Category: education

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Making it Count

everfaith

This is the tale of a young man who has shown me what it means to press on towards the goal. His story inspires me, and I pray it will inspire you as well! The tale is about a young man who I will call “Clayton.” Clayton is a speech and debate student I have had the privilege to teach. To just look at him compete, you would think that he is one of those genius naturals who were born for the stage. His exuberance for performance stems from a genuine desire to make a difference, whether it be to bring others laughter or … Continue reading Making it Count

education, homeschooling4 Comments

The High School Homeschool Tightrope

everfaith

I’m walking on a tightrope in the dark — thrilling chills and terrifying fears lurch in my belly.  I haven’t actually joined the circus.  Instead, I am taking a hike off the well-paved homeschool trail, forging a path of my own.  We are up a creek, so to speak, without a paddle.  And can I tell you?  It feels glorious! Libertarianism has seeped into my educational philosophy, and I find myself thinking things that two years ago I never would have thought in a zillion years.  I’ve been harboring dangerous thoughts lately, especially for a control-freak like me, such as: … Continue reading The High School Homeschool Tightrope

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Scaling the Wall

everfaith

        (The following post has been compiled in part from my Classical Conversations Roots and Reason Practicum speeches and represents information that was unearthed as I researched the connections between math, beauty, and truth.) In my quest to discover the truth and beauty found in the study of mathematics, I found something that I never realized had been lost: the presence of God. I confess that I never once felt the presence of the Lord above when I cracked open my Algebra textbook in high school.  In fact, the angst I felt in my college physics class felt more like it came from … Continue reading Scaling the Wall

education, homeschooling, praise, spiritual warfare1 Comment

 Speaking Truth and Beauty

everfaith

A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to serve as the speaker at one of Classical Conversations’ summer practicums.  It encouraged my heart to see so many parents eager to find truth and beauty in the subjects they teach their children…even the hard ones. Parents were encouraged, but more importantly, God was glorified!  Moms took to Twitter to share some of their insights: “‘Spirals.  So easy a plant can do it.’ Doodling in Math – Spirals.” “Leigh Bortins – Saxon Math explanations show the ‘deeper magic’ in a problem.” “Never thought I’d ever be sitting in a Math practicum.” “Cross canceling in Math is BEAUTIFUL!” … Continue reading  Speaking Truth and Beauty

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Changing the Public School “Collective”

everfaith

I took a trip down memory lane today, all the way back to 1994.  As part of my studies to become an elementary teacher, I was required to observe classrooms and keep a journal of my findings. I’m intrigued to examine how I felt about teaching then, in the thick of preparation to enter the public school system, to how I feel now, in the thick of preparation to encourage parents to consider homeschooling. Many of my observations were about the underlying systems in place.  I drew diagrams like this one of the seating arrangements. I made note of busywork … Continue reading Changing the Public School “Collective”