 I am eager for the school year to begin, even though we school year round, classes and organized school trips will begin next month. I can tell you know that I already don't like the virtual school thing. I feel like I'm just waiting around for someone else to tell me what is best for my kids. Some curriculum arrived already. It seems almost foreign to me. But we shall see how it goes. My oldest program works out well so far. I think we will continue with doing 2 maybe 3 courses at a time. This allows her to work on other things that I want included in her schooling. I may continue with some of the children because of the legal custody thing, but we shall see. I am off to further organize our days. As with four schooling there will be much need for order. |
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a homeschooling mama's dream, not to mention 3rd shifter
This summer, put your kids in charge of their down-time.Ah, summer. Where have those carefree days full of aimless daydreams and backyard exploration gone? Be it soccer camp, trips to Abercrombie and Fitch, or make-your-own-robot classes, sitting around and doing nothing is not an option for our kids anymore. With boredom all but banished from modern children's lives and more enriching opportunities than their forebears ever had, our progeny are shoo-ins for greatness, right?"Kids need control over their own play," says Jane Hewes, chair of the early childhood development program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. "We have to give them room." And part of that is room to be bored - more and more child experts say boredom is a key mental state that eventually launches innovative and flexible thinking, creativity and an intrinsic motivation to explore. But well-intentioned parents rushing to fill that void are mucking up this time-honoured process, and in the place of dynamic, self-reliant youth are creating a strange new generation of young adults who are lost without outside direction, feel entitled to be entertained by others, are unable to tolerate basic silence and crave a constant stream of stimulation. If that doesn't scare you, consider this: these are the kids who won't just hang around their parents' house until they're 35, these are kids who will never ever leave. While it's not an easy fix, there are simple things parents can do to invite boredom back, as well as help their kids learn to deal with it when it strikes. Summer is a perfect time to start. 1) Limit media time Yes, media has a wonderful Ritalin-like power to calm rowdy kids, chill out angry teens and even babies are susceptible to the magical glow. But an over-reliance on TV and computer games to keep kids entertained sets them up for a life of requiring visual and audio stimulation to function, and disables them from being comfortably alone with their thoughts. New studies have even linked excessive exposure to TV too early in life to the rise in autism. 2) Limit parent- and adult-directed activities March Break is undoubtedly a great time for family outings. But when parents turn themselves into soldiers of event planning, they risk breeding an army of drones. If Ben Franklin's parents packed his day with circus school, mandolin lessons and hockey camp, he might never have been bored enough to tie a key to the end of a kite that fateful day or may never have done it at all without an adult telling him to do so. 3) When going to the playground, keep to the sidelines Sure we like to cheer their most insignificant feats on the jungle gyms, step in to prevent scrapes and bruises, and teach them how to resolve squabbles with other children by solving the problem for them. But there was a vintage era when playground time wasn't a heinous thing for parents, it was time to sit down and read the paper, while the kids were free to explore their own space, learning co-operation, risk management, and make-believe all on their own. They might seem lost at first without mom or dad by their side, but the primitive yearning to be getaway from you will eventually kick in. 4) Don't let weather be an excuse North American kids tend to think their skin will melt if grazed by a raindrop - let's face it, they're wusses. So, instead of providing a Martha Stewart roster of arts and crafts on rainy days, try shoving them out the door where the mysterious world that rain brings to life awaits - remember splashing in puddles, gathering worms, collecting rain on your tongue? Precipitation is a child's friend. 5) Resist the urge to spoil lying on the couch When you see your child lying on her bed staring at the ceiling don't think of it so much as a lost opportunity to do something productive, but as a child's right to daydream. Where would civilization be if a young Galileo, Emily Carr or Ernest Hemingway were never allowed to quietly contemplate? 6) Have creative materials available that they can use on their own or with friends Kids magazines are full of junior projects, beginner cookbooks can teach your tween how to fry up a grilled cheese, and a box of arts and crafts or dress-up clothes can reactivate their self-motivation retarded by years of inactivity. 