Tasty thinking!

I agree, we deserve a treat for 100... I think, after seeing postings on fam websites and other blogs and such, that girls have always been the ones most likely to respond more.... who wouldn't want to post on this way coolio post anyways! :) so treat, my vote is ice cream with chocolate, berries n brownies! :) we can have our hubbies buy an ingredient and we bring it, then we don't have to do any work! lol
ok, so about education :)me and tim have been listening to FM100, and in the past couple days we heard some radio ads about education. one was really good, it was promoting private schools for kids, and it was just a positive ad, wasn't beating down on public schools or anyone. then today we heard one where the guy was saying that our tax dollars shouldn't support/go towards private schools! why? they'd rather have it go towards public schools which are going to pot nowadays?? kinda messed up thinking...:)

Woo Hoo I'm the 25th!

I agree Amy -- 100th post and we definetly deserve a treat. Problem is one of us would have to make it so it might not be such a treat afterall: ) It reminds me of what your husband was saying the other day -- pointing out how funny it is how we use all of these "treats" and consumable things as ways to motivate us to do things that will bless and benefit us anyway! Who hasn't had a scripture reading chart at some time in their life and then got an ice cream cone for finishing the Book of Mormon or something. I still remember getting a challenge in Primary to memorize the order of the books in the Old Testament, and we were promised a large candy bar for doing so. That night I went home and had them memorized (and still remember them to this day) all for a candy bar!!! I guess the important thing is just that we're doing the good act, even if we have silly rewards -- our heart is still in the right place. Ok that had nothing to do with TJED... sorry : )
-Marcie

24th Post

I just wanted to point out that this is officially the 24th post ( i know I should have waited at least until the 25th post to celebrate but whatever!)

I am just very happy to see us utilizing this blog. We haven't even had it a month and it has 24 posts on it!! Look at all of the stuff we would have been missing if we wouldn't have had a place to share it all!!

You guys rock and I think we need to celebrate the 100th post :)

Crazy

Isn't it amazing how much we're hearing and seeing about TJEd now that we know about it? My relative, Marcie's work story, Amy's visit...wow. I love that, Marcie-"radical homeschooling parents". Yeah, because anyone that wants something for their children other than the conveyor belt must be wack-o ;)

Feb. 10th meeting

No worries Laura, you're off the hook. We'll just stick with TJED for the first meeting and then we'll tackle one of the classics from the list in the back of the book for our second meeting. Everyone look over the list -- hopefully we can find a book we've all wanted to read but haven't.

Ciao
-Marcie

That's awesome to hear about that school Amy, thanks for sharing! sounds like a school totally opposite from the public schools today. If it's still around when my kids grow up, I will definitely be sending them there....public schools is out of the question! So are we reading TJED + another book? I will be lucky if I get just one book read! ha..not much of a reader, but that's going to change! :)

Random...

So after Amy's beaming accounts of The Pinnacle Learning Center (formerly Kimber Academy) I totally would like to visit one myself.
Get this though, I was signing on to a computer at work to make a photo assignment for a story I'm working on, and I saw this photo assignment in the computer:

Pinnacle Learning Center
(Then the description of the story for the photographer reads:)
Feature about center that helps radical, home-schooling parents give their kids an education..

It didn't say what reporter put in the assignment,and it might not be someone in our office because it is a North County story, but still, to describe the place as a school for "radical, home-schooling parents?" My first vibe from that description is that they think it's a school for weirdos who actually want their kids to have a unique religious education. There is a lot of bozos out there eh? I'll be interested to see this article when it comes out.
I remember back when the elections were going on last year one of the reporters who was doing a story on the libertarian candidate and was mocking him for having a platform that stood for the privitization of schools (though her article was "fair and balanced" it's still interesting to hear what people have to say about it behind the scenes).

