Presents for a Braniac

Birthdays Can Be Treacherous

We're mid-birthday-month right now. Naomi and I have birthdays at the beginning of October, which involved nearly a week's worth of festivities this year, and Leviah's is at the end of the month. Birthdays can mean an onslaught of plastic nonsense that clutters are hallways and bedroom floors. Sure, they initially have a special place in the closet but the '1 toy at a time' rule is just so darn hard to enforce! We're trying to think of some new approaches, this one is particularly intriguing...

Anyway, after purging a ton of toys, games and clothing before the birthdays (as is a yearly tradition) the last thing I wanted to do was restock on unnecessities. So, we went basic. 

Mancala (she squealed with delight)

Turnabout is Fairplay

Origami Paper

Yarn 

and my personal favorite, a Fraction Circle. This thing is awesome! She put off playing with until I forced her last week. I knew when she opened it she's too old for me to dupe her into thinking learning toys are good gifts. But, she thanked us and quickly opened another. 

When I finally did encourage her to pull it out to see what it was all about we all fell in love! I'll let the pictures give a better idea:

there's an empty circle frame to which you add from the many fraction pieces that came with. 

you can see how having 12/12's is the same as 1 whole circle, like like 2/2's. 

Plus you can mix and match fractions. 

 Everyone took a turn coming up with things, comparing 2/8's to 1/4, etc. 

Which piece of pumpkin pie do you want? 

Anyway--this inexpensive manipulative (and everything in Sima Design's shop) does make a great gift!

Getting Parenting Right-ish

A quick tip for keeping cool with your kids.

Before I had kids I was magnificent with them. I adored them, joked with them, spoiled them and encouraged their cantankerous ways. I'm not like that much with my own children...which recently struck me as a bloody shame. 

Though I don't ever see myself letting loose in quite the same fashion I did before I had the weight of child-rearing on my shoulders, I need to see my children differently. What's the difference between interacting with other people's children? Well, obviously, they're not mine and I'm not responsible for their behavior, failures, successes or defeats, I'm just a person they (usually) respect and they rarely come crying to me. But, I would comfort them if they did...and those interactions with kids are what I thought parenting was all about, and I wanted them to come crying to me.

I've determined, and it is helping me de-rigidify, I need to see my kids, even in their worst moments, as if they're not my own. This is a revelation when I'm irritated, angry, tired, worn out, beat down, busy, or at any given moment really. Even in the midst of good times, this thought lately occurs and softens. And, as a matter of fact, they really aren't mine after all; they're a gift. Sure, I'm obligated to them, but I asked for these gifts and got them. Yes, we're caretakers, somewhat obligated to provide them shelter and nourishment, ought to have authority and so on, but I've got to see more often how even at their worst they are what I asked for, and beautiful at that. It's amazing how a different mindset can add some perspective in heated moments, and the fun moments can be a little funner, too.

Now this is a serious digression from the farm goings-on, surely not because there's a short supply of them, but as much as it's been helping me to think this way, I thought it might be useful to other mums and dahs out there. (English slang as a result of our Larkrise to Candleford watching lately). In conclusion: your children aren't really yours, so be funner. 

p.s. yes, these are all instagram pics. come and follow...

Our Math Methods

As an update I wanted to share some images from our Math by Hand experiences. We have LOVED using these math resources. It is a great fit for our family.

making pipe cleaner numbers--Leviah (age 4) following along in the background

Admittedly, Naomi is behind her age group in math, we have taken it very slowly. I have a fear that she will despise math if I push her. 

(bremen town musicians take on the number 4)

We're finally nearing the end of the first year of curriculum, and moving through it faster than ever. We had some hiccups what with moving and getting settled and all, but having nestled into a more structured rhythm, I'm thankful that Math By Hand has been such a simple, steady and reliable way to strengthen Naomi's concepts of numbers, their qualities, and the 4 processes.

 

bringing out the pipe cleaner numbers, the four processes gnomes, and the bean satchel counters to work on equations.

(the closest image is of a 'square numbers' chart recently posted on the Math by Hand Blog--it's FULL of terrific & free resources, as is the e-newsletter & the facebook page)

Having no prior experience with the Waldorf approach to math, it has been so comforting to have a place to turn and detailed instructions on how to introduce age appropriate information. From clay, pretzels, pipe cleaners, felt, and many other forms of handcrafts included in the curriculum and materials, Naomi has pouches and workbooks and form drawings under her belt I would have never pulled together on my own. Not only instructions, but the supplies to create tangible numbers and counters and costumes all to bring math to life. Not to mention the accessibility to the creator of this great resource, Marin Lipowitz. She has been so helpful and supportive with any question that arises. 

