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Friday, February 5, 2010

Numbers and Words

Well, the last couple of days has been pretty impressive around the Schonder School House. Somewhere along the line, Kira picked up some pretty interesting information. She has learned to divide sets of things in half. She has started writing words all on her own. She made leaps and bounds with her connections of content.

Last night, Dad and I were playing Tekken on the Play Station. Kira started sounding out some words. We didn't really think much about it until she brought us a piece of paper that she had written the word "bat" on. She explained to us that this was the bat you use to hit balls with and not the bat you see flying in the sky at night. She asked for more paper and continued writing out words. (Just WOW!!!)

This morning, she crawls in bed for some snuggles. After a few minutes she tells me, "Mom, 5 has a middle person. Four has a middle hole, but not a middle person."

blink blink blink

Mind you, it was very early and I am NOT a morning person. I had to ask her what she was talking about.

So she holds up her hand - with 5 fingers up. Then she tells me again... "Five has a middle person - see... *wiggling her middle finger*. Four does not have a middle person. It has a middle hole. *putting her finger in the middle space*

again... blink blink blink

My foggy brain found the capacity to discuss odds and evens with her.

Then I asked her how she would divide the 5 so that her and Marisa would get the exact same amount.

Dad started to help her, until I told him to hush. (he isn't usually home on Fridays...)

After a bit of consideration, Kira decided that to divide the middle person she would need to use a knife to cut it in half --- but only by asking a grown up to help her.

I think this is so awesome!

2 comments:

Petula said...

Wow, that's pretty amazing. She seems a natural with math. I was thinking about how she would test or whatever to get her diploma or to move ahead a grade. I guess you know all of that already, huh? It was just a random thought. I wonder if unschooling would work with most children. She seems to have taken to it so well and you're a natural at encouraging and implementing learning in everyday life. Very super extra cool!

Mom said...

Pet,

Grade movement and testing depends largely on the style of home schooling that each family adheres to.

For us, because we unschool, there is no grade level. While Kira is technically of age to be in Pre-Kindergarten right now, she is doing work at various different grade levels based on her skills and desires.

In Georgis, we are required to submit to standardized testing at the age of 3rd grade, 6th grade, 9th grade, and 12th grade. As the parent, I get to choose which standardized test I will use. The test results are not required to be submitted to the Department of Education, though. I have to keep the score results and that's it.

The only way for a home school student to receive an actual paper diploma is by going through an accredited program that develops and monitors the high school program. Diplomas, however, are no longer necessary for home schoolers to enter college because the university systems are now more aware and more welcoming to home schooling. Each university has a system in place in order to allow home schooled students to apply even without an official diploma.

I do believe that home schooling is something that most every family can do. It requires a level of commitment and dedication. Parents should take time to consider the benefits and possible issues that come with home schooling.