heartofdakota.com

I am reading Karen Andreola's book Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning. So far I am really enjoying it. Each chapter ends with a question to ponder and I thought this one would be a good one to pose here. I would love to hear your thoughts.

"How can a pleasant home atmosphere, together with the discipline of good habits and a curriculum that includes ideas (to think about) help your school days run smoothly and happily?"

I love that book and the next one, Lessons at Blackberry Inn. I go back and read them again from time to time. It refreshes me and helps me to think about slowing down and enjoying the homeschooling journey. Certainly having that pleasant atmosphere and the discipline of good habits are what I strive for but so often fail miserably. I think that sort of an atmosphere allows a person's mind to ponder more deeply ideas and concepts. Having wonderful books and a curriculum that uses them well helps dear children to really dive into those ideas. If the house is cluttered or our schedules too full, I don't think it is near as easy for our minds to relax and really pursue those ideas and chew on them. It reminds me that I really need to work on that more. Thanks!

I have and read that book. It is very soothing. I have the next one too, but have yet to be awake enough or have time to read it.

I think that is a great point to ponder and reminds me that you can have the best curriculum in the world (and I do because I have HOD ), but that is only one part of the equation. I look at my children's education as child training, and so much more goes into that than just "bookwork." And yes, mommy is still in training too as I hone my own self-discipline and discover how to best train my children. Good quote!

This is an excellent question to ponder! One thing I try to remind myself of daily - if my dc know and believe in their hearts that they are some of my very favorite people to be around, they like to be around me and around the home to homeschool. I actually, just before typing this, grabbed Wyatt's hand and told him, "Do you know you are one of my very favorite people to spend time with? Not all parents feel that way, you know. I really do love to be around you, honey, and I'm so glad we get to be together each day." He just beamed. He is now reading his book ("Rascal", which he confiscated from Riley now that we are done with it for BHFHG's Storytime) next to me as I type this. Yes, the atmosphere of our home is huge. And it starts with the heart. If we are good and loving people to be around as mamas, our dc will often follow suit. I've found the best way to work on my dc's character is to first work on mine. Thanks for sharing this CM question - it's a good one! Oh, and a challenged mind is a busy active mind, and a mind that quickly learns feeling bored often means you're boring (a phrase I have borrowed from a book I am reading that I think rings quite true ). HOD challenges the minds and the hearts of our dc. The right home atmosphere is the icing upon the cake.

In Christ,
Julie

So convicted! since we just had a really rough morning. My responses to discipline issues were far from pleasant. It's funny too because I was angry at my 3 year old for disrupting school, but what good is school if mommy is a grouch?! It reminds me of the verse in Proverbs that says it is better to be in the corner of a house top than with a contentious woman. I have to constantly remind myself of that. Thank you for posting this.

KeriJ wrote:So convicted! since we just had a really rough morning. My responses to discipline issues were far from pleasant. It's funny too because I was angry at my 3 year old for disrupting school, but what good is school if mommy is a grouch?! It reminds me of the verse in Proverbs that says it is better to be in the corner of a house top than with a contentious woman. I have to constantly remind myself of that. Thank you for posting this.

Then help me figure out how to get my kid to do the things she's supposed to. I am so sick of it. I don't know what to do anymore, short of being militant which is where I'm gonna be in about 10 minutes.

I have not heard of this book...but it sounds delightful...I realized a few days ago I was feeling super stressed to work thru all of summer to start the new school year...in Sept...which is quite challenging since we just began this year...in January! My daughter 8...also swims on the swim team 2 to 3 nights a week...as well as does gymnastics...which she loves...and I was trying to figure this all out...and still get done by August so we could be on a *regular* school schedule...throw in my nephew who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has 2 to 3 months to live is here visiting with his very young and rowdy 1 and 3 year olds that have been staying with me...and homeschooling has gone by the way side...than just today it dawned on me...it is okay if we are a week or two off schedule....it is okay if we dont start in Sept with the Bigger....this is the beauty of homeschooling! It is okay to embrace life and those we love....and be more flexible with a schedule... It seems like I should read this book as soon as possible! Thank you for sharing! Beth in Idaho