Imagine this scenario:
Your five year old homeschooled gifted kid is great at math and is doing third grade work. Then for some reason your kid goes to some kind of math class and for some reason they only give him second grade math. Of course the staff there think it is TOTALLY AWESOME that your five year old is doing 2nd grade work, they might not even realize that he could do more.
Now imagine that every time your kid gets a 2nd grade problem correct they the staff makes a big deal out of it, with applause and treats. Now imagine that the staff never really gets over their amazement because it is always new teachers.
Now it is not much to wonder at that when the mom of this gifted five year old tries to teach her kid the third grade work the kid rankles at and resents any treaties to work harder or focus more or even reminders of process.
Now imagine this is Z and instead of it being about math it is about pretty much everything.
And it is not like I don't want the people she is acting with not to be nice to her. I definitely want them to be nice. They have better be nice.
But they are making a big fuss when she reaches the, rather low, bar they have set.
Like many parents I am imparting our families values to Z all throughout the day. Since I am able to homeschool I more opportunities than many to do this. But when Z is going on auditions and especially when she is working all day on a job she is getting a different set of values expressed to her and they are being expressed by a large group of people and the message is a very attractive one.
*sigh*
I am not sure how I can communicate to Z the right away to internalize all this.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
How we worked it out
So even though I had a dentist appointment, then had to drive Pere into work, and then Z had an audition then a voice over job, then piano practice, and then another drive back into the city to get Pere, we still managed to do a lot of homeschooling.
At the dentist she read some Shakespeare and practiced for her job. Then we hung out at a coffee place and Z read a Discovery Kids magazine about the Middle Ages. In the car we listened to a stories about Archimedes, Corpernicus, and Galileo.
While we waited for the audition she read the math book On Beyond a Million which covered numbers up to Googleplex.
While waiting for the job I made up clues for her to find letters that she then used to spell words (this was a game she found in a Highlight magazine and really liked.)
Before piano we stopped off at home and Z work on Japanese for about 30 min.
Then she had piano practice.
On the way to pick up Pere we listened to biographies of Cleopatra, Eleanore of Aquitane and Joan of Arc.
Before dinner she read for awhile in her room and now she is playing basketball with Pere.
So she did math, history, science, reading, Japanese, P.E. and piano. She did have a chance for downtime but she choose to read and then play with her Pere instead.
I feel a lot better today since we didn't waste all the time we were out.
At the dentist she read some Shakespeare and practiced for her job. Then we hung out at a coffee place and Z read a Discovery Kids magazine about the Middle Ages. In the car we listened to a stories about Archimedes, Corpernicus, and Galileo.
While we waited for the audition she read the math book On Beyond a Million which covered numbers up to Googleplex.
While waiting for the job I made up clues for her to find letters that she then used to spell words (this was a game she found in a Highlight magazine and really liked.)
Before piano we stopped off at home and Z work on Japanese for about 30 min.
Then she had piano practice.
On the way to pick up Pere we listened to biographies of Cleopatra, Eleanore of Aquitane and Joan of Arc.
Before dinner she read for awhile in her room and now she is playing basketball with Pere.
So she did math, history, science, reading, Japanese, P.E. and piano. She did have a chance for downtime but she choose to read and then play with her Pere instead.
I feel a lot better today since we didn't waste all the time we were out.
What a voice over job is like
Z had a voice-over job today at a real studio. I thought some of you might find the experience interesting.
The studio we were in had a large room for the engineer and a couples of couches and chairs in front of a pretty big sound booth, with room for a four or more people.
I hung out on the couch and watched. Z went into the booth with the director. They had the producers on a conference call plugged into the booth listening to it live. Z's commercial was for a hospital in another state and the producers are located there.
Inside the booth you don't have to wear headphones but you do have to not makes noises with your body (tapping or sniffing) and you should try to keep your face the same distance from the mic.
Z started by going through the whole commercial which was about seven long sentences. After the first run through the director had her break down the lines and say them different ways.
"This time say it like you are sad."
"Okay now less sad."
"Okay now more sad on the this word."
"Now say it matter-of factly."
"Now say it with an emphasis on this word."
"Say this part a little slower."
"Say that part happier" etc.
They went through stuff like that with all the lines so that the producers could pick which ones they liked the best and even mix and match stuff from different takes.
The director Z worked with was really sweet and good with kids. Z had fun kidding around with him. After the job he told Z that he hoped to work with her again and that she is a great reader. :)
The studio we were in had a large room for the engineer and a couples of couches and chairs in front of a pretty big sound booth, with room for a four or more people.
I hung out on the couch and watched. Z went into the booth with the director. They had the producers on a conference call plugged into the booth listening to it live. Z's commercial was for a hospital in another state and the producers are located there.
Inside the booth you don't have to wear headphones but you do have to not makes noises with your body (tapping or sniffing) and you should try to keep your face the same distance from the mic.
Z started by going through the whole commercial which was about seven long sentences. After the first run through the director had her break down the lines and say them different ways.
"This time say it like you are sad."
"Okay now less sad."
"Okay now more sad on the this word."
"Now say it matter-of factly."
"Now say it with an emphasis on this word."
"Say this part a little slower."
"Say that part happier" etc.
They went through stuff like that with all the lines so that the producers could pick which ones they liked the best and even mix and match stuff from different takes.
The director Z worked with was really sweet and good with kids. Z had fun kidding around with him. After the job he told Z that he hoped to work with her again and that she is a great reader. :)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Solutions
So last night with the help of some friends I came up with some possible solutions to some of the things that I was considering negatives about Z's acting, especially the commute.
I made a prioroty list of Z's subjects and figured out which ones have to be done at home (like piano and EPGY math and Brainpop science) and what things can be done in the car or on the set.
Then I went to the library and checked out two CD's to listen to in the car, one is tales from Tales from Egypt read by the famous Jim Weiss and the other is a children's biographies Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought)
. I also checked out a movie on the International Space Station narrated by Lian Neeson. Z could watch that on the personal DVD player.
At the library bookstore I got a total haul of awesome magazines and workbooks for 5 CENTS EACH!
10 Kids Discover magazines - Plains Indians,Germs, Bicycles, Bridges, Space Exploration, Middle Ages, Caribbean, Earth, Everglades, and Mark Twain
8 issue of the Smithsonian kid's magazine Muse - with articles on linguistics, memory, the catacombs in Paris (which we went to!), El nino, Vesuvius, Melanin and skin color, Translating Elizabethan, Peer Pressure and doctors who do Humanitarian work in 3rd world countries. (I am so in love with these magazines!)
2 Zoobooks - Endangered Animals and Pandas
2 National Geographic Kids
a 4 - 8th grade workbook on Punctuation
a 7th - 8th grade book on follwing direction with Science Themes, most of the activities are ecological based so it goes well with our current study
and a Dover Coloring Book Reptiles and Amphibians
Then today someone at my mailbox had set out some kid books for free and I took
Save the Earth Maze Book
and a Dover United State Coloring Book
isn't that cool?!
So this week Z is "working" 3 or 4 days and I am actually looking forward to it because I want to see if I can make the experience better for us both.
I made a prioroty list of Z's subjects and figured out which ones have to be done at home (like piano and EPGY math and Brainpop science) and what things can be done in the car or on the set.
Then I went to the library and checked out two CD's to listen to in the car, one is tales from Tales from Egypt read by the famous Jim Weiss and the other is a children's biographies Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought)
. I also checked out a movie on the International Space Station narrated by Lian Neeson. Z could watch that on the personal DVD player.
At the library bookstore I got a total haul of awesome magazines and workbooks for 5 CENTS EACH!
10 Kids Discover magazines - Plains Indians,Germs, Bicycles, Bridges, Space Exploration, Middle Ages, Caribbean, Earth, Everglades, and Mark Twain
8 issue of the Smithsonian kid's magazine Muse - with articles on linguistics, memory, the catacombs in Paris (which we went to!), El nino, Vesuvius, Melanin and skin color, Translating Elizabethan, Peer Pressure and doctors who do Humanitarian work in 3rd world countries. (I am so in love with these magazines!)
2 Zoobooks - Endangered Animals and Pandas
2 National Geographic Kids
a 4 - 8th grade workbook on Punctuation
a 7th - 8th grade book on follwing direction with Science Themes, most of the activities are ecological based so it goes well with our current study
and a Dover Coloring Book Reptiles and Amphibians
Then today someone at my mailbox had set out some kid books for free and I took
Save the Earth Maze Book
and a Dover United State Coloring Book
isn't that cool?!
So this week Z is "working" 3 or 4 days and I am actually looking forward to it because I want to see if I can make the experience better for us both.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Brainpop
For this semester I want to teach Zoe about environmental studies in science. I found a lot of good websites on the topic but Brainpop.com has a ton of movies on the subject.
Here is a list of movies (with quizzes) I will be doing with Z as part of our science study:
Air Pollution, Algae, Carbon Cycle, Climate Types, Coral, Earth's Atmosphere, Ecosystems, Energy Sources, Fossil Fuels, Glaciers, Global Warming, Green House Effect, Ice Age, Land Biomes, Migration, Natural Resources, Nuclear Energy, Ocean Currents, Oceans, Ozone Layer, Penguins, Photosynthesis, Population Growth, Radioactivity, Recycling, Seasons, Soil, Taiga
Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Tropical Rainforest, Underwater World, Water, Watercycle, Water pollution,Weather, Cars
Fuel Cells, Gas and Oil, Solar Energy, Waste Management and Industrial Revolution.
So far she has done Natural Resources, Air Pollution, Green House Effect, Food Chain and Global Warming. On the tests she is either getting 10 out of 10 or 9 out of 10 correct and most of these are middle school level topics. I was happy yesterday at her astronaut training class that when they discussed rainforests and gracier reduction Zoe really knew her stuff and was able to answer the director's question to fuller extent than he expected.
****************
Also yesterday as we were driving down the Pacific Coast Highway Z, noticing all the trash on the hills said "Oh Mommy! Why do people just throw their stuff on the ground instead of recycling it?" Then she asked "One time when we are driving down this road and we are not in a hurry can we stop and pick up some of the trash? Or maybe we can just come down here on the weekend just to do that."
*smile* I don't really go around preaching about litter to her so I was happy to hear these feelings coming from her upon seeing the litter and mess. I would certainly rather she want to clean up than be one of the kids who carelessly litter.
