The Word Worker

Tag: Children

  • A Round Peg in a Square Hole: What is Learning?

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    wordworkerrussell
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    Before any of my children were born, I had ideas about what education was supposed to look like. I had been homeschooled and knew I wanted to homeschool my own children, but I thought in terms of curricula, subjects, schedules, and grades. We were going to be academically rigorous and graduate at the top of…

  • Not a Fairy Tale

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    wordworkerrussell
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    Once upon a time… Oh please, not that trite old beginning again! Well it did happen once upon a time. How else would you like me to begin? As I struggled for breath, I reflected on the events that led to my current situation. O-kay…  Anyway, in an ancient oak in the center of an…

  • Checkers

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    wordworkerrussell
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    He sat down across from old Fred, legs dangling even in the spindly little chair, and watched the old man with owlish eyes. As if his gaze exerted some sort of force, Fred raised his hat brim enough to peer under it at the boy. “Well?” “How ’bout a game?” The boy leaned back and…

  • FWG Blog Thursday: Famous First Lines

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    wordworkerrussell
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    This week’s response is provided by my kids. Following are two different stories using the prompt. Aside from a small amount of editing, these stories come straight from them and are written in their own voices. I hope you enjoy them. Thor’s Hammer, by Isaiah All this happened, more or less. I’ll fill you in…

  • Thump

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    wordworkerrussell
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    A little boy was walking in the woods one day. He tripped over a stump and fell on his face with a thump. He started to get up and realized he had fallen at the edge of a pond. A giant bullfrog stared him right in the eyes. The little boy reached to pet it,…

  • Recession Christmas: Part Two

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    wordworkerrussell
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    No matter what other traditions people may have around the holidays, food is always a key factor. Every family has their favorite recipes, associates certain flavors and smells with family and good times. My favorite holiday memories from childhood involve baking with my grandmother. We made piles and piles of candy, cookies, and pies. Although…

  • A Chicken Story

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    wordworkerrussell
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    Two weeks ago we embarked on a new adventure by adding six chicks to our flock of three. I grew up with chickens; I thought I was prepared. From day one these birds set out to prove me wrong. To begin with, I didn’t realize how small four week old pullets were under all those…

  • Unschool

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    wordworkerrussell
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    We’re the unschool crowd. Nope, not the uncool crowd; those extra letters are intentional. We don’t have to waste our time in car line or on the bus. We don’t have to follow dress code or wear uniforms. We don’t have to be confined to desks for hours or locked in one room. We don’t…

  • The Castle

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    wordworkerrussell
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    “Hurry! We’re gonna get caught in it!” Jenny shrieked, stumbling over the rocks on her way down the hill. “Don’t be a wimp!” Jake grumbled behind her, hopping from stone to stone instead. “It’s just water! Why are you such a GIRL?” “I AM a girl, stupid!” Jenny stuck her tongue out, then pulled up…

  • It’s Not a School Day

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    wordworkerrussell
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    We have officially started our homeschool summer. No more assignments. No more schedules. No more educational obligations. It’s wonderful and relaxing, and we are having so much fun! When chores are finished the kids drag out my old violin lesson music and open the organ to pick out the little simple songs on the keyboard.…