7) Resist the urge to get mad if kids get dirty Before there was Grand Theft Auto, there was dirt. If you want to give them the freedom to solve their own boredom, then you have to do your part too and stay mum about all those mud, grass, and blood stains. Advice: think leisure wear by Zellers, not L.A.M.B. 8) Choose open-ended toys Remember Sid in Toy Story who created horrific monsters by repurposing his toys? Some child experts say he would more likely become the next Bill Gates, while poor do-it-the-way-the-company-intended Woody, the next Dilbert. Toys are a budding research area for child experts, and they all say avoid flashy and electronic toys that can be used only in its one intended way - hence a toy that a monkey can master. Instead choose open-ended loose part toys like plain building blocks that don't just promote creativity but develop math and scientific reasoning skills as well. 9) On road trips, leave the seat-back DVD player at home Let your kids do it old school: talking, singing, fighting, complaining, eye spy, car bingo, and let's not forget, the traditional staring out into space and guessing which raindrop makes it to the bottom of the window first. 10) Limit junk food When kids get bored, they like to eat snacks. But too much sugar and caffeine drives up the squirm-factor and, in turn, their need to be entertained and your craving to set them in front of the TV to quiet things down. It's a start. But keep in mind: while it may be a hard adjustment for your kids, it could be a harder one for you. This takes more of parents time, not less, says Hewes. It takes psychological energy - setting them in front of the TV is like convenience food. It's a lot easier. Tip for parents: stock up on earplugs |
The beginning of a new school year is so exciting, especially as a homeschooler, it a additional chance to re/evaluate everything that has been going on. How is the family structure? Is the bible reading getting done? Are dinners on time? Do we all hate each other  ? It's a time full of choice, are we going for a highly scheduled term; swimming at 3pm gymastics at 4pm, or are we going to be home bodies and enjoy our walk through life more slowly. For my self I find making sure my oldest dd13 has challenging courses being an important goal. So that encourages me to seek several out of home classes for her. I am happy to say I finally of a handle on several group/families that we will be ineracting with so I am truly pleased about that. I plan on structing our day utlizing the Large Family Logistics planner or Managers of Their Own Home just so everything can get done. Any other modes of suggestions would be helpful as well. I not a real the kids have to up by....and napping by......I am thinking if I can get myself more on a calendar it would help the whole flow of the house. I really excited about planning the curriculum for this year. I plan again to use several different as well as homemade methods. One reason for my excitement is my husband is fully on board this year. Which helps our communication when it comes to budget. It's can be difficult when someone gives you an abritary amount to go by, but they don't have a clue what even the median cost may be. So now for the first time have a realistic budget for this school year, I will attempt to lower it, via used books, the library, and more homemade themes, just hubby will give me extra loving kudos  . So I'll let you know how it goes. |
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I'm really in the groove now.....I am truly tickled pink about our new place. It's just right for all of us. All of my irritations I was feeling before the move have disappeared. The kids and I have gotten into a routine of work, reading, games, etc. Expectations can sometimes be such a wonderful thing. I finally got out and met another homeschooling family. We met at a local library, I met her online in a egroup for african american homeschoolers. It was so refreshing. The children were so pleased, they actually left the library skipping. We have many of the same concerns and focuses, so I am very grateful. I really hate meeting people. It's not a shy thing probably more of a fear of being judged. But hopefully by summer, we will have made at least a couple of connections. I am using Reading Reflex with my 6yo, it slow going, but we are moving along. I also picked up the Bob Books for him, he is really excited that he finally has some books he can read all on his own. I am looking to get a good reading list for my 3rd and 7th graders. I am hoping to cut my hours down to 30 at work, to allow just a bit more energy devoted to the kids and homemaking. I going to begin the "secret girl keeper" set of dates with my 12yo. I pretty excited. The mom I met thought we may also begin a keepers of the faith group. Does it seem that all things appear to be falling together and progressing once the school year is about to come to an end? I guess that's why we do year round. I like how Abeka Language is progressing. I am still flip flopping on scientist. We do different expirement books here and there, really just following the kids' intrests. I still will probably lean toward Sonlight if I was to follow an exact curriculum. I am so glad the God opened my brain to keeping my children at home and close to me. My relationship with each one of them is significantly different. I look at myself each day in the mirror to see what I need to do different. Watching my kids collect sticks and stones and holding on to them as a most precious treasure is only possible through this adventure we call life learning.
