Thomas Jefferson Education

Well, I have officially found something else I am in love with! TJ Ed! I kind of heard about it as I was researching homeschooling last summer, but didn't really understand it so I didn't delve into it much. Then a few months ago I caught wind of it again and felt like I should find out more. So I did some research online, then checked the book out of the library. And now I am in love with it! It is not a homeschool program as much as it is a philosophy. The wonderful thing about it is that it is pretty much MY philosophy that I came up with at the beginning of our homeschool experience. It is so inline with it, that I was truly amazed. I knew what I was TRYING to do, and yet just couldn't figure out how exactly to accomplish it. Then, when I read this book it was like a light came on and I knew that I could do it by following this kind of program!
One of the best parts about it is that it strongly emphises "You, not them", meaning that I get to educate myself and be an example to them and teach them through the things that I am learning and interested in. I have a fabulous reason and excuse to read and educate myself now, as well as my children.
Anyway, I will be starting to post on here some more of the philosophies of TJ Ed. Some of the things I am learning, and that the kids are doing. It is still going to be a growing process for us all, and I hope to see the growth through this blog.

Handwriting without tears

I have really been struggling trying to get Jonah interested in writing. He hates sitting still for to long and therefor hates when I ask him to sit and work on writing. Even last year in kindergarten he hated to write and couldn't do the work that was asked of him very well. We had his fine motor skills tested to see why he was having such a hard time and (just like with everything else) they said that he had problems, but not bad enough to really do anything about. We have been doing hand strengthening activities to help, and he colors alot, which is good.
I haven't pushed it to much, but have been really concerned about the fact that he is almost 7 and cannot (will not) even write his own name. When I can get him to write I have always had to write it first and then have him trace over it. Anyway, I stumbled upon Handwriting without Tears and I think I am in love! I finally feel like I have something that will help Jonah that will not be the death of both of us! Yesterday we worked on some of the things that it tells you to do to help kids get ready and we all had so much fun! Here are some pictures that I took.

Here are some other fun things that they made!

Simon's feet


Self portrait of Simon.

Jonah's face with teeth and everything!

Valentines Day

Jonah was very concerned that since he doesn't go to "real" school anymore that we would not have a fun valentines day. So I decided to invite some other homeschooling friends over for a party at our house. It was so much fun! The day before the boys make their bags for their valentines. They had a lot of fun doing this and did a great job!

At the party we read books played some games and decorated sugar cookies and of course exchanged valentines. The boys had a lot of fun. To bad mom forgot to take pictures!

Bird Show

Last week we went to a bird show at the Hutchings Museum in Lehi. It was a lot of fun! Jonah really liked the bird and especially liked the "venomous duck". He talks about it almost everyday. It was actually this cute little bird.

After the bird show we walked around the museum for a while. It was actually a very cool museum. Who knew? Here are a few pictures of Jonah. Simon wasn't really in the mood for pictures.