselves!) overcome challenges.

There are drawing activities inside that are probably helpful for younger children but feel too elementary for older ones. Some of these things we skip over because they are super obvious, some things I adapt into more of a writing exercise, and some things we just talk about. Because there are truths in these books, they lend themselves to coinciding with scripture, also, which we find to go along. I feel like I've been able to have some very good one on one discussions with family members as a result of reading these books together, and I've also had some introspective moments reflecting on my own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Love at Home Tree of Life

You may recall that we began our school year with a study of the Tree of Life. We continued the theme with a gratitude tree (didn't get that one posted yet!). For February, we now have a Love at Home Tree of Life to help us overcome sarcastic habits. This is a tree of compliments and sincerity, value and support, an effort to bear fruits of love in how we think of and speak to each other.

It would be easy to create such a thing yourself (I have done it with our gratitude tree and other things) but I did happen to come across this super cheap Classroom Kit at Walmart and because it is plastic, I can reuse it if I'm careful.

It fits perfectly on a door (I did cut for the doorknob.)

The goal is for each member of the family to write one thoughtful, sincere compliment or appreciative/supportive statement about another family member every day throughout the month until our tree is crazily blooming in love.

Off to a good start:

Why Art?

The next time you hear that the arts are being cut in your local schools, think of this quote. 

If you're a homeschool mom who is tempted to not make time for art or who gets frustrated with the mess of art, think of this quote.

2017 Word Cloud Follow Up

Earlier this month I shared my 2017 positive word cloud. As a follow up, I wanted to share a couple made by my children. I loved their visions!

Roots and Wings

I'm not claiming to be wise, but I do seek after wisdom. I believe in the "what" of the wisdom of the Chinese Proverb above, and I believe with all my heart that The Family: A Proclamation to the World gives us the "how" and "why." I've just entered into a new phase of motherhood and I'm trying with all my heart to do it right. I am a mother-in-law! 

There were some faulty, emotional moments leading up to this new phase when I feared that in order for my son to fly, as I always hoped he would, he'd have to cut his roots, and I was troubled, wondering what was the point of all I'd done and all we'd shared. But fear is the opposite of faith and it clouds judgement. Roots are a foundation; they do not hold one back but give anchor, breathe life, and allow one to rise and grow. My son and new daughter will fly higher because of their roots. They will network those roots to grow their own family, and give wings to the new sweet spirits that will join them in time. 

I did not know what to expect from my son's wedding day. I wasn't sure what I would feel. I did not know I would experience such complete joy. There is no other word. There was no division of love, just a lot of multiplication. Love and joy. Roots and wings. It's all part of The Plan.

I Can Only Imagine

I was introduced to the song "I Can Only Imagine," written by Bart Millard and sung by Mercy Me at the closing keynote address of a homeschool conference several years ago. I don't remember a whole lot about the rest of the address, but the following video was shown and it had a TREMENDOUS impact on me. I was in tears.

At first it was the story and Dick Hoyt's incredible example that inspired me. Not only did I want to be a better mother, I wanted to be a better person in general. I also felt that if Dick could do what he did, I could do more, too, and get in better physical shape; not just for me but for my family so I could do things with them without physical limitations. I wanted to be strong. I downloaded "I Can Only Imagine" to my iPod for some motivation and it was the first song I ever ran to in its entirety.

As I ran to this song day after day, the lyrics engraved themselves on my heart. I believe in a living Father in Heaven and a living, resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. What will it be like when I see them again? What will I feel? What will I say? What will I do? 

The Resurrection is going to be glorious and wonderful. Not just for people like Rick Hoyt, who will no longer be handicapped, but for everyone.  Running to this song makes me feel a little lighter, a little stronger, and a lot hopeful for that future day when my scars and pains and limitations are no more and when I'll see the Resurrected Lord. I can only imagine!

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what it will be like

When I walk, by your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see

When your face is before me

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus

Or in awe of you be still?