Z is a very sincere kid. Another example of this is how she will not eat any foods wth trans-fats in them now and she worries about her loved ones who do. Trans-fats have become, for her, how some people feel about smoking. Of course in this subject I did preach a little more, but she chose to care about it and not ignore it like many other people would and I think that is a grea sign.
**********************
Here is a sad but sweet story. Yesterday after astronaut training class Z said "Mommy! I am so excited about next week's class! We get to go up into space!"
I said "No you don't."
Ends up that when the director said that next week they were going to "take pictures from space" Zoe didn't realize that he meant with the EarthKam that is already out in space. She really thought she was going to be sent up into space. Her sweet little face was shining with excitement and I felt so sorry for her to tell her that she was mistaken. Poor little thing...
She just really wants to be an astroanut and at this age her life is full of so many amazing things I guess she just believed that going into space was possible too.
Here is a list of movies (with quizzes) I will be doing with Z as part of our science study:
Air Pollution, Algae, Carbon Cycle, Climate Types, Coral, Earth's Atmosphere, Ecosystems, Energy Sources, Fossil Fuels, Glaciers, Global Warming, Green House Effect, Ice Age, Land Biomes, Migration, Natural Resources, Nuclear Energy, Ocean Currents, Oceans, Ozone Layer, Penguins, Photosynthesis, Population Growth, Radioactivity, Recycling, Seasons, Soil, Taiga
Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Tropical Rainforest, Underwater World, Water, Watercycle, Water pollution,Weather, Cars
Fuel Cells, Gas and Oil, Solar Energy, Waste Management and Industrial Revolution.
So far she has done Natural Resources, Air Pollution, Green House Effect, Food Chain and Global Warming. On the tests she is either getting 10 out of 10 or 9 out of 10 correct and most of these are middle school level topics. I was happy yesterday at her astronaut training class that when they discussed rainforests and gracier reduction Zoe really knew her stuff and was able to answer the director's question to fuller extent than he expected.
****************
Also yesterday as we were driving down the Pacific Coast Highway Z, noticing all the trash on the hills said "Oh Mommy! Why do people just throw their stuff on the ground instead of recycling it?" Then she asked "One time when we are driving down this road and we are not in a hurry can we stop and pick up some of the trash? Or maybe we can just come down here on the weekend just to do that."
*smile* I don't really go around preaching about litter to her so I was happy to hear these feelings coming from her upon seeing the litter and mess. I would certainly rather she want to clean up than be one of the kids who carelessly litter.
Z is a very sincere kid. Another example of this is how she will not eat any foods wth trans-fats in them now and she worries about her loved ones who do. Trans-fats have become, for her, how some people feel about smoking. Of course in this subject I did preach a little more, but she chose to care about it and not ignore it like many other people would and I think that is a grea sign.
**********************
Here is a sad but sweet story. Yesterday after astronaut training class Z said "Mommy! I am so excited about next week's class! We get to go up into space!"
I said "No you don't."
Ends up that when the director said that next week they were going to "take pictures from space" Zoe didn't realize that he meant with the EarthKam that is already out in space. She really thought she was going to be sent up into space. Her sweet little face was shining with excitement and I felt so sorry for her to tell her that she was mistaken. Poor little thing...
She just really wants to be an astroanut and at this age her life is full of so many amazing things I guess she just believed that going into space was possible too.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Not so rosy today
This morning was pretty wonderful. I didn't have to take Pere into work because he had a rental to drive in. I was able to do my regular snuggle with Z on the rocking chair before breakfast. After breakfast we did yoga and then from 8:00 - 11:00 we did a full day so homeschooling - math, writing, Japanese, language arts, science, geography, and more. It was fun. Z loved learned about the International Date Line.
She went to astronaut training class and it was a really good class this time. She was raising her hand a lot and engaging with the director of the program. Afterward I took her to the park to play with some girlfriends.
The morning was like our normal life and it was really really great.
I had to rush her away from the playdate to get to her wardrobe fitting for the commercial she is shooting next week. We got there at 3:00.
At 4:00 we were still there and I was starting to worry she might miss her 5:45 audition. Also, I can't really name names, but one of the people there I found to be really rude. They were saying things that hurt other people's feelings (not mine or Z) and they were really full of themselves. It made me stressed out.
At 5:00 we were still there. Finally two and a half hours later they figured out what clothes Z might wear. I had 15 minutes to get Z to a place that is 30 minutes away on a good traffic day. But Friday night in Los Angeles is never has good traffic.
I called Z's agent and explained that she wasn't going to make a 5:45 audition. They called the casting agent who said they could wait till 6:00. I got there at 6:30. :( I knew we were going to be too late but I didn't now what else to do but try to get there and hope they were running late. I was really stressed about missing this particular audition because the casting agent had asked for Z specifically, which is a really good sign. The casting agent was still there and he said Z could come back Monday (which by the way she already has one job and one audition to do.)
We got home at 7:30 and I am thinking how Zoe and I spent pretty much 5 hours on this today. I explained to her that her life was out of balance today and I that I think that is a negative. I said it was okay some days but not too often. She expressed that she really loves acting which I acknowledged.
The commercial experience yesterday was pretty cool and I am glad we did it but at the moment the cons of this are out weighing the pros.
She went to astronaut training class and it was a really good class this time. She was raising her hand a lot and engaging with the director of the program. Afterward I took her to the park to play with some girlfriends.
The morning was like our normal life and it was really really great.
I had to rush her away from the playdate to get to her wardrobe fitting for the commercial she is shooting next week. We got there at 3:00.
At 4:00 we were still there and I was starting to worry she might miss her 5:45 audition. Also, I can't really name names, but one of the people there I found to be really rude. They were saying things that hurt other people's feelings (not mine or Z) and they were really full of themselves. It made me stressed out.
At 5:00 we were still there. Finally two and a half hours later they figured out what clothes Z might wear. I had 15 minutes to get Z to a place that is 30 minutes away on a good traffic day. But Friday night in Los Angeles is never has good traffic.
I called Z's agent and explained that she wasn't going to make a 5:45 audition. They called the casting agent who said they could wait till 6:00. I got there at 6:30. :( I knew we were going to be too late but I didn't now what else to do but try to get there and hope they were running late. I was really stressed about missing this particular audition because the casting agent had asked for Z specifically, which is a really good sign. The casting agent was still there and he said Z could come back Monday (which by the way she already has one job and one audition to do.)
We got home at 7:30 and I am thinking how Zoe and I spent pretty much 5 hours on this today. I explained to her that her life was out of balance today and I that I think that is a negative. I said it was okay some days but not too often. She expressed that she really loves acting which I acknowledged.
The commercial experience yesterday was pretty cool and I am glad we did it but at the moment the cons of this are out weighing the pros.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
First commercial
So for those of you who are interested I will describe Z's (and my) first commercial job experience.
Part 1
Well I was a bit nervous last night that I would forget something in my hurry in the morning so I didn't sleep well last night. So when five-thirty rolled around I was bleary-eyed and kind of fuzzy in the brain but no less awake. I did manage to get everything I need and I arrive at our destination at 6:30 a.m..
Our first destination was a church parking lot. Since the shoot was at a local residence they had to find a nearby place for everyone involved to park. It was still dark out and about 45 degrees outside where they were serving a catered breakfast.
The chef was making made to order omelets, pancakes with fresh blueberries, chorizo and fried potatoes and more. They also had bacon and oatmeal and yogurt and granola and cereal and fresh fruit and bagels and lox and coffee and juice,etc It was great!
Z and I stood around a heater and munched for awhile until a guy came over to me to say that we were an hour early. !!! (You mean I didn't have to get up at 5:30~!) In my defense I was actually given at sheet with the time to arrive highlighted at it was six. I guess I was just supposed to know that really means 7:30. :P
Part 2
A little before eight a.m. Z and I and four other children with their parent's took a van over to the shoot site. The part of the commercial that Z is in took place in the back yard.
First we were taken to a trailer where Z got changed into her wardrobe and got her hair done. She had fun doing that.
While she was getting ready I talked with some of the producers. One said to me privately these words which are still ringing in my ears:
"Z is really"good. She is a natural. You can give her direction and she can just do it. And she comes off really real, you know, some other kids, I don't know, maybe they have taken too many acting classes.... but Z plays it very real. She's great."
He said it in this very serouis and almost urgent way, like it was something I should really know and believe. I am still digesting that.
Part 3
Then we are taken to the "school" site, which is in a neighboring house's backyard. We met the site teacher who looks more like one of the crew or maybe a surfer.
There I found out that the little boy E is a "principle" like Z (speaking role.) Another boy is E's back-up and the other two, a little boy and a little girl are the principles, stand-ins. It never occurred to me that Z would have a stand in.
These kids do background work and so they get paid less. Their job today is to get into the position that Z and E will be in. They stand in their spot while the camera people figure out how to frame the shot. Then when it is time to film the principle comes in and takes their place.
Part 4
Z is filmed. She says her line over and over and over and add about 37 more overs. I think they did so many shoots because after Z's line her actor "dad" had to hit a golf ball a certain way. The directors kept giving him different direction but they were not asking Z to change.
I had a weird moment when the hairdresser who was hovering next to Z, just off screen the whole time to fix any fly aways,ran over to me and asked "Does Z like room temperature water or cold water?" I thought 'Jeez! What ever water you give her is fine and why are you running around to get her water anyway?" But I answered "Room temperature" and just kind of marveled.
When that was over we had more food from a different caterer. Then the kids played games with the site teacher for a couple hours.
Then they brought the stand-ins back and set up the frame while Z and E were fitted with mikes. Then Z had three or four more lines and that time it was really quick and then the day was over.
Z made over $500 for her time today and will make residuals every time the commercial is played. It is a national commercial so you might see it. It is for golfing equipment so they will definitely play it during golf national gold tournaments.
I was surprised when she was also given the shoes, socks, jeans, shirt and sweater that were her wardrobe as well as two extra outfits they had brought along for her.
Part 5
Then I had to open up a special child actor bank account/trust for Z.
Z created quite a stir with the women at the bank. She talked to them about homeschooling and taking Japanese and they were so excited they had her walk around and say "I like strawberries" in Japanese to several different ladies at their desks. Then before we left they gave her a big stuffed animal...
It must be nice to be Z. *wry grin*
Epilogue
I talked on the phone a lot today. I talked to my Mere twice, Pere about 5 times, his Mere and Pere each twice, a friend once and Z's agency four times and also with the wardrobe director of her next commercial.
