by The Happy WAHM
It’s been a while since I’ve last written anything about our homeschool, and I’m going to tell you why.
I’m insecure. That we’re doing it wrong. That we’re not doing enough.
I’m afraid. That we’re doing it wrong. That we’re not doing enough.
I’m unsure. That what we’re doing are wrong. And that what we’re doing are not enough
You get the picture.
Family, friends and acquaintances would ask me, “What school do they go to?” And I reply, “Oh, the eldest is in college, a Chevron. And the younger ones are still homeschooled.”
If we’re lucky, there wouldn’t be a raised eyebrow, but the follow-up question would be, “What grades are they in now?”
And because we are no longer accredited with any homeschool program provider, I really don’t know. And the fear creeps in.
Are we doing it wrong? Are we doing enough?
Our 12-year old homeschooler just draws most of the time. I would ask her to prepare a grocery list, and she would give me an illustrated list, like I don’t know what a juice pack or a tissue paper roll look like. I could be having a bad day, and she would come up with something like this.
By age, she should be in Grade 7. And because I downloaded the Department of Education’s curriculum to serve as my guide in knowing what they should be learning for the grade she’s supposed to be in, I know that she should be learning Ang Ibong Adarna for Filipino this year. Next year should be Florante at Laura; the year after next should be El Filibusterismo, and the next, Noli Me Tangere. Knowing we’d be needing all these books anyway, I went ahead and bought all four last year at the Manila International Book Fair, taking advantage of the discounts. And alas, she has read them all.
Today, I overheard her discussing Gas Laws with her dad. And then there’s Basic Accounting with me.
Our 10-year old, by age in Grade 5, is studying Physics, reading Larkin Kerwin’s Introduction to Atomic Physics, and The World Treasury of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, edited by Timothy Ferris. I’m not saying he understands what he’s reading at this point, but those are the books he’d rather read. Physics, astronomy, geography and history are the subjects he’d rather study. We have the whole suite of textbooks based on what private schools require, and they have remained unopened, unused. And he’s not writing cursive yet. 🙁
No, I’m not sure if they are learning what they should be learning if they are in a regular school. Yes, my biggest fear is that they’ll fail the PEPT and not be accepted to college.
But what I’m sure of is that they understand life and living within our means, they understand the value of family and of hard work. They respect rules. They understand the importance of education. They have goals. They know how to care for the environment and each other. And they know that they were created fearfully and wonderfully by God.
I may not be sure if what we’re doing is right, or if they’re enough, but I know that our children are once-in-a-lifetime individuals who deserve a unique once-in-a-lifetime education.
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by The Happy WAHM
Seven years and counting!
Seven years, that’s how long the Aberásturi Home Academy has been in existence. Well, at least for Bea. She’s now on 7th Grade, while Jude is in 5th Grade. Xia, who was homeschooled until the 6th Grade, is now a freshman in college.
Our homeschool journey has been bumpy to say the least. We started with a very structured set up, then tried out interest-led learning, then the fear of difficulty transitioning from homeschool to a traditional school for high school kicked in, so we we went back (sort of) to a structured set-up, then realized that we are defeating our purpose of homeschooling, so we went back to interest-led learning, then took the leap and went independent, and here we are.
This year is our seventh, and our plans of sending Bea off to a traditional school this year just went pffffftt. I’m not sure what happened. June came and she just didn’t want to go, so okay. Roll up sleeves and prepare for Grade 7.
That’s why I’m really excited for this year’s Homeschool Conference. As teacher mommy, I know I need this. I’ve been simply downloading the DepEd curriculum and checking out the required competencies as our learning guide, while we continue to encourage the kids to pursue their respective passions. Bea wants to learn foreign languages, dabbles on art, computer coding and literature. Jude is still focused on astronomy, geography, history and building structures. So while I try to keep up with their interests, I have to equip myself with the knowledge on how I can prepare them for a possible transition to high school, or maybe farther down the road, to college.
International and Local Speakers
This year’s keynote speakers are big names in the global homeschooling movement – Michael Donnelly, the secretary of the Global Home Education Conference 2016 to be held in Brazil and Rachael Carman, bestselling author and publisher of Apologia.
In addition, there will be smaller workshops to choose from, with the following topics:
- Singled Out by Mike Donnelly
- Give Me One Good Reason to Homeschool by Davis Carman (Rachael Carman’s husband)
- Homeschool 101 with Tina Rodriguez
- Getting Homeschoolers Ready for the World through Independent Homeschooling with Ched Arzadon
- Stretching Your P100 (because it’s important to be money-wise to be able to homeschool thriftily but effectively) by Chinkee Tan, and
- Parenting Basics: Getting Your Children To Listen and Learn by Edric and Joy Mendoza
I’m sure you can tell in which workshop I’ll be. 🙂
Arts and Crafts Workshops for Kids (and Kids-At-Heart)
Yes, you can bring your kids, too! Manila Workshops has put together a series of workshops to keep the kids busy. You can choose from any of the workshops and register your kids for a minimal fee of Php500.00, materials included. Only 25 students per class, so better register early!
