I'm afraid I've neglected this blog for a while now. But I wanted to at least post this: Happy New Year wishes to everyone!
I will write a new blog soon, I promise! A lack of something to say has not been the reason for my absense...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Greatest Book in the World
To my son's delight school began this week. He enjoys his vacations and breaks, but loves the whole 'adventure' concept of going to his school. It's been a long, hot and frankly life changing summer this year. I haven't even logged onto this blog for months now, so let me begin by saying, "Hello friends! Thank you for taking a moment to visit!"
Staying true to the forum, this post is advocating education through reading. Even though I am a life long avid reader as well as a believer of both God and Christ Jesus, I have never read the longest lasting number one best seller of all time - the Bible!
I fell back on the oft used lame excuse, "I can't get past all the 'thee's' and 'thou's'". During the last week of school in May, I stopped by my favorite book store to stock up on summer reading materials. That day, for the first time no new author or new work by a favored author stood out. Instead, I felt compelled to pick up a copy of the Bible in the New King James Version. Flipping it open to the approximate center, it fell open at Psalms 91. I stood there and began to read. "Wow!" I thought. "This is really good! Powerful! And really readable!"
Encouraged and inspired, I picked up the book next to it. It was 'An Inspirational Study Bible' with study guides. What a find!
The Introductions to each chapter were very well written. There were interesting and informative footnotes as well as 'Life Lessons' in the margins for every few chapters of every book. And each Life Lesson contained a Situation (giving a quick look into the context of the chapter), an Observation (going beneath the action to explain the truth or lesson to be learned from the action), an Application (which brought the message home, suggesting how we can use what we've learned in these verses) and an Exploration (which lists other Scriptures related to the same theme, for future study. It provided a strong sense of the Bible as a complete story, rather than just a collection of short stories and a list of rules.)
Scattered throughout the text were full page devotional thoughts on topics such as Grace, Strength, Victory, Freedom, Eternal Life, Forgiveness, Faith, Hope, Love and Joy, to mention just a few. There's a Concordance in the back of the book which gives the translation of the original keyed words from both the Greek and the Hebrew. All of the study helps were streamlined for ease of use. The comments were quick and tightly written to give the most information in the briefest format possible, to assist in the search for understanding.
Without a single doubt, I can now recommend first hand these two particular books as the best literary investments I have ever made! By no means are they 'quick summer beach reads', but to be savored slowly and prayfully. As you read, you'll uncover a saga of suspense and intrigue. Poetry and Romance. Tales of clashing conquerors, brave shepards and a captivating Carpenter. There are Chronicles of faith, miracles, misdeeds and good deeds. Kings, queens and peasants. The common and the uncommon. Stories of real people, with real problems, real joys, and a real Savior. In reading it, you'll discover that what happened back then is still happening today - that the truths of old are still truths for our age.
The book is old, dating back over five thousand years. It is bizarre, telling tales of incredible floods, fires, earthquakes and people with supernatural ablities. It is radical, calling for undying devotion to a carpenter who called himself God's Son. Logic says it shouldn't have survived. But not only has it survived, it's thrived!
There is no way on earth to explain it. Which is perhaps the only explanation. The answer? The Bible's durability is NOT found on earth; it is found in heaven. For the millions who have tested it's claims and claimed it's promises there is but one answer - the Bible is God's book and God's voice.
Before you begin reading His Word, pray. Ask God to speak to you through His words. Don't read it looking for your own ideas, go searching for His.
Study the Bible a bit at a time. Hunger is not satisfied by eating twenty one meals in one sitting once a week. The body needs a steady diet to remain strong. So does the soul. What can reading and studying the Bible do for us? The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus. "Ask" he promised "and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7.
My own observation has been that all the education in the world is nothing more than a candle's flicker compared to the pure brilliance of Wisdom. And Wisdom comes only as a gift from God. Open your heart. Open your mind. Read His Word. Study it. Savor it. Pray on it. Walk it. Live it. Teach it to your children. Tell others about it. Then reap the reward. It is finer than the purest silver or gold, more precious than the most priceless gemstones. And unlike them, it IS something you CAN take with you! PRAISE THE LORD!
As I have begun sharing with my son what I've been learning, I've realized that this may likely be the greatest gift I'll ever give to him!
Happy reading and Blessings to you all!