So, I'm very grateful to the internet for helping me stumble on Math By Hand those many months ago--and I'm really hopeful that sharing about our great experience here will lead to many more kids enjoying the process of learning these concepts. Learning can be fun, and there are so many other ways to explore it beyond worksheets and flashcards!

Even for those non-homeschoolers, these resources are so well priced--they'd be a great tool to supplement and help kids grasp math in a more concrete way. 

Circular Perpetual Calendar

We made this little project yesterday and it was fun. The girls haven't quite finished theirs, and it's admittedly much too difficult for Leviah (age 4) who really enjoyed the cutting out portion. But, I really like what we ended up with and I think the visual relationship really helps them see how the Gregorian (modern calendar) and the Hebrew calendar and the seasons all interact.

The only small change I still want to make is to mount it to something more solid than just the paper, potentially with a pointer like this one I found via pinterest.

It's a good time of year to talk about calendars and time passing, etc.

We used three different plates as templates for the circles, and brad to hold the three together. I love rotating projects like these. I'm hoping to make a few life cycle ones--perhaps in the spring when so many life cycles are just beginning.

More than Just a House

It's easy to get caught up in the house right now. So much to do--the list keeps growing, and our wallet keeps thinning...anyway, I need a little break from that. So, I'll share a bit about the outside--which is what charmed us into this 'ranger station' in the first place. 

there's been some fishing.

and some catching

some discovering 

(really excited to see this full grown praying mantis since we hatched them in the spring--this guy is probably more than 1 year old)

and some squirming...

But overall, this place is full of treasures we couldn't have imagined. A pond and it's ecosystem weren't something we set out to find, but now I am so glad we did. It's a schoolhouse of its own with learning that only the wonder of nature can inspire. 

As the house transforms we are more and more grateful  for the disappointment we faced a few months ago; this is no old farmhouse but I'll trade that house for the squeal and giggle from a girl who's dangling finger has just been nibbled by a tiny turtle. I'll trade it also for the threats of friends and family to be around more often. Or the unending opportunity to have animals, a few hiking trails, unending plants to discover and wildlife to investigate...I can deal with this ranger station. I'd dreamt to small.

p.s. looking for recommendations for the best plant and bug identification field guides.

p.p.s. enter to win.

a year gone by

Eliza is already a year old. This is ridiculous. She's walking, signing, exploring, laughing, being stubborn and thriving in every way. She is truly fun and the snuggliest of all three. For no reason she'll lay her head down on your shoulder, or offer hugs just because you're close it's completely irresistible. Not to mention she's blonde and fair with blue eyes. Amazing how different 3 sisters can be. I suppose I should already know that, but I'm learning first hand how to love 3 people in 3 different ways.

a little montage of her through the year.

Today we'll go pick cherries in the mountains, and then on Friday we'll have a little picnic with some friends and family. We'll likely find her one more special nice toy gift, but I made her a gift I'm hoping she'll enjoy. Though it's not what I'd imagined going in, this waldorf style doll really developed in its own way. Using materials I already had on hand was one of the limits I set for myself, and the hair is sort of hilarious to me. Hopefully she'll enjoy. I've got to say, I can see why doll-makers do what they do, though time consuming, it's really neat to watch a personality appear before your eyes.

Eliza may change it eventually, but for now I'm calling it Elinore, 'cause Eliza & Elinore make a pretty sweet pair.

For those of you who want to try doll-making, I will say I thought Martha Stewart's tutorial was really simple and easy to follow. There are things I would do differently next time, but ultimately it's a great bare-bones visual set of instructions.

homeschoolin'

We've found a very cozy groove with our homeschool.
We have fun, we relax, we color, draw, craft and play. Having a second kid helps so much, now that she's 3. (note: babies don't really help. Babies are demanding of both time and energy, but they can teach a great deal about patience, helpfulness, and of course love.)

 

story time

cleaning

 

You'd think little siblings would make school-time more challenging because #2 can't do what #1 does, but there's ALWAYS a way to accommodate our activities--plus, #2's eager enthusiasm shuts down #1's belligerence with a swift grace that no coaxing of mine will ever achieve. It's miraculous.

 our very fun lesson about 4 with the Bremen Town Musicians. 

Math by Hand

Several months ago I stumbled across a math curriculum called 'Math by Hand'--I honestly don't remember where. However, I was intrigued. What caught my eye were the handmade manipulatives in the pictures--but then, I'm a very visual person. So. I found their website, joined their mailing list, checked out their blog and let it rest.
I should note, I'm not real big on curriculum. I like it as a reference, and usually I use it only for that reason. We are semi-unschoolers, unit-studiers and overall we follow each day where it leads us using the resources at hand and trying to make learning fit into the nitty-gritties of the daily routine.