Yep, Z just booked another national commercial as well as their print ad. And she also booked a radio commercial. So she is "working" a short time Monday to record the commercial, then probably all day Tuesday for the commercial and then Thursday for the same company's print ad.
My Mere asked me if I was over-whemed but really I am not.
Now that I have done this once I know what to do to make it a better experience next time. Mainly I am going to bring her homeschooling stuff with us so she doesn't end up playing Connect Four and Uno for two hours. And next time I'll double check exactly what time I am supposed to show up.
And also my new dishwasher came into today. So it's all good.
Part 1
Well I was a bit nervous last night that I would forget something in my hurry in the morning so I didn't sleep well last night. So when five-thirty rolled around I was bleary-eyed and kind of fuzzy in the brain but no less awake. I did manage to get everything I need and I arrive at our destination at 6:30 a.m..
Our first destination was a church parking lot. Since the shoot was at a local residence they had to find a nearby place for everyone involved to park. It was still dark out and about 45 degrees outside where they were serving a catered breakfast.
The chef was making made to order omelets, pancakes with fresh blueberries, chorizo and fried potatoes and more. They also had bacon and oatmeal and yogurt and granola and cereal and fresh fruit and bagels and lox and coffee and juice,etc It was great!
Z and I stood around a heater and munched for awhile until a guy came over to me to say that we were an hour early. !!! (You mean I didn't have to get up at 5:30~!) In my defense I was actually given at sheet with the time to arrive highlighted at it was six. I guess I was just supposed to know that really means 7:30. :P
Part 2
A little before eight a.m. Z and I and four other children with their parent's took a van over to the shoot site. The part of the commercial that Z is in took place in the back yard.
First we were taken to a trailer where Z got changed into her wardrobe and got her hair done. She had fun doing that.
While she was getting ready I talked with some of the producers. One said to me privately these words which are still ringing in my ears:
"Z is really"good. She is a natural. You can give her direction and she can just do it. And she comes off really real, you know, some other kids, I don't know, maybe they have taken too many acting classes.... but Z plays it very real. She's great."
He said it in this very serouis and almost urgent way, like it was something I should really know and believe. I am still digesting that.
Part 3
Then we are taken to the "school" site, which is in a neighboring house's backyard. We met the site teacher who looks more like one of the crew or maybe a surfer.
There I found out that the little boy E is a "principle" like Z (speaking role.) Another boy is E's back-up and the other two, a little boy and a little girl are the principles, stand-ins. It never occurred to me that Z would have a stand in.
These kids do background work and so they get paid less. Their job today is to get into the position that Z and E will be in. They stand in their spot while the camera people figure out how to frame the shot. Then when it is time to film the principle comes in and takes their place.
Part 4
Z is filmed. She says her line over and over and over and add about 37 more overs. I think they did so many shoots because after Z's line her actor "dad" had to hit a golf ball a certain way. The directors kept giving him different direction but they were not asking Z to change.
I had a weird moment when the hairdresser who was hovering next to Z, just off screen the whole time to fix any fly aways,ran over to me and asked "Does Z like room temperature water or cold water?" I thought 'Jeez! What ever water you give her is fine and why are you running around to get her water anyway?" But I answered "Room temperature" and just kind of marveled.
When that was over we had more food from a different caterer. Then the kids played games with the site teacher for a couple hours.
Then they brought the stand-ins back and set up the frame while Z and E were fitted with mikes. Then Z had three or four more lines and that time it was really quick and then the day was over.
Z made over $500 for her time today and will make residuals every time the commercial is played. It is a national commercial so you might see it. It is for golfing equipment so they will definitely play it during golf national gold tournaments.
I was surprised when she was also given the shoes, socks, jeans, shirt and sweater that were her wardrobe as well as two extra outfits they had brought along for her.
Part 5
Then I had to open up a special child actor bank account/trust for Z.
Z created quite a stir with the women at the bank. She talked to them about homeschooling and taking Japanese and they were so excited they had her walk around and say "I like strawberries" in Japanese to several different ladies at their desks. Then before we left they gave her a big stuffed animal...
It must be nice to be Z. *wry grin*
Epilogue
I talked on the phone a lot today. I talked to my Mere twice, Pere about 5 times, his Mere and Pere each twice, a friend once and Z's agency four times and also with the wardrobe director of her next commercial.
Yep, Z just booked another national commercial as well as their print ad. And she also booked a radio commercial. So she is "working" a short time Monday to record the commercial, then probably all day Tuesday for the commercial and then Thursday for the same company's print ad.
My Mere asked me if I was over-whemed but really I am not.
Now that I have done this once I know what to do to make it a better experience next time. Mainly I am going to bring her homeschooling stuff with us so she doesn't end up playing Connect Four and Uno for two hours. And next time I'll double check exactly what time I am supposed to show up.
And also my new dishwasher came into today. So it's all good.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
3rd job
I wish I could be more excited as I write this but I am pretty tired. Z got another job today, a voice over radio commercial. I'm not sure when it shoots.
Last night we were out late to see the Magic Flute then I got up at six to drive Pere into work (cause his car is still broken), got home an hour and a half later and did some homeschooling with Z. Then she had Shakespeare and played at the park until 1:30 when I drove for an hour for her wardrobe fitting. We left there at 3:00 and went to a callback she got for another commercial at 4:00. Luckily we were in and out of there quickly. I got to Pere to picked him up about 30 minutes later and our route home is one of the most congested streets in the whole country (the 405 N at 101), so I finally get home at 6:30 an I have to wash the dishes from breakfast (our dishwasher has been broken for the last week, we are awiting a new one) before starting to make dinner...
uh, okay... I am going to stop the whine.
*grin*
The whining has stopped, let the relaxing begin!
Btw, The Magic Flute was great! And Z wrote a review of it this morning I will post some of it later.
Last night we were out late to see the Magic Flute then I got up at six to drive Pere into work (cause his car is still broken), got home an hour and a half later and did some homeschooling with Z. Then she had Shakespeare and played at the park until 1:30 when I drove for an hour for her wardrobe fitting. We left there at 3:00 and went to a callback she got for another commercial at 4:00. Luckily we were in and out of there quickly. I got to Pere to picked him up about 30 minutes later and our route home is one of the most congested streets in the whole country (the 405 N at 101), so I finally get home at 6:30 an I have to wash the dishes from breakfast (our dishwasher has been broken for the last week, we are awiting a new one) before starting to make dinner...
uh, okay... I am going to stop the whine.
*grin*
The whining has stopped, let the relaxing begin!
Btw, The Magic Flute was great! And Z wrote a review of it this morning I will post some of it later.
part of the book list
This is the list I came up with (before reading your input). I picked these particular books for several reasons
1. Z hasn't read them yet
2. They have a topic that seems to lend it self to discussion
3. Some of them I am worried that if Z doesn't read them now she will be too far past them soon (not these first three)
4. They are not girl-centric since half the class will be boys
Swallows and Amazons
Treasure Island
Black Beauty
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Trumpet of the Swan
The Great Brain
All Creatures Great and Small
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Wheel on the School
The Tale of Despereaux
The Whipping Boy
Now that you have seen the list I was wondering if any of Z's online friends would like to read along with our group and take part in an online discussion group. The discussion will take place once a month. I know Z would love to connect with her online friends this way.
We would even be willing to do a different online book club if someone else want to choose the books (like a more girl-centric one.)
1. Z hasn't read them yet
2. They have a topic that seems to lend it self to discussion
3. Some of them I am worried that if Z doesn't read them now she will be too far past them soon (not these first three)
4. They are not girl-centric since half the class will be boys
Swallows and Amazons
Treasure Island
Black Beauty
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Trumpet of the Swan
The Great Brain
All Creatures Great and Small
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Wheel on the School
The Tale of Despereaux
The Whipping Boy
Now that you have seen the list I was wondering if any of Z's online friends would like to read along with our group and take part in an online discussion group. The discussion will take place once a month. I know Z would love to connect with her online friends this way.
We would even be willing to do a different online book club if someone else want to choose the books (like a more girl-centric one.)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
I need your input!
I am hosting a book club and I need a list of books that boys and girls would like in the 3rd - 5th grade level.
Thanks!!!
-Heather
(I know you all love to recommend books)
Thanks!!!
-Heather
(I know you all love to recommend books)
The piano change
Last week Z and I had a talk about the amount of practice she had been doing in piano. She is working on three hard songs, theory, sight reading and finger practice which takes about an hour a day. I felt like it was too much and Z agreed.
At the end of last week's class her teacher told her that she needs to practice more which I figured was a good opening for me to say that actually I wanted Z to practice less.
We (diplomaically) argued about it for the next 30 minutes. She really wanted Z to keep practicing at least an hour. She feels that Z has the talent and the love and that now is the time to lay these foundational skills. I argued that I see no point in Z going so fast if you take competitions out the the equation, which I then did.
I was worried to take that away from her teacher because I knew that she had given Z that Bach piece for an upcoming Bach competition. Her teacher did admit that for her own self she wants to push Z, and she said "You can't blame me for that."
But finally her teacher agreed to let Z only practice 30 minutes a day... "for now."
That was last week. I wasn't sure how the teacher was going to respond this week which was why I was waiting to write about this. I was worried she might be upset and it would effect her attitude towards Z.
So today Z had a piano lesson and... it was great! Her teacher was loving. She asked her about her recently auditions. She practiced changing natural minor scales to harmonic minors. She listened to two of Z's songs and even gave her composing homework (which Z had asked for.)
I am really happy as piano is a big part of Z's life. I think the main change is taking "Z as a prodigy" out of the equation. If Z doesn't try to compete right now then she doesn't have to practice so much. Z did like the competition but it is a big time commitment.
At the end of last week's class her teacher told her that she needs to practice more which I figured was a good opening for me to say that actually I wanted Z to practice less.
We (diplomaically) argued about it for the next 30 minutes. She really wanted Z to keep practicing at least an hour. She feels that Z has the talent and the love and that now is the time to lay these foundational skills. I argued that I see no point in Z going so fast if you take competitions out the the equation, which I then did.
I was worried to take that away from her teacher because I knew that she had given Z that Bach piece for an upcoming Bach competition. Her teacher did admit that for her own self she wants to push Z, and she said "You can't blame me for that."
But finally her teacher agreed to let Z only practice 30 minutes a day... "for now."