D
Staying true to the forum, this post is advocating education through reading. Even though I am a life long avid reader as well as a believer of both God and Christ Jesus, I have never read the longest lasting number one best seller of all time - the Bible!
I fell back on the oft used lame excuse, "I can't get past all the 'thee's' and 'thou's'". During the last week of school in May, I stopped by my favorite book store to stock up on summer reading materials. That day, for the first time no new author or new work by a favored author stood out. Instead, I felt compelled to pick up a copy of the Bible in the New King James Version. Flipping it open to the approximate center, it fell open at Psalms 91. I stood there and began to read. "Wow!" I thought. "This is really good! Powerful! And really readable!"
Encouraged and inspired, I picked up the book next to it. It was 'An Inspirational Study Bible' with study guides. What a find!
The Introductions to each chapter were very well written. There were interesting and informative footnotes as well as 'Life Lessons' in the margins for every few chapters of every book. And each Life Lesson contained a Situation (giving a quick look into the context of the chapter), an Observation (going beneath the action to explain the truth or lesson to be learned from the action), an Application (which brought the message home, suggesting how we can use what we've learned in these verses) and an Exploration (which lists other Scriptures related to the same theme, for future study. It provided a strong sense of the Bible as a complete story, rather than just a collection of short stories and a list of rules.)
Scattered throughout the text were full page devotional thoughts on topics such as Grace, Strength, Victory, Freedom, Eternal Life, Forgiveness, Faith, Hope, Love and Joy, to mention just a few. There's a Concordance in the back of the book which gives the translation of the original keyed words from both the Greek and the Hebrew. All of the study helps were streamlined for ease of use. The comments were quick and tightly written to give the most information in the briefest format possible, to assist in the search for understanding.
Without a single doubt, I can now recommend first hand these two particular books as the best literary investments I have ever made! By no means are they 'quick summer beach reads', but to be savored slowly and prayfully. As you read, you'll uncover a saga of suspense and intrigue. Poetry and Romance. Tales of clashing conquerors, brave shepards and a captivating Carpenter. There are Chronicles of faith, miracles, misdeeds and good deeds. Kings, queens and peasants. The common and the uncommon. Stories of real people, with real problems, real joys, and a real Savior. In reading it, you'll discover that what happened back then is still happening today - that the truths of old are still truths for our age.
The book is old, dating back over five thousand years. It is bizarre, telling tales of incredible floods, fires, earthquakes and people with supernatural ablities. It is radical, calling for undying devotion to a carpenter who called himself God's Son. Logic says it shouldn't have survived. But not only has it survived, it's thrived!
There is no way on earth to explain it. Which is perhaps the only explanation. The answer? The Bible's durability is NOT found on earth; it is found in heaven. For the millions who have tested it's claims and claimed it's promises there is but one answer - the Bible is God's book and God's voice.
Before you begin reading His Word, pray. Ask God to speak to you through His words. Don't read it looking for your own ideas, go searching for His.
Study the Bible a bit at a time. Hunger is not satisfied by eating twenty one meals in one sitting once a week. The body needs a steady diet to remain strong. So does the soul. What can reading and studying the Bible do for us? The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus. "Ask" he promised "and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7.
My own observation has been that all the education in the world is nothing more than a candle's flicker compared to the pure brilliance of Wisdom. And Wisdom comes only as a gift from God. Open your heart. Open your mind. Read His Word. Study it. Savor it. Pray on it. Walk it. Live it. Teach it to your children. Tell others about it. Then reap the reward. It is finer than the purest silver or gold, more precious than the most priceless gemstones. And unlike them, it IS something you CAN take with you! PRAISE THE LORD!
As I have begun sharing with my son what I've been learning, I've realized that this may likely be the greatest gift I'll ever give to him!
Happy reading and Blessings to you all!
D
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Success is a journey, not a destination...
I saw that on a church marquee today and wanted to share it with you. Schools will be beginning summer vacations starting next week. That does not mean that education has to take a holiday too!
It's true that most kids need a break from the daily structure of a school enviornment for some 'free time'. But they should be given the opportunity and encouragement to spend some of that free time in a constructive way.
I realize that most households have parents or caregivers who must work outside of the home. But with a little creative planning you can still provide mental stimulus for your kids. You might set aside an hour or so every few weeks to take them to the library so they can check out a couple of books. Encourage them to read the books and then tell you about the story! If they are unable to read by themselves, take the time to read to them! They will not only be learning but you will be creating a lifelong memory for them that they will cherish!
