Learning, Culture, and Tea


I have been trying to intentionally bring truth, goodness and beauty in our home this year as we continue our education (I say we because I'm learning alongside my kids - reclaiming my own education).  When I heard about Julie Bogart's Poetry Tea Time idea I was immediately intrigued at the notion of pairing learning with tea/treats.  Let me tell you…It has provided an atmosphere of learning that has had a tremendous effect on the attitudes, attentiveness, and creativity of my kids.  They are pleasant (often times silly) and eager to read/hear the poetry choices.  They make a huge effort to make the setting inviting and special.  

A typical teatime for us includes the kids working together to set the table, choosing their poems to read aloud (or for me to read aloud in the case of my preschooler); and occasionally putting on some background music.  My second grader will even request tea with me when we’re working on a subject lesson (most often Grammar).  Most recently, though, we’ve brought in my Belizean culture and I’m thrilled that I get to share that with them.  Every Tea Time looks different but it is always guaranteed enjoyment by all.

One morning this week was special because my parents are visiting from Belize.  Being once a British colony, Belize adapted the idea of ‘Tea’ from Britain but portray it in a slightly different way.   Belizeans have two tea times that are more small meals: one in the morning and one in the evening.   Tea usually includes tea or other hot beverage, some type of homemade baked item (Fry Jack, Powda Bun, Johnny Cake), and something savory like cheese, eggs, and/or beans.  So, after enjoying some delicious Fry Jacks (less dense version of a beignet) that my mom prepared; and, some apple juice, we read some inspirational poems from "God’s Wisdom for Little Boys" and "God’s Wisdom for Little Girls".    We try to embark on our day’s happenings by filling our hearts with God’s Word.  Poetry Tea Time was a perfect atmosphere for doing that this morning.

My mind is constantly racing with ideas for Poetry Tea Time.  I have been gathering poetry from my home country (Belize) appropriate to read to my kids.  Belize Kriol is occasionally spoken in my household so my kids are often exposed to it.  But what was once a dialect has recently become an official language; therefore, reading the ones written in Kriol might take some rehearsal.  We’re looking forward to involving my parents more.  Maybe the kids can help my mom make some more delicious Belizean treats.

So here’s the thing: if I could I would probably have Poetry Tea Time EVERY DAY!!!  I just love seeing my children laugh at Jack Prelutsky’s poems; illustrate Langston Hughes’ "In Time of Silver Rain"; and create poetry of their own.  It is guaranteed enjoyment by all.  And I’ll tell you a little secret: when I have my own work to do, I brew myself a pot of tea, grab a little something sweet to eat and light a candle.  These quick, simple elements provide me with the atmosphere to stay focused.  I hope my kids continue this even when they’re grown;  I hope they develop an appreciation for their cultural heritage; I hope they find joy in learning; I hope they remember these times of togetherness.

A Little something for the Home

Anybody else out there have a Pinterest account with lots of great ideas but can't seem to start any?  There are so many great home decor ideas that I want to implement in our home but can't seem to find the time to do them.  One thing that I've always wanted to do is make a wall hanging with some rules reminders for our family.  I love having Scripture in my house and I thought this would be a great way to have a few in one piece.  Here is my inspiration:

See that sign behind that chair?  Love the words; really really like Ashley's blog.

Had to look for an unobstructed one:

Then I saw this and thought, 'how cool would it be to recreate on in photoshop using a chalkboard backdrop with some cool chalkboard fonts?'

So I started.  But as with any other craft project, it was unfinished.  Then, my extremely creative friend from http://blackflipflops.blogspot.com made one for her bathroom the other day (super duper cute) and  so I had to start working on it again.  Hers looked amazing and fun and I realized my walls are so boring a bare; I better get back to work. (Thanks, Virginia for the boost:))  Doesn't hers make you smile?

I'm still trying to figure out if I will just make a photo print and frame it or if I want it on canvas.  Anyhoo, here it is.   I replaced some of the words with words directly from Scripture and that I want my kids to see everyday.