Just a note, sorry it wasn't inspirational or uplifting,

Marcie

Relative at GWC

I just found out that a relative of mine on my husband's side is at George Wythe College getting his Ph.D. Cool, huh? He used to be the director of the American Leadership Academy charter school. Here is the blurb I found on him after remembering that he was involved with the charter school:

"Ruel Haymond believes very strongly in Leadership Education, particularly using the Thomas Jefferson Education approach. He has his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Utah State University and is currently working on this PhD in Constitutional Law from George Wythe College. For the past year, he has been working on the Peaceable Schools project with Brigham Young University’s College of Education, under the direction of Dean Richard Young. The work has involved creating literature guides, using classic books, to teach at-risk youth from academic strategies to social skills. He has worked as a director of a Charter School and is currently working in a variety of educational arenas. He strives to implement and incorporate the principles of TJED into every facet of inspiring and learning.

He was raised in the Washington, D.C. area and now lives in Santaquin, Utah with his wife and six children."

Small world, huh? I'm going to try and get in touch with him.

-Raven

A Real Thomas Jefferson Experience

A Thomas Jefferson Education is really about realizing your responsibility as an individual to educate yourself but does so in a manner where you feel it's a privilege. It's an environment where policy and regulation get out of the way and let teachers inspire and children educate themselves. It's a place where children and adults alike learn how to think, how to analyze, how to relate and how to be leaders. It is a school that is lead by a spirit of goodness and greatness. It is a school that helps children feel comfortable in their skin and confident in who they are and what they can become. It's a school where learning is sought after even “after-hours”. It is a school that paves the way for children to be solid leaders of their families, communities and the nation.

Pinnacle Learning Center is where a real TJED takes place. It's in Lindon and they really put the mentor/classic approach to work. Dr. Kimber was running the school up until this past September. Now Dr. Kimber is writing “curriculum” for the schools that apply the mentor/classic method.

The other day I was reading a blog and I noticed that the principal from Kimber Academy had left a comment. I immediately emailed him and told him how much I admire a school like Kimber Academy that applies the TJED approach. He emailed back and asked me to come to the school and have a look for myself. I did.

As I walked in the school I was greeted by smiling students, teachers and a few parents. The walls were decorated with pictures of the Prophet and apostles and leaders of our nation. The children were just finishing up a break.

They have a snack bar where treats can be bought. The young lady running the snack bar was being mentored and was learning about profit margins. She could go to Costco and by Snickers to sell and get a smaller profit margin or she could purchase Oreo packages and get a 100% return on her money. The learning process was amazing. She had a job and responsibility. She was a steward over the schools money and she was learning entrepreneurship skills. After she learned about that her brain is turned on and she realizes that there are more possibilities out there and more ways she can be a good steward, expand that knowledge and be responsible. What could be better than that?

I sat and listened to the 9-11 year-olds begin their class. The teacher had thought that some one had done something that was not very nice to another student and the teacher had gotten wind of that and suggested they all write apology letters to the girl. The teacher started the class explaining the situation as she new it to the children. They listened to her but then explained to her the situation as it happened. The teacher had made a mistake. Then an amazing thing happened...the teacher actually treated them like adults and listened and went right in to her lesson.

They began giving reports and the children stood with confidence one by one and gave their report. The other children gave comments, feedback and questioned what they were hearing to gain a better understanding. It was a great thing to witness.

I then went to visit the 5-8 year-olds. They were al gathered around a table learning. Many of them were too excited to have a visitor to pay attention to their lesson, but with a little encouragement were back on task. On the whiteboard were magnets of a Book of Mormon time line and more pictures of leaders of the Church. The children were adorable and very well mannered.

Next I went to visit the seniors. They were having their Book of Mormon class. A few parents were joining the class and they came prepared with their homework too. The teacher was leading a discussion. Questions were asked. Hands flew into the air. Their comments were respected as well as challenged to ensure a solid understanding. They were having fun and learning a great deal. They were explaining the symbolism of Moroni renting his garment, what tokens are and much much more. I walked away knowing that I was witnessing a TJED school in session.

My overall impression of the school was so in-line with what the TJED book teaches, I walked away feeling so inspired. I am coming back on Wednesday to teach a class on entrepreneurship and genealogy and I may even volunteer to teach some electives for them like dance and the principal even suggested a class like genealogy for kids or something. Anyone who may want to get involved is welcome to do so. You could volunteer your time (or get paid) to teach an elective a few times a week. Today was karate day! There are only about 36 students there now, but they are constantly growing.