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I am happy to say all boxes....ok more like 98% of the boxes have been unpacked and put away. One good thing about moving....you get to purge, clean out all those "junk" drawers, really question wether you should really keep that skirt that does not fit and has been hanging on the same hanger for the last three years. My husband has been such wonderful help with all of this. We really complemented each other. When I was too tired to do another room, he drove while I just navigated and vice versa. So Sunday will be back or will be beginning a new schedule, I really looking forward to it. I feel like we are home, we have a home. Wonderful feeling. We will be having a family meeting on Thursday to go over new rules, chores and schedules.
I am praying for the many sisters/families who are going through heartache, pain and suffering. How selfish I can be at times only seeing my own little world. I am awed by the many faithful servants of the Father. I hope to always remember how precious life is. |
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Wonderfully, the weather warmed up just enough. Just about eight days ago, we were in the minuses, then the sun came out, and it warmed up to 30 degrees. Ice had melted, we actually broke out into a sweat. My brother came by to help Friday night and helped move the heavy stuff. My mother and best friend watched the kids in shifts which was extremely helpful. There was a lot of prework to do. It's not like we were moving into a move in ready, pre cleaned apartment. This was a fix up and basically soon to be our own property, so we had to do a lot of the work, it has been empty for almost two years. Lot's of construction debris. The hardwood floors were redone so lots of sawdust to wipe up. We need to clean up our apartment still but we have until Sunday. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the move. Now I must be perfect (so my brain says). No more excuses why you can't bake that bread, lead the kids in an exercise. Does anyone understand? As a homeshooling parent, I at times feel the heavy load of taking care of EVERY aspect of the children's live, playmate, instructor, bible teacher, etc. But I'm praying and please think of me in your prayers that I lean solely on the Lord for His help. I know He will guide me and I will fall if I don't look to him.
Overall, though, I am really pleased with this move. Our dear Lord knows exactly what we need at the proper time. I feel that we have been lead to this home, it is larger, but not too big. God has given us a huge learning curve to learn the ups and downs of owning a home. My aunt eventually wants to sell it to us. I am glad we decided not to rush into buying a home, but took this approach. Patience is something I am learing as well. As Proverbs 31 speaks of woman are to know the scales. I feel this move weighs in to our benefit. Also, we are paying down our debt and learning to become better stewards of our money and we will be able to do those two things while being in a larger space. I am so pleased with my husband's desire to be more frugal and handle money better. He can now walk into Target and get exactly what is on the list and nothing more. |
Hopefully by next weekend I will be writing to let you know how everything found it's proper place. Not really. We will probably let go off structured schooling for a week to get the house in order.|
We are moving...YEEEAh. Our family has been under cramped quarters for quite some time for at least one year my family of 7 has been living in a 2 bedroom apartment or smaller. For the most part things go off without a hitch. Most of the times I actually like having the kids close by. I can better observe their play, catch the 1 year old drawing on the wall, and the 4 year old putting glue on the 1 year old. It of course helps with keeping things clean and tidy. But of course we are bursting at the seams. I am not sure if this problem is just indicitive to homeschoolers, but books and paper abound. Our family has gone through many changes, mostly emotionally in our relationships (full story for another entry). The move to a smaller space was for our family benefit. Now that everything is stable we are heading to wider spaces. I feel truly blessed, we are moving to a nice older home with huge living spaces. My aunt owns the home and has completed many revisions on the property. She is renting the home to us for a deal as well. No more cabin fever. I can send the kids to the basement to run off extra energy, or to build a snowman. I am very excited. I am anticipating this move to also help with schooling. I should be able to not only be able to be more organized but also have more room to work with each of the kids individually. I have to remain frugal as the green eyed monster may show its ugly head as I attempt to redecorate. The move should be completed by this Sunday, so wish us happy moving :)
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I have an extremely large family with some unusual ways about ourselves. Maybe not so unusual, but of course, we all like to think of ourselves as being a bit unique. So I'm looking to to use this blog as a report card for myself. Since the move I don't have much contact with other homeschoolers and I need encouragement to remain on track. My next few goals, school everyday, read, math games, write for all the kids daily. Get started on the day each morning. Bake the bread, start the crockpot, set out the lessons, remain organized. Pray daily with the chilren. Put together and keep a/our schedule. Seeing how I'm not incredibuly motivated these days I hope that this will be a forum where I can keep myself in check. I hope to receive encouragement, understanding and a bit of advice from all of you. |