That was last week. I wasn't sure how the teacher was going to respond this week which was why I was waiting to write about this. I was worried she might be upset and it would effect her attitude towards Z.
So today Z had a piano lesson and... it was great! Her teacher was loving. She asked her about her recently auditions. She practiced changing natural minor scales to harmonic minors. She listened to two of Z's songs and even gave her composing homework (which Z had asked for.)
I am really happy as piano is a big part of Z's life. I think the main change is taking "Z as a prodigy" out of the equation. If Z doesn't try to compete right now then she doesn't have to practice so much. Z did like the competition but it is a big time commitment.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
the pendulum has swung
You may remember that I am now working with a charter school and for the $650 a semester they give me to spend on schooling stuff I have to jump through some hoops:
1. Check off attendance each official school day and record one activity that we did
2. Each month give one example to our "ES" in each of the six subjects*
3. Each month discuss achievements and goals in each of the six subjects with ES
4. Each semester give a "grade" in each of the six subjects - can be something like Outstanding, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement or letter grades or number grades 1- 4, etc
"the six subjects Reading/Writing, Life Skills, History/Social Studies, Math, Science, and Special Interest
I noticed that since we started unschooling in December some areas that I think are important have not been addressed, like cursive, spelling and writing.
Of course, I do have some good excuses. Pere was home until Jan 8th, and thus no school work happened. Instead we had wonderful daddy-time. Then we had one week of really good schooling before Z had that crazy week of 12 auditions. But tomorrow is the beginning of another week and we are going to go back to our more rigorous studies.
For science we are going to do an enviromental/conservation study and for history we are going to do Middle Ages, for reading she is going to read King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. She will be starting EPGY Math in February and Will we go bac to having Language Arts lessons four days a week. I bought a book today that teaches spelling the VCV way.
I don't really love having to document so much of what we are doing for our charter school but it has brought to my awareness that Z was not progressing in certain areas.
1. Check off attendance each official school day and record one activity that we did
2. Each month give one example to our "ES" in each of the six subjects*
3. Each month discuss achievements and goals in each of the six subjects with ES
4. Each semester give a "grade" in each of the six subjects - can be something like Outstanding, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement or letter grades or number grades 1- 4, etc
"the six subjects Reading/Writing, Life Skills, History/Social Studies, Math, Science, and Special Interest
I noticed that since we started unschooling in December some areas that I think are important have not been addressed, like cursive, spelling and writing.
Of course, I do have some good excuses. Pere was home until Jan 8th, and thus no school work happened. Instead we had wonderful daddy-time. Then we had one week of really good schooling before Z had that crazy week of 12 auditions. But tomorrow is the beginning of another week and we are going to go back to our more rigorous studies.
For science we are going to do an enviromental/conservation study and for history we are going to do Middle Ages, for reading she is going to read King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. She will be starting EPGY Math in February and Will we go bac to having Language Arts lessons four days a week. I bought a book today that teaches spelling the VCV way.
I don't really love having to document so much of what we are doing for our charter school but it has brought to my awareness that Z was not progressing in certain areas.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Date
Yesterday I dropped Z off with her grandparents and they took her to the Channel Islands house over night. So Pere and I had a date night including walking to dinner (so that we could both drink) and a movie (Little Miss Sunshine.)
It was really nice. *big grin*
This morning we slept in and made breakfast together and snuggled up and read... *bigger grin*
I was happy to pick Z up though. I always miss my girl when she is away.
It was really nice. *big grin*
This morning we slept in and made breakfast together and snuggled up and read... *bigger grin*
I was happy to pick Z up though. I always miss my girl when she is away.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Well today was busy
But I managed to not let it get away from me. One thing that helped was having a plan for fitting in homeschooling.
Z ended up having not one but three auditions today. One at 10:30, and then, two different products at the same casting studio at 4:30 and 5:00.
Waking up at 6:15 with Pere helped me fit everything else in out day, including a voice lesson, a japanese lesson and a workout for me at the gym.
This morning we started with snuggling, breakfast, chores, Yoga, pilates, and then while I did the elliptical for 20 mins in the gym Z did four pages of math. We came home and she did some grammar and Japanese before her first audition. Then we got in some music and history (Les Miserables) and reading of a kids science magazine. We drove back into our town for her voice lesson. Then she read some character development books and had her Japanese class.
After the second and third audition we came home and had the dinner that Pere had waiting for us (Thanks Pere!). She got in her half hour of piano and is now soaking in the bath. I promised her some more snuggling before bedtime. Her bedtime book that I am reading her is Just So Stories. It is fun to read aloud.
After bed I am hoping to do some strength training with weights and then snuggle up with my other Honey and watch Top Chef.
I wanted to share some websites I have been browsing:
http://customcom.typepad.com/gastrokid/2007/01/sunday_culinary.html
I have also been thinking about hosting an an adult dinner party/ kids playdate. I was thinking a wine tasting with ethnic bites like dim sum, empanadas, tapas, etc and a water tasting for the kids (different brands of bottled with tap as well) and cute cut sandwiches.
http://www.ccof.org/organic_kids.php
This California Certified Organic Farmer website has an Organic Activity and Coloring book to download for free. There is another one at Earthbound Farms http://ebfarm.com/JustForKids/index.html
(a pic I took from my car on the ride home tonight)
Z ended up having not one but three auditions today. One at 10:30, and then, two different products at the same casting studio at 4:30 and 5:00.
Waking up at 6:15 with Pere helped me fit everything else in out day, including a voice lesson, a japanese lesson and a workout for me at the gym.
This morning we started with snuggling, breakfast, chores, Yoga, pilates, and then while I did the elliptical for 20 mins in the gym Z did four pages of math. We came home and she did some grammar and Japanese before her first audition. Then we got in some music and history (Les Miserables) and reading of a kids science magazine. We drove back into our town for her voice lesson. Then she read some character development books and had her Japanese class.
After the second and third audition we came home and had the dinner that Pere had waiting for us (Thanks Pere!). She got in her half hour of piano and is now soaking in the bath. I promised her some more snuggling before bedtime. Her bedtime book that I am reading her is Just So Stories. It is fun to read aloud.
After bed I am hoping to do some strength training with weights and then snuggle up with my other Honey and watch Top Chef.
I wanted to share some websites I have been browsing:
http://customcom.typepad.com/gastrokid/2007/01/sunday_culinary.html
I have also been thinking about hosting an an adult dinner party/ kids playdate. I was thinking a wine tasting with ethnic bites like dim sum, empanadas, tapas, etc and a water tasting for the kids (different brands of bottled with tap as well) and cute cut sandwiches.
http://www.ccof.org/organic_kids.php
This California Certified Organic Farmer website has an Organic Activity and Coloring book to download for free. There is another one at Earthbound Farms http://ebfarm.com/JustForKids/index.html
(a pic I took from my car on the ride home tonight)
to my lovely friends
I hear you all. Trust me. I am about to make some changes for the better. I told Pere last night that my job is to make all these big and little decisions and I feel like everything I do (or don't do) with Z either supports or harms her.
He did remind me that it has only been this week that she has had such frequent auditions. Usually it is only two a week. He reminded me that having an audition everyday will probably only last for a couple weeks. And then it will be back to normal.
He agreed with me though that if this keeps up Z's life will be out of balance ad we won't continue it.
So right now we are in a wait and see mode.
I have another post to write about soon about how I confronted Z's piano teacher and got her to agree that Z only has to practice 30 min a day.
He did remind me that it has only been this week that she has had such frequent auditions. Usually it is only two a week. He reminded me that having an audition everyday will probably only last for a couple weeks. And then it will be back to normal.
He agreed with me though that if this keeps up Z's life will be out of balance ad we won't continue it.
So right now we are in a wait and see mode.
I have another post to write about soon about how I confronted Z's piano teacher and got her to agree that Z only has to practice 30 min a day.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A sign?
So recently I was writing about wanting to walk more and have a less hurried life.
Well, Tuesday night Pere's car broke. Imagine the engine block breaking in half and falling out of the car... yeah, like that. It broke to the tune of six thousand dollars or maybe eight.
We really don't feel like paying that much to fix that car, as that is almost half what we paid for it initially and it is nine years old. So I was thinking that Pere could take my car to work most days and when I needed it I could drive him in. It sounded kind of nice, although there is the problem of Z's auditions (I'll address that later.)
So maybe the car breaking down is a sign that we can go back to being a one car household and I am allowed to stop ferrying Z all over the city.
But if that is a sign then what about this?
Today Pere recieves an inheirtance from his Grandpere that will just cover the cost of fixing his car.
Am I getting mixe messages or what?!?
Now let us get back to the problem of Z's auditions, as we can't really do those without a car and I don't really feel like driving Pere into work and picking him up everyday because it can sometimes take an hour one way. I would do it one maybe two days a week.
Last Friday Z had two auditions, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, one Monday, THREE Tuesday, one today and one (so far) tomorrow. So not only do I need a car every day but I need one that gets great gas milege.
So I ask Z how she would feel about taking a break from auditioning. She didn't like that idea very much. She reminded me that she already had a two week break in December. I can see that convincing her to stop auditioning is going to be hard. I am pretty well ready to stop and today she had one of those auditions where she works with an adult actress (who plays her mom) and after those I always get a little depressed. I feel kind of sorry for these women who are probably great actresses having to go on all these auditions (to hawk toothpaste or something) and trying to Make A Living out of it. :(
So I try to explain to Z that most of these people are good actors and good looking and they still don't get work. And a tiny percent of them ever "get famous" and then you have to deal with the horrible tabloids. Best case scenario is that you get a lot of work but no one really cares who you are. Now how likely is that to happen?
This is what Z says "Can't I just keep doing it until I don't want to anymore?"
"Yes, of course, baby." I say.
Maybe some people need to keep trying to do the thing they want most to do and they can't be happy any other way. Since acting is not the thing I want most to do sometimes I don't get that. But there are things in my life, like growing and learning and connecting that I will go through almost any lengths and much hardship to try to attain because I can't live any other way.
I admit I hope acting or performing isn't something Z needs though if it is I will support it.
So my car breaks and it is like a pass from the universe saying that I don't have to drive so much anymore. Then we get the money to fix it the next day. Then my daughter asks to just be allowed to do something she loves... Is that my sign?
Well, Tuesday night Pere's car broke. Imagine the engine block breaking in half and falling out of the car... yeah, like that. It broke to the tune of six thousand dollars or maybe eight.