Individual Oatmeal Bake

Everyone in my family loves oatmeal...except Eden.  I started to look up recipes for baked oatmeal figuring that if it were cooked differently she would eat it.  I found a recipe but tweaked it a little and the result was so yummy AND she ate it all up.  Individual baked oatmeal.

Mix together
2 1/2 cups oatmeal (quick cause I hadn't restocked my)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp all spice

Mix and combine with dry ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups milk (1%)

Pour into muffin tins or glass bowls and bake @350 F for 40 minutes.  Top with 1 Tbsp milk and 1 Tbsp syrup.  Tastes like an oatmeal cookie.  Delish!!

My little 'missionaries'

This was our view as we neared home after we had evacuated for a week.  Hurricane Isaac, although only a category 1, caused some unexpected flooding in Laplace (about 15 min from where we live).  We were shocked to see this area that we see often, covered in water.    

Two weeks passed and I kept on feeling this sense of guilt - that I should be out there helping those who had damage in their homes.  But of course, I couldn't.  I have three precious children who need me everyday.  I later realized that sense of guilt was probably God's prompting to be a little creative in allowing the kids to be a part of helping these people.   Then...it clicked.  These families are probably working hard gutting their houses; working in their yards; etc.  What if we loaded our cooler up with drinks, bought a bunch of snacks and drove around neighborhoods offering a little something and giving them a break?  The kids were so excited.  This was their project.  They could use their smiling faces and sweet voices to cheer someone up.

They thought it was fun to ride in the van unbuckled (probably not the best decision I've made but it made things easier every time we stopped;))

I could not have imagined what to expect.  I had no clue where I was - I just turned right off the main road.  The neighborhood was huge and like a maze.  I still don't know how I exited when we were done.  Anyway, street after street with curbside debris.  What seemed at times as an entire house full of flooring, furniture, stuff was mind boggling.

There weren't many people out working.  I guess by now everyone had been back to work and most of the cleaning up was done.  Eden and Lincoln decided to make binoculars with their hands to look for people in their yards.  What creative little kids.

Well, we met 4 people (families).  Not a whole lot but worth every bit of our time driving around.  I felt awkward taking pictures of these people and only got the name of one of them.  Ms. Bridget, our first stop.  Sweet lady who professed to be a believer in Jesus.  I could tell she just wanted to share her experience with someone.  She had wanted new floors prior to the hurricane but didn't quite have the money to put into it.  Her perspective and attitude was incredible.  She wasn't angry.  She knew that God was still good.  

Then, there were two ladies outside washing their vehicles with two children playing.  Well, Eden and Lincoln did not hesitate to take the snack bag to the kids.  It was so sweet to see.  The ladies were definitely frustrated).  Yes their house had water damage but they were going to have to take their vehicles to an adjuster to assess any possible damage.  I could sense their exhaustion.  I mean, what do I even say!!

Stop #3 was a man who looked like he was in his mid thirties.  I could tell he didn't really wanted to be bothered initially but when I opened the door and he saw the kids, his demeanor changed.  He gave Lincoln the responsibility of picking out the snack.  Lincoln was honored.  "We're thinking of you all and praying for a quick recovery" was all I could think to say.  THEN he opened up a little.  Apparently some prize possession was damaged.  His 'pride and joy' were the words he used to describe it.  I couldn't make out what he said it was and pointing to a huge heap of stuff, well, there was no figuring it out.

Last stop was an older gentleman.  He kindly declined our offer but appreciated waves from the kids through the window.  Don't know his name or his story but I will remember the calm spirit I saw.

Two hours into driving around, we were ready to head back home.  The lack of nap for us was evident by the drooping eyes.  So we called it quits.  I am so glad God prompted my kids and I do something.  It was nothing compared to what other people have done to help but as my go-to verse for this year states, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Chirst.' (Col 3:23-24).  This endeavor had nothing to do with us.  We were just the 'vessels'.  To God be the glory.

Integration The CC Way!