Will I stand in your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes

When I find myself standing in the son

I can only imagine when all I would do is forever

Forever worship you

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus

Or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence

Or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine 

New Year Lapbook

It's that time of year--time for New Year's Writing. This year I created a 2016-17 Lapbook for my kids. It is four pages of different flips and flaps and lots of reflective writing. Feel free to download the pages and use it yourself!  (If you have trouble with the download, let me know. I'm still hit and miss with google docs.)

Already in Love with 2017

I am already in love with 2017. Not because, three hours into the new year, anything particularly marvelous has happened to influence my opinion or outlook already (though I did toast my family and some good friends with a very tasty apple-pomegranate sparkling cider) or because I'm one of those who figures 2016 was so bad that anything else has gotta be better. It's true that my year last year did have some major pits, potholes, and pathetic and perplexing problems; I'm certain I cried more in the past year than I've cried my entire life. But it's also true that there were moments of great clarity, times when I was supported and sustained by friends both in Heaven and on Earth, and the blessings were too many to count. No, I am in love with 2017 because I hope and have faith.

Many people hope when a new year rolls around, if they haven't become too hard and cynical anyway. It's what people hope that varies. I honestly don't know how anyone can hope without faith, and I do mean faith in a Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. Sure, people can have faith in loved ones or financial institutions or themselves, or whatever else, but all of those things are subject to the faults and frailties of the mortal condition. I have hope and faith because time and again my Heavenly Father has brought me to and through things--strengthened and taught and directed me--and time and again I have marveled at how He never gives up on me, even when I feel I might as well give up on myself. I know He hears and answers my prayers--every one, spoken and unspoken--down to the tiniest of details. And at the beginning of this new year I have the most hope ever in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The year 2016 really was the Year of the Atonement for me, as I saw firsthand the fruits of it in people's lives and saw the unmistakable and undeniable change in these people. In different places and through various ways I felt an incredible witness of the truth and power of the Atonement. I am not perfect. Uh, not even close. But I can look back over the last year and see improvement and it makes me giddy with anticipation at how I can change and become this next year with God's grace.  I am certain there are going to be some really bad days in 2017. Lots of tears. Pain. Grief. Regret. I won't accomplish half of what I want, I won't change quite as much as I'd like, I'll probably take one step back for every two steps forward. But I stand at the doorway of the new year, glad to be alive and able to think, choose, and change and looking forward with hope and faith.

Soy Yo (It's Me)

I just have to share this video!  I have watched it several times and it just makes me giggle in delight every time.

I love this girl's confidence!  She has confidence in who she is and isn't afraid to just go and do and try and be. I would love for everyone to live with that kind of confidence.

Thanks to Montserrat for sharing.

(P.S. My daughter can't stop commenting about her glasses.  From the 8th grade until after all of my children were born, I wore glasses that big! Once upon a time, that was normal!)

Self Worth--Crabs, Fleas, and Belief Windows

I love, love, love having a recently returned missionary at home. It's not just because I missed him like crazy and now I get to hear his laugh and see his smirks and smiles, either. It's because of the discussions we have and the ideas and lessons he's been sharing from his two years of amazing personal growth.

After some rousing family discussion today as I prepared and we ate Sunday dinner, my son said that he wanted us to listen to this talk on Self Worth from Hyrum W. Smith. I loved it and learned several new things. I'm going to have to listen to it a few times for all of it to sink in. (He had it mostly memorized!) I heartily recommend it for individuals, families, through personal study or homeschool or Family Home Evening or whatever.

There is no video, so just click it and listen.

From "Someday" to "Seize the Day" - The Power of Splashing in Your Bucket List

We're almost halfway through this year. As usual, I'm a few months behind mentally, wondering how in the heck it is summer already when I swear we just had New Years. But this year, aside from the fact that I'm sad my kids are that much older and another one is "done" and about to move on, I'm not feeling like the past six months have just passed me by, leaving me stunned and eating dust. This year, more than any other year, I have seized the day(s) and lived on purpose. I have done some things on my bucket list and it has been a powerful shift in how I feel about my life.