We really don't feel like paying that much to fix that car, as that is almost half what we paid for it initially and it is nine years old. So I was thinking that Pere could take my car to work most days and when I needed it I could drive him in. It sounded kind of nice, although there is the problem of Z's auditions (I'll address that later.)
So maybe the car breaking down is a sign that we can go back to being a one car household and I am allowed to stop ferrying Z all over the city.
But if that is a sign then what about this?
Today Pere recieves an inheirtance from his Grandpere that will just cover the cost of fixing his car.
Am I getting mixe messages or what?!?
Now let us get back to the problem of Z's auditions, as we can't really do those without a car and I don't really feel like driving Pere into work and picking him up everyday because it can sometimes take an hour one way. I would do it one maybe two days a week.
Last Friday Z had two auditions, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, one Monday, THREE Tuesday, one today and one (so far) tomorrow. So not only do I need a car every day but I need one that gets great gas milege.
So I ask Z how she would feel about taking a break from auditioning. She didn't like that idea very much. She reminded me that she already had a two week break in December. I can see that convincing her to stop auditioning is going to be hard. I am pretty well ready to stop and today she had one of those auditions where she works with an adult actress (who plays her mom) and after those I always get a little depressed. I feel kind of sorry for these women who are probably great actresses having to go on all these auditions (to hawk toothpaste or something) and trying to Make A Living out of it. :(
So I try to explain to Z that most of these people are good actors and good looking and they still don't get work. And a tiny percent of them ever "get famous" and then you have to deal with the horrible tabloids. Best case scenario is that you get a lot of work but no one really cares who you are. Now how likely is that to happen?
This is what Z says "Can't I just keep doing it until I don't want to anymore?"
"Yes, of course, baby." I say.
Maybe some people need to keep trying to do the thing they want most to do and they can't be happy any other way. Since acting is not the thing I want most to do sometimes I don't get that. But there are things in my life, like growing and learning and connecting that I will go through almost any lengths and much hardship to try to attain because I can't live any other way.
I admit I hope acting or performing isn't something Z needs though if it is I will support it.
So my car breaks and it is like a pass from the universe saying that I don't have to drive so much anymore. Then we get the money to fix it the next day. Then my daughter asks to just be allowed to do something she loves... Is that my sign?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Living my dream
One of the more disappointing things in my life (I admit it is a very short list) is that I have made myself so busy I do not have to time to live the life I have dreamed for myself even though it is right there waiting for me.
When I first got together with Pere I was doing some day dreaming and I wrote about a place I would love to live. It wasn't place specific except that I wanted to be able to walk to the beach. I wanted an balcony that looked out on the beach where I could eat my breakfast.
Well not even two years later I was living about one block from the ocean (way closer than even in my dream!) and my balcony looked out, not over the beach, but over my own waterway and boat!
I did go to the beach often. It was wonderful.
And sometimes I would sit out on the deck under blankets and read to Z, though not nearly often enough. And somedays we would have lunch on the deck or breakfast on the boat, but again, not nearly often enough.
When we began to search for another place I wrote up a list of things I would like. Big on the list was being able to walk to most of the places I would go.
Well, where I live now I can walk to three grocery stores, the library, a playground, two bookstores, two malls, two Targets, and bike to most of the classes that Z takes.
But how often do you think I actually walk to thoes places? Not nearly often enough. Again we had found a place that was a wish come true and I didn't make time to live it.
If I think about it there are many other things I could be doing that would make me much more fulfilled and satisfied but I am too busy doing things that don't to have time for them.
I can see how this also relates to homeschooling. Our lives, both Z and mine (and Pere) are passing us by and we are not living them the way we really want to.
I can be somewhat cheered by the changes I have been making recently. This morning I did walk to the market.
When I first got together with Pere I was doing some day dreaming and I wrote about a place I would love to live. It wasn't place specific except that I wanted to be able to walk to the beach. I wanted an balcony that looked out on the beach where I could eat my breakfast.
Well not even two years later I was living about one block from the ocean (way closer than even in my dream!) and my balcony looked out, not over the beach, but over my own waterway and boat!
I did go to the beach often. It was wonderful.
And sometimes I would sit out on the deck under blankets and read to Z, though not nearly often enough. And somedays we would have lunch on the deck or breakfast on the boat, but again, not nearly often enough.
When we began to search for another place I wrote up a list of things I would like. Big on the list was being able to walk to most of the places I would go.
Well, where I live now I can walk to three grocery stores, the library, a playground, two bookstores, two malls, two Targets, and bike to most of the classes that Z takes.
But how often do you think I actually walk to thoes places? Not nearly often enough. Again we had found a place that was a wish come true and I didn't make time to live it.
If I think about it there are many other things I could be doing that would make me much more fulfilled and satisfied but I am too busy doing things that don't to have time for them.
I can see how this also relates to homeschooling. Our lives, both Z and mine (and Pere) are passing us by and we are not living them the way we really want to.
I can be somewhat cheered by the changes I have been making recently. This morning I did walk to the market.
Monday, January 15, 2007
what do you want to do today?
When I asked Z the above this morning she said "Math and Japanese."
I asked "Is that all?"
and she said "Yeah, because I only want to do the fun stuff."
*grin*
But then I said "What about reading and science and history?"
and she said "Oh yeah! Reading! Reading and math are my favorites!"
So, so far today she has down math and Japanese but write now she is preparing a postcard to send to our friend in AZ. I am hoping to make it to the post office today. I need to send out her birthday party invitations.
**************
One of my favorite things about our new house is that we put the rocking chair nex to the window and every morning before we do anything else, Z and I snuggling in the rocking chair under a blanket. Some morning we are up early enough to watch the sunrise. Other days we see the squirrels running about and the doves feeding. I love this new tradition.
I asked "Is that all?"
and she said "Yeah, because I only want to do the fun stuff."
*grin*
But then I said "What about reading and science and history?"
and she said "Oh yeah! Reading! Reading and math are my favorites!"
So, so far today she has down math and Japanese but write now she is preparing a postcard to send to our friend in AZ. I am hoping to make it to the post office today. I need to send out her birthday party invitations.
**************
One of my favorite things about our new house is that we put the rocking chair nex to the window and every morning before we do anything else, Z and I snuggling in the rocking chair under a blanket. Some morning we are up early enough to watch the sunrise. Other days we see the squirrels running about and the doves feeding. I love this new tradition.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
recently pictures
Picture from Pere's birthday
Z and I making the cake, it was organic and delicious
Today we went to the El Capitan Theatre for a Mary Poppins Sing-a-long.
Mayr Poppins
The organist
Z at the gift shop
Z and I making the cake, it was organic and delicious
Today we went to the El Capitan Theatre for a Mary Poppins Sing-a-long.
Mayr Poppins
The organist
Z at the gift shop
Friday, January 12, 2007
I got an audition
Z had a break from auditioning over much of December and the first week of January. But things started back up with a vengence this week.
Yesterday they called her for an audition that we went on this morning. Z had the audition and then we came home and we made a cake with homemade icing. Then we got another call for this afternoon to a place that was right around the corner from where we were earlier this morning!
She also got called for auditions for tomorrow afternoon, Sunday morning and Tuesday afternoon!
Yeah, the audition Z went on this afternoon was for a major department store and they asked all the moms to come in too. It made me really nervous. I don't like having my picture taken. But once I got in front of the camera I think I did pretty well. It was an off-the-cuff audition where they asked me questions about what kind of stuff I would like to buy from the department store. I joked around some and had fun with it.
Z was HI-larious! They told her give each question a lengthy answer. They said "The longer the better." Well Z really took that to heart!! I swear she must have talked for five minutes straight!
They asked her if she likes to dress up and she went on and on (and on and on and on) about a mask, hat, and cloak she has to dress up as a witch, a wig, veil, dress, gloves, shoes for a princess outfit, wings, tiara, dress, shoes, etc for a fairy outfit - she described each item in detail including acting out how she wears it.
The kicker was that she totally made it all up! She does have dres-up clothes but she didn't talk about them. Everything she described was totally made-up!.
Then she did the same type of thing for another question.
When we finished the guy filming us said "That was awesome!! You guys are the most awesome out of everyone I have seen!"
*grin*
It was pretty cool. Z was hilarious. I think that if it was up to that guy Z would definitely get the part. :)
Yesterday they called her for an audition that we went on this morning. Z had the audition and then we came home and we made a cake with homemade icing. Then we got another call for this afternoon to a place that was right around the corner from where we were earlier this morning!
She also got called for auditions for tomorrow afternoon, Sunday morning and Tuesday afternoon!
Yeah, the audition Z went on this afternoon was for a major department store and they asked all the moms to come in too. It made me really nervous. I don't like having my picture taken. But once I got in front of the camera I think I did pretty well. It was an off-the-cuff audition where they asked me questions about what kind of stuff I would like to buy from the department store. I joked around some and had fun with it.
Z was HI-larious! They told her give each question a lengthy answer. They said "The longer the better." Well Z really took that to heart!! I swear she must have talked for five minutes straight!
They asked her if she likes to dress up and she went on and on (and on and on and on) about a mask, hat, and cloak she has to dress up as a witch, a wig, veil, dress, gloves, shoes for a princess outfit, wings, tiara, dress, shoes, etc for a fairy outfit - she described each item in detail including acting out how she wears it.
The kicker was that she totally made it all up! She does have dres-up clothes but she didn't talk about them. Everything she described was totally made-up!.
Then she did the same type of thing for another question.
When we finished the guy filming us said "That was awesome!! You guys are the most awesome out of everyone I have seen!"
*grin*
It was pretty cool. Z was hilarious. I think that if it was up to that guy Z would definitely get the part. :)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Performing Arts
It is not my intention to have a homeschool version of a performing arts school here at Gray's Academy. But even though she only takes these classes once a week she has homework for them that she is supposed to be doing everyday (not that we do...)
Piano
Sight-reading
Music theory
Finger-practice
Songs
Voice/Opera
Raspberries
Making a singing mouth in the mirror
Tummy breathing
Practicing three new songs
Shakespeare
Practice lines for Taming of the Shrew
Acting
Reading and speaking aloud with good enunciation
Reading with feeling and inflection
Of course besides her regular academic subjects she is also taking
Japanese
Singing
Practice vocabulary
Practice writing
Practice listening
and two science related courses.
