Mommy Plannerista

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Happy Eclectic Homeschooling: Realizations after the PHC 2019

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It has been a month since I attended the Philippine Homeschool Convention 2019. I was planning on blogging about my experience immediately after, but I decided to take my time and really think about what I learned or realized that day.

As usual, I enjoyed going to the convention. I especially enjoyed being with my long-time friends that day. One of them is a newbie homeschool mom while the other two are private school owners who are thinking about offering a homeschool program. I also enjoyed seeing my other homeschool mom friends who I rarely get to see these days. I only wish I had more time to talk to them that day.

Anyway, back to my realizations….

Several months ago, I mentioned in this blog that we’ve been incorporating more Charlotte Mason methodologies in our homeschool with the intention of slowly transitioning to full CM. I’ve been researching a lot about CM from experts and other CM families here and abroad.

I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos on how families incorporate CM in their homeschool. I stalk tons of CM families on Instagram. I’ve learned a lot from them, and I’m inspired by all of them. At the same time though, there was still a part of me that was hesitant to go full CM.

The Dilemma

The thing is, I’m also inspired by other styles of homeschooling. Right now, we use different ways of teaching depending on our subjects. Our methods are a mix of CM, Montessori, Unit Study, and Traditional. You can say that we’re actually more of eclectic homeschoolers.

Ziggy and Zander in our homeschool room…. We do a lot of playing.

We’ve been enjoying what we’re doing so far. I actually can honestly say that this is the most fun we’ve had homeschooling even though it’s more challenging now that I’m teaching two of my kids. Still, there’s that nagging thought that I’m not doing things right because we’re not sticking to just one style.

Then two-year-old Zander practicing how to “cut” vegetables and fruits. One thing we let him do to improve his fine motor skills.

There’s no problem in being ecletic, in my opinion. However, there are some people who believe that it is best to just choose one style of homeschool and stick to it in order to reap its full benefits. That idea somehow got stuck in my head these past several months, making me feel confused about how best to do things. Part of me wanted to go full CM but another part just wanted to continue what we’d been doing.

The Realization

So, what did I realize during the Philippine Homeschool Convention?

I was able to listen to stories from different types of homeschooling families. Their stories reminded me that each of us have our own homeschooling journey and that ours do not have to look like theirs.

Dawn Fung, homeschool mom and founder of a homeschool organization in Singapore

Dawn Fung, the guest speaker from Singapore, said something that really resonated with me. She said something like “the bigger the gap between expectations versus reality, the bigger the tension” and that “the smaller the gap, the more fulfillment.”

I couldn’t agree more.

The thing is, I know this already. I shouldn’t expect our homeschool to look ideal. I shouldn’t expect our journey to be the same as others. I shouldn’t expect for the results to be the same. I shouldn’t force myself to conform to other people’s ideas of what the ideal is. We don’t need that tension in our homeschool and in our life.

Building an atom. An activity that is part of our Intro to Energy unit study for Science

It’s just that sometimes I still can’t help but compare our journey to other families. Looking at the nicely curated Instagram photos posted by other homeschool families probably doesn’t help. I just need to constantly remind myself that there’s more to their story than what they show online. We can be inspired by them but that doesn’t mean we should be like them.

I also need to remind myself that what works for other families may not work for us. While some may choose just one style of homeschool (which is totally fine, of course), what really works for us right now is using different methods for different subjects. It may not be what some people consider “ideal” but the reality is that it works for us and that is what matters most. The reality is that we are happy doing this.

Snapshot of our family (by a fellow homeschool mom) during our homeschool co-op’s recently concluded painting class

Besides, our family is also not what you would call ideal anyway. Even the hubby and I are both more individualistic than most. We like doing our own thing and not conforming to the norm. We like being different. It’s just our personality. So, I guess it’s not really surprising that eclectic homeschooling is what works for us.

That realization (or reminder) made me feel a whole lot better about myself as a homeschool mom and about our homeschool journey as a whole. We are happy eclectic homeschoolers and we’re embracing it. I have the PHC to thank for that.

