rethinking homeschool
Went to a homeschool support meeting Thursday night. Good meeting. I met lots of nice women. I felt very comfortable. I became very clear on some areas of concern and I am relieved.
For instance. I tried to do this very school like. Probably because it felt safe and familiar. Yea, well, it isn't working out so well. Todd is easy to teach and Nathan is hard. The biggest problem I am encountering is, lack of focus and seriousness. Goofing off and horsing around and the million trips to get a drink, a snack or go to the bathroom.
Another problem is workbooks. They are usefull, but I planned on using them to much. It is boring seat work and their focus goes out the window.
Workbooks have their place, but ... not so much. I am changing my plan. I am switching to Unit Studies. We will spend whatever amount of time we feel like on a particular subject of science or social studies or geography and from that I will derive their spelling, vocabulary, writing and art assignments. We are starting on the Solar System.
Another thing. I wanted school to start by 9 a.m. Yea, not working. NONE of us are functioning by 9 a.m. Matter of fact, I would still be sleeping if my husband didn't wake me. The boys are still sleeping right now and it is 9 a.m. School can start at 11 and end at 2 or 3 or whenever the spirit moves us.
Last week I was freaking out over homeschooling and the kids weren't responding as well as I wanted them to. I was PMS ing to. This week will be different.
For instance. I tried to do this very school like. Probably because it felt safe and familiar. Yea, well, it isn't working out so well. Todd is easy to teach and Nathan is hard. The biggest problem I am encountering is, lack of focus and seriousness. Goofing off and horsing around and the million trips to get a drink, a snack or go to the bathroom.
Another problem is workbooks. They are usefull, but I planned on using them to much. It is boring seat work and their focus goes out the window.
Workbooks have their place, but ... not so much. I am changing my plan. I am switching to Unit Studies. We will spend whatever amount of time we feel like on a particular subject of science or social studies or geography and from that I will derive their spelling, vocabulary, writing and art assignments. We are starting on the Solar System.
Another thing. I wanted school to start by 9 a.m. Yea, not working. NONE of us are functioning by 9 a.m. Matter of fact, I would still be sleeping if my husband didn't wake me. The boys are still sleeping right now and it is 9 a.m. School can start at 11 and end at 2 or 3 or whenever the spirit moves us.
Last week I was freaking out over homeschooling and the kids weren't responding as well as I wanted them to. I was PMS ing to. This week will be different.
posted by Magpie at 8:03 AM
2 Comments:
You're making progress in the right direction because you are finding what works and what doesn't and adjusting accordingly. I'm sure every homeschooler goes through that in the beginning and maybe even at other times as well depending on circumstances. Don't give up!
I think that it is great that you are home-schooling. It takes a strong parent to do this - I know that I couldn't do it.
You will shine through!
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