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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it; I believe it.

Monday, October 12, 2009

...I Still Have Mountains To Climb


(we've conquered hills). Well its coming up on week four (or five?) of our virtual school journey, and I feel like we have so much to do! Just about every evening, we go over the day's lesson, we check work we discuss what problems he may be having and it is both exhilarating and exhausting. Although the K12 curriculum has everything one could ask for (so far it really is very impressive, great stories, detail, and depth for each subject), I still have to play the role of teacher/learning coach and this is very time consuming. So a word to anyone reading who might be considering this: planning and organization appears to be a key factor that is helping us get over the hills (and hopefully will get us over the mountains too!).
Today my son learned more about Latin and Greek root words, Sumer, and elements...and so did I! That is the thing I find about K12 virtual academy that (if you do it right anyway), it really makes the parent become a true partner with the student as they are learning. I wish I had more hours in the day...
The dissertation (another mountain) is coming along (still slowly, still surely). I have approval to use the data set I need. I've reviewed 85% of my new research. Now it is just a matter of putting together chapters 1-3. Can I do it before the semester is up...? I had PLANNED to be finished before October was up! So, again with the adjustments in the schedule, but for a most worthy cause. We keep on pushing and climbing.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A is for Apple!


Well, we went on our first field trip with the K12 VA VA Academy yesterday and it was GREAT! My son got to meet another 8th grade student in the academy, and I got to pick fresh apples. The day was heaven sent - I mean it was really that beautiful. AND K12 paid for the field trip expense (not gas, but the admission and snacks, and hey, that's more than you usually get with regular school!). My son and I were very pleased.


We are still having some of the same difficulties that you would expect with traditional junior high school - keeping the student organized, on task (and off Facebook - man I should have made him wait till he turned 14 or 15!!!), but I still must say I am very pleased with this learning format. I have much more control and access to the curriculum and learning tools. I have the lesson objectives right at my finger tips. I don't have to wait until tomorrow to ask the teacher what he was supposed to be doing today, or what he should have learned, or what he should know by next week. Its ALL RIGHT THERE!!! Thank God for technology. I truly believe this is the way to go - or at least some hybrid of this format blended with in-class instruction.


I am also making VERY good progress on moving that mountain that is the dissertation - Ph.D. - I SEE YOU....