Mideer Domino Puzzle Traffic Toy Review and Giveaway!

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Hey, everyone! I’m back! I’m so sorry I’ve been MIA here lately. Life has been so hectic. So much has happened. There are so many things I want to share with all of you, especially with regard to homeschooling, but that will have to wait.

Today, I want to talk to you about a new toy that was given to my kids several weeks ago for them to try. It’s called the Domino Puzzle Traffic by Mideer Philippines.

Mideer – A World of Wonders

Mideer is a brand that believes that the world is a wonderful place and that kids must be allowed to explore the wonders that abound in their own way. They design their toys to hone your child’s eye for design, with an abundance of color, patterns, and characters that they will enjoy.

They have a wide variety of toys such as their Travel Doodle, Magnetic Responsibility Chart, Baby Gaby Toothbrush Timer, and the Kids Storybook Torch.

Mideer also has their own line of puzzles that teach basic concepts and skills such as shape recognition, concentartion, goal setting, patience, and sense of achievement. It develops your child’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as well as improves their problem solving, critical thinking, visual-perceptual skills, and memory. They can even teach your kids teamwork too. One of the puzzle sets they offer is the Domino Puzzle Traffic.

Domino Puzzle Traffic

The Domino Puzzle Traffic is a fun matching game that is designed to turn difficult concepts to be understandable and entertaining at the same time. The box contains 24 pieces of double-sided puzzles that teach kids about numbers and pairing. It can be played either as a puzzle or as dominoes when you pair them. Made for kids ages 3 years old and above, this game comes in big pieces that can be easily grasped by your kids.

The game comes in a sturdy and colorful square box. When you open it, you’ll see a small sheet of paper that shows you an image of how the game is played as well as a plastic package containing the puzzle pieces. The puzzle pices are double-sided with one side showing images of vehicles in half. The other side has traffic-related images such as tires, flags, traffic cones, and others.

The game can be played in two ways. If there’s only one player, your child must first recognize the traffic and then place down a domino that correctly completes one of the two traffic pictures with the end pieces on the table.

If there are two or more players, they each start with 6 dominoes first. The first player places a domino on the table then each player takes their turn to match one of their dominoes to those already laid. The first player who has no dominoes left will be the winner.

Our Review of the Domino Puzzle Traffic:

We’ve played the Domino Puzzle Traffic several times already. I’ve used it with my 8-year-old, Ziggy, and my then 2-year-old, Zander (who turns 3 today!).

Here’s what we think about the game.

  1. I like that the game is simple and that there’s no assemby required. While I don’t mind assembling games sometimes, there are days that I just don’t have time to do it. With this one, you just open the box and take out the pieces.
  2. I love that the pieces are made of thick cardboard because my boys are not always careful in handling their toys. With this, I don’t need to worry about them damaging the pieces. So far, they still look brand new even after playing with them several times already.
  3. I like that the pieces are big enough for my 2-year-old to hold comfortably.
  4. I like that there are two ways to play the game. While Zander can’t totally manage playing with this alone, Ziggy definitely can. If they want to play together, they can as well.
  5. I like that it’s both a fun and educational game. If you know me at all, you’d know that I’m a sucker for educational toys. The game may be too easy for Ziggy now that he’s already 8 years old though but he still enjoys it.
  6. Zander still has difficulty playing with the vehicle side of the pieces. Maybe because his mind gets a bit confused with all the different types of vehicles in various bright colors. It’s probably because he was barely 3 years old when he started playing this. He does better playing with the other side. I think it’s because the backgrounds are all the same color and his mind can just focus on the images themselves. He also has fun with the game and is always really proud when he is able to match an image.

Overall, we really like and enjoy playing this game. I would definitely recommend it especially for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and lower grade school kids.

If you want to buy one for your kids or if you just want to learn more about Mideer products, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Their toys are available in select branches of Toy Kingdom and Toys ‘R Us.

Now for the exciting part!

