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Show MERRY TIMES - DECEMBER 1992 - 5 children. “There is no mill or mine for the children to work in.” Getting a good education so that they can create living— wage jobs will be imperative, if children growing up here are to remain, according to Bill. It was Bill’s stance on education that prompted people to urge him to run for the County Council. Moab’s and Castle Valley’s safety is another feature Bill treasures. He knows his children are safe walking to the ball fields after school, and for Bill and Eleanor, that's important. Protection can also extend to the few remaining well-run ranches in Grand County, which Bill sees as being the best use of that land. He also cites the few remaining orchards that grace the Moab Valley with sweet blossoms in springtime. Perhaps the City and County should try to buy these orchards as open space for the community, Bill suggests. Losing the orchards which once made Moab famous would be like losing part of the soul of the commu- ”at! Homeschooling Update Valley homeschoolers are having fun with our workshops. Some are conveniently coming to an end as the holiday season approaches, others are taking a break until the New Year. Our at-home learning periods seem to be filling up with lots of hands-on artistry and thematic projects. Our flexibilty, while sometimes disturbing to some, is a joy to us. Someone said to me the other day, “Gee, school is almost half over!” I had to think about that. When did school begin? When is vacation, anyway? When is school out? And immediately, one of the philosophical differences between home and on-site (or institu- mty. tional) schooling became clear: how The Heddens have been here long enough to witness many changes both in themselves and in the community. time is valued. In homeschool the They have fought for their beliefs and taken time out to raise their family and place 24 hours a day—not only reading, writing, and arithmetic, but the sciences, creative and logical thinking, populate their land with trees. Bill feels ready and willing to again invest his §\ § energy in the worthy struggles he sees ahead, never forgetting the joys and responsiblites of his family. Good luck to you, Bill. c:Joan Sangree W framework or brackets of teaching] learning are removed. Learning takes artistic expression, social skills. Even as we sleep, our minds are actively processing that day’s information, sorting and solving problems and concerns. How we learn to value our time stays with us throughout our lives. How we see and value our work, whether at home or out in the field, is crucial to how we see ourselves and others. Is the work that each member carries out in the family valued equally? Is the soothing of a tearful child valued as §$ Watch much as a washed load of dishes or a for news of "professional" job well done? Is each » other councfl candidates filing from casfle valley. Good Luck to AI / it? a the front gate individual considered a valued part of the functioning unit? Another asset of home schooling is the freedom to concentrate on a single subject when it is compelling. No bells demanding a change of focus. No waiting for another day. Halting the exhilarating flow of creativity can cause disappointment and frustration at having to stop now and wait for another day. Studies show the value of thematic learning, where various subjects are explored through the same theme (preferably of our own choosing). In this way our studies matter more to us, and as a result we have higher retention and, I think, more enjoyment. Homeschoolers plan to start something new with the New Year—a family evening once every six weeks. Anyone who would like to participate will be welcome. These events will give children the opportunity to present or share what thay have learned on their own initiative. One child might share a family biography, another demonstrate the art of karate or play a musical piece they have mastered, while yet another might show how she built her own rocket. These opportunities develop their speaking skills, as well as encourage self-motivation. Interest and enthusiasm are contagious! We homeschoolers welcome teens and adults who are willing to share their expertise and enthusiasm. You could offer a one-time—only workshop in, say, making kaleidoscopes or paper. Or perhaps an on-going (2, 4 or 6 weeks) class in local geology, botany, or Spanish, or anything else you may be excited about. One or two other adults would be there to help. If you are interested in becoming involved with us, call Jil at 7580 or Ann at 6968. —Jil Kulander 259-8274 ANYTIME TREES BUSHES FLOWERS IRRIGATION |