If they are fortunate enough to have a few friends nearby, perhaps you could arrange something with their parents or caregivers so that you could share the responsibily of being 'chauffeur'. You might even encourage them to start their own 'book club'! Make suggestions to them but let them actually set the definitions of the 'club'. The educational benefits of just these few activities are enormous!
While they are still young is the time to share the journey to success! Once they leave the 'nest', they will be 'flying' on their own! The time you spend with them will be priceless...
May you all have a safe and happy summer and may the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your homes!
Happy reading,
D Americanhorse
It's true that most kids need a break from the daily structure of a school enviornment for some 'free time'. But they should be given the opportunity and encouragement to spend some of that free time in a constructive way.
I realize that most households have parents or caregivers who must work outside of the home. But with a little creative planning you can still provide mental stimulus for your kids. You might set aside an hour or so every few weeks to take them to the library so they can check out a couple of books. Encourage them to read the books and then tell you about the story! If they are unable to read by themselves, take the time to read to them! They will not only be learning but you will be creating a lifelong memory for them that they will cherish!
If they are fortunate enough to have a few friends nearby, perhaps you could arrange something with their parents or caregivers so that you could share the responsibily of being 'chauffeur'. You might even encourage them to start their own 'book club'! Make suggestions to them but let them actually set the definitions of the 'club'. The educational benefits of just these few activities are enormous!
While they are still young is the time to share the journey to success! Once they leave the 'nest', they will be 'flying' on their own! The time you spend with them will be priceless...
May you all have a safe and happy summer and may the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your homes!
Happy reading,
D Americanhorse
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Big Bad Wolf? Not here!
As I began building my son's library by adding to my own childhood collection, I was surprised to find that many stories still made the wolf out to be the 'bad guy'. In fact, I was so distressed by this discovery that I felt compelled to write my own stories for him.
When you are a new mom, there isn't a lot of free time to do much of anything that isn't absolutely necessary. But I began creating stories in my head that I would tell to him as they developed. Eventually, I put some on paper. But fate intervened, as she often does. (See blog titled 'Adventures in Homeschooling') This coming September will mark the second anniversary of my son's 'professional schooling' and of my own 'return to writing'.
But back to the wolf. Wolves have been misunderstood and villainized for centuries. They are actually very intelligent, loyal and loving family oriented and social creatures. They have been a part of my own life since I was just a child myself. Most of the children's short stories I've written about wolves use fictitious characters. But some were based on actual animals. Like anything else, they all have their own unique personalities and sometimes quirks. But none of them have been malicious.
I am currently finishing up my second Middle Grade/Young Adult novel that will feature the six wolves that my son grew up with. I didn't even change their names, to protect the guilty! All of them were among the first to welcome him into this world, literally. And all of them loved and protected him, unconditionally. The books also feature other animals, all based on actual characters, most of whom lived with or near us.
Back to the short stories; not all of them are about wolves. In fact, quite a few don't have a single wolf in them! But all except a few of them feature some sort of animal. You write the best if you stick to subjects near and dear to you, those you know best. Obviously, I am an 'animal person'!
Another thing you will find in all of my stories and books for young readers is happy endings. I figure there is enough misery in the world without purposely exposing our children to it in the books they read. Oh, there may be a little tug at the heart strings here and there, but no tear jerker.
If it were up to me, all children's books would be 'feel good' books. Some may contain a very subtle moral lesson, but the key word here is 'subtle'. My reasoning is that if a child or young adult reads something that either 1) makes them smile, laugh or feel good, 2) gives them a glimpse into another lifestyle that is good without being self-righteous or 3) causes them to pause on their own to reflect on the Golden Rule (without having it shoved in their face, so to speak), then they will be more apt to pick up the next book!
I know when I read a book that fills one of the key points above, I can't wait to start another one, hoping it will do the same. On the other hand, if I feel like I'm being preached to (and I'm not in church or reading theology), I have been known to put it down, unfinished. And I really don't like doing that. If it's a tear jerker that's well written, I'll probably finish it and wish I'd never started it. If it's REALLY well written and a tear jerker, I will often go a while before picking up another book. And my objective in writing children and young adult stories is to ENCOURAGE reading. Make them feel good. Feel happy. Feel like they have experienced something good and wholesome. Sometimes, even provide a good 'escape' for them. Isn't that why we read for pleasure? I will make you this promise. You will never see my name on the title of a book that I would not give to my own son (and I've been known to be overprotective...)