Our generous friends at Mideer Philippines are sponsoring a giveaway. They’re giving away one (1) Domino Traffic Puzzle to one of you guys. Yay!

Click here to join!

I’m hosting the giveaway over on my Instagram account, so head over there now to join. The exact mechanics will be there as well. Good luck!

Thank you, Mideer Philippines!

No Place Like Home: The Philippine Homeschool Convention 2019

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This year is our 6th year homeschooling. Wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long. I honestly didn’t think at first that we would last this long in this journey. The fact that we are still doing it and still enjoying it makes me so happy.

It hasn’t been a walk in the park though. There are definitely lots of ups and downs. However, I can honestly say that homeschooling has been a great experience for us.

Last year, I had feelings of overwhelm already and was questioning whether we should still continue homeschooling. What helped clarify things for me was attending the Philippine Homeschool Convention in September. (You can read about my experience at the convention here.)

As it turns out, all I needed was a little inspiration and a little reminder of WHY we do what we do. The convention renewed my love for homeschooling and gave me the motivation to make our experience better.

So, I guess it goes without saying that I do highly recommend attending the annual convention whether you are still thinking about homeschooling, a newbie homeschooler or even a veteran. It is my hope that the convention will help you in your homeschooling journey as well.

With that said, I am so EXCITED for this year’s convention coming next month! Here’s what you need to know.

No Place Like Home: The Philippine Homeschool Convention 2019

Educating for Life (EFL), the organizer of homeschool conferences in the Philippines since 2014, is proud to present the 2019 Philippine Homeschool Convention, “No Place Like Home”.

To be held on September 7, 2019 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City, we gather in this annual event to further pursue our vocation as homeschoolers and celebrate the essence of home, of family, of this virtuous calling of educating our children.

The Convention’s theme is inspired by this quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “There is no school equal to a decent home, and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”

Believing that there is no place like home—especially when it comes to teaching our children—let’s equip ourselves so we can forge ahead in the difficult but extremely rewarding task of educating our children not just academically, but in other aspects too. Character. Virtues. Life lessons. Things that they don’t normally learn from textbooks and within classroom walls.

It is the essence of home, of family, of this virtuous calling of educating our children that we celebrate in No Place Like Home: the Philippine Homeschool Convention 2019.

Our line-up of speakers consists of both international and local speakers who will leave the participants inspired, encouraged, empowered, and equipped to start or continue their respective homeschooling journeys with even greater passion than before.

You can view all the PHC topics and speakers here. You can also view the schedule of the PHC here.

Right now, until September 1, you can avail of the Early Bird Rate of only P1000 for the All-Access Pass (access to all plenary sessions and breakout sessions, plus the PHC Expo featuring different products and services that are helpful to homeschooling families). To register, just go here.

If you have any questions about the PHC, please feel free to visit our website’s FAQs section.

Hope to see you guys there!

Pros and Cons of Charter Schools 2019

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Choosing the right school for your little one isn’t easy, especially with so many choices. Between public, private, and charter schools, the possibilities are practically endless. Essentially, the main difference between the three types of schools is how they are funded and operated. 

Public schools get their financing from government funds, while private schools rely on tuition and donations. Public schools must admit all students who live within the borders of their district, while most children must be accepted into private schools. 

Charter schools, on the other hand, are independent schools that are still publicly funded. Charter schools are still considered public because they are funded by the government, but they are operated by parents, teachers, organizations, or non-profit companies. Charter schools often have the benefits of private schools without tuition. However, there are both pros and cons of enrolling your child in a charter school. Keep reading to find out if it’s a good option for you in 2019!