So it is not like I am willingly putting all Z's eggs in the performing arts basket. *smile* (I feel like the science basket could lead to a safer career choice.) But hey she is only five, I don't really care much about careers at this point, except to keep her options open.
Someone else brought up the idea of sending Z to some performing arts high school. For some reason I had the feeling that they were not as strong in academics, has anyone had any experience with such things?
Piano
Sight-reading
Music theory
Finger-practice
Songs
Voice/Opera
Raspberries
Making a singing mouth in the mirror
Tummy breathing
Practicing three new songs
Shakespeare
Practice lines for Taming of the Shrew
Acting
Reading and speaking aloud with good enunciation
Reading with feeling and inflection
Of course besides her regular academic subjects she is also taking
Japanese
Singing
Practice vocabulary
Practice writing
Practice listening
and two science related courses.
So it is not like I am willingly putting all Z's eggs in the performing arts basket. *smile* (I feel like the science basket could lead to a safer career choice.) But hey she is only five, I don't really care much about careers at this point, except to keep her options open.
Someone else brought up the idea of sending Z to some performing arts high school. For some reason I had the feeling that they were not as strong in academics, has anyone had any experience with such things?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I love my homeschooling park day
I had so many interesting interactions with friends at Park Day today.
I have had people accuse me of being "cold and aloof" before. I was surprised because that is really not where I am coming from.
Today I had a friend psychoanalyze me and tell me that I do seem to have a "wall up." Again I was mildly surprised. She said part of it is that I don't ever ask for favors or for help. She said that it is asking for help, not offering it that draws people to a person. I had never thought of that. For therapy she suggested I go a month being a totally boggart and asking people to share there food with me or to buy me stuff. LOL! I can't even imagine doing that!
But I am going to do an experiment and try to ask people for help more. It reminded me that back in my college days I had a big fight with my boyfriend and I ended up calling a friend and asking him to come over. Later he told me that he knew it must be serious because I never ask for help. Again, at that time I thought that was a strange observation. It wasn't like I was going out of my way to not ask for help. It just never really occured to me to do so. Do you think this has something to do with giftedness?
I do tend to like to handle things myself. But I guess it makes sense that friends like to be helpful so I should let them sometime.
I also had a conversation about women friends and chatting on the phone. I have lots of women friends but I never call any of them just to call and chat. Is that weird? I think I stopped doing that in high school. I do talk in person with them and (I think) I am forthcoming and intimate, but it rarely occurs to me to call any of them just to talk. Yet, if I call them for a reason I do end up talking about other things.
But the people I was talking to at the park said that most women do call their friends on an almost daily basis just to talk. There is yet another example that I am not doing the right things to make my friends feel needed.
I am not upset about getting this information. I find it somewhat interesting. I feel like I have a lot of good friends that care about me but sometimes I have wanted a closer relationship with them and now I have some ideas of things I could do if I want to develop something more.
I really appreciate having a friend who will tell me things like that. (I should probably tell her that. *wink*)
Other fun things was getting the soda machine man to give me two soda that normally cost $1.25 for $0.50 each. :) That was pretty cool.
I hosted a nature scavanger hunt for the Girl's Club.
I gave career and life advice to a college student.
I also got to talk about Shakespeare and Shakespearean English, Greek names and the Odyssey, the letter C (who needs it?) and phonics, the legalization of drugs, global warming, widescreen vs fullscreen (widescreen, definitely widescreen), and, of course, parenting.
I love having conversations and I get a lot it in at my homeschooling park day and that is why I love it.
Oh yeah, Zoe had a good time too. *wink*
I have had people accuse me of being "cold and aloof" before. I was surprised because that is really not where I am coming from.
Today I had a friend psychoanalyze me and tell me that I do seem to have a "wall up." Again I was mildly surprised. She said part of it is that I don't ever ask for favors or for help. She said that it is asking for help, not offering it that draws people to a person. I had never thought of that. For therapy she suggested I go a month being a totally boggart and asking people to share there food with me or to buy me stuff. LOL! I can't even imagine doing that!
But I am going to do an experiment and try to ask people for help more. It reminded me that back in my college days I had a big fight with my boyfriend and I ended up calling a friend and asking him to come over. Later he told me that he knew it must be serious because I never ask for help. Again, at that time I thought that was a strange observation. It wasn't like I was going out of my way to not ask for help. It just never really occured to me to do so. Do you think this has something to do with giftedness?
I do tend to like to handle things myself. But I guess it makes sense that friends like to be helpful so I should let them sometime.
I also had a conversation about women friends and chatting on the phone. I have lots of women friends but I never call any of them just to call and chat. Is that weird? I think I stopped doing that in high school. I do talk in person with them and (I think) I am forthcoming and intimate, but it rarely occurs to me to call any of them just to talk. Yet, if I call them for a reason I do end up talking about other things.
But the people I was talking to at the park said that most women do call their friends on an almost daily basis just to talk. There is yet another example that I am not doing the right things to make my friends feel needed.
I am not upset about getting this information. I find it somewhat interesting. I feel like I have a lot of good friends that care about me but sometimes I have wanted a closer relationship with them and now I have some ideas of things I could do if I want to develop something more.
I really appreciate having a friend who will tell me things like that. (I should probably tell her that. *wink*)
Other fun things was getting the soda machine man to give me two soda that normally cost $1.25 for $0.50 each. :) That was pretty cool.
I hosted a nature scavanger hunt for the Girl's Club.
I gave career and life advice to a college student.
I also got to talk about Shakespeare and Shakespearean English, Greek names and the Odyssey, the letter C (who needs it?) and phonics, the legalization of drugs, global warming, widescreen vs fullscreen (widescreen, definitely widescreen), and, of course, parenting.
I love having conversations and I get a lot it in at my homeschooling park day and that is why I love it.
Oh yeah, Zoe had a good time too. *wink*
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
writing
Today Z wrote the beginning of a story:
" A Brezy Day
On a very brezy April day a little girl called Marisa woke up. It was about 2:00 in the morning. She picked up her book then she flopped on to her bed again and started to read. In about two secends she fell asleep again."
*cute*
She wrote this after I read her the story of Pandora's Box
"Pandora's box
I think Pandora opened the box because she was in the cottage for a long time and it was just sitting there and well what good is a box if it can't be opened?
I would have for the same reason. Why would you have opened it?
I personoly think she shouldn't have because somone told her not to.
I wouldn't have for the same reason. Why wouldn't you?
I would have opened it to Hope but only with a quiz."
*hee hee*
" A Brezy Day
On a very brezy April day a little girl called Marisa woke up. It was about 2:00 in the morning. She picked up her book then she flopped on to her bed again and started to read. In about two secends she fell asleep again."
*cute*
She wrote this after I read her the story of Pandora's Box
"Pandora's box
I think Pandora opened the box because she was in the cottage for a long time and it was just sitting there and well what good is a box if it can't be opened?
I would have for the same reason. Why would you have opened it?
I personoly think she shouldn't have because somone told her not to.
I wouldn't have for the same reason. Why wouldn't you?
I would have opened it to Hope but only with a quiz."
*hee hee*
Homeschool explosion
I mean that in a good way! :)
Yesterday was our first day back to homeschooling and I was so excited that we homeschooled for more than 4 hours! (plus two hour long classes)
Here is what our day looked like:
Yoga – 15 min.
Reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – 20 min.
Wrote book log of books she has read 10 min
Playdate with C - 1 hr
Math – 15 minutes
Piano practice – jumping octave with right hand while playing scale and triad with left hand, playing scale, triad and albierto traid with two hands all at once, practiced song Musette, 40 minutes
History – Reading – the World of Shakespeare 10 min
Vocabulary words – playwright, poet, folio, relevant, sonnet, approximate, slubber, lustihood, welkin - including typing 2 words and looking them up on dictionary.com 20 minutes
Japanese - 15 min. vocabulary – nouns
Science – Reading ABC’s of Ecology by Issac Asimov 30 min.
Piano 1 hr
Free Play 40 min
Gymnastics 1 hr
Reading 3 Serendipity books 20 min
I figured today we would do less but somehow we still put in 4 hours of homeschooling plus an hour long gymnastics class.
Tomorrow is park day though so I am thinking she will only have time for piano.
Yesterday was our first day back to homeschooling and I was so excited that we homeschooled for more than 4 hours! (plus two hour long classes)
Here is what our day looked like:
Yoga – 15 min.
Reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – 20 min.
Wrote book log of books she has read 10 min
Playdate with C - 1 hr
Math – 15 minutes
Piano practice – jumping octave with right hand while playing scale and triad with left hand, playing scale, triad and albierto traid with two hands all at once, practiced song Musette, 40 minutes
History – Reading – the World of Shakespeare 10 min
Vocabulary words – playwright, poet, folio, relevant, sonnet, approximate, slubber, lustihood, welkin - including typing 2 words and looking them up on dictionary.com 20 minutes
Japanese - 15 min. vocabulary – nouns
Science – Reading ABC’s of Ecology by Issac Asimov 30 min.
Piano 1 hr
Free Play 40 min
Gymnastics 1 hr
Reading 3 Serendipity books 20 min
I figured today we would do less but somehow we still put in 4 hours of homeschooling plus an hour long gymnastics class.
Tomorrow is park day though so I am thinking she will only have time for piano.
feeling giddy
Recently I met a woman who has a gifted and talented 8 year old who is doing acting, dance and just started opera. I was excited to hear about the opera since I have heard that opera singing gives the best training and so far we haven't had much luck with Z's voice teachers.
I called the lady yesterday and took Z to meet her this morning. The teacher M is a beautiful older Russian woman with an amazing voice. First she asked Z to sing her a song and Z sang Castle On A Cloud from Les Miserables. The teacher was really impressed. She said that usually that song is for 10 and 12 year olds and that it is amazing that Z could sing it but also that she could even remember all the words. (I didn't mention that Z first learned it about 2 years ago.)
Then she tested Z's range and her breathing and at the end she said that Z is "more than ready" to start lessons with her.
She also said to Z "You are my present! ... ah, to hear such a voice..."
She was so impressed with Z (and Z realy did very little) that I am feeling a kind of vicarious high. *grin*
I am really glad that Z is getting another chance at voice lessons because I feel like singing is one of her greatest passions.
In that vein I am also thinking I should put a hold on gymnastics for awhile and let Z take some dance classes again. I just feel like so many schools get serious with kids so early and want the girls, even at a very young age, to commit enormous amounts of time to dance and most of the girls go ahead and do that because dance is their "thing." But for Z dance would be just one part of her performing arts curriculum. So I am still on the look out for the right school for dance.
