Rosh Hashana
Today, Rosh Hashana was observed, so many of our local schools were closed. It’s always a bit tempting to me to follow our local school schedules at home. It’s never easy trying to teach my kids when the neighborhood kids are outside playing. So, we took the day off as well. Truthfully though, the real reason I didn’t teach was because my oldest son had an appointment with an acting coach in Philadelphia. The appointment was in the middle of the day, and by the time I had to factor in driving and such, it was somewhat pointless to try to hold academics. The drama/acting world is a new scenario for us. My oldest son has shown an interest in the craft, so we’ve been using different opportunities to expose him to see what may (or may not) spark. Exposure to many different things has always been a goal of mine for my kids. Hopefully doing so will help them and me make wise choices for their future.
The rest of the day was filled with gymnastics, soccer, and a gym class for me. I can tell my abs have been on summer break! Dinner was take-out from our local grocery store deli. I’m a sucker for that kind of food.
I did receive a letter in the mail today from the “National Society For the Gifted and Talented” based in Stamford, CT. The letter stated that my eldest had been accepted into this organization. I had sent in his Iowa test scores a short while back along with a check. The reason I did this was simply to learn more about opportunities and programs for my children that otherwise might know. I’m not privi to this type of knowledge like a public or private school would be. Hoping I get some benefit from spending our money on this.
Tomorrow-academics, robotics, soccer. I’ve got to get back to work with my little guys in Junior FLL. We are hoping to participate in some local exhibitions over the fall and winter semesters.
Internet Cold War
Good read today on Big Think’s website. If you don’t already subscribe to their feed, I encourage you to do so. Much to think about in the below article for ourselves and future generations..
http://bigthink.com/endless-innovation/are-we-ready-for-an-internet-cold-war
The Nightstands and such
You will find many books in and around our bedroom nightstands, and I try to encourage quality literature selections although Pokemon slips in there sometimes. The only permanent media devices allowed in their bedrooms at present are a karaoke machine for singing and a CD player for listening to audio books. There are radios on the players, but I prefer the kids listen to music downstairs where I can filter what’s on the stations. I do let them listen to classic rock, pop, the oldies, and so forth although my house is usually filled with either classical or jazz music. I want them to appreciate talented musicians and the great songs that have shaped our culture, but there’s no since filling up their minds with words that may not be healthy, either. However, if a song comes on that has less than stellar words, we do discuss why I may not approve of that song. Those times tend to spur conversation. We all know music can affect you, and that influence can be of a positive nature or potentially a negative one.
Along those lines, I let them watch part of “American Idol” tonight while they waited for dinner..
Devastation, global warming, the election
Sitting here late at night watching CNN and seeing the devastation that the east coast suffered, particularly our home state of Jersey and neighboring NY. Our power was restored this morning. I had friends from the south asking me how things were up here, and I didn’t know because I hadn’t seen anything on tv. Seeing it now is humbling. I kept teaching through the powerless hours, but I’m thinking we need to completely stop academics for now and find out where we can help. More to follow on that..
Well, election day is approaching. Hope you get out there and cast your vote!
Ivy League Homeschooling 