Hopefully, one day soon you can add my books to your child's library. No matter where they live, even if they've never touched a tree or petted a dog much less a wolf, I think they'll enjoy them!
* For a tiny glimpse of my work, I've published a few books on-line using actual photographs for illustrations. Check the link on the left sidebar... I have also published a few poems in the 'notes' section of my facebook home page. I am there under 'Dee Turner (D Americanhorse) and my profile picture is the silhouette of a wolf in a forest. No surprise here, huh? Note: Not all of the poems there are children's poems, but none of them are 'R' rated either!
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." by Dr. Seuss from 'I Can Read With My Eyes Closed'
Happy reading!
D
When you are a new mom, there isn't a lot of free time to do much of anything that isn't absolutely necessary. But I began creating stories in my head that I would tell to him as they developed. Eventually, I put some on paper. But fate intervened, as she often does. (See blog titled 'Adventures in Homeschooling') This coming September will mark the second anniversary of my son's 'professional schooling' and of my own 'return to writing'.
But back to the wolf. Wolves have been misunderstood and villainized for centuries. They are actually very intelligent, loyal and loving family oriented and social creatures. They have been a part of my own life since I was just a child myself. Most of the children's short stories I've written about wolves use fictitious characters. But some were based on actual animals. Like anything else, they all have their own unique personalities and sometimes quirks. But none of them have been malicious.
I am currently finishing up my second Middle Grade/Young Adult novel that will feature the six wolves that my son grew up with. I didn't even change their names, to protect the guilty! All of them were among the first to welcome him into this world, literally. And all of them loved and protected him, unconditionally. The books also feature other animals, all based on actual characters, most of whom lived with or near us.
Back to the short stories; not all of them are about wolves. In fact, quite a few don't have a single wolf in them! But all except a few of them feature some sort of animal. You write the best if you stick to subjects near and dear to you, those you know best. Obviously, I am an 'animal person'!
Another thing you will find in all of my stories and books for young readers is happy endings. I figure there is enough misery in the world without purposely exposing our children to it in the books they read. Oh, there may be a little tug at the heart strings here and there, but no tear jerker.
If it were up to me, all children's books would be 'feel good' books. Some may contain a very subtle moral lesson, but the key word here is 'subtle'. My reasoning is that if a child or young adult reads something that either 1) makes them smile, laugh or feel good, 2) gives them a glimpse into another lifestyle that is good without being self-righteous or 3) causes them to pause on their own to reflect on the Golden Rule (without having it shoved in their face, so to speak), then they will be more apt to pick up the next book!
I know when I read a book that fills one of the key points above, I can't wait to start another one, hoping it will do the same. On the other hand, if I feel like I'm being preached to (and I'm not in church or reading theology), I have been known to put it down, unfinished. And I really don't like doing that. If it's a tear jerker that's well written, I'll probably finish it and wish I'd never started it. If it's REALLY well written and a tear jerker, I will often go a while before picking up another book. And my objective in writing children and young adult stories is to ENCOURAGE reading. Make them feel good. Feel happy. Feel like they have experienced something good and wholesome. Sometimes, even provide a good 'escape' for them. Isn't that why we read for pleasure? I will make you this promise. You will never see my name on the title of a book that I would not give to my own son (and I've been known to be overprotective...)
Hopefully, one day soon you can add my books to your child's library. No matter where they live, even if they've never touched a tree or petted a dog much less a wolf, I think they'll enjoy them!
* For a tiny glimpse of my work, I've published a few books on-line using actual photographs for illustrations. Check the link on the left sidebar... I have also published a few poems in the 'notes' section of my facebook home page. I am there under 'Dee Turner (D Americanhorse) and my profile picture is the silhouette of a wolf in a forest. No surprise here, huh? Note: Not all of the poems there are children's poems, but none of them are 'R' rated either!
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." by Dr. Seuss from 'I Can Read With My Eyes Closed'
Happy reading!
D
Saturday, May 1, 2010
My, how the times have changed...(Teacher Appreciation Week)
This is a blog for 'baby boomers'. If you are younger than say, 44, you won't fully appreciate what I am about to say. In fact, you might even think it was written by a cave woman!
