[TheForge] homeschooling blacksmiths

Wed Jan 15 08:47:00 2003

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Fiorini & Skiles
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 2:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TheForge] homeschooling blacksmiths 

(here is the on topic part)
So far 3 homeschooling blacksmith families all on one relatively small
listserv.  That's interesting.  I suppose we make 4, even though our
kids are not yet at school age.

So at what age, and how, do you homeschooling blacksmiths keep your kids
around when you are doing blacksmithing work?  Are they in your shop at
all, part of the time, none of the time?  How do you incorporate your
blacksmithing into the homeschooling?

When I smith, the wife is around, so keeping the kids occupied isn't a
problem.  However, they all at times have shown interest.  However,
early on, when they were young and short, being about eye level with the
anvil isn't that good a thing.  The littlest (11 in a couple of weeks)
picked up a piece of black metal and got very good blisters. Still, she
is interested, and will sit around (at a higher elevation) and watch.
She sometimes hammers, but has yet to develop the power or skill.  It
takes time<G>.  I do have her hold things for me, or tighten the vice
when it's convenient.  Usually it takes longer than when I do it, but
it's worth it to get them helping some how.  And it's great to send them
out for drinks and snacks<G>.  If you can get them to help in any way,
they will see the value of their help, and this will start in motion the
desire to do more.

(the rest is a bit off topic)
Do your kids ever drive you bonkers?

Only by incessant talking.  The youngest is the only one that is a
disney kid, and we can tell it by what she parrots and the quantity and
quality of the communication.<G>

Our house is on the market and we'll be moving across the river to
Wisconsin when it sells.  When we move, I'm going to join the regional
homeschooling group, an inclusive one.  Our son is only 3, but I seem to
be teaching him all the time anyway, in one way or another.

Children used to learn at the hand of their parents, before public
schools.  Following us around while we do our household chores is a
great way to learn and learn to think.  When you go to the grocery, have
him help you find foods that he is familiar with.  Have him read off the
price (comparisons are too advanced now<G>).  After a few times, he can
go himself down the isle a bit and retrieve a can for you.  Walking
through the yard can be schooling, in that it's an opportunity to learn
about the different plants<G>.

Good luck.