Before I go any further, I just want to clarify what a bucket list is, in case there is someone reading who doesn't know. A bucket list is a person's list of wishes and dreams of things she wants to see or do or be or become before she "kicks the bucket," or in other words, dies.  That's the general idea. Some people make "Summer Bucket Lists" or lists for any season, of things they want to do before that season is over. But when most people talk bucket lists, they're talking about things they want to do before their lives are over.

You might be thinking, "Oh, you're just talking about goals." Not necessarily. I mean, I have a sincere goal to reclaim certain rooms of my house from clutter, but if I died and that wasn't done yet, I wouldn't feel badly about not having done it. But I will feel regret if I never see New York in person or hike in the Alps or take pictures in pure awe in Iceland. Neither is a bucket list a to do list. While bucket list items may be things you need to do, they're also things you want to do. I need my garage cleaned out, and I even want the finished product, but in no way do I actually want to clean the garage; cleaning the garage is a to do list item, not a bucket list item. The other thing about bucket lists is that many of the things people would put on their bucket list are things that can't just be easily done whenever--so they often get left as wishes and dreams because of the resources or effort required to make them happen. To be sure, goal setting is required to do things on your bucket list--but so is the attitude adjustment of going from "someday" to seizing the day.

Now, I haven't been able to go to any distant destinations on my bucket list this year, but I have taken the opportunity to enjoy "local" locales every chance I got. (By local I mean within a few hours' drive. I normally consider places within a 200-mile radius candidates for day trips.) These have included places I've heard about and wanted to go to for years and places I've driven by numerous times and wished I had time to stop and investigate. For the most part all it's taken is slowing down long enough to plan ahead, recognizing that I'm heading in the direction of ____, so why not leave early so I can stop there, too. It's also taken a "let it go" attitude on some days when I decided to make time by seizing a few opportunities in the now, knowing laundry and weeding and those things can wait one more day. 

From exploring Ice Castles to holding still on an island perch and purposely watching the sun set over the Great Salt Lake, I've found some rewarding ways to take charge of my time and do some things I've long wanted to do. It's not every day, of course, but by carving out that time on purpose and continuing to look for and seize opportunities, the busy-ness of day-to-day life with a family and especially the sometimes hopeless feel of my crowded and over-scheduled calendar of time that flies by aren't getting me down like before. It's also helping me be more conscious of who I spend my time with and helping me become the kind of person I want to be by making time for other people. And even little things, like watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (which I've always meant to do but have somehow never done until this week) and reading Uncle Tom's Cabin (another "someday" item) have helped me feel like I am acting rather than being acted upon.

Splashing in my bucket list has made me more aware of time and choices and helped me to not only enjoy myself and my time, but manage my time and self better also. So, go ahead and make a splash yourself!

The Fledgling, Expectations, and All About Robins

Intermittent thundershowers, hail, and rain cancelled our normal Saturday baseball schedule, but in between the precipitation was sunshine, so I herded the family outdoors to do some much needed weeding in the soft soil during the drier intervals. At the end of the day I went to hose the mud off of myself and encountered this fellow at the faucet.

Because he didn't immediately startle and fly away and, in fact, just sat there stone still, I first assumed he was injured. A thorough visual inspection turned up nothing wrong, however, and eventually I realized that this was a fledgling robin who was still building muscle and learning to fly. He couldn't swoop away into the trees or skies of safety, not because of injury but because of inability, or in other words, immaturity. 

What first threw me off was his size. He was a full-grown bird! A little research* taught me that it takes just two weeks for baby robins to go from being super tiny, featherless things with bulging eyes and translucent skin to being the same size as their parents. They jump out of the nest at that point, unable to fly and still needing their parents to help feed them. It will take a while longer, with the fledglings hopping, running, flapping, and hiding, before they are self-sufficient. I had expected a fledgling to be smaller, so his size influenced my expectations.

I've been thinking about this in terms of people, and more specifically, children. How often do we allow appearances to influence expectations, and how often do we expect something from our children that they are simply incapable of at the point in time of our expectation?