Check this out!
String Art by DMC
Kids will hammer away to create different colorful figures, abstract or representational, using just wood, nails and various threads. For ages 13 and up.
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Mandala by DMC
Learn how to create beautiful hanging ornaments by mixing patterns and colors with just your thread. For ages 13 and up.
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Cross Stitch by DMC
Remember the cross-stitch craze? Introduce your child to this absorbing hobby that can produce beautiful home wall decors with clean and precise X’s. For ages 9 and up.
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Dream Catcher by DMC
Native Americans believe that dreams can be caught. Kids will love making their own dream catchers with a hoop, threads and eye-catching decors arranged in a web for a good night’s sleep. For ages 13 and up.
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Basic Calligraphy by Little Ms Printer Marj Liwag
Let your kids learn to write in beautiful calligraphy in this workshop to be facilitated by Marj Liwag of Little Ms Printer. For ages 6 and up.
Morning: 10:00 – 12:00 a.m.
Afternoon: 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.
Important Details
This year’s Homeschool Conference will be at the Samsung Hall, SM Convention Center SM Aura (Meeting Rooms 4-6), from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. An All Access Pass (pass to go in and out of all three venues, including the exposition venue) is at Php 1,000 per person for the early bird rate (until October 11), and Php 1,200 for the regular rate. So register now to avail of the early bird rate! Please use the code THWHOMESCHCONF2.
To help you better plan your day, you can download the conference program here.
But wait, there’s more!
I’m giving away FREE ALL ACCESS PASS to one lucky winner, AND an adult coloring book from Bee Happy Crafts. Cool, yeah? I’m so excited, I want to join, too! So please, go ahead and join! Will see you at the conference!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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by The Happy WAHM
Last Monday, April 13, my favorite firstborn and I had our first summer fun date. More like a treat for her high school graduation, really. Gosh! I can’t believe we’ll have a college student this June, and she’s only 15!
Since she has been attending regular school, she really missed out on a lot of field trips and dates that I had with her two younger siblings, who are still homeschooled. But for the few times that she took a trip with me to the city, it has always been for something connected to arts and crafting, like the crochet workshop that she asked as her birthday present last October.
So when she learned that I had been invited by Memory Crafters to the media launch of the Summer Art Sessions by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, she jumped at the chance to go with me.
Launched in partnership with Manila Workshops, Tuscany at McKinley Hill’s Summer Art Sessions is a weekend arts and crafts workshop series happening every Sunday beginning April 19 and will run until May 10, from 1PM – 5PM.
Summer Art Sessions is open to all arts and crafts enthusiasts and will be led by some of Manila’s finest artists, who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise in a variety of workshops to be held at several restaurants in Tuscany.
Fun and exciting art activities await those who will register including workshops on the basics of doodling with WeeWillDoodle founder Nelz Yumul at Lucky’s Burger Bar, and Basic Paper Cutting by Hey Kessy at Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes.
Those who are into calligraphy can take part in the Basic Brush Calligraphy class of Mimai Cabugnason, also known as Sharkmaine in the art scene, at Marciano’s, while those who would like to learn how to do their own rubber stamps can go to the Rubber Stamping class by Manila Workshops at Sophie’s Mom.
More fun art workshops await aspiring artists at the Summer Art Sessions including an Acrylic and Oil Workshop by The Artologist at the Sauceria. Meanwhile, Do-It-Yourself guru Nica Cosio will be sharing lessons on how to spruce up one’s own tote bag at her DIY Tote Bag Designing class happening at Sophie’s Mom.
Aside from fun and learning-filled art classes, sumptuous dishes and treats will also be served during the workshops. Moreover, Josh Villena of pop band Autotelic will be serenading participants during the first edition of the workshop series on April 19.
Those who would like to join the Tuscany at McKinley Hill’s Summer Art Sessions can register now by logging on to Manila Workshops at manilaworkshops.com or by calling 0926-6167720.
Registration fee of P2,000 per session is inclusive of food, art kits and materials. Limited slots are available per workshop, so better register early.
As for me and my girls, we are hoping to attend the Acrylic and Oil Workshop by The Artologist, and the Rubber Stamping class by Nica Cosio.
