Educating Locally. Learning Communally. Living Freely.

The Teaching of Kindness

/

Friday, August 24, 2012


The Teaching of Kindness

My kids and I have been back to school for three weeks.  I’m already starting to feel some of the “how are we going to get this all done?” stress that we all feel from time to time.  Perhaps it is because I’ve been busy making lesson plans, looking forward not just to the week ahead, but to Christmas and beyond, trying to make sure I’ve got us on the right pacing to get through the books in good time.  Maybe it is because August has been such a busy month filled with things that take us out during the school day, and I feel like I’m trying to cram in a little schoolwork wherever possible.

In all likelihood it is probably a great deal of both, and next week when we will have a full, uninterrupted week of school and I can really gauge how things are going, I’ll feel a lot better about the whole thing.

"THE TEARS IN HER EYES TOLD ME I HAD LET MY IMPATIENCE GET OUT OF BOUNDS."

Such rational thoughts, however, were not in my mind when we sat down in front of our math book yesterday.  “We must get through this math lesson,” I thought, “It’s only two pages, and it’s not that hard, we can get it done in this little timeslot…”

Clearly I had reckoned without my student, who had struggled with this lesson on her own the day before and was going to need my gentle guidance to get through it.  I whisked us through the first page and on to the second.  It was while she was pondering the mystery of six plus two that I lost it, “Six plus two, sweetheart,” using the endearment in anything but an endearing way, “What is so hard about six plus two?”

The tears in her eyes told me that I had let my impatience get out of bounds.  Chastened, I apologized.  We both calmed down.  I presented the problem again, more gently this time, and just like that, the mystery was solved – eight!

Over the years, my moms, my sisters and I have discussed the application of various aspects of the verses in Proverbs 31 that deal with the godly woman.  Can “She brings her food from afar” be applied today by shopping the sales at various grocery stores to help a tight budget?  Does “rising while it is yet night” apply even after the kids have been up three or four times during the night?  And what exactly is a distaff?

The verse that I think applies most specifically to my homeschool is verse 26, “She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”  How often I need that verse applied in my dealings with my children!  It is one I return to often, reminding myself on those frustrating days to keep the “teaching of kindness” on my tongue and not to respond with impatience or frustration.  It is the verse with which I must confront myself when I have failed, and seek forgiveness and renewed strength from my heavenly Father.

Three years into our homeschooling journey, I’m learning how to make sure we get everything done without stressing myself out.  I’m learning too that there are some days, even whole weeks when I should leave the books on the shelf and focus on the other necessities of life.  As long as I am conscientious to give school top priority most days, there is no harm in taking a day off now and then when necessity dictates.

I hear from other homeschool moms, those whose children are in high school and beyond, that those early years are tough, but keeping in mind the bigger picture can help when it seems like getting through this particular workbook page is going to make all the difference between going to Harvard and being completely uneducated.  What matters now is teaching my children gently and with respect for their developing understanding.

As we begin another school year, may we guide our children with “words of wisdom and the teaching of kindness.”

"IT WILL NEVER HURT YOU TO BE KIND."

Fine Arts Alliance Registration

/

Friday, August 17, 2012


It is true! It is time to register for classes at the Fine Arts Alliance.  They will once again be offering piano and visual art, as well as various workshops and adult classes throughout the year.  This year each art specialist will be working in their own perspective studios instead of having one central location.  Please contact the teacher that you will be working with to arrange studio time and directions.
Please contact Elisabeth Boyle 864-360-0027 to schedule your piano lesson.  Contact Carol Anne Good 864-380-4805 for special workshops throughout the year, as well as Birthday parties and Winter Break camps. Contact Susannah Mele 864-458-7586 for children’s Yoga and art. Contact Eric Benjamin 864-640-7000 for beginner—advanced visual art.  This year Eric Benjamin will be teaching three classes after school at his home studio on East North Street.
Art Attack!   A great beginning art class where students learn about influential artists, historical and contemporary, and then create art work inspired by the artist. The first semester will focus on painting.  The second semester students will delve into sculpture, pastel, and collage.  Each year the artist will change.  Tues.  3:30-4:30   $75    Grades 1-5
Learning to Draw   An intermediate class based much on the drawing classes of my freshman year of college.  This is a focused class for students who want to learn to draw what they see, and enjoy their time doing it.  The second semester students will take a more creative spin on their art work working with painting, printmaking and collage. This class will never exceed five students to one teacher.  Thurs. 4:15-5:30   $100  Grades 4-8
Portfolio  This class is for the student who wants to begin preparing work for their portfolio.  Whether it is for advanced placement in an art class, high school arts program, or college, this class will help you create work that your instructors will be looking at.  This class is based on portfolio requirements of the SC Governors School for the Art and Humanities.  Tues. 4:45-5:45   $100 
Classes begin Sept 6 so register now.  You can register by email at fineartsalliance@gmail.com or call 864-640-7000 and leave a message.  You will be notified upon registration acceptance.

Classical Stringers: Making an Orchestra

/

Friday, August 10, 2012



Do you have students who play the violin, viola, cello, string bass, harp or guitar and would like for them to participate in a string orchestra with lots of ministry opportunities?  Then maybe the Classic Stringers is for you!

The Classic Stringers is over a dozen years old, and was the first of its kind in the Upstate.  Donna Ringenberg has had the privilege of directing this group for a number of years now.  Their philosophy is one of ministry, although they also strive for a high level of musicianship.   The goal for this group is that the students will see what a blessing and inspiration their music can be to others.  Hopefully, as they see the opportunities, they will desire to keep playing their instruments throughout their lifetime.  They have played all over the Greenville community and beyond:   nursing homes, hospitals, Hagood Mill, Festival of Trees, Rescue Mission, GSP for Honor Flights, church services, Simpsonville Activity Center, Patrick Center, childrens homes and shelters, and even a grocery store as well as an end-of-the-year final concert.  The Classical Stringers not only play music, but have helped put on Valentine parties for Mauldin Church of God Children's Home.  This is a venue where your student not only plays together with other "stringers" but has leadership opportunities as well. 

The Classical Stringers play a variety of music: they have performed fiddle, classical, Christmas, patriotic, hymns, and movie themes.  They accept all levels of musicians from beginner to advanced, however you should have at least a semester's worth of lessons.  There will be music for everyone, and some special numbers for the more advanced.  You will also have the opportunity to mentor younger students.  This school year the Classical Stringers will be working on Christmas music first semester, and second semester will be hymns, classical and Irish fiddle.  

Where do the Classical Stringers meet?  
Pecknel Music Company

When?    
Thursdays from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. during the school year, beginning on the 3rd Thursday of September

Who directs?
Donna Ringenberg, BJU music ed. grad, Suzuki trained,
Assistant Director, Rebekah Ringenberg, BJU grad, Suzuki trained

What instruments?  
Violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar (1st semester), harps are also welcome!

How much does this cost?
 $55 for the first semester, and $65 for the second semester

I have more than one child in the family who would like to participate.  
Do I get a price break? 
Yes, the 2nd /3rd/ etc., are only $10 for each semester. 

Sign me up.  What do I do next?  
E-mail Donna with questions or sign-ups at we8praisehim@aol.com.
 

Followers