However, I kept getting emails from 'Math by Hand' and they were great. Each one geared toward a specific grade level, I couldn't keep myself from reading the tidbits of wisdom about including math in a joyful way; a way that is bright, cheerful and sensible. So, with each email and craft idea I became more interested. Weaving, games, crafts, cooking, poems, stories, colors even. Math is everywhere, and doesn't have to be just flashcards and worksheets.

So, I now have in my possession the Grade 1 binder and I love it. Everything in it is useful and the ideas expressed within are so much like my own! If you want to win me over use this quote in the intro: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world." --Einstein. I really had no idea how enjoyable learning math could be, how logical and seamlessly it could be added to our routine.

Based on Waldorf methods and through movement, form drawing, play, construction and more from what I can tell 'Math by Hand' is a thorough way to make math work in my kids' minds. And, even though we're doing grade 1 level activities, they are so enjoyable that Leviah (age 3) joins in and loves it too. And, as most homeschoolers with multiple children know, catering to different ages is tricky...

You may have seen the new ad in the side bar--I'm thrilled to be able to have 'Math by Hand' as a sponsor here, and dually thrilled to have found such a good match for our learning style.

Did I mention how fair I think the prices are? I'll say as a do-it-yourselfer I could probably round all the materials up myself, but the information is far beyond what I'd find on my own, and the gathering of the materials would take longer and most likely be more expensive in the long run. What a convenience to have it all together, a convenience that moms of 3 are quite willing to take advantage of ;)

Homes for Crickets and Toads.

There are many things to share from our week long Sukkot camping adventure, but to delve into it all is a little overwhelming. So, I will pick one thing that actually calms me just thinking about...

We built a village. The little ones napped and Drew, Naomi & I sat in the shade 'round a mossy spot and used sticks and stones and pine needles and acorns and leaves and built a little fairy village. It was utterly relaxing and a great way to open Naomi up to ingenuitive thinking.

It surprisingly nice and simple and only one of the very fun times we shared through the week, but as I look through the pictures (it was well documented, Drew & I took turns trying to capture it perfectly) I feel the calm of the process...

I can't think of a better way to encourage imagination. Perhaps there's a cricket or a toad making themselves cozy round the fire right about now. This will be a new tradition to help us sit and enjoy our days outside. I think we may start treating them like GeoCaches so others can look for them--wouldn't that be a fun thing to treasure hunt for? And add to? This article triggered my memory of making them as a kid. And of course, Magic Onions always has inspiring fairy garden ideas!

A Counting Board and a Toy

our curriculum instructed us to make one of these, and I'm excited we did. It's a really neat tool. I'm pretty certain I don't understand all the ins-and-outs, but this is what you make when you count by 3's.

and this is the process of counting by 4's. Naomi discovered that counting by 6's creates the same star. And, she has been playing with it all afternoon making all kinds of patterns. Who knew learning could be fun?! ;-)

Perhaps some of you know how to use the circle for even more learning opportunities?

Cooling Off Where You Are?

It's cold (squeal of delight) and Eliza is now wearing the hat I knit while she was in-utero. It's cuter on & all the flaws are much less noticeable when her sweet laughing eyes are peaking out from underneath. Here's more on the pattern. Is there anyone who doesn't think aviator hats are adorable?!

What cool-weather knits are you pulling out of hiding?

On Our Homeschooling Style

I've been doing a lot of mental organization--lining things up, taking stock of my vision for our homeschooling this year. Drew has been helping a lot, and both of us have been reading and researching. Thank goodness for the internet! While Drew ordered this book and is really enjoying it, I found this website and am finding MANY free publications on topics that I wanted to explore.

While it will take several weeks at least to figure out the rhythm that will best suit us, I am putting the actual routine off until the last of our Summer excursions is over. So, the first week of September we should get the ball rolling.

But, the feeling of overwhelm-tion is subsiding. I feel like I have a grasp on our curriculum and the many resources we have there, but I also am excited about constantly finding more. We have a great Charlotte Mason group we convene with every other week and the support from that group of ladies is fantastic. I really think Charlotte Mason and Rudolf Steiner were kindred spirits, and between the two of them, tossing around a little Montessori, well...I think we've got some good places to find inspiration.

one gratuitous baby shot. lucky sisters.

So we are getting excited. I think even Naomi is getting a sense of excitement. She is almost 7, and the physical and spiritual changes that make life with a kid in their seventh year (as described by Steiner) trying seem to be fading. Her ability to listen and understand is somewhat intimidating! She wants to know everything, and she's becoming more and more willing to take the instruction Drew and I have to offer! The decision to homeschool is less and less questionable as the best alternative for our family--it is what we need to do, and what a privilege it is to participate in all the parts of these new people understanding the world around them! And, by teaching them ourselves we regularly get to remind them that everything we learn about is a gift meant just for us. Something about my own education seemed like a deliberate effort to distract from that fact...