My firstborn has been practicing the basic brush calligraphy that she learned at the launch, and sharing the knowledge with her younger sister. The mommy in me is hopeful, though, that we can explore partnerships with StabiloPH to support my middlechild’s passion for arts, because at 9, she drew this…
And at 11, she made this…
I’ve also featured some of her art here, here and here. I believe she’s a natural, and I support her passion wholeheartedly. We just need a little extra boost on the resources. 🙂
But anyway…
Kudos to Marciano’s for the sumptuous food that we shared at the launch. So sumptuous that I only have one photo to show. As I always say, I’ll never be a food blogger. Ha ha!
So again, I invite you to check out these cool Summer Art Sessions and don’t forget to use my code – CBTUSCANY-THW – when you register.
Hope to see you there!
by The Happy WAHM
In September last year, I attended my first Homeschooling Conference, although we were already in our sixth year of homeschooling.
This year, I’m excited to be attending another homeschool-related conference, but this time, it is more focused on the parents, not the homeschooling concept. It’s the TMA Homeschool Parents Conference, happening on March 12, at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig.
You are not going to believe how insecure, how frustrated and how scared I’ve been in the past years. But all these hodgepodge of emotions are nothing when compared to the happiness and security I feel about being with my kids day in and day out.
Six years, and I’m still in need of hand-holding. Or maybe just in need of knowing how other parents do it, or how I can further improve our homeschooling experience. Not just for me as a parent, but for my children, as well. Which is why, this time, I’m bringing one of our two remaining homeschoolers to the conference.
Our middlechild is about to move on to Grade 7, and she is strongly considering going the traditional high school route. Oh, I have cried about this, feeling that I have failed. That drama about being incompetent and not meeting the expectations of my child. But a chat with a fellow homeschooling mom gave me back my confidence that hey, we must have done something right after all. Because our baby knows what she wants, and she’s able to voice it out.
Whatever happens, whatever she ultimately decides to do, we will support her. But for now, while she is still processing her thoughts about going, I’d like to equip myself with proper knowledge and insights from those who have actually homeschooled through high school, so that if and when she decides to stay home, I will be ready.
The conference topics are all the things I would want to know more about: character-focused education, multi-level homeschooling, homeschooling through high school, adjusting teaching strategies… All very rich topics. All I expect to absorb like a sponge.
So, whether you are a parent who have homeschooled for years already (like I’ve been), or a parent who is still considering homeschooling and just want to find out if it’s for you, I invite you to join me in this homeschool parents conference on March 12.
Oh, and have I mentioned that the provider we started with was TMA itself? 🙂 Well, yes, it was.
Click on this link to register, and don’t forget to use my code THWTMAHS_1 when prompted for a referral code.
Hope to see you there!
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Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
by The Happy WAHM
I always write when I’m emotional. And this morning, I’m feeling just that.
I have just turned over my cross-stitch hobby kit to my middlechild. Out of nowhere, the thought just came that it’s time. A decision was made. She will have my cross-stitch kit.
A few days ago, we were [again] at National Bookstore to pick up a book I had them keep for me. It was a book I saw during their warehouse sale. I thought of getting it for my friend and partner, as I know that her family is into Star Wars. But knowing that they also frequent the bookstores and are avid collectors, I did not buy it outright. I first wanted to find out if they don’t have a copy of it yet. But she took a long time replying to my text message [like I texted her about lunchtime, asking if she would like to have this Phantom Menace book, and she replied early evening that yes, her husband and son would love to have it]. So suffice it to say that I lost the opportunity to buy that book for her. But, persevering soul that I am, I called up NBS to ask if they still have a copy. Alas, hardbound Star Wars books on sale go in a flash, so no, they no longer have a copy. But because I’m social that way, I was able to make a teeny-tiny request of them calling their other branches to see if there are other copies lying around, and if they can have one reserved for me. So a few days ago, I received a call from NBS, telling me that they have found a copy for me, and that they have it reserved, waiting to be picked up.
But that’s not what this entry is about. 🙂
On that trip, my son asked for a fresh supply of clay and some popsicle sticks for his project. You know that feeling of being unfair to the other child when you buy something for one? I had that exact feeling. I just felt that it was unfair not to have something for Bea. So I asked her to choose one from the shelf, as we were on the arts aisle. She picked a cross-stitch kit.
And here is that kit now. Still unfinished, but you can see that for a first project, she’s doing a great job at it. Not to mention that she’s enjoying the craft.
So why choose today to give her my collection?
Well, today, I’ll be meeting up with former officemates at the mall. As is my routine, each time I need to be out of the house, I ask my kids who would want to go with me. It’s my way of involving them in my activities, and at the same time giving them the opportunity to go out and socialize.
This morning, my favorite middlechild joined me in the bed for a cuddle. I always have that time in the morning, before getting up, of cuddling with any one of the kids. This morning, it was Bea.
She knows about my afternoon out with girlfriends, so I asked if she wants to go with me. Surprise, surprise! She did not want to go. When I asked why, she said she’d rather stay home to finish her cross-stitch project.
And so I got up, opened the drawer where I keep all my hobby kits, and showed her my collection of cross-stitching books, aida cloths, skein threads, patterns, finished and unfinished projects and in between, told her stories of how I chose a particular pattern to work on, how I got into the hobby, where I got my first crosss-stitching book, etc. Most of my projects have dates on them, dating back to 1994. And then I showed her how I use old magazines to tape each pattern on, so that individual patterns that I buy are organized and kept like a real book of patterns, and how I make markings either on the cloth or on the pattern as a technique in making my life easier. 🙂
We spent half of the morning just talking about the hobby. And while I’m writing this post, she’s busy finishing her first project.
I don’t know if her interest in cross-stitching will last, or if it is just a passing fancy to match the crochet projects of her older sister. But whether this is just a phase or a life-long passion, I commit to support and encourage her all the way.
Meanwhile, I still have my quilting and sewing kits left in the drawer, waiting for the next set of hands to own them.
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by The Happy WAHM
Have I ever mentioned here that I sit on the board of a Science High School in our town?
Well, I do. And about two weeks ago, I was asked by the Chairman of the Board to review a proposal by a contractor for the maintenance and upgrade of the units in our Computer Laboratory. The proposal was for the upgrade of the RAM, replacement of the CMOS battery and installation of Windows OS, among others. Apparently, more than half of the units have been corrupted and the solution they were looking at was to reformat the corrupted units. That means having to re-install the OS.
But the process will be costly. And when I asked the technician if the OS he was going to install was licensed, he could not give me a straight answer. So suffice it to say that he was going to give us a cracked OS, which did not sit right with me since we are an educational institution.
Budget being tight for an enterprise license of Windows, we decided to look at open source alternatives. Husband found Ubuntu, and decided to try it out first with our kids’ PC at home. They do have their own PC for their homeschool because it has been a sacred rule in our home that Mommy’s home office is hers alone, and that no other person can use Mommy’s PC. It’s exclusive for Mommy’s work. 🙂
So husband downloaded Ubuntu and installed it in the other PC, and we have been all agog about it since.
The Office Productivity Suite
My first concern was, how will the kids create documents? My PC will continue to run on Windows, of course, so how are we going to exchange documents? Is it compatible with MS Office?
Well, it is. It has a complete suite of office counterpart, called the LibreOffice. Microsoft Word is called the LibreOffice Writer, Excel is LibreOffice Calc and PowerPoint is LibreOffice Impress. You can create a document and save it with .odt extension, and your Windows-based PC will open it in WordPad, then you can save it as .docx. Or you can simply save it as .docx with LibreOffice. Why make life complicated? 🙂
Then there’s LibreOffice Draw, which I assumed is the counterpart of Paint, but I’m finding it a lot better. It can produce technical drawings, posters, etc. Making a flow chart using Draw is easy-peasy! It also allows you to manipulate pictures and images in many ways and save them in a range of image and document formats.
MS Access is LibreOffice Base, but I have not explored it yet, as I have somehow developed an allergy for the words query, MySQL and Dbase.
LibreOffice Math is equations and formula editor. Really neat, as it allows you to perfectly format mathematical and scientific formulas, from fractions, exponents, integrals and mathematical functions, to inequalities and systems of equations. And what’s neater is you can use it as standalone, or you can use it with Writer, Calc or Impress.
I have not tried it yet, but I believe that the counterpart of Outlook is Thunderbird.
The Software Center
This is the part where I really fell totally in love. It’s overflowing with apps for office and homeschool use! It’s great that they have categorized the apps, since there are literally hundreds of them, into education, books and magazines, fonts, games, business, graphics, etc. Among the apps that we have so far installed are the Periodic Table, Stellarium, GeoGebra, KAlgebra and Scratch. There are also educational application bundles categorized into Pre-School, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary, so you get most of the apps you need according to the level you prefer in just one click. 🙂
I have barely scratched the surface of the features here, and I’m sure you are going to find something for your personal needs. The RedNotebook for journaling, KMyMoney or sKrooge as your personal finance manager, FreeMind for mindmapping… the list is long!
I believe Ubuntu is a great alternative for homeschooling families and work-at-home professionals who simply cannot afford the expensive license for Windows and Mac OS. We buy laptops and desktop PCs at such a high price because vendors make the installed OS part of the selling point. But you can actually build you own desktop PC at a fraction of a branded PC’s cost and simply install this open source OS. And get a lot of free apps to go with it, too!
I’m now so envious of my kids for having all these cool features in their PC, I’m seriously considering installing Ubuntu in my tablet.
[Photos from ubuntu.com and ubuntuhandbook.org]
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