Breathe it in… breathe it out…
MusingsThis morning was one of those mornings I needed things to go right (as they usually do) and instead the Universe seemed as if it was conspiring against me to make everything go wrong.
Annette
The Ketogenic Diet: If at first you don’t succeed…
Epilepsy, In the Kitchen, KetoI have been trying off and on for several years (yes, sigh, YEARS) to stick to the ketogenic diet (or, as die hard keto fans will tell you, it’s NOT a diet, it’s a WOE or way of eating). I had heard about it as a way of treating childhood epilepsy and then my neurologist suggested I try it as well.
Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori: Where Methods Meet
Montessori, Reggio EmiliaAs I’ve been thinking about this “sweet spot” where Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia meet, I’ve been trying to pull out where exactly those intersectionalities occur. This is, undoubtedly, a partial list, but it’s what I am able to come up with in the noisy lobby of my kids’ arts school.
- The aesthetic. Let’s face it, this is the first thing people tend to notice about all three of these “lifestyles” (if there is such a thing). Natural materials, muted colors, an ethereal glow. Toys are often handmade with love and knowledge of the child and are imbued with meaning. Toys tend are beautiful, open-ended, and multi-purpose.
Intersection
General, Montessori, Reggio EmiliaI’m at an interesting point in my life right now. I am finding that there is this fascinating sweet spot where Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia all meet. I’m at the thinking stage, sorting it all out.
Our Geeky Summer
GeneralMaybe, eventually, I’ll do a post about everything that’s going on with my epilepsy and other health challenges that have cropped up… but the bottom line is that I’ve decided, come hell or high water, I’m going back to some sort of work come September. Staying home and being sad and worried is doing nothing for my physical, mental, or emotional health, and even if all I do is substitute three days a week, I will still be at the same point where I am now. But meanwhile, we’ve decided to make this a happy, fun, GEEKY summer.
Happy Summer!
GeneralAll my babies are home for the summer!
Except, they’re not. Katie left today to go on tour with her girls’ choir, and Michael leaves this weekend for two weeks in Spain with his orchestra.
Other updates include:
Nature Study: The Return of the Birds
SpringEven if I was able to sleep in– a virtually impossible task when you have six children!– I am finding myself waking up every morning to the sound of birds. Coincidentally, the twins created a bird feeder in their Sunday School class, leading to an interest in the birdies in our neighborhood. They’ve been gathering up rocks, twigs, and grasses to create “nests.” It’s sweet, but I could do without it immediately outside the front door!
At the same time, I’ve been leading some music classes at a local preschool. I miss teaching little ones, and it’s just enough to make me miss it. But our topic these last few weeks? Birds!
Springing into Spring!
General, SpringOh my goodness, Spring is finally here, and we’re so excited!
I just wanted to remind everyone that we have plenty of spring goodies housed here on Seasons of Joy. You really don’t have to buy anything— there is so much out there that is freely available, and nobody knows your child the way you do.
But if you should choose to purchase something, Spring Seasons of Joy is my favorite!
We spent spring break exploring some fun places around our city– above is Randyland, an outdoor, interactive art exhibition– and are now settling back into school and spring cleaning and gardening. I hope to start posting again now that I’m out of my winter funk.
One (or two) little words…
MusingsI’ve been doing “one little word” for several years now. Last year’s word was SHINE, although I don’t know if I ever got around to writing about it. Some other websites have commercialized the concept, so definitely stick to the first link above it you’re looking for watchword for the year and not necessarily for merchandise.
SPRING Seasons of Joy Online Updates
Seasons of Joy, Spring
Websites come and websites go, and ten years later, I realize that some of the websites included in my Seasons of Joy curriculum may no longer be functioning. And spring is coming soon, I promise! Here are some updated links to the Spring seasonal guide.
p. 54 “Online bonus material”
The link to making a bubble wand no longer works. Try these links instead!
* Make large and small bubble wands.* A do-it-yourself GIANT bubble wand from sticks and string.
*Invent all kinds of bubble wands from kitchen materials.