Teachers inspire. Students educate. Inspiration and education was what was happening at Pinnacle Learning Center, right here in Lindon, Utah. Those children are preparing themselves for greatness. The teachers are first class mentors. The students are first class educators.

Teachers inspire.

Children educate.

whaddya think?

I think I could manage to read The Screwtape Letters before Feb. 10th, but I don't know about everyone else's schedule. We can take a vote ; ) If we want to just go ahead and discuss TJED on the 10th and then choose one large, or two small classics for our next meeting that would be fine with me too. Depends on what everyone has time for, so let your voice be heard if you have a strong opinion one way or the other. The important thing is that we're all on the same page so that we can have a quality disucssion.

If you want...

I would be willing to be the "discussion leader" for this new book we're reading if you guys want. But if there's someone else who really wants to, that's fine too. Here are some that I have already read that I think would make great books for discussion (they aren't as long as some, either, if someone needs to read the book for the first time): Jane Eyre, The Screwtape Letters, The Chosen, Pride and Prejudice. These are all favorites of mine. If you guys want to do something else, some that I've been dying to read, but haven't yet are: The Seven Habits..., Robinson Crusoe, Great Expectations, Les Miserables, The Weight of Glory, Paradise Regained, Walden. Some of those (like Expectations and Les Mis) are a bit lengthy, so I, for one, would probably need a bit longer to attack them.

Anyways, just let me know. My top picks would be The Chosen and The Screwtape Letters. They are both terrific and both are a pretty quick read.

-Raven

I second that motion

Ladies,
I think it would be a great idea to read a classic together and then have a discussion following the outline he provides in the book. We'll need someone to prepare and volunteer to be the discussion leader and we'll need to decide on a book. The appendix has great resources for leading a discussion and lists of books. I don't have my book here at work with me, so i can't think of a classic on the list that we might have all read — unless it's from the Young Adult classics list : ) I love that he provided a bunch of books to get started, and I think it's great that so many of them are fiction novels. I've always loved fiction, but like Amy, haven't really done the work of "learning" from them. I just did quick read-throughs for pleasure. If anyone has any ideas of books they have read before that fit the bill, just post them on here ... I'll check my book when I get home and we'll see if there is something we could potentially do before our next meeting. Although it would be kind of fun and interesting to read a new classic that none of us have ever read to see what we each glean from it.
After reading this book I looked back on my education and thought about how I was taught. I can honestly say that only one scholarly class that i took taught me HOW to think. It was an advanced Comms class in ethics that I really enjoyed. All we did was read books, take notes on what we were reading and then come to class and have discussions and debates about the ideas that we were learning. I now know why I enjoyed that class — because it was stimulating to exersize my brain! To practice thinking rather than regurgitating info : ) I think I will write that teacher a thank-you note for having such a brain-on class!

-Marcie

Re: Amy's Posts

I think reading a classic together is a great idea. I had been thinking the same thing. I will say that my English education has taught me a bit about how to read a book and apply it to the larger scheme of things. Do we want to have this read by the 10th when our meeting is? If so, maybe we should find something we've all read before so we wouldn't have to read another book by then. Just a thought. We could reread it instead of approaching a brand new text. I am so excited to begin my reading routine.

Also, should this post have been a "Comment"? I'm not sure what the difference is (besides that Comments get cool little pop-up windows).

-Raven

Learning How to Read

I am just remembering something that I came across while reading the TJED. DeMille talks about how to analyze a book a lot but one of the things that really struck home with me and made me realize that I don't really know how to read is when he talks about the thought processes you should go through.

For example, when reading a classic you should understand story, character, plot etc. Then you should apply the story to your life. Step three would be applying it to those around you. And finally, step four would be to apply it to the entire human race.

Wow is all I can say. I may be on my own here, but I will just expose myself and let you gals know that I don't think I have ever read a book like this. I am excited to develop good reading and analytical habits so that I can really be an educated person. I really want to think like this.

Upcoming Meeting

I would like to propose that we take time in our upcoming meeting to share ideas on how to get started, or rather steps we can take to incorporate these things in our lives. We could help one another get on sort of a blue print to success.

