One of the things I love about the TJEd philosophy, is the aspect of “you, not them.” Essentially it’s about making sure I keep focused on my own education as a way of improving myself and following my passions while also being an example of lifelong learning for my kids. I found a great list…
Category: Parenting, the Give Way
Mentoring Goals: Age 5
This is my first year being a bit more formal and organized. I’ve started with a bare bones outline for my 5 year old, and will add as we go. In looking at what I did when I first started, I can see elements of the school system still with me. I thought I was…
Squashing Boredom: Scavenger Hunt Style!
Photo Credit: Rachel Samanyi We were stuck in a rut. The “I’m bored bug” was crawling out far too often. I could suggest an activity, but rarely did it spark a creative fire in my kids. I decided that instead of waiting for them to be bored, I would send them on an adventure to…
Thank You for the Smooth Transition
After having my second baby, I was reminded again of how wonderful it is for people to give their time to help. We had some great meals provided to us. And, my mom of course has helped tremendously, as always. Thanks, mom. I look back, with regret, and think of all the friends and family I…
What a Three Year Old Can Learn
I really liked having goals for my two-year-old and myself last year. So, I figured I’d try and do it every year. Then as I wrote this article and titled it “Plans and Goals,” I realized that there are goals for me, but most of what I called “goals” are really just what I see her learning….
Learning: Ages 3-4
Cutting basil she picked for pasta I’m still dipping my feet into this whole “homeschooling” thing. I really don’t like the term “homeschooling,” since I don’t like what comes to mind when I think of “school.” As a ten year veteran elementary and middle school teacher, I have seen lots of flaws and learned a…
Plans and Goals for My Two Year Old
I like to plan. But, I also like to lay in bed. I figured if I tried to have at least a simple list of things I need to keep in mind each day, then I would not spend all day finding ways to keep my 2 year old busy at home, just so I…
Thank You, You’ve Saved Me A LOT of Money
Giving — it’s not always an easy task, especially if what you’re giving away could potentially make you money (or at least be written off on your taxes). It is also often a thankless task (especially if someone like me forgets to express my deep gratitude!). So this one is for all the people who…
Book Recommendations
In an effort to share information, I thought I’d put together a list of books that have been very helpful to me as a person, teacher and parent. I’ve written reviews of some of them, so you can link to those below, or head over to Amazon to find out more. Teaching The First Days…
Soft-Spoken Parenting
I like reading. In fact, one of my favorite past times (pre-parenting days), was to go to the bookstore, get a drink (or a donut, if we’re being honest 😉 ) and head straight to the parenting/education section. I’d find a book I liked and sit and read for a couple hours. If it was…
Go Outside and Play!
[Originally posted on vision.org} Is there a correlation between physical and emotional health and communion with nature? How important is it for kids to spend a significant amount of time in unstructured outdoor play? Have modern kids been separated from the natural environment? These questions form the focus of the book Last Child in the…