Enrolling Your Child in a Charter School: The Good and The Bad

Pros

  • An atmosphere of a private school minus the price. Like any other school, charter schools are mandated to have licensed teachers and conduct state-testing on students. They can even be closed for under-performing. However, they have a lot more academic freedom than local public schools. They often give specialized courses, advanced electives, and honors programs that aren’t available at public schools. 
  • Most public schools are known for teaching their students simply how to take a state test, rather than have fun learning and comprehending the material. Charter schools don’t always focus as much on standardized testing. They are known for unique approaches to learning that allow students to understand concepts that will actually help them rather than simply learning how to take a state-issued test. 
    This can be a benefit for a number of reasons. First, studies have shown that not teaching to the test actually results in better test scores. Moreover, teaching children to take a test does not improve their problem-solving skills, nor does it teach them academic concepts they can build on. When schools focus on lessons, children are more likely to enjoy learning and succeed in school. In most cases, charter schools do a good job of adhering to these standards. 
  • Many charter schools encourage innovation. For example, if your child cannot sit for long periods of time, teachers may provide a project-based assignment rather than force them to sit and take notes. Essentially, charter schools have the freedom to adapt the typical curriculum and encourage children to learn in a way that is right for them -teaching in an innovative way.
  • Also like private schools, charter schools often have smaller classrooms. Smaller classrooms offer fewer distractions for students and encourage an individualized way of learning, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
  • Though charter schools are accountable for what they do, they ultimately have less accountability than a public school. This can be both a pro and a con, depending on the school. In essence, it can be a positive thing because students can learn in more individualized, creative ways. Charter schools can provide more than a typical public school.

Cons

  • As mentioned, less accountability can also have negative consequences. Ultimately, charter schools are not regulated as rigorously as public schools, so just as they can fall ahead of the curriculum, they can also fall behind. Charter schools are known for their inconsistent performance. Their flexible curricula allow them to excel or fail miserably. Whether this is truly a pro or a con depends on the school. 
  • Corruption is common. Many charter schools have been known for misspending public money, resulting in poor classroom conditions and corrupt management. Though it is terrible to think of a school being a corrupt business, it happens often with charter schools. Though this is not true for all schools, it is important to ensure the charter school you might enroll your child in does not suffer from this adversity. 
  • Some charter schools have chosen to go virtual. However, online charter schools tend to do poorly. Performance is known to be low and curriculum developed poorly. Avoid online charter schools. 
  • There is limited transportation. Most, if not all, charter schools do not provide bus services for students. This means parents are left to find a way to get their children to and from school every day.
  • Charter schools often conduct a lot of fundraisers and donations. This means that they encourage parent involvement a lot. While fundraisers can be fun, they also take a lot of time, energy, and resources. You may be volunteered to go out of your way to attend school functions, prepare items or treats to sell or even buy goods from students.  

Choose Your School Today!

Now that you fully understand the pros and cons of enrolling your child in a charter school, it’s important that you choose the right school. Essentially, charter schools are wonderful options for students if you can find the right one. AMS Charters, for example, is a great option. They offer an accelerated curriculum that is individualized for every student. Find a location closest to you!

Starting ‘Em Strong with Cheez Whiz

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We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I actually believe that a great day starts with a great breakfast.

A great breakfast is especially important for our kids because they need the right vitamins and minerals in order for them to be productive at home, do their best in school and have fun at playtime. So at our house a great breakfast is a must!

We were so happy then that we received a package full of Cheez Whiz last week. We all love Cheez Whiz because it’s packets with strength building nutriets such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus that our kids need. Plus, all the flavors are delicious too!

I also love that Cheez Whiz is super spreadable. We usually spread it on to bread or crackers for a fast and easy breakfast or snack. It’s definitely a staple at our house and in a lot of other households too for sure because it has been around for over 50 years already.

It’s a shame though that we missed the first ever Cheez Whiz Strength Builders Camp that took place last June 5. Attended by their newest brand ambassador, Chesca Garcia and here kids Scarlett and Gavin Kramer, the camp featured four (4) interactive zones and five (5) active zones where kids got to complete exciting physical activities. It was definitely a fun event where kids got to showcase their strength powered by Cheez Whiz.

You can get Cheez Whiz in 3 variants now – Original, Pimiento, and Mild – and in several sizes too. For more information, like Cheez Whiz on Facebook and Instagram at @CheezWhizPH.

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