As I reflected on my fledgling encounter and expectations of children, the first thing that came to mind was reading and the academic expectations public schools, legislators, and thus society places on children. It is both a blessing and a curse that early on in my homeschool journey I read Raymond and Dorothy Moore's Better Late Than Early. It changed my educational paradigm and shaped my homeschooling approach in very positive ways, as well as gave me greater insight into many things about children, family, and God. Those were the blessings. The curse is that because of this, it doesn't take much to frustrate me when I hear moms and reading aids and public educators in the halls of church, or grocery stores, or at the library discussing children who struggle to read; these well-intentioned but ill-informed people often have unrealistic expectations of fledglings who do not yet have the maturity to meet those expectations.

In short, the Moore's suggest that there are numerous factors, developments that must take place, before a child is ready to read. Reading isn't simply a matter of more instruction, more attention, or more practice. And though nowadays people push for earlier and earlier formal education, for reading in Kindergarten, for more time for children at desks, etc., this is all moving in a direction in direct opposition to what children need and are ready for.

Allow me to quote just a bit from the book.  "Early education must take into account the development of the child's brain, vision, hearing, perception, emotions sociability, family and school relationships and physical growth. For each of these factors, there appears to be a level of maturity at which most children can, without serious risk, leave normal homes and begin typical school tasks. When we bring these factors together, we have an index to total maturity that we call the child's integrated maturity level (IML)....On the basis of a comprehensive review of many research findings..., we believe that the IML is seldom, if ever, achieved earlier than ages 8-10.

"When we found that neurophysiologists and learning psychologists arrived independently at the same ages--about 8-10--for the beginning of school tasks, we began systematically to review studies of the brain and of perception. Our attention was also directed to related research areas, such as vision and hearing. In fact, we found that a number of areas had been largely ignored by many educational planners...."

As you can see, there is a list of things needing to mature in children, few of which are visible to the eye. Our society tends to mete expectations based on a child's size, or at least his age, instead of a child's maturity or readiness.

Regarding vision alone, let's return to the book.

"One fact well accepted by neurophysiologists and most eye specialists is that the eye in an integral part of the brain."

"Some researchers and scholars insists that there is strong evidence that a child's eyes are not physiologically ready for continual and consistent reading until he is at least 8 or even older."

"As long ago as the turn of the century, famed American philosopher John Dewey quoted eye specialists in noting that children's eyes are made primarily for distant vision or for looking at large objects. To require the child to concentrate on near work or upon small objects for any length of time, he reasoned, would create undue nervous strain. He estimated that children should not be required to make these reined and cramped adjustments until about age 8...."

Regarding attachments, family life, and where young children truly belong:  "Parents who love their children, who understand their developmental needs, will note that neither research nor common sense dictates sending children away from home in their early years. University of Michigan child psychiatrist Humberto Nagera declares that '...no other animal species will subject their infants to experiences they are not endowed to cope with except the human animal.' We would not force a flower to bloom before it is ready unless we were prepared to ask for less fragrance or to watch it wither away before its time....This, of course, does not mean that parents do not teach a child anything....Rather, it means that the young child does not require academic teaching--the typical skills of reading and arithmetic...."

None of this is to say that no 4- or 5-year-old should ever read. It means that each fledgling child is an individual needing to mature and develop rather than all children being subjected to an expectation based on a calendar. As a mother who taught each of her 5 children to read, I can attest that each child's story is very different. None of them learned to read at the same age as their siblings. I watched over them and tested their readiness and we progressed when they were developmentally ready. Incidentally, my latest reader is my most avid reader.

Now, once again, I have a fledgling about to leave the nest. By all appearances, he is a man. Legally, he is an adult. He has matured a great deal and there is much he can do on his own. It's time to jump. This will be a hopping, flapping, running, maybe even hiding kind of summer. And, like a fledgling robin,  he'll still need some assistance with food. :)

*********************************************************************************

*My curiosity about robins led me to a most fantastic website. Everything you want to know about the American Robin is here, and I especially like the slideshow pages for kids. We'll definitely be using this resource for a project. And it doesn't stop there. Annenberg Learner is chock full of other resources for every subject, and if you want to continue with the great nature pages, Journey North does the same thing for monarchs, hummingbirds, and more that it did for robins.