Only those of you who watched the original moon landing (on black and white television no less) back in '69 will likely be able to relate...
When I was in the first grade (I had to walk 15 miles thru the snow... Just kidding) the standard literacy textbook was "See Spot Run". Twelve years later, freshman college Computer 101 was a blur of 1's and 0's. PC's didn't exist, much less laptops, I-pods or the www. Today, kindergarden children are taught QWERT at the same time they are learning their ABC's! We learned QWERT in high-school typing class. If we were lucky, we got electric typewriters!
I suppose this is good progress, unless we reach the point where we actually try to replace real live human teachers with 'online tutorials'.
Personally, I am thankful for the Dick, Jane and Spot series and those early edition Golden Books that I first learned to read by myself. By a real live, in the flesh teacher. Those folks who took the time and made the effort to introduce us to the skills of reading. Who made the words on a page come to life!
And it is a skill. A taught skill. Not a naturally acquired skill. And once we mastered it, the world was opened up to us, yes, even before the world wide web was 'invented'!
So, at least for the time being, if you are reading this, take the time to thank a teacher this week! They may one day be a lost breed...
Happy reading and blessings to all!
D Americanhorse
Only those of you who watched the original moon landing (on black and white television no less) back in '69 will likely be able to relate...
When I was in the first grade (I had to walk 15 miles thru the snow... Just kidding) the standard literacy textbook was "See Spot Run". Twelve years later, freshman college Computer 101 was a blur of 1's and 0's. PC's didn't exist, much less laptops, I-pods or the www. Today, kindergarden children are taught QWERT at the same time they are learning their ABC's! We learned QWERT in high-school typing class. If we were lucky, we got electric typewriters!
I suppose this is good progress, unless we reach the point where we actually try to replace real live human teachers with 'online tutorials'.
Personally, I am thankful for the Dick, Jane and Spot series and those early edition Golden Books that I first learned to read by myself. By a real live, in the flesh teacher. Those folks who took the time and made the effort to introduce us to the skills of reading. Who made the words on a page come to life!
And it is a skill. A taught skill. Not a naturally acquired skill. And once we mastered it, the world was opened up to us, yes, even before the world wide web was 'invented'!
So, at least for the time being, if you are reading this, take the time to thank a teacher this week! They may one day be a lost breed...
Happy reading and blessings to all!
D Americanhorse
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Adventures in home schooling...
The brain is technically a muscle. The old adage 'use it or lose it' applies. When you are a student (be it in a class room, your home or just somewhere out in life) you are learning. And while learning, you are actually making tiny connections in the brain, making it stronger, more durable and hopefully more flexible.
The amount of knowledge in the world is too vast for me to even comprehend. I know I have not even scratched the surface. I want to tell you a little bit about how I home schooled my non-verbal son, but first let me share this thought with you. As you know, this is a new website. What you don't know is that a month ago, the only thing I used the computer for was information searches, word processing and the educational sites my son visits during his schooling. By 'creating' this site, with extensive guides by Google help, I have fired up countless dormant neuro-transmitters I would have likely lost without use. I am very energized by all the new things I'm learning! It's a very euphoric feeling, so what I'm about to say, I say from first hand experience.
I am not a philosopher by profession. Nor a college professor or even a state certified public school teacher. I don't claim to be an expert in anything except my own journey. But I was certified in three states as a home school administrator/instructor. As a somewhat over protective mom who actually wanted her child to learn in school (imagine that...) I soon found that it just wasn't going to happen. So many special needs kids are left behind with untapped potential because no one has either tried to reach & teach them or because they assume the children simply can't learn. But that is rarely the case. These kids are limited by their own handicaps. We (as a society) handicap them further by denying them even the very basic education required to teach them how to read. So many of these kids are so very bright! Open a window to the world for them through reading and they will shine! That said, I'll just step down from my soapbox and compose the post I set out to publish...
A brief synopsis of our journey...
When I first began schooling my son, he wasn't even old enough to start the first grade. It was becoming obvious that his speech was not developing along the normal timeline standards, so I bought some ABC flash cards and began using them. My original emphasis was on the sound each letter made, hoping one day that he would start, well, talking. He didn't, but we continued to try. We engaged the services of a professional speech therapist in Santa Fe, who he absolutely adored (thank you, Judy!). If there was any way he could have, he would have. We all three tried, so hard.