I called the lady yesterday and took Z to meet her this morning. The teacher M is a beautiful older Russian woman with an amazing voice. First she asked Z to sing her a song and Z sang Castle On A Cloud from Les Miserables. The teacher was really impressed. She said that usually that song is for 10 and 12 year olds and that it is amazing that Z could sing it but also that she could even remember all the words. (I didn't mention that Z first learned it about 2 years ago.)
Then she tested Z's range and her breathing and at the end she said that Z is "more than ready" to start lessons with her.
She also said to Z "You are my present! ... ah, to hear such a voice..."
She was so impressed with Z (and Z realy did very little) that I am feeling a kind of vicarious high. *grin*
I am really glad that Z is getting another chance at voice lessons because I feel like singing is one of her greatest passions.
In that vein I am also thinking I should put a hold on gymnastics for awhile and let Z take some dance classes again. I just feel like so many schools get serious with kids so early and want the girls, even at a very young age, to commit enormous amounts of time to dance and most of the girls go ahead and do that because dance is their "thing." But for Z dance would be just one part of her performing arts curriculum. So I am still on the look out for the right school for dance.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Things she's said
Z: "Daddy who was the CEO of your old company?"
Pere "Mr. So and So"
Z: "Did you talk to him about your situation with your old boss?"
where does she get these things?
and then tonight during her prayers she said
"thank you God for letting Daddy find a job that is worthy of him."
LOL!
Pere "Mr. So and So"
Z: "Did you talk to him about your situation with your old boss?"
where does she get these things?
and then tonight during her prayers she said
"thank you God for letting Daddy find a job that is worthy of him."
LOL!
Expectations - follow up
For J
I think I do "push" Z in some ways and I think it is definitely necessary. But I try to push her while still "holding her hand", if you know what I mean. When I push her I do it with the idea in mind that I am helping her develop those skills in herself.
Z is funny in some ways. She is a very outgoing and, in many ways, brave kid. But there are some things that she is afraid of, usually for no good reason. And I think pushing her to try new things and not letting her fears keep her from experiencing something worthwhile are doing her a service. She was very afraid to ride a bike, but I kept pushing her and once she got it she was in love. She told me she was going to write a book about bike riding even. :) And she wanted to ride every day. I knew that she would love riding her bike so I felt it was the right thing to do to insist she keep working at it.
Same thing with swmming, and now swimming is one of her favorite things.
I will also gently push or remind her of commitments she has made, like you do in ice skating. I think at our girl's age that is part of our responsibiity. Z doesn't have to take piano lessons but if she wants lessons and I agree to pay or them and drive her to and fro then she needs to practice.
This leads me to my next topic.
For Sarah
I really do need to have a talk with Z's piano teacher about what her expectations are for Z. I think she is a great teacher and Z loves her so I am loathe to upset the apple cart. But I have obviously had concerns for awhile about the amount of practicing she expects from Z.
I think I do "push" Z in some ways and I think it is definitely necessary. But I try to push her while still "holding her hand", if you know what I mean. When I push her I do it with the idea in mind that I am helping her develop those skills in herself.
Z is funny in some ways. She is a very outgoing and, in many ways, brave kid. But there are some things that she is afraid of, usually for no good reason. And I think pushing her to try new things and not letting her fears keep her from experiencing something worthwhile are doing her a service. She was very afraid to ride a bike, but I kept pushing her and once she got it she was in love. She told me she was going to write a book about bike riding even. :) And she wanted to ride every day. I knew that she would love riding her bike so I felt it was the right thing to do to insist she keep working at it.
Same thing with swmming, and now swimming is one of her favorite things.
I will also gently push or remind her of commitments she has made, like you do in ice skating. I think at our girl's age that is part of our responsibiity. Z doesn't have to take piano lessons but if she wants lessons and I agree to pay or them and drive her to and fro then she needs to practice.
This leads me to my next topic.
For Sarah
I really do need to have a talk with Z's piano teacher about what her expectations are for Z. I think she is a great teacher and Z loves her so I am loathe to upset the apple cart. But I have obviously had concerns for awhile about the amount of practicing she expects from Z.
Do schools kill creativity?
Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it.
watch the video
I am feeling more and more that the universe is sending me a message about change. There are so many different ways to educate a child, it is almost unlimited in a homeschool situation, yet I find it so hard to tear myself away from the model provided by traditional schools.
We have all seen how well that isn't working. It offers up one method of educating a large group of children. I only have one child. This method, for the most part, is directed toward the in the bottom third of the class. My child does not need the kind of repetition that most workbooks and textbooks are required to have to teach these students. The traditional school method not only focuses on academics but takes so much time doing so that a child who's talents lie outside that realm are often labeled failures and have no time to pursue their area of talent. Z is talented and has a passion for many things outside of the three R's.
In a traditional school children are, by necessity, corralled into one building all day. Yet there is so much more to be learned than can ever be learned inside one building. Under this method children are taught, almost exclusively, by similarly trained staff teaching from indentical material and most children are only allowed to learn what can be learned while sitting at a desk. Why do we homeschoolers continue to limit ourselves by mirroring these ultra-limiting methods?
Tomorrow I am supposed to start homeschooling back up (we have been on a three week vacation with Pere home everyday). Afer watching that video above I feel like I need a major shift in my attitude, especially in the area of risk-taking. Like most homeschooling parents I spent most of my school career in a traditional school (excepting 2 years in Montessori and 3 in a progressive school) and I have certainly come to think of being wrong as failing in some way, instead of just one aspect of the creative process.
I feel like I need more time to study my daughter and see all her unique greatness and talents and then provide her with the resources that best support them, rather than trying to fit her into a model that she has almost nothing in common with and works (or doesn't) within outdated, and narrow definition of what it means to be educated.
watch the video
I am feeling more and more that the universe is sending me a message about change. There are so many different ways to educate a child, it is almost unlimited in a homeschool situation, yet I find it so hard to tear myself away from the model provided by traditional schools.
We have all seen how well that isn't working. It offers up one method of educating a large group of children. I only have one child. This method, for the most part, is directed toward the in the bottom third of the class. My child does not need the kind of repetition that most workbooks and textbooks are required to have to teach these students. The traditional school method not only focuses on academics but takes so much time doing so that a child who's talents lie outside that realm are often labeled failures and have no time to pursue their area of talent. Z is talented and has a passion for many things outside of the three R's.
In a traditional school children are, by necessity, corralled into one building all day. Yet there is so much more to be learned than can ever be learned inside one building. Under this method children are taught, almost exclusively, by similarly trained staff teaching from indentical material and most children are only allowed to learn what can be learned while sitting at a desk. Why do we homeschoolers continue to limit ourselves by mirroring these ultra-limiting methods?
Tomorrow I am supposed to start homeschooling back up (we have been on a three week vacation with Pere home everyday). Afer watching that video above I feel like I need a major shift in my attitude, especially in the area of risk-taking. Like most homeschooling parents I spent most of my school career in a traditional school (excepting 2 years in Montessori and 3 in a progressive school) and I have certainly come to think of being wrong as failing in some way, instead of just one aspect of the creative process.
I feel like I need more time to study my daughter and see all her unique greatness and talents and then provide her with the resources that best support them, rather than trying to fit her into a model that she has almost nothing in common with and works (or doesn't) within outdated, and narrow definition of what it means to be educated.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Expectations part II
I want to share an example of how we support our child's dreams without placing expectations on her.
Z loves to perform. Some people, like myself, are pretty uncomfortable with the idea of displaying themselves in front of a large crowd. But Z finds it really fun. She has rarely shown any "stage fright" or nervousness when called on to perform. She regularly spontaneously performs in front of strangers at places like grocery stores or the mall. I don't think it is all about the attention either because she will sing and dance and act alone in her room as well.
She went on her first audition for the part of Young Cosette in a student version of Les Miserables soon after she turned four. She didn't get the part but after the audition she exclaimed "I love to sing in front of strangers!" *heh*
Since then I have done what I could to find opportunities for her to perform "in front of strangers". At four she auditioned for and got into two youth community theatres for kids 8 and up, one for musical theatre and one for Shakespeare. She also started singing and playing piano at recitals.
About six months ago Z got an acting agent. It is not something I would have thought about if we didn't already live in Los Angeles and if it hadn't been suggested to me by many people in that industry after they had seen Z and recognized her passion for performing.
Z had an awesome time on her first job doing a voice over (I thought it was really fun too) and has continued to approach each audition and callback with enthusiam and walk, or rather skip, out of each one on a total "high."
(I am well aware of the negatives associated with children acting professionally and I have no problems putting aside this endeavor should it begin to effect our lives negatively.)
So yes, I do a lot to support my child's passion to act. But I have no expectations that she will ever be famous or even perform professionally as an adult. I have never told Z that she will be famous or even that she "should" act because of her passion and talent.
Just as much as I have helped her find opportunities to perform I have also given her many other kinds of opportunities, especially in the sciences, which she loves. I have also seen a talent in the visual spatial spectrum and we spend a lot of time developing that. I would say that we spend time even on things that Z does not have a talent for but she is one of those globally gifted kids so we haven't yet found something that Z is not good at. (except perhaps sitting still *grin*)
I see a difference in supporting and encouraging my child in her wish to do things outside of the norm for her age and placing unhealthy expectations on her.
Some would say that even giving your child the label "gifted" is putting too much expectation on them. But as a person who was a gifted child I feel like it is just giving your child information that they can use to validate what they are experiencing. In our family being gifted does not come with the expetactation that one must make a lot of money or cure the world's problems. In our family being part of humanity comes with many responsibilities as does being a "good person" and we should try to use what resources we have avialable to us to effect the things that are important to us as well as explore our own unique path.
Z loves to perform. Some people, like myself, are pretty uncomfortable with the idea of displaying themselves in front of a large crowd. But Z finds it really fun. She has rarely shown any "stage fright" or nervousness when called on to perform. She regularly spontaneously performs in front of strangers at places like grocery stores or the mall. I don't think it is all about the attention either because she will sing and dance and act alone in her room as well.
She went on her first audition for the part of Young Cosette in a student version of Les Miserables soon after she turned four. She didn't get the part but after the audition she exclaimed "I love to sing in front of strangers!" *heh*
Since then I have done what I could to find opportunities for her to perform "in front of strangers". At four she auditioned for and got into two youth community theatres for kids 8 and up, one for musical theatre and one for Shakespeare. She also started singing and playing piano at recitals.