Can't believe summer is almost over for us.  School begins August 13 and I am both excited and nervous for what's to come.  We are using the Classical Conversations Program (CC) as our main curriculum for Eden.  I mentioned in my previous post what CC is all about and if you follow me on Pinterest, you know that I've been planning like crazy:)

During the Parent Practicum I attended back in March, we were given examples on how to apply the idea of Integration in teaching our kids.  I can't think of a better way teach.  It is a great tool to help the kids make the connections across all subjects.  It also helps reinforce the theme and thus helps the information 'stick'.  Basically, you pick a theme and tie that theme into all the subjects.  So, I decided to do it once this school year.  Since we will be learning about volcanoes for two weeks, I figured that would allow plenty of time to integrate all the subjects.

I created a graphic organizer to have a visual and help organize everything:

Geography - map the major volcanoes in Mexico since History for week 16 & 17 is Mesoamerica (Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs)

Literature - Hill of Fire by Thomas P. Lewis; Voyage to the Volcano by Judith Samper (Sequencing of Events)

Bible - There is only ONE God

Science -* Show 4 kinds of volcanoes and parts of a volcano using a classification chart
               *Make a volcano outside

History - *Ancient Olmec mythology (Orizaba was an eagle spirit that formed Citlaltepetl [dormant volcano]. The Olmec believed that they were to hike and pray to the god at the volcano to prevent the god from getting upset and erupting in fury)    
               *Popocatepetl - Active volcano                                                                                                                                            
               *Hernan Cortes and Aztecs
               *A little Belize History (since I'm from Belize)

Art - Aztec Art (Aztec volcanic vision)

Math/Logic - Geometry (triangles, cones)

I'm allowed to change my mind;)

So, are you one of those people who heard me say not even a year ago that I didn't think I could homeschool?  Well, God has a sense of humor.  He has been constantly reminding me that of course I can't do it on my own.  If this is what he wants me to do then He will give me the strength, endurance, and patience.  After all, if we could do everything in our own efforts, there would be no reason to rely on Him and ultimately give Him all the glory.

A friend of mine introduced me to a program called Classical Conversations (CC).  All I have to say is, this program make sense.  It just does.  Homeschooling now has a whole new purpose and meaning to me.  In fact, I think I'm going to adopt Leigh Bortins' (founder and CEO of CC) words and use Home-Centered Education instead.  I figure it doesn't carry a certain stereotype with it.

Here's a visual of Classical Christian Education and what this program is all about.

God is the center of everything and all the subjects have God in them and reflect Him.  Not only that, there is integration among the subjects.  So I could be teaching something in history and find a mathematical problem in it, or a science experiment that ties in with that time.  I could find literature from that time period or do an art project.  I truly believe that kids will be able to grasp a concept a lot quicker if he/she sees it in different areas of study.  The program equips students with the skills needed to learn.  So no matter what situation they are placed in later on in life, they have the skills to teach themselves.

Here are some of the reasons why we have chosen to do this program:

1. My kids are guided to memorize a lot of information while their brains are like sponges, so that when they apply that information in later grades, they already have the 'grammar' quickly accessible.

2. An opportunity for my kids to make new friends and be in a classroom setting

3. I will be learning with them and that is REALLY exciting.  I really do enjoy school.

4. Being a big science person, I'm drawn to the fact that the kids do a science experiment each week.

5.  Kids from prek-4 get practice with public speaking

6.  All I have to really focus on at home is arithmetic, handwriting, and phonics.

7. I really love Leigh's purpose for this program - 'to know God and to make Him known'.


I attended the Parent Practicum a couple weeks ago and I was encouraged by all the other moms there.  I was excited to meet some many new moms to the program, as well.  It felt good that I wasn't the only one new to this.   The two older kids were in Play Camp all day (they actually learned about Africa for three days and they still remember what they learned).

Now that I have the curriculum guide, I can't wait to plan this next school year.  I'm thrilled to go on this journey with my kids.

Just A Little Critter

We have been enjoying these stories the past couple nights.  Lincoln got it for his birthday from his Granddaddy and Grandmomma and we're pleased to add it to out favorite books.

We're looking forward to checking more out from the library.