My next step at home, while Judy began introducing him to the Picture Exchange System of communication, was to expand our flash cards to include cards with the beginning words. And a third set for phonics.
As he sat at his little work desk, I would lay out up to 7 or 8 cards at a time, slowly and clearly speaking each letter, sound or word. I made sure to present the cards (within their sets) in different random order, so he would never know which card would come up next. We'd cycle thru the alphabet, the beginning words and the phonics at least twice a day, at least 30 to 45 minutes at a time. But I did not want to limit his education to a desk. We would go outside and explore, play silly games, do story time or just goof around between the 'desk' lessons. His early education may have been unconventional, but it was effective.
I then got a big plastic covered ABC board that I'd go over with him. We practiced 'where is the letter _ ?" And "what comes after the letter _ ?" or "after the letter _ ?" When he reached a success rate of 4 out of 5 correct answers (by pointing to the letter) I knew we could move on. I tried to stay half a step ahead of his learning curve to avoid boredom.
The flash cards allowed me to shuffle the ABC's while the board fixed the letters in their proper order. (Entering the realm of cyberspace -QWERT- with him will be in a future posting...) I started laying out up to four picture flash cards with words like cat, dog, hat, ball, etc. Then, instead of saying "where is the dog?", I began to ask "where is the D - O - G?" (Saying the letters out loud while plainly writing them on a tablet. He began to understand the connection between 'letters', 'words' and 'things'. Soon, I was showing him up to 8 cards at a time and he was responding correctly 4 out of 5 times. But the store bought flash cards had the word printed on the bottom, I wasn't convenienced yet that he had it. So I made our own flash cards from personal photos, pictures out of magazines, anything I found that was both simple and something that he could or one day would be able to relate to. I trimmed them to the size of the other flash cards and laminated them for protection.
Meanwhile, I picked up a new set of flash cards that consisted of over 200 verbs, adverbs, pronouns, etc., all the descriptive or linking words we use in order to read and communicate. But words that don't have a set symbol or picture that link to them. These I showed him individually, saying the word clearly and giving an example of it's use in a sentence. Each time I would cycle through the cards, shuffle them and begin over, I would use the word in a different sentence. Something he was likely to understand or could relate to! Plus, I began introducing him to the picture flash cards I had made, without any word printed on them. Now, when I would write down the word 'turtle', he could find the actual photo of a turtle rather than just look at the word printed on the store bought card. Some days I would briefly run through the very first lessons we did as a warm up, but I tried to keep moving forward for the most part.
By the time he was seven years old, I could write him a fairly simple note of instruction and without any verbal prompt from me, he could read it and respond! He was now running his finger along the words in his children's books, pausing when he came to a word he was unfamiliar with. He would either figure it out on his own using the 'phonics' he had learned or he would bring the book to show me the word for an explanation!
I don't know that I have ever been happier than the day I knew he had mastered the elementary concepts of reading. Because I finally felt that the whole world was open to him! He was beginning to read to follow directions and to learn new things! Often just for the sheer pleasure of reading! Today, when I see him sitting in the window seat absorbed in a book, it thrills me! Isn't that what reading is all about anyway? The pursuit of knowledge or pleasure?
Is there a special needs child in your life? Even if you don't have the time to invest in a one-on-one education, take a few minutes to read a story to them. Read it clearly and with enthusiam! Treat them like 'real' kids! Because they ARE real kids! Even if they can't tell you themselves, they will appreciate you. I'm pretty sure God will appreciate you, too! You will have done a good thing...
I'm not sure who originally said it, but it has been my unofficial life motto: "Even a fool knows you can't reach the stars, but that does not stop the wise man from trying!"
I know this has been a fairly long post and for those that are still with me, I thank you! I invite you to click on the comment link below and share your thoughts or ideas. Fresh prospective is always welcome.
Remember, "Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh the things you can think up if only you try!" by Dr. Seuss.
Take care all, and happy reading!
D Americanhorse
The amount of knowledge in the world is too vast for me to even comprehend. I know I have not even scratched the surface. I want to tell you a little bit about how I home schooled my non-verbal son, but first let me share this thought with you. As you know, this is a new website. What you don't know is that a month ago, the only thing I used the computer for was information searches, word processing and the educational sites my son visits during his schooling. By 'creating' this site, with extensive guides by Google help, I have fired up countless dormant neuro-transmitters I would have likely lost without use. I am very energized by all the new things I'm learning! It's a very euphoric feeling, so what I'm about to say, I say from first hand experience.
