Yesterday (Thursday) is a heavy theater day for Annie and Bryan. Homeschool Theater Class during the first half of the day and then Masters Class in the evening. This gives Jack some time to do math, geography, reading and/or work in the shop his mother manages. It is good to have teenagers help out. Boys like to "raise a barn." Don't give them a bunch of busy work. Give them a sense of purpose - a feeling of really helping out and making a difference. Too often, in the confines of school buildings and with the hours of busy work assigned for later in the day, teenagers don't have the chance to be a part of things. They don't get to help their parents, take out the garbage or paint a garage door. This disconnection is part of what creates the "generation gap." Some of it is hormonal, sure. But much is conditioned.
A friend of my mom's from Pakistan told her that the "terrible teens" is a very American phenomenon. She said we cut them out of our circle, don't expect anything from them in the way of "barn raising" because of all the isolating school work. We push them to think of little else than getting into college. Then we point to them when they collapse on the couch and say, "Look at those lazy good-for-nothings -- only thinking of themselves." We definitely create that scenario, just to turn around and complain. Homeschooled, non-sleep deprived, kids -- kids who aren't treated like liabilities or enemies to adults, kids who aren't talked down to all day, droned at all day, or worse, bullied or ignored all day, prove this theory. They are as good-natured as any adults I know. No more moody than their menopausal mothers, that's for sure!
Annie, Bryan and Jack all went to physics class today, which sounded fun! In the words of Science Jim, their teacher, "A very fun day today! We took a look at conservation of momentum by crashing balls together. We took a look at impulse by shooting spit balls and we took a look at the relationship between impulse and momentum by dropping eggs out of my window! Physics rocks!"
Afterwards, the boys and I took Annie to the YPPC theater for her to volunteer with the younger kids' production. She and her friend Martin, who are both in the high school, YPPC Masters program are helping out.
Once back at home, Jack and Bryan went to find Avery to play outside. Jack told us that he didn't get any physical education at his old school. The only exercise or fresh air he got was while running from one building to another, trying not to be late for another "sit down and shut up" session. I'm so glad he's with us now. Even if we don't do everything right -- how about the "First Do No Harm" axiom?
In Clark Aldrich's book, Unschooling Rules, he questions the effectiveness of having more than one or two academic pursuits a day. He is rather convincing. He explains how humans can't really take in all of that lecturing and information. He states that even when geniuses travel the globe to convene at summits, dealing with the most interesting and pressing issues facing humankind, that people begin to nod off or daydream at the 45 minute mark. At best, we can be presented one subject to think about in the morning and one in the afternoon. These should be interspersed with movement, fresh air, participation in our own upkeep (i.e., growing food, taking out trash, etc.) and especially, pursuing our own passions.
That said, when the boys come back in, while I'm cooking dinner, they plan to work on the computer together. Jack had several questions for Bryan about how to make a YouTube page and such. This should be fun! AND educational. :)
Later: Jack left tonight most pleased with his accomplishments and in high spirits. He and Bryan made him a YouTube page, as I mentioned earlier. And Jack has a new Flip video camera and I can tell he's going to have fun with it! Letting these guys pursue things that excite them provides proof that learning is fun.
Already, Jack is a blessing to us all!
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