I wanted to share this quote:

"For the human soul is like an inexhaustible spring that can pour out its treasures unceasingly as soon as the first impulse has been called forth. But often people are so indolent that they will not make the initial effort to bring forth what is in their souls."

--Rudolf Steiner

 from Lecture four in The Kingdom of Childhood

Isn't that nice? Seems relevant to just about everything, but it's in reference to telling stories--a skill I hope to work on. I sometimes retell stories to the girls without books and they respond so differently than they do to books. 

Learning More about Waldorf

Another promotion?! Well, I guess it's just that time of year...
I'm excited to participate in this E-course. Drew and I have learned so much since we discovered Rudolf Steiner a few years ago. His writings are extensive and his philosophy has been easily transferred into our lives. The spiritual connections and depth of connections he discusses have helped us not only with homeschooling and gaining new perspective on the growth and life-cycles of our children, but of our garden as well!

So, to have an opportunity to take a class on Anthroposophy is exciting for us, we're thrilled that this e-course is available. 5 weeks, and classes we can watch when we have adequate time...couldn't be better. I encourage you to consider it, the price is more than fair and the information is bound to be enlightening! I'm especially looking forward to week 4.

Five Spheres of Waldorf Education ECourse

through Little Acorn Learning

Instructor: Dr. Rick Tan

Five Week ECourse Begins August 15th and Runs for 5 Weeks

~NOW ENROLLING~

5 Full Weeks of lessons, videos and assignments!

The Five Spheres of Waldorf education encapsulates the sweeping themes

of this educational movement: Self, Relationships, Balance, Rhythm, and Course. 

In the five-week seminar offered at Little Acorn Learning,

Dr. Rick Tan will discuss one sphere per week and the relevant topics in

anthroposophy and Waldorf that are connected with the sphere.

Dr. Rick Tan is an artist, musician, and graphic designer. He was a

homeschooling parent and currently is the seventh grade teacher at Davis Waldorf School.

Week 1

The Self Sphere:

The topic of Anthroposophy as the human being’s inner striving to

understand oneself will be reviewed. Here, the many natures of the Self:

ego, astral, etheric, and physical bodies will be discussed

Week 2

The Relationships Sphere:

We will touch on the synergy of our connections with each other.

Week 3:

The Balance Sphere:

This week will present us with a foundation for the three fold social order,

and the three fold human being as thinker, feeler, doer.

Week 4:

The Rhythm Sphere:

We will cover the four-part main lesson, and the four temperaments:

choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, and melancholic.

Week 5:

The Course Sphere:

This lesson will touch on the curriculum of Waldorf education.

To Enroll in this Exciting ECourse, Visit Little Acorn Learning HERE for More Details.

Cedar Ring Circle and Homeschooling Cheap.

 

 In thinking about our upcoming school year we had a lot to consider. We enjoyed Oak Meadow and while I think what they offer is great, I wasn't thrilled about paying for all their curriculum and still needing to buy all the supplies and crafting materials. I guess I'm a cheapskate, but I think I also just wanted to explore our options. So, even though I was surprised to find my daughter and husband in their recent ad in Living Crafts, (though we HADN'T won their photo contest for free curriculum?! anyone spot them?) we are moving forward.

Enter: Cedar Ring Circle. If you've not been to their site or joined the co-op you may not know that they offer homeschooling packages through their online store for the general public, and discounts on supplies, books, and Little Acorn Learning guides for co-op members. They were one of our other options, and we were privileged to win a month's free in March and we loved it. The major hitch for most Waldorf influenced curricula is the heavy focus on holidays that we don't really celebrate--it's no one's fault, but the major thing in OM's favor was the lack of that. We fill in the holidays on our own, and we are happy that way.

So, CRC offered a package that accompanies the Earthschooling curricula; the price is great and the package is HUGE! The price of Earthschooling's online resources is reasonable as is, but we were given a discount on that as a result of purchasing CRC's bundle and all in all we came in around $300 for all the materials we should need for next year. This is big. While we may not be the best at strictly following any lesson plan day to day, it is a great relief to have a guide and reference point through the year AND the materials to boot! No more skipping projects because we're missing one or more of the bits and pieces.

Cedar Ring Circle has generously offered to giveaway one free membership to the co-op ($25 value) to one of you lucky readers! Take a look around their site and tell us what you'd be excited to get the member discount on and comment below for an entry. Winner will be announced, Tuesday August 9th.

(make sure we can get in touch with you!)