About six months ago Z got an acting agent. It is not something I would have thought about if we didn't already live in Los Angeles and if it hadn't been suggested to me by many people in that industry after they had seen Z and recognized her passion for performing.
Z had an awesome time on her first job doing a voice over (I thought it was really fun too) and has continued to approach each audition and callback with enthusiam and walk, or rather skip, out of each one on a total "high."
(I am well aware of the negatives associated with children acting professionally and I have no problems putting aside this endeavor should it begin to effect our lives negatively.)
So yes, I do a lot to support my child's passion to act. But I have no expectations that she will ever be famous or even perform professionally as an adult. I have never told Z that she will be famous or even that she "should" act because of her passion and talent.
Just as much as I have helped her find opportunities to perform I have also given her many other kinds of opportunities, especially in the sciences, which she loves. I have also seen a talent in the visual spatial spectrum and we spend a lot of time developing that. I would say that we spend time even on things that Z does not have a talent for but she is one of those globally gifted kids so we haven't yet found something that Z is not good at. (except perhaps sitting still *grin*)
I see a difference in supporting and encouraging my child in her wish to do things outside of the norm for her age and placing unhealthy expectations on her.
Some would say that even giving your child the label "gifted" is putting too much expectation on them. But as a person who was a gifted child I feel like it is just giving your child information that they can use to validate what they are experiencing. In our family being gifted does not come with the expetactation that one must make a lot of money or cure the world's problems. In our family being part of humanity comes with many responsibilities as does being a "good person" and we should try to use what resources we have avialable to us to effect the things that are important to us as well as explore our own unique path.
expectations
I saw a program about this boy last week. Akrit is a 12 year old gifted boy from India who feels he will cure cancer. The show was very interesting but also quite disturbing.
I think parents should support their child's dreams even if they are big dreams but the parents need to be careful not to give the child the idea that those dreams will, or must, be realized.
This parent trap happens all the time and is not confined to the parents of high ability or high performing kids. There are mothers who are not going to happy until their daughter marries a rich doctor or lawyer and fathers who expect their sons to go into the family business. These expectations can and do tear some families apart.
When you have a gifted/talented child the pressures of expectation can come from all sides. I suppose it can be easy for family and friends to get caught up in the excitment of a science prodigy who dreams of finding the cure for cancer. Or for a parent and coach to see the "big time" ahead in a talented pee-wee piano player and start pushing for hours of practice everyday. Parents of these kids have to walk a fine line between support and pushing.
I read some great advice once that said "You can't want it more than they do." But it is harder than that of course. Kids are very perceptive and many feel they must meet their parent's expectations, even if they are not voiced as such.
A couple weeks ago I had a talk with Z about this. It occurred to me that I need to remind Z often that she doesn't have to continue to play piano (or act or whatever.) I was surprised to find out that Z thought that her taking piano was my idea! She started about a year and a half ago and apparently she had forgotten that she had asked for lessons and started trying to teach herself before I found a teacher who would take a 4 1/2 year old student. I reminded her that piano was something she wanted to do but not something that she was committed to for the rest of her life. I asked her if she wanted to stop taking piano and she thought about it for a pretty long time and finally decided that she still really wanted to keep taking lessons.
That made me realize though that I need to constantly assure Z of what are and what are not my expectations of her. At this point I have no expectations of her "future" career, she might be anything, including a stay at home mom. I want to give her lots of options while still giving time to the specific areas that she has already developed a passion for.
I think parents should support their child's dreams even if they are big dreams but the parents need to be careful not to give the child the idea that those dreams will, or must, be realized.
This parent trap happens all the time and is not confined to the parents of high ability or high performing kids. There are mothers who are not going to happy until their daughter marries a rich doctor or lawyer and fathers who expect their sons to go into the family business. These expectations can and do tear some families apart.
When you have a gifted/talented child the pressures of expectation can come from all sides. I suppose it can be easy for family and friends to get caught up in the excitment of a science prodigy who dreams of finding the cure for cancer. Or for a parent and coach to see the "big time" ahead in a talented pee-wee piano player and start pushing for hours of practice everyday. Parents of these kids have to walk a fine line between support and pushing.
I read some great advice once that said "You can't want it more than they do." But it is harder than that of course. Kids are very perceptive and many feel they must meet their parent's expectations, even if they are not voiced as such.
A couple weeks ago I had a talk with Z about this. It occurred to me that I need to remind Z often that she doesn't have to continue to play piano (or act or whatever.) I was surprised to find out that Z thought that her taking piano was my idea! She started about a year and a half ago and apparently she had forgotten that she had asked for lessons and started trying to teach herself before I found a teacher who would take a 4 1/2 year old student. I reminded her that piano was something she wanted to do but not something that she was committed to for the rest of her life. I asked her if she wanted to stop taking piano and she thought about it for a pretty long time and finally decided that she still really wanted to keep taking lessons.
That made me realize though that I need to constantly assure Z of what are and what are not my expectations of her. At this point I have no expectations of her "future" career, she might be anything, including a stay at home mom. I want to give her lots of options while still giving time to the specific areas that she has already developed a passion for.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Quick Update
We have been having a great time visiting with friends the past couple weeks. It has been great to have Pere home too.
Yesterday Pere accepted a job with a local company and he will be starting work soon. I am very excited for him, as this job is a promotion and a raise. I will miss having him home (really!) but I am also looking forward to getting back to our normal routine.
Yesterday Pere accepted a job with a local company and he will be starting work soon. I am very excited for him, as this job is a promotion and a raise. I will miss having him home (really!) but I am also looking forward to getting back to our normal routine.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Our new plan
So I have been doing a lot of thinking (like, when am I not??) regarding what form our homeschooling should take this new year.
I take a lot of notes. It helps me think to write things down. Here are some thoughts I had over the New Year weekend:
Does it really matter what Zoe is learning except in Reading, Writing and Math?
No, I don’t think so. There is so much to learn and it is all good. Also she is so young that much of it she won't remember. At this point she needs to skills to learn and "bigger picture" things like how to learn and what is worth learning.
Does it matter what she is reading?
Only that she gets to read certain classics before she is too old for them. And that she read books with good vocabulary and noble ideas. Reading famous and important stories (not twaddle)
Does it matter what she is writing?
Not at this point. I want her just to get some practice at it.
Does it matter what math she is doing?
Practicing the basics and having fun.
What else matters?
Using her Japanese. Practicing her piano. Because those are skills that she is trying to grow.
Playing games, using our resources, having free time, doing physical activities.
What are some meta skills?
Risk-taking, problem finding and solving, doing yourself-ness.
Some things that might be helpful to Z in particular
meditating or quiet time, enough physical activity, playing with friends,
Taking time to answer questions, reading good literature written in a high style, visual spatial skills, narration
Projects
Scientific process, critical thinking, ecology, nature journaling/nature hikes
So this is how we are going to (try to) order our day
Morning
Basic Skills
Math: Goal– fluency and fun
Japanese: Goal – speaking
Piano: Goal – practicing technique and making music
Reading– biographies, poetry, and classics: Goal - Learning about human nature, finding beauty, entering a magical world
Writing: Goal - fluency
Helpful Extras
Meditation and Yoga
Physical Activity
Visual Spatial Skills
Afternoons are for
Projects - Art, Science, History, Nutrition, Writing, Geography, Typing, Nature Journaling, volunteering, Judaism, etc
Classes
Play Dates
Free Time
I take a lot of notes. It helps me think to write things down. Here are some thoughts I had over the New Year weekend:
Does it really matter what Zoe is learning except in Reading, Writing and Math?
No, I don’t think so. There is so much to learn and it is all good. Also she is so young that much of it she won't remember. At this point she needs to skills to learn and "bigger picture" things like how to learn and what is worth learning.
Does it matter what she is reading?
Only that she gets to read certain classics before she is too old for them. And that she read books with good vocabulary and noble ideas. Reading famous and important stories (not twaddle)
Does it matter what she is writing?
Not at this point. I want her just to get some practice at it.
Does it matter what math she is doing?
Practicing the basics and having fun.
What else matters?
Using her Japanese. Practicing her piano. Because those are skills that she is trying to grow.
Playing games, using our resources, having free time, doing physical activities.
What are some meta skills?
Risk-taking, problem finding and solving, doing yourself-ness.
Some things that might be helpful to Z in particular
meditating or quiet time, enough physical activity, playing with friends,
Taking time to answer questions, reading good literature written in a high style, visual spatial skills, narration
Projects
Scientific process, critical thinking, ecology, nature journaling/nature hikes
So this is how we are going to (try to) order our day
Morning
Basic Skills
Math: Goal– fluency and fun
Japanese: Goal – speaking
Piano: Goal – practicing technique and making music
Reading– biographies, poetry, and classics: Goal - Learning about human nature, finding beauty, entering a magical world
Writing: Goal - fluency
Helpful Extras
Meditation and Yoga
Physical Activity
Visual Spatial Skills
Afternoons are for
Projects - Art, Science, History, Nutrition, Writing, Geography, Typing, Nature Journaling, volunteering, Judaism, etc
Classes
Play Dates
Free Time
Wicked Wicked Games
These games are totally wicked, man! *hee hee*
Mexican Train Dominos - favorite
Fluxx- favorite
SET - favorite
Doodle Dice
Uno- favorite
Cadoo- favorite
Pass the Pigs
Apples to Apples- favorite
Mancala
scrabble
monopoly
Allowance - not the actual version I have
Cranium
Clue
Battleship
Chess
Sorry
Rush Hour
Mad Libs
Other fun games we play:
Hangman
Charades
Tic Tac Toe
Mexican Train Dominos - favorite
Fluxx- favorite
SET - favorite
Doodle Dice
Uno- favorite
Cadoo- favorite
Pass the Pigs
Apples to Apples- favorite
Mancala
scrabble
monopoly
Allowance - not the actual version I have
Cranium
Clue
Battleship
Chess
Sorry
Rush Hour
Mad Libs
Other fun games we play:
Hangman
Charades
Tic Tac Toe
Carnival of Homeschooling
Why Homeschool is hosting the Anniversary Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling and my post on the individual is under Ivory (year 14).
Go check it out! I am reading through the other posts right now. :)
Go check it out! I am reading through the other posts right now. :)
Monday, January 01, 2007
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