"The Poisonwood Bible"

I couldn't put it down!! I bought this book a few years back somewhere. I'm sure it was at a yard sale, library book sale, Goodwill, etc. You know I can't miss a good book for a buck. Anyway, I put it away and didn't read it until a week ago. I saw it mentioned as a book not to miss. Well, that was an understatement.

Once I got into the book, I was captured. Her portrayal of the Price family and their individualism was a masterpiece. I felt I knew each and every one of the family and walked the jungles with them. What truer words have been written than in this book? Can someone really go and experience anything without being changed? And, does it change us all equally?

A masterpiece of literature. Truly sensational.

"Weapons of Mass Instruction" by John Taylor Gatto

Do you even know where our current system of public education originates? Actually, our current system originates from a Prussian background. Know where that is? Actually, the system originated from a small town in the middle of Germany. What, our American system comes from German roots? The same system that enabled Hitler to rise to power by inoculating the children from a young age to believe in his ideas?

Actually, yes. I found it very shocking and disconcerting to find that they system comes from such a non-adventurous background and am no longer struggling to understand why I felt my own schooling lacked so much education. I received education once I left school. I have received the greatest education while home educating my own four children. Why? I am free to delve into the things I want to know more about in my own way and in my own time.

America was founded on freedom. Are we truly free anymore? Did you know that America has 25% of the world's prison population, 90% of which are for non-violent crimes? Freedom, not sure about that. It seems America was much more free when I was growing up than it is even now.

As home educators, my children have escaped many of the dangers laid out in this book. However, if you live in America, you should understand the system. Look how much of our money goes to fund this animal each year. An educated person is a dangerous person. I urge you to read this book and form your own opinions. He speaks from the heart, with the facts to back up his statements.

Summer & The "B" Word

So, the "B" word (bored) is not allowed here at all this summer.  I have sooo many books, cleaning and science exercises for the kiddos that I will squirm if I hear that word.  But, alas, here come the pranksters, led by the Princess Belle and Dusty .  

Oh, what is a home school mom to do?

Premio Dardos Award

Premio Dardos Award

"The Prémio Dardos is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."

Available for participants in the 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge!!

"Know Can Do" - Blanchard, Meyer, Ruhe

I picked up this book about 7:00 pm last night, after a tiring day of running and taxiing the family.   My dh had it sitting beside the couch and I picked it up, read the back, started it and finished it this morning.  What a grand little book.

I found myself really surprised at how many of his ideas I had read about in regards to home education and education in general.   One of the premises is that people learn tons of new information but rarely does it affect their actions.  What they learn sounds good and their intentions are noble, but rarely does it translate into a behavior change.  Why?

Through a senario of an author talking to an entrepeneur, we discover some interesting truths.  He proposes that we should learn Less More instead of More Less.  Wow, that sounds like Latin Centered Curriculum and The Well-Educated Mind.  Seems we learn too much information and we don't have time to study what we learn.  By studying less things in depth, we can change our lives for the better and actually relate to the information in regards to our behavior.

Though not a home education book in itself, I loved what it said to me as an educational facilitator.  I was challenged and highly recommend you read this little jewel.

"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer

Very different from the Twilight series, "The Host" was good but a little slow in places.  I felt rather exhausted with the character by the time I was through, but the book was good.  Not my favorite, but good.

TWTM and TWEM

Ok, so I haven't posted about what I am reading.  Well, that is only because I have been rereading a couple of "foundational" books for our home education.  I reread most of The Well-Trained Mind and The Well Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer.

As I enter the educational facilitation of a high schooler, I am rereading these to remind myself of the foundation on our method and to read the high school sections.  

And, I am reading "The Host" although I am finding it a slow read.