One idea that we can do is to all pick a classic to read (one that is in the back of the TJED book) and then we can use the analytical questions in the back of the book, answer them ourselves and then have a real group disscussion and really put in to action what we are learning. I am really excited to try and fiure out "how" to think and learn. I am so excited to read SO MANY books but wouldn't it be great to read a classic and then learn how to read and think so that we can glean so much more info out of the other books we read?

Just a thought. Of course, I am open to anything. This is just one idea that I had.

The Classics

I totally agree, Marcie. Isn't it amazing how little our college degrees have taught us? I mean, here I am, about to receive my MA in American lit. and I haven't actually read most of the classics of American literature (i.e. Moby Dick, The Death of a Salesman, A Farewell to Arms.. ). I've spent most of my educational career "playing the academic game" as DeMille puts it. I figured out just how little I could do and still impress my teachers and get by with pretty good grades. But what's the point of that? I now regret this, but I can't totally blame myself--that is exactly what the current American public school system teaches us to do. So, now I am determined to catch up on all the reading I never did and become truly knowledgeable.

Sorry for all the posts--who knew I would be a blogaholic? ;)

-Raven

Brain on ladies

Thanks for the great ideas and posts everyone.
Just in comment to what Amy said — this book really does a great job of illustrating the power in knowledge. Just this weekend I had been feeling stressed out and grouchy and pretty negative about the upcoming week. I thought my problems were Shaylie and Trent making messes for me to clean up — basically I was being a victim extroidanairre. What would happen in my life if I had never learned and sought out books that taught me about self-deception and problem solving? I would probably go on being miserable and trapped in my own victimhood. However, I have had the opportunity to read some great books on recognizing self-deception (when you think everyone else is the problem you're wrong) and on problem solving (analyzing your thoughts and emotions to determine what I can do about my situation). Thanks to the knowledge those classics geared me with I was able to become a positive producer again.
I know that Heavenly Father can send us inspiration that we have never heard, or don't neccessarily understand, however I also know that for me, a lot of my inspiration has come through Heavenly Father bringing things to my rememberance. I've already done the job of filling my head with good ideas, and he blesses me with the ability to recall those when I need him.
Ok, now on to Raven's post, what are we going to do with this knowledge? Well, I'd like to think that we're all doing something right now — just by sharing it! By telling others (spouses, friends, family ect) what we've been learning and inspiring in them a desire to learn it for themselves as well. In this way we can act as true teachers and inspire those around us to learn. Before I graduated from college all of my learning was for liesure — primarily because I felt I was reading enough stuffed-shirt books as requirements for school. Once I graduated and began to be introduced to powerful books with lasting ideas that were actually interesting (unlike many of the books I read for school : ) I discovered how much I could enrich my life and improve by seeking out books that actually taught me something. I'm so glad that I've been exposed to books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," (which I would have never picked up on my own in a million years) or "Positive Imaging." ect ect. Now that I've read TJED I understand even more the importance of feasting upon the classics and comparing them to the truths that I continually need to be seeking out in the scriptures.
IN OTHER WORDS (readers digest version of what I'm trying to say): I'm committing to being more proactive about seeking out books that will fill my mind with knowledge and principles that can help tutor me to become a better person. I definetely want to tackle some of the books on the reading list in the back of TJED and learn things that my fancy shmancy college degree didn't teach me : )
Amen!
Marcie

So what are you going to do about it?

Great post, Amy. I totally agree with everything you said. So, my question to all of you is: with this desire to be better and learn more, what are some of the specific ways that you plan on changing your habits and routines to actually become better? I think one of my goals is to get the book I mentioned before and begin a daily routine of reading and studying good books so that I can reeducate my mind.

Any thoughts?

-Raven

Increased Knowledge Encourages Higher Standards for Self

"Who we are changes as we set higher and higher standards of what life is all about and what we are here to accomplish." (pg 63)

I know that this applies to all types of learning in this life. With the Gospel, the more you learn, the more your strength and faith in the Lord increases, your ability to roll with the punches increases too because you are able to see the bigger and eternal picture.