Caucus Video Aids

Last night I attended the Republican Caucus with my 18-year-old. I have to say that it was really great to have him with me, participating in the process together and also discussing issues and observations both during and afterward. Sometimes I lament the "little years" being over and my kids growing up, but I am really loving the intelligent adults they're becoming and appreciating the grown up conversations.

We've learned a lot about government and elections in the past few months, and especially after watching several of both parties' debates, ALL of my kids are following the Primary results with interest and eagerness. I get updates of all sorts from them as they see headlines in our local paper and also the Washington Post that is automatically on their Kindles.  

So, Utah operates its electoral process with a caucus. The best way to understand a caucus is to attend one, but I did find a couple of videos to share with my kids about it. 

Also, there is a ton of comparative information on "Caucus v. Primary" on Diffen. It's a little outdated, though, as Utah isn't listed as one of the caucusing states.

Teach and involve your kids in everything you do!

Touch of the Master's Hand

Old video tapes made for gospel lessons by the LDS Church included the following film based on Myra Brooks Welch's poem, "The Touch of the Master's Hand." From the very first time I saw this film, I was greatly impressed and affected. 

I included this gem in our poetry studies. First we read the poem together and discussed it, then we watched the film. Still gets me.

The Touch of the Master's Hand

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

      Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

      But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,

    "Who'll start the bidding for me?"

"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?

      Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"

"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

      Going for three…" But no,

From the room, far back, a grey-haired man

      Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,

      And tightening the loosened strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet,

      As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

      With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"

      And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?

      Two thousand! And who'll make it three?

Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,

    And going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

    "We do not quite understand.

What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:

    "The touch of the Master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,

      And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd

      Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,

    A game — and he travels on.

He is "going" once, and "going" twice,

    He's "going" and almost "gone."

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

    Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

    By the touch of the Master's hand.

Interestingly, it is said that Myra Welch wrote this poem in just 30 minutes after listening to a speaker address a group of students on the power of God to bring out the best in people. She said that she became filled with light. She sent her poem to a church bulletin to be published anonymously because she felt that it was a gift from God and it didn't need her name on it.

Myra Brooks Welch lived from 1878 to 1950 and is best known for this poem, "The Master's Hand," written in 1921. As a youth she loved to play the organ but later in life she suffered badly from arthritis and spent much of her life in a wheelchair. In order to write she held an inverted pencil in each of her gnarled hands so she could pick out the words on a typewriter. She said that the joy of her writing outweighed any pain of the effort.

Smitten with Annie

For the past week we've been watching and listening to a LOT of the 2014 version of Annie. For various reasons I never really liked the 1980s version, but I got kind of excited when I saw a trailer for the new 2014 one. Then I heard a lot of negative reviews so I just forgot about it. But last week my daughter checked out the DVD from the library and... we LOVE it!  It is so much better than the old one! There are new, way better arrangements of the music, with fantastic harmonies, plus new songs we just can't get enough of. (Soundtrack is free on Amazon Prime right now!) Quvenzhané Wallis is charming and delightful and she can really sing! We like these actors better, and I like the changes to the plot, setting, and characters. Even my 18yo son who isn't a fan of musicals likes this!

Further, this movie has educational value. I made all of my boys watch it so I could reference it in our government studies relating to campaigns, polls, politicians, candidate qualities, and honesty. It gave us a lot to talk about.

I don't know if I can say I have a favorite song from the soundtrack, because I really love several of the songs. But my daughter and I are truly mesmerized by "Opportunity." Check it out:

It wouldn't be Annie without the "Tomorrow" song. I like this perkier version and I love Quvenzhané's eternally hopeful, cheerful persona. It's such an inspiration and pick-me-up!

Finally, we love the becoming in this film. There are great examples of overcoming obstacles, of changing, persevering, doing the right thing, and staying hopeful. In fact, my daughter was trying to convince me that it was okay to watch this movie on Sunday. (We have rules about Sabbath media, so my kids have to prove there are sufficient gospel principles in something if they want any shot at watching it on a Sunday.) She said, "Mom, she (Hannigan) has a change of heart." I LOVE the song that goes with it:

We are smitten with Annie!