I am not a philosopher by profession. Nor a college professor or even a state certified public school teacher. I don't claim to be an expert in anything except my own journey. But I was certified in three states as a home school administrator/instructor. As a somewhat over protective mom who actually wanted her child to learn in school (imagine that...) I soon found that it just wasn't going to happen. So many special needs kids are left behind with untapped potential because no one has either tried to reach & teach them or because they assume the children simply can't learn. But that is rarely the case. These kids are limited by their own handicaps. We (as a society) handicap them further by denying them even the very basic education required to teach them how to read. So many of these kids are so very bright! Open a window to the world for them through reading and they will shine! That said, I'll just step down from my soapbox and compose the post I set out to publish...
A brief synopsis of our journey...
When I first began schooling my son, he wasn't even old enough to start the first grade. It was becoming obvious that his speech was not developing along the normal timeline standards, so I bought some ABC flash cards and began using them. My original emphasis was on the sound each letter made, hoping one day that he would start, well, talking. He didn't, but we continued to try. We engaged the services of a professional speech therapist in Santa Fe, who he absolutely adored (thank you, Judy!). If there was any way he could have, he would have. We all three tried, so hard.
My next step at home, while Judy began introducing him to the Picture Exchange System of communication, was to expand our flash cards to include cards with the beginning words. And a third set for phonics.
As he sat at his little work desk, I would lay out up to 7 or 8 cards at a time, slowly and clearly speaking each letter, sound or word. I made sure to present the cards (within their sets) in different random order, so he would never know which card would come up next. We'd cycle thru the alphabet, the beginning words and the phonics at least twice a day, at least 30 to 45 minutes at a time. But I did not want to limit his education to a desk. We would go outside and explore, play silly games, do story time or just goof around between the 'desk' lessons. His early education may have been unconventional, but it was effective.
I then got a big plastic covered ABC board that I'd go over with him. We practiced 'where is the letter _ ?" And "what comes after the letter _ ?" or "after the letter _ ?" When he reached a success rate of 4 out of 5 correct answers (by pointing to the letter) I knew we could move on. I tried to stay half a step ahead of his learning curve to avoid boredom.
The flash cards allowed me to shuffle the ABC's while the board fixed the letters in their proper order. (Entering the realm of cyberspace -QWERT- with him will be in a future posting...) I started laying out up to four picture flash cards with words like cat, dog, hat, ball, etc. Then, instead of saying "where is the dog?", I began to ask "where is the D - O - G?" (Saying the letters out loud while plainly writing them on a tablet. He began to understand the connection between 'letters', 'words' and 'things'. Soon, I was showing him up to 8 cards at a time and he was responding correctly 4 out of 5 times. But the store bought flash cards had the word printed on the bottom, I wasn't convenienced yet that he had it. So I made our own flash cards from personal photos, pictures out of magazines, anything I found that was both simple and something that he could or one day would be able to relate to. I trimmed them to the size of the other flash cards and laminated them for protection.
Meanwhile, I picked up a new set of flash cards that consisted of over 200 verbs, adverbs, pronouns, etc., all the descriptive or linking words we use in order to read and communicate. But words that don't have a set symbol or picture that link to them. These I showed him individually, saying the word clearly and giving an example of it's use in a sentence. Each time I would cycle through the cards, shuffle them and begin over, I would use the word in a different sentence. Something he was likely to understand or could relate to! Plus, I began introducing him to the picture flash cards I had made, without any word printed on them. Now, when I would write down the word 'turtle', he could find the actual photo of a turtle rather than just look at the word printed on the store bought card. Some days I would briefly run through the very first lessons we did as a warm up, but I tried to keep moving forward for the most part.
By the time he was seven years old, I could write him a fairly simple note of instruction and without any verbal prompt from me, he could read it and respond! He was now running his finger along the words in his children's books, pausing when he came to a word he was unfamiliar with. He would either figure it out on his own using the 'phonics' he had learned or he would bring the book to show me the word for an explanation!
I don't know that I have ever been happier than the day I knew he had mastered the elementary concepts of reading. Because I finally felt that the whole world was open to him! He was beginning to read to follow directions and to learn new things! Often just for the sheer pleasure of reading! Today, when I see him sitting in the window seat absorbed in a book, it thrills me! Isn't that what reading is all about anyway? The pursuit of knowledge or pleasure?
Is there a special needs child in your life? Even if you don't have the time to invest in a one-on-one education, take a few minutes to read a story to them. Read it clearly and with enthusiam! Treat them like 'real' kids! Because they ARE real kids! Even if they can't tell you themselves, they will appreciate you. I'm pretty sure God will appreciate you, too! You will have done a good thing...
I'm not sure who originally said it, but it has been my unofficial life motto: "Even a fool knows you can't reach the stars, but that does not stop the wise man from trying!"
I know this has been a fairly long post and for those that are still with me, I thank you! I invite you to click on the comment link below and share your thoughts or ideas. Fresh prospective is always welcome.
Remember, "Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh the things you can think up if only you try!" by Dr. Seuss.
Take care all, and happy reading!
D Americanhorse
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Forks in the road...
Every time I think I'm getting somewhere, I come to a new fork in the trail and get side tracked. This is a brand new blogspot. You'd think I had enough to do trying to set it up. During the hours my son's in school or during the hours after he's in bed. After cleaning the house and before cooking supper. Yada, yada, yada. But, no. I just registered a domain as damericanhorse.com. If you run across it, don't be surprised to see it just sitting there, parked. Might be a while before I can get to it.
In the vein of accomplishment however, I did post my bio today on this site. It was harder than writing a synopsis. Almost as hard as standing still for a picture. (which I promise will be added soon...) And I've also written another couple of short picture stories that I'll be publishing on tarheelreader.com, as soon as I can find the pictures I want to link to them!
I will be posting another blog before the end of next week. April is Autism Awareness Month. If you've read my bio, you know this is a subject that is near and dear to me. I'll be sharing the story of the years I home-schooled my son, cliff notes version.
To leave you with another pearl, the following is a quote from Khalid Gibran.
"The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."
Remember, Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up the first week in May!
May you all have a Blessed Day!
D Americanhorse
In the vein of accomplishment however, I did post my bio today on this site. It was harder than writing a synopsis. Almost as hard as standing still for a picture. (which I promise will be added soon...) And I've also written another couple of short picture stories that I'll be publishing on tarheelreader.com, as soon as I can find the pictures I want to link to them!
I will be posting another blog before the end of next week. April is Autism Awareness Month. If you've read my bio, you know this is a subject that is near and dear to me. I'll be sharing the story of the years I home-schooled my son, cliff notes version.
To leave you with another pearl, the following is a quote from Khalid Gibran.
"The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."
Remember, Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up the first week in May!
May you all have a Blessed Day!
D Americanhorse
Monday, April 19, 2010
Teacher Appreciation Week - May 3rd thru 7th
As I work on developing this site, I have decided to post some pearls of wisdom by folks I consider wise... For example,
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island."
by: Walt Disney
Actually, I think I will drop a pearl of my own.
"Having good teacher is like finding a priceless gemstone in the bedrock of your life."
by: D Americanhorse
See what I mean about teachers and wisdom? Just posting that quote from Walt Disney inspired me to write my own quote of appreciation for the teachers of this world!
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island."
by: Walt Disney
Actually, I think I will drop a pearl of my own.
"Having good teacher is like finding a priceless gemstone in the bedrock of your life."
by: D Americanhorse
See what I mean about teachers and wisdom? Just posting that quote from Walt Disney inspired me to write my own quote of appreciation for the teachers of this world!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sometimes I get a little impatient...
April 16, 2010
When I registered this site just the other day I had convinced myself that I'd have it up and running in no time.
Alas, reality is often very different from visions.
Like the pianist attempting to build a piano, I am a mere writer attempting to build a website. I've come to accept the fact that it can be done. But not overnight. And not without a lot of time, patience, research, editing and, well, more time...
With that being said,
I'm working on it!
Best wishes for a wonderful day,
D Americanhorse
When I registered this site just the other day I had convinced myself that I'd have it up and running in no time.
Alas, reality is often very different from visions.
Like the pianist attempting to build a piano, I am a mere writer attempting to build a website. I've come to accept the fact that it can be done. But not overnight. And not without a lot of time, patience, research, editing and, well, more time...
With that being said,
I'm working on it!
Best wishes for a wonderful day,
D Americanhorse
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