As I read this book, my hunger for true and deep knowledge grows. I want to learn how to think again! When I realize how much I am missing in life because I don't know how to think my determination amplifies to better refine myself. For example, I love the phrase, "Daughter of a King." When I think of that I remember that I am a princess and therefore Daughter of a King. It makes me want to be kinder, serve more, speak with a gentle tongue and be an educated and refined mother, daughter, wife and friend.

Ignorance is what keeps people in bondage and (I know it sounds trite but...) knowledge really is power. The more knowledge we have we become better people and can rise to the task that has been appointed to each of us on earth. Like Raven pointed out, each of us really do have genius inside of us. As we take the necessary steps to cultivate that knowledge and share it, we will truly be blessed and we will be blessing the lives of all around us by being instruments of God. What can be better than that?

Book I plan on reading

A book my sis. in-law recommended and that is next on my list is The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had by Bauer. It looks excellent if you are a reader. Check out the description at amazon.com.

-Raven

We ARE all geniuses

Hi, ladies~
Well, I've only just started TJEd, but so far I'm loving it. One of the many things that has really struck me is his notion that, "Greatness isn't the work of a few geniuses, it is the purpose of each of us. It is why we were born. Every person you have ever met is a genius" (pg. 8). Wow. This is so true. Heavenly Father didn't send us to Earth to be mediocre, He sent us here to do great things! I think we too often choose to live comfortably in mediocrity. We are lazy. We ought to live greatly! I think this takes a lot more energy and requires much more of us, but what is the point of settling for something other than our greatest potential? Life isn't about choosing the easy road, it's about choosing the right road and learning to be ultimate leaders some day. This should inspire us to study and grow rather than just "get by."

What do you think?

-Raven

Book

I have wanted to read Anatomy of Peace for awhile, ever since my mom has told me about it. definitely sounds like one I'd be interested in! ;) that's got my vote

Book recommendations

Hey gals,
I can't wait to see posts on your thoughts about "A Thomas Jefferson Education," as you guys really get into it. Amy has your copy arrived yet? I hooked Raven up with a copy, so everyone should be happily reading : ) -- In fact I definetly need to go back through it so I can post as well.
In the meantime I'm always looking for great book recommendations. These could either be books you'd like to consider for future club readings, or just books that you loved in general.
Here are some I've read recently that I would definetly recommend:
"7 Habits for Highly Effective Families" -- I'm still working on this one because we are using it as our FHE material. I have read a bunch of books on families/parenting and none have been as powerful as this book. I love it.
"Hard America, Soft America"
John Stossel's first book -- it has a very very long name, but he is a fantastic writer
"Master Key to Riches"
"The Anatomy of Peace" -- Out of all of the books I've read from the Arbinger Inst. (or people involved with it) this one is the most powerful when addressing family issues and self-deception. (Other ones I've read from them [or associates] were Leadership and Self Deception, The Peacegiver, and I started one from Amy, I think it was called The Bonds That Set Us Free, but I didn't finish becuase it is basically the same material from the first two : )
Right now I'm starting on Stossel's second book (also with a very long title) and have borrowed "The Ultimate Gift" from Dale -- a book which could potentially be a great book club book.
So ladies, what are some recommendations? What have you read that you would hands down pass along to a friend?
Thanks !

-Marcie

Awesome Blog!!

man, it took me forever to find out how to do a new post...lol this is gonna be awesome, I def. love the colors as well! thanks for setting this up Amy. and the title has a ring to it...love it!! :)

Book Babes Unite!

Go Amy for setting up this rad blog (and it is a great color I might add). Props to Raven for making the step and posting her first ever blog entry. (I think I've done like 7 posts total so it wont take you long to catch up.)
I'm excited for everyone to start posting notes/thoughts/ect. on here.
Raven if you can't get one at the Provo library let me know, I might be able to borrow one from my Bro.-in-law Dale and then let you use my copy.
Happy postings ladies!

-Marcie

My first blog post...ever

How exciting! ;0) Now if only I could get my hands on a copy of the book...The BYU bookstore doesn't carry it and when I went to the BYU library and found a copy to check out, I was told that it is on hold for someone else. Bummer. Guess I'll try the Provo library next.

Oh, and I love the name, whoever thought of it. Good work!