Yesterday a friend took my daughter to the pool while my son napped so I took the opportunity to watch “Teaching Writing: Structure and Style”. It is a seminar lead by The Institute for Excellence in Writing. I watched the first dvd and I can’t wait to teach my daughter to write. Although she is just beginning to read I am going to try to get her start on note taking—the first step in the writing process.
It makes me laugh that I am exciting about this. I was one of those people who hated English—writing and reading. I took all the easy teaches. I really did not ever write a paper until college (and I went to a very good high school). Since I am now homeschooling my daughter in the classical style I know that I will be reading a lot of the classics along with her. I also hope to learn how to become a better writer.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Whining and Complaining
Recently I accidentally came across a book titled, "Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes . . . in You and Your Kids!" by Scott Turnansky and Joanne Miller at the library. At the point I found it both my kids were whining so I picked it up. Once I started reading it I knew it was the exact book I needed to read. It focuses on teaching your kids and YOU to honor others. After reading it I believe it is the best parenting book I have ever read.
While reading the book I realized that I was the one who needed to learn how to honor others. I am the one who spoke loudly and was short to others. It seemed I always got frustrated when my way was block.
So now I am on a journey not only to teach my children how to honor each other but also teaching myself. The teaching of honor doesn't just deal with behavior but the heart. I know my heart needs to be continually looking at God change me as well as my children.
At this point I am rereading the book. I have also started "Seeds of Kindness" jars for my children. They receive a seed (or bean) when I see them honoring and being kind. We have talked about how as we are kind and honoring we are growing in God.
In addition, each time we see unkindness or dishonor we try to change the behavior and ask that person to show honor to the person they dishonored--through words or action.
Today has been a good day--both kids have been very honoring today and I haven't been loud in my responses. I pray it continues as we finish our day.
While reading the book I realized that I was the one who needed to learn how to honor others. I am the one who spoke loudly and was short to others. It seemed I always got frustrated when my way was block.
So now I am on a journey not only to teach my children how to honor each other but also teaching myself. The teaching of honor doesn't just deal with behavior but the heart. I know my heart needs to be continually looking at God change me as well as my children.
At this point I am rereading the book. I have also started "Seeds of Kindness" jars for my children. They receive a seed (or bean) when I see them honoring and being kind. We have talked about how as we are kind and honoring we are growing in God.
In addition, each time we see unkindness or dishonor we try to change the behavior and ask that person to show honor to the person they dishonored--through words or action.
Today has been a good day--both kids have been very honoring today and I haven't been loud in my responses. I pray it continues as we finish our day.
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