Open thread
One of life’s quiet excitements is to stand somewhat apart from yourself and watch yourself softly become the author of something beautiful. — Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
User login
Most Recent Entries
read the blog archive
get our free weekly newsletter
Book
“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“PBH actually assisted me in focusing on my own unique style and listening more closely to my own creative voice (as well as that of my children, and being less seduced by everything new and shiny when things lagged in our learning), not just as a parent, but as an individual. The positive impact that this focus has had in my personal and family life is profound.”
“I’ve noticed big changes in my child’s play since I began doing the things suggested, and I am utilizing it for my own projects!”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“PBH is hands down my favorite book on homeschooling.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“Wonderful resource! This will help every parent to keep their children’s love of learning alive. Project Based Homeschooling will be a favourite for years to come in our home.”
“It has been an inspiration to our homeschool and to our daily life.”
.
“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
.
“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
.
.
.
“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
DISCLOSURE STUFF
I do not do any sponsored posts nor do I have any ads on the site.
I do not offer consulting services, but I would be happy to help you for free if you want to e-mail me or join the forum!
I am an Amazon Associate and I have linked a lot of references on the site to Amazon; if you buy anything there (anything at all, not just the linked item) I get a referral fee.
Or you can just enter Amazon through this MAGIC PORTAL and I will receive a tiny kickback if you buy anything at all!
Thank you for supporting PBH!
11 comments
So I've hit on this idea this past week, one that is probably not unique but I think it pretty important. It seems to me that when we talk about homeschooling, no matter what approach we are thinking about, we focus on the learning activities, the socialization aspect for the kids and such. But there is another part to this "journey" that of the parents, no one talks about what it means to our own lives, minds, and beings to decide to take on the "education" of our children. What does this mean for us as people, where do we find our strengths and calmness (or on other days our insanity)?
Because, really this path we are choosing to do affects us as well.
stacey, absolutely .. it's a lifestyle choice. one of the reasons i rattle on about family culture is that i think hs'ing is not this separate thing, something we do like piano lessons that is on the outside of our normal life. it IS our normal life.
so where do you find your strength and calmness?
This past year I definitely felt the effects of homeschooling on my life as an individual. I have been stressed, grumpy, snappy at the girls...all things that I don't want to be. Finding the right way to nurture myself is something that I have been thinking alot about...
....not enough. I am not doing enough to create balance as a person. I try, I'm writing as often as I can and I just started an art journal, but I'm missing the calm and balance part to life right now, being with A and being creative are both external. Now I need to go inside a little, slow down, find my center....of course it would be easier if the days had 36 hours in them.
The biggest effect I see in me is my own learning. Right now we are romping through Africa on a geo kick. What have I found? My own natural project work. Going through old National Geographics (need to pair them down so the kids stop leaving them around the house to get ruined) and taking out articles and photos I want to save for the kids someday, I've found several articles on Africa...on the food crisis, the water crisis and so on. They have sparked an interest that might not otherwise have been there if we hadn't been on this path. Then there is the for-fun fiction book I'm reading "Fever Dream" - a mystery about a wife who gets killed in Africa with this whole other tie in to John James Audubon (someone else we studied this year when the kids were interested in birds) that now I find myself immersed in.
The learning curve for me with their learning is tremendous. This is where I have to not put my learning on par with their's. There ARE certain things I want them to know...and that their father does...hence the trek through geography. But I am trying to find the balance at introducing a topic to them and then letting them be the owner of their own information. Have not done well with this in the past but rereading your project work posts, Lori, has re-inspired me to make a go at this style again. (Usually give up too early mainly because I have 5 kids all under 8yo with one more on the way and our life is so hectic it is hard to keep track of projects and really delve into everyone's stuff...but I am learning and I will keep plugging away at this lifestyle.)
kelly, that makes me think of the instructions on the airplane .. give yourself oxygen first, so you can then give it to your child.
it's hard to find quiet time, work time, when your children are small. it definitely goes a long way toward making the time together better, though.
my children are older, so i can tell you that it gets much better and much easier! :^)
stacey, balance has been a theme in my journal for years .. striving to achieving it, always noticing when it's missing.
as i said to kelly, it has become much, much easier as the children have gotten older. they are so self-sufficient .. in their work, in daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. it frees up that time i was looking for and never finding.
one nice thing is that project learning creates time when your children are deeply engaged, and that gives you time to think and write and make. if you work toward a goal of helping children work independently, they can get materials on their own, work, clean up, all without breaking the spell of their engagement.
there are parents who are managing their children's learning all day long, and when they aren't doing that, they are in the car driving them from lesson to class to meet. that level of activity would be exhausting for me!
amy, i find the same thing -- that working alongside the boys on their projects sparks interests in new things or reminds me of old, abandoned interests. it jumpstarts intellectual and creative energy for me.
i'm glad you're returning to these ideas .. with that many children that young, it must be very challenging for you. :^) keep plugging away! for years i kept a sign on my desk that said "forge ahead" .. reminding me not to give up when the going got tough.
i really feel that implementing even one good strategy can cause everything to turn in a good direction .. and possibly make it easier to make an attempt at the next thing.
keep me up to date!
Lori,
Have I forgotten to mention that it's nice to have you back in this spot, reminding me the hows and the whys.
aw, thank you, stacey. :^)
My husband works long, hard hours but when he is at home, he is completely at home and involved with the kids, their lives and their projects. Today he asked me how I do it. He can't see how I find time to home educate as well as all the other stuff that a family of six need.
OK, so let's be honest, the house comes way down the list of priorities (my Mother tells me that the day your house is pristine, is the day that you dearly wish for your babies to be back home again!) Today it was more important to find out about Bumble Bees and how they use their knees, because DD had a burning question that needed an answer right then and there, which evolved into another question about butterflies and moths, and so on and so on.
Home schooling has made me realise how little I know, how unaware I am of the world around me I am, and how fantastic my children are. On a bad day, it seems like the craziest decision we ever made! Even then, I know I wouldn't choose the other path.
kelly, beautifully said. you are lucky to have